cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Synthesis of various 18-substituted progesterones

Abstract In order to test the potential biological activity of 18-substituted progesterones, 3,20-dioxo-4-pregnene-18-carbonitrile ( 1a ) was converted to 3,20-dioxo-4-pregnene-18-carboxylic acid ( 1b ) and methyl 3,20-dioxo-4-pregnene-18-carboxylate ( 1d ) via a sequence of reactions involving an intramolecular hydrolysis of the 18-carbonitrile. Lithium aluminum hydride reduction of the bisethylene ketal derived from 1a furnished 18-aminomethyl-5-pregnene-3,20-dione 3,20-bisethylene ketal ( 8 ). Acetylation and hydrolysis furnished 18-acetamidomethyl-4-pregnene-3,20-dione ( 1f ) and simple hydrolysis of 8 furnished 3'αH-5',6'-dihydro-2',19β-dimethyl-3-oxo-4-goneno [13,17-c]pyridine ( 9 ). None of the compounds exhibited any activity in Clauberg or anti-Clauberg tests.
WE-F-16A-02: Design, Fabrication, and Validation of a 3D-Printed Proton Filter for Range Spreading

Purpose: To design, fabricate and test a 3D-printed filter for proton range spreading in scanned proton beams. The narrow Bragg peak in lower-energy synchrotron-based scanned proton beams can result in longer treatment times for shallow targets due to energy switching time and plan quality degradation due to minimum monitor unit limitations. A filter with variable thicknesses patterned on the same scale as the beam's lateral spot size will widen the Bragg peak. Methods: The filter consists of pyramids dimensioned to have a Gaussian distribution in thickness. The pyramids are 2.5mm wide at the base, 0.6 mm wide at the peak, 5mm tall, and are repeated in a 2.5mm pseudo-hexagonal lattice. Monte Carlo simulations of the filter in a proton beam were run using TOPAS to assess the change in depth profiles and lateral beam profiles. The prototypes were constrained to a 2.5cm diameter disk to allow for micro-CT imaging of promising prototypes. Three different 3D printers were tested. Depth-doses with and without the prototype filter were then measured in a ~70MeV proton beam using a multilayer ion chamber. Results: The simulation results were consistent with design expectations. Prototypes printed on one printer were clearly unacceptable on visual inspection. Prototypes on a second printer looked acceptable, but the micro-CT image showed unacceptable voids within the pyramids. Prototypes from the third printer appeared acceptable visually and on micro-CT imaging. Depth dose scans using the prototype from the third printer were consistent with simulation results. Bragg peak width increased by about 3x. Conclusions: A prototype 3D printer pyramid filter for range spreading was successfully designed, fabricated and tested. The filter has greater design flexibility and lower prototyping and production costs compared to traditional ridge filters. Printer and material selection played a large role in the successful development of the filter.
Compact radio sources near the Galactic plane

The results of the extension of the 20-cm Galactic-plane survey reported by Zoonematkermani to Galactic latitudes of +/- 1.8 deg over the central region of the Milky Way are reported. A total of 1457 discrete radio sources down to flux densities of less than about 5 mJy, and 95 percent completion is achieved at 20 mJy. A detailed comparison of all radio sources from the survey in this longitude range with the IRAS Point Source Catalog provides classification for 13 percent of the objects, including 159 compact H II regions, and nearly 100 planetary nebulae, over 70 of which are identified. The identity of the remaining radio sources is discussed.
Alterations in transmural strains adjacent to ischemic myocardium during acute midcircumflex occlusion

Objective Helically oriented left ventricular fibers assemble into transmural sheets, which are important for wall-thickening mechanics: 15% fiber shortening results in 40% cross-fiber left ventricular wall thickening and a 60% ejection fraction through sheet extension, thickening, and shear. Normal cardiac microstructure and strains are optimized; deviations could result in apoptosis and deleterious matrix remodeling, which degenerates into global cardiomyopathy. We studied alterations in transmural strains adjacent to ischemic myocardium during acute midcircumflex occlusion. Methods Nine sheep had radiopaque markers implanted to measure left ventricular systolic fractional area shortening; 3 transmural bead columns were inserted into the midlateral wall for strain analysis. Three-dimensional marker coordinates were obtained with biplane videofluoroscopy before and during 70 seconds of ischemia. Systolic strains were quantified along circumferential, longitudinal, and radial axes (n = 9) and were transformed into fiber-sheet coordinates by using quantitative microstructural measurements (n = 5). Results A functional border was defined in the midlateral left ventricle; ischemia decreased posterolateral fractional area shortening, and anterolateral fractional area shortening increased. In this demarcation junction, subepicardial end-systolic radial wall thickening decreased (0.16 ± 0.08 vs 0.11 ± 0.06) and sheet-normal shear was abolished (0.08 ± 0.04 vs −0.01 ± 0.03). Longitudinal shortening decreased in the subepicardium and midwall (−0.05 ± 0.04 vs ± −0.01 ± 0.06), but circumferential-radial shear increased at these depths (0.04 ± 0.04 vs 0.11 ± 0.05). Subendocardial fiber stretch occurred during early systole (−0.01 ± 0.03 vs 0.02 ± 0.03), and end-systolic fiber-sheet shear increased (0.07 ± 0.01 vs 0.11 ± 0.04, all P Conclusions Increased circumferential-radial shear and altered fiber-sheet strains reflect mechanical interactions between ischemic and nonischemic myocardium, which might be important in triggering remodeling processes that evolve into global ischemic cardiomyopathy.
The countercurrent backmixing model for fluid bed reactors—effect of cross flow and boundary conditions

