cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Hierarchical recruitment into nascent ribosomes of assembly factors required for 27SB pre-rRNA processing in Saccharomyces cerevisiae

To better define the roles of assembly factors required for eukaryotic ribosome biogenesis, we have focused on one specific step in maturation of yeast 60 S ribosomal subunits: processing of 27SB pre-ribosomal RNA. At least 14 assembly factors, the ‘B-factor’ proteins, are required for this step. These include most of the major functional classes of assembly factors: RNA-binding proteins, scaffolding protein, DEAD-box ATPases and GTPases. We have investigated the mechanisms by which these factors associate with assembling ribosomes. Our data establish a recruitment model in which assembly of the B-factors into nascent ribosomes ultimately leads to the recruitment of the GTPase Nog2. A more detailed analysis suggests that this occurs in a hierarchical manner via two largely independent recruiting pathways that converge on Nog2. Understanding recruitment has allowed us to better determine the order of association of all assembly factors functioning in one step of ribosome assembly. Furthermore, we have identified a novel subcomplex composed of the B-factors Nop2 and Nip7. Finally, we identified a means by which this step in ribosome biogenesis is regulated in concert with cell growth via the TOR protein kinase pathway. Inhibition of TOR kinase decreases association of Rpf2, Spb4, Nog1 and Nog2 with pre-ribosomes.
Isomer dependent bioavailability of polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins and dibenzofurans from municipal incinerator fly ash to carp

The isomer-dependent bioavailability of polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins and dibenzofurans (PCDDs and PCDFs) from municipal incinerator fly ash to freshwater fish was determined. It was observed that carp exposed to fly ash in a continuous-flow exposure readily accumulated select isomers of PCDDs and PCDFs. A preference for greater retention of isomers substituted in the 2, 3, 7 and 8 positions was observed. The Bioavailability Index (ratio of contaminant level in fish to level in fly ash) decreased with increasing degree of chlorination.
Point-pattern analysis on the sphere

Abstract Many important environmental, geographic, and geophysical variables are observed at the global scale, so it is important to extend point-pattern methods to the sphere. Here, we develop the K function on the sphere and then evaluate several global data structures and networks. The assumption of complete spatial randomness (CSR) gives a K function that is proportional to the square of distance in Euclidean space, but we find that CSR on the sphere is proportional to 1 − cos ( angular distance ) . To evaluate the spherical K function, we analyze two global data structures: latitude-longitude and equidistant hexagonal grids. Due to over-representation of polar regions, latitude-longitude grids produce clustered point patterns. The hexagonal grid is equal-area on the sphere and produces a dispersed point pattern. We also analyze the structure of an observing system for global climate research that is intended to have relatively even spatial coverage. We find that, due to its coastal and continental biases, the climate-station network produces clustered point patterns over a range of distances. Our focus is on planetary-scale geographic point distributions, but we foresee applications of spherical K functions in disciplines such as astronomy, geodetics, anatomy, and neuroscience. Software for spherical point-pattern analysis is available from the authors.
Reversible microsomal binding of hepatic aldolase

Abstract Fructose-1,6-bisphosphate aldolase ( d -fructose-1,6-bisphosphate d -glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate lyase, EC 4.1.2.13) partitions between the microsomes and the cytosol when a rat liver homogenate is fractionated by differential centrifugation. Gel electrophoresis and immunodiffusion indicate that the one isozyme present in the liver of the young adult rat is found in both fractions. The association of the aldolase with membranes is differentially sensitive to a variety of metabolites and inorganic salts. In the absence of cellular salts, 1 mM fructose 1,6-bisphosphate or glucose 1,6-bisphosphate elutes 50% of the enzyme from the microsomes. About 9 mM Pi or citrate is necessary to produce the same effect. With other metabolites or inorganic salts higher concentrations are required. The fraction of total enzyme which partitions with the microsomes when a homogenate is submitted to high speed centrifugation, correlates inversely with the level of fructose 1,6-bisphosphate in the supernatant solution and this concentration is higher when the tissue concentration in the homogenate is greater. The Km for fructose 1,6-bisphosphate of 3 · 10−4 for aldolase bound to microsomes is decreased to 6 · 10−6 M when the enyme is dissociated from the membranes with salt. These observations appear relevant to the ongoing discussion regarding the physiological relevance of the subcellular localization of glycolytic enzymes.
Nursing care of the mentally retarded: communication issues.

Communication between nurses and mentally handicapped individuals in the health care delivery system is discussed. Impairments in the ability to communicate, profit from experience, use insight to solve problems, to abstract and adapt to new situations are described and nursing interventions that address these problems are presented.
Poly-club-drug use among gay and bisexual men: a longitudinal analysis.

