cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
RSC Mobilizes Nucleosomes To Improve Accessibility of Repair Machinery to the Damaged Chromatin

Repair of DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs) protects cells and organisms, as well as their genome integrity. Since DSB repair occurs in the context of chromatin, chromatin must be modified to prevent it from inhibiting DSB repair. Evidence supports the role of histone modifications and ATP-dependent chromatin remodeling in repair and signaling of chromosome DSBs. The key questions are, then, what the nature of chromatin altered by DSBs is and how remodeling of chromatin facilitates DSB repair. Here we report a chromatin alteration caused by a single HO endonuclease-generated DSB at the Saccharomyces cerevisiae MAT locus. The break induces rapid nucleosome migration to form histone-free DNA of a few hundred base pairs immediately adjacent to the break. The DSB-induced nucleosome repositioning appears independent of end processing, since it still occurs when the 5′-to-3′ degradation of the DNA end is markedly reduced. The tetracycline-controlled depletion of Sth1, the ATPase of RSC, or deletion of RSC2 severely reduces chromatin remodeling and loading of Mre11 and Yku proteins at the DSB. Depletion of Sth1 also reduces phosphorylation of H2A, processing, and joining of DSBs. We propose that RSC-mediated chromatin remodeling at the DSB prepares chromatin to allow repair machinery to access the break and is vital for efficient DSB repair.
Noise mitigation techniques for carbon nanotube-based piezoresistive sensor systems

Carbon nanotube (CNT)-based piezoresistive strain sensors have the potential to outperform traditional silicon-based piezoresistors in MEMS devices due to their high strain sensitivity. However, the resolution of CNT-based piezoresistive sensors is currently limited by excessive 1/f or flicker noise. In this paper we will demonstrate several noise mitigation techniques that can be used to decrease noise in the CNT-based sensor system without reducing the sensor’s strain sensitivity. First, the CNTs were placed in a parallel resistor network to increase the total number of charge carriers in the sensor system. By carefully selecting the types of CNTs used in the sensor system and by correctly designing the system it is possible to reduce the noise in the sensor system without reducing sensitivity. The CNTs were also coated with aluminum oxide to help protect the CNTs from environmental variations. Finally, the CNTs were annealed to improve contact resistance and to remove adsorbates from the CNT sidewall. Overall, using these noise mitigation techniques it is possible to reduce the total noise in the sensor system by almost two orders of magnitude and increase the dynamic range of the sensors by 29 dB.
Unraveling transcriptional control and cis-regulatory codes using the software suite GeneACT

Deciphering gene regulatory networks requires the systematic identification of functional cis-acting regulatory elements. We present a suite of web-based bioinformatics tools, called GeneACT http://promoter.colorado.edu, that can rapidly detect evolutionarily conserved transcription factor binding sites or microRNA target sites that are either unique or over-represented in differentially expressed genes from DNA microarray data. GeneACT provides graphic visualization and extraction of common regulatory sequence elements in the promoters and 3'-untranslated regions that are conserved across multiple mammalian species.
An immunocytochemical study of human pituitary mammotropes from fetal life to old age.

The objectives were to (a) describe the cytology and distribution of mammotropes in the human pituitary gland, (b) determine whether the mammotrope is a distinctive secretory cell type and (c) ascertain when it first appears in the fetal hypophysis. Identification of mammotropes was based primarily on the Sternberger peroxidase-antiperoxidase immunocytochemical method used with an antiserum to human prolactin. Hypophyses from 25 male and 6 female adults, and 21 fetuses ranging in gestational age from 6 to 23 weeks were studied. In the adult two morphological forms of mammotropes were observed. Mammotrope I possessed a small perikaryon that commonly was located centrally in parenchymal cell cords. From the perikaryon long cytoplasmic processes extended toward neighboring capillaries. Mammotrope I reached its highest incidence in the posterolateral zones of the pars distalis. Mammotrope II possessed a larger perikaryon with short processes; cells of this form were fewer and occurred chiefly in the anteromedian zone. Mammotropes with intermediate morphological features that prevented classification into categories I or II were common in some hypophyses. Both forms of mammotropes were present prepuberally (one 6-week and one 9-year-old male) and in adult males and females. Mammotropes were only slightly more prominent in females than males. Regression of mammotropes was evident in old age. Mammotropes were distinctly different from somatotropes, corticotropes, gonadotropes and thyrotropes. In the fetal hypophysis mammotropes appeared first at 14 weeks of gestational age and remained few through 16.5 weeks. Their number increased greatly at 23 weeks.
Effect of DL-3-hydroxybutyrate infusions on leucine and glucose kinetics in burned rats receiving TPN.

