cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Cloning of a Cryptococcus neoformans gene, GPA1, encoding a G-protein alpha-subunit homolog.

Abstract We have isolated a gene, GPA1, from Cryptococcus neoformans by the PCR technique. DNA sequencing of the GPA1 clone suggested that it encodes a protein homologous to the G-protein alpha-subunit family. Comparison of the deduced amino acid sequence of the GPA1-encoded protein revealed that it is about 45% identical to several mammalian Gi alpha subunits and 48% identical to the G alpha protein Gpa2 from Saccharomyces cerevisiae. G alpha proteins are known to be involved in mating of other yeasts, such as S. cerevisiae and Schizosaccharomyces pombe. Southern analysis demonstrated that GPA1 is present in a single copy within the Cryptococcus genome. Isolation of the cDNA for GPA1 confirmed that the gene contains six introns within the coding region. The GPA1 transcript was identified by Northern (RNA) analysis as a 1.6-kb RNA present in exponentially growing cells of both the alpha and a mating types. Moreover, the abundance of this transcript increased in cells shifted to starvation medium. Coincubation of alpha and a cells on starvation medium is required for mating of cryptococcal cells. Thus, our results are consistent with the involvement of C. neoformans GPA1 in mating.
Coating nanoparticles with cell membranes for targeted drug delivery

Targeted delivery allows drug molecules to preferentially accumulate at the sites of action and thus holds great promise to improve therapeutic index. Among various drug-targeting approaches, nanoparticle-based delivery systems offer some unique strengths and have achieved exciting preclinical and clinical results. Herein, we aim to provide a review on the recent development of cell membrane-coated nanoparticle system, a new class of biomimetic nanoparticles that combine both the functionalities of cellular membranes and the engineering flexibility of synthetic nanomaterials for effective drug delivery and novel therapeutics. This review is particularly focused on novel designs of cell membrane-coated nanoparticles as well as their underlying principles that facilitate the purpose of drug targeting. Three specific areas are highlighted, including: (i) cell membrane coating to prolong nanoparticle circulation, (ii) cell membrane coating to achieve cell-specific targeting and (iii) cell membrane coating for immune system targeting. Overall, cell membrane-coated nanoparticles have emerged as a novel class of targeted nanotherapeutics with strong potentials to improve on drug delivery and therapeutic efficacy for treatment of various diseases.
RARE EARTH ELEMENT CONCENTRATIONS, SPECIATION, AND FRACTIONATION ALONG GROUNDWATER FLOW PATHS: THE CARRIZO SAND (TEXAS) AND UPPER FLORIDAN AQUIFERS

Groundwater samples were collected in two different types of aquifers (i.e., Carrizo sand aquifer, Texas and Upper Floridan carbonate aquifer, west-central Florida) to study the concentration, speciation, and fractionation of rare earth elements (REE) along the groundwater flow path in each system. Major solutes and dissolved organic carbon (DOC) were also measured in these groundwaters. In the Carrizo aquifer, groundwaters in the recharge zone are chiefly Ca-Na-HCO3-Cl type waters and shift into Na-HCO3 waters with flow down-gradient. DOC is generally low (0.65 mg/L) along the flow path. In the Upper Floridan Aquifer, groundwaters are Ca (Mg)-HCO3 waters at the recharge zone, shift into Ca-Mg-SO4-HCO3 waters at the mid-reaches of the flow path, and finally become Ca-Mg-SO4 waters at the discharge zone. DOC is higher (0.64 – 2.29 mg/L) than in the Carrizo and initially increases along the flow path and then decreases down-gradient. Rare earth element concentrations generally decrease along the groundwater flow path in the Carrizo sand aquifer, whereas in the Upper Floridan aquifer, the Nd concentrations increase first and then slightly decrease, Gd concentrations are erratic, and Er tends to decrease along the groundwater flow path. Shale-normalized REE patterns are enriched in the HREEs for groundwaters from the recharge regions of both aquifers and tend to flatten with flow down-gradient. Speciation calculations predict that carbonato (LnCO3 +) and/or dicarbonato complexes (Ln(CO3)2 −) are the main dissolved species for all REEs in groundwaters from the Carrizo sand aquifer, whereas organic complexes of the REEs (LnHM) are dominant in all but two furthest down-gradient groundwaters from the Upper Floridan aquifer. The variations of REE concentrations, speciation, and fractionation patterns along the flow paths reflect water-rock reactions (mainly adsorption and solution complexation) experienced by REEs in groundwaters from both aquifers. The solution complexation of REEs affects the REE concentrations and fractionation patterns in groundwaters along the flow path via the following two ways: (1) the complexation capacity of REEs with carbonate ions and organic ligands varies with increasing atomic number of REEs; and (2) different complexation forms (i.e., negative or positive) at different geochemical conditions of groundwaters (i.e., pH, alkalinity, and DOC concentrations).
Success in Biological Control of Vertebrate Pests

This chapter considers the history of, and future prospects for, the successful control of terrestrial vertebrate pests by predators, parasites and pathogens. Criteria that need to be considered during the development of a vertebrate biological control programme are reviewed. Though enhancement of the activity of such agents through habitat manipulation is included, control of such pests through habitat modification alone (which is sometimes considered a form of biological control) is not included here.
An overview of halogen bonding

