cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Training effective interpreters for diabetes care and education: a new challenge.

Purpose This article describes a pilot project to improve knowledge, attitudes, and skills of ad hoc interpreters working with Native American diabetes patients with limited English proficiency. Methods Case-based studies reflecting clinical situations were developed. Key concepts and terms from the cases were translated into the Navajo language and carefully back translated using the newly standardized Navajo diabetes terminology. Twenty-two health care workers from 2 Indian Health Service facilities were recruited for a pilot study to compare the performance of interpreters trained in a formal workshop using the case studies with that of interpreters who independently reviewed a video made from the training. Results Workshop participants noted significant improvements in their knowledge and comfort level in interpretation of diabetes concepts but not about unrelated topics; the independent study group perceived less improvement. Conclusion Formal training for interpreters working with diabetes patients should be considered by diabetes educators working in settings where medical interpreters are needed. Diabetes educators should encourage back translation of key diabetes concepts to understand exactly what is being said to patients. Those working with multiple interpreters should make sure there are opportunities for interpreters to discuss translations of key concepts with each other and the educators so that translations are accurate and consistent among interpreters. Independent study did not appear to be an effective way to improve the ability of interpreters to translate current diabetes concepts accurately.
Predicted Performance, Global Tracking Network at AMR

The major elements of the GLOTRAC Global Tracking Network are described and a brief discussion of their individual capabilities presented. The performance of ground stations assigned to Segment 1 at AMR is examined based on computer simulations and on an informal tracking test in connection with the MA-9 Mercury launch. Considerations involved in the growth of GLOTRAC to an integrated tracking, telecommunications, command and control system are discussed.
The acyl group as the central element of the structural organization of antimicrobial lipopeptide.

Incorporation of an acyl chain into the peptides extends their range of activities. In known lipopeptide structures the peptide and non-peptidyl segment are segregated into two separate structural domains. Solution NMR conformation of the cationic antimicrobial lipopeptide C12LF11 (N-lauryl undecapeptide LF11 based on human lactoferrin) shows a completely reorganized peptide conformation in micellar environment in comparison to the parent peptide. As a striking difference to other known lipopeptide structures, the acyl chain of C12LF11 forms an integral part of the hydrophobic cluster with long-range effects on the peptide conformation. The peptide C-terminus forms two helical segments and is better defined in DPC than in SDS micelles. Peptide acylation improved particularly the activity against the bacterial strains with short oligosaccharide (rough) LPS chemotype and protected mice against the endotoxic shock. The profound structural effects of acylation demonstrate that this type of modification allows...
Structure and migration corridors in Pacific populations of the Swordfish Xiphius gladius, as inferred through analyses of mitochondrial DNA

The swordfish Xiphias gladius is a migratory oceanic species distributed in sub-tropical and temperate waters worldwide. Studies utilizing mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) have demonstrated genetic subdivision between ocean basins, as well as within the Atlantic basin. However, there has been no support of population subdivision within the Pacific. We sequenced 629 base pairs of the control region for 281 swordfish collected in the Pacific. A rate heterogeneity parameter, alpha, was found to be 0.201, indicating substantial variation in mutation rate within the control region of swordfish. Hierarchical analysis of molecular variance supported significant genetic structuring among Pacific populations. Northern and southern populations in the western Pacific were significantly divergent, while populations in the east appeared to be genetically continuous. Regression analysis supported a correlation of genetic differentiation with geographic distance along a U-shaped corridor of gene flow. These results reveal a pelagic biogeographic pattern heretofore unrecognized in the Pacific, and reject the null hypothesis that Pacific populations of swordfish are unstructured and comprise only a single homogeneous stock.
The Effect of ceramic reinforcements during spray atomization and codeposition of metal matrix composites: part i. heat transfer

The effects of ceramic participates on microstructure during spray atomization and codeposition of metal matrix composites (MMCs) were investigated, with particular emphasis on the transfer of thermal energy from the atomized matrix to the ceramic particulates. A thermal energy model, based on fundamental heat-transfer considerations, was formulated, and the numerical results were compared to the microstructural findings. In this model, the transfer of thermal energy from the atomized metal to the ceramic phase was computed for two separate stages: (a) atomization and (b) deposition. The numerical results obtained using SiC particulates in an aluminum matrix show that 10 pct of the enthalpy of the atomized spray is transferred to the ceramic particulates during atomization, whereas 10 pct of the thermal energy available after deposition will be consumed in the process of equilibrating the temperature of the particulates to that of the matrix. The enhanced heat transfer achieved as a result of the presence of ceramic reinforcement was correlated with the grain sizes of various unreinforced and reinforced spraydeposited MMCs.
OPTIMAL MESH ALGORITHMS FOR PROXIMITY AND VISIBILITY PROBLEMS IN SIMPLE POLYGONS

We present optimal parallel algorithms that run in time on mesh-connected computer for a number of fundamental problems concerning proximity and visibility in a simple polygon. These include computing shortest paths, shortest path trees, shortest path partitions, all-farthest neighbors, the visibility polygon of a point, the weak visibility polygon of an edge, and the ray shooting problem.
Elevation of total progressive antithrombin in Von Willebrand's disease

