cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Synthesis and properties of acrylate functionalized alkyds via a Diels–Alder reaction

The α-eleosterate pendent fatty acid of a tung oil based alkyd was functionalized via a Diels–Alder reaction with three different acrylate groups: (1) 2,2,2-trifluoroethyl methacrylate, (2) 3-methacryloxypropyl trimethoxysilane, and (3) triallyl ether acrylate. The modified alkyds were characterized by using 1H NMR, 13C NMR, and gel permeation chromatography (GPC). The drying time was measured at ambient temperature. The viscoelastic properties of the alkyd-modified films were measured using dynamic mechanical thermal analysis. The viscoelastic and drying time results show that the alkyd modified with siloxane and triallyl group affords a faster drying time, higher crosslink density, and higher glass transition temperature compared to the unmodified alkyd, whereas the fluorinated alkyd possesses surface active properties, but suffers in terms of drying and crosslinking density.
Adjusted Interim Survival Analysis Under Nonproportional Hazards

The Cox model was originally built upon the proportional hazards (PH) assumption that is often violated in reality. When the PH assumption for a covariate is not satisfied, the Cox model estimates the overall effect of the covariate within the follow-up period, but the estimate may be strongly affected by censoring. For a clinical trial, interim analyses may be inconsistent with the final analysis because staggered entry creates different censoring patterns for analyses at different time points. A method based on multiple imputation and Bayesian piece-wise constant survival models is proposed to adjust interim analyses under nonproportional hazards to improve the consistency. A simulation study is applied to demonstrate and compare the performances of the proposed method and two existing methods. The applications of these methods are illustrated with a gastric cancer trial.
Orthodontic retention regimes: will we ever have the answer?

DATA SOURCES The Cochrane Oral Health Group Trials Register, CENTRAL, Medline and Embase were searched to May 2005. Key journals were searched by hand, together with bibliographies of all retrieved papers and review articles. No language restrictions were applied. Authors of trials were contacted to identify unpublished trials. STUDY SELECTION Inclusion criteria specified randomised and quasi-randomised controlled trials which involved children or adults who had retainers fitted or adjunctive procedures undertaken, following orthodontic treatment with braces to prevent relapse. The outcomes were amount of relapse, survival of retainers, adverse effects on oral health and quality of life. DATA EXTRACTION AND SYNTHESIS Screening of eligible studies, assessment of the methodological quality of the trials and data extraction were conducted independently and in duplicate. For dichotomous outcomes, the estimate of effect of an intervention was expressed as risk ratios together with 95% confidence intervals. For continuous outcomes, mean differences and 95% confidence intervals were used to summarise the data for each group. RESULTS The search identified 27 articles, of which five met the inclusion criteria. These trials all compared different interventions. There was weak unreliable evidence, based on data from one trial, that a statistically significant increase in stability occurs in both the mandibular (P<0.001) and maxillary anterior segments (P<0.001) when the circumferential supracrestal fiberotomy is used in conjunction with a Hawley retainer, compared with a Hawley retainer alone. There was also weak, unreliable evidence that teeth settle quicker with a Hawley retainer than with a clear overlay retainer after 3 months. The quality of the trial reports was generally poor. No data were available from any study on quality of life assessment. Meta-analysis could not be undertaken as no two studies compared the same retention techniques. CONCLUSIONS There are insufficient research data on which to base our clinical practice on retention at present. There is an urgent need for high quality randomised controlled trials in this crucial area of orthodontic practice.
Intensive home and community interventions

In the mid-1980s, Stroul and Friedman [1] articulated a set of guiding principles for a system of care for children’s mental health. These principles built on ongoing work that incorporated an ecologic framework [2–4] to emphasize the need for a continuum and a system of care. These principles were disseminated throughout the United States via the Child and Adolescent Service System Program [5,6], so that by the mid-1990s, system of care demonstration projects and infrastructure development were spread throughout the nation [7]. As these principles were disseminated, the field of children’s mental health services and treatment came increasingly to recognize that the traditionally offered services—inpatient hospitalization and clinic-based outpatient therapy— did not provide an adequate match or range of interventions to meet the often complex needs of children with mental health problems, particularly youth being served via the public mental health care system [7–11]. In this context, a range of innovative, comprehensive, community-based interventions were developed, implemented, and (sometimes) evaluated [12–17]. These community-based and intensive in-home approaches to intervention differ on many dimensions. However, they share a common set of principles and practices that unify them and distinguish them from other forms of treatment for youth. These principles include an explicit recognition of the importance of ecology and context, recognition of the multiple needs of youth and their families and multifaceted approaches to addressing these needs, a concerted focus on strengths and resources, individualized treatment planning and intervention based on these needs and strengths, and active involvement of the community and focus on building or maintaining community connections for the child and family. In
In-School Victimization: Reflections of a Researcher

In this article, the author draws on his experience conducting school-based research to reflect on the state of knowledge regarding in-school victimizations. Following a brief review of relevant literature and identification of key research findings, the author offers recommendations for program and policy development and suggestions for future research directions.
Enhancement of EAE and induction of autoantibodies to T-cell epitopes in mice infected with a recombinant vaccinia virus encoding myelin proteolipid protein.