Halogen bonding (XB) is a type of noncovalent interaction between a halogen atom X in one molecule and a negative site in another. X can be chlorine, bromine or iodine. The strength of the interaction increases in the order Cl<Br<I. After a brief review of experimental evidence relating to halogen bonding, we present an explanation for its occurrence in terms of a region of positive electrostatic potential that is present on the outermost portions of some covalently-bonded halogen atoms. The existence and magnitude of this positive region, which we call the σ-hole, depends upon the relative electron-attracting powers of X and the remainder of its molecule, as well as the degree of sp hybridization of the s unshared electrons of X. The high electronegativity of fluorine and its tendency to undergo significant sp hybridization account for its failure to halogen bond. Some computed XB interaction energies are presented and discussed. Mention is also made of the importance of halogen bonding in biological systems and processes, and in crystal engineering.
Spallation of gold by 100 --300 MeV pions

Cross sections of radioactive products resulting from the interactions of 100-, 180-, and 300-MeV ..pi../sup +/ and ..pi../sup -/ mesons with gold have been determined by analysis of the ..gamma..-ray spectra of bombarded target foils. More than 30 nuclides were identified between mass numbers 167 and 196. The results indicate the following. (1) The most probable charge for a given mass lies several charge units to the neutron-poor side of the beta-stability line. (2) The average cross-section ratios sigma (..pi../sup -/)/sigma (..pi../sup +/) for all measured nuclides are 1.34, 1.23, and 1.05 at 100, 180, and 300 MeV, respectively. At a given energy there is no systematic variation of the ratio with nuclide mass number. These results are what is expected from Coulomb effects, with no indication of an isospin effect due to the large T/sub Z/ of the target. (3) The influence of the (3,3) resonance is apparent in the total reaction cross section. (4) The average excitation energy transferred to the nucleus is similar for ..pi../sup +/ and ..pi../sup -/ induced reactions and increases with increasing pion kinetic energy. Comparisons of the data with intranuclear cascade-evaporation calculations indicate that the latter predict less pion absorption than actually occurs.
Reduction of experimental vein graft intimal hyperplasia by ketanserin

Intimal hyperplasia is considered to be the result of smooth muscle cell proliferation. Experimental vein grafts (VG) in the rabbit develop intimal hyperplasia and a contractile response to serotonin (5-HT), mediated by a 5-HT2 receptor. 5-HT is known to stimulate smooth muscle cell proliferation in vitro and therefore may be linked to the development of intimal hyperplasia. This study examines the effect of a 5-HT2 antagonist, ketanserin (KT) on vein graft morphology and function at 14 and 28 days after grafting. Forty-three New Zealand White rabbits underwent common carotid interposition bypass grafting. Twenty-two were treated with KT (0.86 mg/kg/day po) 5 days prior to surgery and thereafter until harvest. The remaining 21 animals acted as controls. VG were harvested at 14 (VG14) and 28 (VG28) days for histology or vasoreactivity. Twenty-three VG were harvested by pressure fixation and the midportions of the grafts were examined by videomorphometry. Standard isometric tension studies in response to serotonin and norepinephrine (NE) were performed on the rings from the remaining 20 VG. Contralateral external jugular veins (CV) from both groups were studied to assess the functional toxicity of KT. There were no toxic effects to KT noted. KT therapy did not affect the functional activity of the CV at 14 or 28 days when compared to controls. When compared to controls, KT significantly reduced the intimal thickness (49 +/- 11 vs 113 +/- 24 microns; P = 0.04) and there was an increase in luminal area (16.89 +/- 2.13 vs 8.41 +/- 1.59 mm2; P < 0.02) in VG28 only.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)
The priA gene encoding the primosomal replicative n' protein of Escherichia coli.

Abstract The Escherichia coli gene encoding protein n' has been isolated and named priA for primosomal protein A. Protein n' is absolutely required for the conversion of single-stranded phi X174 DNA to the duplex replicative form in an in vitro-reconstituted system. The gene maps to 88.7 minutes on the chromosome adjacent to the cytR locus. Soluble protein extracts from cells harboring the priA gene on a multicopy plasmid contained 45-fold more n' replication activity than wild-type extracts. Enhanced overproduction of greater than 1000-fold was achieved by replacing the natural Shine-Dalgarno sequence with that of the phage T7 phi 10 gene and placing this priA under the control of the T7 phage promoter and RNA polymerase. The priA sequence reveals a 732-amino acid open reading frame and a nucleotide-binding consensus site consistent with the size and ATPase activity of the purified protein. The gene for protein n has been named priB and the putative gene for protein n", priC.
A study of compressible mixing layers using filtered Rayleigh scattering

High Reynolds number compressible planar free shear layers were studied using a planar laser visualization technique. Two convective Mach numbers, M(c) = 0.51 and 0.86, were studied in the developing and fully developed regions. The structures in the M(c) = 0.51 case were characterized by 2D core and roller regions, similar to subsonic shear layers. Also for the M(c) = 0.51 case, plan views in the developing region showed the existence of streamwise streaks, possibly indicating the presence of organized streamwise vorticity. The M(c) = 0.86 flow was much less organized than the lower convective Mach number case and highly three dimensional.
Virasoro-Shapiro from Wilson

