cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Toward More Targeted Capacity Building: Diagnosing Capacity Needs Across Organizational Life Stages

Investments to build nonprofit organizational capacity have increased rapidly in recent years as both funders and nonprofits seek ways to improve performance. Yet, while research has elucidated the variety of capacity areas organizations generally depend on, we do not yet have a clear empirical understanding of which capacity areas are important to focus on developing or how these capacity needs vary across organizations. Using a life-cycle perspective and extensive data on 71 human service organizations, we examine the relative strength of ten capacity areas at different stages of the nonprofit life-cycle. Findings contribute greater empirical grounding for research on organizational capacity development and have implications for researchers, managers, and funders interested in nonprofit capacity building.
The Cha-Cha-Cha Theory of Scientific Discovery

Dividing the discovery process into three categories can aid in understanding the genesis of small, everyday advances as well as breakthroughs that appear in history books.
Identification of substrates for F-box proteins

F-box proteins serve as specificity factors for a family of ubiquitin protein ligases composed of Skp1, Cu11, and Rbx1. In SCF complexes, Cu11 serves as a scaffold for assembly of the catalytic components composed of Rbx1 and a ubiquitin-conjugating enzyme and the specificity module composed of Skp1 and an F-box protein. F-box proteins interact with Skp1 through the F-box motif and with ubiquitination substrates through C-terminal protein interaction domains such as WD40 repeats. The human genome contains approximately 68 F-box proteins, which fall into three major classes: Fbws containing WD40 repeats, Fbls containing leucine-rich repeats, and Fbxs containing other types of domains. Most often, F-box proteins interact with their targets in a phosphorylation-dependent manner. The interaction of F-box proteins with substrates typically involves a phosphodegron, a small peptide motif containing specific phosphorylation events whose sequence is complementary to the F-box protein. The identification of substrates of F-box proteins is frequently a challenge because of the relatively weak affinity of substrates for the requisite F-box protein. Here we describe approaches for the identification of substrates of F-box proteins. Approaches include stabilization of ubiquitination targets by Cu11-dominant negatives, the use of shRNA hairpins to disrupt F-box protein expression, and the use of collections of F-box proteins as biochemical reagents to identify interacting proteins that may be substrates. In addition, we describe approaches for the use of immobilized phosphopeptides to identify F-box proteins that recognize particular phosphodegrons.
A Review of Sisyphus 91 & 92: Models of Problem-Solving Knowledge

We summarize the papers submitted for the methods-of-problem-solving part of Sisyphus in 1991 and 1992. We describe a three-dimensional framework to situate and compare the different approaches that were used to solve the office assignment problem. We analyze the approaches by highlighting the building blocks they provide to the model creator, their focus (i.e., conceptualisation or implementation), and the support they provide for special activities in the development cycle for knowledge-based systems.
Water table dynamics and groundwater-surface water interaction during filling and draining of a large fluvial island due to dam-induced river stage fluctuations

[1] Dam‐controlled river stage fluctuations alter groundwater–surface water interaction between persistent bars and islands and the rivers bounding them by rapidly changing hydraulic gradients and expanding hyporheic zones. A 300‐m long and 80‐m wide sand‐ gravel island with established vegetation located on the Colorado River (Austin, Texas, USA) is subjected to >1 m daily river stage variations due to upstream dam operations. Piezometer nests with probes monitored the evolution of the water table and groundwater flow paths through several cycles of dam‐induced stage fluctuations. Results show that hydraulic head and the water table within the island closely track the river stage associated with dam release. Water table mounds and depressions which overlap in time were mapped through the course of one storage‐release cycle over which >4,000 m 3 of water moved in and out of the island. Dam operations have drastically altered groundwater–surface water connectivity between the Colorado River and the fluvial island aquifer by pumping substantial amounts of water in and out of the aquifer during dam release and storage cycles.
Converter Transfer Functions

The engineering design process is comprised of several major steps: 1. Specifications and other design goals are defined. 2. A circuit is proposed. This is a creative process that draws on the physical insight and experience of the engineer. 3. The circuit is modeled. The converter power stage is modeled as described in Chapter 7. Components and other portions of the system are modeled as appropriate, often with vendor-supplied data. 4. Design-oriented analysis of the circuit is performed. This involves development of equations that allow element values to be chosen such that specifications and design goals are met. In addition, it may be necessary for the engineer to gain additional understanding and physical insight into the circuit behavior, so that the design can be improved by adding elements to the circuit or by changing circuit connections. 5. Model verification. Predictions of the model are compared to a laboratory prototype, under nominal operating conditions. The model is refined as necessary, so that the model predictions agree with laboratory measurements. 6. Worst-case analysis (or other reliability and production yield analysis) of the circuit is performed. This involves quantitative evaluation of the model performance, to judge whether specifications are met under all conditions. Computer simulation is well-suited to this task. 7. Iteration. The above steps are repeated to improve the design until the worst-case behavior meets specifications, or until the reliability and production yield are acceptably high.
Development of an integrative, lacZ transcriptional-fusion plasmid vector for Streptococcus mutans and its use to isolate expressed genes

