cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Interfacial properties of precipitate-based ion-selective electrodes

Three-electrode rotating disk impedance measurements were made from 31.6 kHz to 0.0178 Hz on Ag2S/Ag+ (aqueous) and Ag2S/Ag systems. Membranes were prepared from materials precipitated in excess of silver or sulfide ions, and stoichiometric mixtures. Impedances were analyzed, as a function of rotation rate and bathing activities, to isolate bulk conductivities, internal diffusion, surface kinetic and dissolution/crystallization impedances. High-frequency bulk resistivities, R∞, varied by four with precipitation and pressing conditions. Resistivities were the same for solution and ohmic configurations for each preparation. For ohmic contacts, R∞ and R(DC) were identical. Solution contact cells in 10-1 M and 10-2 M bathing silver ion solution gave identical frequency-dependent impedances which were independent of rotation rate. Thus, solution diffusional impedances and solution dependent surface kinetics were eliminated, and a finite Warburg, interior-Ag+-defect, diffusion impedance was indicated. Summation of bulk membrane and contact resistances, and this Warburg impedance served as a 'background' correction in analyzing dilute bathing solution interfacial impedances for surface effects. Corrected impedances in 10-3 –10-5 M AgNO3 showed solution diffusional behaviour combined with surface kinetic and dissolution impedances. An iterative linear least-squares method resolved these quantities. The surface resistance suggests a potential-dependent rate constant; dissolution time constants were solution-independent and smaller than those for solution diffusion. Thus, dissolution can be a rate-limiting step in establishment of steady-state potentials.
Molecular characterization and tissue-specific gene expression of Dermacentor variabilis α-catenin in response to rickettsial infection.

Alpha catenin is a cytoskeleton protein that acts as a regulator of actin rearrangement by forming an E-cadherin adhesion complex. In Dermacentor variabilis, a putative α-catenin (Dvα-catenin) was previously identified as differentially regulated in ovaries of ticks chronically infected with Rickettsia montanensis. To begin characterizing the role(s) of Dvα-catenin during rickettsial infection, the full-length Dvα-catenin cDNA was cloned and analysed. Comparative sequence analysis demonstrates a 3069-bp cDNA with a 2718-bp open reading frame with a sequence similar to Ixodes scapularisα-catenin. A portion of Dvα-catenin is homologous to the vinculin-conserved domain containing a putative actin-binding region and β-catenin-binding and -dimerization regions. Quantitative reverse-transcription PCR analysis demonstrated that Dvα-catenin is predominantly expressed in tick ovaries and is responsive to tick feeding. The tissue-specific gene expression analysis of ticks exposed to Rickettsia demonstrates that Dvα-catenin expression was significantly downregulated 12 h after exposure to R. montanensis, but not in Rickettsia amblyommii-exposed ovaries, compared with Rickettsia-unexposed ticks. Studying tick-derived molecules associated with rickettsial infection will provide a better understanding of the transmission dynamics of tick-borne rickettsial diseases.
Traces of Memory for a Lost Childhood Language: The Savings Paradigm Expanded

The loss of a childhood language, especially in adoptees, has attracted scholars’ attention in the past, but a search for any memory traces has yielded conflicting results. In a psycholinguistic tradition known as the savings paradigm, a learn-and-relearn technique is employed to examine whether the relearning of lexical items once known, often in a second or foreign language, can lead to a rate of learning advantage for old (previously known) over new (previously unknown) words. The present study adopted this technique to examine remnants of a lost childhood language in TJ, an adoptee who did not know her linguistic background prior to her adoption at the age of 3 years. Delayed posttests provided evidence for the savings effect for old words: TJ showed better savings for words that were likely known in her childhood language at the age of 3. In contrast, the comparison group revealed no effect for old words over new ones.
p53 protects against genome instability following centriole duplication failure

Centriole function has been difficult to study because of a lack of specific tools that allow persistent and reversible centriole depletion. Here we combined gene targeting with an auxin-inducible degradation system to achieve rapid, titratable, and reversible control of Polo-like kinase 4 (Plk4), a master regulator of centriole biogenesis. Depletion of Plk4 led to a failure of centriole duplication that produced an irreversible cell cycle arrest within a few divisions. This arrest was not a result of a prolonged mitosis, chromosome segregation errors, or cytokinesis failure. Depleting p53 allowed cells that fail centriole duplication to proliferate indefinitely. Washout of auxin and restoration of endogenous Plk4 levels in cells that lack centrioles led to the penetrant formation of de novo centrioles that gained the ability to organize microtubules and duplicate. In summary, we uncover a p53-dependent surveillance mechanism that protects against genome instability by preventing cell growth after centriole duplication failure.
The validity of birth and pregnancy histories in rural Bangladesh