Abstract Plasmas from 30 normals, 46 patients with von Willebrand's disease (vWd) and 17 with hemophilia A were examined for levels of Total Progressive Antithrombin (TPA) and for three Factor VIII-related activities: coagulant (VIII:C), antigenic (VIIIR:Ag) and Willebrand factor (VIIIR:WF). The mean of TPA for the normals was 102.1%, and for the hemophiliacs 102.6% while that for the vWd group was 133.4%. The difference was statistically highly significant. The 1 3 elevation of TPA in vWd was accompanied by reduction to 44% of the average of all the F. VIII activities. The normal TPA in hemophilia A plasmas suggests that the inverse relationship between TPA and F. VIII in vWd is not the result of the reduced coagulant activity.
Safety and Efficacy of Pre Transplant Desensitization of Patients Supported by CF-LVADs

s S99 Device related complications (DRC) raise acuity of illness allowing patients to be listed as status 1A. We sought to study HTx outcomes of status 1A patients supported with CF LVADs with (DRC+) or without (DRC-) device related complications. Methods: UNOS data (2006 to 2012), on adult HTx patients listed as status 1A with CF LVADs at HTx was analyzed. Outcomes were compared between DRC+ and DRCgroups. Data on DRC+ group was further analyzed under five UNOS categories (B1 = Thromboembolism, B2 = Device related infections, B3 = Mechanical failure, B4 = Ventricular arrhythmia, B5 = other). Results: During the study period 6799 patients received HTx under 1A listing, of which 2113 (31%) were supported with CF LVADs (Fig). Substantially more patients are supported with CF LVADs under 1A listing, 11.4% in 2006 to 41.5% in 2012. Alarming number of CF LVAD patients are added to 1A listing for DRC, 20% in 2006 to 55% in 2012, p = 0.0001. Majority of DRC are in B2 category54% followed by B117.4%. Demographics and perioperative variables between DRC+ and DRCwere comparable except DRC+ had longer wait times (330 ± 323 days vs 168 ± 298 days), more blood group O (57% v 40%) and higher BMI (29 ± 5.5 vs 27± 5). Post HTx survival for DRC+ was significantly inferior compared to DRCgroup both at 1 yr (85.6% vs 89.4%, p = 0.01) and 3 yrs (78% vs 82.7%, p = 0.01). Among DRC+ subgroups, 1 and 3 yr survival was inferior only for B2 category (85% and 77%, p = 0.01). Conclusion: Increasing number of patients receiving HTx under 1A listing are supported with CF LVADs. DRC are steadily increasing, majority of them from B2 category. Longer wait times, blood group O and higher BMI are associated with DRC. Post HTx survival in the DRC+ group is inferior, primarily for B2 category. Benefits of CF LVADs for patients awaiting HTx need to be weighed against the development of DRC and inferior post HTx survival.
THE STATUS OF HORMONAL THERAPY FOR THE PRIMARY AND SECONDARY PREVENTION OF ATHEROSCLEROTIC CORONARY HEART DISEASE.

E XTENSIVE EVIDENCE is available implicating hormonal derangements in the multifaetorial etiology and pathogenesis of atherosclerotie disease. It has also been repeatedly demonstrated that several hormones--including growth hormone, andrenocorticotrophic hormone, corticoids, thyroid preparations, estrogens and androsterone~tend to lower serum cholesterol-lipid]ipoprotein concentrations. 15 Since hyperlipidemia has been unequivocally shown to increase the risk of premature clinical atherosclerotic coronary heart disease 2,5a~ the concept has inevitably developed that therapy with cholesterol-lowering hormones might be effective against this disease. The purposes of this paper are to review briefly the rationale for the use of specific hormones for the primary and secondary prevention of clinical atherosclerotie disease, and to summarize the present status of investigation in this field. Although multiple hormonal influences have been demonstrated, research on therapeutic application has been almost exclusively confined to thyroid hormones and estrogens--plus recent studies on androsterone, and on the combined use of thyroid preparations and corticosteroids. This paper, therefore, is limited to a discussion of these agents.*
In-Situ Regrowth and Purification by Zone Melting of Organic Single-Crystal Thin Films Yielding Significantly Enhanced Optoelectronic Properties

Amorphous or polycrystalline films of three organic materials (solvent blue 35 and two porphyrins) have been recrystallized into single-crystal thin films (of micrometer thickness) by a zone-melting technique, in which an electrically heated wire generated a narrow molten zone (0.5−2 mm wide) on the organic layer sandwiched between two pieces of glass or indium−tin oxide-coated glass. When the molten zone was moved slowly (3−120 μm/min) across the layer from one end of the cell to the other, a single-crystal film was produced after a single pass. After this treatment, the steady-state short-circuit photocurrent was improved by several orders of magnitude.
Practical aspects of undulator radiation properties

