cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Sodium channel regulation in the nervous system: how the action potential keeps in shape

Multiple Na+ channel types, differing in functional properties, have been identified in the nervous system. The role of distinct alpha subunits in generating this functional diversity is discussed in light of the recent finding that the beta 1 subunit modulates Na+ channel function. Possible mechanisms involved in the regulation of the genes coding for the different subunits are also discussed.
Building implicit links from content for forum search

The objective of Web forums is to create a shared space for open communications and discussions of specific topics and issues. The tremendous information behind forum sites is not fully-utilized yet. Most links between forum pages are automatically created, which means the link-based ranking algorithm cannot be applied efficiently. In this paper, we proposed a novel ranking algorithm which tries to introduce the content information into link-based methods as implicit links. The basic idea is derived from the more focused random surfer: the surfer may more likely jump to a page which is similar to what he is reading currently. In this manner, we are allowed to introduce the content similarities into the link graph as a personalization bias. Our method, named Fine-grained Rank (FGRank), can be efficiently computed based on an automatically generated topic hierarchy. Not like the topic-sensitive PageRank, our method only need to compute single PageRank score for each page. Another contribution of this paper is to present a very efficient algorithm for automatically generating topic hierarchy and map each page in a large-scale collection onto the computed hierarchy. The experimental results show that the proposed method can improve retrieval performance, and reveal that content-based link graph is also important compared with the hyper-link graph.
Prolate spheroidal wavefunctions as an alternative to Chebyshev and Legendre polynomials for spectral element and pseudospectral algorithms

Prolate spheroidal functions of order zero are generalizations of Legendre polynomials which, when the "bandwidth parameter" c > 0, oscillate more uniformly on x ∈ [-1,1] than either Chebyshev or Legendre polynomials. This suggests that, compared to these polynomials, prolate functions give more uniform spatial resolution. Further, when used as the spatial discretization for time-dependent partial differential equations in combination with explicit time-marching, prolate functions allow a longer stable timestep than Legendre polynomials. We show that these advantages are real and further, that it is almost trivial to modify existing pseudospectral and spectral element codes to use the prolate basis. However, improvements in spatial resolution are at most a factor of π/2, approached slowly as N → ∞ The timestep can be lengthened by several times, but not by a factor that grows rapidly with N. The prolate basis is not likely to radically expand the range of problems that can be done on a workstation. However, for production runs on the "bleeding edge" edge of arithmurgy, such as numerical weather prediction, the rewards for switching to a prolate basis may be considerable.
Decreased Peritoneal Ovarian Cancer Growth in Mice Lacking Expression of Lipid Phosphate Phosphohydrolase 1

Lysophosphatidic acid (LPA) is a bioactive lipid that enhances ovarian cancer cell proliferation, migration and invasion in vitro and stimulates peritoneal metastasis in vivo. LPA is generated through the action of autotaxin or phospholipases, and degradation begins with lipid phosphate phosphohydrolase (LPP)-dependent removal of the phosphate. While the effects of LPA on ovarian cancer progression are clear, the effects of LPA metabolism within the tumor microenvironment on peritoneal metastasis have not been reported. We examined the contribution of lipid phosphatase activity to ovarian cancer peritoneal metastasis using mice deficient in LPP1 expression. Homozygous deletion of LPP1 (LPP1 KO) results in elevated levels and decreased turnover of LPA in vivo. Within 2 weeks of intraperitoneal injection of syngeneic mouse ovarian cancer cells, we observed enhanced tumor seeding in the LPP1 KO mice compared to wild type. However, tumor growth plateaued in the LPP1 KO mice by 3 weeks while tumors continued to grow in wild type mice. The decreased tumor burden was accompanied by increased apoptosis and no change in proliferation or angiogenesis. Tumor growth was restored and apoptosis reversed with exogenous administration of LPA. Together, these observations demonstrate that the elevated levels of LPA per se in LPP1 KO mice do not inhibit tumor growth. Rather, the data support the notion that either elevated LPA concentration or altered LPA metabolism affects other growth-promoting contributions of the tumor microenvironment.
Light microscopic cytochemistry and ultrastructure of red clover vein mosaic virus-induced inclusions

Abstract Characteristic crystalline inclusions were observed in the cytoplasm of epidermal strips from stems, petioles, and leaves of Pisum sativum, Trifolium pratense , and Vicia faba infected with red clover vein mosaic virus (RCVMV). These inclusions vary in their shapes and sizes, from regular hexagonal prisms (up to 30 × 16 μm) to globular structures with irregular borders. The chemical nature of these inclusions was determined by cytochemical tests. The inclusions were ninhydrin positive, stained red with pyronin Y-methyl green, stained blue to purple with azure B, and fluoresced flame red with dilute acridine orange. Inclusions treated with RNase or hydrolyzed with perchloric acid did not fluoresce red with acridine orange or stain with pyronin, whereas treatment with DNase had no effect on the staining properties of these inclusions. These results are consistent with the presence of protein and a single-stranded ribonucleic acid in the inclusions. Electron microscopy of thin sections, obtained from sectioning an inclusion at different angles, showed that these inclusions were composed of polyhedral particles (approximately 10 nm in diameter) arranged in a hexagonal pattern. The polyhedral nature of these particles and their arrangement in a cubic symmetry was confirmed by viewing thick sections of the inclusions with a high voltage electron microscope equipped with an axis center tilting stage. The inclusions were not aggregates of RCVMV rods.
The 1998 Baltimore Particulate Matter Epidemiology-Exposure Study: part 1. Comparison of ambient, residential outdoor, indoor and apartment particulate matter monitoring.

