cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Covering traumatic news stories: Factors associated with post‐traumatic stress disorder among journalists

The current study examined personal and environmental factors that placed 167 U.S. journalists from diverse media organizations at risk for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) after covering work-related traumatic stories. These factors included exposure to traumatic stressors in their personal lives, work-related traumatic stressors, and general organizational stressors. Further, personality attributes and coping styles associated with risk and resiliency were examined. Regression analyses identified avoidant emotional coping, higher levels of perceived organizational stressors, intensity of exposure to work-related traumatic stressors, and personal trauma history as statistically significant risk factors for PTSD. The results provide empirical support for the negative impact of organizational stressors and avoidant emotional coping on journalists covering trauma-related stories. Understanding the organizational climate journalists are working in, as well as the manner in which journalists manage work-related stressors, is important in the development of a more comprehensive model of who may develop work-related PTSD symptoms. Opportunities for news organizations to reduce PTSD risk among journalists are discussed.
Teaching without Classroom Management Coursework: A Case Study—Methods II into Student Teaching

This chapter examines three case studies of students from Professor Gold’s Master's-level Adolescent Social Studies course at Public University in New York City (NYC) that did integrate the Dynamic Classroom Management Approach (DCMA) into the class. It first focuses on the experiences of Faye, Kate, and Ezequiel in their Methods II course, including their: (a) expectations for Methods II; (b) definition of classroom management; (c) linking of pedagogical and classroom management strategies to their fieldwork; (d) appreciation of having strategies modeled; and (e) changed expectations. The chapter concludes by following up with each student one month into student teaching and explores their: (a) initial teaching challenges; (b) application of DCMA’s tenets; (c) perceived usefulness of Methods II in student teaching; and (d) perception of classroom management.
Comments on the isolation and enrichment of human Langerhans cells for use in immunological studies.

The described procedures can be used for the isolation and enrichment of human Langerhans cells, and for the identification of the relative number of such cells in the cell suspensions obtained. Our own group has now successfully used such cells to demonstrate that stimulation of allogeneic lymphocyte proliferation by epidermal cell suspensions can be specifically attributed to the Langerhans cells [11, 12]. Furthermore, studies of this and other possible Langerhans cell immunological functions of the skin will contribute to the general understanding of immunological diseases of the skin and of the role these cells may play in the initiation of graft versus host disease in patients receiving therapeutic allogeneic bone marrow transplantation.
Atezolizumab-related encephalitis in the intensive care unit: Case report and review of the literature.

Atezolizumab is a monoclonal antibody that targets programmed death ligand-1. Treatments with this drug may cause immune-related adverse events by creating an exaggerated inflammatory response. The...
Autism spectrum disorder and the science of social work: A grand challenge for social work research

The social work profession has not yet taken a leadership role in addressing the myriad of challenges that individuals on the autism spectrum encounter across the lifespan. In this essay, we argue that social workers are well equipped to engage in research and practice aimed at promoting full and meaningful inclusion in society, as well as social and economic justice, for individuals on the autism spectrum. We highlight short- and long-term goals that provide the social work profession with a framework to engage in research, practice, education, and advocacy aimed at supporting individuals on the autism spectrum and their families.
1 H, 15 N and 13 C backbone assignment of apo TDP-43 RNA recognition motifs

TAR DNA-binding protein 43 (TDP-43) is a ubiquitously expressed nuclear protein that influences diverse cellular processes by regulating alternative splicing of RNA and microRNA biogenesis. It is also a pathological protein found in sporadic ALS and in the most common subtype of frontotemporal lobar degeneration with ubiquitinated inclusions (FLTD-U). TDP-43 has two tandem RNA-binding domains, RRM1 and RRM2. The NMR structure of TDP-43 was solved in the presence of UG-rich RNA sequences bound to the RRM1 and RRM2 domains. Here we report the backbone assignment of apo TDP-43. The chemical shift (HN, N, C, Cα and Cβ) analysis shows the predicted regions of secondary structure are in good agreement with those observed for TDP-43 in complex with RNA. However, our data show that the apo structure of TPD-43 has increased flexibility in the regions that would normally have been used to anchor the RNA bases. The backbone chemical shifts assignments will prove useful in the study of TDP-43 interaction with non-canonical RNA and RRM-binding proteins.
Prairie Republic: The Political Culture of Dakota Territory, 1879–1889

Review of: "Prairie Republic: The Political Culture of Dakota Territory, 1879–1889," by Jon K. Lauck.
Synthesis of (−)-Picrotoxinin by Late-Stage Strong Bond Activation

We report a concise, stereocontrolled synthesis of the neurotoxic sesquiterpenoid (−)-picrotoxinin (1, PXN). The brevity of the route is due to regio- and stereoselective formation of the [4.3.0] b...
Location Management in Sparse Ad Hoc Networks.