Abstract We develop the proposal of Banks and Martinec that the string field equation can be written as an infinite dimensional renormalization group equation. We generalize the Wilson equation to conformal invariance and to open strings, and make a preliminary study of the gauge invariance and auxiliary fields. To obtain the S -matrix, we first study the relatiion between field equations and S -matrices in general field theories. We then give a general demonstration that the field equations from world-sheet conformal invariance agree with the string S -matrix at tree level.
RapidRadio: Signal Classification and Radio Deployment Framework

In this article, the RapidRadio framework for signal classification and receiver deployment is discussed. The framework is a productivity-enhancing tool that reduces the required knowledge base for implementing a receiver on an FPGA-based SDR platform. The ultimate objective of this framework is to identify unknown signals and to build FPGA-based receivers capable of receiving them. RapidRadio divides the process of radio creation into two phases; the analysis phase and radio synthesis phase. The analysis phase guides the user through the process of classifying an unknown signal and determining its modulation scheme and parameters, resulting in a radio receiver model. In the second phase, this model is transformed into a functional receiver in an FPGA-based platform.
Wavelength-tunable synchronous amplification of picosecond dye-laser pulses near 1 μm

We report use of the dye Styryl 13 for picosecond synchronous amplification in a noncollinear longitudinally pumped dye-amplifier arrangement. In this manner we obtained pulses ~5 psec in duration, tunable from 900 to 990 nm, with energy up to 300 μJ, and focusable to near the diffraction limit.
Airbag injuries: The Australian scenario. Implications for trauma nurses

Abstract Airbags have been a compulsory fixture in all United States (US) cars since September 1997. This technology is credited with saving over 2600 lives and reducing the incidence of severe head, chest and cervical spine injuries following frontal motor accidents. However, US medical literature reports the emergence of the airbag as a new mechanism of injury, particularly ocular injuries. This review of the literature identifies injuries to adults that are linked to airbags. Variations between Australian and US airbag design and deployment characteristics, and epidemiological differences have had a major effect on airbag injury statistics in Australia. The impact of injuries caused by airbags on motor vehicle victims in Australia and in Emergency Departments will be discussed along with recommendations for triage and nursing assessment.
Valuation and Analysis of Collateralized Mortgage Obligations

This study develops a model for the valuation of Collateralized Mortgage Obligations CMOs. The model is based on a two-factor model of the term structure of interest rates and embeds an empirically estimated mortgage prepayment function. The model is used to analyze various CMO tranches, including standard sequential pay fixed-rate tranches, Planned Amortization Class PAC tranches, Targeted Amortization Class TAC tranches, floating-rate tranches, Interest Only IO and Principal Only PO tranches, Z-bonds and Residuals. The results of this analysis illustrate the sensitivity of the various tranches to differences in CMO structure, changes in interest rates, the characteristics of the underlying collateral, and mortgage prepayments.
ULTRAVIOLET LIGHT‐INDUCED INHIBITION OF CELL DIVISION AND DNA SYNTHESIS IN AXENICALLY GROWN REPAIR MUTANTS OF DICTYOSTELIUM DISCOIDEUM

— Cell division and DNA synthesis were studied during axenic growth following 254 nm ultraviolet light (UV) irradiation of a repair-proficient parental strain (rad+, D10 colony formation = 195 J/m2) and two repair mutants (radC. D10= 50 J/m2; radB. D10= 5 J/m2) of Dictyostelium discoideum. Isopycnic CsCI gradients were used to distinguish uptake of labeled precursors into nuclear (n) and mitochondrial (m) DNA, using Netropsin to enhance the density resolution. In all strains, m-DNA synthesis was inhibited to a lesser extent than was n-DNA synthesis. For radC, which has been shown in other experiments to be slow in incision and dimer removal, the UV-induced lags in division and n-DNA synthesis were longer than for rad+. However, radB showed a more complex response. Although brief division lags were observed for < 10 J/m2, little immediate division lag was detected at greater fluences. Instead, a brief period of cell multiplication of up to but not exceeding two-fold occurred, followed by a cessation of division, and then by lysis. Fluences that yielded extensive lags in n-DNA synthesis in rad- and radC resulted in little detectable immediate postirradiation lag in n-DNA synthesis in radB. However, later in the postirradiation period, when DNA synthesis had resumed in rad+ and radC. it gradually declined to near zero in radB. We conclude: (1) that the more extended lag in division and n-DNA synthesis in radC is consistent with its slower rate of excision repair, and (2) that radB contains a defect resulting in less initial blockage of DNA replication by UV lesions.
Planting Date and Temperature Effects on Germination, Emergence, and Seed Yield of Chickpea

