cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Effective expression of small interfering RNA in human cells

In many eukaryotes, expression of nuclear-encoded mRNA can be strongly inhibited by the presence of a double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) corresponding to exon sequences in the mRNA (refs 1,2). The use of this "RNA interference" (RNAi) in mammalian studies had lagged well behind its utility in lower animals because uninterrupted RNA duplexes longer than 30 base pairs trigger generalized cellular responses through activation of dsRNA-dependent protein kinases. Recently it was demonstrated that RNAi can be made to work in cultured human cells by introducing shorter, synthetic duplex RNAs (approximately 20 base pairs) through liposome transfection. We have explored several strategies for expressing similar short interfering RNA (siRNA) duplexes within cells from recombinant DNA constructs, because this might allow long-term target-gene suppression in cells, and potentially in whole organisms. Effective suppression of target gene product levels is achieved by using a human U6 small nuclear RNA (snRNA) promoter to drive nuclear expression of a single RNA transcript. The siRNA-like parts of the transcript consists of a 19 base pair siRNA stem with the two strands joined by a tightly structured loop and a U1-4 3' overhang at the end of the antisense strand. The simplicity of the U6 expression cassette and its widespread transcription in human cell types suggest that this mode of siRNA delivery could be useful for suppressing expression of a wide range of genes.
Chromogenic lithium cryptahemispheraplexes for determination of sodium in aqueous solutions

Abstract Three new lithium cryptahemispheraplexes for selective complexation of sodium in aqueous solutions were synthesized. Combining diaza-12-crown-4 or diaza-14-crown-4 with the rigid trianisyl concave produced hosts with two different cavity sizes. These compounds, having the [1.1] cavity, incorporate 2,4-dinitro-6-(trifluoromethyl)anilino ( 2 and 5 ) and 2,6-dinitro-4-(trifluoromethyl)anilino ( 4 ) chromophoric groups for generating a chromogenic and kinetic response to sodium ion. For comparison, the end product of sodium complexation with compound 2 (cryptahemispheraplex 3 ) was isolated and characterized.
A visually interactive expert system for a distribution center environment

Abstract The Warehousing and Distribution of miscellaneous case goods stored and retrieved in public or private warehousing offers an excellent opportunity to study and document rules for Storage and Retrieval systems. This study concerns the receiving, storing and shipping operations of a large Distribution Center having over 100000 storage locations for general merchandise. There are also several special storage areas for items requiring special handling such as liquids, food and fabric items, etc. The study includes developing decision rules depending on the product handled and palletizing rules depending on the case (carton) size, case quantity and weight and the stacking pattern. A preliminary study revealed that storage capacity increases of at least 4% (4000 additional pallet positions) could be achieved by optimum pallet stacking and another 5–7% by standardizing the wooden pallets themselves.
Fool’s Paradise: The Wedding Dance of Physics and Control

This paper discusses the subtle interplay between physics and control guided by the metaphor of a marriage, with its wedding dance, shivaree and consummation. Physics is constrained by conservation, control, by causality. The revolutionary concept of a signal is the shotgun that forced the wedding.
Does the Position of the Alimentary Limb in Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass Surgery Make a Difference?

Intestinal obstruction and other complications have been reported following Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) surgery. There is controversy of whether the alimentary limb should be placed in the retrocolic or antecolic position. A retrospective analysis was performed on 444 patients undergoing RYGB surgery for morbid obesity during a six year period. During operation, the surgeon chose the positioning of the 75-cm alimentary limb based upon technical consideration (the presence of adhesions from prior surgical procedures, thickness of the transverse mesocolon and mobility of the small bowel mesentery). Group A (216) patients had placement of the Roux limb anterior to the transverse colon, and group B (228) patients had placement of the limb through an opening created in the transverse mesocolon. The average age was 40 years (range 19–64) and the body mass index ranged from 40 to 75 kg/m2. Patients were followed for 24–86 months (mean 36 months). Any patients lost to follow-up were excluded. The average age of patients in the study was 40 years (range 19–64 years). Patients in both groups were similar in their body mass index and demographic characteristics. Group A had 16 patients (7.4%) that had early intolerance to enteral intake, compared to 13 patients in group B (5.7%, P>0.05). Thirteen patients required reoperation for intestinal obstruction (seven patients in group A and six patients in group B (P>0.05). Development of anastomotic stricture occurred in one patient (0.5%) in group A and three patients (1%, P>0.05) in group B. There were no differences in mean operating room times, hospital length of stay, and excess weight lost. No other complications during the follow-up period were attributed to the position of the alimentary limb. Placement of the Roux limb in the antecolic position is may be technically more feasible in some patients and does not appear to be associated with more complications. It avoids the risk of an internal hernia through the transverse and does not appear to be associated with feeding difficulties in the early or late postoperative period.
Blunted cardiovascular and catecholamine stress reactivity in women with bulimia nervosa

