cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Anthraquinone Photonuclease Structure Determines Its Mode of Binding to DNA and the Cleavage Chemistry Observed

The development of chemical agents that cleave the backbone of DNA has been spurred by a desire to isolate functional DNA sequences1 and to develop agents that image (footprint) molecules bound to DNA.2 Synthetic nucleases are structurally diverse compounds that operate by three general mechanisms: hydrolysis of the sugar phosphate bond,3 chemical modification of a DNA base,1a,b,4 or hydrogen abstraction from a deoxyribose unit.5 We recently described a set of anthraquinone derivatives that act as photonucleases.6
Intracellular correlates of morphine excitation in the hippocampal slice preparation.

Abstract The influences of morphine and opioid peptides on hippocampal CA1 pyramidal cells were investigated using intracellular recordings from the in vitro slice preparation. Morphine applied to somal and basal dendritic areas of CA1 cells via a pressure ejection system confirmed a number of excitatory actions of opiates and opioid peptides in this brain region. These included an increase in the amplitude and duration of orthodromically (radiatum) elicited EPSPs and a decrease in amplitude of the following IPSP. The increase in EPSP amplitude was accompanied by a reduction in stimulus intensity necessary for eliciting the action potential. Morphine delivered to the slice in this manner induced synaptically elicited and spontaneous multiple spike burst discharges. In slice maintained in 10 −4 M pentobarbital 1 , morphine reversed the presumably GABA mediated long-duration depolarization following orthodromic stimulation. Finally, depending on the specific site of application (apical or basal dendritic region) of the opiate, morphine produced two different effects on the resting membrane potential and input resistance of CA1 pyramidal cells. These findings are discussed as to whether opiates act directly excitatory influences in the hippocampus, or via blockade of GABA mediated inhibitory mechanisms.
Requisite Variety: A Concept to Analyze the Effects of Cultural Context for Technology Transfer

The Law of Requisite Variety states that “the system must possess as much regulatory variety as can be expected from the environment” (Ashby, 1957). This law may have some implications for culture....
Structural characteristics of the corpus luteum during implantation in the rhesus monkey (Macaca mulatta)

Corpora lutea were obtained from ten pregnant rhesus monkeys during implantation, and the ultrastructure of granulosa and theca lutein cells was characterized. Specimens were individually staged with regard to the extent of implantation and the relationship to the rise in circulating progesterone and estrogen which is characteristic of early pregnancy. Structural changes characteristic of granulosa lutein cells occurring during implantation included: change in form of endoplasmic reticulum from predominantly agranular tubules to predominantly granular cisternae; reduction in size and number of lipid droplets; increase in area occupied by the Golgi and increase in length of the cisternae of the Golgi complex; development of numerous microvillus-lined intracellular spaces; increase in numbers of membrane-bound dense bodies including peroxisomelike bodies, multivesicular bodies within lobopodia, and other lysosomelike bodies; and alterations of mitochondrial cristae. These changes were suggestive of the production of a secretory protein, rapid utilization of existing steroid precursor reserves for the production of progesterone, and a reduction in capability for steroid precursor accumulation and processing by granulosa lutein cells. Structural changes characteristic of theca lutein cells occurring during implantation included an increase in size and number of lipid droplets, an increase in agranular endoplasmic reticulum, and an increase in area occupied by the Golgi complex. These changes were suggestive of an increased capability for steroid precursor accumulation and processing, perhaps for estrogen production, by the theca lutein cells.
Enantiomer discrimination illustrated by the high resolution crystal structures of type 4 phosphodiesterase.

Type 4 phosphodiesterase (PDE4) inhibitors are emerging as new treatments for a number of disorders including asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Here we report the biochemical characterization on the second generation inhibitor (+)-1 (L-869298, IC50 = 0.4 nM) and its enantiomer (-)-1 (L-869299, IC50 = 43 nM) and their cocrystal structures with PDE4D at 2.0 Angstroms resolution. Despite the 107-fold affinity difference, both enantiomers interact with the same sets of residues in the rigid active site. The weaker (-)-1 adopts an unfavorable conformation to preserve the pivotal interactions between the Mg-bound waters and the N-oxide of pyridine. These structures support a model in which inhibitors are anchored by the invariant glutamine at one end and the metal-pocket residues at another end. This model provides explanations for most of the observed structure-activity relationship and the metal ion dependency of the catechol-ether based inhibitors and should facilitate their further design.
Can fibers replace OPOs

We present a class of fibers that exploit light propagation in higher-order modes, and hence decouple the dispersion-versus-mode-area trade-off encountered in conventional fibers. This enables exploiting the multitude of nonlinear optical effects afforded by fibers, at energy levels potentially approaching those of tunable solid-state lasers.
Transmission and emission scintiphotography of the heart and mediastinum.

