cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
MEASURING STATE POLITICAL IDEOLOGY

The study of American politics at the state level has, in recent years, been held back by the lack of sufficient data to operationalize key concepts. In this article we assess survey, policy, and roll-call measures that may be used to operationalize one such concept, state political ideology. Each of these measures performed well on reliability and validity tests. However, on balance the roll-call measures performed best on these tests, and scored highest in terms of practicality and ease of use. This leads us to recommend the roll-call measures of state political ideology as the best alternative at this time. We do, however, emphasize that all the measures tested here performed reasonably well, and that they should be used when theoretical concerns so dictate.
Overexpression of Separase induces aneuploidy and mammary tumorigenesis

Separase is an endopeptidase that separates sister chromatids by cleaving cohesin Rad21 during the metaphase-to-anaphase transition. Conditional expression of Separase in tetracycline-inducible diploid FSK3 mouse mammary epithelial cells with both p53 WT and mutant (Ser-233-234) alleles of unknown physiological significance develops aneuploidy within 5 days of Separase induction in vitro. Overexpression of Separase induces premature separation of chromatids, lagging chromosomes, and anaphase bridges. In an in vivo mouse mammary transplant model, induction of Separase expression in the transplanted FSK3 cells for 3–4 weeks results in the formation of aneuploid tumors in the mammary gland. Xenograft studies combined with histological and cytogenetic analysis reveal that Separase-induced tumors are clonal in their genomic complements and have a mesenchymal phenotype suggestive of an epithelial–mesenchymal transition. Induction of Separase resulted in trisomies for chromosomes 8, 15, and 17; monosomy for chromosome 10; and amplification of the distal region of chromosomes 8 and 11. Separase protein is found to be significantly overexpressed in human breast tumors compared with matched normal tissue. These results collectively suggest that Separase is an oncogene, whose overexpression alone in mammary epithelial cells is sufficient to induce aneuploidy and tumorigenesis in a p53 mutant background.
3D shape measurement with 2D area modulated binary patterns

Abstract This paper presents a novel area-modulation technique for three-dimensional (3D) shape measurement with binary defocusing. Specifically, this technique modulates local 2×2 pixels to create five grayscale values to enhance fringe quality when the projector is not perfectly in focus. With this novel technique, we will show that the phase error is approximately 1/3 of the square binary method when fringe pattern is dense and the projector is nearly focused.
A Game Change: Paying for Big-Time College Sports

College presidents often think of athletics as the “front porch” of their campuses. After all, name recognition goes a long way when attracting students, right? And a winning football team doesn't ...
Electrophoresis and orientation of F-actin in agarose gels

F-Actin was electrophoresed on agarose gels. In the presence of 2 mM MgCl2 and above pH 8.5 F-actin entered 1% agarose; when the electric field was 2.1 V/cm and the pH was 8.8, F-actin migrated through a gel as a single band at a rate of 2.5 mm/h. Labeling of actin with fluorophores did not affect its rate of migration, but an increase in ionic strength slowed it down. After the electrophoresis actin was able to bind phalloidin and heavy meromyosin (HMM) and it activated Mg2+-dependent ATPase activity of HMM. The mobility of F-actin increased with the rise in pH. Acto-S-1 complex was also able to migrate in agarose at basic pH, but at a lower rate than F-actin alone. The orientation of fluorescein labeled F-actin and of fluorescein labeled S-1 which formed rigor bonds with F-actin was measured during the electrophoresis by the fluorescence detected linear dichroism method. The former showed little orientation, probably because the dye was mobile on the surface of actin, but we were able to measure the orientation of the absorption dipole of the dye bound to S-1 which was attached to F-actin, and found that it assumed an orientation largely parallel to the direction of the electric field. These results show that actin can migrate in agarose gels in the F form and that it is oriented during the electrophoresis.
Patron Use of an Online Circulation System in Known-Item Searching.

Patron use of the University of Illinois' online circulation system (LCS) was studied by interviewing and observing sample patrons at public terminals. It was found that 56% of the “original known-item searches” (searches in which the user had not obtained any information from the card catalog) were successful—with 16% failing as a result of error in using LCS—and that 86% of the “location searches” (searches in which the user had obtained the call number of the item from the card catalog and was looking for the location) were successful—with 8% failing as a result of error in using LCS. It was also found that the way in which graduate students use the system is significantly different from the way in which undergraduates use it. It is suggested that the greatest increase in user success per dollar expended is likely to come from the addition of online user aids. It is also suggested that the evaluation of patron use of online catalogs will continue to rely on sample interviews.
Efficient venetian blind control strategies considering daylight utilization and glare protection