A new integrational vector, pFP1, containing a promoterless lacZ gene has been constructed for use with Streptococcus mutans. The vector can be grown in Escherichia coli,but cannot replicate in S. mutans. pFP1 can be transformed into S. mutans with selection for kanamycin resistance. It integrates into the chromosome when homologous DNA is present in the vector. pFP1 provides a way for cloning and identifying new genes of S. mutans. When a number of S. mutans transformants were tested on agar containing different sugars, some 19 distinct clones with sucrose- and/or glucose-responsive promoters were isolated. Sequence analysis indicated that the cloned DNA encoded all or part of 29 putative proteins with 52% to 100% similarity to known proteins. When assayed for β-galactosidase activity in BTR medium containing 2% sucrose, glucose or maltose, several genes showed some evidence of sugar regulation, including gtfBK, ftf, scrA, and most dramatically for sucrose regulation, fruA.
Allyl formate-induced hepatotoxicity in rainbow trout

Abstract Rainbow trout liver is tubular without apparent lobules. Hepatotoxins are often defined by the portion of the hepatic lobule affected. One of these, carbon tetrachloride, has been studied in trout and has produced no consistent pattern of toxicity similar to the centrilobular pattern seen in rodent liver. By contrast, allyl formate, a periportal necrotic agent in rodent liver, induced distinctive necrosis in trout liver. At 24 h, following oral administration of 100 μliter/kg allyl formate, light microscopy revealed pallor of hepatocytes, hemorrhage in parenchymal space, swollen and shrunken hepatocytes, hepatocellular lysis and nuclear changes signifying necrosis. Calcification and apparently increased collagen deposition were observed at 48 h near bile ducts. By 72 h, hepatocyte morphology suggested partial recovery. Electron microscopy confirmed and extended histologic observations and revealed destruction of sinusoidal endothelium, hepatocyte glycogen depletion and condensed mitochondria. Surviving hepatocytes appeared condensed and shrunken. Serum glutamate-pyruvic transaminase increased at 24 and 48 h and returned to normal by 72 h. Liver Na+ and K+ and serum bilirubin were also changed and correlated with observed morphological alterations.
The U.S. Fire Learning Network: Providing a Narrative Framework for Restoring Ecosystems, Professions, and Institutions

Through the U.S. Fire Learning Network (FLN), The Nature Conservancy and federal land management agencies are attempting to reorient fire management from fire suppression toward ecological restoration and community protection. In its first 2 years, the FLN linked place-based collaboratives at a national scale. Using structured planning exercises, the FLN mediated between central coordination and collaborative autonomy by guiding partners through construction of place-based and mutually coherent narratives. These narratives situated landscape partners within an arc of conflict, crisis, and resolution, aligning partners with the goals of FLN's sponsoring organizations while enhancing community solidarity and shared purpose. FLN's narrative framework placed fire managers in a heroic role of restorationist, legitimized multiple professional ways of knowing, and built collaborative capacity, thus charting a path from crisis to renewal for ecological and human communities and for fire management itself.
830 TREATMENT OF RECURRENT LARYNGEAL PAPILLOMATOSIS WITH AN INTERFERON INDUCER

Papillomatosls is a potentially life-threatening proliferative lesion of the larynx; a viral etiology is postulated. Repeated recurrence can occur requiring frequent surgery for maintenance of a patent airway. The synthetic interferon inducer polylnosinic-polycytidillc acid stabilized with poly-L-lysine (Poly ICLC) was used l.v. In 6 patients. Doses ranged from 2.5 mg/m2 to 12 mg/m2 t.i.w. for a three month course. In all patients a marked decrease in the requirement for surgery was seen. No regression of pulmonary lesions was seen in 3/3 patients with such lesions. Toxiclty consisted of fever, nausea and headache; mild neutropenla lasting 1-3 days and transient transaminase elevations. Variable serum interferon titers ranging from 100-3000 units were seen 8 hours after each dose (peak titer). The dramatic decrease in the requirement for surgery in these patients suggests that additional studies of antiviral agents in papillomatous diseases are indicated. Supported in part by General Clinical Research Center-Pediatrics grant RR-0052 and General Research grant RR-0046.
Risk factors for mortality in patients with AIDS in the era of highly active antiretroviral therapy.

