cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Prediction of Stability in Pharmaceutical Preparations XVII: Design of a Nonprecipitating Injectable Potassium Canrenoate Solution

The pharmaceutical stability of a solution of potassium canrenoate, potassium 3-(3-oxo-17β-hydroxy-4,6-androstadien-17α-yl)propionate, is a function of the solubility of the lactone canrenone, 3-(3-oxo-17β-hydroxy-4,6-androstadien-17α-yl)propionic acid γ-lactone, at equilibrium and the pH-dependent thermodynamic equilibrium of the reversible lactonization and hydrolysis processes. General-base catalysis by carbonate ions does displace the equilibrium to the canrenoate ion, but the pH is too high for a proper injectable solution. Potential general-base catalysts such as citrate, tartrate, and succinate ions, as well as creatinine and imidazole, which could operate at lower pH values, did not exert any significant effect on canrenone hydrolysis to displace the equilibrium toward the canrenoate salt. Solubility studies of canrenone in various aqueous mixed solvent solutions with ethanol, propylene glycol, and polyethylene glycol 400 showed that aqueous ethanol was the solvent of choice to maintain equilibrated canrenone in solution at a minimum pH value. The rate constants for lactonization of canrenoate and hydrolysis of canrenone, as well as the equilibrium constants for the canrenoate-canrenone equilibrium, were determined for various apparent pH values in the mixed solvents. The minimum pH values for various mixed solvent solutions were predicted that would maintain nonprecipitating potassium canrenoate solutions for desired injectable concentrations of the drug.
Reduced neutrophil counts in children with transient erythroblastopenia of childhood.

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Using relative diameter to improve density measures in Allegheny hardwood stands

Abstract Relative measurements of density in even-aged stands of mixed hardwoods have proven more useful for assessing crowding than absolute measures. Species composition and average tree size often result in large differences in absolute measures of density such as numbers of trees per acre or basal area per acre. The measure currently used for Allegheny hardwood stands assesses relative density by summing the growing space of all trees as a function of their species and diameter. The relative density calculated by this measure is well correlated with net basal-area growth in unthinned stands and stands that have been silviculturally thinned, predominantly from below. But in stands that have been thinned to alter stand structure, the correlation with net basal-area growth in poor. We tested several measures of relative density that included a term for relative diameter. Equations of this type give measures of density that are as highly correlated with net stand growth as the current measure in stands that have been silviculturally thinned. But in stands that have been thinned in ways that alter stand structure, the new measures are more highly correlated with net stand growth. The new model requires knowledge of the average stand diameter before thinning.
Transesophageal echocardiography in diagnosis of infective endocarditis.

Study objective To determine whether transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) was superior to transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) in defining valvular vegetations and diagnosing clinical infective endocarditis (IE) in patients suspected of having this infection. Patients and methods Between April 1989 and May 1991, 64 febrile patients with clinical and/or microbiologic risk factors for IE were prospectively enrolled. Patients underwent both TEE and TTE, which were interpreted in a blinded fashion as to the patient's clinical status. Clinical criteria for the diagnosis of IE were compared with TEE and TTE findings to delineate the ability of the two echocardiographic techniques to define valvular vegetations and to establish the clinical diagnosis of vegetative IE. Results Thirty-four valves had typical valvular vegetations demonstrated by either TEE or TTE. Transesophageal echocardiography was more sensitive than TTE in identifying valvular vegetations (33/34 vs 23/34 instances, respectively; p=0.004). Also, TEE was better at identifying smaller vegetations ( Conclusions Transesophageal echocardiography is significantly more sensitive than TTE and highly specific in both confirming the clinical diagnosis of IE, as well as in identifying valvular vegetations in patients at risk for this infection. Our data also support the concept that TEE is the echocardiographic method of choice for defining small vegetations and periannular complications in IE.
Providing Career Counseling for Collegiate Student-Athletes: A Learning Theory Approach

Collegiate student-athletes present unique issues regarding career development. Career counselors who infuse the Learning Theory of Career Counseling (Krumboltz, 1996) into their work with collegiate student-athletes can help these clients learn new ways to explore career possibilities. By co-creating learning opportunities with student-athletes, counselors can help promote expansion of clients' interests, skills, beliefs, values, and personal qualities. Such growth can help members of this population deal with issues like identity foreclosure and social isolation en route to establishing a set of problem-solving and decision-making skills that will serve them well over the course of their lives.
Regulation of insulin-like growth factor-I and insulin-like growth factor binding protein-1 concentrations in preterm fetuses

