cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Dietary Satisfaction Correlated with Adherence in the Modification of Diet in Renal Disease Study

Abstract Objective To measure satisfaction with modified protein eating patterns and the relationship of satisfaction to adherence and sociodemographic factors in a clinical trial. Design Participants completed the Dietary Satisfaction Questionnaire at baseline, at 6-month follow-up visits, at annual visits, and at the final visit. Satisfaction with diet was rated on a visual analog scale from 1 (dislike extremely) to 5 (like very much). Adherence to protein goals was assessed using urine urea nitrogen excretion from monthly 24-hour urine samples. Subjects 840 adults with chronic renal disease. Intervention Individual participants, randomly assigned to a usual-protein, low-protein, or very-low-protein group, received monthly counseling from a dietitian for an average of 26 months. Statistics Analyses of variance and two-sample t tests compared, among study/diet groups, satisfaction with diet, its relationship to adherence and sociodemographic characteristics, and changes in satisfaction over time. Paired t tests compared changes within diet groups from baseline to final visit. Results From the baseline visit to the final visit, satisfaction with the prescribed eating pattern increased slightly in the usual-protein group, declined slightly in the low-protein group, and declined significantly in the very-low-protein group. Participants in all of the eating pattern groups who were more satisfied at the final visit had mean protein intakes closer to their assigned protein goals. This relationship was significant in the low-protein group ( P Applications The Modification of Diet in Renal Disease Study Dietary Satisfaction Questionnaire may be useful in other research and clinical settings to assess and enhance dietary adherence. J Am Diet Assoc. 1995; 95:1301-1306 .
Optimum matching forests III: Facets of matching forest polyhedra

In [3] we presented a linear system which definesP(G), the convex hull of incidence vectors of matching forests of a mixed graphG. However, many of the inequalities of this system may be redundant. Here we describe the dimension of the facets ofP(G) obtained by setting one inequality of the defining system forP(G) to an equation. This leads to a presentation of a minimal defining linear system forP(G), i.e., to a presentation of the facets ofP(G). This generalizes earlier characterizations of facets of 1-matching polyhedra and of branching polyhedra.
Intracellular freezing of glycerolized red cells

Abstract The response of glycerolized human red blood cells to freezing has been evaluated in terms of the thermodynamic state of the frozen intracellular medium. The physiochemical conditions requisite for intracellular freezing, characterized by the cooling rate and the degree of extracellular supercooling, are altered appreciably by the prefreezing addition of glycerol to the cells. Fresh human erythrocytes were suspended in an isotonic glycerol solution yielding a final cryophylactic concentration of either 1.5 or 3.0 m . Subsequently the cell suspension was frozen on a special low temperature stage, mounted on a light microscope, at controlled constant cooling rates with varying degrees of extracellular supercooling (ΔT sc ). The formation of a pure intracellular ice phase was detected by direct observation of the cells. The addition of glycerol produced several significant variations in the freezing characteristics of the blood. As in unmodified cells, the incidence of intracellular freezing increased with the magnitudes of both the cooling rate and the extracellular supercooling. However, the glycerolized cells exhibited a much greater tendency to supercool prior to the initial nucleation of ice. Values of ΔT sc > −20 °C were readily obtained. Also, the transition from 0 to 100% occurrence of intracellular ice covered a cooling rate spectrum in excess of 300 to 600 °K/min, as compared with 10 °C/min for unmodified cells. Thus, the incidence of intracellular ice formation was significantly increased in glycerolized cells.
Regulatory network of microRNAs in RAW 264.7 macrophage cells

microRNAs (miRNA) play important roles in regulating immunity. Here we utilize the systems biology approach to predict the regulatory network of miRNAs among the most down-regulated genes by the lipopolysaccharides (LPS) treatment in the macrophage RAW267.4 cell line. We combine the proteome and transcriptome data sets to define 200 target genes that are significantly down-regulated by the LPS treatment. We perform the profiling of over 300 miRNAs with the RNA-Seq method. Using the complementary binding rule between the seed sequences of profiled miRNAs and the 3'UTRs of target genes, we predict genes involved in mobility, metabolism, and oxidative phosphorylation as the top targets of miRNA negative regulation.
From Papapapá to Sleep Dealer: Alex Rivera's undocumentary poetics

This essay considers the oeuvre of Peruvian-American filmmaker Alex Rivera, focusing especially on Rivera's representations of the Mexico–US continental corridor. It also offers preliminary notes toward a theory of ‘undocumentary poetics’ applicable beyond Rivera's efforts.
Measuring perceptions of police use of force

The purpose of this study is to examine issues in measuring perceptions of police use‐of‐force incidents. The Force Factor developed by Alpert and Dunham in 1997 is assessed as an objective, use‐of‐force measure by comparing it to several previously used measures of the perceived legitimacy of force used by officers in arrest situations. Findings indicate that few predictor variables are consistently related to the various measures of perceptions of the legitimacy of a single use‐of‐force incident. While the Force Factor uniquely considers level of suspect resistance, it does not appear to overcome perceptual biases inherent to measures of police use‐of‐force incidents.
Does income inequality lead to more crime? A comparison of cross-sectional and time-series analyses of United States counties

