cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Near-infrared spectroscopic characterization of pharmaceutical powder blends

Near-infrared (near-IR) spectroscopy was used to qualitatively assess the homogeneity of a typical direct compression pharmaceutical powder blend consisting of hydrochlorothiazide, fast-flo lactose, croscarmellose sodium, and magnesium stearate. Near-IR diffuse reflectance spectra were collected from thieved powder samples using a grating-based spectrometer. A second-derivative calculation and principal component analysis were performed on the spectra prior to qualitative evaluation. Blend homogeneity was determined using single- and multiple-sample bootstrap algorithms and traditional chi-square analysis. The results suggested that bootstrap techniques provided greater sensitivity for assessing blend homogeneity than chi-square calculations and that near-IR has great potential as an analytical tool in powder blend analysis.
Fibronectin fragments induce the expression of stromelysin-1 mRNA and protein in bovine chondrocytes in monolayer culture

Addition of proteolytically generated fibronectin fragments (Fn-f) to cultured cartilage tissue causes greatly enhanced release of metalloproteinases (MMPs), such as pro-stromelysin-1 (proSln-1), and suppression of proteoglycan (PG) synthesis, through release of catabolic cytokines, while native fibronectin is ineffective. We have investigated whether enhanced release of proSln-1 was due to up-regulation of pro-Sln-1 mRNA. We report the addition of a 29-kDa (amino-terminal heparin-binding Fn-f) or a 140-kDa (central cell-binding Fn-f) to bovine chondrocytes in monolayer culture causes a dose dependent increase in the expression of pro-Sln-1 mRNA and the greatly enhanced release of pro-Sln-1 protein into the culture media. Up to 700 nM pro-Sln-1 was found in the conditioned media and metabolic labeling showed that it constituted a major portion of newly synthesized protein. A potential activator of pro-Sln-1, urokinase (u-PA), was released at elevated levels in the presence of the Fn-f while other activators, tissue plasminogen activator (t-PA) and plasmin activities were not detected. Addition of these activators to conditioned media did not allow conversion of pro-Sln-1 to active Sln-1. However, aminophenyl mercuric acid activated pro-Sln-1 to a 48-kDa Sln-1 form capable of degrading PG when added to cartilage suspensions. Gelatinase A mRNA was also enhanced, suggesting that the Fn-f may induce MMPs in general. However, the major regulator of Sln-1 activity, tissue inhibitor of MMPs form 1 (TIMP-1), was not induced at the gene level. Thus, a major effect of Fn-f on chondrocytes is to up-regulate pro-Sln-1 expression at the gene level, resulting in pro-Sln-1 as a major protein product.
Non-parametric bounds on quantiles under monotonicity assumptions: with an application to the Italian education returns

Within the inferential context of predicting a distribution of potential outcomes P[y(t)] under a uniform treatment assignment t ∈ T, this paper deals with partial identification of the α-quantile of the distribution of interest Qα[y(t)] under relatively weak and credible monotonicity-type assumptions on the individual response functions and the population selection process. On the theoretical side, the paper adds to the existing results on non-parametric bounds on quantiles with no prior information and under monotone treatment response (MTR) by introducing and studying the identifying properties of α-quantile monotone treatment selection (α-QMTS), α-quantile monotone instrumental variables (α-QMIV) and their combinations. The main result parallels that for the mean; MTR and α-QMTS aid identification in a complementary fashion, so that combining them greatly increases identification power. The theoretical results are illustrated through an empirical application on the Italian returns to educational qualifications. Bounds on several quantiles of ln(wage) under different qualifications and on quantile treatments effects (QTE) are estimated and compared with parametric quantile regression (α-QR) and α-IVQR estimates from the same sample. Remarkably, the α-QMTS & MTR upper bounds on the α-QTE of a college degree versus elementary education imply smaller year-by-year returns than the corresponding α-IVQR point estimates. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Children and mothers drawing together: Encountering graphic conventions during social interactions

A recent graphic schemas account of drawing development that emphasizes the appropriation of graphic conventions has provided an alternative to constructivist theories, which have viewed development as a progression through universal stages. The present study addresses the limitations of this account by investigating younger children than have usually been studied, and by examining specific behaviours that may contribute to the appropriation of drawing conventions during mother‐child social interaction. Toddlers and their mothers participated in an open-ended drawing task and a structured copying task. Mothers also completed a questionnaire regarding their beliefs about drawing. Variations in dyadic interactions were related to children’s ages, task constraints, and maternal beliefs about drawing development. For example, older children and their mothers used semantics-related speech to a greater extent than younger children and their mothers. Some behaviours were more prevalent during the open-ended task (maternal assistance), and others were more prevalent during the structured task (e.g. maternal demonstrations). Several maternal behaviours also varied according to mothers’ beliefs about drawing development. Two main issues have consumed many researchers of children’s drawings: uncovering mechanisms of change and explaining how external, graphic representations are related to internal representations in the child’s mind. Undeniably the most commonly accepted explanation of children’s acquisition of graphic ability has been a class of constructivist stage theories (Eng, 1954; Freeman, 1972; Piaget & Inhelder, 1956). This stage approach has typically been used to explain change in graphic skills in general, although some researchers have focused on particular types of drawing, such as production of images of three-dimensional objects (Mitchelmore, 1978; Toomela, 1999; Willats, 1977). Children are said to progress through a series of stages without much input from others. Typifying this view, Arnheim (1974) noted that – ‘ ::: visual form, when permitted to grow undisturbed moves from stage to
Use of HbA1C testing to diagnose pre-diabetes in high risk African American children: A comparison with fasting glucose and HOMA-IR

