cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Temperature-programmed oxidation technique: kinetics of coke-O2 reaction on supported metal catalysts

Abstract Coke oxidation rates on supported metal catalysts were studied by temperature-programmed oxidation (TPO). The TPO data were successfully modeled with a linear combination of power-law kinetic expressions. The validity and limitations of the model, for carbon oxidation on metal containing catalysts, were analyzed in detail. The influence of heating rate, coke concentration, coke particle size and number, catalyst mass and oxygen concentration on TPO spectra predicted by the model agreed well with experimental results. Coke particle size and morphology have a great influence on a TPO spectrum. Even though this simplified form of kinetic expression does not explicitly account for all the physical phenomena in a coke-burn process, it considers some of the most important factors: the effect of carbon surface area and the promotional effect of supported metals on coke-burn kinetics. Deconvolution of a complex TPO spectrum by the above model provides kinetic parameters which can be used to predict TPO spectra of partial-coke-burn experiments. Difficulties in the predictive capability of this model arrive if other factors such as large variations in coke morphology and coke particle size exist and there is no information relating them to a particular feature in the TPO spectrum. However, the model can adequately account for these variations, if their characteristics and extent are known, e.g., they may be determined by electron microscopy.
Local, Three-Dimensional Strain Measurements Within Largely Deformed Extracellular Matrix Constructs

The ability to create extracellular matrix (ECM) constructs that are mechanically and biochemically similar to those found in vivo and to understand how their properties affect cellular responses will drive the next generation of tissue engineering strategies. To date, many mechanisms by which cells biochemically communicate with the ECM are known. However, the mechanisms by which mechanical information is transmitted between cells and their ECM remain to be elucidated. "Self-assembled" collagen matrices provide an in vitro-model system to study the mechanical behavior of ECM. To begin to understand how the ECM and the cells interact mechanically, the three-dimensional (3D) mechanical properties of the ECM must be quantified at the micro-(local) level in addition to information measured at the macro-(global) level. Here we describe an incremental digital volume correlation (IDVC) algorithm to quantify large (>0.05) 3D mechanical strains in the microstructure of 3D collagen matrices in response to applied mechanical loads. Strain measurements from the IDVC algorithm rely on 3D confocal images acquired from collagen matrices under applied mechanical loads. The accuracy and the precision of the IDVC algorithm was verified by comparing both image volumes collected in succession when no deformation was applied to the ECM (zero strain) and image volumes to which simulated deformations were applied in both ID and 3D (simulated strains). Results indicate that the IDVC algorithm can accurately and precisely determine the 3D strain state inside largely deformed collagen ECMs. Finally, the usefulness of the algorithm was demonstrated by measuring the microlevel 3D strain response of a collagen ECM loaded in tension.
THE GENETIC INTERPRETATION OF INBREEDING DEPRESSION AND OUTBREEDING DEPRESSION.

Inbreeding with close relatives and outbreeding with members of distant populations can both result in deleterious shifts in the means of fitness-related characters, most likely for very different reasons. Such processes often occur simultaneously and have important implications for the evolution of mating systems, dispersal strategies, and speciation. They are also relevant to the design of breeding strategies for captive populations of endangered species. A general expression is presented for the expected phenotype of an individual under the joint influence of inbreeding and crossbreeding. This expression is a simple function of the inbreeding coefficient, of source and hybridity indices of crossbreeding, and of specific forms of gene action. Application of the model may be of use in identifying the mechanistic bases for a number of evolutionary phenomena such as the shift from outbreeding enhancement to outbreeding depression that occurs with population divergence.
Abstract 3250: Chondroitin sulfate-mediated regulation of Wnt/β-catenin signaling in breast cancer

Proceedings: AACR 103rd Annual Meeting 2012‐‐ Mar 31‐Apr 4, 2012; Chicago, IL Breast cancer is among the leading causes of cancer related deaths in women in the U.S. Aberrant activation of the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway plays a critical role in breast cancer progression; however, activating mutations in core pathway components are not frequently observed. Molecules that reside in the cellular microenvironment, including glycosaminoglycans, are known to regulate tumor progression. The glycosaminoglycan chondroitin sulfate, as part of proteoglycan molecules, resides at the cell surface or in the extracellular matrix, and has been proposed to regulate the activities of several signaling pathways. We show here that the balance of chondroitin sulfation is a critical regulator of Wnt/β-catenin signaling in breast cancer cells. Overexpression of the chondroitin sulfotransferase C4ST-1 in vitro can significantly reduce several parameters of Wnt/β-catenin signaling activity, including Wnt3a-stimulated total β-catenin levels, TOPFLASH reporter activity, and proliferation, suggesting that the specific chondroitin sulfation pattern conferred by C4ST-1 can negatively regulate Wnt/β-catenin signaling in breast cancer cells. Interestingly, we show that Wnt3a stimulation increases C4ST-1 mRNA and protein levels, thus forming a negative feedback loop to attenuate Wnt/β-catenin signaling output. Accordingly, treatment with the C4ST-1 product CS-E interferes with Wnt/β-catenin signaling activity, LRP6 phosphorylation, β-catenin nuclear localization, and Wnt3a-mediated biological events in vitro. These data identify a novel chondroitin sulfate-based control mechanism for the Wnt/β-catenin pathway, and provide evidence for a potential therapeutic use of CS-E as an inhibitor of Wnt/β-catenin signaling in breast cancer. Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 103rd Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2012 Mar 31-Apr 4; Chicago, IL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2012;72(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 3250. doi:1538-7445.AM2012-3250
Organization of GABA and GABA-transaminase containing neurons in the gustatory zone of the nucleus of the solitary tract

