cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Physical mapping of complex genomes by sampled sequencing: a theoretical analysis

A method for high-throughput, high-resolution physical mapping of complex genomes and human chromosomes called Genomic Sequence Sampling (GSS) has recently been proposed (Smith et al., 1994, Nature Genet. 7: 40-47). This mapping strategy employs high-density cosmid contig assembly over 200-kb to 1-Mb regions of the target genome coupled with DNA sequencing of the cosmid ends. The relative order and spacing of the sequence fragments is determined from the template contig, resulting in a physical map of 1- to 5-kb resolution that contains a substantial portion of the entire sequence at one-pass accuracy. The purpose of this paper is to determine the theoretical parameters for GSS mapping, to evaluate the effectiveness of the contig-building strategy, and to calculate the expected fraction of the target genome that can be recovered as mapped sequence. A novel aspect of the cosmid fingerprinting and contig-building strategy involves determining the orientation of the genomic inserts relative to the cloning vectors, so that the sampled sequence fragments can be mapped with high resolution. The algorithm is based upon complete restriction enzyme digestion, contig assembly by matching fragments, and end-orientation of individual cosmids by determining the best consistent fit of the labeled cosmid end fragments in the consensus restriction map.
Unilateral renal artery obstruction associated with malignant nephrosclerosis confined to the opposite kidney

Abstract A case of unilateral renal artery obstruction, associated with malignant hypertension, is reported. The ischemic kidney showed a massive recent infarct, but was otherwise normal. The striking similarity of this case to results of animal experiments is pointed out.
Preprofessionals' Perceptions of Home Economics

The major purpose of this study was to describe undergraduate students' experiences and perceptions of home economics and to work with students to produce a description of those experiences and their relevance to an integrative home economics perspective. Data were gathered through semistructured individual interviews with a purposive sample of 14 seniors in a college of home economics at a large midwestern university. Findings indicated that students' perceptions of home economics ranged from female gender role expectations in early childhood to a currently functioning integrative perspective.
Implications of respiratory motion as measured by four-dimensional computed tomography for radiation treatment planning of esophageal cancer.

Purpose To evaluate the respiratory motion of primary esophageal cancers and pathologic celiac-region lymph nodes using time-resolved four-dimensional computed tomography (4D CT). Methods and Materials Respiration-synchronized 4D CT scans were obtained to quantify the motion of primary tumors located in the proximal, mid-, or distal thoracic esophagus, as well as any involved celiac-region lymph nodes. Respiratory motion was measured in the superior–inferior (SI), anterior–posterior (AP), and left–right (LR) directions and was analyzed for correlation with anatomic location. Recommended margin expansions were determined for both primary and nodal targets. Results Thirty patients underwent 4D CT scans at Massachusetts General Hospital for planned curative treatment of esophageal cancer. Measurements of respiratory tumor motion were obtained for 1 proximal, 4 mid-, and 25 distal esophageal tumors, as well as 12 involved celiac-region lymph nodes. The mean (SD) peak-to-peak displacements of all primary tumors in the SI, AP, and LR dimensions were 0.80 (0.45) cm, 0.28 (0.20) cm, and 0.22 (0.23) cm, respectively. Distal tumors were found to have significantly greater SI and AP motion than proximal or mid-esophageal tumors. The mean (SD) SI, AP, and LR peak-to-peak displacements of the celiac-region lymph nodes were 0.92 (0.56) cm, 0.46 (0.27) cm, and 0.19 (0.26) cm, respectively. Conclusions Margins of 1.5 cm SI, 0.75 cm AP, and 0.75 cm LR would account for respiratory tumor motion of >95% of esophageal primary tumors in the dataset. All celiac-region lymph nodes would be adequately covered with SI, AP, and LR margins of 2.25 cm, 1.0 cm, and 0.75 cm, respectively.
Characterization of strains of Leishmania donovani

Abstract Even with the most standardized procedures yet available for in vivo trials, the intrastrain variations in the course of infection of Leishmania donovani in the hamster permit no easy assessment of variations among those tested by us from several parts of the world. Although more than a thousand hamsters have been used in the present evaluation, some of the strain differences observed may yet need further qualification. Upon intravascular introduction of similar numbers of parasites into hamsters, African, Mediterranean and Burmese strains of L. donovani appear to have distinct characteristics: early rates of accumulation of parasites, peak numbers in spleen and liver, and time to death all differ. Parasite counts in liver appear better to express the number differences than do those in the spleen under the experimental conditions observed. The African strains are most virulent and the Burmese least virulent, although all strains tested lead to the death of the hamster. Preliminary studies of some of the same strains of parasites in the mouse confirm the differences noted above except, of course, that deaths due to L. donovani in the mouse have not been observed.
Sensor test facilities and capabilities at the Nevada Test Site

