cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Enthalpy/entropy compensation: Influence of DNA flanking sequence on the binding of 7-amino actinomycin D to its primary binding site in short DNA duplexes

The effect of the context of the flanking sequence on ligand binding to DNA oligonucleotides that contain consensus binding sites was investigated for the binding of the intercalator 7-amino actinomycin D. Seven self-complementary DNA oligomers each containing a centrally located primary binding site, 5'-A-G-C-T-3', flanked on either side by the sequences (AT)(n) or (AA)(n) (with n = 2, 3, 4) and AA(AT)(2), were studied. For different flanking sequences, (AA)(n)-series or (AT)(n)-series, differential fluorescence enhancements of the ligand due to binding were observed. Thermodynamic studies indicated that the flanking sequences not only affected DNA stability and secondary structure but also modulated ligand binding to the primary binding site. The magnitude of the ligand binding affinity to the primary site was inversely related to the sequence dependent stability. The enthalpy of ligand binding was directly measured by isothermal titration calorimetry, and this made it possible to parse the binding free energy into its energetic and entropic terms. Our results reveal a pronounced enthalpy-entropy compensation for 7-amino actinomycin D binding to this family of oligonucleotides and suggest that the DNA sequences flanking the primary binding site can strongly influence ligand recognition of specific sites on target DNA molecules.
The behavior of solutions of multidimensional aggregation equations with mildly singular interaction kernels

The authors consider the multidimensional aggregation equation ∂ t ρ-div(ρ▿K* ρ) = 0 in which the radially symmetric attractive interaction kernel has a mild singularity at the origin (Lipschitz or better), and review recent results on this problem concerning well-posedness of nonnegative solutions and finite time blowup in multiple space dimensions depending on the behavior of the kernel at the origin. The problem with bounded initial data, data in L p ∩ L 1, and measure solutions are also considered.
The neuroendocrine system and stress, emotions, thoughts and feelings

The philosophy of mind is intimately connected with the philosophy of action. Therefore, concepts like free will, motivation, emotions (especially positive emotions), and also the ethical issues related to these concepts are of abiding interest. However, the concepts of consciousness and free will are usually discussed solely in linguistic, ideational and cognitive (i.e. "left brain") terms. Admittedly, consciousness requires language and the left-brain, but the aphasic right brain is equally conscious; however, what it "hears" are more likely to be music and emotions. Joy can be as conscious as the conscious motivation produced by the left-brain reading a sign that says, "Danger mines!!" However, look in the index of a Western textbook of psychology, psychiatry or philosophy for positive emotions located in the limbic system. Notice how discussion of positive spiritual/emotional issues in consciousness and motivation are scrupulously ignored. For example, the popular notions of "love" being either Eros (raw, amoral instinct) or agape (noble, non-specific valuing of all other people) miss the motivational forest for the trees. Neither Eros (hypothalamic) nor agape (cortical) has a fraction of the power to relieve stress as attachment (limbic love), yet until the 1950s attachment was neither appreciated nor discussed by academic minds. This paper will point out that the prosocial, "spiritual" positive emotions like hope, faith, forgiveness, joy, compassion and gratitude are extremely important in the relief of stress and in regulation of the neuroendocrine system, protecting us against stress. The experimental work reviewed by Antonio Damasio and Barbara Fredrickson, and the clinical example of Alcoholics Anonymous, will be used to illustrate these points.
Alpha adrenergic neurons inhibit luteinizing hormone pulse amplitude in breeding season ewes.

It is now clear that estradiol acts in the brain to inhibit LH pulse amplitude in breeding season ewes, but the neural mechanisms underlying this action of estradiol have yet to be determined. In this study, we performed four experiments to examine the role of aadrenergic neurons in the control of LH pulse amplitude in the ewe. In the first experiment, implantation of the a-adrenergic antagonist phenoxybenzamine into the preoptic area (POA) during the follicular phase of the ovine estrous cycle significantly increased LH pulse amplitude. A similar stimulatory effect of POA implants of this antagonist was observed in estradiol-treated ovariectomized (OVX+E) ewes, but phenoxybenzamine implants had no effect in the absence of estradiol. In contrast, systemic administration of phenoxybenzamine decreased LH pulse amplitude in both OVX and OVX + E ewes. Finally, POA implants of the a,-adrenergic antagonist, prazosin, increased LH pulse amplitude in OVX+E ewes, whereas the a, 2-adrenergic antagonist, yohimbine, had no effect in these animals. These results suggest that a noradrenergic (or adrenergic) system acts in the POA via a,-adrenergic receptors to inhibit LH pulse amplitude in the ewe. They also raise the possibility that this system may be involved in the negative feedback action of estradiol during the breeding season.
The stability of an incompressible two-dimensional wake

