cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Rational design of pyridyl derivatives of vanillin for the treatment of sickle cell disease

Hypoxia-induced polymerization of sickle hemoglobin (Hb S) is the principal phenomenon that underlays the pathophysiology and morbidity associated with sickle cell disease (SCD). Opportunely, as an allosteric protein, hemoglobin (Hb) serves as a convenient and potentially critical druggable target. Consequently, molecules that prevent Hb S polymerization (Hb modifiers), and the associated erythrocyte sickling have been investigated-and retain significant interest-as a viable therapeutic strategy for SCD. This group of molecules, including aromatic aldehydes, form high oxygen affinity Schiff-base adducts with Hb S, which are resistant to polymerization. Here, we report the design and synthesis of novel potent antisickling agents (SAJ-009, SAJ-310 and SAJ-270) based on the pharmacophore of vanillin and INN-312, a previously reported pyridyl derivative of vanillin. These novel derivatives exhibited superior in vitro binding and pharmacokinetic properties compared to vanillin, which translated into significantly enhanced allosteric and antisickling properties. Crystal structure studies of liganded Hb in the R2 quaternary state in complex with SAJ-310 provided important insights into the allosteric and antisickling properties of this group of compounds. While these derivatives generally show similar in vitro biological potency, significant structure-dependent differences in their biochemical profiles would help predict the most promising candidates for successful in vivo pre-clinical translational studies and inform further structural modifications to improve on their pharmacologic properties.
Systematic Decision-Making Process for Composite Pavement Maintenance

AbstractThe assessment of pavement condition rating (PCR) for hot mix asphalt (HMA) surfaces and exposed portland cement concrete (PCC) in composite pavements is an important component of the decis...
Bayesian Network to Infer Drug-Induced Apoptosis Circuits from Connectivity Map Data

The Connectivity Map (CMAP) project profiled human cancer cell lines exposed to a library of anticancer compounds with the goal of connecting cancer with underlying genes and potential treatments. As most targeted anticancer therapeutics aim to induce tumor-selective apoptosis, it is critical to understand the specific cell death pathways triggered by drugs. This can help to better understand the mechanism of how cancer cells respond to chemical stimulations and improve the treatment of human tumors. In this study, using Connectivity MAP microarray-based gene expression data, we applied a Bayesian network modeling approach and identified apoptosis as a major drug-induced cellular pathway. We focused on 13 apoptotic genes that showed significant differential expression across all drug-perturbed samples to reconstruct the apoptosis network. In our predicted subnetwork, 9 out of 15 high-confidence interactions were validated in literature, and our inferred network captured two major cell death pathways by identifying BCL2L11 and PMAIP1 as key interacting players for the intrinsic apoptosis pathway, and TAXBP1 and TNFAIP3 for the extrinsic apoptosis pathway. Our inferred apoptosis network also suggested the role of BCL2L11 and TNFAIP3 as "gateway" genes in the drug-induced intrinsic and extrinsic apoptosis pathways.
Factors associated with combined do-not-resuscitate and do-not-intubate orders: A retrospective chart review at an urban tertiary care center.

Abstract Background In clinical practice, do-not-intubate (DNI) orders are generally accompanied by do-not-resuscitate (DNR) orders. Use of do-not-resuscitate (DNR) orders is associated with older patient age, more comorbid conditions, and the withholding of treatments outside of the cardiac arrest setting. Previous studies have not unpacked the factors independently associated with DNI orders. Objective To compare factors associated with combined DNR/DNI orders versus isolated DNR orders, as a means of elucidating factors associated with the addition of DNI orders. Design Retrospective chart review. Setting/subjects Patients who died on a General Medicine or MICU service (n = 197) at an urban public hospital over a 2-year period. Measurements Logistic regression was used to identify demographic and medical data associated with code status. Results Compared with DNR orders alone, DNR/DNI orders were associated with a higher median Charlson Comorbidity Index (odds ratio [OR] 1.27, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.13–1.43); older age (OR 1.02, 95% CI 1.01–1.04); malignancy (OR 2.27, 95% CI 1.18–4.37); and female sex (OR 1.98, 95% CI 1.02–3.87). In the last 3 days of life, they were associated with morphine administration (OR 2.76, 95% CI 1.43–5.33); and negatively associated with use of vasopressors/inotropes (OR 10.99, 95% CI 4.83–25.00). Conclusions Compared with DNR orders alone, combined DNR/DNI orders are more strongly associated with many of the same factors that have been linked to DNR orders. Awareness of the extent to which the two directives may be conflated during code status discussions is needed to promote patient-centered application of these interventions.
Food Security and Political Instability: From Ethanol and Speculation to Riots and Revolutions

