cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Interaction of sulfoglucuronyl (HNK-1) carbohydrate and its binding protein, SBP-1, in microexplant cultures of rat cerebellum

Sulfoglucuronyl carbohydrate (SGC) is expressed on several neural cell-adhesion molecules and on glycolipids. SGC and its binding protein, SBP-1 are developmentally regulated in the nervous system and have been implicated in regulating neurite outgrowth and cell–cell recognition during neuronal cell migration. To elucidate the role of interaction between SGC and SBP-1, microexplant cultures of postnatal day 5 rat cerebellum were employed. In explant cultures, SGC was localized primarily in the neuronal cell processes, neurofilaments, and dendrites that emerge from the core of the explants up to 90 μm, after 24 hr in culture. SGC was also present in the short astrocytic processes near the core of the explant. SBP-1 was localized mainly in the granule neuron cell bodies and faintly on cell plasma membranes and processes. Granule neurons, expressing SBP-1, migrated outward in close contact with the SGC bearing neuronal processes, suggesting interaction between SGC and SBP-1. The neurite outgrowth and cell migration were specifically and severely reduced, in dose-dependent manners, by anti-SGC (HNK-1) and anti-SBP-1 antibodies and sulfoglucuronyl glycolipid (SGGL). Other irrelevant antibodies and glycolipids had little effect. The results showed that SBP-1 was required for neurite outgrowth and that SGC-SBP-1 interaction was important for cell–cell recognition and cell migration. J. Neurosci. Res. 2:188–201, 2000 © 2000 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Constraint and adaptation in primate brain evolution

Constraint has played a major role in brain evolution, but cannot tell the whole story. In primates, adaptive specialization is suggested by the existence of a covarying visual system, and may explain some residual variation in the constraint model. Adaptation may also appear at the microstructural level and in the globally integrated system of brain, body, life history and behavior.
Abstract A80: Physical activity reduces breast cancer risk in African American women

Background: The reported inverse relationship between physical activity and breast cancer risk is under constant scrutiny, and the evidence is inconsistent. Furthermore, few studies have been conducted with African Americans. Methods: A population-based case-control study identified 97 cases and 102 controls from the Washington, DC, area. A self-report physical activity questionnaire elicited responses on walking for exercise and vigorous physical activity (e.g., running, aerobics, etc.) in the past year. Responses were used to calculate a metabolic equivalent (MET) score [MET-hours/week= hours/week vigorous activityx7+ hours/week walking x3]. The MET score was categorized into low, medium and high tertiles. Multivariate logistic regression examined the association between physical activity and breast cancer. Results: African American women who engaged in vigorous physical activity (> 2 hours/week in the past year) had a 64% reduced risk of breast cancer compared to those who did not participate in any vigorous activity (odds ratio, OR = 0.36; 95% confidence interval, CI = 0.17-0.75). We also found a 64% reduced breast cancer risk in women with a high versus low tertile of total activity (OR = 0.36; 95% CI = 0.16-0.79). For postmenopausal women, vigorous physical activity and total activity (high versus low tertile) also had an inverse relationship with breast cancer (p Conclusion: Modest levels of physical activity can reduce breast cancer risk in African American women. Impact: Targeted efforts to encourage more African American women to engage in modest levels of physical activity may positively impact disparate breast outcomes in this group. Citation Information: Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2010;19(10 Suppl):A80.
Determination of saturation factors in 31P NMR spectra of the developing human brain

In order to assess the influence of longitudinal relaxation on previously reported variations in 31P NMR signals during brain development, we used an accelerated two-point technique to determine T1 at 2.35 Tesla in 8 min. Comparison between 10 normal neonates (age range 37-46 weeks postconception) and 10 healthy infants (age range 80-157 weeks postconception) indicated that T1 does not vary substantially during the first year of life, except in the phosphomonoester (PME) region of the spectra. T1 of total PME decreases with age which we could explain by its variable multicomponent nature: The signal from (unresolved) components at the downfield shoulder of PME (attributed mostly to phosphorylethanolamine at 6.72 ppm) with a T1 of at least 6.4 s decreases with age relative to contributions from other phosphomonoester compounds resonating predominantly at the upfield side of the peak (approximately 6.3 ppm), with T1 below 2.9 s. Because the T1 heterogeneity of PME may depend on its relative composition, quantitative 31P NMR spectroscopy may require an assessment of the influence of longitudinal relaxation on the signal amplitudes in each measurement.
Base-catalyzed insertion of dioxygen into rhodium-hydrogen bonds: kinetics and mechanism.

