cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Atrial natriuretic hormone prohormone gene expression in cardiac and extra-cardiac tissues of diabetic Goto-Kakizaki rats.

The present investigation was designed to determine if the mechanism for the increased atrial natriuretic peptides within the circulation of diabetic animals involves atrial natriuretic hormone prohormone (proANH) gene expression upregulation. The tissue specificity of this potential upregulation of the proANH gene was investigated in a spontaneous model of type 2 diabetes, i.e. the Goto-Kakizaki (GK) rat with comparison to age-matched non-diabetic Wistar rats from which the GK colony was originally derived. Reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction revealed that proANH gene expression was increased 3.1-fold in the left heart ventricle, 5-fold in lung, 2-fold in kidney, 3-fold within mucosa and 1.8-fold within muscle of gastric antrum (p < 0.05 for each) of GK rats compared to Wistar rats. There was no significant increase in proANH gene expression in atria and right ventricle of the heart of GK rats compared to Wistars. These results indicate that steady-state ANH prohormone mRNA levels increase within the left ventricle and extracardiac tissues in type 2 diabetic animals. This enhanced gene expression is a functional increase with its expressed proteins (4 peptide hormones; ANPs) increasing 2-6 fold within the circulation of GKs. The greater increase in proANH messenger RNA in the extracardiac tissues compared to the amount of increase within the heart and the greater tissue mass of these combined extra cardiac tissues suggests the majority of the increase in ANPs within the circulation of diabetics is secondary to increased synthesis in extracardiac tissues. This also suggests that there is a systemic regulatory mechanism of proANH gene expression not only within the heart but also within the lung, gastrointestinal tract and kidney. Diabetes is the first disease in which there is more upregulation of ANH prohormone in extracardiac tissues compared to upregulation within the heart itself.
Non-Submodularity and Approximability: Influence Maximization in Online Social Networks

Motivated by many Online Social Network (OSN)applications such as viral marketing, the Social Influence Maximization Problem (SIMP)has received tremendous attention. SIMP aims to select $k$ initially-influenced seed users to maximize the number of eventually-influenced users. Under the independent cascade model, the SIMP has been proved to be NP-hard, monotone, and submodular. Therefore, a naive greedy algorithm that maximizes the marginal gain obtains an approximation ratio of $1-e^{-1}$ . This paper extends the SIMP by considering the crowd influence which is combined group influence in additional to individual influence among a given crowd. Our problem is proved to be NP-hard and monotone, but not submodular. It is proved to be inapproximable within a ratio of $\vert V\vert ^{\epsilon-1}$ for any $\in > 0$ . However, since user connections in OSNs are not random, approximations can be obtained by leveraging the structural properties of OSNs. We prove that the supmodular degree, denoted as $\Delta$ . of most OSNs has the following property $\lim_{\vert V\vert \rightarrow\infty}\frac{\Delta}{O(\vert V\vert)}=0$ , i.e., $\Delta\in \mathrm{o}(\vert V\vert)$ for most OSNs. The supermodularity, denoted by $\triangle$ , is used to measure to what degree our problem violates the submodularity. Two approximation algorithms have been applied with ratios of $\frac{1}{\triangle+2}$ and $1-e^{-1/(\triangle+1)}$ , respectively. Experiments demonstrate the efficiency and effectiveness of our algorithms.
O1E.2 Influence of work organization and environment on health and productivity outcomes among construction apprentices: a total worker health® approach

Introduction Construction is a hazardous industry, with well-recognized risks of traumatic injury and high physical demands. Other threats to construction workers’ health and well-being occur from work organization and work environment factors, including precarious employment, long commutes, long work hours, and employer policies regarding health and safety. These non-traditional hazards have been associated with injury and illness, psychosocial stress, and unhealthy behaviors including poor diet and smoking. The cumulative impacts of both traditional and non-traditional hazards on the health and well-being of construction workers are largely unknown. Methods We conducted annual surveys among apprentice construction workers to identify relationships between four study domains: work organization and environment, health behaviors, health outcomes, and work outcomes. Results 963 baseline surveys were completed and returned by apprentice construction workers (90% response rate, mean age 28). Preliminary analyses examined associations between work organization factors and four self-reported outcomes: lower work ability, lower productivity, higher rates of missed days of work due to injury, and use of prescription pain medication. We found that all four outcomes were associated with high job demands, low supervisor support, and low job security. Other factors associated with one or more outcomes included low job security, mandatory overtime, low coworker support, and low foreman supervision of safety. Compared to commercial construction workers, those in residential construction reported higher use of pain medication and higher rates of missed days due to work injuries. One year follow-up data from 901 workers are now being analyzed; we will present results of relationships between the four study domains. Discussion Cross-sectional data highlight non-traditional worksite health risks, and suggest potential interventions to improve heath behaviors and outcomes among construction workers.
Homelessness, Personal Hygiene, and MRSA Nasal Colonization among Persons Who Inject Drugs.

Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) infection is a leading cause of hospitalization and medical visits among individuals experiencing homelessness and also among persons who inject drugs (PWID), populations with significant overlap in urban centers in the USA. While injection drug use is a risk factor for MRSA skin infections, MRSA is also known to transmit easily in crowded, public locations in which individuals have reduced personal hygiene. Individuals in urban centers who experience homelessness or drug addiction may spend significant amounts of time in environments where MRSA can be easily transmitted, and may also experience reduced access to facilities to maintain personal hygiene. We assessed the relationship between homelessness, personal hygiene, and MRSA nasal colonization, a proxy for MRSA infection risk, in a study of PWID in Boston, MA (n = 78). Sleeping in a homeless shelter for at least one night in the last 3 months was significantly associated with MRSA nasal colonization (OR 3.0; p = 0.02; 95% CI 1.2, 7.6). Sleeping at more than one place during the last week (considered a metric of elevated housing instability) was also associated with a threefold increase in odds of MRSA nasal colonization (OR 3.1; p = 0.01; 95% CI 1.3, 7.6). MRSA nasal colonization was strongly associated with use of public showers (OR 13.7; p = 0.02; 95% CI 1.4, 132.8), although few people in this study (4 of 78) reported using these public facilities. Sharing bedding with other people was also associated with increased risk of MRSA colonization (OR 2.2; p = 0.05; 95% CI 1.0–4.7). No associations between hand hygiene, frequency of bathing or clothes laundering, or street sleeping were observed. Use of public facilities supporting persons experiencing homelessness and housing instability, including shelters and public showers, is associated with an increased risk of MRSA nasal colonization in this study. Personal hygiene behaviors appear less associated with MRSA nasal colonization. Environmental assessments of MRSA contamination in homeless shelters and public sanitation facilities are warranted so as to inform appropriate intervention activities.
Safety and Efficacy of Direct Oral Anticoagulants Versus Warfarin in Patients With Chronic Kidney Disease and Atrial Fibrillation

Patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) commonly have impaired renal function. The safety and efficacy of direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) and end-stage renal disease has not been fully elucidated. This study evaluated and compared the safety outcomes of DOACs versus warfarin in patients with nonvalvular AF and concomitant CKD. Patients in our health system with AF prescribed oral anticoagulants during 2010 to 2017 were identified. All-cause mortality, bleeding and hemorrhagic, and ischemic stroke were evaluated based on degree of renal impairment and method of anticoagulation. There were 21,733 patients with a CHA2DS2-VASc score of ≥2 included in this analysis. Compared with warfarin, DOAC use in patients with impaired renal function was associated with lower risk of mortality with a hazard ratio (HR): 0.76 (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.70 to 0.84, p value 60, HR 0.74 (95% CI 0.68 to 0.81, p value 30 to 60, and HR 0.76 (95% CI 0.63 to 0.92, p value 60, HR 0.83 (95% CI 0.74 to 0.94, p value 0.003) in patients with eGFR >30 to 60, and HR 0.69 (95% CI 0.50 to 0.93, p value 0.017) in patients with eGFR ≤30 or on dialysis. In conclusion, in comparison to warfarin, DOACs appear to be safe and effective with a lower risk of all-cause mortality and lower bleeding across all levels of CKD.
Leukemia stem cell gene expression signatures contribute to acute myeloid leukemia risk stratification

The majority of patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) will die of their disease. Nevertheless, the prognosis of AML varies widely. Some AML patients may be cured by chemotherapy alone, while others require approaches such as allogeneic stem cell transplantation to have the best chance of long-
How Do Yeast Cells Contend with Prions

Infectious proteins (prions) include an array of human (mammalian) and yeast amyloid diseases in which a protein or peptide forms a linear β-sheet-rich filament, at least one functional amyloid prion, and two functional infectious proteins unrelated to amyloid. In Saccharomyces cerevisiae, at least eight anti-prion systems deal with pathogenic amyloid yeast prions by (1) blocking their generation (Ssb1,2, Ssz1, Zuo1), (2) curing most variants as they arise (Btn2, Cur1, Hsp104, Upf1,2,3, Siw14), and (3) limiting the pathogenicity of variants that do arise and propagate (Sis1, Lug1). Known mechanisms include facilitating proper folding of the prion protein (Ssb1,2, Ssz1, Zuo1), producing highly asymmetric segregation of prion filaments in mitosis (Btn2, Hsp104), competing with the amyloid filaments for prion protein monomers (Upf1,2,3), and regulation of levels of inositol polyphosphates (Siw14). It is hoped that the discovery of yeast anti-prion systems and elucidation of their mechanisms will facilitate finding analogous or homologous systems in humans, whose manipulation may be useful in treatment.
Characteristics of Acute Kidney Injury in Hospitalized COVID-19 Patients in an Urban Academic Medical Center.

