cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The effect of triiodothyronine in healing of deep dermal burns and marginal scars of skin grafts. A histologic study.

The effect of Triiodothyronine (T3) was evaluated in the healing of deep dermal burns and marginal scars of skin grafts in a group of 20 male Sprague-Dawley rats versus a control series. Histologic examination revealed obvious differences, characterized by better organization of collagen bundles, fewer retraction spaces and smoother scars in the T3 treated group.
Investigation of the Burning Properties of Slow‐Propagation Tungsten Type Delay Compositions

Twenty-eight delay compositions with a variation of the W content of ±20% wt, on the basis of the primitive formula, W/BaCrO4/KClO4/SiO2/Viton=27 : 54 : 11 : 6 : 2, were designed for delay ignition in self-destruction application of fuse. They were processed finally to be cylindrical pellets and were then characterized by measuring their burning properties including igniting ability, burning rate, and output flame temperature. In the experiments, the cylindrical pellets were packed into a heat-resisting quartz tube and were ignited by an electrical-heating wire. A high-speed video camera and a digital-image processing device were used for simultaneously recording the combustion phenomena such as ignition and flame propagation. In addition, the output flame temperature was detected by placing a thermocouple at the end of the quartz tube. The delay compositions were also loaded in a cylindrical aluminum tube to measure burning properties as compared to naked cylindrical pellets. According to these experimental results, this work discussed the effect of composition on burning properties. The consequences of these analyses will be very important and useful for defining criteria in formulating the tungsten type slow-propagation delay compositions, as well as for improving self-destruction designs of fuse.
Descriptions of eight new species of Desmopachria Babington 1841 from Bolivia (Coleoptera: Dytiscidae: Hydroporinae: Hyphydrini)

The following eight new species are described from Bolivia; Desmopachria (Desmopachria) aphronoscelus, D. (D.) bolivari, D. (D.) draco, D. (D.) psarammo, D. (D.) rhea, D. (D.) taniae, D. (Pachriostrix) chei and D. (Portmannia) youngi. Figures of male genitalia are provided for each species.
Phase transition and morphogenesis in a model biological system

On the basis of recent experimental results obtained using a model biological system, we argue that well-known physical phenomena like wetting and percolation may play a significant role in morphogenetic changes which occur during development. We also present results of scanning microscopy studies on the structure of the system, which support our theoretical conclusions.
NMR Footprinting Of Activating And Non-activating Monoclonal Antibodies On CD3 Indicate Dynamic Quaternary Structure Changes In The TCR Complex

The T cell receptor (TCR) mediates antigen recognition and T cell activation via its dimeric αβ, CD3eγ, CD3eδ and CD3ζζ subunits, however, a structural mechanism relating both functions has remained elusive. Here, we determine the NMR footprints on CD3eγ of one non-agonist and two agonist anti-CD3 monoclonal antibodies (mAbs). The data indicate changes of the site-specific binding topology and the TCR quaternary structure upon activation. NMR cross-saturation and chemical shift mapping showed that agonist and non-agonistic mAbs have distinct binding sites on the CD3eγ heterodimer. Agonistic mAbs bind to the membrane distal CD3e lobe, whereas a non-agonist mAb targets the cleft between CD3e and CD3γ causing a non-native quaternary structure in TCRβ-CD3eγ module. Subsequent biological experiments confirmed that the difference in cell triggering is not linked to mAb affinity or CD3e binding stoichiometry per TCR but to the difference in the binding epitope on CD3eγ. More importantly, an Fab that stabilizes an intact TCRβ-CD3eγ module inhibits antigen-dependent activation. These findings indicate that a dynamic but coordinated receptor quaternary structure change in T cell receptor is important for T cell activation, which offer new insights into functional integration within multi-subunit receptors and may guide design of immunosuppressive mAbs devoid of agonist activity.
Classification of the dysmorphology of pectus excavatum.

Abstract Background/Purpose To describe the dysmorphology of pectus excavatum, the most common congenital chest wall anomaly. Methods A stratified sample of 64 patients, representative of a patient population with pectus excavatum of the Children's Hospital of King's Daughters in Norfolk, Va, was described and classified. The sample was stratified by sex to represent a 4:1 male-to-female ratio. The sample was further stratified to represent categories of age (3-10, 11-16, and 17 years and older). Preoperative photos and baseline chest computed tomography scans were examined and categorized according to the chief criteria, including asymmetry/symmetry of the depression, localized vs diffuse morphology, sternal torsion, cause of asymmetric appearance, and the length of the depression. Results Useful morphologic distinctions in pectus excavatum are localized depressions vs diffuse depressions, short and long length, symmetry, sternal torsion, slope/position of absolute depth, and unique patterns such as the horns of steer depression. Conclusions These classifications simplify the diagnosis of pectus excavatum, aid in corrective surgery, and should improve correlation of phenotype and genotype in future genetic analysis.
A Preliminary Study to Delineate Irreversible Electroporation From Thermal Damage Using the Arrhenius Equation