En tenant compte de la variation de la taille des bulles avec la hauteur dans le reacteur du titre, on aboutit a une modification de la distribution du gaz dans les trois phases le long de la hauteur du lit. Ceci a peu d'effet sur les previsions du modele. L'utilisation des conditions limites proposees par Peters (1982) et al. donnent en general de plus grandes valeurs de conversion que pour les conditions limites de Fryer et Potter (1972)
Reconstitution of the photosystem I complex from the P700 and Fx-containing reaction center core protein and the FA/FB polypeptide

Abstract Complete restoration of electron flow from P700 to FA/FB was achieved by incubating a P700 and Fx-containing photosystem (PS) I core protein from Synechococcus sp. 6301 with the 8.9 kDa, FA/FB polypeptide from spinach. The ESR spectrum of the reconstituted PS I complex shows nearly equal photochemical reduction of FA and FB when frozen in darkness and illuminated at 16 K. When illuminated during freezing, both FA and FB are quantitatively reduced and the spectrum is nearly indistinguishable from FA and FB in the control PS I complex. In the reconstituted PS I complex Fx is photochemically reduced only in the presence of F−A and F−B, and the high-field resonance appears indistinguishable from Fx in the control PS I complex. Optical flash photolysis after extensive washing confirms the complete restoration of the P700+ [FA/FBI-back-reaction, indicating quantitative rebinding of the 8.9 kDA polypeptide. This procedure represents the first reconstitution of the PS I complex from a purified PS I core protein and an isolated 8.9 kDa, FA/FB polypeptide, and makes possible independent manipulation of the two subunits that carry the entire electron acceptor system of PS I.
Using the health belief model to examine and predict college women's cervical cancer screening beliefs and behavior

The high prevalence of human papillomavirus (HPV) among adolescent and young adult women and the causal association between certain types of HPV and cervical cancer make regular gynecological screening and Pap smear testing essential health practices for young women. In this study, we used the constructs of the Health Belief Model (HBM) to examine the gynecological screening beliefs and behaviors of a sample of 400 college women. Although the constructs of the model were able to explain only 15% of the variance in screening behavior and 11% of screening intentions, the use of the HBM framework resulted in important information regarding the participants' beliefs.
Plasma Lithography Surface Patterning for Creation of Cell Networks

Systematic manipulation of a cell microenvironment with micro- and nanoscale resolution is often required for deciphering various cellular and molecular phenomena. To address this requirement, we have developed a plasma lithography technique to manipulate the cellular microenvironment by creating a patterned surface with feature sizes ranging from 100 nm to millimeters. The goal of this technique is to be able to study, in a controlled way, the behaviors of individual cells as well as groups of cells and their interactions. This plasma lithography method is based on selective modification of the surface chemistry on a substrate by means of shielding the contact of low-temperature plasma with a physical mold. This selective shielding leaves a chemical pattern which can guide cell attachment and movement. This pattern, or surface template, can then be used to create networks of cells whose structure can mimic that found in nature and produces a controllable environment for experimental investigations. The technique is well suited to studying biological phenomenon as it produces stable surface patterns on transparent polymeric substrates in a biocompatible manner. The surface patterns last for weeks to months and can thus guide interaction with cells for long time periods which facilitates the study of long-term cellular processes, such as differentiation and adaption. The modification to the surface is primarily chemical in nature and thus does not introduce topographical or physical interference for interpretation of results. It also does not involve any harsh or toxic substances to achieve patterning and is compatible for tissue culture. Furthermore, it can be applied to modify various types of polymeric substrates, which due to the ability to tune their properties are ideal for and are widely used in biological applications. The resolution achievable is also beneficial, as isolation of specific processes such as migration, adhesion, or binding allows for discrete, clear observations at the single to multicell level. This method has been employed to form diverse networks of different cell types for investigations involving migration, signaling, tissue formation, and the behavior and interactions of neurons arraigned in a network.
Preparation and properties of porcine submaxillary mucins.

