cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Immune reconstitution during Pneumocystis lung infection: disruption of surfactant component expression and function by S-nitrosylation

Pneumocystis pneumonia (PCP), the most common opportunistic pulmonary infection associated with HIV infection, is marked by impaired gas exchange and significant hypoxemia. Immune reconstitution disease (IRD) represents a syndrome of paradoxical respiratory failure in patients with active or recently treated PCP subjected to immune reconstitution. To model IRD, C57BL/6 mice were selectively depleted of CD4(+) T cells using mAb GK1.5. Following inoculation with Pneumocystis murina cysts, infection was allowed to progress for 2 wk, GK1.5 was withdrawn, and mice were followed for another 2 or 4 wk. Flow cytometry of spleen cells demonstrated recovery of CD4(+) cells to >65% of nondepleted controls. Lung tissue and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid harvested from IRD mice were analyzed in tandem with samples from CD4-depleted mice that manifested progressive PCP for 6 wks. Despite significantly decreased pathogen burdens, IRD mice had persistent parenchymal lung inflammation, increased bronchoalveolar lavage fluid cellularity, markedly impaired surfactant biophysical function, and decreased amounts of surfactant phospholipid and surfactant protein (SP)-B. Paradoxically, IRD mice also had substantial increases in the lung collectin SP-D, including significant amounts of an S-nitrosylated form. By native PAGE, formation of S-nitrosylated SP-D in vivo resulted in disruption of SP-D multimers. Bronchoalveolar lavage fluid from IRD mice selectively enhanced macrophage chemotaxis in vitro, an effect that was blocked by ascorbate treatment. We conclude that while PCP impairs pulmonary function and produces abnormalities in surfactant components and biophysics, these responses are exacerbated by IRD. This worsening of pulmonary inflammation, in response to persistent Pneumocystis Ags, is mediated by recruitment of effector cells modulated by S-nitrosylated SP-D.
Biometric Template Protection: Bridging the performance gap between theory and practice

Biometric recognition is an integral component of modern identity management and access control systems. Due to the strong and permanent link between individuals and their biometric traits, exposure of enrolled users? biometric information to adversaries can seriously compromise biometric system security and user privacy. Numerous techniques have been proposed for biometric template protection over the last 20 years. While these techniques are theoretically sound, they seldom guarantee the desired noninvertibility, revocability, and nonlinkability properties without significantly degrading the recognition performance. The objective of this work is to analyze the factors contributing to this performance divide and highlight promising research directions to bridge this gap. The design of invariant biometric representations remains a fundamental problem, despite recent attempts to address this issue through feature adaptation schemes. The difficulty in estimating the statistical distribution of biometric features not only hinders the development of better template protection algorithms but also diminishes the ability to quantify the noninvertibility and nonlinkability of existing algorithms. Finally, achieving nonlinkability without the use of external secrets (e.g., passwords) continues to be a challenging proposition. Further research on the above issues is required to cross the chasm between theory and practice in biometric ?template protection.
Semiconductor–Electrolyte Interfaces

The sections in this article are 1 Energy Band Structure 2 Semiconductor–Solution Interface 3 Modulation Techniques Keywords: space charge layer capacitance; interface states; recombination; modulation techniques; electrochemical impedance spectroscopy; intensity modulated photocurrent spectroscopy; potential modulated microwave reflectivity spectroscopy; silicon electrochemistry; current-potential characteristics; photocurrent-potential characteristics
Sexually and Physically Abused Children

Sexual and physical abuse are not psychiatric disorders but are traumatic events to which children may be exposed. Accordingly, there is not a constellation of traits or symptoms which characterize sexually or physically abused children. In fact, research has demonstrated that sexually and physically abused children exhibit a diverse array of emotional and behavioral difficulties (Einbender & Friedrich, 1989; Mannarino, Cohen, & Gregor, 1989) and that a substantial minority of abused children is apparently asymptomatic (Finkelhor, 1990).
Nonstationary Internal Tides Observed Using Dual-Satellite Altimetry

AbstractDual-satellite crossover data from the Jason-2 and Cryosat-2 altimeter missions are used in a novel approach to quantify stationary and nonstationary tides from time-lagged mean square sea surface height (SSH) differences, computed for lags from 1 to 1440 h (60 days). The approach is made feasible by removing independent estimates of the stationary tide and mesoscale SSH variance, which greatly reduces the sampling error of the SSH statistics. For the semidiurnal tidal band, the stationary tidal variance is approximately 0.73 cm2, and the nonstationary variance is about 0.33 cm2, or 30% of the total. The temporal correlation of the nonstationary tide is examined by complex demodulation and found to be oscillatory with first 0 crossing at 400 h (17 days). Because a significant fraction of the time-variable mesoscale signal is resolved at time scales of roughly 150 h by the present constellation of satellite altimeters, the results suggest that it may be feasible to predict the nonstationary tide fr...
Using Real Life Experiences to Teach Math

