cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Co-expression networks provide insights into molecular mechanisms of postharvest temperature modulation of apple fruit to reduce superficial scald

Abstract Temperature conditioning is an effective approach for enhancing some aspects of postharvest apple fruit quality, particularly avoidance of chilling injury. The molecular mechanisms of warming regimes that alter apple fruit quality are poorly understood, as is how warming contributes to avoiding development of the peel disorder superficial scald. Here we report transcriptional responses of ‘Granny Smith’ fruit peel during the early phases of long-term cold storage in response to intermittent warming, an ostensibly organic compliant strategy that effectively reduced scald incidence. We observed two temporally distinct classes of gene expression, which were discovered by co-expression network analyses. One profile is largely concordant with recovery from chilling stress, whereas the other reveals transient shifts marked by hormone signaling and transcription and translation machinery. Altogether, our analyses point to novel aspects of superficial scald etiology and circumscribes a list of candidate genes that may be useful to uncover molecular processes that promote, as well as mitigate, the peel disorder.
Intersectionality as a Framework for Understanding School Involvement and Advocacy Beliefs of Latina/o Families of Young Children

Although the recent literature on parental involvement among Latina/o families has focused on cultural strengths, few studies have examined the school involvement beliefs and practices of Latina/o families who vary across demographic and sociocultural lines within the same school community. In this chapter, I use intersectionality as a theoretical and interpretive framework for examining the narratives of 12 Latina/o parents regarding their children’s education, involvement, and advocacy beliefs during the first years of formal schooling, using qualitative methods. Parents espoused the cultural value of educacion and attributed supportive relationships as important sources of feeling welcome at school. Intersectional differences attributable to parents’ education, immigration history, and contextual circumstances emerged in parents’ perceptions of an “open-door” policy at school, and in the type of advocacy they employed on behalf of children. An intersectional approach to building solidarity with families is discussed in terms of its potential in facilitating a critical multicultural consciousness among teachers, and for establishing informed and authentic partnerships with Latina/o families.
Real time optimal control of district cooling system with thermal energy storage using neural networks

Abstract Thermal energy storage can be utilized as an effective component in energy systems to maximize cost savings when time-of-use (TOU) pricing or real-time pricing (RTP) is in place. This study proposes a novel approach that can effectively predict performance and determine control strategy of thermal energy storage (i.e., ice storage) in a district cooling system. The proposed approach utilizes Neural Network (NN) based model predictive control (MPC) strategy coupled with a genetic algorithm (GA) optimizer and examines the effectiveness of using a NN model for a district cooling system with ice storage. The NN offers a relatively fast performance estimation of a district cooling system with given external inputs. To simulate the proposed MPC controller, a physics-based model of the district cooling system is first developed and validated to act as a virtual plant for the controller to communicate system states in real times. Next, the NN modeling the plant is developed and trained during a cooling period so that the control strategy is tested under the RTP and TOU pricing. This model is optimized using the GA due to the on/off controls for the district cooling network. Finally, a thermal load prediction algorithm is integrated to test under perfect weather inputs and weather forecasts by considering 1-hour discretization in the MPC scheme. Results indicate that for the month of August, the optimal control scheme can effectively adapt to varying loads and varying prices to effectively reduce operating costs of the district cooling network by approximately 16% and 13% under the TOU pricing and the RTP, respectively.
Prenatal Intervention with Partial Meal Replacement Improves Micronutrient Intake of Pregnant Women with Obesity

A behavioral lifestyle intervention with partial meal replacement reduced excess gestational weight gain in ethnically diverse women with overweight/obesity, but the effects on micronutrient intake remained unknown. A secondary analysis of a randomized, controlled trial tested whether the intervention improved micronutrient intake relative to usual care. Pregnant women (n = 211; 30.5 years of age, body mass index, BMI, of 32.0 kg/m2) were enrolled and randomized within site and ethnicity (40% were Hispanic) into intervention (n = 102) or usual care (n = 109) groups. Two 24 h dietary recalls were conducted on random days at study entry and late pregnancy (35⁻36 weeks gestation). Nutrient adequacy was defined using the Estimated Average Requirement cut-point method. At study entry and including prenatal vitamins, ≥90% of participants reported inadequate intake of vitamins D and E and iron; 40⁻50% reported inadequate intake of calcium, protein, vitamins A, C, B6, folate, magnesium, and zinc. From study entry to late pregnancy, the behavioral intervention with partial meal replacement increased the overall intake of vitamins A, E, and D and copper and reduced the odds of inadequate intake of calcium (odds ratio (OR) = 0.37 (0.18, 0.76)), vitamins A (OR = 0.39 (0.21, 0.72)) and E (OR = 0.17 (0.06, 0.48)), and magnesium (OR = 0.36 (0.20, 0.65)). A behavioral intervention with partial meal replacement during pregnancy improved the intake of several micronutrients in Hispanic and non-Hispanic women with overweight/obesity.
MOG-IgG myelitis coexisting with systemic lupus erythematosus in the post-partum setting.