Sandia National Laboratories has recently developed two major field test capabilities for unattended ground sensor systems at the Department of energy`s Nevada Test Site (NTS). The first capability utilizes the NTS large area, varied terrain, and intrasite communications systems for testing sensors for detecting and tracking vehicular traffic. Sensor and ground truth data can be collected at either of two secure control centers. This system also includes an automated ground truth capability that consists of differential Global Positioning Satellite (GPS) receivers on test vehicles and live TV coverage of critical road sections. Finally there is a high-speed, secure computer network link between the control centers and the Air Force`s Theater Air Command and Control Simulation Facility in Albuquerque NM. The second capability is Bunker 2-300. It is a facility for evaluating advanced sensor systems for monitoring activities in underground cut-and-cover facilities. The main part of the facility consists of an underground bunker with three large rooms for operating various types of equipment. This equipment includes simulated chemical production machinery and controlled seismic and acoustic signal sources. There has been a thorough geologic and electromagnetic characterization of the region around the bunker. Since the facility is in a remote location, it is well-isolated from seismic, acoustic, and electromagnetic interference.
Coherent approach for modeling and nowcasting hourly near-road Black Carbon concentrations in Seattle, Washington

With a growing awareness of the importance of near-road air pollution and an increasing population of near-road pedestrians, it is imperative to “nowcast” near-road air quality conditions to the general public. This necessitates the building hourly predictive models that are both accurate and easy to use. This study demonstrates an approach to model the hourly near-road Black Carbon (BC) concentrations given on-road traffic information and current meteorological conditions using datasets from two urban sites in Seattle, Washington. The optimal set of prediction variables is determined with a Bayesian Model Averaging (BMA) method and three different model structures are further developed and compared by goodness-of-fit. An innovative approach is proposed to translate wind direction from numerical values to categorical variables with statistical significance. By modeling the autocorrelation within the BC time series using an AR(1) component, the model achieves a satisfactory prediction accuracy. The conditional heteroscedasticity and heavy-tailed distribution of the model residuals are successfully identified and modeled by the General Auto Regressive Conditional Heteroscedasticity (GARCH) model, which provides valuable insights to the interpretation of prediction results. The methodological procedure demonstrated in selecting and fine-tuning the model is computationally efficient and valuable for further implementation onto online platforms for near-road BC nowcasting. A comparison between the two sites also reveals the effectiveness of local freight regulation for mitigating the environmental impacts from a heavy truck fleet.
Clinical Markers in CSF for Determining Neurologic Deficits After Thoracoabdominal Aortic Aneurysm Repairs

Abstract Background . Spinal cord ischemia is a major cause of morbidity and mortality after thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysm operations. The incidence of paraplegia is high even in experienced institutions. Methods . We investigated whether neurotransmitter excitotoxicity is associated with neurologic deficits after thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysm operations. We hypothesized that patients with spinal cord injury would manifest elevated levels of excitatory amino acids in their cerebrospinal fluid. Sixteen patients undergoing thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysm operations had cerebrospinal fluid drawn through lumbar spinal drains preoperatively, intraoperatively, and postoperatively. Excitatory amino acid levels (glutamate, aspartate, glycine) were measured using high-performance liquid chromatography. Excitatory amino acid levels were compared in patients who exhibited no neurologic deficits postoperatively (group I; n=12) with patients who had clinically evident lower extremity and cerebral neurologic deficits (group II; n=4). Results . Significant elevations in glutamate and aspartate levels from baseline ( p p Conclusions . These data suggest that neurotransmitter excitotoxicity plays a significant role in central nervous system injury.
Multifetal pregnancy reduction by transvaginal puncture: evaluation of the technique used in 134 cases.

OBJECTIVE: This report reviews multifetal pregnancy reductions performed transvaginally and tests the feasibility and associated pregnancy loss rates with this technique. STUDY DESIGN: One hundred thirty-four consecutive multifetal pregnancy reductions were analyzed regarding different aspects of total pregnancy losses and complications. The first 40 manually performed were compared with the last 94 procedures performed with an automated puncture device and a thin needle. The losses were also analyzed as a comparison of the reduction of the lower-lying with the higher-lying fetuses located in relation to the internal os. RESULTS: A total uncorrected total pregnancy loss rate of 12.6% and a corrected loss rate of 10.6% was observed. Of the 112 pregnancies in which the lower-lying fetus was reduced, 11 losses were seen. The loss rate in the group reducing the upper fetus was three of 22. The manual versus the puncture device groups showed the same loss rate (10%); however, the manual group had a larger number of subchorionic hematomas after the procedure. CONCLUSIONS: The data are indicative of a very low maternal complication rate (infection) and an acceptable loss rate of the entire pregnancy. The loss rates compare favorable with those for multifetal pregnancy reduction performed transabdominally.
ATP-dependent Chromatin Remodeling Enzymes: Two Heads are not Better, Just Different