Abstract Objective We sought to delineate patterns of poly-club-drug use among gay and bisexual men. Data were drawn from a large-scale 12-month longitudinal investigation of club drug use and sexual behavior among 450 racially, ethnically, and geographically diverse sample of gay and bisexual men in New York City. Methods Using community-based sampling, we recruited the sample from numerous venues and assessed the self-reported use of five drugs and their relation to one another: cocaine, ecstasy, GHB, ketamine, and methamphetamine. Multivariate hierarchical linear modeling (HLM) was utilized to examine associations of usage over the 12-month data collection period. Results Use of the five club drugs was highly related as noted by both parametric and non-parametric analyses of the cross-sectional data. Patterns of use over time also indicated significant longitudinal associations. Specifically, the use of methamphetamine over time was related to both the use of ecstasy and GHB. Conclusions The analyses suggest that usage patterns of individual club drugs such as methamphetamine, ecstasy, and GHB among gay and bisexual men are highly related across time. These findings hold implications for the treatment approaches that are utilized to address substance abuse in this segment of the population, and suggest that practitioners focus on the totality of the substance abuse behaviors and not necessarily individual drugs which are administered.
Long range proton-proton coupling in substituted anisoles

Abstract The long range coupling, J1r, between the OMe methyl protons and the ortho ring proton has been determined in a series of substituted anisoles. Although this 5-bond coupling is present in all the anisoles, its magnitude is enhanced by the presence of a bulky substituent (Cl, Br, I and NO2) ortho to the methoxy group. The results have been interpreted in terms of restricted rotation, the larger value of J1r being associated with that conformation in which the OMe group is “anti” to the ortho substituent.
Alkaline conformational transition and gated electron transfer with a Lys 79 --> his variant of iso-1-cytochrome c.

To probe the mechanism of the alkaline conformational transition and its effect on the dynamics of gated electron transfer (ET) reactions, a Lys 79 - His (K79H) variant of iso-1-cytochrome c has been prepared. Guanidine hydrochloride denaturation monitored by circular dichroism and absorbance at 695 nm indicates that this variant unfolds from a partially unfolded state. The conformation of the wild type (WT) and K79H proteins was monitored at 695 nm from pH 2 to 11. These data indicate that acid unfolding is multi-state for both K79H and WT proteins and that the His 79-heme alkaline conformer is more stable than a previously reported His 73-heme alkaline conformer. Fast and slow phases are observed in the kinetics of the alkaline transition of the K79H variant. The pH dependence of the fast phase kinetic data shows that ionizable groups with pK a values near 6.8 and 9 modulate the formation of the His 79-heme alkaline conformer. The slow phase kinetic data are consistent with a single ionizable group with a pK a near 9.5 promoting the Lys 73-heme alkaline transition. In the broader context of data on the alkaline transition, ionization of the ligand replacing Met 80 appears to play a primary role in promoting the formation of the alkaline conformer, with other ionizable groups acting as secondary modulators. Intermolecular ET with hexaammineruthenium(II) chloride shows conformational gating due to both His 79-heme and Lys 73-heme alkaline conformers. Both the position and the nature of the alkaline state ligand modulate the dynamics of ET gating.
College of education assessment administrators: work experiences, challenges, and incongruities

The study was based upon surveying colleges/schools of education with graduate programs from the US News and World Report ‘Best Education Schools 2011’ (N = 89). Results indicated that greatest time was spent on data collection, data management, and compilation; while least time was focused on instrument technical characteristics and opportunities for professional development. Working with faculty to facilitate their engagement of the assessment process was viewed as most challenging; in contrast opportunities for professional development was seen as least challenging. Several benefits of a strong advisory assessment committee on time on tasks were also supported; however, there was no influence of years of work experience or type of data management system. A limited set of time spent on task–challenge discordant areas were identified, most notably occurring on intrapersonal or technical endeavors. The roles of these findings impacting the efficacy of the assessment process are also discussed.
Antiinflammatory Effects of Human Milk on Chemically Induced Colitis in Rats

We examined the effects of a human milk diet on rats with chemical colitis induced with a 4% acetic acid enema. Colonic myeloperoxidase activity was used as a surrogate marker for neutrophil infiltration. Control rats fed rat chow had little colonic myeloperoxidase activity; geometric mean, 0.27 U/g of tissue. Rats with colitis fed rat chow had significantly increased colonic myeloperoxidase activity (geometric mean, 6.76 U/g, p < 0.01 versus no colitis), as did rats with colitis fed infant formula or Pedialyte (geometric mean, 6.92 and 8.13 U/g, respectively, both p < 0.01 versus no colitis). Animals with colitis fed human milk had significantly lower colonic myeloperoxidase activity (geometric mean, 2.34 U/g) than did animals with colitis fed either chow or infant formula (p < 0.001). Similar effects were seen in rats with colitis fed infant formula supplemented with recombinant human IL-1 receptor antagonist (geometric mean, 1.95 U/g). These data show that orally administered human milk has an antiinflammatory effect on chemically induced colitis in rats, which may be mediated in part by IL-1 receptor antagonist contained in human milk.
Free Markets and the Marriage Market: Structural Adjustment, Gender Relations, and Working Conditions among Dominican Women Workers