A combined epidemiological–exposure panel study was conducted during the summer of 1998 in Baltimore, Maryland. The objectives of the exposure analysis component of the 28-day study were to investigate the statistical relationships between particulate matter (PM) and related co-pollutants from numerous spatial boundaries associated with an elderly population, provide daily mass concentrations needed for the epidemiological assessment, and perform an extensive personal exposure assessment. Repeated 24-h integrated PM2.5 (n=394) and PM10 (n=170) data collections corresponding to stationary residential central indoor, individual apartment, residential outdoor and ambient monitoring were obtained using the same sampling methodology. An additional 325 PM2.5 personal air samples were collected from a pool of 21 elderly (65+ years of age) subjects. These subjects were residents of the 18-story retirement facility where residential monitoring was conducted. Mean daily central indoor and residential apartment concentrations were approximately 10 µg/m3. Outdoor and ambient PM2.5 concentrations averaged 22 µg/m3 with a daily range of 6.7–59.3 µg/m3. The slope of the central indoor/outdoor PM2.5 mass relationship was 0.38. The average daily ratio of PM2.5/PM10 mass co ncentrations across the measurement sites ranged from 0.73 to 0.92. Both the central indoor and mean apartment PM2.5 mass concentrations were highly correlated with the outdoor variables (r>0.94). The lack of traditionally recognized indoor sources of PM present within the facility might have accounted for the high degree of correlation observed between the variables. Results associated with the personal monitoring effort are discussed in depth in Part 2 of this article.
A reduction procedure for coloring perfect K 4 -free graphs

Abstract This paper presents an algorithmic proof of the validity of the Strong Perfect Graph Conjecture for graphs whose largest clique is a triangle. The proof leads to an O(n3) algorithm to 3-color such graphs. In the process, a method is presented to contract a perfect graph into a set of smaller perfect graphs that are (K4-e)-free.
Relationship of relative weight and body mass index to 14-year mortality in the Chicago Peoples Gas Company study.

Abstract The importance of relative weight and body mass index to 14-yr mortality of 1233 white males of the Chicago Peoples Gas Company Study is analyzed by the inclusion of a quadratic term for weight in the multiple logistic function. The endpoints of death, all causes, CVR death, and CHD death are found to have a significant quadratic relationship to body mass index for the total cohort of 1233 men, while relative weight is found to have a quadratic relationship only with death, all causes. When the group is broken into men aged 40–49 and 50–59, body mass continues to show an important quadratic relationship to all three endpoints, while relative weight shows only an important quadratic relationship to death, all causes, among men aged 50–59. When the cohort is divided into smokers and nonsmokers, body mass index shows a significant quadratic relationship to all endpoints except CHD death among nonsmokers. Relative weight, on the other hand, is related quadratically only to total mortality in both groups. The weights corresponding to the lowest mortality are found to be about 25–35 per cent above the ideal published by the Metropolitan Life Insurance Company. Thus, for this cohort moderate overweight appears to be a sign of good health. Those individuals with the highest risk are those near the so-called ideal weight and those who are markedly obese, say with a relative weight above 150 or 160.
Governing knowledge and the scope of the firm

Purpose – The paper aims to investigate how failure of markets for commercially useful knowledge can lead to the broadening of the scope of a firm. Design/methodology/approach – Design: case study methodology: selective literature review as relating to the findings of the case study approach: theoretical as built on the case study and literature review. Findings – Failure in the market between firms for new commercial knowledge led the case study firm to broaden the scope of its operations. Creation of special corporate culture to govern team performance was crucial for this process. Originality/value – Originality lies in: the case study, theoretically linking failure in the markets for knowledge to broadening of the scope of the firm. Identifying the firm's corporate culture as a team motivational and cost control device making broadening of scope of the firm cost efficient.
Antiviral Effect of Orally Administered (−)-β-d-2-Aminopurine Dioxolane in Woodchucks with Chronic Woodchuck Hepatitis Virus Infection