It is important to be able to accurately predict the spectral and angular distribution of undulator radiation properties when designing beamlines; at new synchrotron radiation facilities or when performing radiation experiments at already existing beamlines. In practice, the particle beam emittance and beam energy spread must be taken into account in modeling these properties. The undulators fabricated today are made with small RMS phase errors, making them perform almost as, ideal devices. Calculation tools for numerical modeling of undulator radiation sources (ideal and nonideal) will be discussed, and the excellent agreement with experimentally obtained absolute spectral flux measurements of undulator A at the Advanced Photon Source verifies the high accuracy of the computer codes and the high quality of the undulators being built today. Our focus here is on flux properties useful in practical beamline designs, and the chosen examples demonstrate the versatility of computer programs available to beamline designers and experimentalists.
Gene transcript clustering: a comparison of parallel approaches

One of the fundamental components of large-scale gene discovery projects is that of clustering of expressed sequence tags (ESTs) from complementary DNA (cDNA) clone libraries. Clustering is used to create non-redundant catalogs and indices of these sequences. In particular, clustering of ESTs is frequently used to estimate the number of genes derived from cDNA-based gene discovery efforts. This paper presents a novel parallel extension to an EST clustering program, UIeluster4, that incorporates alternative splicing information and a new parallelization strategy. The results are compared to other parallelized EST clustering systems in terms of overall processing time and in accuracy of the resulting clustering.
Like a hustler: aligning intervention design with informal labor practices

In this paper, we describe the findings from fieldwork conducted with low income youth in Nairobi in the context of a mobile phone based solution for employment in the informal sector. We utilize a narratives based approach to analyzing the lived experiences of our target demographic and present our findings in the form of design cues. In particular, we focus on the identity work conducted by our respondents, the barriers they face in accruing their livelihood, and the aspect of discontinuity in their employment, housing, and support systems. We present a set of design cues which are concerned with generating physical artifacts based on virtual activity, co-opting group dynamics, integration with government and civil society actors, and empowering the voice of informal workers. Our hope is to better align program priorities and delivery systems in accordance with patterns evinced from oral accounts of the intended beneficiaries.
The ‘melon-seed’ mechanism and coronal transients

Adopting the point of view that a coronal transient is a defined magnetic structure, it must be diamagnetic with respect to the external ambient magnetic field, i.e., the external field lines cannot penetrate the structure. If this is so, an integral approach involving only external forces can be very useful for studying the conditions for acceleration and large-scale dynamical behavior of the transient. After a discussion of a suggested transient configuration based upon observations of prominences, flare loops, and transient - filament relative orientations observed by Trottet and MacQueen (1980), we demonstrate the diamagnetic approach to this problem through a particularly simplified model. Necessary conditions for upward acceleration of the transient are discussed in some detail. One such plausible initiation mechanism is shown to be a constriction of the structure near its base by the external forces. This mechanism not only can provide the upward acceleration for the transient but is also compatible with the observation of hot rising flare loops during two-ribbon flare which show evidence for magnetic reconnection. We have studied the equilibrium conditions and dynamical behavior of the transient using this mechanism for two limiting cases - that in which the gas pressure in the structure dominates over the magnetic pressure and that in which the magnetic pressure dominates. For both cases, the required equilibrium conditions are compatible with observed coronal parameters. The dynamical behavior upon inward constriction, however, resembles the observed characteristics for transients best for the magnetically dominated case. For example, in the pressure-dominated case, the required temperatures for acceleration appear somewhat high being in excess of about 1.9 × 106 K. If, in addition, the internal temperature declines adiabatically during the outward motion, the structure does not reach inifinity unless its initial temperature exceeds about 3 × 106 K but stops a some radial distance, returns to the Sun only to be accelerated outward again in the same fashion. The rather stringent requirements on internal temperature for the pressure-dominated case in addition to the expectation that pressure-dominated transients should evolve into a thin pencil shape instead of maintaining an approximately self-similar profile as observed are strong arguments in favor of the magnetically dominated case. Based upon the above results, we suggest that the reconnection process evidenced in two-ribbon flares may not necessarily be the result of the relaxation of a locally open field configuration produced by the transient as described by Kopp and Pneuman (1976) but, instead, that the acceleration of the transient and the two-ribbon flare both may be produced by a common force, namely that provided by the constricting effect of the external magnetic field displaced by the presence of the structure.
Integrating multimedia information for joint theater command and control

The modern command center must support force-level data fusion (the integration and display of information from a range of sources) to meet the needs of contingency operations. The effectiveness of the information use depends upon improving the integration of information processing capabilities with the cognitively-demanding team planning and decision making tasks of the joint force senior command. The leveraging factors in information technology for command support are the ability to present the commander with the right information at the right time with the right level of detail. This paper investigates the "Data Wall" information presentation concept and its associated interface technologies with respect to their potential contributions to the critical requirements associated with joint theater command and control (C/sup 2/) decision making. The paper further highlights the pivotal technological issues and emphasizes the importance of context-specific research to support successful design and development to meet the operational requirements of C/sup 2/ decision making.
Non-linear IR Scene Prediction for Range Video Surveillance

