cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Rapid flame synthesis of dense aligned Fe2O3 nanoneedle arrays

This paper describes a simple and yet rapid flame synthesis method to produce one dimensional metal oxide nanostructures by directly oxidizing metals in the post-flame region of a flat flame. α-Fe 2 O 3 nanoneedles grow in the post-flame region by a solid diffusion mechanism, are highly crystalline, and are aligned perpendicularly to the substrate, with a large surface coverage density. The growth rate of the nanostructures is almost two orders of magnitude larger than those demonstrated previously in furnaces or on hotplates. The rapid growth rate is attributed to the large initial heating rate of the metal substrate in the flame, which generates thin and porous oxide layers that greatly enhance the diffusion of the deficient species to the nanostructure growth site.
Pharmacokinetics of a single dose of rimantadine in young adults and children.

Abstract Single doses of rimantadine were given to children and young adults to evaluate the safety and pharmacokinetics of this antiviral compound. The half-life of rimantadine in young adults was 27.7 +/- 4.9 h for tablets and 27.8 +/- 8.0 h for syrup preparations. A total of 10 children, 5 to 8 years old, received a syrup preparation of rimantadine. The half-life of rimantadine in children was 24.8 +/- 9.4 h. A single dose of rimantadine was well tolerated in young adults and children.
Short‐ and Long‐Term Cure Rates of Short‐Duration Trimethoprim‐Sulfamethoxazole Treatment in Female Dogs with Uncomplicated Bacterial Cystitis

Background Long-duration beta-lactam antibiotics are used for empirical treatment in female dogs with uncomplicated bacterial cystitis. However, women with bacterial cystitis are treated with short-duration potentiated sulfonamides because longer courses of beta-lactams result in lower cure and higher recurrence rates. Hypothesis/Objectives Short-duration potentiated sulfonamide treatment is more efficacious than long-duration beta-lactam treatment in achieving clinical and microbiological cures in female dogs with uncomplicated bacterial cystitis. Animals Thirty-eight client-owned female dogs. Methods Randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled clinical trial. Dogs were treated with TMP-SMX (15 mg/kg PO q12h for 3 days followed by a placebo capsule PO q12h for 7 days; Group SDS; n = 20) or cephalexin (20 mg/kg PO q12h for 10 days; Group LDBL; n = 18). Dogs were monitored for clinical and microbiological cure during treatment and at short- and long-term follow-up. Results No statistically significant differences were found between treatment groups in clinical cure rates after 3 days of treatment (89% SDS, 94% LDBL; P = 1.00) and 4 days (85% SDS, 72% LDBL; P = .44) or >30 days (50% SDS, 65% LDBL; P = .50) after conclusion of treatment or in microbiological cure rates 4 days (59% SDS, 36% LDBL; P = .44) or >30 days (44% SDS, 20% LDBL; P = .40) after conclusion of treatment. Conclusions and Clinical Importance We did not identify a difference in cure rates between short-duration sulfonamide and long-duration beta-lactam treatments in female dogs with uncomplicated cystitis. Long-term cure rates in both treatment groups were low. In some female dogs, “uncomplicated” bacterial cystitis may be more complicated than previously recognized.
Sampling Error in the Consumer Price Index

Abstract A description is given of the system of replicated samples introduced into the Consumer Price Index as of December 1963. Essentially simple in concept, the main difficulties related to implementation of the design throughout the complex CPI structure. Estimates of sampling error in the CPI, the first such estimates for a major national price index, are given, and their adequacy and limitations evaluated. The results indicate that any change in the published CPI of .2 per cent (not index points) over a monthly, quarterly or longer period is significant at the 5 per cent level.
Small-Quantity-Generator Hazardous-Waste Production and Management in Florida

Abstract Data are presented on the production and management of hazardous waste by approximately 20 000 small-quantity hazardous-waste generators (SQHWGs) in the state of Florida. SQHWGs are generators that produce less than 1000 kg of hazardous waste in a calendar month. There were approximately 117 000 metric tonnes of small-quantity-generator (SQG) hazardous waste produced annually. Included in this total are over 43 000 tonnes of waste oils even though they were not regulated as a hazardous waste at the time of the survey. Approximately half of this hazardous waste is managed using the following methods: recycling, treatment, and disposal in permitted hazardous-waste-management facilities. However, large quantities of this SQG hazardous waste are disposed of in sanitary landfills and discharged to public sewers and these facilities are typically not designed to handle hazardous waste. These data indicate that there are potential environmental and human-health problems associated with the management of SQG hazardous waste in Florida as well as throughout the U.S.A.
Genetic diversity among populations and size classes of buckeyes (Aesculus: Hippocastanaceae) examined with multilocus VNTR probes

Little is known about genetic variation in members of the genus Aesculus (Hippocastanaceae), in particular A. flava (yellow buckeye) and A. glabra (Ohio buckeye). Here, three synthetic DNA probes (composed of tandemly repeated, core sequences) that reveal alleles at multiple variable-number tandem-repeat (VNTR) loci in these two species were used to investigate: 1) levels of genetic variation in one stand of A. flava and three isolated stands of A. glabra; 2) whether the stands of A. glabra are genetically differentiated from one another; 3) whether there has been selection for more heterozygous individuals through time in one stand each of A. flava and A. glabra; and 4) whether a possible genetic bottleneck had occurred during the formation of either species of Aesculus.
Quenching of intrinsic tryptophan fluorescence in membranes of rat pituitary cells