I argue that the neoliberal reforms brought on by structural adjustment appear to have contributed to a deterioration of the job market and a greater prevalence of female-headed households in the Dominican Republic. On the basis of data collected in 1994 among women working in a free trade zone, I show that structural adjustment increases the need for women to work, because of cuts in government programs, declining real wages, growing inflation, and a deterioration in male employment, which weakens the man's role as principal breadwinner and increases the importance and visibility of women's contribution to the household economy. This change in the gender composition of the labor force has encouraged some women to resist marriage and/or remarriage because the ‘marriage market’ of eligible men willing and able to support a family has been reduced, contributing to greater marital instability.
Functional Near-infrared Spectroscopy (fNIRS) of Brain Function During Active Balancing Using a Video Game System

Functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) is a portable, non-invasive, brain imaging technology that uses low levels of non-ionizing light to record changes in cerebral blood flow in the brain through optical sensors placed on the surface of the scalp. These signals are recorded via flexible fiber optic cables, which allow neuroimaging experiments to be conducted on participants while performing tasks such as standing or walking. FNIRS has the potential to provide new insights into the evolution of brain activation during ambulatory motor learning tasks and standing tasks to probe balance and vestibular function. In this study, a 32 channel fNIRS system was used to record blood flow changes in the frontal, motor, sensory, and temporal cortices during active balancing associated with playing a video game simulating downhill skiing (Nintendo Wii™; Wii-fit™). Using fNIRS, we found activation of superior temporal gyrus, which was modulated by the difficulty of the balance task. This region had been previously implicated in vestibular function from other animal and human studies.
Examining the Influence of Linkers and Tertiary Structure in the Forced Unfolding of Multiple-Repeat Spectrin Molecules

The unfolding pathways of multiple-repeat spectrin molecules were examined using steered molecular dynamics (SMD) simulations to forcibly unfold double- and triple-repeat spectrin molecules. Although SMD has previously been used to study other repeating-domain proteins, spectrin offers a unique challenge in that the linker connecting repeat units has a definite secondary structure, that of an α-helix. Therefore, the boundary conditions imposed on a double- or triple-repeat spectrin must be carefully considered if any relationship to the real system is to be deduced. This was accomplished by imposing additional forces on the system which ensure that the terminal α-helices behave as if there were no free noncontiguous helical ends. The results of the SMD simulations highlight the importance of the rupture of the α-helical linker on the subsequent unfolding events. Rupture of the linker propagates unfolding in the adjacent repeat units by destabilizing the tertiary structure, ultimately resulting in complete unfolding of the affected repeat unit. Two dominant classes of unfolding pathways are observed after the initial rupture of a linker which involve either rupture of another linker (possibly adjacent) or rupture of the basic tertiary structure of a repeat unit. The relationship between the force response observed on simulation timescales and those of experiment or physiological conditions is also discussed.
Response of nitrogen use efficient sorghums to nitrogen fertilizer

Abstract Little information is available on the response of grain sorghum [Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench] genotypes differing in nitrogen (N) use efficiency (NUE) (g DM g N‐1) to added N fertilizer. Such knowledge is important for reducing the reliance upon fertilizer N. A dryland field experiment was conducted in 1993 and 1994 at Mead, NE evaluating the agronomic responsiveness of 13 sorghum genotypes differing in NUE to three N rates (0, 50 and 100 kg N ha‐1) and also to determine physiological factors that contribute to improved NUE. The experiment was conducted on a fine montmorillonitic, mesic, Typic Argiudoll soil. Total N at maturity, dry matter, and grain yield were used to calculate NUE terms. Genotype differences were found for all measured variables both years, but no N rate by genotype effects were significant. Nitrogen fertilizer enhanced plant N contents and grain yield, but decreased NUE for total biomass and grain production. An early freeze in 1993 markedly reduced the later maturing genoty...
Sedimentation equilibrium of human low density lipoprotein subfractions.

The molecular weights of low density lipoprotein (LDL) subfractions were determined precisely by meniscus depletion sedimentation equilibrium. Equilibrium speeds ranged from 9743 to 5896 rpm. The average molecular weights of various LDL subfractions of Sf o values 9.49, 7.94, 6.42, 5.17, and 3.71 determined by sedimentation equilibrium were 2.97×106; 3.13×106; 2.89×106; 2.45 ×106; and 2.61×106 daltons, respectively; and their respective densities were 1.0267, 1.0306, 1.0358, 1.0422, and 1.0492 g/ml. Minimal hydrated molecular weights for these fractions determined by flotation velocity at 37,020 rpm were 2.57×106; 2.37×106; 2.09×106; 1.94×106; and 1.81 ×106 daltons; whereas similar molecular weights determined at 52,640 rpm were 2.53×106; 2.27 ×106; 1.99×106; 1.86×106; and 1.74×106 daltons for the respective LDL subfractions. Higher molecular weights of fractions 2 and 5 compared to their adjacent fractions 1 and 4 by sedimentation equilibrium are of great interest. The calculated frictional ratio f/fo from sedimentation equilibrium and flotation velocity data ranges from 1.10 to 1.31, suggesting complexity and asymmetry of LDL subfraction molecules. There is also evidence that compressibility of LDL molecules may be different than that for the salt solution under high g-force. Assuming that redistributed LDL molecules at equilibrium under low g-force are spherical, it is possible that the shape of LDL molecules undergoing flotation velocity determinations may be distorted in high g-force conditions. Such distortion may be consistent with the high f/fo values obtained and may also be a basis for structural rearrangement and/or lipoprotein degradation with prolonged preparative ultracentrifugation at high g-force and pressure.
Enforcement Mechanisms Discouraging Black–American Presence in Suburban Detroit

