cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Multiple molecular mechanisms of 1α,25(oh)2-vitamin D3 rapid modulation of three ion channel activities in osteoblasts

Rapid nongenomic responses to steroids include modulation of ion channel activities on the cell membrane of target cells, but little is known about the molecular mechanisms involved. In this paper we investigate the mechanisms underlying the combined action of the secosteroid hormone 1alpha,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 [1alpha,25(OH)(2)D3] on three different ion channel types in rat osteoblasts, which include a voltage-gated L-type Ca(2+) channel, a mechanosensitive Cl(-) channel, and a stretch-activated cation (SA-Cat) channel. We found that physiological nanomolar concentrations of 1alpha,25(OH)(2)D3 rapidly modify the overall electrical activity of the membrane in ROS 17/2.8 cells. 1alpha,25(OH)(2)D3 increases the osteoblast L-type Ca(2+) channel activity at low depolarizing voltages in a fashion similar to the 1,4-dihydropyridine (DHP) agonist Bay K8644. At highly depolarizing potentials 1alpha,25(OH)(2)D3 potentiates volume-sensitive Cl(-) currents through mechanisms that may involve a putative membrane receptor. We show for the first time that 1alpha,25(OH)(2)D3 also increases inward currents through SA-Cat channels at positive membrane voltages in a dose-dependent manner. Contrary to our expectations, the stereoisomer 1beta,25(OH)(2)D3, which suppresses 1alpha,25(OH)(2)D3 activation of osteoblast Cl(-) currents, mimicked 1alpha,25(OH)(2)D3 agonist effects on Ca(2+) and SA-Cat channel activities. Cyclic AMP is involved in 1alpha,25(OH)(2)D3 effects on both Ca(2+) and SA-Cat channels, but not in Cl(-) channels. We conclude that 1alpha,25(OH)(2)D3 rapid effects on ion channel activities in ROS 17/2.8 cells occur through multiple mechanisms that, on the one hand, involve a possible direct interaction with the L-type Ca(2+) channel molecule and, on the other hand, molecular pathways that may include a putative membrane receptor.
The effects of age, energy and protein intake on protein turnover and the expression of proteolysis-related genes in the broiler breeder hen.

Abstract A study was conducted to determine the changes that occur to proteolysis and related genes due to age, protein, and energy intake in high-yield broiler breeder hens (Gallus gallus). Cobb 700 broiler breeders were randomly assigned to one of six diets in a 2 × 3 factorial fashion. Two levels of energy (390 and 450 kcal/day) and three levels of protein (22, 24, and 26 g CP/day) were utilized. Protein turnover was determined in the left pectoralis at 22, 26, 31 and 44 weeks. Relative mRNA expression of calpain 2 (CAPN2), proteasome C2 subunit (PSMA1), and F box protein 32 (FBXO32) were determined via RT-PCR at 20, 25, and 44 weeks. Contrasts indicate fractional synthesis rate (FSR) and FBXO32 increase to a maximum at 25–26 weeks and a decrease thereafter. A significant drop in PSMA1 and FBXO32 was observed between 25 and 44 weeks and matched the decrease observed in FBR. No differences were detected in the levels of fractional synthesis and degradation, or the expression of CAPN2, PSMA1, and FBXO32, due to protein or energy intake. In summary, protein turnover was upregulated during the transition into sexual maturity and decreased thereafter. The observed changes in degradation appeared to be mediated by the ubiquitin–proteasome pathway.
Current challenges in Barrett's esophagus.

Barrett’s esophagus, a risk factor for esophageal adenocarcinoma, often goes undetected because it has no defining symptoms that distinguish it from gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Yet early recognition is crucial, and development of reliable, cost-effective surveillance methods must be a public health priority. Several promising techniques could lead to more effective prevention, identification, and management of this premalignant lesion.
96 INFLUENCE OF α-BLOCKING DRUGS PRAZOSIN (Pz), PHENTOLAMINE (Phe), AND TOLAZOLINE (T) ON CARDIOPULMONARY RESPONSE TO DOPAMINE IN AWAKE LAMBS

Combination vasodilator and cardiotonic therapy may help infants with pulmonary vasospasm and low cardiac output. To test the relative effectiveness of α-blockers with different receptor actions, we instrumented newborn lambs with catheters to measure pressure in the pulmonary artery (PAP), aorta (SAP) and left atrium (LAP). The ductus arteriosus was tied and a flow transducer placed around the main PA. After recovery, all lambs were studied in room air on two successive days. Dopamine dose response to 2.7, 27 and 270 ug/kg/min was measured then repeated with Phe (1 mg/kg, n=5), Pz (1 mg/kg, n=6), or T (5 mg/kg/hr, n=13). Dopamine raised SAP, PAP, LAP, systemic vascular resistance (SVR), and heart rate (HR)(p<.05) at medium and high doses. Pulmonary vascular resistance (PVR) rose at the top dose (p<.01) while QP didn't change and PVR/SVR fell (p<.01). Only Phe changed basal values, lowering SAP (75±2 to 67±3, p<.05), and raising HR (208±20, to 256±28, p<.01). All drugs blocked dopamine-induced SAP and SVR rise and allowed increased QP, HR and PVR/SVR relative to dopamine alone (p<.05). Pz and T blunted the dopamine-induced PAP increase, which Phe did not; PVR was lower when T was coupled with dopamine (p<.025). With Pz and Phe, PVR, was the same as doparaine alone. Thus, all three drugs prevented dopamine interaction with systemic α-receptors, all increased HR and cardiac output when coupled with dopamine. None completely blocked dopamine's pulmonary circulatory effect although T blunted it. Thus, all α-blockers can facilitate the cardiotonic effect of high dose dopamine, but none completely ablates its pulmonary vasoconstrictor effect. T may be more advantageous in this regard, perhaps because of its non-adrenergic effects
Overview of coenzyme A metabolism and its role in cellular toxicity