Abstract The GH 4 C 1 strain of hormone-producing rat pituitary cells has specific receptors for the tripeptide thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH). Membranes prepared from GH 4 C 1 cells show intrinsic tryptophan fluorescence which was quenched by low concentrations (10–100 nM) of TRH and N τ -methyl TRH but not by biologically inactive analogs of TRH. Membranes from GH 4 C 1 cells were subjected to thermal denaturation. A conformational transition was noted above 40°C and an irreversible denaturation was observed at 52°C. TRH-induced quenching of intrinsic fluorescence was lost completely in membranes previously incubated for 10 min at 30°C while loss of [ 3 H]-TRH binding was only about 20% at this temperature. Collisional quenching by iodide revealed that about 38% of the tryptophanyl residues in GH 4 C 1 membranes were exposed to solvent. Quenching by TRH occurred with a shift in wavelength maximum from 336 to 342 nm suggesting that few of the tryptophanyl residues quenched by the tripeptide are totally exposed. Membranes prepared from cells preincubated with 20 nM TRH for 48 h, in which TRH receptors were decreased to 30% of control values, showed no quenching of tryptophan fluorescence in response to freshly added TRH. We conclude that the TRH-receptor interaction in GH 4 C 1 cells is associated with a change in membrane conformation that can be measured by differential spectrofluorometry of intrinsic tryptophan fluorescence.
Study on the site of renal salt loss in 3 patients with Bartter's syndrome

A sodium loss syndrome has been shown in some patients with Bartter's syndrome. According with Chaimovitz's experience, we tried to localise the site of renal salt loss in this syndrome. We have studied 3 children with Bartter's syndrome submitting them to an intravenous 045% hypotonio saline infusion, until a total dose of 2.000 ml/m/1.73 m2, adjusting the rythm of perfusion to exceed urinary flow by 5 ml/m/1.73 m2 and having begun the perfusion at a rate of 5 ml/m/1.73m2. The results obtained in a group of 6 healthy children, gave to us the following figures( all them referred to 100 ml of GFR ), V/m: 15.9 co/m; ClH2O: 11.6 cc/m; ClNa 1.800/, ClH2O+ClNa: 13.4 cc/m; UNa; 262 Eq/m' UKV: 51 Eq/m; being ClH2O/ClH2+ClNax100: 86% and Clin 111.6 cc/m/1.73 m2. In two of our patients, V/m and Na delivery were found normal; ClNa, UNeV and UKV were increased, and ClH2O and ClH2O/ ClH2O+ClNax100 were reduced. The third patient showed an increase of UNaV, UKV and ClNa, but Na delivery, as well as ClH2O were significantly increased while ClH2O/ClH2O+ClNax100 remained low. These results suggest that the site of renal salt loss in the two first patients is the ascendent limb of Henle. On the other hand, the third patient seems to demonstrate a defective proximal tubular Na reabsorption with a good compensatory mechanism in the ascendent limb of Henle.
Predictors of Acute Rejection After Lung Transplantation

Background Acute rejection (AR) after lung transplantation (LTx) impacts survival and quality of life. The objective of this study, therefore, was to identify risk factors for AR after LTx, focusing on donor- and recipient-specific factors, operative variables, and immunologic issues, including pretransplant panel-reactive antibody (PRA) levels, and donor–recipient human leukocyte antigen (HLA) mismatch. Methods From March 1996 to November 2007, 481 adults undergoing LTx had 3237 serial transbronchial biopsy specimens that were evaluated for perivascular rejection (grade A0 to A4). Longitudinal analysis was used to characterize the prevalence of rejection grade and influence of donor, recipient, technical, and immunologic variables. Results AR was highest (54% ≥ A1) in the first 2 months after LTx, decreased at 6 months (16% ≥ A1), then remained steady. Prevalence of AR at any time was dominated by donor-specific factors of young age ( p p = 0.008), and nonblack race ( p = 0.012) and by recipient class II PRA exceeding 10% ( p = 0.005). AR within 2 months was associated with HLA mismatch at the DR locus ( p = 0.0006) and use of non-O blood-group donors ( p = 0.008). AR at 4 years and longer after LTx was associated with HLA mismatch at the B locus ( p = 0.01). Conclusions Only a few recipient and operative factors were identified for AR after LTx. Moderately sensitized recipients identified by class II PRA exceeding 10% and those with HLA mismatches at the B and DR loci appear to be more susceptible to AR; however, such immunologic variations appear to be well controlled with current donor selection and immunosuppression protocols. The impact of donor-specific variables on AR is surprisingly strong and warrants closer inspection.
On the possibility of analytically continuing stabilization graphs to determine resonance positions and widths accurately

Abstract Previous efforts to extract resonance widths by analytic continuation of stabilization graphs were limited by non-analytic behavior of the eigenvalues as functions of the stabilization parameter. We describe a procedure which avoids this difficulty by numerical analytic continuation of the characteristic polynomial, truncated to low order, of the hamiltonian matrix.
Correction to a Note on the Entscheidungsproblem