Geometric routing using source–destination locations has been suggested as a scalable alternative to conventional routing approaches in mobile ad hoc networks. Prior studies have shown that the location of a destination can be found efficiently in large/dense ad hoc networks using intelligent location management schemes by recruiting nodes in specific unit regions of the terrain as location servers. In this work, we show that certain location management protocols that use a grid based approach suffer from the empty server region problem and that their performance can be seriously degraded with decreasing node density in sparse or irregular ad hoc networks. In order to tackle this problem, we introduce proxy based location management, a novel enhancement that can be used in conjunction with existing location management protocols to operate efficiently in sparse or irregular ad hoc networks. Extensive simulations show that proxy based location management combined with routing on an overlay graph constructed from the unit regions operates more effectively in sparse networks than SLURP/GPSR, an existing location management scheme and a geometric routing protocol that routes packets on a planar graph extracted from the unit disk
Fire history as a key determinant of grassland soil CO2 flux

Fire regimes are key drivers of ecosystem dynamics and are changing worldwide. Uncertainty about how fire history affects responses to individual fires hampers predictions of fire impacts on important ecosystem functions such as C cycling. Thus, we assessed how fire and fire history affect soil CO2 flux and aboveground net primary production (ANPP). We utilized a 35-year fire frequency experiment in a mesic grassland to quantify how two aspects of fire history, long-term fire frequency (fire every one, two, or four years, or no fire) and number of years elapsed since the most recent fire, affect soil CO2 flux. We used long-term annual records from the same grassland to compare this to the effect of fire history on ANPP. Historic fire frequency altered the soil CO2 flux response to fire, with greater post-fire stimulation in grassland burned annually than in grassland burned less frequently (~100% vs. ~44% increase over long-term unburned grassland). The flux increase persisted for up to two years after fire. Though fire also stimulated ANPP, this increase did not vary by long-term fire frequency and did not persist into later years. Fire history modifies the soil CO2 flux response to individual fires in this grassland. Predicting the dynamics of this important C flux will require considering not only the presence vs. absence of fire, but also fire history.
Increasing Corporate Bond Liquidity Premium and Post-Crisis Regulations

I employ the corporate bond liquidity premium to understand the important changes in corporate bond market liquidity from 2004 to 2019. I show that while commonly-used transaction cost measures such as the bid-ask spread have been declining, the corporate bond liquidity premium has actually increased since the financial crisis. For speculative bonds, about 30% of their yield spread now compensates for illiquidity compared to 15% before the crisis. I demonstrate that this increasing liquidity premium is due to investors facing longer trading delays as dealers have become less willing to provide immediacy, and develop a structural over-the-counter model to estimate the latent trading delays implied by the size of the liquidity premium. The estimation results suggest that bonds that took less than one day to sell before the financial crisis now take weeks to trade. Finally, I establish a causal relationship between the major post-crisis regulations and the variations in the corporate bond liquidity premium to uncover the potential cause of dealers' unwillingness to provide liquidity. I show that Basel II.5, by introducing the stressed value-at-risk and incremental risk charges for credit products, contributed the most to increasing the liquidity premium out of all regulatory changes examined. The longer trading delays and the impact of regulations are consistent with practitioners' descriptions of the post-crisis market and corroborate the relevance of using the liquidity premium to understand corporate bond market liquidity.
The association between social support and posttraumatic stress symptoms among survivors of betrayal trauma: a meta-analysis

Background: Betrayal traumas have a particularly deleterious effect on mental health. Although social support is a robust predictor of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptom severity, it is not clear what factors may impact this relationship among betrayal trauma survivors. Objective: This study sought to describe the association between social support and PTSD symptom severity among survivors of betrayal trauma and examine whether methodological, sample, trauma, and social support characteristics moderated this association. Method: A comprehensive search identified 29 studies that assessed the cross-sectional association between PTSD symptom severity and social support among 6,510 adult betrayal trauma survivors. Results: The average effect size (r = -.25; 95% CI: -.30, -.20) was small to medium, with significant heterogeneity between studies (I2 = 71.86). The association between PTSD and social support was stronger when the trauma was perpetrated by a romantic partner compared to mixed perpetrators, even after accounting for covariates. There was also a significant effect of support type depending on whether the support was provided in the context of trauma disclosure. Specifically, positive reactions to trauma disclosure were not associated with PTSD symptoms whereas general positive social support (not disclosure focused) was associated with fewer PTSD symptoms. Negative reactions to trauma disclosure were associated with more PTSD symptoms. None of the included studies measured general negative social support outside of trauma disclosure. Conclusions: Our findings suggest that social support may be a particularly important buffer against PTSD symptoms when experiencing traumatic betrayal by an intimate partner. Additionally, our results suggest that social support interventions for those experiencing betrayal trauma should focus on reducing negative responses to disclosure and bolstering general satisfaction with social support.
The genesis of brown fat—a smooth muscle origin story revisited

