cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The effect of scrubbing and irrigation with normal saline, povidone iodine, and cefazolin on wound bacterial counts in a guinea pig model

This study examines the effects of povidone iodine, normal saline, and cefazolin alone and after scrubbing on bacterial counts in contaminated animal lacerations. Twelve albino guinea pigs each received four lacerations inoculated with a standard inoculum of Staphylococcus aureus. Twelve hours after inoculation, each wound was biopsied to ensure contamination and then either treated or left as an untreated control. One wound on each animal was an untreated control. The remaining three lacerations on six pigs were irrigated with cefazolin (CZ) solution, normal saline, or 1% (wt/vol) povidone iodine solution (PI). Three lacerations on another six pigs were treated with 20% poloxamer 188 scrub (scrub) alone, scrub followed by PI irrigation (SCR/PI), or scrub followed by CZ irrigation (SCR/CZ). Quantitative bacteriology was performed on tissue biopsies 2 hours (time 1), 7 hours (time 2), and 12 hours (time 3) after irrigation. Posttreatment counts for PI, CZ, and normal saline irrigation were not different from control or one another (P > .05). Bacterial counts for SCR/PI were significantly lower than control (P < .05) for all posttreatment biopsies (1.8 to 2.9 mean log(10) decrease). SCR/CZ was significantly lower than control (P < .05) at times 2 and 3 only (1.7 to 2.0 mean log(10) decrease). In this guinea pig model, cleansing 12-hour-old lacerations contaminated with S aureus using SCR/PI or SCR/CZ significantly reduced bacterial counts over 12 hours.
Analysis of lipids by one-dimensional thin-layer chromatography

A high-efficiency silica gel, (type HLF) thin-layer chromatography plate (HETLC), linear high-performance thin-layer chromatography plate (HPTLC) and densitometry method has been devised in order to resolve the major lipid classes obtained from rat brain tissues. This methodology, which has largely overcome prior problems, enhances the opportunity for assessing the glycerophospholipid and glycolipid compositions of tissues. DEAE-Sephadex column chromatography was used to separate the crude lipids extract into neutral and acidic lipid fractions. The lipid fractions were then spotted on separate HPTLC and HETLC plates and chromatographed in one dimension using one solvent system. Quantitation was by in situ densitometry with the absolute quantity of the lipid classes determined from co-chromatographed standards. Sensitivity was increased by using cupric sulfate reagent, which was found to be more sensitive than the conventional cupric acetate reagent. This method is applicable to a broader separation of lipid classes and has improved sensitivity.
Stable, high-order discretization for evolution of the wave equation in 2 + 1 dimensions

In a previous paper, it was shown that consistent high-order discretization can make a Lax-Wendroff method stable in the presence of small cells near the boundary in one space and one time dimension. Here I show that a straightforward extension of this approach to two space dimensions is similarly successful.
Long-term persistence of response- repetition tendencies based on performance or observation

Two sessions of multiple-choice learning were administered to 172 college students. Two groups worked in pairs, one student performing (making the responses) and the other observing the performer. In the other two groups, the subjects worked individually. Each subject performed on half of the stimuli and observed on the other half, observers watching the protocol of a previous performer. The main results were that on tests given immediately after each training trial, performers reliably reported more correct and incorrect responses than observers, confirming previous results obtained under similar conditions. A secondary result was that female students showed reliably greater repetition of incorrect responses under social conditions.
In-situ operations and planning for the Mars Science Laboratory Robotic Arm: The first 200 sols

The Robotic Arm (RA) has operated for more than 200 Martian solar days (or sols) since the Mars Science Laboratory rover touched down in Gale Crater on August 5, 2012. During the first seven months on Mars the robotic arm has performed multiple contact science sols including the positioning of the Alpha Particle X-Ray Spectrometer (APXS) and/or Mars Hand Lens Imager (MAHLI) with respect to rocks or loose regolith targets. The RA has supported sample acquisition using both the scoop and drill, sample processing with CHIMRA (Collection and Handling for In- Situ Martian Rock Analysis), and delivery of sample portions to the observation tray, and the SAM (Sample Analysis at Mars) and CHEMIN (Chemistry and Mineralogy) science instruments. This paper describes the planning and execution of robotic arm activities during surface operations, and reviews robotic arm performance results from Mars to date.
SEASONAL CHANGES IN METABOLIC RESPONSE TO TEMPERATURE CHANGE.

SummaryThe metabolic response to a shift in temperature from 30°C to 25°C was measured on the same subjects over a one-year period. In winter metabolism reduced significantly when the change in temperature was made; in summer the change was reversed. Measurements made in the spring showed equivocal differences.
An error-correcting code framework for genetic sequence analysis

Abstract A fundamental challenge for engineering communication systems is the problem of transmitting information from the source to the receiver over a noisy channel. This same problem exists in a biological system. How can information required for the proper functioning of a cell, an organism, or a species be transmitted in an error introducing environment? Source codes (compression codes) and channel codes (error-correcting codes) address this problem in engineering communication systems. The ability to extend these information theory concepts to study information transmission in biological systems can contribute to the general understanding of biological communication mechanisms and extend the field of coding theory into the biological domain. In this work, we review and compare existing coding theoretic methods for modeling genetic systems. We introduce a new error-correcting code framework for understanding translation initiation, at the cellular level and present research results for Escherichia coli K-12. By studying translation initiation, we hope to gain insight into potential error-correcting aspects of genomic sequences and systems.
Effects of initial conditions on the simulation of inertial coalescence of two drops

