cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Circulating microRNAs in exosomes indicate hepatocyte injury and inflammation in alcoholic, drug-induced and inflammatory liver diseases

MicroRNAs are fine tuners of diverse biological responses and are expressed in various cell types of the liver. Here we hypothesized that circulating microRNAs (miRNAs) may serve as biomarkers of liver damage and inflammation. We studied miRNA-122, which is abundant in hepatocytes, and miR-155, -146a, and -125b, which regulate inflammation in immune cells in mouse models of alcoholic liver disease (ALD), drug (acetaminophen, APAP)-induced liver injury (DILI), and Toll-like receptor (TLR) 9+4 ligand-induced inflammatory cell-mediated liver damage. We found that serum/plasma miR-122 correlated with alanine aminotransferase (ALT) increases in the liver damage caused by alcohol, APAP, and TLR9 (CpG)+4 (LPS) ligands. MiR-155, a regulator of inflammation, was increased in serum/plasma in alcoholic and inflammatory liver injury. Alcohol failed to increase serum miR-122 in TLR4-deficient and p47phox-deficient mice that were protected from ALD. We found the most robust increase in plasma miR-122 in DILI and it correlated with the highest ALT levels. Consistent with the massive inflammatory cell infiltration in the liver, plasma miR-155 and miR-146a were significantly elevated after CpG+LPS administration. We show for the first time that, depending on the type of liver injury, circulating miRNAs are associated either with the exosome-rich or protein-rich compartments. In ALD and in inflammatory liver injury, serum/plasma miR-122 and miR-155 were predominantly associated with the exosome-rich fraction, whereas in DILI/APAP injury these miRNAs were present in the protein-rich fraction. Conclusion: Our results suggest that circulating miRNAs may serve as biomarkers to differentiate between hepatocyte injury and inflammation and the exosome versus protein association of miRNAs may provide further specificity to mechanisms of liver pathology. (HEPATOLOGY 2012;56:1946–1957)
Embryotoxic effects of crude oil containing nickel and vanadium in mallards.

Recent studies have shown that only microliter amounts of crude oil applied to the surface of fertile eggs of several avian species including mallards (Anas platyrhynchos) result in considerable reduction in hatching. Other studies have reported the teratogenic and embryotoxic potential of South Louisiana crude oil, and API reference oil, and have shown that certain aromatic hydrocarbons are important contributing factors for embryotoxicity. In addition to high aromatic hydrocarbon content certain crude oils contain high concentrations of nickel and vanadium; concentrations of vanadium reaching as high as 1400 ppM in Venezuelan crude oil. Both of these metals result in high embryonic mortality when injected into the yolk sac or chirioallantoic membrane of fertile chicken eggs. Egg production has been suppressed in laying hens fed vanadium and lipid metabolism altered in laying mallard hens. The present study was designed to compare the effects of crude oil with and without added vanadium and nickel on embryonic development in mallards.
On Testing of Individual Bioequivalence

Abstract Individual bioequivalence has received much attention in the recent literature. One wants to determine whether it is suitable for a given individual to switch formulations from a reference drug to a test drug. Some researchers have argued that the formulation means, subject-by-formulation interaction, and within-subject variances should be included in a single measurement of inequivalence, and due to the complexity of the hypotheses there is a need to use a 2 × 3 or even higher-order crossover design for studies of this type. In this article exact level-α tests are first provided under normality assumptions, and a 2 × 3 crossover design is shown to be sufficient for assessing individual bioequivalence. Some simulations for the proposed test and two examples are presented.
Electronic Nursing Notes: A Case Study on Interdisciplinary Collaboration

In an interdisciplinary collaboration between the Computer & Information Technology (CIT) and Nursing (NSG) Departments at the Middletown and Hamilton regional campuses of Miami University (of Ohio), student team members created a Web-based application to create Electronic Nursing Notes. Students from the two departments worked together to design and develop the application, which will be used by the Nursing Department to teach their students. The NSG students were the customers and provided samples of a paper-based system currently used by the hospital where the nurses worked. From those samples, and with much interaction with the NSG students, the CIT students created the Electronic Nursing Notes application. In this article, we describe the project and present reactions from both the student team members and also the faculty team members.
A mathematical approach to optimal selection of dose values in the additive dose method of EPR dosimetry

Additive dose methods commonly used in electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) dosimetry are time consuming and labor intensive. We have developed a mathematical approach for determining optimal spacing of applied doses and the number of spectra which should be taken at each dose level. Expected uncertainties in the data points are assumed to be normally distributed with a fixed standard deviation and the linearity of the dose response is also assumed. The optimum spacing and number of points necessary for minimal error can be estimated as can the likely error in the resulting dose estimate. When low doses are being estimated for enamel samples, the optimal spacing is shown to be a concentration of points near the zero dose value with fewer spectra taken at a single high dose value within the range of known linearity. Optimization of the analytical process results in increased accuracy and sample throughput.
Failure to Diagnose Congenital Heart Disease in Infancy

