cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
CUT&Tag-BS for simultaneous profiling of histone modification and DNA methylation with high efficiency and low cost

Summary It remains a challenge to decipher the complex relationship between DNA methylation, histone modification, and the underlying DNA sequence with limited input material. Here, we developed an efficient, low-input, and low-cost method for the simultaneous profiling of genomic localization of histone modification and methylation status of the underlying DNA at single-base resolution from the same cells in a single experiment by integrating cleavage under targets and tagmentation (CUT&Tag) with tagmentation-based bisulfite sequencing (CUT&Tag-BS). We demonstrated the validity of our method using representative histone modifications of euchromatin and constitutive and facultative heterochromatin (H3K4me1, H3K9me3, and H3K27me3, respectively). Similar histone modification enrichment patterns were observed in CUT&Tag-BS compared with non-bisulfite-treated control, and H3K4me1-marked regions were found to mostly be CpG poor, lack methylation concordance, and exhibit prevalent DNA methylation heterogeneity among mouse embryonic stem cells (mESCs). We anticipate that CUT&Tag-BS will be widely applied to directly address the genomic relationship between DNA methylation and histone modification, especially in low-input scenarios with precious biological samples.
An evaluation of perceptions of total quality management (TQM) livestock practices of Iowa 4-H' ers who received new instructional materials

The purpose of this study was to assess the perceptions of 4-H youth regarding the total quality management of their livestock projects and the production of safe food before and after they received the new Total Quality Management (TQM) Curriculum for Youth Producers;The sample consisted of 800...
Contrast Enhancement of Cyanoacrylate-Developed Latent Fingerprints Using Biological Stains and Commercial Fabric Dyes

Cyanoacrylate-developed latent fingerprints may be difficult to see or photograph if they are on light-colored surfaces. Biological stains and Rit® fabric dyes were tested for their ability to stain cyanoacrylate-developed latent fingerprints. Methanolic solutions of gentian violet, safranin bluish stain, diamond fuchsin, methyl green, iodine green, and Janus green B were found to stain cyanoacrylate-developed fingerprints on polyethylene, porcelain, and aluminum beverage cans. Hot (60°C) aqueous solutions of seven different shades of Rit® fabric dyes were found to stain cyanoacrylate-developed latent fingerprints on polyethylene, porcelain, aluminum beverage cans, and Styrofoam cups. The latent fingerprints stained with safranin bluish stain were strongly fluorescent under 312 nm ultraviolet light; latent fingerprints stained with gentian violet and diamond fuchsin were weakly fluorescent.
Ion Transport by Gastric Mucosa

The stomach serves important alimentary functions, as an organ for food storage and in providing the secretory juices that serve to initiate the digestive process. These functions are carefully regulated by neural and hormonal mechanisms to liquify, sterilize, macerate, and partially degrade the components of a meal. The heavy muscular wall of the stomach provides the peristaltic mixing waves, while the epithelial cells of the gastric mucosa supply the secretory products of the juice. Gastric secretory products can conveniently be subdivided into a mucus component, principally serving a lubricating function, an enzyme component, in the form of the enzyme precursor pepsinogen, and an aqueous component, which largely consists of hydrochloric acid. The purpose of this chapter is to review the mechanisms responsible for the secretion of the ions and water that constitute the so-called aqueous component of gastric juice. We will focus our discussion on those ion transport processes that are directly or indirectly related to HCl secretion.
Direct electric field heating and acceleration of electrons in solar flares

We show that the observed properties of solar flare X‐ray and microwave emission can be explained through the Joule heating and electric field acceleration of runaway electrons in current channels. The global properties of the flaring region required for this are presented. We have fit a hydrid thermal/nonthermal electron distribution, consisting of hot, isothermal electrons with a nonthermal tail of runaway electrons, to high‐resolution hard X‐ray and microwave spectra and have obtained excellent fits to both. The hybrid model relaxes the electron number and energy flux requirements for the hard X‐ray emission over those of a purely nonthermal model. The model also provides explanations for several previously unexplained aspects of the high‐resolution microwave spectra. The fit parameters can be related to physical properties (such as the electric field strength in the current channels) of the acceleration region.
Of black and glass boxes: scaffolding for doing and learning

Constructivist approaches to education advocate situating learning in real-world problems-- but these problems are complex. Providing scaffolding allows learners to deal with a problem's complexity and successfully solve and learn from these kinds of problems. In this paper, we describe a theory of learning-by-doing and suggest several ways that the "doing" can be supported without forgetting the learning. We use the metaphors of black-box and glass-box scaffolding to suggest how scaffolding might be used to support learning and performance. Black-box scaffolding is scaffolding that facilitates student performance. Black-box scaffolding performs a task in place of the student performing that performance goal, usually because learning to perform that goal is determined to be unimportant for the learning goals of the activity. Glass-box scaffolding is scaffolding that facilitates performance and learning. It is important for the student to understand what glass-box scaffolding is providing because we want the student to be able to take on the functions that the glass-box scaffolding is providing. Finally, we illustrate how glass-box and black-box scaffolding have been used in two educational software programs.
Restrictive lung involvement in facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy.

