cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Investigation of Molecular Level Stress-Strain Relationships in Systems of Entangled F-Actin by Combined Force-Measuring Optical Tweezers and Fluorescence Microscopy

Actin plays a major role in cell structure, cell motility, vesicle and organelle transport, and muscle contraction. Actin's ability to play these major roles is a direct consequence of the intricate relationship between stress and strain in a variety of filamentous actin (F-actin) networks. A thorough understanding of the unique stress-strain relationships in complex F-actin networks at the molecular-level is currently lacking despite the importance of such networks to fields such as biomimetic material engineering and cell biology. Here we develop novel single-molecule instrumentation that combines dual-trap force-measuring optical tweezers with fluorescence microscopy to enable simultaneous characterization of intermolecular forces and molecular dynamics within F-actin networks. This instrumentation is combined with a novel technique in which single F-actin “probes” are used to apply molecular-level strains and measure induced stress within entangled F-actin systems while the deformations and dynamics of surrounding fluorescent-labeled filaments are simultaneously imaged. Specifically, the dual-trap optical tweezers trap fluorescent-labeled, microsphere-conjugated probes and measure the force induced on the probe as it is moved through a network of selectively-labeled entangled F-actin by using a nanoprecison piezoelectric stage to move the sample chamber relative to the traps. Fluorescence microscopy is used simultaneously to image the dynamics of the moving probe as well as the surrounding labeled molecules subject to the applied strain. Specific bioconjugation of the fluorescent polystyrene microspheres to the ends of labeled F-actin is achieved by carbodiimide attachment of gelsolin to microspheres and combining gelsolin-coated microspheres with fluorescent phalloidin labeled actin. This powerful single-molecule technique allows simultaneous measurement of intermolecular forces and dynamics and deformations of single molecules, providing the much needed link between stress and strain at the molecular level in complex F-actin networks.
MEMS Thruster System for CubeSat Orbital Maneuver Applications

This paper reviews the previously developed attitude control micro-thruster propulsion unit (The Aerospace Corporation) and a high pressure piezoelectric microvalve (Jet Propulsion Laboratory), and follows up with a conceptual development effort that is currently underway to optimize the benefits of merging these two technologies. The goal is to provide orbital maneuver capabilities for future Air Force and NASA nano/pico-satellite missions, such as inspector satellites for post launch diagnostics, sparse array antennas, field measurements of space weather events, and the calibration of atmospheric drag in the thermosphere. The piezoelectric microvalve developed is capable of low power (3mW), high speed (>1kHz), and high pressure (70 bar absolute). The target warm gas Newton level propulsion system dry mass is 200 grams and with a volume of <100 cm3 and the intended first mission is to provide CubeSats the ability to operate at orbits of choice rather than opportunity.Copyright © 2009 by ASME
Intensity-based signal separation algorithm for accurate quantification of clustered centrosomes in tissue sections.

Centrosomes are small organelles that organize the mitoticspindle during cell division and are also involved in cell shape andpolarity. Within epithelial tumors, such as breast cancer, and somehematological tumors, centrosome abnormalities (CA) are common, occurearly in disease etiology, and correlate with chromosomal instability anddisease stage. In situ quantification of CA by optical microscopy ishampered by overlap and clustering of these organelles, which appear asfocal structures. CA has been frequently associated with Tp53 status inpremalignant lesions and tumors. Here we describe an approach toaccurately quantify centrosomes in tissue sections and tumors.Considering proliferation and baseline amplification rate the resultingpopulation based ratio of centrosomes per nucleus allow the approximationof the proportion of cells with CA. Using this technique we show that20-30 percent of cells have amplified centrosomes in Tp53 null mammarytumors. Combining fluorescence detection, deconvolution microscopy and amathematical algorithm applied to a maximum intensity projection we showthat this approach is superior to traditional investigator based visualanalysis or threshold-based techniques.
An investigation of an unbiased correction for heteroskedasticity and the effects of misspecifying the skedastic function

The traditional three-step procedure for correcting for heteroskedasticity uses a consistent but biased estimator for the variances σt2 in enacting the second step. An estimator is developed here that is unbiased in the presence of heteroskedasticity. Its behavior is examined along with the traditional estimator and another known to be unbiased in the absence of heteroskedasticity. The behavior of these corrective methods is also examined when the form and arguments of the skedastic function are misspecified. This is accomplished using Monte Carlo studies of several situations of interest.
Calcium ion involvement in growth inhibition of mechanically stressed soybean (Glycine max) seedlings