Objective. To identify factors that predict failure to diagnose congenital heart disease in newborns. Design. All fatal cases in the Baltimore-Washington Infant Study were compiled. The Baltimore-Washington Infant Study includes 4390 cases of infants with congenital cardiovascular malformations identified in a population-based study between 1981 and 1989 in the Baltimore-Washington metropolitan area. Death occurred in 800 such infants in the first year of life. In 76 of these infants, death occurred before diagnosis of heart disease. These cases were identified by community search of autopsy records. Their characteristics are compared with those of infants who died after a cardiac diagnosis was made. Results. Infant characteristics (birth weight, gestational age, intrauterine growth retardation, and chromosomal anomaly) are associated with death of infants with congenital cardiovascular malformations and with death of such infants before diagnosis. Diagnoses of coarctation of the aorta, Ebstein9s anomaly, atrial septal defect, and truncus arteriosus are overrepresented in infants found by community search, particularly in those infants without associated malformations. Paternal education is associated with failure to diagnose congenital heart disease in life but other sociodemographic characteristics of the infant9s family are not. Conclusions. Diagnosis of congenital cardiovascular malformations requires close observation in the neonatal period. Analysis of age at death of infants with undiagnosed congenital cardiovascular malformation suggests that such infants may be at risk if discharged within the first 2 days of life.
Changing Rural Class Structure and the Jajmani System

In Pauline Kolenda's paper we have been introduced to the jajmani system, one of the major units of Indian social organization. Here, I wish to discuss the ways in which this system is being reinterpreted and is adjusting to meet the needs of an aggressively upward mobile caste community in a period of rapid social change. In presenting data on the contemporary functioning of the jajmani system for the Noniya caste of Village Senapur, I shall describe the emergence of a nascent middle-class group which utilizes aspects of the jajmani system primarily to maximize its power position in the multicaste village and to secure for itself necessary goods and services on credit terms.
A technique for rapid exchange of continuous renal replacement therapy.

Re-initiation of continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT) in neonates and young infants weighing less than 15 kg often necessitates a blood prime of the blood circuit path or a concurrent packed red blood cell (PRBC) transfusion to avoid causing hemodynamic instability due to acute hemodilution. The significant amount of time required for a routine CRRT circuit change can be associated with worsening electrolyte and acid–base abnormalities, fluid retention, greater hemodynamic instability and reducing effective hemofiltration time. In an attempt to limit the time without CRRT and to eliminate the requirement for additional blood exposure, a new technique, rapid exchange of continuous renal replacement therapy (RECRRT), was developed. Rapid exchange of continuous renal replacement therapy is a sequential technique that transfers citrated blood from one CRRT machine to another machine connected in series. The technique effectively negates the requirement for CRRT circuit path blood priming or PRBC transfusion. The amount of time without CRRT is markedly reduced by RECRRT to 2–3 min. The RECRRT technique has been utilized more than 30 times for at least 15 patients without an adverse event. RECRRT may benefit children who weigh less than 15 kg and in those patients who experience hemodynamic or clinical instability while CRRT is discontinued for only a brief period.
Site preferences of Ni2+ and Co2+ in clinopyroxene and olivine: Limitations of the statistical approach

Criticism of a statistical approach used by Dasgupta (1972) in analyzing Snyder's (1959) chemical data for minerals from the Duluth Complex in Minnesota. Apart from obvious mathematical objections to citing correlation coefficients to four significant figures from Snyder's relatively inaccurate analytical data, several more fundamental criticisms are leveled at the statistical approach of Dasgupta. These relate to compositional zoning and disequilibrium in the minerals, inhomogeneities of the samples caused by inclusions and exsolved phases, measured site population data for the major cations in olivines and pyroxenes, and the importance of coupled substitutions in the crystal structures. It is concluded that the crystal field predictions of relative enrichments of Ni(2+) and Co(2+) ions in olivine and pyroxene structures have not been disproved by Dasgupta's statistical approach.
Growth Response of Stachybotrys Chartarum to Moisture Variation on Common Building Materials

The mould Stachybotrys chartarum has been found to be associated with idiopathic pulmonary haemorrhage in infants and indoor exposure has also been linked to other pulmonary diseases, including all...
O-033 Aspiration Efficacy of Suction Catheter in the Management of Distal Embolization During Interventional Treatment of Acute Ischemic Stroke

