cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
3-18F-fluoropropane-1-thiol and 18F-PEG4-1-thiol: Versatile prosthetic groups for radiolabeling maleimide functionalized peptides.

Abstract The efficient radiosynthesis of biomolecules utilizing minute quantities of maleimide substrate is important for availability of novel peptide molecular imaging agents. We evaluated both 3-18F-fluoropropane-1-thiol and 2-(2-(2-(2-18F-fluoroethoxy)ethoxy)ethoxy)ethane-1-thiol (18F-fluoro-PEG4 thiol) as prosthetic groups for radiolabeling under physiological conditions. The precursor employed a benzoate for protection of the thiol and an arylsulfonate leaving group. The radiofluorination was fully automated on an Eckert & Ziegler synthesis system using standard Kryptofix222/K2CO3 conditions. In order to minimize the amount of biological molecule required for subsequent conjugation, the intermediates, S-(3-18F-fluoropropyl) benzothioate and 18F-fluoro-PEG4 benzothioate, were purified by HPLC. The intermediates were isolated from the HPLC in yields of 37–47% and 28–35%, respectively, and retrieved from eluate using solid phase extraction. Treatment of the benzothioates with sodium methoxide followed by acetic acid provided the free thiols. The desired maleimide substrate in acetonitrile or phosphate buffer was then added and incubated at room temperature for 15 min. The final radiolabeled bioconjugate was purified on a separate HPLC or NAP-5 column. Maleimides utilized for the coupling reaction included phenyl maleimide, an Evans Blue maleimide derivative, a dimeric RGDfK maleimide (E[c(RGDfK)]2), two aptamer maleimides, and PSMA maleimide derivative. Isolated radiochemical yields (non-decay corrected) of maleimide addition products based on starting 18F-fluoride ranged from 6 to 22% in a synthesis time of about 90 min. 18F-thiol prosthetic groups were further tested in vivo by conjugation to E[c(RGDfK)]2 maleimide in a U87MG xenograft model. PET studies demonstrated similar tumor accumulation of both prosthetic groups. 18F-fluoro-PEG4-S-E[c(RGDfK)]2 displayed a somewhat favorable pharmacokinetics compared to 18F-fluoropropyl-S-E[c(RGDfK)]2. Bone uptake was low for both indicating in vivo stability.
Helping Society's Outcasts: The Impact of Counseling Sex Offenders

The purpose of this qualitative study, which uses a constructivist approach, was to explore the impacts on mental health counselors of counseling convicted sex offenders. Five participants were interviewed using a semistructured format. The data were analyzed using a phenomenological method by breaking down the interviews into themes, comparing the participants' experiences, and determining the essence of those experiences. Themes identified were feelings of increased competence, closeness, and support from coworkers and supervisors; belief in a mission or responsibility for safety; disconnect from general society; intrusive thoughts of traumatic material; and increased suspicion of others. The findings suggest that mental health workers experience both positive and negative impacts from counseling convicted sex offenders. The research and practice implications for counselors are discussed.
TAp63γ regulates hOgg1

1076 Recently, it has been shown that p53 plays a role in BER via regulation of hOGG1. Therefore, we hypothesized that p63 might also regulate hOGG1. Ectopic expression of p63 increased OGG1 expression, while it’s knockdown by RNAi resulted in reduced OGG1 expression at both RNA and protein level. Increase in OGG1 expression by p63 was associated with decreased sensitivity to oxidative damage, while decrease in OGG1 expression by RNAi increased the sensitivity to oxidative damage. The OGG1 promoter region between -945 and -726 was found to contain p63 regulatory element. We also found that p63 bound directly to the OGG1 promoter. Our findings indicate that p63 may directly or indirectly regulate OGG1.
Adsorption dynamics of polymeric nanoparticles at an air-water interface with addition of surfactants.

Abstract Hypothesis The unusual observation that addition of sodium dodecylsulfate surfactant to an aqueous nanoparticle dispersion slows down the decrease of air:water interfacial tension is attributed to the combined interactions of the nanoparticle with surfactant and surfactant at the air:water interface. Such dynamics are controlled by electrostatic interactions. Experiments The study of dynamics is achieved using the maximum bubble pressure measurement of surface tension from 0.1 s to 30 s. The NPs are assembled by Flash NanoPrecipitation with 5 kDa polyethylene glycol coronas, and cores of polystyrene, polydimethylsiloxane, or polycaprolactone. Anionic (sodium dodecylsulfate), cationic (cetyltrimethylammonium bromide), and non-ionic (decaethylene glycol monododecyl ether) surfactants are employed over concentration 10−4 to 10−2 mM. The zeta potentials of the NPs are measured with surfactants. Electrostatic repulsion between charged NPs and interface is calculated, as well as the adsorption energy. Findings This is the first report to quantitatively explain the effect of surfactants on the dynamics of NP assembly at an interface. An electrostatic energy barrier slows the adsorption kinetics for NPs when the NPs have the same charge as the interface. Increasing ionic strength of the solution reduces the electrostatic barrier. Decreasing interactions between the NP core material and the surfactant reduces the barrier. Our findings offer new insights into understanding of NP interfacial self-assembly dynamics in a complex environment.
Focal adhesion kinase and Src mediate microvascular hyperpermeability caused by fibrinogen- γC- terminal fragments.