Whole-body leucine and plasma glucose kinetics were simultaneously measured in burned rats after 2 d of total parenteral nutrition (TPN) containing sodium DL-3-hydroxybutyrate or sodium acetate to evaluate the ketone bodies as energy substrates during stress. TPN solutions consisted of dextrose and amino acids [200 kcal/(kg . d); 13 g amino acids/(kg . d)] and contained 34.3 mEq/(kg . d) either as sodium DL-3-hydroxybutyrate (n = 8) or sodium acetate (n = 7). Whole-body leucine appearance, incorporation into protein, release from protein breakdown and oxidation rates, as measured after a constant infusion of L-[1-14C]leucine did not significantly differ between the groups. In contrast, D-[6-3H]glucose appearance rates after constant infusion of this tracer were significantly higher in rats given sodium DL-3-hydroxybutyrate [209.3 +/- 3.8 mumol/(kg body weight . min)] than in those given sodium acetate [162.4 +/- 9.7 mumol/(kg body weight . min)] (P less than 0.01). Since leucine kinetics did not differ, the results suggest that sodium DL-3-hydroxybutyrate infusions increase endogenous glucose production [61.0 +/- 4.6 mumol/(100 kg body weight . min)] by enhancing glucose recycling. However, there was no unique protein-sparing effect of ketone bodies identified during injury.
Physiological tolerances across latitudes: thermal sensitivity of larval marine snails ( Nucella spp.)

A critical step in understanding how temperature will affect biodiversity in coastal ecosystems is to gain insight into how the tolerances, and ultimately survival, of early life history stages will influence the distribution and abundance of adults. We assessed the thermal tolerance of encapsulated veliger-stage larvae of a common dogwhelk, Nucella ostrina, that occur in the rocky intertidal zone on the west coast of North America. Results showed that veligers collected from northern latitudes in Washington State were less tolerant of heat stress than those from central sites in California. For all sites, we found there to be a subtle difference between the temperatures at which veligers first began to die compared to when veligers reached 100% mortality. On a biogeographic scale, the LT50 temperatures, a measure of larval sensitivity, for N. ostrina veligers displayed a strong latitudinal trend. These findings provide a conservative measurement of the upper thermal limits of encapsulated veligers while illustrating how these early life history stages could be physiologically compromised under future climate warming scenarios.
Athens, Eleusis, and the Homeric Hymn to Demeter*

The Homeric Hymn to Demeter is the earliest and, for us, the single most important literary record of the Eleusinian Mysteries. These Mysteries were for a thousand years one of the crowning glories of Athens, the pride of her statesmen, poets, and orators, a focal point of piety which though intimately civic was at the same time panhellenic. The constant references to the cult in both prose and poetry attest its popularity and singular importance. Yet it remains a curious fact that in all Athenian literature, at least until Hellenistic times, there is no direct mention of the Homeric Hymn and scarcely anything which can reasonably be identified even as a reminiscence or echo of it. Apparently the Hymn was allowed to fall into almost total oblivion. Why this should have happened is a question that seems to merit some consideration. By the very nature of the problem the evidence is inadequate to assure definite conclusions, but it is hoped that the solution proposed, though necessarily tentative, may add somewhat to our understanding of an obscure but interesting period in the religious history of Athens.
Novel isolation process using selective polysilicon filled trench technology for high speed bipolar circuits

Zero encroachment variable-width trench isolation (ZERO) with selective polycrystalline refill has been developed for emitter coupled logic (ECL) circuits. Subsequent oxidation of the selective polysilicon film produces a box-type oxide isolation with vertical sidewalls, no faceting, and zero encroachment. From the planarization point of view, selective polysilicon growth reduces the process complexity of LPCVD (low-pressure chemical vapor deposition) polysilicon-filled single-width trench technology. The selective polysilicon growth also facilitates variable-width trench isolation. Furthermore, it eliminates the faceting problem associated with selective monosilicon trench refill. Bipolar devices were built with variable-width trenches of 1 mu m depth. Gate delay performance was improved by 40-45% as compared to recessed LOCOS isolated circuits. >
Waveform optimizations for ultrawideband radio systems

Solutions are presented for various optimizations of transient waveforms and signals used in ultrawideband radio systems. These include the transmit antenna generator waveform required to maximize receive antenna voltage amplitude (with bounded input energy), the transmit antenna generator waveform that provides the "sharpest" received antenna voltage waveform, and the transmit antenna generator waveform that maximizes received energy with an inequality constraint on the radiated power spectral density. Using variational methods, general optimization results are derived for arbitrary antennas, including the effects of generator and load impedances, and numerical examples are provided for lossless dipoles and resistively loaded dipoles using moment method solutions. Closed-form results are provided for short dipole antennas for some special cases.
Linking Theory to Intervention Practices with Preschoolers and Their Families Building Program Integrity

This article reviews the literature on the application of developmental and learning theories to program development and outcome evaluation in early childhood special education (ECSE). The relationship between theoretically derived intervention efforts and efficacy research is discussed. A study exploring ECSE professionals' knowledge of theory was conducted. Results suggest that teachers and administrators may know little about theoretical underpinnings of curriculum implementation in early childhood programs.
Upper respiratory virus detection without parent-reported illness in children is virus-specific.