Introduction Improved recanalization rate and immediate flow restoration have been achieved by the latest clot retrieval (thrombectomy) systems in the acute ischemic stroke treatment. However, clot debris generated during mechanical thrombectomy can result in distal embolization. We hypothesise that the catheterization strategies (type and position of the suction catheter) affect the risk of distal embolization Materials and methods Hard fragment-prone clots (HFC) and soft elastic clots (SEC) were used to create MCA occlusions in the vascular phantom which included collateral circulation via PComA and ACA. Three different treatment strategies using stentrievers (Solitaire FR) included 1) Proximal flow control with an 8Fr balloon guide catheter (BGC) at the cervical ICA, 2) Thromboaspiration via a 5Fr intracranial guide catheter (IGC) in the origin of the MCA, and 3) Thrombectomy through a 6Fr guide catheter (GC) with the tip placed at the carotid-ophthalmic bifurcation (n = 8 per group). Characterization of the emboli smaller than 1000 µm was conducted by using the Coulter Principle. The primary endpoint was the number and size of the clot fragments generated during the procedure and the secondary endpoint was the flow recanalization rate Results The figure (top) shows the MCA occlusion model with the flow direction (blue arrows). A 5Fr IGC was used in this representative case. Approximately 45% to 60% of the clot debris was presented in the previously unaffected area (ACA), depending on the clot size range (figure, bottom). Similar findings were observed in the BGC and GC with different particle distribution. The results indicated that distribution of clot fragments was not dependent on the treatment strategy. IGC versus BGC technique efficacy appeared to depend on clot mechanics. IGC was the most efficient method for reducing HFC fragments (p Conclusion Efficient clot retrieval observed in the IGC group implied that aspiration location was related to suction efficacy. Successful clot removal with BGC revealed that temporary flow arrest during clot removal and use of large bore catheter minimised the chance of distal embolization. Disclosures J. Chueh: None. A. Puri: None. A. Wakhloo: 1; C; NIH, Philips Healthcare. 2; C; Stryker Neurovascular. M. Gounis: 1; C; eV3/Covidien, Philips Healthcare, NIH, Silk Road, Stryker Neurovascular. 2; C; fee-per-hour: Stryker Neurovascular, fee-per-hour: Codman Neurovascular.
Scattering and absorption characteristics of lossy dielectric, chiral, nonspherical objects

A procedure based on the T-matrix method is devised to study the electromagnetic response of chiral, (lossy) dielectric, nonspherical objects exposed to an arbitrary incident field. Reductions in the method for axisymmetric objects are discussed. Using the technique thus developed, the plane wave scattering and absorption characteristics of lossy dielectric, axisymmetric scatterers (spheres as well as prolate and oblate spheroids), with and without chiral properties, are examined at frequencies above 50 GHz. The relative permittivity of the objects is assumed to be frequency dependent, whereas the chiral parameters are set to be constant in the numerical study. From the computed results, it appears that chiral spheres are the most effective objects in retarding the progress of an incident plane wave regardless of its polarization.
Photoacoustic characterization of the mechanical properties of thin film materials

Two high frequency photoacoustic techniques were applied to investigate the mechanical properties of two sets of thin film materials in this work. Broadband photoacoustic guided-wave method was used to measure the guided-wave phase velocity dispersion curves of nano-structured diamond-like carbon hard coatings. The experimental velocity spectra were analyzed by a nonlinear optimization approach in conjunction with a multi-layer wave-propagation model. The derived Young’s moduli using the broadband photoacoustic technique were compared with line-focus acoustic microscopy and nano-indentation tests and good quantitative agreement is found. In a second set of experiments, ultra-thin two-layer aluminum and silicon nitride thin film materials were tested using the femtosecond transient pump-probe method using high frequency bulk waves generated by the ultra-fast laser pulses. The measured moduli of silicon nitride thin layers are in the range of 270 - 340 GPa. Photoacoustic methods are shown to be suitable for in-situ and non-destructive evaluation of the mechanical properties of thin films.
Alteration of regression of cholesterol accumulation in rats by dietary pectin.

Male, Wistar rats (50-74 g) were given a semi-purified diet containing cholesterol (10 g/kg diet) for 4 weeks, groups of control and experimental animals killed, and the remainder of the cholesterol-fed animals given either a semi-purified cholesterol-free diet without a fibre source or a similar diet with pectin (50 g/kg diet) for 8 weeks. Animals were killed at 2-week intervals and serum and liver cholesterol and triglycerides, faecal neutral steroids and acidic steroids measured. Animals given pectin had significantly lower serum cholesterol levels than animals given the basal diet after 4 and 6 weeks. Both experimental groups efficiently decreased their liver cholesterol levels during regression. Bile acid excretion was elevated in both groups, especially in rats receiving pectin, but neutral steroid excretion was unchanged. The increase in bile acid excretion was primarily in the form of chenodeoxycholic acid and its metabolites. This increased bile acid excretion is postulated to result from stimulation of the normal mechanism for increased steroid excretion in the rat, i.e. a change in the value of cholic: chenodeoxycholic acid or from a mechanism not yet elucidated.
High-Pressure Synthesis of Molybdates with the Wolframite Structure.

A series of small cation molybdates, MgMoO4, MnMoO4, FeMoO4, CoMoO4, NiMoO4, and ZnMoO4 with the wolframite structure characteristic of the corresponding tungstates have been synthesized at high pressure and temperature. The high-pressure compounds revert to the ambient pressure modifications if heated in air at 600°C.
Unsteady RANS method for ship motions with application to roll for a surface combatant

