cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A human PMS2 homologue from Aquifex aeolicus stimulates an ATP-dependent DNA helicase

Mismatch repair in Escherichia coli involves a number of proteins including MutL and UvrD. Eukaryotes also possess MutL homologues; however, no UvrD helicase homologues have been identified. The hyperthermophilic bacterium Aquifex aeolicus has a MutL protein (Aae MutL) that possesses a latent endonuclease activity similar to eukaryotic, but different from E. coli, MutL proteins. By sequence homology Aq793 is a member of the PcrA/UvrD/Rep helicase subfamily. We expressed Aae MutL and the putative A. aeolicus DNA helicase (Aq793) proteins in E. coli. Using synthetic oligonucleotide substrates, we observed that lower concentrations of Aq793 were required to unwind double-stranded DNA that had a 3′-poly(dT) overhang as compared with double-stranded DNA with a 5′-poly(dT) or lacking a poly(dT) tail. This unwinding activity was stimulated by adding Aae MutL with maximal stimulation observed at an ∼1.5:1 (MutL:Aq793) stoichiometric ratio. The enhancement of Aq793 helicase activity did not require the Aae MutL protein to retain endonuclease activity. Furthermore, the C-terminal 123 amino acid residues of Aae MutL were sufficient to stimulate Aq793 helicase activity, albeit at a significantly reduced efficacy. To the best of our knowledge this is the first time a human PMS2 homologue has been demonstrated to stimulate a PcrA/UvrD/Rep subfamily helicase, and this finding may further our understanding of the evolution of the mismatch repair pathway.
Serum androstanediol glucuronide in women with facial hirsutism

Background: Measurement of serum 5α-androstane-3α,17β-diol glucuronide (3α-diol G) has been proposed as a useful biochemical marker of peripheral androgen metabolism. Is 3α-diol G a useful biochemical marker of peripheral androgen metabolism and does it correlate with degree of facial hirsutism? Objective: Our purpose was to assess possible correlation between serum 3α-diol G and degree of facial hirsutism and to compare serum 3α-diol G levels with levels of other commonly measured serum androgens. Methods: Twenty-three consecutive women with facial hirsutism were studied, and serum concentrations of 3α-diol G, testosterone (total, free, and biologically active portions), dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate, and androstenedione were measured. Results: There was no correlation between serum 3α-diol G levels and degree of facial hirsutism. There was a correlation between levels of 3α-diol G and dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate ( p p = 0.01), free testosterone ( p p Conclusion: Serum 3α-diol G concentrations have no correlation with degree of facial hirsutism and do not provide additional information over the commonly measured androgens.
Correlation between the number of placental opioid receptors, mode of delivery, and maternal narcotic use

Human placental opioid receptors were assayed using the radioactive opioid agonist, etorphine, to determine the number of binding sites in villous tissue membrane preparations. Significant differences in receptor concentration per milligram of protein of tissue were found between placentas obtained following vaginal or abdominal delivery (P less than 0.002). Labor itself did not alter apparent receptor numbers. In patients with maternal narcotic abuse during pregnancy, no opioid binding could be detected regardless of the mode of delivery, suggesting possible receptor down-regulation.
A Guided Discovery Approach for Learning Metabolic Pathways.

Learning the wealth of information in metabolic pathways is both challenging and overwhelming for students. A step-by-step guided discovery approach to the learning of the chemical steps in gluconeogenesis and the citric acid cycle is described. This approach starts from concepts the student already knows, develops these further in a logical manner using easy-to-remember memory devices, and significantly reduces student learning demand. This approach incorporates the use of PowerPoint, web access, and a digital whiteboard to enhance student learning and retention.
Role of Bach-1 in regulation of heme oxygenase-1 in human liver cells: insights from studies with small interfering RNAS.

Heme oxygenase-1 is an antioxidant defense enzyme that converts heme to biliverdin, iron, and carbon monoxide. Bach-1 is a bZip protein that forms heterodimers with small Maf proteins and was reported recently to down-regulate the HO-1 gene in mice. Using small interfering RNAs targeted to human Bach-1 mRNA, we investigated whether modulation of human hepatic Bach-1 expression by small interfering (si)RNA technology influences heme oxygenase-1 gene expression. We found that Bach-1 siRNAs transfected into Huh-7 cells significantly reduced Bach-1 mRNA and protein levels ∼80%, compared with non siRNA-treated cells. In contrast, transfection with the same amounts of nonspecific control duplexes or LaminB2-duplex did not reduce Bach-1 mRNA or protein levels, confirming the specificity of Bach-1 siRNA. Expression of the heme oxygenase-1 gene in Bach-1 siRNA-transfected cells was up-regulated 7-fold, compared with cells without Bach-1 siRNA. The effect of increasing concentrations of heme to up-regulate levels of heme oxygenase-1 was more pronounced when Bach-1 siRNA was present. Taken together, these results indicated that Bach-1 has a specific and selective ability to repress expression of human hepatic heme oxygenase-1. Silencing of Bach-1 by siRNAs is a useful method for up-regulating HO-1 gene expression. Exogenous heme produces additional up-regulation, beyond that produced by Bach-1 siRNAs, suggesting that heme does not act solely through its effects on Bach-1.
The condition of the B-spline basis for polynomials