A 40-50% reduction in soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr. cv. Century 84] hypocotyl elongation occurred 24 h after application of mechanical stress. Exogenous Ca2+ at 10 mM inhibited growth by 28% if applied with the Ca2+ ionophore A23187 to the zone of maximum hypocotyl elongation. La3+ was even more inhibitory than Ca2+, especially above 5 mM. Treatment with ethyleneglycol-bis-(beta-aminoethylether)-N, N, N', N'-tetraacetic acid (EGTA) alone had no effect on growth of non-stressed seedlings at the concentrations used but negated stress-induced growth reduction by 36% at 4 mM when compared to non-treated, stressed controls. Treatment with EDTA was ineffective in negating stress-induced growth inhibition. Calmodulin antagonists calmidazolium, chlorpromazine, and 48/80 also negated stress-induced growth reduction by 23, 50, and 35%, respectively.
MicroRNA expression profiling of the developing murine upper lip

Clefts of the lip and palate are thought to be caused by genetic and environmental insults but the role of epigenetic mechanisms underlying this common birth defect are unknown. We analyzed the expression of over 600 microRNAs in the murine medial nasal and maxillary processes isolated on GD10.0–GD11.5 to identify those expressed during development of the upper lip and analyzed spatial expression of a subset. A total of 142 microRNAs were differentially expressed across gestation days 10.0–11.5 in the medial nasal processes, and 66 in the maxillary processes of the first branchial arch with 45 common to both. Of the microRNAs exhibiting the largest percent increase in both facial processes were five members of the Let-7 family. Among those with the greatest decrease in expression from GD10.0 to GD11.5 were members of the microRNA-302/367 family that have been implicated in cellular reprogramming. The distribution of expression of microRNA-199a-3p and Let-7i was determined by in situ hybridization and revealed widespread expression in both medial nasal and maxillary facial process, while that for microRNA-203 was much more limited. MicroRNAs are dynamically expressed in the tissues that form the upper lip and several were identified that target mRNAs known to be important for its development, including those that regulate the two main isoforms of p63 (microRNA-203 and microRNA-302/367 family). Integration of these data with corresponding proteomic datasets will lead to a greater appreciation of epigenetic regulation of lip development and provide a better understanding of potential causes of cleft lip.
Infrared spectra and internal rotation in propane, isobutane and neopentane

Abstract : The infrared spectra of propane, isobutane and neopentane were recorded at high path-length x pressure conditions between 200 and 800 inverse cm. A large number of combination bands were observed and assigned, and values for the torsional frequencies of isobutane and neopentane were derived from the combination bands. Potential barriers to internal rotation were calculated from the torsional frequencies and are compared with other results available from the literature. (Author)
Comparison of the effects of growth factors on retroviral vector-mediated gene transfer and the proliferative status of human hematopoietic progenitor cells.

ABSTRACT We have examined the ability of the recombinant hematopoietic growth factors (HGF) interleukin-3 (IL-3), IL-6, and granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF) to increase retroviral vector-mediated gene transfer into human hematopoietic progenitor cells (HPC). The efficiency of neo gene transfer by the N2 vector into human HPC was enhanced by preculture with either GM-CSF or IL-3 (but not IL-6) and with each combination of the three factors. The combination of IL-3 plus IL-6 consistently produced significantly higher levels of G418-resistant colonies (50–60%) than any of the other combinations of HGF tested. Following preculture with HGF and transduction by N2, marrow was maintained in long-term bone marrow culture (LTBMC) for 2 months. The levels of G418-resistant HPC remained stable, and no apparent depletion of total HPC content resulted from the prior exposure to highly stimulatory doses of factors. The proliferative status of the HPC, following exposure to the HGF, was measured...
‘Integration’ in the US coastal zone management program

The purpose of this paper is to examine the extent to which the existing US Coastal Zone Management (CZM) program represents Integrated Coastal Management (ICM). The actions taken at Rio de Janeiro in June 1992 as part of the United Nations Conference on Environment and Development (UNCED) could eventually impact the policies of the US in such a way as to encourage better integration of US coastal and ocean management efforts.
PHOTOADDUCTS OF 8‐METHOXYPSORALEN TO CYTOSINE IN DNA

— The isolation and partial characterization of several photoadducts formed between 8-methoxypsoralen (8-MOP) and cytosine is described. The formation of these adducts was analysed in E. coli DNA containing 3H-labeled cytosine and/or 14C-labeled thymine, and in oligonucleotides of defined sequence. The major initial adduct has been identified as an 8-MOP cytosine monoadduct, most likely forming at the pyrone end of the 8-MOP molecule. Further irradiation converts this adduct to several other species, including both cytosine:cytosine and cytosine:thymine diadducts, as well as a number of derivative monoadducts. One isomer of the C:T diadduct appears to undergo a reversible isomerization under the conditions normally used to analyse adduct mixtures by HPLC. The isomerization can cause this adduct to exhibit a retention time on reversed-phase HPLC closely resembling either that of a thymine-thymine crosslink or a thymine monoadduct.
Worm burrows and oxic microniches in marine sediments. 1. Spatial and temporal scales