Introduction: Few studies have evaluated the frequency or predisposing factors for respiratory involvement in facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy type 1 (FSHD1) and type 2 (FSHD2). Methods: We performed a prospective cross-sectional observational study of 61 genetically confirmed FSHD participants (53 FSHD1 and 8 FSHD2). Participants underwent bedside pulmonary function testing in sitting and supine positions, a standard clinical history and physical assessment, and manual muscle testing. Results: Restrictive respiratory involvement was suggested in 9.8% (95% confidence interval 2.4–17.3): 7.5% FSHD1 and 25.0% FSHD2 (P = 0.17). Participants with testing suggestive of restrictive lung involvement (n = 6) were more severely affected (P = 0.005), had weaker hip flexion (P = 0.0007), and were more likely to use a wheelchair (P = 0.01). Conclusions: Restrictive respiratory involvement should be considered in all moderate to severely affected FSHD patients with proximal lower extremity weakness. The higher frequency of restrictive lung disease in FSHD2 seen here requires confirmation in a larger cohort of FSHD2 patients. Muscle Nerve 50: 739–743, 2014
Analysis of cell migration.

Publisher Summary Cell migration is a complex multistep process. It includes polarization of the cell, extension of the membrane, formation of cell adhesion molecule attachment, stabilization of cell adhesion molecules to the cytoskeleton, generation of force, contraction of the cell, release of adhesions at the trailing end of the cell, and recycling of adhesion proteins. Although a number of cell adhesion, cytoskeletal, and signaling proteins have been implicated in this process, the intricate regulation of many of these stages remains to be clearly understood. Microscopic examination of adherent cells by time-lapse videography allows for direct measurement of the extent of cell migration. The most basic technique measures the movement of cells plated onto an appropriate substrate. In brief, cell displacement is measured at physiological temperature on a calibrated grid over time. When cell migration is measured via time-lapse microscopy, a number of variables must be optimized. In addition, a number of modifications of this approach have been developed to address different questions.
A novel explicit finite difference scheme for partial differential equations

Abstract Most explicit finite difference schemes have very stringent stability criterion. In 1982, Charlie Dey [1] developed a novel method and solved several partial differential equations representing models of fluid flow. (He was then only 10 years old). Recent mathematical analysis shows that this relatively simple method is quite powerful to solve any flow model if it has a steady‐state solution using a stability criterion which is a lot less stringent than most explicit finite difference schemes generally applied in Computational Fluid Dynamics [2].
A GRAPH-BASED APPROACH TO DETECT ABNORMAL SPATIAL POINTS AND REGIONS

Spatial outliers are the spatial objects whose nonspatial attribute values are quite different from those of their spatial neighbors. Identification of spatial outliers is an important task for data mining researchers and geographers. A number of algorithms have been developed to detect spatial anomalies in meteorological images, transportation systems, and contagious disease data. In this paper, we propose a set of graph-based algorithms to identify spatial outliers. Our method first constructs a graph based on k-nearest neighbor relationship in spatial domain, assigns the differences of nonspatial attribute as edge weights, and continuously cuts high-weight edges to identify isolated points or regions that are much dissimilar to their neighboring objects. The proposed algorithms have three major advantages compared with other existing spatial outlier detection methods: accurate in detecting both point and region outliers, capable of avoiding false outliers, and capable of computing the local outlierness of an object within subgraphs. We present time complexity of the algorithms, and show experiments conducted on US housing and Census data to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed approaches.
SU-GG-T-361: Feasibility of Making In-Vivo Peripheral Dose Measurements Using a Portable Dosimeter System - Beta Testing of a Novel Device

Purpose: Peripheral Dose (PD) to structures such as testes, thyroid, or contra‐lateral breast has important clinical implications regarding the health of a patient. The purpose of this study was to determine utility of a new Portable Dosimeter System for PD measurements to critical structures outside of radiation fields. Method and Materials: Measurements were made using a pair of Portable Dosimeters, Model TN‐RD‐90 (Best Medical Canada Ltd.) At the time of the study, the device was going through the FDA approval process and this study was part of beta testing in a community hospital environment. The dosimeters were calibrated at high sensitivity of 3 mV/cGy as opposed to standard sensitivity of about 1 mV/cGy. Reproducibility and linearity of dose response were tested from a low dose range of 1–50 cGy. Peripheral dose measurements were made using solid water phantoms (100cm SSD; 10cm × 10cm field) on a 6MV (Novalis) and a 6/18 MV linac (Clinac‐2100EX) and compared them to ion chamber values. Results:Calibration of dosimeters showed both to have 3mV/cGy response. These MOSFETs were able to read a dose of 50 cGy or less with over 95% accuracy. Their dose linearity was excellent; R‐sq value was near 1 for both. Accuracy of dose readout decreased with lower dose values. At 1 cGy, the error was about 10% when averaged over 2 dosimeters. At a dose level of 0.25 cGy, the dosimeters' reproducibility and accuracy suffered. However, even with a 50% uncertainty in measured dose, the absolute dose derived was still clinically useful. Conclusion: The new mosfet dosimeters were easy to use, linear in response and reproducible. They will be clinically useful for in‐vivo dosimetry.
Culture of Bovine Morulae in Media Supplemented with Immunoglobulins

