cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Computational Modeling of Telomerase in Action

Telomerase is a special reverse transcriptase that adds repetitive DNA sequences, GGGTTG for Tetrahymena thermophila, at the 3’ end of DNA strand in the telomere region to ensure DNA replication completion. This enzyme is a ribonucleoprotein complex with RNA subunit as a template for synthesis of the repetitive telomeres. Telomerase is a key element to understand cellular aging and tumorigenesis due to its direct impact on chromosome length maintenance. The mechanism with which telomerase adds the six nucleotide repeat is not well-understood with current experimental biochemical and biophysical methods. The lack of three-dimensional structure of telomerase further hinders the current effort to fully understand its crucial biological function. Here, we attempt to propose a 3D structural model of the six catalytic steps using computational modeling with experimental constraints. We perform discrete molecular dynamics simulations with experimental constraints derived from SHAPE chemistry, FRET and crystal structure homology modeling. Our preliminary results reveal interesting structural features and dynamic properties of telomerase in action. Further simulations and detailed computational analysis will allow us to generate experimentally testable hypothesis. The synergetic approaches of computational modeling and experimental validation will help us understand the molecular mechanism of telomerase.
Butterbur extract: Prophylactic treatment for childhood migraines

The incidence of migraine headaches in childhood is increasing. Migraines are often difficult to diagnose in pediatrics and even more difficult to treat and prevent. In order to decrease the impact of the condition on the child and the family, prophylactic treatment is recommended if the child is experiencing disabling migraines. The medications currently prescribed for the prevention of pediatric migraines often have significant side effects and are of questionable therapeutic value. For those patients and parents who are interested in alternative therapies and natural remedies for preventive treatment of pediatric migraines, butterbur extract derived from the butterbur plant, Petasites hybridus, has emerged as a promising treatment. This paper discusses the impact of migraines among pediatric patients, the rationale for the preventative treatment of pediatric migraines, the current therapies and the relevance of butterbur extract as a prophylactic treatment for migraines in this patient population.
Enhanced recovery of pseudomonas from blood cultures

Abstract Pseudomonas and staphylococcal septicaemia are frequent complications of paediatric patients with significant burns. Early diagnosis and appropriate treatment afford the greatest likelihood of clinical response. Blood cultures from these patients may be negative or may become positive only after prolonged incubation. To evaluate more rapid culture methods for precise diagnosis, an in vitro study was done. The effects of venting and/or rotating on low inocula blood cultures was evaluated. Both venting and rotating contributed to more rapid bacterial growth and the effects were additive, affording a much more rapid and, therefore, potentially more useful culture method.
The necessity for calcium for increased renal vitamin D receptor in response to 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D

To further investigate the regulation of the vitamin D receptor in the kidney of the rat, we analyzed the response of the receptor to 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D-3 under conditions of calcium supplementation and calcium restriction. Vitamin D-deficient, male weanling rats, fed a calcium-restricted or calcium-supplemented, vitamin D-deficient diet, were treated for 4 weeks with vitamin D (orally) or 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D-3 (60 pmol/d by mini-osmotic pump). We also extended the treatment to 8 weeks for one group of animals fed the calcium-supplemented diet. Vitamin D compounds decreased the level of renal receptor in rats fed the low calcium diet. However, in animals given a 1.2% calcium diet, both vitamin D and 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D-3 increased receptor levels by 130%. After 8 weeks, 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D-3 had increased the receptor level by 260% while vitamin D had no further effect. Thus, dietary calcium is required for vitamin D to up-regulate the renal vitamin D receptor level. Further, 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D-3 itself appears to have a marked ability to increase vitamin D receptor levels. These results suggest a complex mechanism of homologous regulation of the vitamin D receptor in the kidney.
Anesthetic Management of Thoracotomy

Successful anesthesia for thoracic surgery requires an understanding of the clinical disease and the physiologic changes accompanying the disease, as well as anesthetic agents available for use. The authors discuss selection of appropriate anesthetic drugs, perioperative management considerations, pharmacologic support, intraoperative monitoring and postoperative pain management.
Reduced second harmonic generation from closely spaced pairs of Au nanoparticles

Closely spaced pairs or "dimers" of elongated gold nanoparticles may be expected to exhibit electric field hotspots. We investigate the possible influence of hotspots on second harmonic generation. Preliminary results show that arrays of nanoparticle dimers exhibit reduced second-harmonic generation compared with arrays of single nanoparticles having similar extinction spectra, contradicting a simple model of second-harmonic generation (varying as the fourth power of the local fundamental field) if hotspots can be shown to exist in such gaps.
Sensing Charges of Ci-VSP