The growth of small disturbances in a two-dimensional incompressible wake has been investigated theoretically and experimentally. The theoretical analysis is based upon inviscid stability theory wherein small disturbances are considered from both temporal and spatial reference frames. Through a combined stability analysis, in which small disturbances are permitted to amplify in both time and space, the relationship between the disturbance characteristics for the temporal and spatial reference frames is shown. In these analyses a quasi-uniform assumption is adopted to account for the continuously varying mean-velocity profiles that occur behind flat plates and thin airfoils. It is found that the most unstable disturbances in the wake produce transverse oscillations in the mean-velocity profile and correspond to growing waves that have a minimum group velocity.Experimentally, the downstream development of the wake of a thin airfoil and the wave characteristics of naturally amplifying small disturbances are investigated in a water tank. The disturbances that develop are found to produce transverse oscillations of the mean-velocity profile in agreement with the theoretical prediction. From the comparison of the experimental results with the predictions for the characteristics of the most unstable waves via the temporal and spatial analyses, it is concluded that the stability analysis for the wake is to be considered solely from the more realistic spatial viewpoint. Undoubtedly, this conclusion is also applicable to other highly unstable flows such as jets and free shear layers.In accordance with the disturbance vorticity distribution as determined from the spatial model, a description of the initial development of a vortex street is put forth that contrasts with the description given by Sato & Kuriki (1961).
Association of Frailty With Body Composition Among Patients on Hemodialysis

Although sarcopenia is thought to underlie the manifestations of frailty, association of frailty with measures of body composition is underinvestigated. Methods Eighty hemodialysis patients were included in the study. Performance-based frailty (PbF) used gait speed over 20 feet and 5 sit-to-stand (1 point each for lowest quintile) for the physical components of the frailty phenotype plus exhaustion (Short Form-36 [SF-36] vitality score Results Fifty-nine percent of individuals met PbF criteria, 63% met FbF criteria, and 55% met both. In univariate analysis, PbF and FbF were associated with smaller muscle area of the quadriceps, smaller phase angle, and higher BMI. Associations remained significant for the quadriceps after adjustment for age and sex. The magnitude of association of PbF with quadriceps muscle area was greater than 10 years of age (−30.3 cm 2 P = .02 vs. −6.6 cm 2 P Conclusion Frailty was associated with measurements related to muscle size in a population of individuals with chronic kidney disease, a known contributor to muscle wasting.
Determination of a Bi-induced (1 x 1) structure of the Si(100) surface.

The Bi/Si(100)-(1\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}1) surface atomic structure has been studied by low-energy electron diffraction (LEED) experiments and dynamical calculations. Based on the experimental evidence that the I-V curves for the Bi/Si(100)-(1\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}1) phase are similar to those for the H/Si(100)-(1\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}1) phase, a surface structural model for Bi-induced Si(100)-(1\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}1) structure is proposed. Within the model, the Bi adatoms do not have long-range-ordered structures, but they stabilize the (1\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}1) structure of the Si surface. A multilayer LEED dynamical analysis has shown the best agreement between experiment and the (1\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}1) structural model with a 7% contraction of the first-Si-atomic-layer spacing.
Pharmacological characterization of ionotropic glutamate receptors in the zebrafish olfactory bulb.

The distribution of N-methyl-D-aspartate- (NMDA) and kainic acid- (KA) sensitive ionotropic glutamate recep- tors (iGluR) in the zebrafish olfactory bulb was assessed using an activity-dependent labeling method. Olfactory bulbs were incubated with an ion channel permeant probe, agma- tine (AGB), and iGluR agonists in vitro, and the labeled neu- rons containing AGB were visualized immunocytochemi- cally. Preparations exposed to 250 M KA in the presence of a NMDA receptor antagonist (D-2-amino-5-phosphono-valeric acid) and an -amino-3-hydroxyl-5-methylisoxazole-4-propi- onic acid (AMPA) receptor antagonist (sym 2206), revealed KA receptor-mediated labeling of approximately 60 -70% of mitral cells, juxtaglomerular cells, tyrosine hydroxylase-pos- itive cells and granule cells. A higher proportion of ventral olfactory bulb neurons were KA-sensitive. Application of 333 M NMDA in the presence of an AMPA/KA receptor an- tagonist (6-cyano-7-nitroquinoxaline-2,3-dione) resulted in NMDA receptor-mediated labeling of almost all neurons. The concentrations eliciting 50% of the maximal response (effec- tive concentration: EC50s) for NMDA-stimulated labeling of different cell types were not significantly different and ranged from 148 Mt o 162M. These results suggest that while NMDA receptors with similar binding affinities are widely distributed in the neurons of the zebrafish olfactory bulb, KA receptors are heterogeneously expressed among these cells and may serve unique roles in different regions of the olfac- tory bulb. © 2003 IBRO. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved. Glutamate acting through metabotropic and ionotropic re- ceptors serves as the primary excitatory neurotransmitter in the brain. Three ionotropic glutamate receptor (iGluR) subtypes, the N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA), -amino-3- hydroxyl-5-methylisoxazole-4-propionic acid (AMPA) and kainic acid (KA) receptors, mediate glutamate-induced fast synaptic currents. In the olfactory bulb (OB), these iGluRs are heterogeneously expressed at olfactory sensory neu- ron (OSN)-mitral/tufted cell, OSN-periglomerular (PG) cell, mitral cell-PG cell and mitral cell- granule cell synapses (Berkowicz et al., 1994; Bardoni et al., 1996; Isaacson, 2001). The NMDA receptors are more uniformly distributed across these cell types than are the AMPA/KA receptors
Crystal and molecular structure of Rebek's imide

for ZD 2 and RD 0:047. The molecule crystallizes as a cyclic, hydrogen-bonded dimer held together by two N H¢¢¢O and two O H¢¢¢O hydrogen bonds involving amide¢¢¢carboxylic acid interactions. The dimer organizes in the solid state to form 1D ribbons.
Quasiparticle inelastic lifetimes in disordered superconducting films.