Abstract SJL/J mice were infected with a recombinant vaccinia virus encoding myelin proteolipid protein (PLP) (VVplp). Antibody responses to whole PLP and to encephalitogenic peptides, p139–151, p178–191 or p104–117 were measured after vaccination and following challenge with these three PLP peptides. Competitive ELISAs showed that antibodies to p139–151 and p178–191 represented the majority of antibodies in the anti-PLP antibody response following VVplp vaccination, since the antibodies to intact PLP could be inhibited 56, 35 and 1%, respectively, by p139–151, p178–191 and p104–117. After peptide challenge, epitope specific anti-peptide antibodies were enhanced. These anti-peptide antibodies also reacted with the intact PLP molecule. Interestingly, the mean titer of anti-p139–151 antibody in p139–151 challenged mice was significantly higher than that observed for anti-p178–191 in p178–191 and for anti-p104–117 in p104–117 challenged mice. Following peptide challenge, the anti-PLP IgG response shifted from an IgG1 to an IgG2a and 2b phenotype. In these mice, both the clinical disease and histological pattern of experimental allergic encephalomyelitis (EAE) were enhanced. The enhancement was most pronounced in the pathologic scores in the p139–151 challenged group followed by p104–117 challenged mice. Thus, humoral immune responses to PLP encephalitogenic peptides can be generated with virus encoding a self central nervous system (CNS) protein.
“Polio Eradication” Game May Increase Public Interest in Global Health

Abstract Background: Interactive games that highlight global health challenges and solutions are a potential tool for increasing interest in global health. To test this hypothesis, we developed an interactive “Polio Eradication” (PE) game and evaluated whether playing or watching was associated with increased public interest in global health. Materials and Methods: The PE game is a life-size, human board game that simulates PE efforts. Four players—a researcher, a transportation expert, a local community coordinator, and a healthcare worker—collaborate as an interdisciplinary team to help limit ongoing and future polio outbreaks in Pakistan, represented on the game board. Participants who played or observed the game and those who did not participate in the game, but visited noninteractive global health exhibits, completed a survey on participation outcomes. We used relative risk regression to examine associations between cofactors and change in global health interest. Results: Three variables predicted in...
The Ubiquitin-conjugating Enzyme UbcM2 Can Regulate the Stability and Activity of the Antioxidant Transcription Factor Nrf2

The transcription factor nuclear factor E2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) induces the expression of antioxidant gene products that neutralize reactive oxygen species and restore redox homeostasis. Nrf2 is constitutively degraded by the ubiquitin proteolytic system in unperturbed cells, but this turnover is arrested in response to oxidative stress, thereby leading to Nrf2 accumulation. Yet, a mechanistic understanding of how Nrf2 stabilization and transcriptional activation are coupled remains to be determined. We have discovered that the ubiquitin-conjugating enzyme UbcM2 is a novel regulator of Nrf2. Recombinant Nrf2 and UbcM2 form a complex upon alkylation of a non-catalytic cysteine in UbcM2, Cys-136. Substitution of this cysteine with a phenylalanine (C136F) to mimic cysteine oxidation/alkylation results in constitutive binding of UbcM2 to Nrf2 and an increased half-life of the transcription factor in vivo. We provide evidence that UbcM2 and Nrf2 form a nuclear complex utilizing the DNA binding, Neh1 domain, of Nrf2. Finally, we demonstrate that UbcM2 can enhance the transcriptional activity of endogenous Nrf2 and that Cys-136 and the active-site cysteine, Cys-145, jointly contribute to this regulation. Collectively, these data identify UbcM2 as a novel component of the Nrf2 regulatory circuit and position cysteine 136 as a putative redox sensor in this signaling pathway. This work implicates UbcM2 in the restoration of redox homeostasis following oxidative stress.
Treatment of Plastic Deformation of the Forearm in Young Adults With Double-Level Osteotomies: Case Reports

Plastic deformation of the forearm is a rare injury in young adults that occurs when a slow bending or rotational force is applied to the arm, most commonly in the setting of an industrial workplace accident. There are currently no guidelines for treatment of the residual forearm deformity that often results in limitations of forearm supination and pronation. We present 2 cases demonstrating that deformity correction with single cortex, double-level osteotomies combined with rigid plate fixation and early range of motion exercise that results in good functional outcomes.
The phonetics and phonology of intervocalic velar nasals in Galician