Intense but short electrical fields can increase the permeability of the cell membrane in a process referred to as electroporation. Reversible electroporation has become an important tool in biotechnology and medicine. The various applications of reversible electroporation require cells to survive the procedure, and therefore the occurrence of irreversible electroporation (IRE), following which cells die, is obviously undesirable. However, for the past few years, IRE has begun to emerge as an important minimally invasive nonthermal ablation technique in its own right as a method to treat tumors and arrhythmogenic regions in the heart. IRE had been studied primarily to define the upper limit of electrical parameters that induce reversible electroporation. Thus, the delineation of IRE from thermal damage due to Joule heating has not been thoroughly investigated. The goal of this study was to express the upper bound of IRE (onset of thermal damage) theoretically as a function of physical properties and electrical pulse parameters. Electrical pulses were applied to THP-1 human monocyte cells, and the percentage of irreversibly electroporated (dead) cells in the sample was quantified. We also determined the upper bound of IRE (onset of thermal damage) through a theoretical calculation that takes into account the physical properties of the sample and the electric pulse characteristics. Our experimental results were achieved below the theoretical curve for the onset of thermal damage. These results confirm that the region to induce IRE without thermal damage is substantial. We believe that our new theoretical analysis will allow researchers to optimize IRE parameters without inducing deleterious thermal effects.
Nicotinic receptors in non-human primates: Analysis of genetic and functional conservation with humans.

Nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) are highly conserved between humans and non-human primates. Conservation exists at the level of genomic structure, protein structure and epigenetics. Overall homology of nAChRs at the protein level is 98% in macaques versus 89% in mice, which is highly relevant for evaluating subtype-specific ligands that have different affinities in humans versus rodents. In addition to conservation at the protein level, there is high conservation of genomic structure in terms of intron and exon size and placement of CpG sites that play a key role in epigenetic regulation. Analysis of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) shows that while the majority of SNPs are not conserved between humans and macaques, some functional polymorphisms are. Most significantly, cynomolgus monkeys express a similar α5 nAChR Asp398Asn polymorphism to the human α5 Asp398Asn polymorphism that has been linked to greater nicotine addiction and smoking related disease. Monkeys can be trained to readily self-administer nicotine, and in an initial study we have demonstrated that cynomolgus monkeys bearing the α5 D398N polymorphism show a reduced behavioral sensitivity to oral nicotine and tend to consume it in a different pattern when compared to wild-type monkeys. Thus the combination of highly homologous nAChR, higher cortical functions and capacity for complex training makes non-human primates a unique model to study in vivo functions of nicotinic receptors. In particular, primate studies on nicotine addiction and evaluation of therapies to prevent or overcome nicotine addiction are likely to be highly predictive of treatment outcomes in humans. This article is part of the Special Issue entitled 'The Nicotinic Acetylcholine Receptor: From Molecular Biology to Cognition'.
How microbial community composition regulates coral disease development.

Reef coral cover is in rapid decline worldwide, in part due to bleaching (expulsion of photosynthetic symbionts) and outbreaks of infectious disease. One important factor associated with bleaching and in disease transmission is a shift in the composition of the microbial community in the mucus layer surrounding the coral: the resident microbial community—which is critical to the healthy functioning of the coral holobiont—is replaced by pathogenic microbes, often species of Vibrio. In this paper we develop computational models for microbial community dynamics in the mucus layer in order to understand how the surface microbial community responds to changes in environmental conditions, and under what circumstances it becomes vulnerable to overgrowth by pathogens. Some of our model's assumptions and parameter values are based on Vibrio spp. as a model system for other established and emerging coral pathogens. We find that the pattern of interactions in the surface microbial community facilitates the existence of alternate stable states, one dominated by antibiotic-producing beneficial microbes and the other pathogen-dominated. A shift to pathogen dominance under transient stressful conditions, such as a brief warming spell, may persist long after environmental conditions have returned to normal. This prediction is consistent with experimental findings that antibiotic properties of Acropora palmata mucus did not return to normal long after temperatures had fallen. Long-term loss of antibiotic activity eliminates a critical component in coral defense against disease, giving pathogens an extended opportunity to infect and spread within the host, elevating the risk of coral bleaching, disease, and mortality.
Interactions of Starch and Other Polysaccharides with Condensed Tannins in Hot Water Extracts of Ponderosa Pine Bark

Abstract Hot water extraction of Ponderosa pine bark yields condensed tannins (polymeric procyanidins, PPC's) and starch. Precipitation of the PPC's as the lead complex coprecipitates the starch, although the latter does not itself form an insoluble lead complex. Ethylene diamine tetraacetic acid (EDTA) treatment of the lead complex removes lead and yields PPC and starch which coprecipitate with ethanol from water as a starch-PPC complex, although the PPC itself is fully ethanol soluble. Chromatography of the starch-PPC complex with water on several polysaccharide media leads to elution of the starch and sorption of the PPC. Similar interactions of PPC and polysaccharides may be responsible for viscosity problems in uses of condensed tannins as tans and as adhesives. Such interactions probably occur in many plant materials.
Transjejunal biliary interventions: Going back to a road less traveled