Social unrest may reflect a variety of factors such as poverty, unemployment, and social injustice. Despite the many possible contributing factors, the timing of violent protests in North Africa and the Middle East in 2011 as well as earlier riots in 2008 coincides with large peaks in global food prices. We identify a specific food price threshold above which protests become likely. These observations suggest that protests may reflect not only long-standing political failings of governments but also the sudden desperate straits of vulnerable populations. If food prices remain high, there is likely to be persistent and increasing global social disruption. Underlying the food price peaks we also find an ongoing trend of increasing prices. We extrapolate these trends and identify a crossing point to the domain of high impacts, even without price peaks, in 2012–2013. This implies that avoiding global food crises and associated social unrest requires rapid and concerted action.
Popularity of ICSI

The implementation of micromanipulation techniques in the last 20 years has made possible to overcome male gamete production and fertilization defects to allow male partners to reproduce at rates that previously would have been deemed unachievable. From September 1993 to June 2012, we have performed at Cornell a total of 34,425 ART cycles with an average maternal age for IVF of 37.6 ± 4 years and for ICSI of 36.0 ± 5 years, and mean paternal ages of 39.6 ± 6 years and 40.8 ± 8 years, respectively. To evaluate differences in performance between insemination methods, we compared embryological outcomes and clinical pregnancy rates between standard in vitro insemination and ICSI. While it appeared that fertilization was lower in IVF than with ICSI, this was confirmed after correcting for fertilization for all retrieved oocytes and not for metaphase II, ICSI still yielded more oocytes that fertilized (60.5 % versus 67.6 %; p = 0.0001). Furthermore, the ability to generate term pregnancies was also higher with the ICSI cohort (p = 0.0002). During consultation with infertile couples presenting with borderline semen parameters, where there are dubious chances of fertilizing a conceptus, or when it is foreseen that the individuals may not be able to emotionally handle an unexpected fertilization failure, ICSI should not be denied. The concerns related to the health of the ICSI offspring are not linked to the procedure itself but mostly to the genetic or epigenetic conditions of the parents that is expressed through the utilization of their gametes.
Organizations and Culture

Cultural approaches to understanding the modern organization date back to the Human Relations studies of the 1920s. To understand the phenomenology of the modern firm, cultural theorists have explored the roles of power and meaning in the social construction of rational, and just, organizational practices. Neoinstitutionalists have recently turned their attention to how organizational practices travel across time and space, the role of agency in the construction and sustenance of the cultural practices of the firm, and the microfoundations of meaning in organizational practice.
T Lymphocytes in Schizophrenics and Normals and the Effects of Varying Antipsychotic Dosage

A number of investigations over the last 30–40 years have reported finding immunologic abnormalities in schizophrenic patients. Early investigators focused on humoral antibodies, and some studies found abnormal levels of immunoglobulin, but others did not (see Solomon, 1981, for a review). More recent studies have focused on cells, i.e., lymphocytes, that mediate the immune response either directly or through the production of antibodies. Hirata-Hibi et al. (1982) had for some years been reporting that they found abnormally large numbers of morphologically “atypical lymphocytes” in schizophrenic patients and further asserted that these cells were probably activated T cells. Advances in technology now allow characterization of lymphocyte subsets quite accurately without resorting to morphological description.
Fear of a Black (and Poor) School: Race, Class, and School Safety Policy Preferences:

School security and punishment practices have changed throughout the United States since the 1990s. Yet we know little about public support for these practices nor how this support varies when cons...
Levo in fimo test : A simple test for fecal microbial reconstituted mice

Here we report the first method for rapid on-site monitoring of germfree C57BL/6 mice colonized with feces from conventionally raised mice. The method, named levo in fimo test, readily distinguishes feces from germfree mice and conventionalized germfree mice based on its properties to float or sink in Trumps fixative solution. We validated the test using feces from conventionally raised mice, germfree mice and conventionalized germfree mice, and cross-validated using multiple indicators of microbial presence in feces. Levo in fimo test is a simple, cost-effective, instant yet robust method for on-site monitoring of gut microbial reconstitution in germfree mice.
Variable Rate Piezocone Data Evaluated Using NTH Limit Plasticity Solution

An established effective stress limit plasticity solution for piezocone testing (CPTu) is shown to be compatible for a variety of primarily fine-grained soils that are subjected to variable rate penetration tests covering undrained to partially drained to fully drained conditions. The method is applicable to primarily clays of low overconsolidation ratio < 2.5. Data from 21 variable rate CPTu test series reported in the geotechnical literature are compiled into three categories, including: (a) field CPTu soundings, (b) laboratory 1-g chamber tests, and (c) centrifuge model tests. Using a CPTu theory developed by the Norwegian Institute of Technology (NTH), it is observed that the effective stress friction angle of clays, silty clays, sandy clays, and other fine-grained soils is consistent, regardless of the probe push rate. For 14 of the variable rate CPTu test series, the NTH CPTu solution compares well with the benchmark friction angle from laboratory triaxial testing. Selected example variable rate CPTu series are presented to illustrate the NTH procedures.
Anorectal and Colonic Evaluation

Many techniques and modalities are available to obtain information regarding the colon and rectum. This chapter describes these modalities and appropriate indications for each. Evaluation begins with physical exam and clinic examinations. The chapter then discusses tools used to detect colonic neoplasms and locally stage colorectal cancer, evaluate GI bleeding, evaluate pelvic functional pathology, and image anatomic defects of the rectum and anus.
Non-pharmacologic interventions for the prevention of delirium in the intensive care unit: An integrative review.