ATP-dependent chromatin remodeling complexes enable rapid rearrangements in chromatin structure in response to developmental cues. The ATPase subunits of remodeling complexes share homology with the helicase motifs of DExx box helicases. Recent single-molecule experiments indicate that, like helicases, many of these complexes use ATP to translocate on DNA. Despite sharing this fundamental property, two key classes of remodeling complexes, the ISWI class and the SWI/SNF class, generate distinct remodeled products. SWI/SNF complexes generate nucleosomes with altered positions, nucleosomes with DNA loops and nucleosomes that are capable of exchanging histone dimers or octamers. In contrast, ISWI complexes generate nucleosomes with altered positions but in standard structures. Here, we draw analogies to monomeric and dimeric helicases and propose that ISWI and SWI/SNF complexes catalyze different outcomes in part because some ISWI complexes function as dimers while SWI/SNF complexes function as monomers.
High precision measurement of the analyzing powers for d-p elastic scattering at Ed = 10 MeV

Abstract Measurements of the analyzing powers iT11, T20, T21 and T22 are presented for d -p elastic scattering at Ed = 10 MeV. The uncertainties in the measured analyzing powers are typically ± 0.0003. The results are compared with the predictions of Faddeev calculations which employ a separable representation of the Paris nucleon-nucleon potential.
ON SOME NEW PROPERTIES OF THE SPHERICAL CURVATURE OF STEREOGRAPHICALLY PROJECTED ANALYTIC CURVES

We discover new information about the spherical curvature of stereographically projected analytic curves. To do so, we first state formulas for the spherical curvature and spherical torsion of the curves on S2 which result after stereographically projecting the image curves of analytic, univalent functions belonging to the class &#119982;. We then derive results concerning the location of the critical points of the spherical curvature, considered both as a function of one and two variables. Further analysis leads to a maximum principle for the spherical curvature functions.
Continuous intracerebroventricular infusion of the competitive NMDA receptor antagonist, LY235959, facilitates escalation of cocaine self-administration and increases break point for cocaine in Sprague-Dawley rats.

Abstract Although escalation of consumption is an important characteristic of cocaine dependence, the neurobiological mechanisms that mediate this phenomenon have not been fully described. In this study, we used male, Sprague–Dawley rats to measure the effects of acute and continuous intracerebroventricular (ICV) administration of the competitive NMDA receptor antagonist, LY235959, on cocaine self-administration behavior under various schedules of reinforcement and access conditions. Single ICV infusions of LY235959 (0.03–0.3 μg/5 μl) produced dose-dependent and statistically significant decreases in the number of cocaine infusions earned under a progressive ratio schedule of reinforcement. In a second experiment, vehicle or LY235959 (0.2–0.3 μg/day) was continuously administered ICV to rats via surgically-implanted subcutaneous osmotic minipump/intracranial cannula assemblies. Both vehicle- and LY235959-treated rats significantly escalated cocaine self-administration over the 10 long access sessions; however, rats treated with LY235959 escalated cocaine self-administration faster and to a greater degree than vehicle-treated rats. There was a statistically significant increase in cocaine infusions earned under the PR schedule in LY235959-treated rats, but not vehicle-treated rats, after 10 long access cocaine self-administration sessions. These data support the hypothesis that escalation of cocaine consumption is mediated by hypo-glutamatergic tone in the central nervous system and this facilitation of escalation is associated with an increase in motivation to respond for cocaine.
Photonically enabled agile rf waveform generation by optical comb shifting.

We present a photonically enabled rf arbitrary waveform generator that can rapidly switch between two output waveforms. This method is based on line-by-line shaping of an optical comb and then converting the optical pulses to rf waveforms with a fast photodetector. It uses a single diode laser as the optical source and selects different patterns preprogrammed into an optical pulse shaper by shifting the laser frequency. We demonstrate minimum update delay times of 0.45ns.
THE DEVELOPMENT OF CAUSAL AND LOGICAL CONNECTIVES IN CHILDREN

Summary. Children's use of causal and logical connectives was examined before and after treatments based on advance organisers with social studies lessons. In samples of 120 children from age-levels 6 and 10 years a diminution in the use of syncretic reasoning and understanding followed the experimental treatment. The performance of the older group was generally better than that of the younger children, supporting Piaget's concept of stage-invariant cognitive development.
Nonlinear Thermomechanical Response of Composite Panels with Continuous and Terminated Stiffeners

A two-phase approach and a computational procedure are used for predicting the variability of the response of stiffened composite panels associated with variations in the geometric and material parameters of the structures. In the first phase, hierarchical sensitivity analysis is used to identify the major parameters that have the most effect on the response quantities of interest. In the second phase, the major parameters are taken to be fuzzy parameters, and a fuzzy set analysis is used to determine the range of variation of the response, associated with preselected variations in the major parameters. Numerical results are presented showing the variability of the response of panels with both continuous and terminated stiffeners associated with variations in the micro mechanical and geometric parameters. Both flat and curved panels are considered.
CONGENITAL SYPHILIS (CS) IN AN URBAN POPULATION: A PREVENTABLE PROBLEM

