cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Observations of density fluctuations in a quiescent prominence

Density fluctuations in a torsional quiescent prominence were studied with Solar Optical Telescope on board of Hinode satellite. Continuous observations were made in Ca II H line from ~15:00 UT May 03, 2008; the observational duration was ~1 hr with a cadence time ~ 30s. The emission intensity along the prominence axis as functions of altitudes and time shows fluctuations in brightness with local peaks in Fourier power spectra, indicating the presence of periods and intervallic displacements to be 3 ~ 11 min and 2 ~ 7 Mm respectively and statistically significant peaks at 368 ± 63s & 620 ± 41 s, and 3.3 ± 0.6 Mm regime. The distance is the line of sight projection. These intensity disturbances may perhaps be caused by density fluctuations originated from compressional waves in which the possible origin could be the combinations of p-mode oscillations induced at the surface and twisting of the flux tube.
Prolonged Splanchnic Stimulation.

ConclusionThe systolic blood pressure of a dog was maintained at an elevated level 8 hours a day, 6 days a week, for 5 1/2 months without producing any lasting effect on the resting level.
What the homemaker knows about nutrition. IV. Her food problems, shopping habits, and sources of information.

Magazines and newspapers are reported most frequently by homemakers as sources of information on foods and nutrition. The most common food problems with which they want help are those related to meal planning and budgeting.
Keep Calm and Carry On: Airmindedness and Mass Mobilization during the War of Resistance

Japanese air raids and the Chinese response to them have been studied primarily in the context of Chongqing, the wartime capital, but air defense was a nationwide project, which is best understood in relation to interwar ideas about airmindedness. The combination of pre-war attempts to spread foreign ideas about air defense with the experience of Japanese attacks had a great impact on mass mobilization. The Nationalist government used successful air defense in domestic propaganda as an example of the success of the Chinese war effort and in international propaganda as proof of both the sufferings of the Chinese people under Japanese imperialism and China’s viability as a modern military ally.
Relationships Between Integration and Drug Use Among Deported Migrants in Tijuana, Mexico

Deported migrants face numerous challenges which may elevate their risk for drug use. We examined relationships between integration and drug use among deported migrants in Tijuana, Mexico. A cross-sectional survey conducted at a free health clinic included 255 deported Mexican-born migrants residing in Tijuana ≥6 months. Multivariable logistic regression examined associations between variables across four integration domains (public participation, social connections, macro-level facilitators and foundations) and recent (past 6-month) drug use. The prevalence of recent drug use was 46 %. Having sought work in Tijuana in the past 6 months, greater household affluence, lifetime history of incarceration in both US and Mexico, and lacking health insurance were independently associated with recent drug use. Policies that support access to employment, adequate housing and healthcare in Mexico, particularly for justice-involved deportees, may facilitate successful integration and reduce potential stressors that may contribute to drug use.
Membrane Trafficking: An Endosome Tether Meets a Rab and Collapses

Long-range tethering is a ubiquitous recognition event preceding membrane fusion. A new study shows that Rab GTPase binding causes 'entropic collapse' of the coiled-coil endosome tether EEA1, driving membrane apposition and facilitating short-range interactions required for fusion.
The Effect of Temper and Composition on the Stress Corrosion Cracking of Al-Mg Alloys

AA5xxx-series alloys are commonly utilized as lightweight replacements for steel components in marine applications, but experience precipitation of an anodic β phase (Al3Mg2) on grain boundaries at temperatures as low as 40°C (313 K). When stressed in aggressive environments, the preferential dissolution of this intermetallic leads to intergranular stress corrosion cracking (IGSCC). Susceptibility to IGSCC is assessed in the S-L orientation for differing compositions (AA5083 and AA5456) and material tempers (-H131, -H116, and -SHTQ) sensitized at 100°C (373 K) to Nitric Acid Mass Loss Test (NAMLT) values of 24 mg/cm2 and 40 mg/cm2. The more Mg-rich AA5456 shows less susceptibility to IGSCC than AA5083 for a constant -H116 temper. In AA5083, the -H131 temper exhibits the greatest susceptibility to IGSCC, followed by the -H116, and the -SHTQ conditions. These composition and temper effects are pronounced at NAMLT 24 mg/cm2, but are less traceable at NAMLT 40 mg/cm2. Reduced IGSCC susceptibility scales with ...
Point-Of-Interest Recommender System for Social Groups

Abstract This paper presents a signature based point of interest (POI) group recommendation system which provides personalized recommendations of places, such as restaurants, for mobile social groups. The growth of location-based social networking (LBSN) like Foursquare in recent years allowed users to explore POI’s easily. While the POI recommendation for individual users has been studied greatly, there has not been much work done when it comes to recommendation for group events. The recommendation for groups is different to that of single user as the requirements vary in both cases. In this work, we identify the places which are used for group events and then build signatures based on group size, location, time and other parameters. Then, for each new group we build a similar signature and recommend places based on similarity with the calculated signatures. The experimental results demonstrate how the algorithm exploits the structure of the group and gives prediction based on the group rather than the approach of giving predictions to single user.
A scar-y movie, starring IL-11

IL-11 is found to be a critical mediator of TGFβ1-induced scarring and fibrosis in the heart and kidney.
Thinking like animals or thinking like colleagues

We comment on ways in which Lake et al. advance our understanding of the machinery of intelligence and offer suggestions. The first set concerns animal-level versus human-level intelligence. The second concerns the urgent need to address ethical issues when evaluating the state of artificial intelligence.
Tumor contact surface area as a predictor of functional outcomes after partial nephrectomy.