The reaction between molecular oxygen and rhodium hydrides L(OH)RhH+ (L = (NH3)4, trans-L1, and cis-L1, where L1 = cyclam) in basic aqueous solutions rapidly produces the corresponding hydroperoxo complexes. Over the pH range 8 < pH < 12, the kinetics exhibit a first order dependence on [OH−]. The dependence on [O2] is less than first order and approaches saturation at the highest concentrations used. These data suggest an attack by OH− at the hydride with k = (1.45 ± 0.25) × 103 M−1 s−1 for trans-L1(OH)RhH+ at 25 °C, resulting in heterolytic cleavage of the Rh−H bond and formation of a reactive Rh(I) intermediate. A competition between O2 and H2O for Rh(I) is the source of the observed dependence on O2. In support of this mechanism, there is a significant kinetic isotope effect for the initial step, L1(OH(D))RhH(D)+ + OH(D)− ⇄k−1k1 L1(OH(D))RhI + H(D)2O, k1H/k1D = 1.7, and k−1H/k−1D = 3.0. The activation parameters for k1 for trans-L1(OH)RhH+ are ΔH‡ = 64.6 ± 1.3 kJ mol−1 and ΔS‡ = 40 ±4 J mol−1 K−1.
Hymenolepis microstoma: Retardation of growth and development of larval and pupal stages of Tribolium confusum☆

Abstract Hymenolepis microstoma retards growth and development of the intermediate host, Tribolium confusum, in proportion to the number of cysticercoids present in the latter. Both larval stage and pupal stage are extended by parasitism. Insects exposed to identical numbers of tapeworm eggs, and examined in two groups, one before metamorphosis, the other after, had no difference in average cysticercoid burden. Hence it is unlikely that parasites are lost or destroyed during metamorphosis.
Application of immunosignatures to the assessment of Alzheimer's disease

Objective: Accurate assessment of Alzheimer's disease (AD), both presymptomatically and at different disease stages, will become increasingly important with the expanding elderly population. There are a number of indications that the immune system is engaged in AD. Here we explore the ability of an antibody-profiling technology to characterize AD and screen for peptides that may be used for a simple diagnostic test. Methods: We developed an array-based system to profile the antibody repertoire of transgenic mice with cerebral amyloidosis (TG) and elderly individuals with or without AD. The array consists of 10,000 random sequence peptides (20-mers) capable of detecting antibody binding patterns, allowing the identification of peptides that mimic epitopes targeted by a donor's serum. Results: TG mice exhibited a distinct immunoprofile compared to nontransgenic littermates. Further, we show that dementia patients, including autopsy-confirmed AD subjects, have distinguishable profiles compared to age-matched nondemented people. Using antibodies to different forms of Aβ peptide and blocking protocols, we demonstrate that most of this signature is not due to the subject's antibodies raised against Aβ. Interpretation: We propose that “immunosignaturing” technology may have potential as a diagnostic tool in AD. ANN NEUROL 2011;
Techniques to minimize excess luting agent in cement-retained implant restorations.

VOLUME 87 NUMBER 1 The choice between cement and screw retention affects the esthetics and occlusion of implant restorations. The need for prosthetic retrievability in the development of early implant protocols dictated the requirement for screw retention. However, the demonstrated high survival rate of dental implants has made this requirement less significant. Cement retention for implant restorations is an acceptable alternative to screw retention.1 The advantages of cement-retained restorations include enhanced ability to develop esthetics and occlusion because of the absence of screw access holes, enhanced ability to achieve passive fit for frameworks, easier access to restoration of posterior teeth, and reduced complexity of clinical and laboratory procedures.1-3 When prosthetic retrievability is desired, the concept of progressive cementation1 may be applied. This allows the retrievability of cement-retained implant restorations to be controlled with the choice of luting agent. One can start with weaker provisional cements and progressively use stronger cements until the desired level of retention is achieved. Among provisional cements tested with implants in one study,4 Temp Bond (Kerr, Orange, Calif.) and Provilink (Ivoclar, Amherst, N.Y.) exhibited the lowest mean tensile strengths, whereas the bond strength of NeoTemp (Teledyne Water Pik, Fort Collins, Colo.) was 3 times greater than that of Temp Bond. Situations exist, however, in which the use of cement-retained restorations may be undesirable. In areas of limited restorative space, the axial walls of short abutments may not provide adequate retention and resistance form. Retention from the clamping force provided by a screw would be more effective in such situations. If the final restorative margin will be greater than 3 mm subgingivally, removal of excess cement may be difficult. This situation is particularly common in the anterior region when implants are placed immediately after tooth extraction. In the anterior region, proximal soft tissue height is markedly greater than facial or lingual soft tissue. If implants are positioned 3 to 4 mm apical to the cemento-enamel junction or facial gingival margin of adjacent teeth for proper emergence profile,5 the proximal restorative margin may be too deep subgingivally. This is because implants and abutments have a single-level circular margin, whereas soft tissue is higher interproximally (Fig. 1). The use of a screw-retained restoration would be indicated in this situation. An alternative would be to fabricate a custom abutment with restorative margins that follow the outline of the gingival contours. This option could also correct implant angulation problems (Fig. 2). Several disadvantages of cement-retained restorations have been reported.6,7 These include additional time required for cementation and removal of excess cement from the sulcus, limited ability to change superstructure designs, and reduced ability to modify Techniques to minimize excess luting agent in cement-retained implant restorations
What Did the Janitor Do? Suggestive Interviewing and the Accuracy of Children's Accounts