Abstract This paper estimates the effect of income inequality on crime in United States counties using both cross-sectional and first-differenced approaches. Income inequality is positively associated with crime rates in the cross section analysis, but negatively associated with crime rates in the time-series analysis.
Kinetics of the reoxidation of succinate dehydrogenase

The reoxidation phase of the catalytic cycle of succinate dehydrogenase was studied in Complex II preparations' by the rapid freeze-electron paramagnetic resonance (epr) technique. With the synthetic water-soluble Q1 analog, 2,3-dimethoxy-5-methyl-6-pentyl-1, 4-benzoquinone (DPB), as the oxidant, the observed reoxidation of the epr-detectable components, previously reduced with dithionite or succinate, came to completion within a few milliseconds, well within the turnover time of the enzyme. Only ~80% of Fe-S center 1 and the HiPIP (the high-potential cluster) Fe-S center reacted rapidly with DPB, however; similarly incomplete reactions were observed previously in our studies of the reduction of the enzyme by succinate. The subsequent addition of ferricyanide, which appears to act as a chemical oxidant in these experiments, caused immediate reoxidation of the Fe-S centers and of the free radical. Ferricyanide and phenazine methosulfate (PMS) reoxidized all epr-detectable components in Complex II as well as in reconstitutively active, soluble preparations in' <6 ms, even at 0°C. Thus, reoxidation of the purified enzyme by PMS cannot be rate-limiting. Carboxamides and thenoyltrifluoroacetone inhibit strongly the reoxidation of the Fe-S center 1 and the HiPIP center by DPB, but not their reduction by succinate. These and other data suggest that these inhibitors block electron transport from the dehydrogenase to the Q pool on the O2-side of the HiPIP center, but there is no evidence that they combine directly with the iron. A recent report that Wurster's blue reacts with soluble succinate dehydrogenase much more rapidly than does PMS could not be confirmed. The two oxidants react at equal rates with the purified soluble enzyme before and after it has been reincorporated into membranes.
Evaluation of the adsorptive capacity of peanut hull pellets for heavy metals in solution

This study assessed the potential of peanut hull pellets to capture metal ions from wastewater and compared their performance to that of raw peanut hulls and a commercial grade ion-exchange resin. The uptake of Cu2+, Cd2+, Zn2+, and Pb2+ onto these media was investigated using a system of standardized batch adsorbers under steady state and transient rate conditions. The influence of the pelletizing process on the rate of metal ion sorption was evaluated by comparing the rate and extent of metal ion uptake onto peanut hull pellets vs. raw peanut hulls. Although a slight reduction in rate of adsorption was apparent for metal ion adsorption onto the pellets, equilibrium capacity was unaffected. Peanut hull pellets are an effective adsorbent for metal ion removal. Though their capacity is lower than that of commercial grade ion-exchange resins, their low cost makes them an attractive option for the treatment of low-strength metal ion waste streams in once-through fixed bed applications.
Effect of wheel traffic and green manure treatments on forage yield and crown rot in alfalfa ( Medicago sativa )

Harvesting alfalfa damages crowns and increases the opportunity for entry of pathogens. Incorporation of green manures into soil increases population density of streptomycetes with broad pathogen antagonist activity. This study aimed to measure the impact of wheel traffic on forage yield and plant health and the effect of green manures to reduce disease. Buckwheat and sorghum-sundangrass were incorporated into soil 3 weeks before seeding alfalfa. Total bacteria, streptomycete, and pathogen antagonist densities were measured prior to planting green manures and alfalfa. Wheel traffic was applied 2 days after each forage harvest. Wheel traffic reduced forage yield 12 % to 17 % depending on year and location, significantly reduced plant counts, and increased crown rot compared to the no traffic control. Cultivar had a significant effect on yield, plant counts, and crown rot. Streptomycete density and pathogen antagonists increased when fall-sown green manure crops were incorporated in spring. Forage yields were significantly higher in plots with greater antagonist density when traffic was applied. Green manure treatments did not affect plant counts or crown rot. Mechanical wheel traffic reduces forage yield and increases disease. Green manure crops may provide benefits in alfalfa production systems by increasing pathogen antagonists.
Seismic response of tuned single degree of freedom secondary systems

Modal synthesis procedure for evaluating spectral acceleration in the single degree of freedom (SDOF) secondary system oscillator is studied. Problems encountered in the evaluation of response for secondary oscillators that are tuned or nearly tuned with the primary system modes are discussed and solutions to these problems are presented. A new hybrid approach is proposed that gives accurate spectral acceleration in tuned secondary systems for both cases of zero and non zero mass ratio in structures that are nonclassically damped. Formulations are developed to evaluate the interaction-free (zero mass ratio) instructure spectral accelerations for perfectly tuned secondary oscillators in a coupled primary-secondary system when the two uncoupled systems have same damping characteristics (classical damping case).
Analysis of a rapid supercritical extraction aerogel fabrication process: Prediction of thermodynamic conditions during processing