National Surveillance data show an increase in CS from 1978-1985; 80% of this increase in 1985 was accounted for by N.Y. City and 3 states. A prospective study was undertaken to determine factors that can help in preventing CS. Over a 21 month period, 119 (1.5%) of 8289 women that delivered at Lincoln Hospital were positive for STS. They and their infants were evaluated for STS and CS within 5 days. Subjects were classified into 3 groups: A) passive transfer, B) probable CS and C) definite CS. Only 3 mothers were younger than 18 years; 108 women had received prenatal care, though the majority of prenatal care was inadequate (< 3 visits) and sporadic. Syphilis is a notifiable disease, however, only 53 women were documented to have treatment followup. Prevention of CS requires 1) early and quality prenatal care, 2) STS screening in 1st and 3rd trimester and 3) active involvement by public health authorities for treatment followup of mother and infant.
Update on vasculitis

The primary systemic vasculitides comprise a broad group of diseases identified by their clinical, histopathologic, and therapeutic characteristics. These unique entities have a broad spectrum of organ involvement and severity, which influences the approach to diagnosis and treatment. Immunosuppressive and cytotoxic agents are used to manage most vasculitic diseases. Long-term outcome is influenced by chronic sequelae from organ damage, disease relapses, and medication side effects. Further research is needed to understand these diseases and discover more efficacious yet less toxic therapeutic options. This review will focus on vasculitic syndromes more likely to be presented to an allergist/immunologist in an outpatient setting.
ASBESTOS EXPOSURE, CIGARETTE SMOKING AND DEATH RATES*

The authors examine the relationship between exposure to asbestos dust cigarette smoking and mortality. The data covering 17800 asbestos workers in the United States and Canada were compiled from the records of the International Association of Heat and Frost Insulators and Asbestos Workers (ANNOTATION)
Critiquing Articles Cited in the Introductory Textbook: A Writing Assignment

In a writing assignment for the introductory psychology course, students find and read an empirical article cited in their textbook They summarize and critique the article, relate it to course mate...
Wolfe programming aptitude test (school edition)

A unique feature of this test is that it consists of only three problems. The second problem, moreover, depends on the first and the third problem depends on the two earlier ones. Each of the problems is more intricate than the preceding one. Although one hour of working time has proved adequate for about half the number of students who have taken the test, a minimum scheduling of one and a half hours is recommended. This is suitable for about 95% of the persons likely to be tested. A two-hour limit is preferable because it will permit the slow, careful worker who likes to check his work as he goes along to proceed at his own normal pace. Even additional time may be allowed if it is feasible to do so in one sitting.An important feature of the grading is that when the student made an error in his work, the rest of his work was followed through in detail pursuant to his earlier error. Thus a student may possibly lose credit due to one careless error and still obtain a high score for that problem even if his answers to all parts of the problem are wrong.
Deterring Fraud: The Role of General Damage Awards in Automobile Insurance Settlements

Awards for pain and suffering and other noneconomic losses account for over half of all damages awarded under third-party auto insurance bodily injury settlements. This article hypothesizes that third-party insurers use general damage awards to reduce the incentive to submit exaggerated claims for specific damages for injuries and lost wages. Consistent with this hypothesis, the article finds evidence using data on over 17,000 closed bodily injury claims that special damage claims that exceed their expected value receive proportionally lower general damage awards than claims that do not. Among the implications of this research is the possibility that insurers will be less zealous in challenging fraudulent special damage claims under a third-party insurance regime than they will be under a first-party insurance regime in which access to general damages is limited.
Race and the Criminal Justice System

The papers in this special issue examine different aspects of the racial disproportionality in the various stages of the criminal justice system. Authors attribute the differences to different socioeconomic factors contributing to involvement in crime, different rates of arrest, more intensive police patrol patterns in minority neighborhoods, labeling as a result of early encounters with police, and inevitably racial discrimination. But that discrimination cannot account for more than a fraction of the disproportionality. Any such discrimination should be purged wherever possible, but major changes in the disproportionality will require larger changes in the general society outside the criminal justice system.
CHROMOSOMAL PROTEINS HMG-14 AND HMG-17 ARE RELEASED FROM MITOTIC CHROMOSOMES AND IMPORTED INTO THE NUCLEUS BY ACTIVE TRANSPORT

The high mobility group 14/17 (HMG-14/ -17) proteins form specific complexes with nucleosome core particles and produce distinct footprints on nucleosomal DNA. Therefore, they could be an integral part of the chromatin fiber. Here we show that during the cell cycle these proteins are transiently dissociated from chromatin. They colocalize with the nuclear DNA in interphase and prophase but not in metaphase and anaphase. They relocate into the nucleus and colocalize again with the DNA in late telophase, concomitantly with the appearance of the nuclear envelope. Thus, these nucleosomal binding proteins are not always associated with chromatin. Using reconstituted nuclei and permeabilized cells, we demonstrate that these two small proteins, with a molecular mass <10 kD, are actively imported into the nucleus. We identify the major elements involved in the nuclear import of these chromosomal proteins: HMG-14/-17 proteins contain an intrinsic bipartite nuclear localization signal, and their entry into the nucleus through nuclear pores requires energy and the participation of importin α. These findings suggest that the cell cycle–related association of HMG-14/-17 with chromatin is dependent on, and perhaps regulated by, nuclear import processes.
On the assessment of cerebrovascular reactivity using hypercapnia BOLD MRI