This paper describes a non-linear IR (infra-red) scene prediction method for range video surveillance and navigation. A Gabor-filter bank is selected as a primary detector for any changes in a given IR range image sequence. The detected ROI (region of interest) involving arbitrary motion is fed to a non-linear Kalman filter for predicting the next scene in time-varying 3D IR video. Potential applications of this research are mainly in indoor/outdoor heat-change based range measurement, synthetic IR scene generation, rescue missions, and autonomous navigation. Experimental results reported herein show that non-linear Kalman filtering-based scene prediction can perform more accurately than linear estimation of future frames in range and intensity driven sensing. The low least mean square error (LMSE), on the average of about 2% using a bank of 8 Gabor filters, also proves the reliability of the IR scene estimator (or predictor) developed in this work.
Acetaminophen as a marker of gastric emptying in ponies

Gastric emptying was evaluated in ponies using the acetaminophen (AP) method. Fifteen minutes after i.v. administration of metoclopramide, erythromycin, yohimbine, atropine or saline, the ponies were given AP by stomach tube. Blood samples for AP analysis were collected at baseline and 15, 30, 45, 60, 75, 90, 105 and 120 min after AP administration. Time to reach peak serum concentration (Tmax), maximum serum concentration (Cmax) and area under the AP serum concentration vs. time curve (AUC) were determined for each treatment group. In the control group, Tmax was 31 min and this decreased significantly (P < 0.05) following the administration of metoclopramide. Atropine significantly increased Tmax and decreased Cmax and AUC. Yohimbine significantly increased AUC. Erythromycin did not significantly change any parameter. This study indicates that acetaminophen can be used to evaluate gastric emptying in ponies. The method is easy to perform and is minimally invasive. Metoclopramide stimulated gastric emptying of liquid in healthy, fasting ponies. Atropine significantly delayed, while erythromycin had little effect on, gastric emptying. Yohimbine increased the cumulative absorption of AP.
Reducing underage and young adult drinking: how to address critical drinking problems during this developmental period.

Forty years ago, when the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA) was founded, alcoholism was considered an adult disease driven principally by physiological determinants. As NIAAA expanded its research portfolio, new data and insights were obtained that led to an increased focus on underage and young adult drinking. Fostered by interdisciplinary research, etiologic models were developed that recognized the multiplicity of relevant genetic and environmental influences. This shift in conceptualizing alcohol use disorders also was based on findings from large-scale, national studies indicating that late adolescence and early young adulthood were peak periods for the development of alcohol dependence and that early initiation of alcohol use (i.e., before age 15) was associated with a fourfold increase in the probability of subsequently developing alcohol dependence. In recent years, developmental studies and models of the initiation, escalation, and adverse consequences of underage and early young adult drinking have helped us to understand how alcohol use may influence, and be influenced by, developmental transitions or turning points. Major risk and protective factors are being identified and integrated into screening, prevention, and treatment programs to optimize interventions designed to reduce drinking problems among adolescents and young adults. In addition, regulatory policies, such as the minimum drinking age and zero-tolerance laws, are being implemented and evaluated for their impact on public health. KEY WORDS: Underage drinking; drinking in young adulthood; psychosocial development; development of alcohol disorders; risk factors; protective factors; alcohol effects on brain development; screening among youth; preventive interventions; college drinking; treatment for adolescents and young adults
Inhibition of erythromycin synthesis by disruption of malonyl-coenzyme A decarboxylase gene eryM in Saccharopolyspora erythraea.

Abstract Malonyl-coenzyme A (malonyl-CoA) decarboxylase is widely distributed in prokaryotes and eukaryotes. However, the biological function of this enzyme has not been established in any organism. To elucidate the structure and function of this enzyme, the malonyl-CoA decarboxylase gene from Saccharopolyspora erythraea (formerly Streptomyces erythreaus) was cloned and sequenced. This gene would encode a polypeptide of 417 amino acids. The deduced amino acid sequence matched the experimentally determined amino acid sequences of 25 N-terminal residues each of the enzyme and of an internal peptide obtained by proteolysis of the purified enzyme. This decarboxylase showed homology with aminoglycoside N6'-acetyltransferases of Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Serratia marcescens, and Klebsiella pneumoniae. Northern (RNA) blot analysis revealed a single transcript. The transcription initiation site was 220 bp upstream of the start codon. When expressed in Escherichia coli, the S. erythraea malonyl-CoA decarboxylase gene yielded a protein that cross-reacted with antiserum prepared against S. erythraea malonyl-CoA decarboxylase and catalyzed decarboxylation of [3-14C]malonyl-CoA to acetyl-CoA and 14CO2. The S. erythraea malonyl-CoA decarboxylase gene was disrupted by homologous recombination using an integrating vector pWHM3. The gene-disrupted transformant did not produce immunologically cross-reacting 45-kDa decarboxylase, lacked malonyl-CoA decarboxylase activity, and could not produce erythromycin. Exogenous propionate restored the ability to produce erythromycin. These results strongly suggest that the decarboxylase provides propionyl-CoA for erythromycin synthesis probably via decarboxylation of methylmalonyl-CoA derived from succinyl-CoA, and therefore the malonyl-CoA decarboxylase gene is designated eryM. The gene disrupted mutants also did not produce pigments.
Sol-Gel Synthesis and Characterization of Molybdenum Oxide/Polypyrrole Hybrids