In metropolitan Detroit, scholars have long observed that geographic space is racialized in the sense that black Americans are not welcome in many suburban communities. This extends beyond housing segregation: black drivers are not wanted on many suburban streets. While the existence of racial animosity has been documented, the enforcement mechanisms utilized to ‘protect’ certain geographic areas from black presence have rarely been quantified and dissected. This study examines police behavior toward black motorists who were arrested during routine traffic stops in the Detroit suburb of Eastpointe. Comparison of search, arrest, and handcuff patterns of white and black motorists indicates that police bias harms blacks. Rather than simply being anti-black, patterns of police behavior in Eastpointe enforce racialized space, signaling where black presence is tolerated and where it is discouraged. Depuis longtemps, les intellectuels observent la racialisation de l’espace geographique, au sens que les Americains noirs ne sont pas les bienvenus dans de nombreuses communautes de banlieue de la metropole de Detroit. La tendance depasse la segregation des logements: les automobilistes noirs sont indesirables dans bien des rues de banlieue. Si l’existence d’une animosite raciale a ete documentee, les mecanismes coercitifs utilises pour ‘proteger’ certaines zones geographiques d’une presence noire ont rarement ete quantifies ou disseques. Cette etude examine l’attitude policiere vis-a-vis des conducteurs noirs arretes au cours de controles de routine dans la banlieue de Eastpointe, a Detroit. Une comparaison des types de fouilles, arrestations et menottages d’automobilistes blancs et noirs revele un prejuge de la police au detriment des noirs. Au lieu d’etre simplement anti-noirs, les types de comportement policier a Eastpointe impose un espace racialise, indiquant la ou la presence noire est toleree et la ou elle est dissuadee.
A Twin Study of the Etiology of Comorbidity: Attention-deficit Hyperactivity Disorder and Dyslexia

Monozygotic and dizygotic twin pairs, in which at least one member of each pair is reading disabled (RD), were assessed for attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Within pair cross-concordances of the RD and ADHD qualitative diagnoses for monozygotic twins were larger than for dizygotic twins, although not significantly so (p less than 0.10). Thus, the data suggest that RD and ADHD may be primarily genetically independent. However, trends in the data and subtype analyses suggest that in some cases RD and ADHD may occur together because of a shared genetic etiology and that a genetically mediated comorbid subtype may exist.
Friendship as Protection from Peer Victimization for Girls with and without ADHD.

The goal of this study was to examine the ability of friendship to moderate the association between behavioral risk and peer victimization for girls with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD; n = 140) and comparison girls (n = 88) in a 5-week naturalistic summer camp setting. Participants were an ethnically and socioeconomically diverse group of girls ages 6–12. Parents and teachers reported on pre-summer internalizing behavior, externalizing behavior, and social competence. Participants reported on friendships and peer victimization through a peer report measure at the summer camps; friendship was scored via mutual nominations. Pre-summer externalizing behavior, internalizing behavior, and low social competence predicted peer victimization at the summer camps. Friendship moderated the association between behavioral risk and victimization for the entire sample, such that the presence of at least one friend reduced the risk of victimization. Additional analyses suggested that girls with ADHD were no more or less protected by the presence of a friendship than were comparison girls. Finally, preliminary analyses suggested that girls having only friends with ADHD were not significantly less protected than girls with at least one comparison friend. Future directions and implications for intervention are discussed.
SPECTRUM OF PHOTONS EMITTED IN COINCIDENCE WITH FISSION OF $sup 235$U BY THERMAL NEUTRONS.

The absolute energy spectrum of prompt photons emitted from the fission of $^{235}\mathrm{U}$ by thermal neutrons was measured in the range from 0.01 to 10 MeV by using single-crystal, Compton, and pair NaI(Tl) scintillation spectrometers. Each was operated in \ensuremath{\le}69-nsec coincidence with a fission chamber exposed to thermal neutrons from a reactor. The pulse-height response functions of the spectrometers were constructed in detail by exposing the spectrometers to radioactive sources of known disintegration rates. These data were used to "unfold" the measured pulse-height spectra to give the absolute differential energy spectrum and its random uncertainties. A careful analysis of systematic uncertainties was also performed. The average number of photons per fission is 8.13 \ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{} 0.35 and the average photon energy release per fission is 7.25 \ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{} 0.26 MeV, both over the energy region from 10 keV to 10.5 MeV. The results obtained here are in approximate agreement with the recent measurement by Verbinski and Sund in the energy region above 140 keV. From 1.5 to 4 MeV the calculation of Zommer, Savel'er, and Prokofiev gives results which are close to the measurements. The observed total energy release in photon emission per fission has been predicted by two published calculations which treated statistical evaporation theory in different ways to enhance the emission of photons. The $K$-shell x-ray intensities for the light- and heavy-fragment groups were found to be 0.08 \ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{} 0.02 and 0.23 \ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{} 0.02 photons/fission, respectively. The x-ray intensities are consistent with internal conversion of the observed $\ensuremath{\gamma}$-ray spectrum for various assumed mixtures of $E1$, $E2$, and $M2$ transitions, including roughly equal $E1\ensuremath{-}E2$ mixtures; the intensities are not consistent with all the transitions having any single multipolarity.
French Roots in the Illinois Country: The Mississippi Frontier in Colonial Times

