cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Immune-privileged embryonic Swiss mouse STO and STO cell-derived progenitor cells: major histocompatibility complex and cell differentiation antigen expression patterns resemble those of human embryonic stem cell lines

Embryonic mouse STO (S, SIM; T, 6-thioguanine resistant; O, ouabain resistant) and 3(8)21-enhanced green fluorescent protein (EGFP) cell lines exhibit long-term survival and hepatic progenitor cell behaviour after xenogeneic engraftment in non-immunosuppressed inbred rats, and were previously designated major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I- and class II-negative lines. To determine the molecular basis for undetectable MHC determinants, the expression and haplotype of H-2K, H-2D, H-2L and I-A proteins were reassessed by reverse transcriptase–polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), cDNA sequencing, RNA hybridization, immunoblotting, quantitative RT-PCR (QPCR), immunocytochemistry and flow cytometry. To detect cell differentiation (CD) surface antigens characteristic of stem cells, apoptotic regulation or adaptive immunity that might facilitate progenitor cell status or immune privilege, flow cytometry was also used to screen untreated and cytokine [interferon (IFN)-γ]-treated cultures. Despite prior PCR genotyping analyses suggestive of H-2q haplotypes in STO, 3(8)21-EGFP and parental 3(8)21 cells, all three lines expressed H-2K cDNA sequences identical to those of d-haplotype BALB/c mice, as well as constitutive and cytokine-inducible H-2Kd determinants. In contrast, apart from H-2Ld[LOW] display in 3(8)21 cells, H-2Dd, H-2Ld and I-Ad determinants were undetectable. All three lines expressed constitutive and cytokine-inducible CD34; however, except for inducible CD117[LOW] expression in 3(8)21 cells, no expression of CD45, CD117, CD62L, CD80, CD86, CD90·1 or CD95L/CD178 was observed. Constitutive and cytokine-inducible CD95[LOW] expression was detected in STO and 3(8)21 cells, but not in 3(8)21-EGFP cells. MHC (class I+[LOW]/class II−) and CD (CD34+/CD80−/CD86−/CD95L−) expression patterns in STO and STO cell-derived progenitor cells resemble patterns reported for human embryonic stem cell lines. Whether these patterns reflect associations with mechanisms that are regulatory of immune privilege or functional tissue-specific plasticity is unknown.
Personality trait correlates of attitudes toward older people

The objective of this study is to determine whether personality is related to attitudes toward older people. To address this question, a sample of 228 students and gerontology practitioners completed the Aging Opinion Survey, the Cattell 16 Personality Factors Test, and a demographic questionnaire. When the influence of age, sex, education, and social desirability are controlled, a constellation of personality traits remains significantly related to attitudes toward older people. Specific trait-attitude correlations are described, and traits related to positive attitudes toward older people are shown to fit within three personality groupings: low anxiety traits, sensitive-intuition traits, and intellectual ability. These traits combined with demographic variables account for up to 30 percent of the variance in attitudes toward older people. The results of this study indicate that personality traits are clearly related to attitudes toward older people.
Synthesis and properties of chitosan–silica hybrid aerogels

Synthesis and Properties of Chitosan-Silica Hybrid Aerogels Michael R. Ayers, Arlon J. Hunt* E.O. Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Berkeley, CA, 94720, USA Abstract Chitosan, a polymer that is soluble in dilute aqueous acid, is derived from chitin, a natural polyglucosamide. Aquagels where the solid phase consists of both chitosan and silica can be easily prepared by using an acidic solution of chitosan to catalyze the hydrolysis and condensation of tetraethylorthosilicate. Gels with chitosan/TEOS mass ratios of 0.1-1.1 have been prepared by this method. Standard drying processes using CO 2 give the corresponding aerogels. The amount of chitosan in the gel plays a role in the shrinkage of the aerogel during drying. Gels with the lowest chitosan/silica ratios show the most linear shrinkage, up to 24%, while those with the highest ratios show only a 7% linear shrinkage. Pyrolysis at 700 °C under nitrogen produces a darkened aerogel due to the thermal decomposition of the chitosan, however, the aerogel retains its monolithic form. The pyrolyzed aerogels absorb slightly more infrared radiation in the 2-5 μm region than the original aerogels. B.E.T. surface areas of these aerogels range from 470-750 m 2 /g. Biocompatibility screening of this material shows a very high value for hemolysis, but a low value for cytotoxicity. PACS Codes: 81.20Fw; 81.05Rm; 82.70Gg *Corresponding author. Tel: +1-510-486-5370; fax: +1-510-486-7303; e-mail: ajhunt@lbl.gov
Wdpcp, a PCP Protein Required for Ciliogenesis, Regulates Directional Cell Migration and Cell Polarity by Direct Modulation of the Actin Cytoskeleton