Abstract Aerogels have unusual mechanical and thermal properties that render them useful in a range of applications from thermal insulators to chemical sensors. However, aerogel fabrication can be difficult, typically requiring the use of supercritical extraction of solvent from the sol–gel matrix. We employ a rapid supercritical extraction (RSCE) technique for aerogel fabrication that is faster and simpler than the standard methods. This technique relies on a hydraulic hot press to heat the chemical precursors and provide the required temperature and pressure increase needed to reach a supercritical state within a contained mold. Experimental results show that the pressure–temperature curve is characterized by a ‘take-off point’ and a ‘leak point’. The take-off point occurs at the start of a rapid increase in pressure and the leak point occurs where the pressure increase subsides. This paper presents an analytical model that predicts the pressure–temperature relationship of the aerogel precursors during the RSCE fabrication process and shows that the model can be extended to other RSCE systems. Using pure methanol, water and aerogel precursors in separate tests, the effects of initial liquid volume and press force on the pressure and temperature during processing were studied. We find that the take-off point can be estimated using a maximum specific volume model, which is a function of the initial percent volume fill of liquid used in the test. We are also able to predict the rapid pressure increase region observed during the process using a constant volume model. Leaking is determined to be a function of the mechanical forces acting on the system and occurs when the pressure in the contained mold nears the value of the pressure imparted onto the gasket by the hot press. The leak point pressure is found to be independent of the initial percent volume of liquid used in the test; however the leak point temperature decreases with increasing initial percent volume fill.
Viral miRNAs: tools for immune evasion.

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are noncoding RNA molecules ∼22 nucleotides in length that post-transcriptionally regulate gene expression by complementary binding to target mRNAs. MiRNAs have been identified in a diverse range of both metazoan and plant species. Functionally, miRNAs modulate multiple cellular processes including development, hematopoiesis, immunity, and oncogenesis. More recently, DNA viruses were found to encode and express miRNAs during host infection. Although the functions of most viral miRNAs are not well understood, early analysis of target genes pointed to immune modulation suggesting that viral miRNAs are a component of the immune evasion repertoire, which facilitates viral persistence. In addition to directly targeting immune functions, viral encoded miRNAs contribute to immune evasion by targeting proapoptotic genes, and in the case of herpesviruses, by controlling viral latency. Here we summarize the recently discovered targets of viral miRNAs and discuss the complex nature of this novel emerging regulatory mechanism.
Pitfalls in the Use of Time Series Methods to Study Deterrence and Capital Punishment

Evaluate the use of various time series methods to measure the deterrence effect of capital punishment. The analysis of the time series approach to deterrence is conducted at two levels. First, the mathematical foundations of time series methods are described and the link between the time series properties of aggregate homicide and execution series and individual decision making is developed. Second, individual studies are examined for logical consistency. The analysis concludes that time series methods used to study the deterrence effects of capital punishment suffer from fundamental limitations and fail to provide credible evidence. The common limitation of these studies is their lack of attention to identification problems. Suggestions are made as to directions for future work that may be able to mitigate the weaknesses of the current literature. Time series studies of capital punishment suffer from sufficiently serious identification problems that existing empirical findings are compatible with either the presence or the absence of a deterrent effect.
An investigation of Big Five and narrow personality traits in relation to Internet usage

The relationship between Internet usage and the Big Five as well as three narrow personality traits was examined using 117 undergraduates as study participants. Results indicated that total Internet usage was negatively related to three of the Big Five traits - Agreeableness, Conscientiousness, and Extraversion as well as two narrow traits - Optimism and Work Drive, and positively related to Tough-Mindedness. The results of a hierarchical regression analysis indicated that Work Drive added significantly to Extraversion and Conscientious in the prediction of total Internet usage, producing a multiple correlation of 0.349 (p<0.01). Results were discussed individually by trait, in terms of broad versus narrow personality traits, and regarding suggestions for future research.
Renormalization of the H -point phonon anomaly in molybdenum

The frequency of the H-point phonon of molybdenum obtained from precise frozen-phonon calculations differs from the experimental value by 9%. An analysis of this unusually large discrepancy shows that nonadiabatic effects are small, while effects caused by the many-body renormalization of electronic states near the Fermi energy are of the same order of magnitude as the discrepancy.
French and underdevelopment, Haitian Creole and development: Educational language policy problems and solutions in Haiti