A numerical study has been performed using a lattice Boltzmann method (LBM) for an incompressible binary fluid based on the Cahn-Hilliard diffuse interface approach to investigate the effects of initial conditions on the early stages of inertial coalescence. We focus on the effects of starting the simulation with two drops connected by a small finite contact radius, and two drops separated by a small finite distance, on the growth dynamics of the liquid bridge connecting the drops. For initially connected drops, we observed a slower initial growth of the bridge radius, and for initially separated drops, we found that, because of the diffuse interface dynamics, the bridge evolution is sensitive to the value of the initial separation between the drops.
High Thermal Conductivity Non-Oxide Ceramics

Thermal conductivity is one of significant physical properties of engineering materials. It has been confirmed through the thermal conductivity measurements of natural and synthetic materials, and from theoretical calculations that the theoretical conductivities of diamond, BN, SiC, BeO, BP and AlN are larger than 300W·m-1·K-1 at room temperature, being classed as high thermal conductivity solids. Non-oxide ceramic polycrystals with conductivities close to those of single crystals have been developed through the advances in ceramic processing. In recent years, the thermal conductivity exceeding 150W·m-1·K-1 has been reported for β-Si3N4 ceramics, joining a group of high thermal conductivity solids. The non-oxide ceramics have been progressively used as heat-dissipating substrates for highly integrated circuits and optoelectronics, structural components for producing semi-conductors, engine-related material components and so on. Accordingly, the significance of high thermal conductivity non-oxide ceramics has been highly recognized in many industrial fields. In this review, the test results of thermal conductivity of non-oxide ceramics, such as SiC, AlN and Si3N4, are summarized, and then, the effects of processing and microstructural parameters on their thermal conductivities are discussed. Based on the experimental data, the mechanisms of thermal conduction in non-oxide ceramics are examined. The processing strategy leading to high thermal conductivity non-oxide ceramics is also addressed.
Prospects for Regional Governance under the New Regionalism: Economic Imperatives versus Political Impediments

Over the past two decades or more, advocates of the new regionalism have called for the creation of new forms of regional governance in America. These writers have shifted the rationale for regional governance from issues of efficiency and equity that characterized an earlier literature on regionalism (i.e., the metropolitan reform school) to that of regional economic competitiveness. In this article, I examine the diagnoses and prescriptions of the metropolitan reformers and the new regionalists. I offer a definition of regional governance more in keeping with the older tradition of political science and distinctly at odds with that of the new regionalist. Then I present what I believe are the principal factors that make the achievement of regional governance in American metropolitan areas very close to impossible. My argument, as indicated by the title of this article, is that political impediments overwhelm economic arguments for achieving meaningful regional governance.
NADH-dependent generation of reactive oxygen species by microsomes in the presence of iron and redox cycling agents.

Abstract NADH was found previously to catalyze the reduction of various ferric complexes and to promote the generation of reactive oxygen species by rat liver microsomes. Experiments were conducted to evaluate the ability of NADH to interact with ferric complexes and redox cycling agents to catalyze microsomal generation of potent oxidizing species. In the presence of iron, the addition of menadione increased NADPH- and NADH-dependent oxidation of hydroxyl radical (·OH) scavenging agents; effective iron complexes included ferric-EDTA, -diethylenetriamine pentaacetic acid, -ATP, -citrate, and ferric ammonium sulfate. The stimulation produced by menadione was sensitive to catalase and to competitive ·OH scavengers but not to superoxide dismutase. Paraquat, irrespective of the iron catalyst, did not increase significantly the NADH-dependent oxidation of ·OH scavengers under conditions in which the NADPH-dependent reaction was increased. Menadione promoted H2O2 production with either NADH or NADPH; paraquat was stimulatory only with NADPH. Stimulation of H2O2 generation appears to play a major role in the increased production of ·OH-like species. Menadione inhibited NADH-dependent microsomal lipid peroxidation, whereas paraquat produced a 2-fold increase. Neither the control nor the paraquat-enhanced rates of lipid peroxidation were sensitive to catalase, superoxide dismutase, or dimethyl sulfoxide. Although the NADPH-dependent microsomal system shows greater reactivity and affinity for interacting with redox cycling agents, the capability of NADH to promote menadione-catalyzed generation of ·OH-like species and H2O2 or paraquat-mediated lipid peroxidation may also contribute to the overall toxicity of these agents in biological systems. This may be especially significant under conditions in which the production of NADH is increased, e.g. during ethanol oxidation by the liver.
Combined temperature-programmed desorption and infrared study of H2 chemisorption on ZnO