Abstract Objective: Our purpose was to evaluate which factors regulate insulin-like growth factor-I and insulin-like growth factor binding protein-1 concentrations in preterm fetuses. Study design: We studied 76 singleton births between 25 and 36 weeks of gestation. Forty-nine pregnancies were complicated by hypertensive disease; 24 pregnancies were complicated by preterm labor or preterm rupture of membranes; and antenatal glucocorticoids were given in 49 pregnancies. Pathology reports showed infarct(s) or hematoma(s) in 31 of 69 placentas. We recorded blood gas values in umbilical artery and vein and measured glucose, C-peptide, and insulin-like growth factor-I and insulin-like growth factor binding protein-1 concentrations in umbilical vein. Results: Birth weight correlated with umbilical vein insulin-like growth factor-I ( r = 0.68, P r = −0.26, P = .02). Babies with birth weight of ≤25th percentile had lower insulin-like growth factor-I but higher insulin-like growth factor binding protein-1 levels than babies at >25th percentile. Two-factor analysis of variance showed that umbilical vein insulin-like growth factor-I was determined by gestational age ( P = .0004) and birth weight percentile ( P r = −0.55, P 2 , were correlated with umbilical vein insulin-like growth factor-I and insulin-like growth factor binding protein-1 ( r = 0.51 and −0.48, respectively; P 2 2 , gestational age, and the presence of placental infarcts/hematomas ( R 2 of model=0.58, P 2 , and placental infarcts/hematomas ( R 2 = 0.49, P Conclusion: In the preterm fetus, circulating insulin-like growth factor-I is related to gestational age and the in utero growth potential, whereas insulin-like growth factor binding protein-1 is related only to the in utero growth potential. The PO 2 is a robust determinant of both insulin-like growth factor-I and insulin-like growth factor binding protein-1 levels; hypoxia may restrain fetal growth through its effects on the insulin-like growth factor/insulin-like growth factor binding protein axis. Insulin is a powerful determinant of insulin-like growth factor binding protein-1, but not insulin-like growth factor-I, concentrations in the preterm fetus. (Am J Obstet Gynecol 2003;188:485-91.)
Auditory systems of Heteromyidae: functional morphology and evolution of the middle ear.

Middle ears (515) from 26 species of the rodent family Heteromyidae — genera Dipodomys, Microdipodops, Perognathus, and Liomys —were studied both grossly and histologically, for qualitative and quantitative comparisons. Middle ear modifications characteristic of each genus are qualitatively described. Quantitative comparisons are made among the 26 species in the study. Some correlations between middle ear size and other measurements are discussed. The middle ear is an acoustical transformer that for best efficiency must match the impedance of the cochlea to the impedance of the air in the external auditory meatus. It accomplishes this by a pressure increase and a velocity decrease through the combined effects of the lever and areal ratios; however, because the important consideration is a matching of two impedances rather than an absolute pressure increase, the pressure transformer ratio is a less informative measure of the middle ear's efficiency than is the impedance transform ratio. The impedance transformer mechanism is explained (from a morphological point of view), and equations are presented. Dipodomys, Microdipodops, and Perognathus have a theoretical transmission (at the resonant frequency) of 94–100% of the incident acoustical energy; Liomys, 78–80%. The areal ratio of stapes footplate to 2/3 tympanic membrane is remarkably constant among the species, varying only from 0.04 to 0.07: in Dipodomys and Microdipodops this small ratio is due to the very large tympanic membrane; in Perognathus and Liomys it is due to the extremely small stapes footplate. The lever ratio of incus to malleus varies from 0.28 to 0.33 in Dipodomys and Microdipodops, from 0.37 to 0.46 in Perognathus, and from 0.55 to 0.60 in Liomys. In addition, the middle ear volumes and the morphology of tympanic membrane, ossicles, ligaments, and muscles, all combine to minimize both mass and stiffness. All these data suggest middle ear mechanisms which are very efficient over a broad frequency range. The middle ear modifications found in heteromyids are adaptive in predator avoidance, especially in areas of little natural cover; nevertheless, contrary to expectations, there is no firm relationship between habitat and the extent of these modifications in the 26 species. However, environment did apparently play an important role in the evolution of the family, and this is discussed.
Amplification of Cretaceous Warmth by Biological Cloud Feedbacks

The extreme warmth of particular intervals of geologic history cannot be simulated with climate models, which are constrained by the geologic proxy record to relatively modest increases in atmospheric carbon dioxide levels. Recent recognition that biological productivity controls the abundance of cloud condensation nuclei (CCN) in the unpolluted atmosphere provides a solution to this problem. Our climate simulations show that reduced biological productivity (low CCN abundance) provides a substantial amplification of CO2-induced warming by reducing cloud lifetimes and reflectivity. If the stress of elevated temperatures did indeed suppress marine and terrestrial ecosystems during these times, this long-standing climate enigma may be solved.
Variations in the chemical and stable isotope composition of carbon and sulfur species during organic-rich sediment alteration: An experimental and theoretical study of hydrothermal activity at guaymas basin, gulf of california

