cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Effects of Empty Nest Transition on Self-Report of Psychological and Physical Well-Being*

This study addresses three major limitations of previous research: empty nest is considered a transitional rather than an enduring state; subjective definitions are considered as well as high school graduation by the youngest child; and target groups of women at high risk for crises are explored. Results indicate that: (1) empty nest effects on well-being are slight and have largely disappeared two years following the event; (2) there is no effect of the transition on physical well-being and a positive effect on psychological well-being; and (3) being off-schedule with respect to the expected timing of the transition appears to have adverse effects.
A new method to quantify crazing in various environments

A new technique to quantify the rate of change of craze density in stressed transparent polymeric plates of polycarbonate was developed. The samples are placed under a creep load in a controlled temperature and humidity environment, during which the craze density is measured with a reflective imaging system at a defined rate. It has been shown that this unique method for craze detection and quantification has sufficient repeatability to generate statistically acceptable data, obeying well-established trends in craze behavior. Unlike the bulk of the craze detectors currently used, the method described in the present work is an in-situ, quantitative, non-subjective, direct measurement of craze density.
The dependency of intermediate size problem responses upon sets in human Ss

As predicted, human Ss trained with three sizes of squares, intermediate size being “correct,” responded relationally to transposition tests regardless of similarity between training and test stimuli, providing sets (indexed by a task during training) were “relational”; but if sets were “absolute,” absolute responding was shown on similar tests, relational on dissimilar. Thus, had data from Ss with different sets been grouped, the resultant similarity function would represent no actual S. This new analysis appears fruitful in understanding findings not consistent with previous theoretical formulations.
Topographical and temporal stability of the P300

Abstract Sixteen normal adults listened to a standard oddball auditory paradigm 3 times, each time separated by 15 min, and this protocol was then repeated 1–2 months later. Stability of the wave forms was measured between 250 and 500 msec for each subject and for each of 16 electrodes by the cross-correlation technique described by Glaser and Ruchkin (1976) and Gevins (1987) in which points on 2 digitized wave forms are paired to produce a correlation coefficient. For each subject, the correlation coefficient was generated for each electrode and then averaged across the 2 parietal and 2 central electrodes to produce a single stability measure for the central electrodes, while the cross-correlation coefficients for the 12 remaining electrodes were averaged for a peripheral stability measure. Three-way repeated measures ANOVAs were performed to determine the significance of cross-correlation coefficient differences. The stability over 15 min for the central electrodes was 0.80, indicating that the P300 was very stable over a short time. The peripheral electrodes were significantly less stable than the central electrodes ( P = 0.001). The stability of the wave forms was virtually unchanged when assessed over 1 month ( P = 0.9). The target wave forms were significantly more stable than the difference waves (target minus non-target) for both the central and peripheral electrodes ( P = 0.04 and 0.01). When the 3 blocks within each session were averaged, there was a significant increase in stability ( P The wave form cross-correlation coefficients can be used as a measure of the stability of a topographical map over time. The map of the target P300 wave form is very stable, showing no loss in stability from 15 min to 1 month, is more stable than the difference wave form and significantly increases in stability when separate trial blocks are averaged together.
On the efficiency of solar heating in the middle atmosphere

The efficiency at which solar ultraviolet radiation absorbed in the Hartley band of ozone is directly converted to heat in the terrestrial mesosphere and lower thermosphere (50-110 km) is calculated. The ozone molecule undergoes photolysis to yield the excited species O(1D) and O2(1Delta) with a quantum yield of about 0.9. Spontaneous emission from O2(1Delta) and from O2(1Sigma) (excited by energy transfer from O/1D/) significantly decreases the amount of energy available for heat. Similarly, the efficiency at which solar ultraviolet radiation absorbed by O2 in the Schumann-Runge continuum is directly converted to heat in the lower thermosphere (95-110 km) is calculated. The O2 undergoes photolysis and the excited product O(1D) is generated. Spontaneous emission from O2(1Sigma) (excited by energy transfer from O/1D/) reduces the amount of energy available for heat in the lower thermosphere. The consideration of these energy transfer and loss processes results in significantly reduced heating rates as compared to those conventionally calculated in models of the middle atmosphere.
Lignin as Both Fuel and Fusing Binder in Briquetted Anthracite Fines for Foundry Coke Substitute

