cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Locke on education and the rights of parents

John Locke is often taken to be a staunch defender of parents’ rights in the realm of education. In fact, Locke’s pedagogical reasons for preferring home education to school education do not necessarily apply to similar choices in modern contexts. Locke’s political argument for defining education as a duty of parents rather than the state does not mean that the state has no legitimate interests in providing or regulating education, as seen in an analysis of Locke’s writings on toleration where he explores different societies that exist for different ends but that also make conflicting jurisdictional claims.
Using NoSQL databases for streaming network analysis

The high-volume, low-latency world of network traffic presents significant obstacles for complex analysis techniques. The unique challenge of adapting powerful but high-latency models to realtime network streams is the basis of our cyber security project. In this paper we discuss our use of NoSQL databases in a framework that enables the application of computationally expensive models against a real-time network data stream. We describe how this approach transforms the highly constrained (and sometimes arcane) world of real-time network analysis into a more developer friendly model that relaxes many of the traditional constraints associated with streaming data. Our primary use of the system is for conducting streaming text analysis and classification activities on a network link receiving ∼200,000 emails per day.
The effect of retarding admixtures on the structural development of continuously sheared cement pastes

Abstract Structural modifications of fresh cement pastes in the presence of various retarding admixtures have been studied using viscometry techniques. The torque induced on the rotating impeller of the viscometer containing cement paste is recorded over longer periods until setting occurs. The admixtures used are of low molecular weights containing both carboxylic acid and hydroxyl groups. The investigations show that both these classes of admixtures exhibit similar retarding behaviour towards setting, generally demonstrated by a three stage torque-time curve. The appearance of these stages, namely, the initial build-up stage, equilibrium (or suspension) stage and the final build-up stage, depends on the type and dosage of the retarding admixtures. In general their main effect is to extend the length of the equilibrium stage thus delaying the appearance of the final build-up. The results are used to discuss the retarding mechanism of these admixtures and are further interpreted in terms of an empirical correlation that exists between the admixture type and the shearing time given to the cement paste.
The evolution of parental care, aposematism and color diversity in Neotropical poison frogs

This Special Issue demonstrates the breadth of evolutionary ecology research occurring on Neotropical poison frogs (Dendrobatidae). It also draws attention to the incredible diversity of the poison frogs themselves (phenotypic, behavioral and taxonomic diversity) and this group's potential for research programs focusing on speciation, the evolution of toxicity, color pattern diversity, Mullerian and Batesian mimicry, sexual selection, mating systems and parental care. This Special Issue focused on two key research foci in the field of evolutionary ecology: (1) Understanding the interplay between ecology and the evolution of parental care and (2) Elucidating the ecological factors contributing to the evolution of toxicity, aposematism and color pattern diversity. In this paper, I summarize the major findings of studies presented in this Special Issue. Understanding the interplay between ecology and the evolution of parental care Parent poison frogs transport and subsequently deposit their tadpoles in pools of water. The evolutionary transition from terrestrial to smaller arboreal phytotelmata for tadpole deposition is thought to be driven by a reduction in competition and predation associated with smaller tadpole nurseries. This transition is considered a key evolutionary innovation, allowing access to relatively unexploited resources and facilitating the evolution of many novel breeding strategies. To date, there are only a few empirical examples in dendrobatids to support this hypothesis (Weygoldt 1980; Caldwell 1997; Brown et al. 2010). Field experimentation by McKeon and Summers (2013) present a more complete picture of the interactions between the natural history of Allobates femoralis and the tadpole predators present. Their results suggest that pool size, the presence of predatory insects and inter- actions between predators (and indirect effects on tadpoles) influence larval deposition in A. femoralis. Previous research on Ranitomeya species, a genus distantly related to Allobates, has demonstrated that adults also assess multiple aspects of reproductive resources to
Blood ammonia concentration in cord blood during pregnancy

Abstract In vivo studies in several animal species and in vitro studies of human placenta suggest that ammonia is produced within the uteroplacenta and released into the fetal and maternal circulations. Furthermore, the fetal blood ammonia levels in sheep have been found to be significantly greater than maternal levels and inversely correlated with gestational age. Our present study had two main goals: first, to assess whether ammonia may be produced in the human placenta and taken up by the fetus and second, to determine if the fetal blood ammonia levels are greater than maternal and inversely correlated to gestational age. We measured the blood concentrations of ammonia by obtaining both umbilical venous (UV) and arterial (UA) samples obtained from doubly clamped sections of umbilical cord at the time of delivery. Blood gases and glucose were also measured on each sample. Samples were obtained at 96 deliveries (70 vaginal, 26 cesarean section, 18/26 cesarean deliveries not in labor). The deliveries were separated into two groups. Group A included all deliveries, both vaginal and cesarean section, while Group B consisted of only cesarean section prior to onset of labor. The mean gestational age for all deliveries was 38.4 weeks ± 2.95 (S.D.) with a range of 25–43 weeks of gestation. There was no significant relationship between the fetal ammonia levels and gestational age in either group. In both groups A and B, the UA ammonia concentrations were significantly higher than the paired UV ammonia levels (UV-UA: Group A: -10.00 ± 17.6, Group B: -9.3 ± 12.6). Conclusion: These data show no correlation between fetal ammonia levels and gestational age. However, umbilical ammonia concentrations are approximately twice normal adult levels. A negative UV-UA ammonia difference in the fetal circulation disputes uteroplacental production of ammonia, although this finding may reflect the stress of delivery and not steady state in utero conditions. Alternatively, the human fetus may behave differently from the sheep fetus.
A simplified technique for h-y typing.