The Ciona intestinalis Voltage Sensor-containing Phosphatase (Ci-VSP) is a member of the Voltage Sensitive Phosphatase family that exhibits membrane potential-controlled enzymatic activity. Alignments of the amino acid sequence of Ci-VSP against Voltage Gated Channels (VGC) indicate that its Voltage Sensing Domain (VSD) is formed by four transmembrane segments. The putative fourth segment (S4) of Ci-VSP extends between the arginine (R) in position 217 and the glutamine (Q) in position 239, containing five arginines, which might be the voltage sensing charges. Although it has been shown that R229 and R232 are critical for voltage sensing in Ci-VSP (Murata et al., 2005), the role of the remaining charges is still unclear. To address this issue, we have performed a partial Histidine Scanning of the S4 of Ci-VSP, following the paradigm established for the VGC Shaker (Starace and Bezanilla, 2004). The voltage dependence of the sensing current of the R217H mutant was modulated by pH. Decreasing the external pH shifted the Q-V curve towards positive potentials, while a pH increase had the converse effect, consistent with the finding that neutralizing R217 (R217Q) produces a negative shift of the voltage dependence of Ci-VSP (Kohout et al., 2008). However, the total net charge of R217H did not change with pH, indicating that R217 does not participate in sensing the membrane potential. When the second arginine is replaced by histidine, the resultant mutant (R223H) exhibits a voltage dependent proton current which closes at positive potentials, resembling the current recorded from Shaker-W434F with its first gating charge replaced by histidine (R362H). This result strongly suggests that R223 has access to both the intra- and the extracellular media depending on voltage. Taken together, our results indicate that R223 is the most extracellularly located sensing charge of the Ci-VSP S4 segment. (Support: NIHGM030376)
The Role of Sonography in Selective Laser Photocoagulation Therapy for the Treatment of Severe Twin-to-Twin Transfusion Syndrome A Literature Review

Twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome (TTTS) is a serious complication occurring in a significant number of monochorionic twin pregnancies. Vascular anastamoses within the shared placenta lead to a potentially fatal hemodynamic imbalance from one twin to the other. Advances in sonography and endoscopic fetal surgery have led to treatment options, including selective laser photocoagulation of communicating vessels (SLPCV) and amnioreduction therapy. Recent research has allowed the development of a sonographically based staging system, which is being found useful in determining the optimal treatment method for individual cases based on the severity of TTTS by stage. This literature review aims to improve obstetrical sonographers’ understanding of the role they play in the overall evaluation of patients with TTTS and to offer suggestions and available techniques, as well as provide expectations, that may aid them in their evaluation of these patients, particularly during SLPCV therapy.
Low-bias-noise spectroscopy of field-effect transistor channels: Depletion-region trap models and spectra

Abstract The use of noise spectroscopy as a tool to characterize the materials and processing of FETs is demonstrated by using a simple model which accounts for resistance fluctuations in the FET channel by charge fluctuations in the FET Space Charge Region (SCR). The charge fluctuations are modeled as random electron capture by traps in the SCR from simultaneous and distinct concentrations of traps in the bulk region of the SCR, and in surface region immediately below the gate. The general form of the model relates the SCR width fluctuations to these charge fluctuations via Gauss' Law, and couples the width changes to the channel resistance variations. The dependence of the spectrum of the width fluctuations, Sw(f), upon the SCR width W, is evaluated at a low drain bias where a one-dimensional analysis of the uniform channel is adequate. The model is simplified by assuming independent, single electron traps with uniform distributions, from which the concentrations are found as the regression coefficients from a plot of W2Sw(f) vs W4 at a fixed frequency. Gallium arsenide MESFETs are used as a specific example, with the uniform and independent trap assumption being adequate to fit both ion implanted, and MBE grown channel layers. The trap density lineshape (2πf · S(f)) obtained, is best fit by a broadened Lorentzian lineshape of [ 2ωτ (1+ω 2 τ 2 )] 1 2 , which is characteristic of a one-dimensional diffusion process.
To Patterned Binary Polymer Brushes via Capillary Force Lithography and Surface-Initiated Polymerization

An effective approach is described for the synthesis of binary patterned polymer brushes using a combination of capillary force lithography and surface-initiated polymerization. First, the approach calls for an ultrathin polystyrene (PS) mask to be deposited, in a pattern, over a surface to which a layer of polymerization initiator has already been anchored. Next, surface-initiated atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP) is performed. This can graft the initial polymer brush onto those areas of the surface unprotected by the PS mask. After grafting is complete, the PS mask is removed and a second brush is synthesized on the newly exposed areas.
Gas phase oxidation of silicon monoxide during formation of evaporated films

Abstract The equilibrium constants for the reaction of gaseous silicon monoxide with both oxygen and vapor separately have been computed from free energy data. The values obtained have been used to determine the ratio of partial pressures of silicon monoxide and silicon dioxide which exist in the gas phase in equilibrium with various partial pressures of the oxidizing gas. It is shown, by assuming that a gas phase interaction is predominant when solid silicon monoxide is evaporated in an oxygen or a water vapor atmosphere, that it is possible to predict the composition of the resulting film. There is reasonably good agreement between these predicted values and those found by experimental analysis.
Risk factors for hypopharyngeal/upper esophageal stricture formation after concurrent chemoradiation†