Cardiovascular and catecholamine responses to mental stressors were investigated in women with bulimia nervosa (BN) and in healthy control subjects. Fifteen women with BN and 15 control subjects completed psychosocial questionnaires before laboratory testing, where they were exposed to an interpersonally based speech stressor and a serial math task. Blood pressure, heart rate, epinephrine, norepinephrine and, via impedance cardiography, systolic time intervals, cardiac output and total peripheral resistance were measured at rest and during stress. Results indicated that BN was associated with blunted sympathetic activation in response to mental stress, indicated by increased pre-ejection period responses and blunted systolic blood pressure, heart rate and epinephrine responses. In contrast, women with BN had elevated cortisol levels when compared with control women. In addition, despite equivalent performance between groups, bulimic women reported feeling significantly more confused, frustrated, inadequate and dissatisfied with their performance during tasks. Psychosocial questionnaires also indicated that women with BN perceived more stress, had worse coping skills, lower self-esteem and sense of mastery, reported less social support, had worse mood, had greater anxiety and were more depressed when compared with control women. These results are interpreted as reflecting physiological and psychological profiles indicative of distress vs. active effort coping in BN.
A multivariant micromechanical model for SMAs Part 2. Polycrystal model

Abstract An averaging scheme is developed to simulate the behavior of a polycrystalline shape memory alloy (SMA) specimen using the Multivariant Micromechanics approach. An untextured polycrystalline specimen is assumed to be formed by a number of randomly oriented single crystal grains. The previously developed Multivariant technique is used to model the response of each single crystal grain subjected to its stress field seen in the polycrystalline sample. Using spherical grains, the Eshelby–Kroner approach is used to formulate the interaction between grains and to determine the stress state in each individual grain. This model successfully captures the basic features of SMA polycrystalline response to loading and temperature. In addition, comparison is made to recent experimental data with fully triaxial load states. Reasonable qualitative agreement is obtained and some issues related to crystallography of the material model are addressed.
P300 Subcomponent Abnormalities in Schizophrenia: Longitudinal Stability and Relationship to Symptom Change

Abstract >Background: Reduced amplitude of the P300 event-related brain potential (ERP) is a robust finding in schizophrenia. It remains unclear whether this represents a state or trait abnormality. We previously reported reductions of specific subcomponents of the auditory oddball P300 that were independent of acute symptomatology and were differentially associated with gender and deficit/nondeficit subtype. To clarify the state vs. trait nature of these abnormalities, we reassessed a subset of these patients after a minimum interval of 1 year following initial study. Methods: Auditory P300 ERPs were obtained from 18 patients at two time points and compared to baseline normative data recorded from 48 controls. Five P300 subcomponents were identified using current source density measures: frontal (P3f), bilateral parietal (P3pL, P3pR), and bilateral temporal (P3tL, P3tR). Results: Patients exhibited reduced P300 amplitudes at baseline, including specific reductions of left temporal and right parietal subcomponents. There were no significant changes in P300 amplitudes over time, despite significant improvement in symptomatology, and the parietal subcomponent exhibited persistent impairment. There was, however, a trend toward normalization of the left temporal subcomponent that correlated with change in Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale. There was also a highly significant inverse relationship between changes in frontal P300 subcomponent amplitude and severity of auditory hallucinations ( r = −.76). Conclusions: The findings support the overall longitudinal stability of P300 deficits in schizophrenia, though there is some state-dependent modulation of these deficits. The relationship between the frontal P300 and hallucinations is consistent with both the cognitive orienting function of this subcomponent and the role of the anterior cingulate as a hypothesized generator of this ERP activity.
The effects of GABA on prolactin secretion in female animals

These studies reexamined the central effects of GABA on prolactin (pro) secretion. GABA (0.004-4.0 μmoles) was infused into the third ventricle (V III) of unanesthetized, unrestrained, cycling female rats. The results were compared to those obtained in males. Only a 4.0 μmole dose of GABA increased pro levels in male animals, confirming previous observations. In females, GABA stimulated pro release in a dose-dependent manner, with the lowest effective dose being 0.04 μmole. In proestrus rats, 0.04 μmole GABA elevated plasma pro levels to a greater degree than in diestrus rats. This dose was ineffective in males and castrated females suggesting that ovarian steroids are important in determining the effects of GABA on pro secretion. Control injections of saline or mannitol were without effect. When pro levels were elevated by TRH (5000 ng), GABA (0.4 μmole, V III) elicited a further increase in pro secretion. Muscimol (0.004 μmole), a GABA agonist, injected into the V III also induced a large increase in pro secretion, comparable to that following 4.0 μmoles GABA. GABA (0.4 μmole), infused directly into the anterior pituitary gland in vivo, resulted in a slight, but nonsignificant increase in pro by 10 min; however, by 60 min plasma pro was reduced slightly below preinjection levels (p<0.05). These findings in female rats substantiate earlier observations that GABA administered centrally stimulates prolactin secretion.
Effects of Educational Focus on a Graduate Nurse's Initial Choice of Practice Area.