Abstract Objective This study aimed to compare the discriminating power of HbA 1C with other pre-diabetes diagnostic tests specifically in high-risk African American children. Research design and methods A cross-sectional analysis was performed on a sample of 172 children (70 boys and 102 girls) aged 9–11 years with BMI's above the 85th percentile. Fasting glucose, insulin and HbA 1C were analyzed from the plasma samples. Results Of the 172 participants included in this analysis, 21 (12.2%) had HbA 1C concentrations above the cutoff of 5.7 used to identify pre-diabetes. None (0%) of these 21 participants, however, were observed to have a glucose concentration above the pre-diabetes cutoff of 110 mg/dl, and only 13 of 21 participants had HOMA-IR above the pre-diabetes cutoff of 2.5. When compared to the previously identified glucose cutoff of 110 mg/dl and HOMA-IR cutoff of 2.5 for pre-diabetes, HbA 1C showed high specificity (88 and 93%, respectively) but very low sensitivity (0 and 21%, respectively). Glucose, insulin and HOMA-IR were significantly interrelated, but HbA 1C was not significantly correlated with these biochemical prediabetes assessment variables, nor with anthropometric (BMIz, WC) risk factors. Conclusion Our results suggest that HbA 1C had poor discrimination power to identify prediabetes in overweight and obese 9- to 11-year-old African American children. Future studies are recommended to compare the feasibility, sensitivity and predictive power of different screening tests currently recommended to avoid inadequacy when screening for prediabetes and diabetes.
Water conduction through the hydrophobic channel of a carbon nanotube

Confinement of matter on the nanometre scale can induce phase transitions not seen in bulk systems1. In the case of water, so-called drying transitions occur on this scale2,3,4,5 as a result of strong hydrogen-bonding between water molecules, which can cause the liquid to recede from nonpolar surfaces to form a vapour layer separating the bulk phase from the surface6. Here we report molecular dynamics simulations showing spontaneous and continuous filling of a nonpolar carbon nanotube with a one-dimensionally ordered chain of water molecules. Although the molecules forming the chain are in chemical and thermal equilibrium with the surrounding bath, we observe pulse-like transmission of water through the nanotube. These transmission bursts result from the tight hydrogen-bonding network inside the tube, which ensures that density fluctuations in the surrounding bath lead to concerted and rapid motion along the tube axis7,8,9. We also find that a minute reduction in the attraction between the tube wall and water dramatically affects pore hydration, leading to sharp, two-state transitions between empty and filled states on a nanosecond timescale. These observations suggest that carbon nanotubes, with their rigid nonpolar structures10,11, might be exploited as unique molecular channels for water and protons, with the channel occupancy and conductivity tunable by changes in the local channel polarity and solvent conditions.
Association Between Ambient Levels of Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons and Small for Gestational Age Hispanic Infants Born Along the United States-Mexico Border.

Few studies have examined associations between polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and birth outcomes, and no studies have been conducted in El Paso County Texas, along the United States-Mexico border. Infants born from 2005–2007 to Hispanic mothers with a birth weight less than the 10th percentile for gestational age and sex were classified as small for gestational age (SGA). PAH exposures were estimated for the entire period of gestation and for each trimester of pregnancy using ambient air monitoring data from 2004–2007. Logistic regression was used to estimate odds ratios for the association between PAH levels and SGA infants. There was marked seasonal variation in the carcinogenic PAHs. Established risk factors for SGA were observed to be associated with SGA births in this population. No associations were detected between PAH levels and SGA births. These findings provide no evidence of an association between PAHs and SGA infants.
Nasolabial flap for nasal tip reconstruction.

Background:The nasolabial flap is a pedicled flap with a wide description and application for use in lateral nasal wall, ala, columella, and intraoral reconstruction. It is a versatile flap that is well tolerated by the patient, with very acceptable donor-site scars. The soft and spongy nature of th
3-D Robotic Positioning Utilizing Holographic Interferometry