Abstract This paper presents the development of new venetian blind control strategies considering daylight provision, lighting energy use and visual comfort. A hybrid ray-tracing and radiosity method is used to calculate transmission through the window-blind system and interior illuminance distributions taking into account specular and diffuse material properties. Work plane illuminances are used to extract daylighting metrics, while directional light distribution and respective luminance values are used to calculate glare potential. Four types of control strategies were evaluated – a cut-off angle control, a daylight-redirecting control, and two glare protection control modes. Using the common “cut-off” angle may result in a strong second reflection that might significantly affect visual discomfort depending on view direction and profile angle. Proper rotation of the tilt angle and consideration of specular characteristics can minimize this effect and redistribute daylight deeper into the space, although glare problems cannot be eliminated in some cases. Moreover, two additional control strategies were developed based on glare probability and sky conditions: the first is a model-based control derived from real time glare simulation results. The second is a “simplified” control that uses pre-calculated correlations between glare probability and transmitted illuminance to establish binary set points that can be used in model-predictive control algorithms. A detailed daylighting analysis was performed in order to evaluate set points for blind control actions, annual daylighting metrics, lighting energy use and daylight glare probability and duration. Different room sizes, glazing properties, blind material characteristics and orientations were studied. The results showed that diffuse blinds do not reduce the risk of glare when light redirection is desired; double-sided slats with a diffuse top and a specular bottom surface are better in this regard. Fixed angles at 60° or higher provide satisfactory results for most cases, although there is a penalty in daylighting efficiency. The two glare protection control algorithms proved to be efficient in providing high daylight autonomy values without the risk of glare for all studied cases.
Concomitant occurrence of a left atrial myxoma and an adenocarcinoma of the lung

A 72-year-old previously healthy woman was found to have both a left atrial myxoma and a left lung mass during the evaluation for two cerebrovascular events. Resection of the atrial myxoma and a biopsy of the left lung mass were performed. Six weeks later she underwent a left upper lobectomy for adenocarcinoma of the lung. This case illustrates the concomitant occurrence of a left atrial myxoma and a primary lung cancer in a patient who underwent a successful staged treatment for both diseases.
Acid secretion and phosphate metabolism in bullfrog gastric mucosa.

Abstract 1. 1. Nucleotide concentrations were measured in HClO4 extracts from bullfrog gastric mucosa after a measurement of the rate of acid secretion in the same tissue. 2. 2. The average concentrations of ATP and ADP of control, oxygenated mucosae were 1.14 ± 0.06 (S.E.) and 0.20 ± 0.01 μmole/g wet weight of tissue, respectively. A linear correlation existed between the rate of acid secretion and the concentration of ATP within the mucosal tissue (r = 0.78). 3. 3. Anoxia decreased the rate of acid secretion with time and the concentration of ATP also decreased, but a significat rate of acid secretion was usually measured after at least 60 min of an oxygen-free atmosphere. Anaerobically produced ATP could maintain some acid secretion until ATP concentration fell to less than 0.4–0.5 μmole/g. Inhibition of anaerobic glycolysis by iodoacetamide reduced acid secretion to zero and the tissue ATP fell to very low values. It is concluded that ATP from anaerobic metabolism can drive the acid secretion machinery albeit at a greatly reduced rate. 4. 4. On reoxygenation of anoxic mucosae, acid secretion returned only when ATP concentration was also restored. 5. 5. In mucosae treated with thiocyanate, the rate of acid secretion was inhibited to about the same degree as in those tissues made anoxic for 60–90 min (approx. 90% inhibition). However, the nucleotide concentrations in the thiocyanate treated preparations were not significantly altered from control values. It is postulated that thiocyanate operates on the mechanism of acid secretion at some point distal to production of energy metabolites. 6. 6. Using several assumptions, it is estimated that at least 1.5 equiv. of hydrogen ion can be produced per mole of ATP utilized.
Geochemical and Biological Diversity of Acidic, Hot Springs in Lassen Volcanic National Park

We used phylogenetic approaches and chemical/physical analyses to investigate the diversity of microorganisms in geochemically distinct acidic hot springs of Lassen Volcanic National Park (LVNP) in northern California. Geochemical composition was analyzed for twelve sites within LVNP, and 16S rRNA clone libraries were prepared and analyzed for three sites (DK12 -93.5°C, pH 1.2; USW5 -86.2°C, pH 2.2; and SW3 -82°C, pH 1.2) using universal and Archaeal-specific primers. Phylogenetic relationships of sequences were estimated using parsimony, maximum likelihood, and Bayesian methods. The geochemical composition of the features varied widely even among proximate sites having similar temperature and pH values. Acridine Orange Direct Counts indicated cell concentrations of 106 to 108 cells/ml in the sites analyzed, which is comparable to neutral pH, mesophilic environments. In contrast to similar studies of less-acidic hot springs in which members of the Bacterial order Aquificales have been shown to dominate, n...
A unified approach for the structural health monitoring of waveguides

In this article, the simultaneous use of ultrasonic testing and impedance-based technique to monitor the health of structural waveguides is proposed. Methods based on the propagation of guided waves are increasingly used in all those structural health monitoring applications that benefit from built-in transduction, moderately large inspection ranges, and high sensitivity to small flaws. In the meantime, impedance-based method promises to adequately assess the structural integrity of simple and complex structures that include welds and bolts. As both wave-based and impedance-based approaches can utilize piezoelectric transducers (lead zirconate titanate) bonded or embedded to the structure being monitored, this article describes a unified structural health monitoring paradigm where these techniques are employed simultaneously, driven by the same sensing/hardware/software unit. Specifically, we propose to use two lead zirconate titanates controlled by a National Instruments–PXI running in LabVIEW. An ad hoc...
No red cell resistance to NO? I think not!

