cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of pathways for progression of heterogeneous breast tumors

To better understand the progression of heterogeneous breast cancers, four models of progession pathways have been evaluated. The models describe the progression through the grades of ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) 1, 2, and 3, and through the grades of invasive ductal carcinoma (IDC) 1, 2, and 3. The first three pathways, termed linear, nonlinear, and branched, describe DCIS as a progenitor of IDC, and grades of DCIS progressing into grades of IDC. The fourth pathway, termed parallel, describes DCIS and IDC as diverging from a common progenitor and progressing through grades in parallel. The best transition rates for the linear, nonlinear, and branched pathways were sought using a random search in combination with a directed search based on the Nelder-Mead simplex method. Parameter values for the parallel pathway were determined with heuristic graphs. Results of computer simulation were compared with clinically observed frequencies of grades of DCIS and grades of IDC that were reported to occur together in heterogeneous tumors. Each of the four pathways could simulate frequencies that resembled, to varying degrees, the clinical observations. The parallel pathway produced the best correspondence with clinical observations. These results quantify the traditional descriptions in which grades of DCIS are the progenitors of grades of IDC. The results also raise the alternative possibility that, in some tumors with both components, DCIS and IDC may have diverged from a common progenitor.
Ethanol affects NMDA receptor signaling at climbing fiber-Purkinje cell synapses in mice and impairs cerebellar LTD.

Ethanol profoundly influences cerebellar circuit function and motor control. It has recently been demonstrated that functional N-methyl-d-aspartate (NMDA) receptors are postsynaptically expressed a...
Measuring Unsteady Velocity Profiles and Integral Parameters Using Digital Image Processing of Hydrogen Bubble Timelines

To aid in the investigation of artificially generated turbulent spots a technique was developed to make instantaneous measurements of full velocity profiles in an unsteady water boundary layer. These profiles were used to document the unsteady behavior of scalar descriptors such as the displacement thickness. The classical hydrogen bubble flow visualization technique was augmented to yield quantitative information by incorporating digital image processing of videotaped boundary layer flow. Digital images were converted into velocity fields using a corrected time-of-flight technique. The capability and limitations of this method in both steady and unsteady flows have been verified using an analytical uncertainty analysis and through comparison with laser-Doppler anemometry measurements. Recommendations are made for effective use of this technique.
“It’s Great When People Don’t Even Have Their Welfare Cases Opened”: TANF Diversion as Process and Lesson

The 1996 Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act (PRWORA) encouraged states to reduce welfare caseloads. Caseload reduction can be accomplished by promoting exit for work, marriage, or other private means of support and by diverting new applicants. Most research on caseload decline has focused on welfare-to-work outcomes; less is known about processes of diversion. This study employs administrative records and ethnographic data to examine diversion in West County, New York, from 1999 to 2003. Findings demonstrate a high level of diversion and suggest that application is an ongoing and at times remedial process rather than an event. Diversion occurs at all points of the expanded TANF (Temporary Assistance to Needy Families) intake process and is associated with one-time lump sum payments as well as the hassle factor engendered by new eligibility requirements. The encumbered lives of applicants and TANF staff discretion are also implicated as factors contributing to diversion. We conclude with an analysis of the implications of TANF diversion for access to benefits.
Antigenic Modulation of Erythrocytes: Possible Applications to Transfusion Medicine. ♦ 670

In a number of clinical circumstances it would be desirable to artificially disguise cellular antigenic determinants to prevent tissue rejection. A case in point is the problem encountered in blood transfusions in patients with rare blood types or in chronically transfused patients who develop antibodies to minor blood group determinants. We therefore tested the possibility that chemical modification of the external aspect of the RBC membrane might serve to occlude antigenic determinants, thereby minimizing transfusion reactions. We have developed a procedure involving covalent binding of methoxypolyethylene glycol (MW ≈5 kDa) via cyanuric chloride coupling to reactive groups on the surface of intact RBC. Human RBC treated with this technique lose ABO reactivity as assessed by solution-phase antiserum-induced agglutination reactions (measured by platelet aggregometer). In accord with this observation, we also find a significant decrease in specific antibody binding (e.g., anti-A sera binding to type A RBC is decreased 80±10% in PEG-modified RBC [N=5, p 70% of PEG-modified sheep RBC not only appear in the peripheral blood but also circulate for more than 24 hours. In contrast, <10% of untreated sheep RBC appear in the peripheral circulation of the mouse and these are then rapidly destroyed. In conclusion, the covalent attachment of non-immunogenic materials to intact RBC may have significant clinical applications in transfusion medicine.
Energies of the staggered flux phase: A numerical study.

