cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Revisiting importance–performance analysis

Abstract As a tool to develop marketing strategies, importance–performance analysis has gained popularity among hospitality and tourism researchers for its simplicity and ease of application. This article revisited several conceptual and methodological issues inherent, but often overlooked, in using the importance–performance analysis framework. The author conducts a critical review of past studies, reanalyzes published data to raise questions, and develops suggestions for future hospitality and tourism research applying importance–performance analysis. The primary goal of this article was to stimulate further discussion and research on the validity and reliability of widely adopted importance–performance analysis.
Renal deterioration in multiple sclerosis patients with neurovesical dysfunction.

Objectives:Our aims were to determine the prevalence of renal ultrasound (RUS) abnormalities over time in multiple sclerosis (MS) patients with lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS).Methods:Data were...
Single-column gas chromatographic separation of nanomolar quantities of amino acids.

Abstract Three gas chromatography packings are reported that can be used to separate mixtures of amino acids present in nanomolar quantities. These packings can be used with single column operation without bleed interference. The best separation was achieved with 1.2% PDEAS on Gas Chrom A which had been carefully prepared and conditioned. Preliminary data are presented which indicate that gas chromatography can be used to analyze amino acids present in nanomolar quantities in biological samples.
Radiative extinguishment of diffusion flames at zero gravity

Radiative heat transfer effects on small fires in zero gravity spacecraft and free falling chamber environments from diffusion flame models
Overt Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis Infection: An Infrequent Occurrence in Archived Tissue from False TB Reactor Cattle in Michigan, USA

The objective of this study was to retrospectively determine whether or not cattle from the state of Michigan which were classified as bovine tuberculosis reactors, based on currently approved field and laboratory testing methods, were overtly infected with Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis (MAP). Included in this study were 384 adult cattle submitted to the Diagnostic Center for Population and Animal Health over a seven-year period. Cattle were tested utilizing standard methods to confirm that all cattle were lesion and culture negative for infection with Mycobacterium bovis at postmortem examination. Retrospective analysis of formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded sections of ileum and ileocecal lymph node were evaluated by histopathology, acid-fast staining, and PCR assays to detect MAP. Overall, only 1.04 percent of cattle showed overt infection with MAP on visual examination of sections of ileum and/or ileo-cecal lymph node. This increased slightly to 2.1 percent of cattle likely infected with MAP after additional testing using a PCR assay. Based on these results, we found no evidence that overt infection with MAP plays a major role in the false tuberculosis reactor test results for cattle examined in this study.
Ultrastructural studies on the cervical loop and the development of the amelo-dentinal junction in the cat.

Abstract Ultrastructural studies were carried out on the cervical loop and on the development of the amelo-dentinal junction on the lower permanent canine teeth of normal cats. The cervical loop, composed of a homogeneous population of cells, is separated from the dental papilla and dental follicle by a continuous basement membrane. Collagen fibrils are more numerous and more closely related to the basement membrane in the follicle than in the papilla. Pre-ameloblasts appear about 150 μm from the cervical loop. About 250 μm from the cervical loop, cells adjacent to the cellfree zone of the pulp differentiate into light and dark odontoblasts. At this stage, the future amelo-dentinal junction is a more or less straight line and is represented by the distal plasma membrane of the pre-ameloblasts and a continuous basement membrane. When the predentine is about 35 μm wide, the future amelo-dentinal junction presents a serrated appearance and the basement membrane disappears. Initial calcification begins in the dentine and extends toward the pre-ameloblasts. When it is about 2 μm from the amelo-dentinal junction, the pre-ameloblasts differentiate into ameloblasts and stippled material merges with the collagen fibrils of the predentine. Calcification of the enamel follows and this appears to result from an extension of the calcification front of the dentine rather than from new nucleation sites in the enamel matrix.
Implementation of an adaptive piezoelectric sensoriactuator

An adaptive algorithm implemented on a digital signal processor is used in conjunction with an analog multiplier circuit to compensate for the feedthrough capacitance of a piezoelectric sensoriactuator. The mechanical response of the piezoelectric sensoriactuator is resolved from the electrical response by adaptively altering the gain imposed on the electrical circuit used for compensation. For broadband, stochastic input disturhances, the feedthrough dynamic capacitance of the sensoriactuator can be identified on-line, providing a means of implementing direct-rate-feedback control in analog hardware. Rate feedback control is demonstrated on a cantilevered beam using the hybrid/adaptive circuit. The ability of the circuit to readapt to a change in capacitance is demonstrated by a simple experiment.
High inversion current in silicon nanowire field effect transistors

Silicon nanowire (SiNW) field effect transistors (FETs) with channel widths down to 20 nm have been fabricated by a conventional “top-down” approach by using electron-beam lithography. The SiNW device shows higher inversion channel current density than the control devices. The extracted electron inversion mobility of the 20 nm width nanowire channel (≈1000 cm2/Vs) is found to be 2 times higher than that of the reference MOSFET (≈480 cm2/Vs) of large dimension (W ≥ 1 μm). We attribute this mobility increase to strain-induced changes in the band structure of the SiNW after oxidation.
Molecular Beacons: A Novel DNA Probe for Nucleic Acid and Protein Studies

A new concept has been introduced for molecular beacon DNA molecules. Molecular beacons are a new class of oligonucleotides that can report the presence of specific nucleic acids in both homogeneous solutions and at the liquid-solid interface. They emit an intense fluorescent signal only when hybridized to their target DNA or RNA molecules. Biotinylated molecular beacons have been designed and used for the development of ultrasensitive DNA sensors and for DNA molecular interaction studies at a solid-liquid interface. Molecular beacons have also been used to study protein-DNA interactions. They have provided a variety of exciting opportunities in DNA/RNA/protein studies.
Strain improvement of recombinant Escherichia coli for efficient production of plant flavonoids.