Abstract Background Viral upper respiratory tract infection (vURI) may or may not present with a cold/flu-like illness (CFLI). Objectives For common upper respiratory viruses that cause vURIs, to determine the relative frequencies of virus detection by PCR in subjects with and without CFLIs. Study design Prospective follow-up of 170 children aged 1–8.6 years through the CFLI season by daily parental diary for CFLI episodes and nasal secretion sampling using PCR assays for adenovirus, coronavirus (types 229E and OC43), influenza virus (types A and B), parainfluenza (types 1–3) virus, rhinovirus, and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). Results Virus was detected in 415 of 956 independent assays: 425 CFLI episodes and 531 non-CFLI periods were sampled; samples from 270 (64%) CFLI episodes and 145 (27%) non-CFLI periods contained virus detected by PCR. Rhinovirus was most frequently detected at 64%, followed by mixed viruses at 12%, RSV at 7%, and the other viruses at 3–5% of all detections. About 85% of RSV, influenza A and adenovirus detections were associated with a CFLI, whereas less than 62% of other virus detections were associated with CFLI. Conclusions The frequency of PCR virus detection without CFLI was different among viruses. This introduces virus-specific biases to estimating the frequencies of specific complications attributable to a vURI when ascertained by CFLI identification.
Xylem vulnerability to cavitation can be accurately characterised in species with long vessels using a centrifuge method

Vulnerability to cavitation curves describe the decrease in xylem hydraulic conductivity as xylem pressure declines. Several techniques for constructing vulnerability curves use centrifugal force to induce negative xylem pressure in stem or root segments. Centrifuge vulnerability curves constructed for long-vesselled species have been hypothesised to overestimate xylem vulnerability to cavitation due to increased vulnerability of vessels cut open at stem ends that extend to the middle or entirely through segments. We tested two key predictions of this hypothesis: (i) centrifugation induces greater embolism than dehydration in long-vesselled species, and (ii) the proportion of open vessels changes centrifuge vulnerability curves. Centrifuge and dehydration vulnerability curves were compared for a long- and short-vesselled species. The effect of open vessels was tested in four species by comparing centrifuge vulnerability curves for stems of two lengths. Centrifuge and dehydration vulnerability curves agreed well for the long- and short-vesselled species. Centrifuge vulnerability curves constructed using two stem lengths were similar. Also, the distribution of embolism along the length of centrifuged stems matched the theoretical pressure profile induced by centrifugation. We conclude that vulnerability to cavitation can be accurately characterised with vulnerability curves constructed using a centrifuge technique, even in long-vesselled species.
Africa's Food Solution [Spectral Lines]

After world war II, a starving europe, its farms ruined by the most destructive conflict in human history, leaned heavily on growers south of the Sahara. Wheat from Kenya, maize from Zimbabwe, and fruits and vegetables from western and southern Africa adorned European tables. African farmers prospered, and by the early 1960s, they supplied 8 percent of the world's tradable food. Now that figure is less than 2 percent. Sub-Saharan farmers lag their counterparts elsewhere in nearly every measure that counts: crop yields, use of irrigation, fertilizer, and high-quality seeds, and access to capital, electricity, and transportation.
Exposing the “Pretty Woman” Myth: A Qualitative Investigation of Street‐Level Prostituted Women ‐ by Rochelle L. Dalla

Exposing the "Pretty Woman" Myth: A Qualitative Investigation of Street-Level Prostituted Women. Rochelle L. Dalla. Lanham, MD: Rowman & Littlefield. 2006. 231 pp. ISBN 0-7391-1080-2. $80.00 (hardback). Rochelle Dalla presents an unfiltered ethnography of sex workers through her interviews with women who were part of the street prostitution scene. Her portrayal of female protagonists in one of the most vulnerable occupations in modern society is commendable for its sensitive yet realistic depiction of their life on the street. Beyond taking a snapshot of their workrelated life in the "game," Dalla describes the life course of the women from families of origin to families of their own. Important turning points and transitions throughout their lives, from entry into prostitution to exits and returns, are identified and discussed. The theories and models used in the book to analyze the lives and actions of the women cross social science disciplines and aptly integrate perspectives from different fields. Moreover, the author writes in a manner to make the book accessible for all readers interested in the human condition of women engaged in streetwalking sex work. Dalla's first chapter allows the reader to acquire what she calls a "personalized glimpse into die Uves of prostituted women" (p. 3) through five cases that represent the diversity of street-level prostitution. After we become mentally involved in the intimate lives of these women, Dalla interjects the theoretical significance of their lives in Chapter 2, providing a particularly succinct overview for readers who are not well versed in this area of scholarship. Skillfully guiding us through the lens of two developmental dieories, ecological systems theory and family system theory, Dalla also reminds us that social bonding and social networks are integral aspects of any theoretical model attempting to explain the interaction between the individual and the environment. The research methodology explained in detail in Chapter 3 provides the transparency required for an honest ethnography of a largely hidden population. The 43 women interviewed by the author were recruited from an intervention program and a prison population, resulting in a sample that was 93% not actively involved in sex work at the time of the interviews. I agree with the author that former prostitutes can provide as truthful a portrayal of sex work as women who are currently involved in this occupation; however, I disagree that "it is unlikely that anyone would have agreed to participate in the interviews ... or allowed the interview to be taperecorded" (p. …
Delayed Apoptotic Responses Associated with Radiation-induced Neoplastic Transformation of Human Hybrid Cells