Kinetic and magnetic energies of the staggered flux phase, with a fictitious flux of equal magnitude but opposite direction in adjacent square plaquettes, are calculated for the two-dimensional t-J model using the variational Monte Carlo method. They are compared to the energies of the resonating-valence-bond state, the flux phase with half a quantum per plaquette, and the projected Fermi-liquid state. For about 10% hole concentration the staggered flux phase has the lowest energy of the nonsuperconducting states, but its energy is still higher than that of the superconducting d-wave state.
Crystal and molecular structure of the triflate salt of diprotonated 1,4,8,11-tetrakis(2-hydroxyethyl)-1,4,8,11-tetraazacyclotetradecane, [C10H22N4(CH2CH2OH)4 2+]−[CF3SO3 −]2: geometry of a diprotonated octadenate ligand

The title complex crystallizes in the centrosymmetric monoclinic space group P21/n with Z=2. The cation is the diprotonated derivative of the neutral octadentate macrocyclic ligand C10H20N4(CH2CH2OH)4; the two protonated nitrogen atoms are as far apart as is possible in the 14-membered ring (1-and 8-positions) so as to minimize electrostatic repulsions. Each of the [C10H22N4(CH2CH2OH)4 2+] cations is involved in hydrogen bonding (through the four hydroxy groups) to oxygen atoms on four different peripheral [CF3SO3 −] anions.
ESL writing assessment prompts: How students choose

Abstract This qualitative study examines how ESL students choose a prompt from several options on a timed-writing exam. This issue is worth investigating for several reasons: Little is known about the writing process on timed-writing tests; previous quantitative attempts to examine factors affecting student choice have been inconclusive; and opinions vary on whether or not students should be given a choice. Twenty-six students were observed taking a writing exam and were interviewed upon completion. We conclude that students spend little time making a decision; that several factors including their own background knowledge, question type, and specificity of the topic influence their decision; that attention to the time factor is an overriding consideration.
Role of cytochrome P450 in the metabolism and toxicity of hydroperoxides in isolated rat hepatocytes.

Abstract The contributions of cytochromes P450 (P450) to the metabolism and toxicity of hydroperoxides in freshly isolated rat hepatocytes were investigated utilizing 2,6-di- tert -butyl-4-hydroperoxy-4-methyl-2,5-cyclo-hexadienone (BHTOOH). This hydroperoxide was rapidly degraded in cell suspensions, and the products were identical to those determined previously with subcellular preparations of ferric P450. With 250 μ M BHTOOH, the ratio of glutathione peroxidase-mediated:P450-mediated metabolism was estimated to be about 3:1. Surprisingly, BHTOOH was found to be a more potent cytotoxin than cumyl hydroperoxide (CuOOH), despite the fact that it caused substantially less lipid peroxidation than the latter. P450 inhibition enhanced the toxicity of BHTOOH, but lowered the toxicity of CuOOH. These data demonstrate that intracellular ferric P450 can compete with glutathione peroxidase to reduce hydroperoxides by 1- and 2-electron processes. If the alkoxy radical from homolytic cleavage of the O–O bond can undergo facile intramolecular reactions to nontoxic products, as with BHTOOH, the role of P450 is detoxification. On the other hand, if the alkoxy radical preferentially attacks membrane lipids, as with CuOOH, P450 contributes to lipid peroxidation and toxicity. It was determined that the levels of glutathione, protein thiols, and ATP decreased in parallel with BHTOOH-induced cell death, but no conclusions are possible concerning mechanisms underlying the relatively potent toxicity of BHTOOH. Toxicity may be related to the high lipophilicity of this hydroperoxide which, presumably, facilitates its passage into cells and distribution to various intracellular sites. BHTOOH appears to be an excellent model compound for investigating mechanisms of hydroperoxide-medi ated cytotoxicity which do not involve lipid peroxidation.
Cartilage growth and remodeling: modulation of balance between proteoglycan and collagen network in vitro with β-aminopropionitrile

Summary Objective To examine the effect of β-aminopropionitrile (BAPN), an inhibitor of lysyl oxidase, on growth and remodeling of immature articular cartilage in vitro . Design Immature bovine articular cartilage explants from the superficial and middle layers were cultured for 13 days in serum-containing medium with or without BAPN. Variations in tissue size, accumulation of proteoglycan and collagen (COL), and tensile mechanical properties were assessed. Results The inclusion of serum resulted in expansive tissue growth, stimulation of proteoglycan and COL deposition, and a diminution of tensile integrity. Supplementation of medium with BAPN accentuated this phenotype in terms of a further increase in tissue size in explants from the superficial layer and further diminution of tensile integrity, without affecting the contents of proteoglycan and COL in explants from both the superficial and middle layers. Conclusion COL crosslinking is a major factor in modulating the phenotype of cartilage growth and the associated balance between proteoglycan content and integrity of the COL network.
CLASS–Infant: An Observational Measure for Assessing Teacher–Infant Interactions in Center-Based Child Care

Research Findings: The growing body of literature demonstrating the importance of quality interactions with caregivers to infant development coupled with the increasing number of infants spending time in classroom settings highlights the need for a measure of interpersonal relationships between infants and caregivers. This article introduces a new measure of quality in infant classrooms based on the Classroom Assessment Scoring System (CLASS) framework. This measure focuses on teacher–infant interactions with the goal of understanding how these proximal process features can be assessed in this environment. Results from a small pilot study of 30 infant classrooms indicated that the CLASS–Infant demonstrated adequate variability as well as expected convergent and divergent validity with the most commonly used infant child care quality measure. The dimensions of the measure composed a single construct of classroom quality based on teacher–infant interactions. Practice or Policy: Implications of using this me...
Ice Crystals Produced by Expansion: Experiments and Application to Aircraft-produced Ice

