cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Kernel estimation of the survival function and hazard rate under weak dependence

Abstract Let {X(k)} be a strictly stationary stochastic process, where X(k) takes values in Rd and has a probability density f. Let F (x)= 1 -F(x) be the survival function and r(x) be the hazard rate defined by r(x)=f(x)/ F (x) , where F is the distribution function of X(k). Let X1,…,Xn ben consecutive observations of {X(k)} and F n (x) =n − 1 ∑ n j= 1 Y j (x) , where Y j >x= 1 if X j >x , and Yj(x)=0 otherwise, j = 1,…,n. As estimators of F (x) and r(x), we consider F n (x) and ⨍ n (x)/ F n (x) respectively, where ⨍ n (x) is a kernel type estimator of ⨍(x) . Appropriate conditions for the uniform consistency of the estimators are given and sharp rates of convergence are also obtained. The stochastic process is assumed to satisfy certain strong mixing and absolute regularity conditions.
Correlation of the glass transition temperature of plasticized PVC using a lattice fluid model

Abstract A model has been developed to estimate the glass transition temperature of polymer+plasticizer mixtures (up to 30 wt% plasticizer). The model is based on the Sanchez–Lacombe equation of state and the Gibbs–DiMarzio criterion, which states that the entropy of a mixture is zero at the glass transition. The polymers studied included polystyrene and poly(vinyl chloride). The plasticizers studied included a wide range of chemicals from methyl acetate to di-undecyl phthalate. The model qualitatively accounted for the effect of different plasticizers on the mixture glass transition temperature.
It's no fluke: the planarian as a model for understanding schistosomes.

Schistosomiasis is among the most prevalent human parasitic diseases, affecting more than 200 million people in the developing world [1]. Indeed, some estimates suggest the global disease-associated disability resulting from schistosomiasis may reach levels on par with global killers including malaria, tuberculosis, or HIV/AIDS [2], [3]. The causative agents of this disease are flatworms (Schistosoma or blood flukes) that feed on blood in the veins surrounding the host's intestine or bladder. These worms produce hundreds to thousands of eggs per day, many of which lodge in host tissues and cause diverse pathologies, including hepatic fibrosis, splenomegaly, and in some cases, perhaps cancer. Despite the grim statistics, only a single therapeutic agent (praziquantel) is currently used to treat schistosome infection. With the looming possibility that praziquantel-resistant Schistosoma strains could arise, an urgent need exists to identify novel therapeutic agents to combat these parasites.
Lack of Von Willebrand Factor, Factor VIII Related Antigen and Factor VIII Coagulant Response to Human Growth Hormone Infusion in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus

Excessive growth hormone (GH) secretion and platelet hyperaggregation have been considered to be involved in the development of the vascular complications of diabetes mellitus (DM). Trying to find a common link between GH and platelet hyperaggregation, we measured von Willebrand or ristocetin cofactor activity (VIII R:Rcof), factor VIII-related antigen (VIII R:Ag) and factor VIII coagulant activity (VIII:C) in ten type 2 DM (NIDDM) and seven normal control (C) human subjects. These three parameters were measured before (time 0), and after a one-hour intravenous infusion of 0.1 U/kg bw of GH, (times 1, 4, 6, and 24 hours). The NIDDM subjects were nonobese and without clinical evidence of diabetic vascular complications. Despite remarkably high levels of GH reached during the infusion (average 280 ng/ml), there were no significant changes in the measured parameters in either NIDDM or C group. The baseline levels of factors VIII R:Rcof, VIII R:Ag and VIII:C were also not significantly different in the two groups. Changes in GH serum levels seem to have no effect on the factors VIII:C, VIII R:Ag or VIII R:Rcof levels in normals (C) or in NIDDM subjects without evidence of vascular complications. These results do not preclude the possibility that there may be a different response to GH in DM patients with advanced vascular complications and probable endothelial cell abnormalities.
Velour-lined silicone rubber as an artificial bladder material.

An ideal material for an artifical urinary bladder has not yet been designed. In order to study the effects of long-term exposure of urine to velour-lined Silastic silicone rubber, seven 80% cystectomized sheep had their natural bladders replaced with a Dacron velour-lined, Silastic prosthesis. Animals were sacrificed 1 week, 3, 6, 9, and 18 months postimplantation of their prosthesis. While the luminal surface of the prosthesis one week after implantation had small isolated patches of epithelium on it none of the remaining animals had any evidence of tissue growth on this surface. No stones or calcifications were found on the luminal surface of the prostheis in any of the animals except the 18-month survivor who had microscopic evidence of early calcification. The convex (serosal) surface of all the artifical bladders was covered with a thick connective tissue layer. At 9 months a muscle layer was seen in this tissue and it was clear the prosthesis was acting as a scaffold around which regeneration of the natural bladder was taking place. At 18 months after implantation regeneration of the natural bladder was complete and the prosthesis remained as a functionless, crumpled, hard foreign body in the lumin of the new bladder. It appears that velour-lined Silastic silicone rubber though not ideal may be an effective artificial bladder material as long as it remains functional.
Layoff-Survivor Sickness: A Missing Topic in Organizational Behavior