Background:Longitudinally extensive transverse myelitis (LETM) accompanying systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is often due to coexisting aquaporin-4-IgG seropositive neuromyelitis optica spectrum ...
Lessons for Tax Reform from an Equilibrium Model of Innovation

We formulate and estimate a general equilibrium model of innovation-led growth and use it to evaluate the quantitative implications of individual income tax reforms for innovation and aggregate productivity growth. In the model, innovation comes from entrants creating new products and incumbents improving own existing products. We estimate the model parameters by matching key moments of U.S. data. The model generates an aggregate labor supply elasticity and a per capita GDP growth response to marginal tax rate changes that are consistent with available empirical estimates. We find that the model accounts reasonably well for the observed movements in TFP, labor productivity, hours worked and number of firms per capita during the “Reagan tax cuts” of the eighties. The model predicts that a temporary, deficit-financed, 3 percentage points cut in the average marginal individual income tax rate, set to expire in 2025, produces a temporary TFP growth acceleration leading to a 6 percent increase in real per capita GDP by year 2040.
Ixodid Tick Dissection and Tick Ex Vivo Organ Cultures for Tick-Borne Virus Research

Tick-borne viruses cause thousands of cases of disease worldwide every year. Specific countermeasures to many tick-borne viruses are not commercially available. Very little is known regarding tick-virus interactions and increasing this knowledge can lead to potential targets for countermeasure development. Virus infection of ex vivo organ cultures from ticks can provide an approach to identify susceptible cell types of tissue to infection. Additionally, these organ cultures can be used for functional genomic studies to pinpoint tick-specific genes involved in the virus lifecycle. Provided here are step-by-step procedures to set up basic tick organ cultures in combination with virus infection and/or functional genomic studies. These procedures can be adapted for future use to characterize other tick-borne pathogen infections as well as tick-specific biological processes. © 2020 Wiley Periodicals LLC. Basic Protocol 1: Loading 96-well plates with gelfoam substrate Basic Protocol 2: Step-by-step aseptic dissection of unfed female/male Ixodes scapularis ticks for multiple organs Basic Protocol 3: Step-by-step aseptic dissection of fed female Ixodes scapularis ticks to remove salivary glands Basic Protocol 4: Metabolic viability analyses of tick organ cultures Basic Protocol 5: Virus infection of tick organ cultures Basic Protocol 6: Functional RNA interference analyses using tick organ cultures.
A DNA-based voltmeter for organelles

The role of membrane potential in most intracellular organelles remains unexplored because of the lack of suitable tools. Here, we describe Voltair, a fluorescent DNA nanodevice that reports the absolute membrane potential and can be targeted to organelles in live cells. Voltair consists of a voltage-sensitive fluorophore and a reference fluorophore for ratiometry, and acts as an endocytic tracer. Using Voltair, we could measure the membrane potential of different organelles in situ in live cells. Voltair can potentially guide the rational design of biocompatible electronics and enhance our understanding of how membrane potential regulates organelle biology.
Effect of Stream Permanence on Predation Risk of Lotic Crayfish by Riparian Predators

Given the importance of crayfish in stream ecosystems, gaining insight into the role of stream permanence in maintaining predator–prey interactions is critical. Our objectives were to determine the influence of stream permanence and season on crayfish predation and assess the role of stream permanence and crayfish density on the presence of predators, while accounting for imperfect detection. We conducted surveys of crayfish density, mammalian scat, and environmental variables within 10 intermittent and 10 permanent streams in the Ozark Highlands. We used occupancy modeling to assess the relationship between predator presence, crayfish density, and environmental variables. Stream permanence did not play a role in determining relative frequency of occurrence or percent volume of crayfish prey in mammalian diets. However, percent volume and relative frequency of crayfish prey found in scats differed by season, with both highest in spring and summer. The relative frequency and percent volume of fish prey showed a significant interaction of season by stream permanence, which may be the first instance of this observation. Procyon lotor (Raccoon) had the highest detection probability (p = 0.39), whereas Neovison vison (American Mink; p = 0.15) and Lontra canadensis (River Otter; p = 0.03) had low detection probabilities. Further study into predator–prey interactions in the context of hydrology, particularly when related to imperiled groups like freshwater crayfishes, is needed since climate change is expected to alter hydrologic patterns.
Computational 3D Modeling and Simulation of DC Atmospheric Pressure Glow Discharge in Helium

Atmospheric pressure glow discharges (APGDs) are used in diverse established and emerging applications such as lighting, spectroscopy and diagnostics, materials processing, chemical synthesis, environmental remediation, and medicine. APGDs have been widely studied through computational models, yet not nearly to the extent of their low-pressure counterparts. Particularly, three-dimensional (3D) models of APGDs have been scarcely reported in the research literature. However, the description of physical phenomena such as pattern formation and self-organization, particularly observed in APGDs with liquid electrodes, require 3D models. Moreover, the majority of APGD models neglect advective gas transport, which limits the suitability of those models for the description of discharges with significant gas heating, as found at relatively high electric current operation. A computational 3D time-dependent model of APGD in helium is presented. The model describes the plasma as a quasi-neutral fluid in thermodynamic and chemical nonequilibrium and is composed by the equations of conservation of total mass, species mass, mass-averaged momentum, energy of heavy-species (i.e., He, He * , He + , He 2 * , He 2 + ), energy of electrons, and charge (Poisson equation). Reaction rates are determined through collision cross-sections from BOLSIG+ as well as by rates reported in the literature. The model is solved by the in-house developed solver TPORT 1 , which handles the model equations in a fully-coupled monolithic approach as a set of transport equations and discretizes them using a Variational Multiscale Finite Element Method Formulation. The model is applied to the simulation of a pinto-plate self-sustained atmospheric pressure glow discharge in the range of tens of milliamps. The computational model is complemented with an external circuit model to specify the electric potential boundary condition such to impose a user-specified value of total current. Simulation results are shown to be in agreement with experimental results reported by Arkhipenko and collaborators 2 .
Subjective and Objective Evaluations of Teacher Effectiveness

