cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Gtf2i and Gtf2ird1 mutation are not sufficient to reproduce mouse phenotypes caused by the Williams Syndrome critical region

Abstract Williams syndrome is a neurodevelopmental disorder caused by a 1.5-1.8Mbp deletion on chromosome 7q11.23, affecting the copy number of 26-28 genes. Phenotypes of Williams syndrome include cardiovascular problems, craniofacial dysmorphology, deficits in visual spatial cognition, and a characteristic hypersocial personality. There are still no genes in the region that have been consistently linked to the cognitive and behavioral phenotypes, although human studies and mouse models have led to the current hypothesis that the general transcription factor 2 I family of genes, GTF2I and GTF2IRD1, are responsible. Here we test the hypothesis that these two transcription factors are sufficient to reproduce the phenotypes that are caused by deletion of the Williams syndrome critical region (WSCR). We compare a new mouse model with loss of function mutations in both Gtf2i and Gtf2ird1 to an established mouse model lacking the complete WSCR. We show that the complete deletion model has deficits across several behavioral domains including social communication, motor functioning, and conditioned fear that are not explained by loss of function mutations in Gtf2i and Gtf2ird1. Furthermore, transcriptome profiling of the hippocampus shows changes in synaptic genes in the complete deletion model that are not seen in the double mutants. Thus, we have thoroughly defined a set of molecular and behavioral consequences of complete WSCR deletion, and shown that other genes or combinations of genes are necessary to produce these phenotypic effects.
Time geography of daily activities: A closer look into telecommute impacts

Abstract As part of a series of work examining the actual impacts of telecommuting on workers’ mobility and activity scheduling, this paper focuses on how telecommuting might ease the temporal/spatial constraints of work activities and affect the time-space distribution of daily activities. In the first step, telecommuting was analyzed from an opportunity-based perspective built upon stochastic frontier models and time-space prisms. Results showed that telecommuters had larger prisms compared to non-telecommuters, indicating higher levels of accessibility to out-of-home activity opportunities. The effects on regular telecommuters were much more sensible than non-regular telecommuters, which may indicate that they were able to take advantage of the opportunities brought by telecommuting, if it is adopted on a regular basis. In the second step, temporal/spatial distribution of non-mandatory trips/activities were compared among telecommuters and non-telecommuters. Accordingly, despite the relaxation of work-related constraints, minimal impacts were observed on telecommuters’ time-of-day and spatial distribution of non-mandatory activities. In terms of temporal distribution, while differences were observed in timing of certain non-mandatory activities, they were not large enough to exceed time-of-day boundaries. In view of spatial distribution, people tended to keep non-mandatory activities within certain distance from home with or without telecommuting, although telecommuting seemed to relax the spatial constraints associated with work locations. The data for this research work came from the 2010–2011 Regional Household Travel Survey conducted in the New York metropolitan area.
The Effect of E-cigarette Commercials on Youth Smoking: A Prospective Study

Objectives: In this study, we assessed whether commercials for electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes) influence the use of e-cigarettes, cigarettes, and cigars among high-risk youth in southern California. Methods: We recruited students (N = 1060) from 29 alternative high schools into a prospective cohort study. We used multilevel Poisson regression models to examine whether exposure to e-cigarette commercials and perceptions of their appeal predicted increased use of e-cigarettes, cigarettes, and cigars one year later. We also tested the potential moderating effect of gender and ethnicity. Results: Models with and without covariates suggest that exposure to e-cigarette commercials is a statistically significant predictor of increased use of e-cigarettes. When gender was added to the models as a moderator, the relationships between commercial exposure and future use of e-cigarettes and cigars were found to be stronger among females. Unadjusted and adjusted models also indicated that students with favorable perceptions of e-cigarette commercials reported greater use of e-cigarettes, cigarettes, and cigars one year later. Conclusions: E-cigarette commercials may play an important role in persuading high-risk youth to use nicotine and tobacco products. Extending the Broadcast Advertising Ban of 1971 to include a broader range of products may be critical to preventing future generations from becoming addicted to nicotine.
Preface for Special Issue “Bioaerosol Research: Methods, Challenges, and Perspectives”

Biological aerosol particles (also known as bioaerosols) are airborne particles that can be derived from virtually any biological processes and were some of the first types of aerosols to be studie...
Implementing a Transition-to-Practice Program for Novice Clinical Nurse Specialists: A Pilot Project.

Purpose The aim of this study was to determine the impact of a transition-to-practice program on job satisfaction among novice clinical nurse specialists (CNSs) in the US Air Force. Program description A needs assessment was conducted among currently practicing Air Force CNSs (n = 30) to establish the necessity for a transition-to-practice program. Newly graduated CNSs (n = 8) were paired with experienced CNS mentors and met every 2 weeks for 2 months to discuss progress on the CNS core competencies. Before beginning the program, mentees self-reported perceptions related to the core competencies. Mentors focused on areas of self-reported low competency. The Nursing Context Index was administered preintervention and postintervention to assess the program's impact on job satisfaction. Outcomes Overall job satisfaction among novice CNSs improved from 5.01 to 5.57 (scale, 1-7) after completing the program. Personal satisfaction (4.30-5.63) and satisfaction with professional support (5.28-6.00) showed the greatest improvement out of the 4 elements of job satisfaction evaluated. Conclusions Transition-to-practice programs can be beneficial for novice CNSs in establishing their practice. Future studies with larger sample sizes over longer periods of time are necessary to determine the true impact of similar programs.
Exploring Emission and Absorption Spectroscopy in the First-Year General Chemistry Laboratory

In the first-year general chemistry laboratory course, instrumental data collection involving sample quantification has often been limited to absorption spectroscopy due to the inaccessibility of e...
Queerly Christified Bodies: Women Martyrs, Christification, and the Compulsory Masculinisation Thesis

Early Christian women martyrs have been studied from several angles, including especially critical readings that underscore their narrative masculinisation through various representational devices....
Utility of post-operative review following Nd:YAG laser capsulotomy

Purpose : Nd:YAG laser capsulotomy (YAG) is a common procedure with infrequent adverse events. We reviewed intraocular pressure (IOP) measurements 30 minutes after YAG in glaucomatous and non-glaucomatous eyes and a one-week post-op dilated fundus exam (DFE) to detect retinal tear (RT) and detachment (RD). We are interested in the utility of these same day and one-week visits, especially in glaucoma patients and in this COVID19 era. Methods : We analyzed 1,406 eyes from 1,138 patients who received YAG from 2011 to 2020 at the University of Florida. Exclusion criteria included YAG performed for reasons other than posterior capsular opacification, IOP not recorded and glaucoma status not analyzed. IOP (pre-op, 30 minutes post-op and at follow-up), follow-up DFE and glaucoma history were recorded. Primary outcome measures were change in IOP at same day and one-week post-op visits and incidence of RT and RD. Statistical analyses were conducted in IBM SPSS Statistics. Pre-op and same day post-op IOP in all patients (N=578) and in glaucoma patients (N=93) were compared with paired ttest. Univariate regression analysis was performed to assess if glaucoma history predicted which patients would have a rise in IOP of 5mmHg or more. ANOVA was used for comparison of intergroup difference between pre-op, same day post-op, and follow-up. Results : There was no significant change in mean pre-op and post-op IOP in all patients (p = 0.557), nor in the glaucoma patients (p = 0.194). Many patients (68.9%, N=404) were given a drop of brimonidine prior to YAG procedure. 69 patients had a rise in IOP of 5 mmHg or more at 30 minutes following YAG, including 13/93 (14%) of glaucoma eyes and 56/485 (12%) of non-glaucoma eyes. An IOP spike of 10mmHg occurred in 9 of these eyes of which 1 eye had glaucoma (1%) and 8 did not (89%). Using binary logistic regression, we found that glaucoma was not predictive for rise in IOP of 5mmHg or more following YAG (OR 1.23;95% CI=0.64-2.34). No patients had RT or RD detected during one-week follow-up visit. Conclusions : There is no significant change in IOP in all patients and in glaucoma patients. Glaucoma was not considered a risk factor for rise in IOP. YAG does not seem to increase the risk of RT or RD. In this COVID-19 era, when all practitioners aim to decrease in-person visits, small changes on a large scale can make an impact. If validated, our results bring into question the necessity of post-op visits after YAG.
A cross-national study of youth entrepreneurship: The effect of family support:

This multilevel, cross-national study builds on the Entrepreneurial Event Model (EEM) to examine the influence of perceived family support on young individuals’ perceptions about the desirability a...
The Yield Disparity in 401(k) Plans: Does Higher Annual Pay Mean Higher Rates of Return on Retirement Accounts?

This study examines whether more highly paid workers have significantly higher rates of return on their 401(k) retirement accounts than lower paid workers. This topic received considerable attention when Brooks Hamilton, a prominent benefits consultant, stated on the PBS program Frontline that the top 20 percent of 401(k) plan participants in terms of pay had investment rates of return on their retirement accounts that were from five to seven times higher than the bottom quintile of plan participants in terms of pay. He coined this difference in the rates of return the “yield disparity”. Using a sample of over 500,000 observations over the period 2002-2007, and controlling for age and gender, we find that the lowest paid workers do in fact earn rates of return on their 401(k) that are significantly less than the rates of returns earned by higher paid workers. However, the magnitude of the yield disparity between the poorest and richest quintiles is much smaller than that found by Hamilton. Rather than five to seven times the returns, we find that the return difference is on average about two percent per year; which still a significant difference but not nearly as great as suggested. After documenting the difference in the rates of return, we then examine assets held and loan activity. We find, consistent with the previous literature that workers who earn in the bottom 20 percent in terms of pay hold significantly lessrisky assets in their retirement portfolios and are more likely to borrow from their retirement balance.
Inactivation of a GFP retrovirus occurs at multiple levels in long-term repopulating stem cells and their differentiated progeny

Hematopoietic stem cell gene therapy holds promise for the treatment of many hematologic disorders. One major variable that has limited the overall success of gene therapy to date is the lack of sustained gene expression from viral vectors in transduced stem cell populations. To understand the basis for reduced gene expression at a single-cell level, we have used a murine retroviral vector, MFG, that expresses the green fluorescent protein (GFP) to transduce purified populations of long-term self-renewing hematopoietic stem cells (LT-HSC) isolated using the fluorescence-activated cell sorter. Limiting dilution reconstitution of lethally irradiated recipient mice with 100% transduced, GFP+ LT-HSC showed that silencing of gene expression occurred rapidly in most integration events at the LT-HSC level, irrespective of the initial levels of GFP expression. When inactivation occurred at the LT-HSC level, there was no GFP expression in any hematopoietic lineage clonally derived from silenced LT-HSC. Inactivation downstream of LT-HSC that stably expressed GFPin long-term reconstituted animals was restricted primarily to lymphoid cells. These observations suggest at least 2 distinct mechanisms of silencing retrovirally expressed genes in hematopoietic cells.
Minimally invasive spleen-preserving distal pancreatectomy: Does splenic vessel preservation have better postoperative outcomes? A systematic review and meta-analysis

Background Minimally invasive spleen-preserving distal pancreatectomy (SPDP) can be performed with either splenic vessel preservation (SVP) or resection [Warshaw procedure (WP)“10”. The aim of this study was to evaluate the postoperative clinical outcomes of patients undergoing both methods. Data Sources Database search of PubMed, Embase, Scopus, Cochrane, and Google Scholar was performed (2000–2014); key bibliographies were reviewed. Qualified studies comparing patients undergoing SPDP with either SVP or WP, and assessing postoperative complications were included. Calculated pooled risk ratio (RR) with the corresponding 95% confidence interval (CI) by random effects methods were used in the meta-analyses. Results The search yielded 215 studies, of which only 14 observational studies met our selection criteria. The studies included 943 patients in total; 652 (69%) underwent SVP and 291 (31%) underwent WP. Overall, there was a lower incidence of splenic infarction (RR=0.17; 95% CI: 0.09-0.33; P Conclusions SVP is a safe, efficient and feasible technique that may be used to preserve the spleen. WP may be more suitable for large tumors close to the splenic hilum or those associated with splenomegaly. Randomized clinical trials are justified to examine the long-term benefits of SVP-SPDP.
Otitis media with effusion: results of treatment with a short course of oral prednisone or intranasal beclomethasone aerosol

A short course of prednisone suspension given in a decreasing dosage schedule for up to ten days was often effective (68%) in resolving mucoid otitis media with effusion (OME, middle ear effusion). No significant side effects were noted. Concommitant administration of sulfisoxazole suspension may have reduced the likelihood of activation of a quiescent infection of the middle ear. During the eight-month mean follow-up period, reaccumulation of the effusion was detected in 21% of the successfully treated children. Preliminary results of an unrelated, pilot project using intranasal beclomethasone dipropionate aerosol suggests that this novel method also may be efficacious in the treatment of OME.
Exposure to Rabies in Small Indian Mongooses (Herpestes auropunctatus) from Two Regions in Puerto Rico

Abstract The small Indian mongoose (Herpestes auropunctatus) was introduced to several Caribbean Islands to control rat (Rattus spp.) damage to sugarcane plantations. Mongooses failed at suppressing rat populations and are now considered pests throughout most of their introduced range. Importantly, mongooses are rabies reservoirs on several Caribbean Islands. In Puerto Rico, mongooses have been implicated in up to 70% of reported animal rabies cases. There is no rabies vaccination program for wildlife in Puerto Rico, and data on rabies in mongooses are limited. We conducted a serosurvey of mongooses in two different ecologic environments in Puerto Rico: El Yunque National Forest and Cabo Rojo National Wildlife Refuge. We collected 119 serum samples from 112 mongooses, 44 (39.3%) of which were positive for rabies virus–neutralizing antibodies. We also collected oral swabs from 147 mongooses, including 88 from which we also collected serum. No oral swabs were positive for rabies virus RNA. Our data support ...
MCMC ESTIMATION OF LÉVY JUMP MODELS USING STOCK AND OPTION PRICES

We examine the performances of several popular Levy jump models and some of the most sophisticated affine jump-diffusion models in capturing the joint dynamics of stock and option prices. We develop efficient Markov chain Monte Carlo methods for estimating parameters and latent volatility/jump variables of the Levy jump models using stock and option prices. We show that models with infinite-activity Levy jumps in returns significantly outperform affine jump-diffusion models with compound Poisson jumps in returns and volatility in capturing both the physical and risk-neutral dynamics of the S&P 500 index. We also find that the variance gamma model of Madan, Carr, and Chang with stochastic volatility has the best performance among all the models we consider.
Physiologic Responses to Gastric Acid Hypersecretion in Zollinger-Ellison Syndrome

Two patients with gastric acid hypersecretion and intact stomachs had diarrhea with steatorrhea. In 1 patient continuous outpouring of large volumes of alkaline juice into the duodenum, combined with the buffering capacity of food, resulted in normal or near normal pH levels in the upper small intestine for at least 90 min. after a meal. The tryptic activities in intestinal aspirates after the meal were essentially normal. Watery diarrhea was controlled when an anticholinergic drug was given both night and day, but steatorrhea was not reduced. In the other patient the alkaline secretions of the upper intestine were inadequate to neutralize the gastric acid output. The mechanisms by which acid secreted by the stomach is neutralized in the upper small bowel and the mechanisms of diarrhea are discussed.
He ( 1 1 S ) – He ( 2 3 S ) collision and radiative transition at low temperatures

There has been considerable recent interest in low-temperature interrogation of quantum helium nanodroplets. We consider the interaction of helium ground and metastable states, employing the best known molecular dimer potentials. Radiative transitions between different metastable rovibrational levels are compared with the discharge emission transition lines and good agreement is found. Collisional interactions between helium ground and metastable atoms are studied and elastic scattering, metastability excitation transfer and diffusion cross sections and rate coefficients are calculated at ultralow energies. The integral elastic cross section at ultralow energies is about $5000 {\mathrm{\AA{}}}^{2}.$ Effect of shape resonances that form in the potential barriers, on the cross sections is investigated. We find that some shape resonances live for longer than 100 s. Long-range potential wells could support ``shelf'' levels. We discuss their collisional and spectroscopic properties.
Abstract 177: MiR-10b promotes migration and invasion in pancreatic cancer cells

Proceedings: AACR 103rd Annual Meeting 2012‐‐ Mar 31‐Apr 4, 2012; Chicago, IL Pancreatic ductal carcinoma (PDAC) is the fourth leading cause of cancer-related death in Unites States. Due to its aggressive local invasion and metastatic nature, the median survival for patients with PDAC is only 6-month. There is therefore an urgent need to improve our understanding of the pathobiology of this malignancy. In this regard, microRNAs (miRs) have emerged as potentially important regulators in PDAC progression by acting on multiple signaling pathways involved in proliferation, apoptosis, invasiveness and metastasis. MiR-10b is an important RNA implicated in the facilitation of cancer cell invasion and metastasis in several cancers. We have previously shown that miR-10b is upregulated in pancreatic cancer cells, and that high levels of miR-10b are associated with decreased time to metastasis following therapy, enhanced resistance to gemcitabine, and decreased overall survival. In the present study, we have sought to characterize the mechanisms of action of miR-10b in PDAC. We found that overexpression of miR-10b promoted migration and invasion of PANC-1 cells in vitro, without enhancing their proliferation. Microarray analysis revealed that TIP30, a tumor and metastasis suppressor, was downregulated by miR-10b overexpression. Validation experiments using luciferase readout assays showed that TIP30 is a direct target of miR-10b. Taken together, these observations suggest that miR-10b plays an important role in PDAC and may be a novel therapeutic target in this deadly malignancy. Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 103rd Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2012 Mar 31-Apr 4; Chicago, IL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2012;72(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 177. doi:1538-7445.AM2012-177
Dynamic analysis of multi-echelon supply systems

Abstract This paper investigates the dynamic response of a multi-echelon supply chain to various demands placed upon the system by a final consumer. When each supply point in the chain uses a typical linear decision rule for placing orders, it is shown that the system amplifies minor variations in consumer demand into major disturbances at higher echelons. This amplification is traced to two sources, one being a legitimate and unavoidable inventory adjustment and the other being an unwarranted ‘false order’ effect. A new decision rule is derived which automatically suppresses these false orders. The two decision rules are compared in a three-echelon simulation model, and the revised rule experienced fewer stockouts, maintained lower average inventory, and greatly reduced the amplification effect.
Predicting the abundance of white shrimp (Litopenaeus setiferus) from environmental parameters and previous life stages

White shrimp (Litopenaeus setiferus) landings in Louisiana display substantial intra- and inter-annual variability. This variability reflects the stochastic impacts of environmental factors that influence growth, mortality, and subsequent survival in a given year, a situation that frustrates attempts by fisheries managers to predict future abundance. We developed a recursive three-equation model for predicting Louisiana white shrimp abundance and subsequent catch based on lagged life-stage counts and environmental parameters such as temperature, river discharge, and cumulative wetland loss. The estimated model demonstrated a significant and positive relationship between early life stage abundance and temperature and salinity. At the same time, wetland loss and high river discharges were related to lower abundance. Biological factors such as numbers of juvenile shrimp at early life stages predicted late juvenile abundance, with a similar relationship existing between late juveniles and adult catch per unit effort (CPUE).
Clinical Experience with Cold Blood as the Vehicle for Hypothermic Potassium Cardioplegia

Intermittent cold ischemic arrest was compared with hypothermic potassium cardioplegia using cold blood as the vehicle in two consecutive series of patients having isolated coronary bypass grafting. Between January 1, 1977, and June 30, 1977, 196 patients were operated on using cold ischemic arrest. The incidence of perioperative infarction was 14.3%, and mean total myocardial ischemia time was 42 +/- 1.2 minutes. From July 1, 1977, to June 30, 1978, there were 428 operations done using cold blood with potassium. The incidence of perioperative infarction was 5.6% (p less than 0.005), and the mean total myocardial ischemic time was 80 +/- 2.1 minutes. In the five years prior to this study, the incidence of perioperative infarction was constant at 13% while operative mortality was declining from 5 to 1% and the need for postoperative myocardial support was declining also. Use of cold blood potassium cardioplegia compared with cold ischemic arrest for myocardial protection during coronary artery operations has significantly reduced the incidence of perioperative infarction while doubling cross-clamp time.
Studying monolayer/solvent interactions with a photochromic compound in a self-assembled monolayer

Abstract Photochromic materials were incorporated within a structured self-assembled monolayer and the decay rate of the photomerocyanine was determined with different monolayer–solute interactions.
America and the Eighth Deadly Sin

In this article, I argue that the cultivation of innocence in the United States, coupled with policies of free market expansionism, the acquisitiveness of capitalism, rising militarism, the hubris of democratic evangelism, free market fundamentalism, and the immense U.S. militaristic and economic power, is an especially fatal sin. In general, I contend that nurturing innocence involves overlooking the inadvertent and advertent destruction and suffering that has resulted from U.S. interventionist policies and actions in the 20th and 21st centuries. Finally, I argue that the cultivation of innocence, which is often supported by Christian theological language, contradicts central Christian beliefs.
Trends and variations of ocean surface latent heat flux: Results from GSSTF2c data set

Trends and variations of Goddard Satellite-based Surface Turbulent Fluxes (GSSTF) version 2c (GSSTF2c) latent heat flux (LHF) are examined. This version of LHF takes account of the correction in Earth incidence angle. The trend of global mean LHF for GSSTF2c is much reduced relative to GSSTF version 2b Set 1 and Set 2 for the same period 1988-2008. Temporal increase of GSSTF2c LHF in the two decades is 11.0%, in which 3.1%, 5.8%, and 2.1% are attributed to the increase in wind, the increase in sea surface saturated air humidity, and the decrease in near-surface air humidity, respectively. The first empirical orthogonal function of LHF is a conventional El Nino Southern Oscillation (ENSO) mode. However, the trends in LHF are independent of conventional ENSO phenomena. After removing ENSO signal, the pattern of LHF trends is primarily determined by the pattern of air-sea humidity difference trends.
Efficacy and safety of argatroban in patients with heparin induced thrombocytopenia undergoing endovascular intervention for peripheral arterial disease

Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of argatroban during percutaneous interventions for peripheral arterial disease (PAD). Background: Endovascular interventions are commonly used in patients with peripheral arterial disease. Heparin is routinely administered during these procedures, but cannot be used in patients with a history of heparin-induced thrombocytopenia (HIT). Argatroban is an approved direct thrombin inhibitor for treatment of patients with HIT. There are currently few data on the efficacy and safety of argatroban during endovascular interventions for PAD. Methods: Patients who underwent endovascular interventions for PAD on argatroban between 2002 and 2005 were identified from out database. Efficacy was evaluated using a composite of death, urgent revascularization, and amputation, while safety was assessed by TIMI major bleeding during the index hospitalization. Results: A total of 48 patients undergoing lower extremity revascularization on argatroban were identified. Thirty two of these patients (67%) had antibody-confirmed HIT and the other 16 (33%) had suspected HIT. A mean dose of argatroban was 173.5 ± 143 μg/kg bolus, followed by a 10.7 ± 9.64 μg/kg/min infusion during the procedure. Twelve patients (25%) met the composite end point (two deaths, one urgent revascularization, nine amputations because of progressive peripheral arterial disease). TIMI major bleeding occurred in three (6%) patients. Conclusion: In patients with confirmed or suspected HIT undergoing endovascular intervention for PAD, argatroban appears to be effective and safe. A larger study is warranted to confirm these findings from a single center. © 2008 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Characterization of the Tyrosine Kinase Tnk1 and Its Binding with Phospholipase C-γ1

Tnk1 is a nonreceptor tyrosine kinase cloned from CD34+/Lin−/CD38− hematopoietic stem/progenitor cells. The cDNA predicts a 72-kDa protein containing an NH2-terminal kinase, a Src Homology 3 (SH3) domain, and a proline-rich (PR) tail. We generated rabbit antiserum to a GST–Tnk1(SH3) fusion protein. Affinity-purified anti-Tnk1 antibodies specifically recognized a 72-kDa protein in Tnk1-transfected COS-1 cells and cells which express Tnk1 mRNA. Western blot analysis indicated that Tnk1 is expressed in fetal blood cells, but not in any other hematopoietic tissues examined. Tnk1 immunoprecipitated from cell lysates possessed kinase activity and was tyrosine phosphorylated. In binding experiments with a panel of GST-fusion constructs, only GST–PLC-γ1(SH3) interacted with in vitro translated Tnk1. GST–protein precipitations from cell lysates confirmed that GST–PLC-γ1(SH3) associated with endogenously expressed Tnk1. Conversely, GST–Tnk1(PR) protein constructs complexed with endogenously expressed PLC-γ1. The association of Tnk1 with PLC-γ1 suggests a role for Tnk1 in phospholipid signal transduction.
Measurement and regulation of rat testicular δ-aminolevulinic acid synthetase activity

Abstract δ-Aminolevulinic acid synthetase (EC 2.3.1.37) activity has been detected in the rat testis. Optimal substrate and coenzyme concentrations and assay conditions have been determined. The majority of enzyme activity is localized in the mitochondrial fraction, with a small amount being detected in the cytosol. Fasting, which is known to increase activity in the adrenal and decrease activity in the heart, had no effect on testicular enzyme activity. Administration of the known hepatic inducers 3,5-dicarbethoxy-1,4-dihydrocollidine or allylisopropylacetamide to rats did not alter the activity of testicular δ-aminolevulinic acid synthetase. Administration of human chorionic gonadotropin to rats increased enzyme activity at 24 and 48 h, which indicates that testicular δ-aminolevulinic acid synthetase and the synthesis of heme may be under the control of pituitary gonadotropins.
Projectively equivalent ideals and Rees valuations

Let R be a Noetherian ring. Two ideals I and J in R are projectively equivalent in case the integral closure of Ii is equal to the integral closure of Jj for some i,j∈N+. It is known that if I and J are projectively equivalent, then the set ReesI of Rees valuation rings of I is equal to the set ReesJ of Rees valuation rings of J and the values of I and J with respect to these Rees valuation rings are proportional. We observe that the converse also holds. In particular, if the ideal I has only one Rees valuation ring V, then the ideals J projectively equivalent to I are precisely the ideals J such that ReesJ={V}. In certain cases such as: (i) dimR=1, or (ii) R is a two-dimensional regular local domain, we observe that if I has more than one Rees valuation ring, then there exist ideals J such that ReesI=ReesJ, but J is not projectively equivalent to I. If I and J are regular ideals of R, we prove that ReesI∪ReesJ⊆ReesIJ with equality holding if dimR⩽2, but not holding in general if dimR⩾3. We associate to I and to the set P(I) of integrally closed ideals projectively equivalent to I a numerical semigroup S(I)⊆N such that S(I)=N if and only if there exists J∈P(I) for which P(I)={(Jn)a|n∈N+}.
The Bipedicle Flap Revisited

background . There is little written in dermatologic literature on bipedicle advancement flaps. objective . In this paper we review the technique, case examples (many of which have not been described in the literature), benefits, and disadvantages of the bipedicle flap. conclusions . We believe the bipedicle flap to be a much under-used flap in superficial soft tissue reconstruction. We suggest that this flap be actively considered as a reconstructive option for a variety of defects on multiple body sites.
Conformational Changes in the Extrinsic Manganese Stabilizing Protein Can Occur upon Binding to the Photosystem II Reaction Center: An Isotope Editing and FT-IR Study†

Photosystem II catalyzes the light-driven oxidation of water and reduction of plastoquinone in oxygenic photosynthesis. The manganese stabilizing protein (MSP) of photosystem II is an extrinsic subunit that plays an important role in catalytic activity. This subunit can be extracted and re-bound to the photosystem II reaction center. Extraction is associated with decreased stability of manganese binding by the enzyme and by loss in high rates of oxygen evolution activity; reconstitution reverses these phenomena. Since little is known about the assembly of complex membrane proteins, we have employed isotope editing and vibrational spectroscopy to obtain information about any changes in secondary structure that occur in MSP upon functional reconstitution to photosystem II. The spectroscopic data obtained are consistent with substantial changes in conformation when MSP binds to photosystem II; approximately 30−40% of the peptide backbone undergoes a change in secondary structure. These conclusions were reach...
Bellingham 2000: A Model for Community Environmental Action

(1978). Bellingham 2000: A Model for Community Environmental Action. The Journal of Environmental Education: Vol. 9, No. 3, pp. 58-64.
Relationship Dynamics and Healthy Exchange across the Family Life Cycle: Implications for Practice

The capacity to form and develop healthy interpersonal relationships with others is fundamental for human development. In the realm of practice, the theory of social exchange is among the most prominent conceptual frameworks for examining and understanding human behaviors and relationship dynamics. While interpersonal bonds may take several forms across the family life cycle, this article addresses how healthy social exchange can provide a basis for establishing a mutually fulfilling alliance by examining three different types of interpersonal relationships: dating relationships, marital relationships, and parent–child co-residential relationships. Interventions aimed at marriage and family therapists as well as social work practitioners working with couples and families facing relationship troubles are discussed.
The Effects of Three Levels of Auditory Masking on Selected Vocal Characteristics and the Frequency of Disfluency of Adult Stutterers

This study was designed to test the hypothesis that the growth function of the masking effect in stuttering behavior is promoted by systematic increases in vocal intensity. Sixteen normal-hearing adult stutterers read aloud in four conditions (quiet and 10-, 50-, and 90-dB sensation levels of continuous white noise). The oral readings were tape recorded. The recorded data were analyzed later to quantify subjects' vocal intensity, stuttering frequency, and reading time in each condition. The results showed that under various levels of masking, there is an inverse relationship between vocal intensity and stuttering frequency. The results of reading time comparisons between conditions were affected by the absolute frequency of stuttering in quiet or the magnitude of the masking effect or both. Finally, changes in vocal intensity were translated into physiological terms and then interpreted in light of how they might promote fluency and reduce stuttering.
Keimbahn determinants and continuity of the germ cells in Sphaerium striatinum (Lam.)

During oogenesis granular mitochondria become concentrated in the proximal portion of the oocyte and remain concentrated in the line of cells that gives rise to the germ cells. Two cells of characteristic structure, appearing at gastrulation one on either side in the mesoderm, contain this mitochondrial cloud. All functional germ cells seem to be lineal descendants of these two primordial germ cells. The cloud disappears during gonad formation, but reappears in oocytes of the next generation. Except during meiosis and fertilization the germ-cell cycle is traceable from fertilized egg to sexual maturity. Details of meiosis and chromosome number were not ascertained. Capacity for producing germ cells in Sphaerium is traceable from a definite region in the egg to primordial germ cells through a localized cloud of mitochondria in the mature ovum and certain cells of cleavage stages. Mitochondria, therefore, serve as a Keimbahn determinant in the sense that they mark a region of oocyte cytoplasm destined for cytoplasm of primordial germ cells. They are not considered causal factors in production of germ cells, but are probably storage products persisting unused in the egg and in cleavage cells having lower metabolic rates. Disappearance of these mitochondria during gonad formation is explained by their dispersal among a number of cells and by their utilization in furnishing energy and material for production of new cells.
Factors Affecting the Distance of Scatter of House Flies (Diptera: Muscidae) from Electrocuting Traps

The distances to which house flies, Musca domestica L., were scattered from electrocuting traps were affected by trap design, height of the traps above the floor, and wind velocity. A formula is given for calculating the necessary widths of containment trays to reduce scatter. A distance of 2 m between work areas and wall-mounted traps hung at 2 m would provide a scatter-free zone.
Repair of sublethal radiation damage by capillaries.

Abstract Neovascularization was induced surgically in normally avascular canine corneas to study the repair of sublethal damage in slowly proliferating capillary endothelial cells. Neovascularization was stimulated for 7 days after split dose treatments with 6 Co γ-rays. Corneal tissue samples were evaluated by quantitative morphometric methods. A time recovery curve was drawn by plotting per cent capillary volume vs time between two equal doses. A typical "Elkind type" of time recovery response was observed. A split dose response assay resulted in an incremental dose D 2 — D 1 of 265 rad at the 1% capillary volume level. The results suggest a substantial repair capacity for capillary endothelial cells.
Multiresolution models for nonstationary spatial covariance functions

Many geophysical and environmental problems depend on estimating a spatial process that has nonstationary structure. A nonstationary model is proposed based on the spatial field being a linear combination of multiresolution (wavelet) basis functions and random coefficients. The key is to allow for a limited number of correlations among coefficients and also to use a wavelet basis that is smooth. When approximately 6% nonzero correlations are enforced, this representation gives a good approximation to a family of Matern covariance functions. This sparseness is important not only for model parsimony but also has implications for the efficient analysis of large spatial data sets. The covariance model is successfully applied to ozone model output and results in a nonstationary but smooth estimate.
Novel base-generating photoinitiators for deep-UV lithography

Thin films composed of the copolymer of glycidyl methacrylate-ethyl acrylate and cobalt(III) ammine or alkylamine salts as photoinitiators undergo crosslinking upon deep-uv irradiation and subsequent heating. The mechanism of crosslinking involves nucleophilic attack by photoliberated am(m)ime base on the epoxide ring of the copolymer. The quantum efficiency for photodecomposition of the cobalt(III) salts is about 1% at 254 nm. Oxygen plasma etching studies suggest that the cobalt(III) salts are dispersed as submicron particles throughout the film.
Attitudes toward Profoundly Hearing Impaired and Deaf Individuals: Links with Intergroup Anxiety, Social Dominance Orientation, and Contact

For the 54 million Americans living with disabilities, negative attitudes foster biased communication and barriers to social, political, and economic integration. Using self-reports of hearing-abled individuals (N = 234), this study takes an intergroup approach to explore factors surrounding attitudes toward communicative interactions with profoundly hearing impaired and deaf individuals (PHIDIs). Findings confirm the intergroup contact hypothesis (Allport, 1954) in this particular context while introducing social dominance as a construct of great utility to intergroup theorizing. Attitudes were less negative for hearing individuals with less intergroup anxiety, lower social dominance orientation, and more communication contact with profoundly hearing impaired/deaf individuals. Finally, differences among communication, cognition, and attitudes were assessed in terms of biological sex and the decision to enroll in a Manual Communication course. The results of these analyses indicate that males are higher i...
Alterations of creatine kinase isoenzymes in colon washings from patients with colonic and rectal diseases

Mucus samples obtained from 61 patients with different types of colon and rectal disease were assayed for CK isoenzyme fractionation. Twelve additional patients without evidence of such diseases were used as reference subjects. The diseases surveyed were hemorrhoids, proctocolitis, polyps, and cancer of the colon and rectum. The CK BB fraction was predominant in the mucus of the reference subjects and in mild cases of hemorrhoids and polyps. With inflammation of degeneration of the colonic mucosa, the present CK BB decreased and the percent of CK MM increased. It is speculated that the increased CK MM possibly derives from increased permeability of degeneration of the colonic wall, permitting plasma CK MM to admix with the mucus. Mucin CK isoenzyme fractionation may be useful in assessing the pathogenesis of colonic and rectal diseases, as a marker to monitor the efficacy of the therapeutic regimen, and as a technique for monitoring conversion of a premalignant process into a malignant one.
Challenges in Developing a Collaborative Robotic Assistant for Automotive Assembly Lines

Industrial robots are on the verge of emerging from their cages, and entering the final assembly to work along side humans. Towards this we are developing a collaborative robot capable of assisting humans in the final automotive assembly. Several algorithmic as well as design challenges exist when the robots enter the unpredictable, human-centric and time-critical environment of final assembly. In this work, we briefly discuss a few of these challenges along with developed solutions and proposed methodologies, and their implications for improving human-robot collaboration.
Charge Separation in a Niobate Nanosheet Photocatalyst Studied with Photochemical Labeling

Photolabeling was employed to probe charge separation and the distribution of redox-active sites on the surface of nanosheets derived from the layered photocatalysts KCa2Nb3O10. Electron microscopy reveals 1−50 nm particles of silver, gold, iridium oxide, and manganese dioxide particles and small atomically sized clusters of platinum and IrOx on the nanosheet surfaces and along the edges. The sizes, shapes, and particle densities vary with the deposition conditions, i.e., the precursor concentration and the presence of sacrificial agents. Overall, the study shows that photogenerated electrons and holes are accessible throughout the nanosheets, without evidence for spatial charge separation across the sheet.
Distribution and infectivity of yellowing viruses in field-grown sugar-beet plants

Summary Beet yellows virus (BYV) and beet mild yellowing virus (BMYV) are introduced to sugar-beet root crops in spring by winged aphids, and are spread within the crops from these foci of infection. The rate of spread is likely to be influenced by the speed with which the initially inoculated plants become sources of infection. Studies reported in this paper showed that when field-grown sugar beet were inoculated at the 2–4 leaf stage with BYV, the virus was detected in the youngest leaves after 1 wk, in all leaves after 2 wk and was readily acquired and transmitted by Myzus persicae from these infected leaves. In contrast BMYV multiplied and spread more slowly in plants inoculated at the 2–4 leaf stage, and was not acquired and transmitted by M. persicae very efficiently early in the season. When plants were inoculated at the 15–20 leaf stage there was less difference between the two viruses. The consequences of the observations in relation to aphid control are discussed.
Structure-activity relationship observations for European corn borer moth pheromone and fluoro analogs via computer molecular modeling

Structure-activity relationship (SAR) observations were made for theZ-type European corn borer moth pheromone, (Z)-11-tetradecen-1-ol acetate, and a series of analogs with fluorination in the alcohol portion of the molecule. The attractiveness of these analogs and the pheromone was compared to the electrostatic potential map of the molecular mechanics (MM) minimized lowest energy conformation for each compound. A critical range of electrostatic potential on the protons of the double-bond appears to be essential for optimal acceptor fit and attractiveness.
Can quantum dot qubits work

Simulations are performed on a new experimental design for single-electron quantum bits, confined within solid-state quantum dots. The integrity of the qubits is successfully maintained while accomplishing two-qubit “swap” operations.
Infusing flexibility into business-to-business firms: A contingency theory and resource-based view perspective and practical implications

Abstract Two questions motivate this research. What conditions foster flexibility and how might business-to-business firms infuse flexibility throughout their organizations? A synthesis of the strategic management, marketing, and new product development literature was undertaken, which provided an updated interdisciplinary focus. Contingency theory and the resource-based view perspective were utilized to enhance our knowledge and emphasize the importance of flexibility and organizational performance. Superior intra- and inter-firm flexibility are proposed to influence business-to-business marketplace success.
N2+ emission in the twilight

Abstract About a year's observations of the N 2 + band (3914 A) at Kitt Peak (latitude 32°) are reported. Morning intensities are the same throughout the year, but there is a strong winter maximum in the evening. It is suggested that the additional ionization is produced by photoelectrons from the magnetic conjugate point. Heights are estimated by the zenith-horizon method, which gives 235 km for the constant component and 350 km during the evening enhancement. The intensity variation through twilight is therefore entirely due to changes of the N 2 + concentration; each ion scatters light at a constant rate. The rotational distribution resembles that for a temperature of 1600°K, much higher than the temperature of the atmosphere. It is suggested that part of the ions may be produced by charge transfer from metastable O + ( 2 D ). N 2 + concentrations resulting from photoionization are calculated; they give a fair account of the observed horizon intensities, but not the zenith. Non-local electrons from higher in the atmosphere are suggested as a possible extra source; alternatively, the zenith measurements may be perturbed by scattered horizon light. The band intensity in the nightglow cannot be measured; the upper limit is 1 R.
Esteem protection or enhancement ? self-handicapping motives and attributions differ by trait self-esteem

Four studies sought to differentiate between self-enhancement and self-protection as motivations self-handicapping. High-self-esteem participants self-handicapped to enhance success, whereas low-self-esteem participants self-handicapped to protect against the esteem-threatening implications of failure. This was supported with 2 different forms of self-handicapping and corroborated by attributional statements regarding the implications of handicaps for performance outcomes