cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
p80/85 Cortactin Associates with the Src SH2 Domain and Colocalizes with v-Src in Transformed Cells

Expression of oncogenic variants of pp60src leads to dramatic changes in cytoskeletal organization characteristic of transformation. Activated Src associates with the cytoskeletal matrix, resulting in tyrosine phosphorylation of specific cytoskeletal substrates. We have previously shown that stable association of Src with the cytoskeletal matrix is mediated by the Src SH2 domain in a phosphotyrosine-dependent interaction. In this report, we demonstrate that one of the cytoskeletal binding partners of Src is p80/85 cortactin. The association was observed in lysates of transformed cells but was not seen in normal fibroblasts. The interaction could be reconstituted in vitro using transformed cell extracts and a glutathione S-transferase (GST) fusion protein containing the Src SH2 domain but not with GST-Src SH3 or with GST-Src SH2 containing a point mutation in the FLVRES sequence. Confocal microscopy revealed that cortactin redistributed and colocalized with v-Src and a Src SH3 deletion mutant in transformed cells. However, in cells expressing a Src SH2 deletion mutant, the redistribution of cortactin and colocalization with Src did not occur. Furthermore, biochemical fractionation of transformed cells indicated that a significant increase in cortactin distribution to the cytoskeletal fraction occurred, which correlated with a shift in the tyrosine-phosphorylated form of the protein. Cortactin fractionated from cells expressing kinase-defective or myristylation-defective Src mutants did not exhibit this shift. These data suggest a molecular mechanism by which tyrosine phosphorylation of cortactin and association with the Src SH2 domain influence the cytoskeletal reorganization induced in Src-transformed cells.
Development of an LS-DYNA nonlinear finite element model for use in damage detection and health monitoring of highway bridges

As part of a program to apply stochastic system analysis to structural heath monitoring of highway structures, a detailed Finite Element (FE) model of a typical highway bridge has been developed. The model was created for use with the nonlinear explicit FE code, LS-DYNA, and consists of 144 parts and approximately 40,000 elements. The model represents a standard two-lane bridge with a span length of 40 meters. It consists of 4 girders and 21 cross frame sections. This paper discusses some important practical aspects involved in the modeling of such highway bridges including connections, material properties, boundary and dynamic loading conditions. Extensive simulations were conducted using a SGI supercomputer at the FHWA sponsored National Crash Analysis Center at the George Washington University to determine the bridge structural response under dynamic loadings. The resulting data sets from these simulations are used as the basis for chaotic system invariant spectrum analysis described in related papers in this conference.
Correction: Trajectory analysis of single molecules exhibiting non-Brownian motion

Correction for ‘Trajectory analysis of single molecules exhibiting non-Brownian motion’ by Lindsay C. C. Elliott et al., Phys. Chem. Chem. Phys., 2011, 13, 4326–4334.
Abstract 2593: A novel small molecule drug (LWKS) for pancreatic cancer therapy

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) currently stands at approximately 29,000 new cases per year in North America and lack of effective therapies leads to an extremely poor prognosis. Since pancreatic cancers respond poorly to chemotherapy, more effective and less toxic treatment is a crucial need. We have employed a biological assay (MTS assay) to identify small molecular compounds that induce cytotoxicity specifically in pancreatic cancer cells and not in normal cells by screening large number of compounds from various combinatorial chemical library. Commercially available PDAC cells derived from various stages of pancreatic cancer were used for screening. For normal cells, immortalized epithelial cells isolated from pancreatic duct (h-tert HPNE) were used. One of the compounds, LWKS (MW: 547.94) kills pancreatic cancer cells and not the normal HPNE cells. LWKS kills pancreatic cancer cells isolated from all the four stages and the EC50 is in the range of 2 – 10 µM, whereas for normal cells is 70 µM. Maximum tolerated dose is 80 mg/kg of body weight. At 20 mg/Kg body weight, it showed significant tumor shrinkage in human PDAC xenografts mice model when compared to PBS controls. The tumor reduction was monitored by measuring the tumor volume for two times per week for 8 weeks. All the animal safety procedures were followed as described by AALAC. At this dosage level no toxicity was observed in the mice model. Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 102nd Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2011 Apr 2-6; Orlando, FL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2011;71(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 2593. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2011-2593
Fate, Dispersal, and Persistence of Recently Stocked and Resident Rainbow Trout in a Tennessee Tailwater

Abstract A popular trout fishery in the Clinch River below Norris Dam, Tennessee, is maintained by an extensive stocking program. However, survival and return rates of rainbow trout Oncorhynchus mykiss stocked as catchables are low. Twenty rainbow trout (mean total length (TL) = 307 mm) that had resided in the tailwater at least 5 months were collected from the river and implanted with radio transmitters in June 1998. Similarly sized rainbow trout were implanted with radio transmitters at a hatchery and stocked into the Clinch River on 8 July 1998 (N = 19; mean TL = 304 mm) and 16 September 1998 (N = 11; mean TL = 311 mm). The stocked rainbow trout dispersed rapidly and nearly all (93%) of those fish died quickly or emigrated from the tailrace. Resident fish were significantly less active than stocked fish, and they persisted significantly longer (Kruskal–Wallis tests, P = 0.0001). Poor return rates and survival of rainbow trout stocked as catchables were attributed to their rapid, long-range movements an...
Getting along: How teachers can support children's peer relationships

