cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Hardships & Resilience: Families in a Pandemic

The COVID-19 pandemic created unique hardships for families with school-aged children. To better understand these hardships, we asked the question: How did family units of various racial and socioe...
A strand graph semantics for DNA-based computation

DNA nanotechnology is a promising approach for engineering computation at the nanoscale, with potential applications in biofabrication and intelligent nanomedicine. DNA strand displacement is a general strategy for implementing a broad range of nanoscale computations, including any computation that can be expressed as a chemical reaction network. Modelling and analysis of DNA strand displacement systems is an important part of the design process, prior to experimental realisation. As experimental techniques improve, it is important for modelling languages to keep pace with the complexity of structures that can be realised experimentally. In this paper we present a process calculus for modelling DNA strand displacement computations involving rich secondary structures, including DNA branches and loops. We prove that our calculus is also sufficiently expressive to model previous work on non-branching structures, and propose a mapping from our calculus to a canonical strand graph representation, in which vertices represent DNA strands, ordered sites represent domains, and edges between sites represent bonds between domains. We define interactions between strands by means of strand graph rewriting, and prove the correspondence between the process calculus and strand graph behaviours. Finally, we propose a mapping from strand graphs to an efficient implementation, which we use to perform modelling and simulation of DNA strand displacement systems with rich secondary structure.
pH-Conditional, Ammonia Assimilation-Deficient Mutants of Hydrogenomonas eutropha: Evidence for the Nature of the Mutation

Two amination-deficient mutants of Hydrogenomonas eutropha, characterized by pH-dependent linear growth on non-amino acid substrates, were investigated to determine the exact nature of the mutation. Glutamate dehydrogenase, the only aminating enzyme found in wild-type cells, was present at similar levels in mutant cells. Phenylalanine and aspartate, which allowed normal growth of the mutants, could transaminate 2-oxoglutarate to glutamate, whereas alanine, which does not support normal growth, could not transfer its amino nitrogen to form glutamate. In H. eutropha, l-alanine is apparently synthesized by β-decarboxylation of aspartate. Studies with NH4+ ions as the sole nitrogen source demonstrated that growth rates of the mutant strains were dependent on both extracellular pH and NH4+ ion concentration. Comparison of these results revealed that the growth rate of mutant cultures was proportional to the concentration of extracellular NH3. Wild-type cultures were not dependent on extracellular NH3 since exponential growth rates did not vary with pH or NH4+ ion concentration. The results suggest that the mutant strains lack an NH4+ ion transport system and consequently are dependent on NH3 diffusion which does not support optimal amination rates. The significance of the findings for the amino acid metabolism of H. eutropha is discussed.
MicroRNA levels are modulated in Aedes aegypti after exposure to Dengue-2

To define microRNA (miRNA) involvement during arbovirus infection of Aedes aegypti, we mined deep sequencing libraries of Dengue type 2 (DENV2)-exposed mosquitoes. Three biological replicates for each timepoint [2, 4 and 9 days post-exposure (dpe)] and treatment group allowed us to remove the outliers associated with sample-to-sample variability. Using edgeR (R Bioconductor), designed for use with replicate deep sequencing data, we determined the log fold-change (logFC) of miRNA levels [18-23 nucleotides (nt)]. The number of significantly modulated miRNAs increased from ≤ 5 at 2 and 4 dpe to 23 unique miRNAs by 9 dpe. Putative miRNA targets were predicted by aligning miRNAs to the transcriptome, and the list was reduced to include the intersection of hits found using the Miranda, PITA, and TargetScan algorithms. To further reduce false-positives, putative targets were validated by cross-checking them with mRNAs reported in recent DENV2 host response transcriptome reports; 4076 targets were identified. Of these, 464 gene targets have predicted miRNA-binding sites in 3' untranslated regions. Context-specific target functional groups include proteins involved in transport, transcriptional regulation, mitochondrial function, chromatin modification and signal transduction processes known to be required for viral replication and dissemination. The miRNA response is placed in context with other vector host response studies by comparing the predicted targets with those of transcriptome studies. Together, these data are consistent with the hypothesis that profound and persistent changes to gene expression occur in DENV2-exposed mosquitoes.
Alveolar type II cell-localized p120-catenin is an essential regulator of lung barrier function and innate immunity (660.8)

Maintenance of alveolar epithelial barrier (AEB) integrity is crucial for normal lung gas exchange function, fluid balance, and regulation of immune response. The mechanisms whereby AEB is kept are...
Impact of fatty acids on endothelial cell Cx43 expression (LB653)

Increases in the prevalence of obesity worldwide have prompted concerns of an upswing in atherosclerotic diseases. The dyslipidemia that characterizes obesity includes elevated circulating free fat...
Quantitative Analysis of the Timing of the Origin and Diversification of Extant Placental Orders