In this action research study of second grade students, an investigation of the effectiveness of using real life experiences as a manipulative to teach regrouping was conducted. The purpose of this study is to measure the improvement of student’s understanding of the process of regrouping when money is used to make the concept relatable to “real life”. According to an article titled Math In Action (E. Swartz, 2002), Once a child sees that math is everywhere, they may feel better about “having” to learn it. This accusation is the framework for the study so that teachers can find easier ways to reach students and motivate them in the math classroom. The literature suggests that manipulative have a positive impact on students understanding of mathematics and often enriches their math experience.
Alleles versus mutations: Understanding the evolution of genetic architecture requires a molecular perspective on allelic origins

Perspectives on the role of large-effect quantitative trait loci (QTL) in the evolution of complex traits have shifted back and forth over the past few decades. Different sets of studies have produced contradictory insights on the evolution of genetic architecture. I argue that much of the confusion results from a failure to distinguish mutational and allelic effects, a limitation of using the Fisherian model of adaptive evolution as the lens through which the evolution of adaptive variation is examined. A molecular-based perspective reveals that allelic differences can involve the cumulative effects of many mutations plus intragenic recombination, a model that is supported by extensive empirical evidence. I discuss how different selection regimes could produce very different architectures of allelic effects under a molecular-based model, which may explain conflicting insights on genetic architecture from studies of variation within populations versus between divergently selected populations. I address shortcomings of genome-wide association study (GWAS) practices in light of more suitable models of allelic evolution, and suggest alternate GWAS strategies to generate more valid inferences about genetic architecture. Finally, I discuss how adopting more suitable models of allelic evolution could help redirect research on complex trait evolution toward addressing more meaningful questions in evolutionary biology.
The Six-Party Talks and North Korea's Denuclearization: Evaluation and Prospects

The six-party process for North Korea's denuclearization has long been stalled since the Six-Party Talks (SPT) failed to agree on a verification protocol in early December 2008. The DPRK officially stated on 10 February 2005 that it already possessed nuclear weapons. It now wants to be recognized as a nuclear power. The North Korean nuclear issue, a key obstacle to the Korean peace process, needs to be resolved peacefully through the six-party process. The author has argued over the years that while the six-party process is the best means to resolve the North's nuclear issue, bilateral US–DPRK talks are equally important to a peaceful and diplomatic resolution of the DPRK's issue. The peaceful resolution of the North's nuclear issue is prerequisite to building a peace regime on the Korean peninsula and regional peace in Northeast Asia. The author has two specific goals: (i) to evaluate the stalled SPT for denuclearizing the Korean peninsula since December 2008; and (ii) to make policy recommendations for continued denuclearization of the Korean peninsula in the framework of the SPT. The first part of this article examines DPRK's denuclearization process up to the point when the SPT failed to adopt a written verification protocol in December 2008. Since then, the six-party process has been stalled. The second part discusses the impact of the DPRK's rocket launch in April 2009 and its second nuclear test in May on the SPT. The third part evaluates the DPRK's new proposal for peace treaty talks and its new conditions for returning to the SPT. Finally, this article proposes key issues on agenda to be negotiated at the next SPT and some policy recommendations for achieving denuclearization of the Korean peninsula.
Aryl Hydrocarbon Hydroxylase: Induction

Knowledge about the enzyme system responsible for the metabolism of aryl hydrocarbons dates back to the early studies of Conney et al. (1), who showed the enzyme(s) responsible for the oxidation of benzpyrene to be located in the microsomal fraction of the liver. In that study it was shown that the enzyme system required both NADPH and molecular oxygen to function, and produced a number of mono- and dihydroxy products.
Running down the clock: The role of expectation in our understanding of time and motion

Time is often talked about in terms of motion. People talk about themselves ‘moving’ through time, or about time ‘moving’ relative to them. Previous research has shown that attending to actual motion can influence judgements about time. Further, fictive motion language – figurative attributions of motion to static objects in space – has been shown to have much the same effect, suggesting that thought about space influences thought about time. However, evidence to date on fictive motion comes from experiments that included some degree of actual motion, such as drawing. In a series of four experiments, we tease apart the influence of actual motion and fictive motion language on people's understanding of time. The results suggest that the similar ways in which people talk about motion through space and motion through time play an important part in their common underlying conceptualisation. This has important implications for our understanding of what comprises literal and metaphorical uses of language, and f...
The Use of Ospolot in the Treatment of Epilepsy