Plant flavonoid polyphenols continue to find increasing pharmaceutical and nutraceutical applications; however their isolation, especially of pure compounds, from plant material remains an underlying challenge. In the past Escherichia coli, one of the most well-characterized microorganisms, has been utilized as a recombinant host for protein expression and heterologous biosynthesis of small molecules. However, in many cases the expressed protein activities and biosynthetic efficiency are greatly limited by the host cellular properties, such as precursor and cofactor availability and protein or product tolerance. In the present work, we developed E. coli strains capable of high-level flavonoid synthesis through traditional metabolic engineering techniques. In addition to grafting the plant biosynthetic pathways, the methods included engineering of an alternative carbon assimilation pathway and the inhibition of competitive reaction pathways in order to increase intracellular flavonoid backbone precursors a...
Partners in Development: Report of the Commission on International Development.

Library has French version: Vers une action commune pour le developpement du Tiers-Monde : rapport de la commission d'etudes du developpement international
Neighborhood characteristics and mental health among African Americans and whites living in a racially integrated urban community

Aspects of the environment in which one lives are increasingly being recognized as major contributors to health, yet few empirical studies have focused on mental health. Therefore, we sought to determine if neighborhood characteristics were associated with mental health outcomes among 1408 African-American (59.3%) and white (40.7%) adults living in a socio-economically homogeneous, racially integrated, urban community in Baltimore, MD. Among African Americans and whites, the perception of severe problems in the community was associated with higher levels of stress (approximately 1.8 units higher), anxiety (approximately 1.8 units higher), and depression (OR= approximately 2.0) compared to those who perceived no or few problems (all p<0.05). Community cohesion, the perception that people generally work together, was associated with better mental health among whites only. These findings give further insight into the complex environment of inner-city communities.
Automata for direct radix conversion

Abstract Modular logic circuits are described that directly transform on a digit by digit basis a number from one radix to another. Each device—an automaton—is of combined Moore-Mealy design of which the Moore output is a coefficient in the transformed radix, and the Mealy output is an untransformed residue passed on to the next identically designed circuit. Each logic circuit is completely independent of word length, and transformation relative to the input string is exact at each instant of time with all transformed digits simultaneously available. For fractional number conversion, any specified accuracy can be obtained merely by the addition of more modular logic circuits to the chain.
Transport properties of the europium chalcogenides

Transport properties of pure and doped Eu chalcogenides are reviewed to determine the mechanisms responsible for the anomalous behavior near Tc, the Curie temperature. It is found that, whereas the scattering theory of simple metals accounts for the behavior of materials containing impurities in excess of 2 × 1020 cm-3, several models for transport have been proposed for smaller concentrations. The impurity hopping model appearsto be consistent with the data for very dilute systems.
Perceptron order for cylindrical, polar, and spherical connectivity

Lower bounds are established for the order of the connectivity predicate on a rectangular grid in the cylindrical topology, on a polar grid in the planar topology, and on a sphere.
Trace NO 2 detection using a multi-mode diode laser and cavity enhanced absorption spectroscopy

A simplified trace gas detector using a multi-mode Fabry-Perot diode laser and cavity enhanced absorption spectroscopy has been developed and used to detect NO2 at the 100 ppt level.
Elastography method for reconstruction of nonlinear breast tissue properties

Elastography is developed as a quantitative approach to imaging linear elastic properties of tissues to detect suspicious tumors. In this paper a nonlinear elastography method is introduced for reconstruction of complex breast tissue properties. The elastic parameters are estimated by optimally minimizing the difference between the computed forces and experimental measures. A nonlinear adjoint method is derived to calculate the gradient of the objective function, which significantly enhances the numerical efficiency and stability. Simulations are conducted on a three-dimensional heterogeneous breast phantom extracting from real imaging including fatty tissue, glandular tissue, and tumors. An exponential-form of nonlinear material model is applied. The effect of noise is taken into account. Results demonstrate that the proposed nonlinear method opens the door toward nonlinear elastography and provides guidelines for future development and clinical application in breast cancer study.
Measurement of the Plasma Width in a Ring Cusp

A pure, fully ionized, ${\mathrm{D}}_{2}$ plasma of 2\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}${10}^{19}$ ions, generated from free-falling ${\mathrm{D}}_{2}$ pellets with use of a 100-J Nd-glass laser pulse followed by a 1000-J C${\mathrm{O}}_{2}$ laser pulse, is used to fill ($\ensuremath{\beta}=1$) a cusp-configured magnetic field. The width of the plasma escaping through the ring cusp is determined by laser scattering, chamber wall light and chemical deposits, and plasma lifetime. The ring cusp is an ion gyroradius wide, in contrast to recent experiments that have indicated a considerably narrower cusp width.
The vesiculo-vacuolar organelle (VVO). A new endothelial cell permeability organelle