Fossil evidence is consistent with origination and diversification of extant placental orders in the early Tertiary (Explosive Model), and with the possibility of some orders having stem taxa extending into the Cretaceous (Long Fuse Model). Fossil evidence that 15 of 18 extant placental orders appeared and began diversification in the first 16 m.y. of the Cenozoic is, however, at odds with molecular studies arguing some orders diversified up to 40 m.y. earlier in the Early Cretaceous (Short Fuse Model). The quality of the fossil record was assessed by tabulating localities of all mammals in the last 105 m.y. Global locality data (except Africa) for 105 m.y. of eutherian evolution indicate discernible biogeographic patterns by the last 15 m.y. of the Cretaceous. Eutherian genera increase from 11 in latest Cretaceous to 139 in earliest Tertiary, although both are represented by about 50 localities. Yet even in the Late Cretaceous of North America and Asia where eutherians are abundant, none of the 18 extant orders are definitely known. A series of Monte Carlo simulations test whether the rapid appearance of most mammalian orders is statistically significant, and if so, whether it is a radiation event or an artifact of a limited fossil record. Monte Carlo tests affirm that the clustering of appearances in the early Cenozoic is statistically significant. Quantitative analysis of the locality data suggests that the number of genera described is a function of the number of localities sampled. In contrast, the number of orders is not a simple function of localities and thus does not appear to be limited by localities. A second set of Monte Carlo simulations confirms that the increase in orders cannot be explained by the limited number of localities sampled. Even for best-fit simulations, the observed pattern of ordinal appearances is steeper than expected under a variety of null models. These quantitative analyses of the fossil record demonstrate that the rapid ordinal appearances cannot be ascribed to limited Late Cretaceous sample sizes; thus, early Tertiary ordinal diversification is real. Although the fossil record is incomplete, it appears adequate to reject the hypothesis that orders of placentals began to diversify before the K/T boundary.
Mechanisation and the gender-based division of labour in the US cigar industry

This paper presents a historical explanation for the changes in occupational sex segregation in the U.S. cigar industry. Mechanization which diminished craft skill barriers while retaining the labor intensity and limited technical interdependence of production created employment opportunities for women. At the same time, the boundaries of occupational sex segregation were redrawn as men left production jobs and remained in the industry only as mechanics and machine fixers. This paper has implications for the contemporary debate regarding the relationship between production technology and employment structure: namely that technological change which reduces craft skill within the context of massed, batch processing allows employers to shift work to less skilled, low wage labor. Copyright 1990 by Oxford University Press.
The Global Financial Crisis and Migrant Workers in China: ‘There is No Future as a Labourer; Returning to the Village has No Meaning’

This essay examines the impact of the global financial crisis on rural migrant labour inChina, with a focus on unemployment. It illustrates the interaction of global andChina-specific processes in the context of the worldwide recession. The essay firstsummarizes China’s unique socio-economic system and the mechanisms that havecreated a system of ‘rural migrant labour’ and ‘super-cheapened’ it to help make Chinathe ‘world’s factory’. The main part of the essay examines the unemployment situationfor migrants in late 2008 and the first half of 2009, and the dislocations and problemsmigrant labourers are facing. The China story is complex but interesting, not only for itsrather complicated lexicon and statistics that often confuse outside observers, but alsofor its distinctive system of exploiting the rural population and internal migrant labour.This system makes the impact of the global crisis on migrant labourers, which are at thebottom of the global supply chain, all the more apparent. The last part of this essayanalyses recent governmental fiscal-stimulus policies and measures as well as theirimpact on rural migrant labour, making some broader observations and linking the crisisto China’s model of development.
Intra‐operative Hemostasis of Punctured Femoral Artery Using HIFU: A Survival Study

The objective was to investigate the long‐term efficacy of hemostasis and healing of arteries after HIFU application. The femoral arteries of 22 adult rabbits were surgically exposed. Fifteen arteries were punctured with a needle and treated with HIFU, and 7 arteries were sham‐treated (no puncture or HIFU was applied). The tip of the HIFU applicator was positioned on the bleeding site, and HIFU energy was applied until hemostasis was achieved. The focal intensity was approximately 3,000 W/cm2, at the resonant frequency of 9.6 MHz. Serial ultrasound images, blood and tissue samples were collected immediately and on days 1, 3, 7, 14, 28, and 60 after the treatment. Eleven of the arteries were patent after the treatment, and four arteries were occluded, as confirmed using Doppler imaging. One of the occluded arteries reopened at day 14. HIFU exposure time to achieve hemostasis was 27 ±17 seconds for patent arteries and 101±38 seconds for the occluded arteries. The blood flow velocities were not statistically...
The QOS World

Quality of Service (QOS) has always been in a world of its own, but as the technology has been refined and has evolved in recent years, QOS usage has increased to the point where it is now considered a necessary part of network design and operation. QOS can be split into two major components: local operation and resource signaling. The two main standards in the IP realm that are relevant to QOS are the integrated services (IntServ) and the differentiated services (DiffServ). With DiffServ, a router differentiates between various types of traffic by applying a classification process. Per‐hop behavior (PHB) obligates the routers to consistently apply the desired behavior to each traffic type that crosses it in spite of its independent decision making. In terms of the parameters used to define the traffic requirements, the more common ones are delay, jitter, and packet loss.
Practice Management and Health Policy Education in Radiology: An Emerging Imperative.