The focus on corporate downsizing has typically been on those who have been laid ff. But for every layoff victim, there are probably 5 to 10 remaining survivors. The Organizational Behavior (OB) literature has given scant attention to layoff-survivor sickness. This is ironic, because today it is the unusual organization that has not undergone downsizing. Managing people at work in the late 1990s essentially means managing people who suffer from layoff-survivor sickness. This article describes how layoffs affect survivors. It provides basic material that can be added to OB courses so they more fully reflect the realities of today's organizational life.
The Complexity of Two-Point Boundary-Value Problems with Piecewise Analytic Data

Previous work on the ?-complexity of elliptic boundary-value problems Lu = f assumed that the class F of problem elements f was the unit ball of a Sobolev space. In a recent paper, we considered the case of a model two-point boundary-value problem, with F being a class of analytic functions. In this paper, we ask what happens if F is a class of piecewise analytic functions. We find that the complexity depends strongly on how much a priori information we have about the breakpoints. If the location of the breakpoints is known, then the ?-complexity is proportional to ln (??1), and there is a finite element p-method (in the sense of Babu?ka) whose cost is optimal to within a constant factor. If we know neither the location nor the number of breakpoints, then the problem is unsolvable for ? < ?2. If we know only that there are b ? 2 breakpoints, but we de not know their location, then the ?-complexity is proportional to b??1, and a finite element h-method is nearly optimal. In short, knowing the location of the breakpoints is as good as knowing that the problem elements are analytic, whereas only knowing the number of breakpoints is no better than knowing that the problem elements have a bounded derivative in the L2 sense.
Dislocation dynamics analysis of dislocation intersections in nanoscale metallic multilayered composites

In this work, dislocation dynamics (DD) analysis is used to investigate the strength of nanoscale metallic multilayered composites. Several possible interactions between threading (glide) dislocations and intersecting interfacial dislocations are considered and found to lead to strength predictions in better agreement with experimental trends and significantly higher than the predictions of the simplified confined layer plasticity model based on Orowan bowing of single dislocation in a rigid channel. The strongest interaction occurs when threading and intersecting interfacial dislocations have collinear Burgers’ vector and involves an annihilation reaction at their crossing points followed by the resumption of threading with a new dislocation configuration. The other possible dislocation intersections involve the formation of junctions, which are found to be more complex than simple models suggest. When the layer interfaces are modeled as impenetrable walls, as in existing analytical and some dislocation ...
Proteinuria is associated with elevated tricuspid regurgitant jet velocity in children with sickle cell disease.

Background Sickle cell disease (SCD) affects multiple organ systems. Complications of SCD such as pulmonary hypertension (PHT) and sickle cell nephropathy (SCN) are associated with an increased mortality. Both PHT and SCN have some common risk factors. In adults, PHT has been found to be associated with albuminuria, a manifestation of SCN. There is no data on this association in children. We conducted a study to determine if elevated pulmonary artery systolic pressures estimated on echocardiogram was associated with proteinuria in children with SCD. Methods A detailed retrospective chart review was conducted on a cohort of sickle cell patients screened with echocardiograms from June 2005 to July 2010. Patients who had an initial screening echocardiogram and urine analysis within 1 year were included. Longitudinal data from all subsequent echocardiograms and urine analyses were collected. Results Eighty-five patients were included. On initial echocardiograms 32.9% had an elevated tricuspid regurgitant jet velocity (TRV) ≥2.5 m/second. On follow up, in the 28 patients with elevated TRV, 49.27% of all repeat echocardiograms showed persistent elevation. In the 57 patients with normal baseline TRV, 73.6% of all repeat echocardiograms continued to have normal TRV. On initial screening 7.14% of patients with elevated TRV had proteinuria compared to 1.75% without elevated TRV. On follow up, 19.08% of repeat urinalysis had proteinuria in patients with elevated baseline TRV compared to 12.35% in patients with normal baseline TRV (P = 0.04). Conclusions Elevated TRV ≥ 2.5 m/second is significantly associated with proteinuria on longitudinal follow up in children with SCD. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2012; 58: 937–940. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Projectile and Target Dependence of the K α Satellite Structure

Proton, $\ensuremath{\alpha}$-particle, and oxygen-ion beams are used to induce $K\ensuremath{\alpha}$ x-ray spectra in the elements Ca, Sc, Ti, V, Cr, and Mn. The target dependence of the satellite structure for $Z=20 \mathrm{to} Z=25$ is studied. The relative intensity ratios for the production of one $K$ -shell and multiple $L$ -shell vacancies are measured. These ratios are compared with the predictions of the binary-encounter approximation (BEA) and the semiclassical approximation (SCA) for multiple ionization. The data strongly reflect the statistical approach used in the theories. The BEA theory agrees well with the proton and $\ensuremath{\alpha}$-particle data but does not give good agreement with the oxygen data.
Longitudinal Strain Pulse Propagation in Wide Rectangular Bars: Part 2—Experimental Observations and Comparisons With Theory