UMMARY Details are given of the effect of Ospolot on the control of seizures in 50 patients with intractable epilepsy. Reports on its use in the treatment of epilepsy are reviewed. In none of these studies were control groups of patients used so that the results must be interpreted with caution. The earlier papers suggested that Ospolot was a very successful addition to current anti-convulsant therapy but the more recent ones have been more cautious, the consensus of opinion being that it was no better than other drugs but might be helpful in the treatment of temporal lobe epilepsy and possibly of myoclonic seizures when alternative therapy had failed. This was supported by the present trial, there being no evidence that Opsolot was superior to other anticonvulsants in the treatment of chronic epilepsy. When the Ospolot was given in combination with other drugs improvement occasionally occurred, particularly if the epilepsy was the result of an acquired cerebral lesion as in temporal lobe seizures. RESUME Details sur l'action de l'Ospolot dans le controle des attaques chez 50 epileptiques rebelles au traitement. Apercu des comptes-rendus relatifs a son emploi dans le traitement de l'epilepsie. Il n'y a eu dans ces etudes aucun groupe de malades temoins de sorte que les resultats doivent etre interpretes avec prudence. Des publications plus anciennes avaient donne l'impression que l'Ospolot etait un tres heureux complement de la therapie anti-convulsive, mais des donnees plus recentes sont plus reservees, le consensus de l'opinion ayant demontre que cette substance n'est pas meilleure que les autres mais qu'elle peut etre utile dans le traitement de l'epilepsie du lobe temporal et, peut-etre, dans celui des crises myocloniques lorsque une therapie alternative reste sans succes. Cette opinion a ete appuyee par les recherches en question puisqu'elles n'ont point demontre l'evidence d'une superiorite de l'Ospolot sur les autres anti-convulsifs dans le traitement de l'epilepsie chronique. Quand l'Ospolot a ete administre en combinaison avec d'autres medicaments il y a eu parfois de l'amelioration, en particulier quand l'epilepsie provenait d'une lesion cerebrale acquise comme par exemple dans des crises du lobe temporal.
The use of FSH and GnRH as alternative compounds to PMSG for springtime breeding of ewes

Abstract During early springtime, ewes were treated with a single injection of PMSG (500 IU) administered at the time of progesterone sponge withdrawal (Group I) or four, twice daily injections of FSH (2 mg each) administered from twelve hours before, to 24 hours after sponge withdrawal (Group II). One hundred μg of GnRH was administered 36 hours after sponge withdrawal in Group II. The two groups were compared with respect to estrous display, conception rate and other reproductive parameters. There were no significant differences (p>.05) between the two treatment group in any of the reproductive parameters measured. The occurrence of estrus during the first 96 hours after synchronization was low ( X = 45% of all treated ewes). Conception of all treated ewes during this estrous period was also low ( X = 32% of all treated ewes). The potential use of FSH and GnRH in estrous synchronization regimes was discussed. Possible reasons for the poor estrous and conception rates in present experiment were also considered.
Tensile deformation and failure of North American porcupine quills

Abstract Although the mechanical properties of some keratin-based biological materials have been extensively studied (i.e., wool) and others are beginning to be studied (e.g., horn, hooves and avian quills), data on the properties of porcupine quill are less common. Porcupine quill is a keratin-based biological material composed of a cylindrical outer shell with an inner foam core. The present paper reports on the physical characteristics, tensile properties and fracture behavior of North American porcupine quills conditioned at relative humidities of 65% and 100%. Increasing the water content decreased the tensile stiffness and strength and increased the strain at fracture of the porcupine quills. The tensile fracture strength of porcupine quill was found to be 146 MPa at 65% RH and 60 MPa at 100% RH. Although these values compare favorably with reported values for African porcupine quill, reported values of the tensile strengths of wool with similar moisture contents are considerably higher. The initial moduli of porcupine quill (2700 MPa at 65% RH and 1000 MPa at 100% RH) compare favorably to those reported for wool but are considerably less than previous reports for African porcupine quill. The engineering strains at fracture were measured as 25% at 65% RH and 49% at 100% RH and these values are also comparable to other keratin-based mammalian materials. Scanning electron microscopy of the fracture surfaces of porcupine quills revealed that the cylindrical outer shells of quills are composed of 2–3 layers with distinctly different fracture characteristics, especially when the samples contain 100% RH. The outer layer of the porcupine quill shell appears to resist the plasticizing effects of moisture and appears to exhibit considerably less ductility than the inner layers, perhaps due to the presence of hydrophobic lipids in the outer layer.
Teaching to Listen: Listening Exercises and Self-Reflexive Journals

Listening is critical to the oral history process. How does one teach students to listen? This article describes a series of listening exercises the author designed for her students and the reflexi...
Interaction of vinblastine, vincristine and colchicine with serum proteins