Objectives We previously reported microvascular leakage resulting from fibrinogen-γ chain C-terminal products (γC) occurred via a RhoA-dependent mechanism. The objective of this study was to further elucidate the signaling mechanism by which γC induces endothelial hyperpermeability. Since it is known that γC binds and activates endothelial αvβ3, a transmembrane integrin receptor involved in intracellular signaling mediated by the tyrosine kinases FAK and Src, we hypothesized that γC alters endothelial barrier function by activating the FAK-Src pathway leading to junction dissociation and RhoA driven cytoskeletal stress-fiber formation. Methods and results Using intravital microscopy of rat mesenteric microvessels, we show increased extravasation of plasma protein (albumin) resulting from γC administration. In addition, capillary fluid filtration coefficient (Kfc) indicated γC-induced elevated lung vascular permeability. Furthermore, γC decreased transendothelial barrier resistance in a time-dependent and dose-related fashion in cultured rat lung microvascular endothelial cells (RLMVECs), accompanied by increased FAK/Src phosphorylation detection by western blot. Experiments with pharmacological inhibition or gene silencing of FAK showed significantly reduced γC-induced albumin and fluid leakage across microvessels, stress-fiber formation, VE-cadherin tyrosine phosphorylation, and improved γC-induced endothelial barrier dysfunction, indicating the involvement of FAK in γC mediated hyperpermeability. Comparable results were found when Src was targeted in a similar manner, however inhibition of FAK prevented Src activation, suggesting that FAK is upstream of Src in γC-mediated hyperpermeability. In addition, γC-induced cytoskeletal stress-fiber formation was attenuated during inhibition or silencing of these tyrosine kinases, concomitantly with RhoA inhibition. Conclusion The FAK-Src pathway contributes to γC-induced microvascular barrier dysfunction, junction protein phosphorylation and disorganization in a manner that involves RhoA and stress-fiber formation.
Marginal Impacts of Park-and-Ride Facilities in the Twin Cities Region of the US:

Understanding the marginal impacts of park-and-ride (P&R) transit facilities can help in planning an efficient transit system. However, these marginal impacts are not well established in a U.S. con...
System Frequency Dynamic Response of a Novel, Self-Synchronizing Inverter in a High Renewable Penetration Grid

This paper presents a self-synchronizing controller achieving a current tracking objective without knowledge of the grid parameters. An estimated rotating reference frame ( $\gamma \delta$ -frame) is utilized. Within the control scheme, adaptive compensation terms facilitate the current tracking objective and, simultaneously, accounts for the unavailable grid voltage magnitude, grid frequency, and grid phase, hence eliminating the need for an additional measurement and feedback system for synchronization, such as a Phase-Locked Loop (PLL) which are sensitive to harmonics, to disturbances and to large frequency deviations causing unnecessary energy losses. A system frequency behavior study is developed through this article by comparing a PQ-PLL controller to the novel self-synchronizing design under the conditions of a variable inertia and renewable penetration ratio. Using the novel controller in a high-renewable (low-inertia) grid indicates that the monitored performance metrics are significantly improved when compared to PLL-controlled, inverter-dominated grid. When benchmarked to the PQ-PLL controller results, increasing the penetration ratio will have a positive impact on the self-synchronizing controller due to its adaptive nature which depends only on the current control errors signals. Lowering the grid's inertia shows that the self-synchronizing inverter reaches steady-state significantly faster than the PQ-PLL one due to the internal dynamics of the adaptive control by disrupting the need for a cascaded control scheme.
On the estimation of statistical uncertainties on powder diffraction and small-angle scattering data from two-dimensional X-ray detectors

Optimal methods are explored for obtaining one-dimensional powder pattern intensities from two-dimensional planar detectors with good estimates of their standard deviations. Methods are described to estimate uncertainties when the same image is measured in multiple frames as well as from a single frame. The importance of considering the correlation of diffraction points during the integration and the resampling process of data analysis is shown. It is found that correlations between adjacent pixels in the image can lead to seriously overestimated uncertainties if such correlations are neglected in the integration process. Off-diagonal entries in the variance–covariance (VC) matrix are problematic as virtually all data processing and modeling programs cannot handle the full VC matrix. It is shown that the off-diagonal terms come mainly from the pixel-splitting algorithm used as the default integration algorithm in many popular two-dimensional integration programs, as well as from rebinning and resampling steps later in the processing. When the full VC matrix can be propagated during the data reduction, it is possible to get accurate refined parameters and their uncertainties at the cost of increasing computational complexity. However, as this is not normally possible, the best approximate methods for data processing in order to estimate uncertainties on refined parameters with the greatest accuracy from just the diagonal variance terms in the VC matrix is explored.
An axiomatic basis for maximal homology alignment