Examined the influence of suggestive interviews on 5- to 6-year-old children's reports and recollections of an adult's behavior. Children (29 girls, 27 boys) witnessed a confederate, acting as a janitor, either clean or play with toys. An hour later they were interviewed in succession by the janitor's “boss,” by an experimenter, and by their own parent. Parents interviewed their child again 1 week later. The boss and experimenter interviewed the child in one of three ways: neutral (nonleading), incriminating (suggesting the janitor was bad and playing on the job), or exculpating (suggesting the janitor was good and doing his job of cleaning). When these interviews were neutral, children consistently gave accurate accounts of the janitor's behavior. When these interviews were suggestive, children's accounts shifted strongly in the direction of suggestion as the interviews progressed. By the end of the suggestive interviews, children's accounts uniformly corresponded to the interviewers' suggestions, even when the suggestions were inconsistent with what actually happened. These effects of suggestion persisted during the two nonleading parent interviews.
Seasonal variation in pH and alkalinity and recruitment of sunfish populations

SUMMARY 1 In a study of five ponds sensitive to acid precipitation, we document seasonal acidification profiles and assess the impact of short-term acid pulses on the reproductive success of resident sunfish (Lepomis spp.). 2 Three years of water sampling at 2–3 week intervals showed substantial seasonal variation in pH and alkalinity consistent with a carbonate buffering system. Though all ponds shared a common seasonal pattern in pH, ponds with relatively low pH and alkalinity showed the greatest variation in these parameters. Spring minima may dispose some of the ponds towards episodes of extreme acidity during heavy spring rains. 3 Otolith analysis of young-of-the-year sunfish revealed recruitment failures for eggs laid early in spring in ponds with relatively low alkalinity and pH, and, in the most extreme case, missing day classes at subsequent irregular intervals even though average pH and alkalinity were well above those demonstrated to affect centrarchid fishes. 4 Age-class distributions of sunfishes revealed gaps in adult age distributions which could be traced through 3 years of the study, but there was no clear-cut relationship between pond acidification and the age structure of adult fish. 5 Seasonal profiles of acidity may enable researchers to predict the time during which a pond or lake may be highly sensitive to acid inputs. Comparative otolith analysis of young-of-the-year fishes and short-term continuous monitoring of water chemistry may provide an early warning of biological effects of acidification in sensitive bodies of water.
Bio-nano-optics for cellular investigations

We report results of our recent efforts to develop nano-tools to study proteins and their interactions in complex environments that exist on the cell membrane and inside the cells. Due to the spatial constraints imposed on the mobility of cell constituents, it is reasonable to expect that the nature and dynamics of the biomolecular interactions in a living cell would be substantially different from those routinely observed in dilute solutions. Nanotechnology has begun to provide tools with which to monitor processes that occur in membranes and intracellular regions. Nano-optics is a rich source of such emerging tools. Tapered optical fibers coated with metallic films can effectively confine excitation light to sub-wavelength linear dimensions and cubic nanometer excitation volumes. This leads not only to a resolution that exceeds the diffraction-limited values, but also to the elimination of the background signal. Thus, highly localized and specific regions of cellular function can be investigated. By immobilizing silver colloidal nanoparticles on such tapered fibers we have also fabricated surface enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) probes. Nanoprobes have been found to enable detection of fluorescent antibody molecules immobilized on a functionalized glass surface and polychromic quantum dots in picomolar solutions. In addition, we have successfully inserted nanoprobes with dimensions of 30-80 nm into both adherent insect and mammalian cells with maintenance of their viability. We summarize our development of optical nanoprobes with the motivation to detect cell-surface and intracellular proteins of the interleukin-5 system in native cellular environments, through quantum dot fluorescence and SERS.© (2004) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Gestational diabetes mellitus: physical exercise and health outcomes.

