cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Possible interrelationship of multiple α-bungarotoxin binding components in the brain of the horseshoe crab, Limuluspolyphemus

Abstract Three [ 125 I]α-bungarotoxin binding components have been detected in solubilized extracts of Limulus brain tissue. These components have sedimentation coefficients of 9.0S, 15.4S and 17.4S. All three components were degraded by α-chymotrypsin. The addition of butyl alcohol to brain extract suggests an interrelationship of the toxin binding proteins by promoting a simultaneous decrease in the 9S component and increase in the 15.4S and 17.4S components. This transition was also demonstrated by the readdition of isolated fractions of each component to brain extract.
An integrated workflow for resolved-particle packed bed models with complex particle shapes

A promising workflow for computational generation and meshing of resolved-particle randomly packed beds of arbitrary-shaped particles is described. The workflow is based on an automated package that is developed for the Bullet Physics Library for packed bed generation, and on the shrink-wrap method for handling the meshing challenges of the particle contact areas. Packed bed properties such as radial voidage and particle angle distributions are validated against existing experimental data and theoretical methods in the literature. Furthermore, the accuracy of the generated mesh using the shrink-wrap technique is evaluated by calculating the bulk and radial voidage distribution, the pressure drop, and by velocity profile and heat transfer analysis using computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations. It is shown that the proposed workflow can speed up the process of the geometry and mesh generation while it maintains the structural features of the bed. Finally, applications of such geometries to fixed bed reaction engineering problems are presented to illustrate simulations that can be achieved using the new workflow.
Using phone sensors and an artificial neural network to detect gait changes during drinking episodes in the natural environment.

Abstract Background Phone sensors could be useful in assessing changes in gait that occur with alcohol consumption. This study determined (1) feasibility of collecting gait-related data during drinking occasions in the natural environment, and (2) how gait-related features measured by phone sensors relate to estimated blood alcohol concentration (eBAC). Methods Ten young adult heavy drinkers were prompted to complete a 5-step gait task every hour from 8pm to 12am over four consecutive weekends. We collected 3-axis accelerometer, gyroscope, and magnetometer data from phone sensors, and computed 24 gait-related features using a sliding window technique. eBAC levels were calculated at each time point based on Ecological Momentary Assessment (EMA) of alcohol use. We used an artificial neural network model to analyze associations between sensor features and eBACs in training (70% of the data) and validation and test (30% of the data) datasets. Results We analyzed 128 data points where both eBAC and gait-related sensor data were captured, either when not drinking (n = 60), while eBAC was ascending (n = 55) or eBAC was descending (n = 13). 21 data points were captured at times when the eBAC was greater than the legal limit (0.08 mg/dl). Using a Bayesian regularized neural network, gait-related phone sensor features showed a high correlation with eBAC (Pearson’s r > 0.9), and >95% of estimated eBAC would fall between −0.012 and +0.012 of actual eBAC. Conclusions It is feasible to collect gait-related data from smartphone sensors during drinking occasions in the natural environment. Sensor-based features can be used to infer gait changes associated with elevated blood alcohol content.
Empirical evidence on the validity of using accounting research subjects' self-reported GPA as a proxy measure of actual GPA

This study investigates the association between accounting subjects' self-reported GPA and their actual GPA. Using accounting seniors as a proxy for accounting research subjects, we administered a survey instrument to obtain self-reported GPAs and then compared subjects' self-reported values to official GPA records. Finding a strong correlation, this study provides empirical evidence suggesting that accounting subjects' self-reported GPA is a valid proxy for accounting subjects' actual GPA. We also find evidence that some accounting subjects systematically misreport their GPA predictable ways. This study should be of interest to accounting behaviourists, who frequently rely on accounting subjects' self-reported GPA in place of obtaining accounting subjects' actual GPA. The practical implications of this study's results are discussed.
Long Tail Query Enrichment for Semantic Job Search

Online job boards are used by millions of job seekers, who browse through the postings for jobs that match their interest. Queries are crafted using terminology generated by the users, which may not match the language used in the job postings. Semantic enrichment methods attempt to fill such a lexical gap by re-writing the queries based on richer terms, which are mined using behavioral logs. However, one challenge of such approaches is dealing with noisy and sparse logs of queries that appear at the tail of query frequency distribution. Although, tail queries are individually uncommon, they make up a large portion of queries collectively. Ignoring such heavy long tails in the job search domain may result in turning away job seekers who are not able to find relevant jobs. Hence, in this paper, we propose a novel method which exploits the user click-skip logs and the content of job postings to generate semantic enrichments for tail queries. We evaluate our techniques using data from CareerBuilder, which is one of the largest job boards in the world. Our experiments demonstrate effective enrichment in terms of search results size and relevancy.
Antigenic Variation in Streptococcus pneumoniae PspC Promotes Immune Escape in the Presence of Variant-Specific Immunity.