Nursing students have been educated to acquire the skills necessary to practice in different settings. This study examined whether the focus of education (rural or urban) had an effect on the area that the graduate nurse chose to practice in after graduation. To prepare the nursing student for her or his role in rural nursing, one program focused its curriculum on rural health needs. Another nursing program located in an urban area had a traditional educational nursing program with only once community nursing course. A curriculum review was completed to examine whether the curriculum focus of the study programs were consistent with the stated foci. A retrospective study design was used to answer the research questions. Survey instruments were mailed to 379 urban and rural nursing school graduates. The analysis of study results showed that students who attended a nursing program focusing on rural nursing were twice as likely to practice in rural areas than nurses who completed an urban-focused nursing program. Another factor that had an impact on the graduate nurses' choice of practice area was the students' original places of residence.
Adjusting Maintenance Schedules to Levelize Risk

When scheduling generating units for maintenance one of the goals is to level the risks of capacity shortages throughout the year. Level reserves have been used as an indication of level risk. This paper illustrates that better schedules can be found by a method that uses effective capability in place of reserve. The five step method of incorporating risk considerations into existing maintenance scheduling procedures is described and illustrated. The same capacity outage probability table as used in the loss-of-load probability method is used to determine the effective load-carrying capability of each unit to be scheduled. These effective capabilities take the place of the unit ratings in the reserve leveling portion of existing procedures. The loads forecast for each maintenance period are also converted into an equivalent load which reflects the variability of peak loads during the period.
Concrete Mathematics: A Foundation for Computer Science

From the Publisher: This book introduces the mathematics that supports advanced computer programming and the analysis of algorithms. The primary aim of its well-known authors is to provide a solid and relevant base of mathematical skills - the skills needed to solve complex problems, to evaluate horrendous sums, and to discover subtle patterns in data. It is an indispensable text and reference not only for computer scientists - the authors themselves rely heavily on it! - but for serious users of mathematics in virtually every discipline. Concrete Mathematics is a blending of CONtinuous and disCRETE mathematics. "More concretely," the authors explain, "it is the controlled manipulation of mathematical formulas, using a collection of techniques for solving problems." The subject matter is primarily an expansion of the Mathematical Preliminaries section in Knuth's classic Art of Computer Programming, but the style of presentation is more leisurely, and individual topics are covered more deeply. Several new topics have been added, and the most significant ideas have been traced to their historical roots. The book includes more than 500 exercises, divided into six categories. Complete answers are provided for all exercises, except research problems, making the book particularly valuable for self-study. Major topics include: Sums Recurrences Integer functions Elementary number theory Binomial coefficients Generating functions Discrete probability Asymptotic methods This second edition includes important new material about mechanical summation. In response to the widespread use ofthe first edition as a reference book, the bibliography and index have also been expanded, and additional nontrivial improvements can be found on almost every page. Readers will appreciate the informal style of Concrete Mathematics. Particularly enjoyable are the marginal graffiti contributed by students who have taken courses based on this material. The authors want to convey not only the importance of the techniques presented, but some of the fun in learning and using them.
Diverse biological functions of the SPARC family of proteins

The SPARC family of proteins represents a diverse group of proteins that modulate cell interaction with the extracellular milieu. The eight members of the SPARC protein family are modular in nature. Each shares a follistatin-like domain and an extracellular calcium binding E-F hand motif. In addition, each family member is secreted into the extracellular space. Some of the shared activities of this family include, regulation of extracellular matrix assembly and deposition, counter-adhesion, effects on extracellular protease activity, and modulation of growth factor/cytokine signaling pathways. Recently, several SPARC family members have been implicated in human disease pathogenesis. This review discusses recent advances in the understanding of the functional roles of the SPARC family of proteins in development and disease.
Wave equation hydrodynamics on deforming elements

The shallow water wave equation is derived in a general deforming co-ordinate system. A weak form is developed which displays the natural boundary condition prominently and which may be implemented on C0 elements. A time-stepping algorithm is implemented with clastic mapping of interior node motion. Lossless test cases show agreement with analytic solutions. A simple hypothetical test case shows intuitively good behaviour at length scales approaching those required of estuarine simulations.
The thermodynamics of the quark-hadron phase transition in the early universe

Abstract It is shown that a transition between quark matter and hadronic matter naturally occurs in the context of the early universe. The transition is realized by employing hard-core repulsive potentials (including the nucleon-nucleon interaction derived from a Yukawa potential and the π-π interaction derived from Weinberg's effective lagrangian) which vary linearly with density in the hadron phase and the QCD confining potential varying linearly with interquark separation in the quark phase. By comparing the free energies of the respective phases, a phase transition is shown; if first order, it occurs at ∼ 400 MeV corresponding to a hadron density of ∼ 13 n 0 . Given the uncertainties in the potentials used, it is found that the transition temperature must lie in the range 200–600 MeV with hadron densities ranging from 3–32 n 0 .
Effects of Iodoacetate, Mannoheptulose and 3-O-Methyl Glucose on the Secretory Function and Metabolism of Isolated Pancreatic Islets