BACKGROUND Delirium in the intensive care unit (ICU) is associated with increased mortality, longer hospital stays, and increased odds of institutionalization after discharge. Delirium is a significant complication that occurs frequently in ICU yet lacks a standardized treatment protocol. Because of the limited effective pharmacologic treatments available for the management of delirium, non-pharmacologic interventions such as early mobilization, earplugs and blinds at night, music and natural sunlight during the day, continuous reorientation, and increased visitation and family participation are essential to integrate into the treatment plan for the management of delirium in the ICU. AIM To summarize evidence on the use of non-pharmacologic interventions for the reduction in incidence and duration of delirium in ICU patients and to integrate qualitative studies that explore the perception of delirium in the ICU from staff and patients' families to support the use of non-pharmacologic interventions. METHODS For this integrative review, electronic databases PubMed, EMBASE, and Google Scholar were searched using the guidance of a librarian and second reviewer to find qualitative and quantitative studies that were published after 2005 and involved adult patients in the ICU. CONCLUSION Eight quantitative articles and four qualitative articles were chosen to be included in this review. All eight quantitative studies provide significant evidence (P < .05) for the efficacy of their interventions to provide benefit to at least one delirium-related outcome. The four qualitative research studies reviewed provide insight on delirium in the ICU from staff and patients' families who share a desire for the use of effective non-pharmacologic interventions. RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE Non-pharmacologic interventions used for patients in the ICU may be efficacious in reducing the incidence and duration of delirium in adults. Non-pharmacologic interventions are feasible and supported by ICU staff and patients' families and should be considered in the care of the critically ill patient.
Optimizing training programs and opportunities for professional development in the era of digital pain interventions: A unique opportunity for collaboration

Introduction: New digital health technologies provide accessible adjuncts to alleviating pain in the general population. The advent novel digital pain interventions have resulted in a rapidly evolving learning environment. Improving knowledge and understanding of these digital patient-centric approaches to treating pain is vital for our current practitioners and new cadre of trainees. The objective of this manuscript is to initiate a discussion about digital pain intervention educational needs of residents as well as attendings in PM&R, anesthesia and neurology. Methodology: After reviewing Accreditation Council Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) and relevant American Board of Medical Specialties policies and best available evidence, including grey literature, we interviewed a group of practicing physicians in physiatry, anesthesiology and neurology, including program directors, to provide expert opinion, guidance and formulate recommendations on educational requirements, research endeavors, and learning techniques and opportunities in utilizing digital health interventions for management of pain. IRB approval was not required. Conclusions: We hope that this manuscript will serve as the basis of designing a comprehensive educational program and outlining opportunities for research that prioritizes optimal care for pain patients and leverages the unique and complementary knowledge base within our fields. Key words: Digital pain; Physiatry; anesthesiology; Neurology; Competency; Accreditation Council Graduate Medical education Citation: Nasir A, Mahmood SH. Optimizing training programs and opportunities for professional development in the era of digital pain interventions: A unique opportunity for collaboration. Anaesth. pain intensive care 2021;25(1): 78–82. D0I: 10.35975/apic.v25i1.1444 Received: 24 October 2020; Reviewed: 22 November 2020; Accepted: 5 December 2020
An Initial Approach to the Overall Structural Problems of Swept Wings Under Static Loads

For the past 2/2 years, under the sponsorship of the Air Materiel Command of the U.S. Air Force, GALCIT has been investigating the subject of the stresses in thin swept wings. The investigation has utilized theoretical, experimental, and electrical agencies on this problem. The problem has been reduced to a form amenable to theoretical analysis by assuming the wing replaced by a thin cantilever plate of uniform thickness. A theoretical solution of a thin cantilever plate of rectangular cross section with varying angle of sweep has been obtained. Expansion of the deflection in terms of the normal modes of vibrating bars is employed, the coefficients being determined by the Rayleigh-Ritz method. Experimental data for both stress and deflection are also presented. An approximate solution yielding the qualitative behavior of the stresses in such plates is included. The equations and circuits for the use of the electrical analog type of solution of plate problems are indicated, and a comparison is made between theoretical, experimental, and analog data, the latter being obtained by the use of a twelve-point electrical network.
Lack of effects of astemizole on vestibular ocular reflex, motion sickness, and cognitive performance in man