Maternity histories provide a means of estimating fertility and mortality from surveys. The present analysis compares two types of maternity histories—birth histories and pregnancy histories—in three respects: (1) completeness of live birth and infant death reporting; (2) accuracy of the time placement of live births and infant deaths; and (3) the degree to which reported versus actual total fertility measures differ. The analysis covers a 15-year time span and is based on two data sources from Matlab, Bangladesh: the 1994 Matlab Demographic and Health Survey and, as gold standard, the vital events data from Matlab’s Demographic Surveillance System. Both histories are near perfect in live-birth completeness; however, pregnancy histories do better in the completeness and time accuracy of deaths during the first year of life. Birth or pregnancy histories can be used for fertility estimation, but pregnancy histories are advised for estimating infant mortality.
Midterm Achievements and Student Evaluations of Teaching

In this paper, we develop econometric models and apply both OLS and TSLS methods to test the hypothesis that students rate their professors primarily based upon their midterm grades. Our findings reveal that students' midterm grades are positively and significantly related to professors' overall evaluations, indicating that the hypothesis is accepted. Moreover, an implied issue is discussed. We suggest that midterm grades may be inflated but final grades may not necessarily be inflated if professors know how to use appropriate strategies to avoid this situation.
The Relationship Between Peer, Parent, and Grandparent Norms and Intentions to Use Substances for Urban American Indian Youths

Peer, parent, and grandparent norms may be a protective factor for American Indian (AI) youth intentions to use substances, but little research has explored these influences on urban AI youths. Using OLS regression, a secondary data analysis examined the relationship between peer, parent, and grandparent substance use norms and intentions to use substances (N = 148). Findings indicated that grandparent and peer norms were the strongest predictors of intentions to use substances. Implications of these results include the need for concerted, culturally focused efforts that address AI youth substance use by targeting AI peer and family networks.
Intentions to hide and unfriend Facebook connections based on perceptions of sender attractiveness and status updates

We investigated how intentions to hide and unfriend Facebook contacts were linked to perceived sender attractiveness and face-threating messages (FTAs). Intention to hide was higher than intention to unfriend contacts, implying that unfriending is harsher. Low social attractiveness predicted hiding and unfriending intentions, but low physical attractiveness was only linked to hiding. Disrespectful messages were linked to hiding contacts, while updates that made the receiver look bad were linked to unfriending. FTAs also mediated the influence of social and physical attractiveness on hiding and unfriending contacts. Overall, managing online relationships relied on independent and interdependent perceptual and behavioral processes.
Lithium diffusion mechanisms in layered intercalation compounds

Abstract We investigate the mechanisms of lithium diffusion in layered intercalation compounds from first-principles. We focus on Li x CoO 2 and find that lithium diffusion in this compound occurs predominantly with a divacancy mechanism. First-principles calculations predict that the activation barrier is very sensitive to the lithium concentration due to the strongly varying c -lattice parameter of the host and the change in effective valence of the cobalt ions. This translates into a diffusion coefficient that varies by several orders of magnitude with state of charge.
The influence of shape on the rayleigh conductivity of a wall aperture in the presence of grazing flow

Abstract A numerical investigation of the influence of grazing flow on the Rayleigh conductivityKRof an aperture in a thin rigid wall is made. The Mach number is sufficiently small for the local motion near the aperture to be regarded as incompressible, and the Reynolds number is taken to be large enough for the aperture shear layer to be modelled by a vortex sheet. The vortex sheet is assumed to be linearly perturbed from its equilibrium position by a small amplitude, time-harmonic pressure, andKRis determined from the ratio of the resulting aperture volume flux to the applied pressure. The frequency dependence ofKRis computed for a variety of aperture shapes for both one-sided and two-sided flows. For apertures of equal maximum streamwise dimension in one-sided flow, the Strouhal number range within which perturbation energy is extracted from the mean flow [where Im (KR)>0] is found to be effectively independent of the aperture shape. The frequency of the first “operating stage” of self-sustained (unforced) oscillations of the aperture shear layer lies approximately in the center of this range, and is the minimum frequency at which narrow band sound is generated by nominally steady flow over the aperture. The numerical predictions are shown to satisfy the reverse flow reciprocal theorem, according to whichKRis unchanged when the mean flow directions on both sides of the wall are reversed (when vortex shedding occurs from the “opposite” edge of the aperture).
Epigenetic mechanisms of drug addiction.

Drug-induced alterations in gene expression within the reward circuitry of the brain are thought to contribute importantly to the persistence of the drug-addicted state. Recent studies examining the molecular mechanisms by which repeated administration of drugs of abuse induces transcriptional changes have demonstrated a key role for chromatin remodeling and have directly related such chromatin regulation to the promulgation of addictive behaviors. In this review, we discuss recent advances in our understanding of chromatin phenomena—which can be referred to as epigenetics—that contribute to drug addiction, with the goal that such mechanistic insights will aid in the development of novel therapeutics for future treatments of addiction.
Environmental Components and Boundaries of Morphological Variation in the Short-Tailed Fruit Bat (Carollia spp.) in Ecuador

