cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Variable Abundance and Distribution of Wolbachia and Cardinium Endosymbionts in Plant-Parasitic Nematode Field Populations.

The bacterial endosymbiont Wolbachia interacts with different invertebrate hosts, engaging in diverse symbiotic relationships. Wolbachia is often a reproductive parasite in arthropods, but an obligate mutualist in filarial nematodes. Wolbachia was recently discovered in plant-parasitic nematodes, and, is thus far known in just two genera Pratylenchus and Radopholus, yet the symbiont’s function remains unknown. The occurrence of Wolbachia in these economically important plant pests offers an unexplored biocontrol strategy. However, development of Wolbachia-based biocontrol requires an improved understanding of symbiont-host functional interactions and the symbiont’s prevalence among nematode field populations. This study used a molecular-genetic approach to assess the prevalence of a Wolbachia lineage (wPpe) in thirty-two field populations of Pratylenchus penetrans. Populations were examined from eight different plant species in Washington, Oregon, and California. Nematodes were also screened for the endosymbiotic bacterium Cardinium (cPpe) that was recently shown to co-infect P. penetrans. Results identified wPpe in 9/32 and cPpe in 1/32 of P. penetrans field populations analyzed. No co-infection was observed in field populations. Wolbachia was detected in nematodes from 4/8 plant-hosts examined (raspberry, strawberry, clover, and lily), and in all three states surveyed. Cardinium was detected in nematodes from mint in Washington. In the wPpe-infected P. penetrans populations collected from raspberry, the prevalence of wPpe infection ranged from 11% to 58%. This pattern is unlike that in filarial nematodes where Wolbachia is an obligate mutualist and occurs in 100% of the host. Further analysis of wPpe-infected populations revealed female-skewed sex ratios (up to 96%), with the degree of skew positively correlating with wPpe prevalence. Uninfected nematode populations had approximately equal numbers of males and females. Comparisons of 54 wPpe 16S ribosomal RNA sequences revealed high similarity across the geographic isolates, with 45 of 54 isolates being identical at this locus. The complete absence of wPpe among some populations and low prevalence in others suggest that this endosymbiont is not an obligate mutualist of P. penetrans. The observed sex ratio bias in wPpe-infected nematode populations is similar to that observed in arthropods where Wolbachia acts as a reproductive manipulator, raising the question of a similar role in plant-parasitic nematodes.
Distinct modes of cell competition shape mammalian tissue morphogenesis.

Cell competition—the sensing and elimination of less fit ‘loser’ cells by neighbouring ‘winner’ cells—was first described in Drosophila. Although cell competition has been proposed as a selection mechanism to optimize tissue and organ development, its evolutionary generality remains unclear. Here, by using live imaging, lineage tracing, single-cell transcriptomics and genetics, we identify two cell competition mechanisms that sequentially shape and maintain the architecture of stratified tissue during skin development in mice. In the single-layered epithelium of the early embryonic epidermis, winner progenitors kill and subsequently clear neighbouring loser cells by engulfment. Later, as the tissue begins to stratify, the basal layer instead expels losers through upward flux of differentiating progeny. This cell competition switch is physiologically relevant: when it is perturbed, so too is barrier formation. Our findings show that cell competition is a selective force that optimizes vertebrate tissue function, and illuminate how a tissue dynamically adjusts cell competition strategies to preserve fitness as its architectural complexity increases during morphogenesis. Cell competition in the developing mouse epithelium involves apoptosis and engulfment when the epithelium has only one layer, but switches to involve asymmetric cell division and differentiation of ‘loser’ cells as the epithelium becomes stratified.
The myth of menstruation: how menstrual regulation and suppression impact contraceptive choice

Women in the US have access to various hormonal contraceptive methods that can regulate menstruation. This study examined the attitudes and perceptions of reproductive-aged women toward contraceptive methods, including how menstrual regulation and suppression preferences influenced contraceptive choice. Data collection used a mixed-methods approach, including 6 focus groups (n = 61), individual interviews (n = 18), and a web-based survey (n = 547). Participants described contraceptive method preferences that allowed monthly bleeding and daily control, expressing concerns about long-acting reversible contraception (LARC) because of decreased user involvement. Some participants noted LARC improved their menstrual control. Many participants felt menstruation was healthy, whereas suppression was abnormal and resulted in negative health outcomes. Though participants indicated LARC as beneficial (M = 4.99 ± 1.66), convenient (M = 5.43 ± 1.68), and healthy (M = 4.62 ± 1.69), they chose combined oral contraceptives due to convenience. Findings suggest women need more information about menstrual regulation and suppression before selecting a contraceptive method, specifically in relation to LARC versus combined oral contraception. Framing menstrual suppression as healthy and natural may improve perceptions of long-term health consequences related to LARC. Providers should discuss menstrual suppression safety to ensure selection of contraceptive options aligning with women’s preferences and needs.
Trajectories of daytime sleepiness and their associations with dementia incidence