675Background: New baseline GFR is a major factor for cancer survivorship after renal cancer surgery. Parenchymal mass preservation is the predominant factor associated with functional outcomes after partial nephrectomy (PN). Contact surface area (CSA) between the tumor and parenchyma may impact parenchymal preservation and predict functional outcomes after PN. We evaluated CSA as a predictor of parenchymal mass and function preserved by PN. Methods: 419 patients managed with PN had necessary studies to evaluate preoperative and postoperative parenchymal mass and renal function within the operated kidney. Patients with multifocal renal masses were excluded. Parenchymal mass in the operated kidney and CSA were measured using contrast-enhanced CT < 2 months prior and 3-12 months after PN. CSA was calculated using mathematical formula: 2πrd, where r = radius and d = intraparenchymal depth of tumor. Pearson correlation evaluated relationships between CSA and parenchymal mass or GFR preservation. Multivariable...
AUTOIMMUNE INDUCED HEART BLOCK

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a very common autoimmune disease, affecting around 1% of the general population. Although not always clinically apparent, it can manifest in the form of cardiovascular pathology in 50% of affected patients(1). A 67 year old female with a history of mitral regurgitation
Stainless Steel 304L LENS AM Process Monitoring Using In-Situ Pyrometer Data

A two-color pyrometer is aligned co-axially to the laser inside a Laser Engineered Net Shaping machine to gather thermal data during a single layer two-pass deposit. Several molten pool metrics are calculated from the pyrometer data, and anomalies in the data are used to flag potential defect locations. The depositions are scanned using x-ray Computed Tomography (XCT) with a 4.13 micron voxel, and void size and location are recorded. XCT void data is then compared to the thermal analysis to determine the efficacy of the anomaly detection technique. In this build, four voids > 40 microns in diameter were found with XCT. Three defects appeared in the interfacial region between the deposit and substrate and produced signatures that were detected by analyzing the in-situ pyrometer data.
Complexity of Generating Mouse Models to Study the Upper Motor Neurons: Let Us Shift Focus from Mice to Neurons

Motor neuron circuitry is one of the most elaborate circuitries in our body, which ensures voluntary and skilled movement that requires cognitive input. Therefore, both the cortex and the spinal cord are involved. The cortex has special importance for motor neuron diseases, in which initiation and modulation of voluntary movement is affected. Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is defined by the progressive degeneration of both the upper and lower motor neurons, whereas hereditary spastic paraplegia (HSP) and primary lateral sclerosis (PLS) are characterized mainly by the loss of upper motor neurons. In an effort to reveal the cellular and molecular basis of neuronal degeneration, numerous model systems are generated, and mouse models are no exception. However, there are many different levels of complexities that need to be considered when developing mouse models. Here, we focus our attention to the upper motor neurons, which are one of the most challenging neuron populations to study. Since mice and human differ greatly at a species level, but the cells/neurons in mice and human share many common aspects of cell biology, we offer a solution by focusing our attention to the affected neurons to reveal the complexities of diseases at a cellular level and to improve translational efforts.
The duration of morphemic and non-morphemic /s/ in English

Abstract: A production experiment was conducted to test the hypothesis that morphemic /s/ (hearts, wrecks, laps) is systematically longer than non-morphemic /s/ (Hartz, Rex, lapse). Since such a distinction was observed, a second, perceptual experiment was conducted to determine if this length distinction functions as a perceptual cue. Even though the results were negative, it was noted that listeners tended to label (what they apparently perceived to be) ambiguous stimuli as non-morphemic. This may suggest the operation of a subtle perceptual strategy by which listeners attribute no more structure to an ambiguous item than the context demands.
The Politics and Poetics of “Fieldnotes”: Decolonizing Ethnographic Knowing:

In this article, I present insurgent poetry as a way to decolonize ethnographic knowing. I argue that insurgent poetry tethered to grassroots struggles represents a critical site for decolonizing r...
Optimized Landing of Drones in the Context of Congested Air Traffic and Limited Vertiports

Drone fleet operators must be able to land the whole fleet in short notice. In practical operations, landing spots are usually much fewer than airborne drones. When many drones gravitate toward the limited landing spots simultaneously, congestion management becomes a challenge. This paper characterizes the fleet landing problem using mixed integer programming techniques and proposes a series of computational enhancements to reduce the solution time from hours to seconds. The solution algorithms are implemented in a software prototype for traffic management, and are thoroughly validated via extensive numerical examples and field simulations. For a fleet of 18 drones navigating at the same altitude layer within a 4-square kilometer area, all routing and trajectory computations can be completed in less than 5 seconds, and the entire fleet is able to complete landing at three pre-planned landing spots within about 3 minutes. Therefore, the models and algorithms are suitable for practical use.
Health determinants and risk factors for coronary artery disease among older Filipinos in rural communities.