The upper 2 to 10 cm of shallow-water sediments may represent a mosaic of oxic and anoxic microhabitats. In the studied sediments the volume fraction of patches of oxic sediments decreased with depth from around 0.2 in the upper centimetres to zero at 5 to 10 cm depth. The mean volume fraction of oxic microhabitats beneath a unit surface and down to 5–8 cm depth ranged between 0.06 and 0.16. The mean distance between such neighbouring oxic microniches was several millimetres in the upper centimetres of the sediment. The oxic microniches are caused by sinall (diameter: 0.5 to 2 mm), inhabited worm burrows which have not previously drawn attention in bioturbation studies. An implication is that anaerobic and aerobic microbial processes take place at identical depths. In such sediments the apparent vertical zonation of microbial processes and of microbial biota over a scale of several centimetres reflects the diminishing fraction of oxic habitats with depth rather than an idealised vertical redox sequence (such as found over a few millimetres in microbial mats which develop in the absence of bioturbation).
Roosting behavior of the lesser long-nosed bat, Leptonycteris curasoae

We analyzed infrared video recordings from a maternity roost in southwestern Arizona to determine social behavior and time and activity budgets of adult Leptonycteris curasoae (Chiroptera: Phyllostomidae) for 2 weeks late in the nursing period. Between 2000 and 0330 h, females nursed their young an average of two times for a total of ca. 52 min. Females nursed only their own babies; they occasionally interacted with other young and adults, most frequently by touching noses. Adults returned to and left their young independently of each other, not in synchronized fashion. Between 0500 and 1900 h, adults seldom interacted, although they were clustered tightly. Young were in a nursing position, presumably nursing, ca. 50% of the time. Adults never appeared to sleep and spent 74% of the day quietly alert and 24% grooming themselves. We observed no cooperative behavior such as allogrooming, communal nursing, or sharing of food at any time. We suggest that absence of stable associations of adults caused by long-distance migration and occasional changes in roosting sites has prevented evolution of overtly cooperative behavior in dayroosts of L. curasoae .
Electrical stimulation of the sacral dermatomes in spinal cord injury: Effect on rectal manometry and bowel emptying

Abstract The impairment in defecation function that comes as a result of spinal cord injury may have a significant negative impact upon quality of life. Electrical stimulation (ES) of the somatic nervous system has been used to elicit autonomic reflexes in animals, before and after spinal cord transection. To determine whether ES might be used to promote bowel emptying, seven persons with recent spinal cord injury (SCI) and seven control subjects were studied. Electrical stimulation of the second sacral dermatome was applied during rectal manometry in both groups, and ES was added to the bowel programs of SCI patients. A significant rise in the number of rectal pressure spikes was noted in both groups after application of ES ( p f = 6.34). There was no significant difference between the SCI and control groups when measuring the amplitude of spike waves in the colon. No significant change was noted in the time required for SCI patients to initiate a bowel movement, or in the time required to complete bowel emptying. Electrical stimulation of the sacral dermatomes can result in a change in the bowel activity of the recto-sigmoid colon. To date, no clinical effect on bowel emptying has been demonstrated.
Oxidation of thiodiglycol (2,2'-thiobis-ethanol) by alcohol dehydrogenase: comparison of human isoenzymes.

Abstract : Sulfur mustard is a chemical warfare agent that causes blistering of the skin and damages the eyes and airway after environmental exposure. We have previously reported that thiodiglycol (TDG, 2,2'- bis-thiodiethanol), the hydrolysis product of sulfur mustard, is oxidized by alcohol dehydrogenase (AD H) purified from horse liver or present in mouse liver and human skin cytosol. Humans express four functional classes of ADH composed of several different isozymes, which vary in their tissue distribution, some occurring in skin. To help us evaluate the potential contribution of the various human isozymes toward toxicity in skin and in other tissues, we have compared the catalytic activity of purified human class I alphaalpha-,Beta1Beta1-,Beta2Beta2-, gamma1gamma1-ADH, class II pi-ADH, class III chi-ADH, and class IV sigma-ADH with respect to TDG oxidation and their relative sensitivities to inhibition by pyrazole. Specific activities toward TDG were 123, 79, 347, 647, and 12 nmol/min/mg for the class I alphaalpha-, beta1beta1-, beta2beta2-, and gamma1gamma1-ADH and class II sigma-ADH, respectively. TDC was not a substrate for class III chi-ADH.
Solid-phase synthesis of positively charged deoxynucleic guanidine (DNG) oligonucleotide incorporating 7-deazaguanine bases.