Abstract Sperm and male lymphocytes of the mouse, when sensitized with H-Y antibody, form rosettes with sheep erythrocytes to which Staphylococcal Protein A has been coupled. This provides a useful method for typing cells for H-Y antigen by absorbing the H-Y antiserum with cells from the individuals to be typed for H-Y.
Participatory design of social search experiences

Social search engines connect users with content created or recommended by social contacts. A new participatory design methodology was created to understand user needs for social search and propose solutions to these needs. The method involved participants interacting with a mock-up of a social search experience and co-creating solutions with the researchers. We present two key findings highlighting specific user needs and corresponding design solutions. The participatory design methodology was useful in bridging the gap between the research and design phases of the development project.
Addition of calcite reduces iron's bioavailability in the Pennsylvania coals--potential use of calcite for the prevention of coal workers' lung diseases.

In the present study, a hypothesis was tested that the addition of calcite into the Pennsylvania coals may reduce levels of bioavailable iron (BAI), an important component in the mixed coal dust that may contribute to coal workers’ lung diseases. Predetermined proportions of calcite (0, 1, 2, 5, 10% w/w) were added into three PA coals. After suspending the mixtures in an aqueous phosphate solution (10 mM, pH 4.5), which mimics the phagolysosomal conditions of the cells, levels of pH as well as calcium ions (Ca2+) in the coals were increased in a calcite concentration-dependent manner. In contrast, levels of BAI (both Fe2+ and Fe3+) were decreased. The inhibitory effects of calcite on the bioavailability of iron in human lung epithelial A549 cells and primary rat alveolar macrophages (AMs) were also examined. It was found that levels of low-molecular-weight (LMW) iron were significantly decreased in both A549 cells and AMs treated with the 10% calcite–PA coal mixture compared to those treated with the PA c...
Getting Active in the Large Lecture

The benefits of active learning are well documented; nonetheless, the implementation of active learning strategies can be challenging in large lecture environments. The project will examine the research supporting active learning, present the implementation of simple active learning techniques in large lecture classes, and provide evidence to test the effectiveness of the techniques on both student learning outcomes and student attitudes. The purpose is to investigate the concern that adding active learning to large lecture classes reduces the amount of time available to teach content in class, resulting in less student learning. The expectation is that incorporating active learning techniques will not harm student learning and will lead to positive student attitudes. The active learning techniques of question-based outlines, discussion-question prompts, small group discussions, and exam preparation will be investigated using exam grade comparisons, pre- and posttest analyses, and student surveys. The fin...
The dynamics of proactivity at work

As the organizational literature on specific proactive behaviors grows, researchers have noted inefficiencies and redundancies in the separate study of different proactive behaviors when their underlying nature, antecedents, processes, and consequences may be similar. We develop a framework designed to generalize across specific manifestations of proactivity, describing the nature, dimensions, situational antecedents, psychological mechanisms, dispositional moderators, and consequences of proactive behavior. We conclude by discussing implications and recommendations for organizational scholars to take a more proactive approach to constructing, evaluating, and cumulating theory about proactive behavior. Our chapter thus answers recent calls for integrative theory about the general dynamics of proactivity, and fits with current trends emphasizing the increasing importance of proactivity in organizational life. # 2008 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
Fall Tillage Method: Effect on Short-Term Carbon Dioxide Flux from Soil

The increasing concern for rising CO 2 concentrations from agricultural activities has prompted the need to better understand the flux of greenhouse gases to the atmosphere. This work determines the effect of four fall tillage methods on short-term CO 2 flux from a Hamerly clay loam (fine-loamy, frigid Aeric Calciaquoll) in the northern Corn Belt. Moldboard plow only, moldboard plow plus disk harrow twice, disk harrow once, and chisel plow once using standard tillage equipment following a wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) crop were compared with no-tillage. The CO 2 flux was measured with a large portable system commonly used to measure canopy gas exchange of field crops [...]
Voltage-dependent calcium and potassium conductances in striated muscle fibers from the scorpion, Centruroides sculpturatus

Ionic currents responsible for the action potential in scorpion muscle fibers were characterized using a three-intracellular microelectrode voltage clamp applied at the fiber ends (8–12°C). Large calcium currents (I Ca) trigger contractile activation in physiological saline (5 mm Ca) but can be studied in the absence of contractile activation in a low Ca saline (≤2.5 mm). Barium (Ba) ions (1.5–3 mm) support inward current but not contractile activation. Ca conductance kinetics are fast (time constant of 3 msec at 0 mV) and very voltage dependent, with steady-state conductance increasing e-fold in approximately 4 mV. Half-activation occurs at −25 mV. Neither I Ca nor I Ba show rapid inactivation, but a slow, voltage-dependent inactivation eliminates I Ca at voltages positive to −40 mV. Kinetically, scorpion channels are more similar to L-type Ca channels in vertebrate cardiac muscle than to those in skeletal muscle. Outward K currents turn on more slowly and with a longer delay than do Ca currents, and K conductance rises less steeply with voltage (e-fold change in 10 mV; half-maximal level at 0 mV). K channels are blocked by externally applied tetraethylammonium and 3,4 diaminopyridine.
Effects of nonocclusive mesenteric hypertension on intestinal function: implications for gastroschisis-related intestinal dysfunction

Effects of nonocclusive mesenteric hypertension on intestinal function: implications for gastroschisis-related intestinal dysfunction
Pulmonary hypoplasia: pathogenesis, diagnosis, and antenatal prediction.