Commercial production of chickpea (L.) in the Palouse region of northern Idaho and eastern Washington was initiated in 1981. Since the cool springs and short growing season of this area limit the adaptation of chickpea, field and laboratory studies evaluating 10 chickpea lines were conducted to optimize the planting date of this new pulse crop. Laboratory germination and radicle elongation of the 10 lines at 5, 13, and 20 °C were compared to field emergence and seedling growth at Moscow, ID, on a Palouse silt loam (fine-silty, mixed, mesic Pachic Ultic Haploxeroll) during 1982 and 1984. The 10 lines were also planted in late April, early May, and late May to determine the effect of planting date on yield components and seed yield. Greatest germination and radicle elongation of all 10 lines occurred at 20 °C. At 5 °C, less than half of the seed germinated within 7 d, and radicle elongation was less than 4% of that observed at 20 °C. The 10 lines did not differ in their ability to germinate under cold conditions in the laboratory. Under field conditions of 1984, the Desi lines with pigmented testa showed a higher percentage of emergence than the non-pigmented Kabuli lines. Seedling dry weight accumulation was most rapid in the large seeded Kabuli seedlings and slowest in the smaller seeded Desi seedlings. Planting in late April produced higher seed yields than planting in late May (34 and 5% in 1982 and 1984, respectively). However, seedling emergence was slower at the early planting date. These results indicate that chickpea grown in areas with cool climates such as northern Idaho should be planted in the early spring when average soil temperatures exceed 13 °C to insure optimum seed yield.
THE ROLE OF SUPERCONDUCTING MAGNETS IN NMR MEDICAL IMAGING

Modern medicine has become dependent on x-rays and various imaging techniques for the diagnosis of diseases. Within the last five yers, an imaging technique which uses NMR (Nuclear Magnetic Resonance) has been developed. NMR imaging will produce detailed pictures of soft tissues without the use of dangerous ionizing radiation. NMR imaging can be particularly useful for the detection of cancer and certain cardiovascular diseases. NMR imaging may well provide the first large-scale use of superconducting magnet technology by society as a whole. This paper describes the role of superconducting magnets in NMR imaging. The design criteria for super-conducting magnets suitable for whole-body imaging of humans are presented. A couple of magnet design approaches are discussed.
Tangible imaging systems

We are developing tangible imaging systems 1-4 that enable natural interaction with virtual objects. Tangible imaging systems are based on consumer mobile devices that incorporate electronic displays, graphics hardware, accelerometers, gyroscopes, and digital cameras, in laptop or tablet-shaped form-factors. Custom software allows the orientation of a device and the position of the observer to be tracked in real-time. Using this information, realistic images of threedimensional objects with complex textures and material properties are rendered to the screen, and tilting or moving in front of the device produces realistic changes in surface lighting and material appearance. Tangible imaging systems thus allow virtual objects to be observed and manipulated as naturally as real ones with the added benefit that object properties can be modified under user control. In this paper we describe four tangible imaging systems we have developed: the tangiBook – our first implementation on a laptop computer; tangiView – a more refined implementation on a tablet device; tangiPaint – a tangible digital painting application; and phantoView – an application that takes the tangible imaging concept into stereoscopic 3D.
Autoradiographic demonstration of the central origin of regenerating fibers into iris tissue implants in the rat mesencephalon

One model useful for demonstrating axonal regeneration in the central nervous system is that in which peripheral tissue, particularly the iris, is implanted into the brain or spinal cord. The aim of the present study was to establish the origin of some of the regenerating fibers by the use of an autoradiographic tracing technique. Briefly, iris implants were inserted in the caudal mesencephalon in the region of the dorsal tegmental bundle in unilaterally sympathectomized rats. Approximately two weeks later, subjects were injected with [3H]leucine in the region of the ipsilateral locus coeruleus and sacrificed two days later. Numerous labeled fibers were observed within the implants and traversing between brain and implant. Fibers formed loose plexuses, coursed along smooth muscle and grew toward blood vessels within the implants. These results may be added to fluorescent histochemical, biochemical and ultrastructural evidence supporting the regenerative capacity of central noradrenergic fibers.
HPA axis responsivity to dexamethasone and cognitive impairment in dementia.

Abstract 1. Animal and human studies suggest a possible relationship between dysregulation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis and cognitive impairment. 2. In animals, prolonged exposure to high plasma cortisol levels causes irreversible hippocampal damage. 3. Abnormal cortisol plasma levels in response to dexametnasone challenge have been frequently observed in dementia of Alzheimer's type (DAT) patients. 4. The authors studied the relationship of responsivity of the HPA axis to cognitive impairment in 34 DAT patients drug free for at least 10 days. A decrease in HPA axis responsivity significantly correlated with greater cognitive impairment.
A TEST OF LIFE‐COURSE EXPLANATIONS FOR STABILITY AND CHANGE IN ANTISOCIAL BEHAVIOR FROM ADOLESCENCE TO YOUNG ADULTHOOD*

Using longitudinal data from a sample of 236 young adults and their romantic partners, we tested a life-course model that integrates social control and peer influence arguments with the idea of assortative mating. For both males and females, adolescent delinquency and affiliation with deviant peers predicted having an antisocial romantic partner as a young adult. Involvement with an antisocial romantic partner, in turn, had both a direct effect on crime as well as indirect influence through adult peer affiliations. For females, quality of the romantic relationship also predicted crime. The analyses revealed several moderating influences in addition to these mediating effects. For females, a conventional romantic partner, strong job attachment, and conventional adult friends all served to moderate the chances that a woman with a delinquent history would graduate to adult crime. In contrast, only conventional adult friends served this function for males.
A cooperative failure detection mechanism for overlay multicast