We propose a new technique for robotic positioning and calibration which utilizes holographic imaging and interferometry to avoid the disadvantages associated with conventional techniques. This technique allows both gross and fine positioning of robotic devices in space and is useful in situations where it is necessary to repeatably position a moving device to a specific location. Gross positioning is accomplished by matching the robotic device to a holographic virtual image, using a computer vision system to overlap key features of the robotic device on their holographically imaged counterparts. The use of holographic images is an advantage because the robot cannot obscure them from view or collide with them. Fine positioning is achieved to better than one-micron accuracy by utilizing the interference fringes that result when the robotic device and the holographic image are aligned to within about 50 microns of each other. Elimination of the fringes indicates exact coincidence between the robot and its holographic counterpart. A computer vision system was utilized to automate the entire positioning procedure. Theory, algorithms, and experimental implementation are described.
Space lidars and Interplanetary Laser Ranging and Communication Experiments Performed by NASA GSFC

NASA Goddard Space Flight Center (GSFC) has developed a series of space lidar and successfully mapped Mars, Earth, Mercury and Moon. Interplanetary laser ranging and communications were also conducted from Earth to these space lidar.
Sex and Affective Determinants of Lecture Content Retention.

Numerous studies have shown that Ss are able to identify emotions from the vocal cues provided by teachers and lecturers, but little is known about the effects of emotional presentation on the performance of intellecual tasks. Izard (1964), for example, found that Ss earned higher scores on a variecy of intellectual tasks when an experimental accomplice played her role with positive affect. The present study employed a more comprehensive design to examine the relationship between affect, sex of speaker, and sex of S on the retention of lecture material. Ss (47 male, 46 female) were drawn from introductory psychology classes at the University of Nevada, Reno. The lecture material consisted of a 1700-word encyclopedia entry dealing with the history of the country of Zanzibar. Each S listened to a tape-recorded lecture delivered by either a male or a female speaker. In addition, each speaker portrayed one of three moods: anger, depression, or elation. At the conclusion of the lecture Ss took a sentence completion examination of 32 items. Total item recall scores were analyzed in a 2 x 2 x 3 analysis of variance (Male speaker vs Female speaker X Male Ss vs Female Ss x Anger vs Elation vs Depression). One significant main effect was obtained; male Ss recalled more items than female Ss (F = 4.81, df = 1/84, p < .O5). Male speakers were also associated with somewhat higher recall scores than female speakers, but this finding was not significant (p < .12). The main effect for Mood and all four interactions were nonsignificant. That male Ss remember more items than female Ss is consistent with previous research into sex differences (Goldhaber & Weaver, 1968). However, the generalizabilicy of this finding may be limited by the content of the present lecture. Milton (1957, 1959), for example, has shown that sex-appropriate stimulus materials facilitate problem solving for female Ss, a finding which may explain these results. Further smdies which examine the sex-appropriateness of lecmre content on recall scores of male and female Ss appear to be in order.
Two Examples of Computer-Based Learning on Personal Computers.

AbstractTwo examples of computer-based learning are presented. The first is concerned with scientific literary and the second with helping students to improve their formal reasoning skills. Module structures and instructional strategies are described.
Collection efficiency of a spectrograph for distributed sources.

An analytical method and associated algorithms for calculating the collection efficiency of a spectrograph for distributed sources are presented. The method is useful for optimization studies and for estimating calibration parameters without resorting to Monte Carlo or other sophisticated radiation transport methods.
Atmospheric influence on Arctic marginal ice zone position and width in the Atlantic sector, February–April 1979–2010

Arctic marginal ice zone (MIZ) widths in the Atlantic sector were measured during the months of maximum sea ice extent (February–April) for years 1979–2010 using a novel method based on objective curves through idealized sea ice concentration fields that satisfied Laplace’s equation. Over the record, the Labrador Sea MIZ (MIZL) had an average width of 122 km and narrowed by 28 % while moving 254 km poleward, the Greenland Sea MIZ (MIZG) had an average width of 98 km and narrowed by 43 % while moving 158 km west toward the Greenland coast, and the Barents Sea MIZ (MIZB) had an average width of 136 km and moved 259 km east toward the Eurasian coast without a trend in width. Trends in MIZ position and width were consistent with a warming Arctic and decreasing sea ice concentrations over the record. Beyond the trends, NAO-like atmospheric patterns influenced interannual variability in MIZ position and width: MIZL widened and moved southeast under anomalously strong northerly flow conducive to advection of sea ice into the Labrador Sea, MIZG widened and moved northeast under anomalously weak northerly flow conducive to diminishing the westward component of sea ice drift, and MIZB widened and moved poleward at the expense of pack ice under anomalously strong southwesterly flow conducive to enhancing oceanic heat flux into the Barents Sea. In addition, meridional flow anomalies associated with the NAO per se moved MIZB east and west by modulating sea ice concentration over the Barents Sea.
A political economy of sub-national government spending in India

Research on state government spending in India shows that difference in political cohesiveness of the ruling political entity affects its spending choices. However, the evidence is not completely conclusive and there is a lack of a theoretical model backing the analysis. Also, economists and political scientists seem to prefer different econometric methods. To address these issues, I build a theoretical model of state government spending and test the resulting predictions using different econometric approaches thereby lending robustness to results. Based on the data for 17 Indian states over 20 years, I find that politically less cohesive governments spend more on education and less on agriculture than their more cohesive counterparts. There is some evidence on electoral cycles in health expenditure and a BJP or a Congress government means reduced social expenditure. Further, the lower are the credit constraints, as measured by higher credit deposit ratio, the lower is the probability of having a coalition government.
Iloperidone, Asenapine, and Lurasidone: A Brief Overview of 3 New Second-Generation Antipsychotics