An unsteady Reynolds-averaged Navier–Stokes method is developed to compute motions and the resulting flow and wave fields around surface ships. Although the formulation and RANS code are generalized for six-degree-of-freedom motions, the method is demonstrated here for the viscous phenomenon of roll decay motion for a surface combatant. The method is based on an extension of CFDSHIP-IOWA (a general-purpose code for computational ship hydrodynamics) to predict ship motions with larger amplitude and non-slender geometry, in comparison to traditional linearized methods. The flow solver uses higher-order upwind discretization, PISO method for pressure–velocity coupling, a blended k–x/k–e two-equation turbulence model, free surface tracking approach, and structured multi-block grid systems. As an initial step, unsteady simulations of a modern surface combatant with predicted roll decay and prescribed sinusoidal roll motion are performed. Roll decay motion is simulated by releasing the model from an initial roll angular displacement and by computing the resulting roll motion. Verification of the time history of the roll motion is performed using iteration, grid, and time step studies and numerical uncertainties are shown to be less than 1%. Validation is performed by comparison with available experimental data with the predictions validated at 1.7% and 1.5% for the uncorrected and corrected solutions, respectively. For simulations with prescribed motions, the periodic response of the boundary layer to the rolling motion is described and quantified using a Fourier analysis. A spring–mass-damper system is used to compare the current non-linear predictions to traditional linear strip theory results. The method is shown to accurately predict the natural rolling frequency and roll decay rate at multiple ship speeds both without and with bilge keels, which demonstrates the ability to assess seakeeping characteristics for practical geometries. � 2005 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
Effects of extrusion and expelling processing, and microbial phytase supplementation on apparent digestibility coefficients of nutrients in full-fat soybeans for rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss)

An experiment was conducted to evaluate the effects of extrusion and expelling processing, and microbial phytase supplementation on apparent digestibility coefficients (ADCs) of dry matter, crude protein (CP), amino acids, and minerals in full-fat soybeans (FFSB) for rainbow trout. Raw, extruded, and expelled soybeans were used. Microbial phytase (Natuphos 5000 l) was added to extruded soybeans at 200, 400, 600, 800, and 1000 FTU/kg diet, and to expelled soybeans at 200 FTU/kg diet. They were each mixed with a casein-gelatin reference diet at a 30:70 ratio to determine their respective ADCs. Nine diets were made and a total of 900 fish (initial mean body weight 170.8±5.5 g) were stocked into 18 150-l tanks with 50 fish per tank. Two tanks were assigned randomly to each diet. Fish were fed their respective diets for 1 week before fecal collection began. Fecal collection by hand-stripping was performed every 3 days for three collections. Yttrium oxide was used as inert marker. Results showed that extrusion processing increased ADCs of CP and sulfur but reduced ADCs of magnesium and total-phosphorus significantly compared to ADCs in raw soybeans (P<0.05). Phytase supplementation in extruded soybeans increased ADCs of magnesium, total-phosphorus, phytate-phosphorus, manganese, and zinc significantly (P<0.05). Phytase supplementation in expelled soybeans increased ADCs of CP, sulfur, total-phosphorus, and phytate-phosphorus significantly compared to ADCs in raw soybeans (P<0.05). The optimum dosage of phytase used to effectively releasing phosphorus and other minerals in extruded full-fat soybeans is approximately 400 FTU/kg diet for rainbow trout.
Neurosarcoidosis of the conus medullaris and cauda equina presenting as paraparesis: case report and literature review

Sarcoidosis is a multi-system, non-caseating granulomatous disease of unknown etiology. Although spinal cord involvement is rare, it may cause severe neurological complications. We report the case of a 52-year-old woman who developed low back pain and a progressive flaccid paraparesis whose investigations revealed pulmonary and spinal sarcoidosis. To our knowledge, this is the first reported case of sarcoidosis of the conus medullaris and cauda equina diagnosed by an unusual enhancement pattern observed on magnetic resonance imaging with gadolinium. Biopsy of the lumbar nerve roots and of the lung revealed a non-caseating granuloma. Treatment with steroids and intensive rehabilitation resulted in remarkable functional improvement. Although rare, sarcoidosis of the conus medullaris and cauda equina should be considered in the differential diagnosis of flaccid paraparesis, particularly in patients with non-diagnostic evaluations.
UHV perspectives and research needs

UHV systems history, development and perspective are analysed. Consequent research needs to optimise the design of UHV, with special attention to external insulation, are summarized.
Diffusion tensor quantification of the human midsagittal corpus callosum subdivisions across the lifespan

The midsagittal corpus callosum (CC) cross-sectional area subdivisions have been used as early and sensitive markers of human brain white matter connectivity, development, natural aging and disease. Despite the simplicity and conspicuity of the appearance of the CC on anatomical magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), the published quantitative MRI literature on its regional sex and age trajectories are contradictory. The availability of noninvasive quantitative methods to assess the CC regions across the human lifespan would help clarify its contribution to behavior and cognition. In this report, we extended the utility of a recently described semi-automated diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) tissue segmentation method to utilize the high orientation contrast of the CC on DTI. Using optimized DTI methods on a cohort of 121 right-handed children and adults aged 6-68 years, we examined the CC areas and corresponding DTI metrics of the different functionally specialized sectors of the CC. Both the area and fractional anisotropy metrics followed inverted U-shaped curves, while the mean and radial diffusivities followed U-curves reflecting white matter progressive and regressive myelination dynamics that continue into young adulthood.
Power series in one variable