Planar cell polarity (PCP) regulates cell alignment required for collective cell movement during embryonic development. This requires PCP/PCP effector proteins, some of which also play essential roles in ciliogenesis, highlighting the long-standing question of the role of the cilium in PCP. Wdpcp, a PCP effector, was recently shown to regulate both ciliogenesis and collective cell movement, but the underlying mechanism is unknown. Here we show Wdpcp can regulate PCP by direct modulation of the actin cytoskeleton. These studies were made possible by recovery of a Wdpcp mutant mouse model. Wdpcp-deficient mice exhibit phenotypes reminiscent of Bardet-Biedl/Meckel-Gruber ciliopathy syndromes, including cardiac outflow tract and cochlea defects associated with PCP perturbation. We observed Wdpcp is localized to the transition zone, and in Wdpcp-deficient cells, Sept2, Nphp1, and Mks1 were lost from the transition zone, indicating Wdpcp is required for recruitment of proteins essential for ciliogenesis. Wdpcp is also found in the cytoplasm, where it is localized in the actin cytoskeleton and in focal adhesions. Wdpcp interacts with Sept2 and is colocalized with Sept2 in actin filaments, but in Wdpcp-deficient cells, Sept2 was lost from the actin cytoskeleton, suggesting Wdpcp is required for Sept2 recruitment to actin filaments. Significantly, organization of the actin filaments and focal contacts were markedly changed in Wdpcp-deficient cells. This was associated with decreased membrane ruffling, failure to establish cell polarity, and loss of directional cell migration. These results suggest the PCP defects in Wdpcp mutants are not caused by loss of cilia, but by direct disruption of the actin cytoskeleton. Consistent with this, Wdpcp mutant cochlea has normal kinocilia and yet exhibits PCP defects. Together, these findings provide the first evidence, to our knowledge, that a PCP component required for ciliogenesis can directly modulate the actin cytoskeleton to regulate cell polarity and directional cell migration.
Network structure and attitudes toward collaboration in a community partnership for diabetes control on the US-Mexican border.

– This study seeks to provide an examination of a health policy network operating in a single, small community along the US‐Mexican border. The purpose of the paper is to discuss why and how this network evolved, and then to present findings on how the network was structured. Analysis will focus especially on agency involvement, or “embeddedness” in the network, and its relationship to attitudes held by network members regarding trust, reputation, and perceived benefit., – Data were collected from 15 public and nonprofit agencies trying to work collaboratively to influence local policy and services regarding the prevention of obesity‐related chronic disease, especially diabetes. Embeddedness was measured in three different ways and both confirmed and unconfirmed networks were assessed. Network analysis methods were utilized as well as nonparametric correlation statistics., – The network was found to be densely connected through unconfirmed linkages, but much less so when these links were confirmed. Strongest findings were found for shared information. Measures of agency embeddedness in the network were strong predictors of agency reputation, but findings for trust and perceived benefit were generally weak., – From a practice perspective, the study points to the problems in building and sustaining community‐based chronic disease health networks, especially in a small community with substantial health needs. The research also contributes to theory on embeddedness and to methodology for collecting and analyzing data on community health networks.
Regional geophysical setting of the Rio Grande rift

The Rio Grande rift encompasses uplifts of the southern Rocky Mountains and their southern extension as well as axial fault blocks. The rift widens irregularly southward from a narrow horst in Colorado into a broad collapsed vault, characterized by grabens, in southern New Mexico. Whether manifested by horsts or grabens, primarily extensional strain is involved which increases in magnitude southward. Extensional faulting along the rift occurred in Neogene to Quaternary time, but the rift follows an axis of Laramide, Pennsylvanian, and possibly earlier uplifts. Gravity gradients due to the low density of graben fill delineate major faults of the rift system, which show a gridded or en echelon pattern over distances of tens of kilometers. Aeromagnetic data show these faults to be aligned with basement structural grain. Zigzags hundreds of kilometers long in the trend of the rift may also be related to basement grain. Basement trends in the Colorado Plateau to the west seem to differ in direction from those in the High Plains to the east. Seismic data also show that the rift occurs in an area of transition between anomalous crustal and upper mantle structure typical of the Cordillera and crustal structure typical of the High Plains.more » Deep seismic data are sparse within the rift, but high heat flow, high elevation, high electrical conductivity, and both residual positive (shallow source) and negative (deep source) gravity anomalies suggest the presence of symmetrical anomalous crustal and upper-mantle structure along the axis of the rift. In the Socorro area, where the rift has been studied intensively, available data indicate relatively low compressional velocity, rapid Holocene uplift, and the presence of magma within the crust. In view of geomorphic evidence for widespread Holocene faulting, the seismicity of the rift is surprisingly low.« less
Resolving syntactic category ambiguity: An eye-movement analysis

In two experiments, participants' eye movements were monitored as they read sentences containing biased syntactic category ambiguous words with either distinct (e.g., duck) or related (e.g., burn) meanings or unambiguous control words. In Experiment 1, prior context was consistent with either the dominant or subordinate interpretation of the ambiguous word. The subordinate bias effect was absent for the ambiguous words in gaze duration measures. However, effects of ambiguity did emerge in other measures for the ambiguous words preceded by context supporting the subordinate interpretation. In Experiment 2, context preceding the target words was neutral. Ambiguity effects only arose when posttarget context was consistent with the subordinate interpretation of the ambiguous words, indicating that readers initially selected the dominant interpretation. Results support immediate theories of syntactic category ambiguity resolution, but also suggest that recovery from misanalysis of syntactic category ambiguity ...
Raman and infrared spectra of solid glyoxal-d1 and glyoxal-d2