Abstract An improved method for the preparation of porcine submaxillary mucin has been developed. As with bovine and ovine submaxillary mucin, two products, a major and minor mucin, have been reproducibly resolved from pooled porcine submaxillary glands by a final purification step involving treatment with hydroxylapatite gel. Tiselius electrophoresis, ultracentrifugation, disc electrophoresis, immunoelectrophoresis, and constancy of chemical composition provided evidence for the absence of contamination by extraneous proteins. Both mucins were readily soluble in water, gave extremely viscous solutions, and had similar compositions that closely resembled that of a single mucin fraction isolated earlier in these laboratories. However their compositions differ markedly from those of two porcine submaxillary glycoproteins described by Katzman and Eylar (3).
Meditation-Based Treatment Yielding Immediate Relief for Meditation-Naïve Migraineurs

Meditation is gaining popularity as an effective means of managing and attenuating pain and has been particularly effective for migraines. Meditation additionally addresses the negative emotional states known to exist with migraines. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of meditation as an immediate intervention for reducing migraine pain as well as alleviating emotional tension, examined herein as a negative affect hypothesized to be correlated with pain. Twenty-seven migraineurs, with two to ten migraines per month, reported migraine-related pain and emotional tension ratings on a Likert scale (ranging from 0 to 10) before and after exposure to a brief meditation-based treatment. All participants were meditation- naive, and attended one 20-minute guided meditation session based on the Buddhist "loving kindness" approach. After the session, participants reported a 33% decrease in pain and a 43% decrease in emotional tension. The data suggest that a single exposure to a brief meditative technique can significantly reduce pain and tension, as well as offer several clinical implications. It can be concluded that single exposure to a meditative technique can significantly reduce pain and tension. The effectiveness and immediacy of this intervention offers several implications for nurses.
Probiotic Therapy in Radiation‐Induced Intestinal Injury and Repair

Intestinal injury from ionizing radiation is a clinically important entity, as enteritis symptoms occur commonly after radiotherapy for pelvic malignancies. Preventative or therapeutic options for radiation enteritis are mostly unsatisfactory; however, available data suggests that probiotic bacteria—those which confer health benefit—may have therapeutic value. Previous reports from both human trials and animal models have evaluated various end points for probiotic usage in limiting radiation-associated intestinal damage. Newer data suggests that particular probiotics and/or their secreted or derived bacterial products may have unique radioprotective properties. We will review the area with a focus on new developments surrounding probiotic therapy in radiation-induced intestinal injury and repair.
Initial Observations on the Free Droplet Combustion Characteristics of Water-In-Fuel Emulsions†

A new mechanical technique for the production of well characterized small diameter isolated free droplets of multi-component and emulsified liquids is described. The technique is employed in development of an experimental facility to generate, inject, and combust free droplets of liquid fuels in a well defined, hot convective atmosphere. Initial observations of the burning characteristics of isolated free droplets of water in pure n-paraffin emulsions are reported. The existence of free droplet secondary atomization and the importance of fuel physical characteristics, water content, and internal phase structure to optimizing this phenomenon are confirmed. Observations are found to be in agreement with earlier predictions of the required internal phase super heat (Avedisian and Andres, 1978) and results suggest previously published suspended droplet combustion data on emulsified fuels to be of limited quantitative value. Observations are compared with the prediction of and physical models used in recent an...
Gas Turbine Materials Evaluation Program Utilizing Coal Derived Gaseous Fuel

A description of a test facility established by the University of Pittsburgh under the sponsorship of the U.S. Department of Energy for (he purpose of obtaining dynamic and static test data on the erosion-corrosion characteristics of candidate materials being considered in support of the Department of Energy’s High Temperature Turbine Technology Program. The goal of this program is to establish a gross relationship between the gas turbine materials and the coke oven gas fuel being furnished by the Jones & Laughlin Steel Corp. 24-7 gas turbine engines reconfigured to burn gaseous fuel. The engines have been furnished by the Department of Defense on a loan basis. The facility is currently operational with data being obtained on INCO-713 rotor material whichis the material currently used in the 24-7 engines. Other materials and coatings will be evaluated.Copyright © 1981 by ASME
Mass spectrometric analysis of mycothiol levels in wild-type and mycothiol disulfide reductase mutant Mycobacterium smegmatis

Mycothiol (MSH), the primary low-molecular weight thiol produced in mycobacteria, acts to protect the cell from oxidative stress and to maintain redox homeostasis, notably in the pathogenic Mycobacterium tuberculosis in the course of human infection. The mycothiol disulfide reductase (Mtr) enzyme reduces the oxidized form of mycothiol, mycothione (MSSM), back to MSH, however its role in bacterial viability is not clear. In this study, we sought to determine the MSH levels of wild-type (WT) and Mtr mutant mycobacteria during oxidative stress. We describe a rapid method for the relative quantification of MSH using high-sensitivity mass spectrometry (MS) with selected ion monitoring (SIM). This method uses only minimal sample cleanup, and does not require advanced chromatographic equipment or fluorescent compounds. MSH levels decreased in the Mtr mutant only upon treatment with peroxide, and the results were consistent between our method and previously-described thiol quantification methods. Our results indicate that our MS-based method is a useful, high-throughput alternative tool for the quantification of MSH from mycobacteria.
Interaction between delta-9-tetrahydro-cannabinol and kindling by electrical and chemical stimuli in mice