As society places increased responsibility on practicing physicians for addressing accelerating health care costs and delivery system inefficiencies, traditional education and training programs have left most physicians ill equipped to assume this responsibility. A variety of new initiatives are underway that dramatically change how radiology training programs address these issues. We review the emerging need for better physician education in health policy and practice management, detail the history and requirements of the ACGME and the ABR Healthcare Economics Milestone Project, and outline mechanisms by which radiology residency programs can comply with these requirements. We describe our own new comprehensive pilot curriculum, Practice Management, Health Policy, and Professionalism for Radiology Residents (P(3)R(2)), which may serve as a potential model for other training programs seeking to develop targeted curricula in these newly required areas.
The Development of Local, Layer-Specific Visual Cortical Axons in the Absence of Extrinsic Influences and Intrinsic Activity

The laminar specificity of vertical connections in the primary visual cortex (area 17) develops precisely from the outset, leading to the hypothesis that layer-specific axonal targeting is attributable to molecular cues intrinsic to the cortex ([Lund et al., 1977][1]; [Katz and Callaway, 1992][2]). However, alternative factors that could influence axonal development have not been investigated. This study examines the roles of intrinsic cortical activity and extrinsic influences that could arise from earlier-formed connections with outside cortical and subcortical areas. Organotypic slice cultures were prepared from ferret area 17 before the formation of local axonal connections and were incubated for 5–7 d to allow initial, local axonal arbors to form in the absence of extrinsic influences. Additionally, some slices were cultured in the presence of the Na+ channel blocker tetrodotoxin to block spontaneous action potentials within the slice. Individual neurons were labeled intracellularly with biocytin, and their patterns of local axonal arborizations were reconstructed. This study focuses on the development of layer 6 pyramidal neurons, the axons of which in vivo bypass an incorrect target, layer 5, before specifically arborizing in their local target, layer 4. We found that axonal arbors developing in vitro preferentially arborized in layer 4 versus layer 5. However, inhibition of spontaneous activity within the cortical slice decreased this specificity, resulting in similar numbers of axonal branches in layers 4 and 5. Thus, although cortical axons do not require influences from outside areas, intrinsic spontaneous activity is required for specific axonal arborization in correct laminar targets. [1]: #ref-40 [2]: #ref-34
Probability logic with conditional expectation

On developpe la theorie des modeles de la logique de probabilite a esperance conditionnelle
Control of UVB immunosuppression in the mouse by autosomal and sex-linked genes

Irradiation with UVB (290–320 nm) initiates a systemic immunosuppression detectable as suppression of contact hypersensitivity (CHS). We investigated susceptibility to UV suppression in reciprocal F1-hybrid and backcross mice derived from BALB/c (low susceptibility) and C57BL/6 (high susceptibility) inbred strains. CB6F1 male mice exhibited high susceptibility and B6CF1 male mice exhibited low susceptibility, indicating a major X-linked effect in the genetic control of UV immune suppression. Females of either F1 hybrid showed intermediate suppression, consistent with random X-inactivation. A model of monogenic X-linked control was not sufficient, and evidence for the action of two genetically unlinked autosomal genes was found in parental backcross animals. Both sexes of (BALB/c × CB6F1) mice showed a 1 high: 1 low ratio of phenotypes, indicating control by a major autosomal locus, Uvs1, confirmed by propagation of the high phenotype through selective backcrossing for nine generations to BALB/c. Uvs1 was not genetically linked to 12 chromosomal markers including the pigment genes b (brown) and c (albino). Backcross animals (C57BL/6 × CB6F1) showed a significant sex difference, male mice giving a 3 high: 1 low ratio of phenotypes, compatible with the action of a second autosomal locus, Uvs2, in this hybrid. The findings are compatible with a model in which high phenotype (Uvs1 b/Uvs1 b) is dominant when subjected to recessive epistatis by the X-chromosome locus Uvs3, or by the autosomal locus Uvs2. The finding of genetic control by interacting autosomal and X-linked genes is unique. Genetically determined high susceptibility to UV immunosuppression may be an important risk factor for UV-related human diseases.
Health-related quality of life in ankylosing spondylitis: a survey of 175 patients.

Objective To identify aspects of health-related quality of life that are most commonly affected in patients with ankylosing spondylitis (AS). Methods One hundred seventy-five participants in a longitudinal study of health status in AS completed a cross-sectional survey that asked them to rate the presence and importance of problems in 23 aspects of quality of life, including symptoms, disability, mood, relations with others, and concerns about treatments and the future. Participants also completed the Medical Outcomes Study Short Form 36 Health Survey (SF-36). Results The mean age of the participants was 51.1 years, and the mean duration of AS was 23.7 years; 119 (68%) were men. The most prevalent quality of life concerns included stiffness (90.2%), pain (83.1%), fatigue (62.4%), poor sleep (54.1%), concerns about appearance (50.6%), worry about the future (50.3%), and medication side effects (41%). Compared with those who had some college education, participants with 12 years of education or less were 2 to 4 times more likely to have problems or concerns with medication side effects, mobility, housework and self-care tasks, coping with illness, anxiety, payment for treatment, and relationships with spouses, family, and friends. Mean scores on the 8 domains of the SF-36 (range 0–100; higher scores indicate better function) ranged from 49 (energy/fatigue) to 77 (role limitations due to emotional problems). Patients with 12 years of education or less had significantly lower scores than those with some college on all domains except general health. Conclusions In addition to pain and stiffness, fatigue and sleep problems are important concerns in patients with AS, while few reported problems with mood or social relationships. Less educated patients had lower quality of life in many different aspects.
Low-dose high-resolution electron microscopy of zeolite materials with a slow-scan CCD camera