AKI is a recognized complication of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) (1). In this study, we characterized the AKI incidence and outcomes in patients with COVID-19 and AKI. We conducted a retrospective cohort study of 1002 patients admitted from March 1 to April 19, 2020 through the Emergency
Comparison of Bioorthogonal β-Lactone Activity-Based Probes for Selective Labeling of Penicillin-Binding Proteins

Penicillin-binding proteins (PBPs) are a family of bacterial enzymes that are key components of cell-wall biosynthesis and the target of β-lactam antibiotics. Most microbial pathogens contain multiple structurally homologous PBP isoforms, making it difficult to target individual PBPs. To study the roles and regulation of specific PBP isoforms, a panel of bioorthogonal β-lactone probes was synthesized and compared. Fluorescent labeling confirmed selectivity, and PBPs were selectively enriched from Streptococcus pneumoniae lysates. Comparisons between fluorescent labeling of probes revealed that the accessibility of bioorthogonal reporter molecules to the bound probe in the native protein environment exerts a more significant effect on labeling intensity than the bioorthogonal reaction used, observations that are likely applicable beyond this class of probes or proteins. Selective, bioorthogonal activity-based probes for PBPs will facilitate the activity-based determination of the roles and regulation of specific PBP isoforms, a key gap in knowledge that has yet to be filled.
scGEApp: a Matlab app for feature selection on single-cell RNA sequencing data

Abstract Motivation The recent development of single-cell technologies, especially single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq), provides an unprecedented level of resolution to the cell type heterogeneity. It also enables the study of gene expression variability across individual cells within a homogenous cell population. Feature selection algorithms have been used to select biologically meaningful genes while controlling for sampling noise. An easy-to-use application for feature selection on scRNA-seq data requires integration of functions for data filtering, normalization, visualization, and enrichment analyses. Graphic user interfaces (GUIs) are desired for such an application. Results We used native Matlab and App Designer to develop scGEApp for feature selection on singlecell gene expression data. We specifically designed a new feature selection algorithm based on the 3D spline fitting of expression mean (μ), coefficient of variance (CV), and dropout rate (rdrop), making scGEApp a unique tool for feature selection on scRNA-seq data. Our method can be applied to single-sample or two-sample scRNA-seq data, identify feature genes, e.g., those with unexpectedly high CV for given μ and rdrop of those genes, or genes with the most feature changes. Users can operate scGEApp through GUIs to use the full spectrum of functions including normalization, batch effect correction, imputation, visualization, feature selection, and downstream analyses with GSEA and GOrilla. Availability https://github.com/jamesjcai/scGEApp Contact:jcai@tamu.edu Supplementary information Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
Mobility with a lower limb prosthesis: experiences of users with high levels of functional ability

The Prosthetic Limb Users Survey of Mobility (PLUS-M) is a self-report item bank designed to measure the abilities with which people with lower limb amputation perform physical activities. Although...
Bridging the Synthesis Gap: Ionic Liquids Enable Solvent-Mediated Reaction in Vapor-Phase Deposition.

Molecular layer deposition (MLD) is an attractive, vapor-phase deposition method for applications requiring ultrathin organic materials, such as photolithography, lithium batteries, and microelectr...
Identification of a SARS-CoV-2 Lineage B1.1.7 Virus in New York following Return Travel from the United Kingdom

Here, we report the identification and coding-complete genome sequence of a severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) strain (NYI.B1-7.01-21) obtained from a patient with symptoms of COVID-19 who had a recent travel history to the United Kingdom. The sample was tested by the Cayuga Health Systems laboratory as part of New York State's travel testing guidance and was sequenced at Cornell University after testing positive.
Plucking a string or playing a G? Degree of choice abstraction impacts human reinforcement learning

In reinforcement learning (RL) experiments, participants learn to make rewarding choices in response to different stimuli; RL models use outcomes to estimate stimulus-response values which change incrementally. RL models consider any response type indiscriminately, ranging from less abstract choices (e.g. pressing a key with the index finger), to more abstract choices that can be executed in a number of ways (e.g. getting dinner at the restaurant). But does the learning process vary as a function of how abstract the choices are? In Experiment 1, we show that choice abstraction impacts learning: participants were slower and less accurate in learning to select a more abstract choice. Using computational modeling, we show that two mechanisms contribute to this. First, the values of motor actions interfered with the values of more abstract responses, resulting in more incorrect choices; second, information integration for relevant abstract choices was slower. In Experiment 2, we replicate the findings from Experiment 1, and further extend the results by investigating whether slowed learning is attributable to working memory (WM) or RL contributions. We find that the impairment in more abstract/flexible choices is driven primarily by a weaker contribution of WM. We conclude that defining a more abstract choice space used by multiple learning systems recruits limited executive resources, limiting how much such processes then contribute to fast learning.
Developing Functional Relationships between Soil Waterlogging and Corn Shoot and Root Growth and Development.

Short- and long-term waterlogging conditions impact crop growth and development, preventing crops from reaching their true genetic potential. Two experiments were conducted using a pot-culture facility to better understand soil waterlogging impacts on corn growth and development. Two corn hybrids were grown in 2017 and 2018 under ambient sunlight and temperature conditions. Waterlogging durations of 0, 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, and 14 days were imposed at the V2 growth stage. Morphological (growth and development) and pigment estimation data were collected 15 days after treatments were imposed, 23 days after sowing. As waterlogging was imposed, soil oxygen rapidly decreased until reaching zero in about 8–10 days; upon the termination of the treatments, the oxygen levels recovered to the level of the 0 days treatment within 2 days. Whole-plant dry weight declined as the waterlogging duration increased, and after 2 days of waterlogging, a 44% and 27% decline was observed in experiments 1 and 2, respectively. Leaf area and root volume showed an exponential decay similar to the leaf and root dry weight. Leaf number and plant height were the least sensitive measured parameters and decreased linearly in both experiments. Root forks were the most sensitive parameter after 14 days of waterlogging in both experiments, declining by 83% and 80% in experiments 1 and 2, respectively. The data from this study improve our understanding of how corn plants react to increasing durations of waterlogging. In addition, the functional relationships generated from this study could enhance current corn simulation models for field applications.
Pricing and Costs of Monographs and Serials: National and International Issues