Abstract The production of ice crystals as a result of the expansion and cooling of moist air was investigated by laboratory experiment. In particular, the warmest expanded air temperature that produces crystals was sought as a function of the initial temperature. The results fit the standard theory of homogeneous nucleation of water droplets, as long as the droplets remain at a cold enough temperature for sufficient time to from by homogeneous nucleation. Experiments were also carried out with “dry” air (dewpoint less than −40°C). Quantitatively different results were obtained, namely, that much colder expanded air temperatures were required to produce crystals with essentially no variation in numbers of crystals produced as the initial temperature varied. These results are also consistent with the same homogeneous nucleation theory. These idea were applied to the production of aircraft-produced ice particles by means of the adiabatic expansion and cooling that occur near the propeller blades of the airc...
Intravenous Phenylephrine Preconditioning of Cardiac Grafts From Non–Heart-Beating Donors

Abstract Background . Hypoxia and warm ischemia produce severe injury to cardiac grafts harvested from non–heart-beating donors. To potentially improve recovery of such grafts, we studied the effects of intravenous phenylephrine preconditioning. Methods . Thirty-seven blood-perfused rabbit hearts were studied. Three groups of non–heart-beating donors underwent intravenous treatment with phenylephrine at 12.5 (n = 8), 25 (n = 7), or 50 μg/kg (n = 7) before initiation of apnea. Non–heart-beating controls (n = 8) received saline vehicle. Hypoxic cardiac arrest occurred after 6 to 12 minutes of apnea, followed by 20 minutes of warm in vivo ischemia. A 45-minute period of ex vivo reperfusion ensued. Nonischemic controls (n = 7) were perfused without antecedent hypoxia or ischemia. Results . Phenylephrine 25 μg/kg significantly delayed the onset of hypoxic cardiac arrest compared with saline controls (9.6 ± 0.5 versus 7.7 ± 0.4 minutes; p = 0.00001), yet improved recovery of left ventricular developed pressure compared with saline controls (57.1 ± 5.3 versus 41.0 ± 3.4 mm Hg; p = 0.04). Phenylephrine 25 μg/kg also yielded a trend toward less myocardial edema than saline vehicle ( p = 0.09). Conclusions . Functional recovery of nonbeating cardiac grafts is improved by preconditioning. We provide evidence that the myocardium can be preconditioned with phenylephrine against hypoxic cardiac arrest. (Ann Thorac Surg 1997;63:1664–8)
Femtosecond control of an elementary unimolecular reaction from the transition-state region

We present a simple example of temporal control of the evolving dynamics in a reactive system — a unimolecular reaction with two channels. Using three femtosecond pulses, a wave packet is prepared, probed, and intercepted in the transition-state region. The femtosecond control pulse intercepts the predissociative system at a fixed time and internuclear separation, both determined by the ‘window’ of the laser pulse. Experiments are performed on the NaI system which is a prototype for studies of elementary nuclear motion and reaction dynamics along two potentials, the covalent (Na + I) and the ionic (Na^+ + I^−) channels.
Advances in magneto-optic recording technology

Abstract Magneto-optical recording disk drives have been introduced into the marketplace by several companies. This paper reviews the basic technology which makes these drives possible and then describes on-going research which is expected to lead to future advances. New technologies such as direct overwrite recording, optical heads using laser diode arrays for parallel track readout, shorter wavelength lasers, advanced signal processing, improved modulation and error correction codes, and lightweight heads using optical fibers and/or integrated optical components are expected to lead to order of magnitude improvements in storage densities and data rates, as well as substantial improvements in access times.
The Baglihar difference and its resolution process - a triumph for the Indus Waters Treaty?

On January 15, 2005, Pakistan approached the World Bank asking the Bank to appoint a Neutral Expert to address a “difference” which had arisen with India under the Indus Waters Treaty. The difference related to the Baglihar hydropower plant which was under construction by India. The Bank appointed a Neutral Expert four months later, following lengthy exchanges with the two parties. On February 12, 2007, about 20 months after his appointment, the Neutral Expert issued his decision on the difference. This article reviews the main provisions of the Treaty, examines the process for the appointment and for the decision of the Neutral Expert, and analyzes the decision.
Chromosome Segregation: Aurora B Gets Tousled

Aurora B kinases play important roles during mitosis in eukaryotic cells; new work in Caenorhabditis elegans has identified the Tousled kinase TLK-1 as a substrate activator of the model nematode's Aurora B kinase AIR-2 which acts to ensure proper chromosome segregation during cell division.
Inability of the mutagen-blocking agent oleic acid to protect against colon carcinogenesis in the rat.

Abstract Oleic acid has been found in cooked beef and human feces. It has also been found to protect against mutagenesis as measured by the Salmonella microsomal assay test. Addition of oleic acid to the diet of rats treated with, 1,2-dimethylhydrazine, a colon carcinogen, failed to protect the rats against the induction of colon cancer.
A single mutation in chikungunya virus affects vector specificity and epidemic potential.