Abstract DNG nucleotides represent a positively charged DNA analog in which the negatively charged phosphodiester linkages of DNA are replaced by positively charged guanidinium linkages. We report herein the synthesis of 3′-end, middle, and 5′-end monomers required for the synthesis of a DNG sequence in which the natural guanine base is replaced by 7-deazaguanine (c 7 G). 7-Deazaguanine nucleobase was chosen because of their unique glycoside bond stability and their ability to prevent G-quartet formation. A facile and high yield two-step synthesis of xylo-7-deazaguanine 7 , a key intermediate for introducing 3′-amino functionality, is carried out under Mitsunobu conditions. Subsequently, the 3′-Fmoc-protected thiourea monomers 13 and 19 were prepared from 7 via their corresponding 3′-amino-7-deazaguanines 11 and 18 , respectively. The smooth coupling of these thiourea monomers with monomethoxytrityl (MMTr)-protected 3′-end monomer 25 , prepared from 5 , occurred on solid phase in 3′ → 5′ direction. The resultant trimeric HO-c 7 Ggc 7 Ggc 7 G-OH ( 1 ) has been designed to be included into DNA using standard DNA synthesis technology. The combination of C-c 7 G base pairing and electrostatic association of phosphodiester and guanidinium backbone allows the small synthesized DNG trimer 1 to form 1:1 complex with DNA-C pentamer.
Debt crisis, accumulation crisis and economic restructuring in Latin America

The policy debate over the Latin American debt crisis has shifted from the issue of short-term adjustment to that of long-term restructuring. The history of import substituting industrialization (IS) is reviewed in order to establish a context for the current restructuring debates. We argue that the demise of the IS model was primarily due to narrow domestic markets, heavy imports of capital goods and excessive ties with foreign multinationals, not to inefficiencies inherent in market-constraining policies. From this perspective, free market, export-led growth policies are opposed as an appropriate restructuring strategy and policies of redistribution, regional integration and major debt concessions are supported.
Alanine-stimulated exocytosis in Aplysia enterocytes: effect of Na+ transport and requirement for actin filaments

We used the Aplysia californica intestinal epithelium to investigate the effect of alanine-stimulated Na+ absorption on apical membrane exocytosis and whether stimulated exocytosis requires intact actin filaments. The fluid-phase marker fluorescein dextran was used to determine rates of apical membrane exocytosis. L-alanine significantly increased apical exocytosis by approximately 30% compared to controls, and there is a modest, positive correlation between alanine-stimulated exocytosis and short-circuit current (ISC). Thus, apical exocytosis is modulated to some extent by the magnitude of Na+ and alanine entry across the apical membrane. Apical exocytosis is also responsive to virtually any increase in Na+ and alanine entry because increments in alanine-stimulated ISC as small as 1 microA/cm2 stimulated exocytosis. We used D-alanine to determine which parameter (sensitivity to transport vs. magnitude of transport) was most important in activation of apical exocytosis. D-alanine-stimulated ISC was one-sixth that of L-alanine, but stimulated exocytosis was only 29% less than that of L-alanine. Therefore, the apical exocytic system is more responsive to small increases in transport than to the magnitude of transport. Latrunculin A (Lat-A) disrupts the actin cytoskeleton and reduced constitutive apical exocytosis by approximately 65% and completely abolished alanine-stimulated exocytosis. Hence, constitutive exocytosis and alanine-stimulated exocytosis require actin filaments for recruitment of vesicles to the apical membrane. During nutrient absorption, actin filament-regulated apical exocytosis may represent a negative feedback system that modulates apical membrane tension.
B7-1-dependent co-stimulation results in qualitatively and quantitatively different responses by CD4+ and CD8+ T cells

To characterize better the co-stimulatory activity of native B7-1 in the absence of other receptor/ligand interactions that might contribute to the response, B7-1 was purified by monoclonal antibody (mAb) affinity chromatography. Immobilization of purified B7-1 with anti-T cell receptor (TCR) mAb on cell-sized latex microspheres provided an effective stimulus for activation of both CD4+ and CD8+ T cells as measured by proliferation, development of effector function, and changes in motility and adhesion. The CD4+ T cell response was prolonged and resulted in efficient interleukin-2 production and clonal expansion. In contrast, CD8+ responses were transient. Proliferation and clonal expansion peaked on days 3 and 4, coincident with maximal expression of lytic effector function, and the cells then died. These results demonstrate that B7-1 mediated co-stimulation is sufficient for the induction of effector function in both helper and cytotoxic T cell precursors, but suggest that B7-1 co-stimulation is not sufficient to sustain helper-independent CD8+ CTL responses. When the dose responses of CD4+ and CD8+ T cells to B7-1 were compared, CD8+ T cells were found to require higher densities of B7-1 to attain an equivalent level of activation, suggesting that the level of expression of B7-1 by APC may influence the development of helper or CTL responses. Finally, in contrast to results obtained by others with B7-1 transfectants, purified B7-1 did not provide co-stimulation when presented on a surface separate from the TCR stimulus.
Cell-free translation and partial characterization of proenkephalin messenger RNA from bovine striatum

Summary The biosynthesis of the primary precursor of the enkephalins (proenkephalin) was investigated by cell-free translation of bovine striatum polyadenylated RNA. 35 S-Labeled proteins encoded by striatum mRNA were digested with trypsin and carboxypeptidase B, and released [ 35 S]Met-enkephalin was identified by immunoprecipitation and high-performance liquid chromatography. The apparent molecular weight of putative proenkephalin synthesized in cell-free systems was found to be M r 31,000 ± 1000. Digestion of cell-free translated 3 H-labeled proteins of M r 31,000 ± 3000 yielded both [ 3 H]Metenkephalin and [ 3 H]Leu-enkephalin. Putative proenkephalin mRNA of striatum was found to be 1450 ± 200 nucleotides in length.
An evaluation of Arizona's youth tobacco access prevention media campaign