Maximal homology alignment is a new biologically-relevant approach to DNA sequence alignment that embraces microparalogy. It departs from the current method of gapped alignment, which uses a simple, binary state model of nucleotide position. In gapped alignment nucleotide positions have either no relationship (1-to-None) or else orthological relationship (1-to-1) with nucleotides in other sequences. Maximal homology alignment, however, allows additional states such as 1-to-Many and Many-to-Many, thus modeling both orthological and paralogical relationships, which together comprise the main homology types. Maximal homology alignment collects dispersed microparalogy into the same alignment columns on multiple rows, and thereby generates a two-dimensional representation of a single sequence. Sequence alignment then proceeds as the alignment of two-dimensional topological objects. The operations of producing and aligning two dimensional auto-alignments motivate a need for tests of two dimensional homological integrity that are both necessary and sufficient. Here, I work out and implement basic principles for computationally handling the two dimensions of positional homology, which are inherent to biological sequences due to replication slippage and related errors. I then show that maximal homology alignment is more suited and more informative than gapped alignment for modeling the evolution of genetic sequences, which harbor large numbers of small insertions and deletions originating as local microparalogy. These results show that both conserved and non-conserved genomic sequences are imbued with a signature of replication slippage that is absent from their random permutations.
Effect of reduced dehalogenation on the performance of Y zeolite-based sintered waste forms

Abstract The properties of a dehalogenated salt waste form (DSWF) were investigated for the immobilization of electrorefiner salt waste from the pyrometallurgical reprocessing of used nuclear fuel. Dehalogenation of salt through reaction with hydrogen-Y zeolite provides a viable means of decreasing solid waste volume prior to immobilization. The presence of residual salt (from insufficient dehalogenation reaction time or inefficient operation) on waste form properties is also evaluated via hot stage X-ray diffraction and leach testing. Residual salt appears to volatilize during sintering, producing a secondary waste stream. The kinetic dissolution rates of DSWFs show evidence of congruent dissolution and exhibit lower dissolution rates compared to the baseline GBS advanced ceramic waste form. Additional characterization is required to determine behavior due to saturation effects.
Improving access to geodetic imaging crustal deformation data using GeoGateway

GeoGateway ( http://geo-gateway.org ) is a web-based interface for analysis and modeling of geodetic imaging data and to support response to related disasters. Geodetic imaging data product currently supported by GeoGateway include Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) daily position time series and derived velocities and displacements and airborne Interferometric Synthetic Aperture Radar (InSAR) from NASA’s UAVSAR platform. GeoGateway allows users to layer data products in a web map interface and extract information from various tools. Extracted products can be downloaded for further analysis. GeoGateway includes overlays of California fault traces, seismicity from user selected search parameters, and user supplied map files. GeoGateway also provides earthquake nowcasts and hazard maps as well as products created for related response to natural disasters. A user guide is present in the GeoGateway interface. The GeoGateway development team is also growing the user base through workshops, webinars, and video tutorials. GeoGateway is used in the classroom and for research by experts and non-experts including by students.
Oligopolistic Investment, Markups and Asset Pricing

We examine the role of imperfect competition in transmitting aggregate and sectoral shocks to product and asset markets by developing a dynamic multi-consumption good general equilibrium model with an oligopolistic sector that follows subgame perfect capital investment and pricing strategies. Oligopolistic firms strategically adapt investment and production to moderate the effects of shocks on the equilibrium collusive price. Fitting the model to U.S. aggregate and manufacturing industry data, we find support for theoretical predictions on the relation of industry competition with the variability of investment, output, and equity returns, as well as cyclical behavior of markups. The fit of the oligopoly model with varying collusion levels is better than the benchmark competitive industry model. Moreover, because of higher equilibrium volatility of the multigood consumption bundle, the fit with observed industry equity risk premium, Sharpe ratio, and volatility of returns improves relative to comparable single-good equilibrium models.
Stress response in Entamoeba histolytica is associated with robust processing of tRNA to tRNA-halves

tRNA-derived fragments have been reported in many different organisms and have diverse cellular roles such as regulating gene expression, inhibiting protein translation, silencing transposable elements and modulating cell proliferation. In particular tRNA halves, a class of tRNA fragments produced by the cleavage of tRNAs in the anti-codon loop, have been widely reported to accumulate under stress and regulate translation in cells. Here we report the presence of tRNA-derived fragments in Entamoeba with tRNA halves being the most abundant. We further established that tRNA halves accumulate in the parasites upon different stress stimuli such as oxidative stress, heat shock, and serum starvation. We also observed differential expression of tRNA halves during developmental changes of trophozoite to cyst conversion with various tRNA halves accumulating during early encystation. In contrast to other systems, the stress response does not appear to be mediated by a few specific tRNA halves as multiple tRNAs appear to be processed during the various stresses. Furthermore, we identified some tRNA-derived fragments are associated with Entamoeba Argonaute proteins, EhAgo2-2, and EhAgo2-3, which have a preference for different tRNA-derived fragment species. Finally, we show that tRNA halves are packaged inside extracellular vesicles secreted by amoeba. The ubiquitous presence of tRNA-derived fragments, their association with the Argonaute proteins, and the accumulation of tRNA halves during multiple different stresses including encystation suggest a nuanced level of gene expression regulation mediated by different tRNA-derived fragments in Entamoeba.
Overall survival for oncology drugs approved for genomic indications.