Objective To evaluate risk factors for mortality among patients with AIDS in the era of highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART), particularly the effect of cytomegalovirus (CMV). Design Prospective cohort study of patients with AIDS, conducted from 1998 through 2003. Participants One thousand five hundred eighty-three patients with AIDS, of whom 374 had CMV retinitis. Methods Patients were contacted every 3 months, with examinations at least every 6 months, in which standardized data were collected on AIDS history and treatment, eye examinations, and hematologic, virologic, and immunologic laboratory data. Main Outcome Measure Mortality. Results The overall mortality rate was 0.07 deaths/person-year. In a multivariate analysis, the following baseline risk factors were associated with an increased mortality: higher human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) viral load (relative risk [RR] = 4.6 for HIV viral load >100000 copies/ml vs. P P P = 0.002), lower hemoglobin (RR = 1.7 for hemoglobin P = 0.009), a history of cryptococcal meningitis (RR = 1.7; P = 0.02), CMV retinitis (RR = 1.6; P = 0.0002), and Karnofsky score ≤80 (RR = 1.4; P = 0.008). Conclusions In the era of HAART, CMV disease as manifested by CMV retinitis and a detectable CMV viral load were associated with an increased risk for mortality, even after adjusting for demographic, treatment, immunologic, and HIV virologic factors.
Decompositions into codimension two submanifolds: The nonorientable case

Abstract If G is an upper semicontinuous decomposition of an (n+2)-manifold into continua having the shape of closed n-manifolds, then the decomposition space is a 2-manifold with boundary.
A fictitious domain method with a hybrid cell model for simulating motion of cells in fluid flow

In this study, we develop a hybrid model to represent membranes of biological cells and use the distributed-Lagrange-multiplier/fictitious-domain (DLM/FD) formulation for simulating the fluid/cell interactions. The hybrid model representing the cellular structure consists of a continuum representation of the lipid bilayer, from which the bending force is calculated through energetic variational approach, a discrete cytoskeleton model utilizing the worm-like chain to represent network filament, and area/volume constraints. For our computational scheme, a formally second-order accurate fractional step scheme is employed to decouple the entire system into three sub-systems: a fluid problem, a solid problem and a Lagrange multiplier problem. The flow problem is solved by the projection method; the solid problem based on the cell model is solved by a combination of level set method, ENO reconstruction, and the Newton method; and the Lagrange multiplier problem is solved by immerse boundary interpolation. The incompressibility of the material is implemented with the penalty function method. Numerical results compare favorably with previously reported numerical and experimental results, and show that our method is suited to the simulation of the cell motion in flow.
Changes in von Willebrand factor and fibrinolysis following a post-exercise cool-down

The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of a post-exercise active cool-down on von Willebrand factor and fibrinolysis. Ten subjects performed two maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max) tests followed by a 10-min passive (PC) or an active (AC) cool-down. Blood samples were obtained pre-exercise, post-exercise, post-PC/AC, and 1 h post-exercise and analyzed for von Willebrand factor antigen (vWf:Ag), tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) antigen and activity and plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1) activity. Data were analyzed using repeated measures analysis of variance. No significant differences were found between VO2max tests for treadmill time, VO2max, respiratory exchange ratio, maximal heart rate, or maximal blood lactate concentration. vWf:Ag was significantly elevated (P<0.05) following PC [198.4 (18.3)% normal] versus AC [174.5 (15.6)% normal] and remained elevated 1-h post-exercise [179.4 (16.4)% normal for PC vs 158.6 (13.8)% normal for AC]. There were no differences between tests for tPA or PAI-1 activity, although tPA antigen was significantly elevated following PC versus AC (P <0.05). Following the cool-down, hematocrit was higher (P <0.05) for the PC test [48.90 (0.36)] compared with AC [47.43 (0.51)]. An AC reduces post-exercise vWf:Ag and tPA antigen without affecting tPA or PAI-1 activity.
THE SUSCEPTIBILITY OF SWINE TO THE VIRUS OF HUMAN INFLUENZA

Swine inoculated intranasally with human influenza virus alone develop an ill defined, mild, and usually afebrile illness of short duration. At postmortem the anterior lobes of the lungs of such animals contain scant, scattered areas of lobular atelectasis. Transmission of the virus for 5 serial passages through two groups of swine failed noticeably to enhance its pathogenicity for this species. The disease produced in swine by infection with human influenza virus alone is indistinguishable clinically and pathologically from that caused by infection with swine influenza virus alone. Transmission of human influenza virus from swine to swine by contact succeeded in only one of four attempts. Swine inoculated intranasally with a mixture of human influenza virus and H. influenzae suis usually develop a febrile, depressing illness similar to mild swine influenza. The pneumonia encountered in such animals at autopsy is similar to but less extensive than that seen in swine influenza. In some animals H. influenzae suis fails to become established and the disease then seen is identical with that caused by human influenza virus alone. The human influenza virus recovered after 5 serial transfers in swine was immunologically the same as that with which the experiments were begun.
Zoned chondrules in Semarkona: Evidence for high- and low-temperature processing