Genomic analysis reveals extensive sequence variation and hot spots of recombination in surface proteins of Streptococcus pneumoniae While this phenomenon is commonly attributed to diversifying selection by host immune responses, there is little mechanistic evidence for the hypothesis that diversification of surface protein antigens produces an immune escape benefit during infection with S. pneumoniae Here, we investigate the biological significance of sequence variation within the S. pneumoniae cell wall-associated pneumococcal surface protein C (PspC) protein antigen. Using pspC allelic diversity observed in a large pneumococcal collection, we produced variant-specific protein constructs that span the sequence variability within the pspC locus. We show that antibodies raised against these PspC constructs are variant specific and prevent association between PspC and the complement pathway mediator, human factor H. We found that PspC variants differ in their capacity to bind factor H, suggesting that sequence variation within pspC reflects differences in biological function. Finally, in an antibody-dependent opsonophagocytic assay, S. pneumoniae expressing a PspC variant matching the antibody specificity was killed efficiently. In contrast, killing efficacy was not evident against S. pneumoniae expressing mismatched PspC variants. Our data suggest that antigenic variation within the PspC antigen promotes immune evasion and could confer a fitness benefit during infection.IMPORTANCE Loci encoding surface protein antigens in Streptococcus pneumoniae are highly polymorphic. It has become a truism that these polymorphisms are the outcome of selective pressure on S. pneumoniae to escape host immunity. However, there is little mechanistic evidence to support the hypothesis that diversifying protein antigens produces a benefit for the bacteria. Using the highly diverse pspC locus, we have now characterized the functional and immune implications of sequence diversity within the PspC protein. We have characterized the spectrum of biological function among diverse PspC variants and show that pspC sequence diversity reflects functional differences. Further, we show that sequence variation in PspC confers an immune escape benefit in the presence of anti-PspC variant-specific immunity. Overall, the results of our studies provide insights into the functional implications of protein sequence diversity and the role of variant-specific immunity in its maintenance.
Analysis of pyrethroid pesticides in Chinese vegetables and fruits by GC–MS/MS

A rapid and economical method using modified QuEChERS sample pretreatment coupled with high-sensitivity gas chromatography/triple quadrupole mass spectrometry was established to simultaneously determine ten pyrethroid pesticides in fruits and vegetables. All pesticides were detected within 20 min of one injection. Concurrent backflushing provided column protection, greatly facilitating instrument maintenance. For quantitation, matrix-matched calibration was used to compensate for signal-enhancement effects and to ensure the precision of the method. The limit of detection (LOD) was in the range of 0.3–4.9 μg/kg. The recovery rate was from 78.8 to 118.6%, with relative standard deviation (RSD) below 14.8%. The developed method is suitable for rapid and sensitive multi-residue analysis of pyrethroid pesticides in fruits and vegetables. It is good for users in professional institutions that implement safety controls for testing hundreds of agricultural product samples everyday.
How procedural experiences shape citizens’ perceptions of and orientations toward legal institutions: Evidence from a household survey in Bangladesh

Integrating theories and research on procedural justice and policy design, this article provides insight about how institutional context and experiences shape citizens' perceptions about procedural...
DETERMINANTS OF MILITARY EXPENDITURES

[Returning to a main theme of this book, Seiglie conducts research on the determinants of the level of military expenditures in a way which represents a major step forward. He tests a military expenditure function that explicitly treats both the supply and demand factors. Recall the statement made previously that the literature on peace economics comprises a helter-skelter of contributions. Thus we find Seiglie employing variables, for example to reflect political factors and level of trade, often different from those used by the previous contributors to this book. His contribution, however, lies in the comprehensive analysis involving a better balance of factors impinging on arms expenditure policy. (eds.)]
ACTION OF ISO-IMMUNE ANTI-M AND ANTI-L ON ACTIVE POTASSIUM TRANSPORT IN HK AND LK SHEEP RED CELLS

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses the action of isoimmune anti-M and anti-L on active potassium transport in high potassium (HK) and (LK) sheep red cells. Active and passive transport of sodium (Na) and potassium (K) are different in HK and LK sheep. Active transport of these ions and the Na + - K-stimulated and ouabain sensitive ATPase activity are about four times greater in HK red cells as compared to LK red cells. These cell types are also different with respect to their antigenic properties. Red cells of all HK sheep possess the M antigen whereas red cells of some LK sheep do not possess the M antigen. LK cells contain the L-antigen, which is absent in HK red cells. Anti-M serum has no effect on K-transport in HK and LK sheep red cells. Anti-M lyses HK red cells in the presence of guinea pig complement. HK red cells and their membrane bound this antibody with a high affinity while homozygous LK cells do not absorb anti-M.
Religion, Spirituality, and Stress

In Chap. 10, we reviewed the process of meditation as a treatment for human stress. The reader will recall that the history of meditation is grounded firmly in religion. We will now take a closer look at religion and spirituality, over and above their meditative components, as tools for the reduction or amelioration of stress and disease.
Direkte parallele Verfahren