Abstract Lignin that had been extracted from Kraft black liquor was investigated as a fusing binder in briquetted anthracite fines for a foundry coke substitute. Cupola “heat zone” pyrolytic temperatures of 300–1550 °C were appraised, with the focus on 900 °C. Briquettes with favorable strength were made with 86–92% anthracite fines, 2.3–8.6% lignin, 4.5% silicon metal powder, and 0.9% hydrolyzed collagen (denatured collagen) by mass. Briquettes were pyrolyzed under a nitrogen atmosphere or a starved air condition to simulate a cupola pyrolytic heat zone, and then crushed after this pyrolysis so as to discern their unconfined compressive (UC) strength. These tests mimicked key features of the crushing load that coke endures in a cupola. After 30 min of 900 °C pyrolysis, UC strength reached 2200–3000 kPa (320–440 psi), when these briquettes contained 4.5% softwood lignin or 2.3% hardwood lignin. With ⩾6.5% hardwood lignin, the UC strength after 900 °C pyrolysis reached 6000–6500 kPa. When no lignin was incorporated into the briquette, the UC strength after 900 °C pyrolysis was a mere 200 kPa. Denatured collagen quantity affected lignin heat zone strength, despite by itself losing strength around 300 °C: with 4.5% lignin present, 1.8% denatured collagen doubled the strength of 0.45% denatured collagen briquettes. Adding tannic acid to the briquettes greatly increased the UC strength as well. Lignin provided strength up to 1400 °C. Moreover above 1100 °C, silicon carbide nanowires greatly enhanced UC strength relative to lignin alone. Briquettes with lignin gained UC strength very quickly when flash pyrolyzed to 900 °C, which is important in the cupola. The results herein showed that the bindered briquettes burned at an equal rate as did coke when these were burned at 1100 °C in air. The briquettes also contained an energy density that was 38% higher by volume than that of coke. Harnessing these high temperature pyrolytic lignin fusing reactions creates a valuable foundry coke substitute for the future, as well as large scale applications for otherwise underutilized industrial streams of lignin.
Allosteric antagonists of the muscarinic acetylcholine receptor.

For the most part, the interaction of these selective antagonists with muscarinic receptors has been interpreted in the context of simple competitive bimolecular reaction which obeys the law of mass action. In fact, the use of selective antagonists as a pharmacological tool to identify receptor types and subtypes is based on this premise. However, the complex binding behavior exhibited by other compounds has pointed to the existence of an allosteric (secondary) binding site on the muscarinic receptor
Characterization of antibody charge heterogeneity resolved by preparative immobilized pH gradients.

A capillary isoelectric focusing (cIEF) method has been developed as an alternative to cation exchange chromatography to determine charge heterogeneity for a therapeutic antibody. Characterization of the cIEF profile is important to understand the charged isoform distribution. A variety of preparative IEF methods have been developed over the years but have had various limitations including high levels of contaminating ampholytes and complex fractionation and isolation procedures. More recently, an off-line method that uses pI-based separation on immobilized pH gradients was developed to preparatively isolate material with convenient liquid phase recovery. This method uses the Agilent OFFGEL 3100 Fractionator and was optimized to produce fractions of antibody charge isoforms differing by as little as 0.1 pI units. The isolation of highly resolved fractions then allowed for the identification of N- and C-terminal basic charge modifications including noncyclized glutamine, signal peptide extensions, and vari...
Late effects of childhood cancer therapy

This study reviews the common long-term sequalae of childhood cancer and its therapy. It discusses the clinical and research challenges posed by such late effects. The authors address related topics of late effects research and clinical care, methodological issues, barriers and directions for the future.
Tracking students through program entry, progression, graduation, and licensure: assessing undergraduate nursing student retention and success.

Summary In the escalating nursing shortage, nursing student retention and success (graduation and licensure) is a priority. The entry, progression, graduation, and licensure characteristics of culturally diverse associate degree nursing students ( n =112) were assessed to gain insight into nursing student progress and success. In this retrospective study, data collection included student profile characteristics, academic outcomes, type of retention or attrition, program completion length, and licensure. The retention trajectory was distributed between ideal (26%), continuous (24%), and interim/stopout (25%). Attrition consisted of first semester failure (9%), voluntary (14%), and involuntary (2%). Descriptive and inferential analyses suggested several variables that influenced first time pass rate on the nurse licensing exam: course grades in three nursing courses, number of nursing withdrawals or failures (W/F), and nursing course grade average (NCGA). Implications for nurse educators are discussed.
Methionine sulfoximine prevents the accumulation of large neutral amino acids in brain of portacaval-shunted rats.

