cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Opportunities and challenges of pluripotent stem cell neurodegenerative disease models

The use of patient-derived stem cells for in vitro neurodegenerative disease modeling has gained much traction in recent years. In this review, the authors examine the potential caveats and pitfalls of stem cell use and highlight insights from the literature that suggest methods for overcoming these difficulties.
Strain Hardening in Model Polymer Brushes under Shear

The nonlinear dynamic response of polymer melt brushes to large amplitude oscillatory shear is studied using melt state rheology of end-tethered polymer layered−silicate nanocomposites. These model melt brushes exhibit reversible strain hardening at moderate strain amplitudes, characterized by the presence of a critical strain amplitude for the transition that is only a function of the interlayer distance (i.e., silicate fraction). These results differ qualitatively from those observed for solvent-filled polymer brushes. A phenomenological explanation based on stretching of already distorted chains in response to the applied shear and predicated on the space filing requirements of a melt brush is provided to explain these unique results.
Mining confident co-location rules without a support threshold

Mining co-location patterns from spatial databases may reveal types of spatial features likely located as neighbors in space. In this paper, we address the problem of mining confident co-location rules without a support threshold. First, we propose a novel measure called the maximal participation index. We show that every confident co-location rule corresponds to a co-location pattern with a high maximal participation index value. Second, we show that the maximal participation index is non-monotonic, and thus the conventional Apriori-like pruning does not work directly. We identify an interesting weak monotonic property for the index and develop efficient algorithms to mine confident co-location rules. An extensive performance study shows that our method is both effective and efficient for large spatial databases.
Robust direct adaptive control

This paper proposes a new model reference adaptive control algorithm which has good robustness properties in the presence of unmodeled plant dynamics. The new algorithm requires filtering of the plant input and output with low pass first order filters, prior to their use in the adaptive algorithms. In the case where the dominant transfer function of the plant has a relative degree n* = 1 a global convergence result has been proven in the presence of unmodeled dynamics. When n* > 1 the algorithm employs an adaptive law with normalized signals in order to improve robustness with respect to unmodeled dynamics. It is shown that two of the most crucial factors for robustness, the speed of adaptation and the magnitude of the estimated parameters relative to the speed of the parasitics can be adjusted using the normalized adaptive law.
A differentially pumped harmonic filter on the Chemical Dynamics Beamline at the Advanced Light Source

A differentially pumped rare gas cell has been developed to suppress undulator harmonics on the Chemical Dynamics Beamline at the Advanced Light Source. Greater than 104 suppression of the harmonics has been demonstrated with no measurable (<5%) attenuation of the fundamental. The overall design is presented, and vacuum and optical performance are reported.
Interactions of mesoscale features with Texas shelf and slope waters

Abstract During April and May 1993, the typical south and southwestward directed flow over the Texas shelf interacted with current rings located just off the Texas shelf in the Gulf of Mexico. The rings, a cyclone/anticyclone eddy pair, were oriented such that water was transported onto the shelf between the rings and water was drawn from the shelf on the rings' offshore-directed limbs. A shelf convergence zone transported water to the shelf edge where some of the water became entrained between the cyclone/anticyclone pair. Active shelf-slope exchange such as that seen in the April-May 1993 episode may be a more typical example of synoptic shelf circulation than the general circulation pattern suggested by averaging multiannual observations. Nutrient and particle distributions were influenced by the interactions of the shelf current with the rings. Where the cyclonic and anticyclonic eddies directed flow off the shelf, particles were transported off the shelf. Additionally, particles in the bottom nepheloid layer were transported off the shelf in the shoreward limb of the cyclone, even though currents in this limb were directed along the isobaths. Nutrient concentrations, hence nutrient fluxes, were generally low in near-surface waters every-where in the study area. At mid-depth and in near-bottom waters, nutrient fluxes were highest near the cyclone because of higher current speeds in this feature and higher nutrient concentrations at depth.
Public Scholarship and Youth at the Transition to Adulthood.

In this chapter I argue three points: First, that public scholarship is the right form of education, given the developmental imperatives and competencies of individuals on the brink of adulthood; second, that it is the right form of learning in light of the challenges younger generations face in an unpredictable world; and third, that public scholarship benefits democracy by nurturing democratic dispositions and competencies in younger generations. Public scholarship is a particular approach to the goals and methods of higher education and to the work of the academy. It emphasizes knowledge as a public good, collectively constructed and applied toward purposes that benefit the commonwealth (Cohen, 2005). Because knowledge is collaboratively constructed, those who participate in its construction develop particular civic habits, dispositions, and skills in the process. And because knowledge is applied toward public purposes, participating in its production nurtures a sense of “the public” in younger generations. Public scholarship neither denies nor ignores the university’s role in credentialing students for jobs. In fact, it may enhance students’ potential for finding jobs (if it enlarges their social networks, creativity, perspectives, and self-confidence) although that is not its primary goal. Whereas “human capital” models use a banking metaphor for learning, focusing on the economic returns to the individual of additional years of education, public scholarship emphasizes the democratic purposes of education. It also contests a narrow “expert-driven” model of science that is housed in disciplinary silos where students are trained to think and speak in ways that exclude 4
A strategy for accelerating the use of energy conserving building technologies