Abstract Equilibrium dialysis has been used to demonstrate that vincristine (VCR), vinblastine (VLB) and colchicine (CLC) adsorb to serum proteins. In addition, there is about 19 per cent more binding of CLC to plasma than serum. The extent of adsorption for all three alkaloids is approximately proportional to both the free alkaloid concentration and the serum protein concentration, with no evidence of saturation at the concentrations used. At physiologic concentrations of protein, the per cent of drug bound to serum protein is about 75 per cent for VLB and VCR and 50 per cent for CLC, indicating that the drugs are not tightly bound, and that there is no impediment to rapid extravascular distribution. On a mole per g basis, VLB and VCR adsorb ten times more extensively to commercially obtained α- and β-globulins than to albumin or γ-globulin. CLC binds nonselectively to these components.
Particle-cell dynamics in human blood flow: Implications for vascular-targeted drug delivery

Abstract The outcome of vascular-targeted therapies is generally determined by how efficiently vascular-targeted carriers localize and adhere to the endothelial wall at the targeted site. This study investigates the impact of leukocytes, platelets and red blood cells on the margination of vascular-targeted polymeric nanospheres and microspheres under various physiological blood flow conditions. We report that red blood cells either promote or hinder particle adhesion to an endothelial wall in a parallel plate flow chamber depending on the blood flow pattern, hematocrit, and particle size. Leukocytes prevent microspheres – but not nanospheres – from adhering in laminar and pulsatile flows via (1) competition for the available binding space and (2) physical removal of previously bound spheres. In recirculating blood flow, the negative effect of leukocytes on particle adhesion is minimal for large microspheres in the disturbed flow region beyond the flow reattachment. Resting platelets were found to have no effect on particle binding likely due to their dimensions and minimal interaction with the endothelial wall. Overall, the findings of the present work would be critical for designing effective vascular-targeted carriers for imaging and drug delivery applications in several human diseases.
An approach to cognitive assessment in smart home

In this paper, we describe an approach to developing an ecologically valid framework for performing automated cognitive assessment. To automate assessment, we use a machine learning approach that builds a model of cognitive health based on observations of activity performance and uses lab-based assessment to provide ground truth for training and testing the learning algorithm. To evaluate our approach, we recruited older adults to perform a set of activities in our smart home test-bed. While participants perform activities, sensors placed in the smart home unobtrusively capture the progress of the activity. During analysis, we extract features that indicate how well participants perform the activities. Our machine-learning algorithm accepts these features as input and outputs the cognitive status of the participants as belonging to one of two groups: Cognitively healthy or Dementia. We conclude that machine-learning algorithms can distinguish between cognitively healthy older adults and older adults with dementia given adequate features that represent how well they have performed the activity.
Monolithic co-aerogels of carbon/titanium dioxide as three dimensional nanostructured electrodes for energy storage

Abstract Conductive fillers, such as amorphous carbon, carbon nanotube and graphene etc., are generally mixed with nanostructured metal oxide materials to improve the performance of electrode materials in energy storage devices. However, the conductive framework that provides path for electric conduction does not normally form a well-connected and robust 3-D network to ensure optimized ions transport. Here, we report a convenient, inexpensive and scalable method for synthesizing hybrid carbon and titanium dioxide co-gels and co-aerogels to improve the electrochemical capacity by combining both the lithium insertion and the surface storage mechanisms in Li ion batteries (LIBs) anodes. A monolithic piece of a hybrid C/TiO2 co-aerogel can be directly used as an active electrode without the addition of binders, such as polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF). As a result, the performance of LIB anodes using the hybrid co-aerogel is significantly improved over current LIBs based on carbon/titanium oxide composites. The reversible discharge capacity was stabilized at ∼400 mAh g−1 at a 168 mA g−1 scan rate and an operating voltage between 3.0 and 0.05 V vs. Li+/Li with excellent cyclic capacity retention. This approach, however, is not limited to only C/TiO2 system but can be extended to other metal oxides to form co-gels with carbon to improve their potential use in numerous electrochemical, photocatalytic, and photoelectronic devices.
Physical factors controlling the observed high-strength precipitate morphology in Mg–rare earth alloys

Abstract In an effort to understand the exceptional precipitation strength in Mg–RE (RE = rare earth) alloys, we use first-principles density functional theory calculations to study the energetic stability, elastic constants and coherency strain energy of Mg 3 RE - D 0 19 precipitate phases in a Mg matrix and make extensive comparisons with experimental and theoretical work, where available. We find the metastable β ′ ′ - D 0 19 phases are energetically competitive with the stable Mg-rich phases for all RE elements. We also investigate the coherency strain energy of Mg – Mg 3 RE binary systems using first-principles methods and harmonic elasticity theory. We find the two approaches to computing coherency strain energy in good agreement, indicating the validity of using harmonic elasticity equations, which we extend to hexagonal systems, to study the direction-dependent coherency strain energy of D 0 19 precipitates in Mg–RE binary systems. From our coherency strain calculations, we find the D 0 19 precipitates to strongly prefer prismatic, as opposed to basal, habit planes for all Mg–RE systems. This work thus provides an explanation for the observed prismatic plate-shaped morphology of many Mg–RE precipitates, which is ultimately responsible for their strengthening response.
The structure of DHA in phospholipid membranes.