Chikungunya virus (CHIKV) is an emerging arbovirus associated with several recent large-scale epidemics. The 2005–2006 epidemic on Reunion island that resulted in approximately 266,000 human cases was associated with a strain of CHIKV with a mutation in the envelope protein gene (E1-A226V). To test the hypothesis that this mutation in the epidemic CHIKV (strain LR2006 OPY1) might influence fitness for different vector species, viral infectivity, dissemination, and transmission of CHIKV were compared in Aedes albopictus, the species implicated in the epidemic, and the recognized vector Ae. aegypti. Using viral infectious clones of the Reunion strain and a West African strain of CHIKV, into which either the E1–226 A or V mutation was engineered, we demonstrated that the E1-A226V mutation was directly responsible for a significant increase in CHIKV infectivity for Ae. albopictus, and led to more efficient viral dissemination into mosquito secondary organs and transmission to suckling mice. This mutation caused a marginal decrease in CHIKV Ae. aegypti midgut infectivity, had no effect on viral dissemination, and was associated with a slight increase in transmission by Ae. aegypti to suckling mice in competition experiments. The effect of the E1-A226V mutation on cholesterol dependence of CHIKV was also analyzed, revealing an association between cholesterol dependence and increased fitness of CHIKV in Ae. albopictus. Our observation that a single amino acid substitution can influence vector specificity provides a plausible explanation of how this mutant virus caused an epidemic in a region lacking the typical vector. This has important implications with respect to how viruses may establish a transmission cycle when introduced into a new area. Due to the widespread distribution of Ae. albopictus, this mutation increases the potential for CHIKV to permanently extend its range into Europe and the Americas.
Effect of solubilization on the binding activity of a G-protein from the mandibular organ of the lobster Homarus americanus (Nephropidae, Decapoda)

Abstract The binding of [ 35 SIGTPγS by the G-protein from the lobster mandibular organ was not affected by biogenic amines, synthetic eyestalk peptides or an extract of the X-organ-sinus gland complex from the eyestalk. This suggests that the G-protein is not part of the receptor apparatus that controls the inhibition of methyl farnesoate synthesis. The G-protein is deactivated during extraction from the membrane by the anionic detergents sodium cholate and SDS but may be solubilized using the nonionic detergents Triton X-100, Lubrol PX or Nonidet P-40.
Job and pay satisfaction among Japanese office workers: A gender comparison

This research investigates the determinants of pay and job satisfaction among Japanese office workers and explores gender differences in the effect of pay satisfaction on job satisfaction. It is hypothesized that no gender difference should emerge in job attitudes of Japanese workers when individual job qualities are equal. The results indicate that the pronounced importance of pay for Japanese office women are not necessarily reducible to gender differences in the job quality.
Phase and coherence extraction from an implant-defined photonic crystal VCSEL array

Electronically steerable laser sources have applications in diverse areas, such as optical display, free space communications, LIDAR, and illumination. Electronic beam steering using vertical cavity surface emitting lasers (VCSELs) has the advantages of system robustness, radiation hardness, reduced steering time, and energy efficiency. Recently, we demonstrated electronic steering of a single mode coherently coupled VCSEL array [1]. The leaky-mode VCSEL array [2, 3] utilizes a photonic crystal pattern to achieve in-phase operation [4], where a variable phase change between elements can be controlled with current injection to achieve steering [5]. In this work we experimentally extract the phase shift that induces the beam steering and its dependence on injection current. The induced phase change is determined from near and far-field profiles as a function of variable injection current into the array elements. These results will guide the optimization and control of electronic beam steering in leaky-mode VCSEL arrays.
Obstructive Sleep Apnea Complicating Negative-Pressure Ventilatory Support in Patients with Chronic Paralytic/Restrictive Ventilatory Dysfunction

The purpose of this study was to determine the incidence and severity of obstructive events and oxyhemoglobin desaturation (dSaO2) in 37 patients with paralytic/restrictive ventilatory insufficiency during use of nocturnal ventilatory assistance provided by means of negative-pressure body ventilators (BVs). Thirteen of the 37 patients had mean oxyhemoglobin saturation (SaO2) less than 95 percent and a mean of ten or more episodes per hour when the dSaO2 was greater than or equal to 4 percent (4%dSaO2/h). In all, 26 of the 37 patients had evidence of significant multiple episodes of dSaO2 while asleep on BVs. Polysomnography performed on three of these patients substantiated the obstructive nature of the dSaO2. Twenty-two of the 37 patients who had a mean SaO2 of 90.6 +/- 7.2 percent and a mean of 17.7 +/- 16.1 4%dSaO2/h on BVs were switched to noninvasive ventilatory assistance by intermittent positive airway pressure (NV-PAP). Their mean SaO2 improved to 96.0 +/- 2.2 percent, and the 4%dSaO2/h decreased to 1.2 +/- 1.8 per hour. All symptoms similar to those of obstructive sleep apnea were relieved. We conclude that BV use is associated with significant dSaO2 in over 50 percent of patients. The dSaO2 is predominantly obstructive in nature but may be due to chronic underventilation in patients using less effective BVs. Patients with a mean SaO2 less than 95 percent or 10 or more 4%dSaO2/h may benefit from conversion to NV-PAP via the nose, the mouth, or an oral-nasal interface.
Human Rad51 Protein Can Form Homologous Joints in the Absence of Net Strand Exchange