Overlay multicast is widely accepted as an alternative to IP multicast for implementing group communications due to its easy deployment. One important issue to deal with is the node failures or ungraceful departures from the overlay multicast tree. Fast detection is a key to minimize the disruption of service to the affected nodes participating in the multicast session. In this paper, we propose a cooperative failure detection mechanism that can greatly reduce the failure detection time. We quantify three important measures, i.e., the expected detection time, the probability of false failure detection, and the overhead, and study the fundamental tradeoff among them in failure detection mechanisms. The analysis and simulations show that the proposed cooperative failure detection mechanism can significantly reduce the failure detection time while maintaining the probability of false positive at the same level, at the cost of slightly increased overhead.
Community College Baccalaureate: A Fixed Effects, Multi-Year Study of the Influence of State Policy on Nursing Degree Production

For the past 10 years, a growing number of community colleges in the US have begun to offer baccalaureate degrees across a range of targeted programmes including business, education, and nursing. This study examines whether community college baccalaureate policies result in an increased production of nurses — currently a policy priority in nearly every state across the country. The findings suggest that, even in the early stages of adoption, states allowing the Bachelor's of Science in Nursing at community colleges produce more nurses than non-adoption states. It also appears that these gains do not come at the expense of private colleges or public 4-year institutions. Nursing presents a unique set of opportunities and challenges and the findings reported here may not generalize to other disciplines.
Probing the initiation complex formation on E coli ribosomes using short complementary DNA oligomers

Abstract Interactions between Escherichia coli 16S rRNA sequences (as components of 30S ribosomal subunits or tight-couple 70S ribosomes) with the ligands poly(U), poly(AGU), tRNA Phe , tRNA fMet , and the initiation factors have been studied. The ligands were employed as competitors for selected sites on 16S rRNA known to be accessible for hybridization to cDNA oligomers, regions 517–528, 1397–1404, and 1534–1542. The binding of cDNAs 1534–1541 and 1398–1403 decreased in the presence of the ligand pair poly(U)/tRNA Phe . Only the binding of cDNA 1534–1541 was affected by poly(AGU), while none of the complementary DNA oligomer binding was affected by tRNA Phe or tRNA fMet alone. The poly(AGU)/tRNA fMet ligand pair caused an additional decline in the binding of cDNA 1534–1541, relative to that caused by poly(AGU) alone, but the ligand pair did not affect the binding of the cDNA oligomers 517–528 or 1398–1403. The inclusion of the initiation factors did not significantly alter the binding level decreases observed for cDNA 1534–1541 in the presence of mRNAs or tRNA. At the 517–528 and 1398–1403 regions, the inclusion of the initiation factors, in either the presence or absence of the other ligands, caused a large decrease in the binding of the cDNA oligomers. The oligomers complementary to 16S bases 517–528 and 1398–1403 did not bind to tight-couple or reassociated 70S ribosomes. The data are discussed in terms of the decoding site hypothesis, and in terms of the mRNA alignment mechanism proposed by Trifonov [1].
The Rhetorical Construction of Trust Online

The antidote to perceived risk is trust, and transactions on the Internet are rife with perceived risk. This article establishes a need for trust messages online in a broader context of declining social trust, reviews trust literature, and then provides four tenets of trust that provide a basis for such rhetorically constructed messages. In addition to offering foundations for the rhetorical construction of trust online, the article presents 2 rhetorical paradoxes of trust that contain both opportunity and danger for scholars and netizens alike.
Anion and cation defect structure in magnesium fluorogermanate

Abstract Single crystals of magnesium fluorogermanate have been grown from a melt composition of 3.5MgO·0.5MgF 2 ·GeO 2 in a lead fluoride flux. The crystals are isomorphous with magnesium germanate, Mg 28 Ge 10 O 48 ; the space group is Pbam and a = 14.343(1), b = 10.196(1), and c = 5.9075(4) A. A final unit cell composition of Mg 28 Ge 7.5 O 38 F 10 was deduced from a detailed analysis of high quality X-ray diffraction data. A residual, R = 0.045, was achieved with a data-parameter ratio of 17 in the final anisotropic refinement. Analysis of scattering factors, thermal parameters and site occupancy factors revealed defect clusters centered around a partial germanium vacancy (38.8% occupied) at a unique tetrahedral site. Fluorine and oxygen occupancies of the contiguous anion sites are discussed in detail.
Lamellipodial motility in wounded endothelial cells exposed to physiologic flow is associated with different patterns of β1‐integrin and vinculin localization