The plane-stress theory presented in Part 1 is shown to predict qualitatively the warping of plane sections observed in transient fringe patterns obtained using birefringent coatings and in dynamic photoelastic pictures obtained in other investigations. Measurements using conventional techniques are described in which wide rectangular bars were subjected to a longitudinal step-function pressure loading produced by a shock tube. Comparisons show that the gross features of the experimental records for the head of the pulse are qualitatively predicted by the theory. Both theory and experiment show that short-wavelength, second-mode disturbances arrive very early. Experimentally it is observed that these disturbances are accomplished by thickness-mode activity which cannot be accounted for by the plane-stress theory.
Problem Solving, Computer Technology, and Students' Motivation in Learning Mathematics

In recent years, more and more attentions are given to developing problem solving skills and using computer technology in the teaching and learning of mathematics. Case studies, independent projects, and examples of applications of mathematics are used more and more frequently in mathematics classes in order to enhance students' development in mathematical thinking and problem solving skills. Two examples of such studies are presented in this paper.
A cyberbased Data-Enabled Design framework for high-rise buildings driven by synchronously measured surface pressures

Abstract This study presents a new Data-Enabled Design Model for high-rise buildings driven by pressure datasets, DEDM-HRP, which seamlessly combines synchronous pressure measurement databases with a rigorous computational framework to offer convenient estimation of wind load effects on high-rise buildings for their preliminary design. To respond to the need for practical applications, DEDM-HRP employs a web-based on-the-fly framework designed with user-friendly/intuitive web interfaces for the assessment of wind-induced responses as well as equivalent static wind loads in the three principal response directions, for any incident wind angle of interest, with minimum added complications or requirements of knowledge of comprehensive background theories for its use.
Asymptotic efficiency of the demand revealing mechanism

Abstract It is shown that the demand revealing mechanism creates only a negligibly small undesired deficit, when the number of participants in the decision group in question is sufficiently large. Since the size of deficit is a measure of inefficiency and since the former is inevitable, the states result demonstrates the approximate optimality of the mechanism.
Arsenic Exposure and Subclinical Endpoints of Cardiovascular Disease

Mechanistic evidence suggests that arsenic exposure from drinking water increases the production of reactive oxygen species and influences inflammatory responses and endothelial nitric oxide homeostasis. These arsenic-induced events may lead to endothelial dysfunction that increases the risk of atherosclerosis and cardiovascular disease. We reviewed accumulating epidemiologic evidence that evaluated the association between arsenic exposure and intermediate markers and subclinical measures that predict future cardiovascular risk. Cross-sectional studies have indicated positive associations between high or low-to-moderate levels of arsenic exposure with indices of subclinical atherosclerosis, QT interval prolongation, and circulating markers of endothelial dysfunction. The evidence is limited for other intermediate endpoints such as markers of oxidative stress and inflammation, QT dispersion, and lipid profiles. Prospective studies are needed to enhance the causal inferences of arsenic's effects on subclinical endpoints of cardiovascular disease, especially at lower arsenic exposure levels.
Divergent selection for in vitro developmental capacity of preimplantation mouse embryos.

Replicated divergent selection was conducted for two generations in ICR mice for in vitro developmental capacity (IVDC; percentage of fertilized one-cell zygotes developing to blastocysts in vitro per female donor). Realized heritabilities based on high and low selection were 0.03±0.08 and −0.11±0.09 in replicate 1, and 0.10±0.11 and 0.08±0.10 in replicate 2. No differences were detected between selection lines (P>0.2) or replicates (P>0.1). Estimate of heritability in the base population based on 332 daughter-dam pairs was 0.14±0.18. These results indicate that additive genetic variance contributes little to the phenotypic variance in this trait. Considerable phenotypic variation in IVDC was observed (mean=49.3; SD=31.0), with a range of IVDC from 0%–100%. Utilization of donor female as a blocking factor is suggested for designs of experiments with preimplantation embryos to increase precision and power of statistical analyses.
An education program for transportation electrification

Automotive industry is going through major changes and there is an evolving paradigm shift in transportation toward more electric vehicles (MEV). This paper presents a comprehensive program to educate students and engineers for the new generation of vehicles. The proposed program includes four courses with laboratories: (1) Power Electronics, (2) Electric Motor Drives, (3) Vehicular Electrical Systems, and (4) Electric and Hybrid Drive Trains. It also includes an interprofessional project course to enhance multi-disciplinary understanding and capabilities of the students. Each laboratory consists of several experiments, one research projects demonstration, and one major design experience. The laboratory experiments give simple practical introduction to operation and control of advanced vehicular components as well as power and propulsion systems. They are done in groups of 2–3 students. The proposed courses are appropriate for senior-level undergraduate or graduate engineering students.
The Pattern of Early Embryonic Development in Two Genetically Isolated Lines of Broad Breasted Bronze Turkeys

Abstract STUDIES of the genetic control of embryonic growth and development in Aves to date have been largely confined to the domestic chicken. Kaufman (1934), Bernier et al. (1951), Krzanowska (1959), McNary et al. (1960), and Coleman et al. (1964) have provided evidence for genetic control of embryogenesis in that species. The existence of negative correlation in the chicken between the rate of embryonic growth and the incidence of embryonic mortality has been reported by several investigators (Krzanowska 1959; Bernier et al., 1951; Crittenden and Bohren, 1961). Furthermore, evidence has been accumulating that in the chicken the rate of embryonic growth is higher in populations characterized by smaller body size (e.g. McNary et al., 1960; Coleman et al, 1964). At the same time, chicken embryos from lines or strains known for low embryonic mortality also exhibit a higher rate of embryogenesis than genetic stocks known as “poor hatchers” (Neel, 1942; Bernier …
Effects of Conversational Pressures on Speech Planning