A newly defined endothelial cell permeability structure, termed the vesiculo-vacuolar organelle (VVO), has been identified in the microvasculature that accompanies tumors, in venules associated with allergic inflammation, and in the endothelia of normal venules. This organelle provides the major route of extravasation of macromolecules at sites of increased vascular permeability induced by vascular permeability factor/vascular endothelial growth factor (VPF/VEGF), serotonin, and histamine in animal models. Continuity of these large sessile structures between the vascular lumen and the extracellular space has been demonstrated in kinetic studies with ultrastructural electron-dense tracers, by direct observation of tilted electron micrographs, and by ultrathin serial sections with three-dimensional computer reconstructions. Ultrastructural enzyme-affinity cytochemical and immunocytochemical studies have identified histamine and VPF/VEGF bound to VVOs in vivo in animal models in which these mediators of permeability are released from mast cells and tumor cells, respectively. The high-affinity receptor for VPF/VEGF, VEGFR-2, was localized to VVOs and their substructural components by pre-embedding ultrastructural immunonanogold and immunoperoxidase techniques. Similar methods were used to localize caveolin and vesicle-associated membrane protein (VAMP) to VVOs and caveolae, indicating a possible commonality of formation and function of VVOs to caveolae.
X-ray observations on single crystals of carbonmonoxy hemoglobin from human fetal blood.

Summary Carbonmonoxyhemoglobin crystals have been prepared from human fetal cord blood. The density of the crystals, their water and salt contents, and the percentage of hemoglobin were determined. Single crystal x-ray photographs were used to derive dimensions of a possible unit cell corresponding to 16 molecules of the protein.
An experimental study of microstrip antennas on very high permittivity ceramic substrates and very small ground planes

An experimental study of rectangular microstrip antennas on two ceramic composite substrates, barium-titanate with a dielectric constant of 37 and neodymium-titanate substrates with a dielectric constant of 85, is presented. The measured results for radiation patterns, cross-pol levels and resonant frequencies for antennas with ground planes as small as 1"/spl times/1" are given. It is shown that, for very small ground planes, the far-field pattern is smooth and nearly omnidirectional in both E and H planes, a feature that may be of interest in many mobile applications.
Children's Oncology Group's 2013 blueprint for research: Neuroblastoma

Estimated 5-year survival rates for patients with non-high-risk and high-risk neuroblastoma are 90% and 50%, respectively. Recent clinical trials have shown excellent outcomes with reduced therapy for non-high-risk disease. For patients with high-risk neuroblastoma treated with chemoradiotherapy, surgery, and stem cell transplantation, the addition of anti-disialoganglioside (GD2) immunotherapy plus cytokines improves survival. Upcoming trials will study the incorporation of targeted radionuclide therapy prior to myeloablative chemotherapy into high-risk treatment. Phase 2 trials will investigate druggable target(s) including mTOR inhibition and GD2-directed therapy in combination with chemotherapy for patients with recurrent neuroblastoma, and ALK inhibition for those with ALK-aberrant tumors.
Pulse Modulation in Physiological Systems, Phenomenological Aspects

In the development of a quantitative understanding of physiological reflex arcs it becomes apparent that the concept of pulse-frequency modulation is bound to play an important part. Not only does the discrete nature of these signals introduce some effects of itself, but possibly more significant in the total picture are the dynamical factors introduced by the modulator and demodulator. There is good reason for feeling that in the iris reflex, for instance, a large share of the dynamic behavior is intimately related to the photoreceptors themselves, and possibly a minor role is taken by the synaptic delays.
Formulating and Using Probability Density Functions with Familiar Geometric Shapes.

Summary This note shows how some density functions for continuous probability distributions can be constructed in a transparent manner to help students appreciate their development.
In vivo species specificity of DNA polymerase α

The DNA polymerase alpha enzymes from human, and budding (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) and fission yeast (Schizosaccharomyces pombe) are homologous proteins involved in initiation and replication of chromosomal DNA. Sequence comparison of human DNA polymerase alpha with that of S. cerevisiae and S. pombe shows overall levels of amino acid sequence identity of 32% and 34%, respectively. We report here that, despite the sequence conservation among these three enzymes, functionally active human DNA polymerase alpha fails to rescue several different conditional lethal alleles of the budding yeast POL1 gene at nonpermissive temperature. Furthermore, human DNA polymerase alpha cannot complement a null allele of budding yeast POL1 either in germinating spores or in vegetatively growing cells. In fission yeast, functionally active human DNA polymerase alpha is also unable to complement the disrupted pol alpha::ura4+ allele in germinating spores. Thus, in vivo, DNA polymerase alpha has stringent species specificity for initiation and replication of chromosomal DNA.
Seismic Response of Multiple Span Steel Bridges in Central and Southeastern United States. II: Retrofitted