Winner of the Kemper and Leila Williams Book Prize for the Best Book on Louisiana History, "French Roots in the Illinois Country" creates an entirely new picture of the Illinois country as a single ethnic, economic, and cultural entity. Focusing on the French Creole communities along the Mississippi River, Carl J. Ekberg shows how land use practices such as medieval-style open-field agriculture intersected with economic and social issues ranging from the flour trade between Illinois and New Orleans to the significance of the different mentalities of French Creoles and Anglo-Americans.
The sine-cosine and the tanh methods: Reliable tools for analytic treatment of nonlinear dispersive equations

The sine-cosine method and the tanh method are used for analytic treatment of nonlinear dispersive equations. Nonlinear variants of Boussinesq equation are used as vehicles to show the strength of these methods. Solutions of distinct physical structures: solitons, compactons, solitary patterns solutions and periodic solutions are formally derived. The results show that the change in physical structures of the obtained solutions depends mainly on exponents and on the coefficients of the derivatives involved.
Laparoscopic lower urinary tract reconstruction.

In the past decade laparoscopy has been successfully utilized for both the obliterative and reconstructive management of urologic disease. We have seen not only an advance in the technology available to perform these procedures, but also an effort on the part of laparoscopic urologists to refine their techniques to allow them to perform more complicated procedures. In the lower urinary tract, the development of reconstructive procedures has been slow. While early interest in laparoscopy prompted several pioneers to perform the initial reconstructive procedures, the difficulties associated with these procedures at that time largely precluded their widespread application or adoption. Recently, improvements in the skills of laparoscopic urologists and the advent of instruments to facilitate suturing (e.g. EndoStitch semi-automatic suturing device, Lapra-Ty clips to replace intracorporeal knotting, and advances in staple and clip technology) have facilitated a renewed interest in laparoscopic reconstructive surgery of the lower urinary tract. At present, almost all types of urologic open reconstructive procedures have been accomplished laparoscopically: urinary diversion (e.g. ureteroileal loop urinary diversion and continent diversion), bladder reconstruction (e.g. ureterovesicostomy, bladder augmentation, bladder diverticulectomy, partial cystectomy), ureteral reimplantation, and, most recently, urethrovesical anastomosis following radical prostatectomy. This article will review the development of these procedures.
Src-like adaptor protein (SLAP) is upregulated in antigen-stimulated mast cells and acts as a negative regulator.

Our studies in the RBL-2H3 mast cell line suggest that responses to antigen (Ag) are negatively modulated through upregulation of Src-like adaptor protein (SLAP). Ag stimulation of RBL-2H3 cells leads to increased levels of SLAP (but not SLAP2) transcripts and protein over a period of several hours. The effects of pharmacologic inhibitors indicate that the upregulation of SLAP is dependent on multiple signaling pathways. Knockdown of SLAP with anti-SLAP siRNA is associated with enhanced phosphorylation of Syk, the linker for activation of T cells (LAT), phospholipase Cγ, MAP kinases, and various transcription factors. Production of IL-3 and MCP-1, but not degranulation, is also enhanced. The upregulation of SLAP may thus serve to limit the duration of cytokine production in Ag-stimulated cells.
Experimental investigation of magnetic nanotubes in PC-12 neuron cells culturing

This report discusses the effects of magnetic nanotubes on the differentiation and growth of neurons. The magnetic nanotubes used in this study are hematite nanotubes synthesized using template method, and their structural and magnetic properties have been characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and vibrating sample magnetometer (VSM). PC-12 cells are differentiated into neurons in the presence of magnetic nanotubes to confirm the biocompatibility and cytotoxic effects of magnetic nanotubes during the processes of neuron differentiation and neuronal growth. The morphological changes and synapse formation of neurons are investigated, and the contact effects of magnetic nanotubes on neurite (axon and dendrites) outgrowth are explored. This research allows us to understand the interaction between magnetic nanomaterials and neurons, and pave the way towards developing potential treatments using the magnetic nano tubes for neurodegenerative disorders and injuries to the nervous system in the future.
Gender effects on Mexican-descent parents' questions and scaffolding during toy play: a sequential analysis:

Parental responses following children's answers to parental questions (Parent Question → Child Answer → Parent Response) were examined during play between Mexican-descent children and their parents. Nineteen boys and 18 girls were videotaped playing separately with each of their parents with a toy zoo set. Patterns of parental responses following children's answers to parental questions indicated that mothers provided more scaffolding responses than did fathers. Furthermore, mothers were more scaffolding in their responses even when sequences were analysed separately for child gender. The results support past research with European-American families which has found that mothers may be more aware of children's cognitive capabilities than are fathers. Suggestions for future research that investigate scaffolding versus cognitive demand strategies are included.
Transcription of Djun from D. melanogaster is positively regulated by DTF-1, AP-1, and CREB binding sites

