cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Blood Pressure Variability and Risk of Heart Failure in ACCORD and the VADT

OBJECTIVE Although blood pressure variability is increasingly appreciated as a risk factor for cardiovascular disease, its relationship with heart failure (HF) is less clear. We examined the relationship between blood pressure variability and risk of HF in two cohorts of type 2 diabetes participating in trials of glucose and/or other risk factor management. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS Data were drawn from the Action to Control Cardiovascular Risk in Diabetes (ACCORD) trial and the Veterans Affairs Diabetes Trial (VADT). Coefficient of variation (CV) and average real variability (ARV) were calculated for systolic (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) along with maximum and cumulative mean SBP and DBP during both trials. RESULTS In ACCORD, CV and ARV of SBP and DBP were associated with increased risk of HF, even after adjusting for other risk factors and mean blood pressure (e.g., CV-SBP: hazard ratio [HR] 1.15, P = 0.01; CV-DBP: HR 1.18, P = 0.003). In the VADT, DBP variability was associated with increased risk of HF (ARV-DBP: HR 1.16, P = 0.001; CV-DBP: HR 1.09, P = 0.04). Further, in ACCORD, those with progressively lower baseline blood pressure demonstrated a stepwise increase in risk of HF with higher CV-SBP, ARV-SBP, and CV-DBP. Effects of blood pressure variability were related to dips, not elevations, in blood pressure. CONCLUSIONS Blood pressure variability is associated with HF risk in individuals with type 2 diabetes, possibly a consequence of periods of ischemia during diastole. These results may have implications for optimizing blood pressure treatment strategies in those with type 2 diabetes.
Policy Recommendations to Address High Risk of COVID-19 Among Immigrants.

The health and economic consequences of COVID-19 will be devastatingly widespread, but the populations that will suffer most are those who have experienced longstanding health disparities. For exam...
Community Eligibility Provision and School Meal Participation among Student Subgroups.

BACKGROUND The National School Lunch and Breakfast Programs help to reduce food insecurity and improve nutrition. The Community Eligibility Provision (CEP) enables high-poverty schools to offer breakfast and lunch at no cost to all students. This study examines associations between CEP and participation among students eligible for free or reduced-price meals ("FRPM"), possibly eligible ("near-cutoff"), or ineligible ("full-price"). METHODS Using data from the 2013-2015 Healthy Communities Study, we compared school breakfast and lunch participation between 842 students in K-8 at 80 CEP schools and 1463 students at 118 schools without CEP. Cross-sectional difference-in-difference (DID) models compared meal participation among near-cutoff and full-price groups to that in the FRPM group. RESULTS Overall, FRPM students had high participation in school lunch and breakfast at both types of schools. In adjusted DID models, lunch participation among near-cutoff students was 12 points higher in CEP versus comparison schools (p < .05). Among full-price students, breakfast participation was 20 points higher and lunch participation 19 points higher in CEP than comparison schools (p < .001). CONCLUSIONS Community Eligibility Provision improves access to school breakfast and lunch in high-poverty schools, particularly for students who are near or above the cutoff for FRPM eligibility.
Human Mobility and Crime: Theoretical Approaches and Novel Data Collection Strategies

This review outlines approaches to explanations of crime that incorporate the concept of human mobility—or the patterns of movement throughout space of individuals or populations in the context of ...
Restriction of SARS-CoV-2 Replication by Targeting Programmed -1 Ribosomal Frameshifting In Vitro

Translation of open reading frame 1b (ORF1b) in severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) requires programmed -1 ribosomal frameshifting (-1 PRF) promoted by an RNA pseudoknot. The extent to which SARS-CoV-2 replication may be sensitive to changes in -1 PRF efficiency is currently unknown. Through an unbiased, reporter-based high-throughput compound screen, we identified merafloxacin, a fluoroquinolone antibacterial, as a -1 PRF inhibitor of SARS-CoV-2. Frameshift inhibition by merafloxacin is robust to mutations within the pseudoknot region and is similarly effective on -1 PRF of other beta coronaviruses. Importantly, frameshift inhibition by merafloxacin substantially impedes SARS-CoV-2 replication in Vero E6 cells, thereby providing the proof of principle of targeting -1 PRF as an effective antiviral strategy for SARS-CoV-2.
Gated Story Structure and Dramatic Agency in Sam Barlow’s Telling Lies

Sam Barlow’s story-based video game Telling Lies (2019), like his previous game, Her Story (2015), is based on an interaction mechanic in which the player searches a fixed archive of videoclips using keywords found in the dialog of the fictional characters. This storytelling strategy can be situated within traditions of epistemic narratives in which the interactor navigates through a set of unchanging narrative segments, motivated by the desire to increase knowledge of the story. Such stories offer the pleasure of revelation, and they hinge on hiding information so that it is later revealed in a way that maximizes the experience of dramatic agency. This paper explores the expressive potential of Barlow’s signature database search mechanic for creating the experience of dramatic agency through managed revelation. By mapping our own experience and examining Barlow’s development documents and code, we describe how the artfully gated search mechanic creates temporal disjunctions that provide glimpses of narrative situations that pique curiosity while suppressing explanatory revelations. Using Telling Lies as an example, we identify some characteristic design challenges and opportunities afforded by the constrained database search approach and point to unexplored design opportunities that could make this strategy the basis of a more widely-practiced genre.
The Relationships between Internal and External Load Measures for Division I College Football Practice.