Abstract This paper is concerned with the ring A of all complex formal power series and the group G of substitution-invertible formal series. The two main questions of interest will be these. How can one tell whether two members of A represent the same “function” up to “change of variables” by a member of G ? Which members of G can be embedded in a one-parameter subgroup of G ? Sections 1–4 give a self-contained account of the solution to these problems. This account is largely expository, most of the partial results having appeared elsewhere. Some of the proofs of the known results are new and simpler; some are just paraphrases. The sources of this material are given in a remark at the end of Section 4. Section 5 gives a new proof of the characterization of those one-parameter subgroups of G which consist wholly of convergent series.
Importance of the polarization forces in He-metal surface interaction potential

Abstract In this paper we describe coupled channel calculation for atom-surface scattering for arbitrary potentials. We study, for the first time, the effect of the polarization-van der Waals forces. It is concluded that these forces are important for defining the repulsive part of the atom-metal surface potential. We study the He-Ni (110) system and present good agreement with experimental data for energies between 20 and 250 meV.
On the construction of smooth ergodic skew-products†

In this paper we prove results about lifting dynamical and ergodic properties of a given smooth dynamical system to its skew-product extensions by smooth cocycles. The classical small divisor argument shows that in general such results are not possible. However, using the notion of the ‘fast periodic approximation’ introduced by A. Katok, we will show that if the dynamical system admits such a ‘fast periodic approximation’ then indeed a certain qualitative behaviour which is prohibited by small divisor type conditions is now in fact generic. The techniques are also applied to show that ‘recurrent-proximal’ behaviour of solutions of linear differential equations with almost periodic coefficients is generic under suitable conditions on the coefficient matrix.
Some robust designs for polynomial regression models

The author identifies static optimal designs for polynomial regression models with or without intercept. His optimality criterion is an average between the D-optimality criterion for the estimation of low-degree terms and the D8-optimality criterion for testing the significance of higher degree terms. His work relies on classical results concerning canonical moments and the theory of continued fractions. Quelques plans d'experience robustes pour les modeles de regression polynomiaux Re'sume' : L'auteur identifie des plans d'experience statiques optimaux pour les modeles de regression po lynomiaux avec ou sans ordonnee a l'origine. Son critere d'optimaliteest une moyenne entre le critere de D-optimalite utilise pour l'estimation des termes d'ordre inferieur et le crit6re de D8-optimalite ser vant a detecter la presence de termes d'ordre superieur significatifs. Ses travaux font appel a des resultats classiques concernant les moments canoniques, ainsi qu'a la theorie des fractions continues.
Verification caching: towards efficient and secure mobile code execution environments

In the mobile code paradigm for distributed systems (as well as in the active networks and agents frameworks), programs from possibly unknown hosts interact with the resources local to the host. While this model offers great potential, it also raises difficult security and performance issues. The mobile code unit should be guaranteed to be safe (not to abuse the resources of the host) in a limited time (since the acquisition of the code happens in real time --- e.g., a Java applet). Existing host security schemes can be classified as: (i) discretion based: accept certificate of authenticity at your discretion; and (ii) verification based: formally prove the safety. Verification provides the desired level of security; however, it comes at a large performance delay while discretion is efficient, but limited and relies on blind trust. We present an optimization, verification caching, for enhancing the performance of verification-based security methods. Secure indexing of previously encountered code units is established by using message digest algorithm (e.g., MD 5) to generate a fingerprint of the code. We characterize the performance and security of this scheme and investigate optimizations to lower the cost of generating the fingerprint (by indexing on small, partial, fingerprints and generating the full fingerprint only if there is a cache hit). In addition, we generalize the approach to allow multiple trusting nodes to distribute caching among them, sharing experiences and effectively increasing the cache size.
Visualization of Dysferlin Self-Interaction Using Fluorescence Resonance Energy Transfer and Fluctuation Correlation Spectroscopy

Mutations in the dysferlin gene cause progressive muscle weakness and muscle wasting. Previously dysferlin was found to play a key role in the Ca2+-activated membrane repair process of striated myocytes. However, it remains to be explored as to how dysferlin is involved in muscle membrane repair. Here we report for the first time that dysferlin forms a homodimer in living cells as well as in detergent-solubilized cell lysates. Sucrose gradient fractionation experiments showed that endogenous dysferlin from digitonin-solubilized skeletal muscle membranes migrated into heavy fractions. A self-associated fluorescent protein labeled dysferlin (ECFP-dysferlin and EYFP-dysferlin) complex in living AAV293 cells and adult skeletal muscle fibers was demonstrated by fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) assay. Importantly, fluorescent protein tag at the N terminus of dysferlin did not impair the function of dysferlin in restoring the membrane repair efficiency in dysferlin-deficient skeletal muscle fibers. FRET between ECFP-dysferlin and EYFP-dysferlin in skeletal muscle fibers showed hyperbolic dependence on protein concentration, with a maximum efficiency of 35.3% and a very low KD. The observed FRET corresponds to a probe separation distance of 54.4 A, according to a computational model of dimeric FRET. Dysferlin dimerization was further confirmed by using fluorescence fluctuation spectroscopy with photon counting histogram analyses. Moreover, myoferlin, a mammalian orthologue of dysferlin, also forms dimer. The heterodimeric affinity between dysferlin and myoferlin is weaker than that of either homodimer. Finally, the transmembrane domain was identified to mediate the dimerization of dysferlin. Therefore, our data demonstrate that dysferlin forms a homodimer in cells, which may be a common feature for ferlin-1-like protein family.
NiNO - A model for NO on a metal surface