In ordinary conversation, speakers experience pressures both to produce utterances suited to particular addressees and to do so with minimal delay. To document the impact of these conversational pressures, our experiment asked participants to produce brief utterances to describe visual displays. We complicated utterance planning by including tangram figures that prohibited easy lexicalization. Participants completed the task in either the presence or absence of an addressee and also under circumstances of natural or explicit time pressure. Results suggested that speakers produce richer utterances with addressees present but that they do so efficiently, without sacrificing planning time. We propose a good-enough view of the language production system: We suggest that, much like the comprehension system, speech planning processes flexibly adapt to external task goals.
Open lung biopsy in patients with acute leukemia

The results of open lung biopsy in 15 patients with acute leukemia, pulmonary infiltrates, neutropenia, and fever were reviewed. The patients averaged 26 hospital days of neutropenia and 20 hospital days of fever before open lung biopsy, and all patients received broad-spectrum antibacterial agents (mean 17 days) before open lung biopsy. Nine (67 percent) received amphotericin B prior to open lung biopsy (mean 22 days). Open lung biopsy yielded a specific clinically helpful diagnosis in six patients, but only two of these patients survived the hospitalization during which open lung biopsy was performed. Open lung biopsy detected fungus in four patients and leukemic infiltrates in two patients. Management was appropriately modified in these patients. In nine patients, a specific diagnosis of the pulmonary infiltrate was not obtained by open lung biopsy. Antimicrobial regimens were not changed substantially for these patients. In six patients, the results of open lung biopsy may have been misleading. Two patients had pulmonary fungal diseases at autopsy, undetected by open lung biopsy eight days and five weeks prior to death. Another patient had invasive aspergillosis and one had cytomegalovirus pneumonitis not detected by open lung biopsy. Two patients had false-positive preliminary histologic reports of pulmonary infection. On the basis of this experience, in this specific population of patients, open lung biopsy was often of little help in directing medical therapy or influencing clinical outcome.
Three Essays on Marx's Value TheoryThe Implosion of Contemporary Capitalism

In these two works Amin characterizes the current state of the global economy as generalized monopoly capitalism. This regime, in his view, began after 1975 and was fully in place by 2000. He gives...
The Effect of Phosphorylation and Site-Specific Mutations in the Immunodominant Epitope of the Human Ribosomal P Proteins

Abstract The immunodominant epitope recognized by lupus antiribosomal P protein antibodies (anti-P antibodies) is located within the 11 C-terminal residues common to the three P proteins. This epitope contains a potential phosphorylation site for casein kinase II and clusters of acidic and hydrophobic amino acids. To determine the role of each of these features in antigen recognition, lupus anti-P sera were tested for binding to phospho- and dephospho- forms of the P proteins and to synthetic peptide antigens in which site-specific modifications had been introduced. Immunoblot analysis revealed that anti-P antibodies specific for the phospho- form of the P proteins represented only a minor population of anti-P antibodies and, in many cases, were absent altogether. In contrast, when charged substitutions were introduced into either the acidic or hydrophobic clusters and tested by ELISA, striking reductions of 64-86% were observed. Conservative Gly → Pro substitutions also produced a 73% average reduction in anti-P binding whereas substitution of either Ser-105 or the C-terminal Asp-115 resulted in a
The medalist's career

The 1945 Lamme Medalist, David C. Prince, is first and foremost an inventer with 93 patents to his credit covering subjects ranging from electric ship propulsion to welding circuits. A consistent breaker of tradition, he is one of those who have the ability and imagination to think in terms of progress in broad steps regardless of the seeming insurmountability of the problems confronting them. He is considered an ideal choice for the medal which symbolizes the engineer's hopeful attitude toward the seemingly unattainable.
Connective tissue disease: SSc-fibrosis takes flight with Wingless inhibition.

Recent studies have highlighted a potentially important role for Wnts as profibrotic mediators, and implicated increased Wnt activity in systemic sclerosis and other fibrotic diseases. Strikingly, new data indicates that Wnts have a central role in the profibrotic activity of TGF-β.
Bidirectional ellipsometry and its application to the characterization of surfaces

The polarization of light scattered out of the pane of incidence was measured from rough and microrough silicon, polished fused silica and glass ceramic, and ground and polished black glass. The measurement defects, demonstrating that the polarization light can be used to distinguish between microroughness and subsurface defects.
Synthesis, Spectroscopy, and Reactivity of meso-Unsubstituted Azuliporphyrins and Their Heteroanalogues. Oxidative Ring Contractions to Carba-, Oxacarba-, Thiacarba-, and Selenacarbaporphyrins†

This paper reports the first detailed study on meso-unsubstituted azuliporphyrins, an important family of porphyrin-like molecules where one of the usual pyrrole rings has been replaced by an azulene subunit. Although the azulene moiety introduces an element of cross-conjugation, zwitterionic resonance contributors with tropylium and carbaporphyrin substructures give azuliporphyrins diatropic character that falls midway between true carbaporphyrins and nonaromatic benziporphyrins. Protonation affords an aromatic dication where this type of resonance interaction is favored due to the associated charge delocalization. Two different “3 + 1” syntheses of meso-unsubstituted azuliporphyrins have been developed. Acid-catalyzed reaction of readily available tripyrrane dicarboxylic acids with 1,3-azulenedicarbaldehyde, followed by oxidation with DDQ or FeCl3, affords good yields of azuliporphyrins. Alternatively, azulene reacted with acetoxymethylpyrroles (2 equiv) in refluxing acetic acid/2-propanol to give tripy...
Early detection of breast cancer by self-examination: the influence of perceived barriers and health conception.