At least 15% of the 10w-FeO chondrules in Semarkona (LL3.0) have mesostases that are concentrically zoned in Na, with enrichments near the outer margins. We have studied zoned chondrules using electron microprobe methods (x-ray mapping plus quantitative analysis), ion microprobe analysis for trace elements and hydrogen isotopes, cathodoluminescence imaging, and transmission electron microscopy in order to determine what these objects can tell us about the environment in which chondrules formed and evolved. Mesostases in these chondrules are strongly zoned in all moderately volatile elements and H (interpreted as water). Calcium is depleted in areas ofvolatile enrichment. Titanium and Cr generally decrease toward the chondrule surfaces, whereas Al and Si may either increase or decrease, generally in opposite directions to one another; Mn follows Na in some chondru1es but not in others; Fe and Mg are unzoned. D/H ratios increase in the water-rich areas of zoned chondrules. Mesostasis shows cathodoluminescence zoning in most zoned chondrules, with the brightest yellow color near the outside. Mesostasis in zoned chondrules appears to be glassy, with no evidence for devitrification. Systematic variations in zoning patterns among pyroxene- and olivine-rich chondrules may indicate that fractionation oflow- and high-Ca pyroxene played some role in Ti, Cr, Mn, Si, AI, and some Ca zoning. But direct condensation ofelements into hot chondrules, secondary melting oflate condensates into the outer portions of chondrules, and subsolidus diffusion of elements into warm chondrules cannot account for the sub-parallel zoning profiles ofmany elements, the presence ofH20, or elemental abundance patterns. Zoning ofmoderately volatile elements and Ca may have been produced by hydration ofchondrule glass without devitrification during aqueous alteration on the parent asteroid. This could have induced structural changes in the glass allowing rapid diffusion and exchange of elements between altered glass and surrounding matrix and rim material. Calcium was mainly lost during this process, and other nonvolatile elements may have been mobile as well. Some unzoned, 10w-FeO chondrules appear to have fully altered mesostasis.
Unexpected Delirium During Rapid Opioid Detoxification (ROD)

Rapid Opioid Detoxification (ROD), using a combination of the long acting opioid antagonist, Naltrexone and the alpha 2 agonist Clonidine, is a method to detoxify patients who are opioid dependent. The daily administration of Naltrexone in increasing dosages decreases the duration of the withdrawal syndrome associated with opioids, especially longer acting drugs such as Methadone. This study is intended to report the frequency of delirium, as defined in DSM IV, during the ROD of Methadone maintained patients. A chart review was conducted of twenty consecutive patients who received in-patient ROD from Methadone maintenance from January 1999 to December 1999. Methadone was tapered and discontinued prior to ROD and Naltrexone was administered in increasing daily doses. Five individuals developed delirium and discontinued the procedure on the first day, fourteen patients completed the protocol, and one dropped out prior to completion. A significant incidence of delirium resulted from the ROD procedure.
Use of Photoproteins as Intracellular Calcium Indicators

The calcium-regulated photoproteins, of which aequorin is the best known, continue to be one of the most useful groups of intracellular Ca2+ indicators. They are self-contained bioluminescent systems that emit blue light in the presence of Ca2+ ions, can readily be purified intact, and are nontoxic when introduced into foreign cells. They have been used successfully as Ca2+ indicators in almost every kind of cell, but are most widely used in muscle cells because of their relative freedom from motion artifacts. Photoproteins have also been used in conjunction with microscopic image intensification to localize Ca2+ in cells. Their large molecular size makes them difficult to introduce into cells, but once there, they have the advantage of staying in the cytoplasm. Aequorin can be microinjected satisfactorily into single cells of almost any size, but a number of alternative methods for introducing photoproteins into cells have been developed in recent years. Disadvantages of the photoproteins for some applications include the nonlinear relation between [Ca2+] and light intensity, the modest speed with which they respond to sudden changes in [Ca2+], and the fact the Mg2+ antagonizes the effect of Ca2+. Native photoproteins consist of a mixture of isospecies, and there are differences in Ca2+ sensitivity and in kinetic properties--both among photoproteins and among the isospecies of a given photoprotein. The genes for several of the isospecies of aequorin have been cloned and expressed in E. coli. It seems reasonable to hope that genetic engineering techniques may soon make it possible to consider using, as Ca2+ indicators, rare isospecies or rare photoproteins that have optimal properties for particular applications.
A proteasomal ATPase subunit recognizes the polyubiquitin degradation signal.

The 26S proteasome is the chief site of regulatory protein turnover in eukaryotic cells1. It comprises one 20S catalytic complex (composed of four stacked rings of seven members) and two axially positioned 19S regulatory complexes (each containing about 18 subunits) that control substrate access to the catalytic chamber2. In most cases, targeting to the 26S proteasome depends on tagging of the substrate with a specific type of polyubiquitin chain3,4,5,6. Recognition of this signal is followed by substrate unfolding and translocation, which are presumably catalysed by one or more of six distinct AAA ATPases located in the base—a ring-like 19S subdomain that abuts the axial pore of the 20S complex and exhibits chaperone activity in vitro7,8,9. Despite the importance of polyubiquitin chain recognition in proteasome function, the site of this signal's interaction with the 19S complex has not been identified previously. Here we use crosslinking to a reactive polyubiquitin chain to show that a specific ATPase subunit, S6′ (also known as Rpt5), contacts the bound chain. The interaction of this signal with 26S proteasomes is modulated by ATP hydrolysis. Our results suggest that productive recognition of the proteolytic signal, as well as proteasome assembly and substrate unfolding, are ATP-dependent events.
Separation and characteristics of isoenzymes of wheat germ acid phosphatase