(−)-β-d-2-Aminopurine dioxolane (APD) is a nucleoside prodrug that is efficiently converted to 9-(β-d-1,3-dioxolan-4-yl)guanine (DXG). DXG has antiviral activity in vitro against hepatitis B virus (HBV) but limited aqueous solubility, making it difficult to administer orally to HBV-infected individuals. APD is more water soluble than DXG and represents a promising prodrug for the delivery of DXG. A placebo-controlled, dose-ranging efficacy and pharmacokinetic study was conducted with woodchucks that were chronically infected with woodchuck hepatitis virus (WHV). APD was efficiently converted to DXG after oral and intravenous administrations of APD, with serum concentrations of DXG being higher following oral administration than following intravenous administration, suggestive of a considerable first-pass intestinal and/or hepatic metabolism. APD administered orally at 1, 3, 10, and 30 mg/kg of body weight per day for 4 weeks produced a dose-dependent antiviral response. Doses of 3 and 10 mg/kg/day reduced serum WHV viremia by 0.4 and 0.7 log 10 copies/ml, respectively. The 30-mg/kg/day dose resulted in a more pronounced, statistically significant decline in serum WHV viremia of 1.9 log 10 copies/ml and was associated with a 1.5-fold reduction in hepatic WHV DNA. Individual woodchucks within the highest APD dose group that had declines in serum WHV surface antigen levels, WHV viremia, and hepatic WHV DNA also had reductions in hepatic WHV RNA. There was a prompt recrudescence of WHV viremia following drug withdrawal. Therefore, oral administration of APD for 4 weeks was safe in the woodchuck model of chronic HBV infection, and the effect on serum WHV viremia was dose dependent.
Effects of administration of antiestrogen (tamoxifen) in vivo on the metabolism of 25-hydroxyvitamin D3in vitro in the japanese quail

Abstract It has been reported that certain reproductive hormones exert a regulatory function on vitamin D metaboism in avian species. More specifically, we and others have demonstrated that administration of estrogen enhances renal 25-hydroxyvitamin D 3 -1-hydroxylase activity. The present work is aimed at further elucidating this regulatory function of estrogen by studying the effects of an antiestrogen, tamoxifen, on renal 1-hydroxylase activity. Female Japanese quail, maintained on either a low calcium or a normal calcium diet, were injected with tamoxifen (10 and 30 mg/kg, i.m. three times weekly for 4 weeks) and renal 1-hydroxylase activity in vitro was determined. The higher dose of tamoxifen significantly inhibited 1-hydroxylase activity when compared with control birds injected with vehicle alone; this inhibitory effect was observed whether the birds were maintained on a normal or a low calcium diet. Tamoxifen at the lower dose significantly inhibited 1-hydroxylase only in those birds maintained on a low calcium diet. Plasma calcium concentrations and oviduct weights were significantly decreased by tamoxifen at both dose levels and under both dietary conditions. The 1-hy-droxylase data, coupled with the previously reported stimulatory effects of exogenous estradiol and the inhibitory effects of ovariectomy, support the concept that estrogens can influence renal 1-hydroxylase activity in avian species. Nevertheless, when estradiol was administered (1 and 3 mg/kg, i.m., three weekly for 4 weeks) concurrently with tamoxifen. it did not reverse, but tended to add to, the blocking effect of tamoxifen. This indicates that the regulatory function of estrogen is not simple. Estradiol may have a latent inhibitory component with respect to renal 1-hydroxylase activity, a component which may be unmasked by the presence of an antiestrogen.
Sigma receptor agonists provide neuroprotection in vitro by preserving bcl-2

Background—Sigma (σ)-receptor agonists attenuate brain injury after experimental focal cerebral ischemia in several species. We tested the hypothesis that the potent, prototypical σ1-receptor agonist, 4-phenyl-1-(4-phenylbutyl) piperidine (PPBP), protects neurons by a mechanism involving the antiapoptotic protein bcl-2. Methods—Primary cortical neuronal cultures were exposed to either 2 h of oxygen–glucose deprivation (OGD) or glutamate (100 μM). PPBP treatment was initiated either 15 min prior to the insult or at 15 min postinsult then continued for 24 h. In another set of experiments, cultured neurons were preincubated for 2 h prior to PPBP treatment with σ1-receptor antagonist, rimcazole, in a dosedependent manner. Alive and dead cells were detected with calcein-AM and propidium iodide respectively. Bcl-2 and bax expression were determined by quantitative real time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction and western blotting, and DNA damage was detected by TUNEL staining. Results—PPBP pretreatment attenuated neuronal injury induced by OGD or glutamate (50 or 100 μM). This protection was reversed with rimcazole (cell death: OGD 48 ± 2%, OGD plus PPBP 31 ± 3%, OGD plus PPBP with rimcazole 46 ± 2%). PPBP treatment increased bcl-2 but not bax mRNA levels. PPBP's ability to preserve bcl-2 protein after OGD by PPBP was fully abolished by rimcazole. Lastly, PPBP reduced the number of TUNEL-positive cells after OGD, suggesting fewer cells with overt DNA damage. Conclusions—These data demonstrate that PPBP reduces cell death in vitro by a mechanism involving receptor-dependent preservation of protective genes such as bcl-2.
Effects of receptor dimerization on the interaction between the class I major histocompatibility complex-related Fc receptor and IgG