AIMS Lifestyle modifications and healthy behavioural regimens are critical in preventing coronary artery disease (CAD) and other important health conditions. Little is known about the risk for CAD and health behaviour among older adults (>60 years) living in rural areas in the Philippines. Compare risk profiles and health behaviours of Filipinos at low- vs. moderate-to-high-risk for CAD and examine the association between demographic variables, risk profiles, and health behaviours. METHODS AND RESULTS A comparative, cross-sectional study was conducted using a convenient sample of 427 Filipinos (≥60 years old). Data on sociodemographic characteristics, risk profiles, and health behaviours (e.g. diet, physical activity, smoking status, and alcohol use) were collected. Ten-year CAD risk was estimated using the non-laboratory-based Framingham algorithm. Of the 427 participants [mean age was 69.2 ± 6.7 years, primarily women (65%), married (52.8%)], 319 (75%) were at low risk, and 108 (25%) were at moderate-to-high-risk for CAD. Filipinos at moderate to high risk were more likely to have cardiometabolic diseases (e.g. hypertension, hyperlipidaemia, diabetes, and obesity, all P's < 0.001). Health behaviours did not differ between the two groups except for the consumption of ≥5 servings of fruit, higher in the low-risk group. CONCLUSION Data showed highly consistent and convergent evidence among older Filipinos living in rural areas at high risk for CAD and other health conditions. These findings underscore the need for culturally sensitive guidance to improve CAD outcomes for moderate to high-risk older adults living in rural areas, including education and counselling on risk and risk-reducing strategies.
Valproic Acid Protects Against Acute Kidney Injury in Hemorrhage and Trauma

ABSTRACT Introduction Trauma is the leading cause of death among young people. These patients have a high incidence of kidney injury, which independently increases the risk of mortality. As valproic acid (VPA) treatment has been shown to improve survival in animal models of lethal trauma, we hypothesized that it would also attenuate the degree of acute kidney injury. Methods We analyzed data from two separate experiments where swine were subjected to lethal insults. Model 1 : hemorrhage (50% blood volume hemorrhage followed by 72-h damage control resuscitation). Model 2 : polytrauma (traumatic brain injury, 40% blood volume hemorrhage, femur fracture, rectus crush and grade V liver laceration). Animals were resuscitated with normal saline (NS) +/- VPA 150 mg/kg after a 1-h shock phase in both models (n = 5-6/group). Serum samples were analyzed for creatinine (Cr) using colorimetry on a Liasys 330 chemistry analyzer. Proteomic analysis was performed on kidney tissue sampled at the time of necropsy. Results VPA treatment significantly (P Model 1 (Hemorrhage alone): Cr increased from a baseline of 1.2 to 3.0 in NS control animals (P Model 2 (Polytrauma): Cr levels increased from baseline of 1.3 to 2.5 mg/dL (P = 0.01) in NS control animals 4 h after injury but rose to only 1.8 in VPA treated animals (P = 0.02). Proteomic analysis of kidney tissue identified metabolic pathways were most affected by VPA treatment. Conclusions A single dose of VPA (150 mg/kg) offers significant protection against acute kidney injury in swine models of polytrauma and hemorrhagic shock.
Comparison of technical errors in pediatric bitewing radiographs acquired with round vs rectangular collimation.

Objective To compare technical errors in bitewing radiographs acquired with round vs rectangular collimation in a hospital-based pediatric dentistry training program. Study Design A retrospective chart review was conducted of 176 digital bitewing radiographs exposed with round collimation and 106 exposed with rectangular collimation. The number of re-exposures was calculated, and errors in central ray entry (CRE; “cone cuts”), horizontal and vertical positioning, and angulation were measured. Results There were no greater re-exposures but significantly more CRE errors with rectangular collimation (21.7%; n = 23; 95% confidence interval [CI], 13.9%-30.0%) than with round collimation (3.4%; n = 6; 95% CI, 0.7%-6.1%). CRE error location, horizontal positioning errors, and size of horizontal overlapped contacts were statistically different but not clinically important. Conclusions Use of rectangular collimation resulted in increased CRE errors but no other clinically significant problems. This technique should be used to reduce radiation exposure to patients.
Trustworthy AI and Robotics and the Implications for the AEC Industry: A Systematic Literature Review and Future Potentials.

Human-technology interaction deals with trust as an inevitable requirement for user acceptance. As the applications of artificial intelligence (AI) and robotics emerge and with their ever-growing socio-economic influence in various fields of research and practice, there is an imminent need to study trust in such systems. With the opaque work mechanism of AI-based systems and the prospect of intelligent robots as workers' companions, context-specific interdisciplinary studies on trust are key in increasing their adoption. Through a thorough systematic literature review on (1) trust in AI and robotics (AIR) and (2) AIR applications in the architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC) industry, this study identifies common trust dimensions in the literature and uses them to organize the paper. Furthermore, the connections of the identified dimensions to the existing and potential AEC applications are determined and discussed. Finally, major future directions on trustworthy AI and robotics in AEC research and practice are outlined.
H-Sets for Non-Linear Constrained Approximation

