cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
GALEX Ultraviolet Imaging of Dwarf Galaxies and Star Formation

We present ultraviolet integrated and azimuthally-averaged surface photometric properties of a sample of 44 dIm, BCD, and Sm galaxies measured from archival NUV and FUV images obtained with GALEX. We compare the UV to Halpha and V-band properties and convert FUV, Halpha, and V-band luminosities into star formation rates (SFRs). We also model the star formation history from colors and compare the integrated SFRs and SFR profiles with radius for these methods. In most galaxies, the UV photometry extends beyond Halpha in radius, providing a better measure of the star formation activity in the outer disks. The Halpha appears to be lacking in the outer disk because of faintness in low density gas. The FUV and V-band profiles are continuous with radius, although they sometimes have a kink from a double exponential disk. There is no obvious difference in star formation properties between the inner and outer disks. No disk edges have been observed, even to stellar surface densities as low as 0.1 Msun/pc2 and star formation rates as low as 10^{-4} Msun/yr/kpc2. Galaxies with low HI to luminosity ratios have relatively low FUV compared to V-band emission in the outer parts, suggesting a cessation of star formation there. Galaxies with relatively high HI apparently have fluctuating star formation with a Gyr timescale.
N-acetylcysteine lock solution prevents catheter-associated bacteremia in rabbits.

PURPOSE Indwelling vascular catheters are the most common cause of nosocomial bloodstream infections. One approach to infection prevention is the use of antimicrobial catheter lock solutions, although their widespread use is limited due to concern regarding the emergence of antimicrobial resistance. The primary purpose of this study was to determine the efficacy of N-acetylcysteine (NAC) lock solution in preventing peripheral bacteremia using an in vivo model of catheter-associated infection. METHODS Twenty-four hours after inoculating a clinical isolate of Staphylococcus aureus into the lumen of tunneled external jugular catheters in rabbits, a catheter lock solution that contained NAC vs. heparinized saline alone was allowed to dwell for two consecutive periods of 72 hours. Surveillance peripheral and centrally collected blood cultures were obtained. Distal intravascular segments of the catheters were removed at day 7 and cultured using a sonication method. RESULTS At 7 days after catheter insertion, none of the NAC-treated rabbits (0/8) developed peripheral bacteremia with S. aureus whereas 4/7 controls did (p=0.026). The bacterial yield from catheter tip cultures was not statistically different between the two arms. CONCLUSIONS These promising data encourage further clinical evaluation of an NAC lock solution for prevention of catheter-associated bacteremia in patients.
Asymptotically robust detection in partially contaminated noise

We consider the discrete-time detection of a known time-varying deterministic signal in white noise, where the univariate noise density is known perfectly only on an interval about the origin. We present a method to enhance the asymptotic performance of the detector by exploiting this knowledge, and at the same time preserve robustness properties of the detector to the remaining inexact knowledge of the univariate noise density. We then provide examples to show that improved performance is indeed obtained.
Development of gradient descent adaptive algorithms to remove common mode artifact for improvement of cardiovascular signal quality.

Background: Common-mode noise degrades cardiovascular signal quality and diminishes measurement accuracy. Filtering to remove noise components in the frequency domain often distorts the signal. Method: Two adaptive noise canceling (ANC) algorithms were tested to adjust weighted reference signals for optimal subtraction from a primary signal. Update of weight w was based upon the gradient term of the steepest descent equation: $${\nabla = \partial\xi/\partial w=\partial E[\varepsilon_{\rm k}^{2}]/\partial w_{\rm k}}$$ , where the error ɛ is the difference between primary and weighted reference signals. ∇ was estimated from Δɛ2 and Δw without using a variable Δw in the denominator which can cause instability. The Parallel Comparison (PC) algorithm computed Δɛ2 using fixed finite differences ± Δw in parallel during each discrete time k. The ALOPEX algorithm computed Δɛ2· Δw from time k to k + 1 to estimate ∇, with a random number added to account for Δɛ2 · Δw→ 0 near the optimal weighting. Results: Using simulated data, both algorithms stably converged to the optimal weighting within 50–2000 discrete sample points k even with a SNR = 1:8 and weights which were initialized far from the optimal. Using a sharply pulsatile cardiac electrogram signal with added noise so that the SNR = 1:5, both algorithms exhibited stable convergence within 100 ms (100 sample points). Fourier spectral analysis revealed minimal distortion when comparing the signal without added noise to the ANC restored signal. Conclusions: ANC algorithms based upon difference calculations can rapidly and stably converge to the optimal weighting in simulated and real cardiovascular data. Signal quality is restored with minimal distortion, increasing the accuracy of biophysical measurement.
Custom on-demand and data access services for news merged A-Train data

To simplify access to large and complex satellite data sets for climate analysis and model verification, we developed a web service tool that is used to study long-term and global-scale trends in climate, water and energy cycle, and weather variability. A related NASA Energy and Water Cycle Study (NEWS) task has created a merged NEWS Level 2 data from multiple instruments in NASA's A-Train constellation of satellites. We used this data to enable creation of climatologies that include correlation between observed temperature, water vapor and cloud properties from the A-Train sensors. Instead of imposing on the user an often rigid and limiting web-based analysis environment, we recognize the need for simple and well-designed distributed services so that users can perform analysis in their own familiar computing environments. A Federated OpenSearch capability with full text + space + time search of data products also facilitated interoperability with other data systems.
The dynamics of krypton trapping on Pt(1 1 1) at 50 K: experiment and molecular dynamics simulation