Bovine morulae (d 6; n = 257) were obtained to evaluate the effect of Ig on embryo development in vitro to the hatched blastocyst stage or until degeneration. Embryos were cultured in Ham's F-10 containing either 6.4 mg/ml steer serum, .64 mg/ml bovine gamma globulins, bovine IgG, bovine IgM alone, and steer serum added to gamma globulins, IgG, or IgM. In steer serum alone, 69.6% of the embryos developed to the expanded blastocyst stage, whereas 73.9% of embryos in gamma globulin and steer serum and 25% of embryos in gamma globulin alone reached the same stage of development. None of the morulae cultured in IgG and IgM alone or IgG and IgM with steer serum reached the expanded blastocyst stage. Additionally, the times to degeneration were shorter when embryos were cultured in IgG (54.9 h) and IgM (59.4 h) plus steer serum than for embryos placed in gamma globulin plus steer serum (77.6 h) or steer serum (81.5 h) alone. These results suggest that .64 mg/ml bovine gamma globulin did not affect embryo growth, whereas .64 mg/ml IgG and IgM were toxic to early development of bovine embryos in vitro.
High performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) of natural products part VI. Sulfoxides of penicillin N and cephalosporin c and their role in biosynthesis of β‐lactam antibiotics

Pure pencillin N α-sulfoxide (1) and penicillin N β-sulfoxide (2) were obtained by HPLC and tested as substrates for deacetoxycephalosporin C synthetase (DXCS). Neither one of the sulfoxides was utilized under conditions of conversion of penicillin N (8) to deacetoxycephalosporin C (9). The cephalosporin C α and β-sulfoxides (3 and 4, resp.) were also prepared. Relative stabilities of the sulfoxides 3 and 4 are discussed by interpretation of the 13C-NMR spectra.
The Effect of a School-Based Helper Program on Adolescent Self-Image, Attitudes, and Behavior:

This study examined the effects of participation in a school-based helper program on adolescents' self-image, attitudes, and behaviors. Seventh-grade students at the junior high where the program was implemented were divided into 2 functional groups, one of which was required to engage in volunteer helping activities for the remainder of the school year, whereas the other group engaged in no such service. It was hypothesized that Helper Program participants (n = 85) relative to nonparticipants (n = 86), and especially boys, would show improvement in 4 domains: self-image, commitment to school and community, problem behavior, and commitment to altruism. The results were gender specific: Participating boys showed positive changes in self-esteem, depressive affect, involvement, and problem behavior relative to other groups. The findings indicate that, with program modifications to augment potential benefits to girls, helper programs might become an important mechanism in producing positive life changes for a...
Surgical Trends among Endodontists: The Results of a Web-based Survey

The purpose of this survey was to investigate the frequency and characteristics of surgery among active endodontists in the United States. The survey also inquired about residency and postresidency training in endodontic surgery. A Web-based questionnaire regarding endodontic surgery was distributed via e-mail to 2,532 active members of the American Association of Endodontists in the United States. Data from 1,045 surveys, a 41% response rate, indicate that 91.2% of respondents are performing some form of root-end surgery with 89.6% using the operating microscope and ultrasonic instrumentation. Of those surveyed, 33.3% felt as though their endodontic residency training in surgery was inadequate, and 47.9% went on to acquire additional training in surgery postresidency. The anterior maxilla is the most common site of endodontic surgery as indicated by the respondents. Our results show that the most difficult process for surgery is access and visualization followed by root-end filling. Additionally, 53.9% of respondents answered that they are not referring any of their surgical cases, whereas 34.3% of responding endodontists are referring at least some endodontic surgery to oral surgeons; 6.6% of respondents also indicated that they are placing implants.
Micro-fabricable terahertz sheet beam amplifier integrated with broadband metamaterial circuit

A compact, high power terahertz (THz) sheet beam traveling wave tube (TWT) amplifier is being developed for communication, sensing, and imaging applications. This research is aimed at realizing MEMS fabrication/integration of a CW coherent radiation source with 1000 W-GHz power-bandwidth product. In order to achieve this goal, we investigate (1) electric negative index metamaterial (ENG, surface plasmon) embedded electronic circuit for broad spectral coverage, (2) on-chip MEMS fabrication/ integration techniques, (3) tungsten scandate nano-composite cathode for high current density beam loading, and (4) electron gun and magnet system for high aspect ratio sheet beam transport. Relevant to broadband circuit design, particle-in-cell (PIC) simulations showed that an ENG-circuit, comprised of a staggered double grating array interacting with a 20 keV and 0.25 A sheet beam, produces 150 to 275 W, corresponding to 3 – 5.5 % efficiency, at 0.22 THz over ∼ 30 % bandwidth with greater than 12 dB/cm growth rate. The circuit characterization experiment at Ka-band agrees well with both a theoretical model and simulation analysis in dispersion and attenuation plots, showing a 25 % dynamic bandwidth and 0.15 dB/cm attenuation. UV LIGA and high precision CNC machining on the 0.22 THz circuit fabrication have accomplished ∼ 2 – 3 µm dimensional tolerance and ∼ 30 – 50 nm surface roughness. Its preliminary cold-test showed −3.1 dB signal transmission at 0.22 THz. Currently, we are preparing for another test to obtain a flat band response. A scandate nano-composite (Sc 2 O 3 -W) cathode, fabricated by cryogenic milling and sol-gel process, has successfully emitted 115 A/cm2 (space charge limited) at 1150 °C and 50 A/cm2 at 1050 °C for 6,000 hrs as required to produce the requisite high current density electron beam. It is currently being attempted to be incorporated in the sheet beam electron gun by high precision machining. We also succeeded in beam-tests of a 25 ∶ 1 sheet beam, the world-highest aspect ratio, with ∼ 40 A/cm2 cathode loading, which leads to 0.25 A, corresponding to 6 ∶ 1 compression rate, in the beam tunnel. We plan to transport the beam over the 2 cm long interaction circuit with high transmission by systematic design of a permanent magnet stack.
Exome Sequencing Links Gene Mutation in Angiopoietin-Like Protein 3 With Low-Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol

1. Musunuru K, Pirruccello JP, Do R, Peloso GM, Guiducci C, Sougnez C, Garimella KV, Fisher S, Abreu J, Barry AJ, Fennell T, Banks E, Ambrogio L, Cibulskis K, Kernytsky A, Gonzalez E, Rudzicz N, Engert JC, DePristo MA, Daly MJ, Cohen JC, Hobbs HH, Altshuler D, Schonfeld G, Gabriel SB, Yue P, Kathiresan S. Exome sequencing, ANGPTL3 mutations, and familial combined hypolipidemia. N Engl J Med. 2010;363(23):2220–2227. PMID: 20942659. ### Study Hypothesis Familial hypobetalipoproteinemia is an inherited disorder of lipid metabolism defined by extremely low levels of plasma apolipoprotein B (apoB) and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C). Some cases have been linked to the apoB gene, but in other families, efforts to identify the gene defects associated with this disorder have been unsuccessful. The authors hypothesized that next-generation exome sequencing (sequencing of all protein-coding regions of the genome) of select cases of familial hypobetalipoproteinemia not linked to apoB would allow for identification of the causative gene. ### How Was the Hypothesis Tested? A family of European descent, some of whose members had hypobetalipoproteinemia, was used for the study. Linkage analysis had previously ruled out apoB as the …
Y retinal terminals contact interneurons in the cat dorsal lateral geniculate nucleus

One of the largest influences on dorsal lateral geniculate nucleus (dLGN) activity comes from interneurons, which use the neurotransmitter gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA). It is well established that X retinogeniculate terminals contact interneurons and thalamocortical cells in complex synaptic arrangements known as glomeruli. However, there is little anatomical evidence for the involvement of dLGN interneurons in the Y pathway. To determine whether Y retinogeniculate axons contact interneurons, we injected the superior colliculus (SC) with biotinylated dextran amine (BDA) to backfill retinal axons, which also project to the SC. Within the A lamina of the dLGN, this BDA labeling allowed us to distinguish Y retinogeniculate axons from X retinogeniculate axons, which do not project to the SC. In BDA-labeled tissue prepared for electron microscopic analysis, we subsequently used postembedding immunocytochemical staining for GABA to distinguish interneurons from thalamocortical cells. We found that the majority of profiles postsynaptic to Y retinal axons were GABA-negative dendrites of thalamocortical cells (117/200 or 58.5%). The remainder (83/200 or 41.5%) were GABA-positive dendrites, many of which contained vesicles (59/200 or 29.5%). Thus, Y retinogeniculate axons do contact interneurons. However, these contacts differed from X retinogeniculate axons, in that triadic arrangements were rare. This indicates that the X and Y pathways participate in unique circuitries but that interneurons are involved in the modulation of both pathways.
Is ketorolac safe to use in plastic surgery? A critical review.

Background Ketorolac tromethamine is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that provides postoperative pain control and reduces narcotic requirements. However, concerns regarding postoperative hematoma have limited its use in plastic surgery. Objectives Our goal is to critically review the risk of bleeding with ketorolac in plastic surgery patients, with a focus on aesthetic surgery. Methods A PubMed/Medline literature search of clinical trials using the keywords “surgery” and “NSAID” yielded 2574 results. Of these results, 1036 included ketorolac and twelve involved plastic surgery patients. Six studies reported postoperative hematoma rates: three prospective randomized trials, two retrospective reviews, and one case series. These were subjected to statistical analysis to determine if an association existed between ketorolac and postoperative hematomas. Results Six papers reported 981 cases. Ketorolac use resulted in similar hematoma rates when compared to control groups, 2.5% (12 of 483) versus 2.4% (12 of 498), respectively ( P = .79). There were no reported hematomas associated with ketorolac in over 115 patients undergoing aesthetic facial procedures. Hematoma rates of those undergoing aesthetic breast surgery, including reduction and augmentation mammoplasties, were 4.3% (11 of 257) in the ketorolac group versus 2.2% (6 of 277) in controls ( P = .59). Reduction in postoperative narcotic use and improved pain scores was also reported. Conclusions Our literature review did not find a significant association between hematoma formation and ketorolac use in a variety of plastic surgery procedures. These findings are similar to those in other surgical subspecialties. Level of Evidence 3![Graphic][1] Risk [1]: /embed/inline-graphic-1.gif
PERCEIVED SPEED OF TIME AND TASK AFFECT

Task satisfaction is hypothesized to be a function of the perceived speed of time passage while performing a task. Perceived speed of time passage is manipulated both as an internal state (arousal) and as an environmental context (pattern of background rhythm). The results of an experiment (N = 80) support the hypothesis and are interpreted through an implicit model of task satisfaction, i.e., events that seem to occur quickly are perceived as pleasing. The theoretical implications of the findings are contrasted with other frameworks of explanation of task satisfaction.
Ammonia fiber explosion treatment of corn stover.