The idea of an H-set was first proposed by Collatz [4], which was primarily introduced to give lower bounds for the numerical calculation of best linear approximation by sets not satisfying the Haar condition. The usefulness of H-sets for the characterisation and anlysis of best approximation in this non-Haar setting is set out in Brannigan [1]. A complete exposition in terms of functions in a normed linear setting is given in Brannigan [2]. For non-linear approximation an extension of H-sets is given in Collatz and Krales [5]. We here consider the non-linear approximation problem where constraints on the parameter set are present. This setting is of most practical use, and the analysis of numerical non-linear constrained approximation is needed. For the general characterisation of best approximation see Brannigan [3]. The usefulness of H-sets as developed here is in the ability to compute such sets in many cases. In the following the theorems are merely stated, those interested should consult Brannigan [3].
The Role of Deoxyribonucleic Acid in Ribonucleic Acid Synthesis: X. THE INFLUENCE OF 6-METHYLAMINOPURINE ON NUCLEIC ACID SYNTHESIS IN VITRO

Abstract The methylated adenine derivatives, 6-methylaminopurine ribonucleoside triphosphate (6MeATP), α-32P-6-dimethylaminopurine ribonucleoside triphosphate, (α-32P-6diMeATP) and 6-methylaminopurine deoxynucleoside triphosphate (d6MeATP) have been synthesized. These compounds were tested as substrates with the ribonucleic acid polymerase and deoxyribonucleic acid polymerase systems. In the presence of deoxyadenylate-deoxythymidylate copolymer or calf thymus DNA as primers in the DNA polymerase system, evidence of incorporation of d6MeATP was obtained. This reaction occurred at a rate approximately 65% of that observed with deoxyadenosine triphosphate. In RNA synthesis catalyzed by RNA polymerase, 6MeATP replaced ATP whereas α-32P-6diMeATP was completely inactive as a substrate. RNA synthesis with 6MeATP occurred at a rate approximately 5% of that observed with ATP. It was also established that labeled RNA synthesized in the presence of α-32P-6MeATP contained 6-methylaminopurine ribonucleoside phosphate-32P. The latter compound was isolated after venom phosphodiesterase degradation of RNA as the only labeled nucleotide present. The low rate of RNA synthesis with 6MeATP as substrate can be attributed to two factors. The apparent affinity constant of 6MeATP was 5.6 x 10-4 m whereas the apparent affinity constant of ATP for RNA polymerase was 6.3 x 10-5 m. The second factor that seemed to contribute to the low activity of RNA synthesis with 6MeATP is the relatively poor hydrogen bonding formed between 6-methylaminopurine and thymine of the priming DNA. Thus, polyriboadenylate formation catalyzed by RNA polymerase occurred only with ATP and was not detected when 6MeATP replaced ATP. A mixed polymer containing 6MeAMP and AMP was formed only when the RNA polymerase-catalyzed reaction was carried out with a mixture of 6MeATP and ATP. Other enzyme systems have been shown to utilize 6MeATP. The compound replaced ATP in the hexokinase reaction as well as with the RNA-dependent polyriboadenylate polymerase. The effect of the presence or absence of 6-methylaminopurine in T2 DNA and T4 DNA on the enzymatic synthesis of RNA was also examined. No differences in the rate or yield of RNA synthesis were found. In addition, the influence of the presence or absence of 6-methylaminopurine in DNA on RNA chain initiation was also checked and no differences were noted.
Platelet kinetics in patients with bone marrow hypoplasia: evidence for a fixed platelet requirement

We have studied 16 normal subjects and 27 patients with stable, untreated thrombocytopenia secondary to bone marrow failure and platelet counts ranging from 12,000 to 70,000/microL. Autologous platelets were labeled with 51Cr for measurement of mean platelet life span in the normal subjects and in 20 patients. Labeled donor cells were used in the remaining subjects. Platelet survival, as determined with both autologous and homologous platelets, correlated directly with platelet count in the thrombocytopenic patients. Platelet life span was only modestly reduced in patients having counts in the range of 50,000 to 100,000/microL (7.0 +/- 1.5 days v 9.6 +/- 0.6; P less than .01) but was markedly reduced when the count fell below 50,000/microL (5.1 +/- 1.9 days, P less than .001). The recovery of donor platelets in severely thrombocytopenic recipients (60% +/- 15%) was equivalent to control values (66% +/- 8%; P greater than .2). The recovery of autologous platelets was normal when the platelet count exceeded 50,000/microL (74% +/- 15%) but was reduced in patients with lower counts (50% +/- 22%; P less than .01). All patient and normal data were well correlated by a model predicting a maximum platelet life span of 10 1/2 days and a fixed requirement for 7,100 platelets per microliter of blood per day, or about 18% of the normal rate of platelet turnover, which averaged 41,200 platelets per microliter per day. We conclude that although relatively few platelets are used to support vascular integrity, this requirement is reflected by a reduced platelet life span in marrow hypoplasia and may contribute to the shortening of platelet survival observed in other thrombocytopenias.
Acoustic composition sensor for cryogenic gas mixtures

An acoustic sensor useful for the determination of the composition of a gaseous binary mixture in cryogenic liquid spills has been characterized. One version of the instrument traps a known mixture of helium and nitrogen at ambient temperature in a tube which is interrogated by sonic pulses to determine the speed of sound and hence the composition. Experimental data shows that this sensor is quite accurate. The second version uses two unconfined microphones which sense sound pulses. Experimental data acquired during mixing when liquid nitrogen is poured into a vessel of gaseous helium is presented. Data during transient cooling of the tubular sensor containing nitrogen when the sensor is dipped into liquid nitrogen and during transient warm-up when the sensor is withdrawn are also presented. This sensor is being developed for use in the mixing of liquid cryogens with gas evolution in the simulation of liquid hydrogen/liquid oxygen explosion hazards.
Expression of human monoamine oxidase (MAO) A gene controlled by transcription factor Sp1.