Contents Introduction Pricing From Three Perspectives: The Publisher, the Wholesaler, the Library The Approval Connection: Pricing the Ordering Alternatives Truth in Vending Books Across the Waters: An Examination of United Kingdom Monographic Pricing Mountains and Molehills: How University Presses Determine Book Prices and How Those Prices Relate to Library Budgets Acquisitions Costs: How the Selection of a Purchasing Source Affects the Cost of Processing Materials Differential Pricing of Monographs and Serials The Cost of Global Serials: The Vendor's Perspective The Library's Cost and the Vendor's Price for Serials Materials Costs and Collection Development in Academic Libraries
‘Toxification’ as a more precise early warning sign for genocide than dehumanization? An emerging research agenda

In genocide scholarship, dehumanization is often considered to be an alarming early warning sign for mass systematic killing. Yet, within broader research, dehumanization is found to exist in a variety of instances that do not lead to aggression or violence. This disparity suggests that while dehumanization is an important part of the genocidal process, it is too imprecise as a salient early warning sign. Genocide scholars have acknowledged such a conjecture in the past. This article initiates an embryonic research agenda that offers ‘toxification’ as a more precise early warning sign for genocide than dehumanization. It contends that while dehumanization signals that killing members of a particular group may be regarded as permissible, a more indicative early warning is one that flags when extermination is considered a necessity. Following a literature review of dehumanization, the purpose of this article is to introduce the idea of ‘toxificaton’, and to illustrate how the concept can work in practice, using two twentieth century genocides as examples.
Antecedents, Outcomes, and Personal Factors Used by Sales Managers to Assess the Performance of Salespeople

How do sales managers assess the performance of salespeople? It appears from the considerable amount of research that has been done in this area that there is no clear-cut answer to this question. Much empirical research aimed at identifying explanatory variables related to the performance of salespeople has been done over the past 75 years. The cumulative results of all this research indicate that no single factor adequately explains the variations in selling effectiveness from salesperson to salesperson (Szymanski, 1988). It is therefore necessary to approach the question from the point of view of attempting to identify the key factors most likely to influence selling effectiveness and hence sales force productivity.
Usage of quadrivalent influenza vaccine among children in the United States, 2013-14.

Annual influenza vaccination is recommended for everyone ≥6 months in the U.S. During the 2013–14 influenza season, in addition to trivalent influenza vaccines, quadrivalent vaccines were available, protecting against two influenza A and two influenza B viruses. We analyzed 1,976,443 immunization records from six sentinel sites to compare influenza vaccine usage among children age 6 months–18 years. A total of 983,401 (49.8%) influenza vaccine doses administered were trivalent and 920,333 (46.6%) were quadrivalent (unknown type: 72,709). Quadrivalent vaccine administration varied by age and was least frequent among those <2 years of age.
An Introduction to the Medieval Bible: The Commentary Tradition

Christian communities throughout the Middle Ages used the Bible as a tool for the education and edification of both the clergy and the laity. No other book in the Middle Ages invited commentary as the Bible did, and the sheer bulk of the material that has been preserved is impressive. Commentaries alone do not do justice to the wide range of scholarly writing that the Bible inspired. Lexicons, chronologies, concordances, versifications, and abridgments all attest to the primacy of the Bible as the medieval study book. Not all of this material is available today in print; much of it exists in manuscript only. Most of it is also forgotten or ignored by modern biblical interpreters, which is unfortunate. In modern Jewish circles, it is not uncommon to consult Rashi, a medieval interpreter, on matters of scriptural interpretation; by contrast, no equivalent for Rashi exists in the Christian tradition. The inaccessibility of the texts is partly to blame for this; of the medieval commentaries that are available in print, relatively few have been translated into modern languages. Another reason is that, as we have seen in the previous chapters, modern hermeneutical assumptions have shifted away from the questions that medieval commentaries asked of the text. Their reasoning seems hard to follow and often appears repetitive and unoriginal. The influence of patristic commentary on the medieval tradition is immense, to the extent that some scholars have dismissed the medieval exegetical tradition as purely derivative. As we will see later, however, this assessment does not do justice to the medieval commentary tradition. Although not everyone may agree that these medieval commentaries are relevant for modern theologians and preachers, read in their proper context, they can nevertheless give fascinating insights into a variety of aspects of medieval life, not just theology and biblical interpretation. The tradition of biblical interpretation touches on topics as diverse as science, education, psychology, and politics.
MECONIUM FROM INFANTS WITH CYSTIC FIBROSIS (CF) CONTAINS IMMUNOREATIVE TRYPSINOGEN