Organic-rich diatomaceous ooze was reacted with seawater and a Na-Ca-K-Cl fluid of seawater chlorinity at 325–400°C, 400–500 bars, and fluid/sediment mass ratios of 1.56–2.35 to constrain factors regulating the abundance and stable isotope composition of C and S species during hydrothermal alteration of sediment from Guaymas Basin, Gulf of California. Alteration of inorganic and organic sedimentary components resulted in extensive exchange reactions, the release of abundant H2S, CO2, CH4, and Corganic, to solution, and recrystallization of the sediment to an assemblage containing albitic plagioclase, quartz, pyrrhotite, and calcite. The δ34Scdt values of dissolved H2S varied from −10.9 to +4.3‰ during seawater-sediment interaction at 325 and 400°C and from −16.5 to −9.0‰ during Na-Ca-K-Cl fluid-sediment interaction at 325 and 375°C. In the absence of seawater SO4, H2S is derived from both the transformation of pyrite to pyrrhotite and S released during the degradation of organic matter. In the presence of seawater SO4, reduction of SO4 contributes directly to H2S production. Sedimentary organic matter acts as the reducing agent during pyrite and SO4 reduction. Requisite acidity for the reduction of SO4 is provided by Mg fixation during early-stage sediment alteration and by albite and calcite formation in Mg-free solutions. Organically derived CH4 was characterized by δ13Cpdb values ranging between −20.8 and −23.1‰, whereas δ13Cpdb values for dissolved Corganic ranged between −14.8 and −17.7%. Mass balance calculations indicate that δ13C values for organically derived CO2 were ≥ − 14.8%. Residual solid sedimentary organic C showed small (≤ 0.7‰) depletions in 13C relative to the starting sediment. The experimental results are consistent with the isotopic and chemical composition of natural hydrothermal fluids and minerals at Guaymas Basin and permit us to better constrain sources and sinks for C and S species in subseafloor hydrothermal systems at sediment-covered spreading centers. Our data show that the sulfur isotope composition of hydrothermal Sulfide minerals in Guaymas Basin can be explained by derivation of S from diagenetic sulfide and seawater sulfate. Basaltic S may also contribute to hydrothermal sulfide precipitates but is not required to explain their isotopic composition. Estimates of seawater/ sediment mass ratios based on sulfur isotopic composition of sulfide minerals and the abundance of dissolved NH3 in vent fluids range from 3–29 during hydrothermal circulation. Sources of C in Guaymas Basin hydrothermal fluids include thermal degradation of organic matter, bacteriogenic methane production, and dissolution of diagenetic carbonate.
A MODERN LOOK AT THE ORIGIN OF THE UNIVERSE

. In what follows, I review the modern theory of the origin of the universe as astronomers and physicists are coming to understand it during the last decades of the twentieth century. An unexpected discovery of this study is that the story of “cosmogenesis” cannot be completely told unless we understand the fundamental nature of matter, space, and time. In the context of modern cosmology space has become not only the bedrock (so to speak) of our physical existence, it may yield a fuller understanding of the universe itself.
Tissue factor/factor VIIa complex: role of the membrane surface.

Blood clotting is triggered when the plasma serine protease factor VIIa binds to the cell-surface protein, tissue factor (TF); the resulting TF:FVIIa complex activates factors IX (FIX) and X (FX) by limited proteolysis. FVIIa, FIX and FX all bind reversibly to membranes via their gamma-carboxyglutamate-rich (GLA) domains, while TF is an integral membrane protein. Removing these proteases from the membrane surface is known to render them thousands of times less active, although the mechanisms by which blood clotting proteins bind to membranes—and the contributions of membranes to catalysis—remain very incompletely understood. Our recent and ongoing studies use a combination of nanoscale membrane bilayers (Nanodiscs), solid-state NMR and all-atom molecular dynamics (MD) simulations, enabling detailed insights into how GLA domains bind to phospholipid bilayers and how specific phospholipids enhance the catalytic activity of the TF:FVIIa complex.
A critical role for proinflammatory behavior of smooth muscle cells in hemodynamic initiation of intracranial aneurysm.

Background Intracranial aneurysm initiation is poorly understood, although hemodynamic insult is believed to play an important role in triggering the pathology. It has recently been found in a rabbit model that while macrophages are absent during hemodynamic aneurysm initiation, matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are elevated and co-localize with smooth muscle cells (SMCs). This study investigates whether SMCs play a mechanistic role in aneurysm initiation triggered by hemodynamics. Methods Aneurysmal damage was induced at the basilar terminus via bilateral common carotid artery ligation in rabbits (n = 45, plus 7 sham controls). 16 ligated rabbits were treated with doxycycline to inhibit MMPs, 7 received clodronate liposomes to deplete circulating monocytes, and the rest received no drug. Effects of the treatments on aneurysm development were assessed histologically 5 days and 6 months after ligation. MMP production and expression of inflammatory markers by SMCs was monitored by immunohistochemistry and in situ hybridization. Results Treatment with doxycycline attenuated aneurysmal development examined at 5 days and 6 months, suggesting that MMPs contribute to aneurysm initiation. However, systemic depletion of macrophages did not decrease MMPs or suppress aneurysmal development. Immunofluorescence showed that during aneurysm initiation MMP-2 and MMP-9 were distributed in SMCs, and in situ hybridization indicated that they were transcribed by SMCs. In regions of early aneurysmal lesion, SMCs exhibited decreased expression of smooth muscle actin and increased NF-κB and MCP-1 expressions. Conclusions During aneurysm initiation triggered by hemodynamics, SMCs rather than macrophages are responsible for MMP production that is critical for aneurysmal lesion development. These SMCs exhibit proinflammatory behavior.
Development of a wireless sensor network for the measurement of human joint angles