The Raman spectra of solid glyoxal-d1 and glyoxal-d2 have been recorded at −190°C from 100 to 3000 cm−1. Fundamental frequencies of glyoxal-d2 were observed at 2169, 1709, 1131, 944, 908 and 543 cm−1 and assigned as the CD stretching, CO stretching, CD rocking, CC stretching, CD wagging and CCO bending modes respectively. The infrared spectra of the solids have been recorded from 90 to 4000 cm−1. For C2D2O2 this gives the other six fundamentals at 2177, 1685, 1022, 643, 343 and 174 cm−1. The rule of mutual exclusion holds rigorously showing that the molecule has a centrosymmetric structure in the crystal and that the site is Ci (1). The Raman and infrared spectra of glyoxal-d1 show many coincidences, confirming the breakdown of the rule of mutual exclusion when the center of symmetry is lost on partial deuteration. Fundamentals are assigned at 2882, 2161, 1720, 1699, 1352, 1116, 1005, 981, 710, 548, 357 and 193 cm−1. The frequency shifts upon solidification are discussed.
Selective alterations in responsiveness of guanylate cyclase to activation by nitroso compounds during enzyme purification.

Partially purified, heme-free, hepatic soluble guanylate cyclase was activated by NO, S-nitrosocysteine and NO-heme complexes to the extent of 19–34-fold in the presence of 3 mM Mg2+, but only up to 2-fold in the presence of 3mM Mn2+, when the GTP concentration was 1 mM. Even with Mg2+, however, nitroprusside and nitrosoguanidine failed to activate guanylate cyclase. Dithiothreitol or cysteine and, to a much lesser extent, hematin or hemoglobin restored the capacity of nitroprusside and nitrosoguanidine to activate guanylate cyclase, and enhanced enzyme activation by NO. Restoration or enhancement of enzyme activation with thiols was unrelated to their reducing potential because nonthiol reductants such as dithionite and ascorbate failed to influence guanylate cyclase activation. Instead, thiols likely reacted with the nitroso compounds to form S-nitrosothiols, which were potent activators of guanylate cyclase. Similarly, heme-containing substances reacted with nitroso compounds to form NO-heme complexes, which are known to activate guanylate cyclase. Enzyme activation by nitroprusside and nitrosoguanidine was restored, and that by NO and NO-hemoglobin was enhanced, by addition of heated hepatic soluble fraction (devoid of guanylate cyclase activity). The heated soluble fraction appears to contain a partially heat-stable, thiol-containing component(s) of molecular weight greater than 5000, which may be in part responsible for the observed effects on enzyme activation. These data suggest that partial enzyme purification results in the removal of thiol components that are required for the full expression of guanylate cyclase activation.
Algorithms for determining the absorption coefficient for aquatic particulates using the quantitative filter technique

Particulates in aquatic environments dominate variability in inherent and apparent optical properties. Dilute concentrations have made the quantitative determination of particulate absorption a relatively difficult problem. A quantitative filter technique (QFT) has been described previously1 ,2 which allows determination of the particulate absorption coefficient (a(A)) for samples concentrated on filters by correcting for the pathlength amplification effect (,8). DetaiI of the generality, accuracy and precision of the procedure have not been reported previously. A spectrophotometer equipped with an integrating sphere accessory was used to study the optical density of phytoplankton suspensions and colored polystyrene beads, OD(A), and the optical density of the same suspensions on a variety of common filter types, OD(A). The ratio of OD(A)/OD5(A) confirms that multiple scattering in filters leads to variable 6, a non-linear function of OD.(A). Studies of OD(A) when the filters are mounted in different positions in a single spectrophotometer, and for standard and integrating sphere spectophotometers indicate that the procedures presented are of general applicability. With proper care in baseline correction and sample preparation, spectra of a(A) can be calculated from measurements of OD\) for aquatic particles of diverse size and refractive index with an accuracy of better than i A comparison of filter types commonly used for aquatic research indicates that different algorithms are required for estimation of a(A) from OD(A) measurements using different filter types.
A severe sexual inhibition in the course of the psychoanalytic treatment of a patient with a narcissistic personality disorder.

This case report illustrates how an analysis ofoedi pal conflicis gradually resolved a severe and extended inhibition of sexual desire that devel oped as a new symptom in the termina-tion phase of psychoanalytic treatment. The enactment in the countertransference of castration anxieiy, againsi which thepatient was successfully defending himself by projec-tive identification, produced an extended stalemate, whi ch was resolved once the countertransference was transformed into transference inte rpretations. This treatment also illustrates the intimate connection between pre-oed ipal and oedipal conflicts in the advanced stages of the treatment of narcissistic pers onalities, and the needfor very careful assessment ofthepatient's sexualfunctioning before deciding on terminating the psychoanalysis ofa patient with a successfully resolved n arcissistic personality structure. While the emergence of oedipal conflicts may characterise any phase of the resolution of the pathological grandiose self of narcissistic personalities in psychoanalytic treatment, it is particularly in the advanced stages of resolution of narcissistic transferences that the intimate connection between oedipal and pre-oedipal conflicts, with a growing dominance of oedipal conflicts, tends to become noticeable in the sessions (Kernberg, 1984; Rosenfeld, 1987; Grunberger, 1989). The following case report illustrates how the analysis of oedipal conflicts gradually resolved a severe and extended inhibition of sexual desire that developed in the course of analytic treatment. The enactment in the countertransference of castration anxiety against which the patient was successfully defending himself by projective identification
Cardiac and coronary consequences of intracoronary platelet activating factor infusion in the domestic pig.