In diesem Kapitel betrachten wir die Implementierung der in Kapitel 6 vorgestellten Verfahren zur Losung der Gleichung Ax = b auf Parallel- und Vektorrechnern. In diesem und dem nachsten Abschnitt nehmen wir an, das A eine vollbesetzte Matrix sei. Um die jeweils betrachtete Rechnerarchitektur effizient nutzen zu konnen, sind oft unterschiedliche Varianten der Algorithmen erforderlich. Hierzu untersuchen wir in Abschnitt 7.2 einige Beispiele. In Abschnitt 7.3 behandeln wir Systeme mit Bandmatrizen.
Impact of Neurological Disorders on Insomnia

In this article we discuss the impact of various neurological disorders on insomnia. We cover such disorders as migraine and headaches, cerebrovascular disease and stroke, epilepsy, neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson disease, and multiple sclerosis. We also discuss the potential pathophysiology of this association and various treatment options.
Self Energy of Massless Quarks in the MIT Bag

In this talk 1 would like to tell you about a calculation of the self energy of a massless quark in the MIT bag [1]. The motivation for doing this calculation goes beyond simply finding small corrections to the hadron masses predicted by the bag model. The bag model gives reasonable results for the masses only when an ad hoc “zero-point” energy is added, that is, $$M = N\omega + N\alpha {\vec \sigma _1} \cdot {\vec \sigma _2}\,{I_{mag}} + \frac{4}{3}p\pi {R^3} - \,{Z_0}/R$$ where N is the number of quarks in the bag, ω the kinetic energy perquark--2.04/R for massless quarks, Imag the energy of interaction between quarks due to exchange of a transverse gluon--0.12/R for massless quarks, α the fine structure constant--usually taken to be about 2.2, R the bag radius, p the bag pressure, and -Z0/R the zero-point energy [2]. This negative zero-point energy was introduced in analogy with the attraction of parallel conducting plates; unfortunately all attempts to find a similar negative energy in the bag have failed. There is a good physical reason for this failure: this zero-point energy causes an empty bag to have energy \(\frac{4}{3}{\mkern 1mu} \pi p{{R}^{3}}{\mkern 1mu} - {{Z}_{0}}/R\) and hence makes the vacuum unstable.
Telomere Dysfunction and the DNA Damage Response

In the absence of a protective state at telomeres, chromosome ends become dysfunctional and may ultimately contribute to genomic instability. To avoid the disruption of telomere function, a host of telomere-binding and associated proteins are critically involved in maintaining structure and preventing subsequent activation of a DNA damage response. In addition to these factors, a multitude of DNA damage response proteins also normally localize to the telomere, without triggering a repair response or cell cycle arrest. Their involvement suggests that telomere maintenance and the damage response are highly interdependent for ensuring genomic integrity. In this regard, a paradigm emerges in which telomeres may actually act as sentinels for monitoring damaged DNA and mediating repair. The close cooperativity between telomere-binding proteins and DNA damage proteins is extremely important, since a compromised DNA damage response in the context of damaged telomeres leads to significant clinical manifestations, including normal aging, genome instability and premature aging syndromes, neurodegenerative diseases, and cancer. Therapeutic possibilities that have been developed for these diseases target telomeres, telomerase, or DNA damage response mediators. The interdependence of telomere maintenance and DNA damage signaling pathways is clearly evident since both entities converge toward a common goal of maintaining genomic integrity.
Multiple Herbicide–Resistant Italian Ryegrass [Lolium perenne L. spp. multiflorum (Lam.) Husnot] in California Perennial Crops: Characterization, Mechanism of Resistance, and Chemical Management

Italian ryegrass [Lolium perenne L. spp. multiflorum (Lam.) Husnot] is a troublesome weedy species in many regions of California. Its control has been chiefly dependent on herbicides due to their effectiveness and practicality and, as result, herbicide-resistant populations have been selected. Poor control of a population of L. multiflorum with paraquat was recently reported in a prune orchard in Hamilton City, CA. A series of experiments were carried out to characterize the response of this population to several POST herbicides, study the mechanisms of resistance, and investigate alternative chemical management options in tree crops. A known susceptible (S) and the suspected resistant population (PRHC) were subjected to greenhouse dose–response experiments with clethodim, fluazifop-P-butyl, glufosinate, glyphosate, paraquat, pyroxsulam, rimsulfuron, and sethoxydim. A 310-bp fragment of the EPSPS gene containing position 106 was sequenced from PRHC and S. Field experiments were carried out in a prune orchard with PRE herbicides commonly used by perennial crop growers in California. Greenhouse dose–response experiments confirmed that PRHC is resistant to paraquat, as well as multiply resistant to clethodim and glyphosate. The EPSPS gene of PRHC is heterozygous for glyphosate resistance at position 106, where one allele exhibited proline substituted by serine and the other by alanine. Field experiments with PRE herbicides indicated that tank mixes containing indaziflam and flumioxazin can provide adequate L. multiflorum control up to 150 d after treatment. Poor weed management practices, such as overreliance on a single site of action, have frequently been associated with the selection of herbicide-resistant L. multiflorum populations around the world, and adequate herbicide-resistance management programs are necessary for growers to maintain economic sustainability even after evolution of herbicide-resistant weeds in their fields.
A drinking water relevant water chemistry model for the free chlorine and cyanuric acid system from 5°C to 35°C.