Abstract The adsorption of H 2 on ZnO powders has been studied using the combined techniques of temperature-programmed desorption (TPD) and transmission infrared spectroscopy. The single previously observed ir-active state of dissociatively adsorbed H 2 , which has stretching frequencies at ν Zn-H = ~1710 cm −1 and ν O-H = ~3490 cm −1 , is found to desorb in two stages, characterized by maxima in the TPD spectra at ~240 and ~300 K. A new, low-temperature ir-active state has been observed with ν Zn-H = ~1710 cm −1 and ν O-H = ~3455 cm −1 , which has a TPD maximum at ~170 K. Additional measurements of adsorption isotherms and adsorption rates indicate that the two states with TPD maxima at 240 and 300 K have comparable binding energies of 12.6 ± 1.0 kcal/mole, and are distinguished by different activation barriers for adsorption. The low-temperature adsorption state, which also exhibits an activation barrier for adsorption, has a binding energy of ~7 kcal/mole, and cannot be populated at room temperature.
An experimental test of the one dimensional response of a source-detector system of piezoelectric crystals

This experimental study deals with the designing of a source-detector system of piezoelectric crystals for application in the study of one dimensional wave propagation in model seismology. The results obtained in this experiment indicate that by selecting proper dimensions of the length expander bar one can achieve one dimensional wave propagation in the laboratory with reasonable success. The response of this source-detector system is measured experimentally by fixing the source and the detector on a glass disc.
Chemistry of Bifunctional Photoprobes. 6. Synthesis and Characterization of High Specific Activity Metalated Photochemical Probes: Development of Novel Rhenium Photoconjugates of Human Serum Albumin and Fab Fragments.

Functionalization of perfluoro aryl azides by bifunctional chelating agents (BFCAs) capable of forming high specific activity complexes with 99mTc (for γ-imaging) and 188Re (for radiotherapy) is de...
Developmental protein synthesis is required for the transcription of Dictyostelium prespore genes.

It has been established previ- ously that the maintenance of expression of pre-spore-specific genes of Dictyostelium discoideum is prevented by the translational inhibitor cyclohex- imide. The drug had no effect upon the level of transcripts of the other genes examined, prestalk-specific or cell type-nonspecific. However, the interpretation of this result is open to question, because of possible nonspecific effects of cyclo-heximide. We have now characterized the cellular specificity and temporal profiles of mRNA accumu- lation of additional Dictyostelium cDNA clones, and have examined other inhibitors of in vivo protein synthesis. Four structurally and mechanistically distinct translational inhibitors each prevented the reaccumulation of prespore transcripts in cyclic AMP-primed, disaggregated amoebae. These results establish the importance of developmental protein synthesis in the accumulation of prespore gene transcripts. Nuclear run-on transcription assays were used to learn whether protein synthesis is required primarily for mRNA synthesis or transcript stability. A transcriptional time course first demonstrated that the abundance of these cell-specific transcripts during development mirrors their rates of synthesis. Significantly, the protein synthesis requirement of the prespore genes examined also occurs at the level of mRNA transcription, implying the existence of one or more developmentally regulated transcriptional activators.
Downregulation of Wilms' tumor 1 protein inhibits breast cancer proliferation.

Abstract High levels of Wilms' Tumor 1 ( WT1 ) mRNA have been correlated with poor prognosis in breast cancer patients. However, the function of WT1 protein in breast cancer is not known. We observed that the levels of WT1 protein correlated with the proliferation of breast cancer cells. When the proliferation of breast cancer cells was stimulated by 17β-estradiol, WT1 protein expression increased. But when the proliferation of breast cancer cells was inhibited by tamoxifen or all- trans retinoic acid (ATRA), WT1 protein expression decreased. We hypothesize that WT1 protein plays a role in regulating breast cancer cell proliferation. Using liposome-incorporated WT1 antisense oligodeoxynucleotides, we found that downregulation of WT1 protein expression led to breast cancer growth inhibition and reduced cyclin D1 protein levels. These results indicate that WT1 protein contributes to breast cancer progression by promoting breast cancer cell proliferation.
Maleic anhydride conversion by V-P-O catalysts

Abstract The vapor phase conversion of maleic anhydride was studied using two model vanadium-phosphorus-oxygen (V-P-O) catalysts, β-VOPO 4 and (VO) 2 P 2 O 7 , and a series of industrial-type catalysts having P-to-V ratios of 0.9, 1.0, 1.1 and 1.2. Maleic anhydride was fed directly to an integral flow reactor using a molten maleic anhydride saturator system. Direct evidence for the combustion of maleic anhydride has been observed with the simultaneous production of maleic acid. The conversion of maleic anhydride increased with temperature, oxygen partial pressure, and residence time. The incorporation of “excess” phosphorus in industrial catalysts suppressed maleic anhydride combustion by stabilizing the (VO) 2 P 2 O 7 phase.
Medication Adherence Among Community-Dwelling Patients With Heart Failure