pulmonary capillary blood volume and alveolar-membrane diffusing capacity are components to overall pulmonary diffusing capacity. The equation deriving pulmonary diffusing capacity into these components was first published in 1957 by Francis Roughton and Robert Forster ([19][1]) in which the total
Structural health monitoring feature design by genetic programming

Structural health monitoring (SHM) systems provide real-time damage and performance information for civil, aerospace, and other high-capital or life-safety critical structures. Conventional data processing involves pre-processing and extraction of low-dimensional features from in situ time series measurements. The features are then input to a statistical pattern recognition algorithm to perform the relevant classification or regression task necessary to facilitate decisions by the SHM system. Traditional design of signal processing and feature extraction algorithms can be an expensive and time-consuming process requiring extensive system knowledge and domain expertise. Genetic programming, a heuristic program search method from evolutionary computation, was recently adapted by the authors to perform automated, data-driven design of signal processing and feature extraction algorithms for statistical pattern recognition applications. The proposed method, called Autofead, is particularly suitable to handle the challenges inherent in algorithm design for SHM problems where the manifestation of damage in structural response measurements is often unclear or unknown. Autofead mines a training database of response measurements to discover information-rich features specific to the problem at hand. This study provides experimental validation on three SHM applications including ultrasonic damage detection, bearing damage classification for rotating machinery, and vibration-based structural health monitoring. Performance comparisons with common feature choices for each problem area are provided demonstrating the versatility of Autofead to produce significant algorithm improvements on a wide range of problems.
Validation of tuber blight (Phytophthora infestans) prediction model

Abstract Potato tuber blight caused by Phytophthora infestans accounts for significant losses of tubers in storage. Despite research on infection and management of tuber blight, there is paucity of information on the prediction of the occurrence tuber blight or modelling of tuber infection by P. infestans under field conditions. A tuber blight prediction model was developed in New York in experiments conducted using cultivars Allegany, NY101, and Katahdin in 1998 and 1999. This model was validated using data collected from the potato cultivar Snowden in field experiments in Laingsburg, Michigan from 2000 to 2009. In both New York and Michigan experiments, disease was initiated by artificial inoculation of cultivars with a US-8 isolate of P. infestans . Mean leaf area affected ranged from 0 to 94% at New York, and 0 to 93% at Michigan. At New York and Michigan, mean tuber blight incidences ranged from 1 to 40% and 0 to 15%, respectively. In the validation of the model using data collected at Laingsburg, Michigan, the model correctly predicted tuber blight incidence in 7 out of 9 years. Comparison of observed with predicted values indicated that slopes of the regression line between observed and predicted germination and infection data were not significantly different ( P > 0.3547). Correlation coefficient between observed and predicted values was high ( r 2 > 0.65) and the coefficient of variation of the residuals of error was about 12%. Although inoculum availability is assumed in the model, incorporation of relationships of inoculum density, propagule survival in soil, and tuber blight incidence would greatly improve the prediction of tuber blight under field conditions.
The Software for MAGIQ: a new acquisition, guiding and image quality monitoring system at the W. M. Keck Observatory

The W. M. Keck Observatory has completed the development and initial deployment of MAGIQ, the Multi-function Acquisition, Guiding and Image Quality monitoring system. MAGIQ is an integrated system for acquisition, guiding and image quality measurement for the Keck telescopes. This system replaces the acquisition and guiding hardware and software for existing instruments at the Observatory and is now the standard for visible wavelength band acquisition cameras for future instrumentation. Innovative features are provided in the MAGIQ software for use by observers and telescope operators including advanced capabilities for acquisition and image quality monitoring. In this paper we report on the design and implementation of the MAGIQ software components, including the process for developing requirements, the implementation choices and strategies, the software features and user interfaces, and the challenges of test and deployment in a working observatory.
From Synthesis to Biologics: Preclinical Data on a Chemistry Derived Anticancer Vaccine

A fully synthetic anticancer vaccine 2 has been prepared via bioconjugation of unimolecular pentavalent construct 1-containing five prostate and breast cancer associated carbohydrate antigens, Globo-H, GM2, STn, TF and Tn-to maleimide-modified carrier protein KLH. An improved conjugation protocol has been developed, which allowed us to obtain a higher epitope ratio of the unimolecular pentavalent glycopeptide antigen to the carrier protein (505/1 versus 228/1 for the previous version). KLH conjugate 2 has been subsequently submitted to preclinical immunogenic evaluation in mice in the presence of QS-21 as an adjuvant. Through standard ELISA assay, this vaccine candidate showed high promise in inducing IgG and IgM antibodies against each of the five individual carbohydrate antigens. In addition, FACS analysis indicated that these antibodies were able to react with MCF-7 breast cancer cell lines expressing these five carbohydrate antigens.
Sequence census methods for functional genomics