Objective: To review published data pertaining to the pathogenesis, antenatal prediction, and neonatal diagnosis of pulmonary hypoplasia. Data Sources: A computerized search of articles published through February 1995 was performed on the MEDLINE data base. Additional sources were identified through crossreferencing. Methods of Study Selection: All available references were reviewed initially by the authors, and their impact on the clinical significance of this condition was summarized. Data Extraction and Synthesis: Pulmonary hypoplasia can be understood best by first defining the embryology of lung development. Although pulmonary hypoplasia can occur as a primary event, most cases are secondary to congenital anomalies or pregnancy complications. Several methods have been proposed to predict the subsequent occurrence of pulmonary hypoplasia, but no single criterion has adequately confirmed sensitivity and specificity for clinical decision making. Conclusion: For patients with premature rupture of membranes, the gestational age at time of rupture carries the highest risk correlation with subsequent pulmonary hypoplasia.
Designs of new components for ITER ECH&CD transmission lines

The ITER Electron Cyclotron Heating and Current Drive (ECH&CD) transmission line components will need to be suitable for 2 MW cw operation and have high transmission efficiency. The high heat loads compared to existing transmission lines will require enhanced cooling and, for some components, new or modified designs. Portions of the transmission line between the closure plate and the tritium barrier window have special design considerations to assure that tritium from the tokamak plasma does not leak into the tokamak building. Design aspects of new components meeting the ITER requirements are presented.
Brief paper: Adaptive divided difference filtering for simultaneous state and parameter estimation

A novel adaptive version of the divided difference filter (DDF) applicable to non-linear systems with a linear output equation is presented in this work. In order to make the filter robust to modeling errors, upper bounds on the state covariance matrix are derived. The parameters of this upper bound are then estimated using a combination of offline tuning and online optimization with a linear matrix inequality (LMI) constraint, which ensures that the predicted output error covariance is larger than the observed output error covariance. The resulting sub-optimal, high-gain filter is applied to the problem of joint state and parameter estimation. Simulation results demonstrate the superior performance of the proposed filter as compared to the standard DDF.
Effect of hyperphenylalaninemia induced during suckling on brain DNA metabolism in rat pups.

We studied DNA metabolism (synthesis and degradation) in brain to investigate the effect of hyperphenylalaninemia induced in rats by treatment with PCPA or αMPA plus PHE during suckling (4th–20th days of postnatal age) on cell proliferation and naturally occurring cell death. The incorporation of14C in DNA as percent of total radioactivity in the tissue, 30 min after administration of [14C]thymidine served as a measure of DNA synthesis in vivo, and the amount of radioactivity recovered in DNA as percent of total14C in the tissues of 21 day old rats, injected with [14C]thymidine on 2nd day after birth, indicated the turnover (degradation) of DNA. The results showed that the DNA content of cerebellum as well as cerebrum was reduced by treatment with PCPA plus PHE, while treatment with αMPA plus PHE had no effect on DNA content in cerebellum but reduced the levels in cerebrum. Treatment with PCPA or αMPA plus PHE reduced the synthesis of DNA in cerebrum of 11 day old rats but not in 21 day old rats, and the treatments did not affect DNA synthesis in cerebellum of either 11 or 21 day old rats. The turnover (degradation) of DNA was increased in both cerebellum and cerebrum from rats treated with PCPA plus PHE but αMPA plus PHE treatment did not alter the DNA turnover either in cerebellu or in cerebrum. The activity of acid DNase was reduced in both cerebellum and cerebrum from 11 as well as 21 day old rats treated with PCPA plus PHE, but the enzyme activity was not altered in the tissues from rats of both ages treated with αMPA plus PHE. The data thus indicate that in rats treated with PCPA plus PHE the reduction in cerebral DNA levels occurs due to reduced synthesis and/or increased turnover (degradation) of DNA but that the reduction in cerebellar DNA may occur only as a result of increased turnover (degradation), and that in rats treated with αMPA plus PHE the reduction in cerebral DNA must occur due to reduced synthesis. This suggests that treatment of rats with PCPA plus PHE during suckling inhibits cell proliferation and/or increases naturally occurring cell death in both cerebellum and cerebrum while treatment with αMPA plus PHE inhibits only cell proliferation and in cerebrum alone.
Anti-aliasing weighting functions for single-slice helical CT