Species in Carollia, although loosely recognizable by size and shape, show overlap in most morphological character states as well as in geographic distribution and use of resources. However, there is a lack of understanding regarding where and what this overlap is. Variation in the morphology of Carollia should correspond to the environment, yet such patterns remain unknown. Species may coexist as a function of environmental factors and sympatry may not be uniform along the distributional extent of these species. An informed perception of the morphological and ecological variation across their geographic range may clarify not only the limits and extents of their spatial and morphological boundaries, but also may provide insights into the relationships among size, shape and environment. In our quantitative analysis of the variation in morphology and environment we tried to answer what limits species distribution, as well as how morphology changes with the environment within and among species. A combination...
Ethnography in linguistic perspective: Understanding school processes 1

This paper explores perspectives and methodologies that linguistics, via sociolinguistics, brings to ethnographic research in schools. In reviewing work of the last thirty years in the ethnography of communication, interactional sociolinguistics, and microethnography, as applied to school settings, it identifies the methodological contributions arising from linguistics that these approaches have in common, such as the emic/etic dialectic, the use of naturally occurring language data, the consultation of native intuition, and the tool of discourse analysis. Woven through the discussion are fundamental perspectives these approaches hold in common—the focus on situated discourse, or language use in context, and the recognition of multiple and alternative social roles and identities. Differences among the approaches in both methodology and perspectives are also brought out.
A comprehensive support system for reducing house staff distress

The stresses of postgraduate medical training may lead to depression, impaired patient care, and a poor professional attitude. The goal of the Rhode Island Hospital House Staff Support System is to reduce stress among residents by providing them with a forum for their views and by offering counseling to those who need it. The authors report that the program has been well received during its first three years, and they offer guidelines for implementing similar support programs at other institutions.
The relationship of feeding behavior to residual feed intake in crossbred Angus steers fed traditional and no-roughage diets.

Two studies were conducted to determine the relationship of feeding behavior to a phenotypic expression of residual feed intake (RFI), a measure of efficiency. In Exp. 1, a feedlot diet containing roughage was fed (traditional). In Exp. 2, a no-roughage diet was fed. Residual feed intake, a measure of feed efficiency, was calculated for both studies. In Exp. 1, six feed-efficient (low RFI) steers and six feed-inefficient steers (high RFI) were selected from a contemporary group of 80 steers, and feeding behaviors were analyzed. In Exp. 2, nine feed-efficient and eight feed-inefficient steers were selected from a contemporary group of 40 steers. There were no differences (P > 0.13) in initial or final BW or ADG between efficient and inefficient groups in either Exp. 1 or 2. In Exp. 1, DMI and average eating bouts daily differed (P 0.20) between groups in either experiment. The average number of days comprising a feeding pattern for both efficiency groups in Exp. 1 and 2 was found to be 2 to 3 d and multiples of 2 to 3 d. In Exp. 1, the feed intake pattern of efficient and inefficient steers changed once they reached a BW of approximately 391 and 381 kg, respectively. This occurred near d 47 for the efficient steers and near d 32 for inefficient steers. In Exp. 2, the feed intake pattern of both efficient and inefficient steers changed once they reached a BW of approximately 399 kg, which occurred on d 31 for the efficient steers and on d 33 for the inefficient steers. From the measured variables, there were no differences in growth and limited differences noted in feeding behavior between efficient and inefficient groups. The results of the trials suggest increased variability of feed intake throughout the day for inefficient animals.
Health coaching: holistically empowering change.

It's no secret that the rate and magnitude of stress in daily life, both at work and at home, are drastically affecting the health and well-being of people in our communities and around the world. People are desperate to find ways to improve their lives and feel happier, healthier, and more vibrant. Likewise, industry is clamoring to find resources to improve the health and well-being of their staff and their teams.1,2 With the aging population and rapidly growing demands of modern life, this need is expanding exponentially. Billions of dollars are spent annually on complementary and integrative care resources. Many people seek to combine allopathic medical care with proactive self-initiated choices and behaviors to prevent or manage illness and to increase their overall health and well-being.
Determining Document Skew Using Inter-line Spaces

We present a novel method of determining a global text page orientation. The method is based on Hough transform, but, unlike the existing methods, it does not use the letters themselves and relies on establishing the orientation of interline regions. The method is robust and also works even when a single line of text is present. Experimental evaluation is shown, comparing the method to other methods proposed in the literature.
Obliquity and precessional forcing of continental snow fall and melt: implications for orbital forcing of Pleistocene ice ages