Abstract Aim Drug approvals for genome-informed indications have been increasing in recent years, but it is unknown how many of them have demonstrated an improvement in overall survival (OS). We assessed the frequency of approved genome-informed drugs demonstrating improvements in OS and progression-free survival (PFS) and whether the frequencies differed by cancer type. Materials and methods We searched all Food and Drug Administration approvals from 2006 to 2020, and for each drug that was approved for a genomic indication, we then searched on PubMed for randomised studies examining OS or PFS. Results We found 53 drugs approved for 92 unique indications from 2006 to 2020. We found that 50 drugs (55%) approved for a genomic indication had a randomised study evaluating OS benefit, and of those, only 22 demonstrated an improvement in OS. Similarly, 52 drugs (57%) evaluated PFS benefit, and 51 of these studies demonstrated an improvement in PFS. Drugs approved for BRAF V600 melanoma demonstrated an improvement in OS more often than drugs approved for ALK non–small cell lung cancer. The median improvement in OS was 4.7 months (range 1.5 months–49.1 months). Conclusion Although there is widespread enthusiasm for this class of agents, and many demonstrate impressive response rates, further trials or post-marketing studies are needed to ascertain the impact on survival and quality of life, the magnitude of these gains, and the cost-effectiveness of these agents.
Systemic inflammation as a predictor of clinical outcomes after lower extremity angioplasty/stenting.

Objective The activation state of the systemic inflammatory milieu has been proposed as a critical regulator of vascular repair after injury. We evaluated the early inflammatory response after endovascular intervention for symptomatic peripheral arterial disease to determine its association with clinical success or failure. Methods Blood samples were obtained from 14 patients undergoing lower extremity angioplasty/stenting and analyzed using high-throughput gene arrays, multiplex serum protein analyses, and flow cytometry. Results Time-dependent plasma protein and monocyte phenotype analyses demonstrated endovascular revascularization had a modest influence on the overall activation state of the systemic inflammatory system, with baseline variability exceeding the perturbations induced by the intervention. In contrast, specific time-dependent changes in the monocyte genome are evident in the initial 28 days, predominately in those genes associated with leukocyte extravasation. Investigating the relationship between inflammation and the 1-year success or failure of the intervention showed no single plasma protein was correlated with outcome, but a more comprehensive cluster analysis revealed a clear pattern of protein expression that was closely related to the clinical phenotype. Corresponding examination of the monocyte genome identified a gene subset at 1 day postprocedure that was predictive of clinical outcome, with most of these genes active in cell-cycle signaling. Conclusions Although the global influence of angioplasty/stenting on systemic inflammation was modest, circulating cytokine and monocyte genome analyses support a pattern of early inflammation that is associated with ultimate intervention success vs failure. Molecular profiles incorporating genes involved in monocyte cell-cycle progression and homing, or proinflammatory cytokines, or both, offer the most promise for the development of class prediction tools for clinical application.
Abstract 5558: Growth inhibitory effect of perganum, sage, and olive leaves plant extracts on breast and lung cancer cell lines

There are many different types of cancer, and generally each is defined by the type of cell that is affected. Cancer occurs in cells by which mutant genes are responsible for cell growth. This may result in metastasis which may affect one or more parts of the body. The current student attempts to address cancer treatment from Natural product sources. Sage leaves (Salvia officanlis), Perganum leaves (harmala), and Olive leaves (Olea europaea) were used in this study to determine their effects on two cancer cell lines, A549 and MCF-7. Our findings revealed that Salvia officanlis, Perganum harmala, and Olea europaea have significant effect on both cell lines (MCF-7 Brest cancer cell line and A549 lung cancer cell line). Salvia officanlis leaf extracts had a greater effect on MCF-7 and A549 than Perganum harmala and Olea europaea. Salvia Officanlis demonstrated a significantly decreased the growth rate and cell survival of both cancer cell lines at all concentrations. In future studies, Salvia officanlis, Perganum harmala, and Olea europaea act with MCF-7 Brest cancer cell line and A549 lung cancer cell line to inhibit their growth Citation Format: Carla Gibbs, Ola Almusallam, Trent E. Malone, Elbert L. Myles. Growth inhibitory effect of perganum, sage, and olive leaves plant extracts on breast and lung cancer cell lines. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 106th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2015 Apr 18-22; Philadelphia, PA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2015;75(15 Suppl):Abstract nr 5558. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2015-5558
Local data protection for in-network processing in sensor networks

Sensor networks are playing a more and more important role in monitoring problems such as surveillance and tracking moving objects. In-network processing has been shown to improve scalability, prolong sensor network lifetimes, and diminish computational demands. However, securely querying past data becomes a challenge. An unimportant event in the past could become interesting later; therefore, methods for securely placing a query on a past event should be available. This paper focuses on the challenges associated with securing queries on past data in a sensor network, and proposes methods for past data aggregation using in-network processing. Two different methods are proposed for securing queries on past data; both use forward secure cryptography and provide forward secure data authentication. We compare their security and performance, and also compare them with previous schemes.
Lifelong Learning Benefits Older Adults

Abstract This article examines lifelong learning with the elderly with its scope, definitions, activities, programs, and learning processes. Age-related changes and factors that influence the teaching/learning process of older adults relevant to activities and other health professionals are discussed.
BIOTECHNOLOGY FOR ENERGY PRODUCTION: CONSTRUCTION OF A MICROBIAL FUEL CELL USING THE INDUS RIVER SEDIMENT SOIL AND WATER COUPLED WITH THEIR MICROBIAL FLORA