HeLa X human skin fibroblast hybrid cells have been developed into a model for radiation-induced neoplastic transformation of human cells. Previous studies indicate that the appearance of neoplastically transformed foci in this system is delayed for several population doublings after irradiation and appears to involve the loss of putative tumor suppressor loci on fibroblast chromosomes 11 and 14. We now show that after treatment with 7 Gy of X-rays, transformed foci initiation correlates with delayed apoptosis initiated in the progeny of the irradiated cells after 10-12 cell divisions and with reduced plating efficiency (delayed death). The cells develop classic apoptotic morphology, positive terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated nick end labeling and phosphatidylserine (annexin V) staining, and cleavage of poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase. In addition, a delayed induction of the p53 protein and the proapoptotic Bax protein is evident over a week after radiation exposure. We propose that a delayed build-up of mitosis-dependent genomic DNA damage or a loss of genetic material over time (10-12 cell divisions postirradiation) has two relevant outcomes: (a) cell death due to the delayed induction of a p53-dependent apoptosis; and (b) neoplastic transformation of a minor subset of survivors that has lost fibroblast chromosomes 11 and 14 (tumor suppressor loci for this system) and has either evaded apoptosis or not acquired enough genetic damage to induce apoptosis. It is postulated that both phenomena result from X-ray-induced, translesion-mediated genomic instability.
Coping With the Loss of General Revenue Sharing in Ohio

The authors examine the impact of the loss of general revenue sharing on Ohio local governments. A study of seven large cities and surrounding counties found that the loss of the federal funds did not trigger any fiscal crises: it came as no surprise. Localities engaged in a number of coping strategies including cuts in spending and replacement of lost federal funds from local surpluses, increased debt, and some tax increases.
Alternative definitions of growth and removals and implications for forest sustainability

Summary Alternative defi nitions for growth and removals from a forest being monitored over time are discussed. It is shown that the defi nitions that are used in practice may not be what one would expect and estimates can vary substantially under alternative defi nitions. This can result in conclusions about forest sustainability that may be misleading. Alternative defi nitions are applied to selected states using US Department of Agriculture Forest Service inventory data. Standard errors of growth over removals ratios are used to indicate potential sustainability problems for selected forest types.
THE LAKE BREEZE-GROUND-LEVEL OZONE CONNECTION IN EASTERN WISCONSIN: A CLIMATOLOGICAL PERSPECTIVE

The Lake Michigan Air Quality Region (LMAQR) experiences exceedances of the 1 h health standard for ozone numerous times each summer. Previous short-term investigations have revealed that the lake breeze circulation is connected with very high levels of ozone in eastern Wisconsin (EWI). Findings from one of the more recent short-term research efforts have led to the development of a generalized conceptual model that details the role that the lake breeze circulation plays in transporting ozone-rich air of the Lake Michigan conduction layer onshore to EWI. Short-term studies, however, are limited by the small number of cases examined. To understand the ozone–lake breeze relationship from a climatological perspective, we analysed the spatial and temporal pattern of 1 h ozone exceedances in EWI during the months of May through to September, over the period 1985–99. Further, we used Laird et al.’s recently developed technique for discriminating lake breeze days to determine which exceedance-days over the period of our climatology occurred in association with lake breezes. Our results show: (1) a decrease in both magnitude and frequency of exceedances of the 1 h ozone standard in EWI with increasing distance from the lakeshore; (2) a positive correlation between average onset time of the initial exceedance-hour and a site’s distance from Lake Michigan; (3) a very high percentage of initial exceedance-hours occurring in association with southeasterly surface air flow; and (4) exceedances occurring in association with lake breezes 82.1% of the time at near-shore sites. Collectively, our findings provide strong evidence that the lake breeze circulation is closely associated with the distribution of ozone in EWI in both space and time. Moreover, our results show that the lake breeze circulation is directly associated with a significant proportion of the exceedances of the 1 h ozone standard in EWI–particularly at near-shore sites. Thus, mandated reductions in regional-scale NOx may be sufficient to allow ‘inland’ locations in EWI to meet the new 8 h, 80 ppb Environmental Protection Agency health standard. However, further reductions in volatile organic compounds and NOx within the major metropolitan centres of the LMAQR will likely be necessary if ‘shoreline’ locations in EWI are to meet the 1 h standard, and the stricter 8 h standard in the future. Copyright  2002 Royal Meteorological Society.
Treatment of reopened macular hole after vitrectomy by laser and outpatient fluid-gas exchange