Purpose: Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is a serious complication of pregnancy associated with increased risk of adverse outcomes for both mother and infant. This study assesses the association of maternal exercise during GDM pregnancy and selected maternal and infant adverse GDM-related outcomes. The analysis uses information derived from the 1988 National Maternal Infant Health Survey (NMIHS) data. Methods: Women in the 1988 NMIHS database were identified and grouped as to having experienced a non-GDM (n = 2,952,482) or GDM (n = 105,600) pregnancy. Non-GDM and GDM groups were compared as to demographic and personal-attribute variables. The second part of this study focused on the women with GDM pregnancy, specifically a subset (n = 75,160) who met inclusion/exclusion criteria for the study of exercise during pregnancy. Each was categorized to either the exercise group or the nonexercise group. Results: The non-GDM and GDM groups of pregnant women were not different as to the variables studied, exce...
Quantitative analysis of 1‐olefins by programmed temperature gas chromatography

Gas chromatography has been extremely valuable for the analysis of materials used in the manufacture of surfactants. Temperature programming, which makes possible the efficient separation of wide boiling range mixtures, has extended the usefulness of the technique.
Ecologic and Paleoclimatic Implications of Morphologic Variation of Orbulina universa in the Indian Ocean

Multivariate cluster analysis of various morphologic indices of Orbulina universa populations from the Indian Ocean indicate the existence of two major groups whose geographic distribution corresponds to the equatorial and central water masses. An abrupt change in shell porosity between populations of this planktonic foraminiferal species in plankton as well as sediment samples occurs within or near the 10°S Hydrochemical Front. Orbulina universa is an excellent indicator of oceanographic conditions in the Indian Ocean today, and may be used as an independent check on shifts in water masses during the last glaciation.
B73-9 Introduction to Computer Organization and Data Structures

This is a refreshingly clear introductory text on computer organization for undergraduates with very little previous background in computers. The clarity of exposition makes it useful for self-reading. The author admirably succeeds in his stated purpose which is "to introduce the student to the most primitive actions of a computer and then show how the primitive actions can be put together to construct most of the complex actions that computers regularly perform."
The Rate of Visual Binaries among the Brightest X-Ray Stars

Using the Tycho Double Star Catalogue and the Hipparcos Catalogue, I compare the rates of occurrence of resolved visual doubles among the brightest X-ray stars from the ROSAT All-Sky Survey Bright Source Catalog (RASS-BSC) and generally in these two catalogs. A strong correlation between visual binarity and brightness in X-rays is found. The rate of binarity, quantified as the fraction of resolved components, is 7 times higher for the RASS-BSC stars than generally for all Tycho-2 stars. In order to eliminate the distance bias in the sample, I compare the rates in a distance-limited sample of Hipparcos stars within 50 pc. The comparison has shown that the fraction of visual and unresolved orbiting binaries among stars with counterparts in the RASS-BSC, hence bright in X-rays, is 2.4 times higher than among fainter X-ray stars, i.e., the ones whose X-ray brightness is below the limit of the RASS-BSC. This difference is not caused by the enhancement of the observed flux due to the combined component's radiation. Previously found in the nearby open clusters, the correlation between binarity and X-ray luminosity exists for nearby field stars as well. Possible implications of the discrepancy are discussed, including the binarity-age and binarity-rotation velocity relations. The H-R diagram of components of nearby visual binaries indicates that the red clump giants luminous in X-rays may be unresolved binaries.
Impact of Purchase Intentions on Full and Partial Bids in BDM Auctions: Willingness-to-pay for Organic and Local Blueberries

We conduct a series of Becker–DeGroot–Marschak (BDM) auctions to elicit consumers' willingness-to-pay (WTP) for organic and local blueberries. Participants' intentions to purchase the auction product were collected to determine how purchase intentions for the auction products affect their partial bids (WTP for an additional attribute) as well as full bids (WTP for the auction product). The results suggest, as expected, that full bids from participants with purchase intention for the auction product are significantly higher than those from participants without purchase intention. However, the partial bids, which are inferred from the full bids, for organic and local attributes are consistent across participants with different purchase intentions. Therefore, if the focus of a BDM auction is consumers' WTP for product attributes, purchase intentions may not be an important influence on the value.
Flight deck robustness/conformance testing with a surface management system: an integrated pilot-controller human-in-the-loop surface operations simulation

An integrated flight deck and controller human-in-the-loop taxi-out operations simulation was conducted in the Dallas/Fort Worth (DFW) environment. In this first integrated Pilot-Controller Spot and Runway Departure Advisor (SARDA) simulation, ATC Ground and Local Controllers used the SARDA decision support tool to plan and issue spot-release clearances and departure clearances. The Airport and Terminal Area Simulator (ATAS), a simulated B737NG, was integrated into the realistic simulation traffic environment. In the simulation, controllers used SARDA advisories to issue spot release, taxi route, and runway/departure radio voice clearances to all aircraft on the airport surface. Ten commercial transport pilots piloted the ATAS and taxied from gate to runway following ATC clearances. Simulation results indicated that under a variety of observed pilot/aircraft performance variations, SARDA yielded controller advisories that were: Supportive of current-day, time-based operations; Compatible with controllers' expectations; Predictive of actual takeoff times; and, Adaptable to off-nominal events. An Information Sharing Display (ISD) that presented SARDA sequence and timing information on the flight deck, was considered useful for both NextGen operations and current-day, time-based Traffic Management Initiative (TMI) operations.
Segmentation and Segregation Patterns of Women-Owned High-Tech Firms in Four Metropolitan Regions in the United States

