cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Spin trap protection from tumor necrosis factor cytotoxicity

Tumor necrosis factor (TNF) facilitates superoxide production, and spin traps may detoxify superoxide by acting as superoxide dismutase mimics. We investigated the ability of a stable nitroxide spin trap, TEMPOL, to protect TNF-sensitive cells from exogenously added TNF. WEHI or L929 cells were incubated with TNF (500 units/ml) for 18 hr either simultaneously with 0 to 8 mM TEMPOL or with the TEMPOL added at varying intervals after TNF exposure. A dose-dependent increase in survival was noted in the TEMPOL-treated cells, with 92 ± 2% survival of WEHIs treated with 4 mM TEMPOL compared to 26 ± 1% survival for non-TEMPOL-exposed cells (P2 < 0.01). Significant increases in survival could be accomplished with as late as 15-hr delayed addition of the compound. The mechanism of protection does not seem to involve newly synthesized protein, and Northern blot analysis revealed that TEMPOL does not induce the genes for MnSOD or Cu-ZnSOD. The ability of TEMPOL to protect against TNF injury, even when exposure is delayed, may prove useful in conditions thought to be associated with free radical-lymphokine interactions such as ischemia-reperfusion, oxygen toxicity, or sepsis.
Nylon-screen filtration devices for crude separation of dissociated cells for primary culture

This report describes the assembly and use of several types of filtration devices for use in the preparation of dissociated cells for primary culture. These Nitex-screen filter units are assembled from common, inexpensive laboratory materials. They provide a convenient means of filtering cell suspensions under sterile conditions and are adaptable for large and small volume work.
Low Frequency Vibrations of Molecular Crystals, XIV Raman and Far-infrared Spectra of HNCS and DNCS

Gaseous and solid polycrystalline HNCS and DNCS IR and Raman spectra, studying LF of lattice vibrations
Sex differences in patients with different stages of knee osteoarthritis

Abstract Objective To quantify the differences in physical impairments and in performance-based measures and patient-reported outcomes in men and women seeking nonoperative management of symptomatic moderate knee osteoarthritis (OA) and those with symptomatic end-stage knee OA scheduled for total knee arthroplasty compared with healthy controls. Design Cross-sectional analysis of individuals referred to physical therapy, community participants, and subjects from a 2-year longitudinal study. Setting University research department. Participants Cross-sectional analysis of participants (N=289) consisting of a moderate OA group (n=83), a severe OA group (n=143), and a healthy control group (n=63). Interventions Not applicable. Main Outcome Measures Quadriceps strength, timed Up and Go test, stair-climbing test, 6-minute walk test, Knee Outcome Survey–Activities of Daily Living Scale (KOS-ADLS), and Physical Component Summary (PCS) of the Medical Outcomes Study 36-Item Short-Form Health Survey. Results Women had worse scores than men for physical impairment and performance-based measures ( P P =.007) and PCS ( P =.026) scores than men, with no differences seen between sexes in the other 2 groups for patient-reported measures. Conclusions Differences between women and men with knee OA on physical impairments and performance-based measures are not echoed in the differences seen in patient-reported measures. These measures signal different domains of knee function in patients with knee OA and should be used as part of a comprehensive functional evaluation.
Three-dimensional multispecies MHD studies of the solar wind interaction with Mars in the presence of crustal fields

interaction of the solar wind with Mars. The three ions considered are H + ,O 2 , and O + , representing the solar wind and the two major ionospheric ion species, respectively. The calculations indicate that the presence of a hot oxygen corona does not, within the resolution and accuracy of the model, lead to any significant effect on the dayside bow shock and ionopause positions. Next the trans-terminator fluxes and escape fluxes down the tail were calculated neglecting the effects of the crustal magnetic field. The calculated flux values are consistent with the measured escape fluxes and the calculated limiting fluxes from the dayside ionosphere. Finally, a 60-order harmonic expansion model of the measured magnetic field was incorporated into the model. The crustal magnetic field did not cause major distortions in the bow shock but certainly had an important effect within the magnetosheath and on the apparent altitude of the ionopause. The model results also indicated the presence of ‘‘minimagnetocylinders,’’ consistent with the MGS observations. We also recalculated the trans-terminator and escape fluxes, for the nominal solar wind case, in the presence of the crustal magnetic field and found, as expected, that there is a decrease in the calculated escape flux; however, it is still reasonably close to the value estimated from the Phobos-2 observations. INDEX TERMS: 2780 Magnetospheric Physics: Solar wind interactions with unmagnetized bodies; 2459 Ionosphere: Planetary ionospheres (5435, 5729, 6026, 6027, 6028); 5440 Planetology: Solid Surface Planets: Magnetic fields and magnetism; 2728 Magnetospheric Physics: Magnetosheath; KEYWORDS: Mars, MHD, bow shock, escape flux, solar wind interaction, crustal magnetic field Citation: Ma, Y., A. F. Nagy, K. C. Hansen, D. L. DeZeeuw, T. I. Gombosi, and K. G. Powell, Three-dimensional multispecies MHD studies of the solar wind interaction with Mars in the presence of crustal fields, J. Geophys. Res., 107(A10), 1282, doi:10.1029/2002JA009293, 2002.
Relationship between Life Satisfaction and Acceptance of Death by Elderly Persons