Mice were kindled to produce minimal convulsions by repeated application of either electrical or chemical stimuli. Electrical kindling involved the use of corneal electrodes; chemical kindling involved the use of pentylenetetrazol or picrotoxin. Delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (delta-9-THC) appeared to be capable of enhancing kindling to all three stimuli. In the studies with electroshock and pentylenetetrazol, in contrast to those with picrotoxin, a single exposure to delta-9-THC sufficed to facilitate the subsequent kindling, and the enhancement of kindling persisted after withdrawal of the cannabinoid. In the case of electrical kindling, the cannabinoid may promote the phenomenon by decreasing the convulsion threshold. Because the threshold was not lowered to all kindling stimuli, however, other mechanisms must be involved. In general, the data indicate that even a single dose of delta-9-THC can promote the development of long-lasting elevations of CNS excitability.
Pediatrics Digital Revolution

It seems that every time we start off a new volume of Pediatrics , we announce new developments and improvements that are designed to maximize the journal's accessibility and enhance the quality of the new information being published each month. The start of volume 126 is no exception. Perhaps you already noticed the Pediatrics Digital Edition, which we launched in April—a wonderful way to combine our print publishing model with expanded digital technology. Many of you, in reader surveys (thank you for responding), have shared your preference to turn pages electronically rather than in a printed journal by using home computers, laptops, eBook readers, or even iPhones, iPads, Androids, or smart phones. We are gearing up our digital publishing program to do just that, starting with the Digital Edition via our Web site. In phase 2 of the Digital Edition program, which we plan to release in late fall/early winter, users will be able to access our mobile Digital Edition application through the iPhone, iPod Touch, iPad, and eventually any mobile browser phone (wireless Internet browser [WIB]). Pediatrics will become your mobile digital go-to source for the information you need. By clicking on the Pediatrics logo from our mobile application, you will find all the interactivity offered by the online digital edition, including quick access to current issues and news feeds plus the best of print, Web, and social media channels, including Facebook, … Address correspondence to Joe Puskarz, CFT, SPN, American Academy of Pediatrics, Elk Grove Village, IL 60007. E-mail: jpuskarz{at}aap.org
Tutorial: An Introduction to Syntax.

This paper is intended as an introduction to syntax. Borrowing from Chomsky's Government & Binding and Principles & Parameters frameworks (Chomsky, 1986, 1992, 1995), various aspects of syntactic theory are described. These include lexical, functional, and phrasal categories and how they are put together into clauses and sentences, how words are represented in the mental lexicon, how lexical properties project to the syntax, and how noun phrases are assigned structural and semantic information. Additionally, how sentences that are not canonically ordered are derived and represented, how and to what do pronouns refer, and the principles that connect all these theoretical notions to form knowledge of language are described. The paper concludes with a summary of work in normal and disordered language, including treatment of language disorders, that has exploited aspects of the syntactic theory described in this paper.
Use of Equivalent Films in the Design of Infrared Multilayer Antireflection Coatings

The behavior of a symmetrical nonabsorbing multilayer in the region where the component film thicknesses are small compared with the wavelength closely approximates the behavior of a homogeneous single film. The index of the equivalent film can be made to take any value intermediate to the index values of the constituent films; and by adding together multiple periods of the basic combination, the equivalent thickness can be made as large as desired. Such combinations are shown to have useful application in the construction of wide-range antireflection coatings for high-index infrared optical materials.
The interaction between lattice vacancies and hydrogen in aluminum

Abstract The thermodynamic properties of aluminum–hydrogen solid solutions containing lattice vacancies have been calculated using a canonical ensemble approach and a Fermi–Dirac distribution to describe the distribution of H atoms between vacancy-generated sites and ‘normal’ interstitial sites. The equilibrium vacancy concentration has been calculated as a function of temperature and hydrogen concentration.
Fixed point methods for a nonlinear parabolic inverse coefficient problem

On considere l'equation de reaction-diffusion u t −Δu=f(u)+γ, x∈Ω, t>0 et le probleme inverse pour f(•). On obtient explicitement les constantes de contraction. Ces constantes dependent de la taille de la non linearite f, sa regularite, ainsi que le domaine et les donnees limites et initiales. On donne de nouvelles estimations de regularite pour les solutions
The moral perils of Mediterraneanism: second-generation immigrants practicing personhood between Sicily and Tunisia

Abstract Second-generation immigrants are often imagined by social scientists, their receiving communities, their parents, and sometimes also by themselves, as those who should close the cycle of immigration that their parents have opened. Inasmuch as Italy is a contender in the international competition for the most ‘Mediterranean’ of countries, those youths are expected either to become Italian, fail to do so, or ascend to the globalized sphere of multiple participation, belonging and citizenship. Based on a reconstruction of several realms of action and meaning that constitute second-generation Tunisian immigrant youths' lives in Mazara del Vallo – from education, the annual voyage to Tunisia and self-identification, to kinship strategies, labor and municipal elections – I show how children of Tunisian immigrants practice a kind of personhood that receives its form and flexibility from their entrapped position in the current situation of the Mediterranean constellation in the Sicilian Channel.
A preliminary study of precipitation in Ti4+-doped polycrystalline alumina