Early experiments and molecular simulations of PUFA favored a rigid arrangement of double bonds in U-shaped or extended conformations such as angle-iron or helical. Although results of recent solid-state NMR measurements and molecular simulations have confirmed the existence of these structural motifs, they portray an image of DHA (22∶6n−3) as a highly flexible molecule with rapid transitions between large numbers of conformers on the time scale from picoseconds to hundreds of nanoseconds. The low barriers to torsional rotation about C-C bonds that link the cis-locked double bonds with the methylene carbons between them are responsible for this unusual flexibility. Both the amplitude and frequency of motion increase toward the terminal methyl group of DHA.
Stabilization of boundary control systems

Abstract Feedback stabilization of a linear hyperbolic boundary value control system is implemented. Consistent with finite dimensional control theory, the property of controllability of the control system yields the asymptotic stability of the feedback system.
Protein and Apparent Amylose Contents of Milled Rice by NIR-FT/Raman Spectroscopy

ABSTRACT The chemometric calibration of near-infrared Fourier-transform Raman (NIR-FT/Raman) spectroscopy was investigated for the purpose of providing a rigorous spectroscopic technique to analyze rice flour for protein and apparent amylose content. Ninety rice samples from a 1996 collection of short, medium, and long grain rice grown in four states of the United States, as well as Taiwan, Korea, and Australia were investigated. Milled rice flour samples were scanned in rotating cups with a 1,064 nm (NIR) excitation laser using 500 mW of power. Raman scatter was collected using a liquid N2 cooled Ge detector over the Raman shift range of 175–3,600 cm-1. The spectral data was preprocessed using baseline correction with and without derivatives or with derivatives alone and normalization. Nearly equivalent results were obtained using all of the preprocessing methods with partial least squares (PLS) models. However, models using baseline correction and normalization of the entire spectrum, without derivative...
The enzymology of myelination.

We have presented a resume of recent investigations of the biochemistry of glycolipids and glycoproteins in the developing nervous system. The novel observations and advances in these areas coupled with relevant studies on the metabolism of myelin basic protein provide a basis for the development of a hypothesis regarding the formation of the myelin sheath which is outlined in this communication.
Histone acetyltransferase activity in synchronized mammalian cells

Abstract Intracellular histone acetyltransferase activity was measured in synchronized mammalian cell cultures to determine if variations in histone acetate contents previously observed in similar cultures reflected corresponding variations in levels of transferase activity. No such correlations were observed, suggesting that temporal control of histone acetylation within the cell cycle lies in another, as yet undetermined, area of cellular activity.
The continuing evolution of EDA standards

The role of standards in EDA has evolved through the years, and it continues to evolve as the industry matures. The EDA industry has existed for only about 25 years. Standards have always benefited users, and EDA standards are no exception. However, in the late 1980s, most EDA vendors viewed standards with some degree of suspicion and trepidation. Many believed that standardization meant lack of differentiation, and that standardizing design languages would quickly lead to commoditizing the tools that those languages drive. In those early years, many vendors also argued that standardization would stifle innovation. To some degree, they may have been right $simulators have certainly become commoditized during the past decade. At the same time, standard hardware description languages (HDLs) provided fertile ground for the growth of synthesis technology, which delivered a huge productivity increase in chip design.
Integrated Strategy for Sustainable Cattle Fever Tick Eradication in USA is Required to Mitigate the Impact of Global Change

The ticks Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) annulatus and R. (B.) microplus, commonly known as cattle and southern cattle tick, respectively, impede the development and sustainability of livestock industries throughout tropical and other world regions. They affect animal productivity and wellbeing directly through their obligate blood feeding habit and indirectly by serving as vectors of the infectious agents causing bovine babesiosis and anaplasmosis. The monumental scientific discovery of certain arthropod species as vectors of infectious agents is associated with the history of research on bovine babesiosis and R. annulatus. Together, R. microplus and R. annulatus are referred to as cattle fever ticks (CFT). Bovine babesiosis became a regulated foreign animal disease in the United States of America (U.S.) through efforts of the Cattle Fever Tick Eradication Program (CFTEP) established in 1906. The U.S. was declared free of CFT in 1943, with the exception of a permanent quarantine zone in south Texas along the border with Mexico. This achievement contributed greatly to the development and productivity of animal agriculture in the U.S. The permanent quarantine zone buffers CFT incursions from Mexico where both ticks and babesiosis are endemic. Until recently, the elimination of CFT outbreaks relied solely on the use of coumaphos, an organophosphate acaricide, in dipping vats or as a spray to treat livestock, or the vacation of pastures. However, ecological, societal, and economical changes are shifting the paradigm of systematically treating livestock to eradicate CFT. Keeping the U.S. CFT-free is a critical animal health issue affecting the economic stability of livestock and wildlife enterprises. Here, we describe vulnerabilities associated with global change forces challenging the CFTEP. The concept of integrated CFT eradication is discussed in reference to global change.
Havens of Risks or Resources? A Study of Two Latino Neighborhoods in New York City