Abstract Milankovitch theory posits that Earth's orbital cycles were the primary forcing of Pleistocene ice-age cycles through their strong influence on summer insolation at high latitudes. Accordingly, Milankovitch theory predicts ice volume should vary at both obliquity and precessional periods. However, early Pleistocene global ice volume varied mainly at the obliquity period with weak variability at the precessional period suggesting that Milankovitch theory is not sufficient to explain the ice-age cycles. Here we describe the results from a series of coupled ocean-atmosphere general circulation model experiments, using the Fast Ocean Atmosphere Model, that systematically investigate the influence of precession and obliquity on continental snowfall and potential ablation. Our model results identify three factors that magnify the influence of obliquity forcing on the global ice volume: First, high-latitude snowfall variability is dominated by changes in Earth's axial tilt. Second, hemispheric changes in net snowfall due to Earth's precession are out-of-phase, and largely cancel to produce a very small global snowfall change. Third, snowmelt variability over Antarctica responds greatly to changes in obliquity that intensify accumulation over obliquity cycle. We discuss the implications of these factors for existing hypotheses that account for the variability in the ice volume record.
Clarifying Consent: Primary Prevention of Sexual Assault on a College Campus

Although more universities are developing policies for students regarding consent for sexual behavior in response to the problem of sexual violence on campus, many students seem either unaware of these policies or what they mean for actual behavior. Policies are only as effective as peoples' understanding and use of them. The current study aimed to evaluate the utility of a prevention education program focused on teaching students about consent. Two hundred and twenty undergraduates, composing a control group, a shorter treatment group, and a longer one, participated in the study. The findings showed the greatest knowledge gain for participants in the longer treatment group that included a discussion of the policy and participation in an activity dealing with its implications. Implications and future research directions are discussed.
MitoMorphy: an alignment and annotation tool for human mitochondrial DNA polymorphisms

MitoMorphy uses a number of publicly available human mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) sequences from different ethnic groups to compare and annotate the associated polymorphic data. It provides an integrated display of mtDNA sequence comparison, sequence variation, and annotation for 695 different mtDNA sequences from many different ethnic groups around the world.
Respiratory infections and asthma: current treatment strategies

Infections such as lower respiratory illness potentially contribute to the initiation of asthma and are major factors in recurring acute exacerbations of the condition. Although typical bacterial respiratory pathogens such as Streptococcus pyogenes, Streptococcus pneumoniae and Hemophilus influenzae do not initiate asthmatic exacerbations, data from a subgroup of adults suggest a potential role for Mycoplasma pneumoniae and Chlamydia pneumoniae in the onset of asthma. Common cold viruses, predominantly respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) in young children and rhinoviruses in older children and adults, are the major causes of acute exacerbations of asthma. These exacerbations are not prevented with maintenance therapies that are used for chronic asthma, but do respond to short courses of systemic corticosteroids. There are continued attempts to produce a successful vaccine and antiviral agents for the treatment of RSV that are more effective and more practical to use than ribavirin, which is currently the only available antiviral for RSV. The prevention and treatment of rhinovirus infections have focused on the major receptor for the virus, intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1), which is located on respiratory epithelial cells. A multivalent, recombinant, antibody fusion protein identified as CFY196 has high avidity for ICAM-1 and has the potential to protect against rhinovirus infection. Another approach for preventing and treating rhinovirus infection uses a recombinant, soluble, truncated form of ICAM-1 in which the transmembrane and intracellular domains of the protein have been deleted. An initial clinical study on this agent demonstrated clinical efficacy in ameliorating the symptoms of experimental rhinovirus infection in volunteers, but did not significantly prevent infection.
Characterization of 13 polymorphic microsatellite loci in Rimicaris hybisae, a shrimp from deep-sea hydrothermal vents

Rimicaris hybisae is a deep-sea alvinocaridid shrimp found at hydrothermal vents along the Mid-Cayman Spreading Center. Eleven selectively neutral and unlinked polymorphic microsatellite loci were developed for this species and two additional loci were found to cross-amplify from a related species. Nine loci conformed to Hardy–Weinberg expectations. Seven loci cross-amplified with Chorocaris sp. 2, an alvinocaridid shrimp found at vents in the Southwestern Pacific. Microsatellite loci developed for R. hybisae are being deployed to study connectivity and genetic variability of populations along the Mid-Cayman Spreading Center.
Molecular Monitoring of BCR-ABL Transcripts in Patients With Chronic Myelogenous Leukemia: Is High Sensitivity of Clinical Value?

Monitoring of disease response during treatment with tyrosine kinase inhibitors of patients with chronic myelogenous leukemia dramatically changed after the introduction of real-time PCR, which allows quantification of BCR-ABL transcript levels with high sensitivity and precision. However, its role in patients who have achieved complete cytogenetic response is not entirely clear; incorrect interpretation of results could lead to unnecessary changes from an effective treatment. This review discusses the current evidence regarding the benefits, uncertainties, and potential drawbacks of molecular monitoring in patients with chronic myelogenous leukemia in chronic phase.
Historical Rainfall Patterns and Arroyo Activity within the Zuni River Drainage Basin, New Mexico

Abstract Climate change, grazing practices, timbering activities, and erosional thresholds have been proposed to explain widespread accelerated arroyo erosion near the turn of the century in the southwestern United States. We analyze the morphology and potential causes of arroyo activity in the Zuni River drainage basin of New Mexico; our analyses illustrate the linkage between arroyos and changes that occurred through time in local precipitation patterns. Substantial archival and geological evidence confirms dominant downcutting in the intermediate and smallsize arroyos within the basin for a 20- to 30- year period beginning near 1905. Historical climatic records reveal a long and severe drought from 1898–1904; this drought ended abruptly with three years dominated by unusually frequent high-intensity summer rainfall events. Daily weather records show the following two to three decades had a high number of intense summer storms, large rainfall totals, and few precipitation days. The results add support for the climate change explanation of periods dominated by arroyo incision and infilling in the southwestern U.S.
Effects of prolonged fenfluramine administration in obese and nonobese mice.