Next-generation sequencing technologies are beginning to facilitate genome sequencing. But in addition, new applications and new assay concepts have emerged that are vastly increasing our ability to understand genome function.
Parathyroid hormone raises cytosolic calcium in pancreatic islets: Study on mechanisms

Parathyroid hormone raises cytosolic calcium in pancreatic islets: Study on mechanisms. The pancreatic islets of Langerhans are targets for PTH and the action of the hormone on the islet is most likely mediated through the ability of PTH to increase cytosolic calcium ([Ca 2+ ] i ) of the islet cells. Although direct evidence for such an effect has been clearly demonstrated, the mechanisms through which the hormone exerts such an action are not elucidated. The present study examined these questions using pancreatic islets isolated from normal rats. Both 1-34 and 1-84 PTH produced a dose dependent increase in [Ca 2+ ] i of the islets but the effect of the latter was significantly (P 2+ i ]. Dibutyryl cAMP, and phorbol ester 12-myristate 13 acetate increased [Ca 2+ ] i of pancreatic islets in a dose dependent manner and the effect was inhibited (P 2+ ] i of the islets. These data indicate that: (1) PTH increases [Ca 2+ ] i of pancreatic islets, (2) this action is partly receptor mediated and is produced by activation of L-type calcium channels through stimulation of G protein(s), and (3) the rise in [Ca 2+ ] i is due to both stimulation of cAMP generation and activation of protein kinase C.
Efficient thermochemical alkane dehydrogenation and isomerization catalyzed by an iridium pincer complex

(i–PrPCP)IrH2 is found to be a remarkably effective solution-phase catalyst for the ‘acceptorless’ thermochemical dehydrogenation of cycloalkanes (and isomerization in the case of cyclodecane), and the first such catalyst reported to effect the dehydrogenation of n-alkanes.
Deformation of Copper Single Crystals at 300°K and 78°K

Single crystals of copper were deformed at 78\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}K and 300\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}K. There was slight temperature dependence of the critical shear stress in this range of temperature and for shear strains less than about 0.25 the stress-strain relationship was linear and independent of temperature. The linear relationship of the stress-strain curve persisted for higher strains at 78\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}K. The annealing at 300\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}K of crystals deformed at 78\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}K showed a decrease in electrical resistance accompanied by a phenomenon suggestive of strain aging. The magnitude of the recoverable resistance was dependent on the strain varying at a faster rate than a linear relationship. A measurable decrease in electrical resistance was not observed for strains less than about 0.30. These results are interpreted according to the theory of dislocations and indicate some modification to the theory of work hardening suggested by Mott.
TRANSFER OF ANTIBODY PRODUCTION WITH CELLS FROM BURSA OF FABRICIUS

F1 hybrid chicks isogenic for the strong B histocompatibility locus and for most weak H-loci were X-irradiated on day 1 after hatching, injected intraperitoneally on day 2 with dispersed cells of bursa, spleen, or thymus from 4- or 10-wk-old F1 hybrid donors, and immediately challenged by the same route with either Brucella abortus, sheep erythrocytes, or a mixture of both together. The agglutinin titers were measured in sera obtained 1 wk later. With 4-wk-old donors, a greater primary response to Brucella abortus was obtained after transfers of cells from bursa than from spleen, while thymus was much less effective. With 10-wk-old donors, the decreasing order of response was spleen, bursa, thymus. Only splenic cells were effective in transferring a response to sheep erythrocytes, at either donor age. In tests of synergism by cell mixtures from pairs of organs, the only positive finding was a modest augmentation of titer against sheep erythrocytes by bursa + spleen as compared with spleen alone. Bursal cells from 6- or 10-wk-old donors were effective in transferring a response to sheep erythrocytes when antigen injection was delayed until 5 days after cell transfer. Splenic cells from hormonally bursectomized donors were ineffective in transferring a primary response, even when the donors had been injected with antigen 1 wk before transfer. Preimmunization of normal donors led to marked increases in the responses to Brucella abortus produced by transferred splenic or thymic cells. With bursal cells, an increased response was obtained only if the interval between preimmunization and transfer was 17 rather than 7 days. With the 17-day interval, both bursal and thymic cells could also transfer a response to sheep erythrocytes. The primary sera to Brucella abortus produced after transfers of bursal or splenic cells contained almost entirely 19S antibodies. A 7S component was found in all the secondary sera tested.
Proteins in the heat shock-70 family specifically bind 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 and 17beta-estradiol.