To understand the defect that leads to accumulation of proteins in CF meconium we measured immunoreative trypsinogen (IRT) by radioimmunoassay and trypsin catalytic activity (CA) by fluorimetric method. IRT concentration was normal in CF meconium based on total protein content, but was elevated based on wet weight, as was total protein and albumin. Trypsin CA was reduced in CF meconium compared to normal meconium: Trypsin inhibitory activity, measured by incubating porcine trypsin with meconium was: CF, 33 ± 27; normal, 1 ± 3 μg porcine trypsin inactivated/g meconium. Trypsinogen, an inactive precursor of trypsin, is synthesized by pancreatic acinar cells and secreted into intestinal lumen. The results show this process is normal in infants with CF. Presence of trypsin inhibitor(s) rather than absence of IRT accounts for accumulation of proteins in CF meconium.
Correlation Tests for Competitive and Cournot Equilibria

This note derives simple correlation tests for eithercompetitive or Cournot conduct. Robustness of theprocedure is theoretically explored and a time-seriescorrection for inflation or market growth is derived.
A translinear-based RF RMS detector for embedded test

A high-dynamic range RF RMS detector with 1 GHz bandwidth based on the dynamic translinear principle and integrated in a BiCMOS process is presented. The main computation is carried out in the current domain and errors due to finite transistor gain are compensated in the structure. To make the circuit suitable for voltage processing, both input and output interface circuits are included. Measurements on a prototype chip demonstrate the practicality of the circuit for an on-chip embedded tests.
Dewetting of glass-coated α-Al2O3{1010} surface

Abstract Anisotropy in the wetting behaviour of a silicate liquid in contact with the faceted sapphire {1010} surface has been demonstrated using a simple specimen geometry. The shape of the glass pockets is influenced by the asymmetric faceting of the α-Al2O3 {1010} surface. The glass remains preferentially in contact with the {1010} facets in α-Al2O3. Using this approach, which allows control over temperature and composition of the glass, a sequential study of the mechanisms of solution-precipitation and facet growth is possible.
Systems engineering and management of enterprise information systems: ecological, architectural, and foundation program issues

The concept of a systems engineering ecology and related concepts are discussed; and their relationship with enterprise architectures is examined. A brief review of the evolution of systems maturity for software applications is presented. The role of standards and architectures is discussed, and ongoing efforts in the area of enterprise information technology architectures are reviewed. The concept of a foundation program is discussed, and several examples from the U.S. Department of Defense are presented. Suggestions are presented for future investigation into measures for optimizing the value of information systems to the enterprise.
Exceptional survival in human populations: National Institute on Aging perspectives and programs

Identifying the factors that contribute to long and healthy life can lead to improved interventions that can help delay or prevent the onset of major aging-related diseases and disabilities and increase the time that older persons spend in good health. Studies on longevity and other exceptional survival outcomes can contribute to this knowledge. The National Institute on Aging (NIA) supports a considerable amount of basic, behavioral, demographic, epidemiologic, and clinical research on these topics, including a large research program on longevity assurance genes, primarily in laboratory animals, and in biodemographic aspects of longevity in humans and other species. This article describes NIA's activities regarding one important aspect of research on longevity and related phenotypes: exceptional survival phenotypes in humans, including exceptional longevity, health span, and active life expectancy.
Electron Shake Off following the β − Decay of He 6

The charge spectrum of the ${\mathrm{Li}}^{6}$ ions formed following the ${\ensuremath{\beta}}^{\ensuremath{-}}$ decay of ${\mathrm{He}}^{6}$ has been measured as a function of their recoil energy by means of a specially designed mass spectrometer. The analysis is as follows: charge 1 (89.6\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.2)%; charge 2 (10.4\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.2)% of which (0.31\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.05)% is dependent on recoil energy; charge 3 (0.042\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.007)% of which (0.024\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.009)% is dependent on recoil energy. Comparison with theory shows that electron shake off results primarily from excitation by the sudden nonadiabatic change in nuclear charge. An expression is given for describing the simultaneous excitations from the sudden changes in nuclear charge and velocity.
Ion Induced X-Rays for X-Ray Fluorescence Analysis

Energetic ions bombarding pure element targets induce the characteristic x-rays with high probability and with negligible bremsstrahlung background. The cross sections for x-ray production by protons reach 103 b and heavy ions attain cross sections Z2 times higher. Small accelerators can produce monoenergetic X-rays from 1 to 20 kev with fluxes in excess of 1010/sr/?A of protons; heavy ion accelerators can achieve one to two orders of magnitude more. These Ion induced X-rays can be quite effective for X-ray induced X-ray fluorescence. For bulk samples, the method of IXX is as sensitive as PIXE itself; for many elemental analysis problems IXX may be the preferred technique. IXX enjoys the advantages of the widely used conventional x-ray induced x-ray fluorescence techniques: lighter constituents in heavy matrices can be effectively studied; liquid, even living targets can be used; heating and radiation damage are minimal; absolute quantitative analysis is straightforward even for oddly shaped samples. Focussed x-ray beams can be produced with considerably less background than can be obtained with EXX. IXX should be a valuable addition to the arsenal of analytic techniques available with present ion accelerators. We also remark that IXX facilities using stored beams of 20-30 MeV protons could produce monochromatic photon intensities of 1014 photons/sr/kW of power dissipated in the target. Such beams could be developed into x-ray probes competitive with any other technique for elemental analysis of small samples.
Adjoint Methods for the Infinity Laplacian Partial Differential Equation