SummaryOral administration of fenflur-amine for 8 weeks reduced food intake and body weight in ob/ob, GTG, and nonobese mice. The hyperglycemia and hyperinsuline-mia present in the ob/ob mice were significantly reduced by this drug. Plasma glucose, but not insulin, was significantly reduced in GTG mice; neither was significantly reduced in nonobese mice. Fenfluramine reduced plasma triglycerides, but had no effect on liver glycogen concentration and did not reduce the percentage of body fat.Partial support was provided by Grants No. AM-02911 and No. AM-00106 from NIH, USPHS, and the Fund for Research and Teaching, Department of Nutrition, Harvard School of Public Health. The fenfluramine · HC1 was a gift of Dr. Oscar Klioze. We wish to thank Teresa Pasquine for performing the insulin assays.
Estimation of mortality coefficients from field samples of zooplankton1

Point estimates of mortality of zooplankton in the field, based on relative numbers of individuals of different developmental stages observed in samples, require either a knowledge of the initial input of young or assumptions about constancy of input and constancy of mortality over adjacent stages. As the initial input is rarely known and the assumptions of constancy are probably often violated, the resulting uncertainty should be made evident in the estimates. This can be done by reporting the ranges of values of the mortality coefficients that would be consistent with the observed relative numbers of individuals. Methods of calculating these ranges are given.
Establishing New Graduate Competencies: Purdue University's Construction Management Curriculum Restructuring

Since the establishment of Construction Management (CM) programs, curriculum has adapted to faculty visions of appropriate course content, construction industry expectations, accreditation requirements, as well as changing resources and constraints imposed by university administrations. Even CM programs that have had years of building solid foundations for successful careers in construction benefit from a periodic curriculum review. The CM program in the Purdue Department of Building Construction Management (BCM) began such a curriculum review in 2010. With an extensive list of influences to be incorporated while maintaining the same high level of success for the students and employers, the faculty decided to use the nominal group technique at a full day meeting to reach out to construction industry representatives for guidance in how best to invest the limited resources available for preparing undergraduates to meet the challenges they will face in their careers. This article discusses the process used t...
Vaginal reconstruction following irradiation complication for cervical cancer.

Abstract With improved results from treatment of advanced gynecologic malignancies, sexual rehabilitation is given more consideration. A simple technique is described for vaginal reconstruction in a patient with a permanent colostomy and nonfunctioning vagina following pelvic irradiation. The rectovaginal lumina were combined through transection of the rectovaginal walls and anal sphincter, and satisfactory sexual rehabilitation was achieved.
Extension of the integral formulation of scattering theory to Coulomb interactions.

The integral formulation of scattering theory is extended to the treatment of a residual interaction with a Coulomb tail. The approach involves expanding the Green's function in a basis set and then finding the proper analytical treatment of the familiar pole as well as of other singularities in the kernel which are peculiar to long-range interactions. The pure Coulomb case is given as an example of the formulation. Methods of reducing the integral equations to an algebraic set are given for a residual interaction with arbitrary short-range form and a Coulomb tail. Finally, the extension of this procedure to many channels is described.
Forced vibration response of a twisted non-uniform rotating blade

Abstract The in-plane (lag) and out-of-plane (flap) dynamic deflections of a flexible twisted non-uniform rotating blade subjected to externally applied arbitrary dynamic loading are determined through a mode superposition approach. The procedure utilizes an integrating matrix method to determine the eigen-properties of the system. A technique which avoids the need for a numerical integration of the modal equations by step-by-step or other approaches is incorporated into the resulting computationally efficient code.
Drosophila piwi mutants exhibit germline stem cell tumors that are sustained by elevated Dpp signaling

Summary Drosophila Piwi is the founding member of a gonadal clade of Argonaute proteins that serve as silencing effectors for ∼26–32 nt Piwi-interacting RNAs (piRNAs) [1], and piwi mutants exhibit dramatically rudimentary ovaries [2]. It was proposed that somatic Piwi maintains germline stem cells (GSCs) by promoting Dpp signaling, presumably via cap cells that form the somatic niche for GSCs [3–5]. However, we unexpectedly observed that piwi mutants exhibit high-frequency GSC-like tumors that persist throughout adult life. Multiple readouts demonstrated hyperactive Dpp signaling in piwi mutants, including the failure to express the germline differentiation factor bag-of-marbles ( bam ), and restoration of bam expression relieved piwi GSC-like tumors. Tissue-specific rescue and knockdown experiments indicate that Piwi is not required in cap cells, the source of niche Dpp, but instead is required in gonadal intermingled cells (ICs, the progenitor cells of escort cells). Adult-specific knockdown of dpp in escort cells substantially rescued piwi tumors, demonstrating that they are driven by excess Dpp signaling. However, the temporal requirement for piwi to restrict GSC numbers was much earlier, during the wandering third-instar larval stage. Indeed, piwi mutant larval gonads exhibited defective morphology and loss of Bam. Our data indicate that loss of Piwi causes defects in ICs and escort cells, leading to ectopic Dpp signaling and consequent blockage of GSC differentiation.
RNA with iron( II ) as a cofactor catalyses electron transfer