Current study provides new openings for the sustainable generation of energy by using Microbial Fuel Cells (MFCs) biotechnology. We constructed a MFC using the Indus River sediment soil and water with their microbial flora without adding any additional chemical source of energy. In resulted MFC, voltage readings were observed and their significance is calculated statistically. Furthermore, based on present findings we have proposed a microbial fuel generator model for the Indus River in Pakistan, which can be executed any where in the world.
Long-run Causes of Comparative Development: An Interpretation of the Recent Evidence

What explains the extreme variations in development achievement, among LDCs, and between developing and developed countries? This paper present a schematic framework for the interpretation of some influential recent contributions to the study of the majo long-run causes of comparative development. The major emphasis is placed on what has been learned recently about the role of institutions in relation to other factors, through the use of centuries rather than decades of data.
Counterfactuals and Epistemic Basing Relations

This article is about the epistemic basing relation, which is the relation that obtains between beliefs and the reasons for which they are held. We need an adequate account of the basing relation if we want to have a satisfactory account of doxastic justification, which we should want to have. To that end, this article aims to achieve two goals. The first is to show that a plausible account of the basing relation must invoke counterfactual concepts. The second is to set out two related analyses of the basing relation, each of which seems quite plausible.
γ-d-glutamylaminomethyl sulfonic acid (GAMS) distinguishes subtypes of glutamate receptor in the chick cochlear nucleus (nuc. magnocellularis)

Abstract Because kainic acid (KA) is more potent than other excitatory amino acids (EAAs) in affecting synaptic transmission in the cochlear nucleus, previous reports have concluded that primary afferent neurotransmission to the cochlear nucleus in birds and mammals is mediated by KA-preferring non- n -methyl- d -aspartate (non-NMDA) EAA receptors. Since this conclusion is at odds with a number of studies suggesting that rapid excitatory neurotransmission in the CNS is mediated by α-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazolepropionic acid (AMPA)-preferring non-NMDA receptors, we re-examined the pharmacology of synaptic transmission between the cochlear nerve and nucleus magnocellularis (NM) in chickens, using bath application of drugs and recording of field potentials evoked in NM by electrical stimulation of the cochlear nerve in vitro. A series of EAA agonists produced complete, concentration-dependent and reversible suppression of postsynaptic responses: the order of potency was domoic acid ( DO ) > KA > AMPA ⪢ quisqualic acid ⪢ l - glutamic acid (Glu). Three quinoxalinedione antagonists of non-6-nitro-7-sulphamobenzo[f]quinoxaline-2,3-dione NMDA receptors also produced complete, concentration-dependent and reversible suppression of postsynaptic responses in NM without affecting the presynaptic action potential; the half-maximal inhibitory concentrations (IC 50 's) were 2.7 ± 0.4 μ M for 6-nitro-7-sulphamobenzo[f]quinoxaline-2,3-dione (NBQX), 5.3 ± 0.1 μ M for 6-cyano-7-nitroquinoxaline-2,3-dione (CNQX), and 10.6 ± 1.2 μ M for 6,7-dinitroquinoxaline-2,3-dione (DNQX). At concentrations that were without effect on postsynaptic responses elicited by stimulation of the cochlear nerve, γ- d -glutamylaminomethyl sulfonic acid (GAMS), a competitive glutamate antagonist that has shown some selectivity for KA receptors in mammalian spinal cord, significantly reversed the suppression of postsynaptic responses produced by KA or AMPA but not by Glu. Taken together with other relevant experimental findings, these data suggest that 1) GAMS-sensitive and GAMS-insensitive non-NMDA receptors exist in NM and 2) the receptors mediating synaptic transmission in NM are AMPA-preferring and GAMS-insensitive.
Effect of dairy supplementation on body composition and insulin resistance in mice.

Abstract Objective This study examined whether yogurt supplementation attenuated the weight gain and insulin resistance in mice fed a moderate-fat diet. Methods Nine-week-old male mice (F1 BTBR × C57Bl6/J) were housed individually for the duration of the study. After initial measurements of body weight and composition, mice were randomly assigned to receive one of two isocaloric diets (19.4% kcal protein, 45.5% kcal carbohydrate, and 35.1% kcal fat). One diet was supplemented with dried yogurt powder (10.75 g/100 g of diet). In the first experiment, mice received the diets for 4 wk, after which body weight and body composition were reassessed. In the second experiment, an insulin tolerance test was performed at week 4 and glucose uptake in gonadal fat was assessed at week 5. Results Baseline body weight was not significantly different between control and yogurt mice ( P = 0.85). Body weight and fat mass increased significantly over time ( P P P P = 0.906). Digestive efficiency was significantly lower in the yogurt mice ( P P P = 0.24). Glucose uptake in the gonadal fat was significantly higher in the yogurt mice than in controls under basal ( P P Conclusion Yogurt supplementation resulted in less weight and fat gain in mice fed isocaloric diets due to a decrease in digestive efficiency. Yogurt also enhanced the uptake of glucose in fat but did not significantly improve insulin sensitivity.
What Would Your Journal Say if It Could Talk Back? Using Dialogue Journals as a Technique in Adolescent HIV/STI Prevention and Sexual Health Promotion Programs.