To accelerate the use of energy-conserving building technologies in the farflung, decentralized buildings industry, a strategy for more directed transfer of government research to public- and private-sector users has been implemented. The strategy involves a cycle of four sets of activities: (1) Needs assessment; (2) development of transferable information; (3) outreach activities; and (4) feedback and evaluation. By employing this iterative technology transfer cycle and emphasizing trade and professional organizations as communication channels to and from users, it is hoped that research sponsored by the U.S. Department of Energy's Building Systems Division will be responsive to the industry's needs and accessible to its diverse participants.
Digital emboli from brachial artery fibromuscular dysplasia

A 64-year-old female presented with right digital artery emboli from biopsy-proven, angiographically typical, right brachial artery fibromuscular dysplasia (medial fibroplasia). Angiographic findings consistent with fibromuscular dysplasia were also found in the left brachial artery. The patient was treated with surgical excision of the abnormal right brachial artery segment and post-operative anticoagulation for 2 months. She remains asymptomatic at 22 months.
Numerical calculations of the ionization of one-dimensional hydrogen atoms using hydrogenic and Sturmian basis functions

Exact integral expressions and simple analytical estimates for the bound-bound, bound-continuum, and continuum-continuum dipole matrix elements are derived by use of the momentum-space eigenfunctions for a one-dimensional model of a hydrogen atom. These results provide the essential ingredients for the numerical study of the quantum mechanisms responsible for the chaotic ionization of highly excited hydrogen atoms in intense microwave fields. A specific numerical algorithm for solving the Schr\"odinger equation for a one-dimensional hydrogen atom in an oscillating electric field is described which uses these results for the dipole matrix elements along with a discrete representation of the continuum. In addition, the momentum-space representation of the Sturmian basis functions has been used to derive exact integral expressions and convenient analytical estimates for the projections of the Sturmian basis functions onto the hydrogenic bound and continuum states. These results are used to provide a direct comparison of numerical calculations for the ionization of one-dimensional hydrogen atoms using the hydrogenic and Sturmian bases.
Hypothalamic obesity in the weanling rat: effect of diet upon hormonal and metabolic alterations.

Abstract Weanling rats with ventromedial hypothalamic (VMN) lesions were studied on diets varying in carbohydrate and fat content and after 48 hr of starvation to determine dietary effects on the specific endocrine-metabolic alterations associated with this model of experimental obesity. Neither food intake nor the increased carcass fat of VMN rats was affected by diet, though with starvation VMN rats lost more fat and less lean tissue than did controls. Hyperinsulinemia in VMN rats persisted on all diets but disappeared after starvation, at which time moderate hypoglycemia developed. Hypertriglyceridemia was present in VMN rats on fat containing diets but not on a fat-free diet unless the animals were subsequently starved. Increased glucose oxidation and conversion to lipid by adipose tissue of VMN rats was independent of diet and persisted during starvation. The rate of glycogen synthesis was not increased. Palmitate oxidation by VMN adipose tissue was reduced in fed animals but increased in starved animals when compared to similarly treated controls. The observed dissociation of hyperinsulinemia and hypertriglyceridemia as a consequence of dietary alteration and starvation suggests independent pathogenetic mechanisms for these variables. Similarly, persistence of enhanced glucose utilization by adipose tissue during starvation, and selective enhancement of glucose oxidation and lipid but not glycogen synthesis from glucose suggests the presence of a primary defect in VMN adipose tissue metabolism, at least partly independent of hyperinsulinemia.
THE RADIOLOGY OF NECROTIZING ENTEROCOLITIS

This article reviews the radiology of necrotizing entercolitis (NEC), with an emphasis on the sensitivity and specificity of the typical plain film findings. An approach to radiologic diagnosis is suggested. The more recently described entity of perforation without NEC also is described.
Diet and breast cancer surveillance behaviors among Harlem women.

: The consumption of green, yellow, and other vegetables, fruits and fruit juices may be protective against breast cancer, and, alongside regular breast cancer screening, may contribute to ethnic and racial differences in breast cancer rates. The purpose of this study is to assess the dietary and sociodemographic predictors of surveillance among Harlem women, using a population-based household survey. One half of the Harlem women in this sample consumed no or one fruit or vegetable per day. Logistic regression analyses revealed that women who consumed more fruits and vegetables had received more recent mammography, and that women who were unemployed were less likely to receive recent breast cancer screening than were those who worked full- or part-time. The high response rate and the representativeness of the sample are study strengths. Owing to the small sample size for women between 40-65, the ages for which screening mammography and clinical breast exam are recommended, subgroup analyses were limited. Therefore, additional study of age-adjusted dietary patterns and screening among African American women is suggested.
The effects of age and CS complexity on the acquisition of an avoidance response in rats