The neonatal Fc receptor (FcRn) transports maternal IgG from ingested milk in the gut to the bloodstream of newborn mammals. An FcRn dimer was observed in crystals of the receptor alone and of an FcRn-Fc complex, but its biological relevance was unknown. Here we use surface plasmon resonance-based biosensor assays to assess the role of FcRn dimerization in IgG binding. We find high-affinity IgG binding when FcRn is immobilized on a biosensor chip in an orientation facilitating dimerization but not when its orientation disrupts dimerization. This result supports a model in which IgG-induced dimerization of FcRn is relevant for signaling the cell to initiate endocytosis of the IgG-FcRn complex.
The delegation and privatization of financial accounting rulemaking authority in the United States of America

This article questions the legitimacy of (1) the US Congress' delegation of accounting rulemaking to the US Securities and Exchange Commission and (2) the US Securities and Exchange Commission's further delegation to the private FASB. The first delegation is found to violate the US Constitution and the second to violate both the US Constitution and the US securities laws. SEC and FASB accounting rulemaking are both illegitimate.
Cluster secondary ion mass spectrometry: an insight into super-efficient collision cascades

Abstract Some collision cascades, induced by keV polyatomic projectiles, result in the emission of multiple secondary ions. Such coincidental ion emission implies that the ejecta originate from molecules co-located within a nano-volume perturbed by a single projectile impact, thus providing an approach for the chemical analysis of nano-domains. The relevance for the chemical analysis of nano-structures depends on the effectiveness of the projectile to cause co-emission of two or more analytically significant secondary ions. The experiments involved Aunm+ projectiles (1≤n≤4; m=1, 2) on phenylalanine targets. We have measured the yields for events in which multiple ions were detected as a function of projectile characteristics. The data show that some collision cascades are “super-efficient”. For example, in a four-ion detection event, the yield for the phenylalanine molecular ion is two orders of magnitude larger from Au4 impacts than from equal velocity Au+ projectiles.
The operation of 0.35 μm partially depleted SOI CMOS technology in extreme environments

Abstract We evaluate the usefulness of partially depleted SOI CMOS devices fabricated in a 0.35 μm technology on UNIBOND material for electronics applications requiring robust operation under extreme environment conditions consisting of low and/or high temperature, and under substantial radiation exposure. The threshold voltage, effective mobility, and the impact ionization parameters were determined across temperature for both the nFETs and the pFETs. The radiation response was characterized using threshold voltage shifts of both the front-gate and back-gate transistors. These results suggest that this 0.35 μm partially depleted SOI CMOS technology is suitable for operation across a wide range of extreme environment conditions consisting of: cryogenic temperatures down to 86 K, elevated temperatures up to 573 K, and under radiation exposure to 1.3 Mrad(Si) total dose.
Development of the CPXSD Methodology for Generation of Fine-Group Libraries for Shielding Applications

AbstractMultigroup cross sections are one of the major factors that cause uncertainties in the results of deterministic transport calculations. Thus, it is important to prepare effective cross-section libraries that include an appropriate group structure and are based on an appropriate spectrum. There are several multigroup cross-section libraries available for particular applications. For example, the 47-neutron, 20-gamma group BUGLE library that is derived from the 199-neutron, 42-gamma group VITAMIN-B6 library is widely used for light water reactor (LWR) shielding and pressure vessel dosimetry applications. However, there is no publicly available methodology that can construct problem-dependent libraries. Thus, the authors have developed the Contributon and Point-wise Cross Section Driven (CPXSD) methodology for constructing effective fine- and broad-group structures. In this paper, new fine-group structures were constructed using the CPXSD, and new fine-group cross-section libraries were generated. Th...
DECREASED TUMOR CYTOLYSIS OF NEUTROPHILS (PMN) FROM PATIENTS WITH CHRONIC GRANULOMATOUS DISEASE (CGD)

Human PMN are capable of lysing tumor cells after activation by stimuli such as phorbol myristate acetate (PMA). We compared PMN from normals and CGD patients for their ability to mediate tumor lysis and inhibit lysis by normal mononuclear cells (MNC). The CGD patients (whose PMN lack the ability to generate reactive oxygen intermediates, ROI) include 2 males (X-linked) and 3 females (autosomal). Human PMN were isolated on discontinuous Percoll gradients, and cytotoxicity was measured by 51Cr release from the K562 cell line. PMN were activated by exposure to PMA (100ng/ml) at 4°C. In an 18 hr assay, normal PMN lysed 33.1±3.9% (n=17) of the target cells and CGD PMN lysed 10.8 ± 2.5% (12 experiments). Decreasing the effector:target ratio to 25:1 did not alter the lytic ability of normal PMN (31.1±4.5%, n=3) but did decrease the lysis by CGD PMN (6.4 ± 1.7%, p<.025). Lysis by both normal and CGD PMN could be almost totally blocked by cytochalasin B (5ug/ml), indicating a role for the cytoskeleton. Preliminary studies indicate that lysis by CGD PMN (but not normal PMN) is enhanced by both tumor necrosis factor and interferon-gamma. The addition of normal PMN to normal MNC decreased natural killer (NK) lysis from 68.8 ± 3.5% (MNC alone) to 41.4 ± 6.7% (MNC + PMN, p<.001). By contrast, CGD PMN did not decrease MNC-mediated lysis (68.2 ± 4.5%). Thus, tumor cytolysis by PMN appears to be dependent on both oxidative and non-oxidative mechanisms, whereas inhibition of NK cytotoxicity requires the generation of ROI.
Information gain of psychophysiological detection of deception in forensic and screening settings.