PURPOSE/OBJECTIVES To discover the factors that influence the decision to perform breast self-examination (BSE). DESIGN Quantitative, correlational. SETTING Institutional; urban and suburban. SAMPLE A nonrandomized convenience sample of 93 women. METHODS Willing participants were asked to complete by mail a short demographic form, the Reduced Laffrey's Health Conception Scale, Champion's Health Belief Instrument, and a BSE questionnaire. MAIN RESEARCH VARIABLES Health conception, barriers to BSE, frequency and thoroughness of BSE practice. FINDINGS A wellness conception of health and frequency were not significantly related, nor did a significant relationship exist between a wellness conception of health and thoroughness of BSE. A negative relationship between barriers and thoroughness was highly significant. A statistically significant relationship did not exist between barriers and frequency of BSE. CONCLUSIONS Those with a clinical conception of health practiced BSE less frequently. If health is viewed as the absence of disease, BSE may be perceived as looking for trouble. Subjects with greater barriers were less thorough when they practiced BSE. The specific barriers tested in this study (i.e., feelings about practicing BSE, worry about breast cancer, embarrassment, time, unpleasantness of procedure, lack of privacy) interfered more with the thoroughness of the behavior than with the frequency of the behavior. The most reported barrier was worry about breast cancer. The data suggest that worry may interfere with performing BSE thoroughly. IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING This work offers insight into the thoughts and behavior of women to promote a behavior that could save their lives. Potential implications for nursing practice could include issues related to better education and assessment of barriers to practicing BSE in women.
Total Cost of Care Lower among Medicare Fee-for-Service Beneficiaries Receiving Care from Patient-Centered Medical Homes

Objective. To compare health care utilization and payments between NCQA-recognized patient-centered medical home (PCMH) practices and practices without such recognition.Data Sources. Medicare Part A and B claims files from July 1, 2007 to June 30, 2010, 2009 Census, 2007 Health Resources and Services Administration and CMS Utilization file, Medicare’s Enrollment Data Base, and the 2005 American Medical Association Physician Workforce file.Study Design. This study used a longitudinal, nonexperimental design. Three annual observations (July 1, 2008–June 30, 2010) were available for each practice. We compared selected outcomes between practices with and those without NCQA PCMH recognition.Data Collection Methods. Individual Medicare fee-for-service (FFS) beneficiaries and their claims and utilization data were assigned to PCMH or comparison practices based on where they received the plurality of evaluation and management services between July 1, 2007 and June 30, 2008.Principal Findings. Relative to the comparison group, total Medicare payments, acute care payments, and the number of emergency room visits declined after practices received NCQA PCMH recognition. The decline was larger for practices with sicker than average patients, primary care practices, and solo practices.Conclusions. This study provides additional evidence about the potential of the PCMH model for reducing health care utilization and the cost of care.
The Engineer's Role in Water Resources Planning

Engineers have traditionally led the planning effort in water resources developments. The engineer's leadership role in water resources, as well as in many other planning activities, has been challenged by technical and scientific people as well as by the general public for insensitivity to social, aesthetic, ecological, and political problems created by planning. The paper draws attention to the fact that the engineer cannot continue to expect the role of leadership to fall to him unless he prepares himself properly for that role. However, it is brought out that the engineer, by his education and training, is still the best qualified among all the representatives of the various disciplines associated with water resources planning to lead the planning effort if he prepares himself for the task. The requirements for preparation for leading water resources planning are outlined.
Effect of three stored-grain fungi on the development of Typhaea stercorea

Abstract This study examined development times and ovipositional preference of hairy fungus beetles ( Typhaea stercorea [L.] Col: Mycetophagidae), when reared on pure cultures of Aspergillus flavus Link, Eurotium rubrum Konig, Spieck and Bremer, and Penicillium purpurogenum Stoll., and the ability of hairy fungus beetles to develop in the presence of high levels of aflatoxin when fed A. flavus grown on coconut agar medium. Results indicate that hairy fungus beetles can complete their life cycle when fed these mold species grown on a defined medium in pure culture. Developmental times were shortest and females laid more eggs on pure cultures of A. flavus compared to E. rubrum , and P. purpurogenum . Lastly, we tested to see the effects of aflatoxin on hairy fungus beetle development. Hairy fungus beetles can complete their life cycle while feeding on a fungal culture producing high levels of aflatoxin. The results suggest that the mold species in the grain mass can influence insect developmental rates and thus population growth rates.
Synthesis, Computational Modeling, and Properties of Benzo-Appended BODIPYs