Background. Concurrent chemoradiation therapy has been demonstrated to be effective as an organ-sparing treatment for select advanced head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). However, this treatment modality is not without side effects. One side effect is the formation of upper esophageal strictures. As concurrent chemoradiation treatment is used more frequently, it is important to identify risk factors associated with stricture formation. Methods. A retrospective chart review of all patients who had undergone definitive concurrent chemoradiation treatment between 1989 and 2002 was performed. Exclusion criteria included death within 1 year or persistent/recurrent disease that required surgical salvage at the primary site. The outcome measure was stricture formation as determined by both objec- tive findings (barium swallow or endoscopy) and the need for dilation after treatment. Results. Of the 222 patients in this cohort, there were enough data for 199 patients to assess for stricture formation. Strictures developed in a total of 41 patients (21%). Significant predictive factors were a twice-daily (BID) radiation fractionation (p ¼ .007), female sex (p ¼ .015), and a hypopharyngeal primary site (p ¼ .01). Age and tumor extent were not significant factors in stricture formation (p ¼ .15 and p ¼ .23, respectively). Conclusions. Symptomatic strictures occur in 21% of patients undergoing concurrent chemoradiation for HNSCC. Female sex, BID radiation fractionation, and a hypopharyngeal primary site are significant predictive factors for stricture formation. V C 2006
Solvent extraction reagent entrainment effects on zinc electrowinning from waste oxide leach solutions

Abstract A considerable quantity of metal-containing waste oxide is generated by the primary metal industry, and under increased environmental regulation, treatment of these wastes has become viable. Hydrometallurgical processing is often appropriate and one potential treatment process for zinc oxide wastes involves leaching the oxide with an acid, purifying by a solvent extraction operation, and recovering metallic zinc by electrowinning the purified leach solution. The purification stage is frequently critical and the introduction of a solvent extraction organic reagent into the flowsheet can be detrimental to downstream processes. The object of this study was to determine the effect of organics, entrained during solution purification, on the zinc electrowinning efficiency. Zinc solvent extraction / electrowinning studies were made using di-2-ethylhexyl phosphoric acid (D2EHPA), diluted with kerosene, as the organic extractant. The stripping of the zinc from the organic phase was achieved using spent electrolyte solution. Multiple stages of zinc solvent extraction tests were performed to produced a strong acid electrolyte suitable for electrowinning tests. The entrainment of the organic extractant, from the solvent extraction stage, in the loaded spent electrolyte was found to significantly affect the current efficiency, and to change the zinc deposit morphology and orientation with concurrent modifications to the polarization behavior of the system being noted. Purification of the contaminated electrolyte with activated carbon improved the current efficiency and deposit morphology, and decreased the polarization to acceptable levels. The conclusions are that the detrimental effects of entrained organic can be eliminated, and that solvent extraction processing is a viable method for the treatment of zinc containing waste oxides.
From clinical trials to clinical practice: single-agent carfilzomib adverse events and their management in patients with relapsed and/or refractory multiple myeloma

Multiple myeloma is characterized by periods of remission followed by relapse, and eventually the disease becomes refractory to treatment. While patients with multiple myeloma frequently receive multiple lines of treatment, antimyeloma agents are associated with a number of toxicities that can impact their use and influence future treatment options. Patients with relapsed and/or refractory multiple myeloma are particularly challenging to treat due to the advanced state of their disease, typically greater resistance to treatment, and the presence of disease- and treatment-related comorbidities. An understanding of the safety profile of the therapeutic agents used in treating multiple myeloma is thus crucial for appropriate patient management. Single-agent carfilzomib has been approved in the United States for the treatment of patients with relapsed and refractory multiple myeloma, and has been shown to be efficacious and well-tolerated in this setting. This review examines the frequency of common and significant hematologic and nonhematologic adverse events following administration of single-agent carfilzomib in four phase II trials in relapsed and/or refractory multiple myeloma, and provides practical recommendations for their management.
Computational modeling of flow and sediment transport and deposition in meandering rivers

Abstract A computational modeling analysis of the flow and sediment transport, and deposition in meandering-river models was performed. The Reynolds stress transport model of the FLUENTTM code was used for evaluating the river flow characteristics, including the mean velocity field and the Reynolds stress components. The simulation results were compared with the available experimental data of the river model and discussed. The Lagrangian tracking of individual particles was performed, and the transport and deposition of particles of various sizes in the meandering river were analyzed. Particular attention was given to the sedimentation patterns of different size particles in the river-bend model. The flow patterns in a physical river were also studied. A Froude number based scale ratio of 1:100 was used, and the flow patterns in the physical and river models are compared. The result shows that the mean-flow quantities exhibit dynamic similarity, but the turbulence parameters of the physical river are different from the model. More strikingly, the particle sedimentation features in the physical and river models do not obey the expected similarity scaling.
Using an Inorganic Aqueous Solution (IAS) in Copper and Aluminum Phase Change Heat Transfer Devices