The development of a wireless sensor network (WSN) that measures joint angles of the human body is reported. Its principle of operation is based on measuring the alignment of the different segments of the limb being tracked with the earth's gravity and magnetic fields. The focus is on measurements at the shoulder and elbow joints. These are tracked with 3 and 2 degrees of freedom respectively. In order to validate the accuracy of the proposed WSN, experiments are performed with arm movements on each degree of freedom and the WSN's measurements are compared with those of a professional motion capture (mocap) system that uses infra-red (IR) cameras and markers. The average root mean square error (RMSE) across all degrees of freedom was found to be 1.39° and 2.18° when tested on a spherical coordinate system and human arm respectively. Finally, the causes for this increase on the RMSE are discussed in terms of the effects of the arm's skin and muscles on the alignment of the sensors. It is found that when the user performs the greatest efforts to make the movements, the WSN deviates the most from the IR mocap system. In the degree of freedom that is most affected, the RMSE increases from 0.96° to 2.62°. This is an increase of 173%.
Contraceptive Attitudes and Sexual Self-Esteem Among Young Adults: Communication and Quality of Relationships with Mothers

ABSTRACT. Objectives: This study investigated relations between quality of relationships with mothers and communication with mothers about sex with contraceptive attitudes and sexual self-esteem among emerging adults. Methods: Undergraduate students (N = 176, Mage = 22 years 65% women) completed self-report measures of relationships with mothers, communication about sex, and sexual self-esteem. Results: Results indicated positive relations between quality of relationships with mothers and open, positive sex communication, for men and women, sexually and not sexually active; and between relationship quality with mothers, sex communication with mothers, and sexual self-esteem of women. Conclusions: Warm, supportive relationships with mothers in emerging adulthood include open, comfortable communications about sexuality, which were linked to features of sexual well-being of young adults.
Photomechanical effects: experimental studies of pigment granule absorption, cavitation, and cell damage

Absorption of pulsed laser radiation by individual melanosomes produces located heating and microactivation bubble formation around the particles, with transient bubble lifetimes of a few hundred nanoseconds. Intracellular cavitation in the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) leads to prompt cell death. Threshold laser fluence for cavitation bubble formation and RPE cell damage was measured as the exposure spot size was varied from 20 to 200 micrometers using a RPE tissue explant model. The threshold energy for cell killing decreased with decreasing spot diameter but the fluence was nearly constant for all spotsizes. How this compares with data from in vivo animal studies is discussed.
Modeling structure and dynamics of solvated molecular ions: Photodissociation and recombination in I2−(CO2)n

Abstract We describe a method for simulating the reaction dynamics of a molecular ion embedded in a cluster of polarizable solvent molecules. Potential energy surfaces for ground and excited states are calculated from an effective Hamiltonian that takes into account the strong perturbation of the solute electronic structure by the solvent. The parameters of the model Hamiltonian are obtained from a combination of ab initio calculations and spectroscopic data; intermolecular electrostatic and polarization interactions are treated by the distributed multipole analysis of Stone and co-workers, while short range interactions are modeled with empirical pair potentials. Analytical expressions for the derivatives of the effective Hamiltonian allow for efficient computation of forces and nonadiabatic couplings. The intramolecular degrees of freedom of the solvent molecules are held fixed during the simulations using the method of constraints, and electronic transitions are treated using Tully's surface hopping algorithm. The method is applied to the photodissociation and recombination of I2−(CO2)n. Electronic relaxation in this system is found to occur on multiple time scales, ranging from 2 ps to many tens of ps. The relationship of these results with the experimental measurements of Lineberger and co-workers is discussed.
The effect of bacterial infection on the biomechanical properties of biological mesh in a rat model.

Background The use of biologic mesh to repair abdominal wall defects in contaminated surgical fields is becoming the standard of practice. However, failure rates and infections of these materials persist clinically. The purpose of this study was to determine the mechanical properties of biologic mesh in response to a bacterial encounter.
Student Personality and Success in an English Language Program.

An original personality test based on Myers-Briggs style statements is used to aid in screening and advisement of applicants to a freshman English tutorial program for foreign, minority, and Anglo-American students. The test gives indications that it is strongly predictive of good and poor language-study behavior as judged by language teachers.
Partial purification, and further characterization, of kievitone hydratase from cell-free culture filtrates of Fusarium solani f. sp. phaseoli.