This article argues that Haiti’s French-dominant school system is an impediment to the nation’s development, whereas Haitian Creole-dominant education will lay the foundation for long-term development. In that Caribbean country, 95% of the population is monolingual in Haitian Creole while the portion that additionally speaks French does not exceed 5% with an additional 5–10% having some receptive competence (Valdman 1984: 78; Dejean 2006). Even though French is the language of the school system, as many as 80% of Haiti’s teachers control it inadequately and only a minority of students completes school (Dejean 2006). Economic, historical, sociolinguistic, and demographic factors are a part of the explanation for Haiti’s low educational achievement. Another important but often ignored factor is educational language policy. Data on educational language policy compared internationally show that the use of a second language in schools correlates with high illiteracy rates and poverty (Coulmas 1992). I reject arguments in favor of maintaining French-dominant education in Haiti (Lawless 1992; Youssef 2002; Francis 2005; Ferguson 2006, etc.) because the resources for it are woefully lacking. I argue that the progressive promotion of Haitian Creole throughout Haitian education will lead to improved learning, graduation, and Creole literacy, in addition to a more streamlined and coherent State, economy, and society (Efron 1954; De Regt 1984; DeGraff 2003; Dejean 2006). As Haiti rebuilds after the earthquake of January 12th, 2010, aid workers, government employees, and researchers who get involved in the recovery also unsuspectingly perpetuate French, English, and Spanish hegemony in development work (DeGraff 2010). The long history of suppressing Haitian Creole and promoting French in education and administration — and French, English, or Spanish in development work — form underlying obstacles in the nation’s struggle to produce an adequate class of educated citizens, to achieve universal literacy, and to make socioeconomic progress.
Genetic contributions to continuity and change in attachment security: a prospective, longitudinal investigation from infancy to young adulthood.

Background: Longitudinal research has demonstrated that individual differences in attachment security show only modest continuity from infancy to adulthood. Recent findings based on retrospective reports suggest that individuals’ genetic variation may moderate the developmental associations between early attachment–relevant relationship experiences and adult attachment security. The purpose of this study was to use a prospective, longitudinal design to investigate genetic contributions to continuity and changes in attachment security from infancy to young adulthood in a higher risk sample. Methods: Infant attachment security was assessed using the Strange Situation Procedure at 12 and 18 months. Adults’ general attachment representations were assessed using the Adult Attachment Interview at ages 19 and 26. Romantic attachment representations were assessed with the Current Relationship Interview (CRI) at ages 20–21 and ages 26–28. Individuals were genotyped for variants within the oxytocin receptor (OXTR), dopamine D4 receptor (DRD4), and serotonin transporter linked polymorphic region (5-HTTLPR) . Results: The continuity of attachment security from infancy into young adulthood was consistently moderated by OXTR genetic variation. Infant attachment security predicted the security of adults’ general and romantic attachment representations only for individuals with the OXTR G/G genotype. This interaction was significant when predicting adult attachment security as measured by the Adult Attachment Interview at ages 19 and 26 and the CRI at ages 26–28. Dopamine D4 receptor and 5-HTTLPR genetic variation did not consistently moderate the longitudinal associations between attachment security during infancy and adulthood. Conclusions: This study provides initial longitudinal evidence for genetic contributions to continuity and change in attachment security from infancy to young adulthood. Genetic variation related to the oxytocin system may moderate the stability of attachment security across development. Keywords: Attachment, continuity, development, genetics.
Oligosaccharide microarrays fabricated on aminooxyacetyl functionalized glass surface for characterization of carbohydrate-protein interaction.

Abstract Carbohydrate–protein interactions play important biological roles in biological processes. But there is a lack of high-throughput methods to elucidate recognition events between carbohydrates and proteins. This paper reported a convenient and efficient method for preparing oligosaccharide microarrays, wherein the underivatized oligosaccharide probes were efficiently immobilized on aminooxyacetyl functionalized glass surface by formation of oxime bonding with the carbonyl group at the reducing end of the suitable carbohydrates via irreversible condensation. Prototypes of carbohydrate microarrays containing 10 oligosaccharides were fabricated on aminooxyacetyl functionalized glass by robotic arrayer. Utilization of the prepared carbohydrate microarrays for the characterization of carbohydrate–protein interaction reveals that carbohydrates with different structural features selectively bound to the corresponding lectins with relative binding affinities that correlated with those obtained from solution-based assays. The limit of detection (LOD) for lectin ConA on the fabricated carbohydrate microarrays was determined to be ∼0.008 μg/mL. Inhibition experiment with soluble carbohydrates also demonstrated that the binding affinities of lectins to different carbohydrates could be analyzed quantitatively by determining IC 50 values of the soluble carbohydrates with the carbohydrate microarrays. This work provides a simple procedure to prepare carbohydrate microarray for high-throughput parallel characterization of carbohydrate–protein interaction.
Hydraulic safety margins and embolism reversal in stems and leaves: why are conifers and angiosperms so different?