Abstract In the United States, approved methods to measure free chlorine concentrations in drinking water systems adding sodium dichloroisocyanurate (dichlor) or trichloroisocyanuric acid (trichlor...
Development of affordance perception and recalibration in children and adults.

Changes in the body over developmental time (e.g., physical growth) as well as over shorter timescales (e.g., wearing a backpack, carrying a large object) alter possibilities for motor action. How well can children recalibrate their perception of action possibilities to account for sudden changes to body size? The current study compared younger children (4-7 years), older children (8-11 years), and adults as they decided whether they could squeeze through doorways of varying widths. To test for age-related changes in recalibration to modified abilities versus perception of unmodified abilities, half of the participants wore a backpack while making judgments and squeezing through doorways and half did not. Results indicated that judgment accuracy improved with age but that participants had more difficulty when recalibrating to modified abilities. Bias in decision making also changed with age; whereas younger children made riskier decisions by attempting to fit through impossibly small doorways, older children were more cautious. Some particularly cautious participants never generated practice feedback by attempting (and failing) to fit through smaller doorways, which prevented them from recalibrating. Taken together with previous literature, the results of the current study suggest that the development of perception for unmodified versus modified ability proceeds at different rates and depends on the particular motor task.
Farnesoid X receptor represses matrix metalloproteinase 7 expression, revealing this regulatory axis as a promising therapeutic target in colon cancer

The farnesoid X receptor (FXR) is a member of the nuclear receptor superfamily of bile acid–activated transcription factors and an important regulator of cell proliferation, apoptosis, and Wnt signaling. Down-regulated expression of FXR plays an important role in some malignancies such as colon cancer, and in rodent models of intestinal neoplasia, FXR knockout increases the size and number of colon tumors. These previous observations implicate FXR as a tumor suppressor, but the underlying molecular mechanisms are unclear. Employing complementary experimental approaches and using human colon cancer specimens, human and murine colon cancer cell lines, and FXR transgenic mice, here we identified an additional, potentially important role for FXR. We observed an inverse relationship between the expression of FXR and matrix metalloproteinase-7 (MMP7), a collagenase and signaling molecule consistently associated with colon cancer progression. We noted that FXR gene ablation increases MMP7 expression. Consistent with this finding, FXR overexpression and a dominant-negative FXR mutation reduced and augmented, respectively, MMP7 expression. Of note, MMP7 was the only MMP gene family member whose expression was down-regulated after FXR activation. FXR-mediated regulation of MMP7 transcription did not require heterodimerization with the retinoid X receptor (RXR), indicating that FXR represses MMP7 expression independently of RXR. Last, we uncovered that FXR suppresses MMP7 transcription by binding to a negative FXR-responsive element in the 5′ MMP7 promoter, an event that inhibited colon cancer cell proliferation and invasion. These findings identify the FXR-MMP7 axis as a potential therapeutic target for managing colon cancer.
Critical Pedagogy and Its Implication in the Classroom

Critical pedagogy is a vital teaching strategy, one designed to strengthen the awareness of learners about justice and social equality, while improving their knowledge. Teachers today are busy in the classroom; they prepare the student for high stakes testing and, in the process, work to save the school from closing. As a result, teaching is most often test-oriented rather than knowledge-centered. This paper aims to provide a few examples of how several teachers use critical strategies in the classroom and how these teaching methods affect student thinking and learning positively. Lastly, the paper argues that classroom teachers should employ critical pedagogy in the classroom to prepare students to gain critical thinking skills and to help create a just society.
Polypyrrole nanoparticles as drug delivery and photothermal agents (Conference Presentation)

Laser Immunotherapy (LIT) is a novel treatment for metastatic cancer that uses laser irradiation and an immunostimulant to achieve lasting anti-tumor immunity. To increase photothermal conversion efficiency, LIT has used several types of agents tuned to absorb near-infrared (NIR) light. Polypyrrole (PPy) is an organic polymer with similar light absorbing characteristics to previously studied nanomaterials. We carried out dose-dependent PPy toxicity, stability, and photothermal experiments using a mouse breast cancer model. The marked stability under laser irradiation, coupled with PPy’s high photothermal conversion efficiency and low toxicity suggest that PPy could replace nanomaterials as a photothermal and drug-delivery agent.
Instagram Captions Matter. How Regulatory Fit Relates to Consumer Interactions and Brand Evaluations on Social Media.

]This research explored how consumers’ enthusiasm for interacting with fashion brands on Instagram affects their brand evaluations. More specifically, this research integrated consumer equity with the regulatory orientation theory to explore how chronic regulatory fit influences the relationship between interactions and brand evaluations. A total of 394 university students completed the questionnaire after interacting with the 12 selected images. The findings show that Instagram likes are increased by creating a regulatory fit “feels right” reaction in post messages. This fit could be achieved by (a) matching regulatory- focused posts with the consumer’s chronic regulatory orientation or (b) matching passive or active usage behaviors with the chronic regulatory orientation.
Cognitive-behavior therapy for sleep disorders at midlife.