Kievitone hydratase (KHase), an enzyme which catalyses detoxification, of the phytoalexin kievitone, was isolated from cell-free culture filtrates of Fusarium solani f. sp. phaseoli. Partial purification was achieved by anion exchange chromatography, gel filtration and gradient Polyacrylamide disc gel electrophoresis. Gel filtration and electrophoresis gave molecular weight estimates of 173 000 and 102 000, respectively. Based on the results of isoelectric focusing and affinity chromatography, KHase is an acidic (pI= 5·1±0·6) glycoprotein. Most enzymic activity was retained after exposure of KHase to sodium periodate oxidation for 24 h. Further characterization revealed that the enzyme had a temperature optimum of 55°C, but denatured rapidly at or above 70°C. The pH optimum was 5·5 at 27°C with an apparent Km of 1·75×10−6 M under these conditions. Preliminary findings indicated that KHase occurred in Fusarium-infected bean tissues.
Gravitational lensing as a contaminant of the gravity wave signal in the CMB

Gravity waves (GWs) in the early Universe generate B-type polarization in the cosmic microwave background (CMB), which can be used as a direct way to measure the energy scale of inflation. Gravitational lensing contaminates the GW signal by converting the dominant E polarization into B polarization. By reconstructing the lensing potential from the CMB itself one can decontaminate the B mode induced by lensing. We present results of numerical simulations of B mode delensing using quadratic and iterative maximum-likelihood lensing reconstruction methods as a function of detector noise and beam. In our simulations we find that the quadratic method can reduce the lensing B noise power by up to a factor of 7, close to the no noise limit. In contrast, the iterative method shows significant improvements even at the lowest noise levels we tested. We demonstrate explicitly that with this method at least a factor of 40 noise power reduction in lensing induced B power is possible, suggesting that ${r=P}_{h}{/P}_{R}\ensuremath{\sim}{10}^{\ensuremath{-}6}$ may be achievable in the absence of sky cuts, foregrounds, and instrumental systematics. While we do not find any fundamental lower limit due to lensing, we find that for high-sensitivity detectors residual lensing noise dominates over the detector noise.
Isobaric analogue state polarization measurements to determine the spin of 145Sm

Abstract Measurements were made on the polarization of protons elastically scattered from 144Sm at energies (10.0 − 10.4 MeV) which scanned an isobaric analogue state in 145Eu. A determination of the spin of this state was used to make an assignment of 3- 2 to the isobaric multiplet which includes the 0.90 MeV state in 145Sm.
Reactions of Laser-Ablated Palladium and Platinum Atoms with Nitric Oxide: Infrared Spectra and Density Functional Calculations of MNO+,0,- and M(NO)2 in Solid Argon and Neon

Laser-ablated palladium and platinum atoms react with NO in excess argon or neon to form Pd(NO)1,2 and Pt(NO)1,2 as major products. DFT calculations are found to be effective in reproducing experimental results and in assigning observed bands. Nitrosyl cation and anion species are observed with both metals, and a linear relationship is found between the charge and nitrosyl stretching frequencies in Pd(NO)+,0,- and Pt(NO)+,0,- that allows estimates of charges on supported Pt and Pd catalysts to be made.
Magnetic resonance imaging of renal masses

Renal cancer is diagnosed in 27,000 Americans and accounts for 12,000 deaths per year. Fortunately, improvements in imaging technology have resulted in earlier detection and longer survival. Although computed tomography (CT) and ultrasound (US) have accounted for much of this success, magnetic resonance (MR) imaging can offer several improvements in renal cancer imaging. MR imaging has demonstrated increased detection of tumor thrombus in the renal vein and IVC with better delineation of the superior extent of the tumor thrombus in the IVC, especially in the region of the right atrium. This information potentially impacts the surgical approach in cases where CT or US is equivocal. Visualization of tumor extension to the liver, spleen, and psoas muscle is also improved with MR imaging, increasing staging accuracy in selected cases. In addition, because of the relatively low nephrotoxicity and allergic potential of gadolinium chelates, contrast-enhanced MR imaging remains the study of choice for patients who cannot tolerate iodinated contrast agents. Although the current role of MR in renal cancer imaging is complementary to that of CT and US, its future role has not yet been completely defined. Recent developments in rapid MR imaging techniques have suggested the possibility of improved detection and characterization of renal masses relative to CT. In addition, as MR spectroscopic imaging of the kidney evolves, the possibility of future identification and characterization of renal masses on a biochemical basis may provide completely new insight into our understanding of renal cancer.
Morphological granulometric estimation of random patterns in the context of parameterized random sets