In A note on the Entscheidungsproblem the author gave a proof of the unsolvability of the general case of the Entscheidungsproblem of the engere Funktionenkalkul. This proof, however, contains an error, in order to correct which it is necessary to modify the “additional axioms” of the system L so that they contain no free variables (either free individual variables or free propositional function variables).The additional axioms of L other than x=y→[F(x)→F(y)] contain no free propositional function variables, and hence it is sufficient to replace each one by an expression obtained from it by quantifying all the individual variables by means of universal quantifiers initially placed—thus, in particular, x = x is replaced by (x)[x=x]. Moreover the axiom x=y→[F(x)→F(y)] may be replaced by the following set of axioms:and similar axioms for each of the functions b1, b2, …, bk.
Association of ulcerative colitis with the inflammatory bowel disease susceptibility locus IBD2 in non-Jewish Caucasians and evidence of genetic heterogeneity among racial and ethnic populations with Crohn disease.

Genomewide scanning has been used to identify chromosomal regions encoding susceptibility loci to inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). The greatest evidence for linkage to IBD has been reported for a region of chromosome 12q14 surrounding the microsatellite marker D12S83, with a logarithm of odds score of 5.47 and a positive transmission disequilibrium test, and which was subsequently named IBD2. We wished to confirm this locus by genotyping the highly polymorphic microsatellites D12S1022, D12S1056, and D12S83, spanning a continuous region on chromosome 12 of 342 kb, in a cohort of nonrelated individuals with ulcerative colitis (89 patients), Crohn disease (121 patients), and population-based control subjects (100 patients). In non-Jewish Caucasians, one D12S1022 allele, one D12S1056 genotype, and three D12S83 alleles were found to have statistically significant differences in distribution between the two disease groups and the control population. These data support a significant association of IBD with the IBD2 locus in close vicinity to the three markers studied. The replication of genetic risk loci in a case control association study may indicate susceptibility genes in this region and may facilitate identification of candidate genes for IBD. Subgroup analysis revealed a notable difference in genotype distribution among Jewish Caucasian and African American patients affected with Crohn disease when compared with similarly affected non-Jewish Caucasians. Using Fisher exact test, statistically significant distribution differences were observed for D12S1022 and D12S83. These data indicate that there may be significant genetic heterogeneity between different ethnic and racial IBD populations or may simply reflect differences in marker allele frequencies among populations.
Can Understanding Undermine Explanation? The Confused Experience of Revolution:

This article makes six points, using evidence from the Iranian Revolution of 1979: (1) Causal mechanisms, indeed all explanations, imply certain inner states on the part of individuals. (2) The experience of revolution is dominated by confusion. (3) People involved in revolutions act largely in response to their best guesses about how others are going to act. (4) These guesses and responses can shift swiftly and dramatically, in ways that participants and observers cannot predict. (5) Explanation involves retroactive prediction: it implies that if we had recognized causal factors A, B, or C at the time, we would have expected some ensuing development. (6) To the extent that revolutionary experience is characterized by confusion, then understanding this experience may disconfirm all explanation.
Influences on Adolescent African American Females' Global Self-Esteem: Body Image and Ethnic Identity.

Abstract This study of 105 senior high school Southern African American adolescent females examined the relationship between global self-esteem, appearance evaluation (body image), and ethnic identity. As predicted, the relationship between global self-esteem, appearance evaluation (r = .46, p < .001), and ethnic identity (r = 40, p < .001) were significant and positive. The young women who rated their self-esteem high also scored high on the appearance evaluation (63%) and ethnic identity achievement measures. Therefore, these young women are expected to spend more time on self-enhancing behaviors and less time on self-limiting behaviors (early sexual involvement, drugs, etc.).
Evaluating the expected value of beef reproduction strategies in an era of volatile feed and cattle prices

Abstract Sexed semen has recently become a topic of interest for beef cattle producers. Beef cattle producers may consider artificial insemination using conventional or sexed semen; a spreadsheet-based model was developed to calculate the expected value of breeding females with sexed and conventional semen. The objective of this research is to evaluate the expected value of artificial insemination and natural service beef breeding strategies. Multiple scenarios were investigated to assess the differences in expected value amongst breeding strategies. Sex ratios were assumed to be 49.2% female for conventional (non-sexed) artificial insemination and 90% for the desired sex for sexed semen. Sexed semen was assumed to yield a conception rate 85% of that of conventional semen. Costs per insemination were held constant at $20.00/conventional AI and $30.00/AI for 90% bull-sorted sexed AI of approximately the same genetic value. The model provides insight into key tradeoffs between these beef breeding strategies. When open females were culled at the end of the breeding season, the strategy in which one sexed semen artificial insemination combined with one natural breeding using MGA–PGF2α as a breeding program yielded the highest expected value of $511.67 of any AI or AI/natural combination scenario investigated. If open females were assumed to be fed until the following breeding season (rather than culled), a single conventional semen insemination with MGA–PGF2α as a breeding program, followed by natural breeding yielded the highest expected value of $285.31 of any AI program investigated. Thus, the fate of the open female at the end of the breeding season made a key difference between whether a breeding strategy incorporating sexed semen or conventional semen AI yielded the highest expected value. Other considerations in the model include the impacts of carrying costs for open females, changing AI costs, and varying reproductive performance to various breeding methods.
Novel and deviant Walker A ATP-binding motifs in bacteriophage large terminase–DNA packaging proteins