Abstract We demonstrate the application of a commercially available slow-scan CCD camera to low-dose high-resolution electron microscopy on zeolite materials. A resolution of 2 [Aring] has been successfully achieved for both Y-zeolite and ZSM-5. The slow-scan CCD camera offers two important advantages: (1) low readout noise which allows high-resolution images to be recorded with very low beam intensity; (2) digital storage of the CCD images which allows immediate evaluation of recorded image quality using on-line image-processing routines, making the image recording much more efficient. Image processing is essential for retrieving the high-resolution structure information that is often obscured by the noise in a low-dose image.
Antifertility and antiproteolytic activity of activated N-carbobenzoxy amino acid esters.

N‐Carbobenzoxy L‐phenylalanine, glycine, L‐leucine, and L‐proline derivatives, their vinyl esters, and their 1, 2‐dibromoethyl esters were tested for antifertility activity in mice. Intraperitoneal administration reduced the pregnancy percentage and the number of fetuses per litter, Intravaginal administration reduced the pregnancy percentage significantly, with N‐carbobenzoxyglycine vinyl ester, N‐carbobenzox‐yglycine‐1,2‐dibromoethyl ester, N‐carbobenzoxy‐L‐leucine‐ 1,2‐dibromoethyl ester, and N‐carbobenzoxy‐L‐proline‐1,2‐dibromoethyl ester producing 100% inhibition at 10 mg/kg/day. Sperm enzyme hydrolysis of the nonspecific substrate azocasein was inhibited significantly by certain N‐Carbobenzoxy amino acid esters in vitro. Specific substrate N‐benzoyl‐L‐arginine ethyl ester hydrolysis was also inhibited. Compounds that inhibited N‐benzoyl‐L‐arginine ethyl ester hydrolysis also demonstrated in vivo intravaginal antifertility activity.
Disturbance rejection in robust PdE-based MRAC laws for uncertain heterogeneous multiagent networks under boundary reference

Abstract Disturbance is a pervasive source of uncertainty in most applications. This paper presents model reference adaptive control (MRAC) laws for uncertain multiagent networks with a disturbance rejection capability. The algorithms proposed can also be viewed as the extension of the robust model reference adaptive control (MRAC) laws with disturbance rejection recently derived for systems described by parabolic and hyperbolic partial differential equations (PDEs) with spatially-varying parameters under distributed sensing and actuation to heterogeneous multiagent networks characterized by parameter uncertainty. The latter extension is carried out using partial difference equations (PdEs) on graphs that preserve parabolic and hyperbolic like cumulative network behavior. Unlike in the PDE case, only boundary input is specified for the reference model. The algorithms proposed directly incorporate this boundary reference input into the reference PdE to generate the distributed admissible reference evolution profile followed by the agents. The agent evolution thus depends only on the interaction with the adjacent agents, making the system fully decentralized. Numerical examples are presented as well. The resulting PdE MRAC laws inherit the robust linear structure of their PDE counterparts.
The effect of volume sub-sampling on motion estimation of joints via MR imaging.

Abstract The technique of three-dimensional imaging is being explored as a means of better understanding the morphology and kinematics of the foot and ankle. To capture information about the dynamic nature of the joint, MRI pulse sequences are used to rapidly acquire single-slice kinematic images, which are then used to track the motion of the bone or other tissues. This approach cannot capture true 3D motion information. On the other hand, full 3D acquisitions are time consuming. A more time-efficient alternative to this method that may give accurate 3D motion information may be to use select MRI slices, instead of full resolution 3D models, that may be just enough to capture the vital information needed to track motion. This was tested by removing slices from already acquired full kinematic MRI datasets and progressively removing slices to determine up to what level data can be eliminated and still achieve accurate motion tracking. We evaluated the ability of the reduced data set in tracking motion in terms of both volume overlap and actual motion estimated, and compared these with the results from the full resolution data. We based our analysis of accuracy on the ability to transform the reduced images from one position of the foot to another. In tracking the motion of the bones of the tarsal joints, we were able to reduce the number of slices to about 25% of the full data set while maintaining an accurate representation of motion within about 0.5mm of translation and 0.5 degrees of rotation of the motion estimated from full data.
On the correction for radioactive decay in pharmacokinetic modeling