Coenzyme A (CoASH) has a clearly defined role as a cofactor for a number of oxidative and biosynthetic reactions in intermediary metabolism. Formation of acyl-CoA thioesters from organic carboxylic acids activates the acid for further biotransformation reactions and facilitates enzyme recognition. Xenobiotic carboxylic acids can also form CoA-thioesters, and the resulting acyl-CoA may contribute to the compound's toxicity. Generation of an unusual or poorly-metabolized acyl-CoA from a xenobiotic may lead to cellular metabolic dysfunction through several types of mechanisms including: (1) inhibition of key metabolic enzymes by the acyl-CoA; (2) sequestration of the total cellular CoA pool as the unusual acyl-CoA; (3) physical-chemical effects of the acyl-CoA; and (4) sequestration and depletion of carnitine as the acyl group is transformed from the acyl-CoA to form the corresponding acylcarnitine. Many of these toxicities are similar to sequelae observed in the inherited organic acidurias in which endogenously-generated acyl-CoAs accumulate secondary to an enzymopathy. Insights into the cellular mechanisms of xenobiotic acyl-CoA accumulation have been derived from model systems developed to understand organic acidemias, such as the methylmalonyl-CoA accumulation of the methylmalonic acidurias. The relevance of acyl-CoA accretion to human pathophysiology has now been well established, and identification of the relevant mechanism of toxicity can allow implementation of strategies to minimize the metabolic injury. Additionally, recognition of the potential for acyl-CoA mediated xenobiotic injury should result in improved rational drug design and earlier recognition of such toxicity when it develops.
Family Constellations and Eminence: The Birth Orders of Nobel Prize Winners

Abstract Biographical data on 197 Nobel Prize winners were used to examine the relationship between birth order and eminence in various fields. Two new findings are presented: eminent scientists appeared to be earlier born than eminent nonscientists, even when family size is controlled, and laureates who won their prizes later in the century appeared to be later born, when family size is controlled. The first finding raises the question of whether there are different kinds of creativity and/or achievement-orientation required for different kinds of eminence; the second finding raises the issue of how declines in family size have benefitted later-borns.
Progesterone in transient ischemic stroke: a dose-response study.

Previous studies demonstrate the neuroprotective effects of progesterone in numerous animal injury models, but a systematic dose–response study in a transient ischemic stroke model is lacking. We investigated the effects of progesterone at different doses on post-stroke brain infarction and functional deficits in middle-aged rats. Cerebral ischemia was induced in 13-month-old male Sprague–Dawley rats by right middle cerebral artery occlusion for 2 h followed by reperfusion. Rats received intraperitoneal injections of 8, 16, or 32 mg/kg of progesterone (P8, P16, P32) or vehicle at 2 h post-occlusion followed by subcutaneous injections at 6 h and every 24 h post-injury for 7 days. Functional recovery was evaluated at intervals over 22 days using motor, sensory, and cognitive tests. Infarct size was evaluated at 22 days post-stroke. Repeated-measures ANOVA showed significant group effects on grip strength, rotarod, and sensory neglect. All progesterone-treated groups had improved (p < 0.05) spatial memory performance. The P8 and P16 groups showed maximum improvement in long-term memory compared to vehicle. Significant (p < 0.05) gait impairments were observed in the vehicle group compared to shams. Animals receiving the P8 dose showed maximum gait improvement compared to vehicle. Post hoc analysis revealed that the P8 and P16 groups showed significant attenuation in infarct volume compared to vehicle. Animals receiving the P32 dose did not show any effect on infarct volume. Although all doses were somewhat effective, progesterone given at 8 mg/kg led to the most consistent improvements across a panel of behavioral/functional tests and reduced the severity of ischemic infarct injury.
ASSESSMENT OF CARDIAC ALLOGRAFT SYSTOLIC FUNCTION BY GLOBAL LONGITUDINAL STRAIN: FROM DONOR TO RECIPIENT

Previous studies suggest that left ventricular (LV) global longitudinal strain (GLS) analysis by 2-dimensional speckle tracking echocardiography is useful to detect subclinical LV dysfunction. However, no prior study has used GLS to assess cardiac allograft function prior to transplantation or to
Definitions of a single-particle resonance

The commonly used definitions of the energy and width of a single-particle resonance are cited and their differences are discussed.
Polychlorinated biphenyl exposure delays metamorphosis and alters thyroid hormone system gene expression in developing Xenopus laevis

Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) are ubiquitous environmental contaminants that disrupt thyroid hormone (TH) system function in numerous species. Previous studies have shown delayed metamorphosis in developing Xenopus laevis frogs exposed to PCBs, but the underlying molecular mechanisms have not been thoroughly investigated. In this research, developing X. laevis tadpoles were exposed to environmentally relevant concentrations (5, 50ppb) of Aroclor 1254 (A1254), a PCB mixture, dissolved in water and 0.25% dimethyl sulfoxide. Quantitative real-time reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction was used to measure expression of several TH system genes, other genes that regulate growth and development, and a xenobiotic response gene. Exposure to 50ppb A1254 significantly delayed metamorphosis and significantly altered gene expression of three thyroid system genes: transthyretin and types II and III deiodinase. Since all three genes regulate the amount of available, biologically active TH, PCB-induced changes in the expression of these genes may underlie alterations in metamorphic timing.
Bringing Insights from Research into the Teaching of Intermediate Macroeconomics

We must remember that not all of the questions in macroeconomics have been answered. Students can learn how research contributes to answering questions by professors' bringing exploratory work into the teaching of macroeconomics.
EU Control of State Aid to Mobile Investment in Comparative Perspective

Abstract European Union policy on regional aid has always exhibited a concern for the possibility of bidding wars for mobile investment, but it is only since 1998 that the EU has had comprehensive rules designed to address investment incentives. The Multisectoral Framework on Regional Aid for Large Investment Projects, now incorporated into the Regional Aid Guidelines, provides for reduced aid maxima for projects over €50 million. This paper shows that the Multisectoral Framework has largely accomplished its goals: aid award levels have fallen significantly since the reform of the Framework in 2002, and in comparison with the unregulated location tournaments of the US, aid packages are smaller in the EU. In fact, in 2010–2011, there were only three aid awards of $100 million or more in the EU, versus 21 in the US.
Precarious dependencies : gender, class, and domestic service in Bolivia

This examination of female domestic service concentrates on the mistress-servant relationship across a 50-year period in Bolivia, in order to understand why a dominant class of women hires others to carry out domestic duties. Within this broader context, the author explores female domestic service through oral histories with mistresses and servants, court cases and interviews. She explores how gender and ethnicity are mediated by class position and historical experience, and how changing power relations have both sustained and altered social distinctions.
Control of type I interferon-induced cell death by Orai1-mediated calcium entry in T cells.

Store-operated Ca2+ entry (SOCE) is an essential process in T cell activation. SOCE is controlled by the Ca2+ release-activated Ca2+ (CRAC) channel encoded by the gene Orai1 that is expressed on the plasma membrane and activated by STIM1 when ER Ca2+ stores are depleted. Our earlier work showed that a somatic T-cell line Jurkat mutant H123 bearing a defect in Ca2+ signaling was susceptible to the apoptotic effects of type I interferons (IFN-α/β). The nature of the mutation and whether this mutation was linked to IFN-α/β apoptotic susceptibility was unknown. Here we show that H123 cells lacked Orai1 and exhibit reduced STIM1 protein. Reconstitution of both Orai1 and STIM1 in H123 cells rescued SOCE in response to thapsigargin and ionomycin and abrogated IFN-α/β-induced apoptosis. Reciprocally, overexpression of the dominant negative Orai1-E106A in either parental Jurkat cells or an unrelated human T cell line (CEM391) inhibited SOCE and led to sensitization to IFN-α/β-induced apoptosis. Furthermore, we showed that the Ca2+ response pathway antagonized the IFN-α/β -induced transcriptional responses; in the absence of SOCE, this negative regulatory effect was lost. However, the inhibitory effect of Ca2+ on type I IFN-induced gene transcription was diminished by pharmacological inhibition of NF-κB in cells with intact SOCE. Our findings reveal an unexpected and novel regulatory crosstalk mechanism between type I IFNs and store-operated Ca2+ signaling pathways mediated at least in part by NF-κB activity with significant clinical implications to both viral and tumor immunology.
Crohn's disease activity index does not correlate with endoscopic recurrence one year after ileocolonic resection.

Background: Crohn's disease clinical trials utilize the Crohn's Disease Activity Index (CDAI) to measure primary endpoint assessments of clinical recurrence and remission. We evaluated the extent of agreement between clinical recurrence/remission as defined by the CDAI and endoscopic recurrence 1 year after intestinal resection for Crohn's disease (CD). Methods: Twenty-four CD patients who had been randomly assigned to a postoperative clinical trial had 1 year clinical, endoscopic, and histological assessment for disease recurrence. The primary endpoint was the extent of agreement between endoscopic recurrence and clinical recurrence 1 year after intestinal resection for CD. Secondary endpoints were extent of agreement between endoscopic recurrence and the surrogate markers of CD activity, i.e., histological activity, sedimentation rate, and C-reactive protein (CRP). Results: Twelve of the 24 patients (50%) were in endoscopic remission (i0, i1) and 12 (50%) had endoscopic recurrence (i2, i3, or i4). There was good agreement between endoscopy and histological activity scores (intraclass correlation coefficient = 0.53, kappa coefficient = 0.58). In contrast, there was little to no relationship between endoscopy and CDAI scores; median CDAI scores for endoscopy scores of i0/i1, i2, i3, and i4 were 118, 76, 156, and 78, respectively (P for trend = 0.88). The kappa coefficient (of agreement) between endoscopy score ± 2 and CDAI score ± 150 was 0.12 (exact P = 0.68), indicating poor agreement. Similarly, there was no consistent association observed between endoscopy scores and mean CRP and ESR values at week 54. Conclusions: The CDAI shows poor agreement with endoscopic recurrence 1 year after intestinal resection. Endoscopic recurrence should be the primary endpoint of future postoperative studies and ileocolonoscopy the gold standard test to detect postoperative recurrence. (Inflamm Bowel Dis 2011;)
Skin preservation at 4 °C: A species comparison