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses the expression of the human monoamine oxidase (MAO) A gene controlled by transcription factor Sp1. There are four potential Spl binding sites in the MAO A promoter. However, it is not clear whether Spl is the major transcription factor binding to the MAO A promoter because a number of other transcription factors also bind to Spl sites. To see whether there are additional transcription factor binding sites, a DNasel footprinting experiment was performed in a study discussed in the chapter. DNasel digests the DNA fragment at random positions. In the presence of nuclear extract that contains various transcription factors, the DNA sequences bound by proteins are protected from DNasel digestion and appear as “bleached” areas in the DNA ladder. The 0.24 kb MA0 A promoter fragment radiolabeled at one end was partially digested with DNasel in the presence and absence of nuclear proteins from SHSY-5Y (human neuroblastoma) cells expressing MAO A. It was found in the study that only the four Spl binding sites are protected suggesting that these four sites are the major DNA sequences interacting with transcription factors. To see whether the transcription factor interacting with the four sites is Spl, a gel retardation experiments was performed in which a radio-labeled A0.24 fragment was incubated with SHSY-5Y nuclear proteins.
Using an Illustrator

Art and science, far from being exclusive, have a long history of symbiotic, fluid, and rich relationships. Vesalius, daVinci, Audubon, and Beatrix Potter are famous personifications of this marriage of science and art.
Preliminary X-ray Data on Crystals of Mandelate Racemase*

The recent development of a high-yield expression system and purification scheme for mandelate racemase has enabled us to produce sufficiently large quantities of pure enzyme to pursue x-ray crystallographic study. Large, single crystals of mandelate racemase have been grown from buffered polyethylene glycol (pH 8.0) in the presence of 10 mM magnesium chloride. The crystals grow in several habits, and we have identified two distinct tetragonal space groups in preliminary x-ray diffraction analysis. Crystals shaped as rectangular plates demonstrate 4/mmm Laue symmetry and systematic absences consistent with the space group I422. They have cell dimensions of a = b = 153 A and c = 181 A. Octahedrally shaped crystals of mandelate racemase display 4/m Laue symmetry and systematic absences consistent with the space group 14. Cell dimensions for these crystals are a = b = 113 A and c = 124 A. Based on estimates of Vm and on the measured density of the 1422 form, we suggest that two subunits of mandelate racemase (38,570 daltons/subunit) occupy the asymmetric unit in both crystal forms. Crystals of both forms diffract to beyond 3.0-A resolution. We are currently screening for isomorphous heavy-atom derivatives.
EBOLA in the Big Apple - how a single case paralyzed a city

A single case of Ebola virus disease (EVD) in a physician returning from service with MSF in Liberia set off widespread public anxiety. The physician was asymptomatic on his return but became febrile several days later, tested positive for EVD, and required admission to a specialized facility. In the interim, he had traveled widely to public places in New York before his diagnosis.
Violaceomyces palustris gen. et sp. nov. and a new monotypic lineage, Violaceomycetales ord. nov. in Ustilaginomycetes

Numerous strains of a novel yeast were isolated in Louisiana, USA, from the leaves of several palustrine plants, most frequently from the invasive aquatic ferns Salvinia minima and S. molesta. This fungus produced fast-growing colonies that were grayish violet to dark blue in culture and rapidly reproduced via production of copious ballistoconidia that germinated to form pseudohyphae. Colonies produced many two-celled yeasts that were distinctly hourglass-or peanut-shaped, and occurred singly or in chains. Phylogenetic analyses of translation elongation factor 1-α, β-tubulin and the nuc rDNA regions encompassing 28S D1-D2 domains, 18S and the internal transcribed spacers 1 and 2, including 5.8S, indicate this fungus is a member of Ustilaginomycetes but holds an isolated position, distinct from the two currently recognized orders, Ustilaginales and Urocystales. Here we describe Violaceomycetales ord. nov., Violaceomycetaceae fam. nov. and Violaceomyces palustris gen. et sp. nov. for this unusual fungus.
Why Sex Matters: A Darwinian Look at Human Behavior

Why Sex Matters:. Darwinian Look at Human Behavior. Bobbi S. Low. Princeton, NJ: Princeton University Press, 2000. 412 pp.
Mapping and characterization of antigenic epitopes and the nucleic acid-binding domains of the VP6 protein of bluetongue viruses.