OBJECTIVE To determine medication use and adherence among community-dwelling patients with heart failure (HF). PATIENTS AND METHODS Residents of Olmsted County, Minnesota, with HF were recruited from October 10, 2007, through February 25, 2009. Pharmacy records were obtained for the 6 months after enrollment. Medication adherence was measured by the proportion of days covered (PDC). A PDC of less than 80% was classified as poor adherence. Factors associated with medication adherence were investigated. RESULTS Among the 209 study patients with HF, 123 (59%) were male, and the mean ± SD age was 73.7±13.5 years. The median (interquartile range) number of unique medications filled during the 6-month study period was 11 (8-17). Patients with a documented medication allergy were excluded from eligibility for medication use within that medication class. Most patients received conventional HF therapy: 70% (147/209) were treated with β-blockers and 75% (149/200) with angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors or angiotensin II receptor blockers. Most patients (62%; 127/205) also took statins. After exclusion of patients with missing dosage information, the proportion of those with poor adherence was 19% (27/140), 19% (28/144), and 13% (16/121) for β-blockers, angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors or angiotensin II receptor blockers, and statins, respectively. Self-reported data indicated that those with poor adherence experienced more cost-related medication issues. For example, those who adhered poorly to statin therapy more frequently reported stopping a prescription because of cost than those with good adherence (46% vs 6%; P P =.03), and not filling a new prescription because of cost (46% vs 6%; P CONCLUSION Community-dwelling patients with HF take a large number of medications. Medication adherence was suboptimal in many patients, often because of cost.
Absolute temperature dependence of chemical shielding of some reference nuclei

Abstract In order to interpret adequately any temperature dependence measurements of NMR shifts it is necessary to have an independent measurement of the temperature dependence of the chemical shielding of the reference substance itself. Such data have previously been unavailable due to lack of a single reference substance whose temperature dependence is absolutely known. We have measured the 129 Xe resonance frequency in xenon gas extrapolated to zero density using six external references ( 1 H in TMS and in CH 3 groups of p -xylene, 19 F in C 6 F 6 , in CFCl 3 , in 1,4-ditrifluoromethylbenzene and in 1,4-dibromotetrafluorobenzene). Because of the nature of the isolated xenon atom it should have a rigorously temperature-independent chemical shielding. Hence the measured temperature dependence is due entirely to the external reference used. The temperature dependent chemical shifts of the reference nuclei obtained in this manner were found to be internally self-consistent, agreeing with independent measurements of pairs of the neat liquids in concentric capillary samples. The latter measurements provide evidence that the absolute temperature dependence of any other reference substance can be obtained from the absolute temperature dependence of shifts reported here by making similar simple measurements of new references against these six.
A simple optical system for real-time size measurements of TRISO fuel pellets

Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) has begun the development of a program for the manufacturing and characterizing fuel pellets for use in advanced nuclear reactors. To achieve high reliability it is necessary to characterize the pellets during production runs. In this paper we present a simple TRISO Particle Counting And Sizing Tool (TP-CAST) that performs dual measurements of counting and size estimation for particles at rates up to 200 per second. The TP-CAST is based on a laser with line-generation optics and a PC-based data acquisition and analysis system. The instrument can measure 1000 micron pellets with a standard deviation of approximately 11 microns and with counting errors less than 0.075%. Our paper discusses the signal modeling, algorithms for size estimation, system design, and experimental results of the prototype TP-CAST system assembled at ORNL.
Three-photon-induced fluorescence of diphenylhexatriene in solvents and lipid bilayers

We observed the emission of l,6-diphenyl-l,3,5-hexatriene (DPH) when excited with the fundamental output of a fs Ti:sapphire laser at 860 nm. The emission spectra of DPH were identical to that observed for one-photon excitation at 287 nm. The dependence of the DPH emission intensity on laser power was cubic, indicating three-photon excitation of DPH at 860 nm. At a shorter wavelength of 810 nm, the dependence on laser power was quadratic, indicating a two-photon process. At an intermediate wavelength of 830 nm the mode of excitation was a mixture of two- and three-photon excitation. At 830 nm the anisotropy is no longer a molecular parameter, and the mode of excitation and anisotropy of DPH depends on laser power. Frequency-domain anisotropy decays of DPH in triacetin revealed the same rotational correlation times for two- and three-photon excitation. However, the time 0 anisotropy of DPH was larger for three-photon excitation than for two-photon excitation. Steady-state anisotropy data for DPH-labeled membranes revealed the same transition temperature for one- and three-photon excitation. These anisotropy data indicate that membrane heating was not significant with three-photon excitation and that three-photon excitation may thus be of practical usefulness in fluorescence spectroscopy and microscopy of membranes.
Limit on the photon mass deduced from Pioneer-10 observations of Jupiter's magnetic field

Analysis of the Pioneer-10 data on Jupiter's magnetic field, in which the mass of the photon was treated as a free parameter. An upper limit of 8 to the negative 49th grams was set for the photon mass. This is the smallest limit so far obtained from direct measurements.
Local transforms for biomedical image analysis

Abstract A variety of transforms based on local operators have been successfully employed on images of medical importance, principally as an aid to scene segmentation. The properties of two of the most general purpose of these transforms—median smoothing and extremum sharpening—are described in detail. Examples are chosen from cytology, pathology, neurology, and ophthalmology.
Perspectives in stochastic models of human reproduction: a review and analysis.