Precipitation processes in two titanium-doped aluminas (0.14 and 0.60 cation % titanium) have been examined using a variety of analytical electron microscopy techniques. The results strongly suggest that, for an ageing temperature of 1573 K, rutile is the only precipitate formed in the 0.14 cation % titanium material. However, evidence for the precipitation of both rutile and Β-Al2TiO5 (the latter at triple junctions) was obtained in the 0.60 cation % titanium sample.
Predictors of adherence with self-care guidelines among persons with type 2 diabetes: results from a logistic regression tree analysis

Type 2 diabetes is known to contribute to health disparities in the U.S. and failure to adhere to recommended self-care behaviors is a contributing factor. Intervention programs face difficulties as a result of patient diversity and limited resources. With data from the 2005 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System, this study employs a logistic regression tree algorithm to identify characteristics of sub-populations with type 2 diabetes according to their reported frequency of adherence to four recommended diabetes self-care behaviors including blood glucose monitoring, foot examination, eye examination and HbA1c testing. Using Andersen’s health behavior model, need factors appear to dominate the definition of which sub-groups were at greatest risk for low as well as high adherence. Findings demonstrate the utility of easily interpreted tree diagrams to design specific culturally appropriate intervention programs targeting sub-populations of diabetes patients who need to improve their self-care behaviors. Limitations and contributions of the study are discussed.
Momentum Transfer within Canopies

Abstract To understand the basic characteristics of the observed S-shaped wind profile and the exponential flux profile within forest canopies, three hypotheses are postulated. The relationship between these fundamental profiles is well established by combining the postulated hypotheses with momentum equations. Robust agreements between theoretical predictions and observations indicate that the nature of momentum transfer within canopies can be well understood by combining the postulated hypotheses and momentum equations. The exponential Reynolds stress profiles were successfully predicted by the leaf area index (LAI) profile alone. The characteristics of the S-shaped wind profile were theoretically explained by the plant morphology and local drag coefficient distribution. Predictions of maximum drag coefficient were located around the maximum leaf area level for most forest canopies but lower than the maximum leaf area level for a corn canopy. A universal relationship of the Reynolds stress between the t...
Role of Nuclear Factor Erythroid 2–Related Factor 2 in the Oxidative Stress–Dependent Hypertension Associated With the Depletion of DJ-1

Renal dopamine 2 receptor dysfunction is associated with oxidative stress and high blood pressure (BP). We have reported that DJ-1, an oxidative stress response protein, is positively regulated by dopamine 2 receptor in the kidney. The transcription factor nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) regulates the expression of several antioxidant genes. We tested the hypothesis that Nrf2 is involved in the renal DJ-1-mediated inhibition of reactive oxygen species production. We have reported that silencing dopamine 2 receptor in mouse renal proximal tubule cells decreases the expression of DJ-1. We now report that silencing DJ-1 or dopamine 2 receptor in mouse proximal tubule cells and mouse kidneys decreases Nrf2 expression and activity and increases reactive oxygen species production; BP is also increased in mice in which renal DJ-1 or dopamine 2 receptor is silenced. DJ-1(-/-) mice have decreased renal Nrf2 expression and activity and increased nitro-tyrosine levels and BP. Silencing Nrf2 in mouse proximal tubule cells does not alter the expression of DJ-1 or dopamine 2 receptor, indicating that Nrf2 is downstream of dopamine 2 receptor and DJ-1. An Nrf2 inducer, bardoxolone, normalizes the systolic BP and renal malondialdehyde levels in DJ-1(-/-) mice without affecting them in their wild-type littermates. Because Nrf2 ubiquitination is increased in DJ-1(-/-) mice, we conclude that the protective effect of DJ-1 on renal oxidative stress is mediated, in part, by preventing Nrf2 degradation. Moreover, renal dopamine 2 receptor and DJ-1 are necessary for normal Nrf2 activity to keep a normal redox balance and BP.
Understanding the origin of high-rate intercalation pseudocapacitance in Nb2O5 crystals

Pseudocapacitors aim to maintain the high power density of supercapacitors while increasing the energy density towards those of energy dense storage systems such as lithium ion batteries. Recently discovered intercalation pseudocapacitors (e.g. Nb2O5) are particularly interesting because their performance is seemingly not limited by surface reactions or structures, but instead determined by the bulk crystalline structure of the material. We study ordered polymorphs of Nb2O5 and detail the mechanism for the intrinsic high rates and energy density observed for this class of materials. We find that the intercalating atom (lithium) forms a solid solution adsorbing at specific sites in a network of quasi-2D NbOx faces with x = {1.3, 1.67, or 2}, donating electrons locally to its neighboring atoms, reducing niobium. Open channels in the structure have low diffusion barriers for ions to migrate between these sites (Eb ∼ 0.28–0.44 eV) comparable to high-performance solid electrolytes. Using a combination of complementary theoretical methods we rationalize this effect in LixNb2O5 for a wide range of compositions (x) and at finite temperatures. Multiple adsorption sites per unit-cell with similar adsorption energies and local charge transfer result in high capacity and energy density, while the interconnected open channels lead to low cost diffusion pathways between these sites, resulting in high power density. The nano-porous structure exhibiting local chemistry in a crystalline framework is the origin of high-rate pseudocapacitance in this new class of intercalation pseudocapacitor materials. This new insight provides guidance for improving the performance of this family of materials.
Effects of load carrying on metabolic cost and hindlimb muscle dynamics in guinea fowl (Numida meleagris)