Several studies have associated daytime sleepiness with risk of dementia, but it is unknown whether longstanding and emerging daytime sleepiness equally signal a risk of dementia, and whether other health factors explain these associations. In a prospective, population-based epidemiologic study, we (i) assessed associations of daytime sleepiness trajectories over 10 years with dementia incidence and (ii) examined whether selected health characteristics attenuated these associations. Using latent group-based trajectory analysis we categorized participants into three groups: (i) no daytime sleepiness (n = 959, 49.2%), (ii) emerging daytime sleepiness (n = 342, 17.5%) and (iii) persistent daytime sleepiness (n = 650, 33.3%). Compared with no daytime sleepiness, emerging and persistent daytime sleepiness were similarly associated with greater incident dementia risk (respective hazard ratios [95% confidence intervals] were 2.2 [1.3, 3.5] and 1.9 [1.2, 3.1]). Baseline blood pressure, body mass index, chronic disease diagnoses and symptoms of depression did not attenuate these associations. In contrast, lack of independence in instrumental activities of daily living attenuated the daytime sleepiness-dementia association by approximately 17%-21%. These findings suggest that persistent and emerging daytime sleepiness may signal a risk of dementia. However, the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. Further studies should investigate whether and how pathways to sleepiness, functional impairment and dementia pathophysiology interrelate and manifest together over time.
Reconsidering longstanding assumptions about the role of medial prefrontal cortex (MPFC) in social evaluation.

Abstract The psychological nature of the association between MPFC modulation and social evaluation remains poorly understood. Despite confounds, small samples, and mixed results in existing research, MPFC activation is often interpreted as a reflection of socioemotional association and/or perceived similarity between the self and an evaluation target. The present research addressed issues from the existing literature by examining whether MPFC is modulated by (a) socioemotional associations unconfounded by previous knowledge (memory effects (Study 1, N = 48), repetition suppression (Study 2, N = 43), multi-voxel pattern analysis (Study 1 & 2)) and (b) perceived similarity to self (Study 2). MPFC was modulated by self-reference and trait-relevance, but there was not significant empirical support for the interpretation that MPFC modulation reflects socioemotional association or perceived similarity. These findings highlight the weak basis for prevailing assumptions about the psychological significance of MPFC in social evaluation and the need for studies which test multiple mechanisms.
Atomic layer deposition of solid-state electrolytes for next-generation lithium-ion batteries and beyond: Opportunities and challenges

Abstract Currently there has an ever-growing interest in inorganic solid-state electrolytes (iSEs), given the fact that traditional organic liquid electrolytes (oLEs) have become a major limiting factor for next-generation high-energy lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) and beyond. In this context, iSEs are currently undergoing an intensive investigation in order to accomplish solid-state batteries (SSBs) with reliable safety, longer lifetime, lower cost, and higher energy and power density. To date there have been many methods developed for synthesizing iSEs. Among them, atomic layer deposition (ALD) has recently emerged as a new technique with exceptional capabilities to enable atomic-scale rational designs, in situ uniform and conformal growth, low process temperature, and high operational flexibility, and large variety of material choices. To this end, in this work we conduct the first comprehensive survey on iSEs by ALD, covering 6 material categories, 15 iSEs, and 25 processes. We outline 4 technical strategies with ALD processes and elucidate the underlying mechanisms. Furthermore, we make a thorough account of the promising applications of the iSEs in LIBs and lithium batteries and clarify their distinguished benefits for securing excellent electrochemical performance. We expect that this work will greatly motivate more efforts in pursuing excellent iSEs using ALD.
The Star Tug: An active stellar engine capable of accelerating a star to relativistic velocities

Abstract Civilizations ahead of our own may wish to control their star system's motion for a variety of reasons, ranging from the avoidance of cataclysmic cosmic events to the facilitation of interstellar, and perhaps intergalactic, colonization. Such an endeavor can be achieved via the construction of megastructures known as stellar engines, which utilize a star's own resources to gradually accelerate the star system in the desired direction over extended periods of time. Here, we conceptualize the ‘Star Tug’, a stellar engine capable of producing significantly higher accelerations than previous stellar engine concepts. The Star Tug consists of an engine positioned ahead of the star along the desired direction of acceleration. The engine is gravitationally bound to the star and utilizes mass acquired from the star as propellant to generate thrust which counterbalances the force of gravity between it and the star. As long as the propellant exhaust velocity exceeds the escape velocity of the star system, the star system should accelerate. Depending on efficiency and engineering constraints, the Star Tug may be capable of accelerating a sun-like star to relativistic velocities within megayear time scales.
A Fully Parallel Primal-Dual Algorithm for Centralized and Distributed Optimization

In this paper, a centralized two-block separable optimization is considered for which a fully parallel primal-dual discrete-time algorithm with fixed step size is derived based on monotone operator splitting method. In this algorithm, the primal variables are updated in an alternating fashion like Alternating Direction Method of Multipliers (ADMM). However, unlike existing discrete-time algorithms such as Method of Multipliers (MM), ADMM, Bi-Alternating Direction Method of Multipliers (BiADMM), and Primal-Dual Fixed Point (PDFP) algorithms, that all suffer from sequential updates, all primal and dual variables are updated in parallel in the sense that to update a variable at each time, updated version of other variable(s) is not required. One of advantages of the proposed algorithm is that its direct extension to multi-block optimization is still convergent. Then the method is applied to distributed optimization for which a fully parallel primal-dual distributed algorithm is obtained. Finally, since direct extension of ADMM may diverge for multi-block optimization, a numerical example of a three-block optimization is given for which the direct extension of the proposed algorithm is shown to converge to a solution.
AN INSIGHT INTO MN (II) CHEMISTRY: A STUDY OF REACTION KINETICS UNDER ALKALINE CONDITIONS