Abstract The purpose of this paper is to review, to analyze, and to take steps toward synthesizing, two research areas in stochastic models of population dynamics. The first of these areas consists of stochastic models of human reproduction associated with the late Mindel C. Sheps and the second area is a class of stochastic models of population growth called generalized age-dependent branching processes, a class of models that shows promise of throwing more light on the classical mathematical demography of Lotka. The substantive material of the paper is arranged in eight sections ranging in content from a comparison of classical mathematical demography with generalized age-dependent branching processes, to suggestions for restructuring models of the Sheps school in quest of greater realism. The paper ends with a section on numerical examples illustrating applications in family planning evaluation and an appendix suggesting ways in which algebraic concepts are useful in short cutting computations.
State TANF Spending: Predictors of State Tax Effort to Support Welfare Reform

State spending on Temporary Assistance to Needy Families (TANF) greatly varies. Combined federal and state spending by the states per TANF family or recipient reflects the historic level of state generosity for Aid to Families with Dependent Children (AFDC), the failure of the federal government to set any minimum spending standard for the states, and the failure of the federal government to adjust federal grants for huge changes in state TANF caseloads. Our multivariate analysis shows that state spending for TANF is greatly influenced by the percentage of the state population that is black, the percentage of the state population that is on TANF (especially if a significant percentage of the rolls consist of black recipients), and the economic conditions within the state. Some states spend as much as their economies will allow, while other states spend far below capacity. Despite the very different goals of TANF, state spending is still heavily influenced by their historic approach to AFDC.
Effects of Repeated Doses of Aspartame on Serotonin and its Metabolite in Various Regions of the Mouse Brain

Abstract Following a finding that single doses (approximating to average intakes and to potential ‘over-use’) of aspartame administered orally to mice caused significant increases in norepinephrine and dopamine concentrations in various brain regions, the effect of repeated exposure to aspartame was studied. Male CD-1 mice were given a daily oral dose of 0, 13, 133 or 650 mg/kg for 30 days and 1 day after the last dose the animals were decapitated and their brain regions were quickly isolated. Analyses of the different regions for catecholamine and indoleamine neurotransmitters and their major metabolites indicated that the increases in adrenergic chemicals observed shortly after a single exposure were not apparent after repeated dosing. In contrast, concentrations of serotonin and its metabolite, 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid, were decreased in several regions. An increased supply of phenylalanine may be responsible for a decrease in tryptophan uptake by the brain tissue or for a depression in tryptophan conversion to serotonin.
The Schrödinger's cat quandary in cell biology: integration of live cell functional assays with measurements of fixed cells in analysis of apoptosis.

Abstract The existing cytometric methodologies do not allow one to directly correlate, within the same cells, functional cell attributes that are revealed supravitally with features that require cell fixation to be detected or measured. Taking advantage of the “file merge” feature of the laser-scanning cytometer, we have been able to correlate the supravital changes that occur during apoptosis, namely the drop in mitochondrial transmembrane potential (ΔΨ m ) and generation of the reactive oxygen intermediates (ROIs), with features revealed by analysis of fixed cells: the cell cycle position and DNA fragmentation. The cell cycle position was established based on the cell's stainability with propidium iodide while DNA fragmentation was assessed by in situ DNA strand break labeling using exogenous terminal deoxynucleotidyltransferase. During apoptosis of HL-60 cells induced by the DNA topoisomerase I inhibitor camptothecin (CPT), the dissipation of ΔΨ m occurred preferentially in S-phase cells and preceded the appearance of DNA strand breaks. Essentially all cells with DNA strand breaks had dissipated ΔΨ m . Compared to the decrease of ΔΨ m , the CPT-induced rise in ROIs during apoptosis was less restricted to S-phase cells. Furthermore, no elevation of ROIs was detected in a significant proportion of cells with DNA strand breaks. The data suggest that DNA fragmentation may occur in some cells prior to the increase in ROIs and thus, unlike the dissipation of ΔΨ m , the oxidative stress may not be a prerequisite for activation of an endonuclease. Alternatively, the oxidative stress may be a transient event, occupying a narrow “time window” during the apoptotic process. The approach opens a possibility to study direct relationships, within the same cells, between cellular changes (e.g., occurring during apoptosis, mitogenesis, differentiation, etc.) detected by functional assays of live cells and changes that cannot be analyzed supravitally.
In situ elemental mapping by x‐ray fluorescence in tomato tissues

Abstract In situ elemental distributions and shifts were determined in basipetal root and stem tissues of tomato by x‐ray fluorescence. Some significant elemental distributions and shifts occurred in the tissues and organs. Fe, Cu, Zn, Rb, and Sr concentrated in the root and Br in the stem. Cortical tissues concentrated Fe, whereas vascular tissues concentrated Cu and Zn. Most of the Cl, Br, and Sr concentrated in the phloem—Br in the stem phloem, Sr in the root phloem, and Cl evenly distributed in the phloem of both organs. A positive Rb‐Sr association was unique for cortical tissue of both organs, and a positive Ca‐Sr association was characteristic of the xylem of both organs. Mutual elemental associations characterized transport and distribution of the elements in the tissues.
Vilobia, a new genus (Compositae—Tageteae)

The new genus,Vilobia, is described and its position within the Tageteae is discussed. The type species from Bolivia,V. praetermissa Strother, is described and illustrated.
A model for base overlap in RNA.