We present a comprehensive theory of quasiparticle inelastic lifetimes close to equilibrium in disordered superconducting films. The lifetime due to Coulomb interactions in two-dimensional (2D) films is calculated in analogy to a recent 3D calculation. For the phonon contribution, we extend the results of Reizer and Sergeyev for clean 3D systems to 2D, and determine the leading disorder renormalization. We then construct an interpolation formula for films of finite thickness that correctly reproduces the 2D and 3D limits. We give a general discussion of our results, and compare them with experiments. Agreement with measurements on thick films is good, while in the 2D limit nonequilibrium effects are likely to play an important role.
Validation of an integrated modeling tool applied to the Micro-Precision Interferometer Testbed

This paper describes the validation of an integrated modeling tool using data collected from a laboratory set-up. The modeling package, Integrated Modeling of Optical Systems (IMOS), combines structural modeling, optical modeling and control system simulation into a single environment. The Micro-Precision Interferometer Testbed, a ground-based version of a full- scale spaceborne interferometer, provides the opto-mechanical problem for this investigation. The objective of the effort is twofold: (1) validate the predictive capabilities of IMOS; (2) initiate the controller design for the subsystem under investigation. Ground-based validation of this modeling tool will provide a crucial step towards the ultimate goal of accurately predicting on-orbit behavior of future precision optical instruments.© (1993) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Hereditary crossed product orders over discrete valuation rings

In this paper, we consider weak crossed product orders Af=∑Sxσ with coefficients in the integral closure S of a discrete valuation ring R in a tamely ramified Galois extension of the field of fractions of R. In the first section, we compute the Jacobson radical of Af when S is local, and we give a characterization of the hereditarity of the order in terms of the cocycle values. In the second section, we prove (again in the local case) that every σ in the inertia group for S/R must belong to {σ∈G|f(σ,σ−1) is a unit of S}. In the final section, we compute the Jacobson radical in the general case (S is semilocal) and show how the hereditarity of Af can be determined locally under an additional hypothesis.
Protein-Thiol Oxidation and Cell Death: Regulatory Role of Glutaredoxins

Abstract Significance: Glutaredoxin (Grx) is the primary enzyme responsible for catalysis of deglutathionylation of protein-mixed disulfides with glutathione (GSH) (protein-SSG). This reversible post-translational modification alters the activity and function of many proteins important in regulation of critical cellular processes. Aberrant regulation of protein glutathionylation/deglutathionylation reactions due to changes in Grx activity can disrupt both apoptotic and survival signaling pathways. Recent Advances: Grx is known to regulate the activity of many proteins through reversible glutathionylation, such as Ras, Fas, ASK1, NFκB, and procaspase-3, all of which play important roles in control of apoptosis. Reactive oxygen species and/or reactive nitrogen species mediate oxidative modifications of critical Cys residues on these apoptotic mediators, facilitating protein-SSG formation and thereby altering protein function and apoptotic signaling. Critical Issues: Much of what is known about the regulatio...
Inhibition of theClostridium perfringens phospholipase C hydrolysis of a thiophosphate analog of lysophosphatidylcholine by micelle-bound ammonium and sulfonium cations

Cetyltrimethylammonium andn-octadecyldimethylsulfonium bromides inhibit theClostridium perfringens phospholipase C-catalyzed hydrolysis of 1-S-phosphocholine-2-O-hexadecanoyl-1-mercapto-2-ethanol (1) at pH 7.5, 37°C, μ=0.15 with KCl. Mixed micelles containing 1 and either inhibitor are substrates for the enzyme and the fraction of activity remaining is a monotonic, but nonlinear function of the mole fraction of inhibitor. Simple saturation kinetics are observed as the concentration of 1 is increased in mixed micelles containing a constant mole fraction of inhibitor. Inhibition constants for cetyltrimethylammonium andn-octadecyldimethylsulfonium bromides are 0.66±0.04 and 0.25±0.02 mM, respectively. The data suggest that the significant inhibition previously observed for soluble alkyldisulfonium salts (K 50 for dodecamethylene-bis(dimethylsulfonium) bromide, 27μM) is dependent upon bifunctional cationic interactions rather than hydrophobic binding.
Enhancement of refuges for Helicoverpa armigera (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) used in the resistance management plan for cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) containing Bollgard II® traits.