Monolithic Mo oxide/polypyrrole hybrid aerogels and xerogels were successfully synthesized through sol-gel methods. The PPy formed appears to be β-substituted. A 100 fold increase in electrical conductivity was observed for the hybrids (4× 10-3 S/cm) as compared to the pristine MoO3 gels (2× 10-5 S/cm). An initial increase in Li+ intercalation capacity is also observed for the hybrid. The electrical conductivity and Li+ intercalation depend greatly on the concentration of Motrichloro alkoxide precursor and sol aging conditions. The hybrid aerogels have a density of 0.5 g/cc and a surface area of 120 m2/g. The as-formed gels are amorphous and crystallize to the orthorhombic MoO3 phase at 375°C.
Recruitment of house staff into anesthesiology: a re-evaluation of factors responsible for house staff selecting anesthesiology as a career and individual training program

Abstract Study objective To reexamine, in a follow-up to our first study, those factors responsible for house staff ( i.e ., residents and clinical fellows) selecting anesthesiology as a career and a specific training program, as well as house staff satisfaction with various educational aspects of our training program, and their perceptions of the future for graduating anesthesiology trainees. Design Survey questionnaire of 77 house staff at the Mayo Clinic during the 2000 to 2001 academic year. Setting Academic medical center. Measurements A cross-sectional analysis was conducted using a questionnaire to survey 77 house staff enrolled in the anesthesiology training program at Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN during the 2000 to 01 academic year. All responses were anonymous. Data were compared between time epochs using an f-exact test. A p -value ≤0.05 was considered statistically significant. Main results Forty-five (58%) of those surveyed responded to the questionnaire. Responses were similar to those obtained in the original study that we conducted in 1995 to 96. The most frequently cited reasons for selecting anesthesiology as a career were: it is a "hands-on" specialty, it involves the clinical application of physiology and pharmacology, and there is adequate time off. The most frequently cited reasons for selecting our training program were: diversity of training experience, prestige associated with the institution, and house staff satisfaction ( i.e ., morale) observed at the time of interview. House staff continued to report a very high level of satisfaction with the training program (education, clinical practice, and research opportunities). Only 58% of respondents ( vs . 92% in 1995-1996) felt that downsizing of anesthesiology training programs was a national trend, none ( vs . 54% in 1995-1996) anticipated difficulty obtaining a job following training, and 91% ( vs . 33% in 1995-1996) felt that they had future job security. Overall, 98% ( vs . 98% in 1995-1996) were pleased with their career choice, and 93% ( vs . 83% in 1995-1996) would choose anesthesiology as a career if they were now graduating from medical school. Conclusion Data from one institution indicate that selection of an anesthesiology career and training program remain strongly associated with concerns regarding educational experiences and postgraduate employment opportunities. In contrast to our results from our 1995-1996 study, significantly fewer house staff had concerns about securing employment following training. Our observations—coupled with favorable National Resident Matching Program results during the past few years—bode well for the future recruitment of graduating American medical students into anesthesiology.
Effect of hypoglycemia on brain glycogen metabolism in vivo

The brain contains a small but significant amount of glycogen, which has long been considered to play an insignificant role in the brain. In this study, brain glycogen metabolism was measured using (13)C NMR spectroscopy at 9.4 T. Brain glycogen metabolism was modulated by hyperinsulinemia resulting in a net accumulation. The role of glycogen in maintaining brain function is unknown; one possibility is that it may serve as an endogenous glucose reservoir to protect the brain against severe hypoglycemia. To address this possibility, rats were subjected to insulin-induced moderate hypoglycemia and when the level of brain glucose approached zero, brain glycogen content began to decrease gradually, demonstrating utilization of this glucose reservoir. The brain glycogen signal never became undetectable, however, even during 2 hr of hypoglycemia. When plasma and brain glucose concentrations were restored, glycogen increased and the concentration exceeded the pre-hypoglycemic level by several-fold. The data suggest that brain glycogen can provide fuel for extended periods of time when glucose supply is inadequate. Furthermore, brain glycogen can rebound (super-compensate) after a single episode of hypoglycemia. We postulate that brain glycogen serves as an energy store during hypoglycemia and that it may participate in the creation of reduced physiological responses to hypoglycemia that are involved in a symptom often observed in patients with diabetes, hypoglycemia unawareness.
Improved Uranium Recovery from the Process Streams in an Electroplating Facility

This report discusses results of testing to improve uranium recovery from the process streams in an electroplating facility. Cylindrical uranium slugs are used as irradiation targets in the production reactors at the Savannah River Plant. These slugs are first chemically etched, nickel plated, encased in aluminum, inspected, and individually pressure tested. An improved process was developed to recover the uranium from the acidic etching streams for controlling pH and the PO4 to U ratio so that the precipitation of the uranium as hydrogen uranyl phosphate was maximized.
Erratum to “Effects of word frequency on semantic memory in schizophrenia: Electrophysiological evidence for a deficit in linguistic access” [Int. J. Psychophysiol. 75 (2) (2010) 141–156]

We discovered that an error was made in the onset times plotted significant at multiple time windows across the 1 s epoch and over when the waveformswere created for our recent report (International Journal of Psychophysiology 75, 2010, 141–156). Waveforms for initial Prime words rather than the intended subsequent Target words were presented. This error did not affect any of the results based on themain analyses of the values for Target words. Corrected waveforms and the corresponding tables are presented in the following figures and tables, which replace Figs. 1–6 and Tables 4 and 5 in the original paper.
NFBD1/Mdc1 mediates ATR-dependent DNA damage response.