We adapted and applied the Wells and Olson’s (2002) Information Gain Analyses to examine the relative usefulness of a common psycho-physiological deception detection (PDD) technique, the Comparison Question Test, in forensic and screening settings as compared to unassisted lay and professional persons. We found that in forensic settings PDD provided substantial improvements in information gain over unassisted laypersons across nearly the complete range of the base rate of guilt. This was true for accuracy estimates based on laboratory and field data. At p(guilt) = 0.9, a benchmark set by critics of PDD, PDD provided 27 times the information gain of credibility decisions made by unassisted lay persons. Analyses of a screening PDD indicated that only deceptive outcomes provide useful information gain at relevant low base rates of guilt. These results strongly support the use of PDD in forensic settings and have implications for how screening PDD results are used.
Red cell phenylalanine is not available for transport through the blood-brain barrier.

The possibility that red cell-sequestered amino acids such as phenylalanine are available for transport through the brain capillary wall, i.e., the blood-brain barrier (BBB), in vivo was investigated in the present studies with the carotid artery injection technique. Control studies included the examination of the availability of red cell-sequestered solutes such as phenylalanine or D-glucose to liver cells in vivo using a portal vein injection technique. The results show that red cell-sequestered phenylalanine is not available for transport through the BBB or into rat liver in vivo, but human red cell-sequestered D-glucose is available for uptake by liver following portal injection. Therefore, given favorable kinetics it is possible for red cell-sequestered solute to be available for uptake by tissues. However, in the case of neutral amino acids such as phenylalanine, red cell-sequestered amino acid is not available for transport through the BBB in vivo.
A social choice theory of legitimacy

We develop a formal theory of legitimate collective choice. In our theory a policy choice is legitimate if the process through which the final choice was determined is consistent with some principle that can be used to (perhaps partially) rank the potential policy choices. The set of principles in any choice situation is taken to be exogenous, but a decision-making process is defined so as to deal with any nontrivial set of principles. Such a process is itself referred to as legitimate if it is guaranteed to select a legitimate outcome for each possible exogenous set of principles. We characterize the class of procedures that are legitimate, prove that legitimate policy decisions consistent with principles always exist and characterize the set of policy decisions that are legitimate for a any given set of principles. As we do not require the principles to be weak orders of the alternatives, our theory provides a notion of legitimacy that can be satisfied even when the guiding principles are potentially cyclic or incomplete. Accordingly, our theory illustrates one nontautological means by which majoritarian principles can be reconciled with legitimacy.
LATE PULMONARY OUTCOMES POORLY PREDICTED BY EARLY RISK FACTORS IN VERY LOW BIRTH WEIGHT INFANTS • 1566

LATE PULMONARY OUTCOMES POORLY PREDICTED BY EARLY RISK FACTORS IN VERY LOW BIRTH WEIGHT INFANTS • 1566
Gender differences in age of smoking initiation and its association with health

AbstractBackground: It is generally accepted that smoking starts in adolescence and earlier initiation is associated with more negative health outcomes. Some research suggests that women initiate smoking at later ages and have more negative health outcomes than men. The purpose of this study was to examine gender differences in age of initiation and its association with health.Methods: The sample included men (n = 8506) and women (n = 8479) with a history of smoking from the 2001–2002 National Epidemiological Survey of Alcohol Related Conditions. Logistic regression was used to examine gender differences in the effect of late smoking initiation on physical and mental health status after adjusting for covariates.Results: At mostly all ages after 16, women exceeded men in rates of smoking initiation (59.8% versus 50.3%, p < 0.001). Among late initiators (≥16), women were more likely than men to have hypertension (OR: 1.24, CI: 1.09–1.41), heart disease (OR: 1.20, CI: 1.00–1.45), major depressive disorder (O...
NMDAR blockade-induced neonatal brain injury: Reversal by the calcium channel agonist BayK 8644

Abstract We have previously shown that P7 rat pups injected with the N-methyl- d -aspartate receptor (NMDAR) blocker MK801 displayed robust apoptotic injury within hours after injection. Further studies from our lab suggest that loss of calcium cannot be compensated for when vulnerable neurons lack calcium buffering capabilities. Thus, to elevate calcium in these neurons prior to MK801 exposure, we injected P7 rats with the calcium channel agonist BayK 8644. Whereas BayK 8644 did not induce apoptosis by itself, it was found to block MK801-induced injury in a dose-dependent manner. Reversal of MK801 toxicity was complete in the caudate–putamen, partial in the somatosensory cortex but was not observed in the retrosplenial cortex. These results suggest that postnatal brain injury resulting from agents that block the NMDAR, which include commonly used anesthetics as well as drugs of abuse, may be prevented in vulnerable neurons by compensatory increases in calcium prior to exposure to these antagonists.
Exercise habits of licensed nurses and nursing assistants: are they meeting national guidelines?