Cerebrovascular reactivity (CVR) reflects the capacity of blood vessels to dilate and is an important marker for brain vascular reserve. It may provide a useful addition to the traditional baseline blood flow measurement when assessing vascular factors in brain disorders. Blood-oxygenation-level-dependent MRI under CO2 inhalation offers a non-invasive and quantitative means to estimate CVR in humans. In this study, we investigated several important methodological aspects of this technique with the goal of optimizing the experimental and data processing strategies for clinical use. Comparing 4 min of 5% CO2 inhalation (less comfortable) to a 1 min inhalation (more comfortable) duration, it was found that the CVR values were 0.31 ± 0.05%/mmHg (N = 11) and 0.31 ± 0.08%/mmHg (N = 9), respectively, showing no significant differences between the two breathing paradigms. Therefore, the 1 min paradigm is recommended for future application studies for patient comfort and tolerability. Furthermore, we have found that end-tidal CO2 recording was useful for accurate quantification of CVR because it provided both timing and amplitude information regarding the input function to the brain vascular system, which can be subject-dependent. Finally, we show that inter-subject variations in CVR are of physiologic origin and affect the whole brain in a similar fashion. Based on this, it is proposed that relative CVR (normalized against the CVR of the whole brain or a reference tissue) may be a more sensitive biomarker than absolute CVR in clinical applications as it minimizes inter-subject variations. With these technological optimizations, CVR mapping may become a useful method for studies of neurological and psychiatric diseases. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Machine Recognition of Constrained Handwritten Arabic Numbers

A scanner and optical system were constructed to recognize handwritten arabic numerals. The paper describes the scanning technique, its associated optical system, the logic design and the results of a study evaluating the ability of a group of subjects to write arabic numbers within the specified constraints of the system.
Energy harvesting using Graphene based antenna for UV spectrum

Recent advances in the fabrication and characterization of nanomaterials have led to the intelligible applications of such nanomaterials in the next generation of flexible electronics and highly efficient photovoltaic devices. Nanotechnology has been used in thin film photovoltaic devices, and is considered as one of the most promising research areas in power harvesting applications. The excellent electron transport properties of Graphene make it an attractive choice for the next generation of electronics and applications in energy-related areas. In this paper, we present the design and an analytical model of graphene-based nanoscale antennas for power harvesting applications. Unlike conventional solar cells that harvest energy in the visible light frequencies range, we focus on the design of a nanoscale antenna that harvests energy in the UV spectrum range frequencies. Though the irradiance of UV from the sun is less than infrared and visible light frequencies, the excess energy of photons in the UV frequency is greater than infrared or visible light frequencies and makes up for the lack of irradiance.
Intermittent stimulation and delay of puberty by urinary chemosignals and social contact in wild stock female house mice (Mus Domesticus)

A sequence of six experiments using wild stock house mouse (Mus domesticus) tested the effects of intermittent stimulation with either the urinary chemosignal released by grouped female mice or social contact from grouped females on the age of first vaginal oestrus in young females. Weanling female mice were exposed to bedding soiled by grouped females or cages containing grouped females for 15 min periods, then removed for a prescribed period, and placed again in a cage with soiled bedding or grouped females. The nature of the exposure to the puberty delaying effect, the number of total exposures each day, the total length of exposure to the stimulus, and the total time period over which the exposures occurred were varied. None of the treatment regimes employed here with soiled bedding from grouped females resulted in delays in the onset of first oestrus in test females. Young females exposed to grouped females for 6 or 8 exposures in a 4 h period, 6 or 8 exposures in an 8 h period, or 8 exposures in a 12 h period were significantly delayed in attaining puberty relative to control females that were exposed to cages containing clean bedding. These results are in contrast to earlier findings involving chemosignals that accelerate first oestrus wherein young females exhibited the capacity to accumulate the exposures to the urinary chemosignals from males, females in oestrus and pregnant or lactating females. Direct exposure to the grouped females on an intermittent basis can provide stimulation that is cummulative and results in delays in the onset of first oestrus.
Vitamin E and oxidative damage by tryptophan metabolites in experimental enterogenous cyanosis and anaemia.