In this paper, we measure the extent to which subjective and objective evaluations of new teachers in New York City can predict their future impacts on student achievement. Specifically, we examine evaluations of applicants to an alternative certification program, evaluations of new teachers by mentors that work with them during their first year, and evaluations based on student achievement data from their first year of teaching. We use a large sample, relative to prior work, and, unlike other studies (with the exception of John H. Tyler et al. (2010)), we examine subjective evaluations made by professionals as part of their jobs, not survey responses.
Isolation of 4′-Hydroxyechinenone from Micrococcus roseus

The carotenoid 4'-hydroxyechinenone (4'-hydroxy-beta, beta-carotene-4-one) was isolated from Micrococcus roseus. It is proposed as an intermediate between echinenone and canthaxanthin.
CMOS design and implementation of sigma-delta analog-to-digital data converter suitable for MEMS devices

MicroElectroMechanical systems (MEMS) are rapidly gaining popularity over a wide range of applications today. An example of full integration in MEMS is the smart sensor where both the sensors and the electrical signal processing circuitry are placed on the same chip. The idea is to place the sensor as close as possible to the signal-processing interface to avoid signal degradation. In this paper we present the design and implementation of an interface circuit for CMOS sensor systems. A first-order sigma-delta (/spl Sigma//spl Delta/) analog-to-digital converter was designed and simulated using Cadence and SpectreS. An experimental prototype of the 10-bit /spl Sigma//spl Delta/ modulator was then fabricated using 1.6 um CMOS technology through MOSIS.
Analysis and interpretation of excess molar properties of amphiphile + water systems: Part 3. Excess molar volumes of isopropoxyethanol + water and isobutoxyethanol + water

Abstract Excess molar volumes at 25°C, are reported for the systems isoPrOEtOH + water and isoBuOEtOH + water across their entire composition ranges. These data have been compared to those for their normal alkyl analogs in order to assess the effects of both α- and β-chain branching. The results are discussed in terms of the relative abilities of the amphiphiles to form structured aggregates.
Ultrasonic extraction of heavy metals from environmental and industrial hygiene samples for their subsequent determination

Abstract Ultrasonic extraction (UE) is an effective method for the extraction of a number of heavy metals in environmental samples. In many cases, UE offers a means for quantitative recoveries of heavy metals. However, UE has been underutilized for sample preparation purposes in environmental analysis. Nevertheless, the use of UE for extraction of heavy metals in the industrial hygiene arena is increasing, with applications in the field as well as in the laboratory. In this article some examples of applications of UE to heavy metals extraction (for their subsequent determination) in environmental and industrial hygiene samples are presented. It is expected that the use of UE for sample preparation purposes in environmental analytical chemistry will become more widespread, owing to its simplicity, ease of use, speed, and enhanced safety when compared with other, more traditional sample preparation procedures.
Oxygen reduction on platinum bimetallic alloy catalysts

One way to increase performance of cathode catalysts for polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells is utilization of platinum bimetallic alloys with transition metals. These systems have demonstrated great potential to overcome the existing limitations in fuel cell technology. Being the main obstacle in fuel cell commercialization, a cathodic fuel cell reaction has motivated many research groups and developers to resolve the mechanism of catalytic enhancement for bimetallic systems. This initiated studies on well-defined surfaces that have revealed the key physicochemical parameters responsible for wide range of activities for the oxygen reduction reaction on bimetallic surfaces. Keywords: oxygen reduction reaction; platinum alloys; pt-skin; pt-skeleton
Identification and purification of a new staphylococcal enterotoxin, H