A novel Inorganic Aqueous Solution (IAS) is shown to have a better thermal performance than water when used as the working fluid in copper or aluminum made heat transfer devices. The effect of each chemical in the IAS and how it benefits heat transfer performance for different materials is explained. It was found that the IAS fluid reacts with copper and coats the surface with a layer of hydrophilic products during the initial boiling process. The surface roughness and wettability were increased which led to an enhanced heat transfer performance. The IAS passivates aluminum surfaces and makes water compatible for use with aluminum heat transfer devices. In addition, IAS has potential to improve the heat transfer performance by 50% lower the superheat when used with non-reactive material heat transfer devices.Copyright © 2013 by ASME
The Japanese American internment: Exploring the transgenerational consequences of traumatic stress

The present study investigates the cross-generational impact of the World War II Japanese American internment upon the children of those who were incarcerated. Survey data were collected from a national sample of 593 third-generation (Sansei) Japanese Americans to assess the impact of a parent's internment upon the Sansei's: (a) patterns of communication, interest, and knowledge about the internment; and (b) attitudes towards ethnic affiliation, sense of security in the United States, and monetary redress. Results indicated that strikingly little communication has occurred between the Sansei and their parents regarding the internment. In addition, although Sansei whose parents had been interned did not differ from Sansei with noninterned parents in terms of outmarriage or level of knowledge about the internment, they did report being less secure about their rights in this country, having a greater preference for affiliation with other Japanese Americans and more strongly favoring monetary redress for those who were interned. The implications of these findings are discussed with reference to the existing literature on trauma and victimization.
Heterogeneity in human cardiac troponin I standards.

The LC-MS analysis of recombinant cardiac troponin I (cTnI) and cTnI extracted from human hearts showed a high degree of structural heterogeneity among all samples. The examined recombinant cTnI samples indicated posttranslational modifications, presumably due to their purification (i.e., 2-mercaptoethanol adducts and carbamylation) and related to their expression (i.e., an N-terminal expression tag). The extracted cTnI samples, while having a higher degree of structural heterogeneity, showed less structural variance between samples than the recombinant proteins. The LC-MS analysis of the extracted cTnI samples provided evidence of posttranslational modification by phosphorylation, acetylation, proteolytic cleavage, and intrachain disulfide bond formation.
Circadian period in mice: analysis of genetic and maternal contributions to inbred strain differences.

Differences of approximately 25 min in the free-running period of a circadian rhythm for wheel-running activity were observed among four inbred mouse strains (Mus musculus). Two sets of reciprocal hybrid crosses among the strains showed approximately intermediate values for circadian period in one cross and dominance for a short period in the other. Neither set of crosses showed evidence of significant maternal effects on circadian period. These results indicate that the inbred strain differences in circadian period are imposed primarily by direct effects of allelic differences among the strains, rather than through maternally mediated mechanisms.
Tobacco carcinogen mediated up-regulation of AP-1 dependent pro-angiogenic cytokines in head and neck carcinogenesis

Tobacco is notably genotoxic and associated with head and neck carcinogenesis. Cigarette carcinogens have the capacity to alter early response gene expression in tobacco-related malignancies via genes such as nuclear factor kappa B (NFκB). A number of early response gene activation events are also facilitated by fos/jun activator protein 1 (AP-1) associated pathways. In the present study, we hypothesize that tobacco products may induce microenvironment alterations, promoting angiogenesis and providing a permissive environment for head and neck cancer progression. In an in vitro analysis, we employed immortalized oral keratinocyte (HOK-16B) and laryngeal squamous carcinoma (UM-SCC-11A) cells to investigate interleukin (IL)-8 and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) induction by cigarette smoke condensate (CSC). IL-8 and VEGF expression is based on interactions between NFκB, AP-1, and NF-IL6. We identified at least 1.5-fold dose-dependent induction of AP-1, VEGF, and IL-8 promoter/reporter gene activity after 24 h exposure to CSC. Next, we stably transfected UM-SCC-11A cells with A-Fos, a dominant negative AP-1 protein. Treatment with CSC of the A-Fos cell lines compared to empty vector controls significantly down-regulated AP-1, VEGF, and IL-8 promoter/reporter gene expression. We also performed ELISAs and discovered significant up-regulation of IL-8 and VEGF secretion by UMSCC 11A after treatment with phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate, tumor necrosis factor alpha, and CSC, which was down-regulated by the A-Fos dominant negative protein. We conclude tobacco carcinogens up-regulate AP-1 activity and AP-1 dependent IL-8 and VEGF gene expression in head and neck cancer. This up-regulation may promote an angiogenic phenotype favoring invasion in both premalignant and squamous cancer cells of the head and neck.
Localization of thymocyte stem cell precursors in the pharyngeal endoderm of early amphibian embryos.