The seismic response of typical multispan simply supported (MSSS) and multispan continuous steel girder bridges in the central and southeastern United States is evaluated. Nonlinear time history analyses are conducted using synthetic ground motion for three cities for 475 and 2,475-year return period earthquakes (10 and 2% probability of exceedance in 50 years). The results indicate that the seismic response for the 475-year return period earthquake would lead to an essentially linear response in typical bridges. However, the seismic response for a 2,475-year return period earthquake resulted in significant demands on nonductile columns, fixed and expansion bearings, and abutments. In particular, pounding between decks in the MSSS bridge would result in significant damage to steel bearings and would lead to the toppling of rocker bearings, which may result in unseating of the bridge deck.
Chromatin modification and epigenetic reprogramming in mammalian development

The developmental programme of embryogenesis is controlled by both genetic and epigenetic mechanisms. An emerging theme from recent studies is that the regulation of higher-order chromatin structures by DNA methylation and histone modification is crucial for genome reprogramming during early embryogenesis and gametogenesis, and for tissue-specific gene expression and global gene silencing. Disruptions to chromatin modification can lead to the dysregulation of developmental processes, such as X-chromosome inactivation and genomic imprinting, and to various diseases. Understanding the process of epigenetic reprogramming in development is important for studies of cloning and the clinical application of stem-cell therapy.
Work in progress - bringing sanity to the course assignment process

The floor of the NY Stock Exchange, with its noise and chaos, is an apt depiction of the typical course selection meeting that many universities experience. Professors attempt to shout over their colleagues or broker deals with one another in small cabals in an attempt to garner the sections they hope to teach. When first choices fall by the wayside, quick recalculations of schedules are necessary in order to determine the next best scenario and sections to request. As inexperienced junior faculty members, the authors found this experience daunting. In response, they wrote a simple web application that allowed faculty to make their selections, and broker deals, in a calm manner over an extended time period. The application was originally written for one sub-group of about 20 faculty within the department, but its popularity quickly spread to the rest of the department and then on to other departments within the college. The course assignment and reservation system (CARS) has grown steadily over the past several years in number of users, functionality, and scope. Today, faculty can plan their teaching load, work with colleagues to find mutually beneficial schedules, and easily retrieve historical information in preparation for annual reviews, promotion, or tenure appointments. Department administrators can manage course information, prepare information for certification agencies, assign faculty to courses, and monitor faculty loads. Staff and students also benefit from interfaces permitting access to appropriate information to assist them in their planning activities. Utilizing Web 2.0 technologies, the application is enjoyable to use and gives all of the disparate users a satisfying experience.
The inclusion pair interaction problem with non-linear interface

Abstract Consider two identical plane circular regions Ω1, Ω2 (the voids) bounded by closed curves ∂Ω1, ∂Ω2 with unit normals n1, n2 contained within an unbounded matrix with elastic moduli E, ν. Assume that the void centers are separated by a distance l and that the voids have radius R. Note that if the voids are not to overlap the dimensionless parameter e, defined by 1/2R, must not be less than 1. Fix two Cartesian systems fn5 with origins o1 and o2 (at the void centers) , point coordinates (x11 , x12 ) (x21 , x22 ), base vectors (e11 , e12 ) (e21 , e22 ), and introduce two polar coordinate systems with coordinates (r1, θ1) (r2, θ2) and base vectors (e1r , e1θ ) (e2r , e2θ ) ( Fig. 2 Download : Download high-res image (25KB) Download : Download full-size image Fig. 2 . Void (inclusion) pair geometry. ) . Assume that the remote loading is a planar stress given by S∞ = σ1e1 ⊗ e1+σ2e2 ⊗ e2+ν (σ1+σ2) e3 ⊗ e3 applied at r → ∞ where the basis (e1, e2) corresponds to a third coordinate system situated at a point equidistant between the two voids on the line connecting the two centers. By the spectral decomposition theorem this form is the most general planar remote loading so that σ1 = σ2 indicates equibiaxial loading, σ1 = 0 or σ2 = 0 indicates tensile loading, σ1 = −σ2 indicates pure shear loading, etc. We seek expressions for the circumferential boundary stress and the boundary displacement of a void.
Dually charged particl-like solutions in the Weinberg-Salam theory

This work establishes the existence of electrically and magnetically charged static particle–like solutions known as dyons in the Weinberg–Salam theory for the unified electromagnetic and weak interactions. The solutions are obtained through a constrained variational study of the associated action functional which assumes an indefinite form due to the presence of the electric field.
Evaluation of extracranial occlusive disease by digital subtraction angiography

Abstract The intravenous injection of contrast medium for angiography is a relatively new means of studying the arteries of the head and neck. Digital subtraction angiography allows the evaluation of patients with suspected vascular disease without the risk of arterial catheterization.
Preparation of oxide catalysts and catalyst supports - A review of recent advances