Most New World primates evolved to express a form of compensated resistance to steroid hormones from the gonads and adrenal glands as well as to the hydroxylated vitamin D3 prohormone, 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 (25OHD3), and the vitamin D hormone 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3[ 1,25-(OH)2D3] originating from the liver and kidney, respectively. We recently demonstrated that this form of resistance is associated with the overexpression of a novel member of the 70-kDa heat shock protein (hsp-70) molecular chaperone family, which we have termed the intracellular vitamin D binding protein (IDBP). In the current report we more closely examine the ligand-binding capability of purified IDBP and two other mammalian hsp-70 family members, heat-inducible (hsp-70) and constitutively expressed (hsc-70) hsp-70 proteins. Purified IDBP, hsp-70, and hsc-70 all bound 25OHD3 with relatively high affinity; the mean Kd for 25OHD3 ranged from 0.5–2.2 nmol/L (rank order: IDBP ≥ hsp-70 ≥ hsc-70). By Scatchard analysis, high affinity, speci...
Stability of a linear second order system under random parametric excitation

The stability of a linear second order system with small, random, Gaussian parametric excitation will be investigated. It will be shown that if the spectrum of the parameter variation is continuous near twice the natural frequency of the system, stability in mean square is only dependent upon the value of the spectral density at this part of the spectrum.
Responses of Brook Trout and Creek Chubs to Turbidity

Abstract The influence of red-clay turbidity on behavior and distribution of brook trout Salvelinus fontinalis and creek chubs Semotilus atromaculatus was measured in the laboratory. Creek chubs preferred highly turbid water (56.6 formazin turbidity units—FTU) over moderately turbid water (5.8 FTU) but brook trout did not show a preference. In moderately turbid water, both species were more active, and used overhead cover less, than in clear water. The results indicate turbidity may represent an important isolating mechanism that promotes production of creek chubs.
Decreased renal function among adults with a history of nephrolithiasis: A study of NHANES III

Decreased renal function among adults with a history of nephrolithiasis: A study of NHANES III. Background Although intuitively appealing, the hypothesis that nephrolithiasis is associated with decreased renal function has not thoroughly been investigated. Because the prevalence of nephrolithiasis and chronic renal disease in westernized societies has risen over the past three decades, we sought to determine if persons with a history of kidney stones have lower renal function relative to nonstone formers. Methods We used data from the Third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES III) to compare estimated glomerular filtration rate (GFR) between persons over age 30 with and without a history of kidney stones. In total, 876 persons with a history of stones, and 14,129 persons without stones were available for analysis. Results We observed that the association between history of stones and estimated GFR depends on body mass index (BMI) ( P = 0.004). After adjustment for potential confounding factors, mean estimated GFR in stone formers with a BMI ≥27 kg/m 2 was 3.4mL/min/1.73m 2 lower than that of similar nonstone formers (95% CI -5.8, -1.1) ( P = 0.005). No difference was found among persons with a BMI 2 . The probability of an overweight stone former having an estimated GFR between 30 and 59mL/min/1.73m 2 relative to a GFR above 90mL/min/1.73m 2 was nearly twice that of a similar nonstone former [relative risk ratio (RRR) = 1.87, 95% CI 1.06, 3.30]. Conclusion Among overweight persons, nephrolithiasis may not merely be a disease of stones, but may also reduce kidney function. Further work in alternate study samples is needed to validate this finding and determine the mechanisms responsible.
Multiple wheel-load interaction in flexible pavements

Various highway vehicle axle-wheel arrangements and aircraft gear-wheel configurations adopted currently to accommodate increasing load levels affect, according to different multiple wheel-loading scenarios, flexible pavement response and performance. The traditional approach of single wheel-load response superposition, especially in the case of nonlinear analysis, may not be adequate to analyze pavements subjected to such multiple wheel-load cases. These complex loading conditions require advanced pavement layered solutions for realistic consideration of nonlinear behavior of pavement foundation geomaterials (e.g., fine-grained subgrade soils and unbound aggregates used in untreated base-subbase layers), and at the same time use three-dimensional (3-D) finite element (FE) analyses to apply multiple wheel loading. In this study, stress-dependent resilient modulus models successfully incorporated into the 3-D FE-based mechanistic pavement analysis through a programmed user material subroutine in ABAQUS wer...
Uptake and distribution of continuously infused intraamniotic nutrients in fetal rabbits.

Abstract Nutrient delivery via the fetal gastrointestinal tract may be a potential prenatal treatment for intrauterine growth retardation. Uptake from continuous intraamniotic infusions with nutrient incorporation into developing fetal tissues has not previosly been shown. To study this, ovarian-end fetuses of 18 time-mated rabbit does underwent amniotic cavity catheterization and either esophageal ligation (EL) or sham operation (SH) on gestational day 23 (term, 33 days). Saline plus 14 C D-glucose and 3 H proline were infused into the amniotic fluid for 4 days. Nutrients absorbed by the EL fetus represent only those taken up into the maternal circulation and subsequently redelivered hematogenously to the fetus. Radioactivity of fetal blood and organs was determined using a liquid scintillation counter. All infused does and 10 of 18 infused fetuses (56%) survived the entire study period. In SH fetuses, uptake of 14 C per mg of tissue was highest in the lung and significantly greater in the stomach, jejunum, ileum, and lung than in fetal blood ( P 3 H per mg of tissue was also highest in the lung and significantly greater than fetal blood in the stomach, small intestine, lung, and liver ( P 14 C and 3 H uptake was greater in SH than in EL fetuses ( P
Simulation of the charge transport in DNA