Abstract Bacteriophage terminases constitute a very interesting class of viral-coded multifunctional ATPase “motors” that apparently drive directional translocation of DNA into an empty viral capsid. A common Walker A motif and other conserved signatures of a critical ATPase catalytic center are identified in the N-terminal half of numerous large terminase proteins. However, several terminases, including the well-characterized λ and SPP1 terminases, seem to lack the classic Walker A in the N-terminus. Using sequence alignment approaches, we discovered the presence of deviant Walker A motifs in these and many other phage terminases. One deviation, the presence of a lysine at the beginning of P-loop, may represent a 3D equivalent of the universally conserved lysine in the Walker A GKT/S signature. This and other novel putative Walker A motifs that first came to light through this study help define the ATPase centers of phage and viral terminases as well as elicit important insights into the molecular functioning of this fundamental motif in biological systems.
Rational Design of a Peptide Agonist That Interacts Selectively with the Orphan Receptor, Bombesin Receptor Subtype 3 *

Abstract The orphan receptor, bombesin (Bn) receptor subtype 3 (BRS-3), shares high homology with bombesin receptors (neuromedin B receptor (NMB-R) and gastrin-releasing peptide receptor (GRP-R)). This receptor is widely distributed in the central nervous system and gastrointestinal tract; target disruption leads to obesity, diabetes, and hypertension, however, its role in physiological and pathological processes remain unknown due to lack of selective ligands or identification of its natural ligand. We have recently discovered (Mantey, S. A., Weber, H. C., Sainz, E., Akeson, M., Ryan, R. R. Pradhan, T. K., Searles, R. P., Spindel, E. R., Battey, J. F., Coy, D. H., and Jensen, R. T. (1997) J. Biol. Chem. 272, 26062–26071) that [d-Tyr6,β-Ala11,Phe13,Nle14]Bn-(6–14) has high affinity for BRS-3 and using this ligand showed BRS-3 has a unique pharmacology with high affinity for no known natural Bn peptides. However, use of this ligand is limited because it has high affinity for all known Bn receptors. In the present study we have attempted to identify BRS-3 selective ligands using a strategy of rational peptide design with the substitution of conformationally restricted amino acids into the prototype ligand [d-Tyr6,β-Ala11,Phe13,Nle14]Bn-(6–14) or its d-Phe6 analogue. Each of the 22 peptides synthesized had binding affinities determined for hBRS-3, hGRPR, and hNMBR, and hBRS-3 selective ligands were tested for their ability to activate phospholipase C and increase inositol phosphates ([3H]inositol phosphate). Using this approach we have identified a number of BRS-3 selective ligands. These ligands functioned as receptor agonists and their binding affinities were reflected in their potencies for altering [3H]inositol phosphate. Two peptides with an (R)- or (S)-amino-3-phenylpropionic acid substitution for β-Ala11 in the prototype ligand had the highest selectivity for the hBRS-3 over the mammalian Bn receptors and did not interact with receptors for other gastrointestinal hormones/neurotransmitters. Molecular modeling demonstrated these two selective BRS-3 ligands had a unique conformation of the position 11 β-amino acid. This selectivity was of sufficient magnitude that these should be useful in explaining the role of hBRS-3 activation in obesity, glucose homeostasis, hypertension, and other physiological or pathological processes.
Bacterial Toxins—Staphylococcal Enterotoxin B

Staphylococcal enterotoxin B is one of the most potent bacterial superantigens that exerts profound toxic effects upon the immune system, leading to stimulation of cytokine release and inflammation. It is associated with food poisoning, nonmenstrual toxic shock, atopic dermatitis, asthma, and nasal polyps in humans. Currently, there is no treatment or vaccine available. Passive immunotherapy using monoclonal antibodies made in several different species has shown significant inhibition in in vitro studies and reduction in staphylococcal enterotoxin B-induced lethal shock in in vivo studies. This should encourage future endeavors to develop these antibodies as therapeutic reagents.
Reduction of aflatoxin B1 with zinc borohydride: an efficient preparation of aflatoxicol

A simple and mild reduction of aflatoxin B1, involving treatment of aflatoxin B1 with ethereal zinc borohydride to give 57–65% yield of diastereomeric aflatoxicols, is described.
Histone H3 Lys79 methylation is required for efficient nucleotide excision repair in a silenced locus of Saccharomyces cerevisiae