Heterologously expressed VP6 and truncated VP6 proteins of bluetongue virus (BTV) serotype 11 purified to near homogeneity were used for structure and function analyses. The yield of the expressed VP6 was host cell dependent. Six antigenic epitopes of VP6 of BTV were identified and mapped by immunoblot analyses and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay with oligoclonal antibodies. These determinants were surface accessible and conserved among the cognate VP6 proteins of five U.S. BTV serotypes. The amino acid sequences and sizes of these six antigenic epitopes were determined, and their precise locations were also mapped and confirmed by deletion analyses. The nucleic acid binding activities of VP6, confirmed by electrophoretic mobility shift assay, were concentration dependent. The binding activities and affinities of the purified expressed VP6 protein towards double-stranded RNA and double-stranded DNA were similar. Two domains of VP6, corresponding to three of the six antigenic epitopes, were responsible for the nucleic acid binding activities and have been mapped within 28 amino acids near the middle and 11 residues near the carboxyl terminus of VP6 by electrophoretic mobility shift assay and deletion mutant analyses. Synthetic oligopeptides corresponding to these three regions also exhibited similar concentration-dependent nucleic acid binding activities.
Promoting Completion through Organizational Development and Process Improvement.

In 2007, Tulsa Community College (TCC) joined the national Achieving the Dream (ATD) network, which is dedicated to developing data-informed interventions to increase persistence and completion among community college students. TCC’s participation in the national initiative set it down a path for positive institutional change, but it was the College’s restructuring of their internal work teams and their process improvements since 2011–2012 that have resulted in a sustainable system that will help retain knowledge and ensure successful leadership transitions. In 2013, TCC rebranded its modified ATD system as Completing the Dream, combining the goals of Complete College America with the action research principles of Achieving the Dream. Because of these efforts, the College is in a stronger position today than it has ever been to serve our students using evidence-based strategies, ultimately resulting in more college-educated citizens in the Tulsa area.
Transitional cell carcinoma of the upper urinary tract: staging by MRI

This study evaluates the ability of MRI to stage transitional cell carcinoma of the upper urinary tract. Nine patients who had transitional cell carcinoma of the upper urinary tract detected by other imaging modalities underwent MRI examination at 1.5 T. Imaging included pre- and postgadolinium-DTPA T1-weighted images (9 patients) pre- and postgadolinium chelate T1-weighted fat-suppressed spin echo (7 patients). Postcontrast images were acquired prior to the presence of gadolinium within the collecting system ( 10 min) postcontrast. Images were prospectively interpreted and lesion staging was determined. Correlation with histopathology was obtained in all cases. Transitional cell cancers were demonstrated in 9/9 patients, and tumors ranged in size from 2 to 8 cm (mean = 3.8 cm) in one dimension. Correct tumor staging was performed in 8/9 patients. The staging error in one case occurred because direct tumor extension into the renal parenchyma was not detected. The results of this preliminary study show that MRI stages transitional cell cancers relatively well; however, MRI is not able to detect superficial invasion of renal parenchyma.
Theoretical investigation of electronic structures and properties of C60-gold nanocontacts.

A theoretical study was performed to understand the structures and properties of C60−gold nanocontacts. In this investigation, C60 was sandwiched between gold clusters. In the studied clusters, the number of Au atoms varied from 2 to 8 on each side of C60. Molecular geometries of the investigated complexes were optimized at the density functional theory level, employing the B3LYP functional. The 6-31G(d) basis set was used for carbon atoms, while the LANL2DZ effective core potential was used for gold atoms. Geometries of all complexes were optimized under C2h symmetry except for the C60−10Au complex, for which C2 symmetry was assumed. Two different configurations, namely η2(5) and η2(6), for the binding of Au clusters with C60 were considered. It was revealed that complexes corresponding to the latter configuration are more stable than those having the former one. Ground-state geometries of the complexes involving odd numbers of gold atoms on each side of C60 were found to be represented by the triplet co...
Structures of propionaldehyde, butyraldehyde, and pivalaldehyde complexes of the chiral rhenium fragment [(η5-C5H5)Re(NO)(PPh3)]+

The crystal structures of propionaldehyde complex (RS,SR)-(η5-C5H5)Re(NO)(PPh3)(η2-OCHCH2CH3)]+ PF6− (1b+ PF6s−; monoclinic, P21/c (No. 14), a = 10.166 (1) A, b = 18.316(1) A, c = 14.872(2) A, β = 100.51(1)°, Z = 4) and butyraldehyde complex (RS,SR)-[(η5-C5H5)Re(NO)(PPh3)(η2-OCHCH2CH2CH3)]+ PF6− (1c+PF6−; monoclinic, P21/a (No. 14), a = 14.851(1) A, b = 18.623(3) A, c = 10.026(2) A, β = 102.95(1)°, Z = 4) have been determined at 22°C and −125°C, respectively. These exhibit CO bond lengths (1.35(1), 1.338(5) A) that are intermediate between those of propionaldehyde (1.209(4) A) and 1-propanol (1.41 A). Other geometric features are analyzed. Reaction of [(η5-C5H5)Re(NO)(PPh3)(ClCH2Cl)]+ BF4− and pivalaldehyde gives [(η5-C5H5)Re(NO)(PPh3)(η2-OCHC(CH3)3)]+BF4− (81%), the spectroscopic properties of which establish a π CO binding mode.
Photorefractivity in liquid crystalline composite materials

We report recent improvements in the photorefractive performance of liquid crystalline thin film composites containing electron donor and acceptor molecules. The improvements primarily result from optimization of the exothermicity of the intermolecular charge transfer reaction and improvement of the diffusion characteristics of the photogenerated ions. Intramolecular charge transfer dopants produce greater photorefractivity and a 10-fold decrease in the concentration of absorbing chromophores. The mechanism for the generation of mobile ions is discussed.
The senescence marker protein (SMP-2) of the rat liver: purification, immunochemical characterization and age-dependent regulation