Objectives The goal of this research effort is to evaluate changes in public opinion associated with the youth tobacco access (YTA) prevention media campaign in Arizona. Methods This evaluation effort utilized a pre–post test quasi-experimental design with a control group. The sampling pool consists of Arizona adult residents from Maricopa (intervention) and Pima (control) counties. Pre-test data were collected via phone survey in November of 2002 (n=823). Post-test data were collected in late summer 2003 (n=872). Data were analyzed in January 2004. Results Exposure to the campaign was limited. Nonetheless, exposure was associated with increased satisfaction with community efforts, perceptions that one’s community is strongly opposed to minors purchasing tobacco, and a reduction in the perceived ease in which a minor can purchase tobacco. At post-intervention, community respondents also assigned increased responsibility for YTA prevention to stores that sell tobacco. Conclusions While exposure to the campaign was limited, important changes were observed. For example, at post-campaign, the respondents in the intervention community reported greater satisfaction with current YTA prevention efforts. However, future research must investigate if increased satisfaction leads to more or less community involvement. Further, research must also investigate whether a campaign influencing community members to assign greater responsibility for YTA prevention on the retailers selling tobacco serves community interests. Data from this evaluation suggest that researchers and practitioners must be aware of potential negative, as well as potential positive, outcomes of YTA prevention efforts.
Benchmark aerodynamic heat-transfer data from the first flight of the Space Shuttle Orbiter

Benchmark entry aerodynamic heat-transfer data were determined from the first flight of the Space Shuttle Orbiter. The convective heating-rate data result from a rigorous mathematical analysis of one-dimensional, transient heat conduction within the orbiter thermal protection system (TPS) and reradiation from its surface during entry. Temperatures measured at the TPS surface during orbiter entry provide a constraint to the analysis. On the vehicle leeside, where heating rate levels are low, corrections are made to the computed convective heating rates to account for solar radiation and cross-radiation between fuselage and wing surfaces. The source of the entry thermal data, the mathematical analysis technique, and the TPS thermal models are discussed. Typical convective heating rate data from the STS-1 mission are presented.
Husserl's assistants: Phenomenology reconstituted

Edmund Husserl devoted much attention to the analysis of internal time consciousness beginning as early as the turn of the twentieth-century. His various notes and lectures were left unorganized and unpublished until Husserl's capable assistants were given the responsibility of organizing his work for publication. This paper provides a social and philosophical account of the redaction of Husserl's materials on time consciousness as it involved the activity of his famous assistants Edith Stein, Roman Ingarden and Martin Heidegger. Special attention is given to the way that both Stein and Heidegger appropriated Husserl's work and at the same time challenged fundamental elements of the master's phenomenology.
Micro-turbo-generator design and fabrication: a preliminary study

This paper discusses the design and fabrication issues associated with the creation of a micro-turbo-generator. The design involves the coupling of an impulse turbine to a switched reluctance generator via a single rotor which couples the two systems. The force of the gas on the rotor causes it to turn at high speeds. With proper current switching and control, this motion can be converted into an electrical power output. A parametric finite element model of the device was created in ANSYS to study its electromechanical performance and to determine the torque that would be required of the micro-turbine. A micro-turbine was fabricated to demonstrate the mechanical portion of this energy conversion system. A planar device was created using the LIGA fabrication technique in which all structures were electroplated copper. Experiments were conducted on five working micro-turbines. The variables studied included the stator design, rotor pole shape, device orientation and the distance between the rotor and the device cover.
Chemical composition of aerosol and snow in the high Himalaya during the summer monsoon season

Abstract Aerosol and surface snow samples were collected from Hidden Valley in the Dhaulagiri region of western Nepal during the summer monsoon of 1994. Temporal variations of major ion (Na+ NH4+, K+, Mg2+, Ca2+, Cl−, NO3− and SO42− concentrations in the aerosol samples are clearly related to the influx of monsoon air masses. Snow was enriched in NH4+, and NO3−, while Na + Cl − ratios were lower in the snow compared to the aerosol. A large part of this is explained by the difference in the air masses represented by aerosol and snow chemistry. Snow chemistry in general represented stronger southerly monsoon circulation, which resulted in precipitation events in Hidden Valley, whereas aerosol chemistry represented weaker monsoon or local circulation as the sampling was not conducted during rainy and foggy weather. Enrichment off NH4+ and NO3− in snow is attributed to their biogenic and agricultural sources from villages to the south and east of Hidden Valley. In addition, scavenging of HNO3 present in the air could also have contributed to the enrichment of NO3− in the snow. A lower Na + Cl − atio in snow is attributed to scavenging of HCl present locally and/or due to less fractionation of monsoon air masses during more intense circulation and shorter travel time. The observed differences in the chemistry of the two media due to the influence of monsoon versus local air masses supports the concept of using glaciochemical records from that region to interpret monsoon variations in the past. Although the aerosol samples show excess cations, our data suggest the presence of acidic gases in the air locally. The overall major soluble ion concentrations of the aerosol are comparable or lower than those measured at several other remote tropospheric sites. Our results further support the concept that high elevation mountain sites in the Himalayas can be used to investigate the composition and the evolution of the remote continental troposphere.
Making Connections in Mathematics