Abstract In previous studies we have shown that platelet-activating factor (PAF) is a potent vasoactive substance with deleterious effects on coronary blood flow (CBF) and myocardial performance. The present student further investigates the effects of PAF during its sustained intracoronary infusion in the blood-perfused domestic pig (n=16). PAF infusion (1–9nmol/min) produced triphasic changes in CBF (n=7): an initial brief phase of coronary dilation (14 ± 2%) above baseline), followed by severe reduction in CBF due to increase in coronary vascular resistance and a third phase of escape that was characterized by return of CBF towards baseline in spite of continuing PAF infusion. In 9 remaining pigs PAF infusion had a biphasic response: the first phase of coronary dilation rapidly turned into severe coronary constriction accompanied by severe systemic hypotension and death within a few min. PAF infusion caused a profound rise in systemic arterial and coronary venous thromboxane B 2 levels, while 6-keto-PGF 1α and leukotriene C 4 -immunoreactivity levels were not changed. Indomethacin completely blocked the rise in thromboxane level during PAF infusion and abolished the constrictor effect of PAF on the coronary vessels. These data suggest that PAF might play a detrimental role on the coronary circulation and cardiac function, primarily through thromboxane A 2 mediated mechanism.
Center-to-limb variations in the two-dimensional contrast of photospheric faculae

A semi-empirical model of a facular flux tube has been used to determine its center-to-limb appearance. The model is that of Osherovich et al. (1983). This model is in MHSE and includes tension forces. Results are presented in the form of contour maps, cross-sections of the contrast on axis, and integrated contrast as a function of viewing angle. Results are generally consistent with those of Caccin and Severino (1979), but not with observations of Chapman and Klabunde (1982).
Bayesian CAR models for syndromic surveillance on multiple data streams: Theory and practice

Syndromic surveillance has, so far, considered only simple models for Bayesian inference. This paper details the methodology for a serious, scalable solution to the problem of combining symptom data from a network of US hospitals for early detection of disease outbreaks. The approach requires high-end Bayesian modeling and significant computation, but the strategy described in this paper appears to be feasible and offers attractive advantages over the methods that are currently used in this area. The method is illustrated by application to ten quarters worth of data on opioid drug abuse surveillance from 636 reporting centers, and then compared to two other syndromic surveillance methods using simulation to create known signal in the drug abuse database.
Intermolecular chiral recognition processes probed by chiroptical luminescence

Enantiopreferential energy transfer processes between dissymmetric lanthanide and transition metal complexes dissolved in acetonitrile are studied using chiroptical luminescence techniques. The energy donors (luminophores) in this study are a racemic mixture of Ln(dpa) complexes (where Ln = Eu3+ or Tb3+ and dpa = 2,6-pyridinedicarboxylate), and the energy acceptors (quenchers) are an enantiomerically-resolved population of Co(R,R-chxn) (where R,R-chxn = trans-1R,2R-diaminocyclohexane) complexes. The luminophores are dissolved in acetonitrile as (NEt4)3[Ln(dpa)3] (where NEt4 = tetraethlylammonium) and (NBu4)[Ln(dpa)3] (where NBu4 = tetrabutylammonium) salts. The unquenched luminescence lifetimes are reported for both Eu(dpa) and Tb(dpa) in acetonitrile over the range 263–333 K, and these results are compared to luminescence lifetimes in aqueous solution. Time-resolved chiroptical luminescence measurements of enantiopreferential quenching kinetics are reported for samples with Eu(dpa) and Co(R,R-chxn) in acetonitrile over 263–333 K range. These results are analyzed using a phenomenological quenching kinetics model, and the results are compared to results in aqueous solution. These comparisons show that the overall Eu-Co luminescence quenching efficiency is reduced in acetonitrile vs. aqueous samples, because the salts of (NX4)3[Eu(dpa)3] are not completely dissociated in acetonitrile. However, the enantiopreference exhibited is identical in acetonitrile vs. aqueous solution. Chirality, 2008. © 2007 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Identification of a pathogenicity locus, rpfA, in Erwinia carotovora subsp. carotovora that encodes a two-component sensor-regulator protein