The ability of iodoacetate, mannoheptulose, and 3-O-methyl glucose to alter islet cell metabolism and glucose-stimulated insulin secretion was examined. A method for the sequential analysis of the releasing and fuel function of glucose in isolated islets was applied. Insulin release was measured by radioimmunoassay and the metabolism of glucose by determining the rate of tritiated water production from [5-3H]glucose and lactate accumulation. It was found that iodoacetate, in the range of 0.2-1.0 mM, inhibited the metabolism of glucose linearly while release was not blocked until metabolism was reduced by 30-40%. The KI for both processes, release and metabolism, was the same. Pyruvate did not protect against or reverse the effects of iodoacetate. Mannoheptulose inhibited both release and metabolism half-maximally at about 5 mM when 27.5 mM glucose was used as the stimulatory agent. A mannoheptulose-resistant component of glucose metabolism, amounting to 30% of the maximal rate was observed. 3-O-Methyl glucose had no effect on insulin release but reduced glucose utilization and lactate production from low glucose. The results are discussed in light of the two prevailing hypotheses explaining glucose induced insulin release, i.e., the receptor and the metabolism hypotheses.
A comparison between the Veteran Administration's long-term nursing home care program and three examples of similar care outside of the V.A.

In a study mandated by Congress, the National Academy of Sciences reviewed the quality of medical care in the Veteran's Administrations health care system. The study reported here summarizes the findings of the long-term care portion of the NAS' work as it relates to nursing home care. The quality of the long-term care in the VA's nursing home care units was compared to three quality standards of long-term nursing care outside of the VA. Staffing pattern, quality of services, quality of the environment, and patient needs were measured and compared; overall assessments of nursing home quality were made by site visitors. Generally, the results show VA care to be superior to the care provided in the benchmark institutions, suggesting perhaps that the public sector's direct provision of long-term nursing care may be an acceptable alternative to the support of private sector care.
A method for z-shim compensated EPI-bold imaging in a single shot

Functional MR Imaging (fMRI) is a widely used mechanism to non-invasively evaluate and assess neural activity in the brain, with echo planar imaging (EPI) the most common sequence used in fMRI studies. EPI methods are attractive because they provide functional imaging data of the whole brain at reasonable temporal resolutions. However, EPI is notoriously susceptible to multiple artifacts. This includes Nyquist ghosting caused by mismatched data sampled on positive versus negative readout gradients, and signal loss caused by local magnetic field inhomogeneities. We have recently proposed novel methods to correct for both of these artifacts in EPI. In this paper, we report on the effectiveness of these methods to improve functional MRI studies of deep brain regions including the amygdala and the ventrial medial pre-frontal and orbital-frontal-cortex (vmPFC/vmOFC). Here we review our GESTE method for ghost correction and single-shot z-shim compensation for recovery of signal affected by magnetic susceptibility loss, and compare the results of an emotional stimulus paradigm task both with and with-out these improvements.
Learning orientation and goal orientation context: Relationships with cognitive and affective learning outcomes

A field experiment of ninety-six employees tested a model of the relationships among dispositional learning orientation, self-efficacy, goal orientation context, and declarative knowledge. Specifically, the model predicted positive influences of task-specific self-efficacy (pre- and mid-training) and declarative knowledge in the relationship between learning orientation and posttraining self-efficacy. In addition, the model included a positive path from goal orientation context (0 = performance; 1 = learning) to posttraining self-efficacy. Finally, the model included the interactive effect of learning orientation and goal orientation context on posttraining self-efficacy. The setting was an introductory Microsoft Access 97 software training course. But for three, the hypotheses were supported, including the hypothesized interaction effect. Tests of three alternative models showed poorer fits to the data than the hypothesized model.
The incorporation of vanadium in β-rhombohedral boron as determined by single-crystal diffractometry

Abstract The solubility of vanadium in β-rhombohedral boron has been studied by single crystal diffractometry for two crystals of composition VB∼65 and VB∼165. The space group is R 3 m and the hexagonal cell dimensions are a = 10.972 A, c = 23.908 A for VB∼65 and a = 10.949 A, c = 23.840 A for VB∼165. At the higher concentration of vanadium, the same two sets of holes are occupied as in CrB∼41 and FeB∼49. The boron framework is essentially the same as in undoped β-rhombohedral boron. Vanadium is found to expand the unit cell slightly.
Indirect effects of apomorphine on serotoninergic neurons in rats.