Abstract Isoenzymes of wheat germ acid phosphatase were separated into several fractions by DEAE-cellulose chromatography using a pH gradient. Disc electrophoresis indicated 7 separate isoenzymes. One DEAE-cellulose fraction, labeled as Group I, contained 4 of the 7 isoenzymes and another, labeled as Group II, contained the other 3. Sedimentation velocity analysis indicated that each group was monodisperse, as indicated by a single sedimenting peak. The 3rd and 7th isoenzymes (numbered on basis of electrophoretic migration) were isolated by further DEAE-cellulose chromatography. The absorption spectra of isoenzymes 3 and 7 were not alike but both indicate the presence of a metal. The isoenzymes 3 and 7 had similar pH optimum, but different substrate constants (Km) for o-carboxyphenylphosphate. Inhibition studies indicated that both isoenzymes 3 and 7 had about 2 · 103 times greater affinity for molybdate than for orthophosphate. Orthophosphate competitively inhibited the reaction of isoenzyme 3 with o-carboxyphenylphosphate.
An approach to persistence of Web resources

The growth of the World Wide Web holds great promise for universal online information access. New information is constantly being made available for users. However, the information accessible on the Web changes constantly. These changes may occur as modifications to both the content and the location of previously existing Web resources. As these changes occur, the accessibility to past versions of such Web resources is often lost. This paper presents an approach to provide content persistence of Web resources by organizing collections of historical Web resources in a distributed configuration management system to allow online, read-only access to the versioned resources.
Markov-Chain-Based Output Feedback Control for Stabilization of Networked Control Systems with Random Time Delays and Packet Losses

This paper proposes an output feedback method to stabilize and control networked control systems (NCSs). Random time delays and packet losses are treated separately when an NCS is modeled. The random time delays in the controller-to-actuator and sensor-to-controller links are modeled with two time-homogeneous Markov chains, while the packet losses are treated by the Dirac delta functions. An asymptotic mean-square stability criterion is established to compensate for the network-induced random time delays and packet losses in both the controller-to-actuator and sensor-to-controller links simultaneously. An algorithm to implement the asymptotic mean-square stability criterion is also proposed. Further, a DC-motor speed-control test bed with Ethernet using User Datagram Protocol (UDP) is constructed and employed for experimental verification. Two sets of experiments, with and without 10% packet losses in the links, are conducted on this NCS. Experimental results illustrate the effectiveness of the proposed output feedback method compared to conventional controllers. This method could compensate for the effects of the random time delays and packet losses and guarantee the system performance and stability. The integral time and absolute error (ITAE) of the experiments without packet losses is reduced by 13% with the proposed method, and the ITAE of experiments with 10% packet losses, by 30%. The NCS can track the reference command faithfully with the proposed method when random time delays and packet losses exist in the links, whereas the NCS fails to track the reference command with the conventional control algorithms.
Some recent developments on linear determinacy

The process of invasion is fundamental to the study of the dynamics of ecological and epidemiological systems. Quantitatively, a crucial measure of species' invasiveness is given by the rate at which it spreads into new open environments. The so-called ``linear determinacy'' conjecture equates full nonlinear model spread rates with the spread rates computed from linearized systems with the linearization carried out around the leading edge of the invasion. A survey that accounts for recent developments in the identification of conditions under which linear determinacy gives the ``right" answer, particularly in the context of non-compact and non-cooperative systems, is the thrust of this contribution. Novel results that extend some of the research linked to some the contributions covered in this survey are also discussed.
Gravity Probe B Photometry and Observations of ζ Pegasi: An SPB Variable Star

The Gravity Probe B (GP-B) satellite photometric system and instrumentation are introduced. Observational results are presented for calibration stars demonstrating a single-orbit relative photometric precision capability of 500 μmag for bright stars. Broadband photometric observations of the bright star ζ Pegasi are then presented that display brightness variability of 488.2 ± 6.6 μmag (parts per million), with a period of 22.952 ± 0.804 hr (f ≈ 1.04566 cycles day–1). Over the short observational period, the variation is monosinusoidal, thus recommending the star for membership in the class of small-amplitude, slowly pulsating B (SPB) star variables oscillating in a nonradial g-mode.
Antibody-based approaches to diagnosis and characterization of oxidative phosphorylation diseases.

Abstract Mitochondrial disorders caused by defects in oxidative phosphorylation function are difficult to diagnoze. Here we review the emerging use of antibody-based approaches for this diagnosis. Novel methods involving immunohistochemistry and immunocapture of defective enzymes for characterization are described that add to the arsenal of approaches available.
Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in gymnastics: preliminary findings