The aim of this study is to explore the relationships between internal and external load measures in American football. Thirty football players wore a portable integrated monitor unit for 10 weeks during the fall football season. Relationships between internal and external load measurements were determined. Internal load consisted of heart rate zones and heart rate-derived measures and session Ratings of Perceived Exertion (sRPE). External load consisted of distance in different speed zones, total distance traveled, and accelerations. There were many significant positive relationships, but the meaningful relationships (r > 0.5) were between heart rate-derived measures of load (Training Impulse and heart rate reserve) and low-intensity movement and total distance. Only accelerations between 1 and 1.99 m·s-2 were moderately correlated to heart rate-derived internal load. RPE values alone did not correlate strong enough with any of the measure but sRPE training load (sRPE-TL) correlated to most external values. Overall, moderate correlations were present between heart rate-derived internal load to total distance and lower intensity movement. sRPE-TL values had high correlations but were highly dependent on duration, not perceived exertion. When addressing load in American football, duration of the session is a key component in determining internal load as HR data and sRPE alone do not correlate highly with external loads.
Microgrid Simulation Analysis of Critical Loads: Distribution Planning for Nonhomogenous EV Distributions

In the last several decades, public interest for electric vehicles (EVs) and research initiatives for smart AC and DC microgrids have increased substantially. Although EVs can yield benefits to their use, they also present new demand and new business models for a changing power grid. Some of the challenges include stochastic demand profiles from EVs, unplanned load growth by rapid EV adoption, and potential frequency (harmonics) and voltage disturbances due to uncoordinated charging. In order to properly account for any of these problems, an accurate and validated model for EV distributions in a power grid must be established. This model (or several models) may then be used for economic and technical analyses. This paper supplies insight into the impact that EVs play in effecting critical loads in a system, and develops a theoretical model to further support a hardware in-the-loop (HIL) real time simulation of modelling and analysis of a distribution feeder with distributed energy resources (DERs) and EVs based on existing data compiled.
Teaching the Art and Craft of Drafting Public Law: Statutes, Rules, and More

For centuries, lawyers have been notorious for long-winded writing filled with legalese, hyper-technical expression, and convoluted sentence structure. Legal writing in memos and briefs has been characterized as wordy, unclear, pompous, and just plain dull. Legal drafting, defined as the specialized skill of creating legal rules, is even more fraught with problems. In particular, no standardized, consistently used methodology exists in the United States for drafting federal and state statutes, agency regulations, and court rules. In 1954, the late Professor Reed Dickerson observed, “It would be hard to exaggerate the importance of knowing how to prepare an adequate legal instrument. This is particularly true of statutes.” Professor Dickerson called on law schools to do more to help future lawyers develop essential skills for legislative drafting as well as other kinds of “legal craftsmanship.” Over the last fifty years, American law schools have devoted much greater attention to objective and persuasive writing, and many have added drafting courses. But few offer legislative and rule-drafting courses, and even fewer require students to learn how to draft legal rules. And the legal profession has yet to adopt a systematic method for drafting legal rules that can be easily understood by others. This article reflects our efforts to help fill that void by demonstrating a straightforward, uniform approach to drafting legal rules of all kinds, including statutes, agency rules, and private contracts. By proposing a more unified approach to legal drafting, we hope to emulate Professor Reed Dickerson’s tireless efforts to promote legal drafting as an essential component of every lawyer’s professional education.
A case of metastatic NUT carcinoma with prolonged response on gemcitabine and nab-paclitaxel

Background NUT carcinoma is an aggressive malignancy characterized by translocations in the NUTM1 gene. There are currently no consensus treatment recommendations for NUT carcinomas. Methods Here, we describe the case of a previously healthy male diagnosed with NUT carcinoma after presenting with sinus pressure, found to have a sinonasal mass and distant metastatic disease in the lungs. While pathologic evaluation and immunohistochemistry were consistent with NUT carcinoma, initial genomic profiling did not demonstrate a NUTM1 translocation. Results Whole transcriptomic RNA sequencing of the tumor revealed a YAP1-NUTM1 fusion. Based on an in vitro drug sensitivity screen, the patient was treated with gemcitabine and nab-paclitaxel, achieving a partial response that persisted for 9 months. Conclusions Unbiased transcriptomic sequencing may identify previously uncharacterized NUTM1 fusion partners. Gemcitabine and nab-paclitaxel is a well-tolerated combination chemotherapy regimen and could offer a novel treatment approach for NUT carcinoma.
Leveraging community engagement to increase the health literacy of youth in rural Pennsylvania: The ACHIEVE program.

