cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Drug resistance-associated pfCRT mutations confer decreased Plasmodium falciparum digestive vacuolar pH.

Abstract Elucidating the altered physiology of various chloroquine resistant (CQR) strains of Plasmodium falciparum is essential for understanding the molecular basis of CQR. In this study, we have devised several new methods for analyzing digestive vacuolar (DV) pH for individual intraerythrocytic parasites under continuous perfusion. These use controlled illumination power and novel data acquisition software, and are based on either acridine orange (AO) emission spectra or ratiometric 5-(and 6-)carboxy-2′,7′-dimethyl-3′-hydroxy-6′-N-ethylaminospiro [isobenzofuran-1(3H),9′-(9H)xanthen]-3-one (DM NERF) excitation. Results show that DV pH is more acidic for laboratory strains of CQR parasites relative to chloroquine sensitive (CQS). Using mutant pfcrt allelic exchange clones not previously exposed to chloroquine (CQ), we now show a direct association between acid DV pH, CQ resistance and mutation of pfcrt to either South American (7G8) or South East Asian (Dd2) CQR-associated alleles. Surprisingly, these alleles confer a similar degree of DV acidification. Verapamil (VPL) reversed acid DV pH for the Dd2 mutant C3Dd2 clone, in a surprisingly rapid fashion, but did not reverse acid DV pH for the 7G8 mutant C67G8 clone. Thus, there is a direct link between expression of two major CQR-associated pfcrt alleles and altered parasite DV physiology. The data also support models that envision direct but allele-specific interaction between PfCRT and VPL.
Transcriptional drivers of the T-cell lineage program

The T-cell development program is specifically triggered by Notch-Delta signaling, but most transcription factors needed to establish T-cell lineage identity also have crossover roles in other hematopoietic lineages. This factor sharing complicates full definition of the core gene regulatory circuits required for T-cell specification. But new advances illuminate the roles of three of the most T-cell specific transcription factors. Commitment to the T-cell lineage is now shown to depend on Bcl11b, while initiation of the T-cell differentiation program begins earlier with the induction of TCF-1 (Tcf7 gene product) and GATA-3. Several reports now reveal how TCF-1 and GATA-3 are mobilized in early T cells and the pathways for their T-lineage specific effects.
Dynamic observations of the effect of pressure and temperature conditions on the selective synthesis of carbon nanotubes

In situ transmission electron microscopy studies have been carried out to determine the effect of temperature and pressure on the growth of carbon nanotubes by the Ni-catalyzed chemical vapour deposition of acetylene. The temperature range explored was 450–650 °C and the acetylene pressure range was 0.8–20 mTorr. Our observations show that straight, single-wall, carbon nanotubes tend to form at higher temperatures and lower pressures while bent, zigzag, multi-wall carbon nanotubes form at lower temperatures and higher pressures. These results can be understood as the result of competition between the arrival rate of carbon and the nucleation rate of carbon hexagons (which increases at high pressure and low temperature), and the annealing rate of the 5-ring and 7-ring defects that are responsible for the nanotube curvature.
Luminescent Solar Concentrators

A type of solar concentrator for photovoltaics utilizing light pipe trapping of luminescence is described. Total collector efficiencies of 3. 2% have been measured, and efficiencies of 10% appear theoretically possible. The photodegradation lifetime of the dyes presently used is about one year under optimal conditions.
Emission Spectroscopic Studies of Plasma-Induced NO Decomposition and Water Splitting

Plasma methods have been extensively used in materials processing and the abatement of air pollutants such as halogenated hydrocarbons, NO{sub x}, and SO{sub x}. Other plasma research areas include ozone formation, ammonia synthesis, and activation of CH{sub 4}, H{sub 2}O, and CO{sub 2}. NO decomposition and water splitting with ac (alternating current) power plasmas at atmospheric pressure have been studied using both quartz and metal reactors. Optical emission spectroscopic (OES) studies have been carried out by employing a CCD (charge-coupled device) detector to monitor the change of plasma species neat and in the presence of reactants and metal surfaces to provide mechanistic information. Selective features of energy transfer from excited helium species to reactant molecules have been observed. Energy transfer in nitrogen plasmas is nonselective, whereas in argon plasmas it is slightly selective. Energy efficiency of plasma-induced reactions is largely determined by the efficiency of energy transfer and catalytic effects of metal surfaces. A mechanism has been proposed on the basis of OES and activity data that comprise energy transfer from excited carrier gas species to reactant molecules and heterogeneous catalysis of metal electrodes involving adsorption and combination of intermediates (oxygen radicals) on metal surfaces.
Navigating the Numerous Options and Decisions for Providing Non-Invasive Respiratory Support in the Management of Infants With Pulmonary Insufficiency

Abstract Non-invasive respiratory support has re-emerged as an important treatment strategy for managing infants with pulmonary insufficiency. Current clinical practice is primarily guided by personal preference and experience due in part to the absence of large, randomized controlled trials aimed at evaluating the various treatment strategies. Definitive guidelines regarding best practices remain poorly defined. Clinicians have numerous options to choose from and many decisions to make regarding the clinical use of non-invasive respiratory support. This article reviews many of these options and decisions, specifically, the types of devices currently available, patient interfaces, surfactant administration, patient assessment and positioning, and weaning strategies.
Frequency distribution of the heart sounds in normal man