Research has been mixed on the potential risks and resources that ethnic enclaves may confer upon residents: whereas some authors characterize racial and ethnic minority neighborhoods through the lens of segregation and risk, others argue that these minority neighborhoods are ethnic enclaves that can improve the availability of resources to residents. In this study, we sought to assess two predominantly Latino New York City neighborhoods (one enclave neighborhood and one comparison) in the areas of structural resources (e.g., grocers, parks), cultural resources (e.g., botanicas, hair salons), and risks (e.g., empty lots, bars) by street-level coding in 20 census tracts (streets N = 202). We used Poisson generalized linear models to assess whether enclave status of a neighborhood predicted the numbers of risks and resources on streets within those neighborhoods. Enclave status did not predict the number of risks (Rate ratio = 1.08(0.83, 1.42), χ2(1, N = 202) = 0.35, p = n. s.) or cultural resources (Rate ratio = 0.87(0.54, 1.40), χ2(1, N = 202) = 0.34, p = n. s.), yet it was associated with a higher number of structural resources (Rate ratio = 1.90(1.48, 2.43), χ2(1, N = 202) = 25.74, p < 0.001). The results suggest that while living in an ethnic enclave may not reduce risks, it may help residents cope with those risks through an increased number of structural resources. These findings support theories that conceptualize ethnic enclaves as neighborhoods where greater resources are available to residents. The focus on resources within this work was instrumental, as no difference would have been found if a solely risk-focused approach had been employed.
Calcium Regulates Podocyte Actin Dynamics

Ca(2+)-mediated remodeling of the actin cytoskeleton is a dynamic process that regulates cell motility through the modulation of rho guanosine triphosphatase (GTPase) signaling. Kidney podocytes are unique, pericyte-like cells with a complex cellular organization consisting of a cell body, major processes, and foot processes (FPs). The FPs form a characteristic interdigitating pattern with FPs of neighboring podocytes, leaving in between filtration slits that are covered by the slit diaphragm (SD). The actin-based FP and the SD form the final barrier to proteinuria. Mutations affecting several podocyte proteins cause disruption of the filtration barrier and rearrangement of the highly dynamic podocyte actin cytoskeleton. Proteins regulating the plasticity of the podocyte actin cytoskeleton are therefore of critical importance for sustained kidney barrier function. Dynamic regulation of the actin-based contractile apparatus in podocyte FPs is essential for sustained kidney filter function. Thus, the podocyte represents an excellent model system to study calcium signaling and actin dynamics in a physiologic context. Here, we discuss the regulation of podocyte actin dynamics by angiotensin or bradykinin-mediated calcium influx and downstream Rho GTPase signaling pathways and how these pathways are operative in other cells including fibroblasts and cancer cells.
Skin penetration surrogate for the evaluation of less lethal kinetic energy munitions

Although the benefits of the use of less lethal kinetic energy munitions are numerous, there is a need to evaluate the munitions prior to deployment to ensure their intended effect. The objective of the current research was to validate a surrogate that could be used to predict the risk of penetration of these devices. Existing data from biomechanical testing with post-mortem human specimens (PMHS) served as the foundation for this research. Development of the surrogate involved simulating the various layers of the skin and underlying soft tissues using a combination of materials. A standardized 12-gauge impactor was used to assess each combination. The energy density that resulted in a 50% risk of penetration for the anterior thorax region (23.99J/cm(2)) from the previous research was matched using a specific combination of layers. Twelve various combinations of materials were tested with the 50% risk of penetration determined. The final validated surrogate consisted of a Laceration Assessment Layer (LAL) of natural chamois and .6cm of closed-cell foam over a Penetration Assessment Layer (PAL) of 20% ordnance gelatin. This surrogate predicted a 50% risk of penetration at 23.88J/cm(2). Injury risk curves for the PMHS and surrogate development work are presented. Language: en
Instantaneous frequency dynamics of coherent wave mixing in semiconductor quantum wells.

Using a combination of interferometric-correlation and time-resolved intensity measurement techniques, we characterize the phase and amplitude of the coherent emission of semiconductor quantum wells resonantly excited by ultrashort optical pulses. We demonstrate that exciton-exciton interaction produces nonlinear phase shifts of the instantaneous frequency relative to the incident laser.
Correction of sickle cell disease in adult mice by interference with fetal hemoglobin silencing.