Astemizole was orally administered to 20 subjects in a randomized, double-blind design to assess the efficacy of this peripherally active antihistamine as an antimotion sickness drug possessing no central side-effects. Measures of vestibular ocular reflex (VOR) were made to evaluate the agent as a selective vestibular depressant. Following one week of orally administered astemizole (30 mg daily), a Staircase Profile Test, a VOR test, and a variety of tests of cognitive performance were administered. These tests revealed no statistically significant effects of astemizole. This leads to the conclusion that, although the drug probably reaches the peripheral vestibular apparatus in man by crossing the blood-vestibular barrier, a selective peripheral antihistamine (H1) action is inadequate to control motion sickness induced through cross-coupled accelerative semicircular canal stimulation in a rotating chair.
Development of the Sensory Analyzers During Infancy

Publisher Summary This chapter describes the work that is currently underway or has been recently completed in the Behavior Development Laboratory of the University of Denver. It covers studies of orienting and arousal in infants and studies conditioning to various types of stimuli. As superficially discrepant as studies of arousal, orienting, and conditioning may seem, they have the common aim of seeking to understand the human being's developing ability to cope with sensory stimulation. The conditioning studies, of course, yield information on this and other problems as well. Much of the research strategy represented here, including the aspect of diversification, stems from that used by Pavlov, who felt that the two principal ways of studying the functional development of sensory analyzers—which may be translated as “sensory modalities” without violating Pavlov's meaning—are first, via the study of the orienting reflex, a basic response to stimulation common to all sensory analyzers, and, second, by studying the ways in which sensory function reveals itself during the process of conditioning.
A high gain strategy with positive-feedback gain enhancement technique

Several new CMOS very high DC-gain amplifiers that use internal positive-feedback techniques are presented. These amplifiers have a controllable gain and don't require perfect matching of transistors to achieve the high DC gain. An implementation of a sample and hold circuit constructed using one of the proposed amplifiers is described. Simulation results predict a DC gain larger than 100 dB is possible without limiting the speed of the amplifier.
Direct Analysis of Candidate Genes in Impulsive Behaviours

Antisocial behaviour is both heterogeneous and the product of interacting genetic and environmental factors acting at different levels of causation. Heritability studies show that individual differences in predisposition to antisocial behaviour are transmitted vertically in families by genetic mechanisms. Owing to aetiological heterogeneity and complexity, study of a variety of other behavioural phenotypes may shed more light on the antecedents of antisocial behaviour than direct studies on antisocial behaviour. Identification of genetic vulnerability factors would clarify mechanisms of vulnerability and the role of the environment. Direct gene analysis and genetic linkage analysis have identified structural variants in genes involved in neurotransmitter function, and some progress has been made towards relating these genetic variants to antisocial personality and other behaviours. Thyroid hormone receptor variants can cause attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder, and a monoamine oxidase A variant leads to aggressive behaviour in one family. Direct gene analyses have revealed non-conservative amino acid substitutions and structural variants (generally rare) at DRD2, DRD3 and DRD4 dopamine receptors and 5-HT1A, 5-HT2A, 5-HT2C and 5-HT7 serotonin receptors. The stage is set to identify the phenotypic significance of these as well as genetic variants at other loci which may be relevant as candidate genes for antisocial behaviour and related behavioural differences.
A novel all-MOS high-speed continuous-time filter

A new continuous-time transistor-only bandpass/lowpass filter based on g/sub m//C integrators that is capable of realizing critical frequencies in excess in 10 MHz is described. The center frequency, Q, and voltage gain are all voltage-tunable over a 10:1 range. The integrators use a novel, fully balanced, source-degenerated transconductor which maintains less than 1% nonlinearity for differential inputs up to 2 V. A second-order state variable filter with a nominal f/sub 0/=3.2 MHz and Q=5 consumes only 20 mW from a single-ended 5-V supply. >
Chapter 3: Homotypic, Heterotypic, and Heteromeric Gap Junction Channels

Publisher Summary Mammalian gap junction channels are formed when each cell of an adjacent pair contributes six connexins to form an oligomerized hemichannel. Any two hemichannels can form a link through extracellular loops extending from their respective membrane-spanning domains to form an aqueous intercellular pathway. Gap junction channels are therefore composed of 12 subunit proteins. These subunits are referred to as “connexins” and are named according to their predicted molecular weights. The biophysical characteristics of the gap junction family of proteins have been rigorously studied. Historically, however, most electrophysiological studies of connexins have concentrated on elucidating the macroscopic behavior and unitary conductance of homotypic gap junction channels, that is, gap junction channels formed of 12 identical connexin proteins. However, because many cell types express more than one connexin protein, distinct combinations of these intercellular channels among parenchymal cells within a given tissue are, at the very least, theoretically possible. In particular, it is quite conceivable that gap junction channels in a given tissue cell type can also be formed by the union of hemichannels that are each composed of homologous, but different connexin proteins. Recently, evidence has been advanced consistent with the supposition that the expression of more than one connexin type in a single cell results in the mixing of nonidentical connexins (i.e., heteromeric) in a given hemichannel or connexon. As such, this chapter reviews the extant evidence for heteromeric connexins formed of the two most prominent connexins found in vascular wall cells, that is, connexin43 (Cx43) and connexin37 (Cx37). In addition, the electrophysiological criteria that distinguish heteromeric connexins from their heterotypic and homotypic counterparts are reviewed, as along with the potential physiological relevance of heteromeric channels to tissue function in situ.
Acoustic Wave Studies During Fast ION Beam Interactions with Solids