Two different mechanisms for the bonding of NO to Ni have been found; the first is for a linear geometry and involves a 3d-pi(asterisk) bond and has a short Ni-N bond length. The second mechanism, the more weakly bound, involves a Ni4s-N2p bond in a bent structure. The relationship of these two stages to NO chemisorbed on metals is discussed. For both mechanisms, there are no open shell electrons on NO, consistent with the fact that multiplet splitting is not definitely observed in the photoemission spectra of adsorbed NO.
Age of acquisition and allophony in Spanish-English bilinguals

This study examines age of acquisition (AoA) in Spanish-English bilinguals’ phonetic and phonological knowledge of /l/ in English and Spanish. In English, the lateral approximant /l/ varies in darkness by context (based on the second formant [F2] and the difference between F2 and the first formant [F1]), but the Spanish /l/ does not. Further, English /l/ is overall darker than Spanish /l/. Thirty-eight college-aged adults participated: 11 Early Spanish-English bilinguals who learned English before the age of 5 years, 14 Late Spanish-English bilinguals who learned English after the age of 6 years, and 13 English Monolinguals. Participants’ /l/ productions were acoustically analyzed by language and context. The results revealed a Spanish-to-English phonetic influence on /l/ productions for both Early and Late Bilinguals, as well as an English-to-Spanish phonological influence on the patterning of /l/ for the Late Bilinguals. These findings are discussed in terms of the Speech Learning Model and the effect of AoA on the interaction between a bilingual speaker’s two languages.
Film-Cooling Effectiveness on Squealer Cavity and Rim Walls of Gas-Turbine Blade Tip

Effects of shaped holes on the tip pressure side, coolant jet impingement on the pressure side squealer rim from tip holes, and varying blowing ratios for a squealer blade tip were examined on film-cooling effectiveness. The film-cooling effectiveness distributions were measured on the blade tip, near tip pressure side, and the inner pressure side rim wall using pressure-sensitive-paint technique. Air and nitrogen gas were used as the film-cooling gases, and the oxygen concentration distribution for each case was measured. The film-cooling effectiveness information was obtained from the difference of the oxygen concentration between air and nitrogen gas cases by applying the mass-transfer analogy. The internal coolant-supply passages of the squealer tipped blade were modeled similar to those in the GE-E3 rotor blade with two separate serpentine loops supplying coolant to the film-cooling holes. A row of compound angled cylindrical film-cooling holes was arranged along the camber line on the tip and another row of compound angled shaped film-cooling holes was arranged along the span of the pressure side just below the tip. The average blowing ratio of the cooling gas was controlled to be 0.5,1.0, and 2.0. Tests were conducted in a five-bladed linear cascade in a blowdown facility with a tip gap clearance of 1.5%, The freestream Reynolds number, based on the axial chord length and the exit velocity, was 1.48 x 10 6 , and the inlet and the exit Mach number were 0.23 and 0.65, respectively. Turbulence intensity level at the cascade inlet was 9.7%. Numerical predictions were also performed using Fluent to simulate the experiment at the same inlet flow conditions. Predictions for film cooling are presented. Results show a good correlation between experimental and predicted data. The shape and location of the film-cooling holes along with varying blowing ratios can have significant effects on film-cooling performance.
Development and evaluation of a larval sampling technique for the black cutworm (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae).

A larval bait trap was developed and evaluated as a sampling technique for Agrotis ipsilon (Hufnagel). The trap is a modified pitfall with five components: containers, lids, substrate, cylinders, and attractants (wheat seedlings and wheat bran). Black cutworms entered traps to feed; subsequent larval escape was minimal. Carabids which entered traps did not have an appreciable effect on cutworm recovery. The efficiency of traps placed in circular barriers for 3rd, 5th, and 6th instars was quantified so that traps could be used in conjunction with barriers to estimate densities of natural populations. The relationship between the numbers of 5th- and 6th-instar black cutworms captured in traps placed in field corn and the estimated cutworm density was determined. Traps were inefficient for early-instar larvae. Bait traps captured significantly more cutworms than sampling methods (bait stations and burlap traps) evaluated by other researchers.
Excessive cholecalciferol in a layers diet: decline in some aspects of reproductive performance and increased bone mineralisation of progeny.