Brown adipose tissue acquires increased thermogenic capacity with prolonged cold exposure through de novo recruitment of brown adipocytes. Studies by Shamsi et al. and Angueira et al. identify novel cellular origins of cold-induced brown adipocytes and further elucidate the molecular mechanism regulating the expansion of brown adipose tissue.
Age, Origin, and Biogeography: Unveiling the Factors Behind the Diversification of Dung Beetles

The remarkable diversity and global distribution of dung beetles has long attracted the interest of researchers. However, there is still an ongoing debate on their origin, the reasons behind their diversity, and their path to global distribution. The two most prominent hypotheses regarding their origin and biogeographic history involve either vicariance events after the breakup of Gondwana, or an African origin and subsequent dispersal. One of the key reasons why the question is still disputed is a dependence on knowing the age of the dung beetles - a Mesozoic origin would favor the scenario of Gondwanan vicariance, a Cenozoic origin would suggest the out-of-Africa scenario. To help settle this longstanding question, we provide a taxonomically expanded phylogeny, with divergence times estimated under two calibration schemes suggesting an older or younger origin respectively. Using model-based inference, we estimate the ancestral area of the group and test for the influence of ranges on diversification rates. Our results support the hypothesis of an old age for Scarabaeinae and Gondwanan origin but remain ambiguous about the exact relation of range on lineage diversification.
Consumer Demand and Food Marketing

Consumers are driving the food and fiber system. Market power has shifted from food producers and manufacturers to consumers, their preference signals entering the food system through retailers. This change has occurred despite increasing concentration and vertical integration among the already giant food corporations. Survivors will have to be economically aggressive and employ up-to-date marketing strategies at all times. However, aggregate domestic demand for food in the next decade shows little capacity to absorb all that our food system can produce.
Renal transplantation. III. Prevention of wound infections.

Abstract A protocol specifically designed to prevent wound infections in recipients of renal transplants is presented. Comparative results indicate a decrease in wound infections with this regimen.
Effects of surface treatments and cement types on the bond strength of porcelain-to-porcelain repair.

Purpose The purpose of this in vitro study was to evaluate the effects of four surface treatments and two resin cements on the repair bond strength of a ceramic primer. Materials and Methods Eighty-eight pairs of disks (10 and 5 mm in diameter, 3 mm thickness) were prepared from heat-pressed feldspar ceramics (GC Initial IQ). After being stored in mucin-artificial saliva for 2 weeks, the 10-mm disks were divided into four surface treatment groups (n = 22) and then treated as follows: (1) no treatment (control); (2) 40% phosphoric acid; (3) 5% hydrofluoric acid + acid neutralizer + 40% phosphoric acid; (4) silica coating (CoJet-sand) + 40% phosphoric acid. The 5-mm disks were treated with 5% hydrofluoric acid + 40% phosphoric acid. The two sizes of porcelain disks, excluding the control group, were primed with Clearfil Ceramic Primer. The specimens in each group were further divided into two subgroups of 11 each, and bonded with Clearfil Esthetic Cement (CEC) or Panavia F 2.0 Cement (PFC). The specimens were stored in distilled water at 37°C for 24 hours, thermocycled for 3000 cycles at 5 to 55°C, and stored at 37°C for an additional 7 days. Shear bond strength (SBS) was measured with a universal testing machine at a 0.5 mm/min crosshead speed until fracture. Statistical analysis of the results was carried out with a two-way ANOVA and Tukey HSD test (α = 0.05). Debonded specimen surfaces were examined under an optical microscope to determine the mode of failure. Results The statistical analysis showed that the SBS was significantly affected by surface treatment and resin cement (p < 0.05). For treatment groups bonded with CEC, the SBS (MPa) values were (1) 2.64 ± 1.1, (2) 13.31 ± 3.6, (3) 18.88 ± 2.6, (4) 14.27 ± 2.7, while for treatment groups cemented with PFC, the SBS (MPa) values were (1) 3.04 ± 1.1, (2) 16.44 ± 3.3, (3) 20.52 ± 2.2, and (4) 16.24 ± 2.9. All control specimens exhibited adhesive failures, while mixed types of failures were observed in phosphoric acid-treated groups. The other groups revealed mainly cohesive and mixed failures. Conclusions Combined surface treatment of etching with hydrofluoric acid and phosphoric acid provides the highest bond strengths to porcelain. Also, PFC exhibited higher SBS than CEC did.
Creating High Level Knowledge Structures from Simple Elements

In spite of the limitations of OCCAM's language capabilities, I believe that the approach outlined in this paper is a promising means of creating knowledge-based systems to perform useful functions. The approach consists of using similarity-based learning to acquire general schemata which represent plans for achieving goals. These schemata are specialized with explanation-based learning to create a memory which indicates the conditions under which the plans for achieving goals have proved successful. Explanation-based learning in OCCAM makes use of the representation for complex plans which is created by the similarity-based learning process. The schemata formed by explanation-based learning serve as efficient means of recognizing the class of situations which would have the same explanation as a training example.
Exploring Possible Theoretical Linkages between Social Capital Decline and Increased Political Elite Polarization