Percutaneous transhepatic biliary interventions are not without risk and potential complications. In patients with bilioenteric anastomosis in whom repeat biliary interventions are expected, percutaneous transjejunal access is a very useful approach that is not frequently used nowadays. We provide a brief review of the history, indications, and current status of transjejunal biliary interventions. Transjejunal biliary access provides a relatively atraumatic pathway to the biliary system in patients that need repeat interventions. Multiple studies have provided convincing data that in appropriately chosen patients receiving a bilioenteric anastomosis, an antecolic limb of jejunum should be placed for subsequent access in biliary intervention.
Characterization of Rapid Membrane Internalization and Recycling

Lipids and other membrane constituents recycle between the plasma membrane and intracellular endocytic compartments. In CHO cells, approximately half of the internalized C(6)-NBD-SM, a fluorescent lipid analogue widely used as a membrane maker, recycles via the endocytic recycling compartment with a t(12) of approximately 12 min (Mayor, S., Presley, J. F., and Maxfield, F. R. (1993) J. Cell Biol. 121, 1257-1269). Surprisingly, the rest returns to the plasma membrane very quickly. A detailed kinetic study presented in this paper indicates that after a brief internalization pulse, 42-62% of the internalized C(6)-NBD-SM returns to the plasma membrane with a t(12) of 1-2 min. Similar results are obtained using HEp2 and nonpolarized Madin-Darby canine kidney cells. Using FM dyes of different hydrophobicity, we show that rapid recycling involves passage through an endocytic organelle that was subsequently identified as the sorting endosome by co-localization with internalized transferrin and low density lipoprotein. These results imply that the membrane internalization rate is much higher than previously estimated, with a t(12) as short as 5-10 min. Rapid internalization and recycling would facilitate processes such as nutrient uptake and cholesterol efflux.
Delayed neurotoxicity of leptophos: Toxic effects on the nervous system of hens

Abstract Delayed neurotoxicity in hens fed a single oral dose of leptophos, O -(4-bromo-2,5-dichlorophenyl) O -methyl phenylphosphonothioate, has been studied. Three doses of the insecticide were given: 200, 400, and 800 mg/kg. Leptophos produced neurotoxicity in hens similar to that reported for other neurotoxic organophosphorus compounds. Thus leptophos caused ataxia which progressed to paralysis and death, caused loss of appetite and weight, and reduced the number and weight of eggs laid. Acetylcholinesterase in red blood cells showed an initial inhibition, then a substantial recovery. On the other hand, plasma cholinesterase, after initial inhibition and recovery, was severely inhibited as the signs of neurotoxicity progressed. Histological examination revealed marked axon and myelin degeneration of the sciatic nerve and spinal cord. Less severe changes were seen in the medulla, and nonspecific degeneration of muscle fibers was present.
Rate 2/3 modulation code for suppression of intrachannel nonlinear effects in high-speed optical transmission

An efficient approach in suppressing of intrachannel nonlinear effects using modulation codes is proposed. Significant Q-factor improvement ranging from 7-13 dB depending on modulation format, extinction ratio and number of spans is demonstrated. The encoder design is described, and sliding window decoding logic is given.
A clinical index to predict progression from mild cognitive impairment to dementia due to Alzheimer's disease.

Background Mild cognitive impairment is often a precursor to dementia due to Alzheimer's disease, but many patients with mild cognitive impairment never develop dementia. New diagnostic criteria may lead to more patients receiving a diagnosis of mild cognitive impairment. Objective To develop a prediction index for the 3-year risk of progression from mild cognitive impairment to dementia relying only on information that can be readily obtained in most clinical settings. Design and Participants 382 participants diagnosed with amnestic mild cognitive impairment enrolled in the Alzheimer's Disease Neuroimaging Initiative (ADNI), a multi-site, longitudinal, observational study. Main Predictors Measures Demographics, comorbid conditions, caregiver report of participant symptoms and function, and participant performance on individual items from basic neuropsychological scales. Main Outcome Measure Progression to probable Alzheimer's disease. Key Results Subjects had a mean (SD) age of 75 (7) years and 43% progressed to probable Alzheimer's disease within 3 years. Important independent predictors of progression included being female, resisting help, becoming upset when separated from caregiver, difficulty shopping alone, forgetting appointments, number of words recalled from a 10-word list, orientation and difficulty drawing a clock. The final point score could range from 0 to 16 (mean [SD]: 4.2 [2.9]). The optimism-corrected Harrell's c-statistic was 0.71(95% CI: 0.68–0.75). Fourteen percent of subjects with low risk scores (0–2 points, n = 124) converted to probable Alzheimer's disease over 3 years, compared to 51% of those with moderate risk scores (3–8 points, n = 223) and 91% of those with high risk scores (9–16 points, n = 35). Conclusions An index using factors that can be obtained in most clinical settings can predict progression from amnestic mild cognitive impairment to probable Alzheimer's disease and may help clinicians differentiate between mild cognitive impairment patients at low vs. high risk of progression.
The nuclear envelope: form and reformation