Abstract Morphological features are used to estimate the state of a random pattern (set) governed by a multivariate probability distribution. The feature vector is composed of granulometric moments and pattern estimation involves feature-based estimation of the parameter vector governing the random set. Under such circumstances, the joint density of the features and parameters is a generalized function concentrated on a solution manifold and estimation is determined by the conditional density of the parameters given an observed feature vector. The paper explains the manner in which the joint probability mass of the parameters and features is distributed and the way the conditional densities give rise to optimal estimators according to the distribution of probability mass, whether constrained or not to the solution manifold. The estimation theory is applied using analytic representation of linear granulometric moments. The effects of random perturbations in the shape-parameter vector is discussed, and the theory is applied to random sets composed of disjoint random shapes. The generalized density framework provides a proper mathematical context for pattern estimation and gives insight, via the distribution of mass on solution manifolds, to the manner in which morphological probes discriminate random sets relative to their distributions, and the manner in which the use of additional probes can be beneficial for better estimation.
Gay and lesbian cops: diversity and effective policing

Few scholars have examined sexual diversity in the ranks of policing and none to date have offered as well-researched and comprehensive of a treatment of this subject as Colvin has in Gay and Lesbi...
Sustainability and the indispensability of politics: a study of sanitation partnerships in urban India

The chronic absence of hygienic sanitation for many urban Indians and the resultant contamination of surface water sources are a major cause for the poor environmental condition in most cities in India. In the past decade, public?private partnerships have been presented as an innovative strategy to rectify this pervasive problem. Numerous partnerships to improve sanitation have been launched in India as experiments. But while some of these partnerships have become sustainable, others have collapsed. This paper uses purposive transition analysis to inquire into the selective success of some notable partnerships. Making the connection that strategy and politics are indispensable to the endurance of partnerships, this paper concludes that sustainability in India is inherently a political enterprise that cannot be reduced to technical definitions.
The END network couples spindle pole assembly to inhibition of the anaphase-promoting complex/cyclosome in early mitosis

Summary Cyclin-dependent kinase 1 (Cdk1) initiates mitosis and later activates the anaphase-promoting complex/cyclosome (APC/C) to destroy cyclins. Kinetochore-derived checkpoint signaling delays APC/C-dependent cyclin B destruction, and checkpoint-independent mechanisms cooperate to limit APC/C activity when kinetochores lack checkpoint components in early mitosis. The APC/C and cyclin B localize to the spindle and poles, but the significance and regulation of these populations remain unclear. Here we describe a critical spindle pole-associated mechanism, called the END (Emi1/NuMA/dynein-dynactin) network, that spatially restricts APC/C activity in early mitosis. The APC/C inhibitor Emi1 binds the spindle-organizing NuMA/dynein-dynactin complex to anchor and inhibit the APC/C at spindle poles, and thereby limits destruction of spindle-associated cyclin B. Cyclin B/Cdk1 activity recruits the END network and establishes a positive feedback loop to stabilize spindle-associated cyclin B critical for spindle assembly. The organization of the APC/C on the spindle also provides a framework for understanding microtubule-dependent organization of protein destruction.
Pathfinder: an online collaboration environment for citizen scientists

For over a century, citizen scientists have volunteered to collect huge quantities of data for professional scientists to analyze. We designed Pathfinder, an online environment that challenges this traditional division of labor by providing tools for citizen scientists to collaboratively discuss and analyze the data they collect. We evaluated Pathfinder in a sustainability and commuting context using a mixed methods approach in both naturalistic and experimental settings. Our results showed that citizen scientists preferred Pathfinder to a standard wiki and were able to go beyond data collection and engage in deeper discussion and analyses. We also found that citizen scientists require special types of technological support because they generate original research. This paper offers an early example of the mutually beneficial relationship between HCI and citizen science.
Insulin/IGF-1 Signaling, including Class II/III PI3Ks, β-Arrestin and SGK-1, Is Required in C. elegans to Maintain Pharyngeal Muscle Performance during Starvation

In C. elegans, pharyngeal pumping is regulated by the presence of bacteria. In response to food deprivation, the pumping rate rapidly declines by about 50-60%, but then recovers gradually to baseline levels on food after 24 hr. We used this system to study the role of insulin/IGF-1 signaling (IIS) in the recovery of pharyngeal pumping during starvation. Mutant strains with reduced function in the insulin/IGF-1 receptor, DAF-2, various insulins (INS-1 and INS-18), and molecules that regulate insulin release (UNC-64 and NCA-1; NCA-2) failed to recover normal pumping rates after food deprivation. Similarly, reduction or loss of function in downstream signaling molecules (e.g., ARR-1, AKT-1, and SGK-1) and effectors (e.g., CCA-1 and UNC-68) impaired pumping recovery. Pharmacological studies with kinase and metabolic inhibitors implicated class II/III phosphatidylinositol 3-kinases (PI3Ks) and glucose metabolism in the recovery response. Interestingly, both over- and under-activity in IIS was associated with poorer recovery kinetics. Taken together, the data suggest that optimum levels of IIS are required to maintain high levels of pharyngeal pumping during starvation. This work may ultimately provide insights into the connections between IIS, nutritional status and sarcopenia, a hallmark feature of aging in muscle.
Strategies for Preventing Disproportionate Exclusions of African American Students