Abstract We have studied the effects of apomorphine on central serotoninergic system by using fluorescence histochemistry and high performance liquid chromatography coupled with electrochemical detection. Apomorphine has been shown selectively to elevate intracellular serotonin fluorescence in dorsal raphe neurons and serotonin and/or 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid concentrations in the major terminal area of the dorsal raphe, the striatum. Apomorphine has no effect on serotonin neurons in the median raphe or its corresponding projection site, the hippocampus. In the present study, intraventricular 6-hydroxydopamine, when administered together with desimipramine and pargyline, antagonized the apomorphine-induced elevations of serotonin fluorescence in the dorsal raphe and serotonin and 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid levels in the striatum. This antagonism was found when 6-hydroxydopamine was given either 3 or 10 days before 3mg/kg apomorphine. Apomorphine also elevated extraperikaryal serotonin fluorescence and catecholamine fluorescence in the dorsal raphe selectively and these effects were also blocked by 6-hydroxydopamine. Additionally, 6-hydroxydopamine accelerated striatal serotonin turnover when it was given 10 days prior to death. This phenomenon probably reflects some compensatory change of mesostriatal serotonin neurons in response to the prolonged depletion of brain dopamine. The above results suggest that the observed effects of apomorphine on the serotoninergic system are mediated indirectly through dopaminergic neurons and that postsynaptic dopamine receptors are probably not responsible for apomorphine's effects.
Combined ion exchange treatment for removal of dissolved organic matter and hardness

Dissolved organic matter (DOM) and hardness cations are two common constituents of natural waters that substantially impact water treatment processes. Anion exchange treatment, and in particular magnetic ion exchange (MIEX), has been shown to effectively remove DOM from natural waters. An important advantage of the MIEX process is that it is used as a slurry in a completely mixed flow reactor at the beginning of the treatment train. Hardness ions can be removed with cation exchange resins, although typically using a fixed bed reactor at the end of a treatment train. In this research, the feasibility of combining anion and cation exchange treatment in a single completely mixed reactor for treatment of raw water was investigated. The sequence of anion and cation exchange treatment, the number of regeneration cycles, and the chemistry of the regeneration solution were systematically explored. Simultaneous removal of DOM (70% as dissolved organic carbon) and hardness (>55% as total hardness) was achieved by combined ion exchange treatment. Combined ion exchange is expected to be useful as a pre-treatment for membrane systems because both DOM and divalent cations are major foulants of membranes.
Loop Entropy Assists Tertiary Order: Loopy Stabilization of Stacking Motifs

The free energy of an RNA fold is a combination of favorable base pairing and stacking interactions competing with entropic costs of forming loops. Here we show how loop entropy, surprisingly, can promote tertiary order. A general formula for the free energy of forming multibranch and other RNA loops is derived with a polymer-physics based theory. We also derive a formula for the free energy of coaxial stacking in the context of a loop. Simulations support the analytic formulas. The effects of stacking of unpaired bases are also studied with simulations.
Control of intragroup aggression by a captive male orangutan

An adult male orangutan, housed with two adult females, intervened in female-female aggressive interactions at least seven times over a 4.5-year period. Five of these seven episodes involved multiple interventions rather than a single act. One series of interventions was directly observed during an ongoing study of spatial relationships, and six other episodes were described in the zoo records. The intervention that was observed directly began with one female displacing the other, after which the male located himself between the two females. He remained nearer the displaced female than he did to the other female. These seven episodes demonstrate the male's mediation and regulation of intragroup aggression. Whereas the opportunities for the control of aggression are limited in the wild, the conditions of captivity likely allowed for the expression of this behavior pattern.
Survival in Fatal Road Crashes: Body Mass Index, Gender, and Safety Belt Use

Background: This study evaluated the associations of body mass index (BMI), gender, and use of safety belts with the survival of drivers involved in fatal road crashes. Method: The census data of all U.S. fatal crashes that did not involve pedestrians, bicyclists, or motorcyclists were examined for an 11-year period. Results: If involved in a crash with one or more fatalities, the odds of female drivers being among the fatalities are 1.28 times higher than those of male drivers, and the odds of unbelted drivers being among the fatalities are 5.43 times higher than those of belted drivers. The relationship of survivability to BMI depends on the gender and safety belt use of the driver. Conclusions: For male drivers, increased BMI appears beneficial when safety belts are used but detrimental when not used. For belted female drivers, normal BMI is associated with the lowest odds of being killed, and both increased and decreased BMIs increase the odds. For unbelted female drivers, no reliable trends were pres...
Scalp-recorded short and middle latency peroneal somatosensory evoked potentials in normals: comparison with peroneal and median nerve SEPs in patients with unilateral hemispheric lesions