Budding yeast Rad9 (scRad9) plays a central role in mediating Mec1-dependent phosphorylation by recruiting its downstream substrates. The human scRad9 orthologues 53BP1 and NFBD1 associate with ionizing radiation-induced foci (IRIF) at sites of DNA repair. RNAi-based gene silencing of 53BP1 or NFBD1 has shown impaired phosphorylation of SQ/TQ [ataxia-telangiectasia mutated/ATM and Rad3-related (ATM/ATR) substrates] at IRIF, intra-S, and G 2 -M checkpoints and has thereby revealed essential roles for 53BP1 and NFBD1 in the DNA damage signaling pathway. Whether 53BP1 and NFBD1 are required for activation of kinases and/or for recruitment of substrates at IRIF, however, is not clear. Here we show that both 53BP1 and NFBD1 are required for recruitment of ATR to DNA damage sites, as well as for ATR-dependent phosphorylation in response to DNA damage. NFBD1 is not required for ssDNA generation at DNA damage sites and is not recruited by replication protein A (RPA)–coated ssDNA. We therefore show that recruitment of NFBD1 and/or 53BP1, the factors downstream of H2AX, is independent of ssDNA generation and RPA coating, whereas both ssDNA and RPA coating play key roles in regulation of the ATR-dependent pathway. These novel findings help clarify where NFBD1 functions in DNA damage early responses.
Activity of Mitochondrially Synthesized Reporter Proteins Is Lower Than That of Imported Proteins and Is Increased by Lowering cAMP in Glucose-Grown Saccharomyces cerevisiae Cells

We selected for increased phenotypic expression of a synthetic cox2::arg8m-G66S reporter gene inserted into Saccharomyces cerevisiae mtDNA in place of COX2. Recessive mutations in ras2 and cyr1, as well as elevated dosage of PDE2, allowed cox2::arg8m-G66S to support Arg prototrophy. Each of these genetic alterations should decrease cellular cAMP levels. The resulting signal was transduced through redundant action of the three cAMP-dependent protein kinases, TPK1, TPK2, and TPK3. ras2 had little or no effect on the level of wild-type Arg8p encoded by cox2::ARG8m, but did increase Arg8p activity, as judged by growth phenotype. ras2 also caused increased fluorescence in cells carrying the synthetic cox3::GFPm reporter in mtDNA, but had little effect on the steady-state level of GFP polypeptide detected immunologically. Thus, decreased cAMP levels did not affect the synthesis of mitochondrially coded protein reporters in glucose-grown cells, but rather elevated activities in the matrix that promote efficient folding. Furthermore, we show that when Arg8p is synthesized in the cytoplasm and imported into mitochondria, it has greater activity than when it is synthesized in the matrix. Thus, mitochondrially synthesized proteins may not have the same access to matrix chaperones as cytoplasmically synthesized proteins emerging from the import apparatus.
Pyridoxal 5′-Phosphate in Whole Blood, Plasma and Blood Cells of Postpartum Nonlactating and Lactating Rats and their Pups

Pregnant rats were fed either a diet containing 20.2 mg pyridoxine/kg (control) or a diet containing 1,430 mg/kg (high vitamin B-6). At the time of delivery, pups were removed from half of the dams fed each diet. This resulted in four treatment groups: lactating and nonlactating dams fed the control diet and lactating and nonlactating dams fed the high vitamin B-6 diet. At delivery and at weeks 1, 2, and 3 postpartum, groups of dams and pups were killed and the content of pyridoxal 5'-phosphate (PLP) in whole blood, plasma and blood cells was measured. The PLP content in the whole blood of dams and pups was increased significantly by the high vitamin B-6 diet. Lactation had no effect on the PLP in whole blood of dams. Diet increased the PLP content in the plasma of dams and pups only slightly, whereas lactation greatly depressed PLP in the dams' plasma. In the blood cells, the PLP content was increased by diet and decreased by lactation.
Serum-ethanol determination: comparison of lactate and lactate dehydrogenase interference in three enzymatic assays.