Dialogue journaling is a technique that is useful for enhancing the goals of sexual health promotion and HIV/STI prevention programs with 14- to 17–year-old at-risk youth. Included is a detailed lesson plan on how to implement dialogue journaling in this context, a discussion of advantages and concerns about using them, and future implications for its use.
Achieving Timely Reunification

In the context of child welfare, family reunification refers to the services that are provided for purposes of returning children who have been placed in out-of-home care to their families of origin. Family reunification is the primary permanency goal for the majority of children who have been placed temporarily outside of their homes. This literature review focuses on the federal Child and Family Services Review composite outcome indicator that seeks to measure agency performance related to family reunification. It describes factors at the level of the agency/system, the family, and the child that are associated with failure to reunify. Practices that have been linked with successful family reunification are described, with particular attention to the period between removal from the home and reunification. The review concludes with questions intended to promote discussion about the use of evidence to support the reunification process within child welfare agencies.
P116The role of fetal echocardiography and detailed sonography in the prenatal diagnosis of the Edward's syndrome (analysis of the 30 cases)

Background The aim of this study a retrospective analysis from the video tapes fetuses with trisomy 18 (Edward's syndrome) who had detailed sonography and echocardiography. Method Between 1994 and 2000 at our Department 30 cases of trisomy 18 were diagnosed. Results Every fetus presented with congenital anomalies. The most common were: intrauterine growth retardation (96%) and fetal congenital heart defects (92%). Conclusion The ‘genetic sonography’ including fetal echocardiography allows a strong ‘suspicion’ of trisomy 18, which later can be confirmed by cytogenetic analysis.
Use of the MMPI-2 in medico-legal evaluations: An alternative interpretation for the Senior and Douglas (2001) critique

The MMPI-2 is the most widely used clinical assessment instrument, in part, because it is the most widely researched instrument. One of the values of a well-established test such as the MMPI-2 is that past clinical interpretation strategies and underlying research documentation effectively guide the user in broad test applications. In a recent article, Senior and Douglas (2001) called into question traditional interpretive strategies and proposed their own approach to test interpretation. The present article reviews Senior and Douglas's (2001) rationale, methods, conclusions, and recommendations and concludes that their interpretative approach is inconsistent and unsupported by the data they cited.
Extremely Low Maximal Force-Generating Ability in Hummingbird Flight Muscle Fibers

Hummingbird flight muscle has the highest mass-specific mechanical power output among all vertebrates. The wingbeat kinematics and aerodynamics of hummingbird flight have been studied in multiple species, but little is known about fundamental contractile properties of these remarkable muscles. The objective of this study was to measure the maximal force-generating ability (maximal force per unit of fiber cross-sectional area, Po/CSA) of single muscle fibers from the pectoralis muscle, which powers the wing downstroke, in adult hummingbirds and in another similarly-sized species, zebra finch, which does not hover but also has a very high wingbeat frequency during routine flight. Single, skinned pectoralis fibers were maximally calcium-activated and Po/CSA was measured across a range of temperatures. Po/CSA in hummingbird pectoralis fibers was 1.1 ± 0.4 (mean ± SEM), 5.2 ± 1.6, and 10.8 ± 2.4 kN/m2, at 10, 15, and 20°C, respectively. Po/CSA in zebra finch pectoralis fibers was 2.0 ± 0.4 (mean ± SEM), 10.4 ± 1.6, and 21.6 ± 3.2 kN/m2, at 10, 15, and 20°C, respectively. For comparison, Po/CSA in adult mammalian limb muscle fibers at 15°C is typically 100-120 kN/m2. The mean Po/CSA in hummingbird leg muscles fibers, which are used for perching, was 73.4 ± 11.6 kN/m2 at 10°C. These results indicate that hummingbird pectoralis fibers have an extremely low force-generating ability, compared to mammalian limb muscle fibers and hummingbird leg muscle fibers, even when maximally activated, and have an unusually high temperature-dependence of force generation. The unusually low force-generating ability of hummingbird and zebra finch pectoralis fibers may reflect a constraint imposed by a need for extremely high contraction frequencies, especially during hovering flight in hummingbirds. Supported by the National Science Foundation.
Testing the Difference of Two Binomial Proportions : Comparison of Continuity Corrections for Saddlepoint Approximation

We carried out a simulation study based on the methodology of Newcombe (1998) to compare tests for the difference of two binomial proportions by applying different continuity corrections on saddlepoint approximation to tail probabilities. In this article, we proposed a new continuity correction based on the least common multiple of two sample sizes. We evaluated that the best test should have the actual Type I error rates that are, on the whole, closest to α, but not exceeding α, where α is nominal level of significance.
Single-polarisation, single-frequency, 2 cm ytterbium-doped fibre laser

A single-polarisation, single-frequency, ytterbium-doped silica fibre laser has been demonstrated in a 2 cm linear cavity. The output power reaches 35 mW with an optical signal-to-noise ratio greater than 65 dB. A polarisation-maintaining fibre Bragg grating is used as the polarisation-dependent reflector to generate the single-polarisation output with the polarisation extinction ratio greater than 20 dB. The laser works stably for 2 h under laboratory conditions
Use of corn gluten feed and dried distillers grains plus solubles as a replacement for soybean meal and corn for supplementation in a corn silage-based stocker system.