Galician intervocalic velar nasals have traditionally been considered derived segments. Scholars, however, have been unable to agree on their syllabic affiliation, with all syllabification proposals to date running counter to well-attested principles of phonological theory. Moreover, little is known about the phonetic properties of these segments beyond their nasal and velar qualities. The primary objective of this paper is therefore to contribute to our understanding of the phonology and phonetics of intervocalic velar nasals in Galician. This article reexamines existing phonological accounts of intervocalic velar nasals including a proposal in which these segments are argued to be underlying velar nasals with a geminate realization. The phonological proposal is complemented by a phonetic study on gemination that seeks to determine whether there are durational differences between the proposed underlying velar nasals and other velar nasals. The results show that, while longer than singletons, the Galician segments are not as long as underlying geminates, thus supporting the presence of non-contrastive gemination in Galician intervocalic velar nasals. This article illustrates the role played by phonetic investigation in phonological research and has implications for the study of gemination and for a theory of language change.
Phonon-mediated thermal transport: Confronting theory and microscopic simulation with experiment

Abstract We discuss recent advances in the microscopic simulations of thermal conductivity through the prism of comparisons with experimental measurements. By dissecting the thermal conductivity into its constituent properties, heat capacity, phonon structure and anharmonic phonon properties, we show that the reliable prediction of the thermal transport properties over a range of conditions requires each to be described correctly. However, it is sometimes possible to obtain thermal conductivity values in overall good agreement with experiment through a cancellation of errors in the constituent properties. Major advances in the prediction of thermal transport properties in the last few years have come through increases in computational power and through development of numerical algorithms for the essentially exact solution of the linearized Boltzmann Transport Equation, with interatomic interactions described by first-principles electronic-structure calculations. This approach enables consistent ab initio determination of the thermal conductivity in the pure crystals. We also discuss the effects of various defects on thermal conductivity and compare results from the atomistic simulations, classical theories from the 1950s, and experimental measurements.
Paying Down the Care Deficit: The Health Consequences for Grandmothers Caring for Grandchildren in a Mexican Migrant Community of Origin

While significant research addresses global chains of care work from the perspective of female migrant workers engaged in low-paid, unstable domestic labor in “receiving” communities, little research has focused on those who substitute for migrant workers to provide care in communities of origin. This article addresses that gap by focusing on the health consequences of care work for grandmothers in southern Veracruz, Mexico who assume the primary responsibility for caring for their grandchildren when the parents migrate out of the community. Based in the literature on care work and transnational families, this ethnographically-based article argues that grandmothers suffer consequences for their own health in three ways. They must deduct from their own health care resources – including time and money – to provide for their grandchildren. They must concede to the exploitation of already ill bodies to engage in the physical care of children and the household. Finally, they must transfer energy for self-care to caring for others thereby exacerbating their own existing health issues in order to meet the physical and emotional needs of their grandchildren. The article calls for further research in this area that aims to develop solutions to the problem of “care substitution” in transnational families.
Axodes for the four-revolute spherical mechanism

Abstract This paper presents the relationships between the axodes and the geometric configuration of the spherical 4R mechanism. The order of the axodes of the spherical 4R mechanism is determined to be 16. The algebraic equations for the axodes of this mechanism are presented in terms of mechanism geometry. It is also shown that the order of the axodes of the simpler forms of the 4R spherical mechanism is lower than 16.
Adaptive methods for elliptic grid generation

On developpe une methode generale pour l'application de techniques de grille adaptative precises et efficaces a la generation de grilles elliptiques
Reducing energy-related CO2 emissions using accelerated weathering of limestone

Abstract The use and impacts of accelerated weathering of limestone (AWL; reaction: CO2+H2O+CaCO3→Ca2++2(HCO3−) is explored as a CO2 capture and sequestration method. It is shown that significant limestone resources are relatively close to a majority of CO2-emitting power plants along the coastal US, a favored siting location for AWL. Waste fines, representing more than 20% of current US crushed limestone production (>109 tonnes/yr), could provide an inexpensive or free source of AWL carbonate. With limestone transportation then as the dominant cost variable, CO2 mitigation costs of $3-$4/tonne appear to be possible in certain locations. Perhaps 10–20% of US point–source CO2 emissions could be mitigated in this fashion. It is experimentally shown that CO2 sequestration rates of 10−6 to 10−5 moles/sec per m2 of limestone surface area are achievable, with reaction densities on the order of 10−2 tonnes CO2 m−3day−1, highly dependent on limestone particle size, solution turbulence and flow, and CO2 concentration. Modeling shows that AWL would allow carbon storage in the ocean with significantly reduced impacts to seawater pH relative to direct CO2 disposal into the atmosphere or sea. The addition of AWL-derived alkalinity to the ocean may itself be beneficial for marine biota.
Evidence for a Defect Conversion Mechanism in Copper