On presente ici une nouvelle echelle d'attitude, le Death Acceptance Scale que l'on a applique sur 91 vieillards de Prince Edwards Island en meme temps que le Life Satisfaction Index afin de savoir si la mort s'accepte plus facilement dans la mesure ou l'on est satisfait de sa vie
The Human Dimensions of Biotic Homogenization

Considerable reshuffling of biotas has occurred in recent decades, largely through the gradual replacement of once spatially distinct, native communities with locally expanding and cosmopolitan, non-native ones, in a process coined biotic homogenization (McKinney & Lockwood 1999; Rahel 2000; Olden & Poff 2003; Rooney et al. 2004). Implications of biotic homogenization surfaced recently within the context of discussions about the ecological and evolutionary consequences for animal life (Olden et al. 2004); the manner in which social aspects of human life may also be affected, however, is an issue that has yet to be contemplated. Here, we argue that the social repercussions resonating in the wake of biotic homogenization must not be ignored and consider the idea that the increasingly global uniformity in biological life may be linked to the loss of traditional values and quality of life and have considerable consequences for conservation-oriented advocacy and ecotourism. We draw strong parallels and linkages between biotic homogenization and a more-acknowledged process of cultural homogenization from the social sciences and discuss how this relationship offers a useful analogy for conveying to the public and policy makers the social implications of biotic homogenization. From a purely ethical perspective, one could argue that biotic homogenization will degrade the quality of human life by imbuing biological communities with an aesthetically unappealing uniformity. Biological diversity, and its endemic features, contribute to a person’s attachment to a particular place, become part of a person’s identity, and therefore support an individual’s psychological wellbeing and a community’s identity and image of itself (Horwitz et al. 2001). This so-called sense of place, which links issues of individual and community identity, or who we are, to issues of place, or where we are, is directly threatened by biotic homogenization as endemic elements of the landscape that typify geographic regions and cultures
In-situ fluorescent immunomagnetic multiplex detection of foodborne pathogens in very low numbers

Consumption of foods contaminated with pathogenic bacteria is a major public health concern. Foods contain microorganisms, the overwhelming majority of which are nonpathogenic, some are responsible for food spoilage, and some cause serious illness leading to death or a variety of diseases in humans. The key challenge in food safety is to rapidly screen foods to determine the presence of pathogens so that appropriate intervention protocols can be pursued. A simple fluorometric immunological method in combination with a magnetic concentration step was developed for rapid detection of target bacteria with high sensitivity and specificity in less than 2h without enumeration. The method constitutes performing an in-situ immunoassay on a magnetic bead through the formation of a sandwich complex of the target bacteria and the probe (detection antibody-denatured BSA labelled with fluorophores) followed by the release of fluorophores by means of enzymatic digestion with proteinase K. The limit of detection (LOD) was <5 CFU/mL of the tested pathogens (Escherichia coli O157:H7, Salmonella typhimurium, and Listeria monocytogenes) in buffer. When the pathogens were inoculated in foods (spinach, chicken, and milk), the LOD was under 5 CFU/mL for E. coli O157:H7, S. typhimurium and L. monocytogenes. Furthermore, the method was highly specific in detecting the target pathogens in a multiplex format. The developed in-situ fluorescent immunomagnetic sensor approach offers distinct advantages because it is rapid, highly sensitive, and easy to use and could therefore be potentially used as a pathogen screening tool.
Computational methods for the estimation of solution properties of organic pollutants

Abstract The distribution and subsequent concentration in specific compartments of the environment of organic pollutants is determined by the pollutants' physicochemical properties. Since the atmospheric, aqueous and biological compartments are of major concern from the public health standpoint, the vapor/water and water/nonpolar compartment properties are of interest. Currently, such properties are estimated from structure using additive structure—property models. Such models are of limited accuracy when properties for new and interesting compounds are needed. Computer simulation methods based on more fundamental principles provide better estimates and mechanistic information. Some of these methods are discussed here.
EVALUATION OF TIME-TEMPERATURE RELATED QUALITY CHANGES IN ICE CREAM DURING STORAGE

The keeping quality of vanilla-flavored ice cream was investigated during 21 weeks of storage. Ice cream samples at 4 different temperature treatments were evaluated for 3 attributes by 14 judges using a deviation-from-reference scale. Sampling tools and presentation containers were designed to provide uniform samples and serving temperatures without melting. The ice cream kept at a variable storage treatment showed a trend toward becoming less firm and darker in yellow than the other samples from the 86th day of storage onward. Differences in creaminess, hardness, and vanilla flavor were noticed in ice cream after 170 days of storage. A commercial time-temperature indicator was used to monitor temperature exposure; but, since indicator response was slower than published, no correlations could be made with quality changes.
Effects of 1-isothiocyanato-3-(methylsulfinyl)-propane on xenobiotic metabolizing enzymes in rats.