A staphylococcal enterotoxin which elicited an emetic response in monkeys but did not share antigenic determinants with any of the identified enterotoxins was identified and purified from Staphylococcus aureus FRI-569. The emetic activity of this new enterotoxin was neutralized only by antibodies specific to it and not by antibodies to enterotoxins A, B, C, D, and E or toxic shock syndrome toxin 1. Immunodiffusion assays did not detect cross-reactivity between this new and all the other identified enterotoxins. The purification procedure involved removal of the enterotoxin from culture supernatant fluids by batch adsorption with CG-50 resin, CM-Sepharose FL ion-exchange chromatography, and Sephacryl 100 HR and Bio-Gel P-30 gel filtration. The molecular weight of this enterotoxin, 27,300, determined by gel filtration on Sephacryl 100 HR agreed with the molecular weight, 28,500, determined by sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE). The apparent migration of this enterotoxin determined by SDS-PAGE did not shift in the presence of a disulfide reducing agent, indicating that it is composed of a single-chain protein. The N-terminal amino acid sequence of the enterotoxin was determined to be Glu-Asp-Leu-His-Asp-Lys-Ser-Glu-Leu-Thr-Asp-Leu-Ala-Leu-Ala-Asn-Ala-Tyr- Gly- Gln-Tyr-Asn-His-Pro-Phe-Ile-Lys-Glu-Asn-Ile, which did not match the N-terminal sequences of any known proteins. The isoelectric point of the enterotoxin determined by isoelectric focusing was about 5.7.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Participatory Conservation in the Condor Bioreserve, Ecuador: Representations, Decision Processes, and Underlying Assumptions

Abstract The Condor Bioreserve (CBR) project seeks to promote community-based and participatory forms of conservation at four protected areas in Ecuador. This chapter provides a review of the academic and practitioner literature on participatory conservation, and explores the kinds of participation which occur in the CBR. Three assertions are central to the paper. First, the ways communities are represented by project documents and project planners condition the outcomes of participatory projects. Second, the intense focus of participatory approaches on the community level diverts attention from political and economic realities which constrain the ability of community members to actively conserve natural resources. And third, the chronological point at which communities and local people become involved in decision processes affects the kinds of participation in conservation projects; because problem definition is a key moment in which various participants establish basic assumptions about the nature of pr...
Sharp Global Bounds for the Hessian on Pseudo-Hermitian Manifolds

We consider an abstract CR manifold equipped with a strictly positive definite Levi form, which defines a pseudo-Hermitian metric on the manifold. On such a manifold it is possible to define a natural sums of squares sub-Laplacian operator. We use Bochner identities to obtain Cordes–Friedrichs type inequalities on such manifolds where the L 2 norm of the Hessian tensor of a function is controlled by the L 2 norm of the sub-Laplacian of the function with a sharp constant for the inequality. By perturbation we proceed to develop a Cordes–Nirenberg type theory for non-divergence form equations on CR manifolds. Some applications are given to the regularity of p-Laplacians on CR manifolds.
NOx Behavior for Lean-Premixed Combustion of Alternative Gaseous Fuels

Gaseous fuels other than pipeline natural gas are of interest in high-intensity premixed combustors (e.g., lean-premixed gas turbine combustors) as a means of broadening the range of potential fuel resources and increasing the utilization of alternative fuel gases. An area of key interest is the change in emissions that accompanies the replacement of a fuel. The work reported here is an experimental and modeling effort aimed at determining the changes in NOx emission that accompany the use of alternative fuels. Controlling oxides of nitrogen (NOx) from combustion sources is essential in non-attainment areas. Lean-premixed combustion eliminates most of the thermal NOx emission, but is still subject to small, though significant amounts of NOx formed by the complexities of free radical chemistry in the turbulent flames of most combustion systems. Understanding these small amounts of NOx, and how their formation is altered by fuel composition, is the objective of this paper. We explore how NOx is formed in high-intensity, lean-premixed flames of alternative gaseous fuels. This is based on laboratory experiments and interpretation by chemical reactor modeling. Methane is used as the reference fuel. Combustion temperature is maintained the same for all fuels so that the effect of fuel composition on NOx can be studied without the complicating influence of changing temperature. Also, the combustion reactor residence time is maintained nearly constant. When methane containing nitrogen and carbon dioxide (e.g., landfill gas) is burned, NOx increases since the fuel/air ratio is enriched in order to maintain combustion temperature. When fuels of increasing C/H ratio are burned leading to higher levels of carbon monoxide (CO) in the flame, or when the fuel contains CO, the free radicals made as the CO oxidizes cause the NOx to increase. In these cases, the change from high-methane natural gas to alternative gaseous fuel causes the NOx to increase. However, when hydrogen is added to the methane, the NOx may increase or decrease, depending on the combustor wall heat loss. In our work, in which combustor wall heat loss is present, hydrogen addition deceases the NOx. This observation is compared to the literature. Additionally, minimum NOx emission is examined by comparing the present results to the findings of Leonard and Stegmaier.Copyright © 2015 by ASME
Changes in Expression of Amyloid Precursor Protein and Interleukin-1β after Experimental Traumatic Brain Injury in Rats