Optimizing process conditions and parameters such as ammonia loading, moisture content of biomass, temperature, and residence time is necessary for maximum effectiveness of the ammonia fiber explosion process. Approximate optimal pretreatment conditions for corn stover were found to be temperature of 90°C, ammonia:dry corn stover mass ratio of 1:1, moisture content of corn stover of 60% (dry weight basis), and residence time (holding at target temperature), of 5 min. Approximately 98% of the theoretical glucose yield was obtained during enzymatic hydrolysis of the optimal treated corn stover using 60 filter paper units (FPU) of cellulase enzyme / g of glucan (equal to 22 FPU/g of dry corn stover). The ethanol yield from this sample was increased up to 2.2 times over that of untreated sample. Lowering enzyme loading to 15 and 7.5 FPU/g of glucan did not significantly affect the glucose yield compared with 60 FPU, and any differences between effects at different enzyme levels decreased as the treatment temperature increased.
Evidence for a Stromal GTP Requirement for the Integration of a Chlorophyll a/b-Binding Polypeptide into Thylakoid Membranes

The integration of chlorophyll a/b-binding (LHCP) polypeptides and the translocation of the 33-kD oxygen-evolving enhancer protein (OEE33) have been previously shown to occur in chloroplast extracts containing stroma, thylakoids, ATP, and MgCl2. We have re-examined the nucleotide requirement for these two reactions using stromal extract and translation products depleted of low molecular weight compounds. LHCP integration activity was up to 10-fold higher when assayed with GTP compared with ATP, CTP, or UTP. A combination of ATP and GTP supported less LHCP integration activity than GTP alone, suggesting that GTP meets the entire nucleotide requirement. Nonhydrolyzable analogs of GTP were inhibitory, consistent with the idea that GTP hydrolysis is required for integration activity. Periodate-oxidized GTP (GTPox) also inhibited the integration reaction when present during the assay. Pretreatment of stroma with GTPox followed by GTPox removal inhibited integration activity, whereas pretreatment of thylakoids had no effect. We interpret this to mean that a GTP-binding protein involved in integration is localized in the stroma. Translocation of OEE33 was more efficient with ATP than with GTP, and the combination of both nucleotides was not additive. Our data implicate the involvement of a GTPase in LHCP integration but not in the translocation of OEE33.
Heavy Ion Accelerators for Inertial Fusion

Heavy ion beams make a good driver for inertial fusion. Two types of accelerator are promising for delivering the requisit high current beams - the rf linac/storage ring system pursued at the Argonne National Laboratory and the induction linac scheme developed at the Lawrence Berkeley Laboratory. The progress at these laboratories is, however, regrettably slow due to lack of funding. The general requirements on the driver for heavy ion fusion are reviewed and the status of various R&D efforts is discussed.
Comparison of two within-household selection methods in a telephone survey of substance abuse and dependence.

Purpose Random-digit dial telephone surveys often rely on the random selection of one respondent within the household. We compared a new method of within-household selection to a standard “next birthday” approach on selected survey process measures, respondent characteristics, and substantive results. Methods From October 2004 through June 2005, we conducted a survey of adults in Minnesota to obtain information about substance use and need for treatment. Control group respondents (n = 1944) were selected using the “next birthday” method, and experimental group respondents (n = 1086) were selected using a new method developed by Rizzo, Brick, and Park. We assessed group differences for survey process measures, such as the number of attempts to interview and the refusal, response, and cooperation rates. We also examined whether the groups differed in demographic factors, substance use, and mental health. Results The experimental group had higher rates of refusal and lower response and cooperation rates. Demographic factors and most measures of substance use and mental health did not differ significantly between groups. Conclusions The experimental method of within-household selection developed by Rizzo and colleagues does not offer advantages over the classic “next birthday” method. Study limitations are discussed and opportunities for future research are identified.
Production rate of deoxycorticosterone in women during the follicular and luteal phases of the ovarian cycle: the role of extraadrenal 21-hydroxylation of circulating progesterone in deoxycorticosterone production.

