cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Kinetics of receptor tyrosine kinase activation define ERK signaling dynamics

In responses to activation of receptor tyrosine kinases (RTKs), crucial cell fate decisions depend on the duration and dynamics of ERK signaling. In PC12 cells, epidermal growth factor (EGF) induces transient ERK activation that leads to cell proliferation, whereas nerve growth factor (NGF) promotes sustained ERK activation and cell differentiation. These differences have typically been assumed to reflect distinct feedback mechanisms in the Raf-MEK-ERK signaling network, with the receptors themselves acting as simple upstream inputs. We failed to confirm the expected differences in feedback type when investigating transient versus sustained signaling downstream of the EGF receptor (EGFR) and NGF receptor (TrkA). Instead, we found that ERK signaling faithfully followed RTK dynamics when receptor signaling was modulated in different ways. EGFR activation kinetics, and consequently ERK signaling dynamics, were switched from transient to sustained when receptor internalization was inhibited with drugs or mutations, or when cells expressed a chimeric receptor likely to have impaired dimerization. In addition, EGFR and ERK signaling both became more sustained when substoichiometric levels of erlotinib were added to reduce duration of EGFR kinase activation. Our results argue that RTK activation kinetics play a crucial role in determining MAP kinase cascade signaling dynamics and cell fate decisions, and that signaling outcome can be modified by activating a given RTK in different ways.
Abstract P152: Impact Of New Hypertension Guidelines On The Prevalence And Control Of Hypertension In A Clinical Hiv Cohort

Introduction: People living with HIV (PLWH) with hypertension (HTN) have a higher risk of cardiovascular events and all-cause mortality compared with PLWH with normal blood pressure (BP) and HIV-un...
In pursuit of the potential of sexual field theory: A research agenda:

Some argue that sexual field theory is the most promising approach to developing a comprehensive theory of collective sexual life. Yet, it remains underdeveloped. Pointing to a narrow empirical fou...
Algebraic Properties of Invariancy Regions

In this chapter we utilize concepts from the field of Semi-algebraic Geometry and Algebraic Topology in order to show that the dimension of an invariancy region can be determined by first decomposing the invariancy regions into two specific subsets and then exploiting the structure of these subsets. The culminating theoretical result in this chapter shows that, given a full dimensional invariancy region, all adjacent regions can be computed by considering only invariancy regions whose dimension matches that of the first, or is one less.
Early childhood preservice teachers’ self-efficacy related to inclusion and professional roles via a co-taught field-based course

This study focuses on the self-efficacy of preservice teachers enrolled in a co-taught early childhood education course on special education. The course was developed to increase awareness and acce...
Sedative effects of alfaxalone and hydromorphone with or without midazolam in cats: a pilot study.

ObjectivesThe aim of this pilot study was to compare the quality of sedation and ease of intravenous (IV) catheter placement following sedation using two intramuscular (IM) sedation protocols in ca...
Coarctation of the aorta at an unusual site, associated with a congenitally bicuspid aortic valve

Abstract We have reported a case of coarctation of the aorta in which the site of stenosis was between the left common carotid and the left subclavian arteries. The condition was diagnosed during life and proved by postmortem examination. The case reported is of further interest because of the presence of a congenitally bicuspid aortic valve which was the seat of subacute vegetative endocarditis.
Reassessing the Diamond/Mirrlees Efficiency Theorem

March 2000 Diamond and Mirrlees (1971) provide sufficient conditions for a second-best Pareto efficient allocation with linear commodity taxation to require efficient production when a finite set of consumers have continuous single-valued demand functions. This paper considers a continuum economy allowing indivisible goods, other individual non-convexities, and some forms of non-linear pricing for consumers. Provided consumers have appropriately monotone preferences and dispersed characteristics, robust sufficient conditions ensure that a strictly Pareto superior incentive compatible allocation with efficient production results when a suitable expansion of each consumer's budget constraint accompanies any reform which enhances production efficiency. Appropriate cost-benefit tests can identify small efficiency enhancing projects.
Electron microscopy image segmentation with graph cuts utilizing estimated symmetric three-dimensional shape prior

Understanding neural connectivity and structures in the brain requires detailed three-dimensional (3D) anatomical models, and such an understanding is essential to the study of the nervous system. However, the reconstruction of 3D models from a large set of dense nanoscale microscopy images is very challenging, due to the imperfections in staining and noise in the imaging process. To overcome this challenge, we present a 3D segmentation approach that allows segmenting densely packed neuronal structures. The proposed algorithm consists of two main parts. First, different from other methods which derive the shape prior in an offline phase, the shape prior of the objects is estimated directly by extracting medial surfaces from the data set. Second, the 3D image segmentation problem is posed as Maximum A Posteriori (MAP) estimation of Markov Random Field (MRF). First, the MAPMRF formulation minimizes the Gibbs energy function, and then we use graph cuts to obtain the optimal solution to the energy function. The energy function consists of the estimated shape prior, the flux of the image gradients, and the gray-scale intensity. Experiments were conducted on synthetic data and nanoscale image sequences from the Serial Block Face Scanning Electron Microscopy (SBFSEM). The results show that the proposed approach provides a promising solution to EM reconstruction. We expect the reconstructed geometries to help us better analyze and understand the structure of various kinds of neurons.
A Scleroderma Patient Inquires About Pregnancy