Spatially variant longitudinal aliasing plagues most volumes reconstructed from single-slice helical computed tomography data, and its presence can degrade resolution and distort image structures. We have recently developed a Fourier-based approach to longitudinal interpolation in helical computed tomography that can, for scans performed at pitch 1 or lower, essentially eliminate this longitudinal aliasing by exploiting a generalization of the Whittaker-Shannon sampling theorem whose conditions are satisfied by the interlaced pairs of direct and complementary longitudinal samples. However, the algorithm is computationally intensive and cannot be pipelined. In this paper, we address this shortcoming by deriving two spatial-domain, projection-data weighting functions that approximate the application of the Fourier-based approach, and preserve its aliasing suppression properties to some degree, while allowing for a pipelined implementation. The first approach, which we call simply 180AA, for anti-aliasing, is a direct spatial-domain approximation of the 180FT approach. The second approach, which we call 180BSP, is based on an approximate generalized interpolation approach making use of B-splines. Studies of aliasing and resolution properties in reconstructions from simulated data indicate that while the 180AA and 180BSP approaches do not perfectly replicate the favorable aliasing suppression and resolution properties of the 180FT approach, they do represent an improvement over the clinically standard 180LI approach on these fronts.
Tissue Inhibitor of Metalloproteinase-1 Prevents Cytokine-Mediated Dysfunction and Cytotoxicity in Pancreatic Islets and β-cells

In addition to inhibiting matrix metalloproteinase-2 and matrix metalloproteinase-9 activity, recent studies suggest that tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase (TIMP)-1 may inhibit apoptosis in various cell lines. To address this question in pancreatic islets and beta-cells, we treated rat pancreatic islets and INS-1 cells with a high-dose combination of the cytokines interleukin (IL)-1beta, tumor necrosis factor-alpha, and interferon-gamma with or without the addition of TIMP-1 and TIMP-2 protein. Using flow cytometry, we quantitated DNA fragmentation to assess cellular apoptosis and confirmed these observations with DNA laddering experiments. Next, we transfected the mouse TIMP-1 gene into INS-1 cells and performed Western immunoblotting to demonstrate expression of TIMP-1 protein. We treated TIMP-1-expressing INS-1 cells with high-dose cytokines and again used flow cytometry to assess DNA fragmentation. We also evaluated the effect of TIMP-1 on IL-1beta-induced inhibition of glucose-stimulated insulin secretion (GSIS) in freshly isolated rat pancreatic islets. Finally, we evaluated the effect of TIMP-1 on inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) gene expression and nuclear factor (NF)-kappaB activity in INS-1 cells stimulated with high-dose cytokines. TIMP-1 but not TIMP-2 prevented cytokine-induced apoptosis and cytokine-mediated inhibition of GSIS in rat islets and beta-cells. TIMP-1 mediated these effects by inhibiting cytokine activation of NF-kappaB, but it did not affect nitric oxide production or iNOS gene expression. Therefore, TIMP-1 may be an ideal gene to prevent cytokine-mediated beta-cell destruction and dysfunction in models of type 1 diabetes and islet transplantation rejection.
Report of racial and digital disparities in web-based health information

The objective of this study was to examine how racial and ethnic characteristics are associated with access to computers, the internet and online health information. Using stratified survey data and binary logistic regression, we examine the persistence of the digital divide and implications for digitally underserved groups.
Coordinated manipulator/spacecraft motion control for space robotic systems

The coordinated control of space manipulators and their spacecraft is investigated. The dynamics of free-flying space robotic systems are written compactly as functions of the system barycentric vectors. A control technique is developed that includes requirements on a spacecraft's position and orientation as well as on its manipulator. This control scheme has the double advantage of allowing a system's motion to be planned to avoid impacts with is environment, and of maintaining a favorable manipulator configuration during the end-effector's motion. In addition, since a system's spacecraft can be moved, the workspace of its manipulator becomes unlimited. A transposed-Jacobian type controller with inertial feedback is developed, and an example is used to demonstrate this technique. >
Shellfishing and the Colonization of Sahul: A Multivariate Model Evaluating the Dynamic Effects of Prey Utility, Transport Considerations and Life-History on Foraging Patterns and Midden Composition

ABSTRACTArchaeological evidence of shellfish exploitation along the coast of Sahul (Pleistocene Australia-New Guinea) points to an apparent paradox. While the continental record as a whole suggests that human populations were very low from initial colonization through early Holocene, coastal and peri-coastal sites dating to that time are dominated by small, low-ranked, littoral taxa to the near-complete exclusion of large, higher ranked, sub-littoral species, precisely the opposite of theory-based expectations, if human populations and predation rates were indeed as low as other data suggest. We present a model of shellfish exploitation combining information on species utility, transport considerations, and prey life-history that might account for this apparent mismatch, and then assess it with ethnographic and archaeological data. Findings suggest either that high-ranked taxa were uncommon along the Pleistocene coastlines of Sahul, or that abundant and commonly taken high-ranked prey are under-represente...
Politics, Religion, and Society: Is The United States Experiencing a Period of Religious-Political Polarization?