Duplexed RNA in the solid state conforms to the A-family of structures with 3′-endo sugars and bases arranged outside the helix axis in a spiral staircase arrangement1–4. Recent experiments5–11 suggest that parameters of RNA and DNA helices depend on the sequence of bases in the chain. Furthermore, the average conformation of these flexible molecules may differ between the solution and solid states. The NMR chemical shifts of the base protons in ten oligo-RNA duplexes5,12–18 have been determined. We have now adjusted the helix winding angle, W, between adjacent base pairs (see Fig. 1a) to fit these data. There is extensive overlap of the hydrophobic surfaces of the bases at the proposed angles. These overlaps depend on the arrangement of purines and pyrimidines along the chain and offer a mechanism for recognition of specific sequences by enzymes.
Direct Tests of the Darken Approximation for Molecular Diffusion in Zeolites Using Equilibrium Molecular Dynamics

We have used equilibrium molecular dynamics and grand canonical Monte Carlo simulations to compute the transport diffusivities of CH4 and CF4 adsorbed in a fully atomistic model of silicalite over a wide range of temperatures and pore loadings. Our results provide a direct test of the accuracy of the Darken approximation, an expression frequently used to relate transport and self-diffusivities in zeolites. The Darken approximation is accurate for CH4 in silicalite at 298 K, but is less accurate at higher temperatures. In contrast, CF4 deviates strongly from the Darken approximation at all temperatures we have examined. This observation suggests that substantial deviations from the Darken approximation may be a common feature of molecular diffusion in zeolites.
Role of deoxyridine incorporation and DNA repair in the expression of human chromosomal fragile sites

This paper is a discussion of the possible roles of deoxyuridine incorporation into DNA and DNA-repair processes in the expression of the folate-sensitive, common chromosomal fragile sites. Expression of aberrations at these sites increases under conditions expected to increase deoxyuridine incorporation into the chromosome. It is likely that this abnormal base is removed by an excision-repair process that results in transient chromosome breaks; these breaks are seen as chromosome aberrations if repair is not completed before metaphase. Analogous events may account for other types of chromosome aberrations including the so-called "spontaneous" aberrations, the rare folate-sensitive fragile sites, and fragile sites induced by other means.
Optical purity determination and 1H NMR spectral simplification with lanthanide shift reagents—VI. Methohexital, α-dl-5-allyl-1-methyl-5-(1-methyl-2-pentynyl) barbituric acid

Abstract The 60 MHz 1 H NMR spectra of racemic methohexital, 1 , have been studied with the achiral shift reagent, tris(6,6,7,7,8,8,8-heptafluoro-2,2,-dimethyl-3,5-octanedionato) europium( III ), 2 , and the chiral tris[3-(trifluoromethylhydroxymethylene)- d -camphorato] europium( III ), 3 . Appreciable values of the enantiomeric shift differences, ΔΔδ, were observed at low molar ratios of 3:1 for the NHC 3 and CH 3 CH in CDCl 3 at 28°C for samples about 0.3 molal in 1 . Optical purity determinations should easily be carried out using the CH 3 CH resonance at 3:1 ratios as low as 0.067 (ΔΔδ = 0.103 ppm) or within a range of 3:1 ratios from about 0.3 to 0.55. Enantiomeric shift differences of 0.43 and 0.25 ppm were found for the NCH 3 and CH 3 CH, respectively, with a 3:1 ratio of 0.575. The latter absorption is preferable for quantitative assays because of freedom from overlap with other protons. Parallel studies with 2 as well as coupling constants support proton assignments.
Non-statistical weak measurements

Weak values are the outcomes of weak measurements and were discovered by studying the time-symmetric aspects of quantum mechanics. This resulted in new approaches to quantum cryptography and new resources for quantum information. In this article, new non-statistical aspects of weak measurements are introduced. Contary to past results, this outcome is not rare, suggesting that weak values are a property of every individual pre-and-post-selected system.
Teaching and Research: Options in Grammar Teaching.

A substantial body of research has investigated how form-focussed instruction contributes to language learning, but there has been very little discussion of how the knowledge provided by this research can inform language teaching. This article reviews research that addresses how grammar can best be taught in terms of four theoretically motivated instructional options: (a) structured input, (b) explicit instruction, (c) production practice, and (d) negative feedback. Given the difficulty of reaching firm conclusions based on this research, a number of possibilities for the pedagogic utilization of the information it makes available are considered, based on the distinction between teachers' practical knowledge and technical knowledge. These possibilities are (a) treating the research findings as provisional specifications to be experimented with through teaching, (b) conducting action research, and (c) conducting participatory research involving teachers and researchers working collaboratively. The need for research that investigates how teachers integrate technical knowledge into their personal pedagogical systems is also recognized.
To connect or promote?: An exploratory examination of Facebook pages dedicated to moms

Abstract Mothers are increasingly using Facebook for a variety of communication functions. As an initial step toward understanding how mothers use Facebook, this exploratory study examines the types of messages mothers receive from Facebook pages solely designated for them. Using a content analysis, twelve Facebook pages and 526 administrators’ posts were analyzed. The majority of pages identified purpose as conversational/ discussion starter, while the majority of administrators’ posts were coded as informational/promotional. The discrepancies between the pages’ and posts’ purpose are considered. Directions for extending the research examining mothers and social networking sites are also suggested.
Radiation-induced edema is dependent on cyclooxygenase 2 activity in mouse brain.