PURPOSE Limited health literacy is prevalent within rural populations and associated with poor health outcomes. This study examined a school-based, community-engaged program called ACHIEVE (Advancing Community Health Innovation through Education, Vision, and Empowerment) for preliminary efficacy in improving knowledge and self-efficacy related to health literacy among youth in rural Huntingdon County, Pennsylvania. METHODS ACHIEVE was designed using an iterative process that utilized validated sources, educational standards, and community engagement. Five novel health literacy modules were piloted by the program in Huntingdon Area High School and delivered to ∼269 students during the 2019-2020 and 2020-2021 school years. To determine the impact of the program, we assessed participants' change in health knowledge and self-efficacy using pre- and post-tests for each module. Responses were collected via anonymous surveys and analyzed using unequal variance t-tests and chi-square tests. FINDINGS The overall mean difference between pre- and post-tests ranged from 0.07 to 0.67, with a significant increase in participants' assessment scores following 4 out of the 5 program modules (P < .05). Across the 5 modules, both knowledge and self-efficacy domains displayed a significant improvement from pre- to post-test (P < .001). CONCLUSION Our findings suggest that community partnerships in rural communities can be used to create effective community health interventions, such as our health literacy program, which significantly increased high school students' knowledge and self-efficacy.
Introduction to Electromyography

(1961). Introduction to Electromyography. American Journal of EEG Technology: Vol. 1, No. 4, pp. 93-100.
Flp Site-Specific Recombination System

The Flp recombinase has provided a useful template for understanding the mechanisms and dynamics of the phosphoryl transfer steps involved in tyrosine family site-specific recombination. Analysis of the Flp active site also reveals features that are distinct from the general active site attributes of the family as a whole. The physiological function of Flp is in the copy number maintenance of the yeast plasmid 2-micron circle. The DNA amplification reaction responsible for correcting a drop in plasmid population is triggered by a recombination event that is coupled to bidirectional plasmid replication. The recombinase activity of Flp can be exploited to bring about targeted genetic rearrangements in a variety of organisms.
Approaches to the Synthesis of Supergallery Pillared Clays

Recent advances in the design of microporous pillared solids with “supergallery” structures are discussed. Supergallery derivatives are defined as intercalates in which the interlayer thickness is substantially larger than the thickness of the host layer. Three general classes of hosts are considered, namely, 2:1 smectite clays,layered double hydroxides (LDHs), and layered silicic acids. The direct intercalation of metal oxide sol particles can be a fruitful route to supergallery smectites, especially when the particles are molecularly regular, as in the tubular silicate imogolite. Direct intercalation of Keggin anions of the type XM12O40 n- afford supergallery LDR derivatives in which the gallery height (~9.8 A) is twice as large as the host layers (~4.8 A). Finally, the reaction of metal alkoxides with expanded derivatives of layered silicic acids, such as H+ magadiite, is a promising new route to supergallery pillared forms of these materials.
TEACHING DIGITAL AUDIO PROGRAMMING: NOTES ON A TWO-YEAR COURSE SEQUENCE AT UCSB

The MAT 240 Digital Audio Programming course sequence is a six-quarter (i.e., two-year) practical workshop class devoted to teaching digital audio processing techniques and software development at the graduate level. It has been delivered through several complete iterations at UCSB since 2000. In this paper, we will introduce the course sequence topics, describe what students actually do and learn in the course, and evaluate our challenges, successes and failures.
2D FE quad mesh smoothing via angle-based optimization

A new mesh smoothing algorithm that can improve quadrilateral mesh quality is presented. Poor quality meshes can produce inaccurate finite element analysis; their improvement is important. The algorithm improves mesh quality by adjusting the position of the mesh's internal nodes based on optimization of a torsion spring system using a Gauss-Newton-based approach. The approach obtains a reasonably optimal location of each internal node by optimizing the spring system's objective function. The improvement offered by applying the algorithm to real meshes is also exhibited and objectively evaluated using suitable metrics.
Regulation of Cellulose Biosynthesis in Developing Xylem

ABSTRACT The advantages of using isolated mesophyll cells of Zinnia elegans as a model to study the regulation of cellulose synthesis will be discussed. These cells can be induced by different mechanisms to expand greatly via primary wall synthesis or to differentiate into tracheary elements with patterned secondary walls. Therefore, mechanisms of cellulose synthesis during primary and secondary wall deposition can be studied separately in cultured cells. Recent work discussed includes the activity and role of sucrose synthase and sucrose phosphate synthase during secondary wall cellulose synthesis and the diversity of cellulose synthase genes expressed during tracheary element differentiation. Evidence obtained during primary and secondary wall synthesis in cultured Zinnia cells is compared and contrasted. Data presented include immunolocalization of sucrose synthase and actin in cryogenically fixed cells, biochemical analysis of sucrose phosphate synthase activity during the time-course of tracheary element differentiation, and cloning and analysis of multiple cellulose synthase genes expressed differentially during secondary wall deposition in tracheary elements in culture. Differentiating cotton fibers and etiolated bean hypocotyls will be discussed as related systems. A composite cellular and metabolic model for cellulose synthesis will be presented.
Δ9-Tetrahydrocannabinol and N-arachidonyl glycine are full agonists at GPR18 receptors and induce migration in human endometrial HEC-1B cells