Math textbooks, which usually represent the mathematics curriculum, seem to be linked to the poor math performance of U.S. students. The major shortcomings of math textbooks are described in this article; then an alternative perspective is offered (the sameness analysis), along with research conducted with students with learning disabilities and at-risk students. The article then presents a detailed illustration of the sameness analysis--how to teach the addition-subtraction and multiplication-division relationships and their interrelationships in the context of solving word problems in mathematics.
Using Exercise to Measure and Modify Cardiac Function

Exercise is the archetype of physiologic demands placed on the cardiovascular system. Acute responses provide an informative assessment of cardiovascular function and fitness, while repeated exercise promotes cardiovascular health and evokes important molecular, structural, and functional changes contributing to its effects in primary and secondary prevention. Here we examine the use of exercise in murine models, both as a phenotypic assay and as a provocative intervention. We first review the advantages and limitations of exercise testing for assessing cardiac function, then highlight the cardiac structural and cellular changes elicited by chronic exercise and key molecular pathways that mediate these effects.
Identification of DNA Regions Specific to the X and Y Chromosomes in Sphaerocarpos texanus

Abstract The majority of dioecious plants are not sexually dimorphic until the onset of reproductive maturation. The inability to identify sex in pre-reproductive plants limits sex-related studies in plant populations. Molecular techniques to identify sex in seed plants have had increasing success. However, sex-specific markers in bryophytes have not yet been found. Bryophytes can be effective model systems in understanding the reproductive biology of plant species with unisexual individuals, as well as the molecular biology of sex chromosomes and sex determination. This study was specifically designed to find sex-specific markers in Sphaerocarpos texanus. The study relied on the Polymerase Chain Reaction procedure to amplify arbitrary regions of genomic DNA to locate sex-specific markers. Bulk segregant analysis using 238 decamer primers, and involving a single full-sibling pedigree was used to identify sex-specific markers. Inheritance of specific markers by male or female individuals was tested in prog...
Benchmarking health system performance across states in Nigeria: a systematic analysis of levels and trends in key maternal and child health interventions and outcomes, 2000–2013

Nigeria has made notable gains in improving childhood survival but the country still accounts for a large portion of the world’s overall disease burden, particularly among women and children. To date, no systematic analyses have comprehensively assessed trends for health outcomes and interventions across states in Nigeria. We extracted data from 19 surveys to generate estimates for 20 key maternal and child health (MCH) interventions and outcomes for 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory from 2000 to 2013. Source-specific estimates were generated for each indicator, after which a two-step statistical model was applied using a mixed-effects model followed by Gaussian process regression to produce state-level trends. National estimates were calculated by population-weighting state values. Under-5 mortality decreased in all states from 2000 to 2013, but a large gap remained across them. Malaria intervention coverage stayed low despite increases between 2009 and 2013, largely driven by rising rates of insecticide-treated net ownership. Overall, vaccination coverage improved, with notable increases in the coverage of three-dose oral polio vaccine. Nevertheless, immunization coverage remained low for most vaccines, including measles. Coverage of other MCH interventions, such as antenatal care and skilled birth attendance, generally stagnated and even declined in many states, and the range between the lowest- and highest-performing states remained wide in 2013. Countrywide, a measure of overall intervention coverage increased from 33% in 2000 to 47% in 2013 with considerable variation across states, ranging from 21% in Sokoto to 66% in Ekiti. We found that Nigeria made notable gains for a subset of MCH indicators between 2000 and 2013, but also experienced stalled progress and even declines for others. Despite progress for a subset of indicators, Nigeria’s absolute levels of intervention coverage remained quite low. As Nigeria rolls out its National Health Bill and seeks to strengthen its delivery of health services, continued monitoring of local health trends will help policymakers track successes and promptly address challenges as they arise. Subnational benchmarking ought to occur regularly in Nigeria and throughout sub-Saharan Africa to inform local decision-making and bolster health system performance.
The frontiers of research about attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder.