Pregnancy in systemic sclerosis (SSc) may be uneventful with both good maternal and good fetal outcomes, but careful evaluation before and close monitoring during pregnancy are necessary to optimize outcomes. Women with diffuse SSc are at a greater risk for developing serious cardiopulmonary and renal problems early in the disease, so they should be encouraged to delay pregnancy until the disease stabilizes. There are some suggestions that infertility and miscarriages may be increased in SSc, but these issues do not have as great an impact as in certain other rheumatic diseases, for example, systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). The high risk of premature and small infants may be minimized with specialized obstetrical and neonatal care. Renal crisis is the only truly unique aspect of these pregnancies. Diffuse SSc patients, particularly early in the course of disease, should be monitored very closely for renal crisis. Other pregnancy problems may not be unique to SSc, but because SSc is a chronic illness, any complication carries higher risks for both mother and child. Careful planning, close monitoring, and aggressive management should afford SSc patients a high likelihood of having a successful pregnancy.
DNA replication timing: Coordinating genome stability with genome regulation on the X chromosome and beyond

Recent studies based on next-generation DNA sequencing have revealed that the female inactive X chromosome is replicated in a rapid, unorganized manner, and undergoes increased rates of mutation. These observations link the organization of DNA replication timing to gene regulation on one hand, and to the generation of mutations on the other hand. More generally, the exceptional biology of the inactive X chromosome highlights general principles of genome replication. Cells may control replication timing by a combination of intrinsic replication origin properties, local chromatin states and global levels of replication factors, leading to a functional separation between the activity of genes and their mutation.
Central Venous Access

Techniques for cannulating the large central veins have evolved over the last 70 years. Aubaniac first described central venous access in 1952 reporting on his 10-year experience cannulating the subclavian vein to resuscitate wounded soldiers on the battlefield (Aubaniac, Presse Med 60(68):1456, 1952). In 1973, Broviac and colleagues developed a small-diameter catheter with a Dacron cuff that was tunneled under the skin to provide long-term central access for parenteral nutrition (Broviac et al., Surg Gynecol Obstet 136(4):602–606, 1973). A hematologist named Hickman later modified the catheter to meet the needs of bone marrow transplant patients (Hickman et al., Surg Gynecol Obstet 148(6):871–875, 1979). Venous access (VA) remains one of the most basic and important components of care across all clinical settings. In the USA alone, approximately 8 % of hospitalized patients require some form of central venous access, and more than five million central venous catheters are inserted each year (Ruesch et al., Crit Care Med 30(2):454–460, 2002; Thomson et al., Anesthesiology 51(4):359–362, 1979). Dependable and safe access is important in daily practice, and understanding the types of VA available will aid in counseling patients and their families. Decisions regarding which type of VA to use should align with the needs of the patient. In this chapter, we will review the basic principles of VA including reasons for placement, types of catheters, access sites, patient preparation, insertion technique, and complications.
Synchronous versus asynchronous adders

Despite the fact that most clock-related problems have been resolved, speeding-up the execution cycle has yet to be optimized. One way to achieve this is by having the components and modules of a microprocessor communicate in an asynchronous mode. A survey of several programs varying in length and application indicates that addition is the most frequently used instruction. Consequently, the design of asynchronous adders is evaluated. >
Effect of Sucrose on Physical Properties of Spray-Dried Whole Milk Powder

Spray-dried whole milk powders were prepared from whole condensed milk with various sucrose concentrations (0%, 2.5%, 5%, 7.5%, and 10% w/w), and their glass transition temperature and some physical properties of importance in chocolate manufacture were evaluated. In milk powder samples, the glass transition temperature and free-fat content decreased in a nonlinear manner with sucrose addition. Moreover, increasing sucrose concentration reduced the formation of dents on the particle surface. Addition of sucrose in whole condensed milk increased linearly the apparent particle density and in a nonlinear manner the particle size of spray-dried milk powders. The particle size volume distribution of milk powders with the highest sucrose concentration differed from the log-normal distribution of the other samples due to the formation of large agglomerates. Neither vacuole volume, nor the amorphous state of milk powders was affected by sucrose addition.
Effects of stretch induced softening to the free recovery behavior of shape memory polymer composites