ABSTRACT Insomnia is a clinical disorder characterized as difficulty falling asleep, staying asleep, or waking too early. To meet diagnostic criteria for an insomnia disorder, these difficulties must be present for a minimum of 3 months and cause significant daytime impairment. Insomnia is common in women transitioning through menopause and frequently continues in the years after menopause. Cognitive-behavior therapy for insomnia (CBT-I) is a brief behavior treatment, with decades of evidence supporting its effectiveness across the adult lifespan, including midlife. This Practice Pearl highlights the rationale for CBT-I and describes treatment components, with specific considerations for its use in midlife women.
Studies on the mechanisms of histidase development in rat skin and liver. I. Basis for tissue specific developmental changes in catalytic activity.

Abstract Skin and liver histidases of the rat follow markedly differing developmental courses. In skin, the enzyme activity emerges in late fetal life, rises to a maximum during the first postnatal week and then declines; in liver, histidase activity initially appears in the neonatal period and progressively rises thereafter. The enzymes in both tissues, however, are immunologically identical, as demonstrated by Ouchterlony double diffusion, immunoelectrophoresis, and immunotitration analyses of histidase in adult animals. Furthermore, although crude preparations of skin and liver histidase differ slightly in electrophoretic mobility on acrylamide gels, the isoelectric points and Michaelis constants of the enzyme from both skin and liver are the same. During development neither dissociable activators nor inhibitors of the enzyme are evident, which might account for the divergent developmental patterns, nor are enzyme inhibitors found in tissues devoid of histidase activity. No immunologically cross-reacting materials are detectable in skin and liver at developmental stages prior to the emergence of enzyme activity, nor in tissues not expressing histidase catalytic activity. Furthermore, there is no evidence of elaboration of immunological variants of histidase in skin and liver during development. These data are compatible with the view that all developmental changes in catalytic activity are due to altered amounts of the same enzyme antigen.
Targeting the Tumor Stroma as a Novel Treatment Strategy for Breast Cancer: Shifting from the Neoplastic Cell-Centric to a Stroma-Centric Paradigm

The lack of targeted therapy for women with triple negative breast cancer demands a "think-outside-the-box" approach in search of novel treatment strategies. Although cancer drug development traditionally focused on targeting the tumor cell cycle, emphasis has recently shifted toward the tumor microenvironment for novel therapeutic and prevention strategies. The tumor microenvironment is a dynamic composite of cells broadly categorized as immune cells and nonimmune cells within a scaffold of extracellular matrix, where tumor cells thrive. Among the various nonimmune cell types, cancer stromal cells have emerged as critical players in promoting tumor proliferation, neovascularization, invasion, and metastasis as well as interacting with immune cells to tilt the equilibrium toward a tolerogenic environment that favors the tumor cells. In view of recent work that demonstrated that the depletion of fibroblast activation protein (FAP) expressing tumor stromal cells resulted in stunted tumor growth and improved response to tumor vaccination, the tumor microenvironment is, therefore, fertile ground for development of novel therapy with the potential of augmenting existing treatment and prevention options. In this review, we will focus on current evidence supporting the role of cancer associated fibroblasts (CAFs), with a special focus on FAP(+) stromal cells, in promoting tumor growth. The role of CAFs in promoting an immunosuppressive environment, which may accelerate tumor progression, will be discussed with the hope that therapeutics developed to target the "generic" tumor microenvironment may be effective for malignancies such as triple negative breast cancer, for which targeted therapy is not available to date, in the future.
Towards a Module System for K

Research on the semantics of programming languages has yielded a wide array of notations and methodologies for defining languages and language features. An important feature many of these notations and methodologies lack is modularity: the ability to define a language feature once, insulating it from unrelated changes in other parts of the language, and allowing it to be reused in other language definitions. This paper introduces ongoing work on modularity features in K, an algebraic, rewriting logic based formalism for defining language semantics.
Implementation of specification conjunction and domain interaction in Rosetta

Summary form only given. System level design is nowadays a complex process due to heterogeneity of domains of components in a single system. The language standard, Rosetta, was proposed as a means to help in such designs. An important feature in Rosetta is known as domain interaction and involves the analysis of interaction between models from domain to domain. The resulting iteration models can then be used to ensure correctness of the system at the design level. The goal of my doctoral dissertation is therefore to implement the semantics of domain interactions in Rosetta and to apply it in the specification of real world examples.
Consistent Estimates of the Impact of Special Interest Groups on Economic Growth

Empirical studies designed to testOlson's (1982) theory of institutional sclerosis aretypically forced to rely upon proxies to measure theability of special interest groups to engage inredistributive activities, which in turn areexpected to hinder economic growth. This note showsthat reliance on proxies biases the estimates towardzero. Here, instrumental variable routines areutilized which increase the estimated impact ofspecial interests on the economy.
Baculovirus Expression Vectors