The goal of this study was to test whether the contractile patterns of two major hindlimb extensors of guinea fowl are altered by load-carrying exercise. We hypothesized that changes in contractile pattern, specifically a decrease in muscle shortening velocity or enhanced stretch activation, would result in a reduction in locomotor energy cost relative to the load carried. We also anticipated that changes in kinematics would reflect underlying changes in muscle strain. Oxygen consumption, muscle activation intensity, and fascicle strain rate were measured over a range of speeds while animals ran unloaded vs. when they carried a trunk load equal to 22% of their body mass. Our results showed that loading produced no significant (P > 0.05) changes in kinematic patterns at any speed. In vivo muscle contractile strain patterns in the iliotibialis lateralis pars postacetabularis and the medial head of the gastrocnemius showed a significant increase in active stretch early in stance (P < 0.01), but muscle fascicle shortening velocity was not significantly affected by load carrying. The rate of oxygen consumption increased by 17% (P < 0.01) during loaded conditions, equivalent to 77% of the relative increase in mass. Additionally, relative increases in EMG intensity (quantified as mean spike amplitude) indicated less than proportional recruitment, consistent with force enhancement via stretch activation, in the proximal iliotibialis lateralis pars postacetabularis; however, a greater than proportional increase in the medial gastrocnemius was observed. As a result, when averaged for the two muscles, EMG intensity increased in direct proportion to the fractional increase in load carried.
Statistical analysis of brain waves from randomly interconnected neural nets

A statistical analysis of brain waves from randomly connected neural nets is presented here based to our previous work. The most important findings from this analysis is that several neural networks have the ability to create periods of spontaneous rhythmic activity similar to those observed in animals and human thalamus, cerebral cortex and hippocampus.
Putting Reading First: Teaching Social Studies in Elementary Classrooms

In this case study, the authors describe and analyze social studies education in 13 classrooms across six elementary schools in the Midwest. Reading and reading achievement dominated instructional time and intent across the schools. In the primary grades, social studies was pre-empted by reading, often relegated to an explanatory story note. In upper grades, social studies was focused on the textbook, with emphasis on literacy skills, such as the comprehension of nonfiction accounts. Teachers claimed to integrate social studies with reading, but integration was opportunistic, as happenstance, rather than systematic. This study informs efforts to retain and sustain credible social studies instruction in elementary schools. The authors recommend positions and actions that potentially can increase the quality and quantity of social studies education in elementary schools.
Validity and reliability of an instrumented speculum designed to minimize the effect of intra-abdominal pressure on the measurement of pelvic floor muscle strength

Background Existing clinical measurements of pelvic floor muscle strength are contaminated by crosstalk from intra-abdominal pressure. We tested an improved instrumented speculum designed to minimize this crosstalk. The hypotheses were that the speculum yields: 1) maximum vaginal closure forces unrelated to intra-abdominal pressure, 2) discriminatory validity between women who have strong vs. weak pelvic floor muscles, and 3) acceptable test-retest reliability.
Selective Modification of Opal Photonic Crystals Using Atomic Layer Deposition

We report on 3D opal photonic crystal modification by atomic layer deposition (ALD). Alumina ALD was used to coat silica opals with conformal films and hence tune the position and intensity of the Bragg peak.
THE VERBAL TRANSFORMATION EFFECT: A COMPARATIVE STUDY OF THE VERBAL TRANSFORMATIONS OF PHONETICALLY TRAINED AND NON-PHONETICALLY TRAINED SUBJECTS

The purpose of this investigation was to determine if there are differences between phonetically trained and non-phonetically trained subjects in terms of their reported verbal transformations. A total of seven auditory stimuli, representing variations in meaningfulness and phonetic complexity, were presented to 28 phonetically trained and 28 non-phonetically trained listeners. Results indicate that there are both similarities and differences between the two groups. The differences that exist are quantitative, and not qualitative, in nature. The phonetically trained group reported more forms and transitions, and required fewer repetitions of the stimulus prior to their first verbal transformations, than the non-phonetically trained subjects. However, both groups reported the same types of transformations and, in many instances, identical forms as well.
Parental Perceptions of Adopted Children's Educational Outcomes