Corn gluten feed and dried distillers grains plus solubles (DDGS) were evaluated as replacements for soybean meal and ground ear corn when supplemented with corn silage during 2 yr of a beef cattle stockering program. Experiment 1: In YR 1, 104 steers (initial BW = 305 ± 30 kg), and in YR 2, 56 steers and 38 heifers (initial BW = 301 ± 32 kg) were stratified by weight and assigned to 1 of 9 groups. Each group was randomly assigned to 1 of 3 corn silage-based (75% of DM) diets supplemented with: i) corn gluten feed (CGF), ii) DDGS, or iii) soybean meal and ground ear corn (CSBM) at 25% of DM. On d 0, 28, 56, and 84, BW and BCS were recorded. Additionally, ribeye area, 12th rib fat thickness, intramuscular fat, and rump fat thickness were assessed via ultrasound on 9 (YR1) and 4 (YR 2) steers per pen that were randomly assigned as observational units. Average daily gain was greater (P 0.05). Ultrasound data indicated no differences (P ≥ 0.13) in predicted carcass traits among treatments. Experiment 2: Diets from Exp. 1 were subjected to in vitro digestion for incubation times of 0, 2, 4, 8, 16, 24, 48, and 72 h to estimate DM degradation, gas production kinetics, and CP fractions. The potentially degradable DM fraction was greater (P = 0.01) for CSBM compared with CGF and DDG. Total gas production and rate of gas production was not different among treatments (P > 0.42). Rumen degradable protein was greatest for CSBM and least for DDG (P = 0.001). These data indicate that DDGS can be used to replace soybean meal and corn in silage-based stocker systems to decrease feed costs without compromising animal performance and CGF may decrease animal performance.
Internal Structure and Energy Emission of Jupiter

Jupiter emits much more energy than it absorbs. Explanations of the source of this heat depend upon our knowledge of its interior and of the behaviour of condensed matter at very high temperatures and pressures.
Infrared spectra of tris(fluoroalkyl)-s-triazines

Abstract The Raman spectrum of liquid tris(trifluoromethyl)- s -triazine has been obtained at room temperature. The infrared spectrum of the gaseous compound has been recorded at room temperature from 650–4000 cm −1 , that of the liquid from 250–4000 cm −1 . The analysis of these data, particularly by correlation with the spectrum of trifluoro- s -triazine, permits a satisfactory assignment of the fundamentals. Based on this information, the infrared spectra in the 650–4000 cm −1 region of liquid tris(perfluoroethyl)- s -triazine, tris(perfluoropropyl)- s -triazine, and tris(chlorodifluoromethyl)- s -triazine are discussed and characteristic frequencies are correlated.
Lack of effect of cADP-ribose and NAADP on the activity of skeletal muscle and heart ryanodine receptors.

Abstract The calcium release channels/ryanodine receptors (RyRs) are potential/putative targets of cADPR (cyclic ADP-ribose) action in many tissue systems. In striated muscles, where RyRs predominate, cADPR action on these channels is controversial. Here cADPR m odulation of cardiac and skeletal muscle RyR channels was tested. We considered factors reported as necessary for cADPR action, such as the presence of calmodulin and/or FK binding proteins (FKBPs). We found: 1) The RyR channel isoforms were insensitive to cADPR (or its metabolite NAADP [nicotinic acid adenine dinucleotide phosphate]) under all conditions examined, as studied by: 1a) single channel recordings in planar lipid bilayers; 1b) macroscopic behavior of the RyRs in sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) m icrosomes (including crude microsome preparations likely to retain putative cADPR cofactors) at room temperature and at 378C (net energized Ca2+uptake or passive Ca2+leak); 2) [32P]cADPR did not bind significantly to SR microsomes; 3) cADPR did not affect FKBP association to SR membranes. We conclude that cADPR does not interact directly with RyRs or RyR-associatedSR proteins. Our results under in vitro conditions suggest that c ADPR effects on Ca2+signaling observed in vivo in mammalian striated muscle cells may reflect indirect modulation of RyRs or RyR-independent Ca2+release systems.
Strategies for interfacing inorganic nanocrystals with biological systems based on polymer-coating

Interfacing inorganic nanoparticles and biological systems with the aim of developing novel imaging and sensing platforms has generated great interest and much activity. However, the effectiveness of this approach hinges on the ability of the surface ligands to promote water-dispersion of the nanoparticles with long term colloidal stability in buffer media. These surface ligands protect the nanostructures from the harsh biological environment, while allowing coupling to target molecules, which can be biological in nature (e.g., proteins and peptides) or exhibit specific photo-physical characteristics (e.g., a dye or a redox-active molecule). Amphiphilic block polymers have provided researchers with versatile molecular platforms with tunable size, composition and chemical properties. Hence, several groups have developed a wide range of polymers as ligands or micelle capsules to promote the transfer of a variety of inorganic nanomaterials to buffer media (including magnetic nanoparticles and semiconductor nanocrystals) and render them biocompatible. In this review, we first summarize the established synthetic routes to grow high quality nanocrystals of semiconductors, metals and metal oxides. We then provide a critical evaluation of the recent developments in the design, optimization and use of various amphiphilic copolymers to surface functionalize the above nanocrystals, along with the strategies used to conjugate them to target biomolecules. We finally conclude by providing a summary of the most promising applications of these polymer-coated inorganic platforms in sensor design, and imaging of cells and tissues.
A seasonal survey of the fishes in the mystic river, a polluted estuary in downtown Boston, Massachusetts

