cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
PLASMA HOMOCYSTEINE LEVEL IS ASSOCIATED WITH PERIPHERAL MICROVASCULAR ENDOTHELIAL DYSFUNCTION

Hyperhomocysteinemia has been proposed as an important cardiovascular risk factor. However, little is known about the association between homocysteine (Hcy) levels and peripheral microvascular endothelial dysfunction (MED). This study included patients who underwent non-invasive microvascular
The Haves and the Have-Nots

The major purpose of this book was to ask and discuss one question: Why has our society not seriously confronted the fact that in a few decades we will have for the first time the largest number of aged people, the consequences of which will transform our society? How it is now transforming the society is cause for concern and predicting the course of those transformations over the coming decades will depend in part on when the powers that be wake up to what is coming down the road. When in 2005 hurricane Katrina decimated the Gulf States, it was known that Katrina was on the way but we were unprepared for the strength and reach of a hurricane 5, a strength heretofore unknown on this continent. The reverberations have been political, racial, and economic, and there is good reason to expect that they will continue both in predictable and unpredictable ways.
Benefits of tai ji quan practice on neuromuscular functions in older adults: A Systematic Review and meta-analysis.

Abstract Background and Purpose Tai Ji Quan (TJQ) practice has been recommended for reducing falls in older adults, but a gap exists in our understanding of the neuromuscular mechanisms underlying TJQ practice benefits. This study aims to quantify and validate neuromuscular mechanisms underlying TJQ practice benefits in older adults. Materials and methods This review and analysis followed the PRISMA framework. All meta-analyses were performed in R. Results For healthy older adults, TJQ practice was found to decrease muscle onset latency. Higher leg muscle activations were found during TJQ gait in comparison to normal gait. A significant interaction between TJQ practice time and age of the cohort was observed in muscle onset latency. For adults with pre-existing health conditions, TJQ practice has similar neuromuscular benefits as conventional rehabilitation methods. Conclusion Neuromuscular function improvements associated with TJQ practice provide a mechanism for reducing falls in older adults with and without pre-existing health conditions.
Mapping biochemical states associated with HP1 target recognition at sites of heterochromatin formation in living cells

HP1 proteins bind with low affinity but high specificity to sites of histone H3 lysine 9 methylation (H3K9me) in the genome. HP1 binding to H3K9me compartmentalizes the genome into transcriptionally inactive heterochromatin and actively transcribed euchromatin. A characteristic feature of HP1 proteins is their dynamic and rapid turnover from sites of heterochromatin formation. How low-affinity H3K9me recognition enables HP1 proteins to rapidly and efficiently traverse a complex and crowded chromatin landscape on the millisecond timescale remains a paradox. Here, we visualize the real-time motions of an HP1 homolog, the fission yeast protein Swi6, in its native chromatin environment. By analyzing the motions of Swi6 with high spatial and temporal resolution, we map individual mobility states that are directly linked to discrete biochemical intermediates. We find that nucleic acid binding titrates Swi6 away from sites of heterochromatin formation, whereas increasing the valency of chromodomain-mediated H3K9me recognition promotes specific chromatin localization. We propose that Swi6 oligomerization compensates for low-affinity H3K9me recognition and provides a tunable mechanism for protein turnover. Our high-resolution biophysical studies provide a comprehensive framework for in vivo biochemistry and reveal how the competing biochemical properties of Swi6 affect H3K9me recognition in living cells.
Joy, Love, and Well-being: Envisioning a Future Free of Oppression

Both authors reflect on personal accounts of engineering toward social justice and peace. Upon reflection, each of the authors’ experiences as engineers working toward clean water indicate the presence of two existential problems for practitioners of engineering - and potentially design, architecture, and other project areas: hyper-specialization and the problem solver narrative. The authors reflect on well-intentioned efforts that seek to remove oppression from practices and foster mutual understanding, but may inadvertently be contributing to oppression, referred to as engineering parasites. Lastly, the authors envision systems free of oppression in both practice and training centered on joy, well-being, and love.
Targeting the Hippo pathway in heart repair

The Hippo pathway is an evolutionarily and functionally conserved signaling pathway that controls organ size by regulating cell proliferation, apoptosis, and differentiation. Emerging evidence has shown that the Hippo pathway plays critical roles in cardiac development, homeostasis, disease, and regeneration. Targeting the Hippo pathway has tremendous potential as a therapeutic strategy for treating intractable cardiovascular diseases such as heart failure. In this review, we summarize the function of the Hippo pathway in the heart. Particularly, we highlight the posttranslational modification of Hippo pathway components, including the core kinases LATS1/2 and their downstream effectors YAP/TAZ, in different contexts, which has provided new insights and avenues in cardiac research.
findPC: An R package to automatically select number of principal components in single-cell analysis

Abstract Summary Principal component analysis (PCA) is widely used in analyzing single-cell genomic data. Selecting the optimal number of PCs is a crucial step for downstream analyses. The elbow method is most commonly used for this task, but it requires one to visually inspect the elbow plot and manually choose the elbow point. To address this limitation, we developed six methods to automatically select the optimal number of PCs based on the elbow method. We evaluated the performance of these methods on real single-cell RNA-seq data from multiple human and mouse tissues. The perpendicular line method with 20 PCs has the best overall performance, and its results are highly consistent with the numbers of PCs identified manually. We implemented the six methods in an R package, findPC, that objectively selects the number of PCs and can be easily incorporated into any automatic analysis pipeline. Availability and Implementation findPC R package is freely available at https://github.com/haotian-zhuang/findPC Contact zhicheng.ji@duke.edu Supplementary information Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
Effect of patient characteristics on posttraumatic stress disorder treatment retention among veterans: A systematic review.

To identify baseline patient characteristics (i.e., demographic and psychological factors, military background) associated with better posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) treatment retention among veterans, we conducted a systematic review. After an electronic database search for studies of PTSD treatment in veterans, two reviewers independently screened the literature for eligibility, abstracted study-level information, and assessed risk of bias. As most studies used multivariate models to assess multiple potential predictors of retention simultaneously, the results were described narratively. The GRADE approach, adapted for prognostic literature, was used to assess the overall quality of evidence (QoE). In total, 19 studies reported in 25 publications met the inclusion criteria (n = 6 good quality, n = 9 fair quality, n = 4 poor quality). Definitions of treatment completion and dropout varied, and some studies lumped different therapy approaches together. Older age and higher treatment expectations were associated with better retention (moderate QoE). In 5 of 6 studies, baseline PTSD severity was not associated with retention, and the remaining study reported an association between better retention and more severe PTSD symptoms; the presence of more co-occurring psychiatric disorders was associated with better retention (moderate QoE). QoE was low or insufficient to support conclusions for any other characteristics due to inconsistent results, imprecision, potential publication bias, possible study population overlap, study limitations, or lack of studies. More research is needed regarding the associations between modifiable factors (e.g., motivation, barriers, expectations) and retention, and consistent definitions of treatment completion and minimally adequate treatment should be adopted throughout the field.
Construct and Predictive Validity of Social Acceptability: Scores From High School Teacher Ratings on the School Intervention Rating Form.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the construct and predictive validity of scores on a measure of social acceptability of class-wide and individual student intervention, the School Interven...
A family of latent variable convex relaxations for IBM model 2

Recently, a new convex formulation of IBM Model 2 was introduced. In this paper we develop the theory further and introduce a class of convex relaxations for latent variable models which include IBM Model 2. When applied to IBM Model 2, our relaxation class subsumes the previous relaxation as a special case. As proof of concept, we study a new relaxation of IBM Model 2 which is simpler than the previous algorithm: the new relaxation relies on the use of nothing more than a multinomial EM algorithm, does not require the tuning of a learning rate, and has some favorable comparisons to IBM Model 2 in terms of F-Measure. The ideas presented could be applied to a wide range of NLP and machine learning problems.
Free Radical Production by the Mitochondrion

The electron transport chain located in the mitochondrial inner membrane catalyzes the complete oxidation of NADH to water. This reaction is carried out by a complex system which involves the sequential participation of more than thirty redox-active components including flavoproteins (dehydrogenases), iron-sulfur proteins (dehydrogenases, Rieske protein, etc.), hemecontaining proteins (cytochromes), and a lipid (ubiquinone). Some of these components carry only one electron at a time (cytochromes of the b and c type), while others transport two (flavoproteins) and four (cytochrome oxidase) electrons in a single step. As a consequence, there are several points in the chain in which a two-electron carrier must reduce a one-electron carrier, producing free radical intermediates. One of them, ubisemiquinone, is present in relatively large amounts in the respiring respiratory chain, and may be detected by electron spin resonance.
The rat liver ecto-ATPase is also a canalicular bile acid transport protein

A approximately 110-kDa glycoprotein purified from canalicular vesicles by bile acid affinity chromatography has been identified as the canalicular bile acid transport protein. Internal amino acid sequence and chemical and immunochemical characteristics of this protein were found to be identical to a rat liver canalicular ecto-ATPase. In order to definitively determine whether these were two activities of a single polypeptide, we examined the possibility that transfection of cDNA for the ecto-ATPase would confer bile acid transport characteristics, as well as ecto-ATPase activity, on heterologous cells. The results show that transfection of the ecto-ATPase cDNA conferred on COS cells de novo synthesis of a approximately 110-kDa polypeptide, as immunoprecipitated by antibody to the purified canalicular bile acid transport protein and conferred on COS cells the capacity to pump out [3H]taurocholate with efflux characteristics comparable with those previously determined in canalicular membrane vesicles (Km = 100 microM; Vmax = 200 pmol/mg of protein/20 s). A truncated ecto-ATPase cDNA, missing the cytoplasmic tail, was targeted correctly to the cell surface but did not confer bile acid transport activity on COS cells. The results of this study also show that the canalicular ecto-ATPase/bile acid transport protein is phosphorylated on its cytoplasmic tail and that its phosphorylation is stimulated by activation of protein kinase C and inhibited by inhibitors of protein kinase C activation. Moreover, inhibition of protein kinase C activation by staurosporine completely abrogates bile acid transport but does not affect ATPase activity. This study, therefore, demonstrates that the rat liver canalicular ecto-ATPase is also a bile acid transport protein, that the capacity to pump out bile acid can be conferred on a heterologous cell by DNA-mediated gene transfer, and that phosphorylation within the cytoplasmic tail of the transporter is essential for bile acid efflux activity but not for ATPase activity.
Using Peer Injunctive Norms to Predict Early Adolescent Cigarette Smoking Intentions.

The present study investigated the importance of the perceived injunctive norm to predict early adolescent cigarette smoking intentions. A total of 271 6th graders completed a survey that included perceived prevalence of friend smoking (descriptive norm), perceptions of friends’ disapproval of smoking (injunctive norm), and future smoking intentions. Participants also listed their five best friends, in which the actual injunctive norm was calculated. Results showed that smoking intentions were significantly correlated with the perceived injunctive norm but not with the actual injunctive norm. Secondly, the perceived injunctive norm predicted an additional 3.4% of variance in smoking intentions above and beyond the perceived descriptive norm. These results demonstrate the importance of the perceived injunctive norm in predicting early adolescent smoking intentions.
Economics of grid-connected PEM fuel cells

In this panel presentation, an assessment of the economical benefits of grid-connected PEM fuel cells is presented. A calculation of the cost of electricity generated from fuel cell is given. A sensitivity analysis procedure is proposed to determine what goals need to be achieved to make fuel cells competitive with conventional power generation sources.
Maternal death due to pulmonary embolism of trophoblastic cells

Abstract 1. 1. A case of hydatidiform mole (Hertig's Type II) is presented. 2. 2. Maternal death was caused by pulmonary emboli of trophoblastic cells from the intrauterine hydatidiform mole.
Alterations of pH, gases and hemoglobin in blood and electrolytes in plasma of fetuses of diabetic mothers.

The pregnant diabetic at or near term, in the absence of clinical metabolic disorder, ordinarily exhibits only minor differences from normal pregnant women in regard to pH, content of gases, and concentration of hemoglobin in blood and concentration of electrolytes in plasma. The diabetic in labor is likely to evidence signs of metabolic acidosis which is only partially compensated. The fetus of the diabetic, on the other hand, is frequently found to have marked changes in pH, pCO2 and oxygen saturation of the blood. There is a small decrease in total concentration of electrolytes, which is apparently related to dilution of the blood. Concentration of hemoglobin is slightly increased, but if dilution is taken into consideration, this probably represents a significant increase in total hemoglobin mass. The variability of several components of the blood is greater than in normal fetuses. The changes in pH and pCO2 are sufficient, in their effect on dissociation of oxyhemoglobin, to account for the mean decrease in saturation observed in the fetuses of diabetics without any change in pO2. The average fetus, therefore, cannot properly be said to be hypoxic. However, individual fetuses are observed with very marked reductions in oxygen saturation which undoubtedly reflect true hypoxia. Biochemical alterations in these fetuses are out of proportion to maternal changes but, once proper pulmonary ventilation is established, can be readily reversed. It appears from this that the lesion is likely to be placental rather than maternal or fetal. Biochemical deviations from normal in the present series are only irregularly related to neonatal difficulty. The two infants who died in the present study were the only prematures, and only one manifested severe and disproportional changes. The biochemical changes observed do not per se appear to be sufficient to account for the known neonatal difficulties of the infants of diabetic mothers, but, in aggravated form, might account for fetal death.
Polycystic ovaries and menstrual irregularities

Abstract 1. 1. Thirty-two cases of menometrorrhagia, 30 cases of secondary amenorrhea, and 7 instances of normally functioning ovaries have been reviewed. 2. 2. Laboratory investigations included studies of the pituitary, adrenal, and thyroid glands and the ovary. 3. 3. Biopsy of the ovary was obtained in each case by colpotomy and the gross and microscopic findings recorded. 4. 4. Attempts were made to correlate the symptom complex, laboratory and anatomical findings but were found unfruitful.
Remodeling of the avian fracture callus by estrone treatment and exposure to a 2 g environment

Rhode Island Red female chicks were subjected to complete closed fracture of the right radius at two weeks post hatching. The animals were allowed to heal for 2 weeks at either earth gravity (1 g) or a 2 g environment with saline injected controls and estrone injected experimentals. Total fractured bone weight was decreased by exposure to the 2 g environment regardless of whether the animal received saline or estrone treatment. The mean weight of fracture callus was significantly decreased when the hypergravity exposed animals received low hormonal levels of 0.2 mg estrone. The average mid-cross sectional diameter of fracture callus was significantly decreased when the centrifuged chicks received saline or 0.2 mg estrone and it was increased with the administration of high hormonal levels of 0.4 mg to the 2 g animal. The mean thickness of the subperiosteal trabeculae of the bridging callus was decreased by exposure to hypergravity either with or without estrone treatment.
Application of immunoprinting for assessment of fibroblast secretory heterogeneity

Fibroblasts are capable of secreting a number of inflammatory mediators and cytokines and may exhibit a marked heterogeneity in this capacity. The relative frequency of cytokine-secreting fibroblasts in chronic inflammatory connective tissue disorders may affect the amount of these molecules secreted locally and dictate the intensity or chronicity of the disease process. We have devised a simple, in situ immunodetection method for assessment of the frequency of actively secreting cells in adherent cell cultures. Our technique is based on the principle of immunoprinting and is coupled with an enzyme-linked immunodetection system. The methodology, sensitivity, specificity and accuracy of this technique are described.
Potential for Conflict Index: Hunters' Responses to Chronic Wasting Disease

A goal of human dimensions research is to provide input that will improve decision making regarding wildlife management. When communicating results to managers, it is imperative that human dimensions researchers provide clear statistical information and convey the practical implications of their findings. To assist this effort, this paper describes a formula for computing a Potential for Conflict Index (PCI) and presents a graphic technique for displaying results. The PCI values range between 0 and 1, where 0 suggests no conflict and 1 suggests maximum conflict. To illustrate computation and graphic display of the PCI, we present data from a study of Wisconsin deer (Odocoileus spp.) hunters' attitudes and behavior in response to chronic wasting disease (CWD). Results suggest that PCI facilitates understanding hunters' behavior (e.g., likelihood of hunting) and attitudes regarding management actions (e.g., herd eradication) in response to CWD. The PCI allows managers to better understand controversial issues and take proactive steps targeted at specific stakeholders to minimize conflict before implementing a policy. We encourage researchers to adopt the PCI technique or variations of it.
Moraxella catarrhalis lipooligosaccharide selectively upregulates ICAM‐1 expression on human monocytes and stimulates adjacent naïve monocytes to produce TNF‐α through cellular cross‐talk

To elucidate the role of Moraxella catarrhalis lipooligosaccharide (LOS) in otitis media with effusion (OME), the effects of LOS on adhesion antigens of human monocytes were investigated. M. catarrhalis LOS selectively enhanced intercellular adhesion molecule 1 (ICAM-1 or CD54) expression on human monocytes by significantly increasing both the surface expression intensity and the percentage of ICAM-1(+) cells. ICAM-1 upregulation on human monocytes by the LOS required surface CD14, TLR4, NF-kappaB p65 and c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) activity. Our study also revealed that the LOS-induced surface ICAM-1 expression was partially mediated through a TNF-alpha dependent autocrine mechanism and could be further augmented by lipopolysaccharide-binding protein in serum. In addition, M. catarrhalis LOS also stimulated human monocytes to produce pro-inflammatory cytokines in both TLR4- and CD14-dependent pathways. Our results also indicated that enhanced surface ICAM-1 expression on monocytes may hinder their adherence to the lung epithelial monolayer. Furthermore, the LOS-activated human monocytes secreted a significantly high level of IL-8, and could stimulate adjacent naive monocytes to produce TNF-alpha which was partially mediated via membrane ICAM-1 and IL-8/IL-8RA. These results suggest that M. catarrhalis LOS could induce excessive middle ear inflammation through a cellular cross-talk mechanism during OME.
Grafting aptamers onto gold nanostars increases in vitro efficacy in a wide range of cancer cell types.

We report the design of a nanoconstruct that can function as a cell-type independent agent by targeting the ubiquitous protein nucleolin. Gold nanostars (AuNS) loaded with high densities of nucleolin-specific DNA aptamer AS1411 (Apt-AuNS) produced anticancer effects in a panel of 12 cancer lines containing four representative subcategories. We found that the nanoconstructs could be internalized by cancer cells and trafficked to perinuclear regions. Apt-AuNS resulted in downregulation of antiapoptotic Bcl-2 mRNA expression by ca. 200% compared to cells without the nanoconstructs. The caspase 3/7 activity (apoptosis) and cell death in cancer cells treated with Apt-AuNS increased by 1.5 times and by ca. 17%, respectively, compared to cells treated with free AS1411 at over 10 times the concentration. Moreover, light-triggered release of aptamer from the AuNS further enhanced the in vitro efficacy of the nanoconstructs in the cancer line panel with a 2-fold increase in caspase activity and a 40% decrease in ce...
Detecting High-Contrast Seismic Anomalies Using Cross-Borehole Probing

Seismic probing between boreholes is useful for locating high-contrast geophysical anomalies such as an abandoned tunnel. Theoretical studies of continuous wave (CW) seismic wave interaction with a tunnel show that both the signal minima and the phase structure of the received signal can be used for locating the anomaly. The theoretical studies show that as the source and receiver are lowered in separate boreholes straddling the anomaly, the signal minima and the phase structure can be interpreted to yield both the lateral and vertical positions of the anomaly. Plane waves of compressional, horizontally polarized shear, and vertically polarized shear wave types incident on a cylindrical horizontal anomaly have been considered. The total seismic field has been calculated using an exact formulation. The variation of the response is studied as a function of the ratio of anomaly diameter to wavelength. The resulting fields in the receiver borehole are an effective diagnostic when a wavelength in the surrounding medium is less than or equal to the diameter of the anomaly. These results are analogous to the corresponding electromagnetic case which has been studied previously.
Normal mesenteric lymph blunts the pulmonary inflammatory response to endotoxin.

Background Mesenteric lymph may provide the mechanistic link between gut ischemia and acute lung injury after hemorrhagic shock (HS). Studies have focused on the toxic mediators that develop in the post-shock mesenteric lymph (PSML). However, a complementary possibility is that there is loss of protective mediators found in pre-shock normal mesenteric lymph (NML) after HS. We hypothesize that NML protects against inflammatory insults to the pulmonary endothelium and that this effect is lost in PSML. Materials and methods Primary human pulmonary endothelial cells (HMVECs) were incubated with NML or PSML collected from rats subjected to HS and resuscitation and then stimulated with 20 ng/mL LPS. ICAM-1 surface expression was measured by flow cytometry. In subsequent experiments, lipoproteins were extracted from NML before incubation and LPS-induced ICAM-1 expression determined. Results Mean fluorescent intensity (MFI) of LPS-induced ICAM-1 in NML and PSML treated HMVECs were 10.1 ± 2.3 versus 27.7 ± 0.83, respectively (P 0.05). Baseline ICAM-1 levels were not significantly different among control, NML, and PSML groups. Conclusion Lipoproteins in NML contain anti-inflammatory properties that decrease ICAM-1 expression induced by LPS in pulmonary endothelium. Decreased protective lipoproteins after HS and resuscitation may contribute to the toxicity associated with PSML from the ischemic gut.
Central Difference Formula in Numerical Analysis.

ABSTRACT In a typical numerical analysis class, undergraduates learn about the so called central difference formula. Using this, one ca n find an approximation for the derivative of a function at a given point. But for certain types of functions, this approximate answer coincides with the exact derivative at that point. Most students find this behavior quite intriguing! Because of this fact, it is of great interest, not just to the student, but to the instructor as well, to find out when t his behavior can occur. This particular paper which analyzes such conditions is actually an outgrowth of a number of questions raised by students in a recent numerical analysis class. We will also relate the out come of the paper to the issue of the exactness degree of the central difference formula approximation of the first derivative.
Electrons diffusion study on the nitrogen-doped nanocrystalline diamond film grown by MPECVD method

Abstract Nitrogen-doped nanocrystalline diamond (NNCD) films were deposited onto p-type silicon substrates with three different layer structures: (i) directly onto the silicon substrate (NNCD/Si), (ii) silicon with undoped nanocrystalline diamond layer which was deposited in the same way as the above mentioned NNCD by the recipe Ar/CH 4 /H 2 with a ratio of 98%/1%/1% (NNCD/NCD/Si), and (iii) silicon wafer with 100 nm thickness SiO 2 layer (NNCD/SiO 2 /Si). Atomic force microscopy (AFM), X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Raman spectroscopy were employed to characterize the morphology and microstructure of the as-grown nitrogen-doped diamond films. Silver colloid/silver contacts were made at to measure the current–voltage ( I – V ) characteristics for the three different structures. Electrons from a CVD reactor hydrogen plasma diffuse toward the p-type silicon substrate during a deposition process under the high temperature (∼800 °C). The study concluded that the SiO 2 layer could effectively prevents the diffusion of electrons.
High resolution numerical simulations and modeling of optical turbulence across jet streams

Results from high-resolution, forced, three-dimensional direct numerical simulations on the vertical variability of shear-stratified turbulence and its outer length scales in nonuniformly stratified tropopause jets are presented. Vertical scales O(1m - 50m) are resolved. Turbulent dynamics leads to the formation of an N 2 -notch which favors gravity wave emission well within the temperature mixing layer. We demonstrate that, in inhomogeneous shear-stratified turbulence, scaling of various turbulent quantities (such as variances, fluxes, mixing efficiency, turbulence outer scales) with respect to a single parameter (such as the gradient Richardson number) typically exhibit multiple branches. Certain qualitative changes in eddy mixing during transitional regimes towards stronger stratification are highlighted. The behaviour of turbulent eddy mixing parameters found in these studies is consistent with some recent observational results in stably stratified atmospheric shear flows. The implication of this study is that such transitions and multiple scalings need to be accounted in the parameterization of microscale atmospheric optical turbulence.
Differential actions of insulin on enzyme activities in mammary organ culture.

Mammary explants from midpregnant mice were cultured for 4, 24, 48, and 72 hours in the presence and absence of insulin. Changes in the activities of phosphoglucose isomerase (an enzyme of the glycolytic pathway for glucose metabolism) and of glucose-6-phosphate and 6-phosphogluconate dehydrogenases (enzymes of the pentose phosphate pathway) were assessed at each culture interval. During the first four hours of culture, no significant effect could be attributed to insulin on the activity of these enzymes. Moreover, insulin had no detectable stimulatory effect on phophoglucose isomerase until 48 hours, at which time the hormone caused a marked increase in the activity of this enzyme over the next 24 hours. In contrast, insulin stimulated only a small increase in dehydrogenase activity at 24 hours, after which this hormone acted mainly to maintain the activity that was present initially. These results indicate differential actions of insulin on two groups of enzymes catalyzing the same substrate.
Pulsed pumping process optimization using a potential flow model

A computational model is applied to the optimization of pulsed pumping systems for efficient in situ remediation of groundwater contaminants. In the pulsed pumping mode of operation, periodic rather than continuous pumping is used. During the pump-off or trapping phase, natural gradient flow transports contaminated groundwater into a treatment zone surrounding a line of injection and extraction wells that transect the contaminant plume. Prior to breakthrough of the contaminated water from the treatment zone, the wells are activated and the pump-on or treatment phase ensues, wherein extracted water is augmented to stimulate pollutant degradation and recirculated for a sufficient period of time to achieve mandated levels of contaminant removal. An important design consideration in pulsed pumping groundwater remediation systems is the pumping schedule adopted to best minimize operational costs for the well grid while still satisfying treatment requirements. Using an analytic two-dimensional potential flow model, optimal pumping frequencies and pumping event durations have been investigated for a set of model aquifer-well systems with different well spacings and well-line lengths, and varying aquifer physical properties. The results for homogeneous systems with greater than five wells and moderate to high pumping rates are reduced to a single, dimensionless correlation. Results for heterogeneous systems are presented graphically in terms of dimensionless parameters to serve as an efficient tool for initial design and selection of the pumping regimen best suited for pulsed pumping operation for a particular well configuration and extraction rate. In the absence of significant retardation or degradation during the pump-off phase, average pumping rates for pulsed operation were found to be greater than the continuous pumping rate required to prevent contaminant breakthrough.
Parental support of numeracy during a cooking activity with four-year-olds

Abstract While research demonstrates the importance of numeracy-related activities performed at home for young children's mathematics achievement, few studies involve observational studies of the processes which support children's mathematical learning at home. On this premise, this study reports evidence from numeracy-related interactions between parents and their four-year-old child during cookery sessions at home. Numeracy group parents who received instructions to incorporate additional mathematics into the activity provided significantly more numeracy guidance and also created more opportunities for their children to practice advanced mathematics. Comparison group parents provided enough numeracy guidance to complete the recipe but rarely provided extensive or advanced numeracy guidance. Children in the numeracy group generated significantly more correct math responses during the activity than comparison group children, though there were no significant differences on the post-test. The findings sugge...
Detection of DNT, TNT, HF, and nerve agents using photoluminescence and interferometry from a porous silicon chip

Porous silicon chips have been used to detect vapors of explosives and a simulant for the nerve agents Sarin, Soman, and GF using two different transduction modes: reflectivity and photoluminescence. Detection of nitroaromatic compounds is achieved by monitoring the photoluminescence of a nanocrystalline porous Si film on exposure to the analyte of interest in a flowing air stream. Photoluminescence is quenched on exposure to the nitroaromatic. Detection limits of 2 ppb and 1 ppb were observed for 2,4-dinitrotoluene, and 2,4,6-trinitrotoluene, respectively (exposure times of 5 min for each, in air). Specificity for detection is achieved in a two-channel system using catalytic oxidation of the nitroaromatic.
Innate immune sensing of cancer: clues from an identified role for type I IFNs

A subset of patients with a variety of cancers shows evidence of a natural adaptive immune response against their tumor, as evidenced by spontaneous T-cell infiltration, circulating anti-tumor T cells, or antibody responses. Evidence has indicated that such natural immune responses have positive prognostic import in early stage disease and may be predictive of clinical response to immunotherapeutics in advanced disease. However, these observations raise a new critical fundamental question—what innate immune signals might be generated in the context of non-pathogen-induced cancers that drive productive antigen presentation toward induction of an adaptive immune response? Gene expression profiling in melanoma revealed that tumors having high expression of T-cell markers also show evidence of a type I IFN transcriptional signature. Mechanistic experiments in mice have revealed that a spontaneous CD8+ T-cell response against transplantable tumors depends on host type I IFN signaling, through a mechanism dependent upon CD8α+ dendritic cells (DCs). The requirement for type I IFN production by host DCs has suggested a subset of innate immune sensing receptors and signaling pathways that might be involved with initiating this process. Elucidating further these innate immune mechanisms should provide new insights into cancer immunotherapy.
Anomalies in the Kinetics of Substitution in [Os(NH3)5H2O]3+

The 57Fe Mossbauer spectrum of [RuIV(NH3)4(NH2)(FeII(CN)6H)] consists of a quadrupole doublet, showing that, in being formed in the reaction of [Ru(NH3)5H2O]3+ with Fe(CN)63-, the bridging ligand has undergone a rotation of 180°, consistent with there being an induction period in the reaction profile for its appearance. In harmony with the foregoing, [OsIV(NH3)4(NH2)(FeII(CN)6H)], the product of the analogous reaction, shows a single absorption peak, its appearance following a first-order reaction. Though an induction period is observed in the formation of [OsIII(NH3)5(FeII(CN)6)]-, the Mossbauer spectrum of the potassium salt shows a single absorption peak. Our present more detailed study of the kinetics of substitution by Fe(CN)64- and Co(CN)63- in [Os(NH3)5H2O]3+ in unacidified solution shows that a catalyst for the reaction of the former is generated by the residual O2 in a controlled-atmosphere box. The kinetic behavior of the reaction system with catalyst deliberately generated is described in this ...
Proximity of pediatric genetic services to children with birth defects in Texas

BACKGROUND: Families of children with major structural malformations often benefit greatly from genetic services. However, these services may not be readily available in all areas. The purpose of this study was to use data from a statewide birth defects registry and geographic information system methodology to compare the spatial distribution and to summarize the distance of pediatric clinical genetic service providers in relation to residential addresses of children with selected birth defects in Texas. METHODS: Live-born children delivered between 1999–2004 in the Texas Birth Defects Registry with major structural defects and chromosomal anomalies were selected by a clinical geneticist according to diagnosis code. Mother's address at delivery of the case infants was geocoded as was the location of offices where clinical geneticists in Texas see pediatric patients. Using geographic information system tools, the authors then computed distance from each case mother's residence to the location of the nearest office where pediatric patients can be seen by clinical geneticists, summarized these distances, and graphically plotted the location of each case in relation to the nearest provider. RESULTS: Nearly 25,000 Registry cases met the criteria for selection for geocoding. Of those, 22,875 (91.8%) were successfully geocoded to street level. CONCLUSIONS: Although 82% of addresses were within 30 miles of the nearest pediatric genetic clinic, 14% lived 31–100 miles from the nearest facility, and 4% of case families would need to drive more than 100 miles, including some who live in midsized cities, indicating geographic disparities in access to these necessary services. Birth Defects Research (Part A), 2008. © 2008 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Enhanced thermotolerance by hydrostatic pressure in the deep-sea hyperthermophile Pyrococcus strain ES4

The combined effect of hydrostatic pressure and heat shock on thermotolerance was examined in the deep-sea hyperthermophilic archaeon Pyrococcus strain ES4. Pressure equivalent to the depth of isolation (22 MPa) enhanced ES4's survival at super-optimal temperatures (101–108°C) relative to low pressure (3 MPa). Pressure also raised the temperature at which a putative heat-shock protein (98 kDa) accumulated. ES4 grown at 95°C and 3 MPa displayed immediate enhanced thermotolerance to 105°C after being shifted to 22 MPa. Cultures grown at 95°C and 22 MPa and then heat shocked at 105°C and 3 MPa retained enhanced thermotolerance after decompression. These results suggest that this deep-sea hyperthermophile has developed pressure-induced responses that include increased survival to hyperthermal conditions.
Evaluating microcomputer interactive survey software

Software packages for microcomputer interactive questionnaires are becoming readily available to a wide group of business researchers. Potential users have a series of interrelated decisions regarding the most appropriate software and hardware for their specific needs. This article outlines important features that researchers must consider in their decisions under five dimensions: Survey research, question presentation, documentation, hardware, and monetary.
Characterization of polymorphic microsatellite loci in the invasive Brazilian pepper, Schinus terebinthifolius

Brazilian pepper trees (Schinus terebinthifolius) pose a significant threat to south Florida ecosystems. To identify the source population of this exotic species we developed eight trinucleotide (AAT) microsatellite loci. Polymorphism ranged from two to six alleles and heterozygosity from 30 to 100% in a sample of 10 individuals from across south Florida. Cross-species amplification indicated that these loci may be useful in some members of the Anacardiaceae.
The Making and Unmaking of Persons: Notes on Aging and Gender in North India

This article explores aging and gender as dimensions ofpersonhood in West Bengal, India. The work of aging requires unravelling bodily and emotional ties (maya) to people, places, and things, even though these ties feel compellingly stronger and more numerous as life progresses. Women differ from men in that their connections are unmade and remade at a greater number of critical junctures in their lives, not only through aging and dying, but also in marriage and widowhood. This focus on aging and gender suggests a move beyond those models of South Asian personhood that tend to be static, degendered, and based on too sharp a dichotomy between East and West, to a more nuanced understanding of the plural and evolving nature of personhood conceptions over the life course.
Cytochemical study of macrophage lysosomal inorganic trimetaphosphatase and acid phosphatase.

Abstract Cytochemical investigations have associated acid inorganic trimetaphosphatase (TMPase) activity with the lysosomes of certain cell types. We have used the modified staining technique of Berg to show that this enzyme activity is present in normal mononuclear phagocytes and macrophage cell lines. We have found this enzyme activity to be present in murine RAW264 macrophages, in human U937 macrophages, in normal human blood monocytes, and in guinea pig peritoneal macrophages. All of the RAW264 and U937 macrophages showed intense TMPase activity. Many of the human monocytes and most of the guinea pig macrophages were labeled by this method. The reaction product was associated with the lysosomes of these cell types. The lysosomal staining pattern was similar to that of acid phosphatase. Differences with regard to Golgi staining were noted. This indicates that TMPase is a lysosomal enzyme of mammalian macrophages. The distinction between TMPase and acid phosphatase activity has been demonstrated by measuring the pH optimum of each enzyme. Using substrates identical to those of the ultrastructural cytochemistry, we show that the pH optimum of TMPase is 4.0 and that of acid phosphatase is 5.0. The enzymatic activities are therefore ultrastructurally and biochemically distinct. Following phagocytosis of latex, yeast ( Saccharomyces cerevisiae ), or Corynebacterium parvum ), TMPase has been found to be associated with phagosomes. This enzyme may take part in the degradation of phagocytosed materials, particularly microorganisms which contain inorganic polyphosphates and metaphosphates.
Special Technical Communities

STCs offer a new way for members to develop communities focusing on selected technical areas, integrating with contemporary technology in a way that breaks down silos and fosters growth in a dynamic environment.
Progesterone 5α-reductase in mouse brain

Abstract We have examined the distribution of progesterone 5α-reductase activity in minces of discrete brain areas from two strains of adult ovariectomized mice known to be differentially responsive to the behavioral effects of exogenously administered 5α-pregnane-3,20-dione (5α-DHP). Minces of freshly dissected midbrain tegmentum (TEG), hypothalamus-preoptic area (HPOA), hippocampus (HIP), and parietal cortex (CTX) were incubated with [4- 14 C]progesterone in a Krebs-Henseleit bicarbonate buffer solution containing 10 mM glucose for 2 h at 37°C. The [ 14 C]5α-DHP produced was identified by comparison with known standards in paper and thin-layer chromatography systems, derivative formation, and recrystallization to a constant 14 C/ 3 H ratio. We found a 6-fold difference in the extent to which various brain areas formed 5α-DHP. The amount of conversion was similar for both strains of mice. When expressed as picomoles of 5α-DHP formed per 2 h per 20 mg of tissue, the following order of activity was observed: TEG > HPOA > HIP > CTX.
Ionic Liquid Distribution in Ordered Block Copolymer Solutions

The distribution of an ionic liquid within microphase-separated domains of a block copolymer in mixtures of the two components is studied using contrast-matched small-angle neutron scattering (SANS...
The Changing Face of Dyslipidemia Therapies

To date, the major emphasis of dyslipidemia management has focused on the reduction of serum low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) levels, which several robust trials show significantly decreases the risk of CHD. To achieve goal LDL-C levels will require that some indi- viduals take more than 1 cholesterol-lowering medication. In addition, many dyslipidemic patients also have con- comitant risk factors for cardiovascular disease including hypertension, elevated plasma glucose, and high body mass index, requiring additional therapies. In addition to drugs that lower LDL-C, several agents under investigation are targeting other markers for decreasing the risk of atherosclerotic disease. Some of these agents target the reduction of C-reactive protein with a more potent statin, increased high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) with the cholesterol ester transfer protein inhibitor, inhibi- tion of triglyceride or very-low-density lipoprotein choles- terol (VLDL-C) with the acyl coenzyme A: cholesterol acyltransferase inhibitor, reduction of VLDL-C with micro- somal triglyceride transfer protein inhibitor, change in percentage coronary atheroma volume with HDL-C mimet- ics, and the reduction of bile acid transport and reabsorp- tion with the ileal bile acid transport inhibitors. This review will provide an overview of the existing landscape for the medical treatment of dyslipidemia, including avail- able therapies and future trends.
Solution structure and function in trifluoroethanol of PP-50, an ATP-binding peptide from F1ATPase

Abstract PP-50, a synthetic peptide, based on residues 141-190 of the β-subunit of mitochondrial F1ATPase, containing the GX4GKT consensus sequence for nucleoside triphosphate binding, binds ATP tightly (Kd = 17.5 μM) as found by fluorescence titration at pH 4.0. CD and 2D proton NMR studies at pH 4.0 revealed two β-turns, regions of extended secondary structure, transient tertiary structure, and flexibility in the GX4GKT region (W. J. Chuang, C. Abeygunawardana, P. L. Pedersen, and A. S. Mildvan, 1992, Biochemistry 31, 7915-7921). CD titration of PP-50 with trifluoroethanol (TFE) reveals a decrease in ellipticity at 208 and 222 nm, saturating at 25% TFE. Computer analysis indicates that 25% TFE increases the helix content from 5.8 to 28.6%, decreases the β-structure from 30.2 to 20.2% and decreases the coil content from 64 to 51.2%. Fluorescence titrations of H2ATP2− with PP-50 in 25% TFE yields a Kd of 7.3 μM, 2.4-fold tighter than in H2O, probably due to TFE increasing the activity of H2ATP2−. PP-50 completely quenches the fluorescence of H2ATP2− in 25% TFE, while in H2O the fluorescence quenching is only 62%. In H2O the binding of H2ATP2− increases the structure of PP-50 as detected by CD, but in 25% TFE no significant change in CD is found on binding either H2ATP2− or Mg2+HATP (Kd = 14 μM). The complete proton NMR spectrum of PP-50 in 25% TFE has been assigned. The solution structure, determined by distance geometry, molecular dynamics with simulated annealing, and energy minimization, consists of a coil (residues 1-8), a strand (residues 9-12), a loop (residues 13-22) containing the GX4GKT consensus sequence (residues 16-23), an α-helix (residues 23-36), a turn (residues 38-41), and a coil (residues 42-50), similar to that of the corresponding region of the X-ray structure of F1ATPase (J. P. Abrahams, A. G. W. Leslie, R. Lutter, and J. E. Walker, 1994 Nature 370, 621-628) and to the structure of a homologous peptide from the ATP-binding site of adenylate kinase (D. C. Fry, D. M. Byler, H. Susi, E. M. Brown, S. A. Kuby, and A. S. Mildvan, 1988 Biochemistry 27, 3588-3598). β,γ-Bidentate Cr3+ ATP binds to PP-50 with the Cr3+ pyrophosphate moiety approaching the ϵ-methylene group of K22 in the GX4GKT consensus sequence, in agreement with the X-ray structure of the Mg2+AMPPNP complex of F1ATPase.