A series of new functionalized mono- and dibenzo-appended BODIPY dyes were synthesized from a common tetrahydroisoindole precursor following two different synthetic routes. Route A involved the assembly of the BODIPY core prior to aromatization, while in Route B the aromatization step was performed first. In general, Route A gave higher yields of the target dibenzo-BODIPYs, due to the ease of aromatization of the BODIPYs compared with the corresponding dipyrromethenes, probably due to their higher stability under the oxidative conditions (2,3-dichloro-5,6-dicyano-1,4-benzoquinone in refluxing toluene). However, due to the slow oxidation of highly electron-deficient BODIPY 3 c bearing a meso-C(6)F(5) group, dibenzo-BODIPY 4 c was obtained, in 35 % overall from dipyrromethane, only by Route B. Computational calculations performed at the 6-31G(d,p) level are in agreement with the experimental results, showing similar relative energies for all reaction intermediates in both routes. In addition, BODIPY 3 c had the highest molecular electrostatic potential (MEPN), confirming its high electron deficiency and consequent resistance toward oxidation. X-ray analyses of eight BODIPYs and several intermediates show that benzannulation further enhances the planarity of these systems. The π-extended BODIPYs show strong red-shifted absorptions and emissions, about 50-60 nm per benzoannulated ring, at 589-658 and 596-680 nm, respectively. In particular, db-BODIPY 4 c bearing a meso-C(6)F(5) group showed the longest λ(max) of absorption and emission, along with the lowest fluorescence quantum yield (0.31 in CH(2)Cl(2)); on the other hand monobenzo-BODIPY 8 showed the highest quantum yield (0.99) of this series. Cellular investigations using human carcinoma HEp2 cells revealed high plasma membrane permeability for all dibenzo-BODIPYs, low dark- and photo-cytotoxicities and intracellular localization in the cell endoplasmic reticulum, in addition to other organelles. Our studies indicate that benzo-appended BODIPYs, in particular the highly stable meso-substituted BODIPYs, are promising fluorophores for bioimaging applications.
Experimental investigation of passive infrared ice detection for helicopter applications

A technique is proposed to remotely detect rotor icing on helicopters. Using passive infrared (IR) thermometry, it is possible to detect the warming caused by latent heat released as supercooled water freezes. During icing, the ice accretion region on the blade leading edge will be warmer than the uniced trailing edge, resulting in a chordwise temperature profile characteristic of icing. Preliminary tests were conducted on a static model in the NASA Icing Research Tunnel for a variety of wet (glaze) and dry (rime) ice conditions. The characteristic chordwise temperature profiles were observed with an IR thermal video system and confirmed with thermocouple measurements. A prototype detector system was built consisting of a single point IR pyrometer. Experiments were run on a small scale rotor model. Again, the characteristic chordwise temperature profiles were observed during icing, and the IR system was able to remotely detect icing. Based on the static and subscale rotor tests, the passive IR technique is promising for rotor ice detection.
Characterization of Parameters Required for Effective Use of Tamoxifen-Regulated Recombination

Conditional gene targeting using the Cre-loxp system is a well established technique in numerous in vitro and in vivo systems. Ligand regulated forms of Cre have been increasingly used in these applications in order to gain temporal and spatial control over conditional targeting. The tamoxifen-regulated Cre variant mer-Cre-mer (mCrem) is widely utilized because of its reputation for tight regulation in the absence of its tamoxifen ligand. In the DT40 chicken B cell line, we generated an mCrem-based reversible switch for conditional regulation of a transgene, and in contrast with previous work, observed significant constitutive activity of mCrem. This prompted us to use our system for analysis of the parameters governing tamoxifen-regulated mCrem recombination of a genomic target. We find that robust mCrem expression correlates with a high level of tamoxifen-independent Cre activity, while clones expressing mCrem at the limit of western blot detection exhibit extremely tight regulation. We also observe time and dose-dependent effects on mCrem activity which suggest limitations on the use of conditional targeting approaches for applications which require tight temporal coordination of Cre action within a cell population.
Antiretroviral medications disrupt microglial phagocytosis of β-amyloid and increase its production by neurons: Implications for HIV-associated neurocognitive disorders

Up to 50% of long-term HIV infected patients, including those with systemically well-controlled infection, commonly experience memory problems and slowness, difficulties in concentration, planning, and multitasking. Deposition of Aβ plaques is also a common pathological feature of HIV infection. However, it is not clear whether this accumulation is due to AD-like processes, HIV-associated immunosuppression, Tat protein-induced Aβ elevations, and/or the effects of single highly active antiretroviral therapy (ART). Here we evaluated the effects of several ART medications (Zidovudine, Lamivudine, Indinavir, and Abacavir) alone and in combination on: 1) Aβ1-40, 42 generation in murine N2a cells transfected with the human "Swedish" mutant form of APP; 2) microglial phagocytosis of FITC-Aβ1-42 peptides in cultured murine N9 microglia. We report for the first time that these antiretroviral compounds (10 μM) generally increase Aβ generation (~50-200%) in SweAPP N2a cells and markedly inhibit microglial phagocytosis of FITC-Aβ1-42 peptides in murine microglia. The most significant amyloidogenic effects were observed with combined ART (p < 0.05); suggesting certain ART medications may have additive amyloidogenic effects when combined. As these antiretroviral compounds are capable of penetrating the blood brain barrier and reaching the concentrations employed in the in vitro studies, these findings raise the possibility that ART may play a casual role in the elevated Aβ found in the brains of those infected with HIV. Therefore these compounds may consequently contribute to cognitive decline observed in HIV associated neurocognitive disorders (HAND).
Enhanced dorsal premotor–motor inhibition in cervical dystonia