The effects of γ-ray irradiation upon the internal friction and Young's modulus of copper have been measured in the temperature range from 81 to 241 °K. It is found that there exists a pronounced minimum in the rate at which defects arrive at dislocations in the vicinity of 170 to 180 °K. This minimum is discussed and its significance in terms of the two predominant radiation damage models is considered. Der Einflus von γ-Strahlung auf die innere Reibung und den Youngmodul von Kupfer wurden im Temperaturbereich von 81 bis 241 °K untersucht. Es wird gefunden, das ein ausgepragtes Minimum der Rate, mit der Defekte Versetzungen erreichen, in der Nahe von 170 bis 180 °K auftritt. Dieses Minimum und seine Bedeutung werden im Rahmen der beiden vorherrschenden Modelle des Strahlungsdamage diskutiert.
From "reaction concept" to "conjugate gradient": have we made any progress

The objective of this paper is to trace the roots of development of various numerical techniques used in electromagnetics. The rates of convergence of each of the techniques is also outlined. Finally, we present the differences among the techniques from a purely numerical standpoint.
Quantitative comparison of weighted Feldkamp FBP full-scan and half-scan algorithms for contrast-enhanced CT breast imaging

Dedicated CT breast imaging using a flat-panel detector system holds great promise for improving the detection and diagnosis of early stage breast cancer. It is currently unclear whether dedicated CTBI systems will be useful for screening of the general population. Possibly a more realistic goal will be contrast-enhanced, flat-panel CTBI to assist in the diagnostic workup of suspected breast cancer patients. It has been suggested that the specificity of CE-CTBI can be improved by acquiring a dynamic sequence of CT images, characterizing the lesion enhancement pattern. To make dynamic CE-CTBI feasible, it is important to perform very fast CT acquisitions, with minimal radiation dose. One technique for reducing the time required for CT acquisitions, is to use a half-scan cone-beam acquisition, requiring a scan of 180° plus the detector width. In addition to achieving a shorter CT scan, half-scan acquisition can provide a number of benefits in CTBI system design. This study compares different half-scan reconstruction methods with a focus on evaluating the quantitative performance in estimating the CT number of iodinated contrast enhanced lesions. Results indicate that half-scan cone-beam acquisition can be used with little loss in quantitative accuracy.
Marijuana use and subsequent psychiatric symptoms: A replication

Abstract This work attempted to replicate a controversial report that marijuana use leads to ego decompensation and psychosis even in young people without predisposition. Subjects were drawn from first admissions, inpatient and out-patient, within the Missouri Division of Mental Health. There were 106 males and 49 females from 13 to 24 years old. A questionnaire and clinical records were used to identify 38 youths whose use of marijuana antedated psychiatric symptoms. Capsule histories showed instances of poor judgment, confusion, anxiety, depression, and apathy. However, ten other variables, which were also investigated, produced higher “hit rates” than did marijuana. They included masturbation, sex education, beer drinking, dancing, kissing, and late TV movies. The case history method was discussed from a methodological stand-point, and was shown to have inherent pitfalls.
Strategies for targeted antimicrobial photodynamic therapy

The photophysics and mechanisms of cell killing by photodynamic therapy (PDT) have been extensively studied in recent years, and PDT has received regulatory approval for the treatment of a number of diseases worldwide. As the application of this treatment modality expands with regard to both anatomical sites and diseases, it is important to develop strategies for enhancing PDT outcomes. Our group has focused on developing targeting strategies to enhance PDT for both cancerous as well as anti-microbial applications. In this article, we will discuss photosensitizer modification and conjugation strategies for targeted antimicrobial photodynamic therapy.
Multi-criteria analysis in the evaluation of advanced manufacturing technology using PROMETHEE

Abstract The implementation of advanced manufacturing technology should be justified on the basis of multiple objectives rather than single objectives such as maximization of return on investment, or minimization of payback period. This paper introduces PROMETHEE II, an outranking method capable of handling multiple criteria in the evaluation of advanced manufacturing technology.
Morgan Stanley Roundtable on Managing Financial Trouble

Against the current backdrop of troubled credit markets and the possibility of growing defaults, a distinguished group of bankruptcy academics and practitioners explore a number of questions raised by the emergence of increasingly active distressed investors: Are these relatively new market forces and mechanisms at least partly responsible for today's historically low default rates? Can they be expected to continue keeping default rates low, even if the economy goes into recession? And perhaps most important, by preventing or delaying defaults, will these new reorganization methods end up increasing recoveries and preserving value? The second half of the discussion focuses on some of the potential problems, or obstacles to the working of these market forces. For example, how will distressed situations play out in cases involving dispersed creditors, such as the holders of CDOs and CLOs? Will there be negative side effects from other financial innovations such as credit derivatives? While acknowledging the challenges of resolving some relatively new kinds of inter-creditor conflicts, most of the panelists expressed confidence that today's distressed investors, working within the context of a streamlined Chapter 11 process, can be expected to play a major role in preserving values for creditors. At the same time, such investors will help perform the critical economic function of ensuring, in Douglas Baird's words, “that those companies that should survive do survive” and that corporate assets, whether liquidated piecemeal or kept within the firm, end up in their highest-valued uses with their most efficient users.
Identification of morphological and chemical markers of dry- and wet-season conditions in female Anopheles gambiae mosquitoes