Abstract Recent progress in the understanding of the effect of preparation variables on the properties of oxide materials, either to be used as catalysts or catalyst supports, are summarized. The methods include sol-gel technique, use of surfactant to prepare mesoporous and related materials, equilibrium adsorption technique, preparation of hydrotalcite materials, and use of preformed multicomponent complexes. The control of the properties of the oxide material, such as pore size, surface area, and homogeneity by controlling the preparation variables in different methods, and the chemical processes involved in these methods are discussed.
STUDIES ON SOUTH AMERICAN YELLOW FEVER : III. TRANSMISSION OF THE VIRUS TO BRAZILIAN MONKEYS PRELIMINARY OBSERVATIONS

Yellow fever virus from M. rhesus has been inoculated into a South American monkey (Cebus macrocephalus) by blood injection and by bites of infected mosquitoes. The Cebus does not develop the clinical or pathological signs of yellow fever. Nevertheless, the virus persists in the Cebus for a time as shown by the typical symptoms and lesions which develop when the susceptible M. rhesus is inoculated from a Cebus by direct transfer of blood or by mosquito (A. aegypti) transmission.
NORMAL COORDINATE TREATMENT OF n-PROPANOL AND ITS DEUTERO ANALOG.

Abstract Normal coordinate treatment of n -propanol and its deutero analog ( n -C 3 H 7 OD) was carried out using the modified Urey-Bradley force field. The normal frequencies and potential energy distributions were calculated for rotational isomers having trans conformation around the bond, CH 2 CH 2 , and the change of normal frequencies with the conformational change from trans to gauche around the bond was elucidated by calculation of normal frequencies of rotational isomers. On the basis of the calculated results, an assignment of vibrational spectra of n -propanol and its deutero analog is proposed.
Race, Ethnicity, and Socioeconomic Inequality Among Minority Middle Classes

Offered is a discussion of major trends in sociological research on stratification among minority middle classes and a review/synopsis of pieces in this volume of The American Behavioral Scientist.
Targeting Mitochondrial Metabolism by Inhibiting Autophagy in BRAF-Driven Cancers

Metabolomic analyses of human tumors and mouse models of cancer have identified key roles for autophagy in supporting mitochondrial metabolism and homeostasis. In this review, we highlight data suggesting that autophagy inhibition may be particularly effective in BRAF -driven malignancies. Catalytic BRAF inhibitors have profound efficacy in tumors carrying activating mutations in Braf but are limited by the rapid emergence of resistance due in part to increased mitochondrial biogenesis and heightened rates of oxidative phosphorylation. We suggest that combined inhibition of autophagy and BRAF may overcome this limitation. Significance: Braf V600E-driven tumors require autophagy and likely autophagy-provided substrates to maintain mitochondrial metabolism and to promote tumor growth, suggesting that autophagy ablation may improve cancer therapy. Cancer Discov; 4(7); 766–72. ©2014 AACR .
Neurosurgery Residency Websites: A Critical Evaluation

Objective To evaluate the accessibility of educational and recruitment content of Neurosurgery Residency Websites (NRWs). Methods Program lists from the Fellowship and Residency Electronic Interactive Database (FREIDA), Electronic Residency Application Service (ERAS), and the American Association of Neurological Surgeons (AANS) were accessed for the 2015 Match. These databases were assessed for accessibility of information and responsive program contacts. Presence of online recruitment and education variables was assessed, and correlations between program characteristics and website comprehensiveness were made. Results All 103 neurosurgery residency programs had an NRW. The AANS database provided the most number of viable website links with 65 (63%). No links existed for 5 (5%) programs. A minority of programs contacts responded via e-mail (46%). A minority of recruitment (46%) and educational (49%) variables were available on the NRWs. Larger programs, as defined by the number of yearly residency spots and clinical faculty, maintained greater online content than smaller programs. Similar trends were seen with programs affiliated with a ranked medical school and hospital. Conclusions Multiple prior studies have demonstrated that medical students applying to neurosurgery rely heavily on residency program websites. As such, the paucity of content on NRWs allows for future opportunity to optimize online resources for neurosurgery training. Making sure that individual programs provide relevant content, make the content easier to find and adhere to established web design principles could increase the usability of NRWs.
Social Functioning of Children Surviving Bone Marrow Transplantation

Objective: To evaluate the behavioral reputation and peer acceptance of pediatric bone marrow transplant (BMT) survivors. Methods: Forty-eight BMT survivors (8-16 years of age) were compared to 48 nonchronically ill, sameclassroom, same-gender comparison peers (COMP). Peer, teacher, and self-report data were collected. Results: Relative to COMP, BMT survivors had fewer friends and were described by peers, but not teacher or self-report, as more socially isolated. In addition, peers described BMT survivors as being less physically attractive and athletically skilled. Further analyses suggested that these nonsocial attributes (physical appearance and athletic ability) and treatment variables (whether cranial irradiation was received) mediated the social difficulties of BMT survivors. Conclusions: These data are suggestive of an unremitting pattern of difficulties with peers that has the potential to disrupt normal social and emotional development. Differences between peer, teacher and self-reports highlight the need for multiple informants in future work.
Calcium release from the nucleus by InsP3 receptor channels