Abstract In vitro translation of total rat hepatic mRNAs has identified a 31 kilodalton senescence marker protein (SMP-2) which is present in higher amounts in prepubertal and senescent males than in the post-pubertal adult male (more than 10-fold). SMP-2 is an androgen-repressible protein. The negative regulation of the SMP-2 gene activity by androgen accounts for its increased expression during the androgen insensitive states of the prepubertal and senescent livers, and its constitutive expresion in the female liver. A combination of separation procedures including salt fractionation, chromatofocusing, ion-exchange chromatography and preparative gel electrophoresis have led to the purification of SMP-2 to apparent homogeneity. The purified protein showed the same electrophoretic mobility as the sex- and age-specific in vitro translation product of hepatic mRNAs. The polyclonal antibody to SMP-2 was produced in the rabbit. The antibody selectively reacted with the 31 kDa sex- and age-specific translation product of hepatic mRNAs. Western blot analysis of the liver cytosol confirms monospecificity of the antiserum, as well as age- and sex-dependent changes in the tissue level of SMP-2. Histochemical staining of liver sections with the antiserum reveals a preferential periportal localization of SMP-2 in the hepatocytes. This finding is in marked contrast to the androgen-inducible α2u glubulin which is preferentially synthesized and localized in the pericentral hepatocytes. Thus, the zonal distribution of SMP-2 correlates with polarized androgen sensitivity of the hepatocytes witin the liver lobule.
Handwriting in Early Childhood Education: Current Research and Future Implications.

Early fine motor writing skills are quickly becoming recognized as an important school readiness skill associated with later academic success (Dinehart and Manfra, 2013; Grissmer et al., 2010; Son and Meisels, 2006). Yet, little is known about the development of handwriting, the extent to which it is of value in the early childhood classroom and the best means by which to teach handwriting, or at least handwriting readiness, to young children. The current work reviews the literature on handwriting and its place in early childhood education. Overall, this article serves as a call for (a) researchers to continue examining the role of handwriting in the early education and development of young children and (b) practitioners to develop and implement programmes they know to be best practice in teaching early handwriting or handwriting ‘readiness’ skills.
Liquid ion-exchange membrane electrode for lithium

An electrode selective for lithium relative to other alkali metal ions is described. The sensor is based on n-decanol as both the liquid membrane and exchanger. The electrode exhibits more than 3 decades of linear near-Nernstian response and has selectivity comparable to the LAS 15-25 glass univalent-cation electrode.
The classical adjoint

Abstract This paper summarizes the historical background of the notion of the classical adjoint as outlined by Muir, and provides applications of the adjoint to various studies of generalized invertibility of matrices over commutative rings. Specifically, in this setting, the classical adjoint is used to provide a novel proof of von Neumann’s 1936 observation that every matrix over a regular ring is regular, and to provide a necessary and sufficient condition for the existence of the Moore–Penrose inverse of a given matrix. In particular, a representation of the Moore–Penrose inverse is given that leads to an immediate proof of Moore’s 1920 formula specifying the entries of his “reciprocal” in terms of determinants.
System demonstration: a toolset for web-based peer review of scientific testimony

By connecting a set of web-based tools to scientific video in government, we demonstrate the potential for peer reviewers to interact within a highly configurable context of academic literature, citation networks and time-linked commentary. A new way of viewing and understanding information rich media in a web context emerges.
Failure to learn in a taste aversion paradigm: Associative or performance deficit?

A transfer paradigm was employed to examine the possibility that the apparent failure of rats to associate exteroceptive stimuli with internal malaise reflects a performance deficit. Repeated pairings of distinctive apparatus cues with rotation-induced motion sickness produced no evidence of conditioned suppression to the CS complex. However, relative to controls which had received noncontingent rotational experience, the experimental rats acquired conditioned fear more rapidly when the apparatus cues were paired with footshock in the transfer phase. This facilitation of conditioning suggests that an associative representation between exteroceptive stimuli and internal consequences was acquired but not expressed in overt responding.
The jamming avoidance response of Eigenmannia: properties of a diencephalic link between sensory processing and motor output

Brain regions participating in the control ofEigenmannia's electric organ discharge frequency were localized by electrical microstimulation and anatomically identified by means of horseradish peroxidase deposition. A diencephalic region was found which, when stimulated, caused electric organ discharge (EOD) frequency increases of similar magnitude and time course as the frequency increases seen during the jamming avoidance response. Single unit recordings from this region revealed one cell type which preferentially responded to stimuli that cause the acceleration phase of the jamming avoidance response (electric organ discharge frequency increase). A second cell type responded preferentially to stimuli which cause EOD frequency decrease, and both cell types were tuned to stimuli which evoked maximal jamming avoidance behaviors.
Extracellular matrix regulates endothelial functions through interaction of VEGFR‐3 and integrin α5β1