The authors studied changes in disproportionate exclusion of African American students, compared with their White peers, in relation to implementation of Schoolwide Positive Behavior Support using data from 46 schools. They measured (a) exclusion through suspension and expulsion data collected with the Schoolwide Information System; (b) Schoolwide Positive Behavior Support implementation through the Effective Behavior Support Survey completed by staff members; and (c) disproportionality with the relative rate index. Standard linear multiple regression analyses with the relative rate index as the outcome variable and Effective Behavior Support Survey items as predictors indicated specific Schoolwide Positive Behavior Support strategies, such as praise and positive reinforcement, were associated with reductions in disproportionate exclusions. Follow-up analyses with a subsample of eight schools that increased their Effective Behavior Support average score while decreasing their relative rate index identifie...
Flow near submarine canyons driven by constant winds

Circulation over coastal submarine canyons driven by constant upwelling or downwelling wind stress is simulated and analyzed with a primitive equation ocean model. Astoria Canyon, on the west coast of North America, is the focus of this study, and model results are consistent with most major features of mean canyon circulation observed in Astoria Canyon. Near-surface flow crosses over the canyon, while a closed cyclone occurs within the canyon. Upwelling prevails within the canyon and is larger than wind-driven upwelling along the adjacent shelf break. Water rises from depths reaching 300 m to the canyon rim and, subsequently, onto the adjacent shelf. Onshore flow within the canyon is driven by the onshore pressure gradient force, due to the free surface slope created by the upwelling wind, and is enhanced by the limitation to alongshore flow by the canyon topography. Density gradients largely compensate the surface slope with realistic stratification, but continual upwelling persists near the edges of the canyon. Within the upper canyon (50–150 m below the canyon rim) a cyclone is created by flow turning into the canyon mouth, separating from the upstream edge, and advecting toward the downstream rim. Below this layer the cyclone is created by vortex stretching due to the upwelling. Downwelling winds create nearly the opposite flow, in which compression and momentum advection create a strong anticyclone within the canyon. Momentum advection is found to be important both in creating strong circulation within the canyon and in allowing the surface flow to cross the canyon undisturbed. Model results indicate that Astoria-like submarine canyons produce across shore transport of sufficient volume to flush a continental shelf in a few (2–5) years.
A comparison of two methods of measurement of gastric emptying time

The potassium iodide saliva test, as described, is as useful as the test meal method1 for determining the rate of gastric emptying. When administered orally, atropine (1 mg.) is approximately equivalent to heteronium bromide (4.2 mg.), insofar as effect on gastric emptying is concerned.
Effective potential, critical point scaling, and the renormalization group

The desirability of evaluating the effective potential in field theories near a phase transition has been recognized in a number of different areas. We show that recent Monte Carlo simulations for the probability distribution for the order parameter in an equilibrium Ising system, when combined with low-order renormalization group results for an ordinary ${\ensuremath{\varphi}}^{4}$ system, can be used to extract the effective potential. All scaling features are included in the process.
Evolution of hydrological and carbon cycles under a changing climate

Hydrological and carbon cycles are inherently coupled and play a pivotal role in the earth system. Water stress is one of the most limiting factors constraining vegetation productivity in both direct and indirect ways (mainly through nutrition cycling). In this article, we first reviewed the concepts of hydrological and carbon cycles and their interactions and then summarized recent advances in our understanding of how global climate change affects water stress, ecosystem carbon cycling, disturbances, and water use efficiency. A warming climate may continue to benefit plant growth in energy limited areas such as high latitudes and altitudes. However, over many water-limited regions of the world, a warming climate has led to a drying trend, posing negative effects on land carbon sink capability, as shown by reductions in vegetation growth and increases in ecosystem disturbances (wildfires, insect outbreaks, and tree mortality). Carbon cycle and water use efficiency have responded to climate change in different ways in different areas. Further integrating information from climate records, flux measurements at eddy flux towers, and observations from satellites will greatly advance our understanding of the hydrological and carbon cycles and their evolution. Advancement in our understanding of the evolution of hydrological and carbon cycles under the changing climate will help us to adapt and mitigate the adverse effects of climate change. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Phosphorylation of 1-Aminocyclopropane-1-Carboxylic Acid Synthase by MPK6, a Stress-Responsive Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase, Induces Ethylene Biosynthesis in Arabidopsis

Mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) are implicated in regulating plant growth, development, and response to the environment. However, the underlying mechanisms are unknown because of the lack of information about their substrates. Using a conditional gain-of-function transgenic system, we demonstrated that the activation of SIPK, a tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum) stress-responsive MAPK, induces the biosynthesis of ethylene. Here, we report that MPK6, the Arabidopsis thaliana ortholog of tobacco SIPK, is required for ethylene induction in this transgenic system. Furthermore, we found that selected isoforms of 1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylic acid synthase (ACS), the rate-limiting enzyme of ethylene biosynthesis, are substrates of MPK6. Phosphorylation of ACS2 and ACS6 by MPK6 leads to the accumulation of ACS protein and, thus, elevated levels of cellular ACS activity and ethylene production. Expression of ACS6DDD, a gain-of-function ACS6 mutant that mimics the phosphorylated form of ACS6, confers constitutive ethylene production and ethylene-induced phenotypes. Increasing numbers of stress stimuli have been shown to activate Arabidopsis MPK6 or its orthologs in other plant species. The identification of the first plant MAPK substrate in this report reveals one mechanism by which MPK6/SIPK regulates plant stress responses. Equally important, this study uncovers a signaling pathway that modulates the biosynthesis of ethylene, an important plant hormone, in plants under stress.
Biomolecular material systems with encapsulated interface bilayers

In this paper we present a novel approach for interface bilayer formation in which the uptake of an aqueous lipid vesicle solution by two polymeric hydrogels contained in a substrate causes the gels to swell so as to come into contact within an internal oil-filled region of the device. An interface bilayer, similar to those formed using the droplet interface bilayer (DIB) method, forms upon contact in oil between the lipid-encased ends of the two gels. Experimental measurements provide initial evidence that gel swelling enables automatic bilayer formation within a few minutes after the addition of lipid solution. The approach presented herein works toward the development of a new portable, easy-to-use screening platform that features tailored interface bilayers for a wide variety of screening applications.
IMMUNOGENETIC CONTROL OF EXPERIMENTAL COLLAGEN-INDUCED ARTHRITIS IN RATS. II. ECIA SUSCEPTIBILITY AND IMMUNE RESPONSE TO TYPE II COLLAGEN (CALF) ARE LINKED TO RT1

SUMMARY The segregation of genes controlling ECIA susceptibility and the level of immune response to native calf type II collagen were determined in the F2 progeny of matings between WF (RTIu/u; ECIA-susceptible; high responders) and LEW.B3 (RT1n/n; ECIA-resistant; low to intermediate responders). RT1n/n F2 progeny showed resistance to ECIA, low skin test reactivity to type II collagen and intermediate levels of IgG anti-collagen antibodies (-log2 of 6.2 ± 2.6; mean ± SD, n= 10). RT1u/u and RT1u/u F2 progeny were susceptible to ECIA and were high responders to type II collagen by skin testing and IgG antibody titres (-log2 of 12.1 ± 1.3, mean ± SD, n= 26). Although all rats that developed arthritis were also high responders to type II collagen one group of immature F2 progeny, RT1u/u and RT1u/n, showed high anti-collagen immune responses in the absence of detectable arthritis. The data indicate that genes linked to RT1.A control susceptibility to ECIA and at least part of the immune response to native calf type II collagen in WF and LEW.B3 rats.
From Association to Causation via Regression

For nearly a century, investigators in the social sciences have used regression models to deduce cause-and-effect relationships from patterns of association. Path models and automated search procedures are more recent developments. In my view, this enterprise has not been successful. The models tend to neglect the difficulties in establishing causal relations, and the mathematical complexities tend to obscure rather than clarify the assumptions on which the analysis is based. Formal statistical inference is, by its nature, conditional. If maintained hypotheses A,B,C,? hold, then H can be tested against the data. However, if A,B,C,? remain in doubt, so must inferences about H. Careful scrutiny of maintained hypotheses should therefore be a critical part of empirical work?a principle honored more often in the breach than the observance. This paper focuses on modeling techniques that seem to convert association into causation. The object is to clarify the differences among the various uses of regression, as well as the source of the difficulty in making causal inferences by modeling. The discussion will proceed mainly by examples, ranging from71to63.
Towards Privacy-Aware Location-Based Database Servers

The wide spread of location-based services results in a strong market for location-detection devices (e.g., GPS-like devices, RFIDs, handheld devices, and cellular phones). Examples of location-based services include location-aware emergency service, location-based advertisement, live traffic reports, and location-based store finder. However, location-detection devices pose a major privacy threat on its users where it transmits private information (i.e., the location) to the server who may be untrustworthy. The existing model of location-based applications trades service with privacy where if a user wants to keep her private location information, she has to turn off her location-detection device, i.e., unsubscribe from the service. This paper tackles this model in a way that protects the user privacy while keeping the functionality of location-based services. The main idea is to employ a trusted third party, the Location Anonymizer, that expands the user location into a spatial region such that: (1) The exact user location can lie anywhere in the spatial region, and (2) There are k other users within the expanded spatial region so that each user is k-anonymous. The location-based database server is equipped with additional functionalities that support spatio-temporal queries based on the spatial region received from the location anonymizer rather than the exact point location received from the user.