cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Gel electrophoresis salivary mucins

Bovine Submaxillary mucin (BSM) and human submandibular mucin (HSM) were electrophoresed in a system in which the mucins were incorporated into an agarose sample gel and separation was carried out in a 5 % polyacrylamide gel. BSM was resolved into two protein- and carbohydrate-containing bands, and a number of non-mucin proteins. When the electrophoresis was carried out at 80°C, the mobilities and resolution of the bands were increased. The entry of HSM into the running gel was also increased at the elevated temperature and the samples were separated into at least four protein- and carbohydrate-stainable bands. Protein bound sialic acid remained unchanged unter these conditions and aggregating activity for cells of a strain of oral streptococcus could be recovered from the gels after the electrophoresis. The facilitation of the electrophoresis of human mucus glycoprotein's at high temperature may reflect the dissociation of macromolecular aggregates of the mucins under these conditions. A number of purified, non-mucin proteins also moved as discrete bands at 80degreeC. It is suggested that electrophoresis at elevated temperatures should be considered generally for the analysis of multimolecular systems that are of biological importance.
The Clinical Use of Allografts, Demineralized Bone Matrices, Synthetic Bone Graft Substitutes and Osteoinductive Growth Factors: A Survey Study

The emergence of new bone grafting options and alternatives has led to significant uncertainty when determining the most appropriate product for surgical procedures requiring bone graft in orthopedics. Allografts, demineralized bone matrices, synthetic bone graft substitutes, and osteoinductive growth factors are all viable options, yet there is a lack of data reporting clinical usage of these products. This correspondence reports on the use of bone grafting products at the Hospital for Special Surgery for a 27-month period and makes recommendations based on surgical usage, safety, and cost. Approximately half (48.6%) of all bone graft substitutes were implanted during spinal surgery. Arthroplasty, trauma, and foot/hand cases all used considerable amounts of bone grafting products as well (20.1%, 19.0%, 12.1%, respectively). Considerable differences were noticed in usage of bone grafting products among each orthopedic discipline. Of all bone graft substitutes used in arthroplasty, 14.4% were demineralized bone matrices, whereas 56.8% were allografts. Demineralized bone matrix grafts were used in 82% of trauma surgery and 89% of foot/hand cases. An increase in synthetic bone graft alternatives was noticed near the end of our investigation period.
The joint effects of ADH1B variants and childhood adversity on alcohol related phenotypes in African-American and European-American women and men

BACKGROUND: The ADH1B gene has consistently been implicated in problem drinking, but rarely incorporated into gene by environment investigations of alcohol phenotypes. This study examined the joint effects of variation in ADH1B and childhood adversity-a well-documented risk factor for alcohol problems and moderator of genetic liability to psychiatric outcomes-on maximum drinks consumed in a 24-hour period (maxdrinks) and alcohol use disorder (AUD) symptoms. METHODS: Data were drawn from 2,617 African-American (AA) and 1,436 European-American (EA) participants (42% female) in a multisite genetic study of substance dependence. We tested the most significant ADH1B single nucleotide polymorphisms for alcohol dependence from a genomewide association study with this sample, ADH1B-rs1229984 (Arg48His) and ADH1B-rs2066702 (Arg370Cys), in EA and AA subsamples, respectively. RESULTS: Ordinal regression analyses conducted separately by sex and population revealed significant main effects for childhood adversity for both alcohol phenotypes in AA women and men and for maxdrinks in EA women. A significant rs1229984 by childhood adversity interaction was observed for AUD symptoms in EA men. Unexposed His-allele carriers reported a mean of 3.6 AUD criteria, but adversity-exposed His-allele carriers endorsed approximately the same number (6.3) as those without the protective allele (6.3 and 7.0 for adversity-exposed and -unexposed groups, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: Results suggest that under conditions of childhood adversity, the His allele does not exert its protective effects in EA men (OR = 0.57, CI: 0.32 to 1.01; p = 0.056). FINDINGS highlight the robust risk effect conferred by childhood adversity and the importance of considering population and sex in genetically informative investigations of its association with alcohol outcomes. Language: en
Service needs of clients in outpatient substance-use disorder treatment: A latent class analysis

Objective: The purpose of this study was to determine if there are common classes of service needs among clients in outpatient substance-use disorder treatment. Method: Data for this study were derived from the National Treatment Improvement Evaluation Survey. This study focused on clients in outpatient treatment (N = 2,256). The majority of the subjects were male (74%). Latent class analysis was used to explore different class solutions. Results: A four-class solution exhibited the best fit with the data. Based on the features of the classes, the classes were named “multiple needs,” “interpersonal needs,” “financial needs,” and “low needs.” Validation analysis showed that psychiatric problems exhibited the strongest associations with the multiple needs class. Conclusions: With service needs extending beyond substance-abuse treatment problems, a classification seems to aid in characterizing the heterogeneity of this population and is suggested of the need for packaged service approaches. (J. Stud. Alcohol...
A Cahn–Hilliard model in bounded domains with permeable walls