The glucosinolate hydrolysis product 1-isothiocyanato-3-(methylsulfinyl)-propane (IMSP), also known as iberin, is consumed in the average human (US) diet at approximately 1 μmol/kg/day. The chemoprotective effects observed with the consumption of cruciferous vegetables may be due to the presence of specific glucosinolate hydrolysis products either within the crucifers, or formed after ingestion of the crucifers. The mechanism of chemoprotection may be through selective induction of components of Phase II xenobiotic metabolizing enzymes. The influence of repeated administration of low concentrations of IMSP by gavage on components of Phase I and Phase II xenobiotic metabolizing systems was examined in the liver and small intestine of male Fischer 344 rats. Doses of 1, 10 and 100 μol IMSP/kg, administered by gavage for 7 days, did not alter weight gain, or hepatic and renal weights, relative to body weight, and did not cause any histological lesions. Intestinal glutathione S-transferase (GST) activity and NAD(P)H:quinone reductase (QR) activities were significantly elevated to 3.1 and 8.1 times control values, respectively, at the 100 μmol/kg dose only. The administration of IMSP at 1, 10 or 100 μmol/kg had no significant effect on hepatic Phase I enzyme activities (cytochrome P-450 concentrations, ethoxycoumarin O-deethylase [ECD] and aminopyrine N-demethylase [AND] activities) or Phase II enzyme activities (GST, QR and UDP-glucuronosyltransferase [UDP-GT] activities towards 1-naphthol or 4-hydroxybiphenyl), at any of the doses tested and no effect on intestinal enzyme activities at doses below 100 μmol IMSP/kg. It is concluded that IMSP does not have a significant influence on induction of the Phase I or Phase II xenobiotic metabolizing enzymes in rats when tested at doses approximating those found in the human diet.
Panic attack symptoms differentiate patients with epilepsy from those with psychogenic nonepileptic spells (PNES).

Abstract Psychogenic nonepileptic spells (PNES) are frequently challenging to differentiate from epileptic seizures. The experience of panic attack symptoms during an event may assist in distinguishing PNES from seizures secondary to epilepsy. A retrospective analysis of 354 patients diagnosed with PNES (N = 224) or with epilepsy (N = 130) investigated the thirteen Diagnostic and Statistical Manual—IV-Text Revision panic attack criteria endorsed by the two groups. We found a statistically higher mean number of symptoms reported by patients with PNES compared with those with epilepsy. In addition, the majority of the panic attack symptoms including heart palpitations, sweating, shortness of breath, choking feeling, chest discomfort, dizziness/unsteadiness, derealization or depersonalization, fear of dying, paresthesias, and chills or hot flashes were significantly more frequent in those with PNES. As patients with PNES frequently have poor clinical outcomes, treatment addressing the anxiety symptomatology may be beneficial.
Human Capital in Religious Communes: Literacy and Selection of Nineteenth Century Shakers

Abstract Membership decisions within Shaker communal societies were influenced by both religious belief and economic incentives. Equal compensation for all members created incentives for low marginal product people to enter and high marginal product people to exit. Marginal productivity is related to human capital, which is expressed here by signature literacy. Initial literacy rates among both men and women were very high. New entrants tended to be less literate than both established Shakers and people in nearby areas. Among established members, by mid 19th century the literate were more likely to exit than the illiterate. Ultimately, the proportion of illiterate members grew at a time of decreasing regional illiteracy, affecting Shaker approaches to business, technology, and worship.
Impact of large-scale atmospheric refractive structures on optical wave propagation

Conventional techniques used to model optical wave propagation through the Earth’s atmosphere typically as- sume flow fields based on various empirical relationships. Unfortunately, these synthetic refractive index fields do not take into account the influence of transient macroscale and mesoscale (i.e. larger than turbulent microscale) atmospheric phenomena. Nevertheless, a number of atmospheric structures that are characterized by various spatial and temporal scales exist which have the potential to significantly impact refractive index fields, thereby resulting dramatic impacts on optical wave propagation characteristics. In this paper, we analyze a subset of spatio-temporal dynamics found to strongly affect optical waves propagating through these atmospheric struc- tures. Analysis of wave propagation was performed in the geometrical optics approximation using a standard ray tracing technique. Using a numerical weather prediction (NWP) approach, we simulate multiple realistic atmospheric events (e.g., island wakes, low-level jets, etc.), and estimate the associated refractivity fields prior to performing ray tracing simulations. By coupling NWP model output with ray tracing simulations, we demon- strate the ability to quantitatively assess the potential impacts of coherent atmospheric phenomena on optical ray propagation. Our results show a strong impact of spatio-temporal characteristics of the refractive index field on optical ray trajectories. Such correlations validate the effectiveness of NWP models as they offer a more comprehensive representation of atmospheric refractivity fields compared to conventional methods based on the assumption of horizontal homogeneity.
Use of a Sagittal Oscillating Saw for Repeat Sternotomy: A Safer and Simpler Technique

Abstract A method of repeat sternotomy using a miciosagittal oscillating saw is described. We have found this method to be safer and simpler than previously described techniques. We have used this technique in more than 50 repeat sternotomies without a single complication related to the mediastinal reentry procedure.
Size Control of α‐Alumina Particles Synthesized in 1,4‐Butanediol Solution by α‐Alumina and α‐Hematite Seeding

The effects of seed particles and shear rate on the size and shape of α-Al2O3 particles synthesized in glycothermal conditions are described. It is proposed that seed particles provide a low-energy, epitaxial surface in solution to lower the overall surface energy contribution to the nucleation barrier, thus increasing nucleation frequency and subsequently reducing the particle size of hexagonal α-Al2O3 platelets or polyhedra, depending on synthesis conditions, in 1,4-butanediol solution. Seeds have a significant effect on the size of hexagonal α-Al2O3 platelets in samples with high seed concentration. The particle size of α-Al2O3 platelets decreases from 3 to 4 µm to 100 to 200 nm by increasing the number concentration of seeds. In the case of α-Fe2O3 seeding, the effect of seeding on the size of α-Al2O3 particles closely resembles the effects obtained with α-Al2O3 seeding. Regardless of seed concentration, high stirring rate promotes the formation of hexagonal platelets with high aspect ratio, whereas medium and low stirring rates promote the formation of elongated platelets and polyhedra with 14 faces, respectively.
Biological disturbances during drowning in sea water

Abstract An attempt has been made to define biological disurbances during drowning in salt water in the light of experience at a first aid heliport for drowned people in Aquitaine, France with the aim of improving the therapeutic regime in the long term.
Speckle Metrology For The Study Of Small Particles And Droplets

Abstract The speckle pattern formed when laser light is scattered by a large number of small spherical particles or droplets is investigated. Double-exposure speckle photography is used to measure the decrease of correlation which occurs when the angle of incidence of light onthe scattering particles is changed by an amount a. Empirical equations relating to this loss of correlation to dimensionless groups involving the concentration, mean diameter and depth of the collection of scattering particles are given, and an analytical model which describes the basic phenomenon is presented.IntroductionConsider the speckle pattern generated when a collimated beam of laser light is scattered by a collection of small particles or droplets. If the angle of incidence of the laser beam is changed, the far field speckle pattern will rapidly lose correlation with the pattern corresponding to the original angle of incidence. To study this effect, we performed exper­ iments using glass test sections containing collections of small spherical particles suspen­ ded in a clear gel. As shown in Figure 1, each test section could be rotated by a small angle a relative to the incident laser beam, and speckle patterns could be recorded photo­ graphically on film placed a distance R from the test section. No imaging system was used.
The impact of Hurricanes Gustav and Ike on offshore oil and gas production in the Gulf of Mexico

Abstract During August and September 2008, Hurricanes Gustav and Ike passed through the Gulf of Mexico and damaged and destroyed a number of offshore oil and gas structures. In the final official government assessment, a total of 60 platforms were destroyed and 31 structures were identified as having extensive damage. The destroyed platforms were responsible for about 1.6% of the oil and 2.5% of the gas produced daily in the Gulf of Mexico and represented approximately 234 million BOE of reserves valued between $4.6 and $10.9 billion. Although the number of structures destroyed by Hurricanes Gustav and Ike was half the total destruction from the 2004–2005 hurricane seasons, we estimate that the reserves at risk are approximately three times more valuable. Each destroyed structure is unique in its production capacity and damages incurred and are a candidate for redevelopment. We review pre-hurricane production and revenue characteristics for the collection of destroyed structures and estimate production at risk. Gas structures are expected to present better economics and redevelopment potential than oil structures, and we predict that 198 million BOE, or nearly 95% of reserves-in-place, are likely to be redeveloped. Shut-in production statistics are compared against recent hurricane events and general comments on the factors involved in decision making are presented.
Estimating Treatment Effect Heterogeneity for Binary Outcomes via Dirichlet Multinomial Constraints

In a randomized two-group parallel trial the mean causal effect is typically estimated as the difference in means or proportions for patients receiving, say, either treatment (T) or control (C). Treatment effect heterogeneity (TEH), or unit-treatment interaction, the variability of the causal effect (defined in terms of potential outcomes) across individuals, is often ignored. Since only one of the outcomes, either YT or YC, is observed for each unit in such studies, the TEH is not directly estimable. For convenience, it is often assumed to be minimal or zero. We are particularly interested in the ‘treatment risk’ for binary outcomes, that is, the proportion of individuals who would succeed on C but fail on T. Previous work has shown that the treatment risk can be bounded (Albert, Gadbury and Mascha, 2005), and that the confidence interval width around it can be narrowed using clustered or correlated data (Mascha and Albert, 2006). Without further parameter constraints, treatment risk is unidentifiable. We show, however, that the treatment risk can be directly estimated when the four underlying population counts comprising the joint distribution of the potential outcomes, YT and YC, follow constraints consistent with the Dirichlet multinomial. We propose a test of zero treatment risk and show it to have good size and power. Methods are applied to both a randomized as well as a non-randomized study. Implications for medical decision-making at the policy and individual levels are discussed. (© 2007 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Initiation of translation at an upstream non-AUG codon accounting for N-terminally extended minor forms of recombinant proteins expressed in insect cells.

Abstract When the 34 kDa kinase domain of human spleen tyrosine kinase (Syk-KD) was expressed as a C-terminally His-tagged protein in baculovirus-infected Sf-21 insect cells, the purified protein included two forms that migrated slightly differently in SDS–polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. Intact mass analysis and LC–MS/MS peptide mapping showed that the major and faster-migrating product had the intended amino-acid sequence and 0–6 phosphorylations. This material accounted for about 95% of the purified protein. The minor product was Syk-KD with a 26 amino-acid N-terminal extension. The result suggested the existence of an upstream alternative site for the initiation of translation, and this proved to be an ACG codon derived from the pBacPAK9 vector used to express Syk-KD. The ACG codon was preceded and followed by Kozak-type sequence elements (a purine in the −3 position and a G in the +4 position) that would have enhanced the viability of initiation at ACG. The initiating amino-acid residue was Met for both minor and major products, and both forms of the protein were α-N-acetylated. For the minor product, protein intact mass analysis and peptide mapping both gave results in agreement with the sequence predicted from the DNA. A similar result with the same underlying cause was obtained with insect cell expression of full-length Syk. It appears that similar results are possible whenever this vector is used.
Impact of planted areas on urban environmental quality: A review

The paper discusses the impact of urban planted areas: public parks and private planting around individual buildings, on various aspects of the quality of the urban environment. Specific issues discussed are: • functions and impacts of urban planted areas; • effect of plants on the climatic characteristics of an area; • climatic impacts of private planted areas around buildings; • experimental studies on the thermal effect of plants; • public parks and the urban climate; • range of the effect of urban parks; • impact of green spaces on air pollution; • planted areas as noise; • social functions of urban parks; • parks as social interaction areas between neighborhoods; and • summary: Climatic guidelines for parks design: ◦ Parks in hot, dry regions; ◦ Parks in hot, humid regions; and ◦ Parks in cold regions. Comment: This paper is based on a book by the author, published by the World Meteorological Organization (Givoni, 1989, Urban Design for Different Climates, WMO).
A methylmercury toxicity model to test for possible adverse effects resulting from chelating agent therapy

A daily dosing model for methylmercury (MM) intoxication was developed for the purpose of testing for possible adverse effects resulting from the administration of complexing agents used in the treatment of MM poisoning. The dithiol complexing agents 2,3-dimercaptopropanol (BAL) and meso-2,3-dimercaptosuccinic acid (DMSA) were chosen to test the discriminative ability of this model, since the former is contraindicated for MM poisoning and causes an increase in target organ MM burden, while the latter compound is known to be efficacious in reducing both toxicity and brain MM content. The basic design of the model called for daily observation of treated animals with identification of the following signs of MM intoxication: loss of body weight, onset of signs of toxicity, and mortality. The degree of toxicity was evaluated, and a toxicity score (0-5) was provided for each animal. A dose-dependent decrease in body weight was found in MM-treated mice. The latent period for development of signs of intoxication varied inversely with the dose rate. The rate of progression of severity of signs of intoxication was also dependent upon the dose. A dose rate of 14 mg Hg per kg per day was utilized to test the effects of BAL and DMSA on the onset and progression of signs of MM intoxication. Onset and progression of signs of methylmercury intoxication were similar for animals receiving methylmercury either alone or with administration of BAL at 2 mg per kg per day. Animals which received BAL at a dose rate of 20 mg per kg per day developed signs of intoxication significantly earlier.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Solution of a Problem of Tarski

We presuppose the terminology of [1], and we give a negative answer to the following problem ([1], p. 19): Does every essentially undecidable axiomatizable theory have an essentially undecidable finitely axiomatizable subtheory?We use the following theorem of Kleene ([2], p. 311). There exist two recursively enumerable sets α and β such that (1) α and β are disjoint (2) there is no recursive set η for which α ⊂ η, β ⊂ η′. By the definition of recursive enumerability, there are recursive predicates Φ and Ψ for whichWe now specify a theory T which will afford a counter-example to the given problem of Tarski. The only non-logical constants of T are two binary predicates P and Q, one unary operation symbol S, and one individual constant 0. As in ([1], p. 52) we defineThe only non-logical axioms of T are the formulae P(Δm, Δn) for all pairs of integers m, n satisfying Δ(m, n); the formulae Q(Δm, Δn) for all pairs of integers m, n satisfying Ψ(m, n); and the formulaT is consistent, since it has a model. It remains to show that (1) every consistent extension of T is undecidable (2) if T1 is a finitely axiomatizable subtheory of T, there exists a consistent and decidable extension of T1 which has the same constants as T1.
Fatigue and Stiffness Evaluations of Reclaimed Asphalt Pavement in Hot Mix Asphalt Mixtures

The recycling of existing asphalt pavement materials produces new pavements with considerable savings in material, money, and energy. Understanding the ability of an asphalt pavement containing reclaimed asphalt pavement (RAP) to resist fracture from repeated loads is essential for the design of hot mix asphalt (HMA) mixtures. However, reaching a better understanding of fatigue behaviors of these pavements continues to challenge researchers all over the world, particularly, as recycled materials with more complex properties are being used in HMA pavements. This study explores the utilization of the conventional fatigue analysis approach in investigating the fatigue life of asphalt mixtures containing RAP. The fatigue beams were made with two asphalt binders, two aggregate sources, four RAP contents (0 %, 15 %, 25 %, and 30 %), and tested at 5 and 20°C. A total of eight mixtures was evaluated and 64 fatigue beams were tested in this study. The test results indicated that the addition of RAP, as expected, increased the viscosity, G∗sinδ, and creep stiffness values while reducing the m-values. However, no obvious trends were found for stiffness and fatigue life of mixtures as the RAP content increased. Statistical analysis results indicated that for binders and mixtures containing 30 % RAP, the utilization of softer binder significantly decreased the viscosity, G∗sinδ, and creep stiffness values; however, there were no significant differences in the stiffness and fatigue life values of these mixtures.
Screen media and language development in infants and toddlers: An ecological perspective

Abstract The abilities to understand and use language represent two of the most important developmental competencies that children must master during the first 3 years of life. Over the past decade, screen media content directed at infants and toddlers has dramatically increased. As a result, infants’ and toddlers’ time spent with media has also notably increased (i.e., 1–2 h per day). At present, there is limited empirical knowledge regarding how screen media influence infants’ and toddlers’ language development. In this review, we contend that infants and toddlers are capable of learning from screen media. This learning is dependent upon the confluence of three distinct but interrelated factors: attributes of the child; characteristics of the screen media stimuli; and the varied environmental contexts surrounding the child’s screen media use. To examine these interrelated factors, we have adopted an ecological framework in which a young child’s language skills develop from the reciprocal transactions between the child and the broader environmental contexts in which a child is situated or operates. Screen media effects are dependent on the degree to which media content resembles infants’ and toddlers’ real-life experiences including the use of simple stories and familiar objects or routines. Repeated exposure also helps infants and toddlers learn both the format and the content of screen media and can even ameliorate negative effects associated with viewing particular content. Finally, the presence of a competent co-viewer appears to boost babies’ language learning from screen media, much like the ways these processes facilitate learning in live scenarios.
Hyperfine structure in the 253 Es emission spectrum, III: Extension of the line list, levels of Es i and Es ii, nuclear magnetic-dipole and quadrupole moments*

New observations of the einsteinium emission spectrum have increased the number of observed lines from 53 to 290 in the wavelength range 2600–6900 A. Ten lines have been assigned as transitions to the 5f11 7s2 4I15/2° ground state of Es i on the basis of reversal and hyperfine structure. The next odd level is 4I13/2° at 8759.25 cm−1. The lowest even level is 6I15/2 of the 5f11 7s7p configuration at 17 802.89 cm−1. The lowest level of the 5f106d7s2 configuration is 6I17/2 at 19 367.93 cm−1. Fifteen lines are classified as The lowest level transitions between Es i levels. Twenty-three lines are assigned as transitions to the two known lowest of Es ii. The hyperfine constants a5f = 0.033±0.001 cm−1 and bf = 0.48±0.06 cm−1 have been derived by an analysis of the hyperfine structure of assigned Es ii lines. From these constants for 253Es, we obtained a nuclear magnetic dipole moment of +3.6±0.4μN and a quadrupole moment of +6.0±0.8 b.
Charge-carrier relaxation dynamics in highly ordered poly( p -phenylene vinylene): Effects of carrier bimolecular recombination and trapping

We have studied the charge-carrier relaxation dynamics in highly ordered poly($p$-phenylene vinylene) over a broad time range using fast $(tg100\phantom{\rule{0.3em}{0ex}}\mathrm{ps})$ transient photoconductivity measurements. The carrier density was also monitored $(tg100\phantom{\rule{0.3em}{0ex}}\mathrm{fs})$ by means of photoinduced absorption probed at the infrared active vibrational modes. We find that promptly upon charge-carrier photogeneration, the initial polaron dynamics is governed by bimolecular recombination, while later in the subnanosecond time regime carrier trapping gives rise to an exponential decay of the photocurrent. The more sensitive transient photocurrent measurements indicate that in the low excitation regime, when the density of photocarriers is comparable to that of the trapping states $(\ensuremath{\sim}{10}^{16}\phantom{\rule{0.3em}{0ex}}{\mathrm{cm}}^{\ensuremath{-}3})$, carrier hopping between traps along with transport via extended states determines the carrier relaxation, a mechanism that is manifested by a long-lived photocurrent ``tail.'' This photocurrent tail is reduced by lowering the temperature and/or by increasing the excitation density. Based on these data, we develop a comprehensive kinetic model that takes into account the bipolar charge transport, the free-carrier bimolecular recombination, the carrier trapping, and the carrier recombination involving free and trapped carriers.
Epicatechin is associated with increased angiogenic and mitochondrial signalling in the hindlimb of rats selectively bred for innate low running capacity.

Alternative approaches to reduce congenital muscle dysfunction are needed in cases where the ability to exercise is limited. (-)-Epicatechin is found in cocoa and may stimulate capillarity and mitochondrial proliferation in skeletal muscle. A total of 21 male rats bred for LCR (low running capacity) from generation 28 were randomized into three groups: vehicle for 30 days (control); (-)-epicatechin for 30 days; and (-)-epicatechin for 30 days followed by 15 days without (-)-epicatechin. Groups 2 and 3 received 1.0 mg of (-)-epicatechin/kg of body mass twice daily, whereas water was given to the control group. The plantaris muscle was harvested for protein and morphometric analyses. In addition, in vitro experiments were conducted to examine the role of (-)-epicatechin on mitochondrial respiratory kinetics at different incubation periods. Treatment for 30 days with (-)-epicatechin increased capillarity (P<0.001) and was associated with increases in protein expression of VEGF (vascular endothelial growth factor)-A with a concomitant decrease in TSP-1 (thrombospondin-1) and its receptor, which remained after 15 days of (-)-epicatechin cessation. Analyses of the p38 MAPK (mitogen-activated protein kinase) signalling pathway indicated an associated increase in phosphorylation of MKK3/6 (MAPK kinase 3/6) and p38 and increased protein expression of MEF2A (myocyte enhancer factor 2A). In addition, we observed significant increases in protein expression of PGC-1α (peroxisome-proliferator-activated receptor γ co-activator 1α), PGC-1β, Tfam and cristae abundance. Interestingly, these increases associated with (-)-epicatechin treatment remained after 15 days of cessation. Lastly, in vitro experiments indicated that acute exposure of LCR muscle to (-)-epicatechin incubation was not sufficient to increase mitochondrial respiration. The results suggest that increases in skeletal muscle capillarity and mitochondrial biogenesis are associated with 30 days of (-)-epicatechin treatment and sustained for 15 days following cessation of treatment. Clinically, the use of this natural compound may have potential application in populations that experience muscle fatigue and are unable to perform endurance exercise.
In Vivo Identification of Regulators of Cell Invasion Across Basement Membranes

Cell invasion through basement membranes during development, immune surveillance, and metastasis remains poorly understood. To gain further insight into this key cellular behavior, we performed an in vivo screen for regulators of cell invasion through basement membranes, using the simple model of Caenorhabditis elegans anchor cell invasion, and identified 99 genes that promote invasion, including the genes encoding the chaperonin complex cct . Notably, most of these genes have not been previously implicated in invasive cell behavior. We characterized members of the cct complex and 11 other gene products, determining the distinct aspects of the invasive cascade that they regulate, including formation of a specialized invasive cell membrane and its ability to breach the basement membrane. RNA interference–mediated knockdown of the human orthologs of cct-5 and lit-1 , which had not previously been implicated in cell invasion, reduced the invasiveness of metastatic carcinoma cells, suggesting that a conserved genetic program underlies cell invasion. These results increase our understanding of the genetic underpinnings of cell invasion and also provide new potential therapeutic targets to limit this behavior.
Development of Diagnosis and Recommendation Integrated System Norms for Bahiagrass

(...) This study was conducted to develop DRIS norms for bahiagrass-pastures and to evaluate the accuracy of those norms. A database, from which the DRIS norms were determined, was assembled by collecting 857 bahiagrass-pasture samples from ongoing bahiagrass field fertility trials located in nine counties throughout central Florida and analyzing the samples for N, P, K, Ca, Mg, Fe, Mn, Zn, and Cu. At the time of sampling, forage yields were also determined. When DRIS norms were applied to data from an independent study in which bahiagrass was grown in greenhouse solution culture, known nutrient deficiencies were accurately diagnosed (...)
Fast base extension using a redundant modulus in RNS

A technique to extend the base of a residue number system (RNS) based on the Chinese remainder theorem (CRT) and the use of a redundant modulus, is proposed. The technique obtains the residue(s) of a given number in the extended moduli without resorting to the traditional mixed-radix conversion (MRC) algorithm. The base extension can be achieved in log/sub 2/n table lookup cycles, where n is the number of moduli in the RNS. The superiority of the technique, compared in terms of latency and hardware requirements to the traditional Szabo-Tanaka method is demonstrated. >
Phytosphingosine and Sphingosine Ceramide Headgroup Hydrogen Bonding: Structural Insights through Thermotropic Hydrogen/Deuterium Exchange

IR spectroscopic studies are reported for the phytosphingosine class of ceramides and are compared with two analogous sphingosine ceramides. The phytosphingosine class of molecules, not previously widely investigated by physical techniques, constitutes ∼30% of the total ceramide content of the stratum corneum, the barrier to permeability in skin. The current measurements utilize temperature-controlled horizontal attenuated total reflectance spectroscopy of hydrated films to study H → D exchange in the polar regions of the molecules as well as chain conformational order and packing properties. Analysis of the methylene stretching and scissoring vibrations reveals that the chains of the two phytosphingosine derivatives (ceramides 3 and 7) are much more poorly packed at room temperature than their sphingosine counterparts (ceramides 2 and 5 respectively), despite having order → disorder transitions some 15−20 degrees higher. This unanticipated relative stability of the phytosphingosines is traced to enhanced...
Boron hydride analogues of the fullerenes.

The BH moiety is isoelectronic with C. We have studied the stability of the (BH${)}_{60}$ analogue of the ${\mathrm{C}}_{60}$ fullerene as well as the dual-structure (BH${)}_{32}$ icosahedron, both of them being putative structures, by performing local-density-functional electronic calculations. To aid in our analysis, we have also studied other homologues of these systems. We find that the latter, i.e., the dual structure, is the more stable although the former is as stable as one of the latter's lower homologues. Boron hydrides, it seems, naturally form the dual structures used in algorithmic optimization of complex fullerene systems. Fully relaxed geometries are reported as well as electron affinities and effective Hubbard U parameters. These systems form very stable anions and we conclude that a search for BH analogues of the ${\mathrm{C}}_{60}$ alkali-metal supeconductors might prove very fruitful.
Studies on the additivity of action of genes affecting host range in coliphage T2.

Abstract Adsorption and heat inactivation studies were made on a series of host range, turbid (ht) mutants of coliphage T2H to determine the mechanisms of phenotypic expression of these genes and of the additivity of gene effects. The ht mutants adsorb to the resistant cell B 2H at a slower rate than the clear h mutant; double and triple ht mutants adsorb with increased efficiency. Some mutants show increased heat sensitivity compared with the wild type. The kinetics of heat inactivation of the progeny of crosses show discontinuity in rate with time. Phenotypic mixing occurs with respect to both adsorption and heat sensitivity. The evidence supports the conclusion that many ht mutations are in genes controlling the formation of separate protein components and that these proteins are incorporated in different positions in the external phage coat.
ACM Turing centenary celebration

The ACM held its Turing Centenary Celebration on June 15 and 16 in San Francisco. Thirty-two recipients of the Turing Award, computer science's equivalent of the Nobel Prize, attended the conference, and many of them spoke. To be surrounded by so many heroes and heroines of our discipline was amazing.
Tubulation by Amphiphysin Requires Concentration-Dependent Switching from Wedging to Scaffolding

BAR proteins are involved in a variety of membrane remodeling events but how they can mold membranes into different shapes remains poorly understood. Using electron paramagnetic resonance, we find that vesicle binding of the N-BAR protein amphiphysin is predominantly mediated by the shallow insertion of amphipathic N-terminal helices. In contrast, the interaction with tubes involves deeply inserted N-terminal helices together with the concave surface of the BAR domain, which acts as a scaffold. Combined with the observed concentration dependence of tubulation and BAR domain scaffolding, the data indicate that initial membrane deformations and vesicle binding are mediated by insertion of amphipathic helical wedges, while tubulation requires high protein densities at which oligomeric BAR domain scaffolds form. In addition, we identify a pocket of residues on the concave surface of the BAR domain that insert deeply into tube membrane. Interestingly, this pocket harbors a number of disease mutants in the homologous amphiphysin 2.
Fluvial sediment transportation

The modes of sediment transport, several related flow parameters and the problem of total load determinations are briefly discussed. The need for additional field and laboratory research to define all factors that affect the sediment discharge of streams is emphasized.
Dynamic Changes of Nasal Resistance

Fifty human subjects were studied and evaluated utilizing posterior rhinomanometry techniques. The main purpose of the investigation was to study the physiologic dynamic range of nasal resistance so that the data might serve as a baseline, not only for evaluation and diagnosis of pathologic states but also for the assessment of nasal responses to various physiologic, drug-induced, or pathologic challenges. Analysis was divided into two parts: first, the evaluation of the average resistance and average change in resistance for each patient, and second, determination of the maximal amount of change to be expected over 15-minute periods in a healthy subject. These studies give the investigator an idea of the magnitude of change that one might expect in normal physiologic situations, based on the 50 subjects that allowed 1,272 observations for justification of the concept of percent change in nasal resistance and not the value of nasal resistance alone. We concluded that the physiologic change in nasal resistance in a normal individual during a 15-minute interval should be less than 53% of the previous observation of nasal resistance. A change greater than 53% suggests a significant change that cannot be attributed to physiologic variability.
Spectroscopic analysis of low pH and lipid-induced structural changes in type A botulinum neurotoxin relevant to membrane channel formation and translocation.

Botulinum neurotoxin (BoNT) is an extremely toxic protein to animals and humans. In its mode of action, one of its subunits mediates its translocation by integrating itself into the membrane bilayer. We have examined the membrane channel activity of type A BoNT (BoNT/A) and its heavy (H) chain in planar lipid membrane under various pH conditions to understand the possible role of the channel activity in the translocation of the BoNT/A light (L) chain under physiological conditions. Only BoNT/A H chain, and not the BoNT/A, exhibited membrane channel activity for translocation of ions. The H chain-induced increase in conductance did not require a pH gradient across the lipid membrane, although it was enhanced by a pH gradient. To understand the molecular basis of the membrane channel activity and the translocation of the L chain, the secondary structure of BoNT/A and its H and L chains were analyzed using circular dichroism (CD) and Fourier-transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy at different pH values. BoNT/A showed no structural alternation upon acidifying the buffer pH. However, an increase in β-sheet content of BoNT/A H chain at low pH was noted when examined by FT-IR. The L chain structure significantly changed with decrease in pH, and the change was mostly reversible. In addition, the neurotoxin and its subunit chains induced a partially reversible aggregation of liposomes at low pH, which indicated their integration into the lipid bilayer. Temperature-induced denaturation studies of BoNT/A H chain indicated major structural reorganization upon its interaction with membrane, especially at low pH.