Abstract Angiosperm and coniferous tree species utilize a continuum of hydraulic strategies. Hydraulic safety margins (defined as differences between naturally occurring xylem pressures and pressures that would cause hydraulic dysfunction, or differences between pressures resulting in loss of hydraulic function in adjacent organs (e.g., stems vs. leaves) tend to be much greater in conifers than angiosperms and serve to prevent stem embolism. However, conifers tend to experience embolism more frequently in leaves and roots than angiosperms. Embolism repair is thought to occur by active transport of sugars into empty conduits followed by passive water movement. The most likely source of sugar for refilling is from nonstructural carbohydrate depolymerization in nearby parenchyma cells. Compared to angiosperms, conifers tend to have little parenchyma or nonstructural carbohydrates in their wood. The ability to rapidly repair embolisms may rely on having nearby parenchyma cells, which could explain the need for greater safety margins in conifer wood as compared to angiosperms. The frequent embolisms that occur in the distal portions of conifers are readily repaired, perhaps due to the abundant parenchyma in leaves and roots, and these distal tissues may act as hydraulic circuit breakers that prevent tension-induced embolisms in the attached stems. Frequent embolisms in conifer leaves may also be due to weaker stomatal response to changes in ambient humidity. Although there is a continuum of hydraulic strategies among woody plants, there appear to be two distinct ‘behaviors’ at the extremes: (1) embolism prevention and (2) embolism occurrence and subsequent repair.
Trap-to-trap hole transfer studied by radiolysis/EPR. Radical cations in freon and zeolite matrices

Abstract Electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectroscopy was used to assess the positive charge distribution in irradiated solid samples containing mixtures of donor molecules. The relative trap populations were determined from the EPR intensities of the respective radical cations of the olefinic donors. The occurrence of trap-to-trap hole transfer was examined as a function of the donor pair, donor concentration, and matrix. Three matrices were studied: CF 3 CCl 3 , CFCl 3 , and ZSM5 zeolite. The concentration dependence of the final charge distributions in some cases reflected the occurrence of resonant charge transfer. Surprising differences between CF 3 CCl 3 and CFCl 3 are explained by differences in matrix chemistry. The radiolysis/EPR technique applied to double-loaded zeolites serves as a method of probing the intracrystalline adsorption distributions and mobilities of guest species in zeolites.
Dependence of hardness on modulation amplitude in electrodeposited Cu-Ni compositionally modulated thin films

Compositionally modulated metallic and ceramic thin films have displayed a variety of interesting and often enhanced mechanical properties. A variety of theories have been offered to model the hardening mechanisms in thin layered and compositionally modulated structures. In this paper, an experimental study of the hardness dependence on the composition modulation amplitude of electrodeposited Cu-Ni multilayered thin films is presented. The amplitude was reduced by annealing the films, resulting in interdiffusion between the layers. The hardness enhancement over that for a completely intermixed film was measured as a function of composition modulation amplitude A. It was found that for films with a sine wave composition profile, the hardness enhancement [Delta]H varied as A[sup 1.1[+-]0.1], in good agreement with the model given by Krzanowski. In addition, a film with sharper interfaces displayed a more dramatic decrease in [Delta]H as the film was annealed and the interfaces became more diffuse. While the experimental results presented here are consistent with a model based on image force effects, they may also be explained by other mechanisms.
A trading mechanism contingent on several indices

We introduce a trading mechanism where the execution of an order on a security can be made contingent on the relation between the clearing price of the security and the clearing price of one or several indices. A mechanism similar to ours, but limited to only one index, was implemented on the Tel Aviv Stock Exchange. We argue that it is in some cases crucial to make the execution of an order contingent on several indices. Our mechanism consists of a particular implementation of a double-sided multi-unit combinatorial auction with substitutes (or DMCS auction), which we introduced in an earlier article.
Gay Naming in Online Gaming

This essay analyzes the naming strategies of gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) gamers and their allies in massively multiplayer online games. The name choices for their characters and for the groups to which their characters belong are informed by game developers’ policies on acceptable and unacceptable language, symbols, and phrases commonly associated with LGBT cultures, and commonplace online hostility toward sexual minorities. These factors often result in creative naming strategies to negotiate the conflicting desire for both openness and protective concealment within the public spaces of online gaming.
Crystallization of belladonna mottle virus

Abstract Belladonna mottle virus belongs to the turnip yellows mosaic virus group of the small spherical plant viruses. It contains 180 protein subunits, which are arranged in a T = 3 icosahedral surface lattice. The top and bottom viral components crystallize isomorphously in hexagonal space group R 3 ( a = b = 296 A , c = 729 A ). The unit cell contains three virus particles, while the crystallographic asymmetric unit consists of only one-third of a particle. X-ray diffraction data from the crystals extend to at least 3.8 A resolution.
Electrical Engineering at the Crossroads

The rapid growth of computer sciences is presenting electrical engineering with a serious problem. Should electrical engineering departments adapt their curricula to meet the special needs of computer engineers and scientists or should they leave the field to computer science departments? An argument is made in favor of establishing special programs in computer sciences within electrical engineering, and a new curriculum in electrical engineering at Berkeley, which includes such a program, is outlined.
QEPAS based ppb-level detection of CO and N2O using a high power CW DFB-QCL