In this article, we propose a model of phase separation in a binary mixture confined to a bounded region which may be contained within porous walls. The boundary conditions are derived from a mass conservation law and variational methods. Employing classical methods, that is, fixed point theorems and standard energy methods, we obtain the existence and uniqueness of a global solution to our problem. We then also compare our model of phase separation with other previous Cahn–Hilliard equations with homogeneous Neumann and dynamic boundary conditions. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
An excursion to define the boundaries of the Government Reference Architecture

This paper describes a preliminary proof of concept of the Government reference architecture (GRA) that integrates a commercial-off-the-shelf (COTS) universal software radio peripheral (USRP) platform developed for the GNU Radio project, GNU Radio source code for the USRP, and the Virginia Tech based open source software communications architecture implementation::embedded (OSSIE) environment.
Mapping and genome sequence analysis of chromosome 5 regions involved in bladder cancer progression

We studied the evolution of allelic losses on chromosome 5 by whole-organ histologic and genetic mapping in 234 mucosal DNA samples of 5 cystectomy specimens with invasive bladder cancer and preneoplastic changes in adjacent urothelium. The frequency of alterations in individual loci was verified on 32 tumors and 29 voided urine samples from patients with bladder cancer. Finally, deleted regions on chromosome 5 were integrated with the human genome contigs and sequence-based databases. Deleted regions on chromosome 5 involved in intraurothelial phases of bladder neoplasia defined by their nearest flanking markers and predicted size were identified as follows: q13.3-q22 (D5S424-D5S656; 38.8 centimorgan [cM]); q22-q31.1 (D5S656-D5S808; 19.2 cM), q31.1-q32 (D5S816-SPARC; 11.5 cM), and q34 (GABRA1-D5S415; 6.4 cM). The two most frequently deleted neighbor markers (D5S2055 and D5S818) mapping to q22-q31.1 defined a 9 cM region, which may contain genes that play an important role in early phases of urinary bladder carcinogenesis. Human genome database analysis provided an accurate map of deleted regions with positions of 138 known genes and revealed several smaller gene-rich areas representing putative targets for further mapping. The strategic approach presented here, which combines whole-organ histologic and genetic mapping with analysis of the rapidly emerging human genome sequence database, facilitates identification of genes potentially involved in early phases of bladder carcinogenesis.
The role of H2O in the carbonation of forsterite in supercritical CO2

Abstract The effect of variable H2O content on the carbonation of forsterite in supercritical CO2 (scCO2) at 80 °C and 76 bars (7.6 MPa) was investigated by a combination of NMR, XRD, TEM and XPS. When trace amounts of H2O were included, limited reaction was observed. Below H2O saturation in scCO2, reaction products were a mixture of partially hydrated/hydroxylated magnesium carbonates and hydroxylated silica species that were mainly in an amorphous state, forming a non-resolved layer on the forsterite surface. At H2O content above saturation, where forsterite was in contact with both a CO2-saturated aqueous fluid and H2O-saturated scCO2, solid reaction products were magnesite (MgCO3) and an amorphous polymerized SiO2. Formation of these anhydrous phases implies H2O initially bound in precursor hydrated/hydroxylated reaction products was liberated, inducing further reaction. Hence, for a given fluid/mineral ratio there is a H2O threshold above which a significant portion of the H2O serves in a catalytic role where more extensive carbonation reaction occurs. Defining the role of H2O, even in low H2O content environments, is therefore critical to determining the long term impact of CO2 reactivity in the subsurface.
Heteroduplex formation and polarity during strand transfer promoted by ustilago rec1 protein

Ustilago rec1 protein promotes formation of joint molecules between circular strands and linear duplex DNA in two stages. During the first stage--synapsis--ATP, or the nonhydrolyzable analog adenylyl-imidodiphosphate, is a necessary cofactor in the formation of complexes. During the second stage--strand exchange--transfer of the circular single strand to the duplex appears to require energy derived from ATP hydrolysis. Rec1-promoted strand exchange is driven in a unique direction. Circular plus strand pairs with the 5' end of its complement in the linear duplex molecule. The 3' end of the plus strand is displaced from the duplex as the circle rolls in.
A polygonal approximation to direct scalar volume rendering

One method of directly rendering a three-dimensional volume of scalar data is to project each cell in a volume onto the screen. Rasterizing a volume cell is more complex than rasterizing a polygon. A method is presented that approximates tetrahedral volume cells with hardware renderable transparent triangles. This method produces results which are visually similar to more exact methods for scalar volume rendering, but is faster and has smaller memory requirements. The method is best suited for display of smoothly-changing data.
Crime in Nonmetropolitan America: A National Accounting of Trends, Incidence Rates, and Idiosyncratic Vulnerabilities