Helicoverpa armigera (Hubner) egg densities were sampled across interfaces between cotton containing Bollgard II® traits and pigeonpea or unsprayed non-transgenic cotton refuges to determine the effectiveness of the refuge crops for Bollgard II® resistance management plans (RMPs) against H. armigera. Additionally, a commercially available moth-attraction technology (Magnet®) was included at interfaces with both refuge crops to determine whether the use of such an attractant technology enhances the effectiveness of the refuges. Where the refuge crop was unsprayed non-transgenic cotton, there was no consistent change in the egg-density profile across the interface, suggesting that the Helicoverpa moths were not detecting and responding to the transition from Bollgard II® to non-transgenic cotton. However wherever Magnet was applied, there was a consistent increase in egg density on or near the Magnet-treated cotton rows. This suggests that moth-attraction technology has potential to increase the efficiency of non-transgenic cotton refuges by increasing oviposition there so that the refuge produces more individuals unselected for Bt trait resistance. However, it is not yet known how best to deploy insect-attraction technology in non-transgenic cotton refuges. Pigeonpea was a very attractive refuge crop, with Helicoverpa egg densities an order of a magnitude higher than the adjacent Bollgard II® crop and with no spillover of this increased oviposition into cotton. Application of moth attractant to the edge of the pigeonpea refuge did not alter the egg-density profile across the crop interface, suggesting that the combination of moth-attraction technology with pigeonpea refuges would not increase the effectiveness of the refuge. These studies identify avenues for improving the effectiveness of refuge crops for the management of Bt resistance in H. armigera.
The effect of fluorescent labeling on calcium-induced fusion of fusogenic carrot protoplasts.

Various fluorescent compounds — carboxyfluorescein, scopoletin, fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC), rhodamine B isothiocyanate (RITC), rhodamine 123, and rhodamine B ethyl ester — were used to study their effects on calcium-induced fusion of fusogenic carrot (Daucus carota L.) protoplasts. These protoplasts normally fused at a high percentage (50–60%) in response to 10 mM calcium, pH 6.0; however, if cells had been labeled with scopoletin, FITC, or RITC, fusion was greatly reduced. In contrast, labeling with carboxyfluorescein, rhodamine 123, or rhodamine B ethyl ester had no detectable effect on calcium-induced fusion. The two rhodamine dyes are shown to be localized in mitochondria.
A facile in situ sulfur deposition route to obtain carbon-wrapped sulfur composite cathodes for lithium-sulfur batteries

Abstract An in situ sulfur deposition route has been developed for synthesizing sulfur–carbon composites as cathode materials for lithium–sulfur batteries. This facile synthesis method involves the precipitation of elemental sulfur at the interspaces between carbon nanoparticles in aqueous solution at room temperature. The product has been characterized by X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, charge–discharge measurements, and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. The sulfur–carbon composite cathode with 75 wt.% active material thus obtained exhibits a remarkably high first discharge capacity of 1116 mAh g−1 with good cycle performance, maintaining 777 mAh g−1 after 50 cycles. The significantly improved electrochemical performance of the sulfur–carbon composite cathode is attributed to the carbon-wrapped sulfur network structure, which suppresses the loss of active material during charging/discharging and the migration of the polysulfide ions to the anode (i.e., shuttling effect). The integrity of the cathode structure during cycling is reflected in low impedance values observed after cycling. This facile in situ sulfur deposition route represents a low-cost approach to obtain high-performance sulfur–carbon composite cathodes for rechargeable Li–S batteries.
The long arm of the lab laws

This paper may be viewed at the American Chemical Society's website (http://pubs.acs.org/subscribe/journals/tcaw/10/i11/html/11regs.html)
Effect of postganglionic sympathectomy on the ultrastructure of the rat parotid gland

Following two weeks of superior cervical ganglionectomy, the parotid glands of adult rats were removed and studied by electron microscopy. Sympathectomy induced striking alterations of acini, resulting in a heterogeneous population of acinar cells, but it had no obvious effect on the duct system. Most of the altered cells could be classified on a cytological basis as “dark cells” or “light cells.” Dark cells predominated and contained more secretory granules, less granular endoplasmic reticulum, fewer Golgi membranes, and smaller lumina and intercellular canaliculi than normal acinar cells. The synthesis and extrusion of secretory products appeared to be minimal in these cells. Light cells possessed ultrastructural features, such as dilated cisternae of granular endoplasmic reticulum and prominent Golgi membranes, which were opposite to those of dark cells and indicative of a high degree of secretory activity. The heterogeneous population of cells following sympathectomy indicates that the sympathetic nervous system may play an important role in regulating the secretory synchrony of acinar cells.
Functional properties of T and B cells isolated by affinity chromatography from rat thoracic duct lymph.