Abstract The dynamics of krypton trapping on clean Pt(1 1 1) were investigated using supersonic molecular beam techniques at a surface temperature of 50 K. The initial trapping probability of Kr scales with normal incident energy (E T cos 2 θ) , indicating a smooth gas–surface potential. The Kr trapping probability decreases from 0.8 to 0 as the incident normal energy is increased from 2 to 23 kJ/mol. Trapping on the krypton-saturated monolayer is greatly enhanced at all incident energies and angles compared to the clean surface, and exhibits near total energy scaling (E T cos 0.3 θ) , indicating a corrugated gas–surface potential. Stochastic trajectory simulations [J. Chem. Phys. 105 (1996) 1609] using a Morse potential with parameters based on simulations of Ar trapping [J. Chem. Phys. 94 (1991) 1516] agree with the experimentally measured energy and angular dependence of the trapping probability of Kr.
Differences between COMPUSTAT and CRSP SIC codes and related effects on research

Abstract Differences between SIC codes assigned to companies by COMPUSTAT and CRSP are examined. Large differences are observed at two-, three-, and four-digit levels. Correlations of intra-industry monthly stock returns are larger, and variances of intra-industry financial ratios are smaller for industries based on COMPUSTAT codes. Replication of a portion of Freeman and Tse (1992) produces significant results using COMPUSTAT codes, consistent with the original research, but insignificant results for CRSP codes.
Atomic radial integrals and a use of O(2,1) transformation

We study the finite transformation of the O(2,1) group associated with hydrogenic radial functions, and with its aid we evaluate atomic integrals $\ensuremath{\int}{0}^{\ensuremath{\infty}}{R}_{\mathrm{ml}}({a}_{m}r){R}_{nl}({a}_{n}r){r}^{\ensuremath{-}1}{e}^{\ensuremath{-}ikr}{r}^{2}\mathrm{dr},$ $\mathrm{Re}(ik+\frac{1}{2}{a}_{m}+\frac{1}{2}{a}_{n})g0,$ $\ensuremath{\int}{0}^{\ensuremath{\infty}}{[{R}_{nl}({a}_{n}r)]}^{2}{r}^{\ensuremath{-}1}sin(\mathrm{kr}){r}^{2}\mathrm{dr},$ $\ensuremath{\int}{0}^{\ensuremath{\infty}}{[{R}_{nl}({a}_{n}r)]}^{2}{r}^{\ensuremath{-}1}cos(\mathrm{kr}){r}^{2}\mathrm{dr},$ $\ensuremath{\int}{0}^{\ensuremath{\infty}}{R}_{\mathrm{ml}}({a}_{m}r){R}_{nl}({a}_{n}r){r}^{2}\mathrm{dr},$ $\ensuremath{\int}{0}^{\ensuremath{\infty}}{R}_{\mathrm{ml}}({a}_{m}r)T{R}_{nl}({a}_{n}r){r}^{2}\mathrm{dr},$ where the functions ${R}_{nl}({a}_{n}r)$ are the hydrogenic radial functions, and the operator $T$ represents the kinetic energy. The scale ${a}_{m}$ for each function can be chosen arbitrarily. Using some of these results, we obtain the two-particle radial integrals $\ensuremath{\int}{0}^{\ensuremath{\infty}}{[{R}_{n{l}_{1}}(a{r}_{1})]}^{2}{({r}_{1}{r}_{2})}^{\ensuremath{-}1}\ensuremath{\delta}({r}_{1}\ensuremath{-}{r}_{2}){[{R}_{n{l}_{2}}(a{r}_{2})]}^{2}{r}_{1}^{2}{r}_{2}^{2}d{r}_{1}d{r}_{2},$ $\ensuremath{\int}{0}^{\ensuremath{\infty}}{[{R}_{n{l}_{1}}(a{r}_{1})]}^{2}{({r}_{g})}^{\ensuremath{-}1}{[{R}_{n{l}_{2}}(a{r}_{2})]}^{2}{r}_{1}^{2}{r}_{2}^{2}d{r}_{1}d{r}_{2}.$
A correlation for the diameter of electrospun polymer nanofibers

A rational method to control morphology of polymer nanofibers produced by electrospinning is developed using dimensional analysis of the electrospinning process. The analysis is validated against data sets from the literature, which provides an empirical correlation between fiber size, controllable operating conditions, and measurable spinning solution properties. A stable jet operating regime is identified for which scaling of dimensionless groups is presented. Deviations from this scaling are qualitatively consistent with capillary instability of the electrospinning jet, for which a beaded fiber morphology is obtained. The results provide criteria for designing and controlling electrospinning of polymer solutions and resulting nanofiber morphology. © 2006 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 2007
Images of not Lindelöf spaces and their squares

Abstract If X is not Lindelof and either X is locally compact or some closed A in X satisfies d ( A ) L ( A ), then X 2 has a not realcompact continuous image. If X is locally Lindelof but not Lindelof or if X is not linearly Lindelof then either X 2 has a not realcompact continuous image or some closed subspace of X maps continuously onto a regular uncountable cardinal. If X is either locally Lindelof or not linearly Lindelof and X is normal, then X 2 has a not realcompact continuous image.
Food Reward-Induced Neurotransmitter Changes in Cognitive Brain Regions