Integrins- and cytoskeletal-associated focal adhesion proteins may participate in the process of endothelial wound closure, but their relationship in these wounds and in the presence of shear forces has not been defined. The goal in this study was to test the hypotheses that (1) modulation of beta(1)-integrin in human coronary artery endothelial cells (HCAEC) would alter endothelial wound closure under shear stress, and (2) beta(1)-integrin association with vinculin would be necessary for mediating this closure. HCAEC monolayers were pre-conditioned to attain alignment by shearing at 12 dynes/cm(2) for 18 h in a parallel-plate flow chamber. Subsequently, they were divided into three groups: (a) control, (b) treated with anti-beta(1)-integrin adhesion blocking antibody, or (c) treated with anti-beta(1)-integrin adhesion promoting antibody. Next, the monolayers were wounded with a metal spatula, and re-sheared at 20 dynes/cm(2) or left static. Time-lapse imaging and deconvolution microscopy were then performed for 3 h. Immunocytochemistry for beta(1)-integrin expression and vinculin was performed on all wounded monolayers. Under shear stress, vinculin localized to the ends of stress fibers, while beta(1)-integrin took on an intracellular macroaggregate appearance. Treatment with anti-beta(1)-integrin adhesion blocking antibody enhanced wound closure, left the vinculin staining at the lamellipodial tips unchanged, but was associated with beta(1)-integrin staining at the lateral cell edges. Treatment with the anti-beta(1)-integrin adhesion promoting antibody retarded wound closure, increased vinculin staining at cell-cell junctions, and was associated with a fibrillar pattern of beta(1)-integrin staining. Modulation of beta(1)-integrin and changes in beta(1)-integrin and vinculin localization may further our understanding of laminar shear stress-induced endothelial repair in the coronary circulation.
Introduction: New Directions in Feminism and Womanism in Africa and the African Diaspora

The idea for this special issue grew out of Purdue University’s 25th Annual Symposium on African American Culture and Philosophy, which was held November 5–7, 2009. The theme was “New Directions in Feminism and Womanism in Africa and the African Diaspora.” We sought a wide range of papers to explore theoretical aspects of Africana womanism, African feminism, black feminism, and womanism, as well as papers exploring facets of black women’s lives. The symposium generated rich dialogue around such topics as empowerment, health, mothering, representation, sexuality, spirituality, and black women in the academy. The symposium in many ways responded to the concerns raised by Gloria T. Hull, Patricia Bell Scott, and Barbara Smith in their groundbreaking All the Women Are White, All the Blacks Are Men, But Some of Us Are Brave. The text essentially served as a call for black women’s studies, as they noted:
The limit of detection for explosives in spectroscopic differential reflectometry

In the wake of recent terrorist attacks, such as the 2008 Mumbai hotel explosion or the December 25 th 2009 "underwear bomber", our group has developed a technique (US patent #7368292) to apply differential reflection spectroscopy to detect traces of explosives. Briefly, light (200-500 nm) is shone on a surface such as a piece of luggage at an airport. Upon reflection, the light is collected with a spectrometer combined with a CCD camera. A computer processes the data and produces in turn a differential reflection spectrum involving two adjacent areas of the surface. This differential technique is highly sensitive and provides spectroscopic data of explosives. As an example, 2,4,6, trinitrotoluene (TNT) displays strong and distinct features in differential reflectograms near 420 nm. Similar, but distinctly different features are observed for other explosives. One of the most important criteria for explosive detection techniques is the limit of detection. This limit is defined as the amount of explosive material necessary to produce a signal to noise ratio of three. We present here, a method to evaluate the limit of detection of our technique. Finally, we present our sample preparation method and experimental set-up specifically developed to measure the limit of detection for our technology. This results in a limit ranging from 100 nano-grams to 50 micro-grams depending on the method and the set-up parameters used, such as the detector-sample distance.
TH‐D‐342‐04: Advanced CT Image Reconstruction Algorithms Via Compressed Sensing

The key components of an x‐ray computed tomographysystem are the source, detector, and image reconstruction algorithms. The introduction of multi‐row detectors has enabled larger scanning coverage, higher spatial and faster complete organ scanning in the general purpose CT scanners. These improvements have enabled a variety of advanced clinical applications. The introduction of flat‐panel detectors has enabled dedicated cone‐beam CT in breast imaging,image‐guided interventions, and image‐guidedradiation therapy. There is a constant interplay between the development of new and improved CTsystems and advanced CTimage reconstruction algorithms. New CTsystems require advanced image reconstruction algorithms, and breakthroughs in image reconstruction algorithms may also enable future innovations in the future design of CTsystems. The Shannon sampling theory is the foundation of conventional linear image reconstruction algorithms such as the Fourier transform and filtered backprojection methods. In these conventional image reconstruction frameworks, the violation of the Shannon sampling criterion often results in aliasing artifacts such as streaks in the reconstructed images. Recently, a new sampling theory, i.e., compressive sampling, has been formulated. It has been proven that accurate image reconstruction is possible using highly undersampled data sets provided that a nonlinear iterative image reconstruction method is utilized. This nonlinear iterative image reconstruction method is widely referred to as compressed sensing (CS). Based on the CS theory, some other generalized CS image reconstruction algorithms such as prior image constrained compressed sensing (PICCS) were recently proposed to reconstructCTimages. In this talk, we will discuss the potential impact of CS‐based CTimage reconstruction algorithms and their impact on current and future CT development. Educational Objectives: 1. Understand violation of sampling criterion may cause streaking artifacts in conventional linear image reconstruction algorithm. 2. Understand Compressed Sensing based image reconstruction algorithms can generate streak‐free image using a highly undersampled data set. 3. Understand the potential benefit of PICCS algorithm in radiationdose reduction and improve temporal resolution using a slow gantry.
Wilms' tumor and hypertension.