A baculovirus expression vector (BEV) is a recombinant baculovirus with a double-stranded circular DNA genome that has been genetically modified to include a foreign gene of interest. BEVs are viable and can infect susceptible hosts, usually cultured lepidopteran insect cells or larvae, in a helper-independent fashion. Therefore, BEVs can efficiently transfer foreign genes into these eukaryotic host cells. The foreign gene is usually a chimeric construct with the sequence encoding a protein of interest placed under the transcriptional control of a viral promoter. This arrangement enables viral functions to transcribe the gene during infection. The resulting mRNA is translated and the newly synthesized protein modified by host-encoded biosynthetic machinery. In essence, then, BEVs and their insect cell hosts are two separate components of a binary eukaryotic expression system, which will be called simply the BEV system throughout the remainder of this chapter.
Stability of magnetic jet equilibria.

Magnetically confined plasma is notoriously unstable. Jets self-confined by magnetic fields can have advantages, however, if their streaming velocities exceed the Alfven speed. Traditional MHD modes (kink, pinch) have reduced growth rates in flowing jets. If the confining field threads a surrounding dense cocoon, this lowers the growth rates for wavelengths exceeding the jet radius, since motions must drag this cocoon mass along with the perturbation. The very straight jets of the well-aligned classical double radio sources imply remarkable sideways stability over distances of 1000 rj. This implies either Mach numbers exceeding 50, quite dense jets, or stabilization by magnetic linking of jet and cocoon, which increases growth lengths by Mcocoon/Mj• Wriggling produces sideways shocks, which can also slow growth. Bz builds up from a seed field by velocity shear amplification, and thus may not influence stability until it becomes correlated over distances > rj. Reflection modes riceochet around the interior, probably driving shocks which in turn may accelerate particles. Detection of a magnetically ordered cocoon would imply a major role for magnetic fields in the origin and propagation of jets.
Microsituations as an Active-Learning Tool To Teach Endocrine Pharmacology and Problem-Solving Skills.

Microsituations teaching is an active learning tool developed from cognitive science and cognitive learning theory. This case-based approach has been developed to address the need to teach problem-solving skills to large classes while conserving faculty and other resources. Since implementing this method in an endocrine pharmacology course, student performance on problem-solving examinations has improved. Additionally, student evaluation of the method is extremely positive.
Finite termination of augmenting path algorithms in the presence of irrational problem data

This paper considers two similar graph algorithms that work by repeatedly increasing "flow" along "augmenting paths": the Ford- Fulkerson algorithm for the maximum flow problem and the Gale-Shapley algorithm for the stable allocation problem (a many-to-many generalization of the stable matching problem). Both algorithms clearly terminate when given integral input data. For real-valued input data, it was previously known that the Ford-Fulkerson algorithm runs in polynomial time if augmenting paths are chosen via breadth-first search, but that the algorithm might fail to terminate if augmenting paths are chosen in an arbitrary fashion. However, the performance of the Gale-Shapley algorithm on real-valued data was unresolved. Our main result shows that, in contrast to the Ford-Fulkerson algorithm, the Gale-Shapley algorithm always terminates in finite time on real-valued data. Although the Gale-Shapley algorithm may take exponential time in the worst case, it is a popular algorithm in practice due to its simplicity and the fact that it often runs very quickly (even in sublinear time) for many inputs encountered in practice. We also study the Ford-Fulkerson algorithm when augmenting paths are chosen via depth-first search, a common implementation in practice. We prove that, like breadth-first search, depth-first search also leads to finite termination (although not necessarily in polynomial time).
Short-term variability in body weight predicts long-term weight gain

Background: Body weight in lower animals and humans is highly stable despite a very large flux in energy intake and expenditure over time. Conversely, the existence of higher-than-average variability in weight may indicate a disruption in the mechanisms responsible for homeostatic weight regulation. Objective: In a sample chosen for weight-gain proneness, we evaluated whether weight variability over a 6-mo period predicted subsequent weight change from 6 to 24 mo. Design: A total of 171 nonobese women were recruited to participate in this longitudinal study in which weight was measured 4 times over 24 mo. The initial 3 weights were used to calculate weight variability with the use of a root mean square error approach to assess fluctuations in weight independent of trajectory. Linear regression analysis was used to examine whether weight variability in the initial 6 mo predicted weight change 18 mo later. Results: Greater weight variability significantly predicted amount of weight gained. This result was unchanged after control for baseline body mass index (BMI) and BMI change from baseline to 6 mo and for measures of disinhibition, restrained eating, and dieting. Conclusions: Elevated weight variability in young women may signal the degradation of body weight regulatory systems. In an obesogenic environment this may eventuate in accelerated weight gain, particularly in those with a genetic susceptibility toward overweight. Future research is needed to evaluate the reliability of weight variability as a predictor of future weight gain and the sources of its predictive effect. The trial on which this study is based is registered at clinicaltrials.gov as {"type":"clinical-trial","attrs":{"text":"NCT00456131","term_id":"NCT00456131"}}NCT00456131.
Evidence for membrane lipid peroxidation during the in vivo aging of human erythrocytes