Abstract There are numerous experimental studies in the literature regarding skin storage and preservation. These studies are difficult to interpret due to the variety of storage techniques utilized and the number of different animal species used as skin donors. This study utilized a single cold storage protocol to test the effect of species variation on skin graft viability. Donor skin was obtained from five animal species and human surgical panniculectomy specimens. The skin was stored in modified Roswell Park Memorial Institute (RPMI) 1640 tissue culture media at 4 °C. Stored skin was transplanted to surgically created defects on athymic (nude) mice after specific storage intervals. Ten days after transplantation, the grafts were examined by gross and microscopic techniques. The viability of mouse, rat, and dog skin was significantly different from human skin, while stored rabbit and pig skin were similar to human skin. These results demonstrate the difficulty of applying the data of skin storage studies from nonhuman species to clinical practice. The data indicate that rabbit and pig skin may be used in laboratory studies of skin preservation at 4 °C with a strong likelihood that the results may be of clinical relevance in predicting the behavior of human skin under similar storage conditions.
Fractionally charged Wilson loops as a probe of {theta} dependence in CP{sup N-1} sigma models: Instantons versus large N

The behavior of Wilson loops with fractional charge is used to study the {theta} dependence of the free energy density {epsilon}({theta}) for the CP{sup 1}, CP{sup 5}, and CP{sup 9} sigma models in two space-time dimensions. The function {epsilon}({theta}) is extracted from the area law for a Wilson loop of charge q={theta}/2{pi}. For CP{sup 1}, {epsilon}({theta}) is smooth in the region {theta}{approx_equal}{pi} and well described by a dilute instanton gas throughout the range 0<{theta}<2{pi}. For CP{sup 5} and CP{sup 9} the energy exhibits a clear cusp and evidence for discrete, degenerate vacua at {theta}={pi}, as expected from large N arguments. For CP{sup 9} the {theta} dependence is in good quantitative agreement with the leading-order large N prediction {epsilon}({theta})=(1/2){chi}{sub t}{theta}{sup 2} throughout the range 0<{theta}<{pi}.
Adenomas of the small intestine: A clinicopathologic review of 51 cases and a study of their relationship to carcinoma

The authors studied 51 patients who had small bowel tumors that contained adenomatous epithelium. These rare lesions were identified among 392,000 surgical pathology cases seen during a 62-year period. Grossly and histologically, adenomas arising in the mucosa of the small intestine are similar to the adenomas found in the colon. Of the 51 patients, 18 had adenomas, and 33 had tumors that contained both adenoma and carcinoma in the same lesion, including five intramucosal and 28 invasive carcinomas. The location of the tumor usually determined which clinical problems were produced. The data indicate that adenomas originating in the small bowel mucosa probably are premalignant lesions and that many primary adenocarcinomas of the small intestine arise in adenomas. Of the authors' 130 apparently primary small bowel carcinomas (including the papilla of Vater), 33 (25%) histologically demonstrated adenomatous epithelium in the same lesion. Factors associated with an increased chance of finding carcinoma in an adenoma include adenoma type, size of lesion, location, and multicentricity. Carcinomas appear to develop more frequently in papillary (villous) adenomas than in ordinary adenomas. The larger the lesion is, the more likely carcinoma will be identified. Adenomas involving the ampulla contain carcinoma more often than do lesions found elsewhere in the duodenum and small intestine. Three patients had multiple adenomatous polyps of the small bowel; two of these individuals also had duodenal carcinomas. Various problems in pathologic diagnosis and clinical management are discussed.
Differences in the note-taking skills of students with high achievement, average achievement, and learning disabilities

Abstract Students with learning disabilities (LD) experience problems recording notes from lectures, yet, lectures serve as one of the major avenues of learning content in secondary classes. Despite the importance of note-taking skills for students with LD, few if any studies have examined the differences in note-taking between students with LD and students with high and average achievement. In this study, the note-taking skills of middle school students with LD were compared to peers with average and high achievement. The results indicate differences in the number and type of notes recorded between students with LD and their peers and differences in test performance of lecture content.
Planning, Markets and Investment in the Electric Supply Industry

Effective planning of the complex electricity supply network is essential because of the long lead times required for the development and placing in service of large new generators and transmission lines. Yet much can change while this physical process is being undertaken in terms of costs, prices, technological innovation and public policies, particularly about the environment and fuel diversity. The essential nature of well-constructed markets in yielding accurate, up-dated information about the likely effects of these many factors, as well as the use of advanced planning tools like "real-options" analysis are described, together with how these tools should be carefully staged and integrated with the planning process.
Building Bridges: High School and University Partnerships for Information Literacy.