Transition metals have many industrial and research applications. Also, many biological systems have transition metal ions as cofactors. One of themost extensively studied transition metals is Manganese. Under acidic conditions Mn2+ state is very stable, however, under alkaline condition Mn2+state is readily oxidized to Mn3+ state. In solution, Mn3+ state disproportionate to Mn2+ state and Mn4+ state. Results from this study show thatoxidation of Mn2+ state to Mn3+ state can take place in the presence or absence of oxygen. Also, the oxidation of Mn2+ state to Mn3+ state is faster inthe oxygen rich environment than in inert environment suggesting different reaction kinetics are involved. Finally, the chemistry of aqueous Mn2+ state under alkaline condition is presented.
Tourism and economic resilience

The current coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic has exposed the sensitivity of tourism- and hospitality-dependent regional economies to external shocks. While the negative impacts of external shocks ...
An Analytical Model of Hot Carrier Degradation in LDMOS Transistors: Rediscovery of Universal Scaling

It is well-known that regardless of the voltage/temperature/device structure, the hot carrier degradation (HCD) of classical logic transistors scales onto a single universal curve, offering a theory-agnostic approach to predict long-term degradation based on short-term accelerated tests. Based on the experimental results, it has been suggested that the HCD in power transistors [e.g., laterally diffused MOS (LDMOS)] is structurally and functionally so fundamentally different that an analogous universal scaling cannot apply. This article uses a tandem FET (two MOS) model of an LDMOS to explore the physical origin of the anomalous HCD degradation in power transistors and establish the general principle needed to restore the universality of the degradation kinetics. Interestingly, the empirical models used to evaluate HCD degradation in power transistors emerge naturally as approximations of the generalized approach. This article establishes the fact that the physics of HCD is universal and provides an example of nonclassical but predictive degradation in power transistors. This takes us a step closer to a generalized HCD model encompassing all the devices, including logic, memory, and power transistors.
The Return of the Nightingale

concerned with the close reading of Romantic poems from In ancient Greek and Roman poetry, however, the an ecological point of view. His reading of Wordsworth’s nightingale was virtually always personified as a female “Lines Written in Early Spring” best exemplifies what this apsinger, and the identification of the nightingale with the feproach can accomplish. Often dismissed as a dogmatic dismale gender has been stable throughout literary history, play of ingenuous nature-worship, this poem nevertheless stubbornly at variance with the facts. From Homer and Aesreveals an unsuspected thematic complexity in its portrayal chylus through Sappho and Virgil, all the way to Milton and of the relationship between nature and human society. AcKeats, the nightingale has been personified as a beautiful, cording to Kroeber, the poem “challenges our learned culmelancholy, and often seductive female presence. In the Odtural presupposition that human consciousness alienates us yssey, Homer compares Penelope to Philomela, an unfortufrom physical nature” (45). Stressing the hypothetical, quesnate woman who was transformed by Zeus into a nightingale tioning tone of the poem, Kroeber scrutinizes its enigmatic out of pity for her sad plight. The same story is recounted by last lines: “Have I not reason to lament / What man has many Classical poets, memorably by Ovid, who relates a demade of man?” He suggests that these lines refer not only to tailed version of the myth in Metamorphoses, Book 4. This verthe stubborn persistence of social injustice, but also to the sion of the myth was the most influential upon later poets. way that our “self-injuries may be rooted in a miseducation of
A method for making password-based key exchange resilient to server compromise

This paper considers the problem of password-authenticated key exchange (PAKE) in a client-server setting, where the server authenticates using a stored password file, and it is desirable to maintain some degree of security even if the server is compromised. A PAKE scheme is said to be resilient to server compromise if an adversary who compromises the server must at least perform an offline dictionary attack to gain any advantage in impersonating a client. (Of course, offline dictionary attacks should be infeasible in the absence of server compromise.) One can see that this is the best security possible, since by definition the password file has enough information to allow one to play the role of the server, and thus to verify passwords in an offline dictionary attack. While some previous PAKE schemes have been proven resilient to server compromise, there was no known general technique to take an arbitrary PAKE scheme and make it provably resilient to server compromise. This paper presents a practical technique for doing so which requires essentially one extra round of communication and one signature computation/ verification. We prove security in the universal composability framework by (1) defining a new functionality for PAKE with resilience to server compromise, (2) specifying a protocol combining this technique with a (basic) PAKE functionality, and (3) proving (in the random oracle model) that this protocol securely realizes the new functionality.
Microprocessors and Microcomputer-Based System Design