Abstract Djun is the homolog of the mammalian proto-oncogene jun in D. melanogaster, where it encodes a component of an AP-1-like nuclear DNA binding protein, or transcription factor. Djun, unlike its vertebrate counterparts, contains an intron in its 5′ noncoding region. The expression of Djun in cultured Schneider line 2 cells is controlled by multiple cis-acting elements in its promoter region and the 5′ noncoding region of the transcription unit. A 43-bp 5′ upstream promoter region is necessary for the transcription activity of Djun. Deletion of this fragment decreased transcriptional activity by 67-fold. This region includes a TATA box and a sequence similar to the Drosophila transcription factor 1 (DTF-1) consensus sequence (GCAACA T/C G/C). A large DNase I footprint covering both the DTF-1 binding site and the TATA box was detected in this region when incubated with nuclear extract from Drosophila embryos, suggesting interactions with related transcription factors. This 43-bp sequence alone, containing the DTF-1 binding site and TATA box, however, is not sufficient for transcription activity. An 80-bp sequence including the start of transcription has considerable basal activity. An intragenic region containing an AP-1 site and a CRE site modulates or fine tunes activity of the promoter. Its activity as an enhancer is reduced when moved upstream in either orientation. An extragenic region containing two AP-1 sites similarly affects promoter activity.
The electrochemical machining of mild steel in NaBrO3 solutions

Abstract For a solution to be a good ECM electrolyte for a given metal, a uniform, potential-dependent, protective film must be formed on the metal surface; the transition from the passive to the transpassive states must occur over a narrow potential range on the polarization curve; and in the high current density regions, the film must be very thin, uniform and porous. If these conditions are not met, poor results will be obtained for the electrochemical machining of the given metal in the given solution. From polarization and film stripping studies, it was observed that these criteria were not met for mild steel in solutions of NaBrO 3 . In agreement with the predictions, control of dimensions and geometry could not be achieved for the ECM of mild steel in 1·5M NaBrO 3 electrolyte in laboratory test rigs and the surface finish of the machined parts were badly pitted. These data support the contention that the electrochemical characteristics of the passivating film formed on the metal surface during the ECM of the metal in a given electrolyte play an essential role in determining the quality of the finished product.
Inhibition by Chondroitin Sulfate E Can Specify Functional Wnt/β-Catenin Signaling Thresholds in NIH3T3 Fibroblasts

Aberrant activation of the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway is frequently associated with human disease, including cancer, and thus represents a key therapeutic target. However, Wnt/β-catenin signaling also plays critical roles in many aspects of normal adult tissue homeostasis. The identification of mechanisms and strategies to selectively inhibit the disease-related functions of Wnt signaling, while preserving normal physiological functions, is in its infancy. Here, we report the identification of exogenous chondroitin sulfate-E (CS-E) as an inhibitor of specific molecular and biological outcomes of Wnt3a signaling in NIH3T3 fibroblasts. We demonstrate that CS-E can decrease Wnt3a signaling through the negative regulation of LRP6 receptor activation. However, this inhibitory effect of CS-E only affected Wnt3a-mediated induction, but not repression, of target gene expression. We went on to identify a critical Wnt3a signaling threshold that differentially affects target gene induction versus repression. This signaling threshold also controlled the effects of Wnt3a on proliferation and serum starvation-induced apoptosis. Limiting Wnt3a signaling to this critical threshold, either by CS-E treatment or by ligand dilution, interfered with Wnt3a-mediated stimulation of proliferation but did not impair Wnt3a-mediated reduction of serum starvation-induced apoptosis. Treatment with pharmacological inhibitors demonstrated that both induction and repression of Wnt3a target genes in NIH3T3 cells require the canonical Wnt/β-catenin signaling cascade. Our data establish the feasibility of selective inhibition of Wnt/β-catenin transcriptional programs and biological outcomes through the exploitation of intrinsic signaling thresholds.
Myxobacterial tools for social interactions.

Myxobacteria exhibit complex social traits during which large populations of cells coordinate their behaviors. An iconic example is their response to starvation: thousands of cells move by gliding motility to build a fruiting body in which vegetative cells differentiate into spores. Here we review mechanisms that the model species Myxococcus xanthus uses for cellecell interactions, with a focus on developmental signaling and social gliding motility. We also discuss a newly discovered cellecell interaction whereby myxobacteria exchange their outer membrane (OM) proteins and lipids. The mechanism of OM transfer requires physical contact between aligned cells on a hard surface and is apparently mediated by OM fusion. The TraA and TraB proteins are required in both donor and recipient cells for transfer, suggesting bidirectional exchange, and TraA is thought to serve as a cell surface adhesin. OM exchange results in phenotypic changes that can alter gliding motility and development and is proposed to represent a novel microbial interacting platform to coordinate multicellular activities. 2012 Published by Elsevier Masson SAS on behalf of Institut Pasteur.
pH/ion sensitive nanoprobes with optical tweezers