The question of how to include radioactive decay during biological modeling with first-order differential equations was considered. Modeling may involve either experimental data y(t) or decay-corrected data z(t) [identical to exp(lambda t)y(t) where lambda is the decay constant] for each compartment. It is sometimes assumed that the latter are solutions to corresponding purely pharmacokinetic models (no decay). We primarily compared the two analyses in the case where the model did not require simultaneous consideration of both labeled and unlabeled material. A general theorem was found which limits the use of decay-corrected data to pharmacokinetic models containing linear, homogeneous differential equations. By way of verification, an example of this model type was analyzed for a chimeric monoclonal antibody biodistribution in man. Even in this case, statistically significant differences between the two solutions showed that one may find different model parameters depending upon which data set (y or z) was analyzed. For other mathematical forms, the analyst must include the physical decay in all relevant compartments. By analyzing an open, quadratic model, effects of not including decay were seen to be maximized if the biological rate constant was > or = lambda, the physical decay constant. Finally, using monoclonal antibody-antigen reactions, similar discrepancies between the z functions and the pharmacokinetic variables were demonstrated. This result was found to persist even if competitive molecules were included. We conclude that decay-corrected data may be shown, but should not be entered into the modeling equations unless the latter are of the linear, homogeneous form.
Fatigue—Generation of Vacancies

RECENTLY, it was reported that fatiguing (cyclic straining) at room temperature results in observable diffusion of silver into copper at that temperature1. This important effect was attributed to the athermal generation and the subsequent diffusion of vacancies which are greatly in excess of equilibrium.
Characterization of neuraminidase inhibitor-resistant influenza A(H1N1)pdm09 viruses isolated in four seasons during pandemic and post-pandemic periods in Japan

Background/Objectives Japan has the highest frequency of neuraminidase (NA) inhibitor use against influenza in the world. Therefore, Japan could be at high risk of the emergence and spread of NA inhibitor-resistant viruses. The aim of this study was to monitor the emergence of NA inhibitor-resistant viruses and the possibility of human-to-human transmission during four influenza seasons in Japan. Methods To monitor antiviral-resistant A(H1N1)pdm09 viruses, we examined viruses isolated in four seasons from the 2008–2009 season through the 2011–2012 season in Japan by allelic discrimination, NA gene sequencing, and NA inhibitor susceptibility. Results We found that 157 (1·3%) of 12 026 A(H1N1)pdm09 isolates possessed an H275Y substitution in the NA protein that confers about 400- and 140-fold decreased susceptibility to oseltamivir and peramivir, respectively, compared with 275H wild-type viruses. The detection rate of resistant viruses increased from 1·0% during the pandemic period to 2·0% during the post-pandemic period. The highest detection rate of the resistant viruses was found in patients who were 0–9 years old. Furthermore, among the cases with resistant viruses, the percentage of no known exposure to antiviral drugs increased from 16% during the pandemic period to 44% during the post-pandemic period, implying that suspected human-to-human transmission of the resistant viruses gradually increased in the post-pandemic period. Conclusions A(H1N1)pdm09 viruses resistant to oseltamivir and peramivir were sporadically detected in Japan, but they did not spread throughout the community. No viruses resistant to zanamivir and laninamivir were detected.
Calculation of laser intensity fluctuations from the density-matrix equation of motion

Intensity fluctuations for a single-mode laser near threshold are calculated from the Scully-Lamb equation of motion for the reduced density matrix of the radiation field. The magnitude and correlation time of the intensity fluctuations are contrasted with the results obtained from the usual Fokker-Planck analysis of the rotating-wave, Van-der-Pol (RWVP) model. When the photon number at threshold is not large, these calculations predict measurable differences from the RWVP Fokker-Planck results. Two methods are used to calculate the dynamics. One is a direct eigenfunction expansion of the Green's function of the equation of motion. The other is based on the calculation of the initial derivatives of the correlation function.
Pulsed laser deposition of HTSC thallium films

Pulsed laser deposition is a technique commonly used to deposit high quality thin films of high temperature superconductors. We discuss the results obtained when this technique is applied to the deposition of Tl-CA-Ba-Cu-O thin films using a frequency doubled Nd:YAG laser operating at 532 nm and an excimer laser operating at 248 nm. Films with onset temperatures of 125 K and zero resistance temperatures of 110 K deposited on (100) oriented MgO from a composite T12Ca2Ba2Cu3Ox target were obtained at both wavelengths upon appropriate post deposition annealing. We will discuss the microstructure and composition as a function of laser wavelength and annealing conditions.
Re-evaluation of the structural organization of neuritic plaques in Alzheimer's disease