Abstract Moore, A. H., Olschowka, J. A., Williams, J. P., Paige, S. L. and O'Banion, M. K. Radiation-Induced Edema is Dependent on Cyclooxygenase 2 Activity in Mouse Brain. Radiat. Res. 161, 153–160 (2004). Cerebrovascular dysfunction, characterized by compromise of the blood–brain barrier and formation of cerebral edema, is common during the acute period after brain irradiation and may contribute to delayed pathology (e.g. vascular collapse, white matter necrosis) that leads to functional deficits. Another response of normal brain tissue to radiation is the induction of inflammatory markers, such as cytokine expression and glial activation. In particular, radiation-induced neuroinflammation is associated with an elevation in cyclooxygenase 2 (COX2), one of two isoforms of the obligate enzyme in prostanoid synthesis and the principal target of non-steroid anti-inflammatory drugs. Since prostanoids serve as autocrine and paracrine mediators in numerous physiological and pathological processes, including va...
Pharmacological Inhibition of Mitochondrial Carbonic Anhydrases Protects Mouse Cerebral Pericytes from High Glucose-Induced Oxidative Stress and Apoptosis

Diabetes-associated complications in the microvasculature of the brain are caused by oxidative stress, generated by overproduction of reactive oxygen species from hyperglycemia-induced accelerated oxidative metabolism of glucose. Pericytes, essential for the viability of the microvasculature, are especially susceptible to oxidative stress. Mitochondrial carbonic anhydrases, regulators of the oxidative metabolism of glucose, determine the rate of reactive oxygen species production and inhibition of mitochondrial carbonic anhydrases rescues glucose-induced pericyte loss in the diabetic mouse brain. We hypothesized that high glucose induces intracellular oxidative stress and pericyte apoptosis and that inhibition of mitochondrial carbonic anhydrases protects pericytes from oxidative stress-induced apoptosis. To validate our hypothesis, conditionally immortalized cerebral pericyte (IPC) cultures were established from Immortomice to investigate the effect of high glucose on oxidative stress and pericyte apoptosis. The IPCs expressed pericyte markers and induced high transendothelial electrical resistance and low permeability in brain endothelial cell monolayers comparable with pericytes in primary cultures. The IPCs also secreted cytokines constitutively and in response to lipopolysaccharide similar to pericytes. High glucose caused oxidative stress and apoptosis of these cells, with both oxidative stress and apoptosis significantly reduced after mitochondrial carbonic anhydrase inhibition. These results provide the first evidence that pharmacological inhibition of mitochondrial carbonic anhydrases attenuates pericyte apoptosis caused by high glucose-induced oxidative stress. Carbonic anhydrase inhibitors have a long history of safe clinical use and can be immediately evaluated for this new indication in translational research. Thus, mitochondrial carbonic anhydrases may provide a new therapeutic target for oxidative stress-related illnesses of the brain.
Complete On-Wafer Noise-Figure Characterization of 60-GHz Differential Amplifiers

In this paper, we show that the differential noise figure of differential amplifiers is better measured directly by using baluns rather than be derived from single-ended measurements. For on-wafer measurements at 60 GHz, this can best be done using RF probes with integrated baluns. To extract the full 4 × 4 noise correlation matrix needed to predict the circuit behavior under any operating condition, this needs to be extended with at least one single-ended noise-figure measurement taken on an individual amplifier. For the experimental two-stage differential amplifier realized in 45-nm node CMOS studied in this paper, we found a noise figure of 3.2 dB. This is, to the best of our knowledge, the lowest noise figure reported at 60 GHz in any CMOS technology thus far.
MOCVD Growth of High-Hole Concentration (>2×1019 cm−3) P-Type InGaN for Solar Cell Application

InGaN alloys are widely researched in diverse optoelectronic applications. This material has also been demonstrated as a photovoltaic material. This paper presents the study to achieve optimum electrically active p-type InGaN epi-layers. Mg doped InGaN films with 20% In composition are grown on GaN templates/sapphire substrates by MOCVD. It is found that the hole concentration of p-type InGaN depends strongly on the Mg flow rate and V/III molar ratio and hole concentration greater than 2×1019 cm-3 has been achieved at room temperature. The optimum activation temperature of Mg-doped InGaN layer has been found to be 550–600°C, which is lower than that of Mg-doped GaN. A solar cell was realized successfully using the InGaN epi-layers presented here.
First Graders and Fairy Tales: One Teacher's Action Research of Critical Literacy