We present fluorescence-based pH/ion nanosensors, positioned and manipulated using holographic optical tweezers, with simultaneous fluorescence read-out, within a microfluidic device and within a biological cell.
Fluoride content of clay minerals and argillaceous earth materials

A reliable method, utilizing a fluoride ion-selective electrode, is described for the determina- tion of fluoride in clays and shales. Interference by aluminum and iron is minimal. The reproducibility of the method is about ___5~0 at different levels of fluoride concentration. Data are presented for various clay minerals and for the <2-/~m fractions of marine and nonmarine clays and shales. Fluoride values range from 44 ppm (0.0044%) for nontronite from Colfax, WA, to 51,800 ppm (5.18%) for hectorite from Hector, CA. In general, clays formed under hydrothermal condi- tions are relatively high in fluoride content, provided the hydrothermal waters are high in fluoride content. Besides hectorite, dickite from Ouray, CO, was found to contain more than 50 times as much fluoride (6700 ppm) as highly crystalline geode kaolinite (125 ppm). The clay stratum immediately overlying a fluorite mineralized zone in southern Illinois was found to have a higher fluoride content than the same stratum in a nonmineralized zone approximately 1 mile away. Nonmarine shales in contact with Australian coals were found to be lower in fluoride content than were marine shales in contact with Illinois coals. It is believed that, in certain instances, peak shifts on DTA curves of similar clay minerals are the result of significant differences in their fluoride content.
Baryon magnetic moments in a dynamical quark-diquark model

The magnetic moments of baryons are calculated in a dynamical quark-diquark model using current-quark masses as input. Except for theΞ− moment, results are in fairly good agreement with experiment.
Myocardial drug distribution pattern following intrapericardial delivery: an MRI analysis.

Objectives: The main goal was to gain insights into the pharmacokinetics of intrapericardial drug delivery using magnetic resonance (MR) imaging analysis and the extracellular MR contrast agent gadopentetate dimeglumine (Gd-DTPA) as a model.
Missing Data in Likert Ratings: A Comparison of Replacement Methods

Abstract The effects of using two methods (item mean and person mean) for replacing missing data in Likert scales were studied. The results showed that both methods were good representations of the original data when both the number of respondents with missing data and the number of items missing were 20% or less. As the numbers of missing items and of respondents with missing data increased for the person mean substitution method, a spurious increase in the inter-item correlations (and, therefore, reliability) for the scale was produced. The item mean substitution reduced the reliability estimates of the scale. These results suggest caution in the use of the person mean substitution method as the numbers of missing items and respondents increase.
Effect of Dietary Protein Concentration on Nitrogenous Waste in Intensively Fed Catfish Ponds

Channel catfish were fed five diets containing 24, 28, 32, 36 or 40% protein in intensively stocked earthen ponds over a 141 d growing season. Mean standing crop at harvest was 7,559 kg/ha, and maximum daily feed allowance was 105 kg/ha. Dietary protein concentration had a negative linear effect on weight gain. Total ammonia-nitrogen (TAN) in pond water increased linearly as dietary protein concentration increased and was positively correlated with total protein fed. However, unionized ammonia-nitrogen (NH3-N) was not influenced by dietary protein concentration. Dietary protein had a positive linear effect on nitrite-nitrogen (NO1-- -N) concentration, which was positively correlated with total protein fed and TAN. There was no significant correlation between NO2---N and fish weight gain, although there was a significant positive correlation between NO2-- -N/Cl-molar ratio in pond water and concentration of methemoglobin in the fish. Results from this study indicate that when the feeding rate is as high as 100 kg/ha/d, or 3,000 kg protein/ha/season, dietary protein concentrations of 36% and above can result in harmful concentrations of NO2---N when Cl concentration in the ponds is 2–3 mg/L. Although the NO2---N/Cl- ratio in the ponds increased to harmful levels with protein concentration of the diets, this might not be the major cause of the reduction in fish growth rate as dietary protein increased because the greatest difference in weight gain occurred at the lower protein concentrations and the greatest difference in NO2---N occurred at the higher dietary protein concentrations.
MicroRNA-23b Regulates Cyclin-Dependent Kinase–Activating Kinase Complex Through Cyclin H Repression to Modulate Endothelial Transcription and Growth Under Flow