Abstract Objective This study aimed to assess a new nonsurgical treatment for patients who have previously undergone vitrectomy for macular hole with either persistent or reopened holes. Design A prospective, noncomparative, consecutive case series. Participants Fifteen patients (15 eyes) were studied. Intervention Patients were treated by an outpatient method consisting of laser photocoagulation to the foveal pigment epithelium followed by fluid-gas exchange with 20% perfluoropropane gas and prone positioning. Patients without known allergy were treated with two doses of oral Diamox (250 mg) and ciprofloxacin (500 mg). Main outcome measures Visual acuity, intraocular pressure, anatomic status of the macular hole, and cataract were the principal outcome measures studied. Results Thirteen of 15 macular holes were closed successfully with 1 or more procedures. All patients with macular hole closure achieved two lines or greater of vision improvement on Snellen testing. Three patients (20%) achieved 20/40 and nine (60%) achieved 20/80 or better. Three patients required more than one procedure. Four patients developed mild transient ocular hypertension. Conclusions The combination of office-based outpatient fluid-gas exchange and laser appears to be a safe and cost-effective alternative to repeat surgery in selected patients with persistent or reopened macular holes after vitrectomy, in whom there are no visible epiretinal membranes, or in whom return to the operating room is undesirable for medical or personal reasons.
Use of coherence in activation detection during ventricular fibrillation

The use of cardiac activation mapping to study ventricular fibrillation (VF) is discussed. The locations of isochrones in maps are based on decisions on whether and when segments of the electrogram have local electrical activation. The authors compare two quantitative criteria for making decisions about local activity in electrograms. The criteria are based on the comparison of electrograms recorded in those excitable zones with electrograms recorded in normal myocardium. One uses the first derivative of the electrogram (only one electrogram affects the decision); the second uses the first derivative of the primarily local component of the waveform. >
Casting Spells: The Effects of Suggestion in Your Classroom

he title "Casting Spells" raises images of witches, warlocks, and magic. In reality, very normal people cast spells over those around them all the time. It seems that everyone has a "spell" that is natural to him or her. It may say to others, "Be polite and serious; we have work to do here"; or, "Let's have fun. I like to party!" or, "Be generous. Give of yourself. Consider others." It may say, "Look out for number one. Take. The weak finish last." Spells are cast by the suggestions that we make through the attitudes we exhibit, the example we provide, the instructions we give, or even the manner in which the instructions are given. Some people, merely by their manner, can anger half of the people in a room, just by walking through it. The reverse is also true: Some people can make most of the people around them happy, just by being in their presence. Sometimes the spell that is cast is minor and shortlived. But other spells may have far-reaching effects and last a lifetime. Teachers are constantly casting spells over the students in their presence. Perhaps it would be worthwhile for teachers to think about this phenomenon and consider how it may be affecting their students and classroom environment.
Changes in assembly processes in soil bacterial communities following a wildfire disturbance

Although recent work has shown that both deterministic and stochastic processes are important in structuring microbial communities, the factors that affect the relative contributions of niche and neutral processes are poorly understood. The macrobiological literature indicates that ecological disturbances can influence assembly processes. Thus, we sampled bacterial communities at 4 and 16 weeks following a wildfire and used null deviation analysis to examine the role that time since disturbance has in community assembly. Fire dramatically altered bacterial community structure and diversity as well as soil chemistry for both time-points. Community structure shifted between 4 and 16 weeks for both burned and unburned communities. Community assembly in burned sites 4 weeks after fire was significantly more stochastic than in unburned sites. After 16 weeks, however, burned communities were significantly less stochastic than unburned communities. Thus, we propose a three-phase model featuring shifts in the relative importance of niche and neutral processes as a function of time since disturbance. Because neutral processes are characterized by a decoupling between environmental parameters and community structure, we hypothesize that a better understanding of community assembly may be important in determining where and when detailed studies of community composition are valuable for predicting ecosystem function.
An Exploration of Effects of Bullying Victimization From a Complete Mental Health Perspective

1. Aileen Fullchange[1][1][⇑][2] 2. Michael J. Furlong[1][1] 1. 1University of California, Santa Barbara, USA 1. Aileen Fullchange, Gevirtz School, University of California, Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara, CA 93106-9490, USA. Email: afullchange{at}education.ucsb.edu This study explored the effects of being bullied from a dual-factor lens, specifically examining the relation between victimization and constructs that contribute to social-emotional well-being. Prior to carrying out the main analyses, the factor structure of self-report items related to experiencing bullying and harassment from the California Healthy Kids Survey, which was administered to more than 14,000 high school students, was examined to establish that these items represent an overall factor: students’ experience of victimization. This factor was then used as an independent variable in a series of planned comparisons with a dependent variable represented by constructs addressed by the Social Emotional Health Survey–Secondary: belief-in-self, emotional competence, belief-in-others , and engaged living . With increased frequency of victimization, suicidality increased and belief-in-others decreased. For other constructs, belief-in-self, engaged living, and depression, there were significant differences found between individuals who had experienced frequencies of bullying as low as less than once a month and those who did not experience bullying at all but no further detrimental impacts were seen with even higher frequencies of victimization, indicating that being victimized at all is significantly worse than not being victimized for these variables. Implications and future directions for research are explored. [1]: #aff-1 [2]: #corresp-1
Hypoxia induces capillary network formation in cultured bovine pulmonary microvessel endothelial cells