The magnitude of the heart sounds at various frequencies was studied in 11 normal young men over three areas of the praecordium by using a new calibrated system. The average slope of attenuation for the first heart sound was found to be −6·5 dB per octave at the apex and −7·5 dB per octave at the midpraecordium. A slower decline was found for the second heart sound as the average slope of attenuation of the aortic component at the second left interspace was −6 dB per octave up to 80 Hz and no slope existed between 80 and 140 Hz. The pulmonary component of the second sound at the second left interspace had an overall slope of −3·5 dB per octave. A relative 'peaking' was found in all subjects at different frequencies with the first heart sound usually peaking at lower frequency than the second. Marked variability existed in the slope of attenuation and in the relative peaking between the various subjects. These data are discussed both in terms of physiological considerations and in terms of practical application to the design of equipment.
Further discussion on the space group of spinel

Electron-diffraction evidence that spinel has a lower space group than Fd3m is reviewed, and it is reaffirmed that the presence of (200), (420), etc reflections in (001) zone axis diffraction patterns are not due to multiple scattering or other experimental difficulties, but support our earlier conclusions. Structure factors for certain weak reflections of the most likely space group, F43m, are calculated, and it is concluded that electron diffraction is a more suitable technique for their detection than neutron diffraction. Furthermore, the departure from Fd3m symmetry appears to be greater for MgFe2O4 than for MgAl2O4.
A comparison of computed chaining to predictors

Computed chaining and predictors are two recent techniques for resolving hashing collisions which use a pseudolink field instead of an actual address link to group records which map to the same home address. With additional computation on the pseudolink, the actual address can be determined. The advantage of the pseudolink is that it often takes much less storage than an actual address would take. The authors note problems with the predictor method which must be overcome if the method is to be used successfully. They also compare the predictor method to computed chaining. They conclude with a discussion of the utility of multiple predictor, i.e. having more than one chain of pseudolinks for records with the same home address.
An educational format for teaching stress management to groups with a wide range of stress symptoms.

In view of the pervasiveness of stress reactions in contemporary society, together with the limited availability of effective coping techniques, the authors attempted to develop a stress management program that combined education on the nature of stress disorders with instruction on several practical procedures useful in coping with stress. Our study used a general population drawn from a small rural university community. There were 38 subjects, 17 male and 21 female, in the final statistical analyses. One independent variable was a lecture-discussion format to present cognitive and relaxation skills. A second independent variable was biofeedback training to decrease frontal EMG activity. The subjects were divided into five treatment groups that consisted of one or some combination of these two treatment conditions. Dependent variables were the two scales—A-State and A-Trait—of Spielberger's STAI(Spielberger, Gorsuch, & Lushene, 1970) and an adaptive application of Kerle and Bialek's(1958) Subjective Stress Scale(SSS). The SSS served as an instrument to keep subjects aware of their physical and psychological responses to stress as well as providing a pre/post measure of reactions to stress as they experienced it. Results indicated that the lecture-discussion format was effective in reducing the subjects' level of stress as measured by the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory and the Subjective Stress Scale. There was no evidence that frontal EMG feedback relaxation training contributed to the reduction of stress.
Differential Roles of de Novo Sphingolipid Biosynthesis and Turnover in the "Burst" of Free Sphingosine and Sphinganine, and Their 1-Phosphates and N-Acyl-Derivatives, That Occurs upon Changing the Medium of Cells in Culture

Long-chain (sphingoid) bases are highly bioactive intermediates for sphingolipid metabolism, yet relatively little is known about how the amounts of these compounds are regulated. This study used J774A.1 cells to characterize the "burst" of sphinganine and sphingosine, or the transient increase of up to 10-fold in long-chain base mass, that occurs when cells in culture are changed to fresh medium. The increase in sphinganine was attributable to de novo sphingolipid biosynthesis because: 1) there is increased incorporation of [3H]serine and [3H]palmitate into sphinganine; 2) the incorporation of [3H]serine was equivalent to the increase in sphinganine mass; 3) beta-F-alanine, an inhibitor of serine palmitoyltransferase, blocked the sphinganine burst; 4) the magnitude of the burst depended on the concentration of serine in the medium, which is known to affect long-chain base biosynthesis; and 5) the appearance of sphinganine was relatively unaffected by lyso-osmotrophic agents (NH4Cl and chloroquine) that blocked sphingolipid hydrolysis in these cells. In contrast, the sphingosine burst arose mainly from turnover of complex sphingolipids because no incorporation of [3H]serine or [3H]palmitate into sphingosine was detected; sphingosine mass was not affected by beta-F-alanine or the serine concentration; and, the burst could be followed by the release of sphingosine and ceramide from complex sphingolipids (especially sphingomyelin) in a process that was inhibited by NH4Cl and chloroquine. Additionally, the fate of these long-chain bases differed: sphinganine was mostly (80-85%) acylated and incorporated into dihydroceramide and complex sphingolipids, whereas most of the sphingosine (70%) was phosphorylated and degraded, with incorporation of the resulting ethanolamine phosphate into phosphatidylethanolamine. Sphinganine, however, could be diverted toward degradation by adding an inhibitor of N-acylation (fumonisin B1). In accounting for the elevation in sphingosine and sphinganine after cells are changed to new medium, these studies have provided fundamental information about long-chain base metabolism. The existence of differential changes in sphinganine and sphingosine, as well as their 1-phosphates and N-acyl-derivatives, should be considered when evaluating the roles of sphingolipid metabolites in cell regulation.
Quality of packaged romaine lettuce hearts exposed to low-dose electron beam irradiation