To study fine properties of certain smooth approximations \({u^\varepsilon}\) to a viscosity solution u of the infinity Laplacian partial differential equation (PDE), we introduce Green’s function \({\sigma^\varepsilon}\) for the linearization. We can then integrate by parts with respect to \({\sigma^\varepsilon}\) and derive various useful integral estimates. We are, in particular, able to use these estimates (i) to prove the everywhere differentiability of u and (ii) to rigorously justify interpreting the infinity Laplacian equation as a parabolic PDE.
Termination of packaging of the bacteriophage λ chromosome: cosQ is required for nicking the bottom strand of cosN

Abstract Termination of packaging of the λ chromosome involves completion of translocation of the DNA into the head shell, and conversion of the translocation complex into a cleavage complex. The cleavage reaction introduces staggered nicks into the downstream cosN to generate the right cohesive end of the chromosome. cosQ, a site adjacent to cosN, was found to be required for nicking the bottom strand of cosN; bottom strand nicking was also sequence-specific for bps at the nick site. Nicking of the top strand of cosN (cosNL) was stimulated by cosQ, but fidelity and efficiency of cosNL nicking were largely dictated by other cos subsites (i.e. cosB and I2). Aberrant top-strand cleavage within cosQ was observed in the absence of I2, and nicking at a site 8 nt 5′ to the normal cosNL nick site occurred in the absence of cosB. The presence of cosQ was found to be insufficient to arrest DNA translocation in vivo, indicating that cosQ, per se, is not a packaging stop signal. A model is presented in which the role of cosQ is to depolarize the asymmetric arrangement of terminase protomers in the translocation complex so that protomers are configured to match the 2-fold rotational symmetry of cosN.
Peroxisome Proliferator-Activated Receptor γ: Implications for Cardiovascular Disease

Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ (PPARγ) is a ligand-activated transcription factor belonging to the nuclear hormone receptor superfamily. PPARγ is expressed by macrophages, endothelial...
The effects produced by prostaglandin D2 on serotonin turnover and release and tryptophan uptake

Abstract In earlier studies, it was proposed that there was a serotonergic involvement in the ability of prostaglandin D 2 (PGD 2 ) to potentiate pentobarbital sleeping time. The actions of PGD 2 on neuronal turnover and release of serotonin and uptake of tryptophan were examined in mice. The effect of PGD 2 administration on serum tryptophan levels was also investigated. PGD 2 (1 and 4 mg/kg) increased the concentrations in whole brain of endogenous tryptophan (TRYP) and of 3 H-tryptophan ( 3 H-TRYP) following an intravenous (IV) injection of 3 H-tryptophan. Formation of 3 H-5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid ( 3 H-5HIAA) was doubled after PGD 2 administration (1 and 4 mg/kg). Whole brain concentrations of endogenous serotonin (5HT) and 3 H-serotonin ( 3 H-5HT) were unchanged after the administration of the prostaglandin. PGD 2 (10 −4 to 10 −10 M) in vitro had no effect on spontaneous or K + -evoked release of 3 H-5HT from whole brain synaptosomes. Uptake of 3 H-tryptophan in synaptosomes was neither stimulated nor depressed by (10 −4 to 10 −12 M) PGD 2 . There was also no change in serum tryptophan levels after administration of this prostaglandin. Thus, PGD 2 administration does affect the serotonergic system but no direct neurochemical correlate of sedation can be shown.
Incorporation of [1-14C]-acetate into testosterone, androstenediol, dehydroepiandrosterone and progestogens by ram testis following human chorionic gonadotropin administration

Abstract Testicular steroidogenesis in rams was examined by constant infusion (3 hr) of [1- 14 C]-acetate into the testicular artery of four conscious standing animals. The following steroids (in order of decreasing levels of [ 14 C] labeling) were secreted by the testis and found in testicular tissue: testosterone, dehydroepiandrosterone, 3β-hydroxy-5-androsten-17-one, androstenediol, 5-androsten-3β,17β-diol and 17-hydroxy-4-pregnene-3,20-dione. In addition, [ 14 C] labeling of 17,20α-dihydroxy-4-pregnen-3-one occurred in testicular tissue but not in blood. This in vivo system with the conscious standing ram demonstrated an operative Δ 5 steroidal pathway to testosterone. The physiological significance of 17,20α-dihydroxy-4-pregnen-3-one is not yet explained in this species.
A square root of a matrix approach to obtain the solution to a steady-state matrix Riccati equation

By utilizing the square root of a matrix approach, a method of generating the solution to a steady-state matrix Riccati type equation (under certain restrictions) is presented. This approach not only yields a closed form expression for the Riccati solution, but also converts the original Riccati equation into other equations which may have numerical or computational advantages. An example is worked out for a second-order case.
Use of Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) during Partial Liquid Ventilation (PLV) in Spontaneously Breathing Rabbits

Use of Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) during Partial Liquid Ventilation (PLV) in Spontaneously Breathing Rabbits
Predicting Stability Constants for Uranyl Complexes Using Density Functional Theory