Background: Athletic performance without benefit from performance-enhancing substances is essential in amateur sports; yet, prohibiting specific medications creates discrimination against competitors with a medical illness. To avoid such inequalities, the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) adopted international standards for therapeutic use exemptions (TUE). Attentiondeficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) treatment within the athletic population is a unique challenge. Stimulants, first-line treatment for ADHD, are prohibited unless alternative, nonprohibited medications have first been tried and found ineffective. The world prevalence of ADHD is 5.3%; however, there are no ADHD prevalence studies in sports. This paper addresses ADHD in a boys’ gymnastics team, implications for further research with a proposed surveyquestionnaire to measure prevalence of ADHD with behavioral effects of gymnastics, and ethical considerations. Method: Preliminary ADHD prevalence in a boys’ gymnastics team is presented with complementary literature review and a proposed survey-questionnaire to estimate actual ADHD prevalence in gymnastics populations with behavioral effects. Results: The parents of boys in a gymnastic reported that 5 of 7 (71.4%) boys were either diagnosed with ADHD in the past or had been treated with stimulant or non-stimulant medications for inattentive/hyperactive/impulsive behaviours. Parents described gymnastics as effective �� behavioral therapy �� in controlling/improving ADHD symptoms, with this effect extending into other environments (home/classroom). Only one parent was aware of WADA stimulant prohibition. Conclusions: A surprisingly large ADHD prevalence is reported in one boys’ gymnastic team. Further research is required to verify this high ADHD prevalence and behavioral effects in gymnastics. A proposed survey-questionnaire to measure both ADHD prevalence and behavioral effects in gymnastics is presented. © 2010 Consell Catala de l’Esport. Generalitat de Catalunya. Published by Elsevier Espana, S.L. All rights reserved.
Identification of errors introduced during high throughput sequencing of the T cell receptor repertoire

Recent advances in massively parallel sequencing have increased the depth at which T cell receptor (TCR) repertoires can be probed by >3log10, allowing for saturation sequencing of immune repertoires. The resolution of this sequencing is dependent on its accuracy, and direct assessments of the errors formed during high throughput repertoire analyses are limited. We analyzed 3 monoclonal TCR from TCR transgenic, Rag-/- mice using Illumina® sequencing. A total of 27 sequencing reactions were performed for each TCR using a trifurcating design in which samples were divided into 3 at significant processing junctures. More than 20 million complementarity determining region (CDR) 3 sequences were analyzed. Filtering for lower quality sequences diminished but did not eliminate sequence errors, which occurred within 1-6% of sequences. Erroneous sequences were pre-dominantly of correct length and contained single nucleotide substitutions. Rates of specific substitutions varied dramatically in a position-dependent manner. Four substitutions, all purine-pyrimidine transversions, predominated. Solid phase amplification and sequencing rather than liquid sample amplification and preparation appeared to be the primary sources of error. Analysis of polyclonal repertoires demonstrated the impact of error accumulation on data parameters. Caution is needed in interpreting repertoire data due to potential contamination with mis-sequence reads. However, a high association of errors with phred score, high relatedness of erroneous sequences with the parental sequence, dominance of specific nt substitutions, and skewed ratio of forward to reverse reads among erroneous sequences indicate approaches to filter erroneous sequences from repertoire data sets.
Synthesis of Progesterone in Vitro by Porcine Corpora Lutea

Slices of porcine corpora lutea incubated in vitro incorporate acetate-l-14C into progesterone and 20α-hydroxy-4-pregnene-3-one. Progesterone-14C synthesis is greatest in tissues Obtained from animals in midcycle or early pregnancy. Incubation of porcine luteal slices in the presence of LH gives a significant increase (p <0.001) in progesterone concentration above control levels. No significant difference between ovine, bovine, or porcine LH was seen. The mean values were: control 202, porcine LH 233, bovine LH 249, and ovine LH 245 μg/g tissue, with approximately 50 flasks/treatment group. By using suitably increasing concentrations of LH (0.004–0.1 μg/ml) a graded increase in progesterone concentration was obtained. Whereas progesterone synthesis in vitro is stimulated by LH (p < 0.001), it is not influenced by FSH or prolactin (values: control 200, LH 222, FSH 194, prolactin 196 μg/g tissue; 36 flasks/treatment group). The increase in progesterone concentration induced by LH is greater in tissues obtai...
Bosonized superstring boundary states and partition functions

Abstract A hole in a superstring worldsheet may be represented by a boundary state which imposes the appropriate boundary conditions relating the left-and right-moving fields. The complete bosonized boundary state is constructed by factorizing the open-string partition functions in the closed-string channel. A regularization-free derivation of the boundary corrections to the closed-superstring beta functions is sketched, using the unbosonized boundary state.
Carbon Dioxide Mediated Synthesis of Mesoporous Silica Films: Tuning Properties using Pressure

Mesoporous silica films were synthesized by the selective condensation of tetraethylorthosilicate (TEOS) within preformed amphiphilic templates using carbon dioxide as a carrier for the precursor. Blends of poly(ethylene oxide)-b-poly(propylene oxide)-b-poly(ethylene oxide) (Pluronic F108) and poly(p-hydroxystyrene) (PHOSt) containing p-toluenesulfonic acid were exposed to gaseous or supercritical fluid solutions of CO2, TEOS, and H2O at 60 °C. The subsequent sorption within the polymeric template delivered the precursors for selective reaction in the hydrophilic domains. Mesoporous silica films were formed by the removal of the template by calcination at 450 °C. The physical properties of mesoporous silica were tailored through control of the CO2 pressure during the reaction. The pore size increased slightly (1.6−1.81 nm) as the CO2 pressure was increased to ~80 bar. A small increase in pressure resulted in a significant expansion of the pore size near 84 bar to nearly 4 nm pore radii. In addition to tun...
Light-dependent spin trapping of hydroxyl radical from human erythrocytes.