Endothelium extracellular matrix (ECM) interactions can provide distinct spatial and molecular signals which control cellular proliferation, migration, and differentiation. Here, we investigated the role of fibronectin (FN), a major ECM protein, on the functions of lymphatic endothelial cells (LEC). We observed that FN, the ligand for integrin alpha5beta1, selectively promoted the growth of LEC as compared with vitronectin (VN) in the presence of the ligand for vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 3 [VEGFR-3 (VEGF-C156S)]. Upon investigating the mechanisms whereby ECM components regulate VEGFR-3 signaling, we found that FN transactivated VEGFR-3 and significantly enhanced the phosphorylation of VEGFR-3 induced by VEGF-C156S as compared to VN. An enhanced association of the integrin subunit alpha5 or beta1 with VEGFR-3, after stimulation with VEGF-C156S, was observed by co-immunoprecipitation. While blockade of integrin alpha5beta1 inhibited the VEGF-C156S-induced phosphorylation of VEGFR-3, no similar effect was obtained by blocking integrin alphavbeta3. FN also protected the endothelial cells from serum deprivation-induced apoptosis. Moreover, while the specific PI3 kinase inhibitor, LY294002, abolished this FN-mediated cell survival, the MAPK kinase inhibitor, PD98059, had no significant effect. Furthermore, a dominant-negative mutant of VEGFR-3 (G857R) reduced VEGF-C156S or FN-mediated cell survival, as well as the activities of PI3 kinase/Akt. Our results indicate that integrin alpha5beta1 participates in the activation of both VEGFR-3 and its downstream PI3 kinase/Akt signaling pathway, which is essential for FN-mediated lymphatic endothelial cell survival and proliferation.
The new senior volunteer: a bold initiative to expand the supply of independent living services to older adults.

ABSTRACT This article presents findings of the evaluation of the Experience Corps for Independent Living (ECIL) initiative. The ECIL initiative was a two-year demonstration program designed to test innovative ways to use the experience, time, and resources of volunteers over 55 to significantly expand the size and scope of volunteer efforts on behalf of independent living services for frail elders and their caregivers in specific communities. Six demonstration sites were selected to participate in this initiative. The intensive volunteers, the critical component of the program, were more highly skilled than typical volunteers from existing senior volunteer programs. ECIL volunteers collaborated with agency partners to develop new programs, supervise direct service activities, and enhance the performance of the agencies being served. The ECIL initiative was particularly successful in meeting its goals of expanding the supply of independent living services to frail elders and their families in the communiti...
Construction of a recombinant expression plasmid encoding a staphylococcal protein A-ricin A fusion protein

A recombinant plasmid has been constructed containing the coding regions for a functional fragment of staphylococcal protein A and the entire ricin A chain in tandem in the same reading frame. The recombinant gene has been expressed in Escherichia coli cells to produce a protein with both staphylococcal protein A activity and ricin A chain activity. Such a fusion protein could be used for producing immunotoxins.
Aggregation and toxicity of titanium dioxide nanoparticles in aquatic environment—A Review

The use of nanoparticles--particles with size approximately 1-100 nm is increasing worldwide. This is particularly the case for applications of titanium dioxide nanoparticles (nano-TiO(2)) in consumer products, which have expanded at a fast rate in the last decade. The properties of nano-TiO(2) differ significantly from bulk-TiO(2) of the same composition because of an increase in surface area. A release of nano-TiO(2) from application sources to the aquatic environment may pose possible risks due to their bioavailability and toxicity. The aggregation of nano-TiO(2) plays an important role in the environmental effects of nanoparticles because the size and shape of nanoparticles will determine the magnitude of any potentially toxic effect. Aggregation is affected by pH, ionic strength, and ionic identity (inorganic and organic) of aqueous suspensions and is reviewed in this paper. The current information on the evaluation of ecotoxicological hazards of nano-TiO(2) to bacteria, algae, invertebrates, nematodes, and rainbow trout is also given.
Tracing the source and fate of biopolymers in seawater: application of an immunological technique

To investigate the complex degradation dynamics taking place in the water column, it is necessary to develop probes of high sensitivity and specificity that can identify the source and trace the fate of molecules in the dissolved and particulate pools using unconcentrated seawater. Here we present the application of an immunological probe to perform highly sensitive seawater analysis. We used exopolymers produced by the colonial bloom-forming alga, Phaeocystis (Prymnesiophyte), as a model to test the sensitivity and specificity of an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) in unconcentrated seawater samples. We tested the ELISA with seawater from the Ross Sea, Gulf of Alaska and the North Water Polynya. We show that ELISA can readily be applied to quantify the concentration of Phaeocystis exopolymers and study their spatial and temporal distribution. With appropriate immunological probes, the ELISA can provide a powerful and highly specific method with nanomolar sensitivity to identify, quantify and trace the dynamics of complex moieties found in seawater.
Assessing the use of derivatives as part of a risk-management strategy

Abstract Guay (1998, Journal of Accounting and Economics, this issue) addresses potential endogeneity biases in cross-sectional studies of derivative use by examining derivative initiations. When derivatives are only part of a risk-management strategy, tests comparing derivative users versus non-users may be biased. One solution to this difficult problem is to examine an exogenous change in derivative use. Guay (1998) identifies a recent reduction in transactions costs as a potential exogenous shock to derivative use. However, if cost reductions cannot explain derivative initiations, then his analysis may not eliminate the biases in previous research. Studies isolating alternative exogenous changes in firms’ risk management strategies may provide further insights.