cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Anticancer Activity of the Antibiotic Clioquinol

Clioquinol, a metal chelator, has been used for many years as an antimicrobial agent and more recently as a potential treatment for Alzheimer's disease. Because it binds copper and zinc, metals essential for the activity of the enzyme superoxide dismutase-1 (SOD1), a potential target for anticancer drug development, we investigated its effects on human cancer cells. Treatment with clioquinol reduced the viability of eight different human cancer cell lines in a concentration-dependent manner, with IC(50) values in the low micromolar range. Biochemical analysis revealed that clioquinol induced cancer cell death through apoptotic pathways that require caspase activity. Although clioquinol induced modest inhibition of SOD1 activity in treated cells, comparable inhibition by a known SOD1 inhibitor, diethyldithiocarbamate, did not result in cytotoxicity. The addition of copper, iron, or zinc did not rescue cells from cliquinol-induced cytotoxicity but enhanced its killing, arguing against metal chelation as its major mechanism of action. To test if clioquinol might act as an ionophore, a fluorescent probe was used to monitor intracellular zinc concentrations. The addition of clioquinol resulted in elevated levels of intracellular zinc, indicating that clioquinol acts as a zinc ionophore. In an in vivo xenografts mouse model, clioquinol inhibited tumor growth of xenografts over a 6-week period, without inducing visible toxicity. Our results show that clioquinol has anticancer effects both in vitro and in vivo. Transition metal ionophores may be a subclass of metal chelators with anticancer activity deserving of further development.
Conformation studies of 13 trinucleoside diphosphates by 360 MHz PMR spectroscopy. A bulged base conformation. I. Base protons and H1' protons.

Abstract The 360 MHz NMR spectra of the base protons and the H1 protons of thirteen trinucleoside diphosphates have been analyzed. The sequences chosen represent all purine-pyrimidine sequences. The chemical shifts of the base protons give evi- dence for strong next nearest-neighbor effects in some oligonucleotides. Although increasing chain length usually increases nearest-neighbor base-base stacking, it is not always so. Comparing ApCpG, ApUpG and GpUpG to their component dimers, one finds a decrease in stacking of the center pyrimidine with the purine on either side. The coupling constants J 1'2' also show that these three trimers show less stacking for their terminal residues than expected from their component dimers. We conclude that the sequence Pu-Py-Pu favors a conformation in which the pyrimidine is bulged out and the two purines stack on each other.
T Cells and Age

In their interesting article, Dr. Fleisher and his colleagues1 stated that "data on T lymphocytes in young children have not been previously reported." We would like to point out that we have already reported in the British Medical Journal2 data on age dependence of T cells. We studied 171 healthy individuals of different ages; 50 of them were younger than 2 years. E rosettes were very low during the first month of life, both in percentages and absolute numbers.
A Theoretical Study of the [Fe2(μ – S2)(P(o – C6H4S)3)2]2– Electronic Spectrum

ABSTRACT The absorption spectrum of the [Fe 2 ( μ- S 2 )(P( o- C 6 H 4 S) 3 ) 2 ] 2– complex was examined within the Intermediate Neglect of Differential Overlap model parametrized for spectroscopy using a methodology developed earlier for 2-Fe ferredoxins. We demonstrate here that the low energy UV-visible absorption spectrum of this complex can be interpreted as originating from sulfur-to-iron charge-transfer transitions. The results obtained favor the model of antiferromagnetically coupled d 5 – d 5 Fe atoms over other possibilities, for example the formation of a diamagnetic [Fe(d 6 )- S 2 0 -Fe(d 6 )] complex.
Column: Every Last Byte

Inheritance powder is the name that was given to poisons, especially arsenic, that were commonly used in the 17th and early 18th centuries to hasten the death of the elderly. For most of the 17th century, arsenic was deadly but undetectable, making it nearly impossible to prove that someone had been poisoned. The first arsenic test produced a gasâ€”hardly something that a scientist could show to a judge. Faced with a growing epidemic of poisonings, doctors and chemists spent decades searching for something better. (see PDF for full column)
Thermal coastline - leadframes for high power at no cost

The Thermal Coastline design is the arrangement of a leadframe in a plastic encapsulated IC in which the paddle and the leads are laid out to create a high thermal conductivity path across the moulding compound. It allows up to fifty percent more heat to be dissipated by a standard outline package at little or no extra cost. Standard materials and processes are used throughout assembly. The devices can be manufactured at any assembly site. The design has been implemented in numerous packages, in both dual-in-line and quad styles, and these are assembled (in millions of units) at several locations world-wide.
A constrained genetic approach for reconstructing Young's modulus of elastic objects from boundary displacement measurements

This paper presents a constrained genetic approach (CGA) for reconstructing the Young's modulus of elastic objects. Qualitative a priori information is incorporated using a rank based scheme to constrain the admissible solutions. Balance between the fitness function (adhesion to the measurement data) and the penalty function (fidelity to a priori knowledge) is achieved by a stochastic sort algorithm. The over-smoothing of Young's modulus discontinuity is avoided without the need of computing a deterministic weight coefficient. The experiment on synthetic data indicates that the proposed method not only reconstructed reliable Young's modulus from noisy data, but also expedited the convergence process significantly.
Molecular and clinical implementations of ovarian cancer mouse avatar models

Innovation in oncology drug development has been hindered by lack of preclinical models that reliably predict clinical activity of novel therapies in cancer patients. Increasing desire for individualize treatment of patients with cancer has led to an increase in the use of patient-derived xenografts (PDX) engrafted into immune-compromised mice for preclinical modeling. Large numbers of tumor-specific PDX models have been established and proved to be powerful tools in pre-clinical testing. A subset of PDXs, referred to as Avatars, establish tumors in an orthotopic and treatment naive fashion that may represent the most clinical relevant model of individual human cancers. This review will discuss ovarian cancer (OC) PDX models demonstrating the opportunities and limitations of these models in cancer drug development, and describe concepts of clinical trials design in Avatar guided therapy.
Correction: Recent advances in crosslinking chemistry of biomimetic poly(ethylene glycol) hydrogels

Correction for ‘Recent advances in crosslinking chemistry of biomimetic poly(ethylene glycol) hydrogels’ by Chien-Chi Lin et al., RSC Adv., 2015, 5, 39844–39853.
Appendix F: Some Relevant Formulas

Derivation and meaning of formulas that give the maximum and minimum SWR resulting from multiple reflections in terms of individual SWRs. Brief reviews of decibels, the Smith chart, the relationship between reflection coefficient and SWR, and impedance transformation in cables.
Evaluating Stuttering in Young Children

This study describes relationships between speech, language, and related behaviors exhibited during an initial diagnostic evaluation by 2- to 6-year-old children referred for evaluation of their sp...
The implications and applications of resource capture concepts to crop improvement by plant breeding

Models relating crop production to resource capture and resource use efficiency (RESCAP) may be combined with the phenotype model applied in breeding that identifies sources of variation for traits. Estimating the parameters of the RESCAP models with low-cost non-destructive methods can improve the attribution of sources of variation in the phenotype model and, therefore, improve breeding efficiency. Since the resource captured is largely environmental(E), determining the contributions to yield from this source can leave a better estimate of the genetic(G) and GE contributions to the phenotype. Some of the potential or existing applications include: (a) breeding for productivity through improved resource capture and/or use efficiency, and screening materials for difficult traits such as root traits in drought resistance/tolerance breeding programs; (b) evaluation of crop improvement strategies. Decisions about selection priorities and sequences depend on the relative extent of genetic and environmental contributions to variation. The RESCAP approach allows the relative components of the phenotype model to be estimated cheaply and aids in their interpretation; (c) improving statistical analysis of breeding trials by exploiting the non-destructive growth analysis of plot yields to isolate the genetic contributions to yield within trials with large error terms due to non-systematic environmental effects and (d) improved selection for yield in early generation segregating populations. RESCAP based on non-destructive single plant and small plot (row) growth analysis and the different contributions of RESCAP model parameters to the phenotype model terms effectively increase the heritability of yield with the attendant possible changes in plant breeding efficiency and practice. © 2000 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.
Mythology, Joseph Campbell, and the socioeconomic conflict

Abstract This article shows that the work of mythologist Joseph Campbell indicates a solution to what might be called the socioeconomic conflict: the conflict between self-interest and the individual's need to be part of a community of shared values. That solution is to “follow your bliss” or the wisdom of your own heart rather than the dictates of some impersonal social system. This rule brings an individual the greatest possible happiness while at the same time it revitalizes his or her community of heroes following their bliss whose values are that of personal creativity and integrity. Cambell's own scholarship exemplified the ideals of socioeconomics since he considered himself a generalist who read widely in many fields looking for and finding a transcendent message.
Dynamic changes in the microRNA expression profile reveal multiple regulatory mechanisms in the spinal nerve ligation model of neuropathic pain.

Neuropathic pain resulting from nerve lesions or dysfunction represents one of the most challenging neurological diseases to treat. A better understanding of the molecular mechanisms responsible for causing these maladaptive responses can help develop novel therapeutic strategies and biomarkers for neuropathic pain. We performed a miRNA expression profiling study of dorsal root ganglion (DRG) tissue from rats four weeks post spinal nerve ligation (SNL), a model of neuropathic pain. TaqMan low density arrays identified 63 miRNAs whose level of expression was significantly altered following SNL surgery. Of these, 59 were downregulated and the ipsilateral L4 DRG, not the injured L5 DRG, showed the most significant downregulation suggesting that miRNA changes in the uninjured afferents may underlie the development and maintenance of neuropathic pain. TargetScan was used to predict mRNA targets for these miRNAs and it was found that the transcripts with multiple predicted target sites belong to neurologically important pathways. By employing different bioinformatic approaches we identified neurite remodeling as a significantly regulated biological pathway, and some of these predictions were confirmed by siRNA knockdown for genes that regulate neurite growth in differentiated Neuro2A cells. In vitro validation for predicted target sites in the 3′-UTR of voltage-gated sodium channel Scn11a, alpha 2/delta1 subunit of voltage-dependent Ca-channel, and purinergic receptor P2rx ligand-gated ion channel 4 using luciferase reporter assays showed that identified miRNAs modulated gene expression significantly. Our results suggest the potential for miRNAs to play a direct role in neuropathic pain.
Hesperetin Activates the Notch1 Signaling Cascade, Causes Apoptosis, and Induces Cellular Differentiation in Anaplastic Thyroid Cancer

Anaplastic thyroid cancer (ATC) is characterized by very aggressive growth with undifferentiated features. Recently, it has been reported that the Notch1 signaling pathway, which affects thyrocyte proliferation and differentiation, is inactivated in ATC. However, it remains largely unknown whether using Notch1 activating compounds can be an effective therapeutic strategy in ATC. Therefore, in this study, we aimed to evaluate the drug effects of a potential Notch activator hesperetin on ATC cell. A unique ATC cell line HTh7 was used to evaluate the drug effects of hesperetin. The Notch1 activating function and cell proliferation were evaluated. The mechanism of growth regulation was investigated by the detection of apoptotic markers. The expression levels of thyrocyte-specific genes were quantified for ATC redifferentiation. Upregulated expression of Notch1 and its downstream effectors hairy and enhancer of split 1 (Hes1) and Hes1 related with YRPW motif was observed in hesperetin-treated ATC cells. The enhanced luciferase signal also confirmed the functional activity of hesperetin-induced Notch1 signaling. Hesperetin led to a time- and dose-dependent decrease in ATC cell proliferation. The cell-growth inhibition was mainly caused by apoptosis as evidenced by increased levels of cleaved poly ADP ribose polymerase and cleaved caspase-3 as well as decreased survivin. Additionally, hesperetin induced the expression levels of thyrocyte-specific genes including thyroid transcription factor 1 (TTF1), TTF2, paired box gene 8, thyroid stimulating hormone receptor, and sodium/iodide symporter. Hesperetin activates the Notch1 signaling cascade and suppresses ATC cell proliferation mainly via apoptosis. Hesperetin also induces cell redifferentiation of ATC, which could be useful clinically.
A model of the daily photosynthetic rate in a tree

Abstract A theoretical model of the daily net photosynthetic rate (kg glucose/day) of a tree is formulated as an analytical function of certain agricultural and meteorological variables. The experimental, single-leaf rate (kg glucose/m 2 leaf area - day) is integrated over both the tree canopy and the photoperiod for spherically and cubically shaped canopies. Consideration is given to cloud cover and mutual shading, one tree by another. Results are analyzed with respect to the efficiency of light energy conversion by a tree and variations in tree canopy height and shape. Quantitative comparisons with experimental data are made, primarily for the case of orange trees. Proportions of leaf photosynthate allocated to various tree parts are generated.
Trajectory-dependent neutralization of low energy Li+ scattered from alkali adsorbates on Ni(111).

Strongly trajectory-dependent neutralization is observed for low energy Li + scattered from Cs adsorbed on Ni(111). For near glancing-exit scattering, the ion yield as a function of Cs coverage shows a pronounced peak and this behavior can be described well by a resonant charge-exchange model using the average work function. However, the yield is much smaller for near normal-exit scattering and the neutralization is mainly determined by the local electrostatic potential. Trajectory-independent, complete neutralization is observed at high coverages
Risk factors for the emergence of childhood eating disturbances: A five‐year prospective study

Objective Research suggests that eating problems are often present by preadolescence, yet little is known about the age of emergence of these early eating disturbances or risk factors for these behaviors. Thus, we investigated the timing of onset of disturbed eating during childhood and the predictors of these behaviors. Method These aims were addressed by following a sample of children and their parents (N = 216) for the first 5 years of the childrens' lives. Results Data suggested that the risk for emergence of inhibited eating, secretive eating, overeating, and vomiting increased annually through age 5. Maternal body dissatisfaction, internalization of the thin-ideal, dieting, bulimic symptoms, and maternal and paternal body mass prospectively predicted the emergence of childhood eating disturbances. Infant feeding behavior and body mass during the first month of life also predicted the emergence of these behaviors. Discussion Results suggest that eating disturbances emerge during childhood and may be a function of certain parental and child characteristics. © 1999 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Int J Eat Disord 25: 375–387, 1999.
Analysis‐of‐variance techniques for the study of economic development

Summary The process of economic development is a complex phenomenon which entails economic, institutional, social, cultural and political transformations interacting with each other in complicated mutual feedback relationships. The study of economic development should therefore be concerned with disentangling the fundamental interactions among these diverse forces as they impinge both upon each other and upon the capacity of the system to generate widespread and continuous economic growth.
Preliminary study of pilot lateral control of two light airplanes near the stall

For two representative light, single-engine airplanes the single-axis piloting task of controlling bank angle with combined aileron and rudder, and a two-axis task of controlling bank angle with aileron and sideslip with rudder have been studied. For these tasks existing divergence criteria have been applied to determine conditions for closed-loop stability for selected flight conditions near the stall; in addition closed-loop stability characteristics and airplane response to bank angle command were calculated. Results obtained from applying the divergence criterion and from calculations of airplane responses to bank angle command indicate that aileron-alone bank angle control is marginally acceptable at high angle of attack. Of the two rudder control techniques considered, rudder used with the aileron in controlling bank angle increasd stability and produced satisfactory responses; the combined bank angle and sideslip control task does not warrant further consideration because of the task difficulty and the small improvement indicated in airplane closed-loop response with this technique.
Amiloride-sensitive channels in type I fungiform taste cells in mouse

Taste buds are the sensory organs of taste perception. Three types of taste cells have been described. Type I cells have voltage-gated outward currents, but lack voltage-gated inward currents. These cells have been presumed to play only a support role in the taste bud. Type II cells have voltage-gated Na+ and K+ current, and the receptors and transduction machinery for bitter, sweet, and umami taste stimuli. Type III cells have voltage-gated Na+, K+, and Ca2+ currents, and make prominent synapses with afferent nerve fibers. Na+ salt transduction in part involves amiloride-sensitive epithelial sodium channels (ENaCs). In rodents, these channels are located in taste cells of fungiform papillae on the anterior part of the tongue innervated by the chorda tympani nerve. However, the taste cell type that expresses ENaCs is not known. This study used whole cell recordings of single fungiform taste cells of transgenic mice expressing GFP in Type II taste cells to identify the taste cells responding to amiloride. We also used immunocytochemistry to further define and compare cell types in fungiform and circumvallate taste buds of these mice. Taste cell types were identified by their response to depolarizing voltage steps and their presence or absence of GFP fluorescence. TRPM5-GFP taste cells expressed large voltage-gated Na+ and K+ currents, but lacked voltage-gated Ca2+ currents, as expected from previous studies. Approximately half of the unlabeled cells had similar membrane properties, suggesting they comprise a separate population of Type II cells. The other half expressed voltage-gated outward currents only, typical of Type I cells. A single taste cell had voltage-gated Ca2+ current characteristic of Type III cells. Responses to amiloride occurred only in cells that lacked voltage-gated inward currents. Immunocytochemistry showed that fungiform taste buds have significantly fewer Type II cells expressing PLC signalling components, and significantly fewer Type III cells than circumvallate taste buds. The principal finding is that amiloride-sensitive Na+ channels appear to be expressed in cells that lack voltage-gated inward currents, likely the Type I taste cells. These cells were previously assumed to provide only a support function in the taste bud.
Mechanical Tension Drives Cell Membrane Fusion

Membrane fusion is an energy-consuming process that requires tight juxtaposition of two lipid bilayers. Little is known about how cells overcome energy barriers to bring their membranes together for fusion. Previously, we have shown that cell-cell fusion is an asymmetric process in which an "attacking" cell drills finger-like protrusions into the "receiving" cell to promote cell fusion. Here, we show that the receiving cell mounts a Myosin II (MyoII)-mediated mechanosensory response to its invasive fusion partner. MyoII acts as a mechanosensor, which directs its force-induced recruitment to the fusion site, and the mechanosensory response of MyoII is amplified by chemical signaling initiated by cell adhesion molecules. The accumulated MyoII, in turn, increases cortical tension and promotes fusion pore formation. We propose that the protrusive and resisting forces from fusion partners put the fusogenic synapse under high mechanical tension, which helps to overcome energy barriers for membrane apposition and drives cell membrane fusion.
A Reading Machine Using Bar Coded Allophone Stringing Technique

Abstract-This paper introduces a reading learning aid which is designed to be a low cost consumer product. The design of the machine required the marriage of the recent advancements in both speech and optical technologies. An inexpensive optical wand is used to read bar coded allophone strings from the printed book. Natural sounding speech is then constructed by an 8-bit microcomputer using an LPC synthesizer. The system is self- contained with the flexibility of producing songs, sound effects, and speech. All the speech related data are embodied in the printed material along with games and activities to make the reading learning process fun and rewarding.
Gestures with speech for graphic manipulation

Abstract This paper reports on the utility of gestures and speech to manipulate graphic objects. In the experiment described herein, three different populations of subjects were asked to communicate with a computer using either speech alone, gestures alone, or both. The task was the manipulation of a three-dimensional cube on the screen. They were asked to assume that the computer could see their hands, hear their voices, and understand their gestures and speech as well as a human could. A gesture classification scheme was developed to analyse the gestures of the subjects. A primary objective of the classification scheme was to determine whether common features would be found among the gestures of different users and classes of users. The collected data show a surprising degree of commonality among subjects in the use of gestures as well as speech. In addition to the uniformity of the observed manipulations, subjects expressed a preference for a combined gesture/speech interface. Furthermore, all subjects easily completed the simulated object manipulation tasks. The results of this research, and of future experiments of this type, can be applied to develop a gesture-based or gesture/speech-based system which enables computer users to manipulate graphic objects using easily learned and intuitive gestures to perform spatial tasks. Such tasks might include editing a three-dimensional rendering, controlling the operation of vehicles or operating virtual tools in three dimensions, or assembling an object from components. Knowledge about how people intuitively use gestures to communicate with computers provides the basis for future development of gesture-based input devices.
Selected Bioterrorism Web Sites for the Health Care Community and Consumer

SUMMARY For the people of the United States, the threat of bio-terrorism has become a reality. To respond to the recent outbreak of anthrax cases and to prepare for future threats, the health care community, civil authorities, and general public need access to reliable, up-to-date information. The Web is one tool that can be used to deliver this information. This article briefly defines bioterrorism, identifies major biological agents, looks at the potential impact of an attack and provides a selected list of Web sites for consumers and health care professionals. The selection criteria used to evaluate the sites included sponsorship, currency, content (factual information), and audience. Most of the sites are from government organizations, educational institutions, or professional associations.
The room temperature chemistry of organo-sulfur esters with NaX zeolite

Abstract Small organo-sulfur esters, which are common alkylating agents, are highly toxic compounds and have been proposed as possible chemical warfare agents. Previous studies have shown that dry, high Al content, X type zeolites have tetrahedral Al centers that exhibit nucleophilic properties that are of interest in chemical decontamination. This work examines the nucleophilic chemistry of representative small organo-sulfur esters with tetrahedral Al centers in NaX zeolite. Two sulfite esters and a sulfate and sulfonate ester were chosen as representatives. The chemistries of all representatives with the tetrahedral Al centers of NaX were found to be remarkably similar, namely the alkylation of the O atoms of the Al tetrahedra on the supercage surface of the zeolite to form a framework alkoxy species and the sodium salt of the acid of the corresponding organo-sulfur ester. Partial hydrolysis of the products was found, with the formation of the alcohol from the framework alkoxy specie and a Bronsted acid tetrahedral Al site in the zeolite. No hydrolysis of the anions of the salts was observed.
Precision Cast vs. Wrought Superalloys

While cast polycrystalline superalloys recommend themselves in virtue of better 'buy-to-fly' ratios and higher strengthening gamma-prime volume fractions than those of wrought superalloys, the expansion of their use into such critical superalloy applications as gas turbine hot section components has been slowed by insufficient casting process opportunities for microstructural control. Attention is presently drawn, however, to casting process developments facilitating the production of defect-tolerant superalloy castings having improved fracture reliability. Integrally bladed turbine wheel and thin-walled turbine exhaust case near-net-shape castings have been produced by these means.
Concentration-dependent solute activity coefficients and solute transport in pressure-driven membrane separation processes

Abstract The steady-state transport of a nonideal, constant-density binary solution in a pressure-driven membrane separation process is analyzed using the Stefan-Maxwell equations. Assuming the solute partition coefficient to be constant, this analysis produces similar performance equations for the transport of real and ideal solutions; the equation governing the transport of real solutions includes a correction factor to account for solute nonideality. The equation describing the transport of ideal solutions is an excellent form for correlating data, even for real solutions. The results of the analysis are used to establish the concentration range over which the ideal solution assumption is valid.
Manganese(II) induces apoptotic cell death in NIH3T3 cells via a caspase-12-dependent pathway.

Under physiological conditions, manganese(II) exhibits catalase-like activity. However, at elevated concentrations, it induces apoptosis via a non-mitochondria-mediated mechanism (Oubrahim, H., Stadtman, E. R., and Chock, P. B. (2001) Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. U. S. A. 98, 9505–9510). In this study, we show that the Mn(II)-induced apoptosis, as monitored by caspase-3-like activity, in NIH3T3 cells was inhibited by calpain inhibitors I and II or the p38 MAP kinase inhibitor, SB202190. The control experiments showed that each of these inhibitors in the concentration ranges used exerted no effect on activated caspase-3-like activity. Furthermore, caspase-12 was cleaved in Mn(II)-treated cells, suggesting that the Mn(II)-induced apoptosis is mediated by caspase-12. This notion is confirmed by the observations that pretreatment of NIH3T3 cells with either caspase-12 antisense RNA or dsRNA corresponding to the full-length caspase-12 led to a dramatic decrease in caspase-3-like activity induced by Mn(II). The precise mechanism by which Mn(II) induced the apoptosis is not clear. Nevertheless, Mn(II), in part, exerts its effect via its ability to replace Ca(II) in the activation of m-calpain, which in turn activates caspase-12 and degrades Bcl-xL. In addition, the dsRNAi method serves as an effective technique for knocking out caspase-12 in NIH3T3 cells without causing apoptosis.
Parenting, discipline and the concept of quality time

Diminished time to rear children is a given for many parents in contemporary society. In informing time-constrained parenting, the concept of “quality time” has heuristic value. This paper argues that the failure to link “quality time” to a theory base capable of explaining both negative and positive behavior has misguided parent-child interactions. An availability sample is used to examine the extent to which negative behavior is still precluded in definitions of quality time. It locates the concept of quality time within the professional literature, linking it and the notion of discipline to psychodynamic theory.
Human Milk Exposure Blocks Calcium Influx Into Human Polymorphonuclear Leukocytes |[diams]| 24

Considering that human milk (HM) supresses multiple Ca++ -regulated human polymorphonuclear leukocyte (PMN) functions, we sought to examine the effects of HM on PMN Ca++ metabolism. Fura-2 loaded PMN were exposed to HM, infant formula (FOR) or Hanks Balanced Salt Solution + Ca++ (HBSS) for 10 sec - 30 min and re-suspended in HBSS ± Ca++. Cytosolic Ca++ concentration [CaF] was monitored ± 10-6M f MLP, ± 100nM thapsigargin, ± 1mM extracellular CaCl2. HM exposure did not alter peak [CaF] following f MLP exposure but lowered the subsequent [CaF] fMLP response based on area under the curve (nmol*min) [HBSS: 828±36(Mean±SE) nmol*min; FOR: 638±42 nmol*min; HM: 405±42 nmol*min, p<0.02 HM vs HBSS or FOR]. This effect was observed with HM exposures as brief as 10 sec, persisted for 4 hr after removal from HM, was concentration-dependent and was associated with secondary Ca++-stores depletion. HM-exposure did not affect [CaF] after fMLP when cells were re-suspended in a zero Ca++-buffer, but extracellular addition of 1mM CaCl2 significantly increased [CaF] in HBSS and FOR -exposed PMN, but not HM-treated PMN [HBSS: 437±35 nmol*min; FOR: 718±57 nmol*min; HM: 302±15 nmol*min, p<0.02 HM vs HBSS or FOR], suggesting that HM exposure resulted in blockade of Ca++ influx. HM also blocked spontaneous Mn++ uptake by PMN over 20 min, based on loss of fura-2 fluorescence (%) [HBSS: 39±4%; FOR: 31±4%; HM: 23±4%, p<0.05 HM vs HBSS or FOR]. These data show that HM exposure blocks Ca++ influx in PMN. We speculate that this effect potentially explains the anti-inflammatory properties of HM on PMN.
Perception of Misbehavior: Understanding the Process of Labeling and the Role of Cultural Capital in the Disciplinary Process

Educators face multiple forms of misbehavior in the classroom on a regular basis. This ethnographic research project addresses the difficulties encountered by teachers in a high school setting, giving consideration to the decision-making process in determining whether to admonish students for misbehavior and whether to issue a referral to an administrator, which holds the possibility of more severe punishment. This research demonstrates the continuing importance of Labeling and Social Reproduction Theories in understanding the process of classroom management, emphasizing the importance of the teachers’ and administrators’ perception of whether the student demonstrates the acquisition and possession of cultural capital.
Quantification of impervious surface in the Snohomish Water Resources Inventory Area of Western Washington from 1972–2006

Abstract A 34 year time series (1972–2006) of Landsat imagery for a portion of Snohomish and King Counties, Washington (the Snohomish Water Resource Inventory Area (WRIA)) was analyzed to estimate the amount of land that was converted into impervious surface as a result of urban and residential development. Spectral unmixing was used to determine the fractional composition of vegetation, open, and shadow for each pixel. Unsupervised and supervised classification techniques were then used to derive preliminary land cover maps for each time period. Digital orthophotos were used to create agricultural, forest management, high elevation, and riparian masks. In conjunction with established Urban Growth Areas (UGAs), these masks were utilized for the application of spatial rules that identified impervious surface as a surrogate for urban and residential development. Temporal rules, that minimized classification error, were developed based on each pixel's classified trajectory over the time series of imagery. Overall cross-date classification accuracy for impervious v. non-impervious surface was 95%. The results of the analysis indicate that the area of impervious surface in the Snohomish WRIA increased by 255% over 34 years, from 3285 ha in 1972 to 11,652 ha in 2006. This approach demonstrates the unique value of the 35 year Landsat archive for monitoring impervious surface trends in rapidly urbanizing areas.
Quantitative analysis of myoinositol in rat tissue by gas-liquid chromatography

Abstract A method for the quantitative determination of free and lipid phosphatide myoinositol from brain, liver, and kidney of the rat by gas-liquid chromatography is described. After isolation of the free or lipid-bound cyclohexitol from tissues by conventional techniques, the myoinositol is converted to the hexa- O -trimethylsilyl ether derivative. The method is rapid and sensitive and is not hampered by contaminating carbohydrates. The myoinositol concentrations of the tissues analyzed are in good agreement with those determined by microbiological assay and spectrophotometric procedures. Average recovery of added myoinositol to brain extracts is 98.2%. The gas-chromatographic behavior of 7 inositol isomers and myoinosose-2 on polar and nonpolar columns is reported.
Analysis of Educational Materials and Destruction/Opt-Out Initiatives for Storage and Use of Residual Newborn Screening Samples

In recent years, the storage and use of residual newborn screening (NBS) samples has gained attention. To inform ongoing policy discussions, this article provides an update of previous work on new policies, educational materials, and parental options regarding the storage and use of residual NBS samples. A review of state NBS Web sites was conducted for information related to the storage and use of residual NBS samples in January 2010. In addition, a review of current statutes and bills introduced between 2005 and 2009 regarding storage and/or use of residual NBS samples was conducted. Fourteen states currently provide information about the storage and/or use of residual NBS samples. Nine states provide parents the option to request destruction of the residual NBS sample after the required storage period or the option to exclude the sample for research uses. In the coming years, it is anticipated that more states will consider policies to address parental concerns about the storage and use of residual NBS...
First cohomology of Anosov actions of higher rank abelian groups and applications to rigidity

This is the first in a series of papers exploring rigidity properties of hyperbolic actions ofZ k orR k fork ≥ 2. We show that for all known irreducible examples, the cohomology of smooth cocycles over these actions is trivial. We also obtain similar Holder and C1 results via a generalization of the Livshitz theorem for Anosov flows. As a consequence, there are only trivial smooth or Holder time changes for these actions (up to an automorphism). Furthermore, small perturbations of these actions are Holder conjugate and preserve a smooth volume.
IRAS surface brightness maps of reflection nebulae in the Pleiades

Surface brightness maps at 12, 25, 60, and 100 microns were made of a 2.5 deg x 2.5 deg area of the reflection nebulae in the Pleiades by coadding IRAS scans of this region. Emission is seen surrounding 17 Tau, 20 Tau, 23 Tau, and 25 Tau in all four bands, coextensive with the visible reflection nebulosity, and extending as far as 30 arcminutes from the illuminating stars. The infrared energy distributions of the nebulae peak in the 100 micron band, but up to 40 percent of the total infrared power lies in the 12 and 25 micron bands. The brightness of the 12 and 25 micron emission and the absence of temperature gradients at these wavelengths are inconsistent with the predictions of equilibrium thermal emission models. The emission at these wavelengths appears to be the result of micron nonequilibrium emission from very small grains, or from molecules consisting of 10-100 carbon atoms, which have been excited by ultraviolet radiation from the illuminating stars.
Narrative therapy for women who have lived with violence

Narrative therapy is proposed as a possible treatment approach for women who have had multiple experiences of sexual violence and abuse within the context of their intimate relationships. Narrative therapists elicit discussion of unique outcomes, which are moments of strength, autonomy, and emotional vitality hidden in life stories that are otherwise saturated with suffering and oppression, to open up possibilities for constructing new life narratives. Examples of such unique outcomes revealed to the author by individuals participating in a research project concerned with women's responses to sexual violence by male intimates are given.
Are Some Parents' Interaction Styles Associated With Richer Grammatical Input?

Purpose Evidence for tense marking in child-directed speech varies both across languages (Guasti, 2002; Legate & Yang, 2007) and across speakers of a single language (Hadley, Rispoli, Fitzgerald, &...
Budgeting during the Bush Administration

The beginning of a new administration is a particularly good time to look back at budgeting in the prior presidential administration, to make more visible the areas of continuity and change. Four themes stand out from the administration of George W. Bush: tax reductions and the growth of deficits; efforts to reform Social Security and Medicare focusing on privatization; strengthening of executive budgetary power vis-a-vis Congress; and relatively more emphasis on loyalty and political experience than competence and transparency in budgeting and financial accountability. During this same 8 years, congressional budget process deteriorated. Congress at times challenged the president’s increased budgetary powers. It generally ignored the OMB-initiated PART performance evaluations, refused to consider the president’s proposed Social Security privatization initiatives, and denied the president expedited rescission powers. Congress went along with the president when it came to the combination of tax cuts and increased spending that turned a surplus into a deficit. Congress passed tax cuts as well as increases for defense and domestic security and the new entitlement program for drug coverage. Congress also continued to give the president a blank check in emergency supplemental appropriations, which added simultaneously to the president’s budget discretion and to the deficit.
Cadmium sulfide nanowire arrays for window layer applications in solar cells

Abstract Arrays of 100 nm long n-cadmium sulfide (CdS) nanowires were investigated as replacement for the planar n-CdS film, which is presently used as a window layer in many solar cell devices. These arrays exhibited substantial transmission at wavelengths below 512 nm. Theoretical calculation involving the number of extra photons transmitted through the CdS nanowire window layer indicated a potential enhancement in photocurrent by 20.6% and in open circuit voltage by 10.2% over the device using planar CdS film as the window layer. Next, Au/CdS Schottky diodes were formed. Analysis of the current–voltage characteristics of these Schottky diodes showed smaller diode ideality factors and higher current density in devices with CdS nanowires than in devices with planar CdS film. Capacitance–voltage measurements yielded values of effective carrier concentration ( N ( x )) in the CdS nanowire. N ( x ) varied along the length of nanowire; it was higher near the top surface and lower, near the S n O 2 base. In initial experiments, p-CdTe layer was deposited on top and a nanowire-CdS/CdTe photovoltaic device of 0.04 cm 2 area exhibited short current density ( J sc ) of 25.8 mA/cm 2 , open circuit voltage ( V oc ) of 722 mV and fill factor of 52.8%, resulting in an a power conversion efficiency value of 9.8%.
Ligaments of the tarsal sinus: improved detection, characterisation and significance in the paediatric ankle with 3-D proton density MR imaging

No study in the paediatric literature—and only a single study in all of the literature—has evaluated the visualization frequency of the sinus tarsi ligaments on MRI. That 20-year-old study demonstrated only limited visualisation. The objective of this study is to re-evaluate the visualisation frequency of the sinus tarsi ligaments and to characterise their morphology on isotropic three-dimensional proton density imaging (3-D-PD). The authors hypothesise that by using 3-D-PD, these ligaments will be able to be demonstrated in nearly all paediatric patients. Patients were scanned on either 1.5- or 3-Tesla scanners using 3-D-PD. Of 174 patients reviewed, 50 were identified who met inclusion and exclusion criteria. The interosseous talocalcaneal ligament (ITC), the cervical ligament (CL) and the roots of the inferior extensor retinaculum (IER) were successfully visualised and characterised in three planes in 50 out of 50 children. The mean ligament thickness was 4.22 mm for the ITC, 2.74 mm for the CL and 1.04 mm for the IER roots. With modern parameters, the tarsal sinus ligaments can be visualised in 100% of patients, a percentage substantially higher than previously reported.
Age, Growth, Year Class Strength, and Survival Rates of the White Perch, Morone americana (Gmelin) in the Delaware River in the Vicinity of Artificial Island

More than 1400 white perch were studied to determine growth, year class strength and survival rates in a section of the Delaware River. Except for young of the year, all specimens were collected with trawl and trap nets. There was no difference in size selection using these two methods. The annulus is a valid year mark. Most individuals had completed the annulus by mid-June. However, the period of annulus completion extended from at least the first week in May to the end of July with older individuals completing the annulus later. In their first year white perch attained approximately 40% of the length attained by the eighth year. Young-of-the-year continue growth through the month of November while older fish grew little after September. Up to their fifth year, females grew somewhat faster than males. Based on the 1960 through 1964 year classes males had higher survival rates than females. In general, growth rates were lower in this section of the river than was previously reported for the Patuxent or Delaware Rivers. For both sexes growth rates were greater in the east side of the river than in the west. This was not due to differences in mean temperatures. The 1964 and 1966 year classes were relatively strong compared with others. The relatively good growth in 1965 probably contributed to a higher number of recruit spawners in 1966. The number of fish older than age group III increased in July and August collections and decreased progressively from September through November. Very few fish older than age group VIII were captured.
Management of ureteral obstruction due to advanced malignancy : optimizing therapeutic and palliative outcomes

Purpose: Treatment of ureteral obstruction due to advanced abdominal or pelvic malignancy is a clinical challenge. We discuss improvements and modern day outcomes in the palliative treatment of patients with ureteral obstruction by antegrade or retrograde ureteral decompression. Also, potential areas of clinical investigation involving ureteral stent improvement and pharmacological management of relief of symptoms resulting from ureteral obstruction are discussed.Materials and Methods: A literature search was performed using the Entrez-PubMed® database. All relevant literature on ureteral obstruction, advanced malignancy and nephrostomy, ureteral stent and associated topics concerning palliative care and quality of life were reviewed and analyzed.Results: Presenting symptoms are varied and depend on the acuity of the underlying problem. Mechanisms underlying the pain and symptoms of extrinsic ureteral compression have not fully been explored but they may include prostaglandin and renin-angiotensin pathway...
Optoelectronic characterization of shape and deformation of MEMS accelerometers used in transportation applications

Recent technological trends based on miniaturization of mechanical, electromechanical, and photonic devices have led to the development of microelectromechanical systems (MEMS). Effective development of MEMS requires the synergism of advanced design, analysis, and fabrication methodologies, with quantitative metrology techniques for characterization of their performance, reliability, and integrity. We describe optoelectronic techniques for measuring, with submicrometer accuracy, shape and changes in states of deformation of MEMS accelerometers used in transportation applications. Using the display and data modes of the described optoelectronic techniques, it is possible to characterize MEMS. This characterization is performed during static and dynamic modes of operation of MEMS. To assure high accuracy of measurements, overlapping regions, i.e., tiles, of MEMS are analyzed and the data (tiles) are patched together to represent the entire component. Preliminary results indicate that the MEMS accelerometer considered in this study deforms 1.48 μm, under the loading conditions used, which represents nearly 50% of its functional dimension in the direction of deformation.
Electron-phonon contribution to electrical resistivity and superconducting ''p-wave'' transition temperature of Pd

We present first-principles calculations of the electron-phonon parameters which govern transport and superconductivity in Pd. Our calculated resistivity is in good agreement with experiment. The "$s$-wave" coupling constant (or mass enhancement) is 0.41 and the "$p$-wave" coupling constant is 0.002, making the existence of observable electron-phonon-induced "$p$-wave" pairing in Pd very doubtful.