Partnerships between university libraries and high schools have traditionally involved the use of the university library by students in Advanced Placement or other special classes. Tours of the library are often provided and students usually are allowed to check out materials on a limited basis. In a Wayne State University partnering project, faculty members and administrators of area high schools and faculty members and librarians at the university are developing models for information literacy instruction.
A prolonged outbreak of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus in the burn unit of a tertiary medical center.

OBJECTIVE To report an outbreak of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) in our burn unit and the steps we used to eradicate the organism. DESIGN AND SETTING Outbreak investigation in the burn unit of a 900-bed tertiary-care medical center. OUTBREAK Between March and June 1993, MRSA was isolated from 10 patients in our burn unit. All isolates had identical antibiograms and chromosomal DNA patterns. CONTROL MEASURES Infection control personnel encouraged healthcare workers to wash their hands after each patients contact. The unit cohorted all infected or colonized patients, placed each affected patient in isolation, and, if possible, transferred the patient to another unit. Despite these measures, new cases occurred. Infection control personnel obtained nares cultures from 56 healthcare workers, 3 of whom carried the epidemic MRSA strain. One healthcare worker cared for six affected patients, and one cared for five patients. We treated the three healthcare workers with mupirocin. Subsequently, no additional patients became colonized or infected with the epidemic MRSA strain. CONCLUSIONS The outbreak ended after we treated healthcare workers who carried the epidemic strain with mupirocin. This approach is not appropriate in all settings. However, we felt it was justified in this case because of a persistent problem after less intrusive measures.
Overexpression of functional hydrolase domain of rat liver 10-formyltetrahydrofolate dehydrogenase in Escherichia coli.

Rat liver 10-formyltetrahydrofolate dehydrogenase (FDH) is a tetrameric enzyme composed of four identical 902-amino-acid-residue (99 kDa) monomers. We expressed the enzyme and its 310-amino-acid-residue amino-terminal domain, which is 10-formyltetrahydrofolate hydrolase, in Escherichia coli BL21 (DE3) cells using the pRSET expression vector. We removed the entire translated region of the vector including the polyhistidyl tag and the recombinant proteins were expressed, not as a fusion constructs, but as unmodified sequences. The expressed full-length enzyme was found to be an insoluble protein and was not purified and characterized, while the amino-terminal domain was expressed as a soluble protein possessing hydrolase activity. The recombinant amino-terminal domain was purified in one step on a DEAE MemSep 1000 HP Ion-Exchange Membrane Chromatography Cartridge (Millipore) using a ConSep LC100 chromatographic system (Millipore). The chromatography gave a homogenous and active preparation of the recombinant protein with a yield of about 2 mg per 100 ml of bacterial culture. Kinetic parameters of the hydrolase reaction displayed by the amino-terminal domain expressed in E. coli were similar to those of the recombinant full-length enzyme and its amino-terminal domain previously expressed in insect cells. The purified recombinant enzyme remained active for at least 4 weeks at 4 degreesC. These results show that the hydrolase amino-terminal domain of FDH can be overexpressed as a functional enzyme in E. coli cells and purified in one step by a simple chromatographic procedure.
Follow the rules and no one will get hurt: performing boundary work to avoid negative interactions when using social network sites

Social network sites (SNSs), like Facebook, have widespread appeal among emerging adults, yet they also present the potential for negative interactions. Interviews (N = 227) with emerging adults from Wave 3 of the National Study of Youth and Religion reveal the boundary work emerging adults undergo to limit negative SNS interactions and how they navigate the dynamic and permeable boundaries between positive and negative interactions. This work includes following three informal rules meant to limit negative interactions: do not share excessive personal information, do not spy on or stalk other users, and make online friendships with people one already knows. Several important implications result from this boundary work: crossing boundaries can have negative offline and online consequences, following the informal rules helps stabilize SNS communities by limiting the potential and severity of harmful interactions, and SNS may be popular among emerging adults but some disenchantment is not uncommon and some e...
Computer science olympiad: exploring computer science through competition

Generating interest in specialized areas of Computer Science (CS) is one of the goals of the department of Computer and Information Science at Spelman College as with most departments. Achieving this goal in a new, exciting, and innovative manner provided the inspiration to establish the Spelman College Computer Science Olympiad (SC CS Olympiad). The SC CS Olympiad is patterned after the Olympics athletic event. Students participate in the Olympiad as a part of a team as with the Olympics. In addition, there are several events for competition as there are in the Olympics. The events are designed to expose students to the interesting breadth of CS over several days. In this paper, the events are in the following categories: Cryptography, Robotics, Website Design, Hardware and Software Integration, and Programming. Teams use their CS knowledge and problem-solving skills to complete hands-on exercises in each area. Each teams receives points based on the quality of their results from the exercise. In this paper, we present the implementation, results, and future directions of the Spelman College Computer Science Olympiad.
An Economic Analysis of Earth Orbit Pollution