Objective— The site-specificity of endothelial phenotype is attributable to the local hemodynamic forces. The flow regulation of microRNAs in endothelial cells (ECs) plays a significant role in vascular homeostasis and diseases. The objective of this study was to elucidate the molecular mechanism by which the pulsatile shear flow–induced microRNA-23b (miR-23b) exerts antiproliferative effects on ECs. Approach and Results— We used a combination of a cell perfusion system and experimental animals to examine the flow regulation of miR-23b in modulating EC proliferation. Our results demonstrated that pulsatile shear flow induces the transcription factor Kruppel-like factor 2 to promote miR-23b biosynthesis; the increase in miR-23b then represses cyclin H to impair the activity and integrity of cyclin-dependent kinase–activating kinase (CAK) complex. The inhibitory effect of miR-23b on CAK exerts dual actions to suppress cell cycle progression, and reduce basal transcription by deactivating RNA polymerase II. Whereas pulsatile shear flow regulates the miR-23b/CAK pathway to exert antiproliferative effects on ECs, oscillatory shear flow has little effect on the miR-23b/CAK pathway and hence does not cause EC growth arrest. Such flow pattern–dependent phenomena are validated with an in vivo model on rat carotid artery: the flow disturbance induced by partial carotid ligation led to a lower expression of miR-23b and a higher EC proliferation in comparison with the pulsatile flow regions of the unligated vessels. Local delivery of miR-23b mitigated the proliferative EC phenotype in partially ligated vessels. Conclusions— Our findings unveil a novel mechanism by which hemodynamic forces modulate EC proliferative phenotype through the miR-23b/CAK pathway.
The cellular mechanism of epithelial rearrangement during morphogenesis of the Caenorhabditis elegans dorsal hypodermis.

The mechanism by which epithelial cells rearrange is a process that is central to epithelial morphogenesis, yet remains poorly understood. We have investigated epithelial cell rearrangement in the dorsal hypodermis of the Caenorhabditis elegans embryo, in which two rows of epithelial cells rearrange in a morphogenetic process known as dorsal intercalation. The intercalating cells extend basal protrusions which squeeze between their opposing neighbors beneath their adherens junctions. As the intercalating cells move forward, these protruding tips become broader in the anterior-posterior and dorsoventral dimensions, effectively "plowing through" the adherens junctions and forcing an opening for the remainder of the intercalating cell to insert between the contralateral cells. These cell movements are dependent upon intact cytoarchitecture, since the pharmacological disruption of microtubules or actin filaments blocks cell rearrangement. The cells appear to intercalate independently of immediately adjacent neighboring hypodermal cells because dorsal intercalation is not blocked by the ablation of the progenitors for either half of the lateral hypodermal cells or the posterior half of the dorsal hypodermis. This is the first case in which the protrusive mechanism underlying epithelial cell rearrangement has been characterized, and we propose a model describing how epithelial cells rearrange within the confines of an epithelial monolayer, and discuss the mechanisms that may be guiding these directed cell movements.
Species concepts should not conflict with evolutionary history, but often do

Many phylogenetic systematists have criticized the Biological Species Concept (BSC) because it distorts evolutionary history. While defenses against this particular criticism have been attempted, I argue that these responses are unsuccessful. In addition, I argue that the source of this problem leads to previously unappreciated, and deeper, fatal objections. These objections to the BSC also straightforwardly apply to other species concepts that are not defined by genealogical history. What is missing from many previous discussions is the fact that the Tree of Life, which represents phylogenetic history, is independent of our choice of species concept. Some species concepts are consistent with species having unique positions on the Tree while others, including the BSC, are not. Since representing history is of primary importance in evolutionary biology, these problems lead to the conclusion that the BSC, along with many other species concepts, are unacceptable. If species are to be taxa used in phylogenetic inferences, we need a history-based species concept.
Driver Destination Models

Predictive models of destinations represent an opportunity in the context of the increasing availability and sophistication of in-car driving aids. We present analyses of drivers' destinations based on GPS data recorded from 180 volunteer subjects. We focus on the probability of observing drivers visit previously unobserved destinations given time of day and day of week, and the rate of decline of observing such new destinations with time. For the latter, we discover a statistically significant difference based on gender.
New insights on the roles of BMP signaling in bone—A review of recent mouse genetic studies

It is well known that Bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs) induce bone formation and that some BMPs, including BMP2 and BMP7, are clinically used in orthopedics. Signaling by BMPs plays an important role in a variety of cell-types in bone such as osteoblasts, chondrocytes, and osteoclasts. It is recently reported using an osteoblast-targeted deletion of BMP signaling that BMP signaling in osteoblasts physiologically induces bone resorption by enhancing osteoclastogenesis via the RANKL-OPG pathway and reduces bone mass. In this review, the physiological function of BMP signaling in bone will be focused, and the current outcomes from mouse genetic studies will be discuss.
Mechanical Stress as a Function of Temperature in Thin Aluminum Films and its Alloys

Aluminum alloys have virtually replaced aluminum for interconnections in VLSI because of their improved reliability. Mechanical stress is a problem of growing importance in these interconnections. Stress as a function of temperature was measured for thin aluminum films and several aluminum alloys and layered films consisting of silicon, copper, titanium, tungsten, tantalum, vanadium, and TiSi2. Solid-state reactions of the aluminum with the additives and with the ambient during thermal cycling will occur and depending on what compounds have formed and at what temperature, this will determine the morphology and reliability of the metallization. The measurement technique, based on determination of wafer curvature with a laser scanning device, directly measures the total film stress and reflectivity in situ during thermal cycling. Changes in stress were detected when film composition and structure varied and were correlated using x-ray diffraction with the formation of aluminides. Other phenomena that contribute to stress changes including elastic behavior, recrystallization, grain growth, plastic behavior, yield strength, and film hardening from precipitates.