Mayer H. Segmentation and segregation patterns of women-owned high-tech firms in four metropolitan regions in the United States, Regional Studies. The number of women starting and owning a business has increased dramatically and female entrepreneurs are entering non-traditional sectors such as high technology, construction and manufacturing. This paper investigates the trends in high-tech entrepreneurship by women in four US metropolitan regions (Silicon Valley, California; Boston, Massachusetts; Washington, DC; and Portland, Oregon). The research examines the sectoral and spatial segmentation patterns of women-owned high-tech firms. Although women are entering non-traditional sectors, the research finds that women entrepreneurs tend to own businesses in female-typed high-tech sectors. In established high-tech regions like Silicon Valley and Boston, male-typed and female-typed women-owned high-tech firms differ significantly in terms of sectoral and spatial segmentation regardless of firm age. While diffe...
L‐dopa effects on H‐reflex recovery in Parkinson's disease

Conditioning of Hoffman's reflex in 7 normal and 7 parkinsonian subjects before and after L-dopa therapy was tested using standard methods. Features of the raw data, including timing, duration, and magnitude of facilitation, were estimated optimally with nonlinear least-squares for each test sequence on each subject. For each parkinsonian subject there was a consistent trend with treatment for several features to return to the average features of the normal group; to varying degrees, clinical reduction in bradykinesia and rigidity was also observed in all cases. These results are in general agreement with similar previous studies reported by other investigators but offer stronger statistical evidence and differ in certain finer details.
Root Depth as a Sensitive Parameter in a Deterministic Hydrologic Model

: Deterministic models of watershed hydrology require accurate a priori estimates of soil, vegetation, and watershed parameters. Physical fidelity of these values to those of the prototype natural watershed is essential. One vegetation parameter most neglected, perhaps because it is least understood, is plant root activity. Plant roots directly or indirectly affect many hydrologic processes, including evaporation, transpiration, soil moisture, and ground water. One of their more important functions is in opening surface-connected hydraulic pathways for rainfall penetration. This paper presents the results of a study in which available information on roots has been applied in hydrologic computations.
Use of SPARK in a resource constrained embedded system

We are constructing a remote sensing buoy that will be deployed on the Arctic sea ice north of Alaska. The buoy will gather environmental data and transmit that data back to home base via the Iridium satellite network. This data will then be used (by others) to refine models of ice movement. To enhance reliability the buoy software was written using SPARK Ada. SPARK was also helpful in reducing the memory footprint of the software to an acceptable level. Note also that the construction of the prototype buoy is a student project. Thus our experience is in an educational context.
Figuration and detection of single molecules

Recent advances in the description of atoms and molecules based on Dimensional scaling analysis, developed by Dudley Herschbach and co-workers, provided new insights into visualization of molecular structure and chemical bonding. Prof. Herschbach is also a giant in the field of single molecule scattering. We here report on the engineering of molecular detectors. Such systems have a wide range of application from medical diagnostics to the monitoring of chemical, biological and environmental hazards. We discuss ways to identify preselected molecules, in particular, mycotoxin contaminants using coherent laser spectroscopy. Mycotoxin contaminants, e.g. aflatoxin B1 which is present in corn and peanuts, are usually analysed by time-consuming microscopic, chemical and biological assays. We present a new approach that derives from recent experiments in which molecules are prepared by one (or more) femtosecond laser(s) and probed by another set. We call this technique FAST CARS (femto second adaptive spectroscop...
Petrologic and geochemical constraints on the origin of subsurface dolomite, Enewetak Atoll: An example of dolomitization by normal seawater

Dolomite is present 1,250–1,400 m below sea level in Eocene strata of Enewetak Atoll. Petrographically, the deep Enewetak dolomite postdates brittle compaction of rigid grains in the host Eocene strata. The 87 Sr/ 86 Sr ratio of these dolomites (0.70865–0.70901) indicates that they formed at one or more times between the middle Miocene and the present. Since the top of the lower Miocene is more than 900 m above the deep dolomitic interval, the dolomite must have formed at a minimum burial depth of 900 m. Stable-oxygen-isotope determinations suggest dolomite precipitation from cold marine water. Lower Miocene and Eocene carbonate strata on the atoll are apparently in open communication with cold, modern ocean water, suggesting that those same strata were in open communication with ocean water during dolomitization. At a depth of about 1,000 m, modern Pacific Ocean water becomes undersaturated with respect to calcite but is still supersaturated with respect to dolomite. Therefore, it is proposed that the deep Enewetak dolomite precipitated from cold, deep ocean water (undersaturated with respect to calcite) at a burial depth of more than 900 m.
Widely tunable guided-mode resonance nanoelectromechanical RGB pixels.

Widely tunable display pixels are reported. The pixel consists of a subwavelength silicon-nitride/air membrane containing complementary fixed and mobile gratings. By altering the device refractive index profile and symmetry, using MEMS actuation methods, wavelength tuning across ~100 nm per pixel in the visible spectral region is shown to be possible. Initial results illustrating the influence of structural symmetry, pixel thickness, and polarization on the spectral response are provided. These pixels exhibit ~±4° angular acceptance aperture. Applications in compact display systems are envisioned.
Individual and competitive adsorption of arsenate and phosphate to a high-surface-area iron oxide-based sorbent.

Individual and competitive adsorption of arsenate and phosphate were studied on a high-surface-area Fe/Mn-(hydr)oxide sorbent with surface and bulk properties similar to those of two-line ferrihydrite. It has maximum adsorption densities of 0.42 µmol As m−2 at neutral pH and 1.24 µmol As m−2 at pH 3. A surface complexation model (SCM) that used the diffuse double layer model was developed that could simulate single and binary sorbate adsorption over pH 4–9. The predominant adsorbed arsenate and phosphate species were modeled as bidentate binuclear surface complexes at low pH and as monodentate complexes at high pH. The model initially overpredicted the inhibition of arsenate adsorption by the presence of phosphate. The overprediction was resolved by separating surface sites into two types: ones to which both arsenate and phosphate bind and a smaller number to which only phosphate binds. The modified model predicted the competitive adsorption of arsenate and phosphate over pH 4–9 at total As concentrations...
Monitoring ethical, legal, and social issues in developing population genetic databases.

Purpose To characterize ethical, legal, and social issues unique to population genetic database research and to determine the relevance of international recommendations and guidelines for addressing these issues in the development of “genebank” projects globally. Methods Building on our previous description of eight international genebanks, we conducted a comprehensive electronic search and literature review of relevant publications and consulted national and international documents applicable to genebank research. Results We identified and characterized five categories of ethical, legal, and social issues unique to genebank development: sponsorship and benefit-sharing, neutrality and regulatory power of ethics committees, public engagement, consent, and data protection. We illustrate these issues with examples from specific genebanks. Not all of the issues are addressed in current international guidelines, many of which are nonspecific and unenforceable. Conclusion The trend of genebank development promises to provide new discoveries to the field of medical science and to greatly improve public health. However, there is a growing need for more explicit, enforceable, and coordinated international guidelines relevant to the development and implementation of genebanks. By comparing ethical, legal and social issues as they arise in genebanks, researchers can better evaluate how to best use these projects to improve public health while protecting participating populations.
Aqueous two-phase partition applied to the isolation of plasma membranes and Golgi apparatus from cultured mammalian cells

Partitioning in dextran-poly(ethylene)glycol (PEG) aqueous-aqueous phase systems represents a mature technology with many applications to separations of cells and to the preparation of membranes from mammalian cells. Most applications to membrane isolation and purification have focused on plasma membranes, plasma membrane domains and separation of right side-out and inside-out plasma membrane vesicles. The method exploits a combination of membrane properties, including charge and hydrophobicity. Purification is based upon differential distributions of the constituents in a sample between the two principal compartments of the two phases (upper and lower) and at the interface. The order of affinity of animal cell membranes for the upper phase is: endoplasmic reticulum <mitochondria<Golgi apparatus<lysosomes and endosomes< plasma membranes. Salt concentrations and temperature affect partitioning behavior and must be precisely standardized. In some cases, it is more fortuitous to combine aqueous two-phase partition with other procedures to obtain a more highly purified preparation. A procedure is described for preparation of Golgi apparatus from transformed mammalian cells that combines aqueous two-phase partition and centrifugation. Also described is a periodic NADH oxidase, a new enzyme marker for right side-out plasma membrane vesicles not requiring detergent disruptions for measurement of activity.
BVS5000 support after cardiac transplantation.

Abstract Objective This study examines short-term mechanical assist device support for cardiac transplant patients and compares their outcomes with nontransplant patients requiring similar support. Methods Of 350 cardiac transplant patients at our institution, 7 patients required mechanical ventricular assistance with the Abiomed BVS5000 assist device (Abiomed, Inc, Danvers, Mass) after transplant secondary to severe acute rejection with cardiogenic shock (n = 4) or primary graft failure (n = 3). Recovery of ventricular function, survival to discharge, and complications were determined for the transplant group and compared with a second group comprising all other patients supported with the BVS5000 at our institution (n = 15). Additionally, the results of prior series reporting mechanical ventricular support of the failing transplant heart are reviewed. Results Demographics and duration of support were similar between the groups. The transplant group had a higher wean rate from device relative to the nontransplant group (100% versus 13%; P P = 0.05). Conclusion Severe acute rejection with cardiogenic shock and primary graft failure are two conditions that may warrant mechanical ventricular support in the cardiac transplant patient. Transplant patients with these conditions have a high rate of ventricular functional recovery, greater than nontransplant patients supported with the same device and for a similar period of time. Although the incidence of renal insufficiency was higher, the majority of transplant patients who were supported with the BVS5000 achieved survival to discharge.
Evolution of electron transfer out of the cell: comparative genomics of six Geobacter genomes

Geobacter species grow by transferring electrons out of the cell - either to Fe(III)-oxides or to man-made substances like energy-harvesting electrodes. Study of Geobacter sulfurreducens has shown that TCA cycle enzymes, inner-membrane respiratory enzymes, and periplasmic and outer-membrane cytochromes are required. Here we present comparative analysis of six Geobacter genomes, including species from the clade that predominates in the subsurface. Conservation of proteins across the genomes was determined to better understand the evolution of Geobacter species and to create a metabolic model applicable to subsurface environments. The results showed that enzymes for acetate transport and oxidation, and for proton transport across the inner membrane were well conserved. An NADH dehydrogenase, the ATP synthase, and several TCA cycle enzymes were among the best conserved in the genomes. However, most of the cytochromes required for Fe(III)-reduction were not, including many of the outer-membrane cytochromes. While conservation of cytochromes was poor, an abundance and diversity of cytochromes were found in every genome, with duplications apparent in several species. These results indicate there is a common pathway for acetate oxidation and energy generation across the family and in the last common ancestor. They also suggest that while cytochromes are important for extracellular electron transport, the path of electrons across the periplasm and outer membrane is variable. This combination of abundant cytochromes with weak sequence conservation suggests they may not be specific terminal reductases, but rather may be important in their heme-bearing capacity, as sinks for electrons between the inner-membrane electron transport chain and the extracellular acceptor.
A Long-Term Study of a Crowdfunding Platform: Predicting Project Success and Fundraising Amount

Crowdfunding platforms have become important sites where people can create projects to seek funds toward turning their ideas into products, and back someone else's projects. As news media have reported successfully funded projects (e.g., Pebble Time, Coolest Cooler), more people have joined crowdfunding platforms and launched projects. But in spite of rapid growth of the number of users and projects, a project success rate at large has been decreasing because of launching projects without enough preparation and experience. To solve the problem, in this paper we (i) collect the largest datasets from Kickstarter, consisting of all project profiles, corresponding user profiles, projects' temporal data and users' social media information; (ii) analyze characteristics of successful projects, behaviors of users and understand dynamics of the crowdfunding platform; (iii) propose novel statistical approaches to predict whether a project will be successful and a range of expected pledged money of the project; and (iv) develop predictive models and evaluate performance of the models. Our experimental results show that the predictive models can effectively predict project success and a range of expected pledged money.
Market-mediated environmental impacts of biofuels.

This paper surveys the evidence on market-mediated environmental impacts of biofuels, with special attention to the indirect greenhouse gas emissions stemming from land cover change in the wake of increased demand for biofuel feedstocks. We find clear evidence that market mediated land use response to crop price changes has occurred over the past decade. However, despite all the research that has been done and all the advances made, there remains considerable quantitative uncertainty surrounding biofuels induced land use change. Obtaining precise estimates of these impacts is likely beyond the reach of current models and data.
Source–sink dynamics sustain central stonerollers (Campostoma anomalum) in a heavily urbanized catchment

Summary 1. The influence of spatial structure on population dynamics within river–stream networks is poorly understood. Utilizing spatially explicit analyses of temporal genetic variance, we tested whether persistence of central stonerollers (Campostoma anomalum) reflects differences in habitat quality and location within a highly modified urban catchment in southwestern Ohio, U.S.A. 2. Estimates of genetic diversity did not vary with habitat quality. Nevertheless, evidence of weak but temporally stable genetic structure, location-dependent effective population sizes and rates of immigration among sites, together suggest that persistence of central stonerollers within the catchment may be attributable to source–sink dynamics driven by habitat heterogeneity. 3. Under this scenario, migrant-pool colonization from areas of relatively high habitat quality in the upper catchment sustains the presence of central stonerollers at degraded sites in the main stem and dampens population subdivision within the catchment. However, because intact habitat is restricted to the upper portion of the catchment, it is not possible to preclude net downstream dispersal as a mechanism contributing to source–sink dynamics. The slight genetic structure that persists appears to reflect weak isolation by distance diminished by high rates of immigration. 4. This study suggests that without a systems perspective of the conditions that sustain populations in degraded waterways, environmental assessments may underestimate levels of impairment. Conservation and management of stream fishes could be improved by maintaining habitat in areas that are net exporters of migrants or by remediation of impaired habitat.
Lisa Feurzeig, Schubert’s Lieder and the Philosophy of Early German Romanticism

Review by Kristina Muxfeldt (Indiana University) of Lisa Feurzeig, Schubert’s Lieder and the Philosophy of Early German Romanticism . Farnham and Burlington, VT: Ashgate, 2014. Pp. xiii + 198. £60. ISBN 9781409447887.
Race and resources: black parents’ perspectives on post-apartheid South African schools

The dismantling of apartheid in 1994 brought an array of democratic changes in South Africa, including changes in curriculum and educational policies. One of the most momentous changes was the desegregation of public schools. While this was significant in South African education politics, it presented some educational challenges, especially to Black and poor children in the township neighborhoods. This article examines Black parents’ perceptions of two major challenges that threaten education transformation in this new democracy: racism in formerly White-only schools and insufficient resources in township schools. It draws on an in-depth qualitative study with the parents of Black students, examining their ‘common sense’ about the desegregated public schools. Based on the findings, I make a claim that parents have clear and informed opinions about the education of their children. They are aware of the lack of resources in township schools and of racism in formerly White-only schools. They make different c...
“You Know Who You Can Go To”: Cooperation and Exchange Between Incarcerated Women:

Relationship formation among women inmates has long been of interest to researchers. Most studies, however, have focused on pseudofamily or homosexual relationships. This work examines less intimate acquaintance and friendship bonds and their utility for inmate coping and adjustment. Qualitative data, based on unstructured, indepth interviews with 40 incarcerated women, underscore the benefits of inmate relationships and their support functions. Utilizing the strength-of-weak-ties concept, this article examines how female inmates perceive their relationships with each other and assesses the role of these relationships in women's adaptation to incarceration.
A hierarchical zero-inflated model for species compositional data—from individual taxon responses to community response

Healthy macroinvertebrate communities are typically composed of a few abundant taxa and many relatively rare taxa. These rare taxa tend to be sensitive to pollution and, in aggregate, are important indicators of water quality (e.g., EPT taxa richness that combines Ephemeroptera, Plecoptera, and Trichoptera taxa). Rare taxa lead to community data sets that contain large numbers of zero values that are often a source of difficulty in data processing and analysis. A hierarchical zero-inflated Poisson model is developed to study the responses to watershed urbanization of a group of macroinvertebrates taxa (EPT taxa) often used as indicators of good water quality and a healthy stream ecosystem. The zero-inflated Poisson model is parameterized with a unimodal curve for the abundance model and a logit-linear model for the zero model. The hierarchical model is used to integrate responses of individual taxa into a community level response. The emphasis of the model is on estimating the probability that an observed 0 represents the true absence of a taxon. By modeling the probability of true absence as a function of watershed level urbanization intensity both at individual taxon level and at the community level, we are able to develop a stressor-specific tolerance indicator to (1) separate truly sensitive EPT taxa from more tolerant taxa, and (2) compare the responses of different communities to the same stressor or responses of the same community in different regions. We document the development of the model and the process of integrating individual taxon models into a community model. The model is applied to a data set collected for study of the effect of urbanization on stream ecosystems.
Fast reconfigurable photovoltaic switching cell integrated within DC-DC converters

This paper introduces a concept of a switching cell that utilizes the reconfiguration of series and parallel connections in DC-DC converters. The switching occurs at high switching frequency and the switches can be integrated to be within the solar panels or in between the solar cells. The concept is generalized and applied to basic boost and buck topologies. Analysis and experiments for the reconfigurable boost converter are presented more extensively to illustrate proof of concept. Benefits and drawbacks of the new approach are discussed.
Perioperative statins: More than lipid-lowering?

Preliminary evidence indicates that statin drugs may be beneficial when given in the perioperative period. Although more studies are needed to draw firm conclusions, the acute nonlipid pleiotropic effects of statins may improve patient outcomes, especially for patients at the highest risk.
Fast Bit Compression and Expansion with Parallel Extract and Parallel Deposit Instructions

Current microprocessor instruction set architectures are word oriented, with some subword support. Many important applications, however, can realize substantial performance benefits from bitoriented instructions. We propose the parallel extract (pex) and parallel deposit (pdep) instructions to accelerate compressing and expanding selections of bits. We show that these instructions can be implemented by the fast inverse butterfly and butterfly network circuits. We evaluate latency and area costs of alternative functional units for implementing subsets of advanced bit manipulation instructions. We show applications exhibiting significant speedup, 3.41? on average over a basic RISC architecture, and 2.48? on average over an instruction set architecture (ISA) that supports extract and deposit instructions.
Extracting business rules from legacy systems into reusable components

Companies follow the business rules to conduct their businesses daily where the business rules are often implemented into the software systems. Over time, business rules evolve and the software that implemented the business rules is also modified to respond to the new business requirements. Unfortunately, timely updates on the documents corresponding to the software are usually ignored. The documents gradually become outdated and less useful for reference. In this paper, we present a method for identifying and extracting business rules from legacy code by means of data identification and program slicing. The extracted code corresponding to a business rule is then compiled into a component for interoperability where the component is built conforming to a protocol. The components abiding by the protocol can communicate with each other seamlessly in a heterogeneous object-oriented computing environment.