Recent evidence indicates that mechanisms involved in reward and mechanisms involved in learning interact, in that reward includes learning processes and learning includes reward processes. In spite of such interactions, reward and learning represent distinct functions. In the present study, as part of an examination of the differences in learning and reward mechanisms, it was assumed that food principally affects reward mechanisms. After a brief period of fasting, we assayed the release of three neurotransmitters and their associated metabolites in eight brain areas associated with learning and memory as a response to feeding. Using microdialysis for the assay, we found changes in the hippocampus, cortex, amygdala, and the thalamic nucleus, (considered cognitive areas), in addition to those in the nucleus accumbens and ventral tegmental area (considered reward areas). Extracellular dopamine levels increased in the nucleus accumbens, ventral tegmental area, amygdala, and thalamic nucleus, while they decreased in the hippocampus and prefrontal cortex. Dopamine metabolites increased in all areas tested (except the dorsal hippocampus); changes in norepinephrine varied with decreases in the accumbens, dorsal hippocampus, amygdala, and thalamic nucleus, and increases in the prefrontal cortex; serotonin levels decreased in all the areas tested; although its metabolite 5HIAA increased in two regions (the medial temporal cortex, and thalamic nucleus). Our assays indicate that in reward activities such as feeding, in addition to areas usually associated with reward such as the mesolimbic dopamine system, other areas associated with cognition also participate. Results also indicate that several transmitter systems play a part, with several neurotransmitters and several receptors involved in the response to food in a number of brain structures, and the changes in transmitter levels may be affected by metabolism and transport in addition to changes in release in a regionally heterogeneous manner. Food reward represents a complex pattern of changes in the brain that involve cognitive processes. Although food reward elements overlap with other reward systems sharing some neurotransmitter compounds, it significantly differs indicating a specific reward to process for food consumption. Like in other rewards, both learning and cognitive areas play a significant part in food reward.
High risk of HIV-related mortality is associated with selenium deficiency

To determine the independent contribution of specific immunologic and nutritional factors on survival in HIV-1 disease, CD4 cell count, antiretroviral treatment, plasma levels of vitamins A, E, B6, and B12 and minerals selenium and zinc were considered in relation to relative risk for HIV-related mortality. Immune parameters and nutrients known to affect immune function were evaluated at 6-month intervals in 125 HIV-1-seropositive drug-using men and women in Miami, FL, over 3.5 years. A total of 21 of the HIV-1-infected participants died of HIV-related causes during the 3.5-year longitudinal study. Subclinical malnutrition (i.e., overly low levels of prealbumin, relative risk [RR] = 4.01, p < 0.007), deficiency of vitamin A (RR = 3.23, p < 0.03), vitamin B12 deficiency (RR = 8.33, p < 0.009), zinc deficiency (RR = 2.29.1, p < 0.04), and selenium deficiency (RR = 19.9, p < 0.0001) over time, but not zidovudine treatment, were shown to each be associated with HIV-1-related mortality independent of CD4 cell counts <200/mm3 at baseline, and CD4 counts over time. When all factors that could affect survival, including CD4 counts <200/mm3 at baseline, CD4 levels over time, and nutrient deficiencies were considered jointly, only CD4 counts over time (RR = 0.69, p < 0.04) and selenium deficiency (RR = 10.8, p < 0.002) were significantly associated with mortality. These results indicate that selenium deficiency is an independent predictor of survival for those with HIV-1 infection.
Human Translocation Liposarcoma-CCAAT/Enhancer Binding Protein (C/EBP) Homologous Protein (TLS-CHOP) Oncoprotein Prevents Adipocyte Differentiation by Directly Interfering with C/EBPβ Function

Human translocation liposarcoma (TLS)-CCAAT/enhancer binding protein (C/EBP) homologous protein (CHOP) is a fusion oncoprotein found specifically in a malignant tumor of adipose tissue and results from a t(12;16) translocation that fuses the amino-terminal part of TLS to the entire coding region of CHOP. Being that CHOP is a member of the C/EBP transcription factor family, proteins that comprise part of the adipocyte differentiation machinery, we examined whether TLS-CHOP blocked adipocyte differentiation by directly interfering with C/EBP function. Using a single-step retroviral infection protocol, either wild-type or mutant TLS-CHOP were co-expressed along with C/EBPβ in naive NIH3T3 cells, and their ability to inhibit C/EBPβ-driven adipogenesis was determined. TLS-CHOP was extremely effective at blocking adipocyte differentiation when expressed at a level comparable to that observed in human myxoid liposarcoma. This effect of TLS-CHOP required a functional leucine zipper domain and correlated with its ability to heterodimerize with C/EBPβ and inhibit C/EBPβ DNA binding and transactivation activityin situ. In contrast, the TLS-CHOP basic region was dispensable, making it unlikely that the inhibitory effect of TLS-CHOP is attributable to unscheduled gene expression resulting from TLS-CHOP's putative transactivation activity. Another adipogenic transcription factor, PPARγ2, was able to rescue TLS-CHOP-inhibited cells, indicating that TLS-CHOP interferes primarily with C/EBPβ-driven adipogenesis and not with other requisite events of the adipocyte differentiation program. Together, the results demonstrate that TLS-CHOP blocks adipocyte differentiation by directly preventing C/EBPβ from binding to and transactivating its target genes. Moreover, they provide strong support for the thesis that a blockade to normal differentiation is an important aspect of the cancer process.
Does Sex Encourage Commitment? The Impact of Candidate Choices on the Time-to-Decision