Persistence of human fetal hemoglobin (HbF, α2γ2) in adults lessens the severity of sickle cell disease (SCD) and the β-thalassemias. Here, we show that the repressor BCL11A is required in vivo for silencing of γ-globin expression in adult animals, yet dispensable for red cell production. BCL11A serves as a barrier to HbF reactivation by known HbF inducing agents. In a proof-of-principle test of BCL11A as a potential therapeutic target, we demonstrate that inactivation of BCL11A in SCD transgenic mice corrects the hematologic and pathologic defects associated with SCD through high-level pancellular HbF induction. Thus, interference with HbF silencing by manipulation of a single target protein is sufficient to reverse SCD.
Hospitalizations for atrial fibrillation in the general male population: morbidity and risk factors.

Abstract. Wilhelmsen L, Rosengren A, Lappas G (Goteborg University, Goteborg, Sweden). Hospitalizations for atrial fibrillation in the general male population: morbidity and risk factors. J Intern Med 2001; 250: 382–389. Objectives. To analyse the incidence, prevalence, aetiology, risk factors and prognosis of hospitalizations for atrial fibrillation. Subjects. A random population sample of 7495 men aged 47–55 years was first examined in 1970–73. During follow-up until 1996 (mean 25.2 years) 754 men were hospitalized with a diagnosis of atrial fibrillation. Results. In the age groups of 55–64, 65–74 and 75–79 years, the incidence rate was 2.0, 5.8 and 17.3 per 1000 person years, and the prevalence 1.2, 4.2 and 8.0%, respectively. Definite or possible coronary heart disease was diagnosed in 46.0%, heart failure in further 20.2% and valvular heart disease or cardiomyopathy in 4.5%. In bivariate analysis adjusted for age, the following factors were significantly associated with future hospitalization for fibrillation: a family history of myocardial infarction, stroke in mother, dyspnoea at entry, alcohol abuse, high body stature and body weight, high blood pressure but not diabetes, high serum cholesterol, high heart rate, smoking, coffee consumption or psychological stress. Significant risk factors in multivariate analysis were age, odds ratio (OR) [95% confidence interval (CI)] – 1.11 (1.07, 1.16) per year, hospitalization for coronary heart disease or heart failure – 6.77 (5.17, 8.87), stroke in mother – 1.49 (1.15, 1.93), high body stature – 1.04 (1.03, 1.06) per cm, high body mass index (BMI) – 1.07 (1.04, 1.10) per kg m–2, as well as hypertension – 1.33 (1.07, 1.65). After a diagnosis of atrial fibrillation, mortality was increased by 3.3 times. Conclusion. In spite of a clinical association with coronary heart disease, risk factors for atrial fibrillation were only partly the same. Prevention includes avoidance of weight gain and control of blood pressure as well as prevention of myocardial infarction and heart failure.
A highstand shelf-margin delta system from the Eocene of West Spitsbergen, Norway

Abstract Demonstration of shelf-margin accretion by shelf-edge deltas during rising and highstand of relative sea level has important consequences for deepwater sand depositional models. Although highstand shelf-edge deltas are conceptually feasible and have been recently argued from subsurface data, we describe here the first outcrop example, thus providing facies and architectural data on this important category of delta. Deltas are able to reach the shelf-edge during rising sea level, if one or more of the key conditions of sediment supply, shelf width/gradient, or basinal processes are such as to allow complete cross-shelf progradation before the onset of delta auto-retreat. Such highstand deltas promote the retention of high volumes of sand on the aggrading shelf and coastal plain, and thus potentially have a reduced sand budget available for delivery to the deeper water areas. Clinoform 17, one of a series of eastward-prograding, shelf-margin clinoforms from the Eocene Battfjellet Formation on West Spitsbergen, contains a sand-rich delta complex sited near the clinoform shelf-slope rollover, and is argued to be a highstand (rising relative sea level) shelf-margin delta based on: (1) its highly aggradational architecture shown by an unusual (compared to other clinoforms) regressive unit thickness and its marked stacking of parasequences, (2) coeval accumulation of delta-plain and lagoonal deposits that are well-preserved in the landward reaches of the same clinoform, and (3) its context within a mappable, longer-term rising shelf-edge trajectory (through 5 clinoforms). It is likely that the delta reached its shelf-edge location because the shelf was narrow (less than 20 km), and not because of high sediment supply or relative sea-level fall. The delta system was markedly wave-dominated as might be predicted at a shelf-edge site. The sand-rich, shelf-edge portion of Clinoform 17 consists of (1) a 30–35 m thick regressive deltaic unit with offshore mudstones and thin tempestite layers, wave-dominated delta-front sandstones, and tidal–fluvial-distributary channels on the delta topsets, (2) an overlying 15–23 m thick, aggrading-to-transgressive shoreface/barrier unit with associated tidal-inlet/estuarine channel-fill deposits, and (3) an uppermost,
Primary male neuroendocrine adenocarcinoma involving the nipple simulating Merkel cell carcinoma - a diagnostic pitfall.