The fractional conversion of plasma progesterone to deoxycorticosterone (DOC) ([ρ]BU P-DOC) has been determined in pregnant, nonpregnant, and adrenalectomized women and men. The [ρ] BU P-DOC varies widely among persons, but the [p]BU P-DOCoc in a given subject is invariant regardless of plasma progresterone concentrations. In the present investigation we sought to ascertain 1) the production rate of DOC (PR-DOC) during the follicular and luteal phases of the ovarian cycle of women and 2) the role of extraadrenal 21-hydroxylation of progesterone as a source of DOC during the luteal phase of the ovarian cycle. Four subjects were given iv infusions of [3H]-progesterone and [14C]DOC in order to determine [P]BU P-DOC and the PR-DOC during both phases of the ovarian cycle. The [ρ]BU P-DOCfound in these subjects were within the range of values previously reported, viz. 0.007 ± 0.001 (mean ± SEM), and did not change during the cycle. The mean daily PR-DOC in these subjects during the follicular phase of the menst...
Clavulanic acid reduces rewarding, hyperthermic and locomotor-sensitizing effects of morphine in rats: a new indication for an old drug?

Abstract Background Despite the efficacy of ceftriaxone (CTX) in animal models of CNS diseases, including drug addiction, its utility as a CNS-active therapeutic may be limited by poor brain penetrability and cumbersome parenteral administration. An alternative is the β-lactamase inhibitor clavulanic acid (CA), a constituent of Augmentin that prevents antibiotic degradation. CA possesses the β-lactam core necessary for CNS activity but, relative to CTX, possesses: (1) oral activity; (2) 2.5-fold greater brain penetrability; and (3) negligible antibiotic activity. Methods To compare the effectiveness of CA (10 mg/kg) and CTX (200 mg/kg) against centrally-mediated endpoints, we investigated their effects against morphine's rewarding, hyperthermic, and locomotor-sensitizing actions. Endpoints were based on prior evidence that CTX attenuates morphine-induced physical dependence, tolerance, and hyperthermia. Results As expected, rats treated with morphine (4 mg/kg) displayed hyperthermia and conditioned place preference (CPP). Co-treatment with CTX or CA inhibited development of morphine-induced CPP by approximately 70%. Morphine's hyperthermic effect was also suppressed, with CTX and CA producing 57% and 47% inhibition, respectively. Locomotor sensitization induced by repeated morphine exposures was inhibited by CA but not CTX. Conclusions The present findings are the first to suggest that CA disrupts the in vivo actions of morphine and point toward further studying CA as a potential therapy for drug addiction. Further, its ability to disrupt morphine's rewarding effects at 20-fold lower doses than CTX identifies CA as an existing, orally-active alternative to direct CTX therapy for CNS diseases.
CONCEPT OF IDEAL COLLECTIVE COORDINATE AS THE FOUNDATION FOR A PHENOMENOLOGICAL THEORY OF NUCLEAR COLLECTIVE MOTION: BASIC IDEAS AND RELATION TO OTHER PHENOMENOLOGICAL METHODS.

The concept of an ideal collective coordinate is introduced by means of the following example: Consider a one-dimensional vibration of a many-body system in the sense that a large subset of states $|n〉$ of the system exhibits an energy spectrum and relative transition probabilities following the laws of the (in general anharmonic) oscillator described by $\mathcal{H}$ (${p}_{\ensuremath{\alpha}}, \ensuremath{\alpha}$) $(\ensuremath{\alpha}|n)={\ensuremath{\omega}}_{n}(\ensuremath{\alpha}|n)$. We suppose the set of many-body states $|n〉$ to extend indefinitely, and we take the transform $|\ensuremath{\alpha}〉=\ensuremath{\Sigma}|n〉$ ($n|\ensuremath{\alpha}$) to define a many-body generating state of the band which is precisely localized in $\ensuremath{\alpha}$ space. The basic assumption of collectivity, that changing the state of at most a few particles cannot much alter the value of $\ensuremath{\alpha}$, is shown to be sufficient to derive a phenomenological theory from the many-body starting point. The phenomenological aspects of a recent theory of rotations due to Villars is seen to be contained in the above formulation as a special case. A brief review is given of the generator coordinate and similar projection methods in order to exhibit their relationship with the present method.
IS INTRACYTOPLASMIC SPERM INJECTION SAFE? CURRENT STATUS AND FUTURE CONCERNS

In vitro fertilization with intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) has revolutionized the treatment of patients with severe forms of male infertility. However, because ICSI has been performed for only 10 years, long-term outcomes and risks to offspring remain largely unknown. The fact that ICSI can potentially bypass natural selection barriers to genetic disease transmission has brought a sobering but important impetus to recent research on the risks and outcomes of ICSI. Several studies were done recently to examine specific risks to children born following ICSI. Because of rapid advances in the ICSI procedure itself, studies evaluating the safety of using immature sperm forms from the testis (spermatids, spermatocytes) also have been undertaken. This review summarizes recent studies examining the risks and long-term outcomes to date of in vitro fertilization with ICSI.
Prevention of delayed foreign marrow reaction in lethally irradiated mice by early administration of methotrexate.