Abstract During a cyclic tension test, many elastomeric materials exhibit an appreciable softening in their mechanical properties resulting from the previous stretch, known as the Mullins effect. This paper explores the influence of the stretch induced softening effect to the free recovery behavior of an acrylate shape memory polymer (SMP) composite by incorporating carbon black (CB) as filler materials. The observed softening effect in this SMP composite is considered to be a consequence of stretch induced alternation of filler–polymer interactions inside the composite. Further experiments find that a larger prior stretch gives a larger increase in material softening, which in turn decreases the shape recovery speed. To capture the experimental observations, a multi-branch one dimensional (1D) model is applied, where the modulus in the equilibrium branch is modeled to decrease with stretching deformation following a damage-like softening function. It is found that the loss in modulus due to softening consequently reduces the driving force for recovery and thus results in a slow recovery. Parametric studies further demonstrate that the discounted shape recovery speed will finally reach a saturated level when gradually increasing the programmed strain level in a shape memory cycle.
Nonpharmacological pain management by ethnically diverse older adults with chronic pain: barriers and facilitators

As key players in multidisciplinary health care systems, geriatric social workers must understand the dynamics of pain management among older adults with chronic pain. This study identified perceived barriers to, and facilitators for, utilizing nonpharmacological pain management through face-to-face interviews with 44 ethnically diverse community-dwelling older adults. Constant comparative analysis identified barriers not recognized in prior studies: (a) embarrassment/self-consciousness, (b) unavailability of certain treatments, and (c) lack of faith in effectiveness of nonpharmacological treatments. Most frequently reported facilitators were (a) social support, (b) positive attitude, and (c) available resources. Social workers can provide counseling to motivate older adults to exercise to manage chronic pain and refer them to exercise programs tailored for older adults. To resolve the most frequently reported barrier-transportation-social workers can link older adults with transportation services offered by senior centers or other nonprofit agencies.
Planning for human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination in sub-Saharan Africa: a modeling-based approach

Abstract Background Human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccines have the potential to reduce cervical cancer incidence and mortality, particularly in the parts of the developing world that bear the greatest burden of disease. This research sought to predict the impact and cost-effectiveness of an HPV vaccination program in an example low-resource country with a high burden of cervical cancer: Mali, West Africa. Methods Novel compartmental mathematical models projected the impact of adolescent HPV vaccination in urban and rural areas of Mali. The models accounted for two high-risk vaccine-types: HPV 16 and 18. We then attached comprehensive real cost and cost-effectiveness estimates. Results Our models predict that HPV vaccination in Mali will reduce cervical cancer burden by a factor roughly equal to vaccine coverage. A point vaccination program was simulated in a cohort of 333,146 urban and 588,982 rural Malian women, age 10–14. Vaccination of 50% of girls reduced the peak prevalence of HPV 16/18 to 5.0% in the urban setting and 9.6% in the rural setting, down from 11.7% and 22.0%, respectively, with no vaccination. The 50% vaccination scenario averted 1145 cervical cancer deaths in the urban group and 2742 in the rural group. The cost per discounted life-year saved in this scenario was 1030 US dollars (urban) and 725 dollars (rural). The cost per life-year saved was higher at 90% coverage, but was still in the range of a “cost-effective” public health intervention. Conclusions This research yielded the most comprehensive real cost estimates of HPV vaccination yet published for sub-Saharan Africa. Our models indicate that HPV vaccination in Mali will be cost-effective when introduced. To maximize the benefit using limited resources, vaccination programs may begin with a target coverage of about 50%. We anticipate that costs of reaching late adopters after the First Vaccinated Wave of vaccination will be higher, but worthwhile.
Principles and Practices of Leadership Excellence: CSI Chapter Presidents’ Experience, Perceived Competence, and Rankings of Importance

The present study investigated Chi Sigma Iota (CSI) chapter presidents’ use of CSI’s Principles and Practices of Leadership Excellence (PPLE). Fifty CSI chapter presidents completed a survey that assessed their experience with, perceived competence in, and rankings of importance of the PPLEs. Participants also reported on their involvement in leadership activities and training. Implications for professional counselor leadership training and for future research are discussed.
A seeded sample of concealed-carry permit holders

A pilot study using a seeded sample finds that gun-carrying and permit holding are accurately reported by concealed-carry permit holders. This is consistent with the findings of past validation studies of gun ownership. Moreover, the similarity in gun uses across the seeded and cross-section samples indicates that both collect consistent data.
The Fragility of the Alphabetic Principle: Children's Knowledge of Letter Names Can Cause Them to Spell Syllabically Rather Than Alphabetically ☆

The present research was designed to investigate how children's early-acquired knowledge of letter names affects their spelling. Specifically, we asked whether kindergartners and first graders sometimes spell a sequence of phonemes such as /bi/ (the name of the letter b) or /zi/ (the name of the letter z) with the corresponding consonant letter rather than spelling the sequence alphabetically, with a consonant letter followed by a vowel letter. Children made a number of letter-name spelling errors, especially when the consonant and vowel formed a complete syllable. These results show that children's knowledge of letter names can cause them to deviate from the alphabetic principle-the principle that each phoneme should be represented with a single grapheme. The findings further suggest that syllables play a special role in early writing.
A Case-Control Study of Routine and Death Scene Sleep Position and Sudden Infant Death Syndrome in Southern California