Peer relationships provide an important context for the young child's social development. Teachers can influence children's developing social competence in a variety of ways. This article describes how teachers can support children's peer relationships by intentionally shaping the classroom's physical and emotional context. With these basic supports in place, teachers can effectively use planned activities and on-the-spot guidance to help children learn to interact competently and form satisfying relationships.
On the interpretation of solubilization results obtained from semi-equilibrium dialysis experiments

The interpretation of intramicellar solubilization data obtained from semi-equilibrium dialysis (SED) experiments is described, and methods are presented for determining equilibrium constants for the solubilization of organic species by aqueous surfactant solutions as well as activity coefficients of both the organic solute and the surfactant within the micelle. The solubilization equilibrium constant of an organic solute in an aqueous micellar solution (K) is defined as the ratio of the mole fraction of organic solute in the micellar “pseudophase” (X) to the concentration of the unsolubilized monomeric organic solute in the aqueous phase (c0). Expressions compatible with the Gibbs-Duhem equation are used to represent the concentration dependence of activity coefficients of both the solubilizate and surfactant in the micellar pseudophase; the analysis leads to calculated values of the concentrations of free and intramicellar surfactant and organic solute in both compartments of the equilibrium dialysis cell. Solubilization equilibrium constants for many amphiphiles are well correlated by the simple expressionK=K0(1-BX)2, whereB is an empirical constant andK0 is the limiting value ofK asX approaches 0.
Using stochastic computing to implement digital image processing algorithms

As device scaling continues to nanoscale dimensions, circuit reliability will continue to become an ever greater problem. Stochastic computing, which performs computing with random bits (stochastic bits streams), can be used to enable reliable computation using those unreliable devices. However, one of the major issues of stochastic computing is that applications implemented with this technique are limited by the available computational elements. In this paper, first we will introduce and prove a stochastic absolute value function. Second, we will demonstrate a mathematical analysis of a stochastic tanh function, which is a key component used in a stochastic comparator. Third, we will present a quantitative analysis of a one-parameter linear gain function, and propose a new two-parameter version. The validity of the present stochastic computational elements is demonstrated through four basic digital image processing algorithms: edge detection, frame difference based image segmentation, median filter based noise reduction, and image contrast stretching. Our experimental results show that stochastic implementations tolerate more noise and consume less hardware than their conventional counterparts.
Duplication of the cervical esophagus: a case report and review of the literature

This report describes a newborn with a cervical esophageal duplication cyst, a rare developmental anomaly of the neck. Only a few cases of this cystic entity have been described in the literature to date. This case is unique in that the patient had an air-fluid level within the lesion as a result of communication of the duplication cyst with the native esophagus.
The role of the political cartoonist in image making

The editorial cartoon delineates the features of a popular image. The treatments by selected cartoonists of Abraham Lincoln, James G. Blaine and Robert F. Kennedy demonstrate that the cartoonist, using graphic counterparts of effective oral style, can bring obscure values and images into sharp focus.
Symmetrization of coupled eigenproblems by eigenvector augmentation

The problem of elastoacoustic vibrations of a fluid enclosed in a flexible container leads to a generalized unsymmetric eigensystem of special form. This system can be symmetrized in eight different ways by eigenvector augmentation followed by static condensation.
Valuing health technologies at NICE: recommendations for improved incorporation of treatment value in HTA

Pricing, reimbursements and coverage decisions for medical innovations and services are complex. In many countries, valuing medical technologies is the responsibility of national health-care systems that strive for distributive efficiency under fiscal constraints on medical spending. In the UK, the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) is charged with the difficult task of assessing new and existing medical technologies, and making recommendations that guide NHS coverage decisions. These are responsibilities that NICE carries out rigorously and with the objective of achieving efficiency in the allocation of NHS resources. Nevertheless, the current process of health technology appraisal (HTA) has been criticized for failure to systematically incorporate important sources of value from new innovations. In maintaining NICE’s current approach to HTA, the UK risks suboptimal patient outcomes and social welfare relative to what could be achieved if limited NHS resources were targeted toward those technologies with greatest social value. Perhaps recognizing these limitations, NICE commissioned Professor Sir Ian Kennedy in January, 2009, to carry out a study of valuing innovation aimed at addressing the approach that should be adopted by NICE to ensure that innovation is properly taken into account when establishing the value of new health technologies; whether particular forms of value be considered more important than others; how should innovation in health technologies be defined and understanding the relationship between innovation and value. As part of this process, we were asked to present our views on what such new approaches may be and how they could be implemented in practice within the NICE regulatory framework. This work was presented to the Kennedy Commission on May 19, 2009. We discuss these approaches below, and expand on ways in which important value dimensions can be integrated within the current framework. While framed in response to the Kennedy study, these views are broadly applicable to other health-care systems charged with valuing innovation and achieving distributive efficiency.
Revamped Rationing of Renal Resources: Kidney Allocation in Search of Utility and Justice for All

The widening gap between patients in need of a kidney transplant and the finite number of transplantable deceased donor organs resulted in critical review of kidney allocation policy in the USA. The process to reach consensus for change required compromise between arguments for utility and equity. Important amendments to address shortcomings of the old system and projected outcomes of the new system are reviewed. Potential unintended consequences and practical considerations to facilitate implementation of provisions intended to enhance utility and increase access to transplant for population subgroups in the new system are explored. Granular metrics provide built-in flexibility for the new system, making it amenable to modification based on outcomes.
Oxygen uptake of glycerol-extracted muscle fibres.