The sex of a congressional candidate can influence voting choices, but does candidate sex also influence the timing of those choices? This paper examines that question in light of other information that voters weigh in making their decisions. Using a national survey from the 2006 election, and a unique dataset of political informants, we find that the sex of the candidate conveys ideological information that permits voters to make swifter judgments. Additionally, it reduces the probability of a delayed decision by supplying information helpful to the choice between candidates—even in the absence of ideology. In fact, the impact of candidate sex rivals other variables that are traditionally used to explain the time-to-decision. Consistent with the literature on sex stereotypes, we find a stronger influence for Democratic than Republican female candidates.
Metabolism and properties of 3-methoxy-4-hydroxyphenylpyruvate; a metabolite of dihydroxyphenylalanine

Abstract The pathway of 3,4-dihydroxyphenylalanine undergoing metabolism via transamination and subsequent oxidative rearrangement to 2,4,5-trihydroxyphenylacetate was investigated. 3-Methoxytyrosine does not pursue an identical course, since its corresponding keto acid is not subject to action of p -hydroxyphenylpyruvate hydroxylase. The radiochemical synthesis of 3-methoxy-4-hydroxy[ carboxy - 14 C]pyruvate was accomplished. This metabolite was used to demonstrate that this keto acid does not proceed through oxidative rearrangement both in vitro and in vivo. The keto acid was found to be a competitive inhibitor of the hydroxylase and can help account for some of the metabolites observed in the urine of patients treated with 3,4-dihyroxyphenylalanine.
An assessment of the near-surface accuracy of the international geomagnetic reference field 1980 model of the main geomagnetic field

Abstract The new International Geomagnetic Reference Field (IGRF) model of the main geomagnetic field for 1980 is based heavily on measurements from the MAGSAT satellite survey. Assessment of the accuracy of the new model, as a description of the main field near the Earth's surface, is important because the accuracy of models derived from satellite data can be adversely affected by the magnetic field of electric currents in the ionosphere and the auroral zones. Until now, statements about its accuracy have been based on the 6 published assessments of the 2 proposed models from which it was derived. However, those assessments were either regional in scope or were based mainly on preliminary or extrapolated data. Here we assess the near-surface accuracy of the new model by comparing it with values for 1980 derived from annual means from 69 magnetic observatories, and by comparing it with WC80, a model derived from near-surface data. The comparison with observatory-derived data shows that the new model describes the field at the 69 observatories about as accurately as would a model derived solely from near-surface data. The comparison with WC80 shows that the 2 models agree closely in their description of D and I near the surface. These comparisons support the proposition that the new IGRF 1980 main-field model is a generally accurate description of the main field near the Earth's surface in 1980.
High-affinity RNA Aptamers Against the HIV-1 Protease Inhibit Both In Vitro Protease Activity and Late Events of Viral Replication

HIV-1 aspartyl protease (PR) plays a key role in virion morphogenesis, underscoring the effectiveness of protease inhibitors (PI). Despite their utility, side effects and drug-resistance remains a problem. We report the development of RNA aptamers as inhibitors of HIV-1 PR for potential use in anti-HIV gene therapy. Employing Systematic Evolution of Ligands by Exponential Enrichment (SELEX), we isolated four unique families of anti-HIV-1 PR RNA aptamers displaying moderate binding affinities (Kd = 92–140 nmol/l) and anti-PR inhibitory activity (Kis = 138–647 nmol/l). Second-generation RNA aptamers selected from partially randomized pools based on two of the aptamer sequences displayed striking enhancements in binding (Kds = 2–22 nmol/l) and inhibition (Kis = 31–49 nmol/l). The aptamers were specific in that they did not bind either the related HIV-2 protease, or the cellular aspartyl protease, Cathepsin D. Site-directed mutagenesis of a second-generation aptamer to probe the predicted secondary structure indicated that the stem-loops SL2 and SL3 and the stem P1 were essential for binding and that only the 3'-most 17 nucleotides were dispensable. Anti-PR aptamers inhibited HIV replication in vitro and the degree of inhibition was higher for second-generation aptamers with greater affinity and the inhibition was abrogated for a nonbinding aptamer variant.
Documenting Productive-Reproductive Processes in Children's Lives: Transition Narratives of a Black Family Living in Poverty.

Transition narratives from a black family living in poverty illustrate key concepts of the interpretive approach to socialization and demonstrate the need for longitudinal ethnographic studies of productive-reproductive processes in children's lives.
The Effect of Opportunity Cost and Hawkishness on Protests in Occupied Regions

This paper examines how the opportunity costs of the leader of a national protest movement and the intrinsic hawkishness or pacifism of the occupier affect the nature of the movement against occupation. The characteristics of the population residing in the occupied region, the nature of punishment that is being meted out to the protestors, and the structure of enforcement costs that lead to these outcomes are discussed in the paper.
High‐yield 3.55‐GHz repetition rate monolithic mode‐locked semiconductor lasers