Objective This study aims to understand whether the enhanced dPMI, seen in writer’s cramp patients previously, extends to other populations of focal dystonia patients (e.g. cervical dystonia) as an endophenotypic marker.
Gelucire-stabilized nanoparticles as a potential DNA delivery system

AbstractClinical viability of gene delivery systems has been greatly impacted by potential toxicity of the delivery systems. Recently, we reported the nanoparticle (NP) preparation process that employs biocompatible materials such as Gelucire® 44/14 and cetyl alcohol as matrix materials. In the current study, the NP preparation was modified for pDNA loading through: (i) inclusion of cationic lipids (DOTAP or DDAB) with NP matrix materials; or (ii) application of cationic surfactants (CTAB) to generate NPs with desired surface charges for pDNA complexation. Colloidal stability and efficiency of loading pGL3-DR4X2-luciferase plasmid DNA in NPs were verified by gel permeation chromatography. Compared to pDNA alone, all the NPs were effective in preserving pDNA from digestion by DNase. While pDNA loading using CTAB-NPs involved fewer steps compared to DOTAP-NPs and DDAB-NPs, CTAB-NPs were greatly impacted by elevated cytotoxicity level which could be ascribed to the concentrations of CTAB in NP formulations. ...
A comparison of rapidly transported proteins in the sensory fibers of the rat and mouse sciatic nerve.

Fast axoplasmic transport through the sensory fibers of the sciatic nerve has been compared in rats and mice. The use of in vitro incubation permits high levels of specific activity to be attained when labeling with [35S]l-methionine. The specific activity of the transported proteins was about 10-fold greater in mice than in rats. Proteins labeled with radioactive methionine were examined after separation on polyacrylamide gels. There are no differences between mice and rats when the proteins carried by rapid transport are compared. Similarly, the proteins synthesized by the Schwann cells of these two species are not distinguishable. The dorsal root ganglia of mice, however, yield a band of radioactivity that is not seen in ganglia from rats. This band migrates with an apparent molecular weight of 31,000 daltons.
FAMILIAL IgG4 SUBCLASS DEFICIENCY WITH NL IgA ASSOCIATED RECURRENT INFECTIONS WITH DECREASED NEUTROPHIL CHEMOTAXIS AND BACTERIAL KILLING

We evaluated a 14 month old white male, for recurrent bacterial otitis media and sinusitis. The patient's father had similar infections as a child. The mother was normal. Father and son had normal IgG, IgA, IgM, IgE, IgG1, IgG2 and IgG3. The child had undctoctable IgG4 (normal 0.9-107 mg/dl) and the father had IgG4<5 mg/dl (5-362) as measured by radial immunodiffusion. The family was screened for defects in PMN function measuring chemotaxis activity in response to E.Coli-endotoxin, bacteria killing against S.aureus and superoxide product ion with Cyto B/ FMLP. PMN chemotaxis and bacterial killing of S.aureus were markedly impaired in father and son compared to controls. Control serum did not correct the chemotaxis and bacterial killing defects. Both O2 was normal. Father is HLA (2,)(15, 14)and son is(2, 31)(15, 7). High resolution chromosomal banding is pending. We conclude that familial IgG4 subclass deficiency with NL IgA can be present in association with defects in PMN chemotaxis and bacterial killing.
Climate Science to Citizen Action: Energizing Nonformal Climate Science Education

Within the United States, public discourse on climate science and society's response to climate change are changing rapidly [Nisbet and Myers, 2007]. Awareness of the seriousness and urgency of the problem has been increasing, as has understanding of the complexity and scale of change in human behaviors and technologies that will be required to stabilize greenhouse gas emissions to mitigate climate change (see a Yale University/Gallup/ClearVision Institute poll at http://environment.yale.edu/news/Research/5310/american-opinions-on-global-warming-summary/). A tremendous opportunity exists to build upon this nascent awareness and enhance the degree to which U.S. citizens are informed about, and are ready to take action on, this defining challenge of the 21st century.
Why Don't We Move Faster? Parkinson's Disease, Movement Vigor, and Implicit Motivation