There is increasing evidence linking neurodegenerative mechanisms in Alzheimer's disease (AD) and traumatic brain injury (TBI), including increased production of amyloid precursor protein (APP), and amyloid-beta (Abeta) peptide. In vitro data indicate that expression of APP may be regulated in part by the inflammatory cytokine IL-1beta. To further investigate the mechanisms involved, we measured APP and IL-1beta protein levels and examined immunohistochemical localization of APP in brain tissue from rats subjected to controlled cortical impact (CCI) injury. Animals were examined at time intervals ranging from 3 h to 4 weeks after TBI. The 24-h time point revealed a dramatic increase in APP immunoreactivity, detected with both N- and C-terminal antibodies, in the hippocampus and cortex ipsilateral to injury. This finding was sustained up to 3 days post-injury. At these early time points, APP increase was particularly robust in the white matter axonal tracts. By 14 days after injury, APP immunoreactivity was not significantly different from sham controls in cortex, but remained slightly elevated in hippocampus. Western blot data corroborated early increases in hippocampal and cortical APP in injured versus control animals. Despite profound APP changes, no Abeta deposits were observed at any time after injury. Hippocampal and cortical IL-1beta increases were even more robust, with IL-1beta levels peaking by 6 h post-injury and returning to baseline by 24-72 h. Our results demonstrate that both APP and IL-1beta are rapidly elevated after injury. Because of the rapidity in the IL-1beta peak increase, it may serve a role in regulation of APP expression after TBI.
Porphyromonas gingivalis Strain Specific Interactions with Human Coronary Artery Endothelial Cells: A Comparative Study

Both epidemiologic and experimental findings suggest that infection with Porphyromonas gingivalis exacerbates progression of atherosclerosis. As P. gingivalis exhibits significant strain variation, it is reasonable that different strains possess different capabilities and/or mechanisms by which they promote atherosclerosis. Using P. gingivalis strains that have been previously evaluated in the ApoE null atherosclerosis model, we assessed the ability of W83, A7436, 381, and 33277 to adhere, invade, and persist in human coronary artery endothelial (HCAE) cells. W83 and 381 displayed an equivalent ability to adhere to HCAE cells, which was significantly greater than both A7436 and 33277 (P<0.01). W83, 381, and 33277 were more invasive than A7436 (P<0.0001). However, only W83 and A7436 were able to remain viable up to 48 hours in HCAE cell cultures, whereas 381 was cleared by 48 hours and 33277 was cleared by 24 hours. These differences in persistence were in part due to strain specific differences in intracellular trafficking. Both W83 and 381 trafficked through the autophagic pathway, but not A7436 or 33277. Internalized 381 was the only strain that was dependent upon the autophagic pathway for its survival. Finally, we assessed the efficacy of these strains to activate HCAE cells as defined by production of IL-6, IL-8, IL-12p40, MCP-1, RANTES, TNF-α, and soluble adhesion molecules (sICAM-1, sVCAM-1, and sE-selectin). Only moderate inflammation was observed in cells infected with either W83 or A7436, whereas cells infected with 381 exhibited the most profound inflammation, followed by cells infected with 33277. These results demonstrate that virulence mechanisms among different P. gingivalis strains are varied and that pathogenic mechanisms identified for one strain are not necessarily applicable to other strains.
Metallothionein in human lung carcinoma

Eleven pairs of surgically resected lung cancers and corresponding non-neoplastic lung tissue were evaluated for metallothionein (MT) and metal content (cadmium and copper) by the heme/109Cd binding assay and atomic absorption spectroscopy, respectively. Tissue samples, obtained from patients ranging in age from 51 to 79, included six adenocarcinomas, two small cell carcinomas, one mixed cell carcinoma, one squamous cell carcinoma, and one carcinoma of non-primary origin (i.e., melanoma). Paired t-tests showed that metallothionein and copper concentrations in lung tumor tissue were significantly elevated when compared to non-malignant lung tissue. Cu was the major metal associated with the 10 kDa MT fraction in lung tumors whereas Cd was the primary metal bound to MT from non-neoplastic lung tissue. Since Cu-thionein is also known to be elevated in fetal lung tissue, the possibility exists that MT might represent an oncodevelopmental product which is useful as a biomarker for the early detection of lung carcinoma.
The Experience of the Family When a Child Dies

Components of grief and the dynamics offamily reactions to the death of a child are discussed in this article. Family counselors are encouraged to be prepared for working with families by understan...
A Discussion of Nano-Length Scale Heat Conduction by Comparing the Ballistic-Diffusive Equation and Molecular Dynamics Simulation

A discussion of two methods, the Ballistic-Diffusive, Chen [1,2], and Molecular Dynamics simulation, for solving heat conduction in the nano-length regime is presented. Using data from Chen [1,2], a solution to the Ballistic Diffusive equation is rescaled and compared with the Fourier solution. Results imply that care must be taken when rescaling and comparing equations used in the different length scale regimes because physical definitions (i.e. temperature) are not identical in the two regions (nano and macro length). Analysis of the molecular dynamics simulation shows its inadequacy to describe conductive heat transfer in the nanoscale. Based on the discussion, a modified energy transport map is devised.Copyright © 2002 by ASME
Adhesion of polyimides to ceramic substrates: role of acid-base interactions

Adhesion of polyimides to ceramic substrates such as SiO2, Al2O3' and MgO, and interfacial interactions were studied using XPS, SEM, and the peel test. The peel strength of polyimides on SiO2 and Al2O3 is almost identical and higher than that on MgO at the same polyimide thickness. Contrary to the failure within the polyimides on SiO2 and Al2O3' Mg was found on the peeled PMDA-ODA acid-derived polyimide surface, implying weakening of MgO by interfacial reactions with polyamic acid. With the neutral polyamic ethyl ester, the locus of failure on MgO was changed to the apparent weak boundary layer of the ester-derived polyimide. On SiO2 and Al2O3 the peel crack propagated with a discontinuous stick-slip process. The constant interspacing between transverse stick-slip striations on the peeled polyimide surfaces has confirmed that plastic bending is the major energy dissipation process with a minimal contribution from tensile loading.
Endogenous hepatocyte growth factor ameliorates chronic renal injury by activating matrix degradation pathways.