A MORTAL wasting disease occurs in lethally irradiated mice which have been engrafted with allogeneic marrow that is capable of reaction against host tissue antigens. The disease appears late, usually several weeks after exposure to radiation. Two components have been described: an early injury to the host, particularly to the lymphoid areas, by immunologically competent lymphoid cells contained in the marrow injection; and a delay in the restoration of the host's lymphoid centres which increases mortality by leaving the host vulnerable to infection and inter-current disease over a prolonged period1.
A systems approach to environmental engineering

Problems of the environment have arisen because subsystem management—of the household, the factory, the farm and the town—neglects external effects. Optimal resolution of these problems can only be achieved if analysts and management themselves do not commit the error of focusing on too limited systems. In particular, the full geographic and conceptual extent of polluting systems, their linkage with other polluting systems, the ecological systems they drive, and the human systems engendering them must be taken into account. Effective environmental management must, however, also avoid the counter-part trap of considering systems in such great scope and detail that operational tractability is lost. It is recommended that three specific systems be kept in mind throughout the search for the most effective policy handles: (1) the economic system of consumption, technological adaptation, and production which all are linked by monetary incentives; (2) the political system through which actions designed to preserve or restore the environment are organized and (3) the information system which transmits the data and the understanding required for adept environmental control. The real name of the devil is sub-optimization, finding out the best way to do something which should not be done at all. (Kenneth Boulding, 1970).
Agricultural production prospects in Latin America

Abstract This article argues that there are excellent possibilities for Latin America to increase substantially both its agricultural production and per capita food consumption, and therefore to reduce general levels of poverty. This requires more rational use of the region's relatively abundant resources and of modern technologies. However, there are strong social and political constraints operating both at the national and international levels against the implementation of necessary structural reforms. The author acknowledges the influences on agricultural growth and human nutrition of population expansion, national income growth, foreign markets, education, values, public policies, investment, technologies, etc. but stresses that the parameters of Latin American agricultural growth are in fact defined by the social context, i.e. a rigidly elitist and highly stratified society extremely dependent upon the US and other industrialized nations. The author also emphasizes the diversities within the region — among countries, but mainly among social classes.
UGA Nonsense Mutations in Salmonella typhimurium

Salmonella typhimurium strain LT-2 carries a weak UGA suppressor activity. This activity prevents the detection of some UGA mutants as auxotrophs and probably accounts for the rarity of his UGA mutants in this strain. A selection method is described which permits the isolation of these rare his UGA mutants. Map distribution of his UGA mutations is normal, and their polarity effects are indistinguishable from the polarity effects of amber and ochre mutations at similar locations. Isolation and properties of a prototrophic his UGA mutant are described. UGA mutants are common among lac mutants isolated from Salmonella strains carrying an F'lac episome. Apparently the suppressor activity is insufficient to prevent detection of lac UGA mutants. It is not yet clear whether the suppressor activity plays an important role in normal cell physiology.
Dynamic speedometer: dashboard redesign to discourage drivers from speeding

We apply HCI design principles to redesign the dashboard of the automobile to address the problem of speeding. We prototyped and evaluated a new speedometer designed with the explicit intention of changing drivers' speeding behavior. Our user-tests show that displaying the current speed limit as part of the speedometer visualization (i.e. the dynamic speedometer) results in safer driving behavior. Designing with the intent to achieve a particular behavior can be an effective approach for increasing the safety of mission-critical systems. This is an area in which HCI designers can have a significant impact.
A principled approach to teaching OO first

There has been debate about whether OO should, or even can, be taught first in CS1 (using Java). We claim that OO can be taught successfully, provided certain principles are followed. These principles lead to the requirement of an appropriate model for classes and objects, which we provide.
Evaluation of the Titan2D two-phase flow model using an actual event: Case study of the 2005 Vazcún Valley Lahar

Abstract Titan2D is a depth-averaged, thin-layer computational fluid dynamics (CFD) code, suitable for simulating a variety of geophysical mass flows. Titan2D output data include flow thickness and flow momentum at each time step for all cells traversed by the flow during the simulation. From this information the flow limit, run-out path, flow velocity, deposit thickness, and travel time can be calculated. Results can be visualized in the open-source GRASS GIS software or with the built-in Titan2D viewer. A new two-phase Titan2D version allows simulation of flows containing various mixtures of water and solids. The purpose of this study is to compare simulations by the two-phase flow version of Titan2D with an actual event. The chosen natural flow is a small ash-rich lahar (volume 50,000 m3–70,000 m3) that occurred on 12 February 2005 in the Vazcun Valley, located on the north-east flank of Volcan Tungurahua, Ecuador. Lahars and pyroclastic flows along this valley could potentially threaten the 20,000 inhabitants living in and near the city of Banos. A variety of data sources exist for this lahar, including: post-event meter-scale topography, and photographic, video, seismic and acoustic flow monitoring (AFM) records from during the event. These data permit detailed comparisons between the dynamics of the actual lahar and those of the Titan2D simulated flow. In particular, detailed comparisons are made between run-up heights, flow velocity, inundation area, and flow thickness. Simulations utilize a variety of data derived from field observations such as lahar volume, solid to pore-fluid ratio and pre-event topography. Titan2D is important in modeling lahars because it allows assessment of the impact of the flows on buildings and infrastructure lifelines located near drainages that descend from volcanoes.
A carboxy-terminal mutant Spleen Focus-Forming Virus (SFFV) envelope glycoprotein is transport-competent, but non-leukemogenic