This paper explores possible theoretical linkages between a decline in social capital as characterized by Robert Putnam, and the rise of political polarization among elites as characterized primarily by Marc Hetherington. It reviews theory and analysis in scholarly works, with an emphasis on two pathways at the macro level. The first pathway uses political trust to link social capital and political elite polarization outcomes. This paper shows that there is a theoretical foundation for potentially linking social capital to political trust and, in turn, linking political trust to polarized outcomes from political elites. The second linkage, which is supported both theoretically and empirically, is through the pathway of economic inequality. It demonstrates a plausible linkage between declining social capital and political inequity; and between political inequity and polarized political elite behavior. This paper proposes both of these linkages should be further explored empirically to confirm if causality does exist.The stakes for understanding and “getting it right” are high for policy and decision-makers. Disparities in participation and influence could weaken the fundamental underpinnings of American democracy.
The C ase For African American and Latina/o Cooperation in Challenging Race Profi ling in Law Enforcement

This Event is brought to you for free and open access by the Conferences at SJSU ScholarWorks. It has been accepted for inclusion in NationalAssociation for Chicana and Chicano Studies Annual Conference by an authorized administrator of SJSU ScholarWorks. For more information, pleasecontact Library-scholarworks-group@sjsu.edu.
Hybrid lattice: an efficient nonlinear lattice structure

A true nonlinear lattice structure is presented which achieves temporal as well as spatial decorrelation. The interstage decorrelation is obtained through the adaptive lattice filter while the interchannel decorrelation is obtained through the escalator structure. This hybrid structure implements generalized Gram-Shmidt more efficiently than the multichannel escalator filter. >
Interaction between Aluminum Toxicity and Calcium Uptake at the Root Apex in Near-Isogenic Lines of Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) Differing in Aluminum Tolerance

Aluminum (Al) is toxic to plants at pH < 5.0 and can begin to inhibit root growth within 3 h in solution experiments. The mechanism by which this occurs is unclear. Disruption of calcium (Ca) uptake by Al has long been considered a possible cause of toxicity, and recent work with wheat (Triticum aestivum L. Thell) has demonstrated that Ca uptake at the root apex in an Al-sensitive cultivar (Scout 66) was inhibited more than in a tolerant cultivar (Atlas 66) (J.W. Huang, J.E. Shaff, D.L. Grunes, L.V. Kochian [1992] Plant Physiol 98: 230-237). We investigated this interaction further in wheat by measuring root growth and Ca uptake in three separate pairs of near-isogenic lines within which plants exhibit differential sensitivity to Al. The vibrating calcium-selective microelectrode technique was used to estimate net Ca uptake at the root apex of 6-d-old seedlings. Following the addition of 20 or 50 [mu]M AlCl3, exchange of Ca for Al in the root apoplasm caused a net Ca efflux from the root for up to 10 min. After 40 min of exposure to 50 [mu]M Al, cell wall exchange had ceased, and Ca uptake in the Al-sensitive plants of the near-isogenic lines was inhibited, whereas in the tolerant plants it was either unaffected or stimulated. This provides a general correlation between the inhibition of growth by Al and the reduction in Ca influx and adds some support to the hypothesis that a Ca/Al interaction may be involved in the primary mechanism of Al toxicity in roots. In some treatments, however, Al was able to inhibit root growth significantly without affecting net Ca influx. This suggests that the correlation between inhibition of Ca uptake and the reduction in root growth may not be a mechanistic association. The inhibition of Ca uptake by Al is discussed, and we speculate about possible mechanisms of tolerance.
Localization and Frequency of Packet Retransmission as Criteria for Successful Message Propagation in Vehicular Ad Hoc Networks

As the field of the wired networking communications developed, so did the mechanisms for the reliable delivery of messages from one user to another. With the advance of the wireless communications, these mechanisms had to be adjusted, or sometimes developed anew. Vehicular ad hoc networks present themselves as a specific example, where the mechanisms, which are in use in the Wireless LANs and mobile ad hoc networks, are not enough. This paper will discuss, in particular, the range of the message propagation and frequency of the message re-broadcasts by nodes that received it. As these factors are adjusted, they will produce higher throughput and lesser packet loss. The latter factor is of prime importance for the vehicular ad hoc networks, due to the fact that there is no process of packet reception acknowledgment as it exists in typical Wireless LANs. The concept of a single broadcast is of the utmost importance in the case of a vehicle sending a warning message, where the neighboring vehicles could benefit greatly from the information received. These abovementioned aspects will be shown through the simulation of the vehicular ad hoc network.
Biological Effects of Radiofrequency Energy as Related to Health and Safety