Two groups of 25 day old and two groups of 95–105 day old rats were used to investigate the effects of age and CS complexity on the acquisition of a one way avoidance response. A group at each age was trained using the opening of a guillotine door as the CS, and a group at each age was trained using the opening of a guillotine door and onset of a buzzer as the CS. Ss trained with the buzzer and opening of the guillotine door CS met the learning criterion in significantly fewer trials than Ss trained using only the opening of the guillotine door as the CS. There was no significant effect of age or interaction of age with CS complexity on trials to criterion.
Bevacizumab plus cyclophosphamide in heavily pretreated patients with recurrent ovarian cancer

Abstract Objective. To investigate the efficacy and safety of bevacizumab in heavily pretreated patients with recurrent ovarian cancer. Methods. Patients with recurrent ovarian cancer were treated with intravenous bevacizumab 10 mg/kg every other week plus oral cyclophosphamide 50 mg daily until disease progression or undue toxicity. Adverse events were graded according to the NCI Common Toxicity Criteria. Response rates were determined by CA-125 levels or changes in target lesions according to RECIST. Results. Fifteen patients were treated. Median age was 57 years (range 42–69). The median number of previous chemotherapy regimens was 8 (range 5–15). The median time from the first diagnosis to treatment with bevacizumab was 68.9 months (range, 26.5–177.2). The median number of bevacizumab infusions was 8 (range, 2–12), and the total number was 113. Two patients (13.3%) had a complete response after 4 months of therapy. Six patients (40.0%) had a partial response. The median duration of this response was 3.9 months (range, 2.3–10.4). Three patients (20%) had stable disease of 4.0, 5.2 and 5.5 months' duration, and 4 patients (26.7%) had progressive disease. Despite being heavily pre-treated and having confirmed intra-abdominal cancer, no gastrointestinal perforations developed. Other toxicities included: grade 3 pancreatitis in 1 patient; grade 2 proteinuria and hypertension in another, which resolved with the cessation of bevacizumab. Conclusion. In our population of very heavily pre-treated patients, with at least five prior regimens, bevacizumab in combination with oral cyclophosphamide has significant activity with a response rate of 53%, without significant toxicity.
Participation of the cytoskeleton in avian granulosa cell steroidogenesis

Abstract Cytochalasin B (CB) and the more specific cytochalasin D (CD), disruptors of microfilament polymerization, and colchicine, an inhibitor of microtubule polymerization, were studied for their effects on CAMP and steroid production in granulosa cells of domestic fowl. Each agent was incubated with freshly dispersed cells from the largest preovulatory follicle of laying hens taken 3–4 hr before expected ovulation. Total content (cells + medium) of cAMP and steroids was measured by established radioimmunoassays. CB dose dependently inhibited basal as well as LH- and forskolin-stimulated cAMP generation and diminished basal, LH- and 25-hydroxycholesterol (25-OHC)-supported progesterone production. Conversely, CD potentiated LH- and forskolin-promoted cAMP generation as well as LH- and 25-OHC-stimulated progesterone synthesis. Neither drug had any influence on metabolism of pregnenolone to progesterone. Colchicine had no effect on cyclic AMP generation, yet it suppressed progesterone synthesis by inhibiting the conversion of pregnenolone to progesterone. β-Lumicolchicine, a colchicine analog that does not depolymerize microtubules, had no such effect. The results suggest that microfilaments are involved in steroidogenesis at two sites, namely, the adenylate cyclase-cAMP system, and cholesterol conversion to pregnenolone; whereas microtubules act on the conversion of pregnenolone to progesterone.
Bacterial expression and preliminary crystallographic studies of a 149-residue fragment of human Caprin-1

Caprin-1 is an RNA-binding protein which plays critical roles in several important biological processes, including cellular proliferation, the interferon-mediated antiviral innate immune response, the maintenance of synaptic plasticity and the formation of RNA stress granules. Caprin-1 has been implicated in the pathogenesis of several human diseases, including osteo­sarcoma, breast cancer, viral infections, hearing loss and neurodegenerative disorders. Despite the emerging biological and physiopathological significance of Caprin-1, no structural information is available for this protein. Moreover, Caprin-1 does not have sequence similarity to any other protein with a known structure. It is therefore expected that structural studies will play a particularly crucial role in revealing the functional mechanisms of Caprin-1. Here, a protein fragment of human Caprin-1 consisting of residues 112–260 was expressed, purified and crystallized. Native and Se-SAD data sets were collected to resolutions to 2.05 and 2.65 A, respectively, in different space groups.
Development of a Prescriptive Morality: An Historical Observation

Summary Between 1929 and 1958 American college students showed an increase in the severity of their moral judgments (7). An analysis of the change scores (1958–1929) in terms of “prescriptive” (“ought to”) and “proscriptive” (“ought not to”) items indicated a significantly greater increase (p < .01) in severity of judgments to prescriptive items than to proscriptive items. The changes are considered in terms of the increased use of love-oriented socialization techniques over the years studied and students' perceptions of their parents' child rearing practices. Some limitations of methodology are discussed.
Intravenous labetalol for induced hypotension in an adult patient undergoing coarctation repair.