Summary. Experiments in rats with jejunal blind pouches and bacterial overgrowth demonstrate increased levels in red cells of reduced glutathione, suggesting oxidative stress on red cells, and decreased serum levels of vitamin E, a known anti-oxidant. The urine of such animals contains increased amounts of tryptophan metabolites, some of which demonstrate strong oxidant activity as measured by methaemoglobin production in vitro. It is felt that enterogenous cyanosis, or intestinal autointoxication, does exist in this experimental model. Whether the oxidative damage previously described is due to the presence of the tryptophan metabolites, the low levels of vitamin E or both, cannot be unequivocally ascertained.
Concurrent photoelectrochemical reduction of CO2 and oxidation of methyl orange using nitrogen-doped TiO2

Abstract This study employed a novel material, nitrogen-doped TiO2 thin film (NTTF), as a photoanode for the concurrent photoeletrochemical (PEC) reduction of CO2 and oxidation of methyl Orange (MO). Under illumination, the onset potential of the total current was approximately 1.5 V (vs. SCE) and the maximum total current was around 0.65 mA at 2 V (vs. SCE). The photocurrent can be effectively driven to the counter electrode at this positive potential, which will decrease the recombination of photo-generated holes and electrons, leading to more electrons available for CO2 reduction in the cathodic chamber and more holes for the oxidation of hazardous chemicals in the anodic chamber simultaneously. Formic acid, formaldehyde, methanol and methane were detected as the CO2 reduction products at a Cu electrode in the KHCO3 electrolyte. The first-order kinetic model was successfully applied to simulate the NTTF PEC reduction of CO2. The reaction rate constant were 6.68 × 10−7, 2.18 × 10−4, 8.62 × 10−4 and 2.27 × 10−4 s−1, for the formation of formic acid, formaldehyde, methanol, and methane, respectively. The maximum Faradaic efficiency was 5.01, 1.04, 5.41 and 7.83% for the generation of formic acid, formaldehyde, methanol, and methane, individually. In addition, the effect of initial CO2 concentration on CO2 reduction was also conducted in the presence of methanol (0, 20 and 40%). Results showed that methanol-containing electrolyte enhanced CO2 solubility thereby suppressing hydrogen generation and favoring CO2 reduction. Finally, the degradation of methyl orange was compared using PEC, photocatalytic (PC), electrochemical (EC) and direct photolysis (P) processes. The PEC process was able to achieve a 10-log versus less than 1-log of methyl orange degradation by all other methods studied within 60 min under otherwise similar conditions of pH, temperature, intensity and wavelength of light source. Results clearly demonstrated the potential of a sustainable technology for the concurrent reduction of CO2 and oxidation of hazardous chemicals by the PEC process using solar energy.
An Exploration of the Triarchic Model of Poverty

Data collected from 273 adolescents (mean age = 14.82 years) were analyzed to evaluate the triarchic model of poverty proposed by Phillips (2008), a theoretical framework that accounts for the negative developmental outcomes associated with poverty via three variables: stigmatization/marginalization of the poor, limitations in opportunity structure, and excessive and chronic stress. Results supported the proposed model.
The role of nonstress tests, fetal biophysical profile, and contraction stress tests in the outpatient management of insulin-requiring diabetic pregnancies

Antepartum fetal surveillance methods applicable in a home glucose-monitored population of pregnant diabetic women have been evaluated. A testing sequence of nonstress heart rate testing, backed up by either the fetal biophysical profile or contraction stress testing employed at a twice weekly interval, in 107 outpatients was compared with the management of 140 historic control patients by weekly nonstress tests and daily plasma estriols. There were 617 of 672 (91.8%) reactive nonstress tests in outpatients compared to 566 of 626 (90.4%) reactive tests in hospitalized control patients. Of 13 contraction stress tests performed in the outpatient group, only one was positive. Although 2,670 estriol determinations were done on hospitalized control patients, none was used for outpatients. No losses were attributed to unexplained antenatal stillbirth in either group. A fetal biophysical profile score of 8 was found to be at least as reliable as a reactive nonstress test. Antenatal surveillance in the well-controlled, insulin-requiring diabetic woman can be safely achieved with a testing sequence that consists of twice weekly nonstress tests backed up by the fetal biophysical profile and contraction stress tests.
Chemical Modification of Methionines in a Cobra Venom Cytotoxin Differentiates between Lytic and Binding Domains

Cytotoxin-III from Naja naja atra (CTX) was chemically modified at either or both of its two methionine residues: Over 50% oxidation of methionine-26 occurred with a 1:1 molar ratio of chloramine-T:methionine; at a 5:1 molar ratio, methionine-26 was almost completely oxidized, while methionine-24 was modified only 26%; at a 10:1 molar ratio, both methionines were completely oxidized. Each oxidized derivative demonstrated a lower toxicity toward T-cells than toward heart cells. Conversely, binding to heart cells was affected more than binding to T-cells. Cyanogen bromide cleaved native CTX at both methionines, excising phenyl-alanine-25 and methionine-26 and converting methionine-24 to homoserine lactone. This treatment of CTX eliminated cytotoxicity toward both heart and T-cells, but had only a modest effect upon T-cell binding, as had 50% oxidation of methionine-26, suggesting that CTX lytic and binding regions may be distinct. A selective loss in heart cell binding following oxidation of methionine-24 further suggests that different parts of CTX may interact with the two types of target cells. Perturbation of the relatively flat hydrophobic surface of the CTX' triple-stranded beta-sheet could result from the introduction of negative charge due to methionine-24 oxidation. Alternatively, amino acid side chain participation in a CTX binding domain may be altered by the potential formation of a new hydrogen bond between tyrosine-51 and methionine-24 sulfoxide, as revealed by computer modeling of the completely oxidized CTX derivative.
Protease-activated receptor 3 is a second thrombin receptor in humans.