Abstract Rat thoracic duct lymphocytes (TDL) were separated into two fractions by passing the cells through a column of rabbit anti-rat F (ab′) 2 antibody coupled to Sephadex G-200. Cells with readily detectable surface immunoglobulin (Ig) were retained on the gel, whereas those without surface Ig were recovered in the effluent. Adherent cells were retrieved by eluting the column with rat Ig. Both dividing and nondividing lymphocytes were separated by this procedure. The adherent and non-adherent fractions contained functionally active lymphocytes as judged by a thymidine incorporation technique and the immunological performance of the cells after transfer to normal recipients. Antibody forming cells and B memory cells were concentrated in the adherent fraction. The non-adherent fraction contained antigen-sensitive T cells which initiate graft versus host reaction and specifically sensitized lymphocytes of the kind which transfer resistance to L. monocytogenes .
INVESTIGATING THE EFFECTIVENESS OF COLLATERAL INFORMATION ON SMALL-SAMPLE EQUATING

This paper describes an empirical evaluation of a Bayesian procedure for equating scores on test forms taken by small numbers of examinees, using collateral information from the equating of other test forms. In this procedure, a separate Bayesian estimate is derived for the equated score at each raw-score level, making it unnecessary to specify a parametric model for the equating function. Collateral information can come either from other forms of the same test or, possibly, from other tests having a similar structure. Our evaluation consisted of two resampling studies. Each study applied the Bayesian procedure to small samples drawn from large-sample data collected for an anchor equating. The large-sample equating function served as the criterion. The results of the two studies were somewhat inconsistent, leading to different conclusions regarding the use of the empirical Bayesian procedure with small samples.
Thermal Instability of a Fluid-Saturated Porous Medium Bounded by Thin Fluid Layers

A linear stability analysis is performed for a horizontal Darcy porous layer of depth 2d{sub m} sandwiched between two fluid layers of depth d (each) with the top and bottom boundaries being dynamically free and kept at fixed temperatures. The Beavers-Joseph condition is employed as one of the interfacial boundary conditions between the fluid and the porous layer. The critical Rayleigh number and the horizontal wave number for the onset of convective motion depend on the following four dimensional parameters: {cflx d} (= d{sub m}/d, the depth ratio), {delta} (= {radical}K/d{sub m} with K being the permeability of the porous medium) {alpha} (the proportionality constant in the Beavers-Joseph condition), and k/k{sub m} (the thermal conductivity ratio). In order to analyze the effect of these parameters on the stability condition, a set of numerical solutions is obtained in terms of a convergent series for the respective layers, for the case in which the thickness of the porous layer is much greater than that of the fluid layer. A comparison of this study with the previously obtained exact solution for the case of constant heat flux boundaries is made to illustrate quantitative effects of the interfacial and the top/bottom boundaries on themore » thermal instability of a combined system of porous and fluid layers.« less
Unsteady effects in dense, high speed, particle laden flows

Dense high speed non-compacted multiphase flows exist in variable phase turbines, explosions, and ejector nozzles, where the particle volume fraction is in the range 0.001<α_d<0.5. A canonical problem that can be used to study modeling issues related to these types of flows is a shock wave impacting a planar particle cloud. Thus far, prior work has modeled the flow using a 1-D volume-averaged point particle approach and developed momentum and energy coupling terms that reproduce accurately the trajectory of particles in the experiments. Although these early results are promising, it is appropriate to question whether all aspects of the experimental flow can be captured using a one-dimensional model that is traditionally only used for dilute flows. Thus the objective of this work is to set-up a two-dimensional configuration that captures qualitatively the multidimensional behavior of a real three-dimensional particle cloud, but can be used as an exact solution to compare with an equivalent volume-averaged model. The 2-D data is phase-averaged to reduce it to one dimension, and x–t diagrams are used to characterize the flow behavior. These results show the importance of the Reynolds stress term inside the particle cloud and in its turbulent wake. A one-dimensional (1-D) model is developed for direct comparison with the 2-D simulation. While the 1-D model characterizes the overall steady-state flow behavior well, it fails to capture aspects of the unsteady behavior inside and behind the particle cloud because it neglects important unclosed terms.
A Cross-sectional Examination of Height, Weight, and Body Mass Index in Adult Twins

A cross-sectional twin design was used to study the developmental nature of genetic and environmental influences on height, weight, and body mass index. The sample of same-sex adult male and female twins consisted of 586 monozygotic and 447 like-sex dizygotic twin pairs aged 18 to 81 years. Means and variances suggested normative age differences for all three physical variables. Biometrical model-fitting with maximum likelihood methods of parameter estimation indicated that the general best-fitting model across the age groups for height, weight, and body mass index was one in which the genetic effects were additive and the environmental effects were from nonshared, idiosyncratic experiences. The best-fitting cross-sectional biometrical model for height, weight, and body mass index indicated that additive genetic variance remained stable while nonshared environmental variance increased with age. This increase in environmental variance but stable genetic variance resulted in decreasing heritability with age for height (heritability ranging from 0.89 in the youngest group to 0.87 in the oldest), weight (heritability ranging from 0.86 in the youngest group to 0.70 in the oldest), and body mass index (heritability ranging from 0.82 in the youngest group to 0.63 in the oldest).
Vitamin D and dental caries in controlled clinical trials: systematic review and meta‐analysis