Abstract This study has examined the occurrence of lipid peroxidation in in vivo aged human erythrocyte membranes. Erythrocytes of various ages were separated on discontinuous stractan density gradients. Three erythrocyte fractions were analyzed: (I) Light — erythrocytes staying between stractan densities 1.053 and 1.043 g/ml, (II) predensest — erythrocytes staying between stractan densities 1.081 and 1.111, and (III) densest — erythrocytes passing stractan density 1.111. Peroxidative lipid damage of erythrocytes was assessed by measuring lipid extract fluorescence, by lipid thin-layer chromatography for the presence of adduct of phosphatidylserine (PS), phosphatidylethanolamine (PE) and malondialdehyde, and by thiobarbituric acid-reactivity. Fractions I, II and III contained, respectively, 0.2 ± 0.1 (S.E.), 1.1 ± 0.1 and 1.5 ± 0.1 of phospholipid-malondialdehyde adduct (percent of total phospholipids), and relative lipid fluorescence 22.5 ± 0.8 , 29.3 ± 0.5 , and 33.4 ± 0.8 per ml packed cells, respectively. Thiobarbituric acid-reactivity of erythrocytes in various fractions was similar. Untreated densest erythrocytes contained significantly reduced PS ( 12.9 ± 0.5% ), in contrast to light erythrocytes ( 16.1 ± 0.1% ) and increased PC ( 31.2 ± 0.3 versus 27.8 ± 0.8% of the total phospholipid). This study provides evidence for significant lipid peroxidative damage in the erythrocyte membrane during aging in vivo.
Experience with a wireless network testbed based on signal propagation emulation

The evaluation of wireless research is challenging because signals traveling through the ether are affected by the physical environment, including movement by people and objects. As a result, testbed experiments are hard to control and are non-repeatable. We have developed a wireless networking testbed based on digital signal propagation emulation that provides control over the signal propagation environment. The testbed has been in regular use for research and education since early 2007. In this paper we present measurements illustrating the properties of the emulator testbed. We also compare the results of various experiments on the emulator with simulation results to shed some light on when the increased accuracy of the emulator testbed is important. Finally, we use the experience gained on the emulator to identify classes of experiments for which the emulator is well suited, compared with other evaluation platforms.
Structure and composition of urate storage granules from the fat body of Manduca sexta

Uric acid granules were isolated and purified from fat body of fifth instar tobacco hornworms, Manduca sexta (L.). Analysis by light microscopy indicated that preparations were homogeneous and all granules displayed birefringent properties. Scanning electron microscopy confirmed the homogeneity of the preparations and showed near spherical or biconcave shaped granules, many with hollow centers. The granules, 0.5–2.0 μm in dia, consisted of a tight array of concentrically whorled fibers about 0.02 μm in dia and 0.5–1.0 μm in length. Biochemical analyses revealed that the granules contained 75–78% uric acid, 4–5% protein and 0.5% carbohydrate. Elemental analysis indicated the presence of potassium (6.7%) with lesser amounts of sodium (0.5%) and that the granules contained 6–7% water. SDS-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis indicated the presence of numerous peptides ranging in molecular weight from 20,000 to > 200,000. Amino acid analysis showed an abundance of aspartic acid, glutamic acid and apolar amino acids. Transmission electron microscopic analysis revealed that staining of individual fibers with uranyl acetate and lead citrate was restricted to the outer surfaces. These findings suggest that the granules are composed of tightly coiled fibers of crystalline uric acid/urates and that each fiber is enveloped with protein.
Evaluating from the outside: conducting cross-cultural evaluation research on an American Indian reservation.

There is limited guidance for conducting competent and responsive cross-cultural evaluation research with American Indian communities. The authors draw on Fisher and Ball’s Tribal Participatory Research Model to highlight ways in which this project is attempting to be culturally appropriate and sensitive as they partner with an American Indian community to implement and evaluate a youth-based initiative. Challenges encountered during the evaluation are shared, as well as the authors’ collective responses to such challenges. Implications for future cross-cultural evaluation researchers are also discussed in light of these experiences.
Gay Bullying and Online Opinion Expression: Testing Spiral of Silence in the Social Media Environment

Social network sites (SNSs) such as Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, and LinkedIn have recently attracted the attention of public opinion scholars. However, research testing existing public opinion theories in a social media context is scarce. This study represents arguably the first empirical examination of the spiral of silence theory in the social media environment. Through an experimental manipulation embedded in an Internet survey, respondents (N = 760) were presented with a hypothetical scenario (i.e., friendly or hostile) concerning gay bullying, an issue suited for investigation due to its moral components. Willingness to self-censor and to some extent, congruency with the national opinion climate were significant predictors of various online opinion response strategies, indicating the presence of the spiral of silence phenomenon in the social media environment. However, individual characteristics such as issue importance were related to willingness to communicate about the issue, suggesting a liberating effect on opinion expression.
The inhibition of stuttering via the perceptions and production of syllable repetitions.