Abstract Peroneal somatosensory evoked potentials (SEPs) were performed on 23 normal subjects and 9 selected patients with unilateral hemispheric lesions involving somatosensory pathways. Recording obtained from right and left peroneal nerve (PN) stimulations were compared in all subjects, using open and restricted frequency bandpass filters. Restricted filter (100–3000 Hz) and linked ear reference (A1–A2) enhanced the detection of short latency potentials (P1, P2, N1 with mean peak latency of 17.72, 21.07, 24.09) recorded from scalp electrodes over primary sensory cortex regions. Patients with lesions in the parietal cortex and adjacent subcortical areas demonstrated low amplitude and poorly formed short latency peroneal potentials, and absence of components beyond P3 peak with mean latency of 28.06 msec. In these patients, recordings to right and left median nerve (MN) stimulation showed absence or distorted components subsequent to N1 (N18) potential. These observations suggest that components subsequent to P3 potential in response to PN stimulation, and subsequent to N18 potential in response to MN stimulation, are generated in the parietal cortical regions.
Programme Evaluation Toolbox: Effective Evaluation Principles and Considerations in Career Practice.

In our ever-present age of accountability, career development professionals are increasingly called upon to document evidence-based outcomes and other metrics of programme effectiveness. In this article, we will review the key components of effective programme evaluation, including purposes and types of evaluation. Our review will span empirical and practical literature across disciplines and within guidance and counselling, specifically. We will review current evaluation models within an international context but focus predominantly on US based ones, along with articulating their shortfalls. Finally, we will present a potentially transformative advocacy-infused model of programme evaluation.
Temporary mineralocorticoid receptor antagonism during the development of hypertension improves cerebral artery dilation.

Hypertension causes cerebral artery remodeling and increases the risk of stroke. Renin angiotensin system blockade during the development of hypertension has therapeutic effects even after treatment withdrawal. Mineralocorticoid receptor (MR) activation has been implicated in artery remodeling and impaired endothelial function. The possibility that there is a critical therapeutic window for MR antagonism has not been investigated. We hypothesized that temporary MR antagonism while hypertension develops would improve middle cerebral artery (MCA) structure and function in stroke-prone spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHRSP), even after treatment withdrawal. Six-week-old SHRSP were treated with spironolactone (25 mg/kg/day) from 6 to 12 weeks and when aged to 18 weeks, these rats were compared to age-matched untreated SHRSP. Surprisingly, temporary spironolactone treatment reduced the MCA outer and lumen diameter but had no effect on the wall thickness. Temporary spironolactone treatment improved nitric oxid...
Progesterone withdrawal decreases latency to and increases duration of electrified prod burial : a possible rat model of PMS anxiety

The purpose of this study was to determine whether withdrawal from chronic exposure to the female sex steroid progesterone (P) alters response of female rats to an electrified prod using the defensive burying paradigm, considered a rat model of anxiety. Withdrawal from chronic exposure to 500 μg P (daily, SC, for four days) resulted in a significant decrease in the latency (77%, P < 0.05) to prod burial and an increase in duration (75%, P < 0.05) of this reflexive response, compared with the behavior of oil-injected controls. These results are consistent with the idea that withdrawal from chronic exposure to P increases behaviors that accompany anxiety. At a lower dose (50 μg), withdrawal from chronically administered P produced significant changes in response to this paradigm only when the steroid was given concomitantly with estradiol (2 μg, SC, for two days). Prior exposure to indomethacin, which blocks the conversion of P to its metabolite 3α,5α-tetrahydroprogesterone (3-α-hydroxy-5-α-pregnan-20-one), prevented P withdrawal from altering response in the defensive burying paradigm. This finding suggests that it may be withdrawal from this metabolite, rather than P, which increases behaviors associated with increased anxiety.
Use of Microtox for assessing copper complexation with organic compounds.

Microtox™ bioassay was used for assessing the complexation of copper with organic compounds including humic acids and corn root exudates. The bioassay, based on reduction of bacterial luminescence in the presence of toxicants, consists of determining the toxicity of organo-metallic complexes and thus assessing the bioavailability of copper to the test bacteria. Natural organic compounds reduced the extent of copper toxicity. Thus, Microtox can be used as a rapid tool for assessing the interactions of heavy metals with organic ligands.
Resilience through flexibility in transportation operations

This paper discusses a logistics strategy which can improve supply chain resilience against transportation disruptions. This strategy is based on incorporating flexibility in transportation operations through the use of multiple transportation modes. A transportation model is used to find shipment routes which balance the efficiency and flexibility considerations in the form of two-connected paths in a multi-mode logistics network. The feasibility of this flexible logistics strategy is evaluated through a case study of US multi-mode transportation networks.
Implications of computer use in politics

Everyone is familiar with the use of computers to tabulate election day results and to make predictions as to the eventual winner. What people are not so familiar with is the use of computers in other areas of the electoral process.
Derangement of a Factor Upstream of RARα Triggers the Repression of a Pleiotropic Epigenetic Network