Summary The generation of reactive oxygen species from human erythrocytes has previously been demonstrated. Furthermore, erythrocytic protoporphyrin IX has been shown to generate superoxide and singlet oxygen when exposed to light. These findings suggest that a component of erythrocytic reactive oxygen species production may be light-dependent. By inhibiting erythrocyte superoxide dismutase, catalase, and glutathione peroxidase with N,N-diethyldithiocarbamate or sodium cyanide, we demonstrate the light-dependent generation of hydroxyl radical in human erythrocytes using spin trapping/Electron Spin Resonance spectroscopy. This finding may be significant in tissues where blood is exposed to light, such as in the eye.
A MECHANISM FOR ENHANCING IONIC ACCESSIBILITY INTO SELECTIVE ION EXCHANGE RESINS

ABSTRACT A bifunctional monophosphonic/sulfonic acid ion exchange resin with high capacity has been synthesized. Metal ion studies have been carried out with europium, americium, and ferric nitrate in solutions of varying acidity, with and without sodium nitrate added. The bifunctional resin complexes far higher levels of Eu(III) from 0.5 and 1 N nitric acid than the monofunctional phosphonic acid resin. It is postulated that the sulfonic acid ligand provides an access mechanism for the metal ions into the polymer matrix by hydrating the matrix and preventing its collapse in high ionic strength solutions thus allowing for rapid ionic complexation by the selective phosphonic acid ligands. The bifunctional monophosphonic/sulfonic acid resin has both ligands bound to a polystyrene support. It complexes higher levels of metal ions than a comparable resin differing only by having the monophosphonic acid ligand directly bound to the C-C backbone. Results are compared to a diphosphonic / sulfonic acid resin.
Structural basis for cofactor-independent dioxygenation in vancomycin biosynthesis

Here the authors report the X-ray structure of the vancomycin biosynthetic oxygenation enzyme DpgC — a key enzyme in the biosynthetic pathway of an important class of antibiotics — complexed with a bound substrate mimic. The structure confirms the absence of cofactors in the active site, and electron density consistent with molecular oxygen is present adjacent to the site of oxidation on the substrate, shedding light on the detailed mechanism of cofactor-independent oxygenases. Enzyme-catalysed oxidations are some of the most common transformations in primary and secondary metabolism. The vancomycin biosynthetic enzyme DpgC belongs to a small class of oxygenation enzymes that are not dependent on an accessory cofactor or metal ion1. The detailed mechanism of cofactor-independent oxygenases has not been established. Here we report the first structure of an enzyme of this oxygenase class in complex with a bound substrate mimic. The use of a designed, synthetic substrate analogue allows unique insights into the chemistry of oxygen activation. The structure confirms the absence of cofactors, and electron density consistent with molecular oxygen is present adjacent to the site of oxidation on the substrate. Molecular oxygen is bound in a small hydrophobic pocket and the substrate provides the reducing power to activate oxygen for downstream chemical steps. Our results resolve the unique and complex chemistry of DpgC, a key enzyme in the biosynthetic pathway of an important class of antibiotics2. Furthermore, mechanistic parallels exist between DpgC and cofactor-dependent flavoenzymes3, providing information regarding the general mechanism of enzymatic oxygen activation.
Possible sample paths of self-similar α-stable processes

Abstract We describe all possibilities for sample path properties of H-self-similar α-stable processes with stationary increments for all pairs (α, H), completing the picture presented by Kono and Maejima (1991).
Host–pathogen interactions in urinary tract infection

The urinary tract is a common site of bacterial infections; nearly half of all women experience at least one urinary tract infection (UTI) during their lifetime. These infections are classified based on the condition of the host. Uncomplicated infections affect otherwise healthy individuals and are most commonly caused by uropathogenic Escherichia coli, whereas complicated infections affect patients with underlying difficulties, such as a urinary tract abnormality or catheterization, and are commonly caused by species such as Proteus mirabilis. Virulence and fitness factors produced by both pathogens include fimbriae, toxins, flagella, iron acquisition systems, and proteins that function in immune evasion. Additional factors that contribute to infection include the formation of intracellular bacterial communities by E. coli and the production of urease by P. mirabilis, which can result in urinary stone formation. Innate immune responses are induced or mediated by pattern recognition receptors, antimicrobial peptides, and neutrophils. The adaptive immune response to UTI is less well understood. Host factors TLR4 and CXCR1 are implicated in disease outcome and susceptibility, respectively. Low levels of TLR4 are associated with asymptomatic bacteriuria while low levels of CXCR1 are associated with increased incidence of acute pyelonephritis. Current research is focused on the identification of additional virulence factors and therapeutic or prophylactic targets that might be used in the generation of vaccines against both uropathogens.
An in-pond raceway system incorporating removal of fish wastes