By using the fairy tale genre, one teacher was able to foster critical literacy in a first-grade classroom. By encouraging a critical perspective, the author reveals how the issues of identity, rules, and power were exposed to the students. The article also portrays how the author engaged in significant learning himself, realizing that to instill critical habits is tantamount to changing the way children view the world. كان يستطيع معلم أن يغرس معرفة القراءة والكتابة النقدية في الصف الأول باستخدام ميدان القصص الخيالية. ويكشف المؤلف عن طريقة لتعرض مسائل الهوية والأحكام والسلطان للطلبة بواسطة تشجيعهم على بناء وجهة النظر النقدية. وتصور المقالة كيف المؤلف قام بتعلم مهم هو بنفسه مدركا أن إغراز عادات نقدية بمثابة تغيير الطريقة التي ينظر فيها الأولاد إلى العالم. 一位小学一年级教师通过采用神仙故事体裁，能够在课堂教学中促进学生的批判式读写能力发展。本文鼓励发展一个批判的角度，并揭示如何让学生接触身份、规则、权力等问题。本文更描述作者自己的重要学习经历与体会，认为灌输批判式思考习惯是等同于改变儿童对这个世界的看法。 En utilisant le genre du conte de fees, un enseignant a reussi a renforcer la litteratie critique dans une classe de premiere annee. En encourageant une perspective critique, l'auteur revele comment les questions de l'identite, des regles et du pouvoir ont ete presentees aux eleves. L'article decrit aussi comment l'auteur s'est engage lui-meme dans un apprentissage significatif, realisant qu'instiller des habitudes critiques revient a changer la facon dont les enfants voient le monde. Используя жанр сказки, учитель развивает у первоклассников критическую грамотность. Автор показывает, как младшие школьники знакомились с такими понятиями, как личность, правила и власть с точки зрения критической грамотности. В статье также описано, как расширял свои знания сам автор, как постепенно к нему пришло понимание того, что развитие у ребенка критических навыков – трамплин, который изменит его взгляды на мир в целом. Usando el genero de los cuentos de hadas, un maestro pudo fomentar las competencias criticas de sus estudiantes de primer grado. Al favorecer una perspectiva critica, el autor revela como los temas de la identidad, las reglas, y el poder fueron manifestados a los estudiantes. Este articulo tambien muestra como el propio autor llego a aprender mucho al darse cuenta que el crear habitos criticos equivale a cambiar la forma en que los ninos ven el mundo.
Stimulus generalization: the ordering and spacing of test stimuli

Abstract Twenty-four pigeons learned a successive discrimination between 500 mμ (S+) and 574 mμ (S−). When tested in extinction, some birds received stimuli around S+, with no S− presentations. These birds showed a positive peak shift, with maximum responding not at 550 mμ, but displaced to 538 mμ and 544 mμ. Other birds were tested with stimuli around S−, with no S+ presentations. These birds showed a negative shift, with least responding not at 574 mμ, but at 586 mμ. Though the first group was tested around S+ and the second around S−, total responding between groups did not differ. When retested on the other half of the continuum, however, birds that had gone from the S+ half to the S− half responded fewer times than those that had gone from the S− half to the S+ half. In a second experiment, reducing stimulus spacing from 6 mμ to 2 mμ produced flatter gradients and decreased the amount of positive shift. In a third experiment, birds were tested across the whole continuum with stimuli presented in serial order. A sequence from 538 mμ to 586 mμ produced no responding after the first part of the session; a sequence from 586 mμ to 538 mμ produced responding throughout the session.
Selection and characterization of DNA aptamers against PrPSc

Transmissible spongiform encephalopathies (TSEs) are a group of zoonotic and fatal neurodegenerative disorders that affect humans and animals. The pathogenesis of TSEs involves a conformational conversion of the cellular prion protein (PrP) into abnormal isoforms. Currently, cellular and pathological forms of PrP are differentiated using specific antibody-based analyses that are resource intensive and not applicable to all species and strains. Thus, there is an urgent need for sensitive and efficient assays that can detect pathological forms of PrP. Using systematic evolution of ligands by exponential enrichment, we developed DNA aptamers that can differentiate normal and abnormal PrP isoforms. These aptamers represent the first reagents that can identify pathological isoforms of PrP across multiple host species. Second, they are able to distinguish different strains of prions. Third, they can be used to detect prions in peripheral blood cells, which are otherwise undetectable using conventional antibody-...
Two-stage change-point estimators in smooth regression models

We consider a tixed design regression model where the regression function is assumed to be smooth, i.e., Lipschitz continuous, except for a point where it has only one-sided limits and a local discontinuity occurs. We propose a two-step estimator for the location of this change point and study its asymptotic convergence properties. In a first step, initial pilot estimates of the change point and associated asymptotically shrinking intervals which contain the true change point with probability converging to I are obtained. In the second step, a weighted mean difference depending on the assumed location of the change point is maximized within these intervals and the maximizing argument is then the final change point estimator. It is shown that this estimator attains the rate Op(n-t ) in the fixed jump case. In the contiguous case, the estimator attains the rate Op(n-~A;, 2), where A, is the sequence of jump sizes which in this case is assumed to converge to 0. For the contiguous case an invariance principle is established. A sequence of appropriately scaled deviation processes is shown to converge to a two-sided Brownian motion with triangular drift. k¢9"word. Asymptotics; Brownian motion; Discontinuity; Functional limit theorem; Nonparametric regression; Rate of convergence; Triangular drift; Weak convergence
Population-genetic models of the fates of duplicate genes

The ultimate fate of a duplicated gene is that it either silenced through inactivating mutations or both copies are maintained by selection. This later fate can occur via neofunctionalization wherein one copy acquires a new function or by subfunctionalization wherein the original function of the gene is partitioned across both copies. The relative probabilities of these three different fates involve often very subtle iterations between of population size, mutation rate, and selection. All three of these fates are critical to the expansion and diversification of gene families.