Abstract The embryonic germ layer derivation of thymic lymphocytes in the leopard frog ( Rana pipiens ) was invesigated. The ectoderm and mesoderm—but not the endoderm—from the developing gill bud was reciprocally and orthotopically transplanted between diploid and triploid chromosomally marked 72-hr old embryos. The lymphocytes which subsequently developed in the thymus were of host ploidy. Thus, the head mesenchyme adjacent to the thymic anlagen does not appear to be the source of the stem cells from which thymocytes differentiate. Rather, the stem cells can he localized in the endoderm of the pharyngeal pouch which initially gives rise to the thymic epithelium. These findings suggest either the endodermal origin of thymocytes or the very early migration of stem cells into the thymus anlagen prior to any thymus histogenesis.
Ensuring That Green Jobs are Good Jobs

A priority of the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences' (NIEHS's) Worker Education and Training Program (WETP) is to make sure that green jobs are good jobs: they must be safe jobs and must include strong safety training programs. The Laborers AGC Education and Training Fund (LAGC) of the Laborers International Union of North America has been a grantee of the WETP for years and has developed hands-on, peer-focused, state-of-the-art health and safety training for laborers in the environmental remediation field. NIEHS has worked with union President Terence O'Sullivan and the LAGC to train workers engaged in freeing our communities from the extensive legacy of industrial pollution.
Regional differences as barriers to body mass index screening described by Ohio school nurses.

BACKGROUND: Body mass index (BMI) screening is advocated by the National Association of School Nurses (NASN). Research identifying barriers to BMI screening in public elementary school settings has been sparse. The purpose of the study was to identify barriers and facilitating factors of BMI screening practices among Ohio school nurses working in suburban, rural, and urban public elementary schools. METHODS: This descriptive study used focus groups with 25 school nurses in 3 geographic regions of Ohio. An adapted Healthy People 2010 model guided the development of semistructured focus group questions. RESULTS: Nine regional themes related to BMI screening emerged specific to suburban, rural, and/or urban school nurses' experiences with BMI screening practice, policy, school physical environment, school social environment, school risk/protection, and access to quality health care. Key facilitating factors to BMI screening varied by region. Key barriers to BMI screening were a lack of privacy, time, policy, and workload of school nurses. CONCLUSION: Regionally specific facilitating factors to BMI screening in schools provide opportunities for schools to accentuate the positive and to promote school health.
Hydrogen Ion Beam Smoothening of Oxygen Roughened Ge(001) Surfaces

A smooth Ge(001) surface can be severely roughened by chemical etching with oxygen gas and then returned to its original smoothness by exposure to hydrogen. The rate of recovery of the surface depends strongly on temperature, as well as on whether the hydrogen is introduced as a low energy ion beam or simply as a gas. The roughness induced in the surface by etching is “locked-in” after removal of the oxygen gas through pinning of ledges by residual contamination. This pinning prevents the surface from smoothening thermally. The introduction of hydrogen to the surface promotes a chemical reaction which frees the pinned sites and allows thermal smoothening to proceed.
Psychological correlates of vasectomy.

Abstract Objective: To examine the thoughts and concerns of men contemplating vasectomy before speaking to a physician as well as their partner's role in reaching this decision. Design: A questionnaire analysis using response rates, ANOVA, and regression analyses. Setting: A large Midwestern teaching hospital. Patient(s): Visitors to the urology clinic of the hospital. Intervention(s): None. Main Outcome Measure(s): [1] Questionnaire designed by authors. [2] Measures of self-concept, relationship satisfaction, and problem-solving abilities. Result(s): [1] Subjects had been considering vasectomy for an average of 1 year and were fairly certain of their decision. [2] Anxiety about vasectomy surgery was mostly driven by fear about pain and fear of the unknown. [3] Concerns about the finality of the procedure did not emerge as a big concern. [4] There is confusion about the reversibility of the procedure. [5] Subjects are better problem solvers and have a higher self-concept than people in general. Conclusion(s): Our findings demonstrate the need for adequate prevasectomy counseling, particularly in the area of postoperative expectations, as well as reversibility of the procedure.
Perceived value of pasta in Greece and Romania