Methylation of specific histone lysine residues regulates gene expression and heterochromatin function, but little is known about its role in DNA repair. To examine how changes in conserved methylated residues of histone H3 affect nucleotide excision repair (NER), viable H3K4R and H3K79R mutants were generated in Saccharomyces cerevisiae. These mutants show decreased UV survival and impaired NER at the transcriptionally silent HML locus, while maintaining normal NER in the constitutively expressed RPB2 gene and transcriptionally repressed, nucleosome loaded GAL10 gene. Moreover, the HML chromatin in these mutants has reduced accessibility to Micrococcal nuclease (MNase). Importantly, chromatin immunoprecipitation analysis demonstrates there is enhanced recruitment of the Sir complex at the HML locus of these mutants, and deletion of the SIR2 or SIR3 genes restores the MNase accessibility and DNA repair efficiency at this locus. Furthermore, following UV irradiation expression of NER genes in these mutants remains at wild type levels, with the exception of RAD16 which decreases by more than 2-fold. These results indicate that impaired NER occurs in the silenced chromatin of H3K79R and H3K4,79R mutants as a result of increased binding of Sir complexes, which may reduce DNA lesion accessibility to repair enzymes.
Assessment of NeuroAIDS in the International Setting

The global burden of the HIV epidemic is staggering, but in the short term, it is largely unfelt in the developed world. Almost one million people have been infected with HIV in North America, and the results of effective antiretroviral therapy have dramatically improved survival and quality of life. However, there are 25 million infected in sub-Saharan Africa alone, and antiretroviral treatment is scarce. Ninety-five percent of new infections occur in the developing world where resources are limited. Very little is known about NeuroAIDS in the developing world where few studies have been conducted on the neurologic and neurocognitive effects of antiretroviral treatment. HIV Clade differences and other factors could have dramatic effects on treatment effectiveness. There are a number of barriers in the assessment of neurological and neurocognitive effects in resource limited settings and some of these will be addressed.
Energy-band tails and the optical absorption edge; the case of a-Si:H

Abstract For a disordered semiconductor having exponential energy-band tails and energy-independent matrix elements the optical absorption edge is calculated, including transitions to both bands. It is shown why the width of the absorption edge is controlled by only the broader of the two tails, whereas the strength is affected by both tails. For a-Si:H, comparison of the predicted width of the absorption edge to recently measured values results in a large discrepancy, which cannot be explained by the matrix element approximation.
Maximal inequalities and convergence results for generalized U-statistics

Abstract We present some key probability inequalities and convergence results for multisample, or ‘generalized’ U-statistics. The reverse martingale structure of generalized U-statistic is exploited to obtain a useful Kolmogorov-type inequality. In addition, a bound is obtained for the rate of convergence in the strong law of large numbers for generalized U-statistics, expanding the one-sample result of Grams and Serfling (1973). Also, using a forward martingale representation, an invariance principle for generalized U-statistics is established.
Studying regulatory institutions competition and collaboration dynamics in network industries: Using agent-based modeling and simulation

In network industries a myriad of organizations compete and collaborate to deliver a product or service. More often than not the geographical extent of these networks places them under the influence of many various regulatory institutions. These institutions enforce rules and policies on network industries to further their own, and their shareholders' interests (citizens and companies of their sovereign entity). The aim of this paper is to highlight this effect and to study its impact on the performance of the overall system. The dichotomy between competition and collaboration is modeled using game theory. A small subset of the air transportation network is used for this case study. The model is limited to the route between New York City and London to eliminate the biasing effect of network externalities, where the utility of a product or service is dependent on the number of users of that product or service. The conceptual model, its preliminary results, and the implications of work are presented.
CAD tools in an ASIC course

The authors describe a novel approach in teaching an ASIC design course at the undergraduate level. The emphasis is on the use of different CAD tools as (1) a vehicle to accelerate the student learning of ASIC design, (2) a means to demonstrate the different approaches in design, (3) an instrument to measure some circuit parameters, and (4) an opportunity to prepare the students for their careers. >
Listening to the Dharmabhāṇaka: The Buddhist Preacher in and of the Sūtra of Utmost Golden Radiance

The self-referential discourse that characterizes the subgenre to which the Sutra of Utmost Golden Radiance (Suvarn.a-(pra)bhasottama Sutra) belongs has led scholars to posit a “cult of the book” focused on the written sutra as potent object. While Buddhists in various times and places have certainly revered the material text, the central role many such sutras accord to the dharmabhan.aka (the Buddhist preacher) demands that greater attention be paid to the role of oral performance in the actualization of the sutra’s self-proclaimed transformative potential. Through an examination of both what the sutra has to say about its preacher, and how the preacher’s performance changes the meaning of the text, this article argues for the centrality of oral performance and aural reception in the sutra’s normative vision, and for the importance of deriving an interpretive methodology from that normative vision. A CERTAIN EXTRAVAGANT self-referentiality might be taken as the defining feature of the prominent subgenre of Mahayana sutras to which the Suvarn.a-(pra)bhasottamasutra (Sutra of Utmost Golden
Design of a microfluidic device to quantify dynamic intra-nuclear deformation during cell migration through confining environments