INTRODUCTION TO MICROPROCESSORS AND MICROCOMPUTER-BASED APPLICATIONS Evolution of the Microprocessor Microprocessor Data Types Microcomputer System Software and Programming Concepts Typical Microcomputer Addressing Modes and Instructions Basic Features of Microcomputer Development Systems System Development Flowchart Typical Microprocessors Typical Practical Applications Questions and Problems INTEL 8085 Introduction Register Architecture Memory Addressing 8085 Addressing Modes 8085 Instruction Set Timing Methods 8085 Pins and Signals 8085 Instruction Timing and Execution 8085-Based System Design Questions and Problems INTEL 8086 Introduction 8086 Architecture 8086 Addressing Modes 8086 Instruction Set 8086 Assembler-Dependent Instructions ASM-86 Assembler Directives 8086 Programmed I/O 8086-Based Microcomputer 8086 Interrupt System 8086 DMA Questions and Problems INTEL 80186/80286/80386 Intel 80186 and 80286 80386 System Design Coprocessor Interface Questions and Problems MOTOROLA MC68000 Introduction 68000 Programming Model 68000 Addressing Structure 68000 Addressing Modes 68000 Instruction Set 68000 Stacks 68000 Pins and Signals 68000 System Diagram Timing Diagrams 68000 Memory Interface 68000 Programmed I/O 68000/2716/6116/6821-Based Microcomputer 68000 Interrupt I/O 68000 DMA 68000 Exception Handling Multiprocessing with the 68000 Using the TAS Instruction and as Signal Questions and Problems MOTOROLA MC68020 Introduction Programming Model Data Types, Organization, and CPU Space Cycle MC68020 Addressing Modes 68020 Instructions 68020 Advanced Instructions MC68020 Cache/Pipelined Architecture and Operation MC68020 Virtual Memory MC68020 Coprocessor Interface MC68020 Pins and Signals MC68020 Timing Diagrams Exception Processing MC68020 System Design Questions and Problems MOTOROLA MC68030/MC68040, INTEL 80486, AND PENTIUM MICROPROCESSORS Motorola MC68030 MC68040 Intel 80486 Microprocessor Intel Pentium Microprocessor Questions and Problems RISC MICROPROCESSORS: INTEL 80960, MOTOROLA MC88100, AND POWERPC Basics of RISC Intel 80960 Motorola MC88100 RISC Microprocessor IBM/Motorola PowerPC Questions and Problems PERIPHERAL INTERFACING Keyboard Interface DMA Controllers Printer Interface Coprocessors Questions and Problems DESIGN PROBLEMS Design Problem No. 1 Design Problem No. 2 Design Problem No. 3 Questions and Problems APPENDICES HP 64000 Motorola MC68000 and Support Chips-Data Sheets Intel 8085, 8086, and Support Chips-Data Sheets MC68000 Instruction Execution Times 8086 Instruction Set Reference Data Glossary Bibliography
Zinc concentration in tissues and performance of weanling pigs fed pharmacological levels of zinc from ZnO, Zn-methionine, Zn-lysine, or ZnSO4

Four trials were conducted to examine concentration of zinc in tissues and performance of pigs fed high levels of Zn from ZnO, Zn-methionine, Zn-lysine, or ZnSO 4 . In Trials 1 (n = 80, 28 d of age, 7.5 kg BW), 2 (n = 80, 26 d of age, 7.1 kg BW), and 3 (n = 70, 23 d of age, 5.3 kg BW), pigs were assigned either to a control diet containing 105 mg/kg of Zn and 15 mg/kg of Cu or to supplemental dietary treatments of 3,000, 2,000, or 1,000 mg of Zn/kg of diet. In all three trials, dietary sources were ZnO, Zn-methionine, Zn-lysine, or ZnSO 4 . The trials lasted 2 wk. In Trial 1, performance of pigs generally was not improved by feeding 3,000 mg of Zn/kg from any of the Zn sources. Serum, liver, and rib Zn concentrations (P .10) in ADG or ADFI, but serum and liver Zn concentrations were greater (P .10) were observed at the end of wk 4. In summary, performance was not enhanced by feeding pharmacological levels of zinc after weaning, although serum and tissue Zn concentrations were increased. When compared with the bioavailability of Zn in ZnSO 4 , the bioavailability of Zn was lowest for ZnO and intermediate for Zn-lysine and Zn-methionine.
Boundary Value Problems: Numerical (Approximate) Methods

In Chapter 5, we discussed analytic methods of solution for electrostatic problems. The most outstanding feature of these methods was that the solution was exact and in the form of a mathematical relation. On the other hand, only certain classes of problems could be solved. In the case of the method of images, the question was one of finding the correct system of images, a requirement that meant, almost always, that a constant potential surface exists or can be stipulated. If this conducting surface is very complex, the condition of zero potential on the surface may not be as easy to satisfy. Similarly, separation of variable, while certainly valid in general, is often difficult to apply because of the need to satisfy complex boundary conditions. If the boundaries of the problem are not parallel to coordinates, it is next to impossible to find the constants required for solution. Even for the simple planar geometries discussed in Chapter 5, the solution required considerable skill. Furthermore, precious little was said about solution of Poisson’s equation. For another example of the difficulty in analytic solutions, consider Fig. 6.1, which shows a simple parallel plate capacitor. Suppose we need to calculate its capacitance. One method we used before is to assume that the plates are very close to each other, neglect fringing, and use the formula for the parallel plate capacitor. In Fig. 6.1a, the distance between the plates is very small, and the capacitance may be approximated as C = eA/d [F]. Figure 6.1b shows the same two plates, but now the plates are much farther apart, perhaps because our design requires that this capacitor withstand high voltages. Here, we cannot neglect fringing, and, therefore, the use of the formula for parallel plate capacitors is incorrect. How can we solve this problem? It seems that none of the methods of the previous chapters applies here. Yet, this type of problem is quite common. Other examples are the voltage and fields of power lines in the presence of conducting objects (such as transformers, towers, buildings, etc.), field distributions between nonparallel surfaces, and many others. Although, in some cases, assumptions can be made to simplify the problem, this is not always possible and we are faced with the need to solve problems for which analytic methods cannot be used.
Braingame: a web-based student response system