A mutant of Erwinia carotovora subsp. carotovora, AH2552, created by a Mud1 insertion was found to be reduced in plant pathogenicity and deficient in extracellular protease and cellulase activity, although it produced normal levels of pectate lyase and polygalacturonase. A cosmid clone, pEC462, was isolated from a wild-type E. carotovora subsp. carotovora DNA library that concomitantly restored pathogenicity and protease and cellulase activities of AH2552 to wild-type levels when present in trans. The genetic locus that was disrupted in AH2552 by insertion of Mud1 has been designated rpfA, for regulator of pathogenicity factors. Sequencing of the rpfA region identified an open reading frame of 2,787 bp, and the predicted 929-amino acid polypeptide shared high identity with several two-component sensor-regulator proteins: BarA from Escherichia coli, ApdA from Pseudomonas fluorescens, PheN from P. tolaasii, RepA from P. viridiflava, LemA from P. syringae pv. syringae, and RpfC from Xanthomonas campestris pv...
Theory of cross polarized power returned from a random surface

Cross polarized power resulting from depolarization of electromagnetic waves by a statistically rough surface is calculated. This is done for a circularly polarized incident wave and a homogeneous dielectric surface with either a Gaussian or an exponential correlation function. The polarized return power is also obtained so that comparison between the two could be made.
GENETIC MARKERS OF INCREASED SUSCEPTIBILITY TO DIABETIC NEPHROPATHY

The effect of exposure to diabetes on the kidney appears to be modulated by genetic factors determining a variable degree of susceptibility to diabetic nephropathy. Multiple loci are probably involved. Some of them might be found among the genes coding for components of the renin angiotensin system (renin, angiotensinogen, angiotensin I-converting enzyme, angiotensin receptors), some may regulate the way in which cells manage hyperglycemia (e.g. aldose reductase). Various genes have been examined to date, mainly by means of association studies. Positive results have been found for some of them (e.g. ACE, AGTR1, aldose reductase), but have not been confirmed in other populations. Thus, no genetic marker of increased susceptibility to diabetic nephropathy having clinical utility is currently available. New insights are expected from the systematic scanning of the genome for linkage with diabetic nephrophathy.
Determination of Fructooligosaccharides in Infant Formula by Ultra-High Performance Liquid Chromatography–Tandem Mass Spectrometry

Infant formula provides a good source of fructooligosaccharides, which are considered to be functional ingredients of food due to their positive effects on gastrointestinal function. This study presents a simple and specific ultra-high performance liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry method for the ultrasensitive determination of three fructooligosaccharides in infant formula. The analytes were extracted using acetonitrile-water solutions. The compounds were separated with an amide column by gradient elution using acetonitrile and water as mobile phases. The identification and quantification were achieved by using electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry in negative ion mode with multiple reaction monitoring. Accuracy, precision, limits of quantification, and limits of detection of the method were obtained. Under the optimal conditions, all calibration curves for fructooligosaccharides targets showed good linearity (R2 ≥ 0.998). The limits of detection and quantification were below 0.82 ...
German Composition in Advanced Classes

Author's Summary— The article discusses the aims of an advanced class in German composition, and describes the methods best suited to the purpose.)
Geometric optics and rainbows: generalization of a result by Huygens.

In 1652 Huygens derived a formula specifying the rainbow angle for the primary bow (k = 1) in terms of the refractive index only. A generalization of this result for any k ≥ 1 is outlined, along with an alternative representation. The details of the derivation can be found in (Adam, Mathematics Magazine, 2008, under review), but the results as stated may be of interest to the atmospheric optics community.
Glutathione S-transferases act as isomerases in isomerization of 13-cis- retinoic acid to all-trans-retinoic acid in vitro

A discovery that rapid enzymic isomerization of 13-cis-retinoic acid (13-cRA) to all-trans-retinoic acid (t-RA) can be catalysed by purified hepatic glutathione S-transferases (GSTs; EC 2.5.1.18) from rat is now reported. Rates of cis-trans isomerization were determined quantitatively by HPLC. GST-catalysed reactions reached equilibrium rapidly, in marked contrast with uncatalysed or GSH-catalysed isomerizations. The GST-catalysed reaction exhibited substrate saturation kinetics with a Km of approx. 8 microM. The maximal velocity of the reaction and the catalytic efficiency of GSTs were determined. The initial rate of the reaction increased linearly as a function of enzyme concentration. Catalysis by GSTs was independent of the presence of GSH, indicating that GSTs act as GSH-independent isomerases as well as transferases. Incubation with guanidine (7-8 M) or heat-inactivation of GSTs (100 degrees C for 3 min) decreased isomerase activities by approx. 50% and 75% respectively. The same heat treatment did not significantly inhibit isomerization catalysed by GSH and apoferritin, indicating that the observed decrease in isomerase activity by heat inactivation was not primarily due to oxidation of protein thiol groups in the GSTs. The specific activity of GSTs was approx. 23- and 340-fold those of GSH and apoferritin respectively when comparisons were made on the basis of free thiol concentrations, indicating that free thiol in GSTs cannot account for the majority of observed isomerase activities and suggesting that specific conformations of GSTs are important for such activities. Complete inhibition of the reaction by low concentrations of N-ethylmaleimide (10 microM) demonstrated that intact protein thiols are required for the isomerase activities of GSTs.
Sex-specific risk of cardiovascular disease and cognitive decline: pregnancy and menopause.