The ability of cells to migrate through tissues and interstitial spaces is an essential factor during development and tissue homeostasis, immune cell mobility, and in various human diseases. Deformation of the nucleus and its associated lamina during 3-D migration is gathering increasing interest in the context of cancer metastasis, with the underlying hypothesis that a softer nucleus, resulting from reduced levels of lamin A/C, may aid tumour spreading. However, current methods to study the migration of cells in confining three dimensional (3-D) environments are limited by their imprecise control over the confinement, physiological relevance, and/or compatibility with high resolution imaging techniques. We describe the design of a polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) microfluidic device composed of channels with precisely-defined constrictions mimicking physiological environments that enable high resolution imaging of live and fixed cells. The device promotes easy cell loading and rapid, yet long-lasting (>24 hours) chemotactic gradient formation without the need for continuous perfusion. Using this device, we obtained detailed, quantitative measurements of dynamic nuclear deformation as cells migrate through tight spaces, revealing distinct phases of nuclear translocation through the constriction, buckling of the nuclear lamina, and severe intranuclear strain. Furthermore, we found that lamin A/C-deficient cells exhibited increased and more plastic nuclear deformations compared to wild-type cells but only minimal changes in nuclear volume, implying that low lamin A/C levels facilitate migration through constrictions by increasing nuclear deformability rather than compressibility. The integration of our migration devices with high resolution time-lapse imaging provides a powerful new approach to study intracellular mechanics and dynamics in a variety of physiologically-relevant applications, ranging from cancer cell invasion to immune cell recruitment.
Children’s Food Allergies: Development of the Food Allergy Management and Adaptation Scale

Objective Develop a measure that evaluates effective pediatric food allergy (FA) management, child and parent FA anxiety, and integration of FA into family life. Methods A semistructured family interview was developed to evaluate FA management using a pilot sample (n = 27). Rating scales evaluated eight dimensions of FA management (FAMComposite), child anxiety, parent anxiety, and overall balanced integration (BI). Families of children with IgE-mediated food allergies (n = 60, child age: 6-12) were recruited for interview and rating scale validation. Results FAMComposite was correlated with physician ratings for families' food avoidance and reaction response readiness. FA anxiety was correlated with general anxiety measures for children, but not parents. Parents' FA anxiety was correlated with expectations of negative outcomes from FA. Low BI was associated with poor quality of life and negative impact on family functioning. Conclusions Preliminary analyses support Food Allergy Management and Adaptation Scale validity as a measure of family adaptation to pediatric FA.
Application of Anaerobic Ion-Exchange Chromatography to the Separation of Hemoglobins in R from T Conkdrmattonal States (1)

As an allosteric protein, hemoglobin can assume at least two different quatenary structures, a deoxy or T for tense conformation and an oxy or R for relaxed conformation (2,3) depending upon its state of ligation. Because the pK values of oxy and deoxy- hemoglobins are different, molecules in the R conformation should behave differently than molecules in the T conformation on ion exchange chromatography. Kilmartin et al. (4) designed an anaerobic cation exchange chromatographic procedure with which they separated the deoxy hemoglobin from oxy hemoglobin and other R conformation hemoglobin components like CO-hemoglobin and sulfohemoglobin. In this report we describe the further development of Kilmartin's procedure to separate two electro-phoretically silent hemoglobin mutants, Hb Potomac [β101 Glu→Asp] (5) a high oxygen affinity variant, and Hb M-Milwaukee [β67 Val→Glu] (6,8) a low oxygen affinity mutant from Hb A. The modifications we have made include (a) applying the hemolysate at a partial pressure of ...
Brome mosaic virus, good for an RNA virologist's basic needs.

Abstract Taxonomic relationship: Type member of the Bromovirus genus, family Bromoviridae. A member of the alphavirus-like supergroup of positive-sense single-stranded RNA viruses. Physical properties: Virions are nonenveloped icosahedrals made up of 180 coat protein subunits (Fig. 1). The particles are 26 nm in diameter and contain 22% nucleic acid and 78% protein. The BMV genome is composed of three positive-sense, capped RNAs: RNA1 (3.2 kb), RNA2 (2.9 kb), RNA3 (2.1 kb) (Fig. 2). Viral proteins: RNA1 encodes protein 1a, containing capping and putative RNA helicase activities. RNA2 encodes protein 2a, a putative RNA-dependent RNA polymerase. RNA3 codes for two proteins: 3a, which is required for cell-to-cell movement, and the capsid protein. The capsid is translated from a subgenomic RNA, RNA4 (1.2 kb). Hosts: Monocots in the Poacea family, including Bromus inermis, Zea mays and Hordeum vulgare, in which BMV causes brown streaks. BMV can also infect the dicots Nicotiana benthamiana and several Chenopodium species. In N. benthamiana, the infection is asymptomatic while infection of Chenopodium can cause either necrotic or chlorotic lesions. Useful website:http://www4.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/ICTVdb/ICTVdB/10030001.htm.
Tissue-specific regulation of Igf2r/Airn imprinting during gastrulation

Background Appropriate epigenetic regulation of gene expression during lineage allocation and tissue differentiation is required for normal development. One example is genomic imprinting, which is defined as parent-of-origin mono-allelic gene expression. Imprinting is established largely due to epigenetic differences arriving in the zygote from sperm and egg haploid genomes. In the mouse, there are approximately 150 known imprinted genes, many of which occur in imprinted gene clusters that are regulated together. One imprinted cluster includes the maternally expressed Igf2r, Slc22a2, and Slc22a3 genes and the paternally expressed long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) Airn. Although it is known that Igf2r and Airn are reciprocally imprinted, the timing of imprinted expression and accompanying epigenetic changes have not been well characterized in vivo.
The frequency effect of HV and electroluminescence in XLPE