ABSTRACTIn contrast to most therapeutic protocols for stuttering that induce fluency while producing speech targets, we investigated the possibility of inducing “carry-over” fluency prior to normal speech production. Ten adults who stutter read 7–12 syllable phrases after actively producing (via shadowing) or passively listening to: (a) repeating syllables, matched to the initial syllable of the target utterance; (b) repeating syllables, not matched to the initial syllable of the target; (c) nonrepeating syllables; and (d) fricative /noise-like acoustic signals. Relative to baseline, all active syllabic conditions produced ∼70% inhibition (reduction) of stuttering in the ensuing target utterances, which is attributed to carry-over from fluent shadowing. The most robust passive inhibition (56%) resulted from listening to matched repeating syllables. These findings further sustain that a perception-production link in speech, possibly resulting from mirror neuron activity, can facilitate the inhibition of st...
Protein changes during various stages of breadmaking of four spring wheats: quantification by size-exclusion HPLC.

ABSTRACT Protein changes for four hard red spring wheat genotypes (Len, Marshall, 215, and Butte 86) were assessed at various stages of breadmaking using a size-exclusion HPLC technique. Breadmaking stages considered were flour, after mixing, before punching, after punching, after fermentation, and after proofing. Quality and functional characteristics of the four wheat genotypes were determined. The three main protein groups isolated by SE-HPLC were further characterized by SDS-PAGE. A direct relationship between polymeric glutenin (peak I of SE-HPLC fractions) in flours and loaf volume was found for the three wheat genotypes with identical high molecular weight glutenin subunit (HMW-GS) composition (2*, 7+9, 5+10) and one line with similar HMW-GS composition (2*, 7+9, 2+12), differing in the Glu-D1 locus. Quantitative changes in the distribution of SDS-soluble proteins fractionated by SE-HPLC were also examined. Peak I proteins (polymeric proteins) from SDS-extractable proteins tend to decrease during b...
Later-Life Transitions into Widowhood

Abstract This qualitative study examines the changes women over age 70 experience when becoming widowed. It explores the implications associated with these transitions and the significance of social supports. The results suggest findings that are essential for the practitioner and policy maker in the gerontology area.
Fracture surface examination of dental ceramics using fractal analysis.

Summary Objective The purpose of this study was to measure the fractal dimensional increment of the fracture surface of six dental ceramics, and to measure the correlation of the fractal dimensional increment with fracture toughness. The six dental ceramics investigated were: a traditional porcelain (Finesse[F], Ceramco, Burlington, NJ, USA), four leucite reinforced pressable ceramics (Finesse Pressable [FP], Ceramco; Empress [E], Ivoclar; New Albany, NY, USA and two shades of OPC [OA2 and OI40], Jeneric-Pentron, MA, USA), and a lithium disilicate containing pressable ceramic ([LD] Ceramco). Methods The fracture surfaces examined and the measured fracture toughness (KIC) values are from a previous study [1] . An impression was taken of the fracture surface, poured up in epoxy, coated with gold, a second layer of epoxy added, and then the surface polished at an angle to the fracture surface. This fracture interface (slit island) was observed in an optical microscope with an imaging system from which an image of the fracture line was digitized. The slit island perimeter was then measured using five different length rulers. The fractal dimensional increment (D*) was determined using a Richardson technique. A second experiment on three ceramics investigated whether there was a correlation between fracture toughness and the values of D* measured by an alternative technique using a confocal microscope. Results and significance Fracture toughness was well correlated with D* using either technique.
Noninvasive laser coagulation of the canine vas deferens, in vivo

Development of a noninvasive vasectomy technique may eliminate male fear of complications (incision, bleeding, infection, and scrotal pain) and result in a more popular procedure. This study builds upon previously reported ex vivo tissue studies by exploring acute and short-term chronic in vivo canine studies. Isolation of the canine vas was achieved using a conventional vas ring clamp method. No perforation of the scrotal skin was necessary to occlude the vas. Laser radiation with a wavelength of 1075 nm, average power of 11.2 W, 500-ms pulse duration, 0.5 Hz pulse rate, and 3-mm-diameter spot was synchronized with cryogen spray cooling of the scrotal skin surface in a total of 8 dogs (n = 16 vasa) for a treatment time of 60 s. Burst pressure measurements were conducted at Days 0 and 21 (n = 8 vasa each day) to quantify the strength of vas closure. The vas was successfully thermally occluded in 15/16 (94%) procedures with 14/15 (93%) vas recording burst pressures above ejaculation pressure. One vas was not present, and another vas recorded a bursting pressure below ejaculation pressure. The coagulated vas bursting pressure averaged 283 ± 34 mm Hg at Day 0 and 260 ± 77 mm Hg at Day 21, significantly higher than reported vas ejaculation pressures of 136 ± 29 mm Hg. Minor scrotal skin burns were observed during the recovery period. Noninvasive thermal occlusion of the vas is feasible in an in vivo canine model. Elimination of minor skin burns and longer term chronic in vivo canine studies are needed to confirm azospermia after vas occlusion without recanalization.