Understanding the biology of sex differences is integral to personalized medicine. Cardiovascular disease and cognitive decline are two related conditions, with distinct sex differences in morbidity and clinical manifestations, response to treatments, and mortality. Although mortality from all-cause cardiovascular diseases has declined in women over the past five years, due in part to increased educational campaigns regarding the recognition of symptoms and application of treatment guidelines, the mortality in women still exceeds that of men. The physiological basis for these differences requires further research, with particular attention to two physiological conditions which are unique to women and associated with hormonal changes: pregnancy and menopause. Both conditions have the potential to impact life-long cardiovascular risk, including cerebrovascular function and cognition in women. This review draws on epidemiological, translational, clinical, and basic science studies to assess the impact of hypertensive pregnancy disorders on cardiovascular disease and cognitive function later in life, and examines the effects of post-menopausal hormone treatments on cardiovascular risk and cognition in midlife women. We suggest that hypertensive pregnancy disorders and menopause activate vascular components, i.e., vascular endothelium and blood elements, including platelets and leukocytes, to release cell-membrane derived microvesicles that are potential mediators of changes in cerebral blood flow, and may ultimately affect cognition in women as they age. Research into specific sex differences for these disease processes with attention to an individual’s sex chromosomal complement and hormonal status is important and timely.
Survey of currently used materials for fabrication of extraoral maxillofacial prostheses in North America, Europe, Asia, and Australia.

Purpose: The purpose of this survey was to review the extraoral maxillofacial materials currently used as well as the advantages and disadvantages of the materials in the fabrication of facial prostheses. Results of this survey will enhance scientific knowledge, generate research study ideas, and possibly lead to production of alternative or new maxillofacial materials. Material and Methods: A 47-question survey was delivered via e-mail to all members (combined total of 260 members) of the American Anaplastology Association (AAA) and American Academy of Maxillofacial Prosthetics (AAMP) for evaluation of personal preference involving maxillofacial prosthetic materials (intrinsic/extrinsic silicone elastomers and pigments/colorants used, polymerization/curing process, advantages and disadvantages of the most often used materials, most important characteristic of material/technique used). Results: The views of 43 (16%) respondents indicated that the majority surveyed were using room temperature-vulcanized (RTV) silicone products. Silicone pigments for intrinsic and silicone pastes for extrinsic coloring were favored over artist's oil colors and dry earth pigments. The polymerization process and/or curing times and temperatures for the same silicone material varied between users. The top five advantages of most often used materials were good esthetics, ease of coloring, easy manipulation, thin margins possible, and adhesive compatibility. The top five disadvantages were discoloration over time, technique-sensitivity, lack of repairability, extrinsic colors peel/fade, and lack of longevity. Nontoxic/nonallergenic materials with high edge strength and color stability were the most important features when choosing a maxillofacial prosthetic material/technique. Conclusions: The responses to this survey indicate that the majority of AAA and AAMP members are using or have used a variety of RTV silicones, pigments, and colorants in the quest to provide the best possible facial prosthetic service. Further research is needed to further refine and improve extraoral maxillofacial materials/techniques based on the results of this study.
Global Sensitivity Analysis and Uncertainty Quantification for a Hypersonic Shock Interaction Flow

Hypersonic gas flows over concentric double-cone configurations are commonly used to investigate shock–shock and shock wave/boundary-layer interaction phenomena, and are characterized by the formation of interacting flow structures that are highly sensitive to models used in flow simulation. The work presented here is intended to clarify the influence of several modeling parameters and approximations on simulation output quantities through a more general and systematic approach than has previously been employed for this type of flow, with the ultimate goal of improved model validation for simulation of hypersonic shock interactions. Global sensitivity analysis and uncertainty quantification techniques are integrated with a direct simulation Monte Carlo gas flow simulation code, and a large number of these Monte Carlo simulations are performed for a representative hypersonic double-cone flow. Aleatory and epistemic uncertainties are considered in sensitivity analysis/uncertainty quantification calculations...
Woody Cover and Grass Production in a Mesquite Savanna: Geospatial Relationships and Precipitation

Woody plant effects on grass production at specific points in some rangeland savannas may be a function of numerous surrounding woody plants with lateral roots that extend into those patches of grass. This study determined the effects of increasing zones of honey mesquite (Prosopis glandulosa Torr.) influence on the production of three perennial grass types (C4 shortgrasses, C3 midgrasses, and C4 midgrasses) at specific points in gaps between mesquite trees in each of five years. Mesquite canopy cover was determined by geospatial analysis of aerial images for progressively increasing zones (0–5, 0–10, 0–15, and 0–20 m radius) surrounding each grass production point. The woody cover/grass production relationships were mostly linear for C4 shortgrasses and C3 midgrasses, and mostly a declining exponential curve for C4 midgrasses in all canopy zones, indicating that C4 midgrasses were most sensitive to increasing mesquite cover, especially at covers >30%. The relationship between mesquite cover and C4 shortgrass production was strongest (i.e., highest r2) when the smallest woody cover zones (0–5 and 0–10 m) were included. In contrast, the relationship between cover and C4 midgrass production was strongest when the largest zones (0–15 and 0–20 m) were included. These differences were attributed to an inability of C4 midgrasses to persist in smaller intercanopy gaps resulting from increases in mesquite density and infilling. Annual precipitation and C3 annual grass invasions played a large role in determining the woody cover/grass production relationship for each grass type. This study illustrates the complexity involved in quantifying woody cover/grass production relationships in savanna ecosystems. Maintaining productive stands of C4 midgrasses may be facilitated by maintaining woody cover below 30% threshold levels and possibly by limiting grazing during episodic high rainfall events in midsummer when this grass type becomes somewhat decoupled from woody cover effects.
Designing an adaptive lighting control system for smart buildings and homes