A monolithic model-locked semiconductor laser was demonstrated with a repetition rate of 3.55 GHz and a pulse width of 14.6 ps. The relative timing jitter was 490 fs, low enough for multiple-source time-division multiplexing. A single six-element array was fabricated with a 6.7-cm total waveguide length. Device yields for monolithic devices are analyzed. © 1995 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
A Post-Soviet Subject in Uzbekistan: Islam, Rights, Gender and Other Desires

I met Hafiza-opa Nasrulloh in November 2002 in her apartment in Tashkent, the capital of the Republic of Uzbekistan, a Central Asian country which became independent from the Soviet Union in 1991.2 This was our first and last meeting. Hafiza-opa died in a car crash in December of that year. At that long meeting, Hafiza-opa self-identified as a defender of women’s rights, a devout Muslim, a traditionalist, and a democrat advocating a multiparty system and freedom of expression and choice. She harshly criticized the existing Uzbek state. In her opinion, this state was corrupt and authoritarian. Hafiza-opa argued that since Uzbekistan’s independence from the Soviet Union, the state, despite its claims to uphold democratic values, is ruled by an excommunist elite that has not allowed freedom of expression or
Evaluation of Arachis Species and Interspecific Tetraploid Lines for Resistance to Aflatoxin Production by Aspergillus flavus

Abstract Anatoxins are carcinogenic and extremely toxic secondary metabolites produced primarily by two fungi, Aspergillus flavus Link ex Fries and A. parasiticus Speare. Elimination of aflatoxin contamination in peanut (Arachis hypogaea L.) is a high priority of the peanut industry. Resistant cultivars should be an effective and low-cost part of an integrated aflatoxin management program. To date, no cultivated peanut has been reported with stable high levels of resistance to aflatoxin production. Arachis species and interspecific tetraploid lines have been evaluated for resistance to several peanut diseases and insect pests, and highly resistant accessions have been reported. Seven accessions of A. cardenasii Krapov. and W.C. Gregory, 29 of A. duranensis Krapov. and W.C. Gregory, and 17 interspecific tetraploid lines derived from A. hypogaea × A. cardenasii were inoculated with A. flavus strain NRRL 3357 and analyzed for aflatoxin content after incubation. On average, A. duranensis and A. cardenasii acc...
Pinch‐out style and position of tidally influenced strata in a regressive–transgressive wave‐dominated deltaic sandbody, Twentymile Sandstone, Mesaverde Group, NW Colorado

The Upper Cretaceous Twentymile Sandstone of the Mesaverde Group in NW Colorado, USA, has been analysed with respect to its pinch-out style and the stratigraphic position of tidally influenced facies within the sandstone tongue. Detailed sedimentological analysis has revealed that the Twentymile Sandstone as a whole is a deltaic shoreface sandstone tongue up to 50 m thick proximally. Facies change character vertically from very fine-grained, storm wave-dominated shelf sandstones and mudstones to fine-grained, wave-dominated sandstones and, finally, to fine- to coarse-grained tidally dominated sandstones. The pinch-out style is characterized by a basinward splitting of the massive proximal sandbody into seven coarsening-upward fourth-order sequences consisting of a lower shaly part and an upper sandy part (sandstone tongue). These are stacked overall to reflect the regressive-to-transgressive development of the tongue. Each of the lower sandstone tongues 1–3 are gradationally based, very fine-grained and dominated by hummocky cross-stratification and were deposited on the lower to upper shoreface. Sandstone tongues 4 and 5 prograded further basinwards than the underlying tongues, are erosively based, fine- to coarse-grained and mainly hummocky, herringbone and trough cross-stratified. Especially in tongue 5, tidal indicators, such as bipolar foresets and double mud drapes, are common. These tongues were deposited as upper shoreface and tidal channel sandstones respectively. Sandstone tongues 6 and 7 retrograded in relation to tongue 5, are very fine- to fine-grained and hummocky cross-stratified. These tongues were deposited in lower shoreface to offshore transition environments. The two lower fourth-order sequences were deposited during normal regressions during slowly rising or stable relative sea level and represent the highstand systems tract. The three succeeding fourth-order sequences, which show succeedingly increasing evidence of tidal influence, were deposited during falling and lowstand of relative sea level and represent the falling stage (forced regressive) and lowstand systems tracts. The uppermost two fourth-order sequences were deposited during rapidly rising sea level in the transgressive systems tract. The maximum tidal influence occurred during lowstand progradation, in contrast to most other published examples reporting maximum tidal influence during transgression.
Primary folding dynamics of sperm whale apomyoglobin: core formation.

The structure, thermodynamics, and kinetics of heat-induced unfolding of sperm whale apomyoglobin core formation have been studied. The most rudimentary core is formed at pH* 3.0 and up to 60 mM NaCl. Steady state for ultraviolet circular dichroism and fluorescence melting studies indicate that the core in this acid-destabilized state consists of a heterogeneous composition of structures of ∼26 residues, two-thirds of the number involved for horse heart apomyoglobin under these conditions. Fluorescence temperature-jump relaxation studies show that there is only one process involved in Trp burial. This occurs in 20 μs for a 7° jump to 52°C, which is close to the limits placed by diffusion on folding reactions. However, infrared temperature jump studies monitoring native helix burial are biexponential with times of 5 μs and 56 μs for a similar temperature jump. Both fluorescence and infrared fast phases are energetically favorable but the slow infrared absorbance phase is highly temperature-dependent, indicating a substantial enthalpic barrier for this process. The kinetics are best understood by a multiple-pathway kinetics model. The rapid phases likely represent direct burial of one or both of the Trp residues and parts of the G- and H-helices. We attribute the slow phase to burial and subsequent rearrangement of a misformed core or to a collapse having a high energy barrier wherein both Trps are solvent-exposed.
Social Science Hubris? A Review of Lindblom and Cohen's Usable Knowledge