The development of new vessels (angiogenesis) is essential to wound healing. The center of a wound space is hypoxic, a condition that has been shown to stimulate angiogenesis in animal models of coronary artery occlusion. Because the mechanisms involved in this complex process are difficult to study in situ, an in vitro model would provide a useful complement to in vivo studies. This laboratory has developed and characterized calf pulmonary microvessel endothelial cell (PMVEC) cultures and an in vitro model system of angiogenesis using collagen three-dimensional gels that permit migration of cells into vessel networks. This system was used to study the direct effect of normoxia (20% O2) or hypoxia (5% O2) on PMVEC ability to undergo angiogenesis in vitro. Major changes leading to formation of capillary-like networks occurred during the first 3 days of hypoxic exposure only and included restructuring of actin filament networks, focal changes in distribution of basic fibroblast growth factor, and orientation and migration of cell tracts into a collagen gel matrix to form vessel networks.
Relationship between atrial fibrillation and blood pressure in males of Kailuan mine

Objective To study the prevalence of atrial fibrillation (AF) and its relationship with blood pressure in males of Kailuan mine. Methods From June 2006 to October 2007, 101 510 staff members of Kailuan Co. Ltd participated in health examination and completed unified questionnaires. All participants underwent 12-lead electrocardiogram and physical examination. The prevalence of AF and its relationship with blood pressure were calculated and analysed by Logistic regression analysis. Results A total of 81 061 in 81 103 male participants accomplished electrocardiogram. Three hundred and ninety-eight were diagnosed with AF (37 valvular AF and 361 non-valvular AF) and the prevalence of AF was 0.49%. The prevalence of non-valvular AF in hypertensive population was significantly higher than that of the normotensives (0.54% vs 0.36%, P0.01). The univariate Logistic regression analysis showed that the risks of AF in the population with systolic blood pressure (SBP) 120-140 and ≥140 mm Hg were respectively 1.44 and 3.58 times that of SBP120 mm Hg. The prevalence of AF in the population with pulse pressure (PP) 50-60 and ≥60 mm Hg was respectively 1.55, 2.11 times that of PP40 mm Hg. After the adjustment of all influence factors of AF, the hazard ration in the population with SBP≥140 mm Hg was 1.74 times that of SBP120 mm Hg. Conclusions The prevalence of AF in hypertensive population is significantly higher than in normotensive. SBP is an independent risk factor for the males with AF. The prevalence of AF is not related with diastolic blood pressure or PP.
Effects of Fibre and Resistant Starch on Intestinal Motility and Function

The basic premise of the dietary fibre hypothesis is that the populations of industrialized Western countries suffer from a form of chronic malnutrition. Within a few years of its inception this rather surprising idea had captured the imagination of the general public, clinicians, research workers and, in the present context most importantly, biomedical research funding agencies on both sides of the Atlantic. Nevertheless it has been extremely difficult to test the dietary fibre hypothesis directly. Although recommended intakes for fibre are now routinely included in the dietary guidelines of all developed nations, it has not yet been possible to confirm a protective role for fibre consumption in the aetiology of any disease. This is partly because scientific theories, by their very nature, can be refuted but never finally proven, and partly because the development of non-infectious diseases such as cancer, heart disease and diabetes occurs over many years. A direct test of the dietary fibre hypothesis is greatly hampered by the impossibility of controlling, or even measuring with any accuracy, the dietary habits of large numbers of people over such lengthy periods of time.
Precipitated Calcium Carbonates as Ultraviolet Stabilizers and Impact Modifiers in Poly (Vinyl Chloride) Siding and Profiles

Poly (vinyl chloride) is a low cost commodity polymer that is used in a wide variety of applications, such as pipe, tube, conduit, fittings and a host of others. PVC siding and profiles represent two of the more recent applications generating significant commercial interest. In order to successfully compete with aluminum siding, the PVC products must carry a similar long term performance warranty for periods up to 40 years. Special formulation considerations are required to meet these long term performance criteria. The key concern is polymer stability during long term weathering, with special emphasis on impact retention and color change.
The role of dietary fat on performance, metabolism, and health