Despite the clear and strong short-term efficacy of both psychotropic medications and behavioral therapies in treating individuals with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD),1 treatment has not led to long-term outcomes that are comparable to those of individuals who do not have ADHD.2 Even with intensive multimodality-treatment of ADHD1 to provide optimal medication management therapy, behavioral therapy, or both combined, by 2 years after the intense efforts ended, the results of those efforts could not be distinguished from each other or from those for children who received their usual community services.3 A longitudinal study from Rochester, MN, found that adults with ADHD identified in childhood and followed until … Address correspondence to Mark L. Wolraich, MD, University of Oklahoma Child Development Center, 1100 NE 13th St, Oklahoma City, OK 73116. E-mail: mark-wolraich{at}ouhsc.edu
PSEUDOHALOGENS XXI. N-CHLORO AMIDES WITH ELECTRON-WITHDRAWING GROUPS ON NITROGEN

(1976). PSEUDOHALOGENS XXI. N-CHLORO AMIDES WITH ELECTRON-WITHDRAWING GROUPS ON NITROGEN. Organic Preparations and Procedures International: Vol. 8, No. 1, pp. 25-32.
Evolutions in the teaching of electrical circuit analysis

The authors discuss the changes which are altering the way electrical circuit analysis is taught in the Electrical Engineering Technology (EET) program at Purdue University. They outline their views of the importance of electrical circuits in the modern engineering technology curriculum. This is followed by a description of a suggested structure for the circuits sequence of courses. It is noted that perhaps the most visible impact on the teaching of electrical circuits relates to the availability of computational tools. An overview is provided, along with suggestions for the judicious implementation of these tools. >
Bone ingrowth into dynamically loaded porous-coated intramedullary nails.

Research to determine whether porous-coated Vitallium intramedullary rods could be used to bridge segmental defects in long bones was performed using rabbit tibias as a suitable model for human bone growth. One-centimeter segments of the midshaft of tibias of mature rabbits were removed surgically and replaced with equal-sized segments of Silastic tubing to maintain leg length. A coated rod was inserted through the proximal tibial segment, through the tubing, and into the distal bone segment. The legs were taken out of plaster at 3 weeks, and x-rays were taken periodically until sacrifice. At sacrifice, 30 weeks postoperatively, the mechanical properties of both tibias from each rabbit were measured destructively in a torsional testing machine. The load at failure of the tibia with the segmental defect averaged 90% of the contralateral control tibia. Rod pullout data and electron-probe x-ray microanalysis indicated that a substantial rod–endosteal bone bond existed due to ingrowth into the porous coating. The torsional data may have been somewhat obscured by the presence of a bony callus which grew over the Silastic tubing and bridged the segmental defect exosteally in every case.
Electrothermal characteristics of strained-Si MOSFETs in high-current operation

The electrothermal characteristics of strained-Si MOSFETs, operating in the high-current regime, have been studied using device simulation. The phonon mean-free-path of strained-Si devices in the presence of high electric fields is determined, based on fullband Monte Carlo device simulation. Strained-Si nMOS devices have higher bipolar current gain and impact ionization rates compared to bulk-Si nMOS devices due to the smaller energy bandgap and longer phonon mean-free-path. Even though strained-Si devices have self-heating problems due to the lower thermal conductivity of the buried SiGe layer, the devices can be used beneficially for electrostatic discharge protection devices to achieve lower holding voltage (V/sub h/) and higher second breakdown triggering current (I/sub t2/), compared to those of bulk-Si devices, owing to the high bipolar current gain and current uniformity.
Cholinergic Receptors Modulate Immune Complex–Induced Inflammation In Vitro and In Vivo

Cholinergic neural output has been shown to modulate innate immune responses to infection, injury and ischemia through stimulation of α7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (α7nAChR) on mononuclear phagocytes. We tested the hypothesis that cholinergic neurotransmitters, similar to those released through activation of a neural reflex, regulate responses to products of the adaptive immune system, specifically immune complex (IC)–mediated activation of effector cells. In this study, we show that stimulation of α7nAChR on human polymorphonuclear neutrophils (PMNs) and blood mononuclear phagocytes in vitro attenuates C5aR- and FcγR-triggered generation of reactive oxygen species, expression of leukocyte markers involved in cell recruitment and adhesion, and release of TNF-α and other proinflammatory cytokines. We show that this pathway is operative in vivo. Ligation of cholinergic receptors blunts IC-triggered responses in the reverse peritoneal Arthus reaction in mice. The selective 7nAChR agonist GTS21 decreased PMN accumulation and release of cytokines and chemokines at sites of IC deposition. In addition, mice lacking α7nAChR had exaggerated responses to reverse peritoneal Arthus reaction characterized by increased infiltration of PMNs and elevated of levels of TNF-α and CXCL1 in peritoneal fluid compared with wild-type mice. Taken together, these findings suggest that cholinergic output has the potential to exert tonic inhibitory activity that dampens responses to ICs and C5a and thus may be a target to minimize tissue damage in autoimmune diseases.
Lossless and lossy image compression using biorthogonal wavelet transforms with multiplierless operations