Ion beam material modification is currently being used for several important technological applications such as semiconductor doping [1], surface modification of metals [2], cold etching [1], micro machining [1] and material analysis [3]. Ion beam processing has many advantages [4]. The speed, homogeneity and reproducibility of the doping process are easily controlled. Tight control of the number of doping atoms is possible. Low purity dopants can be used. The target can be kept at low temperatures allowing for low melting temperature materials to be modified. Simple masking methods can be employed and doping can be performed through passive films. Low penetration depths can be achieved and multiple implantations can produce varied doping profiles. Devices with small dimensions can be manufactured due to the small size of the ion beam. Since ion implantation is not an equilibrium process, equilibrium solubility limits of the ion species in the target material can be exceeded. There are some disadvantages of this type of doping process. Damage is caused to the crystal structure creating defects. Implantation is limited to near-surface regions and theoretical profiles can be difficult to obtain due to effects of channeling and diffusion [5].
Lambda as a cloning vector.

Advantages of lambda as a cloning vector are discussed along with considerations for the insert DNA (i.e., size, spi and hfl state). Maps of lambda-derived cloning vectors are provided in addition to a discussion and map of a cosmid (a lambda-derived plasmid vector).
The Communication Theory of Legal Interpretation and Objective Notions of Communicative Content

In a recent paper, Legislation As Communication? Legal Interpretation and the Study of Communication, I criticize an approach to statutory and constitutional interpretation that I call the communicative-content theory of law, or, for short, the communication theory. According to this approach, our best theories of language and communication teach us that the full linguistic meaning of an utterance is what the speaker or author communicates by the utterance – call it communicative content – which may go well beyond the literal meaning of the words. The communication theorists conclude that a statute's contribution to the content of the law is its communicative content. They thus draw a conclusion about the way in which statutes affect legal obligations from the study of language. In Legislation As Communication, I argue that the communication theory fails. Because it restricts itself to linguistic considerations, it lacks the resources to draw any conclusions about a statute's contribution to the content of the law. In the present paper, I consider how the communication theory would fare if it employed what I call an objective notion of communicative content – one on which communicative content is not constituted by the content of the speaker's communicative intentions. An objective version of the communication theory suffers from a different kind of problem in addition to those explored in Legislation As Communication. I argue that, to the extent that the communication theory adopts an objective notion of communicative content, it loses its distinctive features. In particular, philosophy of language cannot play the dominant role that the communication theory assigns to it.
Introduction to MEMS

The first research on MEMS can be traced all the way back to the 50’s[1]. In the 80’s, there was a burst of MEMS using semiconductor materials. In the 90’s, MEMS was formally an emerging technology. Today, MEMS has grown to be a big field with hectic international competition on many commercial applications. Without doubt, MEMS is already ubiquitous, but various new MEMS devices are continuing to show up. There is no end in sight as we continue to see MEMS branch into new fields and applications. At the same time, though, there is still much to do with both science and technology issues because of its ‘multidisciplinary’ and ‘system’ nature. MEMS is becoming more exciting than ever considering its bright long-term prospects going into BioMEMS and NEMS. There is no doubt that MEMS will be a key factor for bridging our world into nanotechnology. The best day for MEMS is yet to come with a continuous drive to make our life smaller, cheaper, and better.
On thermal stresses in beams: Some limitations of the elementary theory

Abstract Elementary calculations for the axial thermal stresses in beams are compared with those of an exact theory, and estimates of the difference between the two are given for several important special cases, including that of thin-walled beams. It is found that the error in the elementary theory is quite large in certain cases (for example that of a circular section with axisymmetric temperature).
A DOUBLE MASKED, RANDOMIZED, PLACEBO CONTROLLED, DOSE-RESPONSE STUDY OF INHALED NITRIC OXIDE FOR THE TREATMENT OF PERSISTENT PULMONARY HYPERTENSION OF THE NEWBORN (PPHN). • 851

A DOUBLE MASKED, RANDOMIZED, PLACEBO CONTROLLED, DOSE-RESPONSE STUDY OF INHALED NITRIC OXIDE FOR THE TREATMENT OF PERSISTENT PULMONARY HYPERTENSION OF THE NEWBORN (PPHN). • 851
Best Practices for Team-Based Assistive Technology Design Courses