Gas chromatography is considered to be the reference method for ethyl alcohol determination. However, enzymatic ethanol assays have been developed for use in the clinical laboratory by several commercial vendors. Essentially, these assays utilize the oxidation of ethyl alcohol to acetaldehyde with concurrent reduction of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD) to NADH while monitoring the increase in absorbance at 340 nm. The increase in absorbance is theoretically proportional to the ethanol concentration in the sample. Previously, several authors reported that increased concentrations of lactate and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) can cause false-positive results with certain enzymatic ethyl alcohol assays. In the present investigation, we further studied the interference of lactate and LDH in three enzymatic assays. Apparent ethyl alcohol concentrations in serum spiked with lactate and LDH, as well as patient and autopsy samples, were determined by the Syva, Abbott, and Roche enzymatic assays and by gas chromatography. The effect of coenzyme depletion on the rate of reaction and the interference of hemolysis were also investigated. Based on our results we suggest that coenzyme depletion plays a major role in the severity of the false-positive ethyl alcohol result,
MRI‐based morphometric analysis of typical and atypical brain development

The neuroinformatics landscape in which human brain morphometry occurs has advanced dramatically over the past few years. Rapid advancement in image acquisition methods, image analysis tools and interpretation of morphometric results make the study of in vivo anatomic analysis both challenging and rewarding. This has revolutionized our expectations for current and future diagnostic and investigative work with the developing brain. This paper will briefly cover the methods of morphometric analysis that available for neuroanatomic analysis, and tour some sample results from a prototype retrospective database of neuroanatomic volumetric information. From these observations, issues regarding the anatomic variability of developmental maturation of neuroanatomic structures in both typically and atypically developing populations can be discussed. MRDD Research Reviews 2003;9:155–160. © 2003 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
HABITAT FRAGMENTATION AND DEMOGRAPHIC CHANGE FOR A COMMON PLANT: TRILLIUM IN OLD-GROWTH FOREST

I studied the influence of forest fragmentation on an understory herb, Trillium ovatum, in the Siskiyou Mountains of Oregon, where logging practices over the past 35 yr have created a mosaic of fragments surrounded by clearcuts and tree plantations. The age of trillium plants can be estimated by counting the annual constrictions on their rhizomes. Based on data collected by Whittaker in 1949 (i.e., pre-fragmentation) and a survey I conducted in 1995, I estimated that the process of clearcutting and subsequent conifer planting results in the mortality of almost all trillium (∼97.6%). In general, the remaining plants are not recruiting new individuals, even in sites clearcut 30 yr ago. Thus, trillium is restricted to smaller amounts of remnant, uncut forest. My study also demonstrated that populations in forest remnants that were within ∼65 m of forest-clearcut edges have had almost no recruitment of young plants since the time of the adjacent clearcutting, while forest interior populations contained higher recruitment levels. Projections based on these recruitment estimates indicated that edge populations will decline in size and interior populations will not decline. This study provides the first evidence of demographic changes in plant populations resulting from habitat fragmentation, and it offers evidence for the mechanisms responsible for such demographic changes.
Thrombin induces expression of FGF-2 via activation of PI3K-Akt-Fra-1 signaling axis leading to DNA synthesis and motility in vascular smooth muscle cells

To understand the mechanisms by which thrombin induces vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMC) DNA synthesis and motility, we have studied the role of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)-Akt-mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR)-S6K1 signaling. Thrombin stimulated the phosphorylation of Akt and S6K1 in VSMC in a sustained manner. Blockade of PI3K-Akt-mTOR-S6K1 signaling by LY-294002, and rapamycin suppressed both thrombin-induced VSMC DNA synthesis and migration. Adenovirus-mediated expression of dominant-negative Akt also inhibited thrombin-induced VSMC DNA synthesis and migration. Furthermore, thrombin induced the expression of Fra-1 in a sustained PI3K-Akt-dependent and mTOR-independent manner in VSMC. Suppression of Fra-1 by its small interfering RNA attenuated both thrombin-induced VSMC DNA synthesis and migration. Thrombin also induced the expression of FGF-2 in a PI3K-Akt-Fra-1-dependent and mTOR-independent manner, and neutralizing anti-FGF-2 antibodies inhibited thrombin-stimulated VSMC DNA synthesis and motility. In addition, thrombin stimulated the tyrosine phosphorylation of EGF receptor (EGFR), and inhibition of its kinase activity significantly blocked Akt and S6K1 phosphorylation, Fra-1 and FGF-2 expression, DNA synthesis, and motility induced by thrombin in VSMC. Together these observations suggest that thrombin induces both VSMC DNA synthesis and motility via EGFR-dependent stimulation of PI3K/Akt signaling targeting in parallel the Fra-1-mediated FGF-2 expression and mTOR-S6K1 activation.
Aquatic macroinvertebrate diversity of playa wetlands: The role of landscape and island biogeographic characteristics

Wetland habitats continue to be lost at a unsettling rate, especially freshwater emergent wetlands that are isolated geographically. These are the predominant wetlands found in arid and semi-arid environments, where they serve as foci of regional biodiversity. This is especially true of the playa wetlands of the Southern High Plains of Texas, USA. The factors that determine and maintain biotic diversity in these wetlands are understood poorly. Consequently, this study examined the effect of island biogeographic and landscape features on the diversity of aquatic macroinvertebrates in playa wetlands. Macroinvertebrates were collected from playas three times during the spring and summer of 1994 and categorized as resident or transient taxa based on life history strategies. Diversity was estimated using taxonomic richness (richness) and Fisher’s log-series alpha (α). Surrounding land-use practices influenced resident richness, whereas playa surface area affected resident and transient richness, as well as resident α. However, relationships differed among sampling dates. Regression analyses suggested that transient richness and α were influenced more by insular characteristics than by landscape features. The converse was true for resident richness and α. Therefore, both insular and landscape characteristics affected the diversity of macroinvertebrates in playa wetlands, but impacts were dependent on life-history strategy and time since inundation (i.e., sampling date). Consequently, conservation and management efforts targeting macroinvertebrates in playa wetlands will need to focus on the wetlands and characteristics of adjacent watershed features.
Using Cellular Mechanisms to Develop Effective Combinations of Photodynamic Therapy and Targeted Therapies