Mg(2+) is essential for RNA folding and catalysis. However, for the first 1.5 billion years of life on Earth RNA inhabited an anoxic Earth with abundant and benign Fe(2+). We hypothesize that Fe(2+) was an RNA cofactor when iron was abundant, and was substantially replaced by Mg(2+) during a period known as the 'great oxidation', brought on by photosynthesis. Here, we demonstrate that reversing this putative metal substitution in an anoxic environment, by removing Mg(2+) and replacing it with Fe(2+), expands the catalytic repertoire of RNA. Fe(2+) can confer on some RNAs a previously uncharacterized ability to catalyse single-electron transfer. We propose that RNA function, in analogy with protein function, can be understood fully only in the context of association with a range of possible metals. The catalysis of electron transfer, requisite for metabolic activity, may have been attenuated in RNA by photosynthesis and the rise of O2.
Nonischemic cardiomyopathy associated with autoimmune polyglandular syndrome type II.

Objective: To report a case of nonischemic cardiomyopathy associated with autoimmune polyglandular syndrome type II (APS-II).Methods: We describe our patient's clinical features, evaluation, and outcome. In addition, a literature review of cardiomyopathy associated with polyendocrinopathy syndromes is presented.Results: The component disorders of APS-II are Addison's disease in combination with either autoimmune thyroid disease or type 1 (insulin-dependent) diabetes. Although numerous other autoimmune conditions have been reported in conjunction with APS-II, cardiomyopathy has not been previously described as part of this syndrome. The current patient was a 32-year-old man who, during a 5-year period, was diagnosed as having type 1 diabetes mellitus, Crohn's disease, and Addison's disease. In 2001, he presented with severe heart failure that progressed rapidly and eventually necessitated cardiac transplantation.Conclusion: Although autoimmune cardiomyopathy has been associated with other autoimmune disord...
Genetic variability of oxalate oxidase activity and elongation in water-stressed primary roots of diverse maize and rice lines

A previous study of maize primary roots under water stress showed pronounced increases in oxalate oxidase activity and apoplastic hydrogen peroxide in the apical region of the growth zone where cell elongation is maintained. We examined whether increased oxalate oxidase activity in water-stressed roots is conserved across diverse lines of maize and rice. The maize lines exhibited varied patterns of activity, with some lines lacking activity in the apical region. Moreover, none of the rice lines showed activity in the apical region. Also, although the genotypic response of root elongation to water stress was variable in both maize and rice, this was not correlated with the pattern of oxalate oxidase activity. Implications of these findings for root growth regulation under water stress are discussed.
Philosophies of Human Nature and Hostile Press.

64 male subjects took the Hostile Press measure of fear of failure (Birney, Burdick, & Teevan, 1969) and the Philosophies of Human Nature (Wrightsman, 1964). It was predicted that persons high on Hostile Press would perceive the world as a hostile place and thus would have a generally less favorable view of human nature—would score low on the Philosophies of Human Nature. In general, the data bore out the hypothesis although the authors felt that the results on Independence did not fit previous research and theory as to the conforming behaviors of persons high in Hostile Press.
Knowledge, attitudes and barriers of infection control among healthcare workers in rural Uganda

Program/Project Purpose: The Global Health program at Ben Gurion University (BGU) provides students with a comprehensive learning experience that combines theory and practical work that actually demonstrate aspects of global health and social justice. An intense, one-month, summer program was first launched last summer based on a platform of a previous full semester course. The program aims to introduce students with key concepts and theories of public health ethics, globalization and their interactions. Structure/Method/Design: Located in the Negev desert, BGU is involved in the development of Israel’s southern periphery, and its health faculty is engaged in researching the impact of geopolitics on access to health services and social determinants of health. Israel holds a unique position on the perspective of global health: It stands at the forefront of both bioscience and social medicine, maintaining a developed medical infrastructure that provides relatively generous healthcare coverage to its citizens. Nevertheless, Israel’s unique demographic and social composition introduces challenges of health disparities and social justice. These characteristics present a “living” laboratory opportunity for the study of health challenges in globalized societies. The way we found most efficient to fulfil the course aims, was the integration of a practicum into the more traditional theoretical part, where students can work with NGOs that have strong relation to questions of social justice. Outcomes & Evaluation: Following this principle teaching methods integrate frontal teaching, field trips and a practicum: In the first part student delve into the study of global health from the perspectives of public health as well as from the viewpoint of globalization theories; in the second part of the program specific topics and case studies of global health are tackled. Different ways in which global processes impact the distribution of health resources, pose new bioethical quandaries and alters our understanding of health are discussed. Integrated into those discussions are considerations of ethical, social, political and historical concerns related to global health. Field trips to diverse sites are also conducted for direct exposure to those topics, among them are immigration, Eco-health and health diplomacy. In the final part of the program, students are placed in a one-week practicum to have on-the-ground experience in issues facing the global health workforce. Evaluation by an external reviewer from BGU sociology of health department has been carried to capture changes in knowledge and strength and weaknesses of the program. Going Forward: This year graduate students from Israel, U.S., India and China participated with a variety of backgrounds: MDs, public health graduates-students, social workers and psychologists went through the program. In the coming years we aim to broaden the scope in terms of having more disciplines and countries involved. Funding: Israeli Council for Higher Education. Abstract #: 01ETC100
Sociotechnical systems design principles for computer-aided engineering

Abstract The complexity and use of information technology in engineering environments is increasing exponentially, requiring an integrated approach and set of systematic design principles for deploying computer aided engineering (CAE) technologies. This paper claims that the expected benefits and integrative capability of CAE will only be realized to the degree that end users, vendors, and managers are collaboratively involved in co-designing both the technology and the social system surrounding it. The principles of sociotechnical systems design are introduced as a viable method which can aid such implementation efforts, and thus avoid some of the common pitfalls and negative consequences of technological change.
Abstract B31: Lung fibroblast enhances MMP-1 secretion when co-cultured with human lung cancer cells in the 4D lung cancer model

Tumor microenvironment plays an important role in cancer development, progression and metastasis. However, it is difficult to determine the effect of fibroblast on lung cancer cells in patients with lung cancer. Recently, we have developed a novel ex vivo 4D lung cancer model that mimic the biology of human lung cancer growth. In order to determine the viability of the normal lung fibroblast, Wi-38, when grown in the 4D model, we grew Wi-38, alone or with A549, in the epithelial space of the acellular matrix of the 4D model with media that was continuously perfused through the vascular space. We performed a lobectomy on days 4, 6, 8, 11 and 14 from the 4D model. We performed HE however, when Wi-38 was grown with A549, there was a significantly less number of fibroblast (CK7 negative cells) on day 14 (2±1%) compared to day 4 (50±9%, p Citation Format: Dhruva Kumar Mishra, Michael J. Thrall, Jonathan M. Kurie, Min P. Kim. Lung fibroblast enhances MMP-1 secretion when co-cultured with human lung cancer cells in the 4D lung cancer model. [abstract]. In: Abstracts: AACR Special Conference on Cellular Heterogeneity in the Tumor Microenvironment; 2014 Feb 26-Mar 1; San Diego, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2015;75(1 Suppl):Abstract nr B31. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.CHTME14-B31
A study of the surface photovoltage of silicon

Abstract The surface photovoltage of silicon has been investigated for a variety of stable silicon surfaces with a view to determining to what extent it can be used to characterize the potential of the surface. It has been found that surface trapping of photogenerated carriers results in a photovoltage signal which cannot be interpreted by the classical plasma theory to give the initial band bending at the surface, as is often assumed. It is also found that even in the absence of trapping the existence of surface photocurrents requires a modification of the plasma theory to properly represent and interpret the photovoltage.
Cystine Starvation Induces Reversible Large-Body Formation from Nuclear Bodies in T24 Cells

Abstract Nuclear bodies (PML nuclear bodies; also referred to as PODs or ND10) are small intranuclear structures which contain PML as an essential constituent and from several to 20 or more of them are present per nucleus. When starved of amino acids, nuclear bodies reversibly form one or more doughnut-shaped large bodies in T24 cells. Here, I present evidence that cystine is essential for the maintenance of normal-sized nuclear bodies: Cystine deficiency induces the formation of large bodies, and the addition of cystine or cysteine induces the reappearance of many normal-sized nuclear bodies. Both PML and Sp100 exhibit the same behavior as that of the nuclear body antigen(s) of AP435 MAb with regard to these changes. l -buthionine-[ S,R ]-sulfoximine, an inhibitor of glutathione synthesis, also induced the formation of large bodies that could be reversed to nuclear bodies by both β-mercaptoethanol and dithiothreitol as well as cystine. Large bodies have the characteristic electron-dense, spherical, and concentric or reticulated features of nuclear bodies as observed by electron microscopy. The results indicate that environmental cystine controls reversible change between nuclear bodies and large bodies, which are not mere aggregates of nuclear bodies, but rather reconstituted nuclear bodies.
A Response from the Field: Perspectives on Translating Neuroscience to Clinical Practice.