F EW DATA were available in the anesthesia literature about the techniques required for management of a coarctation repair prior to 1974. Dalal et al’ discussed the anesthestic technique and its relationship to coarctation location, as well as the hemodynamics of the lesion, and Fisher and Benedict’ discussed the manifestations and operative management of coarctation in 1977. In each of these reports, induced hypotension and control of the blood pressure response to aortic cross-clamping are described and emphasized. Since then, multiple techniques for the induction of hypotension in these patients have been used. A case is presented of a patient with an adult coarctation in whom blood pressure was lowered and controlled using intravenous (IV) labetalol with isoflurane. This is followed by a discussion of the rationale for this therapy.
Effects of surface roughness, texture and polymer degradation on cathodic delamination of epoxy coated steel samples

The Scanning Kelvin Probe (SKP) technique was used to investigate the effects of surface roughness, texture and polymer degradation on cathodic delamination of epoxy coated steel. The cathodic delamination rate of the epoxy coatings dramatically decreased with increased surface roughness of the underlying steel substrate. The surface texture of the steel substrates also had a significant effect in that samples with parallel abrasion lines exhibiting faster cathodic delamination in the direction of the lines compared to the direction perpendicular to the lines. The cathodic delamination kinetics of epoxy coatings previously exposed to weathering conditions increased with prolonged exposure due to pronounced polymer degradation. SEM observation confirmed that the cyclic exposure to UV radiation and water condensation caused severe deterioration in the polymer structures with surface cracking and erosion. The SKP results clearly showed that the cathodic delamination of the epoxy coatings was significantly influenced by the surface features of the underlying steel substrates and the degradation of the coatings.
Stranger Danger: The Role of Perpetrator and Context in Moderating Reactions to Sexual Harassment

The majority of research on sexual harassment focuses on achievement contexts where the perpetrator of the harassment is known to the victim. More recent work has begun to explore sexual harassment perpetrated by strangers in public places. The current work sought to bridge the gap between research on sexual harassment in achievement contexts and stranger harassment. In doing so, the current work manipulated factors related to three important distinctions between these topics: the relationship between the perpetrator and victim, the location, and the type of sexually harassing behavior. The current study provides evidence that stranger harassment elicits more negative reactions than harassment from a coworker. Additionally, harasser type interacted with harassment type, with situations involving strangers making physical contact eliciting the most negative reactions. Thus, the current work suggests a need for more research on stranger harassment, as well as on additional factors that may operate differently depending on harasser type.
3′ deletions cause aniridia by preventing PAX6 gene expression

Abstract Aniridia is a panocular human eye malformation caused by heterozygous null mutations within PAX6, a paired-box transcription factor, or cytogenetic deletions of chromosome 11p13 that encompass PAX6. Chromosomal rearrangements also have been described that disrupt 11p13 but spare the PAX6 transcription unit in two families with aniridia. These presumably cause a loss of gene expression, by removing positive cis regulatory elements or juxtaposing negative DNA sequences. We report two submicroscopic de novo deletions of 11p13 that cause aniridia but are located >11 kb from the 3′ end of PAX6. The clinical manifestations are indistinguishable from cases with chain-terminating mutations in the coding region. Using human × mouse retinoblastoma somatic cell hybrids, we show that PAX6 is transcribed only from the normal allele but not from the deleted chromosome 11 homolog. Our findings suggest that remote 3′ regulatory elements are required for initiation of PAX6 expression.
X-inactivation analysis of embryonic lethality in Ocrl wt/-; Inpp5b-/- mice.

Mutations in the human OCRL gene, which encodes a phosphatidylinositol(4,5)bisphosphate 5-phosphatase, result in the X-linked oculocerebrorenal syndrome of Lowe. Mice with a targeted disruption of Ocrl have no phenotypic abnormalities. Targeted disruption of its closest paralog, Inpp5b, causes male infertility in the 129S6 background. Mice with disruptions of both genes are lost in utero prior to 9.5-10.5 dpc, indicating that there is a functional overlap between the two paralogs early in development. We analyzed the pattern of X-inactivation in four tissues of distinct embryonic origin from Ocrlwt/−;Inpp5b−/− females to explore the timing and tissue distribution of the functional overlap. X-inactivation was strongly skewed against the disrupted Ocrl− allele being on the active X chromosome in all four tissues tested, indicating that there is early selection against cell lineages lacking both Ocrl and Inpp5b. Extraembryonic tissue was also involved in the lethality because there were never any live-born Ocrlwt/−;Inpp5b−/− females when the functional Ocrlwt allele was on the paternal X chromosome, which is preferentially inactivated in trophoblast-derived extraembryonic tissues. Live-born Ocrlwt/−;Inpp5b−/− females were found when the functional Ocrlwt allele was maternal, although in fewer numbers than expected. The importance of the extraembryonic tissues in the early embryonic lethality of embryos lacking both Ocrl and Inpp5b is reinforced by the successful isolation of a viable 40,XX Ocrl−/−;Inpp5b−/− embryonic stem cell from the inner cell mass of a 3.5-dpc blastocyst prior to implantation. These results indicate a functional overlap of Ocrl and Inpp5b in most cell lineages, especially in extraembryonic tissues.
Sleep duration and obesity among adolescents transitioning to adulthood: do results differ by sex?