Space debris, an externality generated by expended launch vehicles and damaged satellites, reduces the expected value of space activities by increasing the probability of damaging existing satellites or other space vehicles. Unlike terrestrial pollution, debris created in the production process interacts with firms’ final products, and is, moreover, self-propagating: collisions between debris or extant satellites creates additional debris. We construct a formal model to explore private incentives to launch satellites and to mitigate space debris. The model predicts that, relative to the social optimum, firms launch too many satellites and choose technologies which create more debris than is socially optimal. We discuss remediation strategies and policies, and demonstrate that Pigovian taxes can be used to internalize the debris externality.
Stratigraphic evidence for a Late Devonian possible back‐bulge basin in the Appalachian basin, United States

Isopach and sedimentary facies maps of Upper Devonian (upper Frasnian and lower Famennian) strata deposited in a part of the central Appalachian foreland basin (eastern United States) during the Acadian orogeny show a significant change in depositional style over time. Maps of two successive upper Frasnian intervals show steady thickening to the east towards the hinterland. Coarser-grained sediment was deposited in distinct tongues in front of the Augusta lobe, a previously recognized locus of sediment input in the central Appalachian basin. Maps of two subsequent lower Famennian stratigraphic intervals show distinct depocentres in the study area. Famennian strata thin eastward (by about 50%) over a distance of about 90 km from these depocentres to the limit of mapping at the Allegheny structural front. This is towards the Acadian sediment source and in contrast to general Upper Devonian thickening in that direction. The axes of these lower Famennian depocentres are stacked on top of each other. Also, coarser-grained lower Famennian sediment is concentrated in strike trends just east of the axes of the depocentres, and no coarser tongues exist in front of the Augusta lobe, in contrast to the underlying (upper Frasnian) strata. The duration of each of the four study intervals is estimated to be between 0.5 and 3.0 Myr. The early Famennian depocentres may be in a back-bulge basin, with a forebulge uplifted to the east of the study area. Earlier deposition may have occurred in a basin with a subtle, subdued, and longer wavelength forebulge (perhaps located west of the study area). Previously published regional isopachs of Upper Devonian strata suggest that the main axis of subsidence of the Acadian foreland basin (foredeep depozone) at this time was over 350 km east of the study area. Examination of published quantitative flexural models of other foreland basins with flexural rigidities close to published rigidities calculated for the Appalachian basin suggests that the proposed back-bulge basin is in the correct location, relative to the suggested position of the foredeep at that time. Several previously recognized structural features of the northern Appalachian basin support the interpretations presented herein. Much of the Acadian foreland basin may be eroded in the central Appalachian basin. The present study demonstrates the difficulties in recognizing foreland basin depozones in partially preserved orogens.
Modeling Eye Gaze Patterns in Clinician–Patient Interaction With Lag Sequential Analysis:

Objective: The aim of this study was to examine whether lag sequential analysis could be used to describe eye gaze orientation between clinicians and patients in the medical encounter. This topic is particularly important as new technologies are implemented into multiuser health care settings in which trust is critical and nonverbal cues are integral to achieving trust. This analysis method could lead to design guidelines for technologies and more effective assessments of interventions.Background: Nonverbal communication patterns are important aspects of clinician–patient interactions and may affect patient outcomes.Method: The eye gaze behaviors of clinicians and patients in 110 videotaped medical encounters were analyzed using the lag sequential method to identify significant behavior sequences. Lag sequential analysis included both event-based lag and time-based lag.Results: Results from event-based lag analysis showed that the patient’s gaze followed that of the clinician, whereas the clinician’s gaze...
Beyond the Internet: Metis, Techne, and the Limitations of Online Artifacts for Islamist Terrorists

This study challenges the conventional wisdom that the Internet is a reliable source of operational knowledge for terrorists, allowing them to train for terrorist attacks without access to real-world training camps and practical experience. The article distinguishes between abstract technical knowledge (what the Greeks called techne) and practical, experiential knowledge (mētis), investigating how each helps terrorists prepare for attacks. This distinction offers insight into how terrorists acquire the practical know-how they need to perform their activities as opposed to abstract know-what contained in bomb-making manuals. It also underscores the Internet's limitations as a source of operational knowledge for terrorists. While the Internet allows militants to share substantial techne, along with religious and ideological information, it is not particularly useful for disseminating the experiential and situational knowledge terrorists use to engage in acts of political violence. One likely reason why Al Q...
Self-affine fractal model for a metal-electrolyte interface

Fractal models of rough interfaces have provided a possible explanation for the observed ac response of an interface between a metal and an electrolyte with blocking contacts which displays the constant-phase-angle (CPA) behavior. For this system, two different relations between the exponent eta of the frequency dependence of the CPA element and the fractal dimension d/sub s/ of the interface have been proposed. By solving for the properties of a self-affine fractal model of an interface and using Mandelbrot's box dimension for the fractal dimension it is demonstrated that there is no universal relation in which eta is simply a function of d/sub s/.
Measurement Operator for Angular Dependent Photon Propagation in Contact-Free Optical Tomography

Based on light propagation theory, the measurements of a contact-free imaging system with generalized optical components can be obtained from a linear transformation of the light intensity distribution on the surface of the imaging object. In this work, we derived the linear measurement operator needed to perform this transformation. Numerical experiments were designed and conducted for validation.
Trends in ages at key reproductive transitions in the United States, 1951-2010.