IN the ten years that have passed since Szent-Gyorgyi1 introduced the use of the glycerol-extracted muscle fibre, it has proved extremely useful for investigating the molecular events underlying muscular contraction. Usually, the fibre has been regarded as a ‘contractile skeleton’ ; on this basis its response to a chemical agent has commonly been interpreted as a direct response of the contractile elements, rather than an effect mediated or influenced by other still functional components of the muscle cell.
Cisplatin prevents high mobility group box 1 release and is protective in a murine model of hepatic ischemia/reperfusion injury.

The nuclear protein high mobility group box 1 (HMGB1) is an important inflammatory mediator involved in the pathogenesis of liver ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury. Strategies aimed at preventing its release from stressed or damaged cells may be beneficial in preventing inflammation after I/R. Cisplatin is a member of the platinating chemotherapeutic agents and can induce DNA lesions that are capable of retaining high mobility group proteins inside the nucleus of cells. In vitro studies in primary cultured rat hepatocytes show that nontoxic concentrations of cisplatin can sequester HMGB1 inside the nucleus of hypoxic cells. Similarly, the in vivo administration of nontoxic doses of cisplatin prevents liver damage associated with a well-established murine model of hepatic I/R as measured by lower circulating serum aminotransferase levels, lower hepatic inflammatory cytokine levels including tumor necrosis factor α and interleukin-6, lower inducible NO synthase expression, and fewer I/R-associated histopathologic changes. The mechanism of action in vivo appears to involve the capacity of cisplatin to prevent the I/R-induced release of HMGB1 as well as to alter cell survival and stress signaling in the form of autophagy and mitogen-activated protein kinase activation, respectively. Conclusion: Low, nontoxic doses of cisplatin can sequester HMGB1 inside the nucleus of redox-stressed hepatocytes in vitro and prevent its release in vivo in a murine model of hepatic I/R. Furthermore, cell survival and stress signaling pathways are altered by low-dose cisplatin. Therefore, platinating agents may provide a novel approach to mitigating the deleterious effects of I/R-mediated disease processes. (HEPATOLOGY 2009.)
Non-linear transient phenomena in a complex recirculating flow: A numerical investigation

A role of numerical methods in engineering research is illustrated in the present work, namely the use of computer algorithms as experimental facilities. A complex recirculating flow in a three-dimensional cavity was simulated and an extensive data base was generated which complements data measured in concurrent physical experiments. The objective of this numerical investigation was to improve understanding of physical phenomena in recirculating flows. The dominant physical phenomena in this shear-driven flow simulation are Taylor-Gortler vortices. These structures are intimately coupled with the primary recirculating flow and the effects of end-wall viscous damping.
The role of rifaximin therapy in patients with irritable bowel syndrome without constipation

Alterations in gut flora may play an important role in the pathophysiology of bowel symptoms, especially in patients with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). If so, antibiotics that affect gut flora may offer a novel approach for the management of patients with IBS. Here, we discuss the results of two identically designed, double-blind, placebo-controlled trials (TARGET 1 and TARGET 2) of a poorly absorbed antibiotic, rifaximin, in patients with IBS. In these studies, 1260 patients (females 76.1 and 72.1%, respectively) who had IBS without constipation were randomized to receive either rifaximin 550 mg or placebo, three-times daily for 2 weeks. Subsequently, daily symptoms were assessed and patients were followed up for 10 weeks. The primary outcome measure - adequate relief of global IBS symptoms during the first 4 weeks after treatment - was met in significantly more patients who received rifaximin than placebo (p < 0.001). In addition, more patients in the rifaximin group than in the placebo group (p < 0.001) reported an adequate relief of bloating, and an improvement in abdominal pain and stool consistency - secondary outcome measures. The incidence of adverse events with rifaximin was similar to placebo, and the drug was well tolerated. In summary, a 2-week course of rifaximin provided significant relief of IBS symptoms, as well as bloating and abdominal pain.
Between First-Century Apocalyptic and Seventh-Century Liturgy: On 4 Ezra, 2 Baruch, and Qillir

Abstract The relationship between two first- or second-century C.E. Jewish apocalypses, 4 Ezra and 2 Baruch, is complex, and remains unresolved. It is well known that elements of both works occur, predicated of Jeremiah, in a singular rabbinic text, Pesiqta Rabbati 26. In this paper, I argue that analysis of the development of the traditions underlying 4 Ezra and 2 Baruch must take more serious account of two pararabbinic texts, a pair of laments by the seventh-century Byzantine poet Qillir.
Femtosecond Laser-driven Wave Propagation on Metals