Abstract The prevalence and nature of crime in rural America have been given relatively little research attention. An overview of the trends, incidence rates, and particular vulnerabilities nonmetropolitan (nonmetro) residents have to criminal victimization compared with their metropolitan (metro) counterparts are provided through data from the National Crime Victimization Survey. Results indicate that victimization rates for all locations generally have been declining since the peak rates witnessed in the mid- 1970s, with residents of metro central cities being the most susceptible to victimization, followed by other metro and nonmetro residents, respectively. Certain subgroups of nonmetro residents, however, are as susceptible as their counterparts in metro areas who reside outside central cities to particular types of victimization. Implications for policy are discussed.
Realignment Expectations, Forward Rate Bias, and Intervention in an Optimizing Model of Exchange Rate Adjustment

The paper models an adjustable peg exchange rate arrangement as a policy rule with an escape clause under which the timing and magnitudes of realignments are the outcomes of policy optimization decisions. Under the assumptions that market participants are rational, risk averse, and fully informed about the incentives of policymakers, the analysis focuses on the implications for relating realignment expectations, the interest differential, and the risk premium to the state variables that enter the policy objective function, for modeling the bias in using forward exchange rates to predict future spot rates, and for characterizing the effectiveness of sterilized intervention.
slime, the wall-less variant of Neurospora crassa: The loss of cell-wall assembly is not due to the loss of cell-wall primer or template

Abstract The cell wall-less variant of Neurospora crassa, slime , when initially recovered from a mycelial heterokaryon, grows as a mixed population of protoplasts and cells which contain a partial or incomplete wall (hyphlet cells). After prolonged, daily growth and filtration through glass wool, cultures consist exclusively of protoplasts which lack cell surface-bound, wall-like material; these cells are not capable of forming sexual and asexual fusions with mycelial strains, slime protoplasts and protoplasts from a temperature-sensitive osmotic-1 strain were fused using polyethylene glycol and the resulting heterokaryons were allowed to regenerate a mycelium. slime homokaryons were re-isolated from several mycelial heterokaryons and were not able to form sexual and asexual fusions; populations of cells were comprised exclusively of protoplasts. Thus, the loss of a slime culture's ability to form a partial cell wall is not likely to be due to an epigenetic phenonemon but may be due to selection of cells that bear additional mutations.
Sex differences in response to kainic acid and estradiol in the hippocampus of newborn rats.

Premature and full-term human infants are at considerable risk of excitotoxic-mediated brain damage due to hypoxia-ischemia, infection or other trauma. Glutamate receptor activation is a major source of excitoxicity in the adult and developing brain, and the hippocampus is particularly vulnerable to damage. The seven-day-old rat is a widely used model of pediatric brain damage, in large part due to the relative insensitivity of the brain to exogenous glutamate treatment prior to this age. We have reexamined the possible role of glutamate in pediatric brain damage in the newborn rat using kainic acid treatment and attending to the sex of the animal as well as the effects of pretreatment with the gonadal steroid estradiol. Consistent with previous studies, we found no evidence of damage 7 days posttreatment in the CA1 region of the hippocampus in males or females. There was also little to no damage in the CA2/3 or dentate gyrus of males. In females, however, kainic-acid treatment induced substantial damage in the dentate gyrus and moderate damage in CA2/3, as assessed by neuron number and regional volume. Pretreatment with estradiol was protective against kainic acid-induced damage in females but was permissive for damage in the dentate gyrus of males. Estradiol treatment in the absence of kainic acid treatment was also neuroprotective in females in that it increased neuron number and volume throughout the hippocampal formation, suggesting that the basis of the sex difference observed in hippocampal volume was hormonally mediated. There was no effect of exogenous estradiol given to males in the absence of kainic acid. We conclude that the newborn female rat brain, but not the male, is sensitive to glutamate-mediated toxicity and that gonadal steroids play a complex role in both naturally occurring sex differences in hippocampal volume and response to injury.
THE ABSENCE OF B-CELL ANTIGEN B2 FROM LEUKÆMIA CELLS AND LYMPHOBLASTOID CELL LINES

60 leukaemia patients with acute mylogenous leukaemia, chronic myelocytic leukaemia, acute lymphatic leukaemia, and chronic lymphocytic leukaemia were tested for five specificities of the new B-lymphocyte alloantigenic system. Two specificities of the first B-cell locus were significantly lower in frequency than in B lymphocytes from 105 controls. B-cell group 1 was found in 18% of leukaemia patients vs. 48% of controls (p less than 0.025) and B-cell group 2 was found in 0% of leukaemia patients vs 23% of controls (p less than 0.025). Group 2 was also absent in 37 cultured lymphoblastoid lines. It is suggested that resistance to B-cell leukaemia and to Epstein-Barr virus transformation in vitro may be linked to a B-lymphocyte specificity on the first B-lymphocyte locus.
A conductimetric humidity sensor based on proton conducting perovskite oxides