Audience response systems have been used in education for several years. The most common technology, and the one most studied in the literature, is the "Clicker" system. At our institution, we wanted to experiment with a student response system that was flexible, expandable, did not require any additional hardware or a separate network beyond our university wireless and student laptops, provided a history of student response, and could be easily integrated in existing classroom presentation styles. We developed BrainGame as a web-based approach to provide such a tool. By using existing student computers, the educational wireless network, and a cloud-based backend server and database, BrainGame allows students to respond to instructor questions presented in the classroom. This paper outlines the BrainGame design and capability comparing it to existing systems in the literature. We describe the different ways in which we have used the tool in the classroom and our experience with instructor and student reactions. Finally, we present future plans for tool enhancement and use in the classroom.
Oral health in older adults with dementia living in different environments: a propensity analysis

This study was to compare oral health in dementia patients living in different environments. One hundred two dementia patients living in the community, assisted living facilities and nursing homes (NH) were retrospectively selected from a community-based dental clinic. Participants' sociodemographics, medical, dental, functional, and cognitive assessment were documented at arrival. Poisson and negative-binomial regressions were developed to assess impacts of residential status on the number of missing teeth and number of caries/retained roots, respectively. Oral health was poor in study participants, regardless of their residential status. Nearly 30% of NH residents were edentulous, about two times higher than those in the community. Dentate participants averaged about 5.9 caries/retained roots at arrival. Forty-four percent of community-dwelling participants and 54% of NH residents presented with five or more caries/retained roots. Holding other factors constant, living environment was not associated with oral health measures, indicating oral health had declined in dementia patients before they were placed into NH.
Aphonia and epiglottitis in neonate with concomitant MRSA skin infection.

We report an unusual case of a neonate with aphonia due to epiglottitis with a concomitant methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) infection of the genitalia and associated septic emboli to the groin area and mouth. We postulate that the MRSA infection caused a transient bacteremia that seeded the epiglottis, likely causing the epiglottitis. In the evaluation of a neonate with aphonia, while the two primary differentials to consider are vocal cord paralysis and laryngeal web, among other considerations is epiglottitis (supraglottitis).
The topography of lambda DNA: Polyriboguanylic acid binding sites and base composition

Abstract The positions of the ten poly(rG) binding sites on the two strands of λ DNA have been determined with the aid of the families of overlapping DNA fragments described in the preceding paper and the DNA of deletion mutants. Nine sites are on the r-strand ‡ : two are located in the right half, 0·84 ± 0·03 and 0·91 ± 0·02 molecular length unit from the left end; and seven are evenly distributed within 0·4 unit from the left end. The tenth site is on the l-strand, 0·60 ± 0·03 unit from the left end. Another site was mapped on the r-strand of the bio segment of Escherichia coli DNA found in λ bio variants; the l-strand of this segment contains no sites. All λ sites are alike in binding the same amount of poly(rG) and are considered to be derived from a set of repeated sequences with two orientations: gr sequences generate sites on r-strands; gl sequences, on l-strands. Without exception, this orientation corresponds to the orientation of transcription at the location of the sequence, transcription being from the r-strand at gr sites and from the l-strand at the gl site. The location of these g sequences indicates that they are not equivalent to operators, promoters or rho-dependent termination sites. However, g sequences do exhibit a positive topographic correlation with the multiple mRNA molecules derived from single transcriptons in λ. This correlation suggests that g sequences determine where the mRNA from a single transcripton is to be divided. The selective advantages that could result from this division and the likely mechanisms for effecting it are discussed. The base composition of λ DNA as a function of molecular length has been determined from the buoyant density of the overlapping fragments, complementing and extending previous maps.
The p38 and JNK pathways cooperate to trans-activate vitamin D receptor via c-Jun/AP-1 and sensitize human breast cancer cells to vitamin D-3-induced growth inhibition