People generally select a similar speed for a given motor task, such as reaching for a cup. One well established determinant of movement time is the speed-accuracy trade-off: movement time increases with the accuracy requirement. A second possible determinant is the energetic cost of making a movement. Parkinson's disease (PD), a condition characterized by generalized movement slowing (bradykinesia), provides the opportunity to directly explore this second possibility. We compared reaching movements of patients with PD with those of control subjects in a speed-accuracy trade-off task comprising conditions of increasing difficulty. Subjects completed as many trials as necessary to make 20 movements within a required speed range (trials to criterion, N(c)). Difficulty was reflected in endpoint accuracy and N(c). Patients were as accurate as control subjects in all conditions (i.e., PD did not affect the speed-accuracy trade-off). However, N(c) was consistently higher in patients, indicating reluctance to move fast although accuracy was not compromised. Specifically, the dependence of N(c) on movement energy cost (slope S(N)) was steeper in patients than in control subjects. This difference in S(N) suggests that bradykinesia represents an implicit decision not to move fast because of a shift in the cost/benefit ratio of the energy expenditure needed to move at normal speed. S(N) was less steep, but statistically significant, in control subjects, which demonstrates a role for energetic cost in the normal control of movement speed. We propose that, analogous to the established role of dopamine in explicit reward-seeking behavior, the dopaminergic projection to the striatum provides a signal for implicit "motor motivation."
α-Tocopherol-doped irradiated UHMWPE for high fatigue resistance and low wear

Longevity of total joints has been compromised by wear and fatigue of ultrahigh molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) components. Crosslinking reduces UHMWPE wear, but combined with postirradiation melting, also reduces its fatigue strength, therefore limiting its use in high-stress applications. We hypothesized that a lipophilic antioxidant (alpha-tocopherol, alpha-T) can protect UHMWPE against oxidation eliminating the need for postirradiation melting of crosslinked UHMWPE and improve its fatigue strength. To test these hypotheses, 65- and 100-kGy irradiated, alpha-T-doped and subsequently gamma-sterilized UHMWPE were used. (I) alpha-T-doped irradiated UHMWPEs showed significantly lower oxidation levels (0.48+/-0.25 and 0.44+/-0.06) compared to 100-kGy irradiated UHMWPE (3.74+/-0.16) after 5 weeks of accelerated aging at 80 degrees C in air. (II) Wear rate of alpha-T-doped irradiated UHMWPE (1.9+/-0.5, and 0.9+/-0.1mg/million cycles (MC) for 65- and 100-kGy irradiated UHMWPE, respectively) were comparable to that of 100-kGy irradiated/melted UHMWPE (1.1+/-0.7mg/million cycles). (III) The stress intensity factor at crack inception ( DeltaKi) of 100-kGy irradiated UHMWPE increased significantly upon doping with alpha-T from 0.74 to 0.87MPam(1/2) ( p<0.01 ). The DeltaKi for the 100-kGy irradiated and melted UHMWPE, currently in clinical use, was 0.55MPam(1/2). Doping with alpha-T eliminated the need for postirradiation melting to protect irradiated UHMWPE against long-term oxidation. The fatigue strength was improved by 58% for alpha-T-doped 100-kGy irradiated UHMWPE compared to irradiated and melted UHMWPE. The increase in oxidative stability of alpha-T-doped UHMWPE is attributed to the ability of alpha-T to react with peroxy free radicals on lipid chains and arrest the oxidation reactions. The improved fatigue strength is attributed to the increase in plasticity of UHMWPE due to the lipophilic nature of alpha-T.
Anti-inflammatory effects of a novel ricinoleic acid poloxamer gel system for transdermal delivery

Our previous study showed that the use of ricinoleic acid as an oil phase resulted in the formation of a stable pluronic lecithin organogel (PLO gel) with better thixotropic properties and higher permeation of ketoprofen than the isopropyl palmitate PLO gel. This study aims to evaluate and compare the in vitro and in vivo anti-inflammatory effects of the ricinoleic acid PLO gel system with isopropyl palmitate PLO gel. Ketoprofen was used as a model drug. In vitro anti-inflammatory activity and cell viability tests were performed in human rheumatoid arthritis synovial fibroblast cell line using a blank ricinoleic acid PLO gel and compared to that of the isopropyl palmitate PLO gel. In vivo anti-inflammatory activity of ricinoleic acid PLO gel containing 10% ketoprofen was evaluated and compared with the isopropyl palmitate PLO gel in a carrageenan-induced rat paw edema model. The results from the in vitro study showed that the blank ricinoleic acid PLO gel possessed significantly higher anti-inflammatory activity than isopropyl palmitate PLO gel at 1 mM concentration (p<0.05), while both the gel formulations had no significant cytotoxic activity. Further in vivo testing of the formulation showed that the ricinoleic acid PLO gel formulation was significantly more effective in reducing pain and edema when compared to the isopropyl palmitate PLO gel. In addition, the ricinoleic acid PLO gel formulation markedly inhibited the synthesis of prostaglandin E2. In conclusion, the efficacy of PLO gels used in pain management may be enhanced by using ricinoleic acid instead of isopropyl palmitate as an oil phase.
Yellow Beads and Missing Particles: Trouble Ahead for Filter-Based Absorption Measurements

Particulate emissions from low-temperature biomass burning are dominated by organic matter. Here, we show that such emissions have a liquid, bead-like appearance when collected on fibrous filters, and the number of these beads are far less than expected for solid spherical particles. These shapes are in line with published drop-on-fiber theories for liquids entrained on filaments. A smoldering pine sample is yellowish, with organic carbon over 99% of the total carbon, and chars substantially in thermal-optical analysis (TOA), indicating that such liquid organic particles could affect both absorption measurements and TOA of such samples. Similar colored samples collected in the field from rice-straw burning and cook stove emissions also show a similar liquid appearance.