With femtosecond pulse irradiation, we observe, for the first time, the propagation of nanostructure-covered large scale waves within a laser beam spot, and show the selective ablation of the wave surface plays a decisive role.
Rotating wall vessel system designed for fluorescent imaging

Fluorescent imaging of cells and tissues cultured within a rotating wall vessel bioreactor offers quantitative assessment of the 3-dimensional aggregation of cells into tissue constructs. We present the design of a rotating wall vessel system optimized for real-time fluorescent analysis. The modulation transfer function of our system is found to be superior to the commercially-available vessel used in previous fluorescence imaging studies. We demonstrate dynamic fluorescent imaging of DAPI-stained porcine pancreatic islets.
A Class of Adaptive Algorithms Based on Entropy Estimation Achieving CRLB for Linear Non-Gaussian Filtering

Adaptive filtering has been extensively studied under the assumption that the noise is Gaussian. The most commonly used least-mean-square-error (LMSE) filter is optimal when the noise is Gaussian. However, in many practical applications, the noise can be modeled more accurately using a non-Gaussian distribution. In this correspondence, we consider non-Gaussian distributions for the noise model and show that the filter of using entropy bound minimization (EBM) leads to significant performance gain compared to the LMSE filter. The least mean p-norm (LMP) filter using the α-stable distribution to model noise is shown to be the maximum-likelihood solution when using the generalized Gaussian distribution (GGD) to model noise. The GGD model for noise allows us to compute the Cramer-Rao lower bound (CRLB) for the error in estimating the weights. Simulations show that both the EBM and LMP filters achieve the CRLB as the sample size increases. The EBM filter is shown to be less committed with respect to unseen data yielding generally superior performance in online learning when compared to LMP. We also show that, when the noise comes from impulsive α -stable distributions, both the EBM and LMP filters provide better performance than LMSE. In addition, the EBM filter offers the advantage that it does not assume a certain parametric model for the noise, and by proper selection of the measuring functions, it can be adapted to a wide range of noise distributions.
Simian Virus 40 Large T Antigen's Association with the CUL7 SCF Complex Contributes to Cellular Transformation

Simian virus 40 large T antigen (T Ag) is capable of immortalizing and transforming rodent cells. The transforming activity of T Ag is due in large part to perturbation of the tumor suppressor proteins p53 and the retinoblastoma (pRB) family members. Inactivation of these tumor suppressors may not be sufficient for T Ag-mediated cellular transformation. It has been shown that T Ag associates with an SCF-like complex that contains a member of the cullin family of E3 ubiquitin ligases, CUL7, as well as SKP1, RBX1, and an F-box protein, FBXW8. We identified T Ag residues 69 to 83 as required for T Ag binding to the CUL7 complex. We demonstrate that delta69-83 T Ag, while it lost its ability to associate with CUL7, retained binding to p53 and pRB family members. In the presence of CUL7, wild-type (WT) T Ag but not delta69-83 T Ag was able to induce proliferation of mouse embryo fibroblasts, an indication of cellular transformation. In contrast, WT and delta69-83 T Ag enabled mouse embryo fibroblasts to proliferate to similarly high densities in the absence of CUL7. Our data suggest that, in addition to p53 and the pRB family members, T Ag serves to bind to and inactivate the growth-suppressing properties of CUL7. In addition, these results imply that, at least in the presence of T Ag, CUL7 may function as a tumor suppressor.
Comparative outcomes of elderly patients undergoing Altemeier procedure versus laparoscopic rectopexy for rectal prolapse

Introduction: We compared outcomes of elderly patients (>70 years) who underwent the Altemeier procedure versus laparoscopic rectopexy for full-thickness rectal prolapse. Materials and Methods: We reviewed our data from a prospective database and the medical records of patients treated at a single institution from 2002 to 2008. Patients who underwent surgery for full-thickness rectal prolapse were evaluated. Results: Sixteen patients underwent laparoscopic rectopexy (median age 82 years; ASA 2.6), and 16 patients underwent the Altemeier procedure (median age 85 years; ASA 2.8). The Altemeier procedure patients had a significantly higher recurrence rate when compared to laparoscopic rectopexy patients (P<0.045). The mean length of follow-up was longer for the Altemeier group (20 months) compared to the laparoscopic rectopexy group (28.5 months; most recurrence (5/6) occurred <1 year. The median length of specimen removed in the Altmeier group was 9.5 cm (6.5–18.5 cm). The majority of patients in both groups had preoperative fecal incontinence. Significantly more Altemeier patients reported worsening perioperative fecal incontinence at 1–3 months (p<0.046). All laparoscopic rectopexy patients underwent general anesthesia while 44% of the Altemeier patients underwent regional anesthesia (p<0.003). One laparoscopic rectopexy patient required reoperation for an incarcerated trocar site hernia. No other major complications occurred in either group. There was no difference in rates of minor complications. Discussion: Compared to the Altemeier procedure, laparoscopic rectopexy for elderly patients with rectal prolapse resulted in a significantly smaller recurrence rate, better perioperative fecal incontinence and an equivalent morbidity rate.
Thermal Annealing of Chars from Diverse Organic Precursors under Combustion-like Conditions