The nucleus is surrounded by a double membrane separating it from the cytoplasm. The perinuclear space is continuous with endoplasmic reticulum, and the nuclear outer membrane shares many features with the reticular membrane. We now show that inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate (InsP3) receptors associated with the nucleus release Ca2+ from isolated Xenopus laevis oocyte nuclei. Electrophysiological measurements of the intracellular InsP3 receptor in its native membrane have not been possible on the fine filamentous endoplasmic reticulum. In this paper, we directly measure InsP3-dependent receptor channels in isolated nuclei. The nuclear InsP3 receptor is activated by InsP3 and modulated by Ca2+. The channel is weakly regulated by ATP, is mildly voltage dependent, and has a greater conductance with monovalent cations than with divalent cations.
The Black–White Swimming Disparity in America: A Deadly Legacy of Swimming Pool Discrimination

This article offers a historically informed answer to the question why are Black Americans less likely to know how to swim than Whites. It contends that past discrimination in the provision of and ...
Anthocyanins Protect Against A2E Photooxidation and Membrane Permeabilization in Retinal Pigment Epithelial Cells

The pyridinium bisretinoid A2E, an autofluorescent pigment that accumulates in retinal pigment epithelial cells with age and in some retinal disorders, can mediate a detergent-like perturbation of cell membranes and light-induced damage to the cell. The photodynamic events initiated by the sensitization of A2E include the generation of singlet oxygen and the oxidation of A2E at carbon-carbon double bonds. To assess the ability of plant-derived anthocyanins to modulate adverse effects of A2E accumulation on retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) cells, these flavylium salts were isolated from extracts of bilberry. Nine anthocyanin fractions reflecting monoglycosides of delphinidin, cyanidin, petunidin and malvidin were obtained and all were shown to suppress the photooxidation of A2E at least in part by quenching singlet oxygen. The anthocyanins tested exhibited antioxidant activity of variable efficiency. The structural characteristics relevant to this variability likely included the ability to form a stable quinonoidal anhydro base at neutral pH, a conjugated diene structure in the C (pyrane) ring, the presence of hydroxyl groups on the B (benzene) ring and the relative hydrophobicity conferred by the arrangement of substituents on the B ring. Cells that had taken up anthocyanins also exhibited a resistance to the membrane permeabilization that occurs as a result of the detergent-like action of A2E.
Epidermal Growth Factor Stimulates Glycogen Synthesis in Fetal Rat Hepatocytes: Comparison with the Glycogenic Effects of Insulin-Like Growth Factor I and Insulin*

The effects of epidermal growth factor (EGF) on glycogen metabolism and the binding of [125I]iodo-EGF to receptors in fetal rat hepatocytes have been examined. The actions of EGF have been compared with those of insulin-like growth factor I (IGF-I) and insulin. EGF (0.1-45 nM) stimulated dose-dependent increases in [14C]glucose incorporation into glycogen (8.8-31.1%, P less than 0.01) and total cellular glycogen content (5.6-21.4%, P less than 0.05). The concentration of EGF causing half-maximal stimulation of glycogen synthesis was 2 ng/ml, and maximal stimulation occurred at 1 h of incubation. EGF had no effect on the uptake of the nonmetabolizable monosaccharide [14C]O-methyl-D-glucose, suggesting that the glycogenic effect of EGF was not mediated through stimulation of glucose transport. Although IGF-I (1-100 nM) and insulin (14 nM to 10 microM) also stimulated glycogen synthesis in fetal liver, the maximal effects of these hormones occurred at 2 h incubation, and the dose-response curves of IGF-I and insulin were not parallel to that of EGF. In addition, the maximal glycogenic effect of EGF was only 40% that of insulin or IGF-I, and the effects of EGF and insulin on [14C]glucose incorporation were additive. These findings suggest that EGF stimulates glycogen synthesis through a mechanism distinct from that of IGF-I or insulin. The binding of [125I]iodo-EGF to fetal hepatocytes was specific, saturable, and time- and temperature-dependent. Maximal specific binding occurred at 1 h of incubation at 37 C or at 24 h of incubation at 4 C. Unlabeled EGF (0.05-250 ng/ml) caused a dose-dependent inhibition of the binding of [125I]iodo-EGF to fetal hepatocytes, with half-maximal displacement of [125I]iodo-EGF by 1.7 ng unlabeled EGF/ml. The specific binding of [125I] iodo-EGF was not inhibited by high concentrations of insulin or IGF-I, suggesting that the differences in the mechanisms by which EGF, insulin, and IGF-I stimulate glycogenesis may be explained in part by differences in the binding of these hormones to fetal liver receptors. In addition to having mitogenic effects in fetal tissue, EGF or other EGF-like growth factors may have acute effects on fetal hepatic intermediary metabolism and may contribute to the accumulation of liver glycogen in the mammalian fetus during late gestation.
Flux tube analysis of L-band ionospheric scintillation