Vitamin D has been used to prevent and treat dental caries. The objective of this study was to conduct a systematic review of controlled clinical trials (CCTs) assessing the impact of vitamin D on dental caries prevention. Random-effects and meta-regression models were used to evaluate overall and subgroup-specific relative-rate estimates. Twenty-four CCTs encompassing 2,827 children met the inclusion criteria. Twenty-two of the 24 CCTs predated modern clinical trial design, some of which nonetheless reported characteristics such as pseudo-randomization (n = 2), blinding (n = 4), or use of placebos (n = 8). The relative-rate estimates of the 24 CCTs exhibited significant heterogeneity (P F = 0.22). The analysis of CCT data identified vitamin D as a promising caries-preventive agent, leading to a low-certainty conclusion that vitamin D may reduce the incidence of caries.
Trading Accuracy for Power with an Underdesigned Multiplier Architecture

We propose a novel multiplier architecture with tunable error characteristics, that leverages a modified inaccurate 2x2 building block. Our inaccurate multipliers achieve an average power saving of 31.78% ? 45.4% over corresponding accurate multiplier designs, for an average error of 1.39%?3.32%. Using image filtering and JPEG compression as sample applications we show that our architecture can achieve 2X - 8X better Signal-Noise-Ratio (SNR) for the same power savings when compared to recent voltage over-scaling based power-error tradeoff methods. We project the multiplier power savings to bigger designs highlighting the fact that the benefits are strongly design dependent. We compare this circuit-centric approach to power quality tradeoffs with a pure software adaptation approach for a JPEG example. We also enhance the design to allow for correct operation of the multiplier using a residual adder, for non error resilient applications.
Illuminating the lack of consensus among descriptions of earth history data in the North American deserts: A resource for biologists

Understanding the timing of mountain building and desert formation events in western North America is crucial to understanding the evolutionary history of the diverse arid-adapted biota that is found there. While many different, often conflicting descriptions exist regarding geobiotic change in western North America, little work has been done to synthesize these various viewpoints. In this paper we present several case studies that illustrate the differences in the various explanations, based on geological and paleobiological data, detailing mountain uplift and desertification in western North America. The majority of the descriptions detailing mountain building in this area fall into two major periods of uplift, the Laramide uplift (∼70—50 Ma) and the Neogene uplift (∼15—2 Ma), yet it remains unclear which of these events was responsible for the formation of the modern mountains. Like the descriptions of mountain building, various accounts exist detailing the timing of desert formation. Some authors sugg...
The influence of basic beliefs and object-specific attitudes on behavioural intentions towards a rare and little-known amphibian

Context. Given the decline in amphibian populations worldwide, it is essential to build a better understanding of human behaviours that jeopardise their survival. Much of the literature regarding the social–psychological determinants of behaviours related to wildlife has focussed solely on general wildlife beliefs rather than specific attitudes towards a particular species. Aims. The goal of this study was to assess how individuals’ behavioural intentions towards a rare and little-known species, the hellbender salamander (Cryptobranchus alleganiensis), are influenced by their attitudes towards the animal and their more general beliefs about wildlife. Methods. Questionnaires were distributed to landowners in Missouri (n=1 065) and Indiana (n=1 378) in counties where the hellbender is known to exist. A multinomial logit regression model was used to assess the relationship between basic wildlife beliefs, species-specific attitudes and behavioural intentions towards the hellbender. Key results. The response rate was 36.6% in Missouri and 41.0% in Indiana. The more value individuals placed on non-hunting wildlife experiences, the less likely they were to say they would engage in a behaviour harmful to the animal (b=–0.47, P=0.030). The more negative the attitudes towards the hellbender held by individuals, the less likely they were to say they would remove the hook (b=–0.55, P <0.001), put the animal back (b=–0.77, P <0.001), or call a resource professional (b=–0.33, P=0.023). A comparison of the Akaike information criterion (AIC) scores and model loglikelihood values without (AIC=2 858.36; LLV=–1 395.18) and with (AIC=2 232.60; LLV=–1 077.30) the speciesspecific attitude measure showed that its inclusion improved the model. Conclusions. Positive attitudes towards the hellbender and mutualistic wildlife beliefs were related to non-detrimental behavioural intentions. However, attitudes towards the animal were found to be a stronger and more consistent predictor of behavioural intentions than basic wildlife beliefs. Implications. Efforts to conserve rare or little-known species should focus outreach strategies on developing positive attitudes towards these species, so as to achieve desired changes in behaviour.
Specific Cleavages by RNase H Facilitate Initiation of Plus-Strand RNA Synthesis by Moloney Murine Leukemia Virus

Successful generation, extension, and removal of the plus-strand primer is integral to reverse transcription. For Moloney murine leukemia virus, primer removal at the RNA/DNA junction leaves the 3′ terminus of the plus-strand primer abutting the downstream plus-strand DNA, but this 3′ terminus is not efficiently reutilized for another round of extension. The RNase H cleavage to create the plus-strand primer might similarly result in the 3′ terminus of this primer abutting downstream RNA, yet efficient initiation must occur to synthesize the plus-strand DNA. We hypothesized that displacement synthesis, RNase H activity, or both must participate to initiate plus-strand DNA synthesis. Using model hybrid substrates and RNase H-deficient reverse transcriptases, we found that displacement synthesis alone did not efficiently extend the plus-strand primer at a nick with downstream RNA. However, specific cleavage sites for RNase H were identified in the sequence immediately following the 3′ end of the plus-strand primer. During generation of the plus-strand primer, cleavage at these sites generated a gap. When representative gaps separated the 3′ terminus of the plus-strand primer from downstream RNA, primer extension significantly improved. The contribution of RNase H to the initiation of plus-strand DNA synthesis was confirmed by comparing the effects of downstream RNA versus DNA on plus-strand primer extension by wild-type reverse transcriptase. These data suggest a model in which efficient initiation of plus-strand synthesis requires the generation of a gap immediately following the plus-strand primer 3′ terminus.
Noninterference screw bone block fixation devices