The frequency effect of the ac voltage used for on-site diagnostic tests of underground HV cables is determined with the Electroluminescence (EL) technique. HV up to 28 kV at frequencies from 30 to 600 Hz is applied to semicon tips embedded in cross-linked polyethylene (XLPE). The number of EL pulses detected by a photomultiplier and the area of the space charge region, simultaneously obtained by the CCD camera, are studied. The implications of the frequency range on diagnostic tests performed on the polymeric insulation of underground power cables are discussed.
Validating the differences between Associate and Bachelor students by comparing performances in a combined class setting

Observed differences between Associate and Bachelor students are often justified by citing the comparative poorer performance of 2-year students that continue into 4-year programs. This research offers a different approach by investigating introductory-level management courses taught as a combined class at a regional campus of a state university. Results indicated noted differences between the two groups in regard to exam grades, peer reviews and attendance. This analysis of combined sophomore-level management courses supports prior findings of transfer student performance in upper-level courses.
EXAFS analysis of the structure of ionomer microdomains

Extended x-ray absorption fine-structure (EXAFS) measurements were used to determine the near-neighbor environment of the neutralizing cation in several ionomer system. The observed structure is compared to that existing in analogous low-molecular-weight crystalline salts. A wide variety in the degree of local order was observed between different systems even though all exhibit similar small-angle x-ray scattering curves indicating the existence of ionic microdomains.
Object allocation in distributed systems with virtual replication

The authors investigate the problem of object allocation in a distributed environment with virtually replicated data. The traditional approach to improving data availability in a distributed system is to replicate data. A high degree of replication, however, imposes a serious burden to the system when updates are performed. Data inference can be used to reduce the degree of replication in the system while still providing high data availability. A model to allocate objects under such an environment is proposed. Rules based on application semantics are developed to reduce the search space for optimal allocation. Heuristic algorithms are proposed for allocation when the reduced search space is still prohibitively large. Examples are given to illustrate the effectiveness of the proposed algorithms. >
Graduated guidance delivered by parents to teach yoga to children with developmental delays

We evaluated the effects of a parent-implemented intervention to teach yoga poses to 3 children with developmental delays. Graduated guidance, provided by the participants' mothers, was introduced in a multiple baseline design across the participants. With the introduction of intervention, imitation of the response chains increased over baseline for all participants. Generalization to novel and live models occurred for 2 participants. Results are discussed in terms of using behavior-analytic procedures to teach physical fitness activities to individuals with developmental disabilities.
The effects of wind on the flame characteristics of individual leaves

Individual cuttings from five shrub species were burned over a flat-flame burner under wind conditions of 0.75–2.80 m s–1. Both live and dead cuttings were used. These included single leaves from broadleaf species as well as 3 to 5 cm-long branches from coniferous and small broadleaf species. Flame angles and flame lengths were determined by semi-automated measurements of video images. Additional data, such as times and temperatures corresponding to ignition, maximum flame height and burnout were determined using video and infrared images. Flame angles correlated linearly with wind velocity. They also correlated with the Froude number when either the flame length or flame height was used. Flame angles in individual leaf experiments were generally 50 to 70% less than flame angles derived from Froude number correlations reported in the literature for fuel-bed experiments. Although flame angles increased with fuel mass and moisture content, they were unaffected by fuel species. Flame lengths and flame heights decreased with moisture contents and wind speed but increased with mass. In most cases, samples burned with wind conditions ignited less quickly and at lower temperatures than samples burned without wind. Most samples contained moisture at the time of ignition. Results of this small-scale approach (e.g. using individual cuttings) apply to ignition of shrubs and to flame propagation in shrubs of low bulk density. This research is one of the few attempts to characterise single-leaf and small-branch combustion behaviour in wind and is crucial to the continued development of a semi-empirical shrub combustion model.
NGOs and Political Participation in Weak Democracies: Subnational Evidence on Protest and Voter Turnout from Bolivia

How do NGOs affect political participation in weakly democratic settings? We know that NGOs can be an important part of moderate civil society by building trust, facilitating collective action, and encouraging voter turnout. This paper explores these relationships in weakly democratic settings. NGOs stimulate political participation by providing resources and opportunities for association. Where voting is seen as ineffective, new participation can take the form of political protests and demonstrations. This paper presents results from an original local level dataset from Bolivia on NGO activity, voter turnout, and political protest, showing a strong relationship between NGO activity and political protest in weakly democratic contexts.
Protein kinase Cα phosphorylates the TRPC1 channel and regulates store-operated Ca2+ entry in endothelial cells.