The specific focus of the inquiry is the social science research used, or aimed at use, by government, business, or anyone who tries to ameliorate or solve a "social problem." The term covers anything from a minor business decision to the broad problems of society; the research put to such use may range from the thoughts of "seminal minds" (Adam Smith, Karl Marx) to custom-designed studies for special uses in the marketplace or the political sphere. This is an interesting, tersely written book, full of stimulating insights about the many imperfections of the body of social science research, some of them avoidable, some not. With some regret, therefore, I find that the authors' main thesis about what stands in the way of more usable social science research does not come to grips with the problem they want to cure, and I am not even sure that the problem they claim to see is real. The authors raise three main criticisms. Social scientists, they say, too often
Morning-only polyethylene glycol preparation for afternoon colonoscopy is superior to traditional evening-before preparation

Commentary on: S Varughese, AR Kumar, A George, et al.. Morning-only one-gallon polyethylene glycol improves bowel cleansing for afternoon colonoscopies: a randomized endoscopist-blinded prospective study.Am J Gastroenterol2010;105:2368–74.
Prospective, Randomized Trial of Higher Goal Hemoglobin after Subarachnoid Hemorrhage

In patients with subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH), higher hemoglobin (HGB) has been associated with better outcomes, but packed red blood cell (PRBC) transfusions with worse outcomes. We performed a prospective pilot trial of goal HGB after SAH. Forty-four patients with SAH and high risk for vasospasm were randomized to goal HGB concentration of at least 10 or 11.5 g/dl. We obtained blinded clinical outcomes at 14 days (NIH Stroke Scale and modified Rankin Scale, mRS), 28 days (mRS), and 3 months (mRS), and blinded interpretation of brain MRI for cerebral infarction at 14 days. This trial is registered at www.stroketrials.org . Forty-four patients were randomized. Patients with goal HGB 11.5 g/dl received more PRBC units per transfusion [1 (1–2) vs. 1 (1–1), P 0.1 for all). Higher goal hemoglobin in patients with SAH seems to be safe and feasible. A phase III trial of goal HGB after SAH is warranted.
Electronic effects on the rates of coupled two-electron/halide self-exchange reactions of substituted ruthenocenes.

The complexes (MemCp)(MenCp)Ru (m,n = 1,1; 0,4; 0,5; 1,5) have been synthesized along with the corresponding halometalloceniums [(MemCp)(MenCp)RuX]+ (X = Cl, Br, I). The two-electron/halide transfer self-exchange kinetics have been determined and compared to those of the Cp2Ru/[Cp2RuX]+ parent system. Methylation decreases the rate of exchange monotonically, and plots of ln(kex) vs number of methyl groups are linear for constant X. It is concluded that steric effects do not contribute significantly to the observed kinetics. Thermodynamic studies of halide substitution equilibria support the conclusion that the electronic effects of methylation are essentially additive.
Emotional adjustment in survivors of sexual assault living with HIV‐AIDS

This study examined history of sexual assault in 357 men and women living with HIV-AIDS. Participants completed measures of demographic characteristics, sexual assault history, emotional distress and psychiatric symptoms, substance use, and sexual behaviors. Results showed that 68% of women and 35% of men living with HIV-AIDS reported a history of sexual assault since age 15. History of sexual assault was related to history of substance use and mental health treatment. Sexual assault survivors reported greater anxiety, depression, and symptoms of borderline personality and were significantly more likely to report recent unprotected intercourse than persons who had not been sexually assaulted. Results suggest tailoring secondary prevention interventions to meet the needs of HIV-positive survivors of sexual assault.
The application of Chinese medicine to novel drug discovery.

Introduction: The apparent productivity crisis in the pharmaceutical industry and the economic and political rise of China have contributed to renewed interest in the application of Chinese medicine for drug discovery. Areas covered: The author presents an overview of the historical development and basic principles of theory and practice of Chinese herbal medicine, its materia medica and prescription formulas, and discusses the motivation for and rationale of its application to drug discovery. Furthermore, the author distinguishes the five main approaches to drug discovery from Chinese herbal medicine, based on the decreasing amount and detail of historical and clinical Chinese medicine knowledge that informed the research effort. Expert opinion: Many compounds that have been isolated from the Chinese materia medica exhibit pharmacological activities comparable to pharmaceutical drugs. With the exception of the antimalarial drug artemisinin, however, this knowledge has not led to the successful developmen...
Information and communication technology as a motivator for disaffected pupils

Abstract This article reports on a small-scale action research project undertaken by a teacher in a Modern Foreign Languages (MFL) department in a high school. As a department, we wanted to introduce the use of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) in a way that would successfully enhance the teaching and learning process. MFL is not a particularly popular subject in high schools, so as part of the research programme undertaken by schools in the Norwich Area Schools Consortium (NASC) into identifying the nature of pupil disaffection, the author decided to examine how ICT in the MFL classroom could best be used as a motivator for pupils she had identified as being disaffected with language learning, most of whom were boys. The three stages of research are reported and are followed by reflections on the author's and the department's learning, both directly after the research, and then one year later.
Unlocking truths of γ-secretase in Alzheimer’s disease: what is the translational potential?