The signaling connection between mitogen-activated protein kinases(MAPKs) and nuclear steroid receptors is complex and remains mostly unexplored. Here we report that stress-activated protein kinases p38 and JNK trans-activate nuclear steroid vitamin D receptor (VDR) gene and increase vitamin D3-dependent growth inhibition in human breast cancer cells. Activation of p38 and JNK by an active MAPK kinase 6 stimulates VDR promoter activity independently of the ligand vitamin D3 and estrogen receptor expression. Moreover, stimulation of the endogenous stress pathways by adenovirus-mediated delivery of recombinant MAPK kinase 6 also activates VDR and sensitizes MCF-7 cells to vitamin D3-dependent growth inhibition. Both the p38 and JNK MAPK pathways and the downstream transcription factor c-Jun/AP-1 are required for the VDR stimulation, as revealed by application of their dominant negatives, the specific p38 inhibitor SB203580, and site-directed mutagenesis of the AP-1 element in the VDR promoter. The essential role of the p38 and JNK stress pathways in up-regulation of VDR expression is further confirmed by using the chemical stimulator arsenite. These results establish a signaling connection between the stress MAPK pathways and steroid hormone receptor VDR expression and thereby offer new insights into regulation of cell growth by the MAPK pathways through regulation of vitamin D3/VDR activity.
Binding of the rat liver 7–8 S dexamethasone receptor to deoxyribonucleic acid

Abstract The 7–8 S form of the [3H]dexamethasone (9α-fluoro-11β,17,21-trihydroxy-16α-methylpregna-1, 4-diene-3,20-dione) receptor from rat liver cytosol can be converted to the 3–4 S form by RNase treatment or high salt, suggesting a salt-sensitive association between the receptor protein and RNA. In DNA-cellulose column assays, the gradient-purified 3–4 S form bound DNA more efficiently than the 7–8 S form, though the 7–8 S form was also capable of binding to DNA-cellulose to a significant extent. Activated 7–8 S dexamethasone receptor could be released from its association with soluble DNA by treatment with DNase I. Sucrose gradient analysis showed that the released receptor sedimented as the 7–8 S form and was sensitive to RNase treatment, which induced a conversion to the 3–4 S form. Activated RNase-generated 3–4 S receptor again displayed a higher degree of binding to soluble DNA and was recovered in the 3–4 S form following DNase extraction. The fact that the 3–4 S form bound immobilized or soluble DNA more efficiently suggests that the associated RNA of the 7–8 S form interferes directly or indirectly with the receptor association with DNA. The observation that the receptor binds to DNA in its 7–8 S form suggests that the receptor complex is capable of binding RNA and DNA concurrently.
Process simulation and optimization of methanol production coupled to tri-reforming process

Abstract Tri-reforming, as a new approach for the treatment of CO 2 in flue stack gases, has been studied in this work. To determine the optimum operating conditions for the production of syngas with target ratio and maximum CO 2 conversion, the effects of temperature (400–1200 °C), CH 4 /Flue gas ratio (0.4–1.0) and pressure (1–5 atm), on the compositions of syngas were investigated. Also, the methanol production from syngas has been rigorously simulated. An optimum heat exchange network was obtained with the objective of minimizing both utility and capital costs, which were calculated by General Algebraic Modeling system (GAMS). Furthermore, an economic analysis was carried out to substantiate the potential profits based on the conceptual results from heat integration. Results showed that the tri-reforming process, when integrated with methanol synthesis, is an economical approach for the treatment and utilization of CO 2 in flue gases.
Relations of Maternal Style and Child Self-Concept to Autobiographical Memories in Chinese, Chinese Immigrant, and European American 3-Year-Olds

The relations of maternal reminiscing style and child self-concept to children's shared and independent autobiographical memories were examined in a sample of 189 three-year-olds and their mothers from Chinese families in China, first-generation Chinese immigrant families in the United States, and European American families. Mothers shared memories with their children and completed questionnaires; children recounted autobiographical events and described themselves with a researcher. Independent of culture, gender, child age, and language skills, maternal elaborations and evaluations were associated with children's shared memory reports, and maternal evaluations and child agentic self-focus were associated with children's independent memory reports. Maternal style and child self-concept further mediated cultural influences on children's memory. The findings provide insight into the social-cultural construction of autobiographical memory.
Marketing Relationship Management: Antecedents to Survival and Dissolution

ABSTRACT Though investing in relationships in order to continue them seems intuitive, is every relationship worth further investment? For those partnerships in unstable conditions, it is important to know which ones are headed for dissolution and which ones have the potential to survive. In addition to assessing the economic value of continuing a partnership, this paper argues that the behavioral quality of a relationship should also be considered if relationship management is to be successful. A Partnership Survival Framework (PSF) is offered, wherein conflict response behaviors are shown to be predictive of not only survival but also the quality of a relationship. Here, the PSF is proposed and tested. Support is found for the framework and theoretical and managerial implications are discussed.
Measurement of multiplet intensities and noble gas-broadened line widths in the V3-fundamental of methane

Presented integrated intensity data at 300 K for J multiplets between P(11) and R(11) in the nu-3 fundamental of C-12 methane are shown to be in good agreement with most previously published pertinent values. Also, line widths measured at 100 K, 130 K, 190 K, 250 K, and 300 K for R(0), R(1), and R(2) broadened by He, Ne, and Ar are presented, and the line-width temperature dependence is discussed for the three cases of broadening.
1484 PERIVENTRICULAR (PVH) , INTRAVENTRICULAR (IVH) , PARENCHYMAL HEMORRHAGE (PH) AND VENTRICULAR DILATATION (VD) IN TWIN INFANTS