We re-examined the relationship among synaptic pathology, subcellular abnormalities within neurites in the plaques and beta-amyloid deposits of Alzheimer's disease (AD) using laser confocal imaging and computer-aided serial section reconstruction techniques. Analysis of serial optical sections of neuritic plaques double-immunolabeled for anti-beta-amyloid/anti-tau-2 revealed that 35% of this type of plaque contained a dense amyloid core with clusters of peripheral abnormal neurites. The other 65% were without a dense core and were mainly composed of abundant abnormal neuritic clusters with bundles of amyloid distributed throughout the neuritic plaque. While two-dimensional (2-D) analysis of the plaques has suggested that neurites are distributed in the plaque periphery with beta-amyloid localized in its center, serial section analysis showed the opposite arrangement can also be true. Three-dimensional (3-D) reconstructions of serial optical sections showed that the tau-positive tortuous axons clustered in the neuritic plaques were often continuous with synaptophysin-positive distended terminals. Analysis of electron micrographs from serial sections showed continuity among the different segments of the neurites. Further analysis of the computer generated 3-D reconstructed neuritic plaques (both from serial electron micrographs and serial optical sections), viewed as continuous rotating loops, confirmed that a great majority of the plaque volume was occupied by the clustered and continuous abnormal neurites, while the amyloid fibrils were compressed and displaced to the periphery of the plaque. The 3-D imaging of the neuritic plaques in AD suggests a more widespread and active neuritic damage than that predicted from 2-D observations.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
An experimental teletaction system for sensing and teleperception of human pulse

Abstract Teletaction is the sensing of a remote object by transmitting tactile information from a remote tactile sensor to an operator’s skin through tactile interface devices. A tactile interface is used to reproduce the information such as force (static and dynamic), texture, roughness, temperature, and shape. This paper describes the design, modeling, simulation, fabrication and testing of an experimental teletaction system to detect and reproduce the human pulse. It consists of three major components: pulse sensing system, pulse teleperception system and the data processing system. Two 25 μm thick polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) film sensors had been fabricated and calibrated for pulse detection and force measurement. A computer controlled force feedback system was developed for achieving pulse teleperception. The simulation and experimental results demonstrated the close matching between the sensed and perceived pulse. A psychophysics test showed that the fingertip feeling at the pulse teleperception end closely matched the feeling of touching a human pulse directly.
Prediction of structural integrity of steam generator tubes under severe accident conditions

Available models for predicting failure of flawed and unflawed steam generator tubes under normal operating and design-basis accident conditions are reviewed. These rate-independent flow stress models are inadequate for predicting failure of steam generator tubes under severe accident conditions because the temperature of the tubes during such accidents can reach as high as 800°C where creep effects become important. Therefore, a creep rupture model for predicting failure was developed and validated by tests on unflawed and flawed specimens containing axial and circumferential flaws and loaded by constant as well as ramped temperature and pressure loadings. Finally, tests were conducted using pressure and temperature histories that are calculated to occur during postulated severe accidents. In all cases, the creep rupture model predicted the failure temperature and time more accurately than the flow stress models.
CALCITONIN GENE-RELATED PEPTIDE-IMMUNOREACTIVE NERVES IN THE RAT KIDNEY

Cryostat- and vibratome-cut rat kidney secretions were singly or doubly labeled to visualize immunoreactive calcitonin-gene-related peptide (CGRPI) and substance P (SPI). Rats were perfused with 2-4% paraformaldehyde + 0.15% picric acid then rinsed with buffer. Horseradish peroxidase (HRP) was used to visualize CGRP in vibratome sections, and combined HRP and fluorophore were used to visualize the two peptides simultaneously in cryostat sections. There is a complex, multilayered plexus of CGRP nerves on the renal pelvis and a less dense, single-layered plexus on the major branches of the renal artery and on interlobar arteries and veins. A few axons innervate finer branches of the arterial tree and other intrarenal structures. Results of double immunolabeling suggest that SPI axons comprise a subpopulation of the CGRP axon population in the rat kidney. There was no evidence for a separate population of SPI axons.
Synthesis and Characterization of New Biodiesels Derived From Oils of Plants Growing in Northern Wisconsin and Minnesota

We report on the preparation and selected properties of some new biodiesels which we synthesized from oils of plants growing in Northern Wisconsin and Minnesota. The composition and the low-temperature properties such as crystallization onset T c and end of melting T m investigated with the help of differential scanning calorimetry are presented. Some of these biodiesels exhibited remarkably good low-temperature characteristics. In order to further improve these properties, we use a variety of alcohols during the transesterification process, including isopropyl, 2-butyl, and isoamyl alcohols. Using several parameters such as oil content and crystallization onset temperature T c, plant species that appear most promising have been identified, among those highbush cranberry (T c ≈ −31 °C for its methyl esters, T c ≈ −41 °C for its 2-butyl esters), dotted horsemint (T c ≈ −17 °C for its methyl esters, T c ≈ −40 °C for its 2-butyl esters), and American hazelnut (T c ≈ −19 °C for its methyl esters, T c ≈ −30 °C for its 2-butyl esters).
Lack of evidence for the involvement of a β-D-galactosyl-specific lectin in the fusion of chick myoblasts

Abstract The role of a β-D-galactosyl-specific lectin, first reported by Teichberg et al., in the fusion of myoblasts in vitro was investigated. The concentration of this lectin in embryonic chick skeletal muscle was found to reach maximal levels at the time of myoblast fusion in vivo. β-D-Galactosyl-β-thiogalactopyranoside and lactose are potent inhibitors of agglutination of trypsinized rabbit erythrocytes caused by the lectin. However, at concentrations of 50 mM these compounds had no effect on either nonsynchronous fusion of myoblasts or on the release of synchronized myoblast cultures from EGTA fusion block. The presence of the agglutinin in the external membranes of chick myoblasts and myotubes could not be demonstrated. It is, therefore, concluded that the involvement of the lectin in the fusion of chick myoblasts remains questionable.
Integrating Study Skills and Problem Solving into Remedial Mathematics.