Thrombin is a coagulation protease that activates platelets, leukocytes, endothelial and mesenchymal cells at sites of vascular injury, acting partly through an unusual proteolytically activated G-protein-coupled receptor1–3. Knockout of the gene encoding this receptor provided definitive evidence for a second thrombin receptor in mouse platelets and for tissue-specific roles for different thrombin receptors4. We now report the cloning and characterization of a new human thrombin receptor, designated protease-activated receptor 3 (PAR3). PAR3 can mediate throm-bin-triggered phosphoinositide hydrolysis and is expressed in a variety of tissues, including human bone marrow and mouse megakaryocytes, making it a candidate for the sought-after second platelet thrombin receptor. PAR3 provides a new tool for understanding thrombin signalling and a possible target for therapeutics designed selectively to block thrombotic, inflammatory and proliferative responses to thrombin.
Skin cancer screening guidelines for older patients

(2004). Skin cancer screening guidelines for older patients? Postgraduate Medicine: Vol. 116, No. 5, pp. 57-57.
Strategies for dealing with slacker and underperforming teammates in class projects

Although team projects are increasingly common in the engineering curriculum, faculty and students often lack effective strategies for handling problems that arise on these projects. This paper attempts to discover effective practices for handling “slacker” teammates-one of the most common problems reported on student teams-by completing discourse completion interviews with professionals, faculty, and students. Participants were given written scenarios and asked to comment on the pros and cons of different responses and specify what they thought was the ideal response. Professionals' responses often differed from those of students and faculty, suggesting particular areas in which teamwork training is needed. Specifically, students need to be coached to avoid the temptation to simply do slackers' work for them and to instead provide constructive, non-accusatory criticism grounded in clear criteria and focused on future steps. We also found that professionals used the team infrastructure to solve problems by assigning earlier deadlines, breaking the project into smaller chunks, reassigning responsibilities and confirming team members' buy-in for tasks and criteria. We end by recommending that team members be prompted at the end of the project to describe what steps they took to motivate and coach under-performing teammates.
Small fatigue cracks: A statement of the problem and potential solutions

The current status of the problem of small cracks in fatigue is presented. Several classes of small cracks are distinguished, and their individual characteristics described. Specifically, for cracks small compared with microstructural size scales, for cracks small compared with the extent of local plasticity or for cracks which are either chemically or physically small (e.g. about 1 mm or less), comments are made on the origins of differences in behavior between large and small cracks, on the question of the "driving force" for small crack advance and on the possible existence of intrinsic thresholds for crack growth. Finally, some thoughts are offered on the use of smallcrack methodology in life prediction analyses and in alloy design.
Kinetic evidence for decreased methionine adenosyltransferase activity in erythrocytes from schizophrenics

We have observed significantly lower kinetic parameters (KM and Vmax) for methionine adenosyltransferase activity in erythrocytes obtained from early onset schizophrenics when compared to samples from normal subjects. These differences are apparently not due to differences in S-adenosylmethionine (SAM) utilization. These results offer an explanation for the conflicting reports of previous investigators and support the concept that undermethylation may characterize some forms of schizophrenia. Methylation is involved in multiple aspects of metabolism and although similar differences in the MAT enzyme in the brain have not been reported, such a deficit could have profound effects on the nervous system. Decreased availability of SAM could decrease catecholamine metabolism or rates of phospholipid methylation.
Image enhancement by histogram hyperbolization

A new image contrast enhancement technique, called histogram hyperbolization, is presented. It consists of a memoryless nonlinear, space-invariant transformation of the pixel brightness values. This transformation is based upon the histogram of the picture to be processed and the nature of human brightness perception. Examples show that this transformation yields images of increased intelligibility as compared to a similar and popular techniqne called histogram equalization. An application to spatial filtering is also presented and compared with homomorphic filtering.
Transmission electron microscopy of the interaction of dislocations and mechanical twinning during subgrain formation in Ti50Ni47Fe3

Abstract The intermetallic Ti 50 Ni 47 Fe 3 , which has the B2 structure, is shown to have > 50% tensile ductility. Mechanical twinning, occuring with dislocation slip, accounts for extensive ductility during swaging at room temperature. {411} twinning is the primary mode of deformation twinning and occurs on planes ∼ 45° from the swaging direction. Annealing after cold-work results in subgrains approximately the size of the twin spacing. Thermomechanical processing results in a substantial increase in yield strength over that of the fully annealed material, without sacrificing much ductility. TEM is required to determine the complex twinning mode, establish the twinning orientation in different grains, and observe the formation of subgrains within the twins. The use of stereographic projections together with TEM permits in situ TEM analysis of the twinning orientations.
Regulation of interleukin-6 (IL-6) secretion in primary cultured rat astrocytes: synergism of interleukin-1 (IL-1) and pituitary adenylate cyclase activating polypeptide (PACAP).