Objective. —To investigate whether infants who died of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) were routinely placed in different sleep positions compared with healthy infants in a multiethnic diverse population in the United States. Design. —A population-based case-control study. Setting. —Five counties in Southern California including Los Angeles, Orange, San Bernardino, Riverside, and San Diego. Participants. —Parents of 200 white, African-American, Hispanic, and Asian infants who died of SIDS between January 1989 and December 1992 and parents of 200 healthy, living infants matched on the basis of birth hospital, birth date, race, and gender. Information was obtained from detailed telephone interviews with the parents and validated with obstetric and pediatric records. Main Outcome Measures. —Routine sleep position, type of bedding, and objects in bed were determined for both case and control infants, while the last-placed and found sleep and face positions at death were reported for SIDS infants. Results. —Approximately 66% of SIDS infants and 64% of comparison infants routinely slept on their abdomens ( P =.91). At the time of death, 80% of cases were found sleeping on their abdomens. There was no difference in routine sleep position for SIDS infants and comparison infants (odds ratio=0.76; 95% confidence interval, 0.42 to 1.38), while simultaneously adjusting for birth weight (in grams), medical conditions at birth, breast-feeding, passive smoking, maternal recreational drug use, prenatal care, and infant vomiting. Hispanic parents routinely placed their infants on their abdomens less frequently than white parents ( P Conclusions. —Routine prone sleep position was not associated with an increased risk of SIDS in this study population. The results need to be confirmed with other parents of SIDS infants interviewed before the height of publicity regarding prone sleep position in the United States. ( JAMA . 1995;273:790-794)
Relationship between navigation vertical error, VDOP, and pseudo-range error in GPS

At a specified position and time, vertical position error is related to satellite ranging errors by the relationship Z=VDOP*URE where URE is the user range equivalent error, VDOP is the vertical dilution of precision, and Z is the vertical position error. This relationship is developed and it is shown that it is statistically correct even when position and time are variables. Expressions are given for the density, cumulative distribution, and standard deviation of Z in terms of the distributions of VDOP and URE. Vertical position error is investigated at several locations and the results compared with published work. A simple method for converting VDOP distributions to distributions of vertical accuracy as an alternative to computer simulation is presented. >
Decreased rat brain cytochrome oxidase activity after prolonged hypoxia

Three weeks of hypoxic exposure results in a spectrum of systemic physiological and local brain tissue adaptations. Cytochrome oxidase histochemistry was used as an indicator of changes in energy demand in response to hypoxia. We found overall cytochrome oxidase activity decreased in hypoxic adapted rats as compared to normoxic control rats. Some regions, notably layer 3 of the frontal cerebral cortex, layer 4 of the parietal sensory barrel fields, lacunosum moleculare hippocampi, and specific nuclei of the rostral ventral medulla, though exhibiting cytochrome oxidase activity decreases of 16-27%, still retain their relatively higher levels of activity. We conclude that there is a hypometabolic component of the rat brain adaptation to continued hypoxia.
A cost-effective fluorescence detection system for pulsed laser analysis

Abstract A cost-effective fluorescence detection system has been developed using a National Instruments PCI-6251 data acquisition (DAQ) board that is driven by LabVIEW Signal Express. The signal is collected using a collimator and transported to the DAQ board using a fiber-coupled detector. The same detection system has been incorporated into an inverted microscope fitted with internal dichroic mirrors to provide a cost-effective alternative to commercial fluorescence microscopes. The detection system has been used to measure fluorescence intensity and generate a laser power curve that can be used for pulsed lasers. Different data analysis approaches have been compared and standard deviation and signal-to-noise ratios have been determined.
Deep Reactive Ion Etching (DRIE) of High Aspect Ratio SiC Microstructures using a Time-Multiplexed Etch-Passivate Process

High aspect ratio silicon carbide (SiC) microstructures are needed for microengines and other harsh environment micro-electro-mechanical systems (MEMS). Previously, deep reactive ion etching (DRIE) of low aspect ratio (AR less than or = 1) deep (greater than 100 micron) trenches in SiC has been reported. However, existing DRIE processes for SiC are not well-suited for definition of high aspect ratio features because such simple etch-only processes provide insufficient control over sidewall roughness and slope. Therefore, we have investigated the use of a time-multiplexed etch-passivate (TMEP) process, which alternates etching with polymer passivation of the etch sidewalls. An optimized TMEP process was used to etch high aspect ratio (AR greater than 5) deep (less than 100 micron) trenches in 6H-SiC. Power MEMS structures (micro turbine blades) in 6H-SiC were also fabricated.
A century and counting: Geographical research on Guatemala in historical perspective