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Endometriosis is a disorder in which the endometrium forms growths outside the uterus and is associated with chronic pain. Recent evidence suggests that endometrial motility plays a role in the aetiology of endometriosis. The endocannabinoid system regulates cellular migration. Given the growing involvement of the endocannabinoids in reproduction, we investigated the role of the endocannabinoid system in migration of endometrial cells. EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH Migration of the human endometrial HEC-1B cells was assayed. Standard PCR techniques were used to determine the presence of the GPCR, GPR18, in HEC-1B cells, and p44/42 MAPK was assayed in stably transfected HEK293-GPR18 cells to determine receptor specificity for known cannabinoid agonists and antagonists. N-arachidonoyl ethanolamine (AEA) metabolism was measured, using HPLC/MS/MS for lipid analysis. KEY RESULTS AEA, Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ9-THC) and N-arachidonoyl glycine (NAGly) induce migration of HEC-1B cells through cannabinoid CB1 receptor-independent mechanisms. MAPK activation in HEK293-GPR18 cells revealed novel pharmacology for known CB1 and CB2 receptor ligands at GPR18 receptors, including Δ9-THC, which activates MAPK at nanomolar concentrations, whereas WIN 55212-2, CP55940, JWH-133 and JWH-015, and arachidonyl-1-hydroxy-2-propylamide (R1-methanandamide) had no effect. Moreover, HEC-1B migration and MAPK activation by NAGly and Δ9-THC were antagonized by Pertussis toxin, AM251 and cannabidiol. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS An understanding of the function and regulation of GPR18 and its molecular interactions with endogenous ligands, and how phytocannabinoids play a role with GPR18 signalling is vital if we are to comprehensively assess the function of the cannabinoid signalling system in human health and disease. LINKED ARTICLES This article is commented on by Alexander, pp. 2411–2413 of this issue and is part of a themed section on Cannabinoids in Biology and Medicine. To view Alexander visit http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/j.1476-5381.2011.01731.x. To view the other articles in this section visit http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/bph.2012.165.issue-8. To view Part I of Cannabinoids in Biology and Medicine visit http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/bph.2011.163.issue-7
LARGE-ANGLE SCATTERING AND THE PION'S REGGE TRAJECTORY.

It is pointed out that in high-energy pp-scattering at large momentum transfers (−t≳6 (GeV)2) the Pomeranchukon contribution may be small and the pion trajectory may take over. The argument is centred around a lower bound for scattering amplitudes and the idea of exchange degeneracy. The kinematical variablex=−tln ((3+cosθ)/(1−cosθ)) is provided naturally by this picture for the discussion of large-angle ppscattering data.
Experimental Measurements of Charge and Momentum Densities, Generalized Oscillator Strengths, and Excitation Frequencies

Publisher Summary This chapter illustrates the application of high-energy electron impact spectroscopy (HEEIS) to obtain information on charge and momentum densities. The discussed experiments are those in which both the scattering angle and the energy loss of the projectile electron to the target are measured. In such experiments, it is usually possible also to observe the “pure” elastic scattering. The Bethe-Born theory of inelastic electron scattering and the Bethe surface is reviewed. The theory is entirely equivalent to treating the scattering of an incident electron by an atom or molecule by first-order Rayleigh-Schrodinger (RS) perturbation theory with the zeroth-order wavefunction chosen as a plane wave in the incident direction. The chapter discusses the Compton profile measurements and momentum distributions. The analysis of valence or cumulative shell Compton profiles in terms of the predictions of theory using ground-state momentum densities shows that experiments agree with theory only at about the 5% accuracy level. It is significant that the experimental profiles are always sharper than those predicted by theory. The pulsed electron beam time-of-flight (TOF) spectroscopy is also discussed in the chapter.
Shunts in Patients With Respiratory Distress Syndrome

In Reply.— We agree with Dr Evans that bidirectional ductal shunting is more common than net right-to-left ductal shunting in premature neonates with severe RDS and persistent pulmonary hypertension. Our conclusion that large right-to-left shunts via the ductus are common findings in these cases was not intended to exclude the presence of concomitant left-to-right shunting. In our study population the incidence of right-to-left ductal shunting at 12 and 24 hours of age was 86% and 94% in premature neonates with fatal RDS, 39% and 34% in the severe RDS group, 4% and 0% in the no/mild RDS group, and 6% and 0% in the full-term neonates without RDS.
Antagonistic In-Plane Resistivity Anisotropies from Competing Fluctuations in Underdoped Cuprates.

One of the prime manifestations of an anisotropic electronic state in underdoped cuprates is the in-plane resistivity anisotropy $\mathrm{\ensuremath{\Delta}}\ensuremath{\rho}\ensuremath{\equiv}({\ensuremath{\rho}}_{a}\ensuremath{-}{\ensuremath{\rho}}_{b})/{\ensuremath{\rho}}_{b}$. Here we use a Boltzmann-equation approach to compute the contribution to $\mathrm{\ensuremath{\Delta}}\ensuremath{\rho}$ arising from scattering by anisotropic charge and spin fluctuations, which have been recently observed experimentally. While the anisotropy in the charge fluctuations is manifested in the correlation length, the anisotropy in the spin fluctuations emerges only in the structure factor. As a result, we find that spin fluctuations favor $\mathrm{\ensuremath{\Delta}}\ensuremath{\rho}g0$, whereas charge fluctuations promote $\mathrm{\ensuremath{\Delta}}\ensuremath{\rho}l0$, which are both consistent with the doping dependence of $\mathrm{\ensuremath{\Delta}}\ensuremath{\rho}$ observed in ${\mathrm{YBa}}_{2}{\mathrm{Cu}}_{3}{\mathrm{O}}_{7}$. We also discuss the role played by CuO chains in these materials, and propose transport experiments in strained ${\mathrm{HgBa}}_{2}{\mathrm{CuO}}_{4}$ and ${\mathrm{Nd}}_{2}{\mathrm{CuO}}_{4}$ to probe directly the different resistivity anisotropy regimes.
Dynamic Connectivity in ALOHA Ad Hoc Networks