The eukaryotic homologs of RecA protein are central enzymes of recombination and repair, and notwithstanding a high degree of conservation they differ sufficiently from RecA to offer insights into mechanisms and biological roles. The yield of DNA strand exchange reactions driven by both Escherichia coli RecA protein and its human homolog HsRad51 protein was inversely related to the GC content of oligonucleotide substrates, but at any given GC composition, HsRad51 promoted less exchange than RecA. When 40% of bases were GC pairs, the rate constant for strand exchange by HsRad51 was unmeasurable, whereas the rate constants for homologous pairing were unaltered relative to more AT-rich DNA. The ability of HsRad51 to form joints in the absence of net strand exchange was confirmed by experiments in which heterologous blocks at both ends of linear duplex oligonucleotides produced joints that instantly dissociated upon deproteinization. These findings suggest that HsRad51 acting alone on human DNA in vivo is a pairing protein that cannot form extensive heteroduplex DNA.
Infrared spectra of high polymers. V. Polyvinyl alcohol

The infrared spectrum of polyvinyl alcohol has been investigated between 3600 and 70 cm.−1. Polarization measurements on stretched specimens were made down to about 330 cm.−1. The spectrum of a deuterated specimen (about 90% of the OH having been replaced by OD) has also been obtained. These data confirm and extend the results of previous workers. The spectrum is discussed in detail in relation to three structures for polyvinyl alcohol proposed on the basis of x-ray diffraction studies. The data definitely rule out the structure proposed by Mooney, and are most consistent with the structure proposed by Bunn. A complete assignment of the bands in the spectrum is proposed. From this analysis it appears that the existence of interaction forces between molecules can be convincingly demonstrated. The proposed assignments suggest a new interpretation of the 1326–1446 cm.−1 doublet, viz., that these bands arise from mixed CH and OH in-plane bending vibrations. This is shown to be in agreement with the results of studies on simple alcohols. An alternative assignment for the 1144 cm.−1 band is also considered.
Neural Plasticity after Human Spinal Cord Injury: Application of Locomotor Training to the Rehabilitation of Walking:

Recovery of locomotion has been considered unattainable following a clinically complete or severe incomplete spinal cord injury even after conventional therapy. However, the locomotion of spinal animals can be improved by training that provides complex temporal patterns of sensory information related to stepping that is interpreted by the spinal cord. This review discusses the evidence that suggests human spinal networks can integrate and interpret complex sensory signals to produce functional efferent output and adapt to repetitive training. Locomotor training, a new rehabilitative approach, is based on principles that promote the movement of limbs and trunk to generate sensory information consistent with locomotion to improve the potential for the recovery of walking after neurologic injury.
A view matcher for reusing Smalltalk classes

A prime attraction of object-oriented programming lan~ages M the posslbdit~ of reusing code, We examme the support provided by Smalltalk to pro~ammers attemptin to incorporate an existing class f mto a new. design, . ocussing on issues of usage examples, object-spec~lc analysis, how-to-use-it information, and ob”ect connections. We then describe a i“ View Matcher or reuse, a tool that documents reusable classes through a set of coordinated views onto concrete usage examples; in three scenarios, we illustrate how the tool addresses the issues raised in our analysis of reuse in Smalltallc.
Freezing of gait is associated with a mismatch between motor imagery and motor execution in narrow doorways, not with failure to judge doorway passability

Abstract Background Many patients with Parkinson's disease (PD) develop freezing of gait (FoG), which may manifest as a hesitation or “getting stuck” when they attempt to pass through a doorway. In two experiments, we asked whether FoG is associated with (1) a deficit in internal representation of one's body size with respect to a doorway and (2) a mismatch between imagined and actual walking times when passing through a doorway. Methods 23 subjects with PD (11 with and 13 without FoG) and 10 control subjects of similar age completed two experiments. In the Passability experiment, subjects judged the passability of doorways with different apertures scaled to their body widths. We compared passability estimates across groups. In the Imagery experiment, subjects timed themselves while: (1) imagining walking through doorways of different apertures and from different distances and (2) actually walking in the same conditions they had just imagined. We compared imagined and actual walking durations across groups and conditions. Results In the Passability experiment, the estimated just-passable doorway was wider, relative to body width, in PD subjects than in control subjects, but there was no difference between PD subjects with and without FoG. In the Imagery experiment, subjects in all groups walked more slowly through narrow doorways than though wide doorways, and subjects with FoG walked much more slowly through the narrowest doorways. PD subjects with FoG showed a large discrepancy between actual and imagined time to pass through narrow doorways, unlike PD subjects without FoG and control subjects. Conclusions The equivalent passability judgments in PD subjects with and without FoG indicate that FoG is not specifically associated with a deficit in ability to internally represent space with reference to body size. However, the large difference in duration between actual and imagined walking through narrow doorways in subjects with FoG suggests that PD subjects with FoG did not know how much they would slow down to pass through narrow doorways. The observed discrepancy between imagined and actual walking times may point to a specific problem that contributes to the occurrence of FoG. These results also suggest that caution should be used when interpreting brain imaging results from locomotor imagery studies with PD subjects who have FoG.
Characterization of an acid-stable peptide hydrolase and of peptide hydrolase a in germinated wheat