This study investigates the effect of religious identity on U.S. Presidential voter choice in order to determine whether this relationship changed over time. The research literature is divided on this question with several investigators finding a positive trend in religious-political polarization since 1980, and others finding no polarization. The study further addresses a putative link between social inequality and religious politics by identifying the race, class, and gender location of religiously influenced voters, using multiple cross sections from the General Social Survey to empirically model Presidential voting over the period 1980 to 2008. The findings demonstrate that religious identity influenced voter choice, and that this influence increased significantly and substantially across the study period. Second, that upper class whites are the source of religious partisan polarity, and upper class whites became more polarized over the period 1980 to 2008. The effect of gender on partisanship is less pronounced, and overshadowed by social class and religious identity. The study findings demonstrate that religiously influenced Presidential voting reflects the political behavior of a relatively privileged component of the electorate.
Shareholder Voting in Director Elections and Initial SOX Section 404 Reports

A primary channel for shareholders to express their dissatisfaction with the board is by withholding their votes in director elections. This study examines the relation between shareholders� voting in director elections and initial Sarbanes-Oxley (SOX) Section 404 reports on internal control. We find that the presence of material weaknesses is associated with shareholder voting, but the effect varies between manager directors and audit committee directors. In the manager sample, shareholders react negatively to the existence of material weaknesses by withholding votes. Additional analysis of companies with material weaknesses reveals greater shareholder dissatisfaction when the number of material weaknesses is higher but less dissatisfaction when the company provided early warning disclosure of internal control problems during the fiscal year. By contrast, audit committee directors are not penalized for material weaknesses, but instead these directors are penalized for accounting restatements. Overall, the results provide new insights into the effects of internal control strength and restatements on shareholder voting for directors, and can potentially motivate directors to be more proactive in ensuring the quality of internal controls and the reliability of financial reporting.
Modeling the Variable Chromosphere of α Orionis

A spectral analysis of the prototypical red supergiant star a Ori that is based on near-UV, optical, and near-IR high-dispersion spectra obtained between 1992 September and 1999 July with the Space Tele- scope Imaging Spectrograph and the Goddard High Resolution Spectrograph on the Hubble Space Telescope, the Utrecht Echelle Spectrograph, and the SoFin Echelle Spectrograph is presented. With detailed non-LTE radiative transfer calculations in spherical geometry, we model the mean conditions in the stellar chromosphere from Ha and the Mg II resonance doublet. The Ha absorption line emerges from an extended chromosphere. Temporal changes of its velocity structure are determined from detailed —ts to near-UV Si I lines, and chromospheric expansion velocities around 4 km s ~1 are found in 1992, whereas the chromosphere was collapsing onto the photosphere with a velocity of 5 km s ~1 in 1998¨ 1999. The Ha core depth is correlated over time with weaker depression changes seen in prominent TiO band heads that dominate the optical spectrum. From elaborate spectral synthesis calculations, we isolate unblended metal absorption lines in the near-IR and determine K and log (g) \( 0.5 T eff \ 3500 for solar metallicity and 12 ^ 0.5 km s ~1 for macrobroadening and v sin i. Semiempirical —ts yield chromospheric temperatures not in excess of 5500 K, but with long-term changes by D400 K. The model extends over 5000 and requires supersonic microturbulence values ranging to 19 km s ~1 ,i n R _ strong contrast with the photospheric value of only 2 km s ~1. We observe Doppler shifts of 4¨ 8k m s~1 in the scattering cores of many double-peaked near-UV emission lines which correlate with changes in the intensity ratio of their emission components. The red emission components were much stronger in 1992, indicating a phase of enhanced chromospheric out—ow, for which we determine a spherical mass- loss rate of 6 ) 10~7 yr ~1. We present a discussion of chromospheric pulsation in this massive star. M _ Detailed modeling of the observed Mg II h and k line asymmetry is also presented. We demonstrate that a chromospheric Mn I blend strongly contributes to this puzzling asymmetry. Subject headings: line: identi—cationstars: chromospheresstars: individual (a Orionis) ¨ stars: late-typestars: mass losssupergiants
Csk phosphorylation and inactivation in vitro by the cAMP-dependent protein kinase.

Abstract Csk is a protein tyrosine kinase that phosphorylates other protein tyrosine kinases of the Src family and down-regulates their activities. It is not known how Csk is regulated. We investigated the possibility that Csk is regulated through phosphorylation by examining if Csk can serve as an in vitro substrate for a panel of protein kinases. We found that Csk was phosphorylated by the cAMP-dependent protein kinase (PKA), but not by protein kinase C, Src, or the fibroblast growth factor receptor kinase. Csk phosphorylation in vitro by PKA is on a serine residue(s) and can reach a stoichiometry of approximately 0.6 mol phosphate per mole of enzyme. Furthermore, incubation with PKA in the presence of ATP and magnesium ion results in a time-dependent decrease in Csk kinase activity. A sixfold decrease in Csk activity (expressed as V max / K m ratio) was achieved due to a threefold increase in its K m and a twofold decrease in its V max value within 1 h of incubation with the catalytic subunit of PKA and ATP-Mg. Both phosphorylation and inactivation by PKA were blocked by a PKA-specific inhibitor. Csk mutants with a deleted SH2 or SH3 domain retained their ability to be phosphorylated and inactivated by PKA, indicating that the phosphorylation site is located within the catalytic domain. These studies suggest that the cAMP-dependent protein kinase can regulate Csk activity.
Efflux Pump-Mediated Intrinsic Drug Resistance in Mycobacterium smegmatis