: Portal-systemic shunting and hyperammonemia lead to an accumulation of the large neutral amino acids in brain and apparently alter transport of neutral amino acids across the blood-brain barrier. It has been proposed that portal-systemic shunting leads to a high brain concentration of glutamine, a product of cerebral ammonia detoxification, and thereby affects the transport of other neutral amino acids across the blood-brain barrier. To test this hypothesis, rats with a portacaval shunt were treated with l-methionine-dl-sulfoximine (MSO), an inhibitor of glutamine synthesis. Treatment with MSO resulted in lower concentrations of the neutral amino acids in brain of portacaval-shunted rats and a higher brain ammonia concentration, compared with untreated shunted rats. These results suggest that the accumulation of neutral amino acids in brain after portacaval shunt depends on the increased synthesis of glutamine in brain.
Dynamic and thermodynamic properties of glass-forming substances

Abstract We review the important general dynamic and thermodynamic properties of structural glass-forming substances and classify them into 12 different categories. Our understanding of glass-forming substances is incomplete until all these properties have been explained. The dynamic properties considered include those relating to the high frequency fast relaxation, the Johari–Goldstein β-relaxation, and the slow structural α-relaxation. Practically all the important relaxation and diffusion processes in the time region extending from 10−13 to 106 s have been discussed. We show from experimental data that the properties in different categories bear some relations to each other. Some issues that impede progress of our understanding of the behavior of glass-forming substances are accentuated by formulating them as questions. Answers to these questions by future experimental and theoretical investigations will improve our understanding. Specific suggestions for future research efforts that can provide some answers to these questions are also made. Within the same property in each category, by examining a large number of glass-formers, a pattern of variation is found which correlates with the departure of the structural relaxation of the glass-former from exponential decay or the quantity, (1−β), where β is the fractional exponent in the Kohlrausch expression, exp[−(t/τ)β]. These patterns, as well as their correlations with (1−β), suggest that the salient dynamic properties (or phenomenology) of glass-forming substances are all governed by the non-exponential nature of the structural relaxation, i.e., the quantity (1−β). Therefore, a theory or model capable of relating the structural relaxation time τ to (1−β) has the potential of explaining many of the salient dynamic properties of glass-forming substances.
Driving pressure and respiratory mechanics in ARDS.

In this issue of the Journal, Amato et al.1 use data from previously published trials to determine whether it is possible to predict outcomes in patients with the acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) on the basis of the settings of their mechanical ventilators or parameters derived from monitoring the mechanics of the ventilation achieved. Previous articles published in the Journal had shown that a lung-protective strategy — that is, limiting the tidal volume (Vt) and plateau pressure while providing relatively high positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP), can improve survival in ARDS,2,3 thus demonstrating the importance of respiratory mechanics . . .
Sublingual capnography: a clinical validation study.

Abstract Objective To compare sublingual P co 2 (Psl co 2 ) measurements with gastric intramucosal P co 2 (Pim co 2 ) as well as with the traditional indexes of tissue oxygenation in hemodynamically unstable ICU patients. Design A prospective, validation study. Setting The medical and coronary ICUs of a community teaching hospital. Patients Consecutive patients with severe sepsis, septic shock, or cardiogenic shock requiring pulmonary artery catheterization for hemodynamic management. Interventions During the first 24 h of ICU admission, the Psl co 2 , Pim co 2 , and blood lactate concentrations as well conventional hemodynamic and oxygenation parameters were recorded every 4 to 6 h. The Psl co 2 -Pa co 2 and Pim co 2 -Pa co 2 differences were used as indexes of tissue dysoxia. These variables were correlated with each other as well as with the traditional markers of tissue oxygenation. Results Seventy-six data sets were obtained on 22 patients. Fifteen patients had severe sepsis/septic shock, and 7 patients did not have sepsis. A patient with ischemic bowel who had a large Pim co 2 -Psl co 2 difference (60.2 mm Hg) was excluded. The initial Psl co 2 and Pim co 2 measurements were 43.5 ± 10.4 mm Hg and 42.8 ± 10.9 mm Hg, respectively (correlation coefficient [ r ] of 0.86; p co 2 and Pim co 2 for the entire data set were 48.0 ± 13.4 mm Hg and 46.1 ± 12.3 mm Hg, respectively ( r = 0.78; p co 2 -Pa co 2 difference was 9.2 ± 5.0 mm Hg in the survivors and 17.8 ± 11.5 mm Hg in the nonsurvivors (p = 0.04). The initial Pim co 2 -Pa co 2 difference was 8.4 ± 4.8 mm Hg in the survivors and 16.1 ± 13.7 mm Hg in the nonsurvivors (p = 0.08, not significant). The initial Psl co 2 -Pa co 2 difference correlated with the initial mixed venous-arterial CO 2 gradient ( r = 0.66; p = 0.001), but correlated poorly with the initial blood lactate concentration ( r = 0.38), mixed venous P o 2 ( r = 0.05), and systemic oxygen delivery ( r = − 0.39). Conclusion In this study, sublingual capnometry yielded measurements that correlated well with those of gastric tonometry. Psl co 2 may serve as a technically simple and noninvasive clinical measurement of tissue dysoxia in critically ill and injured patients.
Renal transplant fine needle aspiration and cytokine gene expression