Abstract Peptide hydrolase A from germinated wheat has been separated from an acid-stable peptide hydrolase. The stability of these enzymes to pH and temperature and their K m values are described. Some peptides hydrolyzed by the acid-stable enzyme are reported.
Synthesis and field screening of chiral monounsaturated epoxides as lepidopteran sex attractants and sex pheromone components

Enantiomerically enriched forms of (Z)-6-cis-9,10-epoxymonoenes and (Z)-9-cis-6,7-epoxymonoenes of chain lengths C17-20 were synthesized by Sharpless asymmetric epoxidation of allylic alcohol intermediates, followed by tosylation or halogenation and chain extension. The resulting monounsaturated epoxides were field tested as sex attractants for lepidopteran species.Euchlaena madusaria Walker males were attracted to blends of the enantiomers of (Z)-6- cis- 9,10-epoxynonadecene 6Z-cis-9,10-epoxy-19:H; IUPAC name [2α,3α(Z)]-2-pentyl-3-(2-dodecenyI)oxirane in combination with 6Z,9Z-19: H. The response was antagonized by 9Z-cis-6,7-epoxy-19: H. 6Z,9Z-19: H was tentatively identified in pheromone gland extracts.Xanthotype sospeta Drury male moths were attracted to lures containing 6Z-9S,10R-epoxy-19: H; the response was antagonized by the opposite enantiomer.Pal-this angulalis Hubner males were attracted to 9Z-6S,7R-epoxy-19:H; the opposite enantiomer was antagonistic. 6Z,9Z-19:H and 9Z-cis-6,7-epoxy-19:H and 9Z-cis-6,7-epoxy-19:H were tentatively identified in pheromone gland extracts fromAnacamptodes humaria Guenee females. In field trails, 9Z-6R,7S-epoxy-19:H proved to be the attractive enantiomer, and the response was potentiated by 6Z,9Z-19:H. Mechanisms by which unique chemical communication channels are maintained by each species are discussed.
Eroding the economic foundations of marriage and fertility in the United States

Abstract Two explanations for the weakening of the nuclear family are (1) increased state support of poor unmarried mothers, and (2) increased wage earning opportunities for women relative to those available for men. This paper tests both of these hypotheses by estimating a model for the joint determination of wages of women and of their potential husbands, the probability that women are currently married, and how many children they have. The United States 1990 Census microdata are analyzed with information on the state welfare support systems for black and white women separately, in four age brackets.
Diagnosis of bridging faults in sequential circuits using adaptive simulation, state storage, and path-tracing

A diagnosis technique that integrates the storage of precomputed information with some dynamic computation for the diagnosis of bridging faults in synchronous sequential circuits with no-scan or partial-scan is presented. The method addresses the accuracy, storage requirements, and computational complexity required for diagnosis. A combination of adaptively simulating the behavior of a bridging fault and storing faulty state information at select vectors ensures accuracy with low storage requirements. The combination of adaptive simulation, state storage, and pathtracing has low computational requirements. Experimental results are provided for the ISCAS89 benchmark circuits.
Design and operation of silver nanowire based flexible and stretchable touch sensors

In recent years wearable devices have attracted significant attention. Flexibility and stretchability are required for comfortable wear of such devices. In this paper, we report flexible and stretchable touch sensors with two different patterns (interdigitated and diamond-shaped capacitors). The touch sensors were made of screen-printed silver nanowire electrodes embedded in polydimethylsiloxane. For each pattern, the simulation-based design was conducted to choose optimal dimensions for the highest touch sensitivity. The sensor performances were characterized as-fabricated and under deformation (e.g., bending and stretching). While the interdigitated touch sensors were easier to fabricate, the diamond-shaped ones showed higher touch sensitivity under as-fabricated, stretching or even bending conditions. For both types of sensors, the touch sensitivity remained nearly constant under stretching up to 15%, but varied under bending. They also showed robust performances under cyclic loading and against oxidation.
Aerosol properties over bright-reflecting source regions

Retrieving aerosol properties from satellite remote sensing over a bright surface is a challenging problem in the research of atmospheric and land applications. In this paper we propose a new approach to retrieve aerosol properties over surfaces such as arid, semiarid, and urban areas, where the surface reflectance is usually very bright in the red part of visible spectrum and in the near infrared, but is much darker in the blue spectral region (i.e., wavelength <500 nm). In order to infer atmospheric properties from these data, a global surface reflectance database of 0.1/spl deg/ latitude by 0.1/spl deg/ longitude resolution was constructed over bright surfaces for visible wavelengths using the minimum reflectivity technique (e.g., finding the clearest scene during each season for a given location). The aerosol optical thickness and aerosol type are then determined simultaneously in the algorithm using lookup tables to match the satellite observed spectral radiances. Examples of aerosol optical thickness derived using this algorithm over the Sahara Desert and Arabian Peninsula reveal various dust sources, which are important contributors to airborne dust transported over long distances. Comparisons of the satellite inferred aerosol optical thickness and the values from ground-based Aerosol Robotic Network (AERONET) sun/sky radiometer measurements indicate good agreement (i.e., within 30%) over the sites in Nigeria and Saudi Arabia. This new algorithm, when applied to Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS), Sea-viewing Wide Field of view Sensor (SeaWiFS), and Global Imager (GLI) satellite data, will provide high spatial resolution (/spl sim/1 km) global information of aerosol optical thickness over bright surfaces on a daily basis.
Intranasal Prophylaxis with CpG Oligodeoxynucleotide Can Protect against Yersinia pestis Infection