This paper presents a model to evaluate the nutritional status of trained athletes based on work in our laboratory as well as others. The model proposes that substrate use is set by the muscle fibers recruited, based on the exercise intensity. Second, the substrate available is primarily determined by the intramuscular stores. In trained athletes, intramuscular fat plays an important role in metabolism at exercise intensities as high as 80% of maximal aerobic power. Based on these factors, increasing the fat in the diet (while maintaining adequate intramuscular glycogen) increases VO2max and intramuscular stores of fat (presumably due to increased mitochondrial volume). These two factors result in a significant increase in the time to exhaustion at set levels of exercise (endurance). It also appears that fatigue is associated with depletion of either glycogen or fat. These conclusions hold true for athletes on diets where sufficient calories are taken in to meet demands and for exercise levels below 80% of VO2max, where primarily slow-twitch oxidative fibers are used. These data may not apply in exercise where predominantly fast-twitch fibers are used. Also, these data do not apply to runners eating a hypocaloric diet, where reducing the percentage of carbohydrates may compromise their glycogen stores. It would appear that the fat in the diet can be increased to a very high level without compromising the cardiovascular or immune systems of athletes. Moreover, it can be proposed that these data could be applied to sedentary persons, as long as they are isocaloric. This would imply that the fat consumed in the diet would be used in the muscle, as in the runners, although at a lower level. Thus, the dietary intake should be matched in both total calories and percentage of fats and carbohydrates to calories consumed by daily activity. It should be cautioned that if glycogen and fat stores are compromised, protein resynthesis is inhibited and loss of muscle mass may result. This has a negative effect on the athlete's ability to perform at high levels.
Common Poisonings Including Heavy Metal Poisoning

In this chapter, common poisoning from pesticides (organophosphorus and carbamate insecticides) and plants (oleander, lily of the valley, aconite) will be discussed along with heavy metal toxicity. The role of the laboratory in detecting these toxins will also be discussed.
Prevalence of Epileptic Syndromes in Finland

The prevalence of epilepsy and types of seizures and epileptic syndromes in children in the district of the Tampere University Hospital (population 175,000) and 34 surrounding rural counties was determined by a retrospective review of medical records and EEG recordings, using the latest ILAE International Classifications.
Modeling of user Quality of Experience in location aware smart spaces

The increasing use of interactive technologies, digital media, and dynamic content in smart spaces such as libraries and museums is improving the user experience substantially. In well-designed learning spaces, digital content can itself become a service, possibly with creative and social output to interact with users. In this paper we study the quantitative modeling of the Quality of Experience (QoE) in immersive multi-media smart spaces, such as a library or future museum. Our focus is on combining the physical world with the digital world in order to obtain a single, combined QoE.
Understanding the epigenetic basis of sex differences in depression

Epigenetics refers to potentially heritable processes that can mediate both lasting and transient changes in gene expression in the absence of genome sequence alterations. The field of epigenetics has introduced a novel understanding of the mechanisms through which the environment can shape an individual and potentially its offspring. This Mini-Review examines the current literature exploring the role of epigenetics in the development of mood disorders such as depression. Depression is twofold more common in females, yet the majority of preclinical research has been conducted exclusively in male subjects. Here we discuss what is known about sex differences in epigenetic regulation and function and how this may contribute to the etiology and onset of mood disorders. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Vapor pressures and vaporization enthalpy of (−) α-bisabolol and (dl) menthol by correlation gas chromatography

Abstract The vapor pressures and vaporization enthalpies of (−) α-bisabolol and (dl)-menthol, two GRAS chemicals (generally recognized as safe) are evaluated by correlation gas chromatography using a series of saturated primary alcohols as standards. Vaporization enthalpies of (96.6 ± 2.4) and (74.2 ± 2.8) kJ mol−1 and vapor pressures of p/Pa = (0.020 ± 0.003) and (4.5 ± 0.44) were evaluated at T = 298.15 K for (−) α-bisabolol and (dl)-menthol, respectively, and compared to literature values. The vapor pressures of both compounds from T = (298.15 to 500) K have been derived from correlations using vapor pressures of a series of 1-alkanols and corresponding gas chromatographic retention times at 10 K intervals. The results were fit to a second order polynomial. Calculated normal boiling temperatures of TB = (574.8 and 492.7) K are calculated for (−) α-bisabolol and (dl)-menthol, respectively. A normal boiling temperature of TB = (485.2, and 489.7) K has previously been reported for (dl)-menthol. Vapor pressures for both (l)-menthol and (dl)-menthol from a previous study and (dl)-menthol from this study are compared with literature values.
Light-induced aggregation of microbial exopolymeric substances.

Sunlight can inhibit or disrupt the aggregation process of marine colloids via cleavage of high molecular weight compounds into smaller, less stable fragments. In contrast, some biomolecules, such as proteins excreted from bacteria can form aggregates via cross-linking due to photo-oxidation. To examine whether light-induced aggregation can occur in the marine environment, we conducted irradiation experiments on a well-characterized protein-containing exopolymeric substance (EPS) from the marine bacterium Sagitulla stellata. Our results show that after 1 h sunlight irradiation, the turbidity level of soluble EPS was 60% higher than in the dark control. Flow cytometry also confirmed that more particles of larger sized were formed by sunlight. In addition, we determined a higher mass of aggregates collected on filter in the irradiated samples. This suggests light can induce aggregation of this bacterial EPS. Reactive oxygen species hydroxyl radical and peroxide played critical roles in the photo-oxidation process, and salts assisted the aggregation process. The observation that Sagitulla stellata EPS with relatively high protein content promoted aggregation, was in contrast to the case where no significant differences were found in the aggregation of a non-protein containing phytoplankton EPS between the dark and light conditions. This, together with the evidence that protein-to-carbohydrate ratio of aggregates formed under light condition is significantly higher than that formed under dark condition suggest that proteins are likely the important component for aggregate formation. Light-induced aggregation provides new insights into polymer assembly, marine snow formation, and the fate/transport of organic carbon and nitrogen in the ocean.
All are not created equal: assessing local governments’ strategic approaches towards sustainability