Purpose – This study aims to provide international pasta marketers with a better understanding of how consumers perceive product value, which enables them to create and deliver value. The effects of COO, price, and content on purchase intentions are assessed. Design/methodology/approach – Data were collected via the survey method in Romania and Greece. Using a random utility discrete choice model, the authors test five hypotheses. Findings – Overall, Romanian and Greek individuals are less likely to buy US pasta; nevertheless, the likelihood that US or Italian pasta is purchased increases when this product is made from durum wheat versus soft wheat. Differences in purchase intentions due to age, gender, education, income, and nationality are also found. Research limitations/implications – The results have important implications for international pasta marketers, as it helps them to better understand the perceived pasta value and to position this product effectively in Greek and Romanian markets. Future st...
Gendered Dimensions of the HIV Pandemic: A Cross-National Investigation of Women's International Nongovernmental Organizations, Contraceptive Use, and HIV Prevalence in Less-Developed Nations

The human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) pandemic has a profound impact on women as a result of social and biological vulnerabilities to the infection. In this article, we explore the influence of democracy, women’s international nongovernmental organizations (INGOs), and contraceptive use on female HIV rates, using indirect-effect modeling techniques to properly test the interrelationships among key variables. Structural equation models reveal that democracy and women’s INGOs work to reduce female HIV rates indirectly, by promoting the use of contraceptives among women in lessdeveloped nations. Despite these promising findings, the analyses also reveal that INGOs are negatively associated with sociohealth dimensions of female empowerment, which thus serves to promote HIV rates. The results suggest that interventions undertaken by INGOs may not be as successful as government programs in addressing inequalities in health and social resources for women in poor nations.
3-Methyleneoxindole reductase of peas.

A 100-fold purification of a reduced triphosphopyridine nucleotide/3-methyleneoxindole reductase of peas has been achieved using conventional protein fractionation procedures. Reduced diphosphopyridine nucleotide is 25-fold less effective than reduced triphosphopyridine nucleotide as the reductant. The preparation is free of other reductase activities including those linking the oxidation of reduced pyridine nucleotide coenzymes to the reduction of cytochrome c; vitamins K 1 , K 2 , and K 3 ; O 2 ; nitrate; oxidized glutathione; and thiazolyl blue tetrazolium. The affinity of the enzyme for 3-methyleneoxindole (K s = 0.5 mm 3-methyleneoxindole) is relatively high. It is, therefore, reasonable to assume that 3-methyleneoxindole is the normal substrate. The enzyme is inhibited by indole-3-acetic acid, indole-3-aldehyde, and by l-naph-thaleneacetic acid. While these are not especially powerful inhibitors (K 1 = 1.9-4.0 mm) the competitive relationship with 3-methyleneoxindole indicates that significant inhibition might occur at low intracellular concentrations of the substrate.
Facilitating problem-solving on nested selection statements using C/C++

Problem solving is an important part of learning computer science, yet the choice of problems offered in textbooks (which is the traditional source of problems) is limited, static, non-interactive and lacks animation. In order to address these issues, we propose Java applets that automatically generate problems, provide the necessary visualization and animation, solve problems and provide feedback to the user. They are also capable of logging usage. We refer to such applets as "problets". In this paper, we discuss the issues involved in the design and implementation of a problet on nested selection statements in C/C++.
Lactate Dehydrogenase-Elevating Virus Induces Systemic Lymphocyte Activation via TLR7-Dependent IFNα Responses by Plasmacytoid Dendritic Cells

Background: Lactate dehydrogenase-elevating virus (LDV) is a natural infectious agent of mice. Like several other viruses, LDV causes widespread and very rapid but transient activation of both B cells and T cells in lymphoid tissues and the blood. The mechanism of this activation has not been fully described and is the focus of the current studies. Principal Findings: A known inducer of early lymphocyte activation is IFNa, a cytokine strongly induced by LDV infection. Neutralization of IFNa in the plasma from infected mice ablated its ability to activate lymphocytes in vitro. Since the primary source of virus-induced IFNa in vivo is often plasmacytoid dendritic cells (pDC’s), we depleted these cells prior to LDV infection and tested for lymphocyte activation. Depletion of pDC’s in vivo eradicated both the LDV-induced IFNa response and lymphocyte activation. A primary receptor in pDC’s for single stranded RNA viruses such as LDV is the toll-like receptor 7 (TLR7) pattern recognition receptor. Infection of TLR7-knockout mice revealed that both the IFNa response and lymphocyte activation were dependent on TLR7 signaling in vivo. Interestingly, virus levels in both TLR7 knockout mice and pDC-depleted mice were indistinguishable from controls indicating that LDV is largely resistant to the systemic IFNa response. Conclusion: Results indicate that LDV-induced activation of lymphocytes is due to recognition of LDV nucleic acid by TLR7 pattern recognition receptors in pDC’s that respond with a lymphocyte-inducing IFNa response.
A probabilistic shape filter for online contour tracking

Online contour-based tracking is considered through the estimation perspective. We propose a recursive dynamic filtering solution to the tracking problem. The state of the target is described by a pose state which represents the ensemble movement and a shape state which represents the local deformations. The shape state of the filter is described implicitly by a probability field with prediction and correction mechanisms expressed accordingly. The filtering procedure decouples the pose and shape estimation. Experiments conducted with objective measures of quality demonstrate improved tracking.
Awareness of altitude sickness among visitors to a North American ski resort.