An ultra-sensitive and selective quartz-enhanced photoacoustic spectroscopy (QEPAS) sensor platform was demonstrated for detection of carbon monoxide (CO) and nitrous oxide (N2O). This sensor used a state-of-the art 4.61 μm high power, continuous wave (CW), distributed feedback quantum cascade laser (DFB-QCL) operating at 10°C as the excitation source. For the R(6) CO absorption line, located at 2169.2 cm−1, a minimum detection limit (MDL) of 1.5 parts per billion by volume (ppbv) at atmospheric pressure was achieved with a 1 sec acquisition time and the addition of 2.6% water vapor concentration in the analyzed gas mixture. For the N2O detection, a MDL of 23 ppbv was obtained at an optimum gas pressure of 100 Torr and with the same water vapor content of 2.6%. In both cases the presence of water vapor increases the detected CO and N2O QEPAS signal levels as a result of enhancing the vibrational-translational relaxation rate of both target gases. Allan deviation analyses were performed to investigate the long term performance of the CO and N2O QEPAS sensor systems. For the optimum data acquisition time of 500 sec a MDL of 340 pptv and 4 ppbv was obtained for CO and N2O detection, respectively. To demonstrate reliable and robust operation of the QEPAS sensor a continuous monitoring of atmospheric CO and N2O concentration levels for a period of 5 hours were performed.
A cell surface glycoprotein virus inhibitor that is not interferon.

Abstract The possible relationship between a newly isolated glycoprotein virus inhibitor and interferon was assessed. Comparisons of the cell surface glycopeptide, obtained from mouse cerebral cortex, and interferon included antiviral activity, radioimmune assays, and the ability of antibodies raised against the brain cell surface glycoprotein (BCSG) and against mouse L cell interferon to precipitate the biological activity. BCSG was able to inhibit virus replication but only in a transient fashion. Although anti-BCSG precipitated a major portion of the radiolabelled inhibitor in a double antibody assay, anti-mouse interferon did not. Over 90% of the inhibitory activity was removed with anti-BCSG and Staphylococcus protein A while anti-mouse interferon removed little, or none, of the activity under similar reaction conditions. Other properties of the BCSG that distinguish it from interferon are presented.
Induction of apoptosis by Shiga toxins

Shiga toxins comprise a family of structurally and functionally related protein toxins expressed by Shigella dysenteriae serotype 1 and multiple serotypes of Escherichia coli. While the capacity of Shiga toxins to inhibit protein synthesis by catalytic inactivation of eukaryotic ribosomes has been well described, it is also apparent that Shiga toxins trigger apoptosis in many cell types. This review presents evidence that Shiga toxins induce apoptosis of epithelial, endothelial, leukocytic, lymphoid and neuronal cells. Apoptotic signaling pathways activated by the toxins are reviewed with an emphasis on signaling mechanisms that are shared among different cell types. Data suggesting that Shiga toxins induce apoptosis through the endoplasmic reticulum stress response and clinical evidence demonstrating apoptosis in humans infected with Shiga toxin-producing bacteria are briefly discussed. The potential for use of Shiga toxins to induce apoptosis in cancer cells is briefly reviewed.
Gabapentin associated with aggressive behavior in pediatric patients with seizures

Gabapentin (GBP) is a new antiepileptic drug (AED) approved for adjunctive treatment of complex partial seizures with or without seizures secondarily generalization in adults. We report 2 children who received GBP for intractable seizures and who developed intolerable aggressive behavior requiring dose reduction or drug discontinuation. Behavioral changes should be recognized as a possible side effect of GBP, especially in mentally retarded children.
Linear and nonlinear stiffness and friction in biological rhythmic movements

Biological rhythmic movements can be viewed as instances of self-sustained oscillators. Auto-oscillatory phenomena must involve a nonlinear friction function, and usually involve a nonlinear elastic function. With respect to rhythmic movements, the question is: What kinds of nonlinear friction and elastic functions are involved? The nonlinear friction functions of the kind identified by Rayleigh (involving terms such as $$\dot \theta ^3 $$ ) and van der Pol (involving terms such as $$\theta ^2 \dot \theta $$ ), and the nonlinear elastic functions identified by Duffing (involving terms such as $$\theta ^3 $$ ), constitute elementary nonlinear components for the assembling of self-sustained oscillators. Recently, additional elementary nonlinear friction and stiffness functions expressed, respectively, through terms such as $$\theta ^2 \dot \theta ^3 $$ and $$\theta \dot \theta ^2 $$ , and a methodology for evaluating the contribution of the elementary components to any given cyclic activity have been identified. The methodology uses a quantification of the continuous deviation of oscillatory motion from ideal (harmonic) motion. Multiple regression of this quantity on the elementary linear and nonlinear terms reveals the individual contribution of each term to the oscillator's non-harmonic behavior. In the present article the methodology was applied to the data from three experiments in which human subjects produced pendular rhythmic movements under manipulations of rotational inertia (experiment 1), rotational inertia and frequency (experiment 2), and rotational inertia and amplitude (experiment 3). The analysis revealed that the pendular oscillators assembled in the three experiments were compositionally rich, braiding linear and nonlinear friction and elastic functions in a manner that depended on the nature of the task.
Statistical and sampling issues when using multiple particle tracking