In his recent book Putting Science in its Place: Geographies of Scientific Knowledge (2004), David Livingstone challenges historians of geography to locate that history in space and places, as well as time. Using the national/cultural space that is Guatemala, this paper plots some of the co-ordinates, contours, and questions that such a geographic history might entail. Particular emphasis is placed on providing a first approximation of the contours the history of geographic research in, and on, Guatemala. The main focus is on the work of self-identified geographers, though many scholars in cognate fields, especially historians, archaeologists, and anthropologists have made important contributions to this history. Clear phases in this history are evident, starting in the late 19th century with the work of the German geographer Karl Sapper. North American geographers came to dominate the record in the post-WWII period. The current phase promises not only a new generation of researchers, but also new directions as well as some continuities with topics and questions with a century-old time-depth. This paper seeks to contribute to the largely inchoate project of producing histories of geography at the regional, national, and continental scales for Latin America.
Modelling of water transport and solute release in physiologically sensitive gels

Abstract Water transport into and solute release from ionic, hydrophilic, initially glassy polymeric networks were investigated by deriving a model which takes in consideration the strong concentration dependence of the penetrant and solute diffusion coefficients. The model was solved with appropriate boundary conditions in an ionic buffered solution exhibiting simultaneous ionization of its components. Water uptake and solute release were described in terms of the Swelling Interface number and other parameters of the polymer/buffer system.
Immunoregulation and TGF-β1. Suppression of a nephritogenic murine T cell clone

Immunoregulation and TGF-β 1 . Suppression of a nephritogenic murine T cell clone. Transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β) has been clearly linked in several model systems to the development of pathologic extracellular matrix deposition in the glomerulus and interstitium. TGF-β additionally exerts multiple immunomodulatory effects on T and B lymphocytes, including growth inhibition. Such pleiotropic effects make it difficult to predict how TGF-β might directionally affect the expression of T cell mediated kidney disease. We have examined the effects of TGF-β 1 on the activity of effector T cells in a model of autoimmune interstitial nephritis. M52.26 is an antigen-specific, nephritogenic, cytotoxic T cell clone. TGF-β 1 mediates a concentration-dependent inhibition of M52.26-directed cytotoxicity of tubular epithelial cells in culture, and also of M52.26-mediated transfer of interstitial nephritis to syngeneic recipients. The loss of these functional activities is associated with distinct changes in cytokine gene expression in M52.26. These cytokine alterations consist of a loss of IFN-γ and perforin expression, and an up-regulation of TGF-β expression, which is likely relevant to the observed effector T cell inactivation.
Examining trajectories of adolescent risk factors as predictors of subsequent high-risk driving behavior

PURPOSE: To examine the effects on early high-risk driving behavior of changes over time (trajectories) in adolescent alcohol use, friends' support for drinking, susceptibility to peer pressure, and tolerance of deviance. METHODS: Statewide driving data were obtained for 4813 subjects who had completed at least two previous school-based questionnaires. The self-administered questionnaire data provided predictor measures from 5th through 10th grades. Trajectory information on predictor measures was summarized using each measure's slope over time and level at the 10th grade data collection (last value). Regression models used serious offenses, alcohol-related offenses, serious crashes, and alcohol-related crashes as outcomes, trajectory measures as predictors, and produced parameter estimates adjusted for demographic measures. Probabilities of having a serious offense or serious crash for five sample trajectories on each measure were obtained from the estimated regression models. RESULTS: All four predictor measures were important, particularly in predicting serious offenses, alcohol-related offenses, and alcohol-related crashes. The highest probabilities for young adult high-risk driving were found among those with consistently high or increasingly high trajectories of friends' support for drinking, susceptibility to peer pressure, and tolerance of deviance. CONCLUSIONS: Programs to prevent adolescent risk behavior should take into account environmental and personality influences. Prevention efforts need to emphasize preserving low levels, preventing increases, and promoting decreases over time of adolescent risk factors for unhealthy behaviors, such as high-risk driving. Language: en
Microcanonical Transition State Theory Rate Coefficients from Thermal Rate Constants via Inverse Laplace Transformation

On the basis of concepts from the mathematical theory of approximation of functions, we propose a method of deriving microcanonical transition state theory rate coefficients, both as a function of the total energy and the total angular momentum, from thermal data, namely, the limiting high-pressure rate coefficients. The method does not require the knowledge of the frequencies and degeneracies of the transition state and is general in that it allows for non-Arrhenius forms of thermal data, but it only applies to reactions possessing an intrinsic energy barrier. It is shown that the derived microcanonical rate coefficient is almost identical to the computed Rice−Ramsperger−Kassel−Marcus (RRKM) microcanonical rate coefficient using explicit frequencies and degeneracies of the transition state, and furthermore, that the difference between the two is uniformly distributed over the entire range of total energy and the entire range of the total angular momentum. Comparison of the microcanonical coefficients fro...
Identification of cell-binding adhesins of Leptospira interrogans.