In this research, charge transport characteristics in a double-stranded DNA are discussed. Based on the polaron drift model, DNA was characterized by a 1D quantum wire model and the phonon scattering rates were calculated by deformation potential theory. Furthermore, using the calculated pho- non scattering rates, the carrier dynamics in DNA were characterized by the Monte Carlo simulation technique. The simulation result shows a rapid charge transport from the initial point. The validity of our modeling is also discussed. (© 2008 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Effect of dexamethasone on herpes simplex virus replication in mouse neuroblastoma cells (NB41 A3): Receptor characteristics

Monolayers of NB41A3 (MNB) cells were exposed to pharmacologic doses of dexamethasone (DXM). After 24-h, the cells were infected with herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) at a multiplicity of infection (m.o.i.) = 0.1. After every 24-h period, extracellular and intracellular virus aliquots were collected and frozen. The aliquots were titered in a standard plaque-forming assay. It was shown that the hormone led to a statistically significant increase of extra- and intracellular virus titers above the titers exhibited by these cells without added hormone. The same experiment was repeated in Vero cells, but the hormone did not elevate the resultant HSV-1 titers. A binding assay was performed on these two cell lines by use of 3H-DXM to determine if a DXM receptor was present. Specific binding was seen, but only in the MNB cell line. The Bmax of this receptor was 480 fmol/mg protein and it had a Kd of 2.3 nM. The S value of the receptor ligand complex equalled 8.0. These results indicate that cells possessing hormone receptors allow for a more efficient replication of the virus and suggest that these hormones may play an important role in the exacerbation of herpes simplex virus infection in vivo.
Local perspectives on marine reserve creation in the Bahamas

In 2000, the Bahamian government initiated the process of developing a network of marine reserves with the goal of setting aside about 20% of their coastal marine environment. Here, we use information from more than 200 interviews, 600 household surveys, and participant observation conducted from 2001 to 2005 in five Bahamian settlements to examine the influence of different socioeconomic factors on individual and community support of a hypothetical no-take marine reserve in their local area. We developed hypotheses regarding socioeconomic characteristics of household and individual perspectives of the marine environmental conditions and current management, and tested and confirmed these using various statistical and multivariate regression methods. We also compared across community variation in responses to within community differences. Policy implications of these findings are discussed.
Quantitative echocardiographic assessment of the performance of the functionally single right ventricle after the Fontan operation.

Background: Performance of the functionally single right ventricle may deteriorate over time. Quantitative assessment of this chamber, however, is complicated by its asymmetric geometry. Automatic detection of borders, and the Doppler-derived index of myocardial performance, are echocardiographic techniques that allow for quantitative assessment regardless of ventricular shape. We sought to evaluate the mechanics of contraction and relaxation in the functionally single right ventricle using these parameters. Methods: We evaluated systemic ventricular function in 35 asymptomatic patients with functionally single right ventricle, having a mean age of 7.8 ± 3.1 years, who had undergone the Fontan procedure. We compared them with 32 age-matched normal controls using both automatic detection of borders and Doppler indexes. Results: When compared with the controls, the group with a functionally single right ventricle demonstrated diminished systolic function as evidenced by a lower fractional change in area (42.7 ± 10.1% vs. 54.6 ± 10.5%, p = 0.001), and diminished diastolic function, as demonstrated by a greater reliance on atrial contraction to achieve ventricular filling (32.0 ± 4.4% vs. 22.2 ± 4.1%, p = 0.001). The mean index of myocardial performance in those with functionally single right ventricles was also greater than in controls (0.41 ± 0.12 vs. 0.30 ± 0.05, p = 0.001), and the indexed ejection time was shorter (0.35 ± 0.05 vs. 0.39 ± 0.05, p = 0.01), suggesting less efficient ventricular mechanics. Conclusions: These data demonstrate that the systolic and diastolic properties of the functionally single right ventricle differ significantly from those of the normal systemic left ventricle. Use of the echocardiographic techniques provide insight into ventricular mechanics in patients with functionally single ventricles, and may be valuable tools for serial quantitative follow-up.
Nursing Management Minimum Data Set (NMMDS)

The Nursing Management Minimum Data Set (NMMDS) is the research-based management data set that meets the nurse executives need for a specific nursing management data capture system that will produce accurate, reliable, and useful data for decision making. The authors update the development of the NMMDS and discuss the 17 NMMDS across-settings elements. Also discussed are the applications of the NMMDS to clinical practice and some ways in which the NMMDS can benefit both nurses and patient/client care.
The cultural politics of worldmaking practice: Kehinde Wiley's cosmopolitanism

Contemporary African-American artist Kehinde Wiley recasts Old Master paintings with contemporary black models and other denizens of the Global South in a stylized interrogation of the historical legacy of fine art. By conceptualizing Wiley's portraiture as a practice of worldmaking, I will argue that his work reconfigures the relationship between visual culture and subjectivity, offering a powerful response to the norms of racial, gendered, and class representation inherited from modernity. Consequently, I argue, Wiley's work takes part in an evolving discourse of cosmopolitanism that extends the ongoing work of Paul Gilroy, Anthony Appiah, Monica Miller, Simon Gikandi, and others to imagine modernity, blackness, and diaspora as interrelated phenomena on a planetary scale.
Training children's self-control: A field experiment in self-monitoring and goal-setting in the classroom ☆