Abstract The TRPC1 (transient receptor potential canonical-1) channel is a constituent of the nonselective cation channel that mediates Ca2+ entry through store-operated channels (SOCs) in human endothelial cells. We investigated the role of protein kinase Cα (PKCα) phosphorylation of TRPC1 in regulating the opening of SOCs. Thrombin or thapsigargin added to the external medium activated Ca2+ entry after Ca2+ store depletion, which we monitored by changes in cellular Fura 2 fluorescence. Internal application of the metabolism-resistant analog of inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate (IP3) activated an inward cationic current within 1 min, which we recorded using the whole cell patch clamp technique. La3+ or Gd3+ abolished the current, consistent with the known properties of SOCs. Pharmacological (Go6976) or genetic (kinase-defective mutant) inhibition of PKCα markedly inhibited IP3-induced activation of the current. Thrombin or thapsigargin also activated La3+-sensitive Ca2+ entry in a PKCα-dependent manner. We determined the effects of a specific antibody directed against an extracellular epitope of TRPC1 to address the functional importance of TRPC1. External application of the antibody blocked thrombin- or IP3-induced Ca2+ entry. In tion, we showed that addithrombin or thapsigargin induced phosphorylation of TRPC1 within 1 min. Thrombin failed to induce TRPC1 phosphorylation in the absence of PKCα activation. Phosphorylation of TRPC1 and the resulting Ca2+ entry were essential for the increase in permeability induced by thrombin in confluent endothelial monolayers. These results demonstrate that PKCα phosphorylation of TRPC1 is an important determinant of Ca2+ entry in human endothelial cells.
Design and implementation of a wideband HF channel simulator

A wideband high-frequency channel simulator is presented. The simulation consists of a software simulation of a direct-sequence spread-spectrum communication system operating over an ionospheric channel. The channel model is based on both simulated and measured wideband ionospheric transfer functions. The receiver utilizes a conjugate tapped-delay-line filter to mitigate the effects of multipath delay. An application of the simulator to measure bit-error-rates is given. >
Pre-Service Teachers’ Perceptions of Incorporating Pedometers in Elementary Physical Education Classes

The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of pedometers on elementary students’ exertion, motivation, and attitude. Twenty pre-service teachers enrolled in a field-based Health and Physical Education course conducted lessons in a public school setting during elementary students’ physical education class. The college students were asked to conduct class activities with the elementary students over a five-day period, using pedometers on the second, third, fourth and fifth days. Observation of the elementary students’ exertion, motivation, and attitude took place during this five-day project. The pre-service teachers completed surveys, both qualitative and quantitative, concerning their perception of the elementary school students’ physical activity levels. Results indicated that the exertion levels, motivation, and attitudes of elementary school students increased positively while wearing pedometers. In addition, the future physical educators viewed pedometers as a positive teaching tool, increasing their likelihood of using pedometers for future lessons.
Distinguishing family-level and child-level influences on the development of depression and aggression in children at risk

This study examined family-level and child-level influences on diversity in depression and aggression among children at risk. Data were from 144 children aged 7–14 years. A procedure introduced by Lavori, Keller, Beardslee, and Dorer (1988) was used to correct for the inclusion of more than one child from each family. Family-level influences examined were maltreatment and parental psychopathology. Maladjustment was highest in children of psychiatrically ill parents from maltreating homes and lowest in children of psychiatrically ill parents from nonmaltreating homes. Child-level influences examined were social cognition, intelligence, early developmental difficulties, sex, and age. Independent of family risk status, younger male children with high social-cognitive skills and no early developmental difficulties were least depressed. Child characteristics were less predictive of aggression. Overall, this study shows that efforts to explain diversity in high-risk children's development benefit from attending to all the offspring of high-risk parents and to multiple interacting family risk factors.
How Can the Scientific Community Support the Generation of the Evidence Needed to Improve the Quality of Guidelines for Micronutrient Interventions

The process used by the WHO to generate nutrition recommendations relies on high-quality research evidence, and this makes new demands on the research questions that nutrition scientists address. As a researcher involved in WHO nutrition guidelines development, my objective is to suggest ways in which our research can adapt to meet these demands. Randomized controlled trials and systematic reviews generate the highest quality of evidence to support strong recommendations, yet even these methods leave controversies in which judgments must be made. Using examples from recent research and guidelines, 4 issues are highlighted that illustrate ways in which nutrition research can adapt to become more useful and informative to global nutrition guidelines. These issues include embedding mechanistic research within trials, explicit choice of design along the efficacy or effectiveness spectrum, anticipation of heterogeneity of effects, and the need for research on consumer or community values and preferences.
CBT1 interacts genetically with CBP1 and the mitochondrially encoded cytochrome b gene and is required to stabilize the mature cytochrome b mRNA of Saccharomyces cerevisiae.

Mutation of a CCG sequence in the 5′-untranslated region of the mitochondrially encoded cytochrome b mRNA in Saccharomyces cerevisiae results in destabilization of the message and respiratory deficiency of the mutant strain. This phenotype mimics that of a mutation in the nuclear CBP1 gene. Here it is shown that overexpression of the nuclear CBT1 gene, due to a transposon insertion in the 5′-untranslated region, rescues the respiratory defects resulting from mutating the CCG sequence to ACG. Overexpressing alleles of CBT1 are allelic to soc1, a previously isolated suppressor of cbp1ts-induced temperature sensitivity of respiratory growth. Quantitative primer extension analysis indicated that cbt1 null strains have defects in 5′-end processing of precursor cytochrome b mRNA to the mature form. Cbt1p is also required for stabilizing the mature cytochrome b mRNA after 5′ processing.