The membrane system that encloses genomic DNA is referred to as the nuclear envelope. However, with emerging roles in signaling and gene expression, these membranes clearly serve as more than just a physical barrier separating the nucleus and cytoplasm. Recent progress in our understanding of nuclear envelope architecture and composition has also revealed an intriguing connection between constituents of the nuclear envelope and human disease, providing further impetus to decipher this cellular structure and the dramatic remodeling process it undergoes with each cell division.
Hochschild cohomology of quasiprojective schemes

Three definitions for the Hochschild cohomology of schemes are considered and shown to coincide for quasiprojective schemes. In the smooth case, the associated Hodge spectral sequences are also shown to be isomorphic.
A New Battery/Ultracapacitor Energy Storage System Design and Its Motor Drive Integration for Hybrid Electric Vehicles

This paper proposes a new energy storage system (ESS) design, including both batteries and ultracapacitors (UCs) in hybrid electric vehicle (HEV) and electric vehicle applications. The conventional designs require a DC-DC converter to interface the UC unit. Herein, the UC can be directly switched across the motor drive DC link during the peak power demands. The resulting wide voltage variation due to UC power transfer is addressed by the simple modulator that is introduced in this paper, so that the motor drive performance is not disrupted. Based on this new methodology, this paper further introduces two ESS schemes with different topologies, namely 1) UC rating and 2) energy flow control. They are applicable to both lightly and heavily hybridized HEVs. Both schemes have the benefits of high efficiency (without a DC-DC link) and low cost. The simulation and experimental results validate the new methodology.
Loop shifting and compaction for the high-level synthesis of designs with complex control flow

Emerging embedded system applications in multimedia and image processing are characterized by complex control flow consisting of deeply nested conditionals and loops. We present a technique called loop shifting that incrementally exploits loop level parallelism across iterations by shifting and compacting operations across loop iterations. Our experimental results show that loop shifting is particularly effective for the synthesis of designs with complex control especially when resource utilization is already high and/or under tight resource constraints. In situations when further loop unrolling (or initiating another iteration of the loop body) leads to a sharp increase in the longest combinational path in the circuit and the circuit area, loop shifting is able to achieve up to 20% reduction in the input-to-output delay in the synthesized circuit. We implemented loop shifting within the SPARK parallelizing high-level synthesis framework and present results for experiments on designs derived from multimedia and image processing applications.
Sexual Behaviors and Attitudes of High School Students in the Kingdom of Swaziland

The author examined the sex behaviors and attitudes of 111 high school students with a steady partner in the Kingdom of Swaziland. Data were collected through participant observation during 1987-88 discussions with key informants during 1987-88 and 1990-91 and in-depth structured interviews with the adolescents from rural and urban government high schools. 78 of the students were coitally active with 57.5% of boys and 68.4% of girls reporting first coitus at 16 years of age or younger. 15.0% of males and no females reported beginning coitus after 18 years of age. 45.0% of the boys and 68.4% of the girls reported never using contraception; 50% of males said they used condoms. Swaziland is largely polygynous. There were however modest gender differences on attitudes about multiple partners and demonstrating affection. The young women mainly expected financial support from a sex partner. Since many adolescent men cannot provide such support many of the adolescent women pursue sexual relations with older more financially capable men. The author notes that the parents of young Swazi women do not condone such relationships especially if the man does not seem interested in marriage. No school policy exists on teaching family life education and both unplanned pregnancy and septic abortions are real problems. School policy demands the expulsion of pregnant girls for the duration of their pregnancy. Once delivered the young mothers may attend a another school. Finally although parental guidance is less influential than in the past traditional values attached to gender roles remain intact among the adolescents interviewed for this study.
Modeling and identification of electric double-layer supercapacitors

Supercapacitors are emerging new devices for many applications, either as main energy sources or as energy buffers, due to their high power density. To study possible applications of supercapacitors, a terminal model describing the dynamic behavior of supercapacitors is required. In this paper, a simple electrical equivalent circuit model (ECM) is proposed based on the conventional supercapacitor RC branches model. Moreover, a nonlinear optimization algorithm is presented to identify the model parameters. The proposed modeling and identification method was validated with supercapacitor experimental results. The proposed method can be used to simulate and predict the dynamic performance of a supercapacitor, assess its energy storage capability. It can also be used in the design of energy management system of many supercapacitor applications, such as, capacitive deionization (CDI), hybrid/electric vehicles.
Differential contribution of electrically evoked dorsal root reflexes to peripheral vasodilatation and plasma extravasation