Team-based design courses focused on products for people with disabilities have become relatively common, in part because of training grants such as the NSF Research to Aid Persons with Disabilities course grants. An output from these courses is an annual description of courses and projects but has yet to be complied into a “best practices guide,” though it could be helpful for instructors. To meet this need, we conducted a study to generate best practices for assistive technology product development courses and how to use these courses to teach students the fundamentals of innovation. A full list of recommendations is comprised in the manuscript and include identifying a client through a reliable clinical partner; allowing for transparency between the instructors, the client, and the team(s); establishing multi-disciplinary teams; using a process-oriented vs. solution-oriented product development model; using a project management software to facilitate and archive communication and outputs; facilitating client interaction through frequent communication; seeking to develop professional role confidence to inspire students’ commitment to engineering and (where applicable) rehabilitation field; publishing student designs on repositories; incorporating both formal and informal education opportunities related to design; and encouraging students to submit their designs to local or national entrepreneurship competitions.
Super-Resolution Imaging of AKAP79/150 Signaling Complexes using Stochastic Optical Reconstruction Microscopy (STORM)

Our previous FRET and functional studies suggest AKAP (A-kinase-anchoring-protein) 79/150 to be crucial in modulation of ion channel activity and neuronal function, by orchestrating important molecules such as protein kinases, phosphatases, G protein-coupled receptors and ion channels into signaling complexes in the plasma membrane. In this study, to directly visualize these AKAP79/150 signaling complexes and interactions between AKAP79/150, ion channels and receptors in sympathetic neurons, we utilized stochastic optical reconstruction microscopy (STORM) with sub-diffraction (∼20 nm half width) resolution. STORM uses dyes that can cycle between a dark and a fluorescent state thousands of times, thus enabling detection of the precise localization of the center of these scattered spots given by cumulative integration of each cycle. Consistent with previous immunostaining/confocal studies, STORM imaging of fixed Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells using fluorescently labeled antibodies against AKAP150, or KCNQ2 and KCNQ3 subunits revealed the precise plasma membrane localization for the former, and membrane and cytoplasmic distribution of the latter, at the single-molecule level. using multi-color STORM to simultaneous image AKAP150, KCNQ2-3 and Gq/11-coupled muscarinic M1 receptors, further experiments on sympathetic neurons isolated from AKAP150+/+ or AKAP150-/- mice will shed light on the spatial co-distribution of AKAP150 with its signaling partners, and whether loss of AKAP150 causes redistribution of ion channels and receptors.
On the weakly nonlinear evolution of a perturbed planar solid-liquid interface

Abstract The linear analysis of a perturbed planar solid-liquid interface in a pure substance is carried out, with the non-equilibrium interface temperature given by a general monotone dependence on the local interface velocity, and zero crystalline anisotropy. On the basis of rescaling chosen via linear analysis a weakly nonlinear equation of the Kuramoto-Sivashinsky type for the interface dynamics is derived.
Single-Session Intervention for Abuse Awareness Among People with Developmental Disabilities

Abuse and violence against people with disabilities is a well documented problem. However, the scholarly literature contains relatively few disability-specific abuse prevention programs. Furthermore, most of these programs involve multi-session training, potentially making them inaccessible for people in rural areas. The Stopping Abuse For Everyone (SAFE) curriculum is a one-session abuse psychoeducation program for individuals with intellectual disabilities (ID) delivered by trained facilitators. The content covers definitions of financial, sexual, physical and verbal abuse, neglect, victim-blaming, and reporting abuse. Our anecdotal experiences with the program have been positive; however, formal data on efficacy has yet to be collected. Particular challenges include the need for well-validated outcome measures for individuals with lower functional communication skills. The SAFE curriculum shows preliminary promise as a brief psychoeducation program for individuals with ID who live in rural areas, although it may be more useful for individuals with mild and moderate ID.
Toll like receptor-5: protecting the gut from enteric microbes

The intestine is normally colonized by a large and diverse commensal microbiota and is occasionally exposed to a variety of potential pathogens. In recent years, there has been substantial progress made in identifying molecular mechanisms that normally serve to protect the intestine from such enteric bacteria and which may go awry in chronic idiopathic inflammatory diseases of the gut. One specific molecular interaction that appears to play a key role in governing bacterial-intestinal interactions is that of the bacterial protein flagellin with toll-like receptor 5. This article reviews studies performed in vitro, in mice, and in humans that indicate an important role for the flagellin-TLR5 interaction in regulating both the innate and adaptive immune responses in the intestine.
How to Meta-Analyze Coefficient-of-Stability Estimates Some Recommendations Based on Monte Carlo Studies

Reliability generalization studies have provided estimates of the mean reliability coefficients and examined factors that explain the variability in the reliability estimates across studies for many different tests and measures. Different authors have used different data analyses to do such meta-analyses, and little research has addressed whether some methods are more accurate than others. Three methods of meta-analysis for reliability data were compared using Monte Carlo techniques. The meta-analytic methods were those described by Hedges and Vevea, Hunter and Schmidt, and Vacha-Haase. The results suggested that a combination of methods worked best and that Hunter and Schmidt's method should be used to estimate the mean and random-effect variance component, but weighted regression should be used to model continuous moderators.
Hot Pressing of Annular Alumina–Zirconia Composites