Abstract A field experiment investigated the effects of training in self-monitoring and goal-setting skills on classroom study behavior and academic achievement among elementary school students in an individualized mathematics program. In the Self-Monitoring Conditions, students were shown a simple system for observing and maintaining daily records of their own study behavior during their math classes; orthogonally, in the Goal-Setting Conditions, students were shown a simple method of setting and recording daily performance goals during their math classes. Exposure to self-monitoring procedures produced significant increases in both appropriate study behavior and in actual achievement in the mathematics program, while exposure to goal-setting procedures had no effect on either study behavior or academic achievement. Nor, contrary to expectation, did exposure to the goal-setting instructions enhance the effectiveness of the self-monitoring system. The implications of these results in terms of implicit and explicit models of self-reinforcement processes were discussed.
Comparing Handheld and Hands-free Cell Phone Usage Behaviors While Driving

Objective: The goal of this study was to compare cell phone usage behaviors while driving across 3 types of cell phones: handheld (HH) cell phones, portable hands-free (PHF) cell phones, and integrated hands-free (IHF) cell phones. Naturalistic driving data were used to observe HH, PHF, and IHF usage behaviors in participants’ own vehicles without any instructions or manipulations by researchers.Methods: In addition to naturalistic driving data, drivers provided their personal cell phone call records. Calls during driving were sampled and observed in naturalistically collected video. Calls were reviewed to identify cell phone type used for, and duration of, cell phone subtasks, non–cell phone secondary tasks, and other use behaviors. Drivers in the study self-identified as HH, PHF, or IHF users if they reported using that cell phone type at least 50% of the time. However, each sampled call was classified as HH, PHF, or IHF if the talking/listening subtask was conducted using that cell phone type, without ...
Bioluminescence of lantern fish (Myctophidae) in response to changes in light intensity

THE characteristic ventral distribution of fish photophores suggests that their luminescence reduces the silhouette when viewed against a background of downwelling light1–3. This hypothesis is supported by demonstration of direct neural control of photophores in several species of myctophids and by morphological and behavioural indications that Tarletonbenia crenularis matches its luminescence to background illumination by visually monitoring a supraorbital photophore4,5. There is similar evidence for other taxa: shallow water leiognathids emit light in response to brief photic stimulation and mid-water squid have photosensitive vesicles which may participate in countershading6–8. Here we report photometric measurements of myctophid bioluminescent responses to light levels comparable with those occurring in their environment.
Enhanced lung cancer detection in temporal subtraction chest radiography using directional edge filtering techniques

We have developed a series of directional edge enhancement and edge extraction methods that can accurately segment posterior and anterior ribs in chest radiography. These methods can also separate the lower and upper edges of ribs. The edges were first enhanced by two sets of proximate parabola curve models for left and right sides of the image. We used a directional edge filtering technique to remove low signals and noises on the edge enhanced image in the multiresolution domain. Finally, we employed a rib curve projection and reasoning method to reconstruct the rib edges and remove false edges for the upper and lower bound of the rib edges independently. A two-step registration, corresponding to global and local matching, is applied for current and prior images assisted by their corresponding edge images. The subtraction images were then processed by a rule-based CAD system. The FROC results were compared to that obtained by the original image using a CAD system consisting of rule-based and convolution neural network processing. The majority of lung cancer in temporal subtraction images were lit-up. The FROC results were significantly improved using the subtraction image with the rule-based CAD.
Pharmacologic modulation of D-49 phospholipase A2-induced paw edema in the mouse.

Paw edema was produced in CD-1 mice by the injection of 0.3 μg of snake venom PLA2 (A.p. piscivorus D-49) into the hind paw. Edema peaked at 10 min, remained elevated until 60 min, and then declined slowly. The PLA2 inhibitors, luffariellolide and aristolochic acid, reduced the edema but only when coinjected with the PLA2. The histamine/serotonin antagonists were the most effective drug class against PLA2-induced paw edema. The PAF antagonists, CV-6202 (iv) and kadsurenone (coinjected) reduced the PLA2-induced edema, whereas high doses of the corticosteroids, dexamethasone and hydrocortisone, were also effective. NSAIDs only partially inhibited the paw edema. The LO/CO inhibitors yielded varying activities, with only BW755C and NDGA inhibiting the edema. These results suggest that PLA2 induces paw edema in the mouse via the action of several classes of inflammatory mediators.
A population-based assessment of rates of bone loss at multiple skeletal sites: evidence for substantial trabecular bone loss in young adult women and men.