Objectives To examine the association between short sleep duration and obesity among adolescents (mean age 16 years) transitioning into young adulthood (mean age 21 years) in the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent Health (N = 10 076). Study design Self-reported sleep duration was categorized as 8 hours. Obesity status, using measured height and weight, was defined as body mass index ≥95th percentile in adolescence and body mass index ≥30 kg/m 2 in young adulthood. Results Cross-sectionally, short sleep duration was associated with obesity in adolescent males (prevalence ratio 1.8 [95% CI, 1.3-2.4]) but not in females (prevalence ratio 1.0 [95% CI, 0.7-1.4]). In longitudinal analyses, short sleep duration in adolescence was associated with incident obesity in both males and females (risk ratio 1.2 [95% CI, 1.0-1.6]) in young adulthood. No interactions by sex were noted. Conclusions Analyzing the association of sleep duration and obesity longitudinally resolved sex discrepancies observed in earlier cross-sectional analyses. Optimizing sleep duration during adolescence may be an effective intervention to prevent excess weight gain in young adults.
Skeletal effects of aging in male rhesus monkeys

Age-related bone loss in men is receiving increased attention. In light of this, animal models for male bone loss are desirable. This study examined the effects of age and osteoarthritis (OA) on bone mineral content (BMC), bone mineral density (BMD), and markers of bone turnover and skeletal relevance in 56 male rhesus monkeys 4-34 years of age. BMC and BMD increased at all sites from 4 to 10 years of age. Male rhesus monkeys reach peak bone mass at approximately 10 years of age after which bone mass is lower at the lateral spine and distal radius. Markers of bone turnover (osteocalcin and carboxyterminal telopeptide of type I collagen [ICTP]) decreased with age. There was no relationship between PTH, 25-hydroxyvitamin D, FSH, or testosterone and age. With advancing age, the prevalence of lumbar spine OA increases dramatically, masking decreases in posteroanterior spine bone mass that are clear in the lateral projection. These data suggest that male rhesus monkeys sustain age-related bone loss in the absence of nutritional or gonadal steroid deficiencies. These animals may prove useful in studying the mechanisms of age-related bone loss.
1.4-Ga peraluminous granites in central New Mexico Petrology and geochemistry of the Priest pluton

The Priest pluton is part of the suite of 1.4-Ga granitic plutons in North America. The pluton is a corundum normative, peraluminous, K-feldspar megacrystic granodiorite to quartz monzonite. It is characterized by: (1) high Mg/Mg + Fe; (2) high abundances of A12O3, CaO, and large ion lithophile elements (e.g., Sr, Ba); and (3) low abundances of high field strength elements (e.g., Zr, Y). Major and trace element modeling suggests that variations in composition were produced by accumulation of K-feldspar and plagioclase, localized accumulation of plagioclase, biotite, and accessory minerals, and late-stage crystal fractionation of the residual melt. Plutons in the suite of 1.4 Ga, so-called “anorogenic” granitic plutons have been classified as A-type granites. Major and trace element abundances suggest that the Priest pluton is not A-type, but has more in common with S-type granites. In addition, typical tectonic classification techniques suggest that the pluton is either a volcanic-arc/syn-collisional or late orogenic granite. The pluton's intrusion was accompanied by highly partitioned, compressional deformation that is not typically associated with anorogenic, A-type plutons. The Priest pluton also is distinct from the nearby Sandia pluton, although the two plutons are nearly the same age. The Priest pluton has higher Mg number, alumina saturation index, and large ion lithophile element abundances as well as lower abundances of high field strength elements. The Priest pluton contains only biotite as its mafic phase, whereas the Sandia pluton contains biotite and hornblende. Differences in geochemistry between the Priest and Sandia plutons and the rest of the suite of 1.4 Ga granitic plutons suggest that the lower crust is a heterogeneous source region. Therefore, geochemical signatures that commonly are associated with particular tectonic settings may instead reflect heterogeneities in the source.
CHIP Targets Toxic α-Synuclein Oligomers for Degradation

α-Synuclein (αSyn) can self-associate, forming oligomers, fibrils, and Lewy bodies, the pathological hallmark of Parkinson disease. Current dogma suggests that oligomeric αSyn intermediates may represent the most toxic αSyn species. Here, we studied the effect of a potent molecular chaperone, CHIP (carboxyl terminus of Hsp70-interacting protein), on αSyn oligomerization using a novel bimolecular fluorescence complementation assay. CHIP is a multidomain chaperone, utilizing both a tetratricopeptide/Hsp70 binding domain and a U-box/ubiquitin ligase domain to differentially impact the fate of misfolded proteins. In the current study, we found that co-expression of CHIP selectively reduced αSyn oligomerization and toxicity in a tetratricopeptide domain-dependent, U-box-independent manner by specifically degrading toxic αSyn oligomers. We conclude that CHIP preferentially recognizes and mediates degradation of toxic, oligomeric forms of αSyn. Further elucidation of the mechanisms of CHIP-induced degradation of oligomeric αSyn may contribute to the successful development of drug therapies that target oligomeric αSyn by mimicking or enhancing the powerful effects of CHIP.
Harmonic Functions Starlike in the Unit Disk