Abstract Dense samples of a perovskite of composition Ba 3 Ca 1.18 Nb 1.82 O 9−δ (BCN18) were fabricated using a conventional, solid-state reaction method. Porous samples (∼30% porosity) of the same composition were fabricated by the addition of carbon particles to the powder prior to sintering. Electrical conductivity of dense and porous samples was measured by a four-probe dc method, at 500 and 700 °C, as a function of partial pressure of water vapor, and also as a function of time upon change of atmosphere. Specifically, the time dependence of the change of conductivity was investigated upon change of atmosphere from dry to wet, and from wet to dry. It was observed that, once equilibrated, the dependence of the electrical conductivity of BCN18 on H 2 O partial pressure, P H 2 O , follows a power law relation, i.e. ( σ wet − σ dry )= aP H 2 O b . For the porous material, the parameters a and b were, respectively, found to be ∼0.002 and ∼0.31 at 500 °C, and ∼0.003 and ∼0.45 at 700 °C. The rate of change of electrical conductivity for the porous material was observed to be ∼5–6 times faster than that for the dense material at 700 °C and at a H 2 O partial pressure 0.15 atm. The relatively rapid response of the porous material suggests a possible conductimetric humidity sensor based on porous BCN18 as a sensing material.
Retake control of your classroom technology

Instructional Technology at Rowan University strives to empower faculty by making classroom technology readily available and easy to use. Until recently, using technology in one of our 80 Technology Enhanced Classrooms (TEC) was typically a frustrating experience for faculty. The controls for projectors, computers, VCRs, CD players, DVD players, and other technologies were often complicated and varied from classroom to classroom. Extensive TEC training was often required but difficult to generalize. Typically, the result was support and maintenance nightmares. In 2005, it became essential to create a new model of classroom technology.In the wake of the mentioned issues, Rowan University developed a "simple" TEC model that improves access to equipment and streamlines the use of technology in the classroom. This new model meets the following goals: (1) to provide fast, seamless access to classroom technology for the faculty by standardizing technology and function of all TEC classrooms, (2) to minimize the need for training and on-site user support, and (3) to create an inexpensive and low maintenance environment to minimize costs, service, and repairs. Rowan is currently implementing this new model in phases; the first of which involves the implementation of standardized technology choices and its benefits such as cost, support, and maintenance reduction.This paper will discuss the approach and implementation of phase one of the new, "simple" Rowan University TEC model as well as insight into future plans for the model.
A simple circuit for administering electric shock to rats

A circuit for administering electric shock to rats in acquired drive experiments is described. The circuit approximates the matched impedance shock source.
Vegetables, fruit, and antioxidant-related nutrients and risk of non-Hodgkin lymphoma: a National Cancer Institute–Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results population-based case-control study

Background: Factors related to DNA damage and altered immunologic responses, such as reactive oxygen species production, are associated with the risk of non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL). Objective: The aim was to evaluate NHL risk with intakes of vegetables, fruit, and nutrients involved in antioxidant activities. Design: Incident case subjects aged 20-74 y were identified between 1998 and 2000 from a National Cancer Institute-sponsored study by using four Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results registries. Control subjects, who were selected by random dialing (<65 y) and from Medicare files (≥65 y), were matched to cases by age, center, race, and sex. Of 1321 case and 1057 control subjects who enrolled, dietary data were collected on a subset (466 cases and 391 controls). Carotenoid intakes were estimated by using updated values from the US Department of Agriculture nutrient databases. Unconditional logistic regression models were used to estimate odds ratios (ORs) and 95% CIs. Results: NHL risk was inversely associated with higher number of weekly servings of all vegetables (multivariable OR for highest compared with lowest quartile: 0.58; 95% CI: 0.35, 0.95; P for trend = 0.04), green leafy vegetables (OR: 0.59; 95% CI: 0.36,0.96; P for trend = 0.01), and cruciferous vegetables (OR: 0.62; 95% CI: 0.39, 1.00; P for trend = 0.05) and with higher daily intakes of lutein and zeaxanthin (OR: 0.54; 95% CI: 0.32, 0.91; P for trend = 0.06) and zinc (OR: 0.58; 95% CI: 0.36,0.91; P for trend = 0.02). An effect modification by exercise and NHL subtype was observed with some food groups and nutrients. Conclusion: Higher intakes of vegetables, lutein and zeaxanthin, and zinc are associated with a lower NHL risk.
Viscosity Measurement in Injection Molding Using a Multivariate Sensor

Online measurement of polymer melt properties during an injection molding process is a key to provide a high quality plastic product. In-situ cavity pressure and temperature sensors are used to observe the polymer states in the mold cavity during an injecting molding process. A new multivariate sensor is introduced to measure pressure, temperature, velocity, and viscosity of polymer melt as the key parameters of the melt to improve the controlling process. This paper presents the viscosity calculating method based on melt velocity and the slope of melt pressure. The velocity is inferred using the melt temperature ramping rate; the new multivariate sensor detects melt temperature through the installed IR detector in the sensor, and the pressure is measured via the mounted piezoelectric rings. Injecting molding process of polymer melt is simulated under a range of melt velocity and temperature and the related viscosity values are inferred from simulation results and also from a set of experimental tests for a real injection molding process. Results are well matched with the expected rheological behavior of polymer.Copyright © 2012 by ASME
Advances in data networking