Abstract Research shows licensed practical nurses and nursing assistants (NAs) have high rates of obesity and hypertension, potentially from limited engagement in physical activity (PA). Therefore, the purpose of this paper was to describe the self-reported exercise engagement, of licensed nurses (i.e., registered and licensed practical nurses) and NAs. We performed a secondary data analysis of two studies that used the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System – PA questionnaire to assess PA levels. The sample consisted of 31 NAs and 40 licensed nurses. Our findings show 50 (56.9%) NAs and licensed nurses report they engage in enough exercise to meet national guidelines. Our sample reported engaging in more exercise than the general population. We suspect measurement biases as over half of our sample reported engaging in at least 300 min of exercise each week. The potential over-reporting could be due to the perception of their work since they do not have sedentary jobs.
Transcription of killer virion double-stranded RNA in vitro

Intracellular virions of stationary phase ethanol-grown cells of a killer strain of Saccharomyces cerevisiae contain encapsulated M (1.1 x 10(6) dalton) and L (3.2 x 10(6) dalton) double-stranded RNA plasmids. These virions also contain RNA polymerase activity which catalyzes the synthesis of full-length, single-stranded, asymmetric transcripts (denoted m and l) of the virion double-stranded RNAs. Product m is made by M-containing particles and shows complete sequence homology to M but not to L. Product l is made by L-containing particles and shows complete homology only to L. The products show no self-homology, indicating asymmetric transcription. Therefore, the polymerase appears to function in vitro as a double-stranded RNA transcriptase. The lack of sequence homology between M and L is confirmed.
Patterns of experience with verbs affect long-term cumulative structural priming.

Recent studies of structural priming have demonstrated that although there is evidence of verb-based effects in short-term priming (e.g., stronger priming when verbs are repeated between prime and target sentences), such effects are absent in long-term priming. We present evidence that verb-based effects can be observed in longterm priming situations. This result has important implications for theoretical accounts of the mechanisms that give rise to structural priming and other such adaptation effects in language production.
Student–Teacher Congruence in Reported Rates of Physical and Relational Victimization Among Elementary-School-Age Children: The Moderating Role of Gender and Age

The present study investigated the degree of congruence between student self-reports and teacher reports of relational and physical victimization and tested whether gender and age moderated these relations. Mixed effect regression models were conducted on a sample of 294 students (50.7% male) in Grades 2 to 5 and their classroom teachers. Results revealed that, despite its covert nature, greater agreement was found between students and teachers on reported rates of relational victimization. However, contrary to our expectations, teacher and student reports of physical victimization were unrelated. Greater agreement was also found among girls and teachers as well as between older students and teachers, however, on reported rates of relational victimization only. Implications are discussed in light of school-based intervention efforts to address peer victimization among students.
Experimental Demonstration and Numerical Simulation of Organic-Aqueous Liquid Extraction Enhanced by Droplet Formation in a Microfluidic Channel

Organic-aqueous (phenol) liquid extraction is one of the commonly used DNA purification methods. Effective mass transfer of biological material between the discrete fluid phases is key to achieving efficient extraction when designing microfluidic devices based on this technique. In the microscale regime, mass transfer is often diffusion limited. However, mass transfer can be enhanced through the formation of discrete droplets within a microchannel, which leads to a recirculation flow pattern within the droplet. This recirculation increases the mass transfer rate of material to the organic-aqueous interface. In this study, an experimental and computational examination of sample extraction between the organic and aqueous phases through droplet formation is presented. The experiment is conducted within a converging dual inlet microfluidic channel fabricated in PDMS. By controlling the capillary number of the flow, different flow patterns are created in the channel. The flow patterns are examined using a computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulation. The CFD model successfully simulates the flow behavior under a variety of flow conditions and provides a closer examination of the internal recirculation pattern within the droplet. The experimental sample extraction utilizes a fluorescent dye localization technique and shows that the droplet flow offers a significant improvement in the speed of sample extraction over diffusional mixing. A preliminary test demonstrates the feasibility of using the droplet formation for fast extraction with biological samples.Copyright © 2006 by ASME
Efficient Production of Reactive Oxygen Species in Neural Precursor Cells after Exposure to 250 MeV Protons