The ability to predict the equilibrium constants for the formation of 1:1 uranyl/ligand complexes (log K1 values) provides the essential foundation for the rational design of ligands with enhanced uranyl affinity and selectivity. We use density functional theory (B3LYP) and the integral equation formalism polarizable continuum model (IEF-PCM) to compute aqueous stability constants for UO22+ complexes with 18 donor ligands. Theoretical calculations permit reasonably good estimates of relative binding strengths, while the absolute log K1 values are significantly overestimated. Accurate predictions of the absolute log K1 values (root-mean-square deviation from experiment <1.0 for log K1 values ranging from 0 to 16.8) can be obtained by fitting the experimental data for two groups of mono- and divalent negative oxygen donor ligands. The utility of correlations is demonstrated for amidoxime and imide dioxime ligands, providing a useful means of screening for new ligands with strong chelating capability to uranyl.
Generation of immunoglobulin variable gene diversity.

Recent protein and gene sequences show that diversity in immunoglobulin variable genes is generated by multiple germline genes which then undergo somatic rearrangement and hypermutation.
Direct force measurements of the streptavidin-biotin interaction.

Abstract The interaction between streptavidin and its ligand, biotin, were studied by direct force measurements. The complimentary approaches of surface force apparatus (SFA) and atomic force microscopy (AFM) were used to elucidate both long-range and short-range adhesive interactions of the streptavidin–biotin interaction. The high spatial resolution of the SFA provided a detailed profile of the intersurface forces of apposing surfaces functionalized with streptavidin and biotin. Measurements obtained by the SFA corresponded to long and intermediate-range forces that are important in determining ligand–receptor association. AFM was used to measure the unbinding force of individual streptavidin–biotin complexes. These measurements revealed the short-range interactions (i.e. hydrophobic and hydrogen bonding forces) that stabilize the intermolecular bond.
Iscapes: digital libraries environments for the promotion of scientific thinking by undergraduates in geography

This paper reviews considerations associated with implementing the Ale xandria Digital Earth Prototype (ADEPT) in undergraduate geography education by means of Iscapes (or Information landscapes). In particular, we are interested in how Iscapes might be used to promote scientific thinking by undergraduate students. Based upon an ongoing educational needs assessment, we present a set of conceptual principles that might selectively be implemented in the design of educational digital library environments.
Pulsed Laser Deposition and Growth Studies of Bi3Fe5O12 on Gd3Ga5O12 and SiO2

Magneto-optical garnets stand out because they exhibit a high Faraday rotation and low optical losses in the near infrared region. In this spectral range garnets are the only materials discussed in optical communications to realize nonreciprocal devices such as optical isolators. Such isolators are necessary to prevent reflected light caused by e.g. cable splices from irregularly entering optical components and hence to reduce the noise signal. Nowadays one wants to integrate such macroscopic optical components on a single chip leading to integrated optics. In order to achieve this, it is necessary to understand the principle growth mechanism, so that one can deposit high quality thin films of the optical active materials.We deposited Bi3Fe5O12 on (100), (110) and (111) Gd3Ga5O12 and on SiO2 by Pulsed Laser Deposition. Here we want to give details on the growth and preferential growth direction of the films. Our investigations have been carried out by utilizing an Environmental Scanning Electron Microscopy, Energy Dispersive X-ray Analysis, Rutherford Backscattering Spectroscopy, and X-ray Diffraction. We also report on the Faraday rotation of the films, which has been determined in a special setup polarization microscope.
Expression and regulation of type I BMP receptors during early avian sympathetic ganglion development

Abstract We have investigated the expression and regulation of the mRNAs for the type I BMP receptors, BMPR-IA and BMPR-IB, in quail embryos in vivo and in neural crest cultures in vitro. BMPR-IB mRNA was expressed in the primordial sympathetic ganglia at stage 17, soon after the first expression of Cash-1 mRNA, the avian homolog of the Drosophila transcription factor achaete-scute. BMP-4 mRNA was detected in the dorsal aorta at stage 17, coincident with BMPR-IB mRNA expression in the sympathetic ganglia. BMPR-IA mRNA was first expressed in the sympathetic ganglia at stage 18. Moreover, BMP-4 ligand mRNA was detected in the sympathetic ganglia starting at stage 18. BMPR-IA and BMPR-IB were differentially regulated in cultured neural crest cells. BMPR-IB was expressed in primary outgrowths of neural crest cells but was downregulated after primary outgrowths were harvested and replated in secondary cultures. In secondary cultures of neural crest cells, exogenous BMP-2 and BMP-4 increased the expression of BMPR-IA but decreased the expression of BMPR-IB. The expression of both type I BMP receptors was inhibited by exogenous TGF-β1. Our results suggest distinct roles for BMPR-IA and BMPR-IB in the development of the sympathoadrenal phenotype from cells of the neural crest.
Gold crystal growth by photothermal laser-induced chemical vapor deposition