Complex-valued harmonic functions that are univalent and sense-preserving in the unit disk Δ can be written in the form f = h + ḡ, where h and g are analytic in Δ. We give univalence criteria and sufficient coefficient conditions for normalized harmonic functions that are starlike of order α, 0 ≤ α < 1. These coefficient conditions are also shown to be necessary when h has negative and g has positive coefficients. These lead to extreme points and distortion bounds.
Schistosoma mansoni express higher levels of multidrug resistance-associated protein 1 (SmMRP1) in juvenile worms and in response to praziquantel

The ATP-binding cassette (ABC) superfamily of proteins comprises several ATP-dependent efflux pumps involved in transport of toxins and xenobiotics from cells. These transporters are essential components of normal physiology, and a subset is associated with development of multidrug resistance. P-glycoprotein (Pgp) and the multidrug resistance-associated proteins (MRPs) represent two classes of these multidrug resistance (MDR) transporters. MRP1 is one type of mammalian MRP, which preferentially transports anionic compounds and compounds detoxified by cellular enzymes such as glutathione-S-transferase. It also transports signaling molecules, including immunomodulators. In schistosomes, both Pgp and MRP substrates localize to the excretory system, a potentially attractive target for new antischistosomals. We have previously shown that expression of schistosome Pgp (SMDR2) is altered in worms exposed to praziquantel (PZQ), the current drug of choice against schistosomiasis, and is expressed at higher levels in worms from isolates with reduced PZQ susceptibility. We have also shown that PZQ interacts directly with SMDR2. Here, we examine the relationship between PZQ and SmMRP1, a Schistosoma mansoni homolog of mammalian MRP1. SmMRP1 RNA is differentially expressed in adult males and females, and levels increase transiently following exposure of adult worms to sub-lethal concentrations of PZQ. A corresponding, though delayed, increase in anti-MRP1-immunoreactive protein also occurs following exposure to PZQ. PZQ-insensitive juvenile worms express higher levels of both SmMRP1 and SMDR2 RNA than mature adults, consistent with the hypothesis that increases in levels of schistosome multidrug transporters may be involved in development or maintenance of reduced susceptibility to PZQ.
A multiscale approach for model reduction of random microstructures

Abstract The mechanical properties of a deformed workpiece are sensitive to the initial microstructure. Often, the initial microstructure is random in nature and location specific. To model the variability of properties of the workpiece induced by variability in the initial microstructure, one needs to develop a reduced order stochastic input model for the initial microstructure. The location-dependence of microstructures dramatically increases the dimensionality of the stochastic input and causes the “curse of dimensionality” in a stochastic deformation simulation. To quantify and capture the propagation of uncertainty in multiscale deformation processes, a novel data-driven bi-orthogonal Karhunen–Loeve Expansion (KLE) strategy is introduced. The multiscale random field representing random microstructures over the workpiece is decomposed simultaneously into a few modes in the macroscale and mesoscale. The macro modes are further expanded through a second-level KLE to separate the random and spatial coordinates. The few resulting random variables are mapped to the uniform distribution via a polynomial chaos (PC) expansion. As a result, the stochastic input complexity is remarkably reduced. Sampling from the reduced random space, new microstructure realizations are reconstructed. By collecting the properties of workpieces with randomly sampled microstructures, the property statistics are computed. A high-dimensional multiscale disk forging example of FCC nickel is presented to show the merit of this methodology, and the effect of random initial crystallographic texture on the macroscopic properties.
Catalytic hydrogenolysis of poly-iodinated recombinant human insulin-like growth factor II (IGF-II): A potentially useful method for the tritiation of IGF-II

Abstract A method has been developed to prepare, purify, and fully characterize poly-iodinated insulin-like growth factor II (IGF-II) which can then be catalytically deiodinated to produce IGF-II with its native disulfide bonded structure. This method can potentially be adapted to prepare tritiated IGF-II with the use of tritium gas in the hydrogenolysis step. IGF-II was iodinated at all three tyrosines using lactoperoxidase with a three-fold excess of sodium iodide. The iodinated products were purified using reversed-phase HPLC and characterized by peptide mapping. The tyrosine-containing peptides generated by pepsin digestion were characterized by amino acid sequence analysis. Monoand di-iodinated phenylthiohydantoin tyrosine derivatives were synthesized and used to identify the idodination state of the modified tyrosine residues in the sequence analysis. Purified poly-iodinated IGF-II was deiodinated by hydrogenolysis, over a prereduced palladium (II) oxide catalyst to form IGF-II with its native disulfide bonds intact, as shown by peptide mapping.
Leptinomimetic effects of the AMP kinase activator AICAR in leptin-resistant rats: prevention of diabetes and ectopic lipid deposition