This article reviews biological effects of radiofrequency energy with emphasis on effects with clear implications for to human health and safety. The rationale for two major exposure limits is described. Major areas of controversy about health effects of low-level radiofrequency energy are described, both as related to uncertainities in the scientific data and in large variations in exposure limits around the world. Keywords: radiofrequency; health and safety; exposure limits; mobile phones and health
A constant probability of detection model for image quantization

A large number of remote sensing applications require that images be transmitted across a low bandwidth communication link for human analysis and automatic evaluation. To accommodate the low bandwidth link, compression is often used to reduce the amount of data transmitted. A central part of this compression process is quantization which decreases the entropy in the compressed imagery. While quantization decreases the amount of data it adds nonlinear distortion to the image. This nonlinear quantization noise can severely impair the ability of the analyst and automatic algorithm to identify features of interest in the decompressed data. We develop a wavelet Markov model based approach to detection before quantization to preserve features of interest to the analyst or automatic algorithm.
How the Disciple Became the Guru

They say that necessity is the mother of invention. In the '90s, India's Information Technology (IT) industry learned to compensate for the country's weak infrastructure and developed competencies that helped it become a top global player. Now several industries, including IT, have learned to overcome another major deficiency: India's education system. They have adapted and perfected western practices in workforce training and development, and now take workers with poor education and weak technical skills and turn them into highly productive technical specialists and managers able to compete on the world stage. This paper is based on detailed interviews with the CEOs, HR executives, RD skills shortages; competition for top talent; turnover; and rising salaries - leading businesses in India have developed highly advanced, innovative practices and that these are allowing industries in India to become globally competitive and grow rapidly. Workforce development has become a strategic priority for many corporations in India and a central occupation of their executives. The human-resource function of such companies has correspondingly increased in importance, shifting from support to a key strategic role. The results are evident in their ability to cultivate and retain workers and in the remarkable growth rates they are achieving. The lesson that the U.S. and other countries facing increased global competition can learn is that workforce training and development may be essential to maintaining a competitive edge.
An electron microscope study of the aorta in young and in aging mice.

The thoracic aortas of mice ranging in age from 3 days to 17 months were studied in thin sections by means of the electron microscope. A few small arterial blood vessels from mouse lung and the aorta of a young rabbit were also examined. All tissues were fixed in osmium tetroxide. The length of fixation and the embedding procedures were varied in different preparations. The mouse aorta consists of an endothelium (tunica intima), a tunica media composed of about five elastic laminae and alternating layers of smooth muscle cells, and a tunica adventitia containing fibroblasts and fibers. Notable aging changes in the tunica media are: a gradually increasing amount of collagen, rarifications and interruptions of elastic laminae, disconnections between smooth muscle cells and elastic laminae, and a peculiar fraying or fragmentation of the innermost elastica. In recessive-obese mice, subendothelial deposition of collagen was also found. A subendothelial proliferative “lesion” consisting of elongated cells and newly formed collagen and elastin is interpreted as a possible parallel to the initial lesions seen in atherosclerosis. Additional evidence demonstrates that there is probably a filamentous component present within elastic fibers and elastic laminae. These filaments can be seen at the surface of small elastic fibers and, less frequently, within the elastic laminae. In addition, it appears that collagen fibrils and possibly cell fragments are incorporated into the outermost elastic laminae in the young aortas. The cells within the media are recognized as a variety of smooth muscle cells which probably arise from fibroblasts present during embryonic development. It is assumed that these smooth muscle cells are responsible for the gradual production of collagen, although the fine structure of their cytoplasm is not typical of cells engaging in fibrogenesis.
Cholesterol oxidase as a probe for studying membrane organisation.

CHOLESTEROL is a major constituent of the phospholipid bilayer of many biological membranes. The ratio of cholesterol to phospholipid seems to be an important determinant of the physical and biological properties of membranes1. Although several model systems now provide a molecular basis for understanding preferential interaction of cholesterol with different phospholipids2,3, the distribution and location of cholesterol in lipid bilayers has not been clearly established. A recent study4 demonstrated marked differential susceptibility to oxidation by cholesterol oxidase (EC 1.1.3.6) of cholesterol in the inner and outer layers of the erythrocyte membrane. Another series of experiments revealed that cholesterol in a virus membrane was accessible to oxidation by cholesterol oxidase only when external phospholipid headgroups were removed by phospholipase C (ref. 5). We report here our studies on the usefulness of the enzymatic action of cholesterol oxidase to probe the membrane bilayer distribution of cholesterol and its differential interaction with choline-containing and amino-containing phospholipids. To this end, enzymatic oxidation of cholesterol was measured in mixed lipid vesicles composed of various phospholipids and cholesterol. The possible application of this technique to biological membranes was also investigated using the membranes of human erythrocytes and vesicular stomatitis (VS) virus.
Naturalistic Assessment of and Intervention for Mouthing Behaviors Influenced by Establishing Operations