Fine needle aspiration of renal transplants is a safe effective means of obtaining intragraft material for diagnostic evaluation of transplant dysfunction in the first 3–6 months post engraftment. Aspiration can be performed daily as an outpatient to assess causes of renal insufficiency and response to therapeutic intervention. Aspiration also provides a unique tool for the investigation of pathogenetic mechanisms in acute rejection; samples can be subjected to reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction with quantitation of cytokine gene expression. We have utilized this technique to demonstrate the strong, likely causal, relationship between gamma-interferon and acute rejection. The ability to perform aspirates frequently affords an opportunity to map the cytokine cascade prior to and during episodes of acute rejection. This may identify new areas for therapeutic intervention during the process of rejection.
Factors affecting the inhibition of phosphofructokinase activity of Schistosoma mansoni by trivalent organic antimonials

Abstract As in the case of phosphofructokinases from a number of other tissues and organisms, inhibition of phosphofructokinase (PFK) activity of Schistosoma mansoni by high concentrations of ATP is increased by citrate; it is reduced by raising the concentration of fructose 6-phosphate (F6P), and, in varying degrees, by adenosine monophosphate, adenosine diphosphate, cyclic 3′, 5′-adenosine monophosphate, inorganic phosphate, and ammonium and sulfate ions. Evidence is reported indicating that ATP decreases the affinity of schistosome PFK for F6P and that those compounds which reverse the inhibitory effect of high ATP concentrations increase the affinity of the enzyme for F6P. Several differences between the properties of mammalian phosphofructokinases and those of the schitosome enzyme are noted, one of which consists in a 65 to 80 times higher sensitivity of schistosome PFK to the inhibitory effects of trivalent organic antimonials. Inhibition of the activity of this enzyme by antimonials is reversed by increased concentrations of F6P; it is enhanced by high concentrations of ATP and is reduced by the same ions that increase the affinity of schistosome PFK for F6P and reduce the inhibition of enzymatic activity by ATP. It appears that antimonials exert their inhibitory effect on schistosome PFK by a reversible interaction with an F6P site of the enzyme, possibly the substrate site, and a displacement of F6P from this site. A close association between the reversible chemotherapeutic effects of trivalent organic antimonials in experimental schistosomiasis and reversible changes in the phosphate ester levels of the parasite has been observed, providing additional evidence for the causal relationship between the inhibition of schistosome PFK activity and the antichistosomal action of trivalent organic antimonials in vivo .
Effect of Freezing on PCR Amplification of 16S rRNA Genes from Microbes Associated with Black Band Disease of Corals

Molecular analysis of black band disease of corals revealed that samples frozen immediately after collection yielded more proteobacterial 16S rRNA sequences, while unfrozen samples produced more cyanobacterial and sulfur-oxidizing bacterial sequences. These results suggest the need to use multiple approaches for preparation of samples to characterize this complex polymicrobial disease.
Social Class Rank, Threat Vigilance, and Hostile Reactivity

Lower-class individuals, because of their lower rank in society, are theorized to be more vigilant to social threats relative to their high-ranking upper-class counterparts. This class-related vigilance to threat, the authors predicted, would shape the emotional content of social interactions in systematic ways. In Study 1, participants engaged in a teasing interaction with a close friend. Lower-class participants—measured in terms of social class rank in society and within the friendship—more accurately tracked the hostile emotions of their friend. As a result, lower-class individuals experienced more hostile emotion contagion relative to upper-class participants. In Study 2, lower-class participants manipulated to experience lower subjective socioeconomic rank showed more hostile reactivity to ambiguous social scenarios relative to upper-class participants and to lower-class participants experiencing elevated socioeconomic rank. The results suggest that class affects expectations, perception, and experience of hostile emotion, particularly in situations in which lower-class individuals perceive their subordinate rank.
Latent heating characteristics of the MJO computed from TRMM Observations