Aims/hypothesis Leptin has been shown to activate AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK), an enzyme that regulates the activities of key enzymes of lipid synthesis and metabolism. We assess here (i) whether AMPK activity is diminished in rodents deficient in leptin or the leptin receptor, and (ii) the effects of treating the diabetes-prone, leptin-receptor-deficient Zucker Diabetic Fatty (ZDF) rat with an AMPK activator.
Sexual quality of life in patients undergoing coronary artery bypass graft surgery

Objectives: Despite improvements in many domains of functioning, sexual quality of life often remains impaired following coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery. This study examined associations among sexual quality of life, fear of sexual activity and receiving information from providers about sexual activity in CABG patients. Methods: Participants completed a survey assessing sexual activity, mental health and physical health at baseline (3–5-day post-surgery; n = 60) and 2-month post-surgery (n = 42). Results: Sexual quality of life showed moderate difficulties at baseline and did not improve by follow-up (p values ≥0.09). At follow-up, greater patient fear was associated with lower sexual quality of life in some domains; receiving information was related to lower fear (p values ≤0.03) and greater sexual satisfaction and interest (p values ≤0.04). Suggestive of mediation, there was a significant indirect effect of information on patient fear and of patient fear on sexual interest (p = 0.05). Conclu...
Ultrahigh frequency surface acoustic wave modulation of optical resonators

A piezoelectric aluminum nitride film on oxidized silicon wafer is used to realize high frequency surface acoustic wave devices. Optical ring resonator is integrated with the surface acoustic wave device to demonstrate a high speed acousto-optic modulation.
Special Education Dissertation Research in Early Childhood: A Descriptive Analysis

While it is difficult to determine the overall preparedness of professionals in Early Childhood Special Education (ECSE) to expand the field's research base, that clearly is a task necessary for those who prepare the next generation of leaders in ECSE. To determine the extent to which scholars and researchers are being prepared to address future challenges in ECSE, we examined the methods and products of research by persons who would soon be in the position to further research and practice in ECSE. A 34-item questionnaire was used to code ECSE dissertation abstracts found in Dissertation Abstracts international from 1981--90. Of the 395 ECSE dissertations, less than half included youngsters with disabilities or a combination of children with and without handicaps. A substantial proportion, however, (a) incorporated experimental designs, (b) employed qualitative procedures, and (c) targeted social/behavioral and communication topics. From the wide diversity of investigative methods, topics, and subjects, i...
Oscillations in the dissolution kinetics of silicate glass in tris-buffered aqueous media

Abstract The dissolution of soda-lime glass in aqueous media was monitored as a function of time at 90°C. The introduction of the cationic buffer, tris (abbreviated name for tris[hydroxymethyl] aminomethane or H2NC[Ch2OH3), in order to maintain a pH value of 8.1 resulted in the formation of a surface layer which caused a decrease in the extent of glass dissolution relative to that observed in tris-free media. This surface layer exhibited periodic cracking, which was correlated with sharp ‘spikes’ when the concentration of the leachates was monitored as a function of time. The presence of Mg in the tris-based leachants resulted in reduced ‘spike’ frequency. On the other hand, the use of the anionic buffer, CAPS (abbreviated name for 3-(cyclohexylamino)-1-propanesulfonic acid or C6H11NH[CH2]2]3SO3H), to maintain a pH level of 9.5 was not observed to cause oscillations associated with surface passivation and cracking. Likewise, such oscillations were not observed in solutions buffered at pH 8.1 using sodium borate instead of tris.
Developmental Regulation of Nucleolus Size during Drosophila Eye Differentiation

When cell cycle withdrawal accompanies terminal differentiation, biosynthesis and cellular growth are likely to change also. In this study, nucleolus size was monitored during cell fate specification in the Drosophila eye imaginal disc using fibrillarin antibody labeling. Nucleolus size is an indicator of ribosome biogenesis and can correlate with cellular growth rate. Nucleolar size was reduced significantly during cell fate specification and differentiation, predominantly as eye disc cells entered a cell cycle arrest that preceded cell fate specification. This reduction in nucleolus size required Dpp and Hh signaling. A transient enlargement of the nucleolus accompanied cell division in the Second Mitotic Wave. Nucleoli continued to diminish in postmitotic cells following fate specification. These results suggest that cellular growth is regulated early in the transition from proliferating progenitor cells to terminal cell fate specification, contemporary with regulation of the cell cycle, and requiring the same extracellular signals.
Ultrasonic vocalizations and maternal-infant interactions in a rat model of fetal alcohol syndrome.