Lighting control in smart buildings and homes can be automated by having computer controlled lights and blinds along with illumination sensors that are distributed in the building. However, programming a large building light switches and blind settings can be time consuming and expensive. We present an approach that algorithmically sets up the control system that can automate any building without custom programming. This is achieved by making the system self calibrating and self learning. This paper described how the problem is NP hard but can be resolved by heuristics. The resulting system controls blinds to ensure even lighting and also adds artificial illumination to ensure light coverage remains adequate at all times of the day, adjusting for weather and seasons. In the absence of daylight, the system resorts to artificial lighting. Our method works as generic control algorithms and are not preprogrammed for a particular place. The feasibility, adaptivity and scalability features of the system have been validated through various actual and simulated experiments.
Evaluation of a stranger safety training programme for adults with Williams syndrome

Background Individuals with Williams syndrome (WS) are reported to display increased sociability towards strangers, leading to increased social vulnerability. No research has examined real life interactions of adults with WS towards strangers and no interventions have been implemented to teach stranger safety skills to this population. Method Twenty-one adults with WS participated in 3 days of behaviour skills training to learn how to respond to a stranger lure. Skill acquisition was assessed in situ; confederate strangers approached participants, presented a lure and recorded the participants' response. Results Prior to intervention, 14% of participants walked away from a stranger. Participants were able to accurately use the skills in role play. After training, 62% of participants said ‘no’ and walked away and only 14% agreed to leave with the stranger during in situ assessments. Conclusions Individuals with WS are at-risk but can learn how to appropriately respond to lures from strangers. Further research is needed to increase use of safety skills in various conditions.
Vitamin B6 deficiency: a potential cause of refractory seizures in adults.

Objective: In children, vitamin B6 (pyridoxine) deficiency has been described as a cause of seizures that are refractory to conventional antiepileptic medications. We describe the clinical presentation of 3 adults with refractory seizures (later diagnosed with vitamin B6 deficiency) that resolved after pyridoxine treatment. Design: Case series. Setting: Tertiary care surgical intensive care unit. Patients: In the first case, a 54-year-old male with history of alcoholic cirrhosis developed new-onset seizures refractory to phenytoin and levetiracetam 8 days after liver transplantation. In the second case, a 59-year-old male with hepatitis C infection developed intracranial hemorrhage and new-onset seizures refractory to phenytoin, levetiracetam, and pentobarbital. The third patient is a 78-year-old male with a history of alcohol dependence who was admitted for an intraventricular bleed and developed new onset of refractory seizures. Interventions: Intravenous pyridoxine followed by oral pyridoxine. Measurem...
Percutaneous colonoscopic cecostomy for management of chronic constipation in children.

Background: Chronic constipation and encopresis are common problems in children with spina bifida and anorectal anomalies. Commonly used therapies include complicated bowel regimens and antegrade continence enemas delivered via surgically placed appendicostomies and radiologically placed cecostomies. Methods: A technique is described for percutaneous placement of cecostomies for the delivery of continence enemas or venting. Results: Percutaneous cecostomies were placed in 12 patients. Improvement in bowel management occurred in all patients. Conclusions: Percutaneous endoscopic cecostomy is a safe and effective method for the treatment of intractable constipation.
Analysis of free energy signals arising from nucleotide hybridization between rRNA and mRNA sequences during translation in eubacteria

A decoding algorithm that mechanistically models the progressive alignments that arise as the mRNA moves past the rRNA tail during translation elongation is tested. Each of these alignments provides an opportunity for hybridization between the single-stranded, 3′ -terminal nucleotides of the 16S rRNA and the spatially accessible window of mRNA sequence, from which a free energy value can be calculated. Using this algorithm, we show that a periodic energetic pattern of frequency 1/3 is revealed. This periodic signal exists in the majority of coding regions of eubacterial genes, but not in the noncoding regions encoding the 16S and 23S rRNAs. Signal analysis reveals that the population of coding regions of each bacterial species has a mean phase that is correlated in a statistically significant way with species (G+C) content. These results suggest that the periodic signal could function as a synchronization signal for the maintenance of reading frame and that codon usage provides a mechanism for manipulation of signal phase.
Reciprocal radar waveforms

Digitally coded radar waveforms can be used to obtain large time-bandwidth products (pulse compression ratios). It is demonstrated that periodic radar waveforms with zero sidelobes or almost zero sidelobes can be defined. A perfect periodic code is a periodic code whose autocorrelation function has zero sidelobes and whose amplitude is uniform (maximum power efficiency=1). An asymptotically perfect periodic code has the property that as the number of elements in the code goes to infinity the autocorrelation function of the code has zero sidelobes and its power efficiency is one. The authors introduce a class of radar waveforms that are either perfect or asymptotically perfect codes. These are called reciprocal codes because they can be derived through a linear transformation of known codes. The aperiodic performance of the reciprocal code is examined. >
Distribution of woodland amphibians along a forest fragmentation gradient