The Tropical Rainfall Measurement Mission's (TRMM) Spectral Latent Heating algorithm shows the contributions of different forms of convection to the latent heating profiles of the Madden-Julian Oscillation over the central Indian and West Pacific Oceans. In both oceanic regions, storms containing broad stratiform regions produce increased upper level heating during active Madden-Julian Oscillation (MJO) phases. The largest differences between the central Indian and West Pacific Ocean heating are associated with heating produced by convective elements. Examination of the most extreme forms of convection shows that mesoscale organized convection often produces at least as much latent heat as young vigorous deep convection. Heating from nonextreme (often midlevel-topped) convection is an important component of the MJO heating in both regions in all stages of the MJO. Over the central Indian Ocean the heating profile changes from having a maximum at 2 km due to nonextreme convection to a profile during the active stage that has two maxima: one at 3 km due to nonextreme convection and 6 km owing to numerous mature mesoscale storms with broad stratiform precipitation components. Over the West Pacific, the maxima at 3 and 6 km are present in all MJO stages, but the magnitude of the 6 km maximum sharply increases in the active MJO stage due to an increase in the number of storms with broad stratiform precipitation areas.
Maintaining Connectivity in Dynamic Multimodal Network Models

Network data models are frequently used as a mechanism to describe the connectivity between spatial features in many existing and emerging GIS applications (location- based services, transportation design, navigational systems, etc.). Connectivity information is required for solving a wide range of location-based queries like finding the shortest path, service areas discovery, allocation, and distance matrix computation. Nevertheless, real-life networks are dynamic in nature since spatial features can be periodically modified. Such updates may change the connectivity relations with the other features and connectivity must be reestablished. Existing approaches are not suitable for a dynamic environment, since whenever a feature change occurs, the whole network connectivity has to be reconstructed from scratch. In this paper, we propose an efficient algorithm that incrementally maintains connectivity within a dynamic network. Our solution is based on the existing functionality (tables, joins, sorting algorithms) provided by a standard relational DBMS and has been implemented and tested and will be shipped with an upcoming release of the ESRI ArcGIS product.
Field Preservation of Coleoptera for Molecular Genetic Analyses

To establish an efficient method for preservation of field-collected beetles for molecular genetic analyses, 5 different preservation treatments were compared : ethyl acetate, ethanol, Carnoy fixative, DNA isolation buffer, and liquid nitrogen. Cryopreservation by immersion in liquid nitrogen and subsequent storage at -80°C was found to be the best method for long-term storage. Storage in ethanol at room temperature preserved the DNA for 6 wk. Storage in DNA isolation buffer was also effective but required the insects to be thoroughly homogenized to produce intact DNA, which destroyed insect morphology. Ethyl acetate and Carnoy fixative did not preserve the DNA. Preservation in ethanol was the easiest method, because it neither required grinding of insects nor transportation and maintenance of special equipment, such as a dewar flask for liquid nitrogen. However, because the DNA was found to degrade after 6 wk, ethanol was useful only for short-term storage.
Further Studies on the Chemical Nature of Reptilian Gonadotropins: FSH and LH in the American Alligator and Green Sea Turtle

Fractionation of pituitaries from the American alligator (Alligator mississipiensis) and the green sea turtle (Chelonia inydas) revealed the existence of two distinct types of gonadotropins in each of these reptiles. The behavior of these hormones in three chromatographic systems (Ainberlite CG-SO, sulfoethyl-Sephadex C-50 and DEAE-cellulose) and their activities in several nonmammalian bioasays paralleled those of FSH and LH from other tetrapod species. The hormones from each reptile were prepared in highly purified form for chemical analysis. Results of gel filtration on Sephadex G-100 indicated two distinct forms of FSH in each reptile, but other chemical and biological data revealed little differences between these two forms. In general, chemical characterization (N-terminal amino acids, amino acid composition and carbohydrate content) revealed a marked similarity among the FSHs and LHs of the various reptiles, birds and mammals studied thus far. For example, variations in LH composition between classes is not greater than within classes or orders. The action of neuraminidase on the reptilian gonadotropmns suggested that the loss of sialic acid does not correlate well with biological activity.
Increasing CO2 from subambient to superambient concentrations alters species composition and increases above‐ground biomass in a C3/C4 grassland