The Friend spleen focus-forming virus (F-SFFV) codes for a transport-defective leukemogenic envelope glycoprotein designated as gp52. We have previously shown that the external domain of gp52 carries the determinants responsible for its transport defect. Consistent with this idea, truncated gp52 molecules that lack a hydrophobic membrane anchor were transport-defective, and were not secreted from cells. In this report, we describe the construction of a mutant SFFV envelope gene that codes for altered gp52 molecules in which the carboxyl-terminal hydrophobic residues are replaced with exogenous hydrophilic residues encoded by the vector-derived sequences. The mutant env gene was expressed using the retroviral expression vector, pLXSN, and the mutant envelope protein was found to be transport-competent, and efficiently secreted from the cells. However, M-MuLV pseudotypes of the retroviral vectors expressing the mutant genome were found to be non-leukemogenic in mice.
Chromatin higher-order structure and dynamics.

The primary role of the nucleus as an information storage, retrieval, and replication site requires the physical organization and compaction of meters of DNA. Although it has been clear for many years that nucleosomes constitute the first level of chromatin compaction, this contributes a relatively small fraction of the condensation needed to fit the typical genome into an interphase nucleus or set of metaphase chromosomes, indicating that there are additional “higher order” levels of chromatin condensation. Identifying these levels, their interrelationships, and the principles that govern their occurrence has been a challenging and much discussed problem. In this article, we focus on recent experimental advances and the emerging evidence indicating that structural plasticity and chromatin dynamics play dominant roles in genome organization. We also discuss novel approaches likely to yield important insights in the near future, and suggest research areas that merit further study.
Pseudotachylyte generated in the semi-brittle and brittle regimes, Bench Canyon shear zone, central Sierra Nevada

Pseudotachylyte cuts Cretaceous plutonic and volcanic rocks in the Bench Canyon shear zone, central Sierra Nevada, California. As documented by optical and scanning electron microscopy, the pseudotachylyte displays evidence for a friction melt origin, including vesicles, amygdules, crystallites, flow fabrics and embayed crystal fragments. Based on fault-related rock association, vein morphology, and inferred crustal level of generation, two distinct types of pseudotachylyte are documented in the shear zone. Pseudotachylyte associated with cataclasite was generated at shallow crustal levels (~1–10 km) via unstable, velocity-weakening, abrasive wear friction. Pseudotachylyte associated and interlayered with mylonite was generated at deeper crustal levels (~10–15 km) most likely via stable, velocity-strengthening, adhesive wear friction; this pseudotachylyte underwent ductile deformation in the solid state. Interlayered pseudotachylyte and mylonite records cyclic aseismic/seismic slip at a transitional crustal level between the semi-brittle field of quartzofeldspathic rocks and the base of the seismogenic zone. The cyclicity is attributed to strain rate fluctuation effected by strain-resistant phacoids, pore-fluid pressure variation, ductile instabilities, or downward fault propagation. The mode of deformation within the shear zone progressed from (i) production of mylonite during amphibolite to greenschist facies conditions, to (ii) generation of pseudotachylyte by intermittent seismic faulting within a background of aseismic shear in the upper realm of the semi-brittle field (~300–400 °C), to (iii) generation of pseudotachylyte through seismic events in the brittle (< ~300 °C) during uplift/exhumation and cooling; some of the latter may have been generated at shallow enough crustal levels (< ~4 km) to allow vesicle formation. The exhumation of a crustal level exposing such an assemblage provides a rare opportunity to study the enigmatic nature of the transitional change from semi-brittle flow to seismogenic rupturing.
Automating fluid delivery in a capillary microfluidic device using low-voltage electrowetting valves

A multilayer capillary polymeric microfluidic device integrated with three normally closed electrowetting valves for timed fluidic delivery was developed. The microfluidic channel consisted two flexible layers of poly (ethylene terephthalate) bonded by a pressure-sensitive adhesive spacer tape. Channels were patterned in the spacer tape using laser ablation. Each valve contained two inkjet-printed silver electrodes in series. Capillary flow within the microchannel was stopped at the second electrode which was modified with a hydrophobic monolayer (valve closed). When a potential was applied across the electrodes, the hydrophobic monolayer became hydrophilic and allowed flow to continue (valve opened). The relationship between the actuation voltage, the actuation time, and the distance between two electrodes was performed using a microfluidic chip containing a single microchannel design. The results showed that a low voltage (4.5 V) was able to open the valve within 1 s when the distance between two electrodes was 1 mm. Increased voltages were needed to open the valves when the distance between two electrodes was increased. Additionally, the actuation time required to open the valve increased when voltage was decreased. A multichannel device was fabricated to demonstrate timed fluid delivery between three solutions. Our electrowetting valve system was fabricated using low-cost materials and techniques, can be actuated by a battery, and can be integrated into portable microfluidic devices suitable for point-of-care analysis in resource-limited settings.
Rotational state dependence of CO/Pt(111) sticking probabilities

Abstract Calculations are presented which determine sticking probabilities for CO on a Pt(111) crystal as a function of the rotational excitation of the incident molecule. We generally find the rotational state dependence to be negligible except for J values corresponding to the high-energy tail of the thermal distribution, a result is attributable to the strong orientational dependence of the molecule-surface potential.