Previous cytoarchitectural and electron micrographic studies have indicated that the gustatory zone of the nucleus of the solitary tract (NST) may contain local circuit neurons. It is known that neurons of the caudal "visceroceptive" NST contain GABA, glutamic acid decarboxylase (EC 4.1.1.15), and GABA-transaminase (GABA-T; 4-aminobutyrate: 2-oxoglutarate aminotransferase; EC 2.6.1.19). The present study was conducted to determine whether or not neurons in the gustatory zone of the NST of rat contain GABA and the principle degradative enzyme of GABA, GABA-T. Transganglionic transport of horseradish peroxidase (HRP) was used to identify chorda tympani (CT) nerve terminal fields. Immunohistochemical studies were combined with transport experiments to evaluate the organization of GABA immunoreactive neurons in CT terminal fields. Results show that GABA immunoreactive neurons and puncta are located within CT terminal fields. These neurons evince small ovoid morphologies resembling Golgi interneurons, and comprise an average of 18% of total neurons in CT terminal fields. Independent histochemical studies reveal that approximately 82% of GABA immunoreactive neurons within CT terminal fields exhibit GABA-T activity. Retrograde transport of HRP was used in additional studies to evaluate whether or not axons of putative GABAergic neurons project to the second-order central gustatory relay located in the caudal parabrachial nucleus (PBNc), to the caudal NST, or to regions surrounding the rostral or caudal NST. Combined studies indicate that GABA immunoreactive neurons in the gustatory NST do not project axons to the PBNc, to the caudal NST, or to regions adjacent to the rostral or caudal NST.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
A hybrid model for computationally efficient fatigue fracture simulations at microelectronic assembly interfaces

Modern microelectronic assemblies are heterogeneous, layered structures joined by interconnects made of solder alloys with low homologous temperatures. The solder interconnections join devices to circuit boards and they fail by thermal fatigue fracture at their interfaces either to the device or to the circuit board. Predicting the fatigue fracture of the solder interconnections is a challenge due to the fact that they undergo large inelastic deformations during temperature cycling tests. In this paper we develop a hybrid approach inspired by cohesive zone fracture mechanics and the Disturbed State Concept to predict the crack trajectory and fatigue life of a solder interconnection subjected to both isothermal temperature cycling and anisothermal temperature cycling conditions (representing the two common accelerated test conditions for microelectronic products). A hybrid computational approach is used in which a first order approximation of the disturbance is used to estimate incremental cycles to criticality and thereby propagate the crack. The modeled crack fronts and the fatigue lives are validated through a comparison to results from the two types of accelerated tests. Overall, the model is shown to predict the fatigue life of the critical interconnection in the assembly to within 20% of the experimentally determined life. More importantly, the predicted crack trajectory is demonstrated to agree very well with the experimentally observed trajectory. Strikingly, the microscopically observed microstructural changes during crack propagation from that corresponding to creep fatigue to that of shear overload were found to be excellently correlated with the rate of change of the disturbance calculated in the model.
Electron-stimulated desorption of neutrals from methanol-dosed Al(111) : velocity distributions and adsorbate decomposition determined by nonresonant laser ionization

Abstract Electron-stimulated desorption (ESD) of neutrals from methanol-dosed Al(111) is studied using laser ionization at 193 nm coupled with time-of-flight (TOF) mass spectrometry. At room temperature and at very low laser intensity, mass spectrometry of the neutral ESD species indicates the presence of desorbing CH 3 O, the methoxy radical. At higher laser intensity, this species is efficiently photolyzed to C + and HCO + fragments. The velocity distributions of these photofragments, indicative of the velocity distribution of the methoxy parent, are measured for methanol dosed onto both clean and pre-oxidized single crystal surfaces. Both of the surfaces yield similar non-Boltzmann distributions with peak velocities of ∼ 900 m/s, corresponding to a peak kinetic energy of ∼ 0.1 eV for the methoxy parent. The similar results may find explanation in terms of oxidation of the Al(111) surface by the initial methanol exposure. The major ionic desorbate observed from this methanol-dosed Al(111) is H + , and its kinetic energy distribution peaks at ∼ 4 eV, a value which is typical of that observed in other ESD studies of ionic desorbates. The order of magnitude difference in kinetic energies between the desorbed ions and neutrals is discussed in terms of possible desorption mechanisms. Neutral ESD, combined with X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) is also used as a probe of changes in surface adsorbate composition as a function of temperature and of electron beam dose for methanol/Al(111). The surface concentration of the methoxy species, as monitored via the HCO + photofragment, is found to decrease linearly with increasing temperature. An increase in C + signal at ∼ 470 K is attributed to the formation of a thermal decomposition product with either a higher desorption cross section or a higher laser ionization/fragmentation cross section than the methoxy species. Electron beam damage studies of the methoxy/aluminum system at an electron beam energy of 3 keV give a cross section of 3 ± 1 × 10 −17 cm 2 for loss of methoxy from the surface at this energy.
Analysis of oseltamivir resistance substitutions in influenza virus glycoprotein neuraminidase using a lentivirus-based surrogate assay system