Abstract 1. Feeding hens a diet containing 5000 μg (200 000 ICU)/kg of cholecalciferol for four 28‐d periods had no adverse effect on hen‐day egg production or hatchability. 2. Egg weight, shell quality, food consumption and fertility were significantly decreased in hens fed 5 000 μg/kg. of cholecalciferol compared with those fed 24 μg (960 ICU) cholecalciferol/kg diet. 3. Plasma calcium increased significantly as the concentration of cholecalciferol was increased in the diet. However, no histologically detectable changes in the viscera or changes in the proportion of bone ash were observed with any concentration of the vitamin. 4. Chicks hatched from dams receiving excessive doses of cholecalciferol (5 000 μg/kg) and maintained on a rachitogenic diet for 4 weeks had a significantly higher proportion of tibial ash but there was no effect on either body weight or tibial calcium.
Using a bayesian hierarchical model for identifying single nucleotide polymorphisms associated with childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia risk in case-parent triads

Childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) is a condition that arises from complex etiologies. The absence of consistent environmental risk factors and the presence of modest familial associations suggest ALL is a complex trait with an underlying genetic component. The identification of genetic factors associated with disease is complicated by complex genetic covariance structures and multiple testing issues. Both issues can be resolved with appropriate Bayesian variable selection methods. The present study was undertaken to extend our hierarchical Bayesian model for case-parent triads to incorporate single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and incorporate the biological grouping of SNPs within genes. Based on previous evidence that genetic variation in the folate metabolic pathway influences ALL risk, we evaluated 128 tagging SNPs in 16 folate metabolic genes among 118 ALL case-parent triads recruited from the Texas Children’s Cancer Center (Houston, TX) between 2003 and 2010. We used stochastic search gene suggestion (SSGS) in hierarchical Bayesian models to evaluate the association between folate metabolic SNPs and ALL. Using Bayes factors among these variants in childhood ALL case-parent triads, two SNPs were identified with a Bayes factor greater than 1. There was evidence that the minor alleles of NOS3 rs3918186 (OR = 2.16; 95% CI: 1.51-3.15) and SLC19A1 rs1051266 (OR = 2.07; 95% CI: 1.25-3.46) were positively associated with childhood ALL. Our findings are suggestive of the role of inherited genetic variation in the folate metabolic pathway on childhood ALL risk, and they also suggest the utility of Bayesian variable selection methods in the context of case-parent triads for evaluating the role of SNPs on disease risk.
Assessing the role of financial deepening in business cycles: the experience of the United Arab Emirates

The relation between financial market development and the severity of business cycles in the economy of the United Arab Emirates is investigated. No evidence is found of a dampening effect from financial deepening on cyclical fluctuations in the short-run, but strong effects in the long-run. These results extend recent findings on the financial development/economic growth nexus and imply that growth volatility reductions expected from further financial developments are slow to materialize especially in countries with relatively large and well-functioning financial sectors.
Self-annealing of subgroup 2 myxovirus RNAs.

THE myxoviruses of subgroup 2, Newcastle disease virus (NDV)1 and Sendai virus2, have been shown to contain a homogeneous component of RNA which has a sedimentation coefficient (S20,w) of 57S, and the properties of single stranded RNA. Cells infected with these viruses synthesize viral specific RNA, 70 to 90 per cent of which anneals exclusively with virion RNA to form highly ordered complexes suggesting that most of the intracellular RNA is complementary in base sequence to virion RNA2–4. Several distinct components of viral specific RNA are synthesized in infected cells and one of these (57S) is indistinguishable from virion RNA in sedimentation rate2. The 57S RNA in infected cells has been shown to be almost completely in the form of viral nucleocapsid (C. D. Blair and W. S. R., manuscript in preparation) and annealing studies have shown that this RNA component anneals extensively when incubated with virion RNA (unpublished results of W. S. R.). Because of this observation, annealing experiments were done with 57S RNA isolated from purified Sendai virus and Newcastle disease virus, and the results I report here indicate that a large fraction of the single stranded 57S RNA from these virusesself anneals.
The treatment of infected wounds with superheated antiseptic vapor

Abstract 1. 1. A preliminary report is herewith presented of what may be a new way of solving some of our antiseptic problems after the tissues have become infected. 2. 2. It contemplates the discriminating faculty of heat, the germicidal action of chemicals and the superior penetrating power of a vapor under pressure. 3. 3. The units employed are an electric air pump, a heating coil, and a vaporizing chamber which consists of insulated glass tubing twisted into a coil shape. These units are connected in sequence with a rubber tube in the depths of the wound. 4. 4. Ample provision is made for the escape of vapor after it has permeated the remoteness of the cavities. 5. 5. Five case reports are appended illustrating its action.
Radium isotope distributions during the US GEOTRACES North Atlantic cruises

Abstract Radium isotopes are produced in sediments via the decay of thorium isotopes and are generally soluble in seawater. As such, isotopes of the radium quartet (224Ra, 223Ra, 228Ra, 226Ra) have been used as tracers of ocean boundary inputs and mixing processes. We measured radium isotopes on the US GEOTRACES North Atlantic cruises in 2010 and 2011, which crossed a number of key ocean boundary features including the Mediterranean outflow, the Mauritanian upwelling and oxygen minimum zones (OMZ) along western Africa, a hydrothermal plume over the mid-Atlantic Ridge (MAR), and the broad continental margin of the north-eastern United States. Radium isotope features at these locations are discussed in the context of their potential to quantify fluxes of trace elements and isotopes (TEIs) from common sources. Notable observations include: (1) a Mediterranean outflow spreading rate of 0.52–0.60 cm/s derived from 228Ra, (2) evidence of substantial sediment–water interaction in the benthic boundary layer along the OMZ, (3) decoupling between 223Ra and the other Ra isotope sources over the MAR, and (4) significant continental inputs (e.g. submarine groundwater discharge—SGD) in the western Atlantic. Lastly, 228Ra inventories have remained constant over the past 30 years, which suggests that SGD is steady-state for the North Atlantic on decadal time scales.
Antecedents of Employee Benefit Level Satisfaction: A Test of a Model