It is generally expected that the second-born twin may have an acute distress due to the adverse effects of intrapartum period and the small twin is usually a subject for intrauterine chronic distress which may both lead to an intracranial bleed. We studied 21 pairs of low birth weight (LEW) twin pregnancies to see whether the incidence and severity of US abnormalities, such as PVH, IVH, PH and VD, are different between the pairs. The study population had a gestational age of (X) 32.8 wk, birth wt of 1649 g, 5 minute Apgar score of 7.9 and the postnatal age at first US examination of 45.6 h. Comparison between twin (A) and (B) and also twin Small (S) and Large (L) follows: The entire comparison also shows no significant difference between the sequence and size based groups as they relate to cranial US and other relevant clinical parameters. There appears to be no evidence of relative increase in the incidence or severity of PVH, IVH, PH and VD in twin infants during immediate, early and late neonatal period.
Electron-nuclei hyperfine interactions in imino nitroxide radicals

The 1H and 13C N.M.R. spectra of a series of imino nitroxide radicals have been studied to obtain electron-nuclei hyperfine coupling constants. A comparison of the spin distribution in these radicals with that previously determined for a series of nitronyl nitroxide radicals indicates a similar mechanism of spin propagation from the heterocyclic ring to the aryl ring, in accord with theoretical predictions [1]. The methyl protons on the two sides of the imino nitroxide ring are found to have different coupling constants: these are discussed in terms of separate interactions with spin at the nitrogen and oxygen atoms. N.M.R. lines are observed from all of the aryl 13C atoms and from the α and β carbon atoms of the heterocyclic ring. The aromatic carbon spin polarization parameters are found to be in accord with those previously reported [2]. Polarization of the bridgehead-ortho bond by spin in the heterocyclic ring appears to contribute to the coupling constants of the ortho carbon atoms.
Creating healthy environments: Household-based Health behaviors of contemporary Mexican American women

This article describes the household-based health behaviors of a sample of contemporary Mexican American women.1 Using the Household Production of Health (HHPH) as a conceptual framework and ethnographic methods of inquiry, 13 moderately to highly acculturated women of Mexican ancestry participated in multiple interviews about their health beliefs and household health behaviors. This article examines the findings related to the following research question: What are the health-producing and help-seeking behaviors (proximate determinants of health) used by Mexican American women to produce health? Themes focusing on creating healthy environments and treating illness are discussed. Awareness of the activities that women use to create and support household health can enhance the practice of nurses interested in supporting women's health work and improving health outcomes in the Mexican American community.
Rejection of empathy in negotiation

Trust is a crucial quality in the development of individuals and societies and empathy plays a key role in the formation of trust. Trust and empathy have growing importance in studies of negotiatio ...
The continuous infrared spectroscopic analysis of reversed phase liquid chromatography separations

A method for HPLC/FTIR is discussed in which the effluent from a microbore HPLC is continuously deposited onto and eliminated from the surface of a circular rotating germanium crystal that has been aluminum coated on its opposite side. After deposition, the germanium disk is again rotated, this time in the sample compartment of an FTIR spectrometer while reflectance-absorbance infrared spectra are continuously collected. The novel germanium-aluminum deposition surface allows collection of reflectance-absorbance spectra that are free of the degrading effects of superposition phenomena characteristic of reflectance-absorbance spectra obtained on metal surfaces. Furthermore, germanium is impervious to aqueous solvent mixtures and, therefore, allows for the direct deposition of reversed phase separations, including those requiring acid modified mobile phases.
Review of the Development of Compact, High Performance Heat Exchangers for Gas Turbine Applications

This study provides a review of the current state-of-the-art in compact heat exchangers and their application to gas turbine thermal management. Specifically, the challenges and potential solutions for a cooled cooling air system using the aircraft fuel as a heat sink were analyzed. As the sensible heat absorbed by the fuel in future engines is increased, the fuel will be exposed to increasingly hotter temperatures. This poses a number of design challenges for fuel-air heat exchangers. The most well known challenge is fuel deposition or coking. Another problem encountered at high fuel temperatures is thermo-acoustic oscillations. Thermo-acoustic oscillations have been shown to occur in many fluids when heated near the critical point, yet the mechanism of these oscillations is poorly understood. In some cases these instabilities have been strong enough cause failure in the thin walled tubes used in heat exchangers. For the specific application of a fuel-air heat exchanger, the advantages of a laminar flow device are discussed. These devices make use of the thermal entry region to achieve high heat transfer coefficients. To increase performance further, heat transfer enhancement techniques were reviewed and the feasibility for aerospace heat exchangers was analyzed. Two of the most basic techniques for laminar flow enhancement include tube inserts and swirl flow devices. Additionally, the effects of these devices on both coking and instabilities have been assessed.Copyright © 2006 by ASME
The wintertime South Pole tropospheric water vapor column: Comparisons of radiosonde and recent terahertz radiometry, use of the saturated column as a proxy measurement, and inference of decadal trends

[1] We use a fifty-year record of wintertime radiosonde observations at the South Pole to estimate the precipitable water vapor column (PWV) over the entire period. Humidity data from older radiosondes is of limited reliability; however, we think an estimation of PWV is possible using temperature data because the wintertime lower troposphere is very close to saturated. From temperature data we derived PWVSAT which is the PWV if the troposphere was saturated over the entire column. Comparisons to recent radiosonde humidity data indicate that PWV ≃ 0.88PWVSAT. Since 1998 a CMU/NRAO 860 GHz atmospheric radiometer has been operating at the South Pole producing zenith opacity data, τo. It is expected that τo ∝ PWV, and also τo ∝ PWVSAT, since the lower atmospheric column is near to saturation. We compare trends in τo, PWVSAT, and PWV. PWV and PWVSAT showed little trend in the last fifty years, 1961 to 2010, except perhaps in the last two decades, when PWVSAT was below average, followed by an increasing trend to above average. This increasing trend in the last decade was also observed in τo, except for the final two years when it appears that something changed in the instrument response. PWVSAT is a useful metric for estimating PWV in the earlier years of wintertime South Pole radiosonde, and it is generally useful for evaluating the wintertime performance of radiosonde humidity and atmospheric opacity instrumentation.
Acute gonadotropin release induced by exogenous estradiol during the mid-follicular phase of the menstrual cycle.

During the mid-follicular phase of the cycle (D7-9), a rapid increase in serum estradiol levels was induced via 17β-estradiol infusion, ethinyl estradiol and estradiol benzoate administration in a fashion simulating the pre-ovulatory rise and this elicited an acute release of LH to a lesser degree FSH, in 5 of 7 subjects studied. During treatment (1–3 days) a uniform suppression of gonadotropin levels was noted. This negative feedback effect was followed by the onset of an acute surge of both gonadotropins which occurred 12–24 hrs after the termination of treatment when a consistent drop of serum estradiol concentrations was observed. In three subjects the induced LH-FSH surge was comparable to those occurring spontaneously at midcycle, but without evidence of ovarian response either in ovulation or in the enhanced estradiol secretion. In all subjects, this transient disruption of the normal sequence of gonadotropin secretion was associated with an impairment of follicular maturation as reflected by the l...
Left ventricular inotropic effect of atrial pacing after coronary artery bypass grafting

Abstract The effect of atrial pacing on left ventricular (LV) performance was studied in 19 patients, 24 hours after coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG). LV volumes were calculated from simultaneous radionuclide-thermodilution measurements at rest (heart rate 82 ± 12 beats/min), 10 minutes after the start of atrial pacing (100 beats/min), and with atrial pacing plus volume loading to return preload toward baseline. Atrial pacing reduced preload as reflected by LV end-diastolic volume index (69 ± 14 vs 60 ± 14 ml/m 2 , mean ± standard deviation) (p
Formation of thin film dielectrics by remote plasma-enhanced chemical-vapor deposition (remote PECVD)

Abstract This paper describes the low-temperature deposition of thin films of silicon oxides, nitrides and oxynitrides by remote PECVD. The remote PECVD process differs from conventional and direct PECVD process in two ways: (a) only a subset of the process reactants and/or diluents are directly plasma excited; and (b) thin film deposition takes place on a substrate that is outside of the plasma glow region. In order to: (a) restrict the multiplicity of reaction pathways, (b) control oxide and nitride stoichiometry; and (c) minimize bonded hydrogen incorporation, the silane reactant is never directly plasma excited. In the context of the remote PECVD process, we discuss: (a) multichamber systems with in-situ process diagnostics and in-situ surface analysis; (b) different deposition protocols; (c) reaction pathways; (d) process gas-substrate reactions; (e) chemical-bonding, and the optical and vibrational properties of the deposited thin films; (e) differences between remote PECVD and thermally grown silicon oxides; and (f) remote PECVD dielectrics in device structures.
Smoking Topography in Response to Denicotinized and High-Yield Nicotine Cigarettes in Adolescent Smokers

Abstract Purpose The objective of this study was to explore the smoking topography of adolescent smokers. It is well established that the majority of adult nicotine-dependent smokers began smoking as adolescents. Whereas recent advances have been made with respect to identification of factors that predispose to nicotine dependence, very little is known about the actual smoking behavior (e.g., topography) of adolescent smokers, or its relationship to nicotine dependence. Correspondingly, the extent to which adolescent smokers smoke to obtain nicotine is also unknown. Methods In the present study, we assessed several topographical indices of smoking (e.g., puff volume, puff number) in a sample of 35 light, adolescent smokers. Moreover, we examined whether smoking behavior is different in response to smoking a denicotinized relative to a high-yield, nicotine cigarette. Results All participants evidenced a significant increase in expired air carbon monoxide after the smoking of a cigarette. Results of independent-sample t -tests revealed that adolescents who smoked a low-yield nicotine cigarette took significantly more puffs per cigarette than did those who smoked a high-yield cigarette. Conclusions These findings suggest that adolescent smokers do titrate their nicotine intake in response to smoking denicotinized cigarettes, but do so not by taking larger puffs or smoking more quickly, but by simply taking more puffs per cigarette. Implications of the findings and future directions for this type of research with adolescents are discussed.