Abstract Interleukin-6 (IL-6) is a pleiotropic cytokine that is produced by astrocytes and microglia and may act as a trophic factor in the nervous system. These experiments were intended to identify neuroactive agents that regulate IL-6 production in primary cultured rat astrocytes. Addition of either lipopolysaccharide (LPS) or human recombinant interleukin-1β (IL-1β) to rat astrocytes in culture stimulated IL-6 secretion. However, LPS was significantly more efficacious in eliciting IL-6 production compared to IL-1β. Co-addition of the specific IL-1 receptor antagonist (IL-1ra) completely inhibited IL-1β-induced IL-6 secretion but did not affect LPS-stimulated IL-6 production during a 6 h incubation period. Two neuroactive peptides, pituitary adenylate cyclase activating polypeptide (PACAP38) and vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP), stimulated IL-6 production either alone or in combination with IL-1β. PACAP38 was significantly more potent in stimulating IL-6 compared to VIP. Results from these experiments indicate that LPS is an effective inducer of IL-6 production in rat astrocytes. This effect of LPS is independent of astrocyte IL-1 production since the IL-1ra was unable to inhibit LPS-stimulated IL-6 secretion. Also, the neuropeptides PACAP38 and VIP are potential secretagogues for IL-6 secretion, and both peptides synergize with IL-1 to stimulate IL-6 secretion in rat astrocytes.
Science and theory

This manuscript presents some of the basic concepts of science and scientificreasoning. Whether you are reading research or planning to do a Master's thesis, understanding these concepts will be important. How theories differ from beliefs and their ultimate practicality are discussed.
Pressure Oscillation Tests of Porcine Aorta

This paper addresses the problem of Traumatic Aorta Rupture (TAR) that is one of the causes of fatality in motor vehicle accidents. The mechanisms that have been suggested for TAR are speculative and inconclusive and a lot of the tests performed have not been repeatable. One of the reasons for these speculations is an incomplete understanding of the material properties of the aorta. The goal of this research is to study the response of the aorta to the oscillating pressure inputs in order to identify the structural properties of the aorta. The results of this study show that aorta stiffens as the rate of the loading increases, which is a characteristic of viscoelastic materials.Copyright © 2010 by ASME
Usefulness of hemodynamic changes during adenosine infusion in predicting the diagnostic accuracy of adenosine technetium-99m sestamibi single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT).

Whether adenosine myocardial perfusion single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) remains accurate for detecting coronary artery disease (CAD) in the absence of peripheral hemodynamic changes is unknown. To assess the hemodynamic correlates of perfusion defects, we studied 222 consecutive patients (age 71 +/- 11 years) without prior myocardial infarction or revascularization who underwent adenosine technetium (Tc)-99m sestamibi myocardial perfusion SPECT and cardiac catheterization within 6 months of adenosine study. The SPECT protocol used separate acquisition of rest thallium-201 and adenosine Tc-99m sestamibi, which was semiquantitatively analyzed in 20 segments with a visual 5-point scoring system (0 = normal, 4 = absent uptake). The overall sensitivity, specificity, and predictive accuracy of adenosine Tc-99m sestamibi SPECT for detecting significant CAD were 93% (159 of 171), 73% (37 of 51), and 88% (196 of 222), respectively. The study population was grouped into 6 categories as a function of peripheral hemodynamic changes: (1) increase in heart rate by 10 beats/min (n = 87); (3) decrease in systolic blood pressure by 10 mm Hg (n = 114); (5) increase in heart rate by 10 beats/min or decrease in systolic blood pressure by > 10 mm Hg (n = 150). The sensitivity, specificity, and predictive accuracy of adenosine sestamibi SPECT were similar in all 6 categories. The prevalence of left main or multivessel CAD and extent of scan abnormality were also similar among all groups. Thus, the diagnostic accuracy of adenosine Tc-99m sestamibi SPECT is high in patients with or without peripheral hemodynamic evidence of adenosine effect.
Correlates of well-being in adulthood and old age: A tale of two optimisms

Abstract Are older adults more optimistic than younger adults, and does optimism relate to well-being differently across the adult lifespan? This study attempted to address these issues by testing the link between two optimism constructs, explanatory style and dispositional optimism, and well-being in a sample of 280 young, middle-aged, and older adults. Consistent with socioemotional selectivity theory, older adults had more optimistic explanatory styles than their younger counterparts in the positive affiliation domain, and this effect remained significant after controlling for a number of demographic and affective covariates. In contrast, older individuals reported less optimistic explanatory styles for negative health/cognitive events. No age differences in dispositional optimism or pessimism remained after controlling for covariates. Main effects of negative affiliation explanatory style and dispositional optimism and pessimism were found in the prediction of well-being measures across age groups. However, no significant Age × Optimism interactions emerged in the prediction of depression or life satisfaction, providing no support for the assertion that optimism may relate to well-being differently at different times in the adult life span.