Dorsal root reflexes (DRRs) are antidromic activities traveling along the primary afferent fibers, which can be generated by peripheral stimulation or central stimulation. DRRs are thought to be involved in the generation of neurogenic inflammation, as indicated by plasma extravasation and vasodilatation. The hypothesis of this study was that electrical stimulation of the central stump of a cut dorsal root would lead to generation of DRRs, resulting in plasma extravasation and vasodilatation. Sprague-Dawley rats were prepared to expose spinal cord and L4-L6 dorsal roots under pentobarbital general anesthesia. Electrical stimulation of either intact, proximal or distal, cut dorsal roots was applied while plasma extravasation or blood perfusion of the hindpaw was recorded. While stimulation of the peripheral stump of a dorsal root elicited plasma extravasation, electrical stimulation of the central stump of a cut dorsal root generated significant DRRs, but failed to induce plasma extravasation. However, stimulation of the central stump induced a significant increase in blood perfusion. It is suggested that DRRs are involved in vasodilatation but not plasma extravasation in neurogenic inflammation in normal animals.
Morphometric variation of yellowtail flounder

Significant variation in morphometry was found between sexes of yellowtail flounder and among eight geographic areas, from the Grand Bank to the Mid-Atlantic Bight. Females had relatively deeper abdomens and larger heads than males. Newfoundland samples had relatively shorter bodies, deeper abdomens and longer heads than those from south of Nova Scotia. Morphometric analyses classified 71e95% of yellowtail to the correct Canadian area, but accuracy was lower for areas off the northeastern United States (43e76%). Morphometric differences are consistent with differences in ontogenetic rates among groups. However, shape differences were not strong enough to delineate geographic stocks off the northeastern United States.
Insulated Gate Bipolar Transistors

In this chapter, the basic structure and operating characteristics of the IGBT are first described. The analysis of forward and reverse blocking capability is then performed followed by discussion of the on-state characteristics of IGBTs with various collector structures. The IGBT structure is shown to behave like a P-i-N rectifier in the on-state producing a low on-state voltage drop even for structures designed to support large voltages. The switching behavior of the IGBT is then analyzed including discussion of lifetime control processes for optimization of the trade-off between on-state and switching losses. Various methods to suppress the parasitic thyristor within the IGBT structure are discussed in detail because this is essential to the design of functional devices. The analysis and design of trench-gate IGBT structures are also provided in this chapter.
Estimation of Duration of Subaerial Exposure in Shallow-Marine Limestones--an Isotopic Approach

ABSTRACT Subaerial exposure surfaces in shallow-marine limestones may represent a significant period of nondeposition and/or erosion. The minimum duration of subaerial exposure is estimated through modeling the maximum whole-rock 13C depletion toward exposure surfaces in vadose meteorically altered limestones. The model simulates the water-rock interaction that caused the depletion, and calculates the volume of meteoric water needed to achieve the observed 13C value. Then, the duration of vadose meteoric diagenesis, which approximates exposure duration, is the volume of water divided by the infiltration rate of vadose water. Sensitivity tests indicate that estimated duration is moderately sensitive to many input parameters, particularly the isotope composition and concentration of total dissolved carbon in vadose water, sediment porosity, and infiltration rate of vadose water. The method is mostly effective in estimating exposure durations of less than 400 ky. The estimated durations of nine subaerial exposures in Pleistocene reef tracts of Barbados, West Indies agree well with available radiometric dates. Application of the method to subaerial exposures in Mississippian, Pennsylvanian, and Cretaceous shallow-marine limestones confines their durations to 21-54 ky and distinguishes exposures of different durations. The proposed method offers a potential tool and direction in estimating minimum duration of stratal hiatuses in meter-scale stratigraphic studies.
Functional Specialization within the Medial Frontal Gyrus for Perceptual Go/No-Go Decisions Based on What, When, and Where Related Information: An fMRI Study

Cortical systems engaged during executive and volitional functions receive and integrate input from multiple systems. However, these integration processes are not well understood. In particular, it is not known whether these input pathways converge or remain segregated at the executive levels of cortical information processing. If unilateral information streams are conserved within structures that serve high-level executive functions, then the functional organization within these structures would predictably be similarly organized. If, however, unilateral input information streams are integrated within executive-related structures, then activity patterns will not necessarily reflect lower organizations. In this study, subjects were imaged during the performance of a "perceptual go/no-go" task for which instructions were based on spatial ("where"), temporal ("when"), or object ("what") stimulus features known to engage unilateral processing streams, and the expected hemispheric biases were observed for early processing areas. For example, activity within the inferior and middle occipital gyri, and the middle temporal gyrus, during the what and when tasks, was biased toward the left hemisphere, and toward the right hemisphere during the "where" task. We discover a similar lateralization within the medial frontal gyrus, a region associated with high-level executive functions and decision-related processes. This lateralization was observed regardless of whether the response was executed or imagined, and was demonstrated in multiple sensory modalities. Although active during the go/no-go task, the cingulate gyrus did not show a similar lateralization. These findings further differentiate the organizations and functions of the medial frontal and cingulate executive regions, and suggest that the executive mechanisms operative within the medial frontal gyrus preserve fundamental aspects of input processing streams.
Extraterrestrial He in Sediments: From Recorder of Asteroid Collisions to Timekeeper of Global Environmental Changes