Influenza A virus poses a great threat to global health, and oseltamivir (trade marked as Tamiflu), which targets influenza surface glycoprotein neuraminidase (NA), is used clinically as a major anti-influenza treatment. However, certain substitutions in NA can render an influenza virus resistant to this drug. In this study, using a lentiviral pseudotyping system, which alleviates the safety concerns of studying highly pathogenic influenza viruses such as avian influenza H5N1, that utilizes influenza surface glycoproteins (hemagglutinin or HA, and NA) and an HIV-core combined with a luciferase reporter gene as a surrogate assay, we first assessed the functionality of NA by measuring pseudovirion release in the absence or presence of oseltamivir. We demonstrated that oseltamivir displays a dose-dependent inhibition on NA activity. In contrast, a mutant NA (H274Y) is more resistant to oseltamivir treatment. In addition, the effects of several previously reported substitution NA mutants were examined as well. Our results demonstrate that this lentivirus-based pseudotyping system provides a quick, safe, and effective way to assess resistance to neuraminidase inhibitors. And we believe that as new mutations appear in influenza isolates, their impact on the effectiveness of current and future anti-NA can be quickly and reliably evaluated by this assay.
Headquarters, office employment, and the wave of urbanization in the New York City region

Hierarchical theory suggests that high-density office activity, such as corporate headquarters, epitomizes the concept of agglomeration. This research tests whether office employment in a metropolitan area agglomerates around suburban nodes of specialized office and corporate headquarter activity or if office employment change shifts in response to the wave of urbanization. The location of the Fortune 500 manufacturing and service headquarters and the ratio profiles of office employment within each county are used in the test. We conclude that headquarters are not located in specialized office employment nodes. Rather, the office employment becomes specialized as the county becomes more urbanized.
female forms of power and the myth of male dominance: a model of female/male interaction in peasant society1

The assumption of universal male dominance, which stems from epistemological biases in anthropology, is belied by evidence that women wield considerable power within the context of the peasant household and community. The apparent contradictions between public stances of male dominance and the realities of female power can be resolved and explained by a model which is potentially extensible to other types of pre-industrial societies. In conclusion, the transformation of male dominance from myth to reality during the process of industrialization is briefly explored.
Readiness to display in the paradise fish Macropodus opercularis, L., Belontiidae: The problem of general and specific effects of social isolation

The readiness to perform species typical social displays and the readiness to startle in reaction to novel stimuli are increased in socially isolated paradise fish. Males that are kept in large, bisexual populations or have been socially isolated for a few hours show low display and low startle readiness. Reactivity is increased following 1 day of social isolation, and a further increase is obtained by prolonging the isolation up to 4 days. Males that receive continuous visual stimulation from a conspecific male or from a goldfish for 4 days show reduced display and reduced startle readiness. Social isolation appears to have general effects on behavior, increasing reactivity to various kinds of stimuli in addition to social stimuli. It is proposed that isolation-induced increases in display readiness are largely a result of the low level of external stimulation. Social isolation may or may not have specific effects on social display readiness.
Conserved Translational Frameshift in dsDNA Bacteriophage Tail Assembly Genes

Abstract A programmed translational frameshift similar to frameshifts in retroviral gag-pol genes and bacterial insertion elements was found to be strongly conserved in tail assembly genes of dsDNA phages and to be independent of sequence similarities. In bacteriophage λ, this frameshift controls production of two proteins with overlapping sequences, gpG and gpGT, that are required for tail assembly. We developed bioinformatic approaches to identify analogous −1 frameshifting sites and experimentally confirmed our predictions for five additional phages. Clear evidence was also found for an unusual but analogous −2 frameshift in phage Mu. Frameshifting sites could be identified for most phages with contractile or noncontractile tails whose length is controlled by a tape measure protein. Phages from a broad spectrum of hosts spanning Eubacteria and Archaea appear to conserve this frameshift as a fundamental component of their tail assembly mechanisms, supporting the idea that their tail genes share a common, distant ancestry.
TGFβ2 mediates the effects of Hedgehog on hypertrophic differentiation and PTHrP expression

differentiation in the growth plate. This report tests the hypothesis that TGFβ signaling is required for the effects of Hedgehog on hypertrophic differentiation and expression of Pthrp. We show that Sonic hedgehog (Shh), a functional substitute for Ihh, stimulates expression of Tgfb2 and Tgfb3 mRNA in the perichondrium of embryonic mouse metatarsal bones grown in organ cultures and that TGFβ signaling in the perichondrium is required for inhibition of differentiation and regulation of Pthrp expression by Shh. The effects of Shh are specifically dependent on TGFβ2, as cultures from Tgfb3-null embryos respond to Shh but cultures from Tgfb2-null embryos do not. Taken together, these data suggest that TGFβ2 acts as a signal relay between Ihh and PTHrP in the regulation of cartilage hypertrophic differentiation. SUMMARY
In vitro Regeneration from Excised Leaf Discs of Three Brassica Species