The Mycobacterium smegmatis genome contains many genes encoding putative drug efflux pumps. Yet with the exception of lfrA, it is not clear whether these genes contribute to the intrinsic drug resistance of this organism. We showed first by reverse transcription (RT)-PCR that several of these genes, including lfrA as well as the homologues of Mycobacterium tuberculosis Rv1145, Rv1146, Rv1877, Rv2846c (efpA), and Rv3065 (mmr and emrE), were expressed at detectable levels in the strain mc(2)155. Null mutants each carrying an in-frame deletion of these genes were then constructed in M. smegmatis. The deletions of the lfrA gene or mmr homologue rendered the mutant more susceptible to multiple drugs such as fluoroquinolones, ethidium bromide, and acriflavine (two- to eightfold decrease in MICs). The deletion of the efpA homologue also produced increased susceptibility to these agents but unexpectedly also resulted in decreased susceptibility to rifamycins, isoniazid, and chloramphenicol (two- to fourfold increase in MICs). Deletion of the Rv1877 homologue produced some increased susceptibility to ethidium bromide, acriflavine, and erythromycin. The upstream region of lfrA contained a gene encoding a putative TetR family transcriptional repressor, dubbed LfrR. The deletion of lfrR elevated the expression of lfrA and produced higher resistance to multiple drugs. Multidrug-resistant single-step mutants, independent of LfrA and attributed to a yet-unidentified drug efflux pump (here called LfrX), were selected in vitro and showed decreased accumulation of norfloxacin, ethidium bromide, and acriflavine in intact cells. Finally, use of isogenic beta-lactamase-deficient strains showed the contribution of LfrA and LfrX to resistance to certain beta-lactams in M. smegmatis.
Cardiac Epithelial Mesenchymal Transition Is Blocked By Monomethylarsonous Acid (III)

Arsenic exposure during embryonic development can cause ischemic heart pathologies later in adulthood which may originate from impairment in proper blood vessel formation. The arsenic-associated detrimental effects are mediated by arsenite (iAs(III)) and its most toxic metabolite, monomethylarsonous acid [MMA (III)]. The impact of MMA (III) on coronary artery development has not yet been studied. The key cellular process that regulates coronary vessel development is the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT). During cardiac EMT, activated epicardial progenitor cells transform to mesenchymal cells to form the cellular components of coronary vessels. Smad2/3 mediated TGFβ2 signaling, the key regulator of cardiac EMT, is disrupted by arsenite exposure. In this study, we compared the cardiac toxicity of MMA (III) with arsenite. Epicardial progenitor cells are 15 times more sensitive to MMA (III) cytotoxicity when compared with arsenite. MMA (III) caused a significant blockage in epicardial cellular transformation and invasion at doses 10 times lower than arsenite. Key EMT genes including TGFβ ligands, TβRIII, Has2, CD44, Snail1, TBX18, and MMP2 were down regulated by MMA (III) exposure. MMA (III) disrupted Smad2/3 activation at a dose 20 times lower than arsenite. Both arsenite and MMA (III) significantly inhibited Erk1/2 and Erk5 phosphorylation. Nuclear translocation of Smad2/3 and Erk5 was also blocked by arsenical exposure. However, p38 activation, as well as smooth muscle differentiation, was refractory to the inhibition by the arsenicals. Collectively, these findings revealed that MMA (III) is a selective disruptor of cardiac EMT and as such may predispose to arsenic-associated cardiovascular disorders.
A Data Driven Frequency Based Feature Extraction and Classification Method for EMA Fault Detection and Isolation

This research investigates a novel data driven approach to condition monitoring of Electro-Mechanical Actuators (EMAs) consisting of feature extraction and fault classification. The approach is able to accommodate time-varying loads and speeds since EMA’s typically operate under non-steady conditions. The feature extraction process exposes fault frequencies in signal data that are synchronous with motor position through a series of signal processing techniques. A resulting reduced dimension feature is then used to determine the condition of the EMA with a trained Bayesian Classifier. Signal data collected from EMAs in known health configurations is used to train the algorithms so that the condition of EMA’s with unknown health may be predicted. Although the process was developed for EMAs, it can be used generically on other rotating machine applications as a Health and Usage Management System (HUMS) tool.Copyright © 2012 by ASME
Sequence analysis reveals homology between two proteins of the flagellar radial spoke.

Flagellar radial spokes contribute to the regulation of dynein arm activity and thus the pattern of flagellar bending. We have sequenced the genes for radial spoke protein 4 (RSP4) and RSP6, two of the five proteins that make up the radial spoke head in Chlamydomonas reinhardtii. The two genes, which are tightly linked genetically (B. Huang, G. Piperno, Z. Ramanis, and D.J.L. Luck, J. Cell Biol. 88:80-88, 1981), are separated by only 435 bp. They encode proline-rich polypeptides of 49.8 kDa (RSP4) and 48.8 kDa (RSP6), which are 48% identical to each other but do not resemble any previously sequenced proteins. The transcription start sites of these genes and an additional radial spoke protein gene, that for RSP3, were determined, and patterns of mRNA accumulation during flagellar regeneration were examined for the three radial spoke protein genes. These studies provide the molecular tools for a detailed analysis of radial spoke head function and assembly and for a determination of the mechanism by which the genes required to build a complex organelle are regulated.
Soybean Seed Phenol, Lignin, and Isoflavones and Sugars Composition Altered by Foliar Boron Application in Soybean under Water Stress