Graft fixation depends on surgeon preference, graft selection and surgical technique. For bone block fixation several studies have found interference screw fixation provides the most rigid fixation. However, in some instances such as posterior wall compromise and graft-tunnel length mismatch, rigid interference screw fixation may not be possible. While conversion to a two incision technique is an option, endoscopic approaches require alternative fixation methods. These include suture post, endobutton, and cross pin fixation on the femoral side and suture post or staple fixation on the tibial side. These fixation methods have weaker biomechanical properties and should only be employed when rigid interference screw fixation cannot be achieved. In addition, when these methods are employed, a less aggressive postoperative rehabilitation will be necessary until biologic incorporation is achieved.
The Influence of Teachers’ Knowledge on Student Learning in Middle School Physical Science Classrooms

This study examines the relationship between teacher knowledge and student learning for 9,556 students of 181 middle school physical science teachers. Assessment instruments based on the National Science Education Standards with 20 items in common were administered several times during the school year to both students and their teachers. For items that had a very popular wrong answer, the teachers who could identify this misconception had larger classroom gains, much larger than if the teachers knew only the correct answer. On items on which students did not exhibit misconceptions, teacher subject matter knowledge alone accounted for higher student gains. This finding suggests that a teacher’s ability to identify students’ most common wrong answer on multiple-choice items, a form of pedagogical content knowledge, is an additional measure of science teacher competence.
Large-Bar Connection for Precast Bridge Bents in Seismic Regions

A new beam-to-column connection has been developed for assembling precast concrete bridge bents in regions of high seismicity. The connection is made with a small number of large column bars, which are grouted into large corrugated-metal ducts embedded in the cap beam. Bents built with these connections can be erected quickly and permit generous construction tolerances. To evaluate the seismic performance of the proposed connection, lateral-load tests were performed on three manifestations of the connection, as well as on a comparable cast-in-place connection. The tests demonstrated that the force-displacement response and damage progression in the precast connection are similar to those of typical cast-in-place concrete connections. Deliberate partial debonding of the longitudinal reinforcement only slightly affected the force-displacement response and observed damage.
Suspended-Sediment Flux and Retention in a Backwater Tidal Slough Complex near the Landward Boundary of an Estuary

Backwater tidal sloughs are commonly found at the landward boundary of estuaries. The Cache Slough complex is a backwater tidal region within the Upper Sacramento–San Joaquin Delta that includes two features that are relevant for resource managers: (1) relatively high abundance of the endangered fish, delta smelt (Hypomesus transpacificus), which prefers turbid water and (2) a recently flooded shallow island, Liberty Island, that is a prototype for habitat restoration. We characterized the turbidity around Liberty Island by measuring suspended-sediment flux at four locations from July 2008 through December 2010. An estuarine turbidity maximum in the backwater Cache Slough complex is created by tidal asymmetry, a limited tidal excursion, and wind-wave resuspension. During the study, there was a net export of sediment, though sediment accumulates within the region from landward tidal transport during the dry season. Sediment is continually resuspended by both wind waves and flood tide currents. The suspended-sediment mass oscillates within the region until winter freshwater flow pulses flush it seaward. The hydrodynamic characteristics within the backwater region such as low freshwater flow during the dry season, flood tide dominance, and a limited tidal excursion favor sediment retention.
Relationships between MR transverse relaxation parameters R*(2), R(2) and R'(2) and hepatic iron content in thalassemic mice at 1.5 T and 3 T.

Assessment of hepatic iron concentration is important in the management of patients with thalassemia. The goal of this study was to investigate the relationships between the three MR transverse relaxation rates, R, R2, and R, and hepatic iron content in a mouse model of thalassemia at 1.5 and 3 T field strengths. A GESFIDE (gradient-echo sampling of free induction decay and echo) pulse sequence was used to measure the three parameters efficiently in a single scan in a study examining the livers of normal and thalassemic mice, including a subgroup of the latter that were subjected to periodic transfusions. The results showed that R, R2 and R all correlated closely with liver iron concentration at both 1.5 T and 3 T, with correlation coefficients ranging from 0.72 to 0.79. High degrees of correlation (r = 0.93–0.99) were also observed among the three MR parameters at both field strengths. It can be concluded that the three rates could all be effective for assessing hepatic iron concentration and that imaging at higher fields may not offer any advantages over that at lower fields. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Postanesthesia care unit nursing: Just watching