Excised leaf discs of three Brassica species, B. oleracea, B. napus, and B. campestris were induced to produce adventitious buds and subsequently entire plants by culture on media with specific combinations of 6-benzylaminopurine (BAP) and cr-naphthylacetic acid (NAA). Each species required a particular hormone concentration for optimum growth and differentiation: B. oleracea, BAP 10 mg-l and NAA 1 mg-l; B. napus, BAP 10 mg-l and NAA 10 mg-l; B. campestris, BAP 1 mg-l and NAA 10 mg-l. In a more detailed study on one of these species, namely B. oleracea, the relative influence of other media components such as amino acids and other organic additives was examined. It was also found that the source and size of the explant greatly affected the growth response, as did the size of the culture vessel. The regenerated plants dislayed a range of ploidy as well as phenotypic abnormalities. Findings are discussed in relation to results from other tissue culture systems.
Prevalence of endometritis and its effects on reproductive performance of dairy cows

Hostein cows (n=141) in five commercial dairy herds in central New York were examined for endometritis by examination of endometrial aspirates for presence of inflammatory cells, principally neutrophils, by endometrial cytology at 40-60 days postpartum. The prevalence of cytologically-diagnosed endometritis was 53%; within herds the prevalence varied from 37 to 74% (P=0.02). There was excellent agreement between two examiners (Kappa=0.864; P<0.0001). Parity did not influence prevalence of endometritis (P=0.53). Cytologically diagnosed endometritis was associated with profoundly impaired reproductive performance; Kaplan-Meier survival analysis revealed lower overall pregnancy rate (P<0.0001). Median days open was 206 for cows with endometritis and 118 for cows free of the condition. Overall, 76% of cows in this study became pregnant by 300 days postpartum; 63% of cows with endometritis and 89% of cows without endometritis were confirmed pregnant by 300 days postpartum (P<0.003). (For these two groups, 69, and 90% respectively, became pregnant during the duration of the study). Pregnancy to first service percentage was lower (11 versus 36%; P=0.001) for cows with than without endometritis, and these cows required more services before 50% became pregnant (3 versus 2; P=0.006). In a second study using 22 cows in a university-owned herd, the prevalence of cytological evidence of inflammation was 100% at 2 weeks postpartum, and dropped to 89, 58, and 41% at 4, 6, and 8 weeks, respectively. Endometritis diagnosed by endometrial cytology late in the voluntary waiting period was highly prevalent and exerted a profoundly detrimental effect on subsequent reproductive performance, making this condition potentially extremely costly to the North American dairy industry.
A novel distributed dynamic location management scheme for minimizing signaling costs in Mobile IP

Mobile IP is a simple and scalable global mobility solution. However, it may cause excessive signaling traffic and long signaling delay. Mobile IP regional registration is proposed to reduce the number of location updates to the home network and to reduce the signaling delay. This paper introduces a novel distributed and dynamic regional location management for Mobile IP where the signaling burden is evenly distributed and the regional network boundary is dynamically adjusted according to the up-to-date mobility and traffic load for each terminal. In our distributed system, each user has its own optimized system configuration which results in the minimal signaling traffic. In order to determine the signaling cost function, a new discrete analytical model is developed which captures the mobility and packet arrival pattern of a mobile terminal. This model does not impose any restrictions on the shape and the geographic location of subnets in the Internet. Given the average total location update and packet delivery cost, an iterative algorithm is then used to determine the optimal regional network size. Analytical results show that our distributed dynamic scheme outperforms the IETF Mobile IP regional registration scheme for various scenarios in terms of reducing the overall signaling cost.
A framework for planning feedback motion strategies based on a random neighborhood graph

This paper presents a randomized framework for computing feedback motion strategies, by defining a global navigation function over a collection of spherical balls in the configuration space. If the goal is changed, an updated navigation function can be quickly computed, offering benefits similar to the fast multiple queries permitted by the probabilistic roadmap approach to path planning. Our choice of balls is motivated in part by recent tools from computational geometry which compute point locations and arrangements efficiently without significant dependence on dimension. We present a construction algorithm that includes a Bayesian termination condition based on the probability that a specified fraction of the free space is covered. A basic implementation illustrates the framework for rigid and articulated bodies with up to five-dimensional configuration spaces.
Observations of bispectra of shoaling surface gravity waves