Abstract Background Key sexual and reproductive health milestones typically mark changing life stages with different fertility intentions and family planning needs. Knowing the typical ages at such events contributes to our understanding of changes in family formation and transition to adulthood and helps inform needs for reproductive health services. Methods We used data from the 1982–2010 National Surveys of Family Growth and the 1995 National Survey of Adolescent Males and event history methods to examine trends over time for women and men in the median ages at several reproductive and demographic events. Findings Women's reports indicate that age at menarche has changed little since 1951. Women's and men's median ages at first sex declined through the 1978 birth cohort, but increased slightly since then, to 17.8 years for women and 18.1 for men. The interval from first sex to first contraceptive use has narrowed, although Hispanic women have a longer interval. Age at first union (defined as the earlier of first marriage or first cohabiting relationship) has remained relatively stable, but the time between median age at first sex and median age at first birth has increased to 9.2 years for women and 11.4 for men. For some women and men born in the late 1970s, median age at first birth was earlier than median age at first marriage for the first time in at least the past several decades. Conclusion The large majority of the reproductive years are spent sexually active. Thus, women have a lengthy period during which they require effective methods. In particular, the period between first sex and first childbearing has lengthened, but long-acting method use, although increasing, has not kept up with this shift. Moving the contraceptive method mix toward underutilized but highly effective contraceptive methods has the potential to reduce the unintended pregnancy rate.
Ipomoeassins A-E, cytotoxic macrocyclic glycoresins from the leaves of Ipomoea squamosa from the Suriname rainforest.

The new glycoresins, ipomoeassins A−E (1−5), have been isolated from the leaves of Ipomoea squamosa. The structures were elucidated by spectroscopic analyses and chemical transformations. The absolute configurations of C-5 (ipomoeassins 3−5) and C-11 (ipomoeassins 1 and 2) were determined by their derivatives with (R)- and (S)-MPA. All the isolates were active in the A2780 human ovarian cancer cell line assay, and 4 showed the highest activity with an IC50 value of 35 nM.
Variable dependence on protein kinase stimulatory modulator for cyclic GMP stimulation of histone phosphorylation by rat liver cyclic GMP-dependent protein kinase.

Abstract Various histone fractions from several sources differ markedly in their degree of dependence on protein kinase stimulatory modulator for maximum phosphorylation by rat liver cyclic GMP-dependent protein kinase in the presence of cyclic GMP. DEAE-cellulose and QAE-Sephadex chromatography of arginine-rich and mixed histones resulted in the histones displaying increased dependence on the modulator. This increased dependence was apparently due to the removal of contaminating modulator as heat-stable modulator activity could be eluted from the DEAE-cellulose column. Lysine-rich histone was not markedly dependent on the modulator before or after QAE-Sephadex chromatography.
Han Receives 2009 Geodesy Section Award

It gives us great pleasure to see Shin-Chan Han receive AGU's 2009 Geodesy Section Award, presented to a young scientist for major advances in the field of geodesy. Shin-Chan burst upon the geodetic scene just before the launch of the Gravity Recovery and Climate Experiment (GRACE) satellites, and the timing could not have been more propitious—both for Shin-Chan and for the GRACE project. His doctoral thesis at Ohio State University dealt with efficient methods for determining gravity from satellite-to-satellite tracking data, of the sort GRACE was soon providing. Soon thereafter a remarkable series of papers began to appear, as Shin-Chan exploited the new time-variable gravity measurements for applications ranging from surface water hydrology, to earthquake deformation, to ocean tides. All of these used new and highly original methods for extracting signals from the basic satellite tracking data. His analysis of the gravity changes associated with the great 2004 Sumatra earthquake was a revelation to many, for it emphasized the power of satellite gravity data to complement seismology, for example, by constraining the long-wavelength viscoelastic relaxation and subsequent stress redistribution.
Disorders of sympathetic neural function in human diabetes mellitus: Hypoadrenergic and hyperadrenergic postural hypotension

Abstract Although sympathoadrenal activation occurs in poorly controlled diabetes, particularly diabetic ketoacidosis, abnormalities in sympathoadrenal activity have not been convincingly documented to be a general feature of patients with controlled, nonketotic diabetes. Some stable, nonketotic diabetic patients, however, exhibit hypoadrenergic patterns whereas others exhibit hyperadrenergic patterns. Recent evidence indicates that diabetic patients with hypoadrenergic postural hypotension—diabetic adrenergic neuropathy—have a sympathetic postganglionic axonal lesion. However, postural hypotension can occur in patients who exhibit a hyperadrenergic pattern—hyperadrenergic postural hypotension. Intravascular volume contraction, specifically a reduction in red cell mass, at least partially underlies the latter phenomenon in some patients. Thus, postural hypotension in patients with diabetes should not be quickly attributed to diabetic adrenergic neuropathy since potentially remediable factors may contribute to its pathogenesis.
Historical development of the betatron.

THE magnetic induction equation of electro-dynamics, curl E=-B/C suggested to many that a free charge could be caused to acquire great energy if it were allowed to circulate about a varying magnetic field. It suggested to W. F. G. Swann1 that fluctuations in the magnetic field in interstellar space might be responsible for the acceleration of free electrons to the energy of cosmic rays. It likewise suggested an attempt made in 1904 by G. F. Hull to detect the mechanical force of this electric field on an electrostatically charged cylinder surrounding a varying magnetic induction.
Liquid‐phase adsorption equilibria

A correlating equation for liquid-phase adsorption equilibria, including the effects of temperature and pore diameter, is presented, together with a derivation of the equation ascribing the equilibration process of physical adsorption to van der Waal's forces. The derivation is based on the effect of temperature and surface configuration on the concentration of adsorbate at the surface. The correlating equation was tested with experimental data for the benzene-cyclohexane-silica-gel system and the toluene-isooctane–silica-gel system. Temperatures ranged between 23.9° and 99°C. and the pore diameters between 20.7 and 149.5 A.
The importance of external magnesium in the sensitivity of the sodium efflux to injected cyclic AMP: The barnacle muscle fibre as a preparation

1. 1. The dependence of the response of the Na efflux in ouabain-poisoned barnacle muscle fibres on the external Mg2+ concentration has been investigated. 2. 2. External Mg2+ suppresses stimulation by injected cAMP of the ouabain-insensitive Na efflux over a wide concentration range. The response of fibres suspended in 50 mM Mg2+-ASW is rather small. 3. 3. By contrast, the response of fibres suspended in 50 mM Mg2+-ASW containing 1-propyl-3-methyl-7-(5-hydroxy-hexyl)-xanthine to the injection of cAMP is quite large. 4. 4. The response of fibres suspended in 50 mM Mg2+-ASW to the injection of catalytic subunit of cAMP-protein kinase is also large. 5. 5. These results give support to the view that a persistent catalytic reaction is a condition which reduces the suppressive action of external Mg2+.
Mechanical modeling of the reticle and chuck for EUV lithography

The reflective reticles used for extreme ultraviolet (EUV) lithography are subject to the stringent image placement and flatness requirements for 70 nm and smaller feature sizes. Stresses in the reflective multilayer coatings can produce substantial bowing of the reticle, and variations in the flatness and thickness of the reticle substrate, as well as entrapped debris particles, can contribute to flatness errors on the patterned surface after reticle chucking. Reticles will also be subjected to high stage accelerations and thermal loadings during exposure. The chuck in the exposure tool will be required to clamp the reticle flat, crush entrapped debris, remove absorbed EUV energy, and prevent slippage during stage accelerations. Additionally, the thermal and structural behavior of the chuck will influence the reticle response, and thus the reticle and chuck must be considered as a system. In order to determine reticle and chucking requirements, finite element models have been developed to analyze many of the key issues in the mechanical design of the reticle and chuck. The analyses are being used to support the development of reticle and chuck standards for EUV lithography.
The impact of the reduction in federal government statistical publications and services on state Government statistical agencies

Abstract The U.S. Federal Government, in an attempt to reduce governmental expenditures, has reduced the budgets of its statistical agencies. New initiatives aimed at reducing the federal deficit may further decrease money available for federal statistical services. Although the General Accounting Office has concluded that the work of these statistical agencies has not been substantially affected, some legislators, researchers, and citizens feel that cuts have resulted in the loss of needed information. This study attempts to determine the impact these reductions have had on state agencies and their services. A mail survey was sent to state statistical agencies to determine how the cuts have affected their services. Seventy-five percent of the agencies indicated that the federal reductions have affected their services, and 90% of the agencies have indicated that they will be unable to compensate if federal statistical services are reduced substantially. According to these findings, the nation could be adversely affected as statistical coordination decays and fewer statistics are available for the data needs of a growing and more complex society.
Steric controls in the preparation of 1-benzyl-1,4-dihydro-3-(2H)isoquinolones and 1-benzyl-1,2,4,5-tetrahydro(3H)-2-benzazepin-3-ones via Beckmann rearrangement

The effect of substituents in the 1-position of 2-indanones and 2-tetralones on the course of Beckmann rearrangement reactions was studied. Nmr spectral anaylses of the intermediate oximes and final products demonstrated that steric controls were operative both before and during rearrangement. Use of the appropriate substituents and reaction conditions makes this reaction scheme attractive for preparation of the title compounds.
Ferroelectric-photoconductor optical storage medium utilizing bismuth titanate

A basic feasibility study has been made on a ferroelectric-photoconductor optical storage medium utilizing bismuth titanate and zinc selenide. Both the theory of device operation and experiment are described. Coincident light and electric field are used for WRITE and ERASE functions. The nondestructive READ operation is based on the birefringence properties of the bismuth titanate. Optical-electrical measurements, pattern storage and hologram storage are described. Holographic gratings as fine as 1.26μ were stored. The WRITE energy was approximately 10μJ/(mm)2. Diffraction READ efficiencies of approximately. 011% were measured. The ferroelectric photoconductor optical storage medium compares favorably with other erasible media.