Leptospirosis is a globally distributed bacterial infectious disease caused by pathogenic members of the genus Leptospira. Infection can lead to illness ranging from mild and non-specific to severe, with jaundice, kidney and liver dysfunction, and widespread endothelial damage. The adhesion of pathogenic Leptospira species (spp.), the causative agent of leptospirosis, to host tissue components is necessary for infection and pathogenesis. While it is well-established that extracellular matrix (ECM) components play a role in the interaction of the pathogen with host molecules, we have shown that pathogenic Leptospira interrogans binds to host cells more efficiently than to ECM components. Using in vitro phage display to select for phage clones that bind to EA.hy926 endothelial cells, we identified the putative lipoproteins LIC10508 and LIC13411, and the conserved hypothetical proteins LIC12341 and LIC11574, as candidate L. interrogans sv. Copenhageni st. Fiocruz L1–130 adhesins. Recombinant LIC11574, but not its L. biflexa homologue LBF1629, exhibited dose-dependent binding to both endothelial and epithelial cells. In addition, LIC11574 and LIC13411 bind to VE-cadherin, an endothelial cell receptor for L. interrogans. Extraction of bacteria with the non-ionic detergent Triton X-114 resulted in partitioning of the candidate adhesins to the detergent fraction, a likely indication that these proteins are outer membrane localized. All candidate adhesins were recognized by sera obtained from leptospirosis patients but not by sera from healthy individuals as assessed by western blot. This work has identified bacterial adhesins that are potentially involved in L. interrogans infection of the mammalian host, and through cadherin binding, may contribute to dissemination and vascular damage. Our findings may be of value in leptospirosis control and prevention, with the bacterial adhesins potentially serving as targets for development of diagnostics, therapeutics, and vaccines.
Transcriptionally defective nucleocapsids of vesicular stomatitis virus from cells treated with indomethacin

Indomethacin blocks the biosynthesis of vesicular stomatitis virus (VSV) at the level of primary transcription, RNA replication, and protein synthesis (P. K. Mukherjee and R. W. Simpson (1985), Virology 140, 188–191). Nucleocapsids of infecting virus particles recovered from indomethacin-treated cells were analyzed for in vitro transcriptase activity. Incorporation of [3H]UTP in mixtures containing nucleocapsids from HEp-2 cells pretreated with 10−3M indomethacin was inhibited approximately 80% compared to control reactions containing nucleocapsids from untreated infected cells. The level of inhibition of in vitro transcriptase activity of viral nucleocapsids from drug-treated cultures varied according to the cell line used for infection. After indomethacin removal, cells regained their ability to produce enzymatically competent viral-transcribing complexes unless they were subsequently exposed to metabolic inhibitors such as actinomycin D or α-amanitin. Enzymatically defective nucleocapsids from indomethacin-treated cells showed enhanced in vitro transcriptase activity in the presence of modulators of prostaglandins and cyclic nucleotides. Electrophoretic analysis of product from in vitro transcriptase reactions revealed that these defective nucleocapsids are unable to synthesize VSV messenger RNA or normal size leader RNA species but only smaller transcripts of undetermined identity.
Alternative inquiry and its potential contributions to gifted education: A commentary

There is no absolute knowledge. And those who claim it, whether they are scientists or dogmatists, open the door to tragedy. All information is imperfect. We have to treat it with humility” (Bronowski, 1973, p. 353).
Photoinitiation and Monomer Segregation Behavior in Polymerization of Lyotropic Liquid Crystalline Systems

Lyotropic liquid crystals (LLC's) have recently been employed as polymerization templates to yield highly ordered nanostructured materials with potential applications in regulated transport, ultrafiltration, and catalysis. With the goal of understanding the reaction mechanisms ultimately determining polymer morphology in these highly ordered systems, this study focuses on the influence of LLC order on photoinitiation efficiency and monomer segregation behavior. These phenomena have been elucidated through extensive examination of the polymerization kinetics utilizing photodifferential scanning calorimetry. The polymerization kinetics in these ordered liquids are highly dependent on phase morphology because liquid crystalline alignment has a profound effect on monomer segregation, and photoinitiation efficiency is a function of viscosity, polarity, and the diffusional constraints inherent in LLC phases. Through studies of the polymerization kinetics in different LLC phases using a free radical inhibitor, t...
Partitioning, persistence, and accumulation in digested sludge of the topical antiseptic triclocarban during wastewater treatment

The topical antiseptic agent triclocarban (TCC) is a common additive in many antimicrobial household consumables, including soaps and other personal care products. Long-term usage of the mass-produced compound and a lack of understanding of its fate during sewage treatment motivated the present mass balance analysis conducted at a typical U.S. activated sludge wastewater treatment plant featuring a design capacity of 680 million liters per day. Using automated samplers and grab sampling, the mass of TCC contained in influent, effluent, and digested sludge was monitored by isotope dilution liquid chromatog raphy (tandem) mass spectrometry. The average mass of TCC (mean ± standard deviation) entering and exiting the plant in influent (6.1 ± 2.0 μg/L) and effluent (0.17 ± 0.03 μg/L) was 3737 ± 694 and 127 ± 6 g/d, respectively, indicating an aqueous-phase removal efficiency of 97 ± 1%. Tertiary treatment by chlorination and sand filtration provided no detectable benefit to the overall removal. Due to strong ...
Laser deposition of cubic and hexagonal structured CdS thin films