This study provides an example of an innovative practice for the assessment and intervention of mouthing behaviors influenced by an establishing operation. The participant was a 6-year-old boy with multiple disabilities who was attending a self-contained class in his local school. A functional analysis embedded within five activities (i.e., alone time, task demand, play, circle, and eating) during the classroom's typical routine was conducted. Results of the functional analysis suggested mouthing was maintained by multiple functions and most frequently occurred during the alone time, circle time, and task demand activities. The functional analysis also revealed that the participant was more likely to mouth in the presence of an establishing operation (i.e., sinus infection). Preferred items were noncontingently offered using an antecedent choice intervention. Ongoing choices of preferred items resulted in reductions in mouthing, even in the presence of the establishing operation.
Use of μ-conotoxin GIIIA for the study of synaptic transmission at the frog neuromuscular junction

We have looked at the effect of synthetic mu-conotoxin GIIIA, a selective blocker of muscle Na channels, on various parameters of synaptic transmission at the frog sartorius nerve-muscle preparation. We found that 5 microM mu-conotoxin consistently blocked muscle action potentials, but had no effect on nerve action potentials. The toxin also had no effect on the amplitude or frequency of miniature endplate potentials (MEPPs), on the amplitude or time course of endplate potentials (EPPs), or on stimulation-induced changes in EPP amplitude. The lack of an effect of synthetic mu-conotoxin GIIIA on transmitter release makes this toxin an invaluable tool in the study of neuromuscular transmission under conditions of normal levels of release.
Changes in localization and expression levels of Shroom2 and spectrin contribute to variation in amphibian egg pigmentation patterns

One contributing factor in the worldwide decline in amphibian populations is thought to be the exposure of eggs to UV light. Enrichment of pigment in the animal hemisphere of eggs laid in the sunlight defends against UV damage, but little is known about the cell biological mechanisms controlling such polarized pigment patterns. Even less is known about how such mechanisms were modified during evolution to achieve the array of amphibian egg pigment patterns. Here, we show that ectopic expression of the γ-tubulin regulator, Shroom2, is sufficient to induce co-accumulation of pigment granules, spectrin, and dynactin in Xenopus blastomeres. Shroom2 and spectrin are enriched and co-localize specifically in the pigmented animal hemisphere of Xenopus eggs and blastulae. Moreover, Shroom2 messenger RNA (mRNA) is expressed maternally at high levels in Xenopus. In contrast to Xenopus, eggs and blastulae of Physalaemus pustulosus have very little surface pigmentation. Rather, we find that pigment is enriched in the perinuclear region of these embryos, where it co-localizes with spectrin. Moreover, maternal Shroom2 mRNA was barely detectable in Physaleamus, though zygotic levels were comparable to Xenopus. We therefore suggest that a Shroom2/spectrin/dynactin-based mechanism controls pigment localization in amphibian eggs and that variation in maternal Shroom2 mRNA levels accounts in part for variation in amphibian egg pigment patterns during evolution.
Dynamic NMR Study of Dimethylarsenic Condensation Reactions.

Abstract Dimethylarsine, (CH3)2AsH, and dimethylhalo(or pseudohalo)arsines, (CH3)2AsX, X = Cl, Br, I or CN, reversibly form tetramethyldiarsine and HX in benzene. As followed by pmr spectroscopy, several pmr-rapid processes are observed which involve the exchange of parts among equilibrium components. Where available, equilibrium and thermodynamic parameters have been obtained. The activational parameters for the exchange processes suggest that exchange occurs through an associative intermediate. When X = Br or I, significant quantities of H2 are also found.
Re‐evaluating the role of vitamin D in the periodontium

The importance of vitamin D in maintaining skeletal health via the regulation of calcium has long been recognized as a critical function of this secosteroid. An abundance of literature shows an association between oral bone mineral density and some measure of systemic osteoporosis and suggests that osteoporosis/low bone mass may be a risk factor for periodontal disease. Recently, nonskeletal functions of vitamin D have gained notoriety for several reasons. Many cells that are not associated with calcium homeostasis have been demonstrated to possess membrane receptors for vitamin D. These include activated T and B lymphocytes, and skin, placenta, pancreas, prostate and colon cancer cells. In addition, vitamin D "insufficiency" is a worldwide epidemic and epidemiologic evidence has linked this condition to multiple chronic health problems, including cardiovascular and autoimmune diseases, hypertension and a variety of cancers. Interestingly, there is mounting evidence connecting diminished serum levels of vitamin D with increased gingival inflammation and supporting the concept of "continual vitamin D sufficiency" in maintaining periodontal health. The ability of vitamin D to regulate both the innate and the adaptive components of the host response may play an important role in this process. This review will examine the skeletal and nonskeletal functions of vitamin D, and explore its potential role in protecting the periodontium as well as in regulating periodontal wound healing.
On parameter stability regions for several parameters using frequency response