A new all-graphite transient heat treatment device has been developed for exposing captive powder samples to combustion-like thermal histories in inert gas environments. The device has been used to investigate the effects of short-time thermal treatment (2-118 s at peak temperatures of 700-2400 °C) on the oxygen reactivity of chars from a wide variety of organic precursors, with special emphasis on practical solid fuels (coals, petroleum cokes, and biomass). The intrinsic reactivity of the chars is found to decrease by as much as 5 orders of magnitude between 700 and 2400 °C, even for hold times as short as 2 s. The higher reactivity materials generally show a higher propensity for annealing, leading to partial convergence in the data at heat treatment temperatures above 2000 °C. High-resolution transmission electron microscopy is used to provide some insight into annealing mechanisms. The implications of annealing for combustion and gasification processes are discussed.
Hyperfine-frequency shifts of alkali-metal atoms during long-range collisions

Collisions with chemically inert atoms or molecules change the hyperfine coupling $A\phantom{\rule{0.16em}{0ex}}\mathbf{I}\ifmmode\cdot\else\textperiodcentered\fi{}\mathbf{S}$ of an alkali-metal atom through the hyperfine-shift interaction $\ensuremath{\delta}A\phantom{\rule{0.16em}{0ex}}\mathbf{I}\ifmmode\cdot\else\textperiodcentered\fi{}\mathbf{S}$. This interaction is responsible for the pressure shifts of the microwave resonances of alkali-metal atoms in buffer gases, is an important spin interaction in alkali-metal--noble-gas van der Waals molecules, and is anticipated to enable the magnetoassociation of ultracold molecules such as RbSr. An improved estimate is presented for the long-range asymptote of this interaction for Na, K, Rb, and Cs. To test the results, the change in hyperfine coupling due to a static electric field is estimated and reasonable agreement is found.
Diverging fortunes? Economic well-being of Latinos and African Americans in new rural destinations

Abstract The geographic diffusion of Latinos from immigrant gateways to newly-emerging rural destinations is one of the most significant recent trends in U.S. population redistribution. Yet, few studies have explored how Latinos have fared in new destinations, and even fewer have examined economic implications for other minority workers and their families. We use county-level data from the 1990 and 2000 U.S. Census and the 2006–2010 American Community Survey to compare the changing economic circumstances (e.g., employment and unemployment, poverty, income, and homeownership) of Latinos and African Americans in new Latino boomtowns. We also evaluate the comparative economic trajectories of Latinos in new destinations and established gateways. During the 1990s, new rural destinations provided clear economic benefits to Latinos, even surpassing African Americans on some economic indicators. The 2000s, however, ushered in higher rates of Latino poverty; the economic circumstances of Latinos also deteriorated more rapidly in new vis-a-vis traditional destinations. By 2010, individual and family poverty rates in new destinations were significantly higher among Latinos than African Americans, despite higher labor force participation and lower levels of unemployment. Difference-in-difference models demonstrate that in both the 1990s and 2000s, economic trajectories of African Americans in new Latino destinations largely mirrored those observed in places without large Latino influxes. Any economic benefits for Latinos in new rural destinations thus have not come at the expense of African Americans.
Plasticity of neostriatal metabolic activity and behavioral recovery from nigrostriatal injury.

Abstract Damage to the mesotelencephalic dopaminergic projection results in an impairment of somatosensory localization as well as a depression of [14C]2-deoxy- d -glucose uptake in the neostriatum, nucleus accumbens septi, olfactory tubercle, and central amygdaloid nucleus. Animals that do not recover from this sensorimotor disorder show persistent decreases in the uptake of this glucose analogue by these forebrain regions. However, in animals that do recover, the metabolic activity of the neostriatum and central amygdaloid nucleus is normalized, indicating the involvement of these structures in the recovery process.
Pigmented-MDCK (P-MDCK) Cell Line with Tunable Melanin Expression: An in Vitro Model for the Outer Blood–Retinal Barrier

Retinal pigment epithelium, which forms the outer blood–retinal barrier, is a critical barrier for transport of drugs to the retina. The purpose of this study was to develop a pigmented MDCK (P-MDCK) cell line as a rapidly established in vitro model for the outer blood–retinal barrier to assess the influence of melanin pigment on solute permeability. A melanin synthesizing P-MDCK cell line was developed by lentiviral transduction of human tyrosinase and p-protein genes in MDCK (NBL-2) cells. Melanin content, tyrosinase activity (conversion of l-dopa to dopachrome), and transepithelial electrical resistance (TEER) were measured. Expression of tyrosinase protein and p-protein in P-MDCK cells was confirmed by confocal microscopy. Effect of l-tyrosine (0 to 2 mM) in culture medium on melanin synthesis in P-MDCK cells was evaluated. Cell uptake and transepithelial transport of pigment-binding chloroquine (Log D = 1.59) and a negative control salicylic acid (Log D = −1.14) were investigated. P-MDCK cells expres...
How Early Childhood Teachers Perceive the Educational Needs of Military Dependent Children