Background Chromatin adapts and responds to extrinsic and intrinsic cues. We hypothesize that inheritable aberrant chromatin states in cancer and aging are caused by genetic/environmental factors. In previous studies we demonstrated that either genetic mutations, or loss, of retinoic acid receptor alpha (RARalpha), can impair the integration of the retinoic acid (RA) signal at the chromatin of RA-responsive genes downstream of RARalpha, and can lead to aberrant repressive chromatin states marked by epigenetic modifications. In this study we tested whether the mere interference with the availability of RA signal at RARalpha, in cells with an otherwise functional RARalpha, can also induce epigenetic repression at RA-responsive genes downstream of RARalpha. Methodology/principal findings To hamper the availability of RA at RARalpha in untransformed human mammary epithelial cells, we targeted the cellular RA-binding protein 2 (CRABP2), which transports RA from the cytoplasm onto the nuclear RARs. Stable ectopic expression of a CRABP2 mutant unable to enter the nucleus, as well as stable knock down of endogenous CRABP2, led to the coordinated transcriptional repression of a few RA-responsive genes downstream of RARalpha. The chromatin at these genes acquired an exacerbated repressed state, or state "of no return". This aberrant state is unresponsive to RA, and therefore differs from the physiologically repressed, yet "poised" state, which is responsive to RA. Consistent with development of homozygosis for epigenetically repressed loci, a significant proportion of cells with a defective CRABP2-mediated RA transport developed heritable phenotypes indicative of loss of function. Conclusion/significance Derangement/lack of a critical factor necessary for RARalpha function induces epigenetic repression of a RA-regulated gene network downstream of RARalpha, with major pleiotropic biological outcomes.
Subsensitivity to epinephrine following the administration of epinephrine and ephedrine to normal individuals.

Abstract Cardiovascular and metabolic responses to exercise and consecutive epinephrine infusions 24 hours apart were measured in 7 normal individuals before and following a week's administration of ephedrine sulfate. There was evidence of less beta adrenergic response to the second control epinephrine infusion compared to the first control infusion, and the depression of the rise in blood lactate was significantly different. A week of ephedrine produced more profound depression of the beta adrenergic responses to epinephrine with significant differences in the rise in blood glucose and lactate, and the pulse and blood pressure responses. Furthermore, these same responses remained significantly altered when a second epinephrine infusion was performed 36 hours following the last dose of ephedrine. The alterations in the response to epinephrine induced by ephedrine are consistent with the concept of effector cell "subsensitivity," an adaptive response to prolonged excessive stimulation.
Ionization of atomic hydrogen in strong infrared laser fields

We have used the matrix iteration method of Nurhuda and Faisal [Phys. Rev. A 60, 3125 (1999)] to treat ionization of atomic hydrogen by a strong laser pulse. After testing our predictions against a variety of previous calculations, we present ejected-electron spectra as well as angular distributions for few-cycle infrared laser pulses with peak intensities of up to ${10}^{15}$ W/cm${}^{2}$. It is shown that the convergence of the results with the number of partial waves is a serious issue, which can be managed in a satisfactory way by using the velocity form of the electric dipole operator in connection with an efficient time-propagation scheme.
An Approach to Solving International Fishery Disputes

Abstract The United States has been, since its earliest days, a nation intensely interested in the uses of the sea. Ocean commerce, ocean fishing, and naval power for our defense have been important throughout our history and continue so to the present day. Because of these national interests, the United States has always advocated and sought to defend the greatest possible freedom in the use of the sea and its resources for all the people of the world. Freedom of the seas requires that states which border the seas limit their claims to jurisdiction over the adjacent waters and their resources to the relatively narrow zones sanctioned by international law as reflected in the traditional practice of nations. The United States claims for itself territorial waters of 3 nautical miles and a contiguous fishery zone of 9 nautical miles. We consider that these claims are consistent with the practice of the great majority of nations, and consequently we do not recognize claims to broader jurisdiction by other nat...
Recent Sedimentation in Lake Michigan

Sediment cores from 21 locations in Lake Michigan are evaluated to identify sedimentation patterns including accumulation rates, surface layer mixing, focusing, and processes responsible for discontinuous 2l0Pb profiles. These patterns were identified based on two different sediment dating models. Accumulation rates vary consistently with basin topography in the north and central areas of the lake, while rates in the southern basin vary widely between sites. Mixing is apparent in all north basin sites but is seldom observed in the south basin and not in the central lake. Storm surges have influenced sediment accumulation, particularly in the south basin where sites are identified that have lost and gained sediment resulting from a storm. In particular, we have found evidence of the 1888, 1905 and, most recently, the 1975 storms. Markers for these storms were not previously reported for Lake Michigan. Storm related slumps and sand layer discontinuities were also identified. An extended period of dry and hot weather during 1913–52 may have caused periodic lower sedimentation rates in the north basin, but not in the south where sediment redistribution by storms has obliterated records. Sediment focusing is a minor process in the north basin, while in the south, the areas of highest sediment accumulation rates are also sites of highest measured focusing, indicating that redistribution is a major variable in south basin sedimentation processes.
Posterior Tibial Artery Pseudoaneurysm Identified Subsequent to Surgical Wound Dehiscence