Aspects of the nonlinear dynamics of waves shoaling between 9 and 1 m water depths are elucidated via the bispectrum. The biphase values associated with significant bicoherence levels in 9 m depth are consistent with Stokes-like nonlinearities, but as the water depth decreases the waves evolve through a slightly skewed shape somewhat asymmetrical to a vertical axis toward a highly asymmetrical unskewed sawtooth shape. The real and imaginary parts of the bispectrum are the contributions to skewness and asymmetry from individual frequency pairs.
Longitudinal multibunch feedback experiment with switched filter bank

Fast bunch to bunch feedback is necessary to control instabilities caused by coupled bunch oscillations in high intensity machines. A time domain active feedback scheme is discussed with focus on effective error detection using simple analog filters. Fast electronic switches direct each beam bunch signal from a beam pickup to a corresponding filter. The filters are excited at steady states. The output of the filters are steady sine waves tracking the phase and amplitude variations of individual bunches, allowing easy phase comparison with a reference rf signal. Amplitude detection of the signals yields valuable information of higher order beam oscillation modes. The beam motion information is processed and multiplexed to a fast phase or amplitude modulator that drives a wideband kicker. The feedback system can also be used to correct individual bunch oscillations caused by injection errors in larger machines filled by a number of booster cycles.
Morphometric analysis of growth and development in wild‐collected vervet monkeys (Cercopithecus aethiops), with implications for growth patterns in Old World monkeys, apes and humans

A study was undertaken of a unique sample of 63 wild vervet monkeys Cercopithecus aethiops from a single population in Uganda collected over 35 days in 1947. Twenty-five were immature (12 females and 13 males) and 38 were adults (16 females and 22 males). Body mass, external measurements, masticatory and other masses were recorded for each individual at the time of collection, and for a few specimens, the development of the reproductive organs. Each individual was evaluated for cranial capacity, limb length and dental eruption. The comparison of immature and adult animals illustrates the mosaic nature of growth in the different body systems, as well as female–male differences. An ancestral model is proposed for catarrhine growth and development, with particular reference to sex differences. This model provides a framework for assessment of immatures and for the reconstruction of socio-ecological effects on life-history stages in populations of fossil monkeys, apes and early hominids.
Nitric Oxide Cytoskeletal–Induced Alterations Reverse the Endothelial Progenitor Cell Migratory Defect Associated With Diabetes

Stromal-derived factor-1 (SDF-1) is a critical chemokine for endothelial progenitor cell (EPC) recruitment to areas of ischemia, allowing these cells to participate in compensatory angiogenesis. The SDF-1 receptor, CXCR4, is expressed in developing blood vessels as well as on CD34+ EPCs. We describe that picomolar and nanomolar concentrations of SDF-1 differentially influence neovascularization, inducing CD34+ cell migration and EPC tube formation. CD34+ cells isolated from diabetic patients demonstrate a marked defect in migration to SDF-1. This defect is associated, in some but not all patients, with a cell surface activity of CD26/dipeptidyl peptidase IV, an enzyme that inactivates SDF-1. Diabetic CD34+ cells also do not migrate in response to vascular endothelial growth factor and are structurally rigid. However, incubating CD34+ cells with a nitric oxide (NO) donor corrects this migration defect and corrects the cell deformability. In addition, exogenous NO alters vasodilator-stimulated phosphoprotein and mammalian-enabled distribution in EPCs. These data support a common downstream cytoskeletal alteration in diabetic CD34+ cells that is independent of growth factor receptor activation and is correctable with exogenous NO. This inability of diabetic EPCs to respond to SDF-1 may contribute to aberrant tissue vascularization and endothelial repair in diabetic patients.
Children and Adolescents With Eating Disorders: The State of the Art

Background. Eating disorders in children and adolescents remain a serious cause of morbidity and mortality in children, adolescents, and young adults. The working knowledge of pathophysiology, recognition, and management of eating disorders continues to evolve as research in this field continues. Objectives. This article builds on previous background and position papers outlining issues relevant to the care of the adolescent patient with an eating disorder. Methods. The eating disorder special interest group from the Society for Adolescent Medicine recognized the need to update the state of the art published guidelines for the care of the adolescent patient with an eating disorder. This article was a multidisciplinary, group effort to summarize the current knowledge of best practice in the field. Results. This article summarizes newer findings on pathogenesis and etiology, prevention and screening, risk factors, nutritional issues, care from the primary care clinician’s perspective, appropriate use of a multidisciplinary team, and issues of managed care and reimbursement. Conclusions. Primary prevention combined with early recognition and treatment helps decrease morbidity and mortality in adolescents with eating disorders.
Millimeter wave Rotman lens

A millimeter wave Rotman lens was developed that operates at frequencies between 33 GHz and 37 GHz with the potential of being implemented in metallized plastic. Various lens designs were evaluated with a computer model based on the contour integral method. The best lens design was manufactured and characterized by measuring the scattering parameters between the beam and array ports within the frequency interval of interest. The measured S-parameters were processed to determine beam sidelobes and insertion loss. Maximum sidelobe levels /spl les/-30 dB were obtained. The insertion loss of the lens was between 0.8 and 23 dB depending on the particular beam port that was excited and the operating frequency. The current lens design has 32 active antenna element array ports, 17 active beam ports, and a maximum scan angle of /spl plusmn/22.2.
“Don't Know” Responses to Risk Perception Measures: Implications for Underserved Populations

Background: Risk perceptions are legitimate targets for behavioral interventions because they can motivate medical decisions and health behaviors. However, some survey respondents may not know (or ...
Diamonds in the Rough: Examining a Case of Successful Black Male Student Athletes in College Sport

Ailing academic performances of Black male student athletes have been an impetus for a search of recourse by the National Collegiate Athletic Association. Amid the volume of these academic underperformances, particularly in revenue-generating sports, there are Black male student athletes who achieve a level of success in the classroom that rivals their athletic prowess. The present case study investigated the self-perceptions and behaviors contributing to seven Black male student athletes’ success in managing their dual roles as students and athletes while navigating their college experience. The theoretical framework of Critical Race Theory was used to ground this research. Findings from this study are represented by the following themes: Complex Identities, Community, and Liberation. The implications of this study support fostering meaningful opportunities to develop healthy Black male student athlete identities and academic achievement.
Algorithms by design with illustrations to solid and structural mechanics/dynamics

A novel procedure, concepts, and new ideas to tailor and design time operators under the notion of algorithms by design is formulated in this exposition with emphasis on applications to the broad area of computational mechanics, but with focus on solid and structural mechanics/dynamics as an illustration. The algorithms by design concepts capitalize upon: (i) the recently developed unified theory underlying computational algorithms (Int. J. Numer. Meth. Engng 2004; 59:597–668), and (ii) newly established design spaces and algorithmic measures for evaluating the quality of computational algorithms (Int. J. Numer. Meth. Engng 2005; 64:1841–1870). As a step in the forward direction, in this exposition we embark upon some challenging tasks with the objective to advance, tailor, and foster the design of computational algorithms for time-dependent problems with desired and/or improved algorithmic attributes in the sense of accuracy, stability and other characteristics including algorithmic complexity in a well educated manner. The design process for computational algorithms is explained in the sense of the algorithms by design concepts via selected numerical illustrations of practical scenarios encountered in solid and structural mechanics/dynamics applications. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Reconfigurable omnidirectional camera array calibration with a linear moving object

Reconfigurable omnidirectional camera arrays are useful for applications where multiple cameras working together are to be deployed at a short notice. This paper proposes a multi-camera calibration approach for such arrays using a 1D object such as a person, moving parallel to itself. The moving object is separated from the background and correspondences between multiple cameras are obtained using location of the object in all the cameras in multiple frames. The approximate orientation of the cameras is individually determined using vanishing points. The non-linear 3D problem of multi-camera calibration can then be approximated by a 2D problem in plan view. An initial solution for the relative positions and orientations of multiple cameras is obtained using the factorization approach. A non-linear optimization stage is then used to correct the approximations, and to minimize the geometric error between the observed and the projected omni pixel coordinates. Numerous experiments are performed with simulated data sets as well as real image sequences to evaluate the performance of this approach.
Retinoschisin, a Photoreceptor-Secreted Protein, and Its Interaction with Bipolar and Müller Cells

Usually, photoreceptors interact with other retinal cells through the neurotransmitter glutamate. Here we describe a nonsynaptic interaction via a secreted protein, retinoschisin. Using in situ hybridization, we found that from early postnatal life retinoschisin mRNA is present only in the outer retina of the mouse, and with single-cell RT-PCR we demonstrated its localization in rod and cone photoreceptor cells but not in Muller cells. Western blot analyses of proteins from cultured ocular tissues and microdissected outer and inner retinas, as well as from the culture media of these samples, showed that retinoschisin is secreted from the photoreceptor cells. Immunostaining of permeabilized and nonpermeabilized dissociated retinal cells revealed that retinoschisin is mainly inside and outside the photoreceptors, outside bipolar cells, and associated with plasma membranes of Muller cells and inside their distal processes. Because we showed previously that retinoschisin is distributed all over the retina, our current data suggest that after synthesis and secretion by the photoreceptors, retinoschisin reaches the surface of retinal cells and mediates interactions/adhesion between photoreceptor, bipolar, and Muller cells, contributing to the maintenance of the cytoarchitectural integrity of the retina. These interactions may not occur when the gene encoding retinoschisin is mutated, as it occurs in X-linked juvenile retinoschisis, a disease that results in morphological and electrophysiological defects of the retina.
Response of plant roots to elevated atmospheric carbon dioxide

Plant root response to atmospheric C02 enrichment can be great. Results from this controlled environment investigation demonstrate substantial effects on root system architecture, micromorphology and physiology. The most pronounced effects were an increase in root length (110%) and root dry weight (143%). Root diameter, stele diameter, cortex width, roovshoot and root weight ratios all increased; root numbers did not increase. The long-term implications for belowground processes could be enormous.
Hypnosis in psychotherapy: efficacy and mechanisms

Meta-analyses have established that different psychotherapies have different outcomes. Cognitive-behavioural therapies are significantly more effective than psycho-dynamic therapies, and their superiority increases when long-term follow-up is assessed. Hypnosis enhances the efficacy of both psychodynamic and cognitive-behavioural psychotherapy, and this effect is especially strong in long-term outcome of treatment for obesity. The paucity of procedural differences between hypnotic and non-hypnotic treatments in many of the studies demonstrating a substantial advantage for hypnosis suggests that the effect depends on the use of the word ‘hypnosis’. Hypnosis can be regarded as an empirically-validated, non-deceptive placebo, the effects of which are mediated by response expectancies. Copyright © 1996 British Society of Experimental and Clinical Hypnosis
The development of preservice elementary teachers' curricular role identity for science teaching

Curriculum materials are a crucial tool with which teachers engage in teach- ing practice. For preservice teachers to learn to use science curriculum materials in produc- tive ways, they must develop a conception of themselves as elementary teachers in which the use of science curriculum materials is a valued dimension of science-teaching practice. We define those dimensions of teachers' professional role identities concerned with the use of curriculum materials as curricular role identity. This mixed-methods study examines preservice elementary teachers' development of curricular role identity for science teach- ing through their use of science curriculum materials. Forty-seven preservice elementary teachers in two sections of an elementary science methods course were studied over the courseofonesemester.Datasourcesincludesurveyresultsfrompreserviceteachers inboth
A comparison of auditor and client initial negotiation positions and tactics

Abstract This study examines the initial negotiation positions and tactics of auditors and clients facing a revenue recognition conflict. We investigate the degree of flexibility in auditor and client initial negotiation positions, whether auditors and clients accurately perceive the other party’s positions, and the types of negotiation tactics that may be used by both parties. The results indicate that auditors and clients approach conflict resolution in very different ways. Clients were more flexible, determined the auditor’s goals and limits more accurately, and were more likely to use negotiation tactics such as bid high/concede later and trade-off one reporting issue for another. The implications of these findings and directions for future research are discussed.
Guidelines for the naming of genes, gene products, and mutants in the opportunistic protists

. The opportunistic protists encompass a wide diversity of organisms including Pneumocystis, Toxoplasma, cryptosporidia, microsporidia, and related genera. Recent advances in the molecular biology and cellular biochemistry of these organisms have led to the identification of an ever growing numbers of key genes and their cognate proteins. Until now, these molecules have not been designated using any consistent nomenclature system, leading to considerable confusion. The participants of the 11th International Workshop on Opportunistic Protists met on August 3, 2010 to reach consensus of a nomenclature system for genes, gene products, and mutants in the opportunistic protists. The following summary reports the consensus agreement to move toward a unified nomenclature system for these organisms. The system is adapted from that used for Saccharomyces cerevisiae.
Phospholipid Scramblase Isoform Expression in Pregnant Rat Uterus

Objective:Phospholipid scramblases (PLSCRs), a family of novel membrane proteins, facilitate the translocation of aminophospholipids from the inner to the exterior leaf of the cell membrane. Four isoforms of PLSCR (PLSCR1-4) have been reported in mouse and human. The studies described in this report sought to characterize the uterine expression of the PLSCR isoforms in the near-term pregnant rat.Methods:Uterine tissue was obtained from timed-pregnant Sprague-Dawley rats. Total RNA was isolated, treated with DNase, and used in qualitative and quantitative reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) studies utilizing PLCSR isoform PCR primers. A rat spleen cDNA bacteriophage library was used as a template for PCR-based sequencing to determine the cDNA and translated amino acid sequences for the PLSCR3 and PLSCR4 homologs expressed in rats. The 5′ and 3′ untranslated regions were obtained using 5′ and 3′ Rapid Amplification of cDNA Ends (RACE) techniques.Results:RT-PCR studies confirmed expressi...
Magnetic Resonance Imaging of Tall Fescue

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has proven to be a valuable tool to radiologists since its introduction in the early 1 970’s (Esser and Johnson, 1984). The advent of stable high-field, superconducting magnets has made it possible to carry out high resolution MRI microscopy experiments in the laboratory environment (Callaghan, 1991). When nuclei, such as hydrogen are placed in a static magnet field, the spins of the nuclei will align with the external field. These nuclei will then reach a state of thermal equilibrium with respect to their environment. A radiofrequency (RF) signal, which is dependent on the magnetic field strength, is applied to the sample that is in thermal equilibrium. The nuclei absorb this energy and flip out of alignment with the magnetic field. After the RF pulse, the system is allowed to return to thermal equilibrium and the energy given off is detected. The frequency of the energy that is emitted is known as the Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR)) frequency. In MRI this signal is spatially encoded by the selective application of three magnetic field gradients along the X, Y, and Z axis. The spatially encoded NMR signal is Fourier transformed into a peak, it is then converted into a gray scale image based on the intensity of the resultant peak. The brighter the area of the image, the more intense the signal which is related to the quantity of nuclei present in the sample and to their environment.
Nonalloreactive T Cells Prevent Donor Lymphocyte Infusion–Induced Graft-versus-Host Disease by Controlling Microbial Stimuli

In mice, graft-versus-host reactions, associated with powerful graft-versus-tumor effects, can be achieved without graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) by delayed administration of donor lymphocyte infusions (DLI) to established mixed chimeras. However, GVHD sometimes occurs after DLI in established mixed chimeric patients. In contrast to mice, in which T cell recovery from the thymus occurs prior to DLI administration, human T cell reconstitution following T cell–depleted hematopoietic cell transplantation is slow, resulting in lymphopenia at the time of DLI. We demonstrate in this study that T cell lymphopenia is an independent risk factor for GVHD following DLI in the absence of known inflammatory stimuli. DLI-induced GVHD was prevented in lymphopenic recipients by prior administration of a small number of nonalloreactive polyclonal T cells, insufficient to prevent lymphopenia-associated expansion of subsequently administered T cells, through a regulatory T cell–independent mechanism. GVHD was not inhibited by T cells with irrelevant specificity. Moreover, administration of antibiotics reduced the severity of GVHD in lymphopenic hosts. Accumulation of DLI-derived effector T cells and host hematopoietic cell elimination were markedly diminished by regulatory T cell–depleted, nonalloreactive T cells. Finally, thymectomized mixed chimeras showed increased GVHD following delayed DLI. Collectively, our data demonstrate that in the absence of known conditioning-induced inflammatory stimuli, T cell lymphopenia is a risk factor for GVHD in mixed chimeras receiving delayed DLI. Our data suggest that the predisposition to GVHD can at least in part be explained by the presence of occult inflammatory stimuli due to the absence of T cells to control microbial infections.
African American Youth Mental Health: Individual, Environmental and Clinical Factors in Context

This article serves as an introduction to this special issue focused on the mental health of African American youth within a familial and environmental context. I present background on the African American adolescent population in the area of mental and behavioral health, describe the impetus for this special issue and provide a brief overview of the professional training and backgrounds of the contributing authors. Finally, I present brief descriptions of the manuscripts selected for inclusion in this special volume of the Journal of Child and Family Studies.
siRNA-based spherical nucleic acids reverse impaired wound healing in diabetic mice by ganglioside GM3 synthase knockdown

Spherical nucleic acid (SNA) gold nanoparticle conjugates (13-nm-diameter gold cores functionalized with densely packed and highly oriented nucleic acids) dispersed in Aquaphor have been shown to penetrate the epidermal barrier of both intact mouse and human skin, enter keratinocytes, and efficiently down-regulate gene targets. ganglioside-monosialic acid 3 synthase (GM3S) is a known target that is overexpressed in diabetic mice and responsible for causing insulin resistance and impeding wound healing. GM3S SNAs increase keratinocyte migration and proliferation as well as insulin and insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF1) receptor activation under both normo- and hyperglycemic conditions. The topical application of GM3S SNAs (50 nM) to splinted 6-mm-diameter full-thickness wounds in diet-induced obese diabetic mice decreases local GM3S expression by >80% at the wound edge through an siRNA pathway and fully heals wounds clinically and histologically within 12 d, whereas control-treated wounds are only 50% closed. Granulation tissue area, vascularity, and IGF1 and EGF receptor phosphorylation are increased in GM3S SNA-treated wounds. These data capitalize on the unique ability of SNAs to naturally penetrate the skin and enter keratinocytes without the need for transfection agents. Moreover, the data further validate GM3 as a mediator of the delayed wound healing in type 2 diabetes and support regional GM3 depletion as a promising therapeutic direction.
Trends in Precipitation, Runoff, and Evapotranspiration for Rivers Draining to the Gulf of Maine in the United States

AbstractClimate warming is projected to result in increases in total annual precipitation in northeastern North America. The response of runoff to increases in precipitation is likely to be more complex because increasing evapotranspiration (ET) could counteract increasing precipitation. This study was conducted to examine these competing trends in the historical record for 22 rivers having >70 yr of runoff data. Annual (water year) average precipitation increased in all basins, with increases ranging from 0.9 to 3.12 mm yr−1. Runoff increased in all basins with increases ranging from 0.67 to 2.58 mm yr−1. The ET was calculated by using a water balance approach in which changes in terrestrial water storage were considered negligible. ET increased in 16 basins and decreased in 6 basins. Temporal trends in temperature, precipitation, runoff, and ET were also calculated for each basin over their respective periods of record for runoff and for the consistent period (1927–2011) for the area-weighted average of...
Preference Trees: A Language for Representing and Reasoning about Qualitative Preferences

We introduce a novel qualitative preference representation language, preference trees , or P-trees . We show that the lan- guage is intuitive to specify preferences over combinatorial domains and it extends existing preference formalisms such as LP-trees , ASO-rules and possibilistic logic . We study rea- soning problems with P-trees and obtain computational com- plexity results.