Previous research showed that foliar boron (B) application at flowering or seed-fill growth stages altered seed protein, oil, and fatty acids. The objective of this research was to investigate the effects of foliar B fertilizer on seed phenolics (phenol, lignin, and isoflavones) and sugars concentrations. A repeated greenhouse experiment was conducted on soybean [(Glycine max(L.) Merr.)] under watered and water-stressed conditions. Soybean plants were divided into different sets, and each set was subjected to one of the following treatments: W = plants were watered with no foliar B; WB = plants were watered and received foliar B; WS = plants were water-stressed with no foliar B; WSB = plants were waterstressed and received foliar B. Foliar B was applied at rate of 0.45 kg/ha twice at flowering and twice at seed-fill stages. The results showed that total phenol and lignin concentrations were higher in seed collected from water-stressed plants compared with those collected from watered plants whether B was applied or not. The higher total phenol and lignin concentration in seed collected of water-stressed plants may be due to B-deficiency in plant tissues. Application of B resulted in higher concentrations of total seed B and isoflavones under watered and water-stressed plants. Higher cell wall B was higher in water-stressed plants than in watered plants, having an opposite trend to total B. Application of B resulted in higher seed sucrose in watered and water-stressed plants, but raffinose and stachyose were significantly higher under water-stressed plants. The research demonstrated that foliar B fertilizer altered seed phenol, lignin, isoflavones, and sugars, suggesting that B involved in phenolics and sugar metabolism. The higher cell wall B in waterstressed plants than in watered plants supports previous research that B has mainly a structural role. The higher sucrose resulting from foliar B in watered plants is desirable as sucrose contributes to seed quality. The increase of raffinose and stachyose concentrations in seed of water-stressed plants is undesirable as raffinose, and especially stachyose may be involved in water stress/drought tolerance. The current knowledge would help soybean breeders select for higher phenolic compounds and desirable sugars for higher seed qualities under drought conditions.
Biphasic effects of imipramine in experimental models of epilepsy.

SUMMARY In a vanety of laboratory models of experimental epilepsy, imipramine exerts a biphasic action on the CNS as manifested by antiepileptic properties at low doses and convulsant effects at higher doses. In mice, imipramine (17.5–25 mg/kg, i.p.) blocks maximal electroshock seizures while exerting little or no effect on pentylenetetrazol-induced seizures. In cats, imipramine (2.5–15 mg/kg, i.v.) reduces penicillin and estrogen-induced epileptiform discharge, shortens afterdischarge duration, and elevates afterdischarge threshold. Higher doses in mice induce neurotoxicity, including clonic seizures. In cats, doses above 20 mg/kg intensify chemically and electrically induced seizures and induce spontaneous epileptiform episodes. Such a biphasic action of imipramine may limit the drug's clinical utility as an antiepileptic agent and may provide an interesting tool for studies of catecholamines and brain excitability. RESUMEN En diversos modelos de epilepsia experimental la imipramina ejerce una accion bifasica sobre el SNC que se manifiesta por propiedades antiepilepticas a dosis reducidas y por efectos convulsivos a dosis mas elevadas. En ratones la imipramina (17,5–25 mg/kg i.v.) bloquea las convulsiones del electroshock maximo mientras que produce poco o ningun efecto sobre los ataques inducidos por el pentilentetrazol. En gatos la imipramina (2,5–15 mg/kg i.v.) reduce las descargas inducidas por la penicilina y los estrogenos, acorta la duracion de las post-descargas y eleva el umbral de las post-descargas. En ratones, dosis mas elevadas, induce cierta neurotoxicidad incluyendo convulsiones clonicas. En gatos, dosis por encima de 20 mg/kg intensifican los ataques inducidos quimica o electricamente y desencadenan episodios epileptiformes espontaneos. Esta accion bifasica de la imipramina puede limitar la utilizacion clinica de esta medicacion como agente antiepileptico y puede representar un excelente instrumento para los estudios de las catecolaminas y la excitabilidad cerebral. ZUSAMMENFASSUNG Bei einer Vielzahl von Labormodellen fur die experimentelle Epilepsie wirkt Imipramin biphasisch auf das ZNS: Antiepileptisch in niedrigen Dosen, krampferregend in hoheren Dosen. Bei Mausen blockiert Imipramin (17,5–25 mg/kg, i.p.) die maximalen Elektroschockkrampfe, wahrend es wenig oder keinen Effekt auf die pentylentetrazol-induzierten Krampfe ausubt. Bei Katzen reduziert Imipramin (2,5–15 mg/kg i.v.) die durch Penicillin und Ostrogen induzierten epileptiformen Entladungen, verkurzt die Dauer der Nachentladungen und erhoht die Schwelle fur Nachentladungen. Hohere Dosen fuhren bei Mausen zur Neurotoxizitat einschliesslich klonischer Anfalle. Bei Katzen verstarken Dosen uber 20 mg/kg chemisch und elektrisch ausgeloste Anfalle und induzieren spontane epileptiforme Episoden. Solche biphasische Wirkung des Imipramin kann den klinischen Nutzen als antiepileptisches Medikament begrenzen und konnte weiterhin ein interessantes Hilfsmittel fur Untersuchungen der Catecholamine und der Hirnexitabilitat darstellen.
Epidemiology and Clinical Presentation of Parainfluenza Type 4 in Children: A 3-Year Comparative Study to Parainfluenza Types 1–3