The development of a pseudoaneurysm of the posterior tibial artery is a rare event. In this article, we describe the case of a 63-year-old female with rheumatoid arthritis, who initially presented with a symptomatic subcutaneous nodule localized to the medial aspect of the right ankle. After excision of the subcutaneous nodule, she failed to heal the surgical wound and, eventually, the pseudoaneurysm of the posterior tibial artery was identified. It was not until after the posterior tibial artery was ligated and the pseudoaneurysm excised, that the wound finally healed. Level of Clinical Evidence: 4
Görtler vortices in Falkner Skan flows with suction and blowing

In this paper, we use nonlinear calculations to study curved boundary-layer flows with pressure gradients and self-similar suction or blowing. For an accelerated outer flow, stabilization occurs in the linear region while the saturation amplitude of vortices is larger than for flows with a decelerating outer flow. The combined effects of boundary-layer suction and a favourable pressure gradient can give a significant stabilization of the flow. Streamwise vortices can be amplified on both concave and convex walls for decelerated Falkner–Skan flow with an overshoot in the velocity profile. The disturbance amplitude is generally lower far downstream compared with profiles without overshoot. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Enhanced wound vascularization using a dsASCs seeded FPEG scaffold

The bioengineering of autologous vascular networks is of great importance in wound healing. Adipose-derived stem cells (ASCs) are of interest due to their ability to differentiate toward various cell types, including vascular. We hypothesized that adult human ASCs embedded in a three-dimensional PEG-fibrin (FPEG) gel have the ability to modulate vascularization of a healing wound. Initial in vitro characterization of ASCs isolated from discarded burn skin samples (dsASCs) and embedded in FPEG gels indicated they could express such pericyte/smooth muscle cell markers as α-smooth muscle actin, platelet-derived growth factor receptor-β, NG2 proteoglycan, and angiopoietin-1, suggesting that these cells could potentially be involved in a supportive cell role (i.e., pericyte/mural cell) for blood vessels. Using a rat skin excision model, wounds treated with dsASCs-FPEG gels showed earlier collagen deposition and wound remodeling compared to vehicle FPEG treated wounds. Furthermore, the dsASCs-seeded gels increased the number of vessels in the wound per square millimeter by day 16 (~66.7 vs. ~36.9/mm(2)) in these same studies. dsASCs may support this increase in vascularization through their trophic contribution of vascular endothelial growth factor, as determined by in vitro analysis of mRNA and the protein levels. Immunohistochemistry showed that dsASCs were localized to the surrounding regions of large blood-perfused vessels. Human dsASCs may play a supportive role in the formation of vascular structures in the healing wound through direct mechanisms as well as indirect trophic effects. The merging of autologous grafts or bioengineered composites with the host's vasculature is critical, and the use of autologous dsASCs in these procedures may prove to be therapeutic.
Swept volumes generated by the natural quadric surfaces

Abstract The swept volume of a moving object (generator) can be constructed from the envelope surfaces of its boundary. These envelope surfaces are the collections of the characteristic curves which are the point sets on the boundary of the generator at different times. In this study, the characteristic curves of the natural quadric surfaces (planes, circular cylinders, circular cones and spheres) are derived from the envelope theorem. The instantaneous screw axis is used to describe the sweep motion of the generators and to solve the characteristic curves. The faceted model of a swept volume is then established by warping the corresponding characteristic curves together with the partial bouncaries of the generator at the initial and final positions.
Dubai's brand assessment success and failure in brand management – Part 2: Negative factors reduce Dubai's competitiveness

This study attempts to identify elements that negatively affect the brand image and perception of Dubai. For this research, I undertook fieldwork twice in Dubai and conducted an analysis of documents, including academic literature, journalistic information, and interview and focus group reports. This research focuses on the internal problematic situations and the necessary conditions for sustainable branding development in Dubai. The study covers three main topics: (1) Dubai's pricing dilemma, (2) the city's inadequate infrastructure and (3) privacy and liberalization issues. Dubai should consider overcoming these barriers to improve brand-building strategies and to achieve brand equity. I also found evidence consistent with these issues in Dubai's micro data, as well as in my fieldwork experience. Overall, this analysis awakens us to the immediate need for the establishment of positive branding sustainability in Dubai.
An Evaluation of Procedures for Computing an Ability—Achievement Discrepancy Score

The most common strategy for identifying children with learning disabilities has been to search for a discrepancy between ability and achievement. The need to determine a severe discrepancy has prompted the development of more than a dozen procedures for assessing the magnitude or statistical significance of ability—achievement discrepancy scores. Nine such procedures dealing only with magnitude were evaluated and found to possess one or more serious statistical deficiencies. The approach with the greatest potential involves first assessing the statistical significance (reliability) of a discrepancy score and then estimating the discriminative efficiency (validity) of that score. The utility of this approach, however, has not yet been tested by local and state educational agencies.