Endogenous hepatocyte growth factor ameliorates chronic renal injury by activating matrix degradation pathways. Background Hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) has been shown to promote tubule repair and renal regeneration following acute injury; however, whether HGF also modulates the development and progression of chronic renal diseases that are characterized by progressive tissue fibrosis is uncertain. To examine this question, this study investigated the functional consequence of blocking endogenous HGF signaling in vivo in a model of chronic renal disease. The effects of HGF on the processes of matrix synthesis and degradation in cultured renal epithelial cells were also examined. Methods The level of activity of the HGF/c-met axis was examined in rats following 5/6 nephrectomy at multiple time points. To determine the effects of HGF in modulating chronic renal injury, HGF action was blocked in remnant kidney rats using an anti-HGF antibody. The effects of HGF on extracellular matrix (ECM) synthesis and degradation were examined in renal epithelial cells by 35 S-methionine labeling, Western blotting, and zymographic analysis. Results An increase in renal and systemic production of HGF coupled with an increase in renal c-met was observed in rats with remnant kidneys. When HGF action was blocked by the administration of an anti-HGF antibody, rats experienced a rapid decrease in glomerular filtration rate and increased renal fibrosis. Kidney sections from the antibody-treated rats displayed a marked increase in ECM accumulation and in α-smooth muscle actin-positive cells in both the interstitium and tubular epithelium. In vitro studies revealed that HGF reduced net ECM accumulation by human proximal tubule cells (HKC), and this effect was abolished by incubating cells with an anti-HGF antibody. HGF did not alter the ECM synthetic rate in HKC cells. Rather, it markedly increased collagenase such as matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) protein expression, as evidenced by Western blotting and zymographic analysis. HGF also decreased the expression of tissue inhibitors of matrix metalloproteinase-1 (TIMP-1) and TIMP-2, the endogenous inhibitors of MMPs. Conclusion These results suggest that HGF is a potent antifibrogenic factor both in vitro and in vivo. Endogenous activation of HGF tends to preserve kidney structure and function in rats with chronic renal disease by activating matrix degradation pathways.
Structural aspects of suspect terranes and accretionary tectonics in western North America

Abstract The regional structural relationships between the Cordilleran suspect terranes and cratonic North America, and within the suspect terranes themselves, are reviewed for eastern Alaska, western Canada and United States and northern Mexico. A distinctive characteristic of the relationships between the suspect terranes and the North American craton is that although much modified by post-accretionary strike-slip faulting, thrust faulting and extensional detachment faults, the generally more distal and/or oceanic terranes are frequently found as rootless nappes or thin thrust sheets sitting upon more ‘inboard’ terranes or upon the craton itself. The amount of tectonic transport implied is large. Strike-slip faulting has been a very significant aspect of the structural evolution of the North American Cordillera with total distributed displacements of over 2000 km documented on geologic relationships alone and much more implied by paleomagnetic evidence. At least since later Mesozoic time to the present, movements were such that the terranes moved northward. Post-accretionary intraplate telescoping along thrust faults, transpressional strike-slip faulting, and delamination at mid- to upper-crustal levels were important processes in Cordilleran tectonic evolution.
Algebraic zero mean curvature hypersurfaces in de Sitter and anti de Sitter spaces

In this paper we provide a family of algebraic space-like surfaces in the three dimensional anti de Sitter space that shows that this Lorentzian manifold admits algebraic maximal examples of any order. Then, we classify all the space-like order two algebraic maximal hypersurfaces in the anti de Sitter N-dimensional space. Finally, we provide two families of examples of Lorentzian order two algebraic zero mean curvature hypersurfaces in the de Sitter space.
Male Partner Abusers' Perceptions of Family Relationship Functioning: A Comparison of Clinically Derived Abuser Types

Research has explored the differences between types of male partner abusers on various variables and yet little research has examined family experiences, such as family of origin structure and relationship patterns. The present study compared 4 male partner abuser types derived from profile interpretation of the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory 2 (MMPI-2) and a group of nonintimately violent men on family of origin and current partner relationship functioning using two family scales from the MMPI-2, the Locke-Wallace Marital Adjustment Test, and the Family Adaptation and Cohesion Evaluation Scale III. Results indicated that male partner abusers with more severe psychopathology (i.e., borderline and antisocial) reported greater relationship distress, discord, conflict, and emotional disengagement than those men with less psychopathology (i.e., nonpathological). Clinical implications are discussed.
Open System Avionics Architectures