Military dependent children remain a largely unexplored subject, particularly in early childhood education. In an effort to fill the gap in the current literature, this research study focuses on how early childhood teachers perceive the educational needs of military dependent children. Previous research in the areas of geographic mobility, parental separation, and socioemotional needs are reviewed and used as a platform for this study. The study includes a survey developed by the researcher used in conjunction with Teacher Observation of Classroom Adaptation—Checklist to further examine the needs of these children from the perceptions of their teachers. The results of the study demonstrate that while early childhood teachers do not perceive a significant difference between military and nonmilitary dependent children in the socioemotional domains of prosocial behavior, concentration, and disruptive behavior, they do believe there is a difference related to stability. Additionally, early childhood teachers noted a negative socioemotional and academic impact related to parental separation and a negative academic impact related to geographic mobility. Teachers’ responses indicated mixed beliefs about the social impact of frequent relocations.
Humanistic Conservation: A Proposed Alliance Between Anthropology and Environmentalists

This article is a preliminary attempt to address an imperative. We begin with case materials describing past conservation impacts on local peoples and a review of the literature dealing with Man and the Biosphere (MAB) and other conservation programs worldwide. We conclude our discussion with a suggestion that recent developments in ecological anthropology, particularly, the advent of processual models, can provide the basis for an important rapprochement among the imperatives underlying natural resource policies, the rights of local populations to traditional resources, and the potential for continued voluntary cultural diversity. These approaches along with the anthropological outreach to environmentalists, whether in agencies or among traditional resource users, will benefit local peoples, anthropology, and the continued efforts to protect the world biome.
On the theory of hyper-Q-homeomorphisms

We show that if a homeomorphism f of a domain $ D \subset {\mathbb{R}^n} $ , n ≥ 2, is a hyper-Q-homeomorphism with Q ∈ L loc 1 , then f ∈ ACL. As a consequence, this homeomorphism has partial derivatives and an approximation differential almost everywhere.
Maternal genetic effects on ethanol teratogenesis and dominance of relative embryonic resistance to malformations.

Maternal genetic factors and/or fetal genetic factors contribute to variations in response to prenatal alcohol exposure. To assess the contribution of maternal genotype to ethanol teratogenesis, a reciprocal cross study was conducted in an animal model using C57BL/6J (B6) and long-sleep (LS) mice. B6 mice are more susceptible than LS mice to prenatal ethanol-induced malformations but both mouse stocks are susceptible to fetal weight deficits following in utero alcohol exposure. B6 and LS dams were reciprocally mated to B6 or LS males producing four embryonic genotype groups: the true-bred B6B6 and LSLS genotypes, and the genetically similar B6LS and LSB6 genotypes (the F1 genotype). Dams were intubated with either 5.8 g/kg ethanol (E) or an isocaloric amount of sucrose (S) on day 9 of pregnancy. Fetuses were removed on gestation day 18, weighed, and assessed for soft tissue or skeletal malformations. Results showed a greater litter weight deficit and increased total malformation rate in ethanol-exposed F1 litters carried by B6 mothers compared to ethanol-exposed F1 litters carried by LS mothers. This result would be expected only if maternal genetic factors contribute significantly towards susceptibility to ethanol teratogenesis. The influence of the LS mother was to decrease susceptibility to ethanol teratogenesis compared to the B6 mother while the influence of the B6 mother was to increase susceptibility to ethanol teratogenesis compared to the LS mother. The average malformation rate for F1 litters was significantly less than the predicted midparental value. This shows that the F1 genotype exhibited dominance towards resistance to prenatal alcohol effects. There was no differential effect of prenatal treatment on male and female fetuses for any embryonic genotype, indicating that the differential teratogenic response between F1 litters was not due to sex-linked traits. Likewise, weight gain due to pregnancy and maternal blood ethanol levels did not differ among genotypes. It was concluded that genetic factors differentially influence maternal physiological response to ethanol, which in turn affects teratogenic responses in F1 litters. Separation of maternal physiological mechanisms from fetal mechanisms responsible for ethanol teratogenic susceptibility is needed for targeting women and infants at risk. Such knowledge will help in formulating effective therapeutic intervention strategies.
Early-Age-Related Changes in Proteostasis Augment Immunopathogenesis of Sepsis and Acute Lung Injury