We present lossless and lossy image compression algorithms, based on biorthogonal wavelets, which provide high computational speed and excellent compression performance. A specific pair of spline biorthogonal wavelets are chosen, having dyadic rational filter coefficients; convolutions with these filters can be performed by using only arithmetic bit-shifting and integer addition operations. For lossless compression, we have investigated a new reversible embedded wavelet transform. For lossy compression, we have constructed two-dimensional reconstruction filter masks for carrying out bit-shifting to minimize data access operations when performing the inverse wavelet transform.
FURTHER RESULTS ON THE USE OF BINOCULAR VISION FOR HIGHWAY DRIVING

In the 1995 Collision Avoidance and Automated Traffic Management Sensors Proceedings we presented a stereo vision based approach for detecting the relative location of other vehicles in highway driving. This system was able to track other vehicles which were within the stereo pair visual field of view. In addition, important camera position variables such as inclination angle and camera height were dynamically calculated from image data without the need for external sensors. In collaboration with industrial partners we have tested the algorithm on additional video information under a number of different driving situations. The affect of noise in the camera geometry estimate on the algorithm's performance was also examined. As a result of these tests and the additional requirement of real time performance, a number of modifications were made to the algorithm to increase both its reliability and computational efficiency. We present the results of the testing as well as the algorithmic changes here.
Naturally occurring nucleoside and nucleotide antibiotics.

Publisher Summary This chapter reviews that three of the naturally occurring nucleoside antibiotics—that is, tubercidin, 5-azacytidine, and ara-A—have been successfully used in humans as antineoplastic and antiviral agents. A fourth antibiotic, pyrazofurin, is undergoing clinical testing as an antineoplastic agent for carcinoma of the breast. In addition to the health-related application of these naturally occurring nucleoside and nucleotide antibiotics, some have found application as antifungal agents. The chapter discusses that once the structures of some of the nucleoside antibiotics establish, it is possible in some cases to predict the cellular reaction which would be affected by them. The pyrimidine nucleoside antibiotics, which resemble the -CCA terminus of tRNA, bind to ribosomal peptidyltransferase and inhibit protein synthesis in prokaryotes and eukaryotes. Two adenosine analogs, agrocin 84 and thuringiensin, have been isolated as nucleotides. Agrocin 84 prevents cell growth, most probably by interacting with receptor sites on bacterial cell surfaces. Thuringiensin, as a nucleotide, is taken up by mammalian cells and acts as an ATP analog. The aim of this chapter is to evaluate the progress that has been made in the nucleoside antibiotics. Two nucleosides, eritadenine and clitidine, although not antibiotics, are also discussed because of their biological properties.
Solitary Water Waves of Large Amplitude Generated by Surface Pressure

We consider exact nonlinear solitary water waves on a shear flow with an arbitrary distribution of vorticity. Ignoring surface tension, we impose a non-constant pressure on the free surface. Starting from a uniform shear flow with a flat free surface and a supercritical wave speed, we vary the surface pressure and use a continuation argument to construct a global connected set of symmetric solitary waves. This set includes waves of depression whose profiles increase monotonically from a central trough where the surface pressure is at its lowest, as well as waves of elevation whose profiles decrease monotonically from a central crest where the surface pressure is at its highest. There may also be two waves in this connected set with identical surface pressure, only one of which is a wave of depression.
Insights from Pilot Testing of the IDHEAS HRA Method.

Abstract Human reliability analysis (HRA) is used in the context of probabilistic risk assessment (PRA) to provide risk information regarding human performance to support risk-informed decision-making with respect to high-reliability industries. The IntegrateD Human Event Analysis System (IDHEAS) is a new HRA method developed for internal, at-power nuclear power plant (NPP) events. It was motivated by the intention to reduce unnecessary and inappropriate variability in HRA results and improve the reliability of human error probability (HEP) estimates. The method has a strong foundation in human performance and cognitive psychology theories, and employs a cause-based quantification model. This paper documents a study conducted to pilot test IDHEAS to (1) identify issues that needed to be addressed and (2) provide feedback to refine the method before the method was finalized. An introduction on IDHEAS is provided first. Then sample IDHEAS analysis results are presented for illustration purposes. Next, insights from the testing in terms of method strengths and weaknesses are discussed, which is followed by concluding remarks.
Detection of living anionic species in polymerization reactions using hyperpolarized NMR.

Intermediates during the anionic polymerization of styrene were observed using hyperpolarized NMR. Dissolution dynamic nuclear polarization (DNP) of monomers provides a sufficient signal-to-noise ratio for detection of 13C NMR signals in real time as the reaction progresses. Because of its large chemical shift dispersion, 13C is well-suited to distinguish and characterize the chemical species that arise during the reaction. At the same time, incorporation of hyperpolarized small-molecule monomers is a unique way to generate polymers that exhibit a transient signal enhancement at the active site. This strategy is applicable despite the decay of the hyperpolarization of the polymer due to rapid spin–lattice relaxation. Real-time measurements on polymerization reactions provide both mechanistic and kinetic information without the need for stable isotope labeling of the molecules of interest. These capabilities are orthogonal to currently established methods that separate synthesis and analysis into two steps...