Radiosotopic imaging of the mediastinal blood pools is a well established technique. Although the method provides data relating to the size and location of these pools, additional valuable diagnostic information can be easily obtained through transmission scintigraphy performed prior to blood pool imaging. From an appropriate external radionuclide source, the radiation passes through the radiolucent chest structures to a gamma camera forming an outline image of the more radiodense structures. Subsequent to the transmission study, an emission study of mediastinal blood pools is obtained. The transmission and emission images are similar in size and directly comparable for evaluation of mediastinal structures. The routine use of radionuclide transmission scintigraphy is recommended as an adjunct to emission scintigraphy in the evaluation of mediastinal tumors, myocardial hypertrophy, and pericardial effusions.
Alternative employment arrangements contribute to organizational citizenship and innovative work, or not: information technology professional's psychological contract will tell

Management of information technology (IT) human capital is more dynamic and diverse today as organizations use a variety and mixture of employment arrangements to gain IT core competency, cost, and productivity improvements, yet it is not well known how the employment arrangements affect the IT professional. Applying the psychological contract framework and social information processing theory in the investigation into the IT professional's psychological contract and the affects of their employment arrangement will bring improved understanding of their subsequent attitudes and behaviors. This study will obtain cross-sectional data from IT professionals, which is especially relevant as alternative employment strategies continue to be the trend. Goals toward organizational effectiveness can be implemented through the use of varied employment arrangements; however, ensuring the goals succeed requires new understanding of how the varied employment arrangements affect the psychological contracts of IT professionals. The anticipated findings will provide human resource managers the knowledge necessary to implement strategies toward improved psychological contracts to facilitate continued organizational citizenship and innovative work. This study extends current research on alternative employment arrangements by considering the important factors, such as psychological contracts, organizational citizenship behavior and innovative work behavior in the context of IT professionals.
Sterilization of infected root canals.

Infected root canals can be and need to be sterilized. The culture method reflects the bacteriologic status of the canal wall, and biomechanical cleansing and irrigation are equally as important as the medicament used for sterilization.
Calculation of the coefficient in the gibbs equation for the adsorption of ionic surfactants from aqueous binary mixtures with nonionic surfactants

An equation was derived for calculating from surface tension data the value of n, the coefficient in the Gibbs adsorption equation for ionic surfactants, in binary aqueous mixtures of ionic with nonionic surfactants. Data are provided for the systems: C12H25SO3Na-C12H25(OC2H4)8OH, C12H25C5H5NBr-C12H25(OC2H4)8OH, and C12H25SO4Na-l-C8H17OH. The value of n for these systems in the absence of added electrolyte remains in the vicinity of 1 until the area per surfactant ion in the surface film reaches a value of about 1. nm2. Closer packing of the surfactant ion in the film produces an increase in the value of n into the range between 1 and 2. When the area per surfactant ion in the surface film is >2. nm2, the value of n may be reduced to < 1 in the case of anionic-nonionic mixtures. This is explained as being due to the weakly cationic character of the nonionic surfactant.
Idiom, Syntax, and Advanced Theory of Mind Abilities in Children With Autism Spectrum Disorders

Purpose When researchers investigate figurative language abilities (including idioms) in children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), syntax abilities may be more important than once considered. In addition, there are limitations to the overreliance on false-belief tasks to measure theory of mind (TOM) abilities. In the current study, the authors investigated idiom, syntax, and advanced TOM abilities in children with ASD compared to children with typical development (TD). Method Twenty-six children with ASD, ages 5 to 12 years, were compared to individuals in each of 2 control groups of children with TD: 1 matched on chronological age and nonverbal IQ, and 1 matched on syntax age-equivalence and raw scores. Idiom comprehension, syntax, vocabulary, and 2 measures of advanced TOM abilities were examined. Results Although children with ASD performed worse on idiom comprehension compared to the age-matched group with TD, they exhibited comparable idiom performance to the syntax-matched group with TD. Advance...
The roles of fine needle aspiration and needle core biopsies in the diagnosis of primary prostatic cancer

For more than 50 years, needle core and aspiration biopsy techniques have been used to detect carcinoma of the prostate. Each has had vigorous proponents and many technical innovations have been made to improve the techniques. This report summarizes the developmental history of the techniques, examines their individual merits, reviews studies comparing the methods, and discusses the complications associated with each. Presently, in patients with abnormal rectal examinations, small-gauge transrectal core biopsy and transrectal aspiration biopsy offer similar detection and false-negative rates with very low frequencies of complications.
Production of prostaglandins by dispersed cells and fragments from bovine parathyroid glands

Abstract We studied the production of prostaglandins by fragments and dispersed cells from bovine parathyroid glands. Fragments released 138±19 (SE), 132±21, 4.3±0.5, and 13±6.6 pg/mg/h of 6-keto-PGF1α, PGF2α, PGE2, and thromboxane B2, respectively (n=7–26), while dispersed cells released 414±110, 22±7.3, 27±3.8, and 29±11 pg/106 cells/h, respectively, of the same compounds (n=6–25). Indomethacin (1 μg/ml) inhibited the release of 6-keto-PGF1α by 80–90% in fragments and cells, while mellitin stimulated release of this prostaglandin, suggesting de novo synthesis of prostaglandins in these preparations. Calcium stimulated production of 6-keto-PGF1α by 1.3-fold in cells and 2.6-fold in fragments and also enhanced production of PGF2α by 1.9-fold in fragments. Isoproterenol, on the other hand, had no effect on production of 6-keto-PGF1α in either preparation. These results demonstrate that parathyroid tissue as well as parathyroid cells per se produce a variety of prostaglandins. We have previously shown that PGE2 and PGF2α modulate cAMP accumulation and PTH release in dispersed bovine parathyroid cells. The role of the endogenous production of prostaglandins by the parathyroid gland in the acute or chronic regulation of parathyroid function, however, remains to be determined.
The Probability of a Negative Linear Combination of Independent Mean Squares

SATTERTHWAITE'S (1941) approximation of the distribution of a linear combination, of independent mean squares is a commonly used technique in the analysis of variance. Confidence intervals and test statistics based on this approximation require that be positive. In this article, the probability that will be negative is considered in situations in which the mean squares are associated with a general balanced mixed model. Expressions are given for exact and approximate values of this probability in terms of the expected values and degrees of freedom of the mean squares. An example is presented to illustrate the implementation of the proposed methodology.
“Foreign Passports Only”: Geographies of (Post)Conflict Work in Kabul, Afghanistan

Geopolitical “peace-building” relies increasingly on intersections of neoliberal economies of war, violent conflict, and corruption. This article addresses U.S.-led international (post)war aid and ...
SU‐GG‐T‐521: Analysis of Average Path Length and Inhomogeneity Correction Effect for Cranial SRS Cases

Purpose: This study is designed to analyze the properties of beam path length at different brain locations and the effect of Inhomogeneity orrection (IC) on isocenter dose of cranial Stereotactic Radiosurgery(SRS)treatment planning.Method: Fifty five clinical cranial SRS plans, with total 63 lesions were analyzed in this study. Lesions were grouped as frontal (16 lesions), parietal (10 lesions), temporal (10 lesions), occipital (10 lesions), cerebellum (10 lesions), and acoustic neuroma (7 lesions). All plans were planned on Brainlab iPlan RT Dose 3.0.2. Pencil beam convolution dose calculation algorithm was used both with and without IC with identical beam parameters. Nine to 11 beams were used for each lesion. Average beam path length, and differences in isocenter dose for each lesion with and without IC were analyzed. Result: The mean and standard deviation (SD) of average beam path length for frontal, parietal, temporal, occipital, cerebellum and acoustic neuroma lesions without IC were 47.54±16.03mm, 45.33±8.69mm, 64.15±12.33mm, 51.27±9.73mm, 78.70±10.89mm and 79.92±7.46mm, respectively. The corresponding results with IC were 56.08±14.86mm, 52.80±8.79mm, 71.85±12.27mm, 59.97±10.20mm, 86.57±11.26mm and 90.07±7.57mm, respectively. The differences in average beam path length between with and without IC were 8.54±1.62mm, 7.47±1.04mm, 7.70±1.66mm, 8.71±1.56mm, 7.87±1.39mm and 10.15±3.52mm respectively. The mean and SD of isocenter dose for frontal, parietal, temporal, occipital, cerebellum, acoustic neuroma and all lesions combined without IC were 3.83±0.72%, 3.35±0.61%, 3.47±0.88%, 3.99±0.76%, 3.69±0.69%, 4.83 ±1.77% and 3.81±0.96% higher then the isocenter dose with IC, respectively. The maximum dose difference was 7.05% for an acoustic neuroma case and minimum dose difference was 1.59% for a frontal lobe lesion. Conclusion: In conclusion, an isodose difference between dose calculation with and without IC of about 4% was found for cranial SRS case. The effect of planning cranial SRS with or without IC increases with the average path length differences.
Quantitative kinetic assays for glutathione S-transferase and general esterase in individual mosquitoes using an EIA reader

Abstract An enzyme immunoassay (EIA) reader capable of making kinetic determinations of change in absorbance in the visible and near u.v. spectrum was evaluated for monitoring enzyme activity in individual mosquitoes and compared to a research spectrophotometer. The instrument compared favorably, and appears especially suitable for the small tissue samples common in insect biochemistry. It is important for several assays that the instrument can reach the near u.v. Specifically, kinetic assays for alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH), glutathione S-transferase (GST) and general esterase (EST) enzyme activity were developed. The latter two assays were adapted for individual mosquitoes using 1 10 of a mosquito for each replicate. Extinction coefficients for GST and EST were linearly related to well volume. Both GST and EST, as well as protein concentration could be measured in a single individual mosquito. A nested analysis of variance of the GST and protein results for Aedes aegypti showed that most of the variability in the assay (≥72%) is due to variability among individuals. Other sources of error were caused by day to day variability in the assay technique. EST, GST and protein were measured in individuals from field and lab populations of Culex tarsalis. There was no significant difference in GST activity among field and laboratory individuals. EST activity however, was as much as 15 times greater in some field individuals compared to the laboratory population. The role of EIA readers in biochemistry laboratories in general, and in the study of resistance is discussed.
Charge induced H2 spectrum in γ‐ray irradiated para‐H2 crystals

A sharp spectral line has been observed in γ‐ray irradiated para‐H2 crystals and assigned to the pure vibrational Q1(0)(v=1←0, J=0←0) transition induced via the Condon effect by charges distributed in the crystal. The remarkable sharpness and stability of the signal is reported and discussed.
Adenosine A3 receptor stimulation and cerebral ischemia

Chronic treatment with the selective adenosine A3 receptor agonist N6-(3-iodobenzyl)adenosine-5'-N-methylcarboxamide (IB-MECA) administered prior to either 10 or 20 min forebrain ischemia in gerbils resulted in improved postischemic cerebral blood circulation, survival, and neuronal preservation. Opposite effects, i.e., impaired postischemic blood flow, enhanced mortality, and extensive neuronal destruction in the hippocampus were seen when IB-MECA was given acutely. Neither adenosine A1 nor A2 receptors are involved in these actions. The data indicate that stimulation of adenosine A3 receptors may play an important role in the development of ischemic damage, and that adenosine A3 receptors may offer a new target for therapeutic interventions.
COMMUTATORS IN FREE PRODUCTS

Topological methods are used to show that for certain subgroups S of a free product F, if w∈S is a commutator in F, then w is a commutator in S.
Controversy over cellular mobile-telecommunication base-station-antenna installations

The two most compelling issues that cause cellular-telephone towers to be so controversial are the public health and aesthetic concerns. People love the wireless convenience and instant connectivity, but no one likes the antenna tower that enables it. The siting of the cellular mobile telephone towers remains a divisive issue, worldwide. Some concerns stem from a lack of personal freedom of choice, in being subjected to the radio-frequency radiation emitted by the tower antennas and its potential health effects. Others have raised concerns about aesthetics and property devaluation. Cell-phone towers with graceful and artistic designs that are tastefully constructed would go a long way toward calming the fears of those who abhor the presence of ugly-cell phone towers looming over homes and businesses. It would be propitious both for the wireless telecommunications industry and the local planning and zoning commissions to collaborate in creating innovative solutions to the design, siting, and installation of cellular telecommunication base-station towers.
Variations in sunspot structure and climate.

Sunspot structure is measured by taking the ratio of the area of the umbra to that of the penumbra. The time dependence of this umbral/penumbral ratio is remarkably similar to the record of the Northern Hemisphere surface temperature anomalies. On a year-to-year basis the correlation is 0.57, which is significant at better than the 0.01% level. It is postulated that a change in the umbral/penumbral ratio is proportional to a change in the solar luminosity and that long-term variations in the luminosity lead to corresponding changes in the climate of the Earth.
POSTSYNAPTIC MECHANISMS FOR BIDIRECTIONAL CONTROL OF MAP2 PHOSPHORYLATION BY GLUTAMATE RECEPTORS

Many activity-dependent changes in synaptic efficacy occur through elevations in postsynaptic calcium triggered by glutamate receptor activation. Here, the postsynaptic, neuron-specific microtubule-associated protein MAP2 is identified as a target of bidirectional calcium-dependent signaling pathways activated by glutamate. Glutamate produced a biphasic change in MAP2: a rapid, transient increase in phosphorylation mediated by metabotropic receptors and attenuated by inhibitors of calcium/calmodulin-dependent protein kinases and protein kinase C, followed by a persistent dephosphorylation of MAP2 mediated by NMDA receptors and activation of the calcium/calmodulin-dependent protein phosphatase 2B (calcineurin). Thus, a single transmembrane signal, glutamate, and the increased intracellular calcium it evokes can have opposing actions on a postsynaptic target phosphoprotein. The phosphorylation state of MAP2 determines its interaction with microtubules and actin filaments, suggesting that glutamatergic regulation of MAP2 phosphorylation may transduce neural activity into modifications in dendritic structure.
Model system for slow dynamics.

Systems whose dynamics are described by a quasilogarithmic or stretched-exponential time dependence are usually fitted by models which use disorder to create a distribution of relaxation times. Here we describe a model which decays slowly towards equilibrium but does not require disorder to provide the slow dynamics. The model consists of a spin system with the spins interacting via the dipole-dipole interaction. The model is able to replicate the more pronounced features observed in the magnetization decay of magnetic systems and high-temperature superconductors.
The NSA and Edward Snowden: surveillance in the 21st century

This paper examines the case and background of Edward Snowden, the history and purpose of the National Security Agency (NSA), legality and American public opinion and its aftermath.
Review of Propulsion Applications and Numerical Simulations of the Pulsed Detonation Engine Concept

Here we review experimental and computational studies of the pulsed detonation engine concept (PDEC) and present results of our recent numerical study of this concept. The PDEC was proposed in the early 1940s for small engine applications; however, its potential was never realized due to a complicated, unsteady operation regime. In this study, we demonstrate the use of current advances in numerical simulation for the analysis of the PDEC. The high-thrust/engine volume ratio obtained in our simulations demonstrates promising potential of the pulsed detonation engine concept.
Development of an elective course in veterinary medicine with focus in communication

Abstract Background Veterinary medicine and pet care are increasingly common topics encountered in community pharmacy practice. However, current pharmacy curricula include limited didactic training on the safety and efficacy of medicine in veterinary practice. Our goal was to design and implement a new veterinary medicine and pet care elective course for second-year doctor of pharmacy (PharmD) students in a three-year accelerated program. Educational activity Faculty provided didactic lectures and hands-on practice related to various areas of veterinary medicine. Students were assessed on communication skills, including their ability to respond to inquiries typically encountered in the community setting, and were required to develop and present educational posters to grade-school students about pet issues. They were also assessed on appropriate use of references and resources throughout the course. A cumulative final exam covered all didactic topics. This elective course in practical veterinary medicine and pet care was viewed positively by students based on standard course evaluation results. Students appreciated the focus on an area of community practice that is not currently a major part of the curriculum. Critical analysis This veterinary medicine elective course was evaluated highly by students. It provided useful information related to care of animals and pets, as well as practice and training for patient communication. Students offered productive feedback to enhance the course in the future.
The enzymatic reaction catalyzed by lactate dehydrogenase exhibits one dominant reaction path

Enzymes are the most efficient chemical catalysts known, but the exact nature of chemical barrier crossing in enzymes is not fully understood. Application of transition state theory to enzymatic reactions indicates that the rates of all possible reaction paths, weighted by their relative probabilities, must be considered in order to achieve an accurate calculation of the overall rate. Previous studies in our group have shown a single mechanism for enzymatic barrier passage in human heart lactate dehydrogenase (LDH). To ensure that this result was not due to our methodology insufficiently sampling reactive phase space, we implement high-perturbation transition path sampling in both microcanonical and canonical regimes for the reaction catalyzed by human heart LDH. We find that, although multiple, distinct paths through reactive phase space are possible for this enzymatic reaction, one specific reaction path is dominant. Since the frequency of these paths in a canonical ensemble is inversely proportional to the free energy barriers separating them from other regions of phase space, we conclude that the rarer reaction paths are likely to have a negligible contribution. Furthermore, the non-dominate reaction paths correspond to altered reactive conformations and only occur after multiple steps of high perturbation, suggesting that these paths may be the result of non-biologically significant changes to the structure of the enzymatic active site.
Stretching of Single Collapsed DNA Molecules

The elastic response of single plasmid and lambda phage DNA molecules was probed using optical tweezers at concentrations of trivalent cations that provoked DNA condensation in bulk. For uncondensed plasmids, the persistence length, P, decreased with increasing spermidine concentration before reaching a limiting value 40 nm. When condensed plasmids were stretched, two types of behavior were observed: a stick-release pattern and a plateau at approximately 20 pN. These behaviors are attributed to unpacking from a condensed structure, such as coiled DNA. Similarly, condensing concentrations of hexaammine cobalt(III) (CoHex) and spermidine induced extensive changes in the low and high force elasticity of lambda DNA. The high force (5-15 pN) entropic elasticity showed worm-like chain (WLC) behavior, with P two- to fivefold lower than in low monovalent salt. At lower forces, a 14-pN plateau abruptly appeared. This corresponds to an intramolecular attraction of 0.083-0.33 kT/bp, consistent with osmotic stress measurements in bulk condensed DNA. The intramolecular attractive force with CoHex is larger than with spermidine, consistent with the greater efficiency with which CoHex condenses DNA in bulk. The transition from WLC behavior to condensation occurs at an extension about 85% of the contour length, permitting looping and nucleation of condensation. Approximately half as many base pairs are required to nucleate collapse in a stretched chain when CoHex is the condensing agent.
Hedgehog acts directly on the zebrafish dermomyotome to promote myogenic differentiation

Vertebrate myogenesis is regulated by signaling proteins secreted from surrounding tissues. One of the most important, Sonic hedgehog, has been proposed to regulate myogenic precursor cell survival, proliferation, and differentiation in a variety of vertebrates. In zebrafish, Hedgehog signaling is both necessary and sufficient for the development of embryonic slow muscle fibers—the earliest differentiating muscle fibers. Here we investigated the function of Hedgehog signaling in another zebrafish myogenic lineage, a dermomyotomal population of cells defined by somitic pax3/7 expression. We found that Hedgehog negatively regulates the number of myogenic precursors expressing pax3/7. Hh also positively regulates the growth of embryonic fast muscle. Unlike Hedgehog's function in regulating the elongation of fast muscle fibers, this regulation is not mediated by embryonic slow muscle fibers. Instead, it is a direct Hedgehog response, cell autonomous to myogenic precursors. The regulation of myogenic precursors and their differentiation into fast fibers have a different critical time period for Hh signaling, and different requirements for specific gli gene family members of Hh activated transcription factors from the earlier promotion of embryonic slow muscle fiber differentiation. We propose that Hedgehog signaling acts at multiple times on different lineages, through different downstream pathways, to promote myogenic differentiation.
Timing is everything?: the effects of timing and placement of online privacy indicators

Many commerce websites post privacy policies to address Internet shoppers' privacy concerns. However, few users read or understand them. Iconic privacy indicators may make privacy policies more accessible and easier for users to understand: in this paper, we examine whether the timing and placement of online privacy indicators impact Internet users' browsing and purchasing decisions. We conducted a laboratory study where we controlled the placement of privacy information, the timing of its appearance, the privacy level of each website, and the price and items being purchased. We found that the timing of privacy information had a significant impact on how much of a premium users were willing to pay for privacy. We also found that timing had less impact when users were willing to examine multiple websites. Finally, we found that users paid more attention to privacy indicators when purchasing privacy-sensitive items than when purchasing items that raised minimal privacy concerns.
A drug-drug interaction knowledge assessment instrument for health professional students: A Rasch analysis of validity evidence

Abstract Background It is essential that current and future health professionals be able to evaluate for possible clinically significant drug-drug interactions (DDIs) and when detected, determine appropriate management strategies to prevent patient harm. Objective Assess the validity of a DDI knowledge assessment instrument in a health professional student population. Methods This study recruited health professional students (medical, nurse practitioner, and pharmacy) beginning experiential training at the University of Arizona. Students were given a knowledge assessment instrument that included 15 medication pairings selected on the basis of clinical importance and were asked to select the most appropriate DDI management strategy for each pair by selecting "avoid combination," "usually avoid combination," "take precautions," or "no special precautions." Data were analyzed in 2 ways because of the subjective nature of classifying DDIs into specific management categories. In the first analysis, respondents were given credit for a correct item only if they selected the management strategy deemed appropriate (management strategy analysis). In another analysis, students were given credit for an item only if they correctly identified specific DDIs (DDI recognition analysis). Rasch analysis was used to assess the validity of the knowledge instrument. Results A total of 165 of the 226 eligible health professional students completed the DDI knowledge assessment (73% response rate). The mean score for management strategy analysis was 3.82 out of 15, whereas DDI recognition analysis produced a higher average (mean=6.55). Good reliability was demonstrated in both strategies, and no ceiling or floor effects were observed. Some construct underrepresentation occurred with both scoring strategies, and some mistargeting was identified when analyzing the management strategy. Conclusions Although improvements in construct representation may be beneficial, the instrument used demonstrated good reliability and validity and could be used by educators to assess and improve DDI knowledge. The ability of the participants to identify DDIs and select an appropriate management strategy was low. These results support the need for additional DDI education in this institution's health curricula.
Reconstructibility and perfect graphs

It is shown that the following classes of graphs are recognizable (i.e. looking at the point-deleted subgraphs of a graph G one can decide whether G belongs to that class or not): (1) perfect graphs, (2) triangulated graphs, (3) interval graphs, (4) comparability graphs, (5) split graphs. Furthermore we show the reconstructibility of (1) threshold graphs, (2) split graphs G, for which holds @a(G) + @w(G) = |G|+1, (3) split graphs, which are in addition comparability graphs, (4) unit interval graphs.
Behavioral correlates to gonadal state in the lizard, Anolis carolinensis

Female Anolis carolinensis of unknown reproductive condition were introduced into cages containing a sexually active male and the resulting sexual behavior was noted. Female sexual receptivity was found to be correlated with the stages of follicular maturation. These results suggest that sexual receptivity in female A. carolinensis is restricted to a time immediately preceding the ovulation of each follicle and is dependent upon hormonal conditions normally arising during follicular development. Evidence is offered to suggest that during the breeding season, female sexual receptivity is rhythmical and contingent upon the cyclic ovarian changes peculiar to lizards of this genus.
An evaluation of curriculum, setting, and mentoring on the performance of children enrolled in pre-kindergarten

An alarming number of American pre-school children lack sufficient language and literacy skills to succeed in kindergarten. The type of curriculum that is available within pre-kindergarten settings can impact children's academic readiness. This work presents results from an evaluation of two language and literacy curricula (i.e., Let's Begin with the Letter People and Doors to Discovery) from a random assignment study that occurred within three settings (i.e., Head Start, Title 1, and universal pre-kinder- garten) and included a control group. The design included a mentoring and non- mentoring condition that was balanced across sites in either curriculum condition. A pre and post-test design was utilized in the analyses, with children (n = 603) tested before the intervention and at the end of the year. Multilevel growth curve modeling, where the child outcomes (dependent measures) are modeled as a function of the child's level of performance and rate of growth between pre and post-testing, was used for all analyses. Results indicated that in many key language/literacy areas, the skills of children in classrooms using either one of the target curricula grew at greater rates than children in control classrooms. This was especially true in the Head Start programs. The findings from this study indicate that at-risk children can benefit from a well-specified curriculum. Additionally, findings demonstrate that a well-detailed curriculum appeared to be less important for children from higher income families. The impact of mentoring was less clear and seemed dependent on the type of skill being measured and type of program.
Three-Dimensional Topologies of Compliant Flapping Mechanisms

AbstractThis paper outlines the use of a three-dimensional topology optimization scheme for the conceptual design of compliant flapping micro air vehicle mechanisms. Each trilinear finite element within the design domain is assigned to a density variable that smoothly interpolates between 0 (void) and 1 (solid), using a well-known methodology. A mechanism topology is found that converts a series of sinusoidal actuation point loads along the lower surface into a dynamic structural deformation, which in turn provides the desired flapping kinematics. Specifically, a mechanism is desired that can independently control more than one flapping rotation (i.e., flapping and feathering) at the same time.
Strain effects in the superplastic deformation of 78Zn-22Al

Abstract The Zn-Al eutectoid alloy (78Zn-22Al) has been studied in uniaxial tension at 520°F (271°C) and the results have been related to the thickness distributions in thermoformed parts. Contrary to published literature strain has been found to be an important variable. Depending on strain-rate and the temper of the sheet this alloy exhibits both strain hardening and softening.
A Partnership Model for Family Service Agencies and Universities to Improve Service Utilization

ABSTRACT Partnerships between family service agencies and universities have the potential for capitalizing on the resources and expertise of both types of institutions. This paper describes a model for developing collaborative partnerships between family service agencies and outreach research university programs. The original collaboration that is used as an example for this model sought to improve the engagement rates of reluctant families being referred to a family service agency for counseling services. Benefits and potential pitfalls to be addressed in such partnerships are presented.
Multi-technique quantitative analysis and socioeconomic considerations of lead, cadmium, and arsenic in children’s toys and toy jewelry

Abstract A wide spectrum and large number of children’s toys and toy jewelry items were purchased from both bargain and retail vendors and analyzed for arsenic, cadmium, and lead metal content using multiple analytical techniques, including flame and furnace atomic absorption spectroscopy as well as X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy. Particularly dangerous for young children, metal concentrations in toys/toy jewelry were assessed for compliance with current Consumer Safety Product Commission (CPSC) regulations (F963-11). A conservative metric involving multiple analytical techniques was used to categorize compliance: one technique confirmation of metal in excess of CPSC limits indicated a “suspect” item while confirmation on two different techniques warranted a non-compliant designation. Sample matrix-based standard addition provided additional confirmation of non-compliant and suspect products. Results suggest that origin of purchase, rather than cost, is a significant factor in the risk assessment of these materials with 57% of toys/toy jewelry items from bargain stores non-compliant or suspect compared to only 15% from retail outlets and 13% if only low cost items from the retail stores are compared. While jewelry was found to be the most problematic product (73% of non-compliant/suspect samples), lead (45%) and arsenic (76%) were the most dominant toxins found in non-compliant/suspect samples. Using the greater Richmond area as a model, the discrepancy between bargain and retail children’s products, along with growing numbers of bargain stores in low-income and urban areas, exemplifies an emerging socioeconomic public health issue.
Perfused rat intrahepatic bile ducts secrete and absorb water, solute, and ions.

Abstract Background & Aims: We report a novel approach to study biliary water, bile acid, and HCO 3 − transport: the microperfusion of intrahepatic bile duct units (IBDUs) isolated from normal rat liver. Methods: To study water transport, IBDUs were perfused in vitro with a membrane-impermeant fluorescent volume marker, fluorescein sulfonate; net water movement (J v ) and osmotic water permeability (P f ) were then calculated. To study solute transport, IBDUs were perfused with taurocholic acid (TCA) and bile acid uptake was calculated from the concentrations of TCA in the perfused and collected solutions. To study ion transport, IBDUs were perfused with the cell-impermeant pH-sensitive dye BCECF dextran; luminal pH was determined from fluorescence excitation ratios. Results: When inward (secretory) or outward (absorptive) osmotic gradients were established across IBDUs, water movement was observed from bath to lumen (i.e., secretion) and from lumen to bath (i.e., absorption). The perfused IBDUs absorbed TCA in a saturable, sodium-dependent manner; in addition, TCA absorption was blocked in a dose-dependent fashion by S0960, a specific inhibitor of the Na + /bile acid cotransporter. Addition of forskolin to HCO 3 − -containing (but not HCO 3 − -free) bath buffer resulted in lumen alkalinization reflecting HCO 3 − transport into the lumen of perfused IBDUs. Conclusions: The results provide direct functional evidence that intrahepatic bile ducts both secrete and absorb water in response to osmotic gradients, actively absorb bile acid, and transport HCO 3 − . GASTROENTEROLOGY 2000;119:1672-1680
Application of geometric diffraction theory to scattering from cones and disks

The ability of the geometrical theory of diffraction to predict the radar cross section (RCS) of a perfectly conducting, right circular cone as a function of viewing angle is evaluated by comparison of computed and measured values of RCS. Both vertical and horizontal polarization have been considered for cones ranging from 0.98 to 2.87 wavelengths in diameter at the base and having half angles of 4°, 15°, and 90°; the latter case corresponds to a disk. It is shown that for cones having normalized base circumference (ka) of 8 or 9 the predicted and measured RCS agree very well except when the cone is observed within about 30° of nose-on with vertical polarization, in which case large errors occur for some as yet unknown reason. For smaller cones having diameters about equal to the wavelength (ka around 3), the computed RCS is generally predicted within 5 dB, but the form of the RCS pattern is not predicted very accurately. Backscattering from the base of the cone is very nearly the same as backscattering from a disk of the same diameter for viewing angles within 60° of the normal to the base.
ON THE COMPETITIVE FIRM UNDER PRODUCTION UNCERTAINTY

Risky production functions which are commonly in use are shown to be very restrictive. In particular, such functions cannot describe technologies where inputs marginally reduce risk. A simple production function which avoids these restrictions is posited and alternative estimation procedures are discussed. Both maximum likelihood and multistage estimators are discussed.
Ecdysteroid production by a continuous insect cell line

The spent medium from ten established cell lines was extracted and tested for ecdysteroids by radioimmunoassay. Of the seven lepidopteran lines tested, only IAL-TNDI and MRRL-CH showed evidence of ecdysteroid production. However, the results were erratic and difficult to evaluate and these lines were dropped from further consideration. However, of the three cockroach cell lines tested, one, UMBGE 4, produces ecdysteroid and consistently releases virtually all of it into the medium. The main ecdysteroid was identified as ecdysone and the increase was logarithmic during the first 11 days of the subculture, with a decrease from day 11 to day 14. UMBGE 4 is a vesicle cell line which also tested positive for chitin synthesis. When the pH of the medium was lowered from pH 7.4 to pH 6.3, both the chitin synthesis and the ecdysone synthesis dropped by roughly 50%.
Biological principles of microRNA-mediated regulation: shared themes amid diversity

Regulation of gene activity by microRNAs is critical to myriad aspects of eukaryotic development and physiology. Amidst an extensive regulatory web that is predicted to involve thousands of transcripts, emergent themes are now beginning to illustrate how microRNAs have been incorporated into diverse settings. These include potent inhibition of individual key targets, fine-tuning of target activity, the coordinated regulation of target batteries, and the reversibility of some aspects of microRNA-mediated repression. Such themes may reflect some of the inherent advantages of exploiting microRNA control in biological circuits, and provide insight into the consequences of microRNA dysfunction in disease.
X-linked female band heterotopia-male lissencephaly syndrome

We report a family with band heterotopia in a mother and daughter and lissencephaly in a son (X-linked inheritance pattern). Postmortem examination of the boy revealed classical lissencephaly and, among other findings, simplified and discontinuous inferior olives without inferior olivary heterotopia. The absence of inferior olivary heterotopia may distinguish X-linked lissencephaly from other conditions with classic lissencephaly such as Miller-Dieker syndrome.
Processing-Property Correlation in Friction Stir Welds

Friction Stir Welding (FSW) is a relatively new process for joining of metals. The process was invented in 1992 at The Welding Institute, Cambridge, UK. FSW is particularly well suited to use in highly alloyed aluminum because it is a solid state process; therefore, no undesirable, brittle, low-melting eutectic phases are formed during the welding process. The microstructure of a typical friction stir weld is that of a wrought product. The details of the weld formation mechanism have been the subject of some debate. Previous work on elucidation of flow patterns in friction stir welds indicated that the process may be described as an in-situ extrusion. Material flow in two friction stir welds produced using different welding parameters was visualized using embedded marker materials and the fidelity of the visualization technique was demonstrated. Flow of material in the friction stir welds was observed to depend strongly on the temperature of the weld. In this paper, welding temperature measurements are combined with tensile test data to further promote understanding of the process in 2XXX, 5XXX, 6XXX, and 7XXX series aluminum alloys. Weld parameters (spindle rotation rate and welding speed) and time-temperature histories are correlated with the global and local tensile properties, and microstructure of the resulting welds.
Annual layers in polar firn detected by Borehole Optical Stratigraphy

[1] We have developed a system called Borehole Optical Stratigraphy which can detect annual layers in boreholes in polar firn. Borehole Optical Stratigraphy consists of a downhole camera package and post-processing routines, which allow us to measure the intensity of light emitted from an on-board source and returned from the borehole wall. We manually identify the annual layers in this optical signal. We used this system at Siple Dome, Antarctica, in the 2001–2002 austral summer season. Our results agree well with counts of annual layers detected with two different methods in an ice core recovered 50 meters from our borehole.