Over the last three years, Open System Avionics Architecture concepts have been addressed by the avionics community as a method for increasing affordability. The Naval Air Systems Command (Nav Air) led Advanced Avionics Architecture and Technology Review team of 1992, followed by the multiservice Avionics Engineering SubBoard (AESB) implementation phase team are two examples. The Perry memo and formation of the Open Systems Joint Task Force (OS-JTF) are further evidence of the importance placed on open systems at the DoD level. This paper summarizes these activities and their importance. Examples of the savings that can be expected by application of open systems are presented. Finally, significant on-going work along with critical technologies and concepts that need to be matured to make open systems successful are discussed. >
PREALBUMIN, ALBUMIN, IGF1, AND IGF1 BINDING PROTEIN AS INDICATORS OF NUTRITIONAL STATUS IN CHILDREN 692

PREALBUMIN, ALBUMIN, IGF1, AND IGF1 BINDING PROTEIN AS INDICATORS OF NUTRITIONAL STATUS IN CHILDREN 692
Kinetics of Mn(II) oxidation by Leptothrix discophora SS1

The kinetics of Mn(II) oxidation by the bacterium Leptothrix discophora SS1 was investigated in this research. Cells were grown in a minimal mineral salts medium in which chemical speciation was well defined. Mn(II) oxidation was observed in a bioreactor under controlled conditions with pH, O2, and temperature regulation. Mn(II) oxidation experiments were performed at cell concentrations between 24 mg/L and 35 mg/L, over a pH range from 6 to 8.5, between temperatures of 10°C and 40°C, over a dissolved oxygen range of 0 to 8.05 mg/L, and with L. discophora SS1 cells that were grown in the presence of Cu concentrations ranging from zero to 0.1 μM. Mn(II) oxidation rates were determined when the cultures grew to stationary phase and were found to be directly proportional to O2 and cell concentrations over the ranges investigated. The optimum pH for Mn(II) oxidation was approximately 7.5, and the optimum temperature was 30°C. A Cu level as low as 0.02 μM was found to inhibit the growth rate and yield of L. discophora SS1 observed in shake flasks, while Cu levels between 0.02 and 0.1 μM stimulated the Mn(II) oxidation rate observed in bioreactors. An overall rate law for Mn(II) oxidation by L. discophora as a function of pH, temperature, dissolved oxygen concentration (D.O.), and Cu concentration is proposed. At circumneutral pH, the rate of biologically mediated Mn(II) oxidation is likely to exceed homogeneous abiotic Mn(II) oxidation at relatively low (≈μg/L) concentrations of Mn oxidizing bacteria.
A Guide to Volatility and Variance Swaps

Trading in derivatives has caused investors, and especially market makers, to be concerned with the volatility of asset returns along with their direction. Uncertain and time-varying volatility imparts risk to an otherwise hedged position, and volatility risk is not easy to manage with ordinary instruments. Volatility swaps are a new class of derivative, for which an asset9s volatility itself is the underlying. This article describes how volatility swaps work, and derives pricing and hedging equations for them. Interestingly, the natural derivative instrument in this family would be based on variance, rather than volatility, since a variance swap can be replicated (pretty well) by a static portfolio of ordinary European calls and puts on the price of the underlying asset. The authors also show how to set up a volatility hedge when the available traded options exhibit a smile or skew pattern.
Fluid inclusions in vadose cement with consistent vapor to liquid ratios, Pleistocene Miami Limestone, southeastern Florida

Abstract Vadose cements in the Late Pleistocene Miami Limestone contain regions with two-phase aqueous fluid inclusions that have consistent vapor to liquid (V-L) ratios. When heated, these seemingly primary inclusions homogenize to a liquid phase in a range between 75°C and 130°C (mean = 100° C ) and have final melting temperatures between −0.3° and 0.0°C. The original distribution of T h was broadened during measurements because of fluid inclusion reequilibration. The narrow range of T h in these fluid inclusions suggest unusually consistent V-L ratios. They occur with small, obscure, single phase liquid-filled inclusions, which infer a low temperature origin (less than 60°C), and contradict the higher temperature origin implied by the two phase inclusions. The diagenetic environment producing these seemingly primary fluid inclusions can be inferred from the origin of the host calcite enclosing them. The δ 18 O composition of these cements (−4 to−5.5%., PDB) and the fresh water in the fluid inclusions are consistent with precipitation from low-temperature meteoric water. The carbon-isotope composition of the vadose cements that contain only rare two-phase fluid inclusions are comparable to the host rock matrix (δ 13 C between 0 and +4%., PDB). Cements that contain common two-phase fluid-inclusions have a distinctly lighter carbon isotopic composition of −3 to −5%.. The carbon isotope composition of cements that contain common two-phase inclusions are about 6%. lighter than those of other vadose cements; models of early meteoric diagenesis indicate that this is the result of precipitation from water that has been influenced by soil gas CO 2 . Our hypothesis is that the primary fluid inclusions, those with consistent V-L ratios and the single-phase liquid inclusions, form at near-surface temperature (25°C) and pressure when consistent proportions of soil gas and meteoric water percolating through the vadose zone are trapped within elongate vacuoles. This study corroborates that T h measurements on two phase inclusions in vadose cements can be misleading evidence of thermal diagenesis, even if the measurements are well grouped.
Intrapartum nursing care: a case study of supportive interventions and ethical conflicts.