Both employer- and employee-provided data from a sample of 122 full-time library employees were used to examine a preliminary theoretical model of the antecedents of employee benefit level satisfaction. Although the variables in the model accounted for over 50% of the variance in benefit level satisfaction, the specific form of the model was not supported; the results did not support a discrepancy model in which benefit level satisfaction was based on the difference between the perceived level of benefits that should be received and the perceived level of benefits received. The variables most highly related to benefit level satisfaction were benefit administration, benefit comparisons (perceived inputs and outcomes of referent others) and employees’ cost for the medical insurance premium (which was negatively related). Data concerning employees’ knowledge of the benefits they receive, limitations of the study, implications for the management of benefit programs, and suggestions for future research are pre...
Pregnancy rate in peripuberal beef heifers following treatment with syncro-mate-B and gonadotropin releasing-hormone.

Abstract A study was conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of treatment with Syncro-Mate-B (SMB) d dG. D. Searle and Company, Chicago, IL 60680 and gonadotropin releasing-hormone (GnRH) on inducing a fertile estrus and/or ovulation in peripuberal beef heifers. Two hundred and twenty-three, 13 to 15 month peripuberal beef heifers, primarily of Angus or Simmental breeding, were alternately allotted by weight and age within breed to a non-treated control group (C) and three groups which received the SMB treatment regime. Treated groups differed in that one group was inseminated approximately 12 hr after detected in estrus (T) while two other groups were inseminated at a fixed time after implant removal (T-G-I42, T-I48). Heifers in group T-G-I42 received 125 μg GnRH at 30 hr, and were inseminated 42 hr after implant removal. The remaining group of SMB-treated heifers received no additional hormone therapy but were inseminated 48 hr after implant removal (T-I48). Age had no significant effect on estrous response or pregnancy rate nor were there significant age by weight interactions on these parameters. Weight was a significant source of variation on interval from start of breeding to pregnancy (P
Developmental regulation of two 5S ribosomal RNA genes

The developmental regulation of two kinds of Xenopus 5S RNA genes (oocyte and somatic types) can be explained by differences in the stability of protein-protein and protein-DNA interactions in a transcription complex that directs transcription initiation by RNA polymerase III. Dissociation of transcription factors from oocyte 5S RNA genes during development allows them to be repressed by chromatin assembly. In the same cells, somatic 5S RNA genes remain active because their transcription complexes are stable.
Non-covalent complexes between single-stranded oligodeoxynucleotides and poly(ethylene imine)

Abstract Non-covalent complexes between low molecular weight poly(ethylene imine) (PEI 400 and 800) and single-stranded oligodeoxynucleotides (ODNs) were prepared in aqueous solution by combining polymer and ODN in molar ratios ranging from 1:10 to 10:1. Five ODNs were investigated, including d(TTTTT), d(CCCCC), d(AAAAA), d(GGGGG) and d(GCGAT). The compositions, solution stabilities and gas-phase stabilities of the complexes (termed polyplexes) were examined by electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (ESI-MS) and tandem mass spectrometry (MS2). Independent of the mixing ratio of the reactants, the polyplex with 1:1 polymer-to-nucleotide stoichiometry, PN, is the dominant product, while the polyplexes PN2 and P2N are observed as byproducts with all ODNs. The relative polyplex ion abundances in the ESI mass spectra reveal the following order of solution stabilities for the major product PN: PEI-d(TTTTT) > PEI-d(GGGGG) ≈ PEI-d(GCGAT) ≈ PEI-d(CCCCC) > PEI-d(AAAAA). The gas-phase stabilities, assessed by MS2 and collisionally activated dissociation, follow the same order, providing evidence that the polyplex structures in aqueous solution and the more hydrophobic environment of the gas-phase are very similar. PEI 800 leads to more stable polyplexes than PEI 400. PEI–ODN polyplexes have been used in gene delivery. The particularly high binding affinity of d(TTTTT) vs. the other ODNs suggests that sequence-specific delivery systems could be developed by appropriate design of the size and composition of the polymeric delivery vehicle.
All work and no play: A focus on leisure time as a means for promoting health

Abstract In a study of 294 participants the relationship between attitude to leisure time and engagement in leisure activities and psychological and physical health was investigated Using questionnaire methods a consistent and significant relationship was found in that individuals with more positive attitudes towards and engagement in leisure activities experienced less general psychological distress, anxiety, depression, and hostility. They also experienced higher levels of positive affect and reported feeling physically healthier. Leisure measures were also related to levels of achievement motivation. The data points to leisure time behaviour as a rich source of information about coping styles and the positive use of leisure counselling as a therapeutic intervention.