A Nd:YAG LASER operating at 1.064 micrometers was used to deposit CdS thin films on glass and GaAs (100) substrates. Depending on the substrate temperature, the as-deposited films were either cubic or hexagonal dominant. At a substrate temperature of approximately 200 degree(s)C, predominantly cubic structured films were grown while at approximately 400 degree(s)C the hexagonal phase was formed. The films were in the stoichiometric ratio of 1:1 for Cd:S. The surface of the films were optically smooth. Optical transmission revealed the room temperature absorption edge for the cubic films was close to 515 nm, and that of the hexagonal films was approximately 500 nm. At a temperature of 10 K, the absorption edge of the cubic film was 502 nm. Raman spectrum studies revealed the locations of the first two longitudinal optical (LO) modes for the cubic films were close to that of the hexagonal films.
Cocycles and the structure of ergodic group actions

We show, for a large class of groups, the existence of cocycles taking values in these groups and which define ergodic skew products. We apply this to prove a generalization of Ambrose’s representation theorem for ergodic actions of these groups.
California Poppy Conundrums: Insights into Relationships within Tribe Eschscholtzieae (Papaveraceae)

We examined the phylogenetic relationships and patterns of character evolution among the California poppies and their relatives (Papaveraceae, Eschscholtzieae) using morphological comparisons and parsimony and likelihood-based phylogenetic analyses of two chloroplast and two nuclear DNA regions, including 14-3-3-like, a phylogenetically informative nuclear DNA region developed for this research. Each of the three genera in the tribe (Dendromecon, Eschscholzia, and Hunnemannia) is strongly supported as monophyletic, but not all species of Eschscholzia display monophyly based on molecular data. Examination of biogeographic patterns indicates that dispersal to island habitats occurred more than twice in the tribe. Phylogenetic reconstruction of the evolution of chromosome number suggests that there were several polyploidy events within the tribe and likely one or more aneuploid events within Eschscholzia. Based on the results presented here, the subspecies of both Eschscholzia californica and Eschscholzia lemmonii will be promoted to specific status. Additionally, the study provides evidence supporting recognition of two new species of desert Eschscholzia.
Pseudo-elastic hysteresis of shape-memory wires for passive structural damping: theory and experiments

Experimental results of the dynamics of a cantilever beam constrained by shape memory wires are presented. It is observed that the damping increases significantly when the shape memory wires are pre-stressed such that they lie within the pseudoelastic hysteresis loop. Theoretical models of the inner hysteresis loop are considered, and modal analysis is used to obtain the dynamic response of the system. Simulations of the system using these models give theoretical values of damping which agree well with those observed experimentally. The proposed models of the pseudoelastic hysteresis loop are sufficient to obtain an estimate of the initial increase of damping due to the use of pre-stressed shape memory wires in structures. These results demonstrate that pseudoelasticity of shape memory wires can be used to significantly augment passive damping in structural systems.© (1994) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Emergency department visits for behavioral and mental health care after a terrorist attack.

Study objective We assess emergency department (ED) utilization by a population whose health care encounters can be tracked and quantified for behavioral and mental health conditions in the aftermath of the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001. Methods We assessed presentations to EDs by using Medicaid analytic extract files for adult New York State residents for 2000 and 2001. We created 4 mutually exclusive geographic areas that were progressively more distant from the World Trade Center and divided data into 4 periods. All persons in the files were categorized by their zip code of residence. We coded primary ED diagnoses for posttraumatic stress disorder, substance abuse, psychogenic illness, severe psychiatric illness, depression, sleep disorders, eating disorders, stress-related disorders, and adjustment disorders. Results There was a 10.1% relative temporal increase in the rate of ED behavioral and mental health diagnoses after the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks for adult Medicaid enrollees residing within a 3-mile radius of the World Trade Center site. Other geographic areas experienced relative declines. In population-based comparisons, Medicaid recipients who lived within 3 miles of the World Trade Center after the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks had a 20% increased risk of an ED mental health diagnosis (prevalence density ratio 1.2; 95% confidence interval 1.1 to 1.3) compared to those who were non–New York City residents. Conclusion The complex role that EDs may play in responding to terrorism and disasters is becoming increasingly apparent. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of a quantifiable increase in ED utilization for mental health services by persons exposed to a terrorist attack in the United States.
Transmembrane pH gradients and functional heterogeneity in reconstituted vesicle systems