Considerable evidence, particularly from genetics, points to the aggregation-prone amyloid β-peptide as a pathogenic entity in Alzheimer's disease. Hence, the proteases that produce this peptide from its precursor protein have been prime targets for the development of potential therapeutics. One of these proteases, γ-secretase, has been a particular focus. Many inhibitors and modulators of this membrane-embedded protease complex have been identified, with some brought into late-stage clinical trials, where they have spectacularly failed. The reasons for these failures will be discussed, along with recent findings on the mechanism of γ-secretase and of Alzheimer-causing mutations that may suggest new strategies for targeting this enzyme.
Perilla Ketone: A Potent Lung Toxin from the Mint Plant, Perilla frutescens Britton

Perilla ketone, from the essential oil of Perilla frutescens, is a potent pulmonary edemagenic agent for laboratory animals and livestock. This finding would account for reported effects of the plant on grazing cattle. The use of perilla in oriental foods and medicinal preparations suggests possible hazards to human health as well.
Notices of violation issued to Texas radioactive material licensees inspected in 1995

Notices of violation stemming from the inspection activities of the Texas Department of Health's Bureau of Radiation Control during calendar year 1995 are summarized and characterized. Although eight distinct general categories of radioactive material licenses were included in the analysis, certain general trends were noted, permitting the formulation of an objective list of the ten most frequent violations cited. In order ranked from the most frequent, these include not following operating or safety procedures, radiation surveys not being performed, inadequate personnel monitoring records, instrumentation not used or out of calibration, radioactive material inventories not performed, leak tests not performed, deficiencies in training for industrial uses, inadequate inspection and maintenance of devices, unauthorized users of radioactive material, and incomplete or absent records for receipt or transfer of radioactive material. Although the analysis was limited to a single state, the results can benefit radiation protection quality assurance programs and health physics continuing education efforts by objectively identifying areas commonly cited for being deficient. The results also reiterate the necessity for proper documentation, as at least seven of the ten most frequent violations issued appear to stem predominantly from the records of radiation protection programs.
Abstract 299: Modulation of the leptin receptor in pancreatic cancer cells mediates tumor growth

Background: Pancreatic cancer is the fourth leading cause of cancer death with a five year survival rate around 5%, which has not changed in 30 years. Obesity and increased abdominal adipose tissue independently correlate with an increased relative risk for the development of pancreatic cancer. These conditions have been associated with altered levels of adipokines, or adipose secreted cytokines. Circulating serum levels of the adipokine leptin are increasesddramatically in obese patients as well as in high fat diet induced obese mice. Leptin has been shown to induce oncogenic signaling in breast and prostate cancer. We have previously shown an increase in orthotopic pancreatic tumor size in high fat diet induced obese mice compared with regular diet control mice. We hypothesize that leptin signaling mediates pancreatic tumorigenesis. Methods: Leptin receptor status was determined in human as well as murine pancreatic cell lines. Leptin stimulated cell proliferation was determined using a modified BrdU assay. Leptin receptor levels were knocked down in human and murine pancreatic tumor cells using a shRNAmir approach. Leptin receptor shRNA Panc02 knockdown cells were injected orthotopically into the pancreas of C57/Bl6J mice on regular or high fat diet to determine the contribution of leptin to pancreatic tumor growth. Results: We have detected the long form of the leptin receptor in five human and four murine pancreatic cancer cell lines. In vitro administration of leptin stimulated proliferation of Panc1 and CFPAC1 cell lines, which was abrogated with co-incubation of a leptin antagonist. To better understand the mechanism of leptin-mediated signaling, we studied downstream targets and identified a significant increase in phosphorylation of STAT3 in Panc1, BXPC3 and CFPAC1 cell lines after leptin treatment. Orhtotopic injection of leptin receptor shRNA Panc02 cells into normal and obese mice showed a markedly diminished tumor growth in obese mice when compared to the nonsilencing control Panc02 cell growth in obese mice. Conclusion: These results implicate leptin as a mediator of pancreatic tumorigenesis and suggest that leptin activation is mediated in part through STAT3 signaling. Knockdown of the leptin receptor results in inhibition of high fat diet associated tumor growth in vivo. Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 103rd Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2012 Mar 31-Apr 4; Chicago, IL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2012;72(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 299. doi:1538-7445.AM2012-299
Nicotine attenuates arachidonic acid-induced neurotoxicity in cultured spinal cord neurons.

Arachidonic acid release from cellular membranes due to spinal cord trauma may be one of the principal destructive events that can lead to progressive injury to spinal cord tissue. Exposure to arachidonic acid can compromise neuronal survival and viability. Because nicotine is known to be a neuroprotective agent, we propose that it can prevent arachidonic acid-induced neurotoxicity. To study this hypothesis, effects of nicotine on mitochondrial function, cellular energy content and apoptotic cell death were measured in cultured spinal cord neurons treated with arachidonic acid. Nicotine attenuated arachidonic acid-induced compromised cell viability and cellular ATP levels in spinal cord neurons. Nicotine exerted these protective effects when used at the concentration of 10 μM and only after a 2-h pre-treatment before a co-exposure to arachidonic acid. Antagonists of nicotinic receptors, such as α-bungarotoxin or mecamylamine, only partially reversed these neuroprotective effects of nicotine. In addition, nicotine prevented arachidonic acid-induced activation of caspase-3 activity and apoptotic cell death. These results indicate that nicotine pre-treatment can exert a protective effect against arachidonic acid-induced injury to spinal cord neurons.
A randomized controlled trial to increase physical activity and reduce obesity in a predominantly African American group of women with mobility disabilities and severe obesity.