Abstract Objective.—To quantify awareness of acute mountain sickness (AMS) in a sample of visitors to a North American ski resort and to identify strategies and interest for increasing knowledge of AMS in that population. Methods.—One hundred and thirty visitors to Big Sky Ski Resort, Montana, were surveyed. Demographic data were obtained. Respondents were asked about their current knowledge of AMS and then answered questions designed to quantify their depth of knowledge of the subject. Correct answers were correlated with demographic data. Respondents also answered questions indicating their interest in further education about altitude illness and their preferred modality for obtaining this information. Results.—In general, most respondents were young, 18 to 30 years (62.3%), and male (62.5%). Seventy-six percent had at least some college education and more than 5 years of skiing/snowboarding experience. Only 55% of respondents had some knowledge of AMS, but only 30% had knowledge of AMS symptoms using t...
Dynamics Model of a Four-Wheeled Mobile Robot for Control Applications – A Three-Case Study

The problem of dynamics modeling of a four-wheeled mobile robot is analyzed in this paper. All wheels of the robot are non-steered and the servomotors are used for driving the robot. Three cases of the robot drive system are considered. In the first case, two out of four wheels of the robot are independently driven, i.e., a pair of front or rear wheels. In the second case, the same wheels of the robot are driven but drive is also transmitted to the remaining wheels via toothed belts at each side of the robot. Finally, in the third case all four wheels are independently driven. Kinematic structure of the robot and its kinematics are described. The dynamics model of the robot dedicated for control applications is derived. It takes into account tire-ground contact conditions and wheel slips. The tire-ground contact conditions are characterized by coefficients of friction and rolling resistance. A simple form of the tire model, which considers only the most important effects of tire-ground interaction, is applied. The robot dynamics model also includes the presence of friction in kinematic pairs and the electromechanical model of servomotor drive unit. The presented robot dynamics model can be used for simulation-based investigations of control systems under development. Because the model was also formulated in a form linear with respect to parameters, it is possible to use it as a part of the robust or adaptive type control system.
Large scale variation in Enterococcus faecalis illustrated by the genome analysis of strain OG1RF

Background Enterococcus faecalis has emerged as a major hospital pathogen. To explore its diversity, we sequenced E. faecalis strain OG1RF, which is commonly used for molecular manipulation and virulence studies.
Neutrophil-Endothelial Cell Interactions in the Lung

The large marginated pool of neutrophils normally present in the pulmonary circulation provides a unique opportunity to study the relationship between neutrophils and endothelial cells in situ. Unlike other organs in which neutrophil density in the vascular space is low, adequate numbers of cells are readily available in the lung to assess such important characteristics as distribution, density, size, volume, and immunocytochemical and cytochemical characteristics. To take advantage of such a large marginated pool, morphologic techniques should be more universally applied in studies of neutrophil-mediated tissue injury. From the data presented, it seems clear that factors governing neutrophil-endothelial cell interactions may differ in the lung compared to systemic vascular beds. We have suggested that this difference may be related to the unique characteristics of the lung with regard to anatomy and blood flow rather than site-specific differences in endothelial cells. With the discovery of specialized proteins involved in cell adhesion and the increasing availability of appropriate antibodies to adhesion proteins, unprecedented opportunities exist to address these questions. It is an exciting time to study neutrophil-endothelial cell interactions in the lung.
Party Politics and Different Paths to Democratic Transitions: A Comparison of Benin and Senegal

Benin and Senegal represent two successful cases of democratic transition in Africa. They also represent two different paths to that end. This article explores the role of political parties in facilitating these different and successful paths to democratic transitions. In Benin, political parties and political leaders relied on the prevailing patterns of ethno-regional cleavages to structure their strategic interactions, mobilize electoral support and organize competition in legislative and presidential elections. In Senegal, an incremental pattern of institutional reform helped the ruling party retain power while enabling fragmented opposition groups to participate in competitive elections. In the long run, this helped opposition groups develop an effective electoral coalition to defeat the ruling party in presidential and legislative elections and bring about a turnover in government.
The Catalytic Synthesis of Inorganic Polymers for High Temperature Applications and as Ceramic Precursors