Abstract The pH-sensitive, membrane impermeant fluorescence probes 8-hydroxy-1,3,6-pyrenetrisulfonate (pyranine; p K a = 7.2) and 1-naphthol-3,6-disulfonate (Naps p K a = 8.2) can be simultaneously entrapped within the intravesicular aqueous compartment of unilamellar vesicles and reconstituted proteoliposomes, where they function as reliable reporters of the intravesicular pH. Because the two probes are sensitive to pH over different but overlapping ranges, the useful monitoring range for the co-trapped probe pair extends from pH 6.5 to 9. In vesicles pre-equilibrated at a given pH and then subjected to a sudden change in external pH, the rate and extent of the subsequent change in internal pH are identical at all times during the re-equilibration, regardless of which probe is used to monitor the change. However, in reconstituted bacteriorhodopsin proteoliposomes, the size of the transmembrane pH gradient generated in the light always appears greater when pyranine is used to monitor internal pH. This discrepancy can most readily be understood in terms of heterogeneity in the vesicle suspension, with at least two populations of vesicles, one active in proton and one inactive. A simple algorithm was developed which generates, from the observed internal pH changes for two probes of different p K a , the percentage of vesicles which are inactive, as well as the actual internal pH of the active fraction. The applicability of this algorithm was subsequently confirmed using a suspension of vesicles in which the level of heterogeneity was deliberately altered by the addition of various amounts of gramicidin. The apparent transmembrane pH gradient for the vesicle population as a whole decreased with increasing gramicidin, as did the calculated percentage of vesicles able to maintain a pH gradient, while the transmembrane gradient calculated for the active vesicle fraction only was essentially unaffected by gramicidin.
Structure-activity relationships for a class of inhibitors of purine nucleoside phosphorylase

Values of inhibition constants, Ki, for a family of structurally related, competitive inhibitors of calf spleen purine nucleoside phosphorylase (PNP) have been determined employing both inosine as substrate and a manual assay and 2-amino-6-mercapto-7-methylpurine ribonucleoside (MESG) as substrate and a robot-based enzyme kinetics facility. Several of the values determined robotically were confirmed employing the same substrate and a manual assay. Surprisingly, for many of the inhibitors examined, values of Ki determined with MESG as substrate are smaller than those obtained employing inosine as substrate by a factor that varies from less than 2 to 10. Values of concentrations required for 50% inhibition of PNP, IC50, have also been determined for the same family of inhibitors employing inosine as substrate. Values of IC50ino and those for Kiino and Kimesg for subsets of the inhibitors have been employed as training sets to create quantitative structure−activity relationships (QSAR) which have substantial...
The design of single particle laser mass spectrometers

This review explores some of the design choices made with single particle mass spectrometers. Different instruments have used various configurations of inlets, particle sizing techniques, ionization lasers, mass spectrometers, and other components. Systematic bias against non-spherical particles probably exceeds a factor of 2 for all instruments. An ionization laser tradeoff is the relatively poor beam quality and reliability of an excimer laser versus the longer wavelengths and slower response time of an Nd-YAG laser. Single particle instruments can make special demands on the speed and dynamic range of the mass spectrometers. This review explains some of the choices made for instruments that were developed for different types of measurements in the atmosphere. Some practical design notes are also given from the author's experience with each section of the instrument. Published 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc., Mass Spec Rev 26:150–165, 2007
Ventricular assist device support in children and adolescents as a bridge to heart transplantation.

Background Mechanical circulatory support using ventricular assist devices (VADs) is a life-saving option for children in heart failure refractory to maximal medical management. The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of standard adult VADs in adolescents and children as well as report our early experience with miniaturized VADs in small children. Methods A 15-year retrospective review was performed on all patients younger than 18 years of age undergoing insertion of a pulsatile VAD at our institution. Results Eighteen patients underwent VAD placement during the study period. The mean age was 12 (range, 6 months to 18 years), with a mean body surface area of 1.48 (range, 0.25 to 2.3 m 2 ). Diagnoses included dilated cardiomyopathy (n = 15), myocarditis (n = 2), and postcardiotomy ventricular failure (n = 1). Ten children underwent insertion of biventricular VADs, and 8 had implantation of left ventricular VADs. The mean support duration was 57 days (range, 2 to 175 days). Complications included bleeding requiring reoperation (n = 4), stroke (n = 5), and device-related infection (n = 2). Outcomes of VAD support were as follows: VAD explantation in 1 case, death while receiving mechanical support in 3 patients, and successful transplantation in 14 patients (77%). Survival at 6 months after orthotopic heart transplantation was 93% with 1-year and 5-year survival rates of 83%. Conclusions Currently available VADs are applicable for use as a bridge to orthotopic heart transplantation or in rare instances for myocardial recovery. The increasing accessibility of miniaturized devices allow for long-term support in smaller children and infants while awaiting orthotopic heart transplantation. Although the perioperative morbidity and mortality of VAD placement is not insignificant, survival for those who receive a heart transplant is excellent.
Li+-ion conductivity of Li1+xMxTi2−x(PO4)3 (M: Sc3+, Y3+)

In Li1+xScxTi2-x(PO4)3 (0<x<0.3), both the conductivity and size of the crystal lattice increase with x, suggesting that Sc3+ ions substitute for Ti4+ ions. In the Li1+xYxTi2-x (PO4)3 system, the ionic conductivity increased with x up to x=0.3, but the crystal lattice did not change with x. EDX analysis of the reaction products prepared by hydrothermal synthesis showed that the Y3+ ions do not substitute for Ti4+ ions. The extra Li+ ions and /or doped Y3+ ions may segregate in the grain-boundary regions, and result in a conductivity enhancement.