Background The decline of proteasomal activity is known to be associated with the age-related disorders but the early events involved in this process are not apparent. To address this, we investigated the early-age-related (pediatric vs. adult) mechanisms that augment immunopathogenesis of sepsis and acute lung injury. Methodology/Principal Findings The 3-weeks (pediatric) and 6-months (adult) old C57BL/6 mice were selected as the study groups. Mice were subjected to 1×20 cecal ligation and puncture (CLP) mediated sepsis or intratracheal Psuedomonas aeruginosa (Pa)-LPS induced acute lung injury (ALI).We observed a significant increase in basal levels of pro-inflammatory cytokine, IL-6 and neutrophil activity marker, myeloperoxidase (MPO) in the adult mice compared to the pediatric indicating the age-related constitutive increase in inflammatory response. Next, we found that age-related decrease in PSMB6 (proteasomal subunit) expression in adult mice results in accumulation of ubiquitinated proteins that triggers the unfolded protein response (UPR). We identified that Pa-LPS induced activation of UPR modifier, p97/VCP (valosin-containing protein) in the adult mice lungs correlates with increase in Pa-LPS induced NFκB levels. Moreover, we observed a constitutive increase in p-eIF2α indicating a protective ER stress response to accumulation of ubiquitinated-proteins. We used MG-132 treatment of HBE cells as an in vitro model to standardize the efficacy of salubrinal (inhibitor of eIF2α de-phosphorylation) in controlling the accumulation of ubiquitinated proteins and the NFκB levels. Finally, we evaluated the therapeutic efficacy of salubrinal to correct proteostasis-imbalance in the adult mice based on its ability to control CLP induced IL-6 secretion or recruitment of pro-inflammatory cells. Conclusions/Significance Our data demonstrate the critical role of early-age-related proteostasis-imbalance as a novel mechanism that augments the NFκB mediated inflammation in sepsis and ALI. Moreover, our data suggest the therapeutic efficacy of salubrinal in restraining NFκB mediated inflammation in the adult or older subjects.
A critical appraisal of Charles Gerkin's pastoral theology

This article reviews and criticizes the recent writing of Charles Gerkin (Living Human Document, 1984;Widening the Horizons, 1986). Gerkin is concerned to ground the practice of ministry in the Judeo-Christian Tradition in a world of pluralistic claims to meaning. He calls his approach a “narrative hermeneutical perspective,” and shows in case material how the stories of individuals and groups can be reinterpreted through the work of ministry. Poling examines Gerkin's work to see what views of human nature and God are operative here. The result is a dialogue about the nature of pastoral theology and its role in the church today.
Multi-stage evaluation for a community mental health system for children

A model is presented for developing an evaluation of community mental health systems of care for children. This model is divided into three stages. The first, the Program Stage, examines the clients served, service components received, and level of consumer satisfaction. The second, the Effectiveness Stage, analyzes the impact of the service system on the clients it serves, and the Impact Stage, the system changes that may occur due to the operation of a community-based system of care. Several measures and instruments are suggested for use.
Hispanic and Non-Hispanic Wage Differentials: Implications for United States Construction Industry

The shortage of skilled construction workers is considered to be one of the greatest challenges facing the United States construction industry. To meet workforce demands, the industry is increasingly relying on Hispanic construction workers. The result has been a strong increase in Hispanic construction workers, especially in the Western and Southern United States where Hispanics already comprise 31 and 24% of the total construction workforce, respectively. Using data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistic’s Current Population Survey (CPS), this study examines relative differences in hourly wages between Hispanic and non-Hispanic construction workers. The finding suggests that Hispanic workers earn less than their non-Hispanic counterparts controlling for experience, occupation, schooling, and geographical location. The implication of the increasing size of the Hispanic construction workforce with respect to industry real wages and education needs is discussed, along with the workforce’s ability to adopt...
Automated Algorithmic Error Resilience Based on Outlier Detection

The authors propose automated algorithmic error resilience based on outlier detection. The approach exploits characteristic behavior of a class of applications to create metric functions that normally produce values according to a designed distribution or behavior and produce outlier values when computations are affected by errors. For a robust algorithm that employs such an approach, error detection becomes equivalent to outlier detection. As such, the authors use well-established, statistically rigorous techniques for outlier detection to effectively and efficiently detect errors, and subsequently correct them. The authors' error-resilient algorithms incur significantly lower overhead than traditional hardware and software error-resilience techniques (such as triple modular redundancy). In addition, compared to previous approaches to application-based error resilience, the authors' approaches parameterize the robustification process, making it easy to automatically transform large classes of applications into robust applications with the use of parser-based tools and minimal programmer effort. They demonstrate the use of automated error resilience based on outlier detection for dynamic programming problems. For error rates up to 10E-3, the error-resilient algorithms achieve the same output quality as their error-free counterparts with significantly lower overhead (less than 59 percent for monadic problems and 263 percent for polyadic problems, on average) than conventional hardware and software error-resilience techniques.
Expert judgment and climate forecasting: A methodological critique of “climate change to the year 2000”

The National Defense University's study of climate change to the year 2000 was based largely on the judgments of the members of two expert panels. Although the study has been widely distributed and apparently read by policy makers in the U.S. and abroad, the method of eliciting and analyzing expert judgment has not been critically reviewed. This paper uses the literature on judgment and subjective probability to evaluate the expert judgment methods used in the study.
Spectroscopy of states in 91Zr from γ-ray transitions observed in the 88Sr(α, nγ)91Zr reaction††