This paper highlights the current approach to large-scale internetwork design using today‘s network layer routeing protocols. It describes how large internetworks can be constructed to provide stability, resilience and scalability, together with a set of best practice design guidelines for those involved in the design of large data networks, highlighting the key issues to be considered. The paper looks at how new technologies are likely to enhance this design approach, in particular, how the full potential of cell switching can be realised through emerging technologies such as integrated switching and routeing. The paper concludes that the model proposed for large-scale networks based on current routeing protocols and technologies can be enhanced to make optimum use of switched WAN services such as ATM, through the use of newer routeing technologies.
Which analgesic is right for my patient

Find out which analgesic is right for your patient's type of pain and make sure you know how to convert dosages between administration routes.
Hypercholesterolaemia of prolonged fasting and cholesterol lowering of re-feeding in lean human subjects

Serum cholesterol and triglycerides were determined in 36 lean, healthy adults (mean body mass index = 24.3 +/- 0.4 kg m-2) during a period of fasting of 7-21 days. Fasting for 1 week resulted in significant elevation of serum cholesterol (mean increase 25%, range 0-68) and triglycerides (mean increase 24%). No correlation was observed between pre-fast cholesterol level and fasting-induced hypercholesterolaemia. Continued fasting for up to 21 days resulted in lowering of both cholesterol and triglycerides to pre-fast levels. One week of hypocaloric re-feeding resulted in significantly lower than pre-fast cholesterol (mean decrease 13%) and significantly higher than prefast triglycerides (mean increase 86%). The net change in serum cholesterol observed as a result of fasting and re-feeding correlated with prefast cholesterol (r = -0.6901, p = 0.0001). No significant change in the ratio of unesterified cholesterol to total cholesterol was observed during fasting. Fasting for 3 weeks followed by 1 week of hypocaloric re-feeding, however, resulted in a significant (p = 0.05) increase in this ratio from 0.27 +/- 0.0057 to 0.34 +/- 0.01. Fasting for 1 or 2 weeks followed by re-feeding also resulted in a similar increase in the ratio of unesterified cholesterol to total cholesterol. Cholesterol in the HDL fraction remained within normal range throughout the fasting and re-feeding period, with no significant changes between time points.
Forecasting the Population of Census Tracts by Age and Sex: An Example of the Hamilton–Perry Method in Action

Small area population projections are useful in a range of business applications. This paper uses a case study to show how this type of task can be accomplished by using the Hamilton–Perry method, which is a variant of the cohort-component projection technique. We provide the documentation on the methods, data, and assumptions used to develop two sets of population projections for census tracts in Clark County, Nevada, and discuss specific factors needed to accomplish this task, including the need to bring expert judgment to bear on the task. Our experience suggests that the Hamilton–Perry Method is an important tool and we advise considering it for small forecasting needs in the private sector.
Effects of 0.1% copper–zinc malonate-containing cream on dermal connective tissues

Cutaneous aging is a complex biological process in which alterations resulting from both innate aging and photodamage are superimposed in the sun-exposed areas of skin. Profound changes have been demonstrated in the dermal connective tissues, among them the elastic fibers that provide physiologic properties of elasticity and resilience to the normal skin. In innate aging there is loss of elastic fibers, while in sun-damaged skin there is massive accumulation of elastotic material that has, however, lost the functional elastic properties. As a result of these changes, combined with other extracellular matrix alterations, skin becomes loose and sags with loss of recoil with advancing age. A bimetal, 0.1% copper–zinc malonate-containing cream (ELASTIderm™, Obagi Medical Products), has recently been shown to improve the appearance of sun-damaged facial skin when applied twice daily for up to 6–8 weeks. This improvement was accompanied by repair of the elastic fiber network. While the precise mechanisms of the...
Visiting a sequence of points with a bevel-tip needle

Many surgical procedures could benefit from guiding a bevel-tip needle along circular arcs to multiple treatment points in a patient. At each treatment point, the needle can inject a radioactive pellet into a cancerous region or extract a tissue sample. Our main result is an algorithm to steer a bevel-tip needle through a sequence of treatment points in the plane while minimizing the number of times that the needle must be reoriented. This algorithm is related to [6] and takes quadratic time when consecutive points in the sequence are sufficiently separated. We can also guide a needle through an arbitrary sequence of points in the plane by accounting for a lack of optimal substructure.
Evaluating the Quality of Textbooks for Diverse Learners

Current methods of textbook evaluation have not led to changes necessary for enhancing the comprehension of diverse learners. These methods have failed to highlight three important comprehensibility features of textbook writing: familiarity, interestingness, and structural coherence. In this article present an evaluation technique that uses graphic organziers to represent textbook material so that it can be evaluated according to these three features. I review relevant research, show how to represent two sixth-grade social studies textbooks graphically, and discuss how publishers, state adopters, district selectors, and classroom teachers could use the technique to improve textbook materials for all students.
Observability and local observer construction for unknown parameters in linearly and nonlinearly parameterized systems