Polysilsesquioxanes,-[RSi(O)1.5 ]x-, exhibit many properties that are potentially quite useful for industrial applications. These properties include high temperature stability (−600°C in O2); good adhesion and, liquid crystal-like behavior for some derivatives. Moreover, [MeSi(O)l.5]x, polymethylsilsesquioxane has been used successfully as a precursor for the fabrication of carbon fiber/“black glass” (SiO2/SiC/C) composites and “black glass” fibers. Current methods of preparation depend on hydrolysis of RSiCl3 or RSi(OR)3. Unfortunately, this approach leads to several products that are difficult to purify because polysilsesquioxanes exhibit a great propensity for forming gels. We describe here a simple catalytic approach to the synthesis of polymethylsilsesquioxane copolymers of the type -[MeRSiO].3[MeSi(O)1.5].7- where R - H, OMe, OEt, OnPr and OnBu. The R - H copolymer is produced by catalytic redistribution of -[MeHSiO]xoligomers using dimethyltitanocene, Cp2TiMe2 as the catalyst precursor. Following catalytic redistribution, the resulting copolymer, -[MeHSiO].3[MeSi(O)1.5].7−, is reacted in situ with alcohols to produce -[Me(R’O)SiO].3[MeSi(0)1.5].7− (where R’ - Me, Et, nPr and nBu) which serve as masked forms of the polymethylsilsesquioxane. These new copolymers have been characterized by 1H, 13C and 29Si NMR TGA and DTA. The NMR studies allow us to assign structures for the copolymer. These new copolymers exhibit improved tractability. Their high temperature properties are all quite similar; although, the MeO-, EtO- and especially the nPrO- derivatives give much higher ceramic yields than expected.
Load-level-sensitive governor gains for speed control of hydrogenerators

The application of load-level-sensitive gains to proportional-plus-integral speed control of hydrogenerators is discussed. Appropriate root configuration gain functions of wicket gate position are derived for isolated resistive loads. Computer programs are used to calculate these gains from model turbine data and system parameters. Root locus tuning is used to determine appropriate gains for infinite bus loads. Simulations are presented which compare the use of constant gains to the use of these variable gains for isolated resistive and infinite bus loads. Additional resistive load simulations show the effect of a one-second digital filter on the gain function. Results indicate that the variable gain responses resemble 0.707 damping at each load level. Sample speed-transient comparisons between variable and constant gains show decreases of up to 45% in speed peak overshoot and 80% in power settling time. Load and pressure time-responses are included. >
Parallel particle filter algorithm in face tracking

This paper proposed a parallel particle filter algorithm with the help of GPU (Graphic Processing Unit) in face tracking. Due to illumination and occlusion problems, face tracking usually does not work stably based on a single cue. Three different visual cues, color histogram, edge orientation histogram and wavelet feature, are integrated under the framework of particle filter to improve the tracking performance considerably. Features matches and particle weight computation have been put into GPU kernel to handle the huge amount of computation cost resulted from the introduced multi-cue strategy. Besides, an online updating strategy makes our algorithm adaptable to some slight face rotations. The experimental results demonstrate that our proposed face tracking algorithm works robustly for cluttered backgrounds and different illuminations. The GPU parallel scheme achieves a good speedup (10x∼40x) compared to the corresponding sequential algorithms.
Personal travel blogs as texts for studying intercultural interactions: a pilot test case study of an American sojourner’s blogs from Zimbabwe

This paper makes the argument that personal travel blogs are an important site for studying self-reports of face-to-face intercultural interaction. The guiding research question is “Are personal travel blogs good sources of intercultural communication data?” A content analysis of an American woman’s travel blog, written on a sojourn to Zimbabwe, was performed using four intercultural communication constructs that served as frameworks for developing a rubric and for analysis. Those constructs are: culture shock, intercultural communication challenges, cross-cultural comparison and intercultural adaptation. Results provide evidence of written reflections by the blogger in all four coding categories. The evidence of culture shock provided in the blog was multifold, multifaceted, and congruent with many of the well-established elements of culture shock reported in the field. The evidence of cross-cultural comparison in the personal travel blog was, overwhelmingly, comprised of reflections comparing host and home cultures, both in environment and cultural practices. There was limited evidence of reflections about communication challenges or adaptation by the blogger on her sojourn. The article concludes with a discussion of the implications these findings have for the potential travel blogs might provide for analysis of intercultural communication as well as addressing the limitations of the study’s findings.
Multimodal registration via spatial-context mutual information

We propose a method to efficiently compute mutual information between high-dimensional distributions of image patches. This in turn is used to perform accurate registration of images captured under different modalities, while exploiting their local structure otherwise missed in traditional mutual information definition. We achieve this by organizing the space of image patches into orbits under the action of Euclidean transformations of the image plane, and estimating the modes of a distribution in such an orbit space using affinity propagation. This way, large collections of patches that are equivalent up to translations and rotations are mapped to the same representative, or "dictionary element". We then show analytically that computing mutual information for a joint distribution in this space reduces to computing mutual information between the (scalar) label maps, and between the transformations mapping each patch into its closest dictionary element. We show that our approach improves registration performance compared with the state of the art in multimodal registration, using both synthetic and real images with quantitative ground truth.