While local governments often implement equivalent numbers of sustainability programmes, they likely utilize different strategies to design them. We posit that some local governments pursue more of...
Longitudinal relationships between self-concept for physical activity and neighborhood social life as predictors of physical activity among older African American adults

Engaging in regular physical activity (PA) as an older adult has been associated with numerous physical and mental health benefits. The aim of this study is to directly compare how individual-level cognitive factors (self-efficacy for PA, self-determined motivation for PA, self-concept for PA) and neighborhood perceptions of the social factors (neighborhood satisfaction, neighborhood social life) impact moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) longitudinally among older African American adults. Data were analyzed from a sub-set of older African American adults (N = 224, M age = 63.23 years, SD = 8.74, 63.23% female, M Body Mass Index = 32.01, SD = 7.52) enrolled in the Positive Action for Today’s Health trial. MVPA was assessed using 7-day accelerometry-estimates and psychosocial data (self-efficacy for PA, self-determined motivation for PA, self-concept for PA, neighborhood satisfaction, neighborhood social life) were collected at baseline, 12-, 18-, and 24-months. Multilevel growth modeling was used to examine within- and between-person effects of individual-level cognitive and social environmental factors on MVPA. At the between-person level, self-concept (b = 0.872, SE = 0.239, p < 0.001), and neighborhood social life (b = 0.826, SE = 0.176, p < 0.001) predicted greater MVPA, whereas neighborhood satisfaction predicted lower MVPA (b = −0.422, SE = 0.172, p = 0.015). Among the between-person effects, only average social life was moderated by time (b = 0.361, SE = 0.147, p = 0.014), indicating that the impact of a relatively positive social life on MVPA increased across time. At the within-person level, positive increases in self-concept (b = 0.294, SE = 0.145, p = 0.043) and neighborhood social life (b = 0.270, SE = 0.113, p = 0.017) were associated with increased MVPA. These results suggest that people with a higher average self-concept for PA and a more positive social life engaged in greater average MVPA. Additionally, changes in perceptions of one’s neighborhood social life and one’s self-concept for PA were associated with greater MVPA over 2 years. These factors may be particularly relevant for future interventions targeting long-term change and maintenance of MVPA in older African Americans. ClinicalTrials.Gov # NCT01025726 registered 1 December 2009.
Managing Water Conflicts

Resolving the many conflicts that arise between water’s diverse stakeholders is a big part of water management. Many of the water conflicts that occurred during the twentieth century resulted from the separation of powers in U.S. government. Water management authority has been divided among many different agencies and between the federal and state levels of government. As a result, no uniform policy has been established. Federal policy determination over water and wastewater is in the hands of the House of Representatives and the Environment and Public Works Committee of the U.S. Senate. Appropriations for water and wastewater agencies are developed and administered by the Energy and Water Appropriations Subcommittee of the House Appropriations Committee. This chapter examines some of the domestic and international water conflicts that have existed in the United States.
ANTI-AMYLOID-β IMMUNOTHERAPY AS A TREATMENT FOR ALZHEIMER'S DISEASE

ABSTRACT Accumulation of the amyloid-β (Aβ) peptide in different aggregated conformations within the brain is central to the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease (AD). In brains of AD patients, amyloid plaques are surrounded by swollen, dystrophic neurites. Particular aggregated species of Aβ are also toxic to neurons and are proposed to inhibit synaptic transmission. In order to prevent or reverse Aβ-related pathology, several therapeutic strategies are aimed at reducing brain Aβ levels. For instance, active immunization with Aβ enables the body to augment the clearance or neutralization of Aβ, thus preventing Aβ from having a toxic effect. Both active and passive immunization strategies have been demonstrated to significantly reduce the amount of Aβ plaques and the associated neuritic dystrophy within the brain as well as reverse behavioral deficits in animal models of disease. It appears that several distinct mechanisms likely account for the reduction in Aβ levels. In 2002, a clinical trial in humans using active immunization against the Aβ peptide was halted early due to adverse side effects, including death, in a subset of individuals. Importantly however, there was a hint that there may be cognitive benefits as well as reduced amyloid pathology in response to immunization. Immunization strategies are currently being designed to target-specific aspects of the immune response in order to minimize or prevent adverse side effects while still reducing Aβ levels and ameliorating disease symptoms.