The goals of this short paper are twofold. First, the parameter stability region, or the D -decomposition technique as it is called in the Russian literature, for obtaining regions of stability in terms of one complex or two real parameters is shown to be applicable when certain elements of the system are given by numerical frequency response data. Second, a technique is presented for interpreting the parameter regions of stability obtained by the D -decomposition method in a space of several parameters.
Heat Pipe Optimization Team: The Heat Pipe Assisted Heat Sink Project

The Heat Pipe Assisted Heat Sink (HPAHS) team will be working on solving challenging thermal management problems for a device known as the base transceiver station (BTS); a device used to transfer cell phone calls. This problem was raised due to transfer cell phone calls. This problem was raised due to the high use of cell phone in recent years. According to 2002 Scarborough Research, the number of cell phones in US was 180 million (2/3 of population). Due to this high increase in demand for cell phone usage, Replacement Handset Shipments are projected to increase worldwide from Current 40% of total shipments to almost 85%. This will increase from 211 million in 2002 to 591 million by 2008 (Nokia). Cell phone calls are transferred via a device known as the base transceiver station (BTS). Cell phone companies are increasing the performance of the BTS by adding more electronics. Nokia is increasing the current BTS performance by adding another power amplifier. We will encounter the problem of designing the thermal solution to ensure optimal thermal performance, while meeting customer requirements of cost and manufacturing process.Copyright © 2004 by ASME
Climate Studies with a Multi-Layer Energy Balance Model. Part II: The Role of Feedback Mechanisms in the CO2 Problem

Abstract The sensitivity of climate to a doubling of the atmospheric CO2, content has been studied using the GLAS multi-layer energy balance model. In response to a doubled CO2 content, tropospheric temperature lapse rate decreases at low latitudes but increases at high latitudes. Averaged over the Northern Hemisphere, the change is +2.3°C in the surface temperature and +0.47°C in the earth's brightness temperature. The increase, in surface temperature is mainly caused by the intensified downward IR radiation in the water vapor bands at all latitudes and by the increased absorption of solar radiation at high latitudes due to the reduction of ice/snow cover. The effects of some feedback mechanisms on the climate sensitivity to a doubled CO2 content have also been studied. It is found that the sensitivity of surface temperature is approximately doubled at all latitudes due to the change in water vapor content. There are two important, yet offsetting, effects of ice/snow cover on the climate sensitivity. As ...
Shigella gets captured to gain entry.

The type III secretion system-dependent epithelial invasion and dissemination of Shigella is stimulated by ATP released through hemichannels. Romero et al. (2011) show that prior to epithelial contact, Shigella is captured by nanometer-thin micropodial extensions at a distance from the cell surface, in a process involving ATP and connexin-mediated signaling.
Polar solvent modification of X ray induced potentially lethal damage in heterogeneous human colon tumor cells in vitro

Abstract Two subpopulations of tumor cells (clones A and D) obtained from a human colon adenocarcinoma were examined for their sensitivities to x-irradiation as unfed, early plateau phase cultures. Both the single dose survival curves and the kinetics of potentially lethal damage recovery (PLDR) were determined for the two tumor lines. Also, possible modification of PLDR by N,N-dimethylformamide (DMF ), which has previously been shown to enhance the radiosensitivity of exponentially growing tumor cells, was investigated by adding DMF (0.896 v/v) to plateau phase cultures immediately after irradiation, and determining effects on the extent of PLDR. For non-DMF treated cells, the survival curve parameters of the diploid (clone D) and aneuploid (clone A) lines were very similar. The single-hit, multitarget values for n, D 0 (Gy), and D, (Gy) were: 7.9, 0.82, and 1.70 for clone D; and 10.6, 0.83, and 1.96 for clone A. Using initial survival levels of 3.5% (clone D) or 5.5% (clone A) to investigate PLDR, it was found that the increase in survival (surviving fraction ratio or SFR) for clone D was 2.2, while the SFR for clone A was 1.6. DMF did not change either the kinetics or extent of PLDR in these two tumor lines when added to cultures immediately after irradiation. Our results indicate that significant heterogeneity in PLDR exists between these closely related tumor subpopulations.
The Nonprofit Sector's Responsiveness to Work-Family Issues

Although researchers have explored the growth and impact of family-supportive policies in the business sector, there has been a curious lack of attention to the development of family-responsive policies in the nonprofit sector. This article suggests possible explanations for the dearth of such studies, reviews the existing literature, and offers directions for future research examining the kinds of work environments and policies that attract and retain high-quality employees in nonprofit organizations. Such research is critical as a growing number of workers, both men and women, are seeking ways to balance a desire for meaningful work with a wish for fuller family or personal lives.
Unmanned aircraft systems for communication and atmospheric sensing missions