This study looks at the educational outcomes of adopted children as perceived by their parents. Descriptive and multivariate analyses were performed using data from the 2007–2008 National Survey of Adoptive Parents. Our findings suggest that adoptive parents believe math and reading performance to be affected by special health care needs and household income. The odds of truancy and suspension are also believed to be affected by special heath care needs and gender. Though educational disruptions are infrequent, few adopted children perform at or above average in reading or math. These findings can be used to inform policy makers about post-adoption services.
Generation of smooth grids with line control for scattering from multiple obstacles

A new approach to generate structured grids for two-dimensional multiply connected regions with several holes is proposed. The bounding curves may include corners or cusps. The new algorithm constitutes an extension of the Branch Cut Grid Line Control (BCGC) technique introduced byVillamizar et al. [V. Villamizar, O. Rojas, J. Mabey, Generation of curvilinear coordinates on multiply connected regions with boundary-singularities, J. Comput. Phys. 223 (2007) 571-588] to domains with a finite number of holes. Regions with multiple holes are reduced to several contiguous single hole subregions. Then, the BCGC algorithm is applied to each single hole subregion producing a smooth grid with line control. Finally, the subregions with their respective grids are joined and their interfaces are smoothed resulting a globally smooth grid. The advantages of the novel grids are revealed by employing them to numerically solve acoustic scattering problems in the presence of multiple complexly shaped obstacles.
Modulation of Macrophage Inflammatory Protein-1α and Its Receptors in Human B-Cell Lines Derived from Patients with Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome and Burkitt's Lymphoma

Abstract Macrophage inflammatory protein-1 alpha (MIP-1α) is a member of the -C-C- family of low-molecular weight chemokines. MIP-1α is involved in the homeostatic control of stem cell proliferation, in inducing chemotaxis, and also in inflammatory responses in mature cell types. In order to observe modulations of MIP-1α secretion and expression along with MIP-1α receptor (MIP-1α-R) expression for a possible autocrine role in AIDS associated B-cell lines, we studied a wide panel of human B-cell lines. Previous work by us has shown that HIV-1 tat down modulates MIP-1α by inducing a novel transcription factor MNP. Our data in this report suggest that HIV down modulates MIP-1α as a mechanism to evade suppression by this chemokine in human B-cells. Furthermore, our results strongly suggest MIP-1α autocrine loops in a majority of tumor B-cells as evident by MIP-1α-R expression, and also secretion of MIP-1α.
Impact of land use change on atmospheric P inputs in a tropical dry forest

[1] Forest canopies increase atmospheric inputs of nutrients to forest ecosystems by trapping dust and particulates. In tropical dry forests, this mechanism may contribute significant amounts of phosphorus, often a limiting nutrient in these ecosystems. Shifting cultivation may reduce the atmospheric inputs of phosphorus through the removal and restructuring of the forest canopy. We studied the impacts of land clearing by shifting cultivation in the southern Yucatan peninsula by measuring P in atmospheric bulk deposition and throughfall in two secondary forest stands and one mature forest stand to determine whether mature forests have greater throughfall P inputs than regenerating areas. From May to November 2007, we sampled rainfall in an open field and throughfall in three adjacent forest stands of different ages: 6 year old, 20 year old and mature (>60 year). We analyzed subsamples for inorganic and organic P. During the 7 month wet season, cumulative P input for the open field was 0.28 kg/ha, the 6 year stand accumulated 0.44 kg/ha, the 20 year stand accumulated 0.55 kg/ha and the mature stand accumulated 0.81 kg/ha. Organic P inputs were ∼50% of total P inputs in the open field, and 30–38% of total P inputs for the forest stands. The mature forest had significantly higher P concentrations and inputs than the open field or secondary forest stands, and forest stands had significantly greater P inputs than the open field, but there were no significant differences between the older and younger secondary forests. The repeated clearing of forests may thus reduce important P inputs to the ecosystem in the long-term.
Seroconversion rates to Jamestown Canyon virus among six populations of white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) in Indiana.

The annual seroconversion of fawns, yearlings, and adult white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) to Jamestown Canyon virus (California group) was followed at six Indiana sites from 1981 through 1984. In all, sera from 1,642 deer (515 fawns, 618 yearlings, and 509 adults) were tested for neutralizing antibody to three California serogroup viruses: Jamestown Canyon, La Crosse, and trivittatus. Virtually all deer with specific neutralizing antibody showed evidence of a prior infection with Jamestown Canyon virus; only three deer showed evidence of a prior infection with only La Crosse virus and none showed evidence of an infection with only trivittatus virus. While there were no significant differences in antibody prevalence to Jamestown Canyon virus between yearling and adult deer at any site, fawns had significantly lower antibody prevalences than either of the two older age groups. Significant differences in antibody prevalence were found between northern versus southern populations of white-tailed dee...
Militarization and the Environment: A Panel Study of Carbon Dioxide Emissions and the Ecological Footprints of Nations, 1970-2000

