cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The Role of Apical Dominance in Paradormancy of Temperate Woody Plants: A Reappraisal

Summary Paradormancy, also known as summer dormancy, is the temporary dormancy which precedes winter or endodormancy in temperate woody plants. Apical dominance, the control exerted by the shoot apex over the outgrowth of the lateral buds, is thought to play a primary role in the paradormancy of these current lateral buds which normally do not grow out until the following spring after over-wintering. In the present study, to test apical dominance, periodic decapitation and defoliation beginning with early spring flushing and extending through the growing season were carried out on eleven tree species (white ash, green ash, red oak, black walnut, pignut hickory, shagbark hickory, sweetgum, cottonwood, sugar maple, hybrid silver/red maple and white pine) ranging in age from 6 to 50–60 years. Significant decapitation and defoliation release of current lateral buds into growing branches was found only in silver/red hybrid maple and red oak, respectively. In a greenhouse study of 1-year-old sugar maple and green ash seedlings, a significant response was found only in the latter. The lack of response in most of the older species analyzed indicates that other inhibitory influences may be overriding that of apical dominance and suggests that apical dominance does not play the primary role in paradormancy in some temperate woody species.
Neuromuscular Performance in Normal and Anterior Cruciate Ligament-Deficient Lower Extremities

The neuromuscular function of the lower extremity in 40 normal and 100 anterior cruciate ligament-deficient volunteers was evaluated by physical examination, KT-1000 arthrometer measurements, isokinetic strength and endurance testing, subjective functional assessment, and an anterior tibial translation stress test. A specially designed apparatus delivered an anteriorly directed step force to the posterior aspect of the leg while anterior tibial translation was monitored and electromyographic signals were recorded at the medial and lateral quadriceps, medial and lateral hamstrings, and gastrocnemius muscles. Testing was done at 30 degrees of knee flexion with the foot fixed to a scale to monitor weightbearing, while the tibia remained unconstrained. Results indicate that muscle timing and recruitment order in response to anterior tibial translation are affected by anterior cruciate ligament injury. These alterations in muscle performance change with time from injury, correlate with an individual's physical activity level, affect subjective functional parameters, and are directly related to the degree of dynamic anterior tibial laxity seen with stress testing.
Assessing Strengths in Residential Treatment: Looking at the Whole Child

This article outlines the importance of assessing both within-child and environmental strengths for children and adolescents admitted to residential treatment facilities (RTFs). Discussed are the theoretical underpinnings behind strength-based assessment, as well as a number of organizations and initiatives that aim at raising the bar for children's care, creating a holistic viewpoint. Assessments such as the BASC-2, ASEBA, and Vineland-II are well-established measures that have moved to meet these demands, and measures like the BERS-2, RSCA, and DESSA have an overt strengths orientation. The CASA and the DCASC are omnibus strengths measures that can be utilized to fill the “intake gap.”
A landscape of shifting-mosaic steady state in Lassen Volcanic National Park, California

It is generally perceived that landscape patterns or textures in a given protected area are spatially stationary. The findings of this study suggest that this common perception is only partially correct. Over the course of 52 years, equilibrium in landscape shifting was detected using digital data for the Lassen Volcanic National Park (USA). Vertical aerial photographs taken of the park in 1941 were geo-referenced with the digital orthophoto quarter quadrangle (DOQQ) images of the same area from 1993 to identify landscape compositions and to measure change. Spatial analysis was used to observe pattern changes over time. The results suggested that landscape development maintained equilibrium while patches were in various stages of a successional sequence. The total area of each landscape component held steady, although over time patches throughout the landscape changed—a shifting-mosaic steady state (SMSS). These findings reflect the limitations of contemporary environmental conservation theory. They also suggest the importance of considering landscape change in policies that currently govern park planning and management.
Articulated thoughts during simulated situations: A paradigm for studying cognition in emotion and behavior.

In spite of the widespread belief of cognitive behavior therapists and researchers that irrational thinking underlies much human psychological suffering, there is little if any direct evidence bearing on the assumption that people think in particular ways when confronted with stressful situations. A paradigm is proposed that appears capable of providing information about people's articulated thoughts as they occur in highly structured, experimenter-controlled situations. The results from an initial experiment indicate the utility of the paradigm in collecting data on how people think under both stressful and neutral conditions. The paradigm seems to offer great flexibility in examining thought processes under a wide range of conditions of interest to psychopathologists and cognitive researchers.
SNX9 activities are regulated by multiple phosphoinositides through both PX and BAR domains.

Sorting nexin 9 (SNX9) functions at the interface between membrane remodeling and the actin cytoskeleton. In particular, SNX9 links membrane binding to potentiation of N-WASP and dynamin GTPase activities. SNX9 is one of a growing number of proteins that contain two lipid-binding domains, a phox homology (PX) and a Bin1/Amphiphysin/RVS167 (BAR) domain, and localizes to diverse membranes that are enriched in different phosphoinositides. Here, we investigate the mechanism by which SNX9 functions at these varied membrane environments. We show that SNX9 has low-lipid-binding affinity and harnesses a broad range of phosphoinositides to synergistically enhance both dynamin and N-WASP activities. We introduced point mutations in either the PX domain, BAR domain or both that are predicted to disrupt their functions and examined their respective roles in lipid-binding, and dynamin and N-WASP activation. We show that the broad lipid specificity of SNX9 is not because of independent and additive contributions by individual domains. Rather, the two domains appear to function in concert to confer lipid-binding and SNX9’s membrane active properties. We also demonstrate that the two domains are differentially required for full SNX9 activity in N-WASP and dynamin regulation, and for localization of SNX9 to clathrin-coated pits and dorsal ruffles. In total, our results suggest that SNX9 can integrate signals from varied lipids through two domains to direct membrane remodeling events at multiple cellular locations.
Thermodynamics of solubilization of functional copolymers in the grafted shell of core-shell impact modifiers: 2. Experimental

Abstract A thermodynamic model is developed to investigate the extent to which a free polymer, B, can be solubilized into a thin shell layer of grafted A chains of core-shell impact modifier particles. When there is a favourable enthalpy of mixing, free chains of A and B are fully miscible. However, when the A chains are grafted to a surface, only limited amounts of B can be solubilized into this grafted shell due to the conformational constraints. The model assumes a planar shell that only swells in one dimension and ignores any interfacial effects. While enthalpic and entropic terms in the free energy expression favour solubilization, conformational changes for both the free B chains and grafted A chains oppose solubilization. The extent of equilibrium solubilization of B in the shell of A, ( φ B ) s , results from balancing these competing effects. Significant levels of solubilization can occur if the interaction energy between A and B is sufficiently favourable. How favourable the interaction must be depends on the molecular weights of A and B and the initial shell thickness. In general, the model predicts that solubilization is favoured when the B chains are small and the A chains are large and initially exist in a thin shell layer.
Early clock prototyping for design analysis and quality entitlement

With growing complexity of System on Chip architectures and difficult time to market requirements, early design planning is very important. Design planning for physical design involves the deriving of information, useful to physical implementation of the chip, from the early design information available. Clock tree design and synthesis being a vital part of the design cycle, requires immense planning and experimentation. This paper proposes a way by which key clock tree information can be derived from as early as the register transfer level description of the design. The proposed methodology aids in analysing the clock tree structurally for being friendly to clock tree synthesis. It also enables the prototyping of the clock tree synthesis to understand the overhead it adds to the design. This information can be used to apply corrective feedback to the clock architecture and the physical implementation flo . The various aspects of the clock tree the flo generates along with their utility are presented in the paper with some testcase data.
Functional genomic approach to identify novel genes involved in the regulation of oxidative stress resistance and animal lifespan

Genetic studies in many organisms suggest that an increased animal lifespan phenotype is often accompanied by enhanced resistance toward reactive oxygen species (ROS). In Caenorhabditis elegans, mutations in daf-2, which encode an insulin/insulin-like growth factor 1 receptor-like molecule, lead to an extended animal lifespan and increased resistance to ROS. We have optimized an assay to monitor ROS resistance in worms using the ROS-generating chemical paraquat. We have employed this assay to screen the RNAi library along chromosomes III and IV for genes that, when silenced, confer paraquat resistance. The positive RNAi clones were subsequently screened for a lifespan extension phenotype. Using this approach, we have identified 84 genes that, when inactivated by RNAi, lead to significant increases in animal lifespan. Among the 84 genes, 29 were found to act in a manner dependent on daf-16. DAF-16, a forkhead transcription factor, is known to integrate signals from multiple pathways, including the daf-2 pathway, to regulate animal lifespan. Most of the 84 genes have not been previously linked to aging, and potentially participate in important cellular processes such as signal transduction, cell-cell interaction, gene expression, protein degradation, and energy metabolism. Our screen has also identified a group of genes that potentially function in a nutrient-sensing pathway to regulate lifespan in C. elegans. Our study provides a novel approach to identify genes involved in the regulation of aging.
Trace nitrate in oxic waters

Abstract We describe a modified (Garside, 1982, Marine Chemistry, 11, 159–167) nitrite method that permits measurements down to subnanomolar concentrations and present datafrom Atlantic and Carribean deepwater profiles for comparison with a published Pacific section. This important intermediate in the nitrogen cycle was detected in all samples. Concentrations were consistently lowest (0.1–0.4 nM) in oligotrophic surface waters. Below 1 km, carribean and Southwest Sargasso sea nitrite concentrations were 0.4–1 nM, decreasing with increasing depth; reported Pacific [NO2] averages are several times higher. Profiles in the upper kilometer beneath the classical primary nitrate maximum (PNM) were qualitatively similar, exhibiting a smooth supra-exponential drop with depth to vvalues of ∼1–4 nM at 1 km. Then nitrite inventory in this “tail” of the PNM above 1 km with 1 nM ≤[NO2]≤50 nM roughly equals that in the classical PNM. Significant differences among profiles in the 0.1–1 km regionn are observed, consistent with nitrite pool turnover of 3–7 days estimated from Redfield stoichiometry and tritium-helium ages. Thus seasonal and/or regional variations in factors altering the nitrite production-consumption balance, rather than transport, seem to be responsible for nitrite variability. Nitrite profiles with anomalous midwater or near-bottom fine structure, including multi-point maxima and minima, were found along the Venezuelan continental margin and at ≈ 13°N. These featurers are tentatively ascribed to boundary effects, as hydrographic and circumstantial evidence suggests that these waters interacted previously with the bottom.
Obesity in America: Implications for Clinical and Health Psychologists

The number of individuals classified as overweight and obese is increasing at alarming rates and these conditions are associated with numerous psychological and physiological health problems. Within this epidemic, there is an increasing need and demand for psychologists and other mental health professionals to participate in the care of patients with obesity, both in assessment and treatment domains. The current paper provides a review of the status of the obesity epidemic, including psychological comorbidities and treatment approaches. Throughout this review, we highlight and discuss the important roles and impact psychologists can have. These roles include serving as members of multidisciplinary obesity treatment programs, conducting assessments for bariatric surgery, and treating related psychiatric disorders, such as depression and disordered eating. Other considerations, such as weight gain associated with psychiatric medications, and directions for future involvement of psychologists in addressing the obesity epidemic are also discussed.
Transient aurora on Jupiter from injections of magnetospheric electrons

Energetic electrons and ions that are trapped in Earth's magnetosphere can suddenly be accelerated towards the planet1,2,3,4,5. Some dynamic features of Earth's aurora (the northern and southern lights) are created by the fraction of these injected particles that travels along magnetic field lines and hits the upper atmosphere4. Jupiter's aurora appears similar to Earth's in some respects; both appear as large ovals circling the poles and both show transient events6,7,8,9,10,11. But the magnetospheres of Jupiter and Earth are so different—particularly in the way they are powered—that it is not known whether the magnetospheric drivers12 of Earth's aurora also cause them on Jupiter. Here we show a direct relationship between Earth-like injections of electrons in Jupiter's magnetosphere and a transient auroral feature in Jupiter's polar region. This relationship is remarkably similar to what happens at Earth, and therefore suggests that despite the large differences between planetary magnetospheres, some processes that generate aurorae are the same throughout the Solar System.
Reticence: An Affirmation and Revision.

In 1965, with the publication of “The Problem of Reticence,” Gerald M. Phillips introduced the reticence construct to the field of speech communication. Over the next three decades, Phillips wrote about the nature of reticence, dramatically changing his initial view of the essence of the problem (Phillips, 1977) and then tinkering with his theory in subsequent publications (Phillips, 1984, 1986, 1991, 1997). This manuscript, the culmination of almost a decade of research, presents a theoretical statement on the nature of reticence that affirms, in part, Phillips’ conceptualization but, grounded in new empirical data, refines and revises the construct. A new definition and a six‐component model of reticence are proposed, followed by a discussion of theoretical and treatment implications.
Inactivation of alkaline phosphatase of O21 delta g.

RECENT evidence1 strongly supports the role of singlet oxygen (O21 Δg) as the active intermediate in the photosensitized addition of molecular oxygen to unsaturated hydrocarbon substrates. Because the characteristics of this reaction are also exhibited by aerobic dye-sensitized inactivation of enzymes and other photobiological processes collectively described as photodynamic action2,3, there is a clear indication that O21 Δg may be the reactive species in these processes also, although the possibility of a direct interaction between the substrate and electronically excited dye molecule cannot be eliminated. We report here an investigation of the effect of O21 Δg, generated in the absence of photosensitizing dye, on the enzyme alkaline phosphatase, in conditions in which enzyme activity is otherwise preserved.
Real-time analysis and selection of methylated DNA by fluorescence-activated single molecule sorting in a nanofluidic channel

Epigenetic modifications, such as DNA and histone methylation, are responsible for regulatory pathways that affect disease. Current epigenetic analyses use bisulfite conversion to identify DNA methylation and chromatin immunoprecipitation to collect molecules bearing a specific histone modification. In this work, we present a proof-of-principle demonstration for a new method using a nanofluidic device that combines real-time detection and automated sorting of individual molecules based on their epigenetic state. This device evaluates the fluorescence from labeled epigenetic modifications to actuate sorting. This technology has demonstrated up to 98% accuracy in molecule sorting and has achieved postsorting sample recovery on femtogram quantities of genetic material. We have applied it to sort methylated DNA molecules using simultaneous, multicolor fluorescence to identify methyl binding domain protein-1 (MBD1) bound to full-duplex DNA. The functionality enabled by this nanofluidic platform now provides a workflow for color-multiplexed detection, sorting, and recovery of single molecules toward subsequent DNA sequencing.
Nuclear transcripts larger than the cytoplasmic mRNAs are specified by segments of the adenovirus genome coding for early functions

Abstract Nuclear viral RNAs synthesized early in productive infection with adenovirus 2 were analyzed by hybridization to specific viral DNA fragments. Radioactive RNAs were subjected to electrophoresis in polyacrylamide gels containing 98% formamide, and the fractionated RNA was hybridized to specific DNA fragments generated by cleavage with endo R· Eco RI or endo R· Sma I. The viral genes expressed early in infection are located in four different segments of the genome. When nuclear RNA was hybridized to DNA fragments representing each of these segments, discrete RNA size classes were detected. For each of these four regions of the genome, some of the discrete nuclear RNAs were larger than the cytoplasmic mRNAs. As calculated from electrophoretic mobility, the molecular weight of these nuclear RNA size classes ranged from 15% to several fold greater than that of the corresponding cytoplasmic mRNAs. Hybridization-inhibition experiments were performed to analyze the sequences present in one of these larger nuclear transcripts, a 22S RNA transcribed from the left-hand end of the genome. This 22S nuclear RNA was transcribed from the same strand as the viral mRNA, for it contained cytoplasmic sequences; it also contained sequences restricted to the nucleus. The larger nuclear RNAs may serve as precursors to the cytoplasmic viral mRNAs synthesized early in infection.
Health assessment domains: Credibility and legitimization

Abstract Holistic health assessment has been viewed with proper skepticism by professional psychologists as a result of problems of definition, psychometric adequacy, and legitimate application. This paper provides a definitional perspective that permits distinctions to be made among health assessment domains including health hazard appraisal, health status, holistic health, well-being, and wellness. Psychometrically respectable instruments in all domains are identified and described, and legitimate applications and potential uses for instruments are discussed. Instruments in all health assessment domains have been underutilized.
Separating the Effects of Warning and Information Distribution Practices: A Case of Cascading Responsibility

In this study we examine how participants allocate blame after reading one of several variants of a fictitious product-use scenario that describes a construction worker who is injured after falling through an acrylic panel used in the construction of greenhouses. The safety practices and policies exhibited by the manufacturer, distributor, construction company owner and worker were cast either in a positive or negative light. Among the variables studied was the quality of the product warning and the methods used to distribute safety materials (e.g., installation manual) to the end user (panel installers). The results showed that blame allocation fell “downstream”, where most blame fell on the party that failed to distribute the safety information to the next step of the chain. The effects of distribution breakdown on blame was moderated by the type of warning provided by the manufacturer in that greater blame was placed on the negligent party when a good warning is used, and part of the blame for the acci...
Saccharomyces cerevisiae cells execute a default pathway to select a mate in the absence of pheromone gradients

During conjugation, haploid S. cerevisiae cells find one another by polarizing their growth toward each other along gradients of pheromone (chemotropism). We demonstrate that yeast cells exhibit a second mating behavior: when their receptors are saturated with pheromone, wild-type a cells execute a default pathway and select a mate at random. These matings are less efficient than chemotropic matings, are induced by the same dose of pheromone that induces shmoo formation, and appear to use a site near the incipient bud site for polarization. We show that the SPA2 gene is specifically required for the default pathway: spa2 delta mutants cannot mate if pheromone concentrations are high and gradients are absent, but can mate if gradients are present. ste2 delta, sst2 delta, and far1 delta mutants are chemotropism-defective and therefore must choose a mate by using a default pathway; consistent with this deduction, these strains require SPA2 to mate. In addition, our results suggest that far1 mutants are chemotropism-defective because their mating polarity is fixed at the incipient bud site, suggesting that the FAR1 gene is required for inhibiting the use of the incipient bud site during chemotropic mating. These observations reveal a molecular relationship between the mating and budding polarity pathways.
Infant understanding of the referential nature of looking.

To determine whether infants follow the gaze of adults because they understand the referential nature of looking or because they use the adult turn as a predictive cue for the location of interesting events, the gaze-following behavior of 14- and 18-month-olds was examined in the joint visual attention paradigm under varying visual obstruction conditions: (a) when the experimenter's line of sight was obstructed by opaque screens (screen condition), (b) when the experimenter's view was not obstructed (no-screen condition), and (c) when the opaque screens contained a large transparent window (window condition). It was assumed that infants who simply use adult turns as predictive cues would turn equally in all 3 conditions but infants who comprehend the referential nature of looking would turn maximally when the experimenter's vision was not blocked and minimally when her vision was blocked. Eighteen-month-olds responded in accord with the referential position (turning much more in the no-screen and window c...
Experience with laser microfabricated detectors at the University of Louisville

Abstract We have designed, produced, and tested several different types of micropatterned gas proportional counters at the University of Louisville. A particular specialty has been the development and application of laser micromachining techniques to produce devices as the Microwell, GEM, and Microtube. Laser micromachining is a new technology with particular advantages for detector fabrication, including the ability to produce novel structures, machine wells in thick substrates, and produce detector arrays well suited to inclusion in modern microelectronics components. We report here the development of the Microwell detector and laser micromachining techniques for its production. First results are also presented for the Microtube detector, a device with a reduced anode formed as a tube extending into the center of the well.
High-Resolution Imaging of Polyethylene Glycol Coated Dendrimers via Combined Atomic Force and Scanning Tunneling Microscopy

Dendrimers have shown great promise as drug delivery vehicles in recent years because they can be synthesized with designed size and functionalities for optimal transportation, targeting, and biocompatibility. One of the most well-known termini used for biocompatibility is polyethylene glycol (PEG), whose performance is affected by its actual conformation. However, the conformation of individual PEG bound to soft materials such as dendrimers has not been directly observed. Using atomic force microscopy (AFM) and scanning tunneling microscopy (STM), this work characterizes the structure adopted by PEGylated dendrimers with the highest resolution reported to date. AFM imaging enables visualization of the individual dendrimers, as well as the differentiation and characterization of the dendrimer core and PEG shell. STM provides direct imaging of the PEG extensions with high-resolution. Collectively, this investigation provides important insight into the structure of coated dendrimers, which is crucial for the design and development of better drug delivery vehicles.
Mississippian Border of Eastern Interior Basin

The Mississippian system along the borders of the Eastern Interior basin has been studied in considerable detail during the last 30 years but the results of most of this work have not yet been published. This paper briefly discusses the stratigraphy, paleontology, sedimentation, and structure and lists petroleum-bearing beds of the Mississippian system in Illinois, Indiana, western Kentucky, eastern Missouri, and southeastern Iowa as based on the published and unpublished investigations of more than 25 geologists and their numerous assistants, who worked mainly under the auspices of the various State geological surveys. Accompanying maps show the areal geology from Mercer County, Illinois, to Putnam County, Indiana, and include more than fifty 15-minute quadrangles which ave been studied in detail.
Conditioned invariant subspaces for linear impulsive systems

In this paper, conditioned invariant subspaces for a class of linear impulsive systems are investigated. Following the geometric theory for linear time-invariant systems, conditioned invariant subspaces are defined in terms of the existence of an impulsive observer that maintains estimates of the state modulo the given subspace. Geometric conditions are developed that are necessary as well as sufficient for a subspace to be conditioned invariant. These conditions reflect the asymmetric roles played by the continuous-time and discrete-time (impulsive) dynamics that together form the overall impulsive system dynamics.
Age-Dependent Susceptibility to Manganese-induced Neurological Dysfunction

Chronic exposure to manganese (Mn) produces a spectrum of cognitive and behavioral deficits associated with a neurodegenerative disorder resembling Parkinson’s disease. The effects of high-dose exposure to Mn in occupational cohorts and in adult rodent models of the disease are well described but much less is known about the behavioral and neurochemical effects of Mn in the developing brain. We therefore exposed C57Bl/6 mice to Mn by intragastric gavage as juveniles, adults, or both, postulating that mice exposed as juveniles and then again as adults would exhibit greater neurological and neurochemical dysfunction than mice not preexposed as juveniles. Age- and sex-dependent vulnerability to changes in locomotor function was detected, with juvenile male mice displaying the greatest sensitivity, characterized by a selective increase in novelty-seeking and hyperactive behaviors. Adult male mice preexposed as juveniles had a decrease in total movement and novelty-seeking behavior, and no behavioral changes were detected in female mice. Striatal dopamine levels were increased in juvenile mice but were decreased in adult preexposed as juveniles. Levels of Mn, Fe, and Cu were determined by inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry, with the greatest accumulation of Mn detected in juvenile mice in the striatum, substantia nigra (SN), and cortex. Only modest changes in Fe and Cu were detected in Mn-treated mice, primarily in the SN. These results reveal that developing mice are more sensitive to Mn than adult animals and that Mn exposure during development enhances behavioral and neurochemical dysfunction relative to adult animals without juvenile exposure.
RadSTAR L-band imaging scatterometer- performance assessment

L-band Imaging Scatterometer (LIS), developed at NASA/Goddard Space Flight Center as part of the RadSTAR initiative, is an airborne imaging radar that combines phased array technology and digital beam forming techniques for the measurement of important scientific parameters. The instrument operates at 1.26 GHz, horizontal polarization, and employs a real-time processor capable of synthesizing multiple beams over a scan range of +/-50 degrees. LIS was flight tested in May 2006 and in January 2007 on board of the NASA P3 aircraft over the Delmarva Peninsula, VA. In this paper we describe the RadSTAR system and present some preliminary analysis of the radar data collected during the test flights.
ClassWide Peer Tutoring: Two Experiments Investigating the Generalized Relationship Between Increased Oral Reading Fluency and Reading Comprehension

We conducted two experiments designed to investigate the effects of ClassWide Peer Tutoring (CWPT) on oral reading fluency and the generalization to students’ rate and level of reading comprehension. First, an alternating treatment design was used to compare two sixth-grade, general education students’ rates and level of oral reading comprehension when tutored (experimental passages) to when not tutored (control passages). Significant differences were found on all dependent measures across participants favoring tutored passages. Two additional sixth-grade students with reading skill deficits participated in Experiment 2. Although Experiment 2 used the same design, students were exposed to only a portion of the passage during tutoring; thus, near generalization to the remainder of the tutored passage was assessed. Significant differences were not found in the direction of CWPT partially tutored passages across any of the measures. Limitations of this research and implications for future research are discussed.
Assessment of fungal growth on sodium polyborate-treated cellulose insulation

Cellulose insulation has rapidly gained a large market share among general contractors and homeowners. Recent interest regarding health effects of high concentrations of fungi within indoor environments (building-related illnesses or sick building syndrome) has promoted concern about susceptibility of building materials, including wood products (in general) and cellulose insulation (specifically), to fungal attack. This study reports an assessment of fungal growth on cellulose insulation made from recycled paper and treated with varying concentrations of sodium polyborate within half-scale wall units exposed to variable and high ambient temperatures and relative humidities throughout the summer. Boron-treated and untreated (control) cellulose insulation within the wall units were challenged with a suspension containing high concentrations of spores of five fungal species commonly found in indoor environments. Our results suggest that cellulose insulation treated with sodium polyborate (a) precludes the gr...
Studying the nature of electromagnetic interaction between a pair of left-handed transmission lines

This work investigates the electromagnetic interaction between pairs of Composite-Right-Left-Handed Transmission Lines (CRLHTLs). It will be shown that the specific type of electromagnetic coupling can be modelled as Right-Handed Transmission Lines (RHTLs) opening up the door to utilizing well established circuit techniques as the basis of designing coupled-line metamaterial components. Simulation and implementation of interdigital and Combline filters utilizing CRLHTLs as resonator elements have served to prove the underlying principles.
Structure Based Drug Design of Crizotinib (PF-02341066), a Potent and Selective Dual Inhibitor of Mesenchymal–Epithelial Transition Factor (c-MET) Kinase and Anaplastic Lymphoma Kinase (ALK)

Because of the critical roles of aberrant signaling in cancer, both c-MET and ALK receptor tyrosine kinases are attractive oncology targets for therapeutic intervention. The cocrystal structure of 3 (PHA-665752), bound to c-MET kinase domain, revealed a novel ATP site environment, which served as the target to guide parallel, multiattribute drug design. A novel 2-amino-5-aryl-3-benzyloxypyridine series was created to more effectively make the key interactions achieved with 3. In the novel series, the 2-aminopyridine core allowed a 3-benzyloxy group to reach into the same pocket as the 2,6-dichlorophenyl group of 3 via a more direct vector and thus with a better ligand efficiency (LE). Further optimization of the lead series generated the clinical candidate crizotinib (PF-02341066), which demonstrated potent in vitro and in vivo c-MET kinase and ALK inhibition, effective tumor growth inhibition, and good pharmaceutical properties.
Oligocholate foldamer with ‘prefolded’ macrocycles for enhanced folding in solution and surfactant micelles

Abstract A cholate oligomer was synthesized with six linear cholate groups sandwiched by two tricholate macrocycles at the two termini. Two pyrenyl labels on the compound allowed its conformation to be studied by fluorescence spectroscopy. The linear/macrocyclic hybrid oligomer was found to fold consistently better than a linear analogue in mixed organic solvents and surfactant micelles. The enhanced folding was hypothesized to occur as the tricholate macrocycles, by their prefolded configuration, facilitate the preferential solvation of the facially amphiphilic cholate groups. In general, the folding-enhancing effect was stronger as the environment became more challenging for the oligocholate to fold. Most unusually, the hybrid oligocholate folded better in a more challenging binary methanol/ethyl acetate mixture than in the methanol/hexane/ethyl acetate ternary solvents that have been considered the most ‘folding-friendly’ to all other cholate foldamers.
Introducing computer tools into a first course in electrical engineering

At a school where engineering students have immediate access to a personal computer, it is important that they become familiar with that tool early in their studies. In introductory engineering courses it is also important that the students learn to perceive the computer as a tool and not as an end in itself. Achieving these goals requires a careful integration of computer usage into such courses by the instructors. In this paper we examine this issue in the context of a first course in electrical engineering that has been taught at the US Naval Academy, and we present specific examples of assignments we have used in our effort to accomplish these goals. >
Parsimony approach to test the Evolving Master Gene hypothesis for human Alu repeats

The Alu family of Short interspersed repeats (SINEs) account for a significant portion of the "junk DNA" within the mammalian genome. Thousands of copies of Alu subfamilies are scat-tered essentially randomly through the human ge-nome. The relative abundance of these repeats pro-vides a rich fossil record of primate and human history. Since Alus have no known functionality, a great deal of ambiguity surrounds their amplifica-tion and evolution. Herein, using parsimony ap-proach, we investigate the popular belief that the vast majority of Alu amplification is derived from a small subset of Alu master genes. Our results indi-cate that the classification of Alu subfamilies re-ported in literature is incomplete. Furthermore, we summarize some of the factors relevant to the use of the Alu family of repeats in bioinformatic assays.
Improving pharmacy practice through public health programs: experience from Global HIV/AIDS initiative Nigeria project

Background The use of medicines is an essential component of many public health programs (PHPs). Medicines are important not only for their capacity to treat and prevent diseases. The public confidence in healthcare system is inevitably linked to their confidence in the availability of safe and effective medicines and the measures for ensuring their rational use. However, pharmacy services component receives little or no attention in most public health programs in developing countries. This article describes the strategies, lessons learnt, and some accomplishments of Howard University Pharmacists and Continuing Education (HU-PACE) Centre towards improving hospital pharmacy practice through PHP in Nigeria.
Mechanism of RNA 2′,3′-cyclic phosphate end healing by T4 polynucleotide kinase–phosphatase

T4 polynucleotide kinase-phosphatase (Pnkp) exemplifies a family of enzymes with 5'-kinase and 3'-phosphatase activities that function in nucleic acid repair. The polynucleotide 3'-phosphatase reaction is executed by the Pnkp C-terminal domain, which belongs to the DxDxT acylphosphatase superfamily. The 3'-phosphatase reaction entails formation and hydrolysis of a covalent enzyme-(Asp165)-phosphate intermediate, driven by general acid-base catalyst Asp167. We report that Pnkp also has RNA 2'-phosphatase activity that requires Asp165 and Asp167. The physiological substrate for Pnkp phosphatase is an RNA 2',3'-cyclic phosphate end (RNA > p), but the pathway of cyclic phosphate removal and its enzymic requirements are undefined. Here we find that Pnkp reactivity with RNA > p requires Asp165, but not Asp167. Whereas wild-type Pnkp transforms RNA > p to RNA(OH), mutant D167N converts RNA > p to RNA 3'-phosphate, which it sequesters in the phosphatase active site. In support of the intermediacy of an RNA phosphomonoester, the reaction of mutant S211A with RNA > p results in transient accumulation of RNAp en route to RNA(OH). Our results suggest that healing of 2',3'-cyclic phosphate ends is a four-step processive reaction: RNA > p + Pnkp → RNA-(3'-phosphoaspartyl)-Pnkp → RNA(3')p + Pnkp → RNA(OH) + phosphoaspartyl-Pnkp → P(i) + Pnkp.
The Redemptive Self: Generativity and the Stories Americans Live By

Generativity is an adult's concern for and commitment to promoting the development and well-being of future generations. A growing body of research has shown that individual differences in generativity are associated with particular patterns of parenting, social support, and religious and civic involvement. Research has also suggested that highly generative American adults tend to construct self-defining life stories (narrative identities) that feature the psychological theme of redemption—the deliverance from suffering to an enhanced status or position in life. Through stories of redemption, narrators often articulate how they believe they experienced a "second chance" in life. Redemptive life stories told by highly generative American adults may also incorporate themes of (a) childhood advantage, (b) early awareness of the suffering of others, (c) moral clarity and steadfastness, (d) the conflict between power and love, and (e) future growth and fulfillment. Redemptive narratives function to support and...
A Critical Introduction to Phonology: Of Sound, Mind, and Body by SILVERMAN, DANIEL.

The article reviews the book "A Critical Introduction to Phonology: Of Sound, Mind, and Body," by Daniel A. Silverman.
Urologist practice patterns in the management of Peyronie's disease: a nationwide survey.

ABSTRACT Introduction Peyronie's disease (PD) is a poorly understood clinical entity. Aim We endeavored to determine how contemporary urologists in the United States manage PD. Methods A randomly generated mailing list of 996 practicing urologists was generated from the American Urologic Association member directory. A specifically designed survey was mailed with a cover letter and a postage-paid return envelope. Main Outcome Measure Our survey assessed several practice-related factors and asked questions of how the subject would manage various presentations of PD in their practice. Four cases were presented: case 1, a healthy 55-year-old man with painless 30° dorsal curvature of 16 months duration; case 2, a 60-year-old man with 35° dorsal curvature, 4/10 pain on visual analog scale, of 6 months duration; case 3, a 62-year-old man with painless 60° dorsal curvature and erectile dysfunction responsive to alprostadil suppository of 2 years duration; and case 4, a 50-year-old man with mid-shaft waist deformity, foreshortening, no pain/curvature/erectile dysfunction. Results Responses were received from 236 (24%) practicing urologists. Vitamin E was the preferred initial management for 70% of respondents, with observation, Potaba (Glenwood, Englewood, New Jersey, USA), colchicine, verapamil injections, and verapamil gel favored by 32, 20, 12, 7, and 10% of respondents, respectively. Fifty-seven percent of respondents performed surgery for PD, with penile prostheses, Nesbit procedure, grafting, and plication used by 76, 66, 55, and 51% of respondents, respectively. Medical therapy and/or observation was the preferred management for all of the cases except case 3, for which penile prosthesis placement and referral were the favored options by 39 and 30% of urologists, respectively. Conclusions Medical therapy is the initial treatment for PD among American urologists. Penile prosthesis is the treatment of choice in impotent patients. Most American urologists conform to recommended practice patterns in the management of PD. Shindel AW, Bullock TL, and Brandes S. Urologist practice patterns in the management of Peyronie's disease: A nationwide survey.
Helions at energies of 10 MeV to 1 TeV: conversion coefficients for fluence-to-absorbed dose, equivalent dose, effective dose and gray equivalent, calculated using Monte Carlo radiation transport code MCNPX 2.7.C

Conversion coefficients were calculated for fluence-to-absorbed dose, fluence-to-equivalent dose, fluence-to-effective dose and fluence-to-gray equivalent for isotropic exposure of an adult female and an adult male to deuterons ((2)H(+)) in the energy range 10 MeV-1 TeV (0.01-1000 GeV). Coefficients were calculated using the Monte Carlo transport code MCNPX 2.7.C and BodyBuilder™ 1.3 anthropomorphic phantoms. Phantoms were modified to allow calculation of the effective dose to a Reference Person using tissues and tissue weighting factors from 1990 and 2007 recommendations of the International Commission on Radiological Protection (ICRP) and gray equivalent to selected tissues as recommended by the National Council on Radiation Protection and Measurements. Coefficients for the equivalent and effective dose incorporated a radiation weighting factor of 2. At 15 of 19 energies for which coefficients for the effective dose were calculated, coefficients based on ICRP 1990 and 2007 recommendations differed by <3%. The greatest difference, 47%, occurred at 30 MeV.
Chemistry and Biology of Multifunctional DNA Binding Agents

Dinuclear and trinuclear platinum complexes represent a new class of anticancer agents, distinct in DNA binding and antitumor activity from their mononuclear counterparts. The first representative of this class has now advanced to Phase I clinical trials. Dinuclear compounds may be differentiated amongst themselves with respect to important parameters of biological activity. This review summarizes the chemistry and biology of multifunctional DNA-binding agents, principally those characterized by the presence of two cis-[PtC12(amine)2] moieties in the same molecule.
Incomparability and the Passive Virtues of Ad-Hoc Privacy Policy

Privacy policy in the United States has, for the most part, developed in an ad hoc manner, with Congress reacting to one crisis after another and enacting sector-specific laws. While this has led to a largely ineffectual privacy regime in the view of many, there are advantages to this approach when compared to an omnibus privacy regime as might be found in Europe and other parts of the world. This paper examines the benefits and costs of the relatively passive, reactive legislative model in America.
A Lightweight, Weather-Resistant Field Insect Cage

Cages to cover individual field plants were built of galvanized fencing wire, fiberglass, and marine resin. Plywood doors were built into the sides of the cages to allow introduction and removal of insects and plant parts.
Studies of MOS and Heterojunction Devices Using Doped μc-Si and a-Si

Current-voltage voltage characteristics of heterojunctions formed by remote plasma enhanced chemical vapor deposition (PECVD) of heavily doped µc-Si onto doped c-Si have been studied, as well as capacitance-voltage characteristics of MOS capacitor structures using heavily doped remote PECVD µc-Si and a-Si films as gate electrodes on thermally oxidized crystalline Si. Shifts in the flat-band voltages of MOS devices using the µc-Si and a-Si as gate electrodes relative to that of a reference Al/SiO2/c-Si structure are measured and explained in terms of a band structure model for the µc-Si and a-Si. Rectification and a photovoltaic effect observed in the pn heterojunctions are also explained in context of the same model.