Abstract Objective This randomized controlled trial tested a tailored, telephone-based physical activity coaching intervention for a predominantly African American group of women with severe obesity and mobility disability. Methods We recruited 92 clinic patients from the University of Illinois at Chicago Medical Center referred by their physicians during 2004–2007 and randomized participants to one of three groups – awareness (informational brochure, no coaching), lower support (phone coaching only) and higher support (phone coaching plus monthly exercise support group) – to determine the efficacy of a tailored coaching intervention on key health outcomes, which included body weight and body mass index, blood pressure, cholesterol, physical activity (barriers and self-reported activity), movement and mobility, general health, and social support. Results The higher support group had the greatest reduction in Body Mass Index (BMI) (7.4%) compared with a 0.2% and 1.6% increase in BMI for the lower support and awareness groups, respectively ( p higher and lower support groups had a greater increase in physical activity scores (39% and 30%, respectively) compared with a decline of 13% in the awareness group ( p Conclusion Providing phone-based coaching and monthly in-person exercise support group sessions appear to be an effective approach for reducing body weight and increasing physical activity among severely obese, disabled adults residing in difficult social environments.
Campus Walkability, Pedometer-Determined Steps, and Moderate-to-Vigorous Physical Activity: A Comparison of 2 University Campuses

Objective and Participants: At 2 Arizona State University (ASU) campuses, the authors measured student activity and distance walked on campus, as well as student-reported walkability around the student union. Methods: Students from ASU-Polytechnic (n = 20, 33% male) and ASU-Tempe (n = 20, 60% male) recorded distance walked on campus and wore physical activity monitors for 5 days. Results: Polytechnic students spent an average of 36.9 minutes in moderate-to-vigorous physical activity each week; Tempe students spent 69.5 minutes (p < .001). At Polytechnic, students walked an average of 7,674 steps per weekday; at Tempe, 11,294 steps (p = .003). Female students at Polytechnic walked an average of 1.3 km/d; at Tempe, 4.3 km/d (p < .001). At Polytechnic, men walked an average of 1.4 km/d; at Tempe, 3.1 km/d (p = .03). Tempe students rated campus walk-ability as very good, whereas Polytechnic students rated it fair (p < .001). Conclusions: Students at both campuses met activity recommendations; noted difference...
Radiative and nonradiative recombination law in lightly doped InGaAsP lasers

We analyse data relating to radiative and nonradiative recombination in a 1.3 μm InGaAsP laser operating below threshold. The results show that with a lightly doped active region the radiative recombination coefficient decreases with increasing carrier concentration in accordance with previous theoretical results. Further, they indicate that the Auger nonradiative recombination is relatively small.
Intracoronary administration of autologous adipose tissue-derived stem cells improves left ventricular function, perfusion, and remodelling after acute myocardial infarction

Aims This study was designed to assess whether intracoronary application of adipose tissue-derived stem cells (ADSCs) compared with bone marrow-derived stem cells (BMSCs) and control could improve cardiac function after 30 days in a porcine acute myocardial infarction/reperfusion model. Methods and results An acute transmural porcine myocardial infarction was induced by inflating an angioplasty balloon for 180 min in the mid-left anterior descending artery. Two million cultured autologous stem cells were intracoronary injected through the central lumen of the inflated balloon catheter. Analysis of scintigraphic data obtained after 28 ± 3 days showed that both absolute and relative perfusion defect decreased significantly after intracoronary administration of ADSCs or BMSCs (relative 30 or 31%, respectively), compared with carrier administration alone (12%, P = 0.048). Left ventricular ejection fraction after 4 weeks increased significantly more after ADSC and BMSC administration than after carrier administration: 11.39 ± 4.62 and 9.59 ± 7.95%, respectively vs. 1.95 ± 4.7%, P = 0.02). The relative thickness of the ventricular wall in the infarction area after cell administration was significantly greater than that after carrier administration. The vascular density of the border zone also improved. The grafted cells co-localized with von Willebrand factor and alpha-smooth muscle actin and incorporated into newly formed vessels. Conclusion This is the first study to show that not only bone marrow-derived cells but also ADSCs engrafted in the infarct region 4 weeks after intracoronary cell transplantation and improved cardiac function and perfusion via angiogenesis.
Coronary atherosclerosis and cardiovascular mortality in hemophilia.

Although mortality in individuals with hemophilia is 2- to 3-fold higher than the general population, ischemic heart disease mortality is 50–80% lower than the general population [1–5]. Moreover, hemophilia carriers whose factor VIII levels are low, but not deficient, also appear to have low death rates of ischemic cardiac disease [6]. Elevated circulating factor VIII levels [7], as well as fibrinogen [8] and von Willebrand factor [9], are considered risk factors for cardiovascular disease. Yet, it is possible that low factor VIII levels may reduce the likelihood of clot formation, even in the presence of cardiovascular risk factors, such as smoking or elevated cholesterol, and, thereby, decrease coronary thrombosis and myocardial infarction in individuals with hemophilia.