The recovery room was one of the first units in the hospital to be specialized,and it dramatically decreased the complications and mortality rate of postoperative patients; but, like anything that has been around for a long time, the PACU is sometimes taken for granted, and can be regarded as a place where patients just sleep while nursing care consists of taking blood pressures. In reality, PACUs have kept abreast of the advances in technology, and are even more necessary today with the increased acuity of surgical patients and shorter hospital stays. To the PACU nurse, it is an exciting place where the status of the patient changes rapidly, and requires constant, astute observation and intervention as he or she is guided safely from one stage of emergence to another.
Empirical orthogonal function analysis of sea surface temperature patterns in Delaware Bay

Empirical orthogonal functions (EOFs) are used to study a time-series of IR images from the Delaware Bay region, to determine the dominant patterns of sea surface temperature (SST) variance. Thirty-two months of AVHRR imagery, from February 1992 to September 1994, were used in the study. The SST images were averaged into monthly means for the analysis. EOF analysis decomposed the time series into its component parts. For Delaware Bay, the seasonal solar heating cycle dominated the results, accounting for 95.3% of the total variance. Higher modes in this area are interpreted as the result of spring heating and fall cooling of shallow river and bay waters ahead of offshore waters. The EOF results provide independent satellite derived evidence for lateral variability in the circulation of the estuary, which had previously been found in in-situ studies. The lateral variability in the bay circulation is a result of Delaware Bay's drowned river valley bathymetry.
The Demands of Liberty: Civil Society in France Since the Revolution

The Demands of Liberty: Civil Society in France Since the Revolution. By Pierre Rosanvallon. Translated by Arthur Goldhammer. Cambridge, MA: Harvard University Press, 2007. 368p. $35.00.Pierre Rosanvallon thinks about democracy in historical terms, and his investigations of French political experience since the revolution of 1789 hold lessons for democratic thought and practice outside his native country. His latest book to be translated into English adds to a growing reception of his rewarding thought. Though a jazzed-up retitling of the more homely original (literally translated as The French Political Model), this work describes both the strictures placed upon democracy by the French tradition of political centralization and the demands made upon the French state in the name of the free, solidaristic, and mediatory field of civil society.
An Alternate Pathway for T Cell Development Supported by the Bone Marrow Microenvironment: Recapitulation of Thymic Maturation

In the principal pathway of α/β T cell maturation, T cell precursors from the bone marrow migrate to the thymus and proceed through several well-characterized developmental stages into mature CD4+ and CD8+ T cells. This study demonstrates an alternative pathway in which the bone marrow microenvironment also supports the differentiation of T cell precursors into CD4+ and CD8+ T cells. The marrow pathway recapitulates developmental stages of thymic maturation including a CD4+CD8+ intermediary cell and positive and negative selection, and is strongly inhibited by the presence of mature T cells. The contribution of the marrow pathway in vivo requires further study in mice with normal and deficient thymic or immune function.
Whole-body vibration augments resistance training effects on body composition in postmenopausal women.

Age-related changes in body composition are well-documented with a decrease in lean body mass and a redistribution of body fat generally observed. Resistance training alone has been shown to have positive effects on body composition, however, these benefits may be enhanced by the addition of a vibration stimulus. Objective: The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of 8 months of resistance training with and without whole-body vibration (WBV) on body composition in sedentary postmenopausal women. Methods: Fifty-five women were assigned to resistance only (RG, n = 22), vibration plus resistance (VR, n = 21) or non-exercising control (CG, n = 12) groups. Resistance training (3 sets 10 repetitions 80% strength) was performed using isotonic weight training equipment and whole-body vibration was done with the use of the power plate (Northbrooke, IL) vibration platform for three times per week for 8 months. Total and regional body composition was assessed from the total body DXA scans at baseline (pre) and after 8 months (post) of training. Results: In the VR group, total % body fat decreased from pre- to post-time points (p < 0.05), whereas, the CG group had a significant increase in total % body fat (p < 0.05). Both training groups exhibited significant increases in bone free lean tissue mass for the total body, arm and trunk regions from pre to post (p < 0.05). CG did not show any changes in lean tissue. Conclusion: In older women, resistance training alone and with whole-body vibration resulted in positive body composition changes by increasing lean tissue. However, only the combination of resistance training and whole-body vibration was effective for decreasing percent body fat.
Laboratory Evaluation of Coagulation Inhibitors

Age/Sex: 11-year-old female 43-year-old male 11-year-old male 69-year-old female Chief Complaint: Epistaxis, fever, Ischemic stroke Epistaxis that occurred 1 week Easy bruising within the past malaise, and anorexia prior to current evaluation; treated few weeks with fresh frozen plasma at another institution where a diagnosis of prothrombin deficiency was made Physical Exam Afebrile, well-nourished Apparently healthy child in no acute Large hematoma at the site of an Findings: child with cervical distress with no active bleeding IM injection; multiple lymphadenopathy ecchymoses in left arm with diffuse swelling Past Medical Unremarkable Hypertension Fever and lymphadenopathy approxiHypertension, diabetes mellitus, History: mately 6 months prior to presentation rheumatoid arthritis, and asthma Surgical History: Tonsillectomy at age None Circumcision and tonsillectomy withCholecystectomy and 9 years without out excessive bleeding hysterectomy without increased bleeding increased bleeding