The bond between the research laboratory and the clinic is especially strong in the field of photomedicine. Much is learned in preclinical animal models, which is translated to the clinic for investigation, and then refinements in theory and technique are explored back in the laboratory. With many cancers becoming resistant to treatment, photodynamic therapy (PDT) offers a mechanistically distinct alternative. Studies have shown that PDT not only mitigates chemoresistance but also synergizes with chemotherapy and molecularly targeted therapies. From the world of biochemistry comes this unique look at 2 approaches to maximize the photodynamic effect through PDT combinations with targeted therapies: 1) using the molecular response after PDT to guide the selection of targeted agents and 2) preconditioning cancer cells to modulate nuclear molecular targets before PDT. (JNCCN 2012;10[Suppl 2]:S23–S26)
The Effect of Race on Puerto Rican Wages

The manner in which Hispanic individuals chose to identify themselves by race in the 1980 census was quite different from the manner in which non-Hispanics chose to classify themselves. Although 40% of all Latinos classified themselves as neither white nor black, but as other, fewer than 2% of non-Hispanics in any state used this classification. This classification accounted for 7 5 million of all Latinos in the United States. For Puerto Ricans who were living in New York, the group that was the focus of this research, 48% responded that they were other and wrote in an additional Spanish descriptor (i.e., they were Boricua, Puerto Rican, etc.). Another 44% said they were white and 3.9% said they were black.1 Thus, it would appear from these results that Latino racial identity, as revealed in the 1980 census, is a complex and intriguing phenomenon.2
EXPOSURE TO URBAN RATS AS A COMMUNITY STRESSOR AMONG LOW‐INCOME URBAN RESIDENTS

We examined exposure and perceptions of rats and perceived rat eradication response among 448 low-income urban residents in Baltimore, Maryland, recruited using targeted outreach. Bivariate and multivariate regression compared those reporting high and low rat prevalence. Only 35% of respondents indicated rats were not a problem on their block. Rats were most problematic when seen approximately daily on one's block (35%) or elsewhere in the neighborhood (50%). Increased neighborhood disorder and depressive symptoms were independently associated with higher rat prevalence. Perceived neighbor and city response was associated with lower rat prevalence and stronger individual eradication. Attention is needed to appreciate and address psychosocial effect and environmental justice aspects of rat infestation in urban areas. Daily block sightings may be a useful threshold for evaluating problem rat areas based on resident perceptions and assessment indicator for rat eradication. Multilevel community-based rat eradication approaches may help reduce rat prevalence and community stress.
Ignorance is bliss: self-regulation and Ag-Gag laws in the American meat industry

AbstractIn America, we like to say that we live in a democracy. Yet, it is difficult to believe that the majority would allow current practices to continue if citizens knew how the food animals they eat are treated – both during their short lives and during slaughter. The problem is that the citizens don’t know, and it is not a case of willful blindness. Take a moment to recall what you know about our meat industry. Can’t think of much? That is the goal of the meat industry: out of sight, out of mind. In several states, so called ‘Ag-Gag’ laws are designed to keep the truth from the public. In those states, it is a felony to obtain a job with the intent of being a whistle blower. The meat industry knows that if it were to be exposed, the public would demand better treatment of animals, a demand that would decrease profits for the meat industry. This paper will explain these ‘Ag-Gag’ laws in detail, explore their effect on our society, shed light on the practices that the meat industry tries – very success...
A Review of: “Declining by Degrees: Higher Education at Risk”

Additional Works Reviewed by Merrow J. (Executive Producer and Correspondent). (2005) Declining by degrees: Higher education at risk. [DVD] Cleveland: Learning Matters, Inc. Declining by Degrees is...
A constructive definition of the beta process

We derive a construction of the beta process that allows for the atoms with significant measure to be drawn first. Our representation is based on an extension of the Sethuraman (1994) construction of the Dirichlet process, and therefore we refer to it as a stick-breaking construction. Our first proof uses a limiting case argument of finite arrays. To this end, we present a finite sieve approximation to the beta process that parallels that of Ishwaran & Zarepour (2002) and prove its convergence to the beta process. We give a second proof of the construction using Poisson process machinery. We use the Poisson process to derive almost sure truncation bounds for the construction. We conclude the paper by presenting an efficient sampling algorithm for beta-Bernoulli and beta-negative binomial process models.
THE FUTURE OF ENGINEERING EDUCATION - REVISITED

This paper revisits the landmark CEE series, “The Future of Engineering Education”, published in 2000 (available free in the CEE archives on the internet) to examine the predictions made in theboriginal paper as well as the tools and approaches documented. Most of the advice offered in the originalvseries remains current. Despite new scientific knowledge about teaching and learning, reform ofvengineering education remains elusive. A short guide to the pertinent literature is provided.