Three new second-generation antipsychotics were approved by the US Food and Drug Administration in 2009 and 2010: iloperidone, asenapine, and lurasidone. All 3 agents are approved for the treatment of acute schizophrenia in adults, and asenapine is also approved for the maintenance treatment of schizophrenia and as a monotherapy or as an adjunct to lithium or valproate for the treatment of bipolar manic or mixed episodes. The expectation is that these new agents will be less problematic regarding treatment-emergent weight gain and metabolic disturbances, which unfortunately can occur with several other second-generation antipsychotics. Asenapine is a sublingual preparation, in contrast to iloperidone and lurasidone, which are swallowed. Iloperidone and asenapine are dosed twice daily, in contrast to lurasidone, which is dosed once daily with food. Both asenapine and lurasidone can be initiated at a dose that is possibly therapeutic, but iloperidone requires 4 days of titration to reach its recommended target dose range. Although both asenapine and lurasidone can be associated with dose-related treatment-emergent akathisia, iloperidone is essentially free of extrapyramidal adverse effects or akathisia throughout its recommended dose range. Sedation and/or somnolence have been reported with each medication. They are the most common adverse events associated with asenapine treatment, and are clearly dose-related for lurasidone. In contrast, no therapeutic dose response for iloperidone, asenapine, or lurasidone is clearly evident from short-term clinical trials. Longer-term and naturalistic studies will be helpful in evaluating these agents and their role in the psychiatric armamentarium.
Studies of Two-Center Three-Electron S∴S Bonds in [n-Pr2S∴Sn-Pr2]+ and [i-Pr2S∴Si-Pr2]+: Thermochemistry of Adduct Formation and MS/MS Metastable and Collision-Induced Dissociation Spectra of the Adducts

Gas-phase ion−molecule association reactions of n-propyl sulfide radical cation ([n-Pr2S]+) with n-propyl sulfide (n-Pr2S) were studied by equilibrium methods in CO2 bath gas to investigate the bond energy of the 2c-3e bond. The 2c-3e S∴S bond enthalpy in [n-Pr2S∴Sn-Pr2]+ was determined to be 119 kJ/mol at 507 K. This results in a scaled S∴S bond energy of 123 kJ/mol. The S∴S bond enthalpy in the i-propyl sulfide dimer cation ([i-Pr2S∴Si-Pr2]+) could not be determined due to a fragmentation reaction, the loss of an i-propyl group. MS/MS metastable and collision-induced dissociation experiments were carried out to determine metastable fragmentation pathways and to aid in structure analysis. The results are consistent with association products containing 2c-3e bonds; statistical unimolecular metastable fragmentation of the association adduct, [i-Pr2S∴Si-Pr2]+, confirms the loss of the i-propyl group, which prevented the equilibrium experiments.
The fracture toughness of slip-cast fused silica

Abstract The plane strain fracture toughness, K IC , of slip-cast fused silica was determined by means of the ASTM three-point bend specimen. This material is an optically opaque, amorphous ceramic used as a radome material in the missile industry. Its brittleness leads to surface pitting and cratering due to rain impact. A procedure was developed for making a sharp crack in each fracture specimen. A second series of fracture tests, in which the specimens were pre-soaked in a selected fluid known as Almag oil, illustrated the feasibility of increasing K IC , and thus the material's resistance to rain erosion, through impregnation.
Electronic and Nuclear Polarization in Vanadium by Slow Neutron Scattering

S>The magnetization induced in a singie crystal of pure vanadium when a magnetic field is applied was studied by means of polarized neutron scattering to identity the particular electron group that is polarized. Vanadium exhibits a weak paramagnetic susceptibility that is essentially temperature independent, and, in assessing the temperature independence of the electronic polarization, additional scattering effects associated with nuclear polarization were encountered at temperatures below 15 un. Concent 85% K. (C.E.S.)
Long term outcome following repeat transsphenoidal surgery for recurrent endocrine-inactive pituitary adenomas

It is widely accepted that the standard first-line treatment for most endocrine inactive pituitary macroadenomas (EIA) is surgery, usually via a transsphenoidal approach. What is less clear is what approach to take when these tumors recur, especially when this recurrence involves areas which are difficult to surgically remove tumor from, such as the suprasellar region or cavernous sinuses. We present long term follow-up for a series of 81 patients who underwent repeat surgery for recurrent non-secreting pituitary adenomas. We analyzed data collected from all adult patients undergoing their second microsurgical transsphenoidal resection of a histologically proven endocrine-inactive pituitary adenoma at the University of California at San Francisco between January 1970 and March 2001. Data for these patients were collected by review of medical records, mail, and/or telephone interviews. Visual function, anterior pituitary function, and tumor control rates were analyzed for the series. Records were available for a total of 81 recurrent EIA patients. The median time between their initial and repeat operations was 4.1 years. The mean tumor size was 2.2 ± 0.2 cm. A total of 35/81 patients had greater than 5 years of follow-up. A total of 24/81 patients had greater than 10 years of follow-up. Over one half of these patients presented with visual disturbance, and we found that 39% of these patients experienced improved vision with a second surgery. More importantly, no one with normal vision suffered any appreciable decline in vision. Approximately, 35% of patients with pre-operative anterior pituitary dysfunction recovered function after surgery in our series; and no patient’s function worsened. A total of 4/52 (8%) patients with greater than 2 years of post-op follow-up experienced a clinically meaningful tumor recurrence requiring additional treatment. Our data suggest that when performed by experienced transsphenoidal surgeons, durable tumor control can be obtained in these frequently locally aggressive tumors with acceptable rates of post-operative morbidity.
Fluorescein: a complete antigenic group.

Abstract IgG antibodies to fluorescyl conjugated porcine gamma globulin, poly- l -lysine and poly- l -tyrosine were assayed for their ligand binding properties with ϵ-fluorescyl- l -lysine and 0-fluorescyl- l -tyrosine. It was determined that the amino acid enrichment of the ligand, to simulate carrier conjugation, had minimal effect on ligand binding. The mol. wt and water displacement volumes of fluorescein were compared to other ligands, considered optimum inhibitors. Structural arguments are considered concerning the ability of an antigenic group to fill an antibody active site. Based on several proposed criteria, fluorescein was judged to approximate a complete antigenic group.
Assessing the utility of consumer surveys for improving the quality of behavioral health care services.

The development and implementation of provider performance and consumer outcome measures for behavioral health care have been growing over the last decade, presumably because they are useful tools for improving service quality. However, the extent to which providers have successfully used performance measurement results has not been adequately determined. To this end, two methods were used to better understand the use of data obtained from an annual survey of behavioral health care consumers: a cross-sectional survey of executive directors, clinical program directors, and quality improvement directors and follow-up interviews with a subsample of survey respondents. Results revealed information about the use of consumer survey data, factors that facilitate and hinder the use of results, as well as respondents’ opinions about consumer survey administration procedures. These findings provide valuable information for the application of performance measures and, ultimately, improving consumer outcomes.
Space and time resolved emission of hard X-rays from a plasma focus

The X-ray emission from focused plasmas was observed with an image converter camera in the streak and framing modes. Use of a very high gain image intensifier enabled weak hard X-ray emission (above 25 keV) to be recorded. The use of an admixture of higher atomic number into the deuterium was avoided, and the role of the vapor from the anode surface could be discerned. The recorded bremsstrahlung emission seemed to be from a metallic plasma of copper released from the anode surface by bombardment from an intense electron beam. The intensity of emission was determined by the density of copper and the density and energy of the electron beam. The main emission recorded occurred several 100 nsec after the focus was over, which implies that the electric fields driving the beam existed for this duration. It is suggested that the fields were created by annihilation of magnetic flux for a time much longer than the focus duration.
JAM—just another microsequencer

JAM (Just Another Microsequencer) is a flexible - dual role microcode sequencer. It supports high performance N-Way microsequencing operations (traditional 360/370 type branch address generation techniques), along with more traditional (a la AMD 2910) sequencing control over “structured” microcode. A unique feature of the chip is that the degree of parallel branching can be changed dynamically. That is, the chip can be reconfigured to support 2-way, 4-way, … up to 256-way branching on a 14 bit Control Store address.There are 16 microsequencing operations supported including: Next Sequential Control Store AddressN-Way Branch, N-Way Call and N-Way Return (Including several submodes)Conditional Branch, Conditional Call and Conditional ReturnLoop ControlAn on-chip stack provides micro-routine nesting up to 8 levels deep. The stack is also used for looping and a special conditional branching mechanism. The chip has been designed and fabricated using 4 micron NMOS technology and has a cycle time of under 100 nanoseconds.
Measurement of the cascade time of ∑− in liquid helium

Abstract In a study of ∑ − π + production by stopped K − in liquid helium, (19 ± 6)% of stopped ∑ − were observed to decay. This corresponds to a “cascade time” of 28 ± 8 psec.
On Optimal File Distribution in Practical Mesh-Based Overlay Networks

Distributing large video files or operating system images over the Internet requires file servers with high bandwidth and large storage capacity. Overlay networks, including content distribution networks (CDN) and peer-to-peer (P2P) systems, are promising network models for large file distributions. Both CDN and P2P leverage bandwidth and storage resources between content distribution servers and individual nodes, so that they can scale to a larger number of nodes easily. Previous work on large file distribution mainly focused on minimizing the distribution time of a fully connected overlay network. In a fully connected overlay network, each individual node is connected to every other node in the network. However, most practical CDN and P2P systems are based on a partially connected mesh topology, where nodes are typically connected to a subset of other nodes. In this paper, the distribution time of practical mesh-based overlay systems is analyzed and a lower bound on the file distribution time is established. Our algorithms consist of two steps. First, we decompose the mesh network into multiple spanning trees so that the load on each node is balanced. We show that the construction of balanced spanning trees is NP-complete and propose a few heuristics to tackle it. The second step, we derive the optimal system distribution time based on the multiple spanning tree topology, node bandwidths and file size. In this step, an optimal file segmentation algorithm is developed, in which a file is divided into unequal-sized pieces and allocated to individual nodes based on the available bandwidth. We validate our theoretical analysis via experiments and investigate how system design parameters, such as node churning and implementation complexity, affect system distribution time.
N-thiolated β-lactam antibacterials : Effects of the N-organothio substituent on anti-MRSA activity

Abstract A study on the structure–activity profiles of N -thiolated β-lactams 1 is reported which demonstrates the importance of the N -organothio moiety on antibacterial activity. Our results indicate that elongation of the N -alkylthio residue beyond two carbons, or extensive branching within the organothio substituent, diminishes antibacterial effects. Of the derivatives we examined, the N-sec -butylthio β-lactam derivative 5g possesses the strongest growth inhibitory activity against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus strains. Sulfur oxidation state is important, as the N -sulfenyl and N -sulfinyl groups provide for the best antibacterial activity, while lactams bearing the N -sulfonyl or N -sulfonic acid functionalities have much weaker or no anti-MRSA properties. Stereochemistry within the organothio chain does not seem to be a significant factor, although for N-sec -butylthio β-lactams 15a – d , the 3 R ,4 S -lactams 15c , d are more active than the 3 S ,4 R -stereoisomers 15a , b in agar diffusion experiments. The N -methylthio lactams are the most sensitive to the presence of glutathione, followed by N -ethylthio and N - sec -butylthio lactams, which indicates that bioactivity and perhaps bacterial selectivity of the lactams may be related to the amount of organothiols in the bacterial cell. These results support the empirical model for the mechanism of action of the compounds in which the lactam transverses the bacterial membrane to deliver the organothio moiety to its cellular target.
A Method for Benchmarking Product Family Design Alternatives

Today’s companies are pressured to develop platform-based product families to increase variety while keeping production costs low. Determining why a platform works, and alternatively why it does not, is an important step in the successful implementation of product families and product platforms in any industry. Internal and competitive benchmarking is essential to obtain knowledge of how successful product families are implemented, thus avoiding potential pitfalls of a poor product platform design strategy. While the two fields of product family design and benchmarking have been growing rapidly lately, we have found few tools that combine the two for product family benchmarking. To address this emerging need, we introduce the Product Family Benchmarking Method (PFBenchmark ) to assess product family design alternatives (PFDAs) based on commonality/variety tradeoff and cost analysis. The proposed method utilizes the Comprehensive Metric for Commonality developed in previous work to assess the level of commonality and variety in each PFDA, as well as the corresponding manufacturing cost. The method compares not only (1) existing PFDAs but also (2) the potential cost savings and commonality/variety improvement after redesign using two plots — the Commonality/Variety Plot and the Cost Plot — enabling more effective comparisons across PFDAs. An example of benchmarking two families of valves is presented to demonstrate the proposed method.
Single-stranded DNA-binding Complex Involved in Transcriptional Regulation of Mouse μ-Opioid Receptor Gene

Abstract Previously, we reported the presence of dual (distal and proximal) promoters in mouse μ-opioid receptor (mor) gene, with mor transcription in mouse brain predominantly initiated by the proximal promoter. Sp factors, bound to double-stranded (ds) cis-regulatory elements, are critical for proximal promoter activity. Here, we further report that a single-stranded (ss) cis-regulatory element and trans-acting protein factor are also important for proximal promoter activity. A 26-bp morpolypyrimidine/polypurine region (PPy/u) can adopt ss DNA conformation, as demonstrated by S1 nuclease sensitivity. Using electrophoretic mobility shift analysis with nuclear extracts frommor-expressing SH-SY5Y cells, we demonstrate that the sense strand of PPy/u interacts with a major nuclear protein, termedmor polypyrimidine-binding protein (mPy), which is not related to Sp factors. Southwestern blot analysis indicated that mPy protein is ∼25 kDa in size. Functional analysis suggests that mPy protein can trans-activate mor promoter as well as a heterologous promoter. Moreover, combinatorial activation of ss (mPy) and ds (Sps) DNA binding factors, interacting with an overlapping DNA (PPy/u) region, is necessary for proximal promoter activation. Thus our results suggest that transcription of mouse mor gene is regulated by an interplay of ss and ds DNA binding factors.
On semigroups of endomorphisms of biregular algebras

Let A be a finite dimensional algebra over a field F. Let R and S be biregular algebras over F such that 1R ∈ R and 1S ∈ S. We show that if R/P≃A≃ S/M for each primitive ideal P in A and each primitive ideal M in S then End FR≃ End S implies R≃S.
Modulation of desmin intermediate filament assembly by a monoclonal antibody.

We have used a monoclonal antibody against desmin to examine the assembly of intermediate filaments (IF) from their building blocks, the tetrameric protofilaments. The antibody, designated D76, does not cross react with any other IF proteins (Danto, S.I., and D.A. Fischman. 1984. J. Cell Biol. 98:2179-2191). It binds to a region amino-terminal to cys-324 of avian desmin that is resistant to chymotrypsin and trypsin digestion, and in the electron microscope appears to bind to the ends of tetrameric protofilaments. In combination, these findings suggest that the epitope of the antibody resides at the amino-terminal end of the alpha-helical rod domain. Preincubation of desmin protofilaments with an excess of D76 antibodies blocks their subsequent assembly into IF. In the presence of sub-stoichiometric amounts of antibodies, IF are assembled from protofilaments but they are morphologically aberrant in that (a) they are capped by IgG molecules at one or both ends; (b) they are unraveled to varying degree, revealing a characteristic right-handed helical arrangement of sub-filamentous strands of different diameters. The antibody binds only to the ends but not along the length of desmin IF. The most straightforward explanation for this is that the epitope resides in a part of the desmin molecule that becomes buried within the core of the filament upon polymerization and is therefore inaccessible to the antibody.
Imaginary Travels in Post- Socialist Mongolia

Until recently, when the Mongols have appeared in the world’s literature, they have usually appeared in the persons of chinggis Khaan or Khubilai, or as ‘Mongolian hordes’. Some recent writings are unlike earlier works of the twentieth century, regardless of the political orientation and situation of the writers. In this paper I examine three works published between 1992 and 2003 that exemplify radically different instances of that difference: Mongolski bedeker by Serbian novelist Svetislav Basara; Paměť moji babicce by czech author Petra Hůlova; and Mongolia by the Brazilian writer Bernardo carvalho. With the certainties and stereotypes of the past discarded in these novels, contemporary Mongolia provides the setting for the authors’ encounters with the strangeness of the world at the turn of the millennium.
Ecology of testate amoebae (thecamoebians) in subtropical Florida lakes

Fifty-seven surface sediment samples from 35 Florida lakes were collected to study testate amoebae. Seven genera, 17 species, and 28 strains were identified in the 46 sediment samples from 31 lakes that contained testate rhizopods. Seven species accounted for C90% of the individuals in all samples. Sediment total phosphorus (TPsed), organic matter (OM), and total carbon:total nitrogen ratio (TC:TN) were measured to assess the effect of these variables on thecamoebian assemblages. OM content was the only sediment variable that influenced presence/ absence of thecamoebians. Samples with \5% OM contained no thecamoebians. Lakes with multiple surface sediment samples showed high Morisita-Horn similarity values (0.74-0.99), indicating that all sites at which samples were collected in a lake pro- vided representative thecamoebian assemblages. No relationship was observed between thecamoebian diversity indices and sediment variables. Lake trophic state and pH were examined to explore potential water column influences on thecamoebian communities. Highest thecamoebian diversity indices were found in mesotrophic to eutrophic lakes with pH near 8.0. These results suggest that water column conditions have a greater influence on thecamoebian assem- blages than do sediment variables. We used multivariate analysis to evaluate the relations between water quality variables and testate rhizopod assem- blages. Canonical correspondence analysis (CCA) showed that alkalinity and pH are the water column variables that most influence the relative abundance of species. Thecamoebians thus hold promise as bioin- dicators of acidification in Florida lakes. Thecamoe- bian remains in lake sediment cores should be useful to infer past anthropogenic shifts in lake pH.
Stability of Cytochrome P-450 Enzyme and the Dehalogenation Activity in Resting Cultures of Pseudomonas putida PpG 786

The activity of resting cultures of P. putida PpG 786 for dehalogenating trace levels of the substrate 1,2-dibromo-3-chloropropane (DBCP) was examined as a function of the intracellular concentration of the enzyme cytochrome P-450cam monooxygenase. The stability of both the intracellular enzyme concentration and dehalogenation activity were shown to decline when the resting cultures were aged up to 48 hours at room temperature. Activity was retained when the cultures were aged to 48 hours at refrigeration temperatures. Dehalogenation activity did not correlate as well with cell viability as with enzyme concentration. DBCP toxicity toward the bacteria was present over the entire substrate concentration range that was investigated, and at about one millimolar initial DBCP concentration, dehalogenation activity was almost completely lost.
Teacher as Researcher: Teacher Action Research in Teacher Education.

As an early childhood teacher-researcher, I sought to improve my practice by documenting the learning that was happening in my classroom and by posing and pursuing questions that would lead to posi...
Clinical research during a public health emergency: a systematic review of severe pandemic influenza management.

Objective Rigorous evaluation of clinical interventions in the setting of a public health emergency is necessary to identify best practices, to develop clinical management guidelines, and to inform resource allocation. The 2009 influenza A (H1N1) pandemic necessitated care of critically ill patients around the world. To inform the World Health Organization Public Health Research Agenda for Influenza, we conducted a systematic review to identify clinical interventions other than antiviral therapies that would benefit severely ill 2009 H1N1 influenza patients (adults and children) in both high- and low-resource settings. Data sources PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane Central Register of Clinical Trials, and Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews; hand search of abstracts from six professional society annual conferences and bibliographies of clinical review articles; and personal communication with leaders in the field. Study selection English language; human studies; citations added to databases from January 1, 2009 (Cochrane databases) or March 15, 2009 (PubMed and EMBASE) through January 31, 2012; randomized controlled trials, prospective cohort studies, or systematic reviews/meta-analyses of non-antiviral clinical interventions in hospitalized 2009 influenza A (H1N1) patients. Data extraction The search identified 2,452 articles. Thirty-six potentially relevant articles were read. Seven articles met criteria. All were observational studies. Data synthesis One study found benefit of convalescent plasma infusion, three studies found no benefit of corticosteroids, and three studies had mixed results on the benefit of extracorporeal lung support. No study was applicable to health care delivery in low-resource settings. Conclusions There is a paucity of high quality clinical research to inform clinical care of severe H1N1 influenza, and we found no beneficial interventions appropriate for low-resource settings. This may be due to the logistical difficulties of conducting clinical research in response to a public health emergency. Our investigation underscores the need for the development of outbreak-ready research capacity in both high- and low-resource settings.
Evidence for "publication Bias" Concerning Global Warming in Science and Nature

The climate research community believes that published findings on global warming will have an equal probability of raising or lowering forecasts of climate change and its impact. This is a testable hypothesis based upon the recent literature and the assumption that extant forecasts are themselves unbiased. A survey of Science and Nature demonstrates that the likelihood that recent literature is not biased in a positive or negative direction is less than one in 5.2 × 10-16. This has considerable implications for the popular perception of global warming science, for the nature of "compendia" of climate change research, such as the reports of the United Nations' Intergovernmental Panel on Climate change, and for the political process that uses those compendia as the basis for policy.
Extensive Ex Vivo Expansion of Functional Human Erythroid Precursors Established From Umbilical Cord Blood Cells by Defined Factors

There is a constant shortage of red blood cells (RBCs) from sufficiently matched donors for patients who need chronic transfusion. Ex vivo expansion and maturation of human erythroid precursors (erythroblasts) from the patients or optimally matched donors could represent a potential solution. Proliferating erythroblasts can be expanded from umbilical cord blood mononuclear cells (CB MNCs) ex vivo for 106–107-fold (in ~50 days) before proliferation arrest and reaching sufficient number for broad application. Here, we report that ectopic expression of three genetic factors (Sox2, c-Myc, and an shRNA against TP53 gene) associated with iPSC derivation enables CB-derived erythroblasts to undergo extended expansion (~1068-fold in ~12 months) in a serum-free culture condition without change of cell identity or function. These expanding erythroblasts maintain immature erythroblast phenotypes and morphology, a normal diploid karyotype and dependence on a specific combination of growth factors for proliferation throughout expansion period. When being switched to a terminal differentiation condition, these immortalized erythroblasts gradually exit cell cycle, decrease cell size, accumulate hemoglobin, condense nuclei and eventually give rise to enucleated hemoglobin-containing erythrocytes that can bind and release oxygen. Our result may ultimately lead to an alternative approach to generate unlimited numbers of RBCs for personalized transfusion medicine.
Enhancement of morphine analgesia by tricyclic antidepressants.

Abstract Using a cat tail-flick analgetic testing procedure, enhancement of the antinociceptive action of morphine (0.25 mg/kg s.c.) was detected following pre-treatment (1 hour) with 10 mg/kg s.c. of either amitriptyline or nortriptyline. No analgesia was observed following s.c. administration of either antidepressant or saline alone. Both central (amine re-uptake blockade; anticholinergic) and peripheral (decreased hepatic biotransformation) actions of tricyclic antidepressants may have contributed to augmentation of morphine analgesia.
Reevaluating Marine Diets of Surf and White-Winged Scoters: Interspecific Differences and the Importance of Soft-Bodied Prey

Abstract Past studies of the marine diets of Surf Scoters (Melanitta perspicillata) and White-winged Scoters (M. fusca) have reported that they eat mostly bivalves, but deviations from well-established methods by most studies suggest that the importance of soft-bodied prey has been underestimated for both species. Methods needed to reduce bias in diet estimates include collecting birds that are feeding, immediately preserving gut contents, excluding gizzard contents, averaging food-item percentages across birds versus pooling gut contents for all birds, and using energy or ash-free dry mass versus wet mass values of foods. For Surf Scoters collected in northern Puget Sound, Washington during 2005–2006, adherence to the latter three methods alone resulted in the assessed bivalve component of diet declining by over half and a near doubling of soft-bodied prey (i.e., crustaceans, polychaetes). Diets of Surf Scoters differed among three heavily used bays with distinct benthic habitats, yet 67%–86% of the ash-...