This paper describes the Research and Engineering Center for Unmanned Vehicles Heterogeneous Unmanned Aircraft System. The unmanned aircraft system is comprised of a fleet of small and miniature unmanned aircraft connected through a multi-tiered, net-centric command and control architecture. Components of the unmanned aircraft system are described, including different airframes, autopilots, ground control stations, payload sensors, and networking middleware. Emphasis is placed on the design of the system for in situ atmospheric sampling and communication applications.
The Galois group of a radical extension of the rationals

The Galois group of the splitting field of an irreducible binomialx2e−a overQ is computed explicitly as a full subgroup of the holomorph of the cyclic group of order 2e. The general casexn−a is also effectively computed.
Radiation oncology practice accreditation: The American College of Radiation Oncology, Practice Accreditation Program, guidelines and standards

The American College of Radiation Oncology Practice Accreditation Program (ACRO PAP) is a process by which a medical practice is evaluated through an in depth external review to ascertain whether or not key components of the practice comply with existing regulations, rules, laws, practice guidelines and professional practice standards. In radiation oncology, like other fields, it is driven by the need or desire to demonstrate an identified level of patient care.The accreditation process adopted by the American College of Radiation Oncology (ACRO) is based on the parameters of quality care assessment outlined by the National Academy of Science's Institute of Medicine. Those practices that meet these criteria are eligible for recognition and accreditation by ACRO.
Body temperature effect on methylenedioxymethamphetamine-induced acute decrease in tryptophan hydroxylase activity.

Abstract Brain tryptophan hydroxylase activity decreases within 15 min after a single administration of 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine. In the present study, the effect of body temperature on this acute decrease of tryptophan hydroxylase activity was examined. 2 h after a single dose of 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (20 mg/kg, s.c.), rats exhibited hyperthermia (38.7°C) or hypothermia (35.8°C) when maintained at 25°C or 6°C, respectively. The rectal temperature of control animals maintained at 6°C was not altered. Tryptophan hydroxylase activity measured in the hippocampus, striatum and frontal cortex of hyperthermic rats treated with 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine was decreased to 61%, 65% and 71% of control levels, respectively, 2 h after drug treatment. However, in hypothermic rats, 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine had no effect on tryptophan hydroxylase activity in the hippocampus, striatum or frontal cortex. Non-drug-induced hyperthermia or hypothermia did not affect tryptophan hydroxylase activity. Since hypothermia may prevent the 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine-induced decrease in tryptophan hydroxylase activity by reducing the formation of free radicals, the effect of a free radical scavenging agent, N-tert -butyl-α-phenylnitrone, was examined. N-tert -butyl-α-phenylnitrone (200 mg/kg, i.p.) alone caused hypothermia but had no direct effect on tryptophan hydroxylase activity. Preadministration of N-tert -butyl-α-phenylnitrone prevented 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine from raising the temperature above normal and attenuated the drug-induced decrease in tryptophan hydroxylase activity in hippocampus, striatum and frontal cortex. However, when the rats treated with a combination of N-tert -butyl-α-phenylnitrone and 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine were maintained at hyperthermic conditions, N-tert -butyl-α-phenylnitrone had no protective effect. These results suggest that body temperature plays a prominent role in the 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine-induced acute decrease in tryptophan hydroxylase activity.
The resonance fluorescence of BO2 excited by a pulsed dye-laser

Abstract The fluorescence spectra of BO 2 excited by a continuously tunable pulsed laser provided about fifty newly-assigned transitions. These transitions confirm and extend earlier vibrational assignments involving the X 2 II and A 2 II states.
Dental and oral discolorations associated with minocycline and other tetracycline analogs.

UNLABELLED: It has been well acknowledged in recent literature that minocycline, a semisynthetic tetracycline derivative, causes discolorations in adult teeth and various other collagenous tissues. This article presents the most common patterns of minocycline staining in addition to comparing the staining patterns of other tetracycline analogs in the permanent dentition. It also reviews the literature's most prominent theories describing the process of minocycline discoloration, and evaluates their plausibility. It is a goal of this article to make dental practitioners aware of the possible effects of minocycline therapy and to highlight useful ways to treat or prevent these discolorations. Currently, conventional treatments include vital and nonvital bleaching, veneers, or crowns, depending on the severity of the discoloration. The literature shows that possible preventive efforts revolve around cessation of the drug or the use of large doses of vitamin C or other antioxidants in conjunction with minocycline therapy to prevent the formation of the pigment responsible for the staining. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Minocycline and other tetracycline analogs are well known for causing discoloration of developing teeth in children. However, practitioners must be aware of the tooth staining potential of minocycline in adult populations as well. Studies suggest that the concomitant use of vitamin C may help prevent adult-onset pigmentation caused by minocycline.