Male breast cancer is a rare entity accounting for 50% of tumor cells staining for either chromogranin or synaptophysin, is not a common entity, usually occurring in older women. We present the case of a 70-year-old man with a slowly growing nipple mass that had enlarged over the previous 1.5 years. The histology consisted of nests, trabeculae and sheets of basaloid cells with rare abortive gland formation and a pushing edge. The case was originally misdiagnosed as a Merkel cell carcinoma, based largely on histologic morphology. Strong staining for synaptophysin (in greater than 50% of cells), CD56, keratins AE1 : AE3 and Cam 5.2, as well as estrogen receptor and progesterone receptor was noted. Myoepithelial cells within in situ areas were identified using stains for calponin and 4A4, supporting a primary mammary duct origin. Additionally, a substantial portion of cells stained for Gross Cystic Disease Fluid Protein-15 (GCDFP-15), confirming some overlap with sweat duct differentiation. To the best of our knowledge, although reported in the male breast, no case of primary nipple neuroendocrine carcinoma in a male patient has been reported in the literature. The gender of the patient and association with the skin of the chest wall probably contributed to the original misdiagnosis of Merkel cell carcinoma in this patient.
Relativistically parameterized extended Hückel calculations. 10. Lanthanide trihalides

Abstract The REX relativistically parameterized extended Huckel method is used to study the electronic structure of lanthanide trihalide molecules. All valence orbitals are described in terms of double-zeta Slater functions, with the atomic orbital parameters being determined by a least-squares fitting to published relativistic (Dirac- Fock) radial densities. Comparisons of orbital energies to experimental values are made and various trends are discussed. Ab initio all-electron calculations at the self-consistent field level and as a function of molecular geometry are reported for LaH3, LaF3, and LaCl3. While LaH3 and LaF3 are calculated to be pyramidal, LaCl3 is calculated to be planar.
Status Transition of Blacks and Whites in American Suburbs

Ecological models of black and white suburban socioeconomic status persistence/change are explicated and evaluated utilizing data for 505 American suburbs for which status data were available. It was found that black and white status characteristics persist but the determinants of status change differed somewhat for each group. White status change was related to suburban age and region, while black status change was related to suburban percent black and age.
Packed capillary liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry using both direct-coupling and moving-belt interfaces

Abstract Packed fused-silica columns of 0.25-mm I.D. have been interfaced to a quadrupole mass spectrometer by direct coupling and to a magnetic mass spectrometer with a moving-belt interface. Electron impact (EI) and chemical ionization (CI) spectra were obtained by both techniques. Using the direct-coupling interface, we have successfully analyzed and obtained molecular ions for a number of compounds that are too thermally labile for analysis by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. However, extremely thermally labile compounds, such as sulfonylureas, did not give MH + ions in their CI spectra due to thermal degradation in the capillary interface line. With the moving-belt interface, MH + ions were obtained for sulfonylureas in the CI mode. Better quality chromatograms and spectra, and better EI sensitivity were obtained with the moving-belt interface than by direct coupling.
Comparative Study of the Dynamic Response of Different Materials Subjected to Compressed Gas Blast Loading

Understanding the dynamic response of materials under blast and impact loading is of interest for both military and civilian applications. In the case of blast loading, the mitigation characteristics of materials employed in personal protective equipment (PPE) is of particular importance. Without adequate protection, exposure of the head to blast waves may result in or contribute to brain tissue damage leading to traumatic brain injury (TBI). The development of simple but representative laboratory experiments that can be used to study the mechanical response of different materials and/or material combinations to blast loading could be very useful for the design of PPE such as helmets. This paper presents a basic experimental setup that can be conveniently used to perform such studies using small scale compressed gas blasts. An open end shock tube is employed to generate the blasts used to load flat plate samples placed in a special rigid holder. Acceleration time histories at selected locations in the sample are used to generate data to compare the dynamic response and blast mitigation effectiveness of different specimens. High speed schlieren video is used to correlate the arrival of the shock wave and air flow that follows with the motion of the test sample.Copyright © 2011 by ASME
UniFrac: an effective distance metric for microbial community comparison

UniFrac is a β-diversity measure that uses phylogenetic information to compare environmental samples. UniFrac, coupled with standard multivariate statistical techniques including principal coordinates analysis (PCoA), identifies factors explaining differences among microbial communities. A recent simulation study concluded that UniFrac is unsuitable as a distance metric and should not be used for multivariate analysis (Schloss, 2008). We counter this argument by reassessing the data that led to this conclusion and by providing a mathematical proof showing that UniFrac is a distance metric. However, we confirm with actual sequence data that UniFrac values can be influenced by the number of sequences/sample, and recommend sequence jackknifing (that is, determining how often the cluster results are recovered using random subsets of the data) to avoid this issue.