It is shown that the polynomial basis provided on a knot by the kth order B-splines which do not vanish on that interval is well conditioned up to a scaling exactly to the extent that at least $k -1$ of the knots stay finite relative to the length of that knot interval.
A variable time step Galerkin method for a one-dimensional Stefan problem

A variable time-step (VTS) method is presented for the solution of a one-dimensional Stefan problem describing the evaporation of droplets. The method uses a simple coordinate transformation and transforms the moving boundary problem into a problem on a fixed domain. The weak or Galerkin formulation of the resulting initial-boundary value problem is then used to derive a system of initial-value problems in ordinary differential equations. The solution is advanced in time by an implicit marching technique coupled with an iterative computation of the time-step for a given advancement of the moving boundary. An integral relationship is used to correct the time-step in each iteration. The numerical results obtained by the present method exhibit very good agreement with those obtained by previous methods.
Phosphorylation of pyruvate dehydrogenase in the hippocampal slice: time course of response to cellular depolarization.

Abstract In the rat hippocampal slice, we evaluated the effects of potassium depolarization on phosphorylation of the alpha subunit of the pyruvate dehydrogenase complex (E1α, mol. wt.∼41 kDa) using an in vitro back-titration assay. The in vitro back-titration phosphorylation of E1α was maximal following 30 s of depolarization and remained elevated for up to 3 min following termination of the depolarizing pulse. Possible significance of and mechanisms for the depolarization-induced changes in E1α phosphorylation are discussed.
Stress relaxation behavior of eutectic tin-lead solder

The creep behavior of eutectic tin-lead solder was investigated using stress relaxation techniques. Stress relaxation experiments were performed on cast tensile specimens of commercial eutectic tin-lead solder, SN63. The sample casting conditions were controlled to produce microstructures similar to those found in typical solder joints on electronic assemblies. The stress relaxation data was analyzed to extract constitutive relations for creep. The strain rate during relaxation was found to follow two power law expressions, one with n = 3.2 at low stress levels and the other with n = 6.2 at higher stress levels. The apparent activation energy for creep and the power law exponent are discussed with relation to the published data for this alloy.
Novel optical properties of Ag films deposited by plasma enhanced atomic layer deposition (PEALD)

We have deposited Ag metal via plasma enhanced atomic layer deposition (PEALD) and we investigated the novel optical behavior of this material. We have found that as-deposited flat PEALD Ag films exhibit unexpected plasmonic properties and the plasmonic enhancement can differ markedly, depending on the microstructure of the Ag film. Electromagnetic field simulations indicate that this plasmonic behavior is due to air gaps that are an inherent property of the mosaiclike microstructure of the PEALD-grown Ag film. We show that this material is plasmonic by itself, and when combined with previously developed dielectric core nanowires, it can produce enhancements which are two orders of magnitude greater than those reported using electroless Ag or Ag produced by e-beam deposition. We have also investigated the effect of substrate on the plasmonic enhancement, as well deposition on fabric, which results in a flexible plasmonic material.
Physical and Psychologic Rehabilitation Outcomes for Young Adults Burned as Children

Abstract Baker CP, Russell WJ, Meyer W III, Blakeney P. Physical and psychologic rehabilitation outcomes for young adults burned as children. Objective To report physical and psychologic outcomes for young adult survivors of pediatric burns. Design Prospective, correlational study. Setting Acute and rehabilitation pediatric burn care facility. Participants Eighty-three young adult survivors of pediatric burns, who were 18 to 28 years of age, with total body surface area (TBSA) burns of 30% or greater, and were at least 2 years postburn. Interventions Not applicable. Main Outcome Measures Physical outcomes were assessed by muscle strength tests, grip and pinch measurements, mobility levels, and self-care (activities of daily living) skills. Psychologic outcomes included behavioral problems, personality disorder, and incidence of psychiatric illness. An individually administered Structured Clinical Interview for Diagnosis, based on the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 4th Edition , for psychiatric diagnosis, was used to assess mental health, and behavioral problems were assessed with the Young Adult Self-Report. Participants reported educational achievement, employment status, state of transition from family of origin (home) to independent living, and pair bonding. The Short-Form 36-Item Health Survey and the Quality of Life Questionnaire were used to assess each participant's self-reported general health and quality of life. Results The majority of subjects had physical and psychologic outcomes that were within the normal range when compared with age-mates who had not experienced burns. The areas that were most likely to be impaired involved peripheral strength (wrist and grip). These deficits affected some self-care skills and correlated with TBSA. Standardized diagnostic interviews showed that greater than 50% of subjects qualified for a psychiatric diagnosis, with anxiety disorders as the most frequently occurring diagnosis. There were few significant correlations of the physical measurements or self-care skills with the burn size, psychologic problems, or social outcomes, and none appeared to be clinically important. Conclusions Most of the people in this sample were functioning physically and psychosocially within normal limits as they reached adulthood. Although they appeared to function well as measured by standardized assessments, there were indications of private suffering that suggested they may not be functioning at an optimal level. The findings suggest that rehabilitation professionals could improve outcomes by including programs to develop overall muscle strength in severely burned children and by addressing concerns related to anxiety and other symptoms of psychologic distress.
The Standards Department and Its Relationships to the IEEE Standards Process

THE PROCESS of developing voluntary electrical standards is one of the outstanding activities of the IEEE Industry Applications Society. The resulting IEEE standards give long-lasting and widespread benefits to Society members, and this is perhaps most evident in the Society's ``Color Book'' series. The Society standards activity also provides a significant service to other members of the IEEE. For instance, ten percent of all income from IEEE standards document sales in recent years has come from IAS standards [1]. This income production is ahead of the collective standards produced by any other IEEE society. (IEEE standards document sales in 1984 alone totalled $1.8 million.) As described in the IEEE Standards Manual [2], an IEEE standard represents a consensus of all interests concerned with the scope of the standard, provides a common ground for communication among those using the standard, and gives an authoritative reference to the state of technology. Each existing IEEE standard must be kept up to date by means of mandatory review at least every five years. The IEEE is accredited by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI), and IEEE standards are routinely submitted to ANSI for adoption as American National Standards.
NMDA receptor antagonists ameliorate the stepping deficits produced by unilateral medial forebrain bundle injections of 6-OHDA in rats.

To test the hypothesis that excess glutamatergic transmission at NMDA receptors may contribute to the pathogenesis of Parkinson’s disease (PD), we examined the effects of various NMDA receptor antagonists on a recently developed rat model of PD. Following unilateral injections of 12 µg 6-OHDA into the medial forebrain bundle of male Long Evans rats, stepping with both front paws was measured separately as the paws were dragged backwards and laterally. The effects of IP injections of varying doses of l-dopa, the non-competitive NMDA receptor antagonist dizocilpine [(+)-MK-801], the competitive NMDA receptor antagonist CPP, and combinations of l-dopa and NMDA receptor antagonists were then examined on stepping in three separate groups of rats. The lesioned rats stepped less often with their contralateral paw than with their ipsilateral paw, and the magnitude of this stepping deficit was positively correlated with the amount of DA depletion in the ipsilateral dorsal striatum. l-Dopa (1–25 mg/kg) dose dependently enhanced stepping with the contralateral paw, and 0.15-0.3 mg/kg dizocilpine and 1.5–6.25 mg/kg CPP enhanced stepping with the contralateral paw as much as did 8 mg/kg l-dopa. The combinations of l-dopa and each of the NMDA receptor antagonists did not significantly improve stepping more than either drug alone. Moreover, none of the drugs completely eliminated the stepping deficits, and high doses began to impair stepping with the ipsilateral paw by inducing turning. These data indicate that deficits in contralateral stepping are a reliable and sensitive measure of akinesia in unilateral 6-OHDA-lesioned rats, and they support the hypothesis that excess glutamatergic transmission at NMDA receptors may play a role in the expression of PD symptomology.
Establishing New Subcategories: The Role of Category Labels and Existing Knowledge

Previous research has revealed that novel nouns highlight category relations at superordinate and basic levels but, paradoxically, make subordinate classification more difficult for preschool children. In Experiment 1, we provide additional evidence that novel nouns put 3-year-old children at a disadvantage in subordinate classification. We suggest that this reflects young children's inclination to label and classify objects at the basic level. In Experiments 2 and 3, we identify 2 circumstances under which 3-year-old children alter their basic level expectation. In Experiment 2, we provide children with specific information to distinguish the relevant subclasses. In Experiment 3, we introduce the novel nouns in conjunction with the familiar basic level labels. Under each of these circumstances, novel nouns do not present an obstacle to subordinate classification. Children's linguistic biases (e.g., the noun-category bias) and their existing knowledge and vocabularies jointly influence early conceptual development.
A Comparison of Tracers of Cool Gas in Galaxies and the 12 CO/ 13 CO Luminosity Ratio in Luminous Infrared Galaxies

We present new observations of 12CO (J = 2-1), 13CO (J = 2-1), and 1.3 mm dust continuum emission toward seven diverse galaxies (IC 10, IRAS 10565+2448, the Antennae—NGC 4038 and 4039, NGC 4736, Mrk 231, and NGC 6090). Compared with the other galaxies in the sample, the two ultraluminous infrared galaxies (ULIGs) exhibit reduced 13CO line luminosities with respect to the 12CO line luminosities and 1.3 mm dust luminosities. These observations parallel the established trend of large R-values in ULIGs compared with more quiescent spiral galaxies. The two luminous merging pairs in our sample with moderate starburst activity, the Antennae and NGC 6090, do not appear to show the large R-values. The results are consistent with models in which 12CO emission is dominated in the most luminous mergers by warm regions of ISM with moderate optical depths (τ ~ 1). For the other galaxies, R is more typical of the optically thick case 10 < R < 20, and most of the emission probably arises from within cooler molecular clouds. We compare these data with previous 12CO (J = 3-2) and [C I] (3P1-3P0) observations from the literature.
A marker technique to identify diffusing elements during initial reactions using ion scattering spectroscopy

A variation of classical marker techniques has been combined with low-energy ion scattering spectroscopy (ISS) to study the diffusion of species during the initial formation of several reachted monolayers, allowing the study of thinner layers than standard marker techniques allow. Results are presented for the reaction of oxygen with GaAs under 248 nm laser illumination and at 400 °C, as well as for the well-studied case of Ni oxidation at room information that can be obtained with his method. The results show that inward oxygen diffusion can be distinguished from outward metal diffusion as the reaction proceeds. This information is crucial for developing an understanding of reaction mechanisms in thin films.
Ruby laser: a superior method for removing tattoos

Tattoos are physically painful to receive, socially painful to bear, and until now have been painful to remove. The processes used to remove tattoos are an unpleasant catalogue of destructive techniques that produce far less than acceptable cosmetic results.
X-ray spectroscopy of nitrile hydratase at pH 7 and 9.

The iron K-edge X-ray absorption spectrum of Rhodococcus sp. R312 (formerly Brevibacterium sp. R312) nitrile hydratase in frozen solutions at pH 7 and 9 has been analyzed to determine details of the iron coordination. EXAFS analysis implies two or three sulfur ligands per iron and overall six coordination; together with previous EPR and ENDOR results, this implies an N3S2O ligation sphere. The bond lengths from EXAFS analysis [rav(Fe−S) = 2.21 A at pH 7.3; rav(Fe−N/O) = 1.99 A] support cis coordination of two cysteine ligands and conclusively rule out nitric oxide coordination to the iron, a possibility proposed on the basis of an FTIR difference experiment [Noguchi, T., Honda, J., Nagamune, T., Sasabe, H., Inoue, Y., & Endo, I. (1995) FEBS Lett. 358, 9−12]. The higher-frequency EXAFS can be simulated well by inclusion of multiple scattering from two or three imidazole ligands; the fit to the data is improved if first-sphere multiple scattering pathways are also included. A slight shortening (by 0.02 ± 0....
An analysis of corporate ethical code studies: “Where do we go from here?”

The dramatic increase in the number of corporate ethical codes over the past 20 years has been attributed to the Watergate scandal and the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act. Ethical codes differ somewhat from profesional codes and mission statements; yet the terms are frequently interchanged and often confused in the literature. Ethical code studies are reviewed in terms of how codes are communicated to employees and whether implications for violating codes are discussed. Most studies use content analysis to determine subjects in codes. Little information is available about how codes are communicated, whether they are accepted and used by employees, and whether they affect employee/corporate behavior. More research on ethical codes is needed to answer some of these questions.
Choline Deficiency in Cultured Adrenal Medullary Cells: Effect on Phosphatidylcholine Biosynthesis

The effect of choline deficiency on the composition and biosynthesis of the major membrane phospholipids was examined in adrenal medullary cells maintained in suspension cultures. The amount and proportions of phosphatidylcholine (PC) and phosphatidylethanolamine (PE) in these cells were not affected by the removal of choline from the culture media. However, the rate of biosynthesis of choline at the phosphatide level by the stepwise methylation of PE increased twofold within 24 h after choline was removed from the culture media, while ethanolamine incorporation into PE was increased by 50%. In contrast, the rate of incorporation of labeled choline into PC, presumably via CDP-choline, was virtually identical in cells that had been preincubated in the presence or absence of 1 mM choline. These results demonstrate that cultured cells of neural origin are capable of compensating for lack of exogenous choline by forming choline at the phosphatide level through the sequential methylation of PE. The hypolipidemic drug, DH-990, when added to the culture media, inhibited conversion of phosphatidylmonomethylethanolamine (PME) to PC, but had no effect on the N-methylation of PE. This differential effect indicates that the initial N-methylation of PE is catalyzed by an enzyme that is distinguishable from the enzyme(s) catalyzing the conversion of PME to PC.
Long-Evans and Sprague-Dawley rats exhibit divergent responses to refeeding after caloric restriction.

Mature male Sprague-Dawley (SD) and Long-Evans (LE) rats were instrumented with telemetry transmitters for measurement of heart rate (HR) and housed in room calorimeters for assessment of food inta...
Using a psychophysical approach to identify a user's self selected thermal comfort on a task chair

Abstract It is understood that posture and support affect discomfort and consequently have received widespread attention from researchers. Another factor that could contribute to comfort is the thermal influence due to interaction between the human and the seating surface for which literature is limited. The primary focus of this research was to identify a user's self-selected thermal comfort on a traditional foam-based seat pan while performing a typing/mousing/reading task. A psychophysical approach was applied to evaluate the thermal influence of a task chair with the seat pan temperature as the objective variable. The method of adjustments protocol used two testing sessions with different initial settings. Results of the preliminary study with 10 female participants between 30 and 45 years indicated that the psychophysical methodology is applicable for the purpose. Results also indicate that users' self-selected comfort was achieved when the average temperature of the seat-pan interface was lower than the participant's oral body temperature. Relevance to industry Properties of seat pan materials should be considered by chair designers, which could help alleviate the thermal discomfort experienced by chair users.
Comments on Singer's “Beyond the Ivory Tower: Critical Praxis in Medical Anthropology”

N i ew England's famous fall foliage peaked yesterday afternoon, Columbus Day, in my backyard in Amherst. The children were home from school. We had just finished planting scores of daffodil and narcissus bulbs when the phone rang. Merrill Singer was calling from the Hispanic Health Council, which was open for business as it is every Columbus Day to remind us that not everyone perceives the anniversary of colonial occupation of the New World as cause for celebration.
X-Ray measurement of short-range order in βAgZn☆

Abstract To determine short-range order in a β-brass-type structure, measurements have been made on βAgZn. Using crystal monochromated CuKα and a single crystal of βAgZn held at 330°C, measurements were made of the diffuse scattering throughout a sufficient volume in reciprocal space. The low intensity of the short-range order peak, relative to the temperature diffuse scattering, makes it difficult to obtain accurate short-range order intensities. A Fourier analysis gave values for the first five short-range order coefficients a i = −0.31, +0.27, +0.14, −0.08 and +0.06. The value of a 1 corresponds to 5.2 unlike and 2.8 like atoms as nearest neighbors.
Cataloging Theses:: Faster with Keys

Recently, members of our cataloging department decided to enter the university's theses into the OCLC Online Union Catalog as part of a retrospect conversion project. Since several fields are similar in all these records, we felt we could save time and eliminate the chance of some typing errors if these fields could be put on user‐defined function keys.
N,N-difluorotris(tert-butyl)silylamine-the first organosilyl difluoroamine. Synthesis and computational studies.

The synthesis and characterization of the first stable trialkyl(difluoroamino)silane, R3SiNF2, as well as of R3SiNHF and R3SiN(CH3)F in moderate yields are reported. The (difluoroamino)silane has promise as a new synthon for the introduction of the −NF2 group into a variety of electrophilic inorganic and organic substrates. Activation barriers and relative energies were calculated for the unimolecular decompositions of Me3SiCF3 and t-Bu3SiNF2 using density functional theory (B3LYP/6-31G*). The calculated activation energies confirm the long-assumed kinetic stability of Me3SiCF3.
The Christmas Potlatch: A Refinement on the Sociological Interpretation of Gift Exchange

This paper examines certain asymmetries in the Christmas gift exchange such that one class of persons receives more than is given. The classic case is that of children vis-a-vis parents, but other instances can be found. These asymmetries are examined in terms of their symbolic significance. That is, they are seen to reflect the differential dependencies of constituent bodies on the collectivity and each one's authority to act as its agent.
Routine activities and product counterfeiting: a research note

Product counterfeiting has only recently emerged as an area of research interest for criminal justice and criminology scholars. As a consequence, criminological research and application of criminological theory to this phenomenon is limited at this time. This article proposes that routine activities theory provides an excellent framework for understanding the product counterfeiting phenomenon. The article reviews the basic tenets and concept of the theory, provides a brief review of the existing criminological literature that addresses product counterfeiting with special attention on the theoretical perspectives that have been applied until now, maps out a general framework for the application of routine activities theory to product counterfeiting, and identifies key indicators used to study product counterfeiting from a routine activities perspective. It concludes with a discussion on how this framework will enhance the understanding of the crime and identifies new avenues for research.
What they think, what they know, what they do: Rural secondary teachers’ motivational beliefs and strategies

This research examined how rural high school teachers’ beliefs and perceptions of themselves, their students and the challenge of motivation influence their strategic classroom and interpersonal motivating practice. Participants were 13 teachers in three rural, public high schools in two US states. Teachers’ beliefs about motivation generally, and their students’ motivation specifically, reflect a position favouring need and willingness to intervene for unmotivated students. However, their self-perceptions reflect a relatively weak efficacy to intervene successfully. Generally, teachers’ prevalent choice of strategies aligned with their perceptions of reasons that students were undermotivated. In contrast, some teachers’ narratives of actual efforts to motivate a specific student were inconsistent with their self-reported philosophies and style of motivation, and with their general statements of how they would motivate students who needed it. These findings suggest implications for design of teacher education and inservice teacher professional development.
Determination of Drug Absorption Rates Without Chemical Assay

This study illustrates the possibility of determining absorption rates of certain drugs without using chemical assays. The method is based on the determination of the time of onset of a suitable pharmacologic response under conditions where a constant drug concentration gradient across the absorbing membranes is maintained. While particularly suitable to studies with fish and other aquatic animals, the method may also be applicable to mammals for determining the absorption rate of certain volatile substances or aerosols administered by the pulmonary route and of certain dissolved drugs administered by intestinal perfusion.
Crime, shame and reintegration in Russia:

We address individual-level hypotheses from Braithwaite’s shaming theory using Russian survey data. The results are mixed. Disintegrative shaming is associated with future misconduct, but being rei...
Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, and Questioning Youths' Perspectives of Inclusive School-Based Sexuality Education

Sexuality education is perceived as one way to prevent unhealthy sexual behaviors. However, current sexuality education materials are not tailored to fit the needs of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer/questioning (LGBTQ) youth, and many have been critiqued for disenfranchising these populations. This study solicited the perspectives of LGBTQ youth on their experiences with school-based sexuality education in order to create a framework of LGBTQ-inclusive sexuality education. Five semistructured focus groups (N = 30 LGBTQ participants) were conducted to investigate the sexuality education experiences of LGBTQ youth and to solicit youth suggestions for improving the inclusiveness of sexuality education curricula. Results indicate that LGBTQ youth perceive current sexuality education as primarily “exclusive,” although examples of “inclusive” sexuality education were provided. In addition, participants provided suggestions for creating a more inclusive experience, such as directly discussing LGBT...
Intranasal Instillation of Oxytocin Increases Insulin and Glucagon Secretion

AbstractIntravenously administered oxytocin was found to increase plasma insulin and glucagon levels. To explore if the same effects could be obtained by nonparenteral routes of administration, oxytocin was given by nasal instillation in normal conscious dogs. Plasma glucose, insulin, and glucagon levels all increased to levels which previously were shown to cause increased glucose production and utilization. Vasopressin infusion had no effect on these measurements. This is the first report of the effectiveness of oxytocin to evoke insulin and glucagon secretion by the nasal route of administration.
Farmers' perceptions of resource problems and adoption of conservation practices in a densely populated area

Abstract Population growth in Africa has had a significant effect on per capita food production over the past two decades. High population growth rates and the resulting increase in population density have also affected the environment. Pressure on farmland has led to deforestation, shortened fallow, decreased farm size and erosion. These trends are examined specifically for Rwanda and other selected nations. This paper presents findings from a series of Sondeo discussions in a high density area of Rwanda to illustrate how farmers view local soil and land fertility problems, in terms of their causes, solutions and adaptations. A second set of data collected from a survey of 448 farmers in the same area is used to examine their perceptions of erosion and soil fertility conditions on their farms, as well as their adoption of several recommended conservation practices. The results from the Sondeo show that farmers' assessments of problems are in agreement with what outside observers have identified for the area. Farmers propose a wide rage of adaptations and solutions for addressing the problems. In the survey portion of the larger study a majority of farmers report soil erosion and reduced soil fertility problems on at least some of their fields, and a decrease in use of fallow. In terms of adopting certain recommended conservation practices farmers have adopted tall grasses and terraces on some plots, while other practices are not as widely adopted. The discussion of the findings focuses on several limiting factors which inhibit more extensive use of conservation practices. There is a final discussion of alternative adaptations farmers can make in a setting with high population growth and density.
Subbasins, portals, and mazes: Transients in high dimensions☆

Abstract Transients in spatially-extended systems can be so long that the asymptotic invariant measure, or attractor, is irrelevant to the observed behavior. Even if the dynamics admits no local information production, a transient can appear quite complex spatially or temporally unpredictable. In such situations, the observed complexity depends on the basin structure in a high-dimensional state space. Statistical methods are used to elucidate the geometry of two broad classes of transient behavior: stationary and nonstationary.
Bycatch quotas in the Gulf of Mexico shrimp trawl fishery: can they work?

Bycatch of unwanted, prohibited, or protected species is a problem in most commercial fisheries. Trawl fisheries are particularly prone to bycatch problems because trawls are not species-selective. In this paper, I review the history of finfish bycatch research in the Gulf of Mexico shrimp trawl fishery and explore the use of quotas to reduce finfish bycatch by examining four fisheries that currently use bycatch quotas: (1) the arrow squid trawl fishery of New Zealand, which uses fleet bycatch quotas for sea lion bycatch, (2) the Alaskan groundfish trawl fisheries, which use fleet quotas under a “vessel incentive program” for prohibited species, (3) the groundfish trawl fishery of British Columbia, Canada which uses individual vessel bycatch quotas for prohibited species, and (4) the multi-species trawl fisheries of New Zealand, which use catch balancing, or individual transferable quotas, for most commercially landed species. Based on the bycatch quota experiences in these fisheries, elements of successful bycatch quota programs include: (1) individual accountability, in the form of individual or cooperative bycatch quotas, rather than fleet quotas, (2) 100% observer coverage, (3) relatively small, manageable fleets, (4) limited landing ports that can be easily monitored, particularly if observer coverage is incomplete, (5) reliable enforcement, (6) penalties that are true disincentives, and (7) some flexibility in the system for fishermen to have alternatives to manage their bycatch. The Gulf of Mexico shrimp trawl fishery, with an estimated 20,000 licensed boats, is currently too large for individual bycatch quotas to be practical, although individual or cooperative bycatch quotas would be excellent strategies for reducing the bycatch of a smaller fleet. Mobile closed areas might be beneficial for reducing the bycatch of particular species, but these short-term closures would require real-time monitoring of bycatch rates and vessel monitoring systems on all vessels. However, under any management regime, incentives and/or rigorously enforced disincentives are the key to successful bycatch reduction.
Engineering naturally occurring trans-acting non-coding RNAs to sense molecular signals

Non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) are versatile regulators in cellular networks. While most trans-acting ncRNAs possess well-defined mechanisms that can regulate transcription or translation, they generally lack the ability to directly sense cellular signals. In this work, we describe a set of design principles for fusing ncRNAs to RNA aptamers to engineer allosteric RNA fusion molecules that modulate the activity of ncRNAs in a ligand-inducible way in Escherichia coli. We apply these principles to ncRNA regulators that can regulate translation (IS10 ncRNA) and transcription (pT181 ncRNA), and demonstrate that our design strategy exhibits high modularity between the aptamer ligand-sensing motif and the ncRNA target-recognition motif, which allows us to reconfigure these two motifs to engineer orthogonally acting fusion molecules that respond to different ligands and regulate different targets in the same cell. Finally, we show that the same ncRNA fused with different sensing domains results in a sensory-level NOR gate that integrates multiple input signals to perform genetic logic. These ligand-sensing ncRNA regulators provide useful tools to modulate the activity of structurally related families of ncRNAs, and building upon the growing body of RNA synthetic biology, our ability to design aptamer–ncRNA fusion molecules offers new ways to engineer ligand-sensing regulatory circuits.
968 IMMUNE-SPECIFIC GAMMA INTERFERON (IFN) PRODUCTION CORRELATES WITH LYMPHOCYTE BLASTOGENESIS

Gamma IFN is produced by human mononuclear cells in culture from seropositive donors in response to cytomegalovirus (CMV), herpes simplex virus, mumps virus, and varicella zoster virus (VZV) antigens. The recent availability of an RIA for gamma IFN (IMRX™, Centocor Inc., Malvern, PA) makes gamma IFN production a potentially more rapid and sensitive measure of cell-mediated immunity than a six day blastogenesis assay. Mononuclear cells were obtained from 32 healthy adults (18 CMV seropositive (S+) and 14 CMV seronegative (S−)) by Ficoll hypaque gradients and cultured in triplicate in microtiter plates containing either CMV, VZV, tetanus antigen or phytohemagglutinin (PHA). Lymphocyte blastogenesis (3H thymidine uptake) and gamma IFN were determined on day 6. The mean stimulation index (SI) of S+ (10.01 ± 9.46) was significantly greater than S− individuals (1.04 ± 0.67) (p 10 NIH units/ml) were observed for S+ individuals at 24 hours with peak levels at 4 days. No detectable levels of IFN (< 2 NIH units/ml) were observed in (S−) individuals during the six day incubation. In conclusion, mononuclear cell production of gamma IFN in a sensitive assay for CMI and is readily detectable in vitro as early as 24 hours.
Power-Aware Compilation for Embedded Processors with Dynamic Voltage Scaling and Adaptive Body Biasing Capabilities

Traditionally, active power has been the primary source of power dissipation in CMOS designs. Although, leakage power is becoming increasingly more important as technology feature sizes continue to shrink, traditioinal power optimization techniques often neglect its contribution to total system power. In this paper, we present a power-aware compilation methodology that targets an embedded processor with both dynamic voltage scaling (DVS) and adaptive body biasing (ABB) capabilities. Our technique has the unique advantage of optimizing design power by jointly optimizing dynamic and leakage power dissipation. Considering the delay and energy penalty of swithching between processor modes, our compiler generates code with minimum power consumption under deadline constraints. Compared to not performing any optimization, or using DVS alone, our technique improves the power consumption of a number of embedded application kernels by 2 6 %, and 1 4 %, respectively.
Bandwidth Dependence of Measured uv Absorption Cross Sections of Argon

The atomic-absorption cross section of neutral argon between the P232 and P212 states of the Ar+ ion has been measured at an instrumental bandwidth of 0.04 A. Accurate line shapes for the (3s)2 (3p)5 P212nd′ transitions have been obtained for n = 9 to 20. Also presented are oscillator strengths and line positions for transitions having n = 9 to 30. In the course of this investigation an analysis was made of the effect of instrumental bandwidth on measured absorption cross sections and line shapes in the ultraviolet. It is demonstrated that, contrary to the assumption made by many uv-spectroscopists, a linear Beer’s law plot does not necessarily indicate that a true peak or minimum absorption cross section has been measured. Errors of as much as a factor of two can be introduced by this assumption. The results presented in this paper have been corrected for this effect. Discrepancies between these and earlier measurements are shown to be consistent with the analysis.
Atlantic overturning circulation susceptible to tipping point shift

A sudden shift in the strength of the Atlantic meridional overturning circulation (AMOC) is thought to be the most important mechanism behind several past abrupt changes in the climate. AMOC transports heat, salt, and nutrients throughout the Atlantic Ocean. Paleoclimate evidence has shown that changes in its strength affect the climate worldwide. Whether AMOC could suddenly shift again depends on whether the circulation can exist in more than one stable state.
Will Current Management Practice Ensure Sustainability of the Fortune Bay Lobster Fishery

Abstract Fortune Bay on the south coast is an exception to the general decline in lobster landings that prevailed around Newfoundland during the 1990s. High landings not only continued beyond the early 1990s peak for the island as a whole but have actually continued increasing to unprecedented levels. The influence of egg production around St. Pierre-Miquelon (French islands at the mouth of Fortune Bay) as well as the timing of hydro-electric and aquaculture developments in Bay d'Espoir are considered in this pape ras possible causes of the high landings in the study area. Recommendations are made to modify the current management regime to include a more moderate level of exploitation (and thus a higher portion of potential population egg production) to ensure ongoing strong recruitment and a sustainable fishery.
Potential cytokine biomarkers in autism spectrum disorders

Autism spectrum disorders (ASD) are complex neurodevelopmental disorders characterized by impairments in three core behavioral areas. As prevalence rates for ASD continue to rise there is also increasing interest in finding biomarkers associated with ASD. The use of biomarkers could help identify those at risk for ASD or ASD-associated comorbid conditions and help to predict the developmental course of these children. Due to the heterogeneity of ASD, biomarkers may help to identify subpopulations within ASD that share similar traits or profiles. Such work could lead to specialized therapy and help to develop biomarkers whereby the benefits of treatments/therapies for individuals could be monitored over time and through clinical trials. Over the last 10 years, the evidence of immune involvement in ASD has been steadily growing and many investigators have begun to look at possible immune biomarkers, such as immune cytokine profiles, in children with ASD.
Counseling for Personal Loss

This article presents both a conceptual model of and strategies for counseling on issues of personal loss. Grieving occurs even when losses are not caused by death, and problems appear when grieving is not allowed to proceed naturally. Counseling should aim to identify the need for and to facilitate the process of grieving so that clients are not overwhelmed by the experience. Specific suggestions offer conceptualizations and clinical approaches to help clients cope with a variety of loss problems.
Poroelastic stress-triggering of the 2005 M8.7 Nias earthquake by the 2004 M9.2 Sumatra–Andaman earthquake

Abstract The M9.2 Sumatra–Andaman earthquake (SAE) occurred three months prior to the M8.7 Nias earthquake (NE). We propose that the NE was mechanically triggered by the SAE, and that poroelastic effects were a major component of this triggering. This study uses 3D finite element models (FEMs) of the Sumatra–Andaman subduction zone (SASZ) to predict the deformation, stress, and pore pressure fields of the SAE. The coseismic slip distribution for the SAE is calibrated to near-field GPS data using FEM-generated Green's Functions and linear inverse methods. The calibrated FEM is then used to predict the postseismic poroelastic contribution to stress-triggering along the rupture surface of the NE, which is adjacent to the southern margin of the SAE. The coseismic deformation of the SAE, combined with the rheologic configuration of the SASZ produces two transient fluid flow regimes having separate time constants. SAE coseismic pore pressures in the relatively shallow forearc and volcanic arc regions (within a few km depth) dissipate within one month after the SAE. However, pore pressures in the oceanic crust of the down-going slab persist several months after the SAE. Predictions suggest that the SAE initially induced MPa-scale negative pore pressure near the hypocenter of the NE. This pore pressure slowly recovered (increased) during the three-month interval separating the SAE and NE due to lateral migration of pore fluids, driven by coseismic pressure gradients, within the subducting oceanic crust. Because pore pressure is a fundamental component of Coulomb stress, the MPa-scale increase in pore pressure significantly decreased stability of the NE fault during the three-month interval after the SAE and prior to rupture of the NE. A complete analysis of stress-triggering due to the SAE must include a poroelastic component. Failure to include poroelastic mechanics will lead to an incomplete model that cannot account for the time interval between the SAE and NE. Our transient poroelastic model explains both the spatial and temporal characteristics of triggering of the NE by the SAE.
Secret-Sharing Based Secure Communication Protocols for Passive RFIDs

With increase in applicability of RFID technology, there is ever growing demand for security. The popularity of RFID applicability lies in its ability for automatic identification and low-cost of RFID tags. Most of the recent security protocols for RFID technology are based on cryptographic hash-based function which currently cannot be implemented on low-cost RFID tags. In this paper, we present a lightweight protocol based on key transportation and authentication using threshold secret sharing scheme which provides strong security on low-cost RFID tags without the need to connect to the backend server. Our solution is based on an asymmetric computation strategy allocating mathematical operations such as modular addition and XOR on passive RFID tags and move the computational complexity to the RFID interrogators. We believe a secure protocol on low-cost RFID tags would make RFID technology ubiquitous.