[1] This manuscript presents magnetic flux tube analysis of L-band signal scintillation in the nighttime equatorial and low-latitude ionosphere. Residues of the scintillation index S4 estimated from the L-band signals received from Geostationary Earth Orbit (GEO) satellites are employed in the analysis. The S4 estimates have been shown to be associated with simultaneous GPS VTEC variations derived from JPL's GIPSY-GIM package. We have applied the wavelet decomposition technique simultaneously on the S4 time series in a flux tube over the equatorial and low-latitude regions. The technique decomposes the S4 signal to identify the dominant mode of variabilities and the temporal variations of scintillation-producing irregularities in the context of a flux tube. Statistically significant regions of the wavelet power spectra considered in our study have mainly shown that (a) dominant plasma irregularities associated with S4 variabilities in a flux tube have periods of about 4 to 15 minutes (horizontal irregularity scales of about 24 to 90 km). These periods match short period gravity waves, (b) scintillation-producing irregularities are anisotropic along the flux tube and in the east-west direction, and (c) the occurrences of scintillation-producing irregularities along the flux tube indicate that the entire flux tube became unstable. However, plasma instability occurrences were not simultaneous in most cases along the flux tube, there were time delays of various orders. Understanding the attributes of L-band scintillation-producing irregularities could be important for developing measures to mitigate L-band signal degradation.
Declining Abundance of Beaked Whales (Family Ziphiidae) in the California Current Large Marine Ecosystem

Beaked whales are among the most diverse yet least understood groups of marine mammals. A diverse set of mostly anthropogenic threats necessitates improvement in our ability to assess population status for this cryptic group. The Southwest Fisheries Science Center (NOAA) conducted six ship line-transect cetacean abundance surveys in the California Current off the contiguous western United States between 1991 and 2008. We used a Bayesian hidden-process modeling approach to estimate abundance and population trends of beaked whales using sightings data from these surveys. We also compiled records of beaked whale stranding events (3 genera, at least 8 species) on adjacent beaches from 1900 to 2012, to help assess population status of beaked whales in the northern part of the California Current. Bayesian posterior summaries for trend parameters provide strong evidence of declining beaked whale abundance in the study area. The probability of negative trend for Cuvier's beaked whale (Ziphius cavirostris) during 1991–2008 was 0.84, with 1991 and 2008 estimates of 10771 (CV = 0.51) and ≈7550 (CV = 0.55), respectively. The probability of decline for Mesoplodon spp. (pooled across species) was 0.96, with 1991 and 2008 estimates of 2206 (CV = 0.46) and 811 (CV = 0.65). The mean posterior estimates for average rate of decline were 2.9% and 7.0% per year. There was no evidence of abundance trend for Baird's beaked whale (Berardius bairdii), for which annual abundance estimates in the survey area ranged from ≈900 to 1300 (CV≈1.3). Stranding data were consistent with the survey results. Causes of apparent declines are unknown. Direct impacts of fisheries (bycatch) can be ruled out, but impacts of anthropogenic sound (e.g., naval active sonar) and ecosystem change are plausible hypotheses that merit investigation.
Pharmacological reversal of behavioral and cellular indices of cocaine sensitization in the rat.

Rationale and objectives: Behavioral sensitization has been proposed as an animal model for the intensification of drug craving in cocaine addiction. Interactions between dopamine and glutamate systems are important for the induction and maintenance of sensitization. The goal of this study was to determine if established cocaine sensitization could be reversed by pharmacological manipulation of these transmitter systems. Methods: Rats received 15 mg/kg cocaine (IP) on days 1–10 and were challenged with cocaine (10 mg/kg) on day 13 to verify that sensitization had occurred. On days 14–20, separate groups of sensitized rats received daily injections of dopamine D1- or D2-class agonists, an NMDA receptor antagonist, or a dopamine agonist with an NMDA antagonist. Three days or 2 weeks later, all rats were again tested for their response to cocaine to determine if sensitization had been reversed. Results: Reversal of sensitization was produced by repeated administration of either a D1-class agonist (SKF 81297) or the combination of an NMDA receptor antagonist and a D2-class agonist. Effective combinations were cocaine+MK-801, quinpirole+MK-801, quinpirole+CGS 19755, and pergolide+memantine. The latter drugs are approved for human use. Reversal of sensitization persisted for at least 2 weeks after cessation of drug treatment. Electrophysiological studies revealed that these drug treatments also reversed dopamine D1 receptor supersensitivity in the nucleus accumbens, a cellular correlate of sensitization. Conclusions: These results demonstrate that pharmacotherapy can reverse behavioral and cellular adaptations associated with repeated cocaine administration, and may do so without the need for continued medication.
A study of the routing and spectrum allocation in spectrum-sliced Elastic Optical Path networks

In OFDM-based optical networks, multiple subcarriers can be allocated to accommodate various size of traffic demands. By using the multi-carrier modulation technique, subcarriers for the same node-pair can be overlapping in the spectrum domain. Compared to the traditional wavelength routed networks (WRNs), the OFDM-based Spectrum-sliced Elastic Optical Path (SLICE) network has higher spectrum efficiency due to its finer granularity and frequency-resource saving. In this work, for the first time, we comprehensively study the routing and spectrum allocation (RSA) problem in the SLICE network. After proving the NP-hardness of the static RSA problem, we formulate the RSA problem using the Integer Linear Programming (ILP) formulations to optimally minimize the maximum number of sub-carriers required on any fiber of a SLICE network. We then analyze the lower/upper bounds for the sub-carrier number in a network with general or specific topology. We also propose two efficient algorithms, namely, balanced load spectrum allocation (BLSA) algorithm and shortest path with maximum spectrum reuse (SPSR) algorithm to minimize the required sub-carrier number in a SLICE network. The results show that the proposed algorithms can match the analysis and approximate the optimal solutions using the ILP model.
Outcome of hospital care of liver disease associated with hepatitis C in the United States