Using geometric concepts from observability theory for nonlinear systems, we propose an approach for parameter estimation for linearly and nonlinearly parameterized systems. The proposed approach relies on extending a parameter estimation problem to a state estimation problem by introducing the parameters as auxiliary state variables. Applying tools from geometric nonlinear control theory we establish an observability check for parameters, and we construct a local observer with established speed of convergence in the observable sets of the extended system.
HEMOGLOBIN FUNCTION AND PHYSIOLOGICAL ADAPTATION TO HYPOXIA IN HIGH-ALTITUDE MAMMALS

Understanding the biochemical mechanisms that enable high-altitude animals to survive and function under conditions of hypoxic stress can provide important insights into the nature of physiological adaptation. Evidence from a number of high-altitude vertebrates indicates that modifications of hemoglobin function typically play a key role in mediating an adaptive response to chronic hypoxia. Because much is known about structure‐ function relationships of mammalian hemoglobins and their physiological role in oxygen transport, the study of hemoglobin variation in high-altitude mammals holds much promise for understanding the nature of adaptation to hypoxia from the level of blood biochemistry to the level of whole-organism physiology. In this review I 1st discuss basic biochemical principles of hemoglobin function and the nature of physiological adaptation to highaltitude hypoxia in mammals. I then discuss a case study involving a complex hemoglobin polymorphism in North American deer mice (Peromyscus maniculatus) that illustrates how integrative studies of protein function and fitness-related physiological performance can be used to obtain evolutionary insights into genetic mechanisms of adaptation.
A hybrid genetic algorithm for the identification of metabolic models

Genetic algorithms (GA) have been demonstrated to be a promising search and optimization technique that is more likely to converge to a global optimum than most alternative techniques. In an attempt to apply GA to estimate parameters of a metabolic model, however, we found that the slow convergence rate of GA becomes a major problem for its applications to model identification of dynamic systems due to the high computational costs associated with the evaluation of models. To alleviate this difficulty, we developed a hybrid approach that combines Nelder and Mead's (1965) simplex method with the genetic algorithm. The hybrid approach not only speeds up GA's rate of convergence, but also improves the quality of the solution found by pure GA.
Supersensitivity of the noradrenergic system in the spinal cord following intracisternal injection of 6-hydroxydopamine.

The intracisternal administration of 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA; 100 μg on two consecutive days) resulted in a 90–95% depletion of norepinephrine (NE) in the spinal cord 3–60 days following administration of the drug. At 90 days following injection of 6-OHDA, the depletion was only 60% suggesting the regrowth of NE-containing fibers. Consistent with the depletion of NE, 3–60 days after the injection of 6-OHDA a 50–80% decrease in the uptake NE occurred with only a 25% decrease 90 days after administration of 6-OHDA. Associated with decreases in NE and its uptake was a 100–200% increase in the accumulation of NE-stimulated cyclic AMP in slices of spinal cord tissue from 6-OHDA-treated rats. The increased response was evident at 3–60 days after injection of 6-OHDA decreasing on day 90 to 40% above control. No shift in the EC50 for NE was evident and the specificity of agonists for this response was limited to agents with alpha and/or beta-adrenergic receptor activation properties. Readioligand receptor binding techniques, utilizing [3H]prazosin for alpha1 receptors and [3H]dihydroalprenolol for beta receptors demonstrated that increases in the Bmax of response of alpha1 (30–50%) and beta (15–20%) receptors in spinal cord may mediate the enhanced response of NE-stimulated cyclic AMP following the administration of 6-OHDA. This is indicated by similar time-dependent patterns of onset and termination of increased receptor binding and the accumulation of NE-stimulated cyclic AMP. Such an adaptation of adrenergic receptor systems following the administration of 6-OHDA suggests a possible role for this system in mediating supersensitivity phenomena, such as motor hyperreflexia following denervating injuries to the spinal cord.
Power-loss or power-transition? Assessing the limits of using the energy sector in reviving Russia’s geopolitical stature

Abstract The paper seeks to evaluate the scope and limits of the Russian state’s capacity to use oil and natural gas as strategic resources to revive Russia’s fortunes as a credible global power. It offers an analysis of the evolution of state-markets interactions in the energy sector from the late Gorbachev era to the present day. The paper briefly documents how Russian foreign policy became more assertive using energy as a strategic resource, particularly in crafting its relations with the European Union. Subsequently, the paper analyzes Russia’s limits of using energy as leverage in securing foreign policy objectives. Finally, it points to the impediments to normalizing a Russo-EU energy dialog.
International Social Work A retrospective in the 50th year

EnglishThis article analyzes the contributions of editorials and articles published in 50 years of International Social Work to knowledge about international social work and about the profession in...
Maize seed response to successive imbibition/dryback cycles: viability and vigour.