Summary • The glacial-to-present increase in atmospheric CO 2 concentration is likely to have stimulated plant production, but experimental tests in natural ecosystems are lacking. •W e measured above-ground biomass production, plant nitrogen (N) accumulation, and species dynamics in a C 3 /C 4 grassland exposed for 4 yr (1997‐2000) to a continuous gradient in CO 2 from 200‐560 µmol mol − 1 . • Biomass increased with CO 2 concentration in 1997‐99. Biomass increases ranged between 121 and 161 g m − 2 per 100 µmol mol − 1 rise in CO 2 and were similar at subambient and superambient concentrations. Biomass responses to CO 2 were determined by different species or functional groups of species during different years. Increasing CO 2 accelerated a successional shift initiated by release from grazing in which C 3 forbs increased at the expense of a C 4 grass. Effects of CO 2 on tissue N concentration varied among species and functional groups, but CO 2 did not alter total N in above-ground tissues. • Results imply that rising CO 2 has stimulated plant production and accelerated successional change and that grasslands will remain sensitive to rising CO 2 for several decades.
Studies on Trichomonads. II. The Metabolism of a Trichomonas batrachorum‐type Flagellate from the Cecum of Swine

SYNOPSIS. Certain aspects of the metabolism of a Trichomonas batrachorum-type flagellate from the cecum of swine were studied. This trichomonad (1) oxidized glucose, mannose, maltose, sucrose, and inulin, (2) was incapable of oxidizing Krebs' cycle intermediates, (3) possessed peroxide-splitting capabilities, (4) was inhibited by only iodoacetate and arsenite, and (5) formed acid(s) aerobically. Although there was no effect on oxygen uptake, pyruvate and lactate increased the anaerobic evolution of gas(es). In addition to CO2, other gas, not absorbed by KOH, was produced anaerobically. Compared with other porcine trichomonads, the metabolism of this small trichomonad resembles most closely that of the large cecal trichomonad, T. suis. However, the smaller trichomonad had a generally lower respiratory rate, a slightly lower optimal pH, and failed to oxidize fructose, galactose, lactose, raffinose, and trehalose.
“Passageless” Administration of the Nelson–Denny Reading Comprehension Test Associations With IQ and Reading Skills

There are few tests that assess reading comprehension in adults, but these tests are needed for a comprehensive assessment of reading disorders (RD). The Nelson-Denny Reading Test (NDRT) has a long-passage reading comprehension component that can be used with adolescents and adults. A problem with the NDRT is that reading comprehension test items can be answered correctly without reading the associated passage. The current study determined how IQ, verbal comprehension, and reading skills were associated with scores on a passageless administration of the NDRT. Results indicated that IQ, verbal comprehension, and broad reading skills were significantly associated with greater NDRT passageless scores. Results raise questions about the validity of the reading comprehension component of the NDRT and suggest that the test may have differential validity based on individual differences in vocabulary, general fund of knowledge, and broad reading skills.
Roles of CcrA and CcrB in Excision and Integration of Staphylococcal Cassette Chromosome mec, a Staphylococcus aureus Genomic Island

The gene encoding resistance to methicillin and other β-lactam antibiotics in staphylococci, mecA, is carried on a genomic island, SCCmec (for staphylococcal cassette chromosome mec). The chromosomal excision and integration of types I to IV SCCmec are catalyzed by the site-specific recombinases CcrA and CcrB, the genes for which are encoded on each element. We sought to identify the relative contributions of CcrA and CcrB in the excision and integration of SCCmec. Purified CcrB but not CcrA was shown to mediate the gel shift of chromosomal target integration sequences (attB) in electrophoretic mobility shift assays. However, preincubation of CcrB-DNA complexes with increasing concentrations of CcrA blocked gel shift. The interaction of CcrB and CcrA was confirmed by Escherichia coli two-hybrid analysis. SCCmec excision mediated by plasmid-encoded and inducible ccrA, ccrB, or both genes was assessed by PCR in Staphylococcus aureus. CcrB alone could mediate excision but excision was at an alternate att site (attR2) within the right extremity of SCCmec. In contrast, both CcrB and CcrA were required to mediate excision at the chromosomal attB site (called attR when SCCmec is integrated). Insertion of a plasmid containing the SCCmec att site (attS) into the chromosome required both CcrA and CcrