cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Fidelity of DNA polymerase I and the DNA polymerase I-DNA primase complex from Saccharomyces cerevisiae.

Abstract We have determined the fidelity of DNA synthesis by DNA polymerase I (yPol I) from Saccharomyces cerevisiae. To determine whether subunits other than the polymerase catalytic subunit influence fidelity, we measured the accuracy of yPol I purified by conventional procedures, which yields DNA polymerase with a partially proteolyzed catalytic subunit and no associated primase activity, and that of yPol I purified by immunoaffinity chromatography, which yields polymerase having a single high-molecular-weight species of the catalytic subunit, as well as three additional polypeptides and DNA primase activity. In assays that score polymerase errors within the lacZ alpha-complementation gene in M13mp2 DNA, yPol I and the yPol I-primase complex produced single-base substitutions, single-base frameshifts, and larger deletions. For specific errors and template positions, the two forms of polymerase exhibited differences in fidelity that could be as large as 10-fold. Nevertheless, results for the overall error frequency and the spectrum of errors suggest that the yPol I-DNA primase complex is not highly accurate and that, just as for the polymerase alone, its fidelity is not sufficient to account for a low spontaneous mutation rate in vivo. The specificity data also suggest models to explain -1 base frameshifts in nonrepeated sequences and certain complex deletions by a direct repeat mechanism involving aberrant loop-back synthesis.
The application of exterior complex scaling in calculations on resonances in nuclear motion in molecular systems

Abstract The application of the method of exterior complex scaling to find complex resonance energies by direct numerical integration is presented. Details of the numerical procedures required are discussed and results are presented for rotational predissociation resonances in H2. The advantage of the exterior-scaling approach is that it requires analytic continuation of the potential to complex values of the coordinates only in the asymptotic or near-asymptotic region. Therefore any representation of the potential is adequate, including piecewise-continuous representations such as cubic splines. In contrast, application of the usual complex-scaling (rotated coordinates) procedure generally requires that the potential be represented by a single analytic function.
Nonplanar curve and surface estimation in 3-space

The problem of minimal parameter representation and estimation for complex planar and nonplanar curves, and surfaces is considered. The representation is based on concepts from algebraic geometry: a surface is the set of roots of a polynomial of three variables, and a curve is the intersection of two different surfaces. It is shown that the surfaces of an interesting complex of objects in three-space can be represented by single high degree-polynomials, and a similar statement applies to complex curves in three-space. An approximate expression for the mean-square distance from a set of points to a curve or surface is developed, not only for quadratic surfaces, but also for surfaces and curves defined by polynomials of higher degree. A computationally efficient algorithm is presented to carry out the minimization without using nonlinear optimization techniques. >
Dual leucine zipper kinase as a therapeutic target for neurodegenerative conditions

Dual leucine zipper kinase (DLK) is a serine/threonine protein kinase that is a member of the mixed lineage kinase subfamily. Mixed lineage kinases are upstream MAP3Ks that activate the JNK pathway. DLK is primarily responsible for activating JNK and mediating the apoptotic stress response in various cell types, specifically neurons. Inhibition and knockdown of DLK has been demonstrated to have neuroprotective effects in cellular and animal models of Alzheimer's disease, glaucoma, Parkinson's disease and other neurodegenerative conditions. Several series of ATP-binding site inhibitors have been identified through profiling efforts providing launch points for future medicinal chemistry programs.
Human Beings as Technological Artifacts

At the risk of oversimplifying, let us assume as a working premise that there are basically two types of people: active and passive. This assumption is introduced in order to open up a way of thinking about the relations between people and the technologies that occupy their world. The basic point is that you can go through life becoming who you will eventually be (a) by simply responding to the various impacts and stimulations you receive, or (b) you can attempt to make yourself into the type of person you think you would like to become. To do the former requires no work on your part. To do the latter requires a lot of work, primarily by way of finding out the limits of your capacities and the nature and range of the options open to you, uncovering the prerequisites for achieving the steps you need to take, allowing for error and the means to correct them, etc. There is an important sense, then, in which the active person attempts to design the person he/she wants to become in much the same way we design an artifact, thereby becoming an artifact himself or herself. To elaborate this idea, I begin by introducing some ideas of John Dewey. I then give a sketch of the design process as we find it in use in engineering.
Analysis of a Two-Layer Viscoelastic System

The theory of stresses and displacements in a two-layer linear viscoelastic medium is defined for quasi-static loading, full continuity at the layer interface, and variable material compressibility. Several illustrative cases are presented to show the influence of the material property parameters on the time-dependent surface deflection.
Trade and Welfare Effects of EEC Tariff Policy: A Case Study of Oranges

The price, trade, and welfare consequences of shifts to alternative EEC policies regarding winter oranges are presented. The EEC policy changes considered are (1) a shift from continuance of pre-EEC tariffs on oranges to prospective EEC tariffs, (2) elimination of the EEC tariff on oranges, and (3) entry of winter oranges from selected non-EEC countries into the EEC market with zero tariffs. Spatial equilibrium models are used to quantify the changes in prices, consumption, trade, and welfare which are expected to result from the alternative policies. Welfare effects are evaluated in terms of economic surplus. A shift to the prospective EEC tariff policy on winter oranges is expected to result in a sharp increase in orange prices in the EEC by 1970 (except in France). A net welfare gain to the EEC bloc will occur, with the gains for Italian producers and French consumers more than offsetting the losses suffered by consumers in the other EEC countries because of higher prices. If the EEC were to take unilateral action and remove the tariffs on winter oranges, it would be expected to suffer a substantial welfare loss. Permitting tariff-free imports of winter oranges from selected producing countries would also be expected to cause a welfare loss to the EEC bloc. There appears to be little incentive for the EEC to reduce its tariff unilaterally or to permit special access to non-EEC producers.
Does adding estrogen to the hormone-free days of an oral contraceptive (OC) cycle reduce menopausal symptoms in perimenopausal OC users?

There were no significant differences at baseline between the treatment groups regarding age height weight or parity. Symptom scores at the end of the study (3 months later) were improved in both the estrogen and placebo groups; however there was statistically significantly greater improvement in the estrogen group. Depression scores fell 61% in the estrogen group versus 24% in the placebo group (P <.004). Likewise somatic scores fell 59% versus 32% (P <.04); vasomotor scores fell 76% versus 48% (P <.03); and sexual dysfunction scores fell 75% versus 33% (P <.002) in the estrogen and placebo groups. Anxiety scores did not differ between the groups. Interestingly headache scores were reduced with estrogen but not with placebo. (excerpt)
Interim report:feasibility of microscale glucose reforming for renewable hydrogen.

Micro-scale aqueous steam reforming of glucose is suggested as a novel method of H{sub 2} production for micro fuel cells. Compact fuel cell systems are a viable alternative to batteries as a portable electrical power source. Compared with conventional lithium polymer batteries, hydrocarbon powered fuel cells are smaller, weigh less, and have a much higher energy density. The goal of this project is to develop a hydrocarbon powered microfuel processor capable of driving an existing microfuel cell, and this interim report provides a summary of the engineering information for microscale reforming of carbohydrates and the summarizes the work completed as of September 2006. Work on this program will continue. Gas analysis of the gas evolved from glucose breakdown using a quadrupole mass spectrometer is now possible due do significant modifications to the vacuum chamber and to the mass spectrometer electronics. Effective adhesion of Pt/Al{sub 2}O{sub 3} to 316SS microstructured catalyst plates is still under investigation. Electrophoretic and dip coat methods of catalyst deposition have produced coatings with poor adhesion and limited available Pt surface area.
Insights Into the Oxygen Reduction Reaction Activity of Pt/C and PtCu/C Catalysts

A mechanistic electrochemical study of the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) on a carbon-supported PtCu catalyst is presented. The catalyst was prepared by galvanic displacement of nanoporous copper with Pt. The electrochemistry of the catalyst was explored at pH 1 and pH 13. Hydrogen peroxide reduction and rotating ring–disk electrode (RRDE) studies showed that the PtCu/C catalyst facilitates a 4e– direct or series reduction to water in alkaline electrolyte. A Tafel study suggests that the ORR rate-limiting step for PtCu/C does not change when the catalyst is subject to pH extremes. The ORR activity of the PtCu/C catalyst was found to be 2–3 times higher than the ORR activity of commercially available Pt/C (Johnson Matthey). Adsorption of OH– was quantified for PtCu/C and Pt/C, and PtCu/C was observed to have a reduced affinity toward OHads in both acid and alkaline electrolyte, which was found to promote the rate of the ORR relative to Pt/C. On the basis of this study, we propose that (1) each Pt-based ca...
P3.171* Sexually transmitted infections (STI) among youth with perinatal HIV infection

Background With antiretroviral therapy (ARV), children who were perinatally infected with HIV (PHIV) are now reaching adolescence/young adulthood. A few studies have described their self-reported sexual behaviours, but none measured the incidence of STI (objective markers of risky behaviour) among PHIV youth. Methods Separately maintained New York City (NYC) HIV and STI surveillance registries were matched using a deterministic algorithm; the matched dataset contained HIV/AIDS cases reported since 1981 (including retrospectively-identified cases), and STI reported from 2000-June 2010. We calculated incidence of having STI during 2000–2009 (chlamydia, gonorrhoea and early syphilis combined) among the cohort of PHIV individuals born between 1976 and 1987, diagnosed with HIV before age 13, and alive as of 12/31/1999. Additionally, the STI case rate among all PHIV between ages 13–24 during 2000–2009 was compared to that for the NYC population of the same ages. Results Among 425 PHIV aged 13–19 (n = 409) and 20–24 (n = 16) at start of the 10-year period, 51 (12%) were diagnosed with ≥ 1 STI. Incidence was 1.3/100 person-years. There were 117 diagnoses among 51 PHIV; 25 (49%) had an STI on 2 or more occasions. Incidence was significantly higher among females (2.1/100 person-years; 95% CI, 1.5–2.9) versus males (0.7/100,000 person-years; 95% CI, 0.4–1.1), and elevated among black PHIV persons (1.9/100 person-years; 95% CI, 1.3–2.6). The PHIV case rate (28,471/100,000 persons) was 12% higher than the general population rate (25,290/100,000). Conclusions We documented substantial risk of STI among PHIV, which exceeds risk among other youth. True incidence may be higher than measured if PHIV had not initiated sexual activity as of our follow-up period. All sexually active youth should receive regular STI screening and education; because STI risk behaviours place partners at risk for HIV, PHIV should additionally get interventions around ARV adherence and HIV disclosure. PHIV in HIV care have unique opportunities for such prevention.
Preliminary analysis of the surveillance results on Mycobacterium tuberculosis drug resistance in Zigong city,Sichuan province

Objective To understand the current status of Mycobacterium tuberculosis(MTB) drug resistance,to provide the evidence for the prevention of drug resistant tuberculosis.Methods All clinincal MTB strains isolated from patients with tuberculosis(TB) from April 2010 to August 2011were identified for strain type and were tested for drug sensitivity against 8 drugs(INH,SM,RFP,EMB,KM,AMK,CPM and OFLX) using Proportion Method for Drug Susceptibility Testing.Results A total of 285 MTB clinical isolates were tested for the drug sensitivity with the overall drug resistant rate of 27.02%(77/285).21.94%(52/237) strains isolated from patients with initial treatment and 52.08%(25/48) strains from re-treated patients were found to be drug-resistant.Moreover,the total of multi-drug resistant(MDR) rate was 11.58%(33/285),with 6.33%(15/237) from initial treated patients and 37.50%(18/48) from retreated patients The resistant rates to INH,RFP,OFLX,SM,EMB,KM,AMK and CPM were 17.19%,12.98%,11.93%,11.23%,5.61%,0.35%,0.35% and 0% respectively.There were 10.88%(31/285) strains resistant to single drug,7.02%(20/285) to 2 drugs and 9.12%(26/285) to 3 or more drugs.Conclusions The drug-resistant rate is still in a high level,and the transmission of drug resistant strains is more serious in Zigong city,indicating that monitoring and prevention of drug resistant TB need to be further strengthened.
Academic growth trajectories of ELLs in NAEP data: The case of fourth- and eighth-grade ELLs and non-ELLs on mathematics and reading tests

ABSTRACTUtilizing the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) data, this study examined (1) how fourth and eighth-grade ELLs' mathematics and reading scores on national tests compared to their non-ELL peers' scores over the testing period between 2003 and 2011, and (2) if gender and ethnicity contributed to variation in the growth patterns among the student groups across grade levels and content areas. Since the NAEP data, which provides a national sample of 10,000–20,000 students, is collected using a probability sample design, sampling weights are adjusted so inferences can be appropriately made. Sample sizes within NAEP are large enough to generate adequate power for statistical significance. Thus, to display the data in a multivariate mode, Tableau 8.0.0 software was used. Results suggested that the achievement gap between non-ELLs and ELLs is either steady or slightly widening in both mathematics and reading, with multiple paths across the content areas, grade levels, and gender and ethnic...
‘We Can Always Go Back Home’: critical lessons in helping to safeguard and promote the Singing and Praying Bands living tradition

AbstractThe article examines the process of promoting, with a view to safeguarding, the centuries-old Singing and Praying Bands living tradition, an African American musical and spiritual expression that is distinctive to the Chesapeake Bay region of the US. Discussed within the context of US public folklore, the process is understood as a co-intervention, representing an active partnership between the Bands’ community and public folklorists (including the authors) in attempting to reach new members as a means of keeping it alive. The article underscores the need for ‘bottom-up’ approaches in safeguarding living cultural traditions, bringing to light the potential strengths of public folklore work and the benefits its theories and methodologies can bring to the intangible cultural heritage discourse. Moreover, it analyses how community agency has been exercised, and community needs accommodated, through the dialogue-driven, collaborative intervention process. It also investigates how a nuanced view of ‘au...
Hydroxylation-independent HIF-1α stabilization through PKA: A new paradigm for hypoxia signaling

In this issue of Science Signaling , Bullen et al . demonstrate that protein kinase A (PKA) phosphorylates and stimulates the transcriptional activity of hypoxia-inducible transcription factor–1α (HIF-1α). This finding may have implications in diseases processes that occur at the interface of hypoxia and inflammation, where HIF-1α stabilization can function to dampen hypoxia-driven inflammation.
SU-F-T-151: Measurement Evaluation of Skin Dose in Scanning Proton Beam Therapy for Breast Cancer

Purpose: To measure the skin dose and compare it with the calculated dose from a treatment planning system (TPS) for breast cancer treatment using scanning proton beam therapy (SPBT). Methods: A single en-face-beam SPBT plan was generated by a commercial TPS for two breast cancer patients. The treatment volumes were the entire breasts (218 cc and 1500 cc) prescribed to 50.4 Gy (RBE) in 28 fractions. A range shifter of 5 cm water equivalent thickness was used. The organ at risk (skin) was defined to be 5 mm thick from the surface. The skin doses were measured in water with an ADCL calibrated parallel plate (PP) chamber. The measured data were compared with the values calculated in the TPS. Skin dose calculations can be subject to uncertainties created by the definition of the external contour and the limitations of the correction based algorithms, such as proton convolution superposition. Hence, the external contours were expanded by 0, 3 mm and 1 cm to include additional pixels for dose calculation. In addition, to examine the effects of the cloth gown on the skin dose, the skin dose measurements were conducted with and without gown. Results: On average the measured skin dose was 4% higher than the calculated values. At deeper depths, the measured and calculated doses were in better agreement (< 2%). Large discrepancy occur for the dose calculated without external expansion due to volume averaging. The addition of the gown only increased the measured skin dose by 0.4%. Conclusion: The implemented TPS underestimated the skin dose for breast treatments. Superficial dose calculation without external expansion would result in large errors for SPBT for breast cancer.
Design of a multi-style and multi-frequency FPGA

This paper presents an FPGA architecture capable of implementing relative timing based asynchronous designs. Modifications are made to a traditional synchronous FPGA architecture to make it asynchronous capable, while retaining its capability as a fully functional synchronous FPGA. Such a design permits multi-frequency implementations. A test FPGA fabric is developed and evaluated with the implementation of a MIPS processor. The asynchronous MIPS processor implemented on the designed FPGA provides a performance improvement of 1.7× while also providing a power improvement of 2.3× compared to the synchronous version of the MIPS implemented on a counterpart synchronous FPGA.
Ring-opening polymerization of atom-bridged and bond-bridged bicyclic ethers, acetals and orthoesters

During these two decades, the polymerization of bicyclic compounds has been studied to obtain basic knowledge on ring-opening polymerization and for industrial and biomedical applications. In 1961, Korshak et al.1) reported the stereospecific polymerization of 1,6-anhydro-2,3,4-tri-O-methyl-D-glucopyranose. Schuerch and coworkers2–3) have developed the chemical synthesis of polysaccharides of biomedical interest. Very recently, Sumitomo and Okada4) reviewed the reaction mechanism of the ring-opening polymerization and the structures and properties of the resulting polymers of bicyclic acetals, bicyclic oxalactones, bicyclic oxalactams, and related heterobicyclo compounds. Tadokoro5, 6) reported the structure of crystalline polymers by X-ray diffraction, infrared, Raman spectroscopy, and energy calculations. Many workers7) have studied the structure of oxygen-containing polymers in solution. Finally, the anomeric effect and gauche effect have been made clear by many workers8, 9).
Clearance of plasma ivermectin with single pass lipid dialysis in 2 dogs.

Objective To describe the use of single pass lipid dialysis (SPLD) for treatment of ivermectin toxicosis in 2 Australian Shepherd dogs with the ABCB1-1Δ gene mutation. Case Series Summary Two Australian Shepherd dogs were presented for treatment of ivermectin toxicosis. Dogs were initially treated with intravenous lipid emulsion and supportive care, without improvement of clinical signs. They both developed respiratory paralysis and required mechanical ventilation. In order to increase the clearance of circulating ivermectin, SPLD was performed using dialysate containing 5% lipid. Blood samples were obtained immediately before and after dialysis and analyzed for serum ivermectin concentration. Ivermectin reduction ratio was calculated at 29% and 39% for each dog, respectively. When compared to intrinsic total body ivermectin clearance, only the second dog had a relative improvement of plasma clearance following SPLD. Both dogs were confirmed to be homozygous for ABCB1-1Δ gene mutations. Both dogs remained ventilator dependent for several days and ultimately made a full recovery. New or Unique Information Provided SPLD may be an adjunctive detoxification strategy for highly lipophilic toxins such as ivermectin.
Religious Freedom, the Arab Spring, and US Middle East Policy

This article examines the critically important but often neglected topic of religious freedom in the Middle East and North Africa in the context of the Arab Spring. While conceding that the Arab world generally suffers from a dearth of religious freedom, it argues that religious freedom is both achievable and necessary for regional peace and stability. The article concludes with some recommendations for American policymakers, proposing that one of the key ways the USA can foster climates conducive to American security interests is by taking religious freedom seriously as an instrument of foreign policy.
The Overlooked, but Important, Daily Dilemmas of Classroom Teaching

Teaching is hard. Teaching toward democracy is even harder. Judith Pace’s The Charged Classroom: Predicaments and Possibilities for Democratic Teaching thoroughly captures the overlooked complexiti...
Rationale and early outcomes for the management of thymoma with proton therapy.

Background Radiotherapy for thymic malignancies is technically challenging due to their close proximity to the heart, lungs, esophagus, and breasts, raising concerns about significant acute and late toxicities from conventional photon radiotherapy. Proton therapy (PT) may reduce the radiation dose to these vital organs, leading to less toxicity. We reviewed the dosimetry and outcomes among patients treated with PT for thymic malignancies at our institution. Methods From January 2008 to March 2017, six patients with de novo Masaoka stages II-III thymic malignancies were treated with PT on an IRB-approved outcomes tracking protocol. Patients were evaluated weekly during treatment, then every 3 months for 2 years, then every 6 months for 3 more years, and then annually for CTCAE vs. four toxicities and disease recurrence. Comparison intensity-modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) plans were developed for each patient. Mean doses to the heart, esophagus, bilateral breasts, lungs, and V20 of bilateral lungs were evaluated for the two treatment plans. Results At last follow-up (median follow-up, 2.6 years), there were two patients with recurrences, including metastatic disease in the patient treated definitively with chemotherapy and PT without surgery and a local-regional recurrence in the lung outside the proton field in one of the post-operative cases. No patients with de novo disease experienced grade ≥3 toxicities after PT. The mean dose to the heart, lung, and esophagus was reduced on average by 36.5%, 33.5%, and 60%, respectively, using PT compared with IMRT (P<0.05 for each dose parameter). Conclusions PT achieved superior dose sparing to the heart, lung, and esophagus compared to IMRT for thymic malignancies. Patients treated with PT had few radiation-induced toxicities and similar survival compared to historic proton data.
Post-segregational Killing and Phage Inhibition Are Not Mediated by Cell Death Through Toxin/Antitoxin Systems.

The toxin/antitoxin (TA) field, born of controversy, is plagued by several prevailing misperceptions. For example, some TA systems stabilize plasmids and other genomic regions; however, the evidence of post-segregational killing by toxins of TA systems is weak. In addition, there are few credible reports of cell death via TA systems like MazF/MazE and via phage exclusion systems. Although many aspects of the biological roles of TA systems remain enigmatic, there are now some clear, confirmed TA functions: (i) phage inhibition, (ii) plasmid maintenance, (iii) stress response (including regulation of loci distinct from the TA pair itself), (iv) biofilm formation, and (v) persistence. Therefore, this opinion piece aims to challenge the oft-repeated claims of cell killing related to TA systems with the goal of emphasizing their primary biological role: constraining metabolism in a reversible manner. Hence, their roles in their five confirmed functions all stem from their ability to rapidly and reversibly reduce metabolic activity.
Nonmetropolitan minority families in the United States: trends in racial and ethnic economic stratification 1959-1986.

This paper traces the economic status of nonmetropolitan (nonmetro) black Mexican and American Indian families during the period 1959 to 1986. Analysis of 1960 1970 1980 and 1987 U.S. Census Bureau data revealed substantial improvement in the economic status of rural minority families between 1959 and 1979....However nonmetro black and Mexican family incomes deteriorated substantially in the ensuing seven years. The shift in residence toward urban areas contributed to the 1959-1979 decline in minority poverty although American Indians benefited considerably more than blacks or Mexicans from this mechanism. Furthermore labor market commitment has a greater ameliorative effect on family poverty for all groups than does public assistance. That poverty among nonmetro minorities improved in response to increasing labor supply is a policy-relevant finding discussed in the conclusions. (EXCERPT)
A Quest for Efficient Methods of Disintegration of Organophosphorus Compounds: Modeling Adsorption and Decomposition Processes

The problem with a contamination of soil and groundwater by organophosphorus compounds is a widespread environmental concern with environmental deterioration. However, the high cost of remediation becomes evident. Organophosphorus compounds have several applications (agricultural, industrial, and military). Nevertheless, assessments of the hazards from these applications quite often do not take into account chemical processes. The management of contaminants requires considerable knowledge and understanding of contaminant behavior. Unique properties of transition metals and metal oxides such as having high adsorption and catalytic ability have resulted in their applications as natural adsorbents and catalysts in the development of clean-up technologies. An understanding of the physical characteristics of the adsorption sites of selected parts of soil (metal oxides) and transition metals, the physical and chemical characteristics of the contaminant, details of sorption of contaminants on soil, on soil in water solution, and on transition metals, and its distribution within the system is of practical interest. Quantum-chemical calculations provide more insight into the aforementioned characteristics of organophosphorus compounds. This review summarizes experimental studies and the computational techniques and applications which are used to develop theoretical models that explain and predict how transition metals and metal oxides can affect the adsorption and decomposition of selected organophosphorus compounds. The results can contribute to a better knowledge of impact of such processes in existing remedial technologies and in a development of new removal and decomposition techniques
The Vacuum System of a 3 BeV Proton Synchrotron

The main features of the 3 BeV proton synchrotron being constructed by Princeton University and the University of Pennsylvania are described and illustrated. The principal component of the vacuum system is the vacuum chamber in which the protons circulate during the acceleration cycle. The design of the chamber was partly determined by boundary conditions set by the experimental uses of the accelerator, by environmental factors such as high energy nuclear radiation and rapidly varying magnetic fields and by restrictive spatial conditions, as well as by the required operating pressure of 2 × 10-6 mm Hg. The unusual features of the resultant solution are detailed. The pumping system, consisting of twenty-four individual units, and the complement of instrumentation are presented. The control system, which permits remote operation and indication of most of the vacuum system components, is described. The manner in which the vacuum control system interlocks with other accelerator components is discussed.
Manoalide, a Phospholipase A2 Inhibitor, Inhibits Arachidonate Incorporation and Turnover in Brain Phospholipids of the Awake Rat

The Fatty Acid method was used to determine whether incorporation of plasma radiolabeled arachidonic acid into brain phospholipids is controlled by phospholipase A2. Awake rats received an i.v. injection of a phospholipase A2 inhibitor, manoalide (10 mg/kg), and then were infused i.v. with [1-(14)C]arachidonate or [3H]arachidonate. Animals were killed after infusion by microwave irradiation, and tracer distribution was analyzed in brain phospholipid, neutral lipid and acyl-CoA pools. Calcium-independent phospholipase A2 activity in brain homogenate was reduced by manoalide, whereas phospholipase C activity was unaffected. At 60 min but not at 20 or 40 min after its injection, manoalide had significantly decreased by 50% incorporation of unesterified arachidonate into and turnover within brain phospholipids, taking into account dilution of the brain arachidonoyl-CoA pool by recycled arachidonate. Manoalide also increased by 100% the net rate of unesterified arachidonate incorporation into brain triacylglycerol. This study indicates that manoalide can be used to inhibit brain phospholipase A2 in vivo, and that phospholipase A2 plays a critical role in arachidonate turnover in brain phospholipids and neutral lipids.
Analysis of SAPRC16 chemical mechanism for ambient simulations

Abstract SAPRC16 is an interim update to the SAPRC series of chemical mechanisms that includes updated rate constants, a revised representation of radical chemistry, and a new speciation lumping scheme to better develop predictions of SOA precursors. In this study, the ability of the SAPRC16 chemical mechanism to simulate regional ozone episodes is tested in seven (7) major cities across the United States. The UCD-CIT 3-dimensional (3D) airshed model was configured with both SAPRC11 (base mechanism) and SAPRC16 (updated mechanism). Concentrations of ozone, hydroxyl radical (OH) and hydroperoxyl (HO2) radical predicted with both mechanisms were compared to measured values. It was generally observed that SAPRC16 predicts slightly lower ozone concentrations than SAPRC11 in NOx rich urban centers. A box model analysis shows that the SAPRC16 mechanism quenches ozone production earlier than SAPRC11 as NOx concentrations increase (yielding decreasing VOC/NOx ratios). This could be caused by more detailed HO2+RO2 reactions and RO2 isomerization reactions in SAPRC16 that compete with the HO2+NO reaction. Predictions from SAPRC11 are in better agreement with the measurements in the western United States, however SAPRC16 outperforms SAPRC11 in some eastern and southern U.S. cities. These results may also be strongly influenced by the accuracy of emissions inventories in each region. Differences in ozone concentrations predicted by SAPRC16 and SAPRC11 increased as emissions decreased suggesting that the two mechanisms will predict different outcomes from future emissions control programs. In general, the SAPRC11 mechanisms slightly over-predicts OH concentration while under-predicting HO2 radical concentration and the SAPRC16 mechanism slightly under predicts OH and under predicts HO2, sometimes by large amounts. The reasons for this behavior are unknown at this time. These features will influence the secondary organic aerosol (SOA) predictions from each mechanism since the branching between high NOx and low NOx regimes depends on calculated HO2 concentrations. Further analysis of the HO2+RO2 reactions and RO2 isomerization reactions and the reasons for the lower HO2 predictions in the updated SAPRC16 chemical mechanism should be carried out before widespread adoption of the new mechanism.
Functional Disorders of the Ileal Pouch

Abstract Functional pouch disorders (FPDs) consist of three categories: (1) functional bowel disorders, with irritable pouch syndrome (IPS) as a prime phenotype; (2) functional pouch pain disorders; and (3) dyssynergic defecation disorders. Multiple factors contribute to the development of FPD, including psychological disorders, visceral hypersensitivity, dysmotility, and enterochromaffin cell hyperplasia. Diagnosis and differential diagnosis of FPDs require a combined assessment of clinical presentation, physical examination, endoscopy and histology, laboratory tests, abdominal imaging, and manometry. A multidisciplinary approach is needed for the management of FPD, with a team consisting of gastroenterologists, colorectal surgeons, psychologists or psychiatrists, pain management specialists, and pelvic physical therapists.
Establishing Community-Based Primary Health Care

In this chapter, Karen A. Callaghan discusses how a community-based approach to primary health care constitutes an important foundation for reducing health disparities, including inequities in access to services. As advocated by the World Health Organization, primary health care is effective only when the design and delivery of services have involved the maximum participation of individuals and communities. As a community-based approach, primary health care requires practitioners to form close bonds with communities based on solidarity and respect. Medical professionals must take local knowledge seriously, if interventions are to have any appeal or effect. In this framework, community empowerment and development are as important as any clinical interventions for establishing well-being. In other words, practitioners must assume that communities, regardless of their challenges or lack of resources, are capable of sophisticated analysis of their circumstances, effective self-advocacy, and creative problem-solving.
Assessment of storm surge and structural damage on San Salvador Island, Bahamas, associated with Hurricane Joaquin (2015)

In the afternoon of October 2, 2015, Hurricane Joaquin made landfall on San Salvador Island, the easternmost island in the Bahamian Archipelago. In this study, post-storm surveys that estimated storm surge height and assessed structural damage on the island were evaluated within the context of Joaquin’s meteorological characteristics. The findings from Hurricane Joaquin were then compared to impacts from other notable storms that affected San Salvador in recent decades, namely Hurricane Lili (1996), Hurricane Floyd (1999), and Hurricane Frances (2004). Hurricane Joaquin’s trajectory likely contributed to the extent and distribution of storm surge and damage on San Salvador. Near its peak strength, Joaquin approached the island from the south, which is a climatologically unusual track. Lili also approached San Salvador from the south and exhibited similar patterns of storm surge, overwash, and vegetation disturbance, particularly along the southern end of the island. During Joaquin’s passage, winds of at least tropical storm-force likely impacted San Salvador for 48 consecutive hours, which is twice the duration of such winds associated with the other three hurricanes. Storm surge recorded from Joaquin was more evenly distributed across the island, whereas surge recorded from Floyd and Frances was more concentrated on the western and eastern sides of the island, respectively. While the average surge height on the island was highest from Frances, the percentage of structures with heavy damage was much higher from Joaquin, which may be due to the extended duration of strong winds.
COGITO in Space

COGITO in Space is an experiential narrative based on sending thoughts into outer space as radio waves. The project exists both as a mobile installation and as a performative event staged inside the cabin of the Dwingeloo radio telescope in The Netherlands. For both versions of the project, a team composed by three neuroscientists prepare the subject with a lab grade electroencephalogram (EEG) device and a virtual reality (VR) headset, showing an experimental video of the Earth seen from space. The brain activity stimulated by the video is recorded and simultaneously transmitted into space in real time, using the antenna of the Dwingeloo radio telescope.
COVID-19, remote working and paediatric training: what can we learn?

The COVID-19 emergency has been a challenging but innovative time for the National Health Service (NHS) and paediatrics. Enhancing patient care through use of digital technology was already recognised in the NHS long-term plan.1 Remote consultations, working and learning have rapidly accelerated and become established ways of working during the COVID-19 emergency. This rapid deployment must be used to help inform new models of care and training in paediatrics as outlined in a recent the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health (RCPCH) project 2040 report.2 Here we consider some of the new remote working and learning opportunities available to trainees, how they can be used and we propose formal integration into future …
Phase Shift Control of a Three-Phase Inverter for Balanced Secondary Currents in Misaligned Three-Phase Inductive Power Transfer Systems

This paper presents a strategy for generating fundamental reference voltage commands for a double-sided LCC tuned three-phase wireless power transfer (WPT) system to achieve balanced output currents when the receiver and transmitter are not perfectly aligned. Formulas for translating the normalized fundamental current commands into phase-shift commands for two of the phase legs in a two-level three-phase inverter are derived. The methodology is validated through circuit simulations performed using coupler models derived from finite-element simulations. Simulation results for a 1.5 k W system design are included, which indicate near perfect correction of imbalance in the secondary currents for a typical misalignment case.
Computerized inhibitory control training reduces anxiety in preadolescent students.

The study examined the relationship between anxiety, inhibitory control (IC), and resting-state electroencephalography (EEG) in a critical age-range for social and emotional development (8–12-year-...
Stereotyped Communication: The Ascribed Identities of Nigerians Living in the U.S.

This study examined how Nigerians in the U.S. negotiate their identities considering the stereotypes ascribed to them during interactions and strategies for attenuating stereotypes. Interviews with...
Corrosion resistance and thermal stability of sputtered Fe44Al34Ti7N15 and Al61Ti11N28 thin films for prospective application in oil and gas industry

Abstract Fe-and Al-based thin-film metallic glass coatings (Fe44Al34Ti7N15 and Al61Ti11N28) were fabricated using magnetron co-sputtering technique, and their corrosion performances compared against wrought 316L stainless steel. The results of GI-XRD and XPS analyses demonstrated amorphous structure and oxide layer formation on the surface of the fabricated thin films, respectively. The potentiodynamic (PD) polarization test in chloride-thiosulfate (NH4Cl ​+ ​Na2S2O3) solution revealed lower corrosion current (Icorr) (0.42 ​± ​0.02 ​μA/cm2 and 0.086 ​± ​0.001 ​μA/cm2 Vs. 0.76 ​± ​0.05 ​μA/cm2), lower passivation current (Ipass) (1.45 ​± ​0.03 ​μA/cm2 and 1.83 ​± ​0.07 ​μA/cm2 Vs. 1.98 ​± ​0.04 ​μA/cm2), and approximately six-fold higher breakdown potential (Ebd) for Fe- and Al-based coatings than those of wrought 316L stainless steel. Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy (EIS) of both films showed 4- and 2-fold higher charge transfer resistance (Rct), 7- and 2.5-times higher film resistance (Rf), lower film capacitance values (Qf) (10 ​± ​2.4 ​μS-sacm-2, and 5.41 ​± ​0.8 ​μS-sacm-2 Vs. 18 ​± ​2.21 ​μS-sacm-2), and lower double-layer capacitance values (Qdl) (31.33 ​± ​4.74 ​μS-sacm-2, and 15.3 ​± ​0.48 ​μS-sacm-2 Vs. 43 ​± ​4.23 ​μS-sacm-2), indicating higher corrosion resistance of the thin films. Cyclic Voltammetry (CV) scan exhibited that the passive films formed on the Fe- and Al-based coatings were more stable and less prone to pitting corrosion than the wrought 316L stainless steel. The surface morphology of both films via SEM endorsed the CV scan results, showing better resistance to pitting corrosion. Furthermore, the thermal analysis via TGA and DSC revealed the excellent thermal stability of the thin films over a wide temperature range typically observed in oil-gas industries.
Family management of asthma in Head Start preschool children.

Background Urban minority preschool children are disproportionately affected by asthma with increased asthma morbidity and mortality. It is important to understand how families manage asthma in preschool children in order to improve asthma control. Objective: This study examines family asthma management and asthma outcomes among a low-income urban minority population of Head Start preschool children. Methods: The Family Asthma Management System Scale (FAMSS) assesses how families manage a child's asthma. 388 caregivers completed the FAMSS at baseline. Asthma outcomes were assessed at baseline and prospectively at 6 months, including asthma control (based on the Test for Respiratory and Asthma Control in Kids), courses of oral corticosteroids required, and caregiver health-related quality of life (Pediatric Asthma Caregiver's Quality of Life Questionnaire (PACQLQ)). Multiple regression models assessed the relationship between the FAMSS Total Score, FAMSS subscales, and asthma outcomes. Results Higher FAMSS Total scores were associated with fewer courses of oral corticosteroids required (b=-0.23, p Conclusion Among this population of low-income minority preschool children, understanding how a family manages their child's asthma may help identify gaps for education to possibly improve caregiver asthma-related quality of life and reduce courses of oral corticosteroids.
Applying Conjoint Analysis to International Markets: A Cross-Cultural Comparison of Model Fit

Conjoint analysis is an accepted technique for developing new versions of attribute based products in the U.S., but is it applicable in foreign markets? We investigate the use of conjoint in two cultures. Results suggest that parsimonious main-effect models are appropriate in individualists cultures but, in collective cultures, models including two-way interactions are needed.
Passenger Car Fuel Economy as Influenced by Trip Length

Data from the Nationwide Personal Transportation Study (NPTS) and other sources have been used to generate distributions of vehicle miles traveled (VMT), average speed, and fuel consumption as a function of trip length. The typical trip of approximately ten miles in length has been shown to result in a fuel economy that is equal to the average fuel economy achieved for all trips combined. NPTS data on average speed vs. trip length and General Motors data on stops-mile vs. average cycle speed indicate that the major characteristics of the trip that results in a fuel economy equal to the overall fuel economy are an average speed of 24.5 mph and 1.4 stops per mile. The composite of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency city and highway driving cycles is 26.6 mph and 1.4 stops per mile.
Riddle-Type Buckling of Sandwich Columns

The problem of local instability of thick sandwich columns having orthotropic cores is treated under two different types of loading: (a) axial compressive loads acting at the edges of face plates and (b) bending moments acting at the ends of the sandwich column. End points of the face plates are assumed to be pinned. The present method is, however, applicable to general end conditions and for arbitrary axial and transverse loading. I t is shown that the deflected shape is neither symmetric nor antisymmetric, but asymmetric. Numerical calculations and curves are made for various types of cores employed in industry. The results are found to be in good agreement with the experimental data.
Chapter 4 Biosynthesis, function and metabolism of sterol esters

Publisher Summary The blood and tissues of animals typically contain not only unesterified cholesterol (UC), but also cholesterol esters (CE). Most of the CE is formed from long-chain fatty acids, such as palmitic acid, oleic acid, linoleic acid, or arachidonic acid, but small amounts of cholesterol sulfate (CS) and cholesterol glucuronide also are present. This chapter provides a brief overview of the biochemistry, physiology, and pathology of these esters as an introduction to the field of CE research. It discusses the distribution and physical properties of cholesterol esters. It is clear that long-chain fatty acid esters of cholesterol are distributed very unevenly among different tissues. They are essentially absent from erythrocytes and are present in only extremely low amounts in tissues of the nervous system. On the other hand, they are present in relatively high amounts in the adrenal, ovaries and blood plasma, and the liver, too, can be relatively rich in CE. Enzymes and proteins that synthesize, transport, and hydrolyze CE are found both inside and outside of cells. In most cases, the intracellular and extracellular enzymes use entirely different cofactors and have different pH optima.
Magnetic susceptibility of UPt3 at millikelvin temperatures

Abstract The AC magnetic susceptibility of a single crystal of UPt 3 has been measured at 19 Hz in the millikelvin temperature regime using a DC SQUID. The sample was cooled by a dilution refrigerator whose base temperature was 6 mK. The variation of the susceptibility below 150 mK was less than 0.3% of the diamagnetic change at the superconducting transition.
Signed real measure of regular languages

This paper reviews and extends the recent work on signed real measure of regular languages for discrete-event supervisory control within a unified framework. The language measure provides total ordering of any set of partially ordered sublanguages of a regular language to allow quantitative evaluation of the controlled behavior of deterministic finite state automata under different supervisors. The paper presents a procedure by which performance of different supervisors can be evaluated based on a common quantitative tool. Two algorithms are discussed for computation of the language measure. A physical interpretation of the language measure is given from the perspective of discrete-event supervisory control synthesis.
Nonsteady crack and craze behavior in PMMA under cyclical loading: II. Effect of load history on growth rate and fracture morphology

This is the second of three papers devoted to time or frequency effects on crack propagation in PMMA under cyclic loading with high resolution measurements of crack and craze growth in the micron range and with subcycle temporal resolution. It is demonstrated that the breakdown rate of the craze leads to quasi-periodic spurts of propagation and growth retardation in dependence on both the magnitude of the stress intensity factor and on the imposed load frequency. The surface morphology is governed more by the time required to build and deteriorate the craze (process time) than by the amplitude of the stress intensity factor.