Human parainfluenza viruses (HPIVs) are among the most common causes of acute respiratory tract infections in children [1–6]. Four HPIV serotypes (types 1–4) have been identified. Previous attempts to identify HPIV-4 have proved difficult as HPIV-4 has little cytopathic effect in culture, direct fluorescent antibody (DFA) panels have not routinely included HPIV-4, and HPIV-4 serology is time consuming with limited commercial availability. As a result, most studies have focused primarily on types 1–3, leaving the epidemiology and clinical significance of HPIV-4 largely unknown [1–3, 7–9]. The recent development of multiplex polymerase chain reaction (PCR) capable of detecting HPIV-1–4 has aided in the detection of all HPIVs from respiratory specimens [10]. There are 2 subtypes of HPIV-4, 4a and 4b, both of which have been implicated in causing human disease [7]. Prior studies suggest that HPIV-4 may be associated with both upper and lower respiratory tract infections in children [7, 10–16]. However, these studies have primarily been conducted outside North America and are limited by small sample sizes and often included patients with concurrent respiratory viral infections, making it difficult to assess the true clinical significance or epidemiology of HPIV-4 in pediatric patients. This retrospective study aims to further characterize the epidemiology and disease associations of HPIV-4 in comparison to HPIV-1–3 in pediatric patients.
Strong premating reproductive isolation drives incipient speciation in Mimulus aurantiacus

Determining which forms of reproductive isolation have the biggest impact on the process of divergence is a major goal of speciation research. These barriers are often divided into those that affect the potential for hybridization (premating isolation), and those that occur after mating (postmating isolation), and much debate has surrounded the relative importance of these categories. Within the species Mimulus aurantiacus, red- and yellow-flowered ecotypes occur in the southwest corner of California, and a hybrid zone occurs where their ranges overlap. We show that premating barriers are exclusively responsible for isolation in this system, with both ecogeographic and pollinator isolation contributing significantly to total isolation. Postmating forms of reproductive isolation have little or no impact on gene flow, indicating that hybrids likely contribute to introgression at neutral loci. Analysis of molecular variation across thousands of restriction-site associated DNA sequencing (RAD-seq) markers reveals that the genomes of these taxa are largely undifferentiated. However, structure analysis shows that these taxa are distinguishable genetically, likely due to the impact of loci underlying differentiated adaptive phenotypes. These data exhibit the power of divergent natural selection to maintain highly differentiated phenotypes in the face of gene flow during the early stages of speciation.
A motorized anchoring mechanism for a tethered capsule robot using fibrillar adhesives for interventions in the esophagus

Patients suffering from chronic gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) or Barrettpsilas esophagus periodically need to have esophageal biopsy samples taken. This is currently done through a relatively expensive, time consuming, invasive endoscopic procedure which carries some risk. This paper presents a concept for a swallowable, motorized, tethered capsule endoscope which could eventually replace current endoscopic interventions in the esophagus. Newly-developed microscale fibrillar adhesives for anchoring the capsule in place were tested on porcine esophagus, and demonstrated as much as 200% friction enhancement when compared to unpatterned materials. A motorized legged stopping mechanism is presented, mathematically modeled, and capsules were manufactured and evaluated in vitro in porcine esophagus. Capsules with deployed legs lined with adhesives showed nearly four times more resistance to dislodgment than plain capsules with no legs.
Analysis and nonlinear simulation of a quadrupole wiggler FEL at millimeter wavelengths

The use of a helical quadrupole wiggler field in a circular guide for amplification of millimeter waves is discussed. The effects of space charge and axial field are considered for beam stability for near-axis orbits. When space charge is neglected, the orbit equations and properties and characteristic betatron oscillation of frequencies are examined by a linearization of the orbit equations. A nonlinear simulation code for dipole wigglers is modified to examine optimum gain TE/sub 21/ waveguide modes for a quadrupole wiggler in the 30-300 GHz range. >
A Lawsuit in the Waiting: Special Relationships within Campus Recreation?:

This work explores a potential legal argument holding campus recreation programs liable for injuries sustained during recreational activity using the concept of a “special relationship.” A literature review on the impacts of campus recreation programs will be followed by a discussion of how campus recreation programs may meet several established legal requirements for such a special relationship to exist, requirements found in the 1993 case Kleinknecht v. Gettysburg. This discussion will focus on concepts of recruiting and community benefits found in both the campus recreation literature and the Kleinknecht findings. We will conclude with a discussion of potential defenses for the recreation industry in such a case where a special relationship lawsuit is attempted along with points of emphasis to reduce the prospects of litigation.
Can Private Companies Contribute To Public Programs’ Outreach Efforts? Evidence From California

We studied an innovative outreach effort in California, which trains and certifies community organizations to help complete Medicaid and State Children’s Health Insurance Program (SCHIP) applicatio...