Abstract We investigated the effects of low-dose electron beam irradiation (1.0, 1.5 and 3.2 kGy) on the quality of commercially prepackaged fresh romaine lettuce hearts. The impact of the irradiation treatment on the functionality of the package was also evaluated. Irradiated samples showed slight changes in color, but these changes were not significantly different ( P >0.05) from the nonirradiated (control) samples. Sample firmness decreased by 49.58% (leaves) and 29.13% (ribs), as the dose level increased. Sensory attributes such as overall quality, color, sogginess, and off-flavor were found less acceptable at the higher dose level. Irradiation affected the respiration rates inside the packages, with lower (10.38%) O 2 and higher CO 2 levels than the control. Irradiation at 1.5 and 3.2 kGy dose levels improved the oxygen barrier capability of the low-density polyethylene (LDPE) bags (7.67% and 4.48%, respectively). Water vapor permeability was unaffected at all the irradiation dose levels. The stiffness of LPDE films did not change due to irradiation treatment. Results from sensory evaluation of produce overall quality suggest a potential fungicidal effect of low-dose irradiation (1.0 kGy) of packaged romaine lettuce hearts without altering the overall quality of the produce as well as the LDPE-packaging characteristics.
DISTRIBUTION OF CALCIUM OXALATE CRYSTAL IDIOBLASTS IN LEAVES OF TARO (COLOCASIA ESCULENTA)

Cleared leaves of taro (Colocasia esculenta) were examined microscopically to determine changes in the distribution of both druse and raphide idioblasts during a late developmental process-leaf unfurling and expansion. Druse crystal idioblasts are small spherical cells found throughout the lamina, mostly in subepidermal areas. Two types of raphide idioblasts were observed in taro leaves: the nondefensive raphide idioblasts, which are elongated cells usually found embedded in tissues ofthe leafmargins; and the defensive raphide idioblasts, also elongated cells, but usually found suspended between mesophyll cells in leaf airspaces. The densities of both druse and raphide cells were highest at the fully furled stage and least in the mature, unfurled stage, after substantial leaf expansion. During leaf unfurling, the raphide cells showed a bilaterally symmetrical distribution during all stages from fully furled to mature, unfurled leaves. The distribution of druse cells was bilaterally symmetrical during the fully furled and unfurled stages, but, during unfurling, when one half of the lamina is unfurled and the other half is still tightly furled, up to 80% of the druse cells were found on the unfurled half of the lamina.
Glass fibres with fine conducting cores

New methods are described for producing glass fibres containing single or multiple metallic filaments along their axes. The new processes are based upon that first described in 1924 by Taylor. His method consisted in melting a small amount of metal within a glass capillary and of then drawing a fibre from the softened glass. Fibres containing single, submicrometre diameter metal or semiconductor filaments are prepared by inserting a composite fibre prepared by Taylor's method in a glass capillary and drawing from this assembly a new fibre in which the diameter of the axial filament is reduced in proportion to the ratio of the diameters of the capillary and the new fibre. This method has produced filaments substantially less than 1 μm diameter. The second new process consists in drawing a fibre from a tube filled with a mixture of metal and glass powders. This method can produce fibres containing hundreds of filaments within any given cross-section. The filaments are of limited length, however, and they have a spectrum of diameters which depend on the powder particle-size distribution and the processing conditions. They typically range from a few micrometres in diameter down to a fraction of a micrometre.
Comparison of modal combination methods

Abstract A new method of combining modal responses in the response spectrum method of analysis was recently presented by Gupta and Cordero, which is designated here as Gupta's method. It is shown that the response spectrum method in conjunction with Gupta's method of modal combination gives results which are very close to those obtained from the time-history analysis. Further, Gupta's method gives results which are more accurate than other methods of modal combination discussed here, viz., SRSS, Kennedy's and Hadjian's. In Gupta's method response in any mode is split into two parts, the damped periodic part and the rigid part, which are mutually uncorrelated. This is done using a rigid response factor. A simple expression for the rigid response coefficient is presented. The key frequencies in the expression can be evaluated from the motion response spectrum. There is good agreement between the proposed expression and the numerically obtained rigid response coefficient.
Identification of Novel Autoxidation Products of the ω-3 Fatty Acid Eicosapentaenoic Acid in Vitro and in Vivo

Increased intake of fish oil rich in the ω-3 fatty acids eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA, C20:5 ω-3) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA, C22:6 ω-3) reduces the incidence of human disorders such as atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease. However, mechanisms that contribute to the beneficial effects of fish oil consumption are poorly understood. Mounting evidence suggests that oxidation products of EPA and DHA may be responsible, at least in part, for these benefits. Previously, we have defined the free radical-induced oxidation of arachidonic acid in vitro and in vivo and have proposed a unified mechanism for its peroxidation. We hypothesize that the oxidation of EPA can be rationally defined but would be predicted to be significantly more complex than arachidonate because of the fact that EPA contains an addition carbon-carbon double bond. Herein, we present, for the first time, a unified mechanism for the peroxidation of EPA. Novel oxidation products were identified employing state-of-the-art mass spectrometric techniques including Ag+ coordination ionspray and atmospheric pressure chemical ionization mass spectrometry. Predicted compounds detected both in vitro and in vivo included monocylic peroxides, serial cyclic peroxides, bicyclic endoperoxides, and dioxolane-endoperoxides. Systematic study of the peroxidation of EPA provides the basis to examine the role of specific oxidation products as mediators of the biological effects of fish oil.
Convex optimization: from embedded real-time to large-scale distributed

Convex optimization has emerged as useful tool for applications that include data analysis and model fitting, resource allocation, engineering design, network design and optimization, finance, and control and signal processing. After an overview, the talk will focus on two extremes: real-time embedded convex optimization, and distributed convex optimization. Code generation can be used to generate extremely efficient and reliable solvers for small problems, that can execute in milliseconds or microseconds, and are ideal for embedding in real-time systems. At the other extreme, we describe methods for large-scale distributed optimization, which coordinate many solvers to solve enormous problems.
Roundup® exposure promotes gills and liver impairments, DNA damage and inhibition of brain cholinergic activity in the Amazon teleost fish Colossoma macropomum

Roundup Original® (RD) is a glyphosate-based herbicide used to control weeds in agriculture. Contamination of Amazon waters has increased as a consequence of anthropogenic pressure, including the use of herbicides as RD. The central goal of this study was to evaluate the toxic effects of RD on juveniles of tambaqui (Colossoma macropomum). Our findings show that biomarkers in tambaqui are organ specific and dependent on RD concentration. Alterations in gills structural and respiratory epithelium were followed by changes in hematological parameters such as concentration of hemoglobin, particularly in fish exposed to the higher concentration tested (75% of RD LC50 96 h). In addition, both RD concentrations affected the biotransformation process in gills of tambaqui negatively. Instead, liver responses suggest that a production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) occurred in fish exposed to RD, particularly in the animals exposed to 75% RD, as seen by imbalances in biotransformation and antioxidant systems. The increased DNA damage observed in red blood cells of tambaqui exposed to RD is in agreement with this hypothesis. Finally, both tested sub-lethal concentrations of RD markedly inhibited the cholinesterase activity in fish brain. Thus, we can suggest that RD is potentially toxic to tambaqui and possibly to other tropical fish species.
Inhibition of siderophore biosynthesis by 2-triazole substituted analogues of 5'-O-[N-(salicyl)sulfamoyl]adenosine: antibacterial nucleosides effective against Mycobacterium tuberculosis.

The synthesis, biochemical, and biological evaluation of a systematic series of 2-triazole derivatives of 5′-O-[N-(salicyl)sulfamoyl]adenosine (Sal-AMS) are described as inhibitors of aryl acid adenylating enzymes (AAAE) involved in siderophore biosynthesis by Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Structure−activity relationships revealed a remarkable ability to tolerate a wide range of substituents at the 4-position of the triazole moiety, and a majority of the compounds possessed subnanomolar apparent inhibition constants. However, the in vitro potency did not always translate into whole cell biological activity against M. tuberculosis, suggesting that intrinsic resistance plays an important role in the observed activities. Additionally, the well-known valence tautomerism between 2-azidopurines and their fused tetrazole counterparts led to an unexpected facile acylation of the purine N-6 amino group.
Stability of Levothyroxine Sodium 0.4 μg/mL in 0.9% Sodium Chloride Injection:

Context—Intravenous levothyroxine therapy decreases vasopressor requirements and prevents cardiovascular collapse in hemodynamically unstable patients eligible for organ donation. The stability of levothyroxine when used in this manner is unknown.Objective—To determine the stability of levothyroxine solution for intravenous use at a concentration of 0.4 μg/mL diluted in 0.9% sodium chloride.Design—Triplicate sample sets were prepared by reconstituting levothyroxine 200 μg for injection with 5 mL of 0.9% sodium chloride with further dilution in 500 mL of 0.9% sodium chloride. One sample set was protected from light and the other was left unprotected. Both sample sets were stored at room temperature, and samples from each were analyzed for initial concentration and 4, 8, 12, and 24 hours later.Conclusions—Levothyroxine sodium 0.4 μg/mL in 500 mL 0.9% sodium chloride is stable for 24 hours at room temperature when protected from light.
THE KEEFE INVENTORY OF SILENT READING: A WINDOW INTO THE READING PROCESS

This article contains part of the Keefe Inventory of Silent Reading (KISR), a silent, informal reading inventory. The KISR is an assessment instrument that determines a reader's strengths and weaknesses on the basis of analysis of the words the reader puts into selective blanks. The inventory is based on a retelling of Tom Sawyer in a continuous story with progressively more difficult passages keyed approximately to Grades 1–8. The Tarn Sawyer passages are intended to be read silently rather than orally, as is the case with all other informal reading inventories. The KISR is group administered rather than individually administered, which makes it much more practical for the classroom teacher. In addition to the inventory, this article presents a case study of a student to whom it was administered, including an analysis of this individual's reading ability and description of the specific strategies used with this individual on the basis of the results of the inventory.
Interfaces involving complex superconductors

The physics of interfaces involving complex superconductors is considerably richer and much less explored than the physics of interfaces and surfaces of conventional superconductors. The startling effects shown by such interfaces are directly caused by basic properties of unconventional superconductors, such as their pairing symmetry, or their small carrier densities and coherence lengths. In this contribution, these unusual interface properties are summarized, with a particular emphasis on effects caused by the unconventional order parameter symmetry and by bending of the electronic band structure.
Data warehousing and data mining techniques for intrusion detection systems

This paper describes data mining and data warehousing techniques that can improve the performance and usability of Intrusion Detection Systems (IDS). Current IDS do not provide support for historical data analysis and data summarization. This paper presents techniques to model network traffic and alerts using a multi-dimensional data model and star schemas. This data model was used to perform network security analysis and detect denial of service attacks. Our data model can also be used to handle heterogeneous data sources (e.g. firewall logs, system calls, net-flow data) and enable up to two orders of magnitude faster query response times for analysts as compared to the current state of the art. We have used our techniques to implement a prototype system that is being successfully used at Army Research Labs. Our system has helped the security analyst in detecting intrusions and in historical data analysis for generating reports on trend analysis.
TH-C-T-6E-05: Evaluation of GafChromic EBT Film for IMRT QA Using Two Different Scanners

Purpose: Absolute film dosimetry for IMRT QA using radiographic film is very time‐ and film‐consuming because of film processing uncertainties. Radiochromic film requires only one calibration curve per energy per production lot. Applicability of new GafChromic EBT film for absolute IMRTdosimetry using two different film scanners was evaluated. Method and Materials: GafChromic EBT (ISP, Wayne, NJ) and Kodak EDR2 films irradiated in polystyrene phantoms on a Varian 2100C/D linear accelerator were compared using the Vidar VXR‐16 DosimetryPro and Epson Expression 1680 scanners. Vidar scanning was done with RIT113 software and a yellow filter for the EBT. Epson scans were done with the scanner software in 48 bit color, followed by red channel extraction. EBT films were scanned 24 hours after exposure. MSKCC's Contour software was used for dosimetric analysis. Results: EBT provided better intensity linearity with dose than EDR2 and higher pixel values in the clinical dose range. The pixel values of the EBT film differed by 3–9% (Epson) and 11–19% (Vidar) when rotating the film 90 degrees on the scanner, which resulted in up to 30% dose errors when mixing directions of IMRT and calibration films. The Vidar produced lower pixel values but higher optical density than the Epson. Calibration curves based on small films cut from one sheet coincided with the curves created from a set of sheets. EBT film IMRT dose distributions agreed well with EDR2 (1.9% on CAX for the Vidar, 3.6% for the Epson). Conclusion: GafChromic EBT film provides a good alternative for absolute IMRTdosimetry. Both film scanners provide equivalent dosimetric results. Calibration films and IMRT films have to be scanned in the same direction. The calibration curve can be created using small films cut from one large film. Conflict of Interest: Partial material support provided by ISP Corporation.
Antimicrobial activity of UV-irradiated nylon film for packaging applications

Antimicrobial packaging could enhance food storage life and safety. An antimicrobial moiety that is permanently bound to the polymer surface and does not leach has particular appeal. The use of 193 nm UV irradiation to convert amide groups on the surface of nylon to amines having antimicrobial activity has been reported previously. We prepared materials accordingly and explored their mode of action and activity against pathogens. Three food related bacterial strains, Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas fluorescens and Enterococcus faecalis were exposed to antimicrobial film in 0.2 M sodium phosphate buffer (pH 7.0). Samples were held shaken at 100 r.p.m. in a 25°C incubator. The antimicrobial film was effective in reduction of microbial concentration in the bulk fluid for all food-related bacteria tested. The effectiveness was dependent on the bacterial strain. Adsorption of bacterial cells diminished the effectiveness of amine groups. Experimental results indicate that the decrease in concentration of bacterial cells in bulk fluid is more likely to be the bactericidal action than adsorption of live cells. © 1998 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Exposure to Interparental Violence and Childhood Physical and Emotional Abuse as Related to Physical Aggression in Undergraduate Dating Relationships

The present study examined whether witnessing interparental violence and experiencing childhood physical or emotional abuse were associated with college students’ perpetration of physical aggression and self-reports of victimization by their dating partners. Participants (183 males, 475 females) completed the Adult-Recall Version of the Revised Conflict Tactics Scale (CTS2-CA; Straus 2000), the Exposure to Abusive and Supportive Environments Parenting Inventory (EASE-PI; Nicholas and Bieber 1997), and the Revised Conflict Tactics Scale (CTS2; Straus et al. 1996). Results of zero-inflated Poisson (ZIP) regressions demonstrated that being female and having experienced higher levels of childhood physical abuse were associated with having perpetrated physical aggression at least once. Among women, exposure to mother-to-father violence and childhood physical abuse were related to the extent of dating aggression. Among men, witnessing father-to-mother violence and childhood emotional abuse were associated with the extent of dating aggression. Witnessing interparental violence and experiencing childhood physical abuse increased the likelihood that women would report victimization, whereas childhood emotional abuse decreased the likelihood that respondents reported dating victimization. Viewing father-to-mother violence and experiencing childhood emotional abuse increased the extent that men reported being victimized by their dating partners, whereas witnessing mother-to-father violence and experiencing physical abuse decreased the extent that men reported being victimized by their dating partners. Results suggest the importance of parent and respondent gender on dating aggression.
Matuyama 41,000-year cycles: North Atlantic Ocean and northern hemisphere ice sheets

Abstract During the middle Pleistocene, a change occurred in the climatic response of northern hemisphere ice sheets and the high-latitude North Atlantic Ocean to orbitally controlled variations in insolation. The dominant periodicity during the late Pliocene and early Pleistocene (2.47 Myr B.P. to about 0.735 Myr B.P.) was 41,000 years; thereafter, the dominance shifted to a period near 100,000 years. Although orbital forcing is the primary cause of each of these rhythmic responses, it does not explain the mid-Pleistocene shift of power. Changes in the solid boundary conditions of the ocean-air-ice system, and particularly in mountain elevation, are implicated.
Synthesis of water-soluble poly(p-phenyleneethynylene) in neat water under aerobic conditions via Suzuki-Miyaura polycondensation using a diborylethyne synthon.

We report the synthesis, structure, and characterization of a novel ethyne synthon, 1,2-bis(4‘,4‘,5‘,5‘-tetramethyl[1‘,3‘,2‘]dioxaborolan-2‘-yl)ethyne (B2C2). We demonstrate the utility of B2C2 in the Suzuki-Miyaura polycondensation reaction, synthesizing a water-soluble poly(p-phenyleneethynylene) from [2,5-diiodo-1,4-bis(3-propoxy-sulfonicacid)benzene] sodium salt in neat water under an aerobic atmosphere.
Dose-related effects of metrazol on retention and EEG.

Abstract The effects of various dose levels of Metrazol on retention and electrocorticogram (ECoG) were investigated. Mice given a subconvulsive 30 mg/kg or a convulsive 50 mg/kg dose of Metrazol 15 min before reversal training in a discriminated escape learning task showed retention impairment of reversal training retention. Lower dose levels (5 or 10 mg/kg) had no effect. The 30 mg/kg dose produced asymmetrical dissociation. The convulsive dose (50 mg/kg), previously reported to result in symmetrical dissociation, produced ECoG changes that were still evident 15 min following the injection, i.e. at the time when training or testing usually took place. With lower doses (10 or 30 mg/kg), no apparent ECoG effects were observed at this interval. The implications of the findings were discussed with respect to the state-dependent learning hypothesis.
Evidence for CD4-enchanced Signaling through the Chemokine Receptor CCR5

The chemokine receptor CCR5 is constitutively associated with the T cell co-receptor CD4 in plasma cell membranes, but the physiological role of this interaction has not been elucidated. Here we show that detergent-solubilized, purified CCR5 can directly associate with purified soluble fragments of the extracellular portion of CD4. We further demonstrate that the physical association of CCR5 and CD4 in membrane vesicles results in the formation of a receptor complex that exhibits macrophage inflammatory protein 1β (MIP-1β) binding properties that are distinct from CCR5. The affinity of the CD4-CCR5 complex for MIP-1β was 3.5-fold lower than for CCR5, but the interaction of CD4 and CCR5 resulted in a receptor complex that exhibited enhanced G-protein signaling as compared with CCR5 alone. MIP-1β-induced G-protein activation was further increased by simultaneous stimulation of CD4 with its natural agonist, interleukin-16. Thus, the physical association of CD4 and CCR5 results in receptor cross-talk with allosteric CD4-dependent regulation of the binding and signaling properties of CCR5. Although the precise physiological role of the CD4 effects on CCR5-mediated signaling remains unknown, one can speculate that the cross-talk is a component of mechanisms involved in the fine tuning of immune system cell responses.
Microbial dynamics in oil-impacted prairie soil

A remote site in the Tallgrass Prairie Preserve (Osage County, OK) was contaminated with crude oil by a pipeline break in 1992. In 1996, the contaminated soil was bioremediated by blending with uncontaminated soil, prairie hay, buffalo manure, and commercial fertilizers, and spreading in a shallow layer over uncontaminated soil to create a landfarm. The landfarm was monitored for two years for aerobic and anaerobic bacteria, soil gases indicative of microbial activity, and for changes in the concentration of total petroleum hydrocarbons (TPH). Levels of hydrocarbon degraders and soil gas indicators of aerobic degradation were stimulated in the landfarm during the first warm season relative to uncontaminated prairie soil. However, these same indicators were less conclusive during the second warm season, indicating depletion of the more easily degradable hydrocarbons, although the landfarm still contained 6,800 mg/kg TPH on the average at the beginning of the second warm season. Methane formation and methanogen counts were clearly stimulated in the first warm season relative to uncontaminated prairie soil, indicating that methanogenesis plays an important role in the mineralization of hydrocarbons even in these shallow soils.
Training in musical rhythm and field dependence of children.

The present experiment investigated the effects of musical rhythm training on field dependence in children. An experimental group of 12 Ss showed significant improvement on the Children's Embedded-figures Test and the Rod-and-frame Test after training, while a matched control group did not improve. Pretest scores on the Children's Embedded-figures Test and the Rod-and-frame Test were not correlated.
Enrolling research subjects from clinical practice : Ethical and procedural issues in the Sequenced Treatment Alternatives to Relieve Depression (STAR*D) trial

The Sequenced Treatment Alternatives to Relieve Depression (STAR*D) trial is a multi-site effectiveness study funded by the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) with the aim of identifying successful, acceptable and cost-effective treatment strategies for outpatients with unremitted depression. With enrollment of 4,041 adults with major depressive disorder (MDD), it is the largest controlled psychiatric treatment study ever undertaken. In the course of developing procedures to ensure that ambitious enrollment goals were met, a number of ethical and practical issues became apparent that underscore the conflicts between effectiveness research and human subject protections. These are delineated as they relate to study design; eligibility criteria; incentives to subjects; investigators and clinical sites; the complementary roles of clinical research coordinators (CRCs) and study clinicians; and recruitment and consent procedures. The STAR*D trial exemplifies the interplay and tension between those strategies that integrate research and clinical aims and roles in the service of enhancing external validity, site participation, and recruitment and retention versus those strategies that differentiate research and clinical treatment in the service of research integrity and human subject protections. We hope that a discussion of these key challenges and dilemmas and how they have been addressed will help inform future discussions concerning design and conduct of ethical effectiveness trials designed to optimize care in real world clinical settings.
Synaptic events in ventrolateral thalamic neurons during suppression of recruiting responses by brain stem reticular stimulation

Summary Intracellular recordings were obtained from ventrolateral (VL) thalamic neurons in ‘encephale isolecats during the suppression of thalamo-cortical recruiting responses produced by high-frequency stimulation of the brain stem reticular formation (BSRF). BSRF stimulation elicited short-latency discharges in VL relay cells identified by brachium conjunctivum stimulation. Reticular activation of VL cells was associated with elimination of IPSPs evoked by brachium stimulation. IPSPs generated in VL cells and other thalamic neurons during the evoked EEG synchronization process (recruiting responses) were markedly attenuated during BSRF stimulation. Little or no attenuation was observed in EPSPs preceding the synchronizing-IPSPs. BSRF-induced attenuation of synchronizing-IPSPs antagonized internuclear inhibitory effects in VL cells during suppression of cortical recruitment. The inhibition of synchronizing-IPSPs restored transmission in VL relay elements and facilitated specific brachium conjunctivum evoked responses of motor cortex. Mutual interactions of PSPs in VL cells during combined low-frequency medial thalamic and high frequency BSRF stimulation were frequently observed. In preparations exhibiting considerable spontaneous and evoked EEG-synchronization, synchronizing EPSP-IPSP sequences severely attenuated or eliminated EPSPs elicited by BSRF stimulation. The intracellular data indicate that disinhibition resulting from BSRF-induced inhibition of synchronizing-IPSPs is a prominent factor in reticular suppression of evoked recruiting responses.
Pleiotropic effects of ATP.Mg2+ binding in the catalytic cycle of ubiquitin-activating enzyme.

Conjugation of ubiquitin and other Class 1 ubiquitin-like polypeptides to specific protein targets serves diverse regulatory functions in eukaryotes. The obligatory first step of conjugation requires ATP-coupled activation of the ubiquitin-like protein by members of a superfamily of evolutionarily related enzymes. Kinetic and equilibrium studies of the human ubiquitin-activating enzyme (HsUba1a) reveal that mutations within the ATP·Mg2+ binding site have remarkably pleiotropic effects on the catalytic phenotype of the enzyme. Mutation of Asp576 or Lys528 results in dramatically impaired binding affinities for ATP·Mg2+, a shift from ordered to random addition in co-substrate binding, and a significantly reduced rate of ternary complex formation that shifts the rate-limiting step to ubiquitin adenylate formation. Mutations at neither position affect the affinity of HsUbc2b binding; however, differences in kcat values determined from ternary complex formation versus HsUbc2b transthiolation suggest that binding of the E2 enhances the rate of bound ubiquitin adenylate formation. These results confirm that Asp576 and Lys528 are important for ATP·Mg2+ binding but are essential catalytic groups for ubiquitin adenylate transition state stabilization. The latter mechanistic effect explicates the observed loss-of-function phenotype associated with mutation of residues paralogous to Asp576 within the activating enzymes for other ubiquitin-like proteins.
Chirped-pulse slow and fast light in SOA with a record delay-bandwidth product of 10.7

A delay-bandwidth product of 10.7 is achieved using ultra-fast intraband nonlinearities in semiconductor optical amplifiers to generate fast light. A novel chirped-pulse scheme enhances the fast light effect and generates delays in addition to advance.
Effects of temperature on cure kinetics and mechanical properties of vinyl-ester resins

The relationships among cure temperature, chemical kinetics, microstructure, and mechanical performance have been investigated for vinyl–ester resins. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy was used to follow the reactions of vinyl–ester and styrene during isothermal curing of Dow Derakane 411-C-50 at 30 and 90°C. Reactivity ratios of vinyl–ester and styrene vinyl groups were evaluated using the copolymer composition equation. The results indicate that the ratio of vinyl–ester to styrene double bonds incorporated into the network is greater for 30 than for 90°C cure. Mechanical properties were obtained for systems subjected to isothermal cures at 30 and 90°C and postcured above ultimate Tg. The results show that the initial cure temperature significantly affects the mechanical behavior of vinyl–ester resin systems. In particular, values of strength and fracture toughness for postcured samples initially cured isothermally at 30°C are significantly higher than those obtained for samples cured isothermally at 90°C. Examination of fracture surfaces using atomic force microscopy revealed the existence of a nodular microstructure possessing characteristic nodule dimensions that are affected by the temperature of cure. Such features suggest the existence of phase separation during cure. A binary interaction model in conjunction with chemical kinetic data and estimated solubility parameters was used to evaluate enthalpic interactions between the growing polymer network and monomers of the vinyl–ester system. The results indicate that the interaction energy becomes increasingly endothermic as cure progresses and that this energy is affected by the temperature of cure through differences in copolymerization behavior. Hence, in addition to entropic factors, the changes in enthalpic contribution to the Gibbs free energy suggest that the probability of phase separation increases with extent of cure and that its onset is potentially affected by cure temperature. © 1999 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J Polym Sci B: Polym Phys 37: 725–744, 1999
This Digital Life: A Neighborhood-Based Study of Adolescents' Lives Online

In this paper, we present the results of a multi-year study of the social computing practices of 179 adolescents (Mage=12.4 years, SD=1.3; range: 10-14) living in a majority-minority lower-income urban neighborhood in the Southeast U.S. We investigate shifting social media practices using annual surveys and focus groups. We describe participants' social media use and motivations and show how that use has shifted over time. We show how participants identify social pressures and influences as well as specific behaviors including computer-mediated risky behaviors and self-harm. We discuss the implications of our findings for the CHI research community, including methodological challenges and the need for further study of computer-mediated harmful behaviors in youth populations. By demonstrating how large-scale trends are enacted on the ground, we describe participants' uses, motivations and behaviors as they deal with the increasing influence of technology in their social lives.
The hazards of endpoints.

of development, we would plant seeds from each variety and spray the sprouting plants with pesticide. We would drop from further development those varieties that seem adversely affected. In the next phase, we would plant seeds from those varieties still under consideration and pull up the stalks 8 weeks later to weigh the ears. Small ear varieties would be discarded. In the next phase, 14 weeks after planting, we assess the sugar content of the kernels, discarding those with low concentrations. Then, we would consider hardiness and so on. We’d probably end up with lousy corn and we’d wonder if we had discarded a better overall variety along the way. One problem with this approach to choosing corn varieties is that we would have failed to address the relationships among the various effects. Another is that we would have failed to observe the effects of all the variables at maturity. But the biggest problem is the staccato learning process. Each experiment was a discrete unit rather than one part of a continual learning process in which the answers to relevant questions got stronger over time. In the clinical development of cancer drugs, we consider toxicity early on, then antitumor effect (or immunologic effect or other biomarker effect), and then clinical effect. We fail to assess and relate these effects over the patients’ follow-up, and we fail to associate them with the primary clinical endpoint in a longitudinal fashion. We must address the entire patient, including the patient’s course of disease over time. Especially important are tumor burden and factors that may be related to tumor burden. In the immunology setting, this includes measures such as T-cell proliferation. There are obstacles to building better drug and vaccine development. One is the notion that early endpoints should play a role in clinical trials only if they are surrogates for the primary endpoint. Another is the notion that we can use markers only if they
Sinus floor elevation with osteotomes.

Abstract: This article describes a new methodology for augmentation of the bone at the sinus floor that is less invasive than previous techniques. This procedure is called the osteotome technique. Two different applications of the osteotome technique are described. First an implant site is created in a location that previously had inadequate bone for immediate fixation of an implant. In a second surgical step additional augmentation of the bone is carried out when the implant is inserted. This case report provides details, from the original ridge defect with 1 to 2 mm of bone under the low sinus to the final esthetic crown restoration on a 5- × 13-mm external-hex screw implant that is supported by newly generated bone.