ABSTRACT Immunomodulatory agents potentially represent a new class of broad-spectrum antimicrobials. Here, we demonstrate that prophylaxis with immunomodulatory cytosine-phosphate-guanidine (CpG) oligodeoxynucleotide (ODN), a toll-like receptor 9 (TLR9) agonist, confers protection against Yersinia pestis, the etiologic agent of plague. The data establish that intranasal administration of CpG ODN 1 day prior to lethal pulmonary exposure to Y. pestis strain KIM D27 significantly improves survival of C57BL/6 mice and reduces bacterial growth in hepatic tissue, despite paradoxically increasing bacterial growth in the lung. All of these CpG ODN-mediated impacts, including the increased pulmonary burden, are TLR9 dependent, as they are not observed in TLR9-deficient mice. The capacity of prophylactic intranasal CpG ODN to enhance survival does not require adaptive immunity, as it is evident in mice lacking B and/or T cells; however, the presence of T cells improves long-term survival. The prophylactic regimen also improves survival and reduces hepatic bacterial burden in mice challenged intraperitoneally with KIM D27, indicating that intranasal delivery of CpG ODN has systemic impacts. Indeed, intranasal prophylaxis with CpG ODN provides significant protection against subcutaneous challenge with Y. pestis strain CO92 even though it fails to protect mice from intranasal challenge with that fully virulent strain.
Massive cluster ablation as preparation for organic secondary ion imaging.

A focused Cs+ beam was used to obtain secondary ion mass spectra and images from samples of stearic acid on gold before and after ablation by a beam of masive cluster ions. Ablation appears to have two effects on secondary ion emission. First, the number and intensity of peaks reflecting contamination are substantially reduced. Secondly, the absolute intensity of secondary ion current characteristic of the analyte increases. These features simplify mass spectra and improve contrast in the images obtained.
Urine spraying in cats: presence of concurrent disease and effects of a pheromone treatment

Abstract Thirty four spraying cats, belonging to 24 households, had a complete physical examination, CBC, blood biochemistry panel, urinalysis, urine culture, urine cortisol:creatinine analysis and abdominal radiographs. Diagnostic procedures revealed some abnormalities and/or crystalluria in 13 patients (38%). Seven (20%) of these cats had medical conditions involving the urogenital system (renal calculi, renal failure, cystic calculi, bacterial urinary infection or cystitis associated with the presence of ammonium biurate crystalluria). The other six had crystalluria. A synthetic analogue of feline cheek gland pheromones (Feliway™, Sanofi Sante Nutrition Animale, Abbott Laboratories) was then evaluated as a treatment of urine spraying. The study was done on all 34 cats but complete data was obtained for only 22 cats belonging to 19 out of the 24 households. Nine of these cats had abnormalities and/or crystalluria. The results were highly significant: 14 households (74%; 95% confidence interval 49–91%) reported a decrease of spraying frequency.
Radiative capture of protons by light nuclei at low energies

Abstract Gamma-ray-to-charged-particle branching ratios, and gamma-ray angular distributions have been measured for the radiative capture of protons by 6 Li, 7 Li, 9 Be and 11 B for proton bombarding energies between 40 and 180 keV. Except for the 163 keV resonance in the reaction 11 B(p, γ) 12 C, the branching ratios are roughly independent of energy and the angular distributions are isotropic. These measurements are used to deduce reaction S -factors and infer thermonuclear reactivities. The measurements are compared to distorted-wave-Born-approximation direct-capture cross-section calculations.
A 3-component hybrid model for traditional courses

A project sponsored by the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation at the University of California, Davis, evaluated ten large undergraduate courses offered as both traditional and online versions. The online versions were typically hybrid models and experience with developing these courses led to an extension of the hybrid model to three components. Two components are online, one fully asynchronous and the other synchronous or nearly so. The third component is face-to-face. The model accommodates different teaching styles and can accommodate different learning styles dynamically when fully implemented. The approach is well suited to a traditional undergraduate curriculum where students proceed in a cohort. It is not a good fit to training environments where students achieve mastery at their own pace.
Factors Influencing the Effectiveness of Note Taking on Computer-Based Graphic Organizers.

Previous research on graphic organizer (GO) note taking has shown that this method is most effective when the GO is presented to the student partially complete with provided notes. This study exten...
Towards Liberal Education Assessment In Engineering And Technology Programs

Our regional accrediting body, New England Association of Schools and Colleges, requires outcome assessment of core liberal education outcomes. Because of this mandate, and our new mission at the University to prepare students with the knowledge, skills, and values necessary to thrive and be engaged in a pluralistic, complex world, we have undertaken a project to develop and assess core liberal education outcomes. This paper describes the planning and actions taken to meet these new requirements in our engineering and technology programs. The college has expanded outcome assessment by including five “intellectual and practical skills,” specifically, critical and creative thinking, inquiry/analysis, problem-solving, and information literacy. VALUE rubrics are being incorporated into the process to ascertain the best opportunities to measure student achievement within the engineering and technology programs. An assessment framework is presented and pilot results are discussed.
Tailorable architecture methods