Most 3He in deep-sea sediments is derived from fine-grained extraterrestrial matter known as interplanetary dust particles (IDPs). These particles, typically <50 μm in diameter, are sufficiently small to retain solar wind-implanted He with high 3He/4He ratios during atmospheric entry heating. This extraterrestrial 3He (3HeET) is retained in sediments for geologically long durations, having been detected in sedimentary rocks as old as 480 Ma. As a tracer of fine-grained extraterrestrial material, 3HeET offers unique insights into solar system events associated with increased IDP fluxes, including asteroid break-up events and comet showers. Studies have used 3HeET to identify IDP flux changes associated with a Miocene asteroid break-up event and a likely comet shower in the Eocene. During much of the Cenozoic, 3HeET fluxes have remained relatively constant over million-year timescales, enabling 3HeET to be used as a constant flux proxy for calculating sedimentary mass accumulation rates and constraining sedimentary age models. We review studies employing 3HeET-based accumulation rates to estimate the duration of carbonate dissolution events associated with the K/Pg boundary and Paleocene-Eocene Thermal Maximum. Additionally, 3HeET has been used to quantify sub-orbital variability in fluxes of paleoproductivity proxies and windblown dust. In order to better interpret existing records and guide the application of 3HeET in novel settings, future work requires constraining the carrier phase(s) of 3HeET responsible for long-term retention in sediments, better characterizing the He isotopic composition of the terrigenous end-member, and understanding why observed extraterrestrial 3He fluxes do not match the predicted variability of IDP accretion rate over orbital timescales.
Expression of a functional foreign gene in adult mammalian brain following in Vivo transfer via a herpes simplex virus type 1 defective viral vector.

We report here the first use of a herpes simplex virus defective viral vector for the transfer and expression of a foreign gene in the adult rat brain in vivo. Defective vectors offer unique advantages over other systems. Our vector genome consists of multiple copies of a plasmid-based amplicon, with a human cytomegalovirus promoter and lacZ gene as a reporter. Helper functions were provided by an HSV1 mutant incapable of replication at physiological temperatures. The resulting defective viral vector was stereotaxically microinjected into rat hippocampus and hypothalamus, and cells expressing functional β-galactosidase were detected in both areas. Expression was confined to regions at or near the site of injection. Positive cells were identified by 18 hr following injection, and expression was still detectable after 2 weeks. All animals survived with no behavioral, gross, or microscopic anatomical evidence of a virulent neurologic infection.
The Dialectical Nature of Impression Management in Knowledge Work Unpacking Tensions in Media Use Between Managers and Subordinates

The stage on which impressions are managed is no longer purely a physical one but is increasingly mediated by various communication technologies that offer different affordances. This study examine...
DIFFERENCES IN NEUROPSYCHOLOGICAL CORRELATES BETWEEN NORMALS AND THOSE EXPERIENCING "OLD HAG ATTACKS"

240 university students were given The Cognitive Laterality Battery as well as a questionnaire, the answers to which were used to identify those who had experienced an “Old Hag Attack.” This refers...
Deciphering the relative weights of demographic transition and vaccination in the decrease of measles incidence in Italy

In Italy, during the course of the past century to the present-day, measles incidence underwent a remarkable decreasing trend that started well before the introduction of the national immunization programme. In this work, we aim at examining to what extent both the demographic transition, characterized by declining mortality and fertility rates over time, and the vaccination programme are responsible for the observed epidemiological pattern. Making use of a non-stationary, age-structured disease transmission model, we show that in the pre-vaccination era, from 1901 to 1982, the decline in birth rates has resulted in a drastic decrease in the effective transmission rate, which in turn has determined a declining trend of measles incidence (from 25.2 to 10.3 infections per 1000 individuals). However, since 1983, vaccination appears to have become the major contributing factor in the decrease of measles incidence, which otherwise would have remained stable as a consequence of the nearly constant birth rates. This led to a remarkable decrease in the effective transmission rate, to a level well below the critical threshold for disease persistence. These findings call for the adoption of epidemiological models, which deviate the age structure from stationary equilibrium solutions, to better understand the biology of infectious diseases and evaluate immunization programmes.
Myosin II Trapped In A Weak Actin-binding State Through A Chemical Crosslink Across The Actin-Binding Cleft

We have trapped Dictyostelium myosin II in a weak actin-binding conformation by chemically crosslinking two engineered Cys across the actin-binding cleft using a bifunctional spin label (BSL). With sites in the lower and upper 50 kDa domains, the crosslink restricts the conformation of the actin-binding cleft. The crosslinking reaction was monitored by electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) based on the spin label immobilization that occurs upon reaction of both Cys. The EPR spectrum of crosslinked myosin is sensitive to structural changes induced by both nucleotide- and actin-binding. Functional assays demonstrate that crosslinking partially impairs actin binding and actin-activation but has negligible effects on basal ATPase activity. We propose that crosslinked myosin is trapped in a weak actin-binding structure in which phosphate release is inhibited by the presence of actin. This conformation presumably binds actin weakly but cannot transition to the “closed” cleft structure that is populated with strong actin-binding (Klein et al, 2008, PNAS 105:12867-72). The weak actin-binding structure has proven difficult to characterize because of its transient nature; BSL-crosslinked myosin provides a stable model system for analysis of structural dynamics. We are using EPR to analyze the orientation of BSL-crosslinked myosin attached to actin in skinned muscle fibers, and we are using nucleotide probes to investigate the coupling between the actin-binding cleft and the nucleotide-binding pocket. This work is complementary to a study in which BSL was used to crosslink SH1 (C707) and SH2 (C697) in the force-generating domain of myosin, producing a stable complex that bound weakly to actin with slow orientational disorder (Thompson et al., 2008, Biophys. J., in press). This work was supported by grants from NIH (AR32961, AR07612) and the Minnesota Supercomputing Institute.
Multidimensional family therapy in theory and in practice