An analysis is performed to predict the densification during and the state of residual stress after hot pressing of annular alumina/zirconia (3Y-TZP) composites. The objective of the analysis was to study the residual stresses resulting from stress gradients during pressing and those from thermal expansion mismatch during the cooling of the compact from the pressing temperature to room temperature. It is predicted that the residual stresses are affected by the respective densification rates of the core and the annulus, their elastic modulus, and thermal expansion coefficient. For the system analyzed in this study, it is predicted that hot pressing reduces the residual stresses that result from the mismatch in thermal expansion coefficients. This is due in part to the high densification rate and in part to the high elastic modulus of the alumina annulus compared to the zirconia core. For surface compression strengthening, a system where the annulus would have similar elastic modulus but lower densification rate and lower thermal expansion coefficient than the core would be more beneficial.
Spatial-temporal controls on cooling degree hours: an energy demand parameter

Present-day and 2 × CO2 regional climate impacts and the effects of local land use patterns on Cooling Degree Hours (CDHs — an energy demand parameter based on cumulative degrees of temperature above 75 °F) are investigated for the Phoenix metropolitan area in central Arizona. Approaches include: (1) the utilization of four readily available and commonly used Global Circulation Models (GCMs) to assess possible changes in climate for doubled CO2, (2) the analysis of hourly temperature data collected for one year over three different land type sites, and (3) analysis of locally collected hourly temperature data, for a typical summer day from a real-time weather and climate network, to evaluate the spatial variability of CDHs over the urban landscape. Results are discussed by showing effects at the global and urban scales. Differing surface types, and expected changes in land uses in the future, induce spatial differences of CDHs (and therefore potential energy demand) comparable to GCM projections of climate change for the region.
Extended neighborhood search algorithm for constrained unit commitment

This paper presents an efficient approach to short term unit commitment based on tabu search and Benders decomposition. Additional constraints representing fuel consumption, emission limits, transmission flows and MWh limits are discussed. The augmented Lagrangian relaxation is applied for calculating the initial solution. Starting from the initial solution, the Benders cut is embedded in the extended neighborhood search to form an efficient optimization method. A 53 unit system is tested and results are provided to show the features of the proposed method. The results show that, in spite of the feasibility of the initial solution, a better solution can be searched by the proposed method. The method can be used to verify and improve the results obtained by other methods. It also provides a means for power systems real-time rescheduling when various constraints are to be considered.
Sphingosine 1-phosphate and its receptors: an autocrine and paracrine network

Sphingosine 1-phosphate (S1P) is a biologically active lysophospholipid that transmits signals through a family of G-protein-coupled receptors to control cellular differentiation and survival, as well as the vital functions of several types of immune cell. In this Review article, we discuss recent results that indicate that S1P and its receptors are required for the emigration of thymocytes from the thymus, the trafficking of lymphocytes in secondary lymphoid organs and the migration of B cells into splenic follicles. In an autocrine manner, through interactions with different G-protein-coupled receptors, S1P also enhances optimal mast-cell migration and release of pro-inflammatory mediators in allergic reactions. S1P–S1P-receptor regulatory systems might therefore be novel targets for the therapy of diverse immunological diseases.
Professional Ethics: A Cornerstone of Teachers' Preservice Curriculum

Abstract Codes of professional ethics are adopted by professional organizations to supplement personal morality and guide practice. It is critically important that students striving to become professional educators know and know how to apply applicable codes. But finding useful codes is not an easy task, and most existing codes have generated little commentary. The National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) has a code that can be helpful to students pursuing various teaching certifications. This Code and its interpretive literature are a resource that teacher educators should be using to help their students become informed about the ethics of their profession until groups of educators develop discipline-specific codes and accompanying interpretive literature. In this time of accountability, ethics, taught in ways that demonstrate sensitivity to students' gender, age, ethnicity, and developmental characteristics, belong as a cornerstone of preservice teacher education.
Isolation of myxobacteria from the marine environment

In an attempt to isolate indigenous marine myxobacteria from coastal samples, we obtained two swarm forming bacteria. Both isolates formed cell aggregates which, at least in one isolate, developed to fruiting body-like structures consisting of a mass of myxospore-like cells. The optimum NaCl concentrations for their growth were between 2 and 3%, comparable to the NaCl concentration of seawater. This growth characteristic strongly suggests that the two isolates are specific marine bacteria. The 16S rDNA sequence studies indicated that the two isolates were related to the genus Nannocystis. Based on the phylogenetic distances between branches, we concluded that the isolates should be assigned to two new myxobacterial genera.
Asymptotic residual pump transmission characteristics in laser-induced stimulated Brillouin scattering

The fraction of residual transmitted pump power following backscattering of the backward-traveling-wave (BTW)-type parametric interactions such as stimulated Brillouin scattering has a characteristic asymptotic exponential decay with pump excitation. This scattering mechanism may very well constitute an inherent limiting factor in pump penetration into an interaction medium.
Escaping or connecting? Characteristics of youth who form close online relationships.