Abstract Twenty-three species of marine fishes were taken in the Mystic River during surveys conducted with trawls and gillnets four times in a year. Winter flounder was the dominant species, with alewives and smelt abundant on a seasonal basis. These three species were present in all seasons. Others occurred less frequently with 17 species occurring only once. The fewest number of species, 6, was taken in August and the highest number, 11, in November. Diversity H (on numbers) ranged from a low of 0.33 in August to 1.03 in June; H (on weight) ranged from 0.12 in August to 0.75 in March. Standing crop (biomass) was 0.5 g/m 2 in June and averaged about 2g/m 2 in August, November and March. During the warmest period, fishes tended to be found in the lower portions of the estuary but in winter they were concentrated upriver. Percent overlap in species composition between seasons is high through the summer, a period dominated by winter flounder, and is much lower from winter into spring, reflecting the increases in abundance due to spawning activities of smelt and alewives. Pooled annual diversity H is 1.19 (on numbers) and 0.71 (on weight). These values are at the low end of the scale assumed by this index when applied to fish communities.
A proposed role for 5S ribosomal RNA.

Abstract Cytoplasmic ribosomes show protein-synthesizing activity with degraded large and small rRNA's, but only if 5S RNA is intact.
Computer tools for modern control systems design

Today, control system technology is driven by the microprocessor, and, as is well known, microprocessor-based control systems are much more flexible than their analog predecessors. The combination of new hardware (microprocessors, smart sensors, power electronics) and the increased flexibility requires a much more integrated hardware/analysis approach to control system synthesis. This presentation will highlight some of the ways that Ford Motor Company is employing such an approach in the development of microprocessor controlled power trains.
Emerging market transaction costs: Evidence from Indonesia

Abstract Despite investor interest in emerging stock markets, relatively little is known about the cost of transacting on these markets. This paper uses transactions data to estimate the execution costs of trading on one emerging market, the Jakarta Stock Exchange (JSX) in Indonesia. We find that JSX execution costs appear surprisingly similar to those of non-U.S. developed markets. Factors influencing these costs include the difficulty of the trade, the size of the firm traded, and the broker executing the trade. We also find that trades initiated by foreigners have a much larger price impact than trades initiated by local investors.
Ginzburg–Landau Theory and High T c Superconductivity

In many ways, condensed matter theory is based on the art of making uncontrolled approximations guided by experiment. A remarkable property of such theories is that they often turn out to be much more robust than was thought at the time they were put forward, such as the BCS theory of superconductivity, or Laughlin’s Fractional Quantum Hall effect theory. One such uncontrolled approximation is the class of theories put forward by Ginzburg and Landau. Of course the idea of coarse graining comes from a long tradition based on work by Euler, Navier, Stokes, Curie, Weiss, Lennard–Jones, Devonshire and many others. In this note I will make some comments on the application of Ginzburg–Landau (GL) theory to the properties of the high Tc superconductors at the phenomenological level. Starting with the work of Abrikosov, the GL description of superconductivity (and before that the London description) was central to the understanding of the reaction of superconductors to applied magnetic fields. This (and similar work in liquid 4He) led to the idea of flux quantization and eventually to the description of the thermodynamics and kinetics of superconductors in terms of vortex degrees of freedom. In conventional superconductors, the Abrikosov theory leads to the kinetic properties associated with the thermally activated movement of vortices which is restricted by pinning centers. In three-dimensional superconductors at low temperatures the vortices are very slow to equilibrate owing to their macroscopic character. In thin films, however, the creation of vortex– antivortex pairs costs energy on the order of a few KBT, so that the vortices behave as true thermo-
On type I error rates in the analysis of unreplicated 23‐factorials

Unreplicated factorial and fractional factorials at two levels of each factor are common designs in many research endeavours. However, analysis methods which work well for large numbers of factors may be difficult to apply and interpret when the number of factors is as small as 3. Various popular methods of analysis of 2 3 -factorials are reviewed with special attention to the assumptions made, both explicitly and implicitly, in the course of the analysis, as well as the control (or lack thereof) that each maintains on the type I error rate. A result is presented based on randomization theory which indicates that a type I error rate of as much as 0.20 may be implicit in the analysis of 2 3 -factorials when knowledge regarding the distribution and variance of random errors is lacking.
Relation of thyroid status to nitrogen excretion following exposure to thermal radiation.

SummaryProtein catabolism in the post-burn state appears to be closely related to thyroid status. The post-burn nitrogen excretion of euthyroid rats approached that of hyperthyroid animals, whereas nitrogen catabolism of hypothyroid rats was practically unchanged.