The authors situate treadmill of destruction theory in a comparative international perspective to assess the environmental impacts of national militaries. Results of cross-national panel models indicate that high-tech militarization in the form of expenditures per soldier contribute to the scale and intensity of carbon dioxide emissions as well as the per capita ecological footprints of nations. Likewise, all three of these environmental outcomes are positively associated with military participation in the context of the number of soldiers relative to the size of domestic populations. Overall, the findings support the proposed theorization and highlight the need for social scientists to consider the environmental and ecological consequences of nations’ militaries, regardless of whether or not they are engaged in conflicts.
Development of assessments for use on advanced pharmacy practice experiences

Abstract Objective To develop two comprehensive assessments related to common disease states seen in both inpatient and outpatient clinical settings. Methods Syllabi from the didactic therapeutics sequence were reviewed to identify topics on which the Advanced Pharmacy Practice Experience (APPE) student pharmacists were previously assessed. Results Fifteen major system and patient-care problem areas were identified as the most commonly experienced by APPE student pharmacists during an Ambulatory Care or Acute Care/General Medicine rotation. Nine content experts were invited to write ten multiple-choice questions in his/her designated content area(s) with an even distribution of inpatient and outpatient emphasis questions, practitioner role questions, and the preferred 7:3 ratio of application to analysis questions. Conclusions These assessments will be utilized as pre- and post-rotation quizzes to assess student learning on APPEs. Using these assessments, students may be able to self-assess and preceptors may be able to determine how well their rotation educates student pharmacists.
Broken Promises: The Effect of Psychological Contract Violation on Student-Athlete Trust and Intentions to Leave Their Team

The purpose of this study was to examine the impact that increased perceptions psychological contract breach between student-athletes and their coaches have on student-athletes’ affective trust in their coaches, cognitive trust in their coaches, and intentions to leave their team. Based on a sample of 248 NCAA Division I and Division II student-athletes, the results reveal that increased perceptions of psychological contract breach significantly lower student-athletes’ cognitive trust in their coaches and significantly increases their intentions to leave their team. Higher levels of psychological contract violation acted as a partial mediator on the relationship between psychological contract breach and cognitive trust. Psychological contract violation also acted as a partial mediator on the relationship between psychological breach and intentions to leave. Neither perceptions of psychological contract breach nor psychological contract violation were significantly related to affective trust.
Antirandom testing: getting the most out of black-box testing

Random testing is a well known concept that requires that each test is selected randomly regardless of the test previously applied. The paper introduces the concept of antirandom testing. In this testing strategy each test applied is chosen such that its total distance from all previous tests is maximum. Two distance measures are defined. Procedures to construct antirandom sequences are developed. A checkpoint encoding scheme is introduced that allows automatic generation of efficient test cases. Further developments and studies needed are identified.
PromFD 1.0: a computer program that predicts eukaryotic pol II promoters using strings and IMD matrices.

Motivation: A large number of new DNA sequences with virtually unknown functions are generated as the Human Genome Project progresses. Therefore, it is essential to develop computer algorithms that can predict the functionality of DNA segments according to their primary sequences, including algorithms that can predict promoters. Although several promoter-predicting algorithms are available, they have high false-positive detections and the rate of promoter detection needs to be improved further. Results: In this research, PromFD, a computer program to recognize vertebrate RNA polymerase II promoters, has been developed. Both vertebrate promoters and non-promoter sequences are used in the analysis. The promoters are obtained from the Eukaryotic Promoter Database. Promoters are divided into a training set and a test set. Non-promoter sequences are obtained from the GenBank sequence databank, and are also divided into a training set and a test set. The first step is to search out, among all possible permutations, patterns of strings 5—10 bp long, that are significantly over-represented in the promoter set. The program also searches IMD (Information Matrix Database) matrices that have a significantly higher presence in the promoter set. The results of the searches are stored in the PromFD database, and the program PromFD scores input DNA sequences according to their content of the database entries. PromFD predicts promoters—their locations and the location of potential TATA boxes, if found. The program can detect 71% of promoters in the training set with a false-positive rate of under 1 in every 13 000 bp, and 47% of promoters in the test set with a false-positive rate of under 1 in every 9800 bp. PromFD uses a new approach and its false-positive identification rate is better compared with other available promoter recognition algorithms. The source code for PromFD is in the 'c++' language.
Autonomic responses to lateralized cold pressor and facial cooling tasks

Asymmetry in central nervous system (CNS) control of autonomic nervous system (ANS) activity, a widely debated topic, was investigated via lateralized presentation of two ANS challenges: cold pressor, which elicits primarily sympathetic activation, and facial cooling, a predominantly vagal task. Seventy-three university students (37 female) engaged in these tasks while cardiovascular and electrodermal measures were acquired. Compared to right-side cold pressor, left cold pressor elicited generally larger cardiac, blood pressure, and skin conductance responses, but did not evoke asymmetric changes in heart rate variability. Facial cooling elicited significant increases in vagally mediated heart rate variability, but they were also not lateralized. These findings are consistent with reports of right hemisphere dominance in sympathetic regulation, but indicate that CNS vagal control is relatively symmetric. These results are framed in terms of polyvagal theory and neurovisceral integration two influential models of CNS-ANS integration in the service of adaptive environmental engagement.