Video microscopy can be used to simultaneously track several microparticles embedded in a complex material. The trajectories are used to extract a sample of displacements at random locations in the material. From this sample, averaged quantities characterizing the dynamics of the probes are calculated to evaluate structural and/or mechanical properties of the assessed material. However, the sampling of measured displacements in heterogeneous systems is singular because the volume of observation with video microscopy is finite. By carefully characterizing the sampling design in the experimental output of the multiple particle tracking technique, we derive estimators for the mean and variance of the probes' dynamics that are independent of the peculiar statistical characteristics. We expose stringent tests of these estimators using simulated and experimental complex systems with a known heterogeneous structure. Up to a certain fundamental limitation, which we characterize through a material degree of sampling by the embedded probe tracking, these estimators can be applied to quantify the heterogeneity of a material, providing an original and intelligible kind of information on complex fluid properties. More generally, we show that the precise assessment of the statistics in the multiple particle tracking output sample of observations is essential in order to provide accurate unbiased measurements.
Synthetic Surfaces as Models for Biomineralization Substrates

Polyethylene and oxide substrates were derivatized with functional groups commonly associated with biomineralization substrates. These groups include carboxylate, phosphate, hydroxy, sulfonate, thiol, and amine. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and contact angle wetting were used to identify and characterize the products at each step. The efficacy of these groups toward inducing mineralization will be compared with naturally occurring substrates. 10 refs., 5 figs.
Fire regime changes in La Michilía Biosphere Reserve, Durango, Mexico

Abstract: The ability of reserves to maintain natural ecosystem processes such as fire disturbance regimes is central to long-term conservation. Fire-scarred tree samples were used to reconstruct fire regimes at five study sites totaling approximately 230 ha in pine ( Pinus spp.) and oak (Quercus spp.) forests of La Michilia Biosphere Reserve on the dry east slope of the Sierra Madre Occidental, Durango, Mexico. Study sites covered a 20-km environmental gradient of elevation, topography, and human land uses. Plant communities ranged from oak-pine to mixed conifer forests. Fires were frequent at all sites prior to 1930, when large-scale grazing of domestic livestock was initiated. Widespread fires have been excluded from four of the five sites since 1945, with an essentially uninterrupted regime of frequent fires continuing only in the reserve core. Xeric sites had many, smaller fires, whereas mesic sites had fewer but larger fires. On a reserve-wide scale, a fire burned on at least one site nearly every year, usually in the dry spring or early summer season, but fire years were rarely synchronous among the sites. Fire occurrence was weakly related to the Southern Oscillation climate pattern; major reserve-wide fire years almost never coincided with wet Southern Oscillation extremes but only occasionally matched dry extremes. Maintenance of the long-term frequent-fire regime in the reserve core is one indicator that the biosphere reserve model has been successful in conserving natural processes, but the protected area is small ( 7000 ha). Because of the key role of frequent-fire regimes in regulating ecosystem structure and function, restoration of the ecological role of fire disturbance is a desirable conservation strategy.
Probing the surface structure of divalent transition metals using surface specific solid-state NMR spectroscopy

Environmental and geochemical systems containing paramagnetic species could benefit by using nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy due to the sensitivity of the spectral response to small amounts paramagnetic interactions. In this study, we apply commonly used solid-state NMR spectroscopic methods combined with chemometrics analysis to probe sorption behavior of the paramagnetic cations Cu 2+ and Ni 2+ at the amorphous silica surface. We exploit the unique properties of paramagnets to derive meaningful structural information in these systems at low, environmentally relevant cation surface loadings by comparing the NMR response of sorption samples to paramagnetic free samples. These data suggest that a simple sorption model where the cation sorbs as inner sphere complexes at negatively charged, deprotonated silanol sites is appropriate. These results help constrain sorption models that are used to describe metal fate and transport.
New targets of high-density lipoprotein therapy

PURPOSE OF REVIEW Increasing attention has focused on the development of therapeutic strategies to promote the biologic activity of HDL particles, which possess a number of functional properties that contribute to their role in cardioprotection. Currently available therapies raise levels of HDL-cholesterol by relatively modest amounts. This review describes experimental strategies that promote HDL activity. RECENT FINDINGS The functional quality of HDL may be more important than the absolute level of HDL-cholesterol found in the systemic circulation. This is supported by the observation that small rises in HDL-cholesterol with current therapies is associated with clinical benefit. This has major implications for the development of new therapies. A number of therapeutic strategies have been developed that promote reverse cholesterol transport, inhibit inflammatory events in the vessel wall, and modify remodeling of HDL particles within the systemic circulation. SUMMARY A number of emerging therapies appear to promote the biologic activity of HDL. These agents can be administered as acute infusions in the setting of acute ischemic syndromes or as oral therapy for chronic prevention of cardiovascular disease.
Low power battery supervisory circuit with adaptive battery health monitor