Electroconductivity tests are currently used for seed vigour assessment. They are rapid and simple and after further development, they may yet provide the seed industry with a non-destructive alternative to the standard germination test, which is thoroughly destructive to the sample, time consuming, and expensive. Seed injury, a result of soaking required by the electroconductivity test, was evaluated using high quality Zea mays L. seeds responding to successive imbibition/dryback cycles. If the soaking time is brief, injury to the seeds should be minimal, thus permitting successive tests on the same sample. We tested 5 imbibition/dryback cycles (C) and 5 imbibition periods, or cycle durations (CD) of 2, 4, 6, 7 and 8 h. Dryback periods lasted 5–7 d at room temperature. Seeds were permitted to dry back to 10% moisture. Electroconductivity readings were obtained at the end of each CD for each C. Each treatment (C × CD) sample, n=100 seeds, was germinated at 25°C for 7 d; radicle lengths were measured after 3 d. The experiment was repeated yielding a total of 50 observations. Viability and vigour losses were measured in response to successive C and increasing CD. Five cycles of 6 h each resulted in only a 10% loss of viability, but a 20% loss of relative vigour, confirming that vigour is more sensitive to the testing procedure. Cycles had the greatest effect on loss of seed quality since 45% of the readily leachable electrolytes were lost from the seeds during the first soaking period. There was no interaction between C and CD.
A Note on the Stag: Odyssey 10.156–72

On the morning of the third day on Circe's island of Aeaea, Odysseus takes sword and spear in hand and leaves his demoralized and exhausted crew to seek out some sign of habitation. Eventually, from the height of a rocky point, he spies smoke rising in the distance. After debating with himself whether or not to investigate immediately, he determines first to return to his ships, in order to see about his comrades' dinner (10.144–55). Returning to the beach, he encounters an enormous stag, which he takes to have been sent by a god who pitied him (10.157–9) and which he kills, binds with a makeshift rope of brushwood and willow branches, and drags back to the camp (10.160–72).
Optically induced transverse voltages in thin metal films

Abstract Results of experiments on laser induced voltages in metal films are summarized. The voltages are found to occur along certain directions in the plane of slant-angle vapour deposited films. A thermo-electric model based on periodic variations in the microscopic film structure, is described. The magnitude of the effect is proportional to the absorbed power/length between the contact points. Application of the films in the wavelength range 0.33–10.6μm is described and compared to more conventional detectors. A recent application, using the effect as a tool to profile non-uniformities in thin films, is also discussed.
Numerical Study of an AMTEX'75 Oceanic Cyclone

Abstract The diabatic effects of latent heat release, boundary layer moisture and heat flux from the ocean surface and large-scale forcing due to upper-level systems are three physical processes affecting oceanic cyclogenesis. Detailed analyses of a major winter storm which occurred during the initial phase of the Air Mass Transformation Experiment in 1975 (AMTEX '75) indicated that the role of these three processes was vital to the Cyclone's development. To gain further insight into their influence, a control and three numerical experiments were performed using a multi-level moist primitive equation model with fine vertical resolution in the boundary layer. The simulation which included complete physics faithfully reproduced the major feature of the observed system. It was found that latent heating had a profound impact on the middle-level baroclinicity, the intensity and phase speed of the storm, and the vertical coupling within the simulated system. Without the surface moisture and heat source, the eff...
Inhibition of lipolysis by hydrocarbons and fatty alcohols.

The hydrolysis of long-chain triglyceride by pancreatic lipase (EC 3.1.1.3) is inhibited by hydrophobic solutes that are dissolved in the fat. Solutes tested included n-alkanes (C10-C16), aromatic and chlorinated aromatic hydrocarbons (including a PCB and DDT), n-alcohols (C10-C16), and cholesterol. Except for cholesterol, which stimulated lipolysis at low concentrations, all compounds produced roughly similar inhibition curves that followed the pattern of a typical Langmuir adsorption isotherm (Mattson, F. H., R. A. Volpenhein, and L. Benjamin, 1970. J. Biol. Chem. 245: 5335-5340). According to this interpretation, hydrophobic solutes dissolved within fat droplets partition between the interior oil phase and the surface monolayer where lipolysis occurs. Although the aromatic and chlorinated aromatic hydrocarbons were approximately 25% more inhibitory than the long-chain aliphatic hydrocarbons, as a single class, hydrocarbons were 7-10 times weaker inhibitors of lipolysis than fatty alcohols. In contrast to the alcohols whose inhibitory action may involve several mechanisms, the hydrocarbons behaved like simple dilution inhibitors; i.e., at 50% inhibition the mass ratio of hexadecane to triglyceride was 0.42. The lack of a chain length effect indicates that the hydrocarbons are not adsorbed at the interface but interdigitate the triglyceride molecules and align parallel to the lipid acyl chains. Inhibition by hydrophobic solutes was not reversed by the presence of 4 mM taurodeoxycholate and pancreatic procolipase or colipase.
Observations on blood flow during spontaneously occurring Traube-Hering waves.