The scientific meeting “From Neuroscience to Social Practice: Translational Research on Violence Against Children” sparked a dialogue between clinicians, researchers, and policy makers about the applicability and relevance of neuroscientific discoveries regarding the impact of violence towards children on contemporary behavioral health care practice. In this article, scientist-practitioners from the University of Kentucky Center for the Study on Violence Against Children react to the empirical and conceptual information presented during the meeting to provide a translational perspective on the utility of the science to clinical practice and research. These perspectives are multidisciplinary and multidimensional in nature, representing diverse fields of practice and multiple domains of inquiry.
Structural study of Mn2(CO)8[P(NMe2)3]2

Abstract An X-ray crystal structure determination for the bimetallic complex Mn2(CO)8-[P(NMe2)3]2 reveals that the P(NMe2)3 ligands are trans to the MnMn bond and the MnMn bond distance is relatively long, 2.946(1) A.
Solar contamination effects on the radiometric calibration of the advanced very high resolution radiometer

A study of the solar contamination in the radiometric calibration for the NOAA -14, and –15 Advanced Very High Resolution Radiometers (AVHRR) is presented. The solar contamination results in a disagreement between the sensormeasured radiometric output of the onboard blackbody vs. its bulk temperature measured by the platinum resistance thermometers. The sunshield installed on the latest version of the instrument on NOAA-15 may have alleviated but not eliminated the problem. The anomaly can still contribute errors on the order of half a degree in the 3 .7 µm infrared channel. Analysis of the time scale and the spectral characteristics of the radiometric anomaly suggest that the extraneous radiation is a combination of solar radiation and background radiation by an object other than the blackbody. Stray light in earth scenes is also found where the anomaly in the radiometric calibration occurs. The radiometric intensity and spectral characteristics of the stray light are analyzed in order to trace the source of the extraneous radiation. It is found that the effects occur as the spacecraft moves out of the shadow of the earth at a low sun elevation. The intensity of the effect appears to be related to the solar zenith and azimuth angles at the spacecraft.
Chemotropic and Contact Responses of Phytophthora sojae Hyphae to Soybean Isoflavonoids and Artificial Substrates

We have investigated the role of the isoflavones daidzein and genistein on the chemotropic behavior of germinating cysts of Phytophthora sojae. Hyphal germlings were shown to respond chemotropically to daidzein and genistein, suggesting that hyphal tips from zoospores that have encysted adjacent to the root may use specific host isoflavones to locate their host. Observations of the contact response of hyphal germlings were made on several different substrates in the presence and absence of isoflavones. Hyphal tips of germlings detected and penetrated pores in membranes and produced multiple appressoria on smooth, impenetrable surfaces. Hyphae that successfully penetrated the synthetic membrane were observed to grow away from the membrane surface. The presence of isoflavones in the medium surrounding the hyphal germlings did not appear to alter any of those habits. Daidzein and genistein did not inhibit germination or initial hyphal growth at concentrations up to 20 μm.
Snyder Space Revisited

Abstract We examine basis functions on momentum space for the three-dimensional Euclidean Snyder algebra. We argue that the momentum space is isomorphic to the SO ( 3 ) group manifold, and that the basis functions span either one of two Hilbert spaces. This implies the existence of two distinct lattice structures of space. Continuous rotations and translations are unitarily implementable on these lattices.
Cytokine-dependent and cytokine-independent roles for Mcl-1: genetic evidence for multiple mechanisms by which Mcl-1 promotes survival in primary T lymphocytes

Myeloid cell leukemia sequence-1 (Mcl-1) is a critical anti-apoptotic factor in T lymphocytes. However, in spite of the many pro-apoptotic proteins with proposed binding to Mcl-1, the specific interactions by which Mcl-1 regulates primary T-cell survival under different conditions have not been fully explored. Further, how different trophic cytokines modulate the specific role(s) of Mcl-1 is unknown. Here, we use genetic mouse models to dissect the roles of Mcl-1 in primary T lymphocytes. Using the inducible Mcl-1-floxed estrogen receptor-Cre fusion protein (Mcl-1f/fERCre) deletion system in combination with genetic modification of other B-cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl-2) family members, we show that loss of pro-apoptotic Bcl-2 homologous antagonist/killer (Bak) rescues the survival of Mcl-1-deficient T cells in the presence of IL-7. Without IL-7, the survival of Mcl-1-deficient cells cannot be rescued by loss of Bak, but is partially rescued by overexpression of Bcl-2 or loss of Bcl-2-interacting mediator of cell death (Bim). Thus, Mcl-1 and Bcl-2 have a shared role, the inhibition of Bim, in promoting T-cell survival during cytokine withdrawal. Finally, we show that other common gamma-chain (γc) cytokines differentially modulate the roles of Mcl-1. IL-15 has effects similar to those of IL-7 in memory T cells and naive CD8+ cells, but not naive CD4+ cells. However, IL-4 maintains Mcl-1 and Bcl-2 but also upregulates Bim and Bcl-2-associated X protein (Bax), thus altering the cell's dependence on Mcl-1.