In a wireless network the set of transmitting nodes changes frequently because of the MAC scheduler and the traffic load. Previously, connectivity in wireless n etworks was analyzed using static geometric graphs, and as we show leads to an overly constrained design criterion. The dynamic nature of the transmitting set introduces additional randomness in a wireless system that improves the connectivity, and this additional randomness is not captured by a static connectivity graph. In this paper, we consider an ad hoc network with half-duplex radios that uses multihop routing and slotted ALOHA for the MAC contention and introduce a random dynamic multi-digraph to model its connectivity. We first provide analytical results about the degree distribution o f the graph. Next, defining the path formation time as the minimum time required for a causal path to form between the source and destination on the dynamic graph, we derive the distributional properties of the connection delay using techniques from first-passage percolation and epidemic processes. We c onsider the giant component of the network formed when communication is noise-limited (by neglecting interference). Then, in the presence of interference, we prove that the delay scales linearly with t he source-destination distance on this giant component. We also provide simulation results to support the theoretical results.
Connecting technology with real-world problems - from copy-paste detection to detecting known bugs (keynote abstract)

In my talk, I will share with you our experience in applying and deploying our source code mining technology in industry. In particular, the most valuable lesson we have learned is that sometimes there is a bigger problem in the real world that can really benefit from our technology but unfortunately we do not know about it until we closely work with industry. In 2004, motivated from some previous research work that pointed out copy-pasting as a major reason for majority of the bugs in device driver code, my students and I applied data mining technology (specifically frequent subsequence mining algorithms) in identifying copy-pasted code and also detecting forget-to-change bugs introduced during copy-pasting. The benefit of using data mining is that it is highly scalable (20 minutes for 4-5 millions lines of code), and can tolerate changes such as statement insertion/deletion/modification as well as variable name changes. When we released our tool called CP-Miner to the open source community, it attracted some inquiries from industry. These inquiries have motivated us to start a company to commercialize our tools. During the commercialization process, our customers have taught us that our technology can be applied to solve a major headache faced by many embedded system vendors such as storage companies, network devices, telecommunications, handhelds, electronics, etc. These companies typically have to maintain tens and even hundreds of active branches of similar software, one for slightly different devices or with different customization. These branches are 60-70% similar and are being developed in parallel after split (and are usually never merged back together). So when developers decide to fix a bug or security hole in one branch, it is usually a big challenge for them to check what other branches a similar fix should be also applied. So many costly incidents have happened in the field due to some known bugs (a bug that has already been diagnosed and fixed in some other branches). Since these branches have diverged over the years, many code are similar but are not exactly the same. Also, file names can change, etc. Therefore, it is hard to rely on source control systems such as ClearCase, Subversion to keep track their differences. Being pushed by many customers who suffer this pain, we applied our technology to this problem and build a tool called PatchMiner. Currently PatchMiner has been deployed and widely used in several large companies (more information can be found at http://www.patterninsight.com/). It is a very interesting journey. To me personally, I learned that sometimes what I (as an academic) feel as a solution to a major problem may be only a nice-to-have in the real world; and it really requires close interaction with industry to understand their painpoints.
Rate of excretion of vitamin C in human urine

The dosage of vitamin C necessary to maintain a level in the urine which could be detected using the 2,6-dichlorophenolindophenol assay was determined with undergraduate students. Students taking 250 mg daily did not excrete significant levels of vitamin C in their urine, while excretion increased at doses from 0.5 to 2 g. A 2 g daily dose caused detectable excretion from about 4 until 16 hr later, on both the first and eighth day. A dose of 500 mg taken every 12 hr led to continuously-detectable levels of vitamin C in the urine. The conclusion is that two conditions are necessary to elevate vitamin c excretion continuously: a dose of at least 500 mg and a dose every 12 hr. This is substantially higher than the U.S. recommended daily allowance and more frequent than administration being used in clinical trials.
Analysis of Particle Size Distributions from Spectral Reflectance Measurements on Small Tissue Volumes

Mie theory has been used to describe the reduced scattering coefficient from a model that extracts optical properties from a reflectance spectrum. Preliminary results are presented from normal and inflamed colon mucosa.
Note on an approximation to the distribution of the logarithm of the relative risk

The approximate Beta or Type I distribution for the binomial is considered in relation to estimates of the logarithm of the relative risk (=λ), or the relative proportions of an attribute in two popoulations.
Crown Gall Disease and Hairy Root Disease A Sledgehammer and a Tackhammer

The neoplastic diseases crown gall and hairy root are incited by the phytopathogenic bacteria Agrobacterium tumefaciens and Agrobacterium rhizogenes, respectively. Although the molecular mechanism of T-DNA transfer to the plant most likely is the same for both species, the physiological basis of tumorigenesis is fundamentally different. Crown gall tumors result from the over-production of the phytohormones auxin and cytokinin specified by A. tumefaciens T-DNA genes. Although the T-DNA of some Riplasmids of A. rhizogenes contains auxin biosynthetic genes, these loci are not always necessary for hairy root formation. Recent experiments suggest that hairy root tumors result from the increased sensitivity of transformed cells to endogenous auxin levels. An understanding of hairy root tumorigenesis will likely result in an increased knowledge of plant developmental processes.
Nonenzymatic glycosylation of proteins and protease activities in granulation tissues in experimental diabetes

Serum proteins and hemoglobins show increased nonenzymatic glycosylation in diabetes mellitus. The measure of glycosylated proteins, particularly hemoglobin, is considered to be a preferred indicator in the control of diabetes. In a study of diabetes and inflammation, we assessed the extent of nonenzymatic glycosylation of proteins of granulation tissue from diabetic rats. Five, seven, and ten days after carrageenan injection, the granuloma proteins were extracted. Nonenzymatic glycosylation was measured in soluble and insoluble granuloma proteins by thiobarbituric acid assay. Protease activities and free amino groups were assayed in soluble extracts. Nonenzymatic glycosylation in soluble proteins of both groups reached a maximum on the seventh day. However, nonenzymatic glycosylation in soluble proteins of the diabetic granulomas was significantly greater than the controls on days five and seven. During the days after granuloma induction, nonenzymatic glycosylation in the insoluble granuloma tissue proteins gradually decreased without any significant differences between controls and diabetics. Significant decreases in the free amino groups in soluble proteins of the diabetic tissues were noted. Greater activities of cathepsins B and D were noted in diabetic tissues over controls. These observations suggest that, in addition to increased proteolysis, increased nonenzymatic glycosylation of tissue proteins could be associated with the impaired process of wound healing in diabetics.
Transgenic orchardgrass (Dactylis glomerata) plants by direct embryogenesis from microprojecticle bombarded leaf cells.

Young leaf tissue of orchardgrass (Dactylis glomerata L.) was placed on Schenk and Hildebrandt medium containing 30 µM dicamba. Microprojectiles coated with DNA containing the selectable bar gene (Basta® tolerance) and the reporter gene uidA coding for β-glucuronidase (GUS), both driven by the maize ubiquitin promoter (Ubi1), were propelled into the tissue with a particle inflow gun. Transient GUS expression was observed as blue spots of various sizes on leaf segments. Somatic embryos staining entirely blue were also produced, and embryos germinated on medium containing 3.0 mg 1–1 bialaphos. Leaves of 67 putative transformed plants were painted with 0.1% Basta. Ten showed no reaction, and 6 showed only a localized response. Cultured leaf segments from tolerant plants also produced somatic embryos that expressed GUS. The genetic transformation was confirmed by Southern blot hybridization and PCR analyses of T0 plants and by PCR analyses of somatic embryos produced from T0 plants.
Mustn1 is expressed during chondrogenesis and is necessary for chondrocyte proliferation and differentiation in vitro

Mustn1 encodes a small nuclear protein expressed specifically in the musculoskeletal system that was originally identified as a strongly up-regulated gene during bone regeneration, especially in fracture callus proliferating chondrocytes. Further experiments were undertaken to investigate its expression and role during chondrogenesis. Initially, whole mount mouse in situ hybridization was carried out and revealed Mustn1 expression in areas of active chondrogenesis that included limb buds, branchial arches and tail bud. To elucidate its function, experiments were carried out to perturb Mustn1 by overexpression and silencing in the pre-chondrocytic RCJ3.1C5.18 (RCJ) cell line. In these cells, Mustn1 is normally differentially regulated, with a spike in expression 2 days after induction of differentiation. Further, Mustn1 was successfully overexpressed in multiple RCJ cell lines by approximately 2-6 fold, and reduced to approximately 32-52% in silenced cell lines as compared to parental Mustn1 levels. Overexpressing, silenced, control, and parental RCJ cell lines were assayed for proliferation and differentiation. No statistically significant changes were observed in either proliferation or proteoglycan production when Mustn1 overexpressing lines were compared to parental and control. By contrast, both proliferation rate and differentiation were significantly reduced in Mustn1 silenced cell lines. Specifically, RNAi silenced cell lines showed reductions in populations of approximately 55-75%, and also approximately 34-40% less matrix (proteoglycan) production as compared to parental and random control lines. Further, this reduction in matrix production was accompanied by significant downregulation of chondrogenic marker genes, such as Sox9, Collagen type II (Col II), and Collagen type X (Col X). Lastly, reintroduction of Mustn1 into a silenced cell line rescued this phenotype, returning proliferation rate, matrix production, and chondrogenic marker gene expression back to parental levels. Taken together these data suggest that Mustn1 is a necessary regulator of chondrocyte function.
Seeing Isn't Believing: Blindness, Race, and Cultural Literacy

ABSTRACTThis article focuses on audio description (a technique used for “translating” visual material to aural readers/blind people) and its relation to the cultural construction of race in the United States. In it, I present exploratory research on audio description (AD) and raise important questions in the field of visual anthropology: how does one translate visual material for a non-seeing audience? From the point of view of blind consumers, what constitutes “good” description? What is culturally salient in the visual field? Is race important to describe? This paper presents the results of three telephone focus groups on AD, conducted in the USA in the fall of 2005. The focus groups involved thirty-nine blind or visually impaired people nationwide, who discussed (among other things) the need for race to be described. These participants argued for the need for race-based knowledge as an important part of cultural literacy, and, in so doing, raised questions about how visual race is.
Myxomycete biodiversity in four different forest types in Costa Rica.

The moist chamber culture technique was used to examine patterns of biodiversity and distribution of myxomycetes in four different forest types in Costa Rica, focusing on the substrates represented...
The spillover effects of investments in telecoms: insights from transition economies

For several years, researchers and practitioners have been concerned about the impact of investments in information and communication technologies (ICTs) on productivity. The research framework of neoclassical growth accounting is widely used in this area of research on information technology and productivity. While several studies have explored the relationship between investments in ICT and metrics such as GDP, the links between investments in ICT and total factor productivity (TFP) have received less attention, particularly for transition economies (TEs). While the data that we use in this study are directly related to TEs, our exploration can provide insights that are useful for understanding similarities and differences between developed and developing/emerging economies. In this study, we propose and illustrate a methodology for investigating the relationship between investments in ICT and TFP that is consistent with the framework of neoclassical growth accounting.
Quantitation of platelet preservation with prostanoids during simulated bypass.

Extensive blood-synthetic surface interactions during cardiopulmonary bypass produce adverse platelet alterations that can contribute to excessive blood loss following open cardiac surgery. These platelet alterations can be reduced by temporary inhibition of platelet function. In order to define further an optimal method of platelet inhibition during blood-synthetic surface contact, we quantitated platelet functional and structural alterations that occur during simulated extracorporeal circulation (SEC) despite platelet inhibition with Iloprost (ZK) or PGE1. Five-hundred milliliters of fresh heparinized human blood were recirculated for 2 hr in a circuit consisting of silicone rubber components and a spiral coil membrane oxygenator. When blood was recirculated for 2 hr without drug, platelet counts fell significantly to 46 ± 7% (x ± SEM) of initial levels (P < 0.01); mean platelet volume decreased from 6.90 ± 0.25 μm3 to 6.05 ± 0.33 μm3 (P < 0.01); platelet dispersion increased from 1.73 ± 0.02 to 2.14 ± 0.09 (P < 0.01) and platelets no longer aggregated in response to epinephrine or thrombin. In contrast, when blood was recirculated with either ZK (0.003 μM) or PGE1 (0.3 μM), platelet counts were significantly preserved when compared to blood recirculated without drug (82 ± 5% and 89 ± 7%, respectively; P < 0.01); mean platelet volume did not change; and dispersion only increased from 1.74 ± 0.02 to 1.85 ± 0.04 (P < 0.05). However, following gel filtration, platelets recirculated with PGE1 always responded less than platelets merely incubated with PGE1 when challenged with either epinephrine (50 vs 75%, P < 0.05) or thrombin (37 vs 65%, P < 0.05). Thus, although both ZK and PGE1 significantly reduced adverse platelet changes during blood-synthetic surface contact, this persistent diminution of functional response would indicate that there are subtle platelet alterations not prevented by either drug. Both drugs, however, permit significant quantitative and qualitative preservation of platelet function even after several hours of simulated extracorporeal circulation.
Comparison of visual estimate with digital caliper measurement of coronary artery stenosis

We compared visual estimate and digital caliper measurement of coronary stenoses, utilizing both a 50% and 70% diameter reduction as a definition of significance and both experienced angiographers and cardiology fellows as readers. Ten angiograms were interpreted twice, using the different methods, by four readers, two months apart. The angiograms were divided into 12 vessel segments. Stenoses were judged more severe by visual estimate in 11 segments. Seven of twelve segments had significant differences between readers using the visual estimate, but no significant differences were obtained using caliper measurements. Variability was highest for fellows using the visual method. Interobserver agreement was highest using the digital caliper and the 70% criteria. Intraobserver agreement was most dependent on the amount of time taken in film interpretation. The digital caliper appears to be preferable in interpreting angiograms, particularly for cardiology fellows.
Isolation of lacZ fusions to Proteus mirabilis genes regulated by intercellular signaling: potential role for the sugar phosphotransferase (Pts) system in regulation

Using a mini-Tn5lacZ1 reporter transposon, lacZ fusions have been identified in Proteus mirabilis that are activated by the accumulation of self-produced extracellular signals. Genes identified by this approach include putative homologs of pgm, nlpA and two genes of unknown function. The extracellular signal(s) involved in activation were resistant to the effects of acid and alkali. The signal required for activation of (nlpA) cma482::lacZ was sensitive to protease, suggesting the signal is a peptide or small protein. The signals behaved as polar molecules and were not extractable with ethyl acetate. A mini-Tn5Cm insertion was identified in a probable ptsI homolog that blocked activation of the cma134::lacZ fusion by an extracellular signal. The ptsI mutation did not alter extracellular signal production and may have a role in signal response.
Presynaptic displacement of serotonin by α-methyl-5-hydroxytryptamine in the nucleus tractus solitarius of the rat

Abstract Rat brain slices containing the nucleus tractus solitarius loaded with [ 3 H]5-hydroxytryptamine ([ 3 H]5-HT) for superfusion were stimulated at (3 Hz, 25 mA, 1 min) resulting in fractional release ratios S 2 S 1 of 0.89 for [ 3 H]5-HT in the presence of the serotonin uptake inhibitor 1.0 μM 6-nitroquipazine (6-NQ). α-Methylserotonin (α-Me-5-HT; 1.0 μM), a non-selective 5-HT 1 and 5-HT 2 receptor agonist, significantly reduced the S 2 S 1 ratio of [ 3 H]5-HT without affecting the basal release ratios B 2 B 1 1.00 ± 0.04. Without 6-NQ in the perfusion medium 1.0 μM α-Me-5-HT sharply increased the basal release B 2 B 1 to 2.21 ( P 2+ medium the S 2 S 1 ratio was reduced to 0.06 and α-Me-5-HT promoted a B 2 B 1 release of 2.17 ( P 3 antagonist LY-278,584 did not block α-Me-5-HT induced basal release of [ 3 H]5-HT. Both pindolol and LY-53,857 blocked the autoinhibitory effects of α-Me-5-HT, but only LY-53,857 and 6-NQ blocked the basal release induced by α-Me-5-HT. These results suggest that α-Me-5-HT reduces neurotransmitter release through the serotonin autoreceptor and displaces serotonin through a non-exocytotic release mechanism.
Irregular bilayer structure in vesicles prepared from Halobactbrium cutirubrum lipids.

Fluorescent probes were used to study the structure of the cell envelope of Halobacterium cutirubrum, and, in particular, to explore the effect of the heterogeneity of the lipids in this organism on the structure of the bilayers. The fluorescence polarization of perylene was followed in vesicles of unfractionated lipids and polar lipids as a function of temperature in 3.4 M solutions of NaCl, NaNO3, and KSCN, and it was found that vesicles of unfractionated lipids were more perturbed by chaotropic agents than polar lipids. The dependence of the relaxation times of perylene on temperature was studied in cell envelopes and in vesicles prepared from polar lipids, unfractionated lipids, and mixtures of polar and neutral lipids.
Increasing I Ks corrects abnormal repolarization in rabbit models of acquired LQT2 and ventricular hypertrophy

Excessive action potential (AP) prolongation and early afterdepolarizations (EAD) are triggers of malignant ventricular arrhythmias. A slowly activating delayed rectifier K+ current (I Ks) is impor...
Multisphere default spectra—solution spectrum and dosemeter response implications

Initial calibration of a multisphere spectroscopy system has been completed at Los Alamos National Laboratory using four standard calibration scenarios. Spectrum unfolding was performed using three methods of constructing the default spectrum: simple parameter models, Monte Carlo calculations and physical measurement. Comparisons of the resulting spectra for each solution method are presented. Implications of the spectral solutions upon dosemeter characterisation are addressed.
Computers in Teaching: Microcomputers in the Social Sciences: A New Course

In this article, I describe a process-oriented course designed to teach psychology majors about information technology. The course centers around hands-on experience with computer software, and it is directed toward upper division undergraduate and graduate Students. Tables 1 and 2 show a sample syllabus and a listing of software, respectively.
RNA metabolism in isolated perfused normal and regenerating livers: polyamine effects.

Abstract The labeling profiles of nuclear and cytoplasmic RNA from isolated perfused livers differ from the profiles obtained in experiments in vivo. In isolated livers rapidly sedimenting RNA species in the nucleus are not labeled and no distinct peak of radioactivity is found in 28-S cytoplasmic RNA. The addition of spermidine to the perfusate increases the specific activity of nuclear RNA of perfused livers and enhances the labeling of fast sedimenting RNA species in isolated perfused regenerating livers. These changes are not reflected in an increase in the labeling of 28-S cytoplasmic RNA. Continuous infusion or hourly addition of large amounts of amino acids are necessary to maintain the integrity of the polyribosomes of isolated perfused livers.
Polyoxoanion-Supported Organometallic Complexes: Carbonyls of Rhenium(I), Iridium(I), and Rhodium(I) That Are Soluble Analogs of Solid-Oxide-Supported M(CO)n+ and That Exhibit Novel M(CO)n+ Mobility

The Dawson-type P2W15Nb3O629- polyoxoanion-supported Re(CO)3+ complex, [Re(CO)3·P2W15Nb3O62]8- (1), has been synthesized and characterized in two different counter-cation compositions. The [(n-C4H9)4N]88+ complex provides a highly soluble compound which exists as a single isomer in solution. The carbonyl stretching infrared frequencies suggest that the P2W15Nb3O629- ligand serves as a strong electron donor to the Re(CO)3+ fragment. The P2W15Nb3O629- polyoxoanion-supported Ir(CO)2+ complex [Ir(CO)2·P2W15Nb3O62]8- (2) has also been synthesized and characterized as its octakis(tetrabutylammonium), [(n-C4H9)4N]88+, salt. This compound was characterized by NMR and IR, results which demonstrate that 2 also exists as a single isomer in solution. The [Ir(CO)2·P2W15Nb3O62]8- complex is stable in the absence of water, but decomposes quickly in the presence of even 1 equiv of water. Attempted preparation of the analogous P2W15Nb3O629- -supported Rh(CO)2+ complex (3), while monitoring by 31P NMR, revealed that this c...