Understanding how changes in land-use affect the distribution and abundance of organisms is an increasingly important question in landscape ecology. Amphibians may be especially prone to local extinction resulting from human-caused transformation and fragmentation of their habitats owing to the spatially and temporally dynamic nature of their populations. In this study, distributions of five species of woodland amphibians with differing life histories were surveyed along a 10 km, spatially continuous gradient of forest fragmentation in southern Connecticut, U.S.A. Redback salamanders (Plethodon cinereus) and northern spring peepers (Pseudacris c. crucifer) occupied available habitat along the gradient's length. Wood frogs (Rana sylvatica) and spotted salamanders (Ambystoma maculatum) were absent from portions of the gradient where forest cover was reduced to below about 30%. Red-spotted newts (Notophthalmus v. viridescens) did not persist below a forest cover threshold of about 50%. Correlations between species' biological traits and their fragmentation tolerance imply that low density, population variability, and high mobility coupled with restricted habitat needs predispose woodland amphibians to local extinction caused by habitat fragmentation. These patterns are in contrast to the widely held notion that populations of the best dispersers are those most tolerant of habitat fragmentation.
A multinomial logit approach to exchange rate policy classification with an application to growth

We model a country's de jure exchange rate policy as the choice from a multinomial logit response conditioned on the volatility of its bilateral exchange rate, the volatility of its international reserves, and the volatility of its effective exchange rate. The category with the highest predictive probability implied by the logit regressions serves as our de facto exchange rate policy. An empirical investigation into the relationship between the de facto classifications and GDP growth finds that growth is higher under stable currency-value policies. For non-industrialized countries, a more nuanced characterization of exchange rate policy finds that those who exhibit 'fear of floating' experience significantly higher growth.
Reconciling Claims for the Individual and the Community: Horace Kallen, Cultural Pluralism, and Persistent Tensions in Adult Education.

This article analyzes the work of Horace Kallen and its relationship to his characterization of adult education. After developing philosoplhies supportive of cultural pluralism, individualism, and ...
Environmental chamber measurements of mercury flux from coal utilization by-products

Abstract An environmental chamber was constructed to measure the mercury flux from coal utilization by-product (CUB) samples. Samples of fly ash, FGD gypsum, and wallboard made from FGD gypsum were tested under both dark and illuminated conditions with or without the addition of water to the sample. Mercury releases varied widely, with 7-day experiment averages ranging from −6.8 to 73 ng/m2 h for the fly ash samples and −5.2 to 335 ng/m2 h for the FGD/wallboard samples. Initial mercury content, fly ash type, and light exposure had no observable consistent effects on the mercury flux. For the fly ash samples, the effect of a mercury control technology was to decrease the emission. For three of the four pairs of FGD gypsum and wallboard samples, the wallboard sample released less (or absorbed more) mercury than the gypsum.
Modeling of Polishing Regimes in Chemical Mechanical Polishing

Chemical mechanical polishing (CMP) is widely used for local and global planarization of microelectronic devices. It has been demonstrated experimentally in the literature that the polishing performance is a result of the synergistic effect of both the chemicals and the particles involved in CMP. However, the fundamental mechanisms of material removal and the interactions of the chemical and mechanical effects are not well understood. A comprehensive model for CMP was developed taking into account both the chemical and mechanical effects for monodisperse slurries. The chemical aspect is attributed to the chemical modification of the surface layer due to slurry chemistry, whereas the mechanical aspect is introduced by indentation of particles into the modified layer and the substrate depending on the operating conditions. In this study, the model is extended to include the particle size and pad asperity distribution effects. The refined model not only predicts the overall removal rate but also the surface roughness of the polished wafer, which is an important factor in CMP. The predictions of the model show reasonable agreement with the experimental observations.
The Impact of Medium Context on Bilingual Consumers' Responses to Code-Switched Advertising

While previous research has examined code-switched ads viewed in isolation (Luna and Peracchio 2005a, 2005b), this study makes a unique contribution by investigating the crucial role that medium context plays in responses to Spanish/English code-switched ads among bilingual consumers. A model is developed based on neuroscience and sociolinguistic theories of information processing. Among 122 bilingual Mexican Americans, path analysis showed that when a code-switched ad primarily written in Spanish (English) was placed within an all-Spanish (all-English) medium, increased ad recall and perceptions of advertiser cultural sensitivity occurred. In turn, increased perceptions of advertiser cultural sensitivity led to greater cognitive ad involvement and persuasion. Based on these findings, the main language of a code-switched ad should match that of its medium to increase favorable advertising responses.
Quality enhancement research initiative in ischemic heart disease: A quality initiative from the Department of Veterans Affairs

Despite the dramatic fall in ischemic heart disease (IHD) mortality rates over the last 3 decades, it remains the number one cause of death in the United States, and one of the most frequent indications for care by the US Department of Veterans Affairs. National practice guidelines have been develop