Abstract Gold crystals were grown on alumina substrates using photothermal laser-induced chemical vapor deposition with dimethyl gold hexafluoroacetylacetonate as the gold precursor. The overall shape of the deposits and the size of the crystallites in the deposit depended strongly on the laser power, buffer gas partial pressure and buffer gas type. Addition of oxygen or air resulted in a large increase in the size of the crystallites in the deposit, while addition of inert buffer gas resulted in the formation of dendritic structures.
Teacher ratings of the achievement-related classroom behaviors of maltreated and non-maltreated children

This study investigated in what ways, if any, maltreated children differ from nonmaltreated children in regard to achievement-related classroom behaviors. Elementary school teachers completed the Hahnemann Elementary School Behavior Rating Scale on 33 maltreated children, 33 non-maltreated public assistance children, and 33 non-maltreated lower middle class children. The maltreated children were matched to the comparison children on gender and grade level. Results indicated that the maltreated children exhibited significantly less classroom behavior that is positively linked with academic achievement than did a comparable group of non-maltreated, public assistance children. However, the maltreated children did not differ significantly as a group from the public assistance children in most behaviors that are negatively linked with academic achievement, such as disruptive social involvement in the classroom. When compared with the lower middle class children, the maltreated children were rated as engaging in significantly less classroom behavior that is positively related to academic achievement and significantly more classroom behavior that is negatively related to academic achievement.
Effect of Source of Nutrients and Nutritional Level of the Cow on Development of Hydrolytic Rancidity in the Milk

Summary Long-term continuous and short-term change-over feeding trials were used to determine the effects of the nutritional level of the cow and the inclusion of green feed in the ration on the susceptibility of the milk to spontaneous and agitation-induced lipolysis. In all trials, no effect of green feed or of nutritional level was found. Rather, the susceptibility of the milk to both types of lipolysis was a characteristic of the individual cow.
THEORY OF SELF-CONSISTENT CORE-PARTICLE COUPLING MODELS AND ITS RELATION TO PHENOMENOLOGICAL MODELS.

Abstract Starting from a conventional shell-model Hamiltonian and studying the equations of motion of single fermion operators, an effort is made to derive systematically various intermediate coupling core-particle interaction models in use for vibrational nuclei. An essential postulate that enters the usual treatments, the kinematical independence of core and particle modes is rephrased as the assumption that the available single particle modes must be unoccupied in the core. This limitation has been heeded in some of the applications, which are reviewed. The formal extension of the theory to the case where the core and particles are not kinematically independent is carried out, and seen to yield an eigenvalue problem resembling mathematically that of the problem of small vibrations of a mechanical system. The entire class of models, in which core properties are assumed known beforehand is then considered as an approximation to a self-consistent theory of (simultaneous) core-particle and core-hole coupling which seeks to determine core properties (even nucleus) and core-particle properties (odd nucleus) hand-in-hand. As an application of the latter not previously discussed, we derive the core-particle model for deformed nuclei in the case of strong Coriolis mixing. The existence of corrections to this model which can be studied by our methods is indicated.
Unilateral extradural motor cortex stimulation is safe and improves Parkinson disease at 1 year.

Background The primary motor cortex, which is part of the corticobasal ganglia loops, may be an alternative option for the surgical treatment of Parkinson disease. Objective To report on the 1-year safety and efficacy of unilateral extradural motor cortex stimulation in Parkinson disease. Methods A quadripolar electrode strip was extradurally implanted over the motor cortex. Stimulation was continuously delivered through the electrode paddle contralateral to the most affected clinical side. Subjects were prospectively evaluated by the Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale (UPDRS) and the Parkinson's Disease Quality of Life Questionnaire. In addition, an extensive cognitive and behavioral assessment and electroencephalogram recording were performed. Results Nine patients were included in this study. No surgical complications or adverse events occurred. Moreover, no cognitive or behavioral changes were observed. Under the off-medication condition, the UPDRS III at baseline was decreased by 14.1%, 23.3%, 19.9%, and 13.2%, at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months, respectively. The motor effects were bilateral, appeared after 3 to 4 weeks of stimulation, and outlasted the stimulation itself for 3 to 4 weeks in 1 case of stimulator accidental switching off. The UPDRS IV was decreased by 40.8%, 42.1%, and 35.5% at 1, 3, and 12 months, respectively. The scores on the Parkinson's Disease Quality of Life Questionnaire were increased at months 3, 6, and 12. Conclusion Extradural motor cortex stimulation is a safe procedure. After 12 months, the patients demonstrated a moderate improvement of motor symptoms (particularly axial symptoms) and quality of life.
On some conundra in regional science

The paper explores and interprets changes in regional economic structure in the Midwest region of the USA and its influence on regional economic growth over the past three decades. Three, interrelated conundra are examined in the search for explanation of why the economic performance of one particular state (Illinois) has been so anemic over the period 1990–2006.
Interleukin-8 receptor antagonists in pulmonary diseases

Inflammatory cells are thought to be instrumental in the pathophysiology of pulmonary diseases, and control of their recruitment and activation in the lung would appear to be an attractive strategy for therapeutic intervention. Interleukin-8 and related CXC chemokines are involved in the function of neutrophils and T cells, and have been implicated in several lung diseases. Small-molecule antagonists of the interleukin-8 receptors have been identified, which may help elucidate the role of interleukin-8 and related chemokines in the pathophysiology of lung diseases.