In this paper we discuss a set of architecture-based methods for architecture design and analysis that have been developed over the past 10 years at the Software Engineering Institute. We then discuss the need for integrating these architecture-based methods, both with each other and into an organization's system development life cycle, based on experience with NASA's EOSDIS project. We discuss the framework for doing this integration, and present a life cycle view of architecture-based design and analysis methods.
Enyne‐Metathesis‐Based Tandem Processes (Eur. J. Org. Chem. 23/2011)

The cover picture shows a chain of dominoes in motion where one domino topples the one next to it, and so on. The individual dominoes symbolize elementary bond-forming events by which simple alkene and alkyne building blocks are processed in tandem to form products of extended conjugation and polycyclic systems. Many enyne-metathesis-based tandem reactions developed and applied to the synthesis of natural and unnatural products are detailed in the Microreview by J. Li and D. Lee on p. 4269 ff.
High Sensitivity Micro-Elastometry: Applications in Blood Coagulopathy

Highly sensitive methods for the assessment of clot structure can aid in our understanding of coagulation disorders and their risk factors. Rapid and simple clot diagnostic systems are also needed for directing treatment in a broad spectrum of cardiovascular diseases. Here we demonstrate a method for micro-elastometry, named resonant acoustic spectroscopy with optical vibrometry (RASOV), which measures the clot elastic modulus (CEM) from the intrinsic resonant frequency of a clot inside a microwell. We observed a high correlation between the CEM of human blood measured by RASOV and a commercial thromboelastograph (TEG), (R = 0.966). Unlike TEG, RASOV requires only 150 μL of sample and offers improved repeatability. Since CEM is known to primarily depend upon fibrin content and network structure, we investigated the CEM of purified clots formed with varying amounts of fibrinogen and thrombin. We found that RASOV was sensitive to changes of fibrinogen content (0.5–6 mg/mL), as well as to the amount of fibrinogen converted to fibrin during clot formation. We then simulated plasma hypercoagulability via hyperfibrinogenemia by spiking whole blood to 150 and 200% of normal fibrinogen levels, and subsequently found that RASOV could detect hyperfibrinogenemia-induced changes in CEM and distinguish these conditions from normal blood.
Effects of 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD) on development of anuran amphibians

We exposed anuran eggs and tadpoles to vehicle control (0.7% acetone) or waterborne [3H]2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD) for 24 h (American toad, 0.003-30 μg/L; leopard frog, 3 μg/L; green frog, 0.3-100 μg/L) and subsequently raised them in clean water. Neither American toads nor green frogs exhibited TCDD-related mortality, but leopard frogs showed significantly increased (10%) mortality over controls. Eggs and tadpoles eliminated TCDD relatively quickly compared with published data for other vertebrates, with t1/2 of 1 to 5 d (American toad), 2 to 7 d (leopard frog), and 4 to 6 d (green frog). Elimination rates were slowest for tadpoles fed nothing, fastest for those fed a low-fat diet, and intermediate for those fed a high-fat diet. Although not significant, American toads exposed to ⩾0.03 μg TCDD/L appeared to metamorphose earlier, and those exposed to higher TCDD treatments appeared to metamorphose at a larger body mass than controls. Comparisons of these results with studies of fish early life stages suggest that anuran eggs and tadpoles eliminate TCDD more rapidly and are 100- to 1,000-fold less sensitive to its deleterious effects during development. These differences may be related to differences in metabolic rate, patterns of lipid storage and utilization, and aryl hydrocarbon receptor binding and signal transduction.
The changing role of the surgeon in the management of cancer in the university setting and its impact on resident training.

A retrospective review was performed of 22,168 cancer cases registered by the Tumor Registry between 1965 and 1990. Eighty-six percent of these cases involved solid tumors; this number remained fairly constant throughout the study period. There was a significant trend toward more advanced disease at the time of presentation, most marked in the last 10 years; prior to 1980, 63.7% had localized or in situ cancer as opposed to only 49.4% since 1980 (P<0.001). This suggested that more advanced cases were being submitted for treatment. As expected, more disseminated disease at the time of presentation was coupled with an overall decrease in the number of cases in which surgery comprised part of the treatment: 43.6% prior to 1980 vs. 38.1% after 1980. This trend has reversed, however, in the last 5 years. Though the number of cases in which surgery was the only treatment modality remained constant prior to and after 1985 (26.8% and 27.1%, respectively), the number of cases in which surgery was part of a multimodality treatment plan significantly increased (39.9% prior to 1985; 45.3% after 1985). This was coupled with a significant decrease in the number of cases treated with nonsurgical modalities alone (60.1% prior to 1985; 54.7% after 1985). Therefore,not only has the surgeon been called upon to operate on more advanced disease for cure in the last 5 years, but he or she has also become increasingly involved in multimodality treatment. Since 40.4% of university departments of surgery (as of 1990) did not provide specific training in surgical oncology, it is suggested that these departments reevaluate the objectives of their educational programs in view of the changing, increasingly complex role of the surgeon in the multidisciplinary approach to the care of the cancer patient. © 1992 Wiley-Liss, Inc.