Abstract A high percentage of Wilms' tumor patients have hypertension associated with the tumor. Of 46 patients with complete blood pressure studies, 29 (63%) had systolic or systolic-diastolic elevations. Hypertension seems to be the result of increased renin production secondary to renal ischemia produced by the mechanical effects of the tumor. It did not, in itself, have any bearing on survival; metastatic disease was the principal factor affecting ultimate prognosis. Removal of the kidney returned blood pressure to normal in all cases, even when metastatic disease remained.
Neonatal umbilical cord myiasis in New Jersey

Human myiasis is a rare condition. It is more common in tropical regions. Umbilical cord myiasis has not previously been reported from a temperate climate, for example, New Jersey. We report a 9-day-old infant with umbilical cord myiasis. The maggots were identified by the entomologist as the larvae of Sarcophagidae, more commonly known as flesh flies.
Sources of access and competence in women's political persuading, 1964–1984

This study examines political persuading, trying to influence another during a political campaign, by women between 1964 and 1984. Data for the study are drawn from the American National Election Studies surveys done during each Presidential election campaign in those years. Political persuading by women increased significantly during this period, but still lagged behind men's rates of persuading. This study explores the antecedents of women's political persuading as represented in two constructs, “access” and “competence.” Competence (education, age cohort and news media use) contributed significantly to explaining women's political persuading during this time. Access, opportunities to persuade inferred from parenting, marital, and employment status, had little effect. A path model of competence variables found that news media use contributed significantly to explaining persuading beyond the impacts of education and generation. These findings modify previous explanations of American women's political par...
The effect of processing parameters on the morphology of an immiscible binary blend

In this study an immiscible blend of polypropylene(PP) and polycarbonate (PC) was examined. Experiments were carried out in an internal mixer and the objective was to examine the influence of the time of mixing, the speed of rotation of the rotors as well as the effect of time under quiescent conditions on the size and size distribution of the minor phase. The morphology was studied by light and electron microscopy and the photographs were quantitatively analyzed by semiautomatic image analysis. The effect of the time of mixing was studied for up to 20 min at three viscosity ratios for PC dispersed in PP. The most significant particle size deformation and disintegration processes take place within the first 2 min of mixing. After 2 min very little reduction in the size of the minor phase is observed up to 20 min mixing time, although some phase size/time dependence was observed at an intermediate viscosity ratio. The influence of rotor speed was also studied and the results indicate that this blend is insensitive to changes in the speed of rotation of the rotor over a three- to fourfold range. The effect of time at 250°C under quiescent conditions was studied at 7% and 23% composition (volume fraction) for PP dispersed in PC and also for PC in PP. Coalescence coarsening was observed only for 23% PC in PP where the particle size was found to increase by 75% after approximately 90 min at temperature.
Surgical treatment of pediatric cholesteatomas.

Objective: Management of pediatric cholesteatomas remains controversial. We reviewed our 16-year experience in the surgical treatment of cholesteatomas in children and describe a treatment paradigm. Study Design: The authors conducted a retrospective review. Methods: A total of 106 mastoidectomies (86 for an acquired cholesteatoma and 20 for a congenital cholesteatoma) were performed in children 16 years old and younger from 1988 to 2003. Follow up ranged from 2 years to 12 years with a mean follow-up period of 6 years. Hearing outcomes, cholesteatoma recidivism, and dry mastoid cavity were the main outcomes measured. Results: Seven (7%) patients had revision surgery for cholesteatoma recidivism. Rates of cholesteatoma recurrence for canal all up (CWU) and canal wall down (CWD) mastoidectomy groups were similar (8% vs. 6%). The percentage of patient with good serviceable hearing (pure-tone average ≤25 dB) was higher in those with a CWU mastoidectomy as compared with the CWD mastoidectomy group (81% vs. 47%) (P < .05). Extent of disease and stapes superstructure erosion on presentation were significant (P < .05) predictors of both cholesteatoma recidivism and poor hearing. All 106 subjects studied had a dry mastoid and 78 patients (74%) had a maintenance-free cavity at the time the study was completed. Conclusion: The treatment of pediatric cholesteatomas should be individualized with CWD mastoidectomy chosen for patients with recurrent or more extensive disease. We conclude that the CWU procedure is an adequate surgical option for treating most acquired and congenital cholesteatomas, preventing disease recurrence, and maintaining good hearing outcomes.
Comparative effects of verapamil and nitroprusside on left ventricular function in patients with hypertension.