This article reviews the family therapy case of an adolescent substance abuser through the lens of multidimensional family therapy (MDFT). Initially, the adolescent presented with suicidal ideation, depression, academic difficulties, and behavior problems. The family experienced chronically high levels of conflict, which related to the mother's depression, the father's harsh discipline, and the adolescent's sister's frequent suicidal threats and outbursts. Family therapeutic interventions helped to decrease family conflict and improve the adolescent's grades and behavior. In particular, conjoint work with the parents had a stabilizing effect on the family system. As predicted by MDFT, this stabilizing effect was shown to place the adolescent on a healthier developmental trajectory. Limitations of the case and implications for future research are also presented.
Subject agreement variation: Support for the configurational approach

In this paper we argue that variation in subject-verb agreement in Belfast English and Appalachian English bears on a number of issues that are relevant to current syntactic theory, including clause structure and subject positions, case, the syntax of negative polarity items and negative concord and the structure of the DP. We show that while the nature of the subject plays a role in determining subject-verb agreement in the two varieties (in different ways), subject position is the overt structural manifestation of the differing properties of the subject, independent of which properties are relevant in the variety in question. Our proposal on subject positions, which goes beyond what Henry (1995) proposed for Belfast English, is able to capture clusters of properties not discussed by Henry, and thus more fully accounts for the range of micro-parametric variation we find. This paper thus provides support for a configurational approach to subject-verb agreement.
Endocrine and other physiologic modulators of perinatal cardiomyocyte endowment

Immature contractile cardiomyocytes proliferate to rapidly increase cell number, establishing cardiomyocyte endowment in the perinatal period. Developmental changes in cellular maturation, size and attrition further contribute to cardiac anatomy. These physiological processes occur concomitant with a changing hormonal environment as the fetus prepares itself for the transition to extrauterine life. There are complex interactions between endocrine, hemodynamic and nutritional regulators of cardiac development. Birth has been long assumed to be the trigger for major differences between the fetal and postnatal cardiomyocyte growth patterns, but investigations in normally growing sheep and rodents suggest this may not be entirely true; in sheep, these differences are initiated before birth, while in rodents they occur after birth. The aim of this review is to draw together our understanding of the temporal regulation of these signals and cardiomyocyte responses relative to birth. Further, we consider how these dynamics are altered in stressed and suboptimal intrauterine environments.
A Correlation-Energy Functional for Addition to the Hartree-Fock Energy

This article concerns the Wilson-Levy (WL) correlation-energy functional, Wigner-like with gradients, which was developed in 1990. Its numerical success in density functional theory (DFT) has been limited when used as part of a full DFT calculation. It has nonetheless been shown to be surprisingly accurate when used with Hartree-Fock densities as a “tack-on” functional to the completed Hartree-Fock energy. Fuentealba and Savin in 1994 pointed out that the WL yields better ionization potentials and dissociation energies for a number of atoms and molecules than other DFT correlation-energy functional when used in that way. Here possible reasons for this will be discussed.
Convergence of Exchange Rate and Inflation Risk Premiums in the Asian and Central European Emerging Market Economies

This study investigates the link between the inflation risk and the exchange rate risk premiums in the six emerging market economies that have abandoned currency pegs and adopted independent monetary policies with flexible exchange rates. These risk premiums are examined in the selected Asian and Central European emerging market economies in the period following the major internatinal financial crisis of 1997-98. The study demonstrates that market interest rates in these countries have in fact responded effectively and proactively to shocks in these two risk premiums. Such responses of short-term market interest rates imply the prevalence of efficient financial markets and prove that monetary policies are capable of providing rational and effective responses to shocks in inflation and exchange rates. A model presenting interactions between both risk premiums is tested with OLS plus ARMA (1,1) as well as TARCH (1,1,1) procedures. The ability to lower these two risk premiums reflects gains in monetary policy credibility and can be viewed as a prerequisite for achieving financial stability in these emerging market economies.
Instructional Tendencies in the Teaching of Reading Comprehension: A Portrait of Practice in the Measures of Effective Teaching (MET) Database

Using videos from 63 teachers in grades 4–8 who were part of the Measures of Effective Teaching study, we identified five tendencies in the teaching of reading comprehension that can inform future ...
Implementation of a journal surveillance program.