When isolated from their dams and littermates, rat pups emit ultrasonic vocalizations to elicit attention and retrieval from their dams. This study examined the effects of perinatal alcohol exposure on ultrasonic vocalizations and maternal-infant interactions. Alcohol was administered throughout gestation to the dams and during the early postnatal period to the pups. Control groups consisted of a nontreated control and an intubated, pair-fed control. Ultrasonic vocalizations were measured on postnatal day (PD) 5 under varying conditions of isolation. Maternal behaviors were examined on PD2, 4, 6, 8, and 10. Maternal behaviors were not significantly affected by prior alcohol administration to either the dams or the pups. However, ethanol-exposed rat pups vocalized more on PD5 than controls regardless of condition. The heightened vocalization response of the ethanol-exposed pups might be an underlying factor in the persistent effects of perinatal ethanol exposure on social behavior.
RESULTS OF A PROGRAM TO CONTROL PHOSPHORUS DISCHARGES FROM DAIRY OPERATIONS IN SOUTH-CENTRAL FLORIDA, USA

During 1987–1992, a mandatory program to control phosphorus discharges was implemented at dairy operations located to the north of Lake Okeechobee, Florida, USA. Thirty of 48 dairies participated in this program and implemented best management practices (BMPs), which included the construction of intensive animal waste management systems. Eighteen dairies closed their milkproducing operations under a government-funded buyout program. In this paper, we compare trends in runoff total phosphorus (TP) concentrations among the dairies that remained active and implemented BMPs. A central feature of the dairy waste management system is the high intensity area (HIA), defined as the milking barn and adjacent vegetation-free land, encircled by a drainage ditch and dike. Animal waste from the HIA is diverted into anaerobic lagoons and storage ponds, from which water is periodically removed and used for irrigation of field crops. The impacts of BMP construction on runoff TP concentrations were immediate and, in most cases, dramatic. Average TP concentrations declined significantly (P < 0.001), from 9.0 to 1.2 mg TP liter−1 at dairies in one basin (Lower Kissimmee River), and from 2.6 to 1.0 mg TP liter−1 in another (Taylor Creek/Nubbin Slough). Some sites experienced greater declines in TP than others. To elucidate possible causes for the difference in response, a multivariate statistical model was utilized. Independent variables included soil pH, soil drainage characteristics, spodic horizon depth, and the areas of different BMP components (pasture, HIA, spray fields). The analysis significantly separated dairies with the highest and lowest runoff TP concentrations. Lowest TP occurred at dairies having particular soil characteristic (shallow spodic horizon) and certain BMP features (large HIA and small heard pastures).
Inaccurate feedback and performance on the Müller-Lyer illusion.

The effects of accurate and erroneous feedback on magnitude of illusion for the Muller-Lyer illusion were examined. The provision of accurate feedback substantially reduced the magnitude of the Muller-Lyer illusion whereas the influences of inaccurate feedback were dependent upon whether subjects were prompted to overestimate or to underestimate the length of the comparison line.
Ultraviolet radiation inhibits both accessory cell and responder T cell function in the proliferative response to haptenated-self

Ultraviolet-irradiated, hapten-conjugated stimulator cells were unable to generate a proliferative response in unirradiated autologous T cells. The inhibition of the hapten-specific response was found to depend on both the dose and waveband of UV radiation used as well as the timing of irradiation with regard to haptenation. UVC (254 nm) was 10-fold more effective in eliminating the response than UVB (290–320 nm) which in turn was 104-fold more effective than UVA (320–400 nm) with regard to the amount of incident energy required. Incident doses of UV lower than those within each waveband which virtually eliminated the response resulted in partial inhibition. This inhibition was significantly greater if UV radiation followed haptenation rather than preceding it, suggesting that UV radiation may have caused some loss of antigenicity. The interaction of UV radiation with hapten did not lead to enhanced phototoxicity; survival curves of viable cells placed in culture after the same dose and waveband of UV, either before, after or without haptenation, were similar. Independent experiments revealed that irradiation of the T cells with lower doses of UV than those required to reduce the stimulation 50% with irradiated haptenated stimulator cells, was itself directly inhibitory of their response to unirradiated, TNP-conjugated adherent cells.
Thermo-chemical Remanent Magnetization of Rocks

WHEN titanomagnetites, xFe2TiO4·(1-x)Fe3O4, are heated in the atmosphere at a certain high temperature, they are oxidized, becoming solid solutions of titanomagnetites and titanomaghaemites, yFeTiO3·(l-y)Fe2O3 having a spinal crystal structure1–4.
Bayesian inference for bioenergetic models

Dynamic energy budget (DEB) theory provides a sophisticated, mechanistic framework for understanding the full life cycles of individuals within a complex environment. By relating environmental conditions, notably food availability, to individual life histories, DEB theory makes it possible, in principle, to make predictions for individuals and populations that extend beyond the conditions used to develop and parameterize the model. However, for this approach to reach its full potential as a predictive theory, we need methods of similar sophistication to link unobservable modeled quantities to data and to infer model parameters. Here, we develop such a method in a Bayesian framework. We offer a rigorous methodology for modeling the link between underlying unobservable states and observable quantities and for parameter inference. The methodology is introduced and its effectiveness as applied to data simulated under various dynamic food regimes is demonstrated. We also examine how parameter estimates can be affected by misspecification of the food model, specifically by assuming a constant food level when the true underlying dynamics are variable. This is critical as many published applications of DEB theory assume constant food when estimating parameter values. The effectiveness of the approach for data on the growth and reproduction of the water flea Daphnia is also discussed.