SummaryTwo experiments are reported in which regional blood flow under controlled perfusion pressure was being measured by direct means along with systemic blood pressure and in which Traube-Hering waves were seen to occur. Rhythmic changes in the regional blood flow were observed which were synchronous with but opposite in direction to the changes in systemic blood pressure. This agrees with the conventional view that changes in blood pressure in this situation are secondary to changes in peripheral resistance.
Numerical simulations of misalignment effects in microfluidic interconnects

Numerical simulations were performed to see the effect of geometrical misalignment in pressure driven flows. Geometric misalignment effects on flow characteristics arising in three types of interconnection methods a) end-to-end interconnection, b) channel overlap when chips are stacked on top of each other, and c) the misalignment occurring due to the offset between the external tubing and the reservoir were investigated. For the case of end-to-end interconnection, the effect of misalignment was investigated for 0, 13, 50, 58, and 75% reduction in the available flow area at the location of geometrical misalignment. In the interconnection through channel overlap, various possible misalignment configurations were simulated by maintaining the same amount of misalignment (75% flow area reduction) for all the configurations. The effect of misalignment in a Tube-in-Reservoir interconnection was investigated by positioning the tube at an offset of 164μm from the reservoir center. All the results were evaluated in terms of the equivalent length of a straight pipe. The effect of reynolds number (Re) was also taken into account by performing additional simulations of aforementioned cases at reynolds numbers ranging from 0.075 to 75. The results are interpreted in terms of equivalent length (Le) as a function of Re and misalignment area ratio (A1:A2), where A1 is the original cross-sectional area of the channel and A2 is the available flow area at mismatch location. Equivalent length calculations revealed that the effect of misalignment in tube-in-reservoir interconnection method was the most insignificant when compared to the other two methods of interconnection
Assessing Effects of Foster Care on Adults Raised as Foster Children: A Methodological Issue

An alternative research approach to the question of the effect of foster care on adults raised as foster children would be to estimate whether a disproportionate number of such adults appear in populations with various social problems, such a's the homeless, those living in poverty, or incarcerated as felons. Such data may suggest that the safety net of foster care as a form of substitute parental care is not adequate. Also, the data may indicate that, when individuals exit foster care at age 18, they have not been adequately prepared for independent living (Kadushin, 1974). While such data would not evaluate the effectiveness of foster care per se, given lack of conml of many variables, the data may assist in evaluating the effects of foster care on psychosocial development of children. To estimate whether a disproportionate number of adults raised in foster care appear in populations displaying social problems, it is necessary to obtain a baseline for the number of adults in the general population who were raised in foster care. Such an estimate is not readily available but should be computed. Among the several approaches to this research question, one is described here. A baseline estimate for the number of adults previously raised in foster care may be computed by determining the ratio of children currently in foster cm in relation to the number of children under 18 living in the same geographic location. This information may be obtained from census data and from state departments for social services. Criticisms of this method indude the fact that the definition of foster family care differs from state to state. Also, all children in foster care for a given year do not necessarily live to adulthood. Finally, the extent of private Foster care arrangements which do not involve public or private social agencies is unknown. A more appropriate method for estimating the number of adults who experienced foster care as children would be to survey adults directly to estimate what proportion had been in foster care as children. The Survey Research Center at the University of Kentucky conducts statewide surveys under contract on a diverse array of subjects and the authors recently spon
Excimer-Laser-Initiated, Dry Etching of Single Crystal GaAs

Gas-phase UV-initiated (193 nm) photodissociations of methyl (CH 3 ) and trifluoromethyl (CF 3 ) containing compounds have been investigated for the dry etching of single crystal GaAs substrates. Etching rates of greater than 1 μ/min. have been observed. Etching rates and surface profiles will be discussed in terms of crystal orientation, reactive etching fragments, and laser-surface interactions. Products of the etching reactions have been examined by UV absorption, mass spectrometry and laser-induced fluorescence techniques. Applications to large scale and micron dimension etching processes will be briefly discussed.
Sustained, localized salicylic acid delivery enhances diabetic bone regeneration via prolonged mitigation of inflammation

Diabetes is a metabolic disorder caused by insulin resistance and/or deficiency and impairs bone quality and bone healing due to altered gene expression, reduced vascularization, and prolonged inflammation. No effective treatments for diabetic bone healing are currently available, and most existing treatments do not directly address the diabetic complications that impair bone healing. We recently demonstrated that sustained and localized delivery of salicylic acid (SA) via an SA-based polymer provides a low-cost approach to enhance diabetic bone regeneration. Herein, we report mechanistic studies that delve into the biological action and local pharmacokinetics of SA-releasing polymers shown to enhance diabetic bone regeneration. The results suggest that low SA concentrations were locally maintained at the bone defect site for more than 1 month. As a result of the sustained SA release, a significantly reduced inflammation was observed in diabetic animals, which in turn, yielded reduced osteoclast density and activity, as well as increased osteoblastogenesis. Based upon these results, localized and sustained SA delivery from the SA-based polymer effectively improved bone regeneration in diabetic animals by affecting both osteoclasts and osteoblasts, thereby providing a positive basis for clinical treatments. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 104A: 2595-2603, 2016.
Conjunctivitis in Children

Conjunctivitis is a common, usually mild, self-limited problem. Pathogens vary at different ages. Conjunctivitis occurs alone or as a manifestation of a systemic infection or a systemic disease. Diagnosis can usually be established by the combination of clinical and laboratory findings. Topical, systemic or combination therapy is used, depending on the agent and extent of infection.