The scope of pharmacy practice continues to evolve toward high-level medication therapy management and disease prevention services.[1][1] The expansion of pharmacists’ clinical responsibilities has created new opportunities for pharmacists to play integral roles in patient care. In order to
Abstract 380: Aging Enhances Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress-Induced Apoptosis in Murine Macrophages

Introduction and hypothesis Aging enhances atherosclerosis for unclear reasons. As macrophage apoptosis and endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress contribute to atherosclerosis, we examined if aging sensitizes these cells to apoptosis during ER stress. Methods and Results Peritoneal macrophages were isolated from young (aged 2-4 months) and aged (aged 16-18 months) mice, exposed to the ER stress inducer tunicamycin (TM) in vitro, and apoptosis was measured by Annexin V staining via fluorescent microscopy. We found that aged macrophages exhibited significantly more apoptosis than young macrophages (see Figure). We next measured key ER stress proteins in macrophages by Western blot to determine the underlying molecular pathways impacted by aging. With aging, we found reduced activation of inositol-requiring enzyme-1 (IRE1α), a key ER stress transducer. We next examined if augmenting activated IRE1α levels in aged macrophages reduced apoptosis during ER stress. We employed siRNA to knock down x-box binding protein 1 (XBP1), a downstream effector of IRE1α, which has been shown to induce feedback activation of IRE1α in hepatocytes. siRNA to XBP1 significantly reduced tunicamycin-induced cell apoptosis in aged macrophages from 26.1±0.408% to 5.48±1.38% (p Conclusions Our study has uncovered a novel, age-dependent interaction by which macrophages undergo apoptosis upon ER stress, and suggests that enhancing IRE1α activation will alleviate aging-augmented ER stress and subsequent apoptosis. This novel interaction may have important implications for the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis with aging.
Empowering elderly children to become social elders

Older citizens of Botswana are experiencing a devaluation of their personal worth, both in the family and in society. Within a setting of generalized poverty, the elderly have a unique age-induced form of destitution - the gerontic deprivation trap. Powerlessness, isolation, vulnerability and physical weakness interlock with culture change to displace old people from society. A self-help programme to empower older persons was developed, based on tradition, culture, and the needs of improved nutrition, health care and income. Although the needs of men and women varied, the outcome of empowerment to lessen gerontic deprivation was equal. Status and worth within the household and community increased as older persons became contributing members of society.
Study on numerical matrix method for UR90 multi-element laser resonator

Based on complex amplitude modulation function of optical components,transfer matrix of complex-shaped cavity is established in the paper.The eigen transverse mode distribution and corresponding loss coefficient of UR90 are calculated.The result is consistent with the calculating results by FFT method.The method of numerical Matrix is analyzed,and the relationship between convergence degree with discrete element is explained.
Adoptive transfer of natural killer cells promotes the anti-tumor efficacy of T cells

The density of NK cells in tumors correlates positively with prognosis in many types of cancers. The average number of infiltrating NK cells is, however, quite modest (approximately 30 NK cells/sq.mm), even in tumors deemed to have a "high" density of infiltrating NK cells. It is unclear how such low numbers of tumor-infiltrating NK cells can influence outcome. Here, we used ovalbumin-expressing tumor cell lines and TCR transgenic, OVA-specific cytotoxic T lymphocytes (OT-I-CTLs) to determine whether the simultaneous attack by anti-tumor CTLs and IL-2-activated NK (A-NK) cells synergistically increases the overall tumor cell kill and whether upregulation of tumor MHC class-I by NK cell-derived interferon-gamma (IFNγ) improves tumor-recognition and kill by anti-tumor CTLs. At equal E:T ratios, A-NK cells killed OVA-expressing tumor cells better than OT-I-CTLs. The cytotoxicity against OVA-expressing tumor cells increased by combining OT-I-CTLs and A-NK cells, but the increase was additive rather than synergistic. A-NK cells adenovirally-transduced to produce IL-12 (A-NKIL-12) produced high amounts of IFNγ. The addition of a low number of A-NKIL-12 cells to OT-I-CTLs resulted in a synergistic, albeit modest, increase in overall cytotoxicity. Pre-treatment of tumor cells with NK cell-conditioned medium increased tumor MHC expression and sensitivity to CTL-mediated killing. Pre-treatment of CTLs with NK cell-conditioned medium had no effect on CTL cytotoxicity. In vivo, MHC class-I expression by OVA-expressing B16 melanoma lung metastases increased significantly within 24-48h after adoptive transfer of A-NKIL-12 cells. OT-I-CTLs and A-NKIL-12 cells localized selectively and equally well into OVA-expressing B16 lung metastases and treatment of mice bearing 7-days-old OVA-B16 lung metastases with both A-NKIL-12 cells and OT-I-CTLs lead to a significant prolongation of survival. Thus, an important function of tumor-infiltrating NK cells may be to increase tumor cell expression of MHC class-I through secretion of IFNγ, to prepare them for recognition by tumor-specific CTLs.