Students at a large urban community college enrolled in seven classes of an experimental remedial algebra programme, which integrated study skills instruction and collaborative problem solving. A control group of seven classes was taught in a traditional lecture format without study skills instruction. Student performance in the course was measured by a common 25-question multiple-choice exit exam. After controllig for cognitive and affective differences among students (N= 233), when all other variables were held constant, students in the experimental classes answered two more question out of 25 correctly than studdents in the control group classes. The results suggest problem solving and study skills are potential areas for further improvement in learning.
The Gender of Pregnancy: Masculine Lesbians Talk about Reproduction

Heterosexism and patriarchy collude to create an expectation of pregnancy for all women. In addition, the bodily production of pregnancy has been socially gendered as feminine because of its association with female-bodied people. These two ideological codes--that all women should become mothers through pregnancy and that pregnancy is a femininely gendered endeavor--suggest conundrums for masculine lesbians. This study relies on interview data with 14 childfree masculine-identified lesbians about the ways in which they are able (or unable) to imagine themselves as pregnant people in their future lives. Participants' navigation of the concept of pregnancy reveal the complexity of gendered bodies and gender practice.
Benefits of mycorrhizal inoculation in reintroduction of endangered plant species under drought conditions

Abstract Numerous human activities constitute threats to biodiversity. The effects of climate change, including increasing drought in already arid lands, pose an additional layer of uncertainty in the fate of rare species. In the case of plants, reintroduction is becoming an important active management practice in species conservation. We hypothesized that even under extreme drought inoculation with mycorrhizal fungi would increase growth rates of an endangered plant in experimental reintroduction. We selected a plant species, Abronia macrocarpa , and conducted the experiment in Texas while the area was experiencing mild and extreme drought intensities. Treatment plots were planted with seed inoculated with arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi and control plots were planted with seed coated with autoclaved inoculant. We analyzed measurements of growth and development of germinated plants. Mean number of leaves was greater in treatment plants ( P = 0.005) and mean aerial diameter was larger in treatment plants ( P = 0.02) than in control plants. Significantly improved growth suggests that inoculation is a viable technique to increase reintroduction success in plant species especially during periods of drought.
Detection of Antecedent Myocardial Ischemia With Multiselectin Molecular Imaging

Objectives Our aim was to develop an echocardiographic molecular imaging approach for detecting recent myocardial ischemia by using recombinant P-selectin glycoprotein ligand (PSGL)-1 as a targeting ligand, which is a feasible approach for human use. Background Ischemic memory imaging using human PSGL-1 as a targeting moiety may extend the time window for postischemic detection by targeting the early (P-selectin) and late (E-selectin) endothelial ischemic response. Methods Lipid microbubbles bearing recombinant human PSGL-1 (MBYSPSL) or P-selectin antibody (MBAb) were prepared. Targeted attachment was evaluated by using flow chamber and intravital microscopy. In vivo ultrasound molecular imaging was first performed in the hindlimb in wild-type and P-selectin–deficient (P−/−) mice 45 to 360 min after brief ischemia-reperfusion injury. Myocardial contrast echocardiography molecular imaging was performed 1.5, 3, 6, and 18 h after brief left anterior descending coronary artery ischemia-reperfusion. Results Microbubble attachment to P-selectin–immunoglobulin G fusion protein in flow chamber experiments (shear stress 0.5 to 8.0 dyne/cm2) and to activated venular endothelium on intravital microscopy were similar for MBAb and MBYSPSL. Intense enhancement was seen for MBAb and MBYSPSL in postischemic muscle and was more stable over time for MBYSPSL. On myocardial contrast echocardiography, both MBYSPSL and MBAb produced similar signal enhancement at 90 min and 3 h after ischemia, which spatially correlated with the postischemic risk area. Signal significantly decreased but was still present at 6 to 18 h. Conclusions Echocardiographic molecular imaging with a human multi-selectin–targeted contrast agent bearing recombinant human PSGL-1 can detect myocardial ischemia hours after resolution. This approach may potentially be used for rapid bedside evaluation of patients with recent chest pain.
Cerium sulphadiazine as a topical agent for burn wound infections: a comparison with silver sulphadiazine and zinc sulphadiazine

Abstract Cerium sulphadiazine was synthesised and compared with silver and zinc sulphadiazine. All three of these metal sulphadiazines are effective, both in vitro and in the prevention of bacterial infection and mortality in burned mice and rats. Animals treated with zinc sulphadiazine exhibit superior wound healing and longer survival. Cerium sulphadiazine, unlike silver and zinc sulphadiazine, binds to DNA instantaneously, forming an insoluble cerium-DNA complex. The toxicity of cerium sulphadiazine is much lower than that of silver or zinc sulphadiazine. The efficacy of silver sulphadiazine, the wound-healing potential of zinc sulphadiazine and the low toxicity of cerium sulphadiazine can be combined to create a superior topical therapy.
Micro-Machined Electron Transparent Alumina Vacuum Windows

We report the use of porous alumina membranes as stable electron transparent windows for atmospheric electron spectroscopy applications. This material is very brittle and under compressive stress, and therefore of limited use. We developed a method of forming these membranes being tensile, within a monolithic, stable aluminum frame, enabling handling and making it possible to mount these elements in MEMS systems. Ten micron thick membranes showed a high electron transmissivity for electron energies down to 5 kV, and their mechanical properties are close to state of the art for MEMS vacuum windows. Self-collimated channeling of electrons along the pores is proposed as an explanation for the unexpected electron transparency of these membranes.
Effects of sclerostin antibody on healing of a non‐critical size femoral bone defect

Sclerostin is a glycoprotein secreted by osteocytes and inhibits osteoblastogenesis via inhibition of Wnt signaling. We hypothesized that sclerostin antibody (Scl-AbIII) would accelerate the healing of a murine femoral non-critical size bone defect model. A unilateral and unicortical 0.8 mm-sized drill hole was made in the proximal femoral shaft of adult female nude mice. One group of mice received subcutaneous injections of Scl-AbIII and a second group received vehicle only. Reporter MC3T3 osteoprogenitor cells were injected via the tail vein 3 days after surgery to monitor systemic trafficking of exogenous osteoprogenitors. Bioluminescence imaging (BLI), microcomputed tomography (microCT), micropositron emission tomography (microPET) and histological analysis were used to compare the bone healing responses to Scl-AbIII treatment. Bone mineral density (BMD) significantly increased at the defect site after week 1, and was significantly higher in the treatment compared with the control group at all time points. This finding was also confirmed on histological analysis by increased deposition of new woven bone. MicroPET scanning showed a trend for greater activity in the control group at day 21 compared with the Scl-AbIII group, indicating early bone maturation following treatment with Scl-AbIII. Whereas the BLI signals derived from the injected osteoprogenitor cells showed no differences between vehicle and Scl-AbIII treated groups, systemic migration of MC3T3 cells to the bone defect was clearly identified in both groups using immunohistochemistry. Systemic administration of Scl-AbIII resulted in earlier healing and maturation of a non-critical size bone defect. These findings underscore the potential use of Scl-AbIII for treatment of complicated fractures, non-unions, and other clinical scenarios. © 2012 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 31:155–163, 2012
Mechanism of the action of Leuconostoc mesenteroides B-512FMC dextransucrase: kinetics of the transfer of d-glucose to maltose and the effects of enzyme and substrate concentrations

The kinetics of the reaction of Leuconostoc mesenteroides B-512FMC dextransucrase with sucrose were studied. This enzyme catalyzes the synthesis of dextran from sucrose with a kcat of 641 s−1 and the transfer of d-glucose from sucrose to maltose with a kcat of 1070 s−1. The enzyme was also found to catalyze two new reactions in the absence of sucrose, using dextran as the substrate; d-glucose was transferred from the non-reducing ends of dextran chains to maltose with a relatively low kcat of 3.2 s−1; and d-glucose was hydrolyzed from the non-reducing ends of dextran chains with a very low kcat of 0.085 s−1. Ping-pong/bi-bi kinetics of these reactions are consistent with the formation of a glucosyl–enzyme covalent intermediate. It is shown that an increase in the concentrations of both maltose and sucrose in the d-glucose transfer reaction to maltose gives an exponential decrease in the amount of dextran and a concomitant increase in the amount of acceptor products. It is further shown that increasing the amount of dextransucrase gives a decrease in the amount of dextran and an increase in the amount of acceptor products, after the sucrose has been consumed. This anomaly occurs because the relatively high amounts of enzyme catalyze the transfer of d-glucose from the non-reducing ends of the dextran chains to maltose, giving a decrease in the amount of dextran and an increase in the amount of acceptor product. Further, the high amounts of enzyme catalyze the hydrolysis of the d-glucose residues from the ends of the dextran chains, giving a decrease in the amount of dextran. These reactions are not observed when lower amounts of enzyme are used, as the reactions are much slower than the synthesis of dextran and the usual acceptor transfer reactions of d-glucose from sucrose to acceptor.
Affinity-Based Probes Based on Type II Kinase Inhibitors

Protein kinases are key components of most mammalian signal transduction networks and are therapeutically relevant drug targets. Efforts to study protein kinase function would benefit from new technologies that are able to profile kinases in complex proteomes. Here, we describe active site-directed probes for profiling kinases in whole cell extracts and live cells. These probes contain general ligands that stabilize a specific inactive conformation of the ATP-binding sites of protein kinases, as well as trifluoromethylphenyl diazirine and alkyne moieties that allow covalent modification and enrichment of kinases, respectively. A diverse group of serine/threonine and tyrosine kinases were identified as specific targets of these probes in whole cell extracts. In addition, a number of kinase targets were selectively labeled in live cells. Our chemical proteomics approach should be valuable for interrogating protein kinase active sites in physiologically relevant environments.