Abstract Levels below an excitation energy of 3.1 MeV in 91Zr and 3.6 MeV in 90Zr were studied through the prompt γ-radiation in the 87, 88Sr(α, nγ)90, 91Zr reactions. Gamma-ray spectra were recorded in a 25 cm3 Ge(Li) detector at 90° to the beam using 87, 88SrCO3 targets and α-particle energies of 10.3 – 13.5 MeV. The γ-rays observed for transitions in 90Zr are consistent with the known level structure, although some more accurate energy values were measured. In 91Zr, a higher level density was observed in the 2.0 – 3.1 MeV region than had previously been revealed by charged particle reaction experiments. Spins for some of these states are suggested by comparing the variations in γ-ray yields with α-particle energy with Hauer-Feshbach calculations. A new level scheme is proposed for 91Zr which suggests that some previous interpretations of the low-lying states in terms of simple vector-coupled states of the 2d5/2 neutron with 2+ and 3− core states of 90Zr may need to be modified.
Assessing restrictiveness of national alcohol marketing policies.

Aims: To develop an approach for monitoring national alcohol marketing policies globally, an area of the World Health Organization's (WHO) Global Alcohol Strategy. Methods: Data on restrictiveness of alcohol marketing policies came from the 2002 and 2008 WHO Global Surveys on Alcohol and Health. We included four scales in a sensitivity analysis to determine optimal weights to score countries on their marketing policies and applied the selected scale to assess national marketing policy restrictiveness. Results: Nearly, 36% of countries had no marketing restrictions. The overall restrictiveness levels were not significantly different between 2002 and 2008. The number of countries with strict marketing regulations did not differ across years. Conclusion: This method of monitoring alcohol marketing restrictiveness helps track progress towards implementing WHO'S Global Alcohol Strategy. Findings indicate a con- sistent lack of restrictive policies over time, making this a priority area for national and global action.
Planar graphs with least chromatic coefficients

Abstract A λ-coloring of a graph G is an assignment of λ or fewer colors to the points of G so that no two adjacent points have the same color. The number of distinct λ-colorings of an n-point and e-edge graph G can be expressed by the chromatic polynomial P(G; λ) = ∑ni=1(−1)n−iai(G)λi, where ai(G) are non-negative integers. Let Ω p ′ (n,e) be the collection of all planar n-point and e-edge graphs and Ω p (n,e) be the connected graphs of Ω p ′ (n,e) . This paper characterizes the graphs G in Ω p (n,e) and Ω p ′ (n,e) with the least coefficients ai(G) of P(G;λ), for all i.
Gain enhancement by ASE suppression in Er-doped all-solid microstructured fiber

An Er-doped all-solid microstructured fiber with an enhanced gain of 1.8 dB at 1.60 µm is successfully demonstrated by introducing the high-index periodic structure to filter out the ASE shorter than 1.56 µm.
Comparison of 1-d and 2-d surface coil arrays for accelerated volume MR imaging using sensitivity encoding

The sensitivity encoding (SENSE) method of parallel MR accelerated imaging is evaluated and compared for 1-d and 2-d surface coil array geometries. Accelerated MR imaging using SENSE may be applied to volume imaging using either 3-d or 2-d multi-slice acquisition strategies. For higher accelerations such as rate R=4, 3-d SENSE may be applied along either or both phase encode directions. Image quality (SENSE g-factor) is compared for R=4 acceleration implemented with a reduced number of phase encodes in the y-direction, and (assuming a 3-d acquisition) with a reduced number of phase encodes in both yand z-directions. Simulations show that the performance for 1-d and 2-d array geometries depends highly on the slice orientation.
Later-Life Economic Inequality in Longitudinal Perspective

Data from the National Longitudinal Survey of Older Men were used to estimate economic inequality within three 5-year cohorts as they moved from midlife to later life. The Gini index of inequality increased steadily after age 59, supporting the hypothesis that within-cohort inequality increases in late life. However, a transition analysis found considerable mobility in relative status for individuals over a 15-year period. These results suggest the need to develop a longitudinal perspective on later-life economic status which distinguishes between individual-level and population-level outcomes and identifies the life events and characteristics of individuals that predict changes in economic status. Further research is needed on the processes which lead to later-life inequality, and on the distributional impact of public and private pension policies.
Femtosecond Laser-Assisted Keratoplasty: Laboratory Studies in Eye Bank Eyes

Purpose: To optimize the surgical technique for performing femtosecond laser-assisted keratoplasty (FLAK) using the IntraLase FS® to cut both recipient and donor cornea buttons in eye bank globes. Methods: FLAK was performed in six globes and six corneoscleral buttons for each of the following trephination patterns: top hat, mushroom, tongue-groove, and vertical. Manual trephination was performed as control. The wound integrity was tested in incisions closed with 8 sutures, 8 sutures with fibrin adhesive, and 16 sutures by measuring the intraocular pressure required to produce graft-host wound leakage (IOPL). Light microscopy (LM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) were performed to assess cut surface quality and graft-host interface regularity. Results: Mushroom and top hat FLAK had significantly higher IOPL than vertical or manual trephination (p < 0.0001) for wounds closed with 16 sutures. There was no difference in IOPL between top hat, mushroom, and tongue-groove FLAK in wounds closed with 8 sutu...