Abstract We used data from a US national sample of Internet users, ages 10–17 (N=1501), to explore the characteristics of youth who had formed close relationships with people they met on the Internet (n=210). Girls who had high levels of conflict with parents or were highly troubled were more likely than other girls to have close online relationships, as were boys who had low levels of communication with parents or were highly troubled, compared to other boys. Age, race and aspects of Internet use were also related. We know little about the nature or quality of the close online relationships, but youth with these sorts of problems may be more vulnerable to online exploitation and to other possible ill effects of online relationships. At the same time, these relationships may have helpful aspects.
Functional Properties of Phosphorylated β-Lactoglobulin

Abstract β -Lactoglobulin phosphorylated with phosphorus oxychloride yielded a protein containing 13 moles of phosphorus per monomer of β -lactoglobulin. A 6% weight/volume solution of the phosphorylated protein at pH 5 gelled upon dialysis against 100mM calcium 2+ . Emulsions prepared with the phosphorylated derivative were up to 30% more stable at pH 7 and pH 5 compared with corresponding emulsions prepared with native β -lactoglobulin. Emulsions (40% weight/weight corn oil) prepared in the absence or presence (1 to 5mM) of calcium 2+ and at pH 5 or pH 7 with phosphorylated β -lactoglobulin or native β -lactoglobulin as emulsifiers varied in their creaming stabilities. As little as 1mM calcium 2+ decreased creaming stability of emulsions prepared with the phosphorylated protein but increased creaming stabilities of emulsions prepared with native β -lactoglobulin. At 5mM calcium 2+ , pH 7, creaming stabilities of emulsions were similar for both protein emulsifiers, whereas at pH 5 the creaming stability of emulsions containing phosphorylated β -lactoglobulin was slightly higher. Viscosity of an emulsion (65% weight/weight corn oil, pH 5) prepared with phosphorylated β -lactoglobulin was about double that prepared with native β -lactoglobulin and similar to commercial mayonnaise.
Neurointermediate lobe peptides recruit prolactin-secreting cells exclusively within the central region of the adenohypophysis

There is strong evidence that the hypophyseal neurointermediate lobe (NIL) mediates 17 beta-estradiol (E2)-induced PRL secretion in rats. Our laboratory has previously demonstrated that E2 stimulates NIL cells to release an activity that acutely increases the relative abundance of PRL-releasing cells in anterior pituitary (AP) cell cultures. We later found that secretory products of the NIL melanotropes, specifically the acetylated forms of alpha MSH and beta-endorphin (beta END), can account for this activity. Given that blood from the NIL initially perfuses the region of the AP proximal to the NIL, we tested the hypothesis that this specific area was preferentially responsive to the lactotrope recruitment activities. AP glands from ovariectomized rats were dissected into an inner zone, proximal to the NIL, and the remaining outer zone of the gland, then dispersed with trypsin. The resulting cells were cultured for 16 h, either alone or in coculture with NIL cells, and subsequently treated with medium al...
Sodium currents of large (Aβ-type) adult cutaneous afferent dorsal root ganglion neurons display rapid recovery from inactivation before and after axotomy

Voltage-dependent Na-currents were studied, using whole cell voltage clamp, in acutely dissociated, large (mostly Abeta-fiber type) cutaneous afferent dorsal root ganglia neurons (L(4) and L(5)) from the adult rat. Cells were dissociated 14-17 days after axotomy. Control and axotomized neurons were identified via the retrograde marker hydroxy-stilbamide (fluorogold) which was injected into the lateral and plantar region of the skin of the foot and were studied using whole cell patch clamp techniques within 12-20 h of dissociation and plating. Cells were dissociated 14-17 days after injury. Both control and axotomized neurons displayed complex Na-currents composed of components with distinct kinetic and pharmacological properties. The large (48-50 microm diameter) control cutaneous afferent neurons, many of which likely give rise to myelinated Abeta-fibers, exhibited Na-currents with both slow and fast inactivating kinetics. The fast inactivating current in large cutaneous afferent dorsal root ganglion neurons was tetrodotoxin-sensitive and recovered from inactivation approximately four-fold faster at -60 mV (P<0.001) and approximately six-fold faster at -70 mV (P<0.001) than the tetrodotoxin-sensitive current in small (<30 microm diameter) neurons. Further, while the tetrodotoxin-sensitive currents in smaller dorsal root ganglion neurons (mainly C-fiber type) reprime approximately four-fold faster following peripheral axotomy, repriming of the fast inactivating current in larger cutaneous afferent neurons was not significantly altered following axotomy. However, while 77% of control large neurons were observed to express the slower inactivating, tetrodotoxin-resistant current, only 45% of these large neurons did after axotomy. These results indicate that large adult cutaneous afferent dorsal root ganglion neurons (Abeta-type) express tetrodotoxin-sensitive Na-currents, which have much faster repriming than Na-currents in small (C-type) neurons, both before, and after axotomy. Like small neurons, the majority of large neurons downregulate the tetrodotoxin-resistant current following sciatic nerve section.