cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Socioeconomic disparities for hearing-impaired children in the United States.

Objectives This study aims to evaluate disparities in socioeconomic status and healthcare utilization in hearing-impaired children using a nationally representative sample. Study design Cross-sectional analysis of stacked data from the 1997 to 2003 National Health Interview Survey, a voluntary U.S. household survey of the National Center for Health Statistics. Methods Children were grouped according to three levels of hearing ability based on parental response to perceived hearing status. χ(2) and analysis of variance (ANOVA) models tested the association of individual sociodemographic variables with hearing status. Multivariate regression analyses examined the association of hearing impairment with family income, poverty status, and utilization of routine and specialty health services. Results The total sample consisted of 76,012 children, of whom 2.6% had some hearing loss and 0.43% had marked hearing loss. Families of hearing-impaired children were more likely to report poorer health status, have Medicaid, live in single-mother households, and live below the poverty level (P Conclusions Compared with families of children without hearing loss, families of hearing-impaired children live closer to the poverty level and utilize some medical services with less frequency. Further identification of causal relationships between familial socioeconomic status and childhood hearing loss may help direct policy initiatives designed to mitigate healthcare disparities and improve access to services for hearing-impaired children.
Evaluation of Particulate Matter Abatement Strategies for Almond Harvest

ABSTRACT Almond harvest accounts for substantial PM10 (particulate matter [PM] ≤10 μm in nominal aerodynamic diameter) emissions in California each harvest season. This paper evaluates the effects of using reduced-pass sweepers and lower harvester separation fan speeds (930 rpm) on lowering PM emissions from almond harvesting operations. In-canopy measurements of PM concentrations were collected along with PM concentration measurements at the orchard boundary; these were used in conjunction with on-site meteorological data and inverse dispersion modeling to back-calculate emission rates from the measured concentrations. The harvester discharge plume was measured as a function of visible plume opacity during conditioning operations. Reduced-pass sweeping showed the potential for reducing PM emissions, but results were confounded because of differences in orchard maturity and irrigation methods. Fuel consumption and sweeping time per unit area were reduced when comparing a reduced-pass sweeper to a conventi...
Sympathetic response to betel chewing.

(1995). Sympathetic Response to Betel Chewing. Journal of Psychoactive Drugs: Vol. 27, No. 2, pp. 183-186.
THz lasing in InAs/GaSb broken-gap heterostructure devices and quantum-dot pillar arrays

A novel approach for the generation of THz radiation that utilizes "interband" transitions and tunneling processes occurring simultaneously within double-barrier (DB) GaSb/InAs/GaSb broken-gap (BG) resonant-tunneling-diodes (RTDs) is discussed. This paper focuses on the architectural and cavity designs for realizing TE polarized emission from single DB-BG-RTD devices and quantum-dot pillar arrays. Design techniques useful for mitigating CB drive current (& the associated thermal heating) while at the same time optimizing output power and power efficiency are discussed.
Children’s memories of experienced and nonexperienced events following repeated interviews

The present study compared 3- and 5-year-olds' reports of a true or false play interaction following repeated interviews. Final interviews were conducted either by the same researcher or by a new researcher. Age-related improvements in performance were evident. Also, 3-year-olds questioned repeatedly about an entirely false event made more errors in response to specific questions than 3-year-olds questioned repeatedly about false details of a true event. Five-year-olds who were questioned about the false event, however, were particularly accurate when answering questions about never-experienced body touch. Interviewer familiarity was associated with decreases in the amount of narrative detail 5-year-olds provided in free-recall and with increases in 3-year-olds' accuracy in response to direct questions. Both errors and response latency on a cognitive matching task were related to children's suggestibility.
Illuminated spot size and signal detection in laser Doppler vibrometry

Abstract The role of the illuminating spot diameter on signal detection in laser Doppler vibrometry is emphasized. Practical methods for beam expansion in reducing the spot size are described. These include beam expansion before as well as after the original focusing lens. Some experimental results describing spot size-related signal improvement are also presented.
Identification and Characterization of the Missing Pyrimidine Reductase in the Plant Riboflavin Biosynthesis Pathway

Riboflavin (vitamin B2) is the precursor of the flavin coenzymes flavin mononucleotide and flavin adenine dinucleotide. In Escherichia coli and other bacteria, sequential deamination and reduction steps in riboflavin biosynthesis are catalyzed by RibD, a bifunctional protein with distinct pyrimidine deaminase and reductase domains. Plants have two diverged RibD homologs, PyrD and PyrR; PyrR proteins have an extra carboxyl-terminal domain (COG3236) of unknown function. Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana) PyrD (encoded by At4g20960) is known to be a monofunctional pyrimidine deaminase, but no pyrimidine reductase has been identified. Bioinformatic analyses indicated that plant PyrR proteins have a catalytically competent reductase domain but lack essential zinc-binding residues in the deaminase domain, and that the Arabidopsis PyrR gene (At3g47390) is coexpressed with riboflavin synthesis genes. These observations imply that PyrR is a pyrimidine reductase without deaminase activity. Consistent with this inference, Arabidopsis or maize (Zea mays) PyrR (At3g47390 or GRMZM2G090068) restored riboflavin prototrophy to an E. coli ribD deletant strain when coexpressed with the corresponding PyrD protein (At4g20960 or GRMZM2G320099) but not when expressed alone; the COG3236 domain was unnecessary for complementing activity. Furthermore, recombinant maize PyrR mediated NAD(P)H-dependent pyrimidine reduction in vitro. Import assays with pea (Pisum sativum) chloroplasts showed that PyrR and PyrD are taken up and proteolytically processed. Ablation of the maize PyrR gene caused early seed lethality. These data argue that PyrR is the missing plant pyrimidine reductase, that it is plastid localized, and that it is essential. The role of the COG3236 domain remains mysterious; no evidence was obtained for the possibility that it catalyzes the dephosphorylation that follows pyrimidine reduction.
Primary cricotracheal resection in children: indications, technique and outcome.

Objective: Treatment of subglottic stenosis has benefited greatly from development of grafting techniques such as larygontracheoplasty. Meanwhile, cricotracheal resection of the stenotic area and a major part of the cricoid cartilage have been shown to give excellent results in adults. Patients and methods: From June 1993 to June 2000, we performed cricotracheal resection, as the primary surgical procedure, for acquired (n=13), congenital (n=2) or mixed (n=l) subglottic stenosis in 16 pediatric patients comprising seven boys and nine girls. At the time of surgery, the mean weight was 16 kg and the mean age was 5 years. Degree of stenosis was classified as grade II in one case, grade III in 12, and grade IV in three. Eight patients underwent two-stage procedures with postoperative tracheostomy. A rolled reinforced silastic stent was placed for a mean period of 20 days and the tracheostomy tube was removed within a mean period of 44 days after stent removal. Eight patients underwent single-stage procedures. The Portex® endotracheal tube was used for a mean period of 4 days. Results: All patients underwent regular clinical and endoscopic postoperative examination. Mean follow-up was 38 months. No interference with laryngotracheal growth has been noted in any case, including the five with follow-ups longer than 5 years. Conclusions: The indications for laryngotracheoplasty and cricotracheal resection in children with subglottic stenosis are still unclear. Decisions must be made on a case-by-case basis. In this article the authors discuss decisional factors in terms of clinical findings, surgical techniques, potential complications, and outcome.
The Haplotype Structure of the Human Major Histocompatibility Complex

There is great interest in the use of single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and linkage disequilibrium (LD) analysis to localize human disease genes. The results suggest that the human genome, including the major histocompatibility complex (MHC), consists largely of 5- to 200-kb blocks of sequence fixity between which random recombination occurs. Direct determination of MHC haplotypes from family studies also demonstrates similar-sized blocks, but otherwise gives a very different picture, with a third to a half of Caucasian haplotypes fixed from HLA-B to HLA-DR/DQ (at least 1 Mb) as conserved extended haplotypes (CEHs), some of which encompass more than 3 Mb. These fixed haplotypes differ in frequency both in different Caucasian subpopulations and in Caucasian patients with HLA-associated diseases, complicating disease susceptibility gene localization. The inherent inability of LD analysis to "see" DNA fixity beyond three markers contributes to the failure of SNP/LD analysis to define in detail or even detect CEHs in the MHC and probably elsewhere in the genome. More importantly, the use of statistical analysis, rather than direct haplotype determination and counting, fails to reveal the details of haplotype structure essential for gene localization. Given the oversimplified picture of the MHC (and probably the rest of the genome) provided only by SNP/LD-defined blocks, it is questionable whether this approach will be of great help in disease susceptibility gene localization or identification.
Wavelength Dependence of the Large Lattice Constant Magneto-Optic Spatial Light Modulator

Faraday rotation and optical absorption coefficients are reported at laser wavelengths for the large lattice constant magneto-optic spatial light modulator. Optimum operation occurs at yellow-green wavelengths.
Overexpression of CD7 in classical Hodgkin lymphoma-infiltrating T lymphocytes.

Background: Diagnosis of Hodgkin lymphoma (HL) is sometimes complicated by the scarcity of neoplastic cells in a reactive inflammatory background. Immunophenotyping by flow cytometry (FC) has not played a significant role in HL diagnosis because of its consistent failure to identify these neoplastic cells. However, HL-infiltrating T cells have been shown to play a role in HL pathogenesis. This study characterizes the FC immunophenotype of these T lymphocytes to determine whether they can be used to assist in the diagnosis of HL. Methods: Cell suspensions from 76 lymph nodes involved by HL and 156 lymph nodes with reactive lymphadenopathy (LAD) were analyzed by flow cytometry to assess the expression of T-cell antigens. Results: The CD4:CD8 ratio and CD7 expression in both CD4(+) and CD8(+) T cells are increased in HL compared with reactive lymph nodes and there are significant differences between these features in different subtypes of HL. However, only the expression of CD7 in CD4(+) T cells distinguishes between HL and reactive LAD. This is especially true for classical HL in younger patients. Using a CD7 mean fluorescence intensity (MFI) cutoff value generated by this data, 37/47 FNA specimens were correctly diagnosed. Conclusions: There are significant differences in the immunophenotypes of HL-infiltrating T cells. Of these, the CD7 expression in CD4(+) T cells discriminates between HL and reactive LAD, suggesting that this could be a useful and practical adjunctive tool in the diagnosis of HL. It may also further our understanding of the pathophysiology of this disease. © 2008 Clinical Cytometry Society
Existence of Optimal Controls for Viscous Flow Problems

A class of optimal control problems in viscous flow is studied. Main result is the existence theorem for optimal control. Three typical flow control problems are formulated within this general class.
Analyzing form images by using line-shared-adjacent cell relations

We deal with formats whose fields do not have rigidly determined positions and sizes but have topological relations between them. Such formats are called the "topological formats". The objective of our research is to establish a method for defining a topological format and detecting fields in images by using that format. The method has the following characteristics: 1) a line-shared-adjacent (LSA) cell relation and a LSA format are proposed, and a topological format can be defined with the LSA format; 2) concepts of hierarchical class can be applied to the format, where a format unification operator is defined to create the hierarchy and can be used to generate a superclass format, and it also allows users to generate formats from scanned images; and 3) an LSA format can be converted into an equivalent line-oriented format that can be used for processing actual forms. Since the format consists of line connection information, the method is robust with respect to flaws of line segments extracted from the images. The method was applied to images of sample forms that have various flaws, and satisfying results were obtained.
Effect of sulfasuxidine on the interrelation of folic acid, vitamin B12 and vitamin C.

SummaryThe administration of sulfasuxidine eliminates the growth response produced by vitamin C in the chick, on a semi-purified ration. No effect is observed on the growth response produced by vitamin B12, if the levels of the other B vitamins are adequate.The administration of sulfasuxidine to a semi-purified ration eliminates the increase of the PGA liver storage produced by vitamin C. Both vitamin C and vitamin B12 raise the caecal concentration of PGA in the chick. The administration of sulfasuxidine lowers the caecal levels of PGA to a minimum in all cases. Sulfasuxidine has no effect on the caecal level of vitamin B12 in the chick.Vitamin C, when injected, has no effect on growth, liver storage or caecal concentration of PGA in the chick. The injection of PGA markedly increased the liver storage and caecal levels of both PGA and vitamin B12.
Disposition of drugs in cystic fibrosis. VI. In vivo activity of cytochrome P450 isoforms involved in the metabolism of (R)-warfarin (including P450 3A4) is not enhanced in cystic fibrosis

Objective To determine whether the activity of cytochrome P450 isoforms involved in the metabolism of (R) -warfarin is enhanced in cystic fibrosis. Design Six adult subjects with cystic fibrosis and six healthy control subjects, matched by age and sex, were administered (R) -warfarin as a single intravenous bolus dose (0.375 mg/kg), and urine and plasma samples were collected for 192 hours. The concentration of (R) -warfarin in plasma and the concentration of (R) -warfarin and its metabolites in urine were determined by HPLC and GC/MS, respectively. Plasma protein binding of (R)-warfarin was measured by ultrafiltration. Results The unbound plasma clearance of (R) -warfarin was not significantly (p > 0.05) different between the cystic fibrosis and the control groups (cystic fibrosis, 997 ± 483 ml/hr/kg; control, 788 ± 219 ml/hr/kg). The unbound metabolic clearances of (R)-warfarin to its oxidative metabolites—6-hy-droxywarfarin, 7-hydroxywarfarin, 8-hydroxywarfarin, and 10-hydroxywarfarin (mediated by P450 3A4)—were also similar (p > 0.05) in the two groups (6-hydroxywarfarin: cystic fibrosis: 124.2 ± 72.8 ml/hr/kg, control: 99.4 ± 37.3 ml/hr/kg; 7-hydroxywarfarin: cystic fibrosis: 43.8 ± 32.2 ml/hr/kg, control: 34.5 ± 10.6 ml/hr/kg; 8-hydroxywarfarin: cystic fibrosis: 80.4 ± 85.4 ml/hr/kg, control: 69.5 ± 39.5 ml/hr/kg; 10-hydroxywafarin: cystic fibrosis: 4.38 ± 2.72 ml/hr/kg, control: 16.28 ± 13.71 ml/hr/kg). Conclusion The in vivo activity of cytochrome P450 isoforms involved in the metabolism of (R)-warfarin, including P450 3A4, is not enhanced in cystic fibrosis. Clinical Pharmacology and Therapeutics (1994) 55, 528–534; doi:10.1038/clpt.1994.66
Recursive optimization-simulation modeling for the analysis of ambulatory health care facilities

The overall planning problem of an ambulatory health care facility is often attacked using either linear programming or simulation models. This paper discusses each method and then describes a third method -- recursive modeling -- which capitalizes on the advantages and minimizes the disadvantages of the other two methods. Methods of variance reduction and data analysis are also discussed.
The Future of Safety and Health in Engineering Education

Despite calls for the integration of safety into engineering curricula and the establishment of ABET requirements for safety-related instruction, few engineering colleges have instituted formal course offerings focusing on safety and health. Impediments include the lack of room for additional coursework in the standard curriculum, the perceived unavailability of qualified faculty and instructional materials, and a widespread conviction among faculty and administrators that safety is not critical to an engineering education. Attempts to address this need by developing special instructional safety modules or enrolling students in full-semester safety courses have met with limited success. An alternative approach is to use safety-related examples and case studies to portray conventional engineering principles. Rather than separating safety instruction into a distinct course or modules, this approach would present safety principles as a fully-integrated part of traditional engineering practice. To make this idea a reality, appropriate examples and cases will need to be developed and disseminated. In addition, industry involvement, government backing, and financial support is required.
Fate of maternally-acquired ecdysteroids in unfertilized eggs of Manduca sexta

Four age groups (0–1 h; 1–18 h; 24–40 h; 72–88 h) of unfertilized eggs of the tobacco hornworm, Manduca sexta, were examined for the presence of free ecdysteroids and ecdysteroid conjugates. High levels (42.46–51.17 μg/g fresh wt) of 26-hydroxyecdysone 26-phosphate were found in all age groups with lower levels (5.30–9.38 μg/g fresh wt) of 26-hydroxyecdysone 2-phosphate. The 22-glucoside of 26-hydroxyecdysone was not detected in any age group, and only trace amounts (<100 ng/g fresh wt) of free 26-hydroxyecdysone were present. These results contrast sharply with the dynamic changes observed in the ecdysteroid titer in fertilized eggs and indicate that those changes are the direct result of either fertilization and/or embryogenesis.
EXPERIMENTAL ACUTE NEPHRITIS A STUDY OF THE ACIDOSIS, NITROGEN AND CHLORIDE RETENTION, AND OF THE PROTECTIVE ACTION OF SODIUM BICARBONATE.

1. In experimental nephritis caused by cantharidin, arsenic, diphtheria toxin, and potassium chromate, in addition to the retention of the non-protein and urea nitrogen and of the chlorides in blood, an acidosis occurs. 2. Sodium bicarbonate given by the stomach has the power of diminishing the acidosis in these types of nephritis. 3. The degree of increase in the non-protein and urea nitrogen content in the blood in mild nephritis varies considerably in different dogs receiving the same dose per kilo of a given poison. 4. Histological examination shows little if any influence resulting from the administration of sodium bicarbonate upon the grade of the nephritis induced by the poisons.
The α-boron cages with four-member rings

A new class of 32n2 boron cages which are made closed by six squares is proposed and a procedure to build such cages using an α-boron sheet is described. Each member from this infinite set of boron cages has a structure that is compatible with the most stable α-boron sheet that maintains an optimal balance of the two-center and three-center bonds. Accurate density functional calculations with a large polarized Gaussian basis set show that B32, B96, B128, and B288 are energetically stable structures. The smallest B32 cage from this class has the HOMO-LUMO gap of 1.32 eV, the largest amongst the boron cages and boron fullerenes studied so far.
Constructing Witt–Burnside rings

Abstract The Witt–Burnside ring of a profinite group G over a commutative ring A generalizes both the Burnside ring of virtual G-sets and the rings of universal and p-typical Witt vectors over A. The Witt–Burnside ring of G over the monoid ring Z [ M ] , where M is a commutative monoid, is proved isomorphic to the Grothendieck ring of a category whose objects are almost finite G-sets equipped with a map to M that is constant on G-orbits. In particular, if A is a commutative ring and A × denotes the set A as a monoid under multiplication, then the Witt–Burnside ring of G over Z [ A × ] is isomorphic to Graham's ring of “virtual G-strings with coefficients in A.” This result forms the basis for a new construction of Witt–Burnside rings and provides an important missing link between the constructions of Dress and Siebeneicher [Adv. in Math. 70 (1988) 87–132] and Graham [Adv. in Math. 99 (1993) 248–263]. With this approach the usual truncation, Frobenius, Verschiebung, and Teichmuller maps readily generalize to maps between Witt-Burnside rings.
Time-resolved EPR studies of the benzophenone—diphenyl kethyl radical system. Possible evidence for quartet—doublet intersystem crossing

Abstract The photoreduction of benzophenone by several substrates has been studied by time-resolved EPR. When cyclohexadiene, MTHF, and decane are employed as hydrogen donors to the excited triplet state of benzophenone the diphenyl ketyl radical which is produced exhibits emissive electron spin polarization with rise times on the order of a few microseconds. It is suggested that the experimental observations can be explained by intersystem crossing to a quartet state in the excited ketyl radical.
Better preservation of immune function after laparoscopic-assisted vs. open bowel resection in a murine model.

PURPOSE: We evaluated cell-mediated immune function after laparoscopic-assisted and open bowel resection in rats by measuring delayed-type hypersensitivity responses to keyhole limpet hemocyanin (KLH) and phytohemagglutinin (PHA). METHODS: Male Sprague-Dawley rats (n=120) were sensitized to 1 mg of KLH ten days before investigations. Rats were challenged preoperatively, immediately postoperatively, and on postoperative day (POD) 2 with an intradermal injection of 0.3 mg of KLH and 0.2 mg of PHA (at different sites). Averages of two measures of perpendicular diameters (taken 24 and 48 hours postchallenge) were used to calculate the area of induration using the formula for the area of an ellipse, A=(D1/2×D2/2)×π. Anesthesia control animals underwent no procedure (n=40). Open resection group underwent ligation and resection of the cecum (length=2 cm) through a 7 cm midline incision (n=40). In the laparoscopic-assisted resection group, under CO2 pneumoperitoneum (4–6 mmHg), the cecum was identified, dissected free, and exteriorized through a 4 mm port. The cecum was then ligated and resected extracorporeally (n=40). RESULTS: Preoperative responses to both KLH and PHA were the same in all three groups. Furthermore, within each group, postoperative responses were similar. When groups were compared, the anesthesia group responses were significantly greater than the open resection group responses at all time points (P<0.05 for all comparisons). Laparoscopic-assisted resection group responses differed from control at only two of eight postoperative measures. Laparoscopic resection group responses were significantly greater than open resection group responses to challenge with both KLH and PHA on POD1 (P<0.02, for both comparisons) and POD 4 (P<0.05, for both comparisons). CONCLUSIONS: Postoperative cell-mediated immune function is better preserved after laparoscopic-assisted bowel resection than after open resection as assessed by skin antigen testing.
An Efficient and Scalable Semiconductor Architecture for Parallel Automata Processing

We present the design and development of the automata processor, a massively parallel non-von Neumann semiconductor architecture that is purpose-built for automata processing. This architecture can directly implement non-deterministic finite automata in hardware and can be used to implement complex regular expressions, as well as other types of automata which cannot be expressed as regular expressions. We demonstrate that this architecture exceeds the capabilities of high-performance FPGA-based implementations of regular expression processors. We report on the development of an XML-based language for describing automata for easy compilation targeted to the hardware. The automata processor can be effectively utilized in a diverse array of applications driven by pattern matching, such as cyber security and computational biology.
The activities of two Ets-related transcription factors required for drosophila eye development are modulated by the Ras/MAPK pathway

Abstract We show that the activities of two Ets-related transcription factors required for normal eye development in Drosophila, pointed and yen, are regulated by the Ras1/MAPK pathway. The pointed gene codes for two related proteins, and we show that one form is a constitutive activator of transcription, while the activity of the other form is stimulated by the Ras1/MAPK pathway. Mutation of the single consensus MAPK phosphorylation site in the second form abrogates this responsiveness. yan is a negative regulator of photoreceptor determination, and genetic data suggest that it acts as an antagonist of Ras1 . We demonstrate that yan can repress transcription and that this repression activity is negatively regulated by the Ras1/MAPK signal, most likely through direct phosphorylation of yan by MAPK.
Technical architecture overview: tools for acquisition, packaging and ingest of web objects into multiple repositories

This poster describes a model for acquiring, packaging and ingesting web objects for archiving in multiple repositories. This ongoing work is part of the ECHO DEPository Project, a 3-year NDIIPP-partner digital preservation project at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign with partners OCLC, a consortium of content provider partners, and the Library of Congress.
Homeomorphism between Leontief and Cobb-Douglas input-output models

Abstract A linear one-to-one mapping is established between the variables, equations, and parameters of two regional multisectoral general equilibrium input-output (I-O) models. One model is based on Leontief micro foundations and the other on generalized Cobb-Douglas micro foundations. Consequently, many I-O applications in the Leontief framework, enen if apparently dependent on Keynesian assumptions, can be re-interpreted as applications in a strictly neoclassical framework.
Combinatorial theorems about embedding trees on the real line

We consider the combinatorial problem of embedding the metric defined by an unweighted graph into the real line, so as to minimize the distortion of the embedding. This problem is inspired by connections to Banach space theory and to computer science. After establishing a framework in which to study line embeddings, we focus on metrics defined by three specific families of trees: complete binary trees, fans, and combs. We construct asymptotically optimal (i.e., distortion-minimizing) line embeddings for these metrics and prove their optimality via suitable lower bound arguments. It appears that even such specialized metrics require nontrivial constructions and proofs of optimality require sophisticated combinatorial arguments. The combinatorial techniques from our work might prove useful in further algorithmic research on low distortion metric embeddings. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Graph Theory 67: 153–168, 2011 © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Small Community Hospitals Programs Affiliation With University Programs; “Lessons Learned” in 28-Year Successful Affiliation

Abstract OBJECTIVE Community Hospitals Affiliation with University Hospitals in post graduate surgical education is essential for the 2 types of training programs. Many factors affect the success of the affiliation process. Additionally, various pitfalls and challenges are encountered. The goal of this work is to study the lessons learned in 28 years successful affiliation. DESIGN/SETTING small community hospital affiliation with university program for 28 years. PARTICIPANTS surgery residency programs in small community hospital and university hospital. RESULTS successful affiliation for 28 years between community hospital and university program.
BMP‐1 and the astacin family of metalloproteinases: A potential link between the extracellular matrix, growth factors and pattern formation

Members of the astacin family of metalloproteinases such as human bone morphogenetic protein 1 (BMP-1) have previously been linked to cell differentiation and pattern formation during development through a proposed role in the activation of latent growth factors of the TGF-beta superfamily. Recent findings indicate that BMP-1 is identical to pro-collagen C-proteinase, which is a metalloproteinase involved in extracellular matrix (ECM) formation. This observation suggests that a functional link may exist between astacin metalloproteinases, growth factors and cell differentiation and pattern formation during development. Taken together, current studies indicate that BMP-1 and possibly other astacin metalloproteinases are multifunctional enzymes that act directly on growth factors and the ECM. In combination, these dual actions would have profound effects on developmental processes.
Ethanol potentiation of 5-HT3 receptor-mediated ion current in NCB-20 neuroblastoma cells.

Abstract The effect of acute ethanol (EtOH) exposure on 5-HT3 receptor-mediated ion current was examined in whole-cell patch-clamp recordings from NCB-20 neuroblastoma cells. The physiologic and pharmacologic properties of 5-HT-activated ion current in NCB-20 cells indicated that it was mediated by 5-HT3 receptors. EtOH potentiated 5-HT3 receptor-mediated current in a concentration-dependent manner at concentrations (25–100 mM) which are achieved during EtOH intoxication in vivo.
Improving the practice of pediatric patient education: A synthesis and selective review☆

Patient education within the pediatric-care setting can be defined as any combination of planned learning experiences designed to facilitate adaptations of behavior conducive to health. It is directed both toward patients and toward significant adult caretakers in the child's environment. Additionally, health promotion and health education outside of the patient-care setting are required to promote child health. These efforts include legislation directed toward environmental hazards as well as community- and school-based health education programs. Although educating children and their parents is a routine part of pediatric health care, patient education efforts often reflect poorly applied principles of learning. Social learning theory provides useful constructs that can serve as a basis for developing, implementing, and evaluating pediatric patient education. These constructs focus attention on environmental influences on the learner, the role of modeled behavior for health outcomes in children, and the key concepts of perceived self-efficacy and family and social support.
Observations on the susceptibility of some protists and rotifers to predation by asplanchna girodi

Direct observations of behavioral interactions show that the predator A. girodi: 1) easily ingested Synchaeta pectinata, two forms of Keratella cochlearis cochlearis, and individuals of Conochilus unicornis and C. dossuarius enzymatically dissociated from their matrix; 2) rarely, if ever, captured Kellicottia bostoniensis and intact Conochilus; and 3) generally rejected the peritrich ciliate Rhabdostyla sp. and the dinoflagellate Peridinium sp. Coloniality and secretion of a gelatinous matrix in Conochilus can be viewed as adaptations to limit mortality from invertebrate predation. Intraspecific variability in the feeding responses of A. girodi is considered.
Influence of doping dependent bandgap grading on electrical performance and design criteria of npn AlzGa1−zAs/GaAs abrupt heterojunction bipolar transistors

Abstract Current-voltage characteristics of npn Al z Ga 1− z As/GaAs abrupt heterojunction bipolar transistors (HBTs) with nonuniform doping in the emitter and the base has been studied in some details. For the calculation of these characteristics the effects of both conduction band potential spike ΔE b and valence band discontinuity ΔE v have been taken into account. The extra electric field generated due to nonuniform base doping accelerates the flow of electrons, and minimizes the effect of ΔE v on the electron current density J c .
Reduktion von Massen und Kräften

Wenn der Bewegungszustand und die Arbeit leistenden Krafte eines oder mehrerer Korper, z. B. eines Triebwerkes untersucht werden sollen, ist es immer vorteilhaft, die Massen und Krafte auf einen bestimmten, dafur geeigneten Punkt zu reduzieren.
Societal implications of nanoscience and nanotechnology: Maximizing human benefit

The balance between the potential benefits and risks of nanotechnology is discussed based on judgments expressed by leading industry, academe and government experts at a U.S. National Nanotechnology Initiative (NNI) sponsored meeting. The results are summarized in various themes related to: economic impacts and commercialization; social scenarios; technological convergence; quality of life; ethics and law; governance, public perceptions, and education.
JBP1 and JBP2 are two distinct thymidine hydroxylases involved in J biosynthesis in genomic DNA of African trypanosomes

Genomic DNA of African trypanosomes contains a hypermodified thymidine residue termed base J (b-D-glucosyl-HOMedU). This modified base is localized primarily to repetitive DNA, namely the telomeres, and is implicated in the regulation of antigenic variation. The base is synthesized in a two-step pathway. Initially, a thymidine residue in DNA is hydroxylated by a thymidine hydroxylase (TH). This intermediate (HOMedU) is then glucosylated to form base J. Two proteins involved in J synthesis, JBP1 (J binding protein 1) and JBP2, contain a putative TH domain related to the family of Fe 2+ /2-oxoglutarate-dependent hydroxylases. We have previously shown that mutations in the TH domain of JBP1 kill its ability to stimulate J synthesis. Here we show that mutation of key residues in the TH domain of JBP2 ablate its ability to induce de novo J synthesis. While the individual JBP1 null and JBP2 null trypanosomes have reduced J levels, the deletion of both JBP1 and JBP2 generates a cell line that completely lacks base J but still contains glucosyl-transferase activity. Reintroduction of JBP2 in the J-null trypanosome stimulates HOMedU formation and site-specific synthesis of base J. We conclude that JBP2 and JBP1 are the TH enzymes involved in J biosynthesis.
Simulating private land ownership fragmentation in the Missouri Ozarks, USA

Increasing land ownership fragmentation in the United States is causing concerns with respect to its ecological implications for forested landscapes. This is especially relevant given that human influence is one of the most significant driving forces affecting the forest landscape. A method for generating realistic land ownership maps is needed to evaluate the effects of ownership fragmentation on forest landscapes in combination with other natural processes captured in forest process models. Ownership patterns from human activities usually generate landscape boundary shapes different from those arising from natural processes. Spatial characteristics among ownership types – e.g., private, public ownership – may also differ. To address these issues, we developed the Fragmented Land Ownership Spatial Simulator (FLOSS) to generate ownership patterns that reflect the Public Land Survey System (PLSS) shapes and various patch size distributions among different types of ownership (e.g., private, public). To evaluate FLOSS performance, we compared the simulated patterns with various ownership fragmentation levels to the actual ownership patterns in the Missouri Ozarks by using selected landscape indices. FLOSS generated landscapes with spatial characteristics similar to actual landscapes, suggesting that it can simulate different levels of ownership fragmentation. This will allow FLOSS to serve as a feasible tool for evaluating forest management applications by spatially allocating various management scenarios in a realistic way. The potentials and limitations of FLOSS application are discussed.
SCALING THE DIGITAL DIVIDE: HOME COMPUTER TECHNOLOGY AND STUDENT ACHIEVEMENT: DIGITAL DIVIDE

Does differential access to computer technology at home compound the educational disparities between rich and poor? Would a program of government provision of computers to early secondary school students reduce these disparities? We use administrative data on North Carolina public school students to corroborate earlier surveys that document broad racial and socioeconomic gaps in home computer access and use. Using within-student variation in home computer access, and across-ZIP code variation in the timing of the introduction of high-speed internet service, we also demonstrate that the introduction of home computer technology is associated with modest but statistically significant and persistent negative impacts on student math and reading test scores. Further evidence suggests that providing universal access to home computers and high-speed internet access would broaden, rather than narrow, math and reading achievement gaps.
THE INFLUENCE OF A FOOT ORTHOTIC ON LOWER EXTREMITY TRANSVERSE PLANE KINEMATICS IN COLLEGIATE FEMALE ATHLETES WITH PES PLANUS

Non-contact anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries in female athletes remain prevalent. Athletes with excessive foot pronation have been identified to be at greater risk for non-contact ACL injury. Excessive foot pronation has been linked to increased medial tibial rotation. Increased medial tibial rotation heightens ACL strain and has been observed at or near the time of ACL injury. Foot orthotics have been shown to decrease medial tibial rotation during walking and running tasks. The effect of a foot orthotic on activities that simulate a non-contact ACL injury mechanism (i.e. landing) however is unknown. Therefore, the objective of this study was to determine whether a foot orthotic was capable of altering transverse plane lower extremity kinematics in female athletes during landing. Twenty uninjured collegiate female athletes participating in the sports of basketball, soccer or volleyball with pes planus volunteered. Utilizing a repeated measures counterbalanced design, subjects completed two landing tasks with and without a foot orthotic using standardized footwear. The prefabricated orthotic had a rigid shell and a 6° extrinsic rear-foot varus post. Dependent measures included initial contact angle, peak angle, excursion and time to peak angle for both the tibia and femur. Statistical analysis suggested that the selected foot orthosis had little influence over lower extremity transverse plane kinematics. Several factors including: the limitation of a static measure to predict dynamic movement, inter-subject variability and the physical characteristics of the orthotic device likely account for the results. Future research should examine the influence of different types of foot orthotics not only on lower extremity kinematics but also tibiofemoral kinetics.
Cofibrins and Fibrin-Intermediates as Indicators of Thrombin Activity in Vivo

A cold-precipitable, thrombin-coagulable protein, tentatively designated "cryoprofibrin," was separated from plasma of rabbits treated with E. coli endotoxin. It was shown to contain fibrin-intermediates, consisting of fibrinogen that has lost only a portion of the peptides liberated during the conversion of rabbit fibrinogen to fibrin. These peptides have been called cofibrins. On reaction with thrombin, fibrinogen and cryoprofibrin yielded the same amount of cofibrin B (0.9 moles per 220,000 Gm. of fibrin clot); however, cryoprofibrin yielded 30 per cent less cofibrin A than did fibrinogen. Cryoprofibrin and fibrinogen yielded 0.7 and 1.0 moles of cofibrin A per 220,000 Gm. of fibrin, respectively. The deficit of cofibrin A in preference to cofibrin B provides evidence that, cryoprofibrin consists of fibrinogen that had lost cofibrin A by limited action of thrombin, because cofibrin A is liberated from fibrinogen by thrombin more rapidly than is cofibrin B. Only a small portion of the cryoprofibrin coul...
FIELD STUDIES ON THE GIANT KELP NEREOCYSTIS1,2

SUMMARY An intertidal population of Nereocystis luetkeana was investigated in the field, and techniques for measuring sporophyte growth were developed. Primary regions of growth in plants prior to reproductive maturity were located in the bases of the blades, upper stipe, and holdfast. After reproductive areas on blades appeared, growth was confined to 2 major regions: the blade bases and the junction between lower stipe and holdfast where new holdfast haptera were produced. Complete deblading halted growth at whatever stage the plants had attained at the time of the operation but did not kill the plants. Partial deblading resulted in low but measurable growth rates in the blade bases. The data presented suggest that the function of the blades is twofold: they bear reproductive structures in the mature plants and. they may provide, materials used, in rapidly growing regions.
Projection from area 3a to the motor cortex by neurons activated from group I muscle afferents.

Two receiving areas in the pericruciate cortex are known for inputs from group I muscle afferents of forelimb nerves. One focus is near the postcruciate dimple of area 3a, and the other in the lateral sigmoid gyrus of the motor cortex (area 4γ). The cortico-cortical projection of area 3a to 4γ, and the relay by this projection of group I muscle afferent input to the motor cortex were investigated in cats. The following results were obtained. These various neurons may be part of a feedback system from muscle afferents to the motor cortex.
Characterization and modeling of wireless channels for networked robotic and control systems - a comprehensive overview

The goal of this paper is to serve as a reference for researchers in robotics and control that are interested in realistic modeling, theoretical analysis and simulation of wireless links. To realize the full potentials of networked robotic systems, an integration of communication issues with motion planning/control is necessary. While considerable progress has been made in the area of networked robotic systems, communication channels are typically considered ideal or ideal within a certain radius of the transmitter, both considerable oversimplifications of wireless channels. It is the goal of this paper to provide a comprehensive overview of the key characteristics of wireless channels, as relevant to networked robotic operations. In particular, we provide a probabilistic framework for characterization of the underlying multi-scale dynamics of a wireless link: small-scale fading, large-scale fading and path loss. We furthermore confirm these mathematical models with channel measurements made in our building. We also discuss channel characterization based on the knowledge available on the geometry and dielectric properties of the environment.
Selectivity and reactor analysis for parallel electrochemical reactions

A methodology is outlined for the analysis of multiple parallel electro-organic reactions of arbitrary, simple electrode kinetics on solid or porous electrodes, in the absence and in the presence of slow mass transport processes. The analysis is further used to predict the selectivity and rate of two model electrochemical reactors under potentiostatic, channel plug-flow or complete mixing. The product yield of both reactors depends strongly on the electrode potential, with reductions of low transfer coefficients favoured by positive, electrogenerative potentials. Channel flow reactors result in non-uniform rate, current and selectivity distributions and exhibit apparent limiting currents before the onset of slow mass transport. With multipath competing reactions or in the presence of slow external transport, both reactors are amenable to maximisation of desirable product yields.
Unearthing the Nation: Modern Geology and Nationalism in Republican China

This is a subtle book. Its contribution lies almost as much in what it does not do as in what it does. Without fanfare or polemic, Grace Yen Shen breaks from the common assumption that studies of s...
GENETIC MODULATION OF RNA METABOLISM IN DROSOPHILA. III. REQUIREMENT FOR AN rDNA-DEFICIENT X CHROMOSOME IN YbbSuVar–5-MEDIATED INCREASES IN RNA SYNTHESIS

Males of the genotype car bb/YbbSuVar–5 have an approximately two-fold increase in the rate of accumulation of 4S, 5S, 18S + 28S and poly-A+ RNA molecules when compared to males of the genotype car bb/Ybb- (Clark, Strausbaugh and Kiefer 1977; Clark and Kiefer 1977). Experiments were designed to determine if the modulation of RNA metabolism by YbbSuVar–5 requires an rDNA deficiency on the X chromosome. Synthetic rates for 4S, 5S, and 18S + 28S RNA's were measured in the genotypes Sam+iso/Ybb- and Sam+iso/YbbSuVar–5 by injecting adult males with 3H-uridine, allowing them to incorporate label for two hours, fractionating extracted RNA by polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and determining the specific activities of RNA's (dpm/µgRNA). The results of these determinations showed that the synthetic rates for 4S, 5S, and 18S + 28S RNA's are the same in these two genotypes, demonstrating that the YbbSuVar–5 chromosome does not increase transcription when paired with an X chromosome that is wild type for rDNA. Saturation hybridization was used to measure the rDNA content in several genotypes. These results showed that Sam+iso/YbbSuVar–5 males and Sam+iso/Ybb- males have equivalent amounts of rDNA.——These results are consistent with the suggestion that the Ybb- and YbbSuVar–5 chromosomes have similar amounts of rDNA. The nature of compensatory strategies in rDNA-deficient genotypes is discussed.
Acrylonitrile polymerization by Cy3PCuMe and (Bipy)2FeEt2.

Cy3PCuMe (1) undergoes reversible ligand redistribution at low temperature in solution to form the tight ion pair [Cu(PCy3)2][CuMe2] (3). The structure of 3 was assigned on the basis of (i) the stoichiometry of the 1 = 3 equilibrium, (ii) the observation of a triplet for the PCy3 C1 13C NMR resonance due to virtual coupling to two 31P nuclei, and (iii) reverse synthesis of 1 by combining separately generated Cu(PCy3)2+ and CuMe2- ions. Complex 1 and [Cu(PCy3)2][PF6] (5) coordinate additional PCy3 to form (Cy3P)2CuMe and [Cu(PCy3)3][PF6], respectively, while 3 does not. Complex 1, free PCy3, and (bipy)2FeEt2 (2) each initiate the polymerization of acrylonitrile. In each case, the polyacrylonitrile contains branches that are characteristic of an anionic polymerization mechanism. The major initiator in acrylonitrile polymerization by 1 is PCy3, which is liberated from 1. A transient iron hydride complex is proposed to initiate acrylonitrile polymerization by 2.