Using QCT, we made a longitudinal, population-based assessment of rates of bone loss over life at the distal radius, distal tibia, and lumbar spine. Cortical bone loss began in perimenopause in women and later in life in men. In contrast, trabecular bone loss began in young adulthood in both sexes. Introduction Although conventional wisdom holds that bone loss begins at menopause in women and later in life in men, this has not been examined longitudinally in population-based studies using precise technology capable of distinguishing cortical and trabecular bone.
Costs of forestry best management practices in the south: A review

In response to federal and state clean water laws, forestry best management practices (BMPs) have been developed and implemented to prevent nonpoint source water pollution. Ellefson and Miles (1985) found that estimated BMP costs in the Midwest could amount to more than half of the net returns on national forest timber sales. Henly et al. (1988) found that government costs to implement forest practice rules ranged from as little as $100,000 per year in Idaho and Nevada to more than $4 million annually in California. A review of studies in the South indicates that estimated BMP costs have increased over time. Lickwar et al. (1992) estimated Southeast average costs of $12.45 per acre, $2.34 per MBF, or 2.87% of gross stumpage values based on 1987 BMPs and prices. Woodman and Cubbage (1994) estimated Georgia average BMP costs of $24.33 per acre or $3.02 per MBF for forest industry lands and $41.65 per acre or $5.39 per MBF for NIPF lands. For Virginia, Shaffer et al. (1998) estimated median BMP costs of $18.90 per acre. These moderate cost increases could be attributed to a higher level of standards in the revision of each state BMP guidelines manual, as well as moderate price inflation. BMPs such as better road construction, water bars, culverts, and broad-based dips have been most expensive so far. To date streamside zones have not been very expensive because the rules allow most of the valuable residual tees to be harvested as long as heavy equipment does not operate near the streams. However, this limitation may become much more difficult and costly – as indicated by Kluender et al. (2000) – as fewer chainsaw fellers and cable skidders are available. Stricter BMPs, such as those already adopted to implement forest certification standards in the South or those used to protect salmon habitat in the West, could prompt more expensive southern BMPs for landowners and state agencies in the future.
Correlation of foot-strike pattern and performance in a mid-size city marathon

Introduction: A small number of studies have provided “inrace” foot-strike prevalence of runners in midto long-distance races. The recent studies each classified the foot-strike of less than 300 runners in half-marathon and marathon races. The runner populations varied from all elite runners to mostly “recreational” runners. The prevalence of heel-strike ranged from 74.9% to 93.0%. Correlation with performance, however, has been impossible due to the small sample sizes. Using a seven-fold larger runner population, this study aims to more accurately define the prevalence of heel-strike in a mid-size city marathon and to determine if a correlation between foot-strike and performance exists. Patients/materials and methods: 2112 runners in the 2011 Milwaukee Lakefront Marathon were filmed at the 5.02-mile mark using a Casio EX-ZR100,with a frame rate of 240 frames/s. The camerawassecurelymountedataheightof24 in. andadistanceof12 in. from the side of the road. The camerawas angled at 30degrees from a direct lateral, or perpendicular angle. Foot-strike classification was determined by a 3-member panel utilizing frame-by-frame analysis. Classifications included fore-foot strike, mid-foot strike, heel strike, and split strike (asymmetric between consecutive footstrikes). Results: 1991 runners were classified by foot-strike pattern: 11 fore-foot (0.55%), 101 mid-foot (5.07%), 1865 heel (93.67%), and 14 split (0.70%). The heel-strike prevalence of 93.67%wasmore prominent than in prior studies of both recreational and elite runners. A correlation was demonstrated between foot-strike and performance (as measured by position in race at the 5.02-mile mark), with a p-value <0.0001. Fore-foot strikers were followed by splitstrikers, then mid-foot strikers, then heel-strikers. There was no significant correlation demonstrated between foot-strike and gender (p-value =0.0727). Discussion and conclusions: This study is the largest “in-race” observational study of marathon runners to date. It unequivocally demonstrates: (a) heel-strike prevalence in a predominantly subelite population of runners is significantly greater than previously documented in more elite running populations and (b) foot-strike is correlated with performance (as measured by position in race). Shoe wear (minimalist versus traditional) was not correlated with position in race in non-heel strikers, perhaps placingmore emphasis on foot-strike than shoewear for performance. Further research is necessary to elucidate whether non-heel strike running form produces a faster runner or a faster runner produces a non-heel strike running form.
In vivo gonadotropin-releasing hormone secretion in female rats during peripubertal development and on proestrus.

Pubertal development in female rats is characterized by increased LH levels and the appearance of estrogen-dependent afternoon LH mini-surges. In these studies we performed the first analysis of GnRH patterns in peripubertal rats to determine whether there are similar changes in pulsatile GnRH release. Microdialysis samples were collected at 5-min intervals throughout a 5-h afternoon period from 22 rats sampled on a single day between 30–47 days of age. Adult female rats were sampled on proestrus for comparison. In 30- to 33-day-old rats, GnRH release was infrequent (2.7 pulses/5 h; n = 3), whereas intermediate pulse frequencies were observed in 34- to 37-day-old rats (6.4 pulses/5 h; n = 9) and 38- to 42-day-old (5.0 pulses/5 h; n = 5) rats. The highest GnRH pulse frequencies were observed in 43- to 47-day-old rats (9.4 pulses/5 h; n = 5). Mean GnRH pulse amplitude did not vary significantly with age. Animals sampled before vaginal opening (VO) exhibited significantly slower GnRH pulse frequencies than t...