Background Studies have shown that one-to-one labor support is associated with a reduced rate of operative births, and with long-term improvements of parenting and breastfeeding rates. Labor support by nurses may reduce the cesarean birth rate, but this has not been adequately studied. No one knows which labor support strategies nurses use, if they are effective, and how they work. Methods This pilot study used the qualitative techniques of observation and an audiotaped interview with an expert intrapartum nurse to describe labor support techniques and strategies to enhance labor progress and prevent cesarean births. Results The narrative revealed three major themes. The first theme, "the nurse's approaches to labor," included three subcategories: "following the mother's body," "hastening and controlling labor," and "labor support techniques." The second and third major themes, "ethical dilemmas: an unwilling partnership" and "nurse-physician conflict," were unanticipated. Labor support practices were limited by some physician practices. Inappropriate physician practice created ethical dilemmas for the nurse and impeded labor support interventions. Conclusions Intrapartum nursing care reflected both a medical model of controlling and hastening birth, as well as a supportive, nurturing, and empowering model of practice that used independent clinical judgments and advocacy. Questionable medical care entangled the nurse in these practices and created moral dilemmas and nurse-physician conflicts. The nurse used various strategies to promote the wishes and welfare of the laboring mother.
Wordsworth's I Wandered Lonely as a Cloud

(1999). Wordsworth's I Wandered Lonely as a Cloud. The Explicator: Vol. 57, No. 3, pp. 140-143.
Mobilization of cellular calcium-45 and lead-210: effect of physiological stimuli

Isolated rat hepatocytes in primary culture were used as a model system to evaluate the effects of selected hormones and culture conditions on the efflux of calcium-45 and lead-210 from cells labeled with these isotopes. Alpha-adrenergic stimuli, angiotensin, vasopressin, dibutyryl adenosine 3',5'-monophosphate, and reduced phosphate concentrations in the medium increased the efflux of calcium-45 and lead-210. Glucagon and insulin had no effect, but increased phosphate concentrations decreased the efflux of both isotopes. Experiments with hepatocytes cultured in a medium free of calcium and lead demonstrated that the increased efflux of calcium-45 and lead-210 induced by hormones was the result of mobilization of the ions from intracellular stores. The data indicate that the physiological stimuli that mobilized calcium ions also mobilized lead ions, and that the mobilized lead would be available to interact with calcium-mediated cell functions.
On variational principles of relativistic theories involving torsion

Abstract We consider variational principles that are distinct from the formulation of Hehl et al. which reproduce their field equations in reductions of U 4 . The results are at odds with conclusions which appeared in a recent letter by Safko et al.
Capture-release field observations of free-ranging chacma baboons,Papio ursinus, focusing on the behaviour of the sub-adult male segment of the baboon social unit

An adult female and three age-graded male chacma baboons,Papio ursinus, were captured and then artificially introduced into a recipient troop of free-ranging baboons of the same species. Two of the transplanted individuals, the youngest juvenile male and the sub-adult male, were accepted into the troop while the oldest juvenile male and the adult female were aggressively chased off by the sub-adult and adult males of the troop, and they subsequently returned more than 10 km to their home troop. Acceptance of the first two individuals was dependent on the gradual reduction of aggressive behaviour of the sub-adult males. This suggested that successful troop transfers in the wild, occurring more frequently than traditionally believed, may be at least partially contingent on the behaviour of the sub-adult male segment of the baboon social unit.
Production and effects of platelet-activating factor in the rat brain.

The synthesis of platelet-activating factor (PAF, 1-O-alkyl-2-acetyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine) in rat brain was evaluated. Extracted PAF was characterized using standard HPLC and TLC techniques, and by correlation of its bioactivity with the acetylation state of the 2-position of the molecule. PAF was quantified by bioassay, its ability to cause [3H]serotonin release from washed rabbit platelets. The low basal level of PAF (0.25 +/- 0.15 pmol/g wet wt., mean +/- S.E.) in the brain of the intact rat was greatly increased by intraperitoneal injection of the chemoconvulsant drugs picrotoxin or bicuculline, to levels of 10.68 +/- 2.18 and 4.97 +/- 0.75 pmol/g wet wt., respectively. Electroconvulsion also increased brain PAF, to 1.76 +/- 0.30 pmol/g wet wt. Equivalent experiments using bicuculline in the isolated perfused rat brain yielded qualitatively similar results, indicating that the production of PAF in the brain is independent of systemic metabolism. When a 32P-labeled nerve-ending (synaptosome) preparation from rat brain was challenged with synthetic PAF (denoted AGEPC) at 0.1 nM concentration, responses were observed consistent with accelerated turnover of polyphosphoinositides. AGEPC also caused an increase in the Na+-Ca2+ exchange of synaptic membrane vesicles. Furthermore, AGEPC infused into the vasculature of the isolated perfused rat brain caused changes consistent with an increase in blood-brain barrier permeability, although AGEPC did not itself significantly penetrate the blood-brain barrier. It is concluded from these studies that PAF is synthesized within the rat brain in response to convulsant stimuli and that one of its effects is to accelerate synaptic polyphosphoinositide turnover. In addition, circulating PAF can influence blood-brain barrier permeability without itself penetrating the blood-brain barrier.