We propose a battery supervisory circuit (BSC) for wireless sensor nodes that automatically adapts to varying battery health, as reflected by its internal resistance (R BAT ), and establishes a constant effective threshold voltage. Compared to a conventional fixed-threshold BSC, the new design avoids oscillation and widens the usable range of battery voltages, independent of R BAT . R BAT is measured by inducing a test current using decaps and measuring the resulting battery RC response time. When tested with a 2μAh battery and 11μA sensor system, the BSC reduces the required hysteresis from 656mV to 77mV, increasing the usable battery voltage range by 2.7×.
Modeling the response of dual cross-linked nanoparticle networks to mechanical deformation

We develop a hybrid computational model for the behavior of a network of cross-linked polymer-grafted nanoparticles (PGNs). The individual nanoparticles are composed of a rigid core and a corona of grafted polymers that encompass reactive end groups. With the overlap of the coronas on adjacent particles, the reactive end groups can form permanent or labile bonds, which lead to the formation of a “dual cross-linked” network. To capture these multi-scale interactions, our approach integrates the essential structural features of the polymer grafted nanoparticles, the interactions between the overlapping coronas, and the kinetics of bond formation and rupture between the reactive groups on the chain ends. Via this model, we determine the tensile properties of the dual cross-linked samples. We find that the mechanical behavior of the network can be tailored by altering the bond energies of the labile bonds, the fraction of permanent bonds in the network and the thickness of the polymer corona. In particular, for a network with weaker labile bonds, an increase in fraction of permanent bonds and the contour length of the chain can yield a tough network that behaves like a polymeric material, which exhibits cold drawing/necking. On the other hand, similar changes to the network with stronger labile bonds lead to an increase in toughness, with the network characteristics being similar to that of a purely ductile material. Variations in the ratio between the strain rate and the bond rupture rate are also found to affect the response of the networks. Our model provides a powerful approach for predicting how critical features of the system affect the performance of cross-linked polymer-grafted nanoparticles.
Presumed primary immune-mediated thrombocytopenia in four cats

Feline primary immune-mediated thrombocytopenia (pIMT) is a rare hematological disorder. Platelet-bound antibody assays for cats have variable specificity and sensitivity and are not widely available. Diagnosis of pIMT is made on the basis of exclusion of other identifiable causes of thrombocytopenia and the response to immunosuppressive therapy. This report describes four cats with severe thrombocytopenia and no detectable underlying disease. One cat was euthanased because of pulmonary hemorrhage, while the other cats had frequent relapses, two of these cats developed diabetes mellitus due to long-term corticosteroid therapy. In these cats IMT had a chronic course and responded poorly to therapy with prednisolone. Alternative immunomodulatory drugs may be considered in the treatment of feline IMT.
Ti-BEARING PHASES IN THE HUBER FORMATION, AN EAST GEORGIA KAOLIN DEPOSIT

Six kaolin samples from the Lower Tertiary Huber Formation near Wrens, Georgia were analyzed using transmission electron microscopy (TEM), electron diffraction (ED), powder X-ray dif- fraction (XRD), chemical analysis, and magnetic susceptibility to characterize the Ti-bearing phases. Selected samples were treated with 5 M NaOH to remove kaolinite and concentrate the Ti-bearing phases for additional analysis. TiO 2 content in the bulk fraction ranges from 1.2 to 5.4 wt. %. There are at least three Ti-bearing phases, including anatase, ruffle, and a poorly defined nanocrystalline form. Anatase is most abundant and is commonly found with {010} faces in association with kaolinite edge and basal faces. The nanocrystalline form occurs at 0-1 wt. %, and ruffle occurs in trace amounts. Bulk XRD analysis correlates well with the bulk TiO2 chemical measurements. Average anatase unit-cell parameters are a = 0.37908 -+ 0.0002 nm and c = 0.951 +_ 0.001 nm. These parameters indicate an approximate chemical formula of Fe3+0.05Ti4+0.95Oi.95(OH)0.05. The distribution of TiO2 content as a function of depth may be useful to obtain original grain-slze variations associated with relative sea-level changes responsible for the deposition of the Huber Formation. Evidence for original depositional sediment properties can be seen in the occurrence of pseudomorphic replacement of micas and fecal pellets by kaolinite. Additional evidence for post-depositional changes includes the sub-micrometer euhedral character and low Fe content of the anatase (relative to soil-derived anatase). These observations for the Hnber Formation are consistent with a previously published theory for kaolin genesis that includes biomineralization of originally coarser-grained aluminosilieates into a kaolinite-rich ore body.