An aquaculture system called 'in-pond raceway (IPR)' was studied for channel catfish (Ictalurus punctatus) production. The raceway was a rectangular-shaped box (4.9~ I.2 m x I.2 m high), built from treated lumber and suspended between walkways of a floating pier. A set of air- lifi pumps located at the head-end of the raceway circulated pond water into the raceway. The raceway had an approximately 4% bottom slope along the 49 m length to assist the movement of fish wastes cfeces and uneaten feed). In 1992 four raceways were stocked with an average of 2078 fingerlings per raceway. Mortalities during the 124-day culture period averaged 341 j&h (164%) per raceway. The growth rate averaged 1.29 g day-t with an average food conversion ratio (FCR) of 1.95. The average total weight of the harvested fish was 297.3 kg per raceway (52.2 kg mm:'). A total of 201 m3 of fluent containing fish wastes was removed and sampled. The samples were analyzed for concentrations of total solids, BOD and nutrients (nitrogen and phosphorus). The system was intended to remove settleable wastes with primary and secondary waste collectors. Soluble wastes were allowed to enter the pond.
Reducing Maternal Mortality: An Ultrasound System for Village Midwives

On average a woman dies in childbirth approximately every 90 seconds, and the majority of these deaths take place in Africa and Asia [1]. While ultrasound imaging is an effective tool for identifying maternal mortality risk factors, it is nearly absent in many rural healthcare facilities in developing regions due to the high costs of both equipment and required training. To leverage existing healthcare systems commonly found in these contexts, we have focused on increasing the diagnostic capabilities of village midwives -- often central medical figures in rural and low-income communities. We have developed a low-cost, portable, easy-to-use ultrasound system designed specifically to enable local midwives to identify high-risk conditions for referral to a well-equipped health care facility. Our focus has been on designing an appropriate system for our context. Specifically, we had to: simplify our user interface, support a solitary work environment, balance cost and features, and create an integrated teaching help system. This paper describes technical, socio-technical, and socio-cultural factors, drawn from our collaboration with the University of Washington Department of Radiology and our field experiences with midwives in Uganda, that have influenced our design.
Enhanced function of regulatory T-cells after burn injury is cell contact- and TGF-B1-dependent

Abstract Introduction: We have recently reported that injury increases the activity of CD4+CD25+ Regulatory T-cells (Tregs) which can inhibit T-cell activation and cytokine production. We wished to determine the mechanism of action of these injury-induced Tregs. Methods: Groups of 6 male Balb/c mice underwent 25% sham or burn injury under anaesthesia. At 1 and 7 days lymph node and spleen CD4+ T-cells were purified and separated into CD4+CD25+ and CD4+CD25− populations by magnetic bead sorting. Purified cells were added to CFSE-labeled naive lymph node cells in increasing ratios and stimulated in vitro by anti-CD3 antibody. In order to prevent contact between Tregs and responder cells, stimulated cultures of purified T-cells were separated from labeled lymph node cells by a semi-permeable membrane. Lymphocyte proliferation was measured in all experiments by flow cytometry. Cell surface staining determined the expression of TGF-B1 on lymph node and spleen CD4+CD25+ and CD4+CD25− T-cells at 1 and 7 days. Finally, the effect of anti-TGF-B1 antibody on Treg-mediated suppression of proliferation was assessed. Results: Enhanced suppression of lymphocyte proliferation was mediated by CD4+CD25+ T-cells from lymph nodes but not spleens of burn mice at 7 days but not at 1 day compared with sham (p Conclusions: The regulatory activity of CD4+CD25+ T-cells, increased at day 7 after injury, is cell contact- and TGF-B1-dependent. These cells may mediate suppression of the adaptive immune response noted after serious injury.
CAEP: AN EVOLUTION-BASED TOOL FOR REAL-VALUED FUNCTION OPTIMIZATION USING CULTURAL ALGORITHMS

Cultural Algorithms are computational self-adaptive models which consist of a population and a belief space. The problem-solving experience of individuals selected from the population space by the acceptance function is generalized and stored in the belief space. This knowledge can then control the evolution of the population component by means of the influence function. Here, we examine the role that different forms of knowledge can play in the self-adaptation process within cultural systems. In particular, we compare various approaches that use normative and situational knowledge in different ways to guide the function optimization process. The results in this study demonstrate that Cultural Algorithms are a naturally useful framework for self-adaptation and that the use of a cultural framework to support self-adaptation in Evolutionary Programming can produce substantial performance improvements over population-only systems as expressed in terms of (1) systems success ratio, (2) execution CPU time, and (3) convergence (mean best solution) for a given set of 34 function minimization problems. The nature of these improvements and the type of knowledge that is most effective in producing them depend on the problem's functional landscape. In addition, it was found that the same held true for the population-only self-adaptive EP systems. Each level of self-adaptation (component, individual, and population) outperformed the others for problems with particular landscape features.