Abstract Giedzinski, E., Rola, R., Fike, J. R. and Limoli, C. L. Efficient Production of Reactive Oxygen Species in Neural Precursor Cells after Exposure to 250 MeV Protons. Radiat. Res. 164, 540–544 (2005). The space radiation environment is composed of highly energetic ions, dominated by protons, that pose a range of potential health risks to astronauts. Traversals of these particles through certain tissues may compromise the viability and/or function of sensitive cells, including neural precursors found within the dentate subgranular zone of the hippocampus. Irradiation has been shown to deplete these cells in vivo, and reductions of these critical cells are believed to impair neurogenesis and cognition. To more fully understand the mechanisms underlying the behavior of these precursor cells after irradiation, we have developed an in vitro neural precursor cell system and used it to assess acute (0–48 h) changes in ROS and mitochondrial end points after exposure to Bragg-peak protons of 250 MeV. Relati...
Corporate collusion in the petroleum and defense industries: a theoretical approach

While interlocking directorates have been misused in Corporate America for decades, traditionally this misuse is in violation of the various antitrust act legislations. Since corporate collusion generally occurs between companies in common industries, and most often involves price fixing or manipulating supply of a product to yield greater pricing and profits, these antitrust violations are often a foregone conclusion. This case study analyzes a type of corporate collusion through interlocking directorates that is far more ominous, exploring the power of interlocking directorates and demonstrating how they may have been misused to manipulate foreign policy and military strategies, and in this case study, how the petroleum and defense industries may have benefitted from these actions.
Determinants of atherosclerosis in the young

Abstract A multicenter cooperative study, Pathobiological Determinants of Atherosclerosis in Youth, examined the relation of the risk factors for adult coronary artery disease to atherosclerosis in nearly 3,000 persons, aged 15–34 years, who died from accidents, homicides, and suicides and were autopsied in forensic laboratories. Very-low-density lipoprotein (VLDL) plus low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol levels were positively, and high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol levels were negatively, associated with both fatty streaks and raised lesions in the aorta and right coronary artery, particularly after age 25. Elevated glycohemoglobin levels were associated with raised lesions throughout the 15–34-year age span. Body mass index was associated with both fatty streaks and raised lesions of the right coronary artery in men but not in women. Smoking was associated with a 3-fold increase in raised lesions of the abdominal aorta in the 25–34-year age group. Women lagged after men in the extent of raised lesions in the right coronary artery by about 5 years, but the effects of risk factors in women, except for adiposity, were similar to those in men. The risk factors for adult coronary artery disease accelerate atherogenesis in the teenage years and their effects are amplified in young adulthood, 20–30 years before coronary artery disease becomes clinically manifest. Long-range prevention of adult coronary artery disease will require control of the risk factors early in life.
Ultra-fast voltage comparators for transient waveform analysis

The time at which an input signal crosses the reference level of a voltage comparator can be used in the analog-to-digital conversion of fast single waveform transients. In such a converter, an array of identical comparators, properly biased, provides stop inputs to a picosecond-resolution multistop time digitizer. Each stop represents a point in the voltage-time reconstruction of the measured waveform. A number of state-of-the-art comparators, bipolar and GaAs, have been evaluated for this application to determine the differences in their time propagation as a function of the input signal overdrive and risetime. Normalized data are presented to assist in the correction of a digitizer's measurement errors. A picosecond time resolution measurement system used in the tests is described. >
Infanticide, moral status and moral reasons: the importance of context

Giubilini and Minerva ask why birth should be a critical dividing line between acceptable and unacceptable reasons for terminating existence. Their argument is that birth does not change moral status in the sense that is relevant: the ability to be harmed by interruption of one9s aims. Rather than question the plausibility of their position or the argument they give, we ask instead about the importance to scholarship or policy of publishing the article: does it to any extent make a novel or needed addition to the literature? Giubilini and Minerva9s argument is remarkably similar to one advanced by Michael Tooley in ‘Abortion and Infanticide,’ almost 40 years ago. There have been immense changes in the intervening 40 years: in the ability to diagnose conditions early in pregnancy, in genetics and in the availability of in vitro fertilization; in understanding of the capabilities of persons with disabilities; in law; in economic support and access to healthcare for pregnant women and their children; in social customs and arrangements; and even in philosophy, with developments in feminist thought, bioethics and cognitive science. Some of these changes have been for the better, but others, such as the unravelling of social safety nets, have arguably been for the worse. Any or all of these changes might give rise to moral reasons for the relevance of birth that were not available 40 years ago. These changes might also be relevant to the identification of cases, if any, in which ‘after-birth abortion’ might be considered. If context is relevant to the applicability of moral reasons—as for theorists of justice in the non-idealised world it surely should be—it is questionable whether a view of the birth-line that ignores contextualising change can be adequate.
Surgeon perception is not a good predictor of peri-operative outcomes in robot-assisted radical prostatectomy

Surgeons have always used their cognitive intuition for the execution of skilled tasks and real-time perception of intra-operative outcomes. We attempted to measure the overall accuracy of intra-operative surgeon perception on the functional outcome of early continence after robot-assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP). A single experienced surgeon (D.I.L.) used a scoring sheet to prospectively capture his subjective opinion of how well a particular portion of the RARP procedure was completed. Surgeon perception of factors affecting post-operative continence such as quality of bladder neck preservation, nerve sparing, urethral length, anastomosis, striated sphincter thickness, quality of Rocco repair and bladder neck plication suture (total 7 variables) were graded as “poor”, “average” or “good”. Urinary continence was graded as either total continence [0 pads per day (PPD) or social continence (security pad or one PPD)]. A total of 273 (39 patients × 7 variables) responses were recorded: 58.6% were rated as “good”, 32.2% as “average” and 8.4% as “poor”. A log-rank test for all perception variables showed no significant differences in subsequent achievement of continence (either 0 or 1 PPD) (P > 0.05) at both the 1- and 3-month time points. In the case of some perception variables, patients with “bad” scores gained continence a median of 3 weeks sooner than patients with “good” scores. Surgeon perception of intra-operative performance during RARP is a poor predictive indicator of subsequent functional outcome in terms of urinary continence. Inter-surgeon variability of perception may vary and needs further investigation.
The radiology of gastric reduction surgery for obesity

The results of 181 gastric reduction operations for obesity, performed over a 3-year period, are reported. The indications for such surgery are presented and the results are briefly discussed. The broad surgical details of gastroplasty and of stapling procedures, the advantages of the latter and the newer trends in this field are described. The early and late complications are documented, illustrated and discussed. The important role of the radiologist in diagnosing these complications, especially in the acute post-operative period, is stressed.
A step recovery diode based UWB transmitter for low-cost impulse generation

In this paper, we present a step recovery diode (SRD) based ultra-wideband (UWB) transmitter. No custom integrated circuits (ICs) are used, and all of the components are commercially available off-the-shelf products, targeting low-cost and fast turn-around. UWB pulses are generated using SRDs, and pulse position modulation (PPM) is implemented by a microcontroller. Detailed analysis and equations for the SRD-based impulse generation are provided and verified with experimental results. This UWB transmitter has a measured full width half maximum (FWHM) pulse width of 213ps, pulse amplitude of 1.6V, and peak power of 17dBm. The data rate is 2.5MHz, which is limited by the maximum clock frequency of the microcontroller. The supply voltage for the entire circuit is 3V, which is compatible with coin batteries. The power consumption of the SRD pulse generator is 57mW, and the total power consumption of the complete transmitter is 70mW.
The Effect of Non-Protein Energy Source and Age on the Blood Glucose Level and the muscle glycogen Content of Young Chicks

Abstract Blood glucose levels and skeletal muscle glycogen concentrations were observed in 160 male chicks. Observations were made in four age groups and two diets. Carbohydrate diets resulted in higher blood glucose levels and glycogen concentrations than did fat diets. Age was found to significantly influence glycogen concentrations in both diets. The linear regression of skeletal glycogen on blood glucose levels was significant in carbohydrate fed chicks.
Seeing Mothers-in-Law Through the Lens of the Mothering Ideology: An Interview Analysis of Taiwanese, Taiwanese American, and Mexican American Daughters-in-Law

This interview study examines the ideological assumptions in women’s accounts of their coethnic mothers-in-law in a sample of 36 Taiwanese, Taiwanese Americans, and Mexican Americans. Respondents across ethnic and national backgrounds deploy an ideology of “expressive mothering” that emphasizes close affective bonds in evaluating their mothers-in-law, often relying on their own mothers as the standard for comparison. While respondents generally expect mothers to be very involved in their lives as an extension of their close bonds, they want mothers-in-law to walk a tightrope between close emotional bonds and noninterference. Our findings suggest that respondents’ use of the mothering ideology promotes high expectations and can contribute to difficult in-law relations. We also describe how Taiwanese and Taiwanese American respondents, but not Mexican Americans, engage racialized assumptions regarding the mother-in-law role and, in so doing, reproduce racial stereotypes.
Effects of N-Acetylcysteine on Lead-Exposed PC-12 Cells

The neurotoxicity of lead has been well established through numerous studies. However, the cellular processes of lead neurotoxicity, as well as techniques to prevent or reverse cellular damage after lead exposure, remain unknown. If oxidative stress plays a primary role in lead-induced neurotoxicity, antioxidants should assist in reviving lead-exposed cells. The present study explores N-acetylcysteine (NAC) as an antioxidant agent in PC-12 cells after lead exposure. Selective oxidative stress parameters, including glutathione (GSH), glutathione disulfide (GSSG), and malondialdehyde (MDA), were measured in PC-12 cells exposed to various concentrations of lead acetate. Administering NAC after lead exposure improved cell survival as measured by Trypan Blue exclusion. NAC treatment also increased the GSH/GSSG ratio compared to the lead-only group, and reduced MDA to near control levels. These results imply that NAC protects cells from lead-induced oxidative damage by boosting the PC-12 cells' antioxidant defense mechanisms.