We describe mortality and resource utilization for inpatient care of hepatitis C (HCV) in comparison to alcohol-induced liver disease (ALD) in the United States and identify factors that affect outcomes. The Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project database, a national inpatient sample was used to identify hospitalization records with diagnoses related to liver disease from HCV and ALD. Outcome of hospitalizations was analyzed in terms of in-hospital deaths and health care resource utilization. For 1995, we estimate that there were 26,700 hospitalizations and 2,600 deaths in acute, nonfederal hospitals in the United States for liver diseases caused by HCV. Total charges for these hospitalizations were $514 million. In comparison, ALD was associated with 101,200 hospitalizations, 13,400 deaths, and $1.8 billion in charges. Simultaneous HCV and alcohol abuse was associated with younger ages at the time of hospitalization and death compared with HCV or ALD alone. In a logistic regression analysis, alcohol abuse (odds ratio [OR], 1.4; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.2-1.5) and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection (OR, 4.5; 95% CI, 4.0-4.9) were associated with an increased risk of death among those with HCV. Liver transplantation and patient death were associated with the largest increase in hospitalization charges. Major complications of cirrhosis, such as variceal bleeding, encephalopathy, and hepatorenal syndrome, and sociodemographic factors, such as race and health insurance, were also significantly associated with the risk of death and hospitalization charges, which were similar in HCV and ALD. This study provides new estimates regarding the public health impact of HCV, for use in health policy decisions and cost-effectiveness analyses of preventive and therapeutic interventions.
Microelectronic webucation, using the world wide web to provide educational material on microelectronic process engineering

This paper will explore some of the issues and challenges faced in creating connected web pages for use in a group of microelectronic engineering courses including process engineering and device physics course work. In a multi-disciplinary field such as microelectronics the web is an ideal medium for information storage, retrieval and display. Everything from animated web applets used to review basic device physics, to video clips of process equipment and instruction manuals can be placed on the web. The semiconductor industry will benefit from working with universities to develop and use such educational sites.
Effects of adsorbed block copolymer and comb-like amphiphilic polymers in solution on the electrical percolation and light scattering behavior of reverse microemulsions of heptane/water/AOT

Abstract The effects of adsorbed amphiphilic polymers on the electrical percolation and light-scattering behavior of aerosol-OT/heptane/water reverse microemulsions were investigated. In this study, a comb-like polymer (polymaleic anhydride octyl vinyl ether) was found to lower the electrical percolation temperature threshold while a block copolymer (polybutadiene–polyethylene oxide) was found to have the opposite effect. Dynamic light-scattering studies of the polymer–reverse microemulsion systems indicated that the spherical droplet structure was maintained in the presence of the adsorbed polymers. Based on considerations for polymer–aerosol-OT interactions and packing, a model is presented for the possible microstructure of the polymer–reverse microemulsion complexes.
Irinotecan, oxaliplatin and raltitrexed for the treatment of advanced colorectal cancer

Out of every 17 – 18 individuals in the US, one develops colorectal cancer (CRC) in their lifetime. Of individuals diagnosed with CRC, > 50% present or develop metastatic disease, which, if untreat...
Ozone exposed epithelial cells modify cocultured natural killer cells.

Ozone (O3) causes significant adverse health effects worldwide. Nasal epithelial cells (NECs) are among the first sites within the respiratory system to be exposed to inhaled air pollutants. They r...
The Xenopus Egg Wnt/β-catenin Pathway

In embryonic development in vertebrates, β-catenin signaling promotes polarization of the embryo to establish the dorsoventral axis and it is this process that is highlighted by the Xenopus Egg Wnt/β-catenin Pathway. In the amphibian Xenopus , fertilization of the egg results in the establishment of a parallel array of microtubules with the plus end pointing away from the sperm entry point. Concurrent with a process of cortical rotation, in which the cortex of the egg utilizes these microtubules to rotate relative to the inner cytoplasm, there is a movement of small vesicles toward the plus end of the microtubules. Cells inheriting these vesicles are destined to give rise to dorsal and anterior structures of the embryo. Two components of the Wnt/β-catenin pathway, Dishevelled and β-catenin, accumulate on the side of the egg and early embryo that receive these small vesicles. It is likely that Dishevelled is associated with the vesicles that move along the microtubules, and that it promotes the stabilization and dorsal accumulation of β-catenin. Although Wnts and Frizzled are present in the egg, their roles in axis specification remain unclear. Dorsal β-catenin then activates direct target genes, including the homeobox genes siamois and twinned . Activation of these genes on the prospective dorsal side is necessary and sufficient for formation of the gastrula organizer, which organizes the embryonic germ layers and axes. Science Viewpoint R. T. Moon, B. Bowerman, M. Boutros, and N. Perrimon, The promise and perils of Wnt signaling through β-catenin. Science 296 , 1644-1646 (2002). [Abstract] [Full Text]