Increased understanding of the dry-season survival mechanisms of Anopheles gambiae in semi-arid regions could benefit vector control efforts by identifying weak links in the transmission cycle of malaria. In this study, we examined the effect of photoperiod and relative humidity on morphologic and chemical traits known to control water loss in mosquitoes. Anopheles gambiae body size (indexed by wing length), mesothoracic spiracle size, and cuticular hydrocarbon composition (both standardized by body size) were examined in mosquitoes raised from eggs exposed to short photoperiod and low relative humidity, simulating the dry season, or long photoperiod and high relative humidity, simulating the wet-season. Mosquitoes exposed to short photoperiod exhibited larger body size and larger mesothoracic spiracle length than mosquitoes exposed to long photoperiod. Mosquitoes exposed to short photoperiod and low relative humidity exhibited greater total cuticular hydrocarbon amount than mosquitoes exposed to long photoperiod and high relative humidity. In addition, total cuticular hydrocarbon amount increased with age and was higher in mated females. Mean n-alkane retention time (a measure of cuticular hydrocarbon chain length) was lower in mosquitoes exposed to short photoperiod and low relative humidity, and increased with age. Individual cuticular hydrocarbon peaks were examined, and several cuticular hydrocarbons were identified as potential biomarkers of dry- and wet-season conditions, age, and insemination status. Results from this study indicate that morphological and chemical changes underlie aestivation of Anopheles gambiae and may serve as biomarkers of aestivation.
The role of tolerance in the lack of cross-reactivity between homologous (structurally related) proteins: Cross-reactions between α-lactalbumins and between lysozymes recognized by antibodies from intolerant rabbits

Abstract The carrier-effect was used in an attempt to break tolerance while raising antibodies to guinea pig α-lactalbumin and mouse lysozyme. A portion of the antibody to guinea pig α-lactalbumin cross-reacted with the auto-antigen, rabbit α-lactalbumin. Nevertheless, no cross-reaction between native lysozyme and lactalbumin could be shown although significant cross-reactions between different lactalbumins and between different lysozymes were demonstrated. The data suggest that tolerance to homologous sequences of globular proteins is an important factor hindering the detection of cross-reacting haptens despite conformational similarity.
Changing Research Cultures in U.S. Industry

Changes brought by the rise of the global economy and the end of the Cold War era have resulted in industry, government, and university rethinking their roles vis-a-vis research and development (R&D), basic versus applied research, and the role of corporate research. Since the mid-1980s, industrial research in the United States has been going through restructuring. Interviews with seventy-two scientists and eighteen managers working in six centralized corporate R&D laboratories in high-technology industry show that a new culture of dependence with a mission-oriented approach is replacing the cherished culture of independence with a result-oriented approach.
Networked Multi-target Detection Using Electromagnetic Modeling and Neural Network

Multi-target detection is crucial in modern warfare. It is challenging to distinguish radar returns of multiple, separate targets from those of multiple reflection points on a single target. Methods developed so far use straightforward discrimination, which is computationally complex. In this paper, we propose ideas to detect multi-targets by using electromagnetic modeling and neural networks (NNs). Preliminary result for missile identification through NN is presented for indicating the efficiency of NN for multi-target detection.
New Drug Targets for HIV

A significant number of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infections have become resistant to antiretroviral treatment, which means that there is a paramount need for novel drug targets to defeat the virus. Until recently, all HIV drugs inhibited HIV replication by mechanisms operating inside infected cells. In contrast, new antiretroviral drugs operate outside infected cells. Their mechanism of action consists in inhibiting entry of the virus into cells, thereby halting the very first step of HIV replication. Examples of this new class of drugs include entry inhibitors, coreceptor antagonists, and fusion inhibitors. In addition to their novel mechanism of action, this new class of drugs also has potential action against drug-resistant HIV strains, causes minimal adverse effects, and may be administered in a simplified, once-daily dosing regimen. New classes of anti-HIV drugs--and new drugs in existing classes--represent the best hope for people infected with HIV, especially those who have exhausted current therapies.
The use of phorate to control aphids and the Hessian fly on winter wheat.

Field experiments were conducted from 1957 through 1959 to determine the effect of phorate in controlling insects on wheat. A randomized block design with all treatments replicated four times was used. Plots were seeded with a grain drill and harvested with a combine. Few insects infested the plots in 1957, but in 1958, heavy infestations of the hessian fly, Phytophaga destructor (Say), the apple grain aphid, Rhopalosiphum fitchii (Sand.), and the English grain aphid, Macrosiphum granarium (Kby.), were encountered. Phorate was applied as a seed treatment to control these insects in the fall. To control the spring brood of hessian fly and also aphids that might infest the plots, granulated phorate was broadcast in early April. Experiments were also conducted to determine the effect of the seed treatment under simulated conditions of grazing by clipping. The phorate seed treatments caused significant losses in stand through reduced germination. However, such losses were not reflected in reduced yields. Both hessian fly and the aphids were controlled with a seed treatment of 0.5 lb. of phorate per 10C 1bs. of seed. The spring brood of hessian fly was controlled by granulated 10% phorate broadcast at the rate of 1.75 lbs. of toxicant per acre. Highly significant increases in yield were obtained with all treatments where insects were controlled. All plots clipped to simulate fall grazing yielded from 4 to 6 bushels more per acre regardless of treatment.
Yeast Chromatin Assembly Complex 1 Protein Excludes Nonacetylatable Forms of Histone H4 from Chromatin and the Nucleus

In yeast, the establishment and maintenance of a transcriptionally silent chromatin state are dependent upon the acetylation state of the N terminus of histone proteins. Histone H4 proteins that contain mutations in N-terminal lysines disrupt heterochromatin and result in yeast that cannot mate. Introduction of a wild-type copy of histone H4 restores mating, despite the presence of the mutant protein, suggesting that mutant H4 protein is either excluded from, or tolerated in, chromatin. To understand how the cell differentiates wild-type histone and mutant histone in which the four N-terminal lysines were replaced with alanine (H4-4A), we analyzed silencing, growth phenotypes, and the histone composition of chromatin in yeast strains coexpressing equal amounts of wild-type and mutant H4 proteins (histone H4 heterozygote). We found that histone H4 heterozygotes have defects in heterochromatin silencing and growth, implying that mutations in H4 are not completely recessive. Nuclear preparations from histone H4 heterozygotes contained less mutant H4 than wild-type H4, consistent with the idea that cells exclude some of the mutant histone. Surprisingly, the N-terminal nuclear localization signal of H4-4A fused to green fluorescent protein was defective in nuclear localization, while a mutant in which the four lysines were replaced with arginine (H4-4R) appeared to have normal nuclear import, implying a role for the charged state of the acetylatable lysines in the nuclear import of histones. The biased partial exclusion of H4-4A was dependent upon Cac1p, the largest subunit of yeast chromatin assembly factor 1 (CAF-1), as well as upon the karyopherin Kap123p, but was independent of Cac2p, another CAF-1 component, and other chromatin assembly proteins (Hir3p, Nap1p, and Asf1p). We conclude that N-terminal lysines of histone H4 are important for efficient histone nuclear import. In addition, our data support a model whereby Cac1p and Kap123 cooperate to ensure that only appropriately acetylated histone H4 proteins are imported into the nucleus.
Injection-seeded Q-switched fiber ring laser

We present a narrow linewidth, injection-seeded Q-switched Er fiber ring oscillator, that provides over 600 /spl mu/W of average output power at 500 Hz, with 1.2 /spl mu/J per pulse, before the output appears to be significantly affected by stimulated Brillouin scattering. This laser configuration provides multiple advantages in LIDAR systems because it offers the possibility of broad and rapid tunability.
Fault-tolerant scheduling on a hard real-time multiprocessor system

Fault-tolerance is an important issue in hard real-time systems due to the critical nature of the supported tasks. One way of providing fault-tolerance is to schedule multiple copies of a task on different processors. If the primary copy of a task cannot be completed due to a fault, the scheduled backup copy is run and the task is completed. In this paper, we propose a new algorithm for fault-tolerant scheduling on multiprocessor systems. The algorithm guarantees the completion of a scheduled task before its deadline in the presence of processor failures. Our algorithm schedules several backup tasks overlapping one another and dynamically deallocates the backups as soon as the original tasks complete executions, thus increasing the utilization of processors. Simulation results show that our method achieves higher task schedulability compared to using a spare processor as a backup to be invoked in the event of a failure. Further, we show that the cost, in terms of schedulability, of guaranteeing fault tolerance for dynamic systems is quite low. >
Influence of Cyclodextrin Complexation on the In Vivo Photoprotective Effects of Oxybenzone

The objective of the current study was to investigate the influence of cyclodextrin complexation on the in vivo photoprotective effects of a model ultraviolet (UV) absorber, oxybenzone, and to compare these novel sunscreens to a commercial SPF 30 sunscreen product. Aqueous-based solutions and suspensions containing 2.7 mg/mL oxybenzone and up to 20% (w/w) hydroxypropyl-beta-cyclodextrin (HPCD) were prepared. The sunscreens were applied to the dorsal skin of SKH-1 hairless mice and the animals were exposed to up to two minimal erythemal doses (MEDs) of UV radiation. Control animals received no sunscreen treatment. Lipid damage, as quantified by decreases in the lipid melting temperature of the epidermis, was determined using differential scanning calorimetry immediately after UV exposure. The number of sunburn cells (SBCs) and the extent of edema were measured 24 hours postexposure. Results showed that all oxybenzone-containing formulations decreased the number of SBCs formed, diminished swelling, and reduced the physical damage to the skin structure, in comparison to control. Thus, complexation did not prevent oxybenzone from reacting with light. The 20% HPCD formulation exhibited more substantial photoprotection at UV exposures of one or two MEDs, as evidenced by the formation of fewer SBCs. The 5% HPCD formulation also provided substantial protection against epidermal lipid damage. These studies demonstrate that inclusion of HPCD in sunscreen formulations may enhance the in vivo photoprotective effects of the UV absorbers. No single HPCD-containing sunscreen, however, was found to be equivalent to a commercially available sunscreen product for all biomarkers investigated.
A Biomimetic Elastic Cable Driven Quadruped Robot: The RoboCat

State of the art legged robots, such as the Honda’s series of bipedal robots ending in the latest advanced walking robot ASIMO, and the series of bipedal robots of Waseda University including the latest advanced robot WABIAN, employ joint-mount motors, which simplifies the analysis/design and traces the route for an effective control system, but results in legs that are heavy and bulky. Cable-driven robots overcome this shortcoming by allowing the motors to be mounted on or near the torso, thereby reducing the weight and inertia of the legs, resulting in lower overall weight and power consumption. To facilitate analysis and design, typical cable-driven robots use non-stretchable cables, which require at least n+1 motors for an n Degree-of-Freedom (DoF) joint. Therefore, for a robot with N joints, at least N additional motors are needed comparing to joint-mount motor drives. Moreover, the drive train of both joint-mount and cable-driven designs are rigid, which cannot effectively absorb ground impact shocks nor transfer potential energy to kinetic energy and vice versa when the robot is in motion, as biologic animals do. In this paper we present the design and test of a cat-size quadruped robot called RoboCat, which employs stretchable elastic cable-driven joints as inspired by biological quadruped animals. Although it complicates kinematics and dynamics analysis and design, the elastic cables allow n motors to be used for an n-DoF joint, thereby eliminating N motors for a robot with N joints comparing to non-stretchable cables, further realizing the weight and power savings of the cable driven design. Moreover, the elastic cable driven joints not only effectively absorb ground contact shock, but also effectively transfer potential and kinetic energy during walking or running, thereby improving the robot motion performance and energy efficiency. In the paper we will discuss the kinematics and dynamics analysis of elastic cable driven joints, implementation of elastic cable-driven joints on the Ohio University RoboCat, and control.Copyright © 2011 by ASME
Antiretroviral Drug Pharmacokinetics in Hepatitis with Hepatic Dysfunction

Chronic viral hepatitis is common among persons with HIV-1 infection, because of shared modes of transmission, and coinfection results in accelerated liver damage, compared with persons with chronic viral hepatitis alone. The use of highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) has led to a significant decrease in the morbidity and mortality associated with HIV-1 infection. A number of the medications that are commonly used in HAART regimens are metabolized by the hepatic CYP enzymes, which raises the possibility of significant interactions between antiretroviral medications and hepatic impairment induced by chronic viral hepatitis. Although the data are still very scant, the pharmacokinetics of several antiretroviral medications have been shown to be significantly altered in the presence of liver disease. In the present report, we review the available data and consider potential options, such as dose adjustment and therapeutic drug monitoring, for the administration of antiretroviral therapy to patients with significant hepatic impairment.
MEMBRANE POTENTIAL AND MICROSECOND TO MILLISECOND DELAYED LIGHT EMISSION AFTER A SINGLE EXCITATION FLASH IN ISOLATED CHLOROPLASTS

The effect of light-induced and salt-jump induced membrane potential on microsecond and millisecond delayed light emission from chloroplasts, following a single 10 ns flash, have been studied. Microsecond delayed light emission is shown to be independent of the membrane potential contrary to proposals that the activation energy for delayed light emission can be modulated by transmembrane electric fields. This result is discussed in terms of the possible origin of this short-lived emission. Millisecond delayed light after a single excitation flash is enhanced by membrane potential only if a proton gradient is present. By measuring changes in ms delayed light caused by simultaneous injection of KCI and Na-benzoate (which creates a proton gradient) in the presence of valinomycin, the light- induced potential generated across the thylakoid membrane by a single excitation flash was calibrated and found to be 128 5 lOmV in agreement with the recent measurements of Zickler and Witt (1976) based on voltage-dependent ionophores. It is concluded that the secondary charges that give rise to ms delayed light, after a single flash, do not fully span the membrane.
Pseudalpheopsis guana gen. nov., sp. nov. (Crustacea: Decapoda), a new alpheid shrimp from the british virgin islands, caribbean sea

Pseudalpheopsis guana gen. nov. (Crustacea: Decapoda), sp. nov., a new alpheid shrimp from the British Virgin Islands, Caribbean Sea. Zoological Studies 46(4): 428-440. Pseudalpheopsis guana gen. nov., sp. nov. is described on the basis of a single male specimen collected from an artificial reef matrix structure (ARMS) off Guana I., British Virgin Is., Caribbean Sea. Pseudalpheopsis, gen. nov. appears to be most closely related to Alpheopsis Coutiere, 1896 (sensu lato), but differs from all species currently placed in this genus by the unique armature of the chelipeds and the presence of a ”pseudo-hepatic tooth” on the anterior margin of the carapace, above the pterygostomial angle. http://zoolstud.sinica.edu.tw/Journals/46.4/428.pdf
Association of Blood Lead and Tibia Lead with Blood Pressure and Hypertension in a Community Sample of Older Adults

Few studies have compared associations of blood lead and tibia lead with blood pressure and hypertension, and associations have differed in samples with occupational exposure compared with those with mainly environmental lead exposure. African Americans have been underrepresented in prior studies. The authors performed a crosssectional analysis of 2001–2002 data from a community-based cohort in Baltimore, Maryland, of 964 men and women aged 50–70 years (40% African American, 55% White, 5% other race/ethnicity) to evaluate associations of blood lead and tibia lead with systolic and diastolic blood pressure and hypertension while adjusting for a large set of potential confounding variables. Blood lead was a strong and consistent predictor of both systolic and diastolic blood pressure in models adjusted and not adjusted for race/ethnicity and socioeconomic status. Tibia lead was associated with hypertension status before adjustment for race/ethnicity and socioeconomic status (p ¼ 0.01); after such adjustment, the association was borderline significant (p ¼ 0.09). Propensity score analysis suggested that standard regression analysis may have exaggerated the attenuation. These findings are discussed in the context of complex causal pathways. The data suggest that lead has an acute effect on blood pressure via recent dose and a chronic effect on hypertension risk via cumulative dose. blood pressure; body burden; fluorescence; hypertension; lead; social class; spectrometry, X-ray emission; tibia
MIB-1(Ki-67) index and transforming growth factor-alpha (TGFα) immunoreactivity are significant prognostic predictors for meningiomas

Mitotic index > 6, proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) index > 5%, high tumour grade and absence of progesterone receptors (PR) are significant predictors for poor outcome in meningiomas. Since MIB-1 (Ki-67) is a more specific cell proliferation marker, and overexpression of TGF-alpha is also associated with tumour progression, we compared the prognostic significance of these factors with the other indices. Intracranial meningiomas from 21 men and 36 women (age 54.5 +/- 1.7, mean +/- SEM) were classified as 24 benign, 24 atypical and nine malignant. Twenty-one of the 57 tumours recurred (mean interval to recurrence was 57.3 +/- 13.1 months). The mean follow-up period for patients without tumour recurrence was 81.9 +/- 8.7 months. MIB-1 labelling index (LI) was expressed as percentage of labelled nuclei to total tumour nuclei counted in the most densely labelled areas. Analysis of variance revealed significant differences between tumour grades for MIB-1 labelling indices (0.75 +/- 0.21 for benign, 3.2 +/- 0.57 for atypical 6.04 +/- 1.48 for malignant; P 3%, TGF alpha score > 4 (scoring scale 0-5), mitotic index > 6, and negative PR status were significant factors for worse outcome. Higher MIB-1 LI, TGF alpha score and mitotic index as continuous variables were also significant negative predictors. With multivariate analysis, both MIB-1 LI and TGF alpha score remained significant factors when paired with all other variables: TGF alpha or MIB-1 LI, respectively, mitosis, PCNA, tumour grade, PR status, age, sex, postoperative radiation therapy. We conclude that MIB-1 LI and TGF alpha score are important independent prognostic indicators for patients with meningiomas.
Segmentation According to Natural Examples: Learning Static Segmentation from Motion Segmentation

The segmentation according to natural examples (SANE) algorithm learns to segment objects in static images from video training data. SANE uses background subtraction to find the segmentation of moving objects in videos. This provides object segmentation information for each video frame. The collection of frames and segmentations forms a training set that SANE uses to learn the image and shape properties of the observed motion boundaries. When presented with new static images, the trained model infers segmentations similar to the observed motion segmentations. SANE is a general method for learning environment-specific segmentation models. Because it can automatically generate training data from video, it can adapt to a new environment and new objects with relative ease, an advantage over untrained segmentation methods or those that require human-labeled training data. By using the local shape information in the training data, it outperforms a trained local boundary detector. Its performance is competitive with a trained top-down segmentation algorithm that uses global shape. The shape information it learns from one class of objects can assist the segmentation of other classes.
Pooled purchasing: who are the players?

ABSTRACT: Data from the 1997 Robert Wood Johnson Foundation Employer Health Insurance Survey provide the first national estimates of the prevalence of pooled purchasing under all major arrangements. About one-quarter of all businesses participate in a pool; smaller businesses are more likely to participate, and there is substantial geographic variation in the prevalence of pool participation. Pooling appears to have modest positive effects on the availability of employee choice among plans (especially health maintenance organizations) and on the availability of information about plan quality. On the other hand, pooling as now construed does not seem to have enhanced the accessibility or affordability of insurance to employers.