Abstract The effects of verapamil were compared with those of nitroprusside at matched mean arterial pressures and heart rates in 10 symptomatic hypertensive patients during cardiac catheterization. Simultaneous radionuclide angiography and micromanometer pressure measurements were obtained to assess left ventricular pressure-volume relations. Compared with control conditions, verapamil increased left ventricular end-diastolic volume index from 57 ± 16 to 70 ± 28 ml/m2 (p = 0.05) without a significant increase in left ventricular end-diastolic pressure (from 10 ± 4 to 13 ± 6 mm Hg). Despite a downward and rightward shift in the end-systolic pressure-volume relation indicating negative inotropic effects, ejection fraction did not decrease significantly (from 52 ± 9% to 46 ± 9%); cardiac index and stroke volume index remained unchanged. The change in stroke volume index with verapamil was directly related to the magnitude of change in end-diastolic volume index (r = 0.82, p In contrast, nitroprusside decreased left ventricular end-diastolic volume index from 57 ± 16 to 41 ± 10 ml/m2 (p Thus, in equihypotensive doses, verapamil and nitroprusside have markedly different effects on left ventricular function. The peripheral vasodilation and apparent improvement in left ventricular filling during verapamil balanced the negative inotropic effects, resulting in maintenance of stroke volume and cardiac index. The primary hypotensive effect of verapamil was a decrease in systemic vascular resistance, whereas that of nitroprusside was a decrease in cardiac index stemming from reduced left ventricular preload.
Chronic Low Back Pain

Low back pain (LBP) is one of the most prevalent medical problems in society today. In addition to the profound effect LBP can have on patients, it has an exceedingly high societal cost. Although most acute episodes of back pain will ultimately resolve, this condition will become chronic for many. Those with chronic LBP are a challenge to treat. Nonetheless, with a better understanding of the underlying pathophysiology and treatment options, our management of these patients is gradually improving. Conservative therapy remains the mainstay treatment of chronic LBP. If this has failed, surgical options may be considered in the carefully selected patient. Fusion is the most established treatment option for this condition. Disc arthroplasty is being increasingly considered. Class I studies critically evaluating established and evolving technologies continue to help shape our understanding of the surgical options for this condition.
The Durability of Immigration-Related Barriers to Health Care Access for Hispanics Across Generations

Conventional manners of operationalizing generational status in studies of health care access in the United States implicitly assume that individuals assimilate into U.S. culture by the 3rd generation. This limits understandings of immigrant health care access as it remains unknown if disparities persist beyond the 3rd generation. Survey data from caretakers of Hispanic schoolchildren in El Paso (Texas, USA; n = 1,568) were utilized in generalized linear models to analyze relationships between immigrant generational status and access to health care. Results showed that higher immigrant generations had better access to care. The greatest disparities between consecutive generational groups occurred between 1st generation noncitizens/naturalized citizens, the 2.5/3rd generations, and the 3rd/4th generations. Results reveal greater durability of barriers in access to health care than has previously been documented.
Perceived benefits and challenges of interprofessional education based on a multidisciplinary faculty member survey.

Objective: To identify differences among faculty members in various health professional training programs in perceived benefits and challenges of implementing interprofessional education (IPE). Methods: A 19-item survey using a 5-point Likert scale was administered to faculty members across different health disciplines at a west coast, multicollege university with osteopathic medicine, pharmacy, and physician assistant programs. Results: Sixty-two of 103 surveys (60.2%) were included in the study. Faculty members generally agreed that there were benefits of IPE on patient outcomes and that implementing IPE was feasible. However, group differences existed in belief that IPE improves care efficiency (p=0.001) and promotes team-based learning (p=0.001). Program divergence was also seen in frequency of stressing importance of IPE (p=0.009), preference for more IPE opportunities (p=0.041), and support (p=0.002) within respective college for IPE. Conclusions: Despite consensus among faculty members from 3 disciplines that IPE is invaluable to their curricula and training of health care students, important program level differences existed that would likely need to be addressed in advance IPE initiatives.
The Structure of Some B2O3‐H2O Glasses

Boron oxide glasses with compositions corresponding to B2O3, B2O3.0.42H2O, B2O3.0.50H2O, and B2O3.0.63H2) have been prepared and their structures have been studied. Diffractometric X-ray scattering measurements have been made, and from these, radial distribution functions have been computed. Comparison of the radial distribution functions indicates that the fundamental triangular coordination characteristic of vitreous B2O3 is maintained in the water-containing glasses. Consideration of the results of complementary infrared and nuclear magnetic resonance studies along with preliminary results of physical property measurements indicates that the glasses of high water content are heterogeneous. It is probable that disordered regions of high hydrogen bond density, approaching HBO2 in composition, are embedded in a matrix approximating vitreous B2O3.
Structure-activity relationships of pyrethroids based on direct action on nerve

Abstract The structure-activity relationships of 30 synthetic pyrethroids have been studied by measurements of their direct action on isolated crayfish nerve cord. The concentrations of pyrethroids used to increase the frequency of spontaneous discharges to 200% of the control (NS 200 ), those to decrease the frequency back to the control level, and those to further decrease the frequency to 10% of the control were measured as indexes of the nerve action. These values did not necessarily run parallel with those for the lethal dose 50 or the knock-down 50. Large differences in NS 200 were found among optical isomers of tetramethrin and phenothrin, and there was a synergism with respect to the nerve stimulating action between (+) and (−) forms of tetramethrin. (+)- trans -Permethrin was unique in that it exhibited a potent insecticidal action with a very weak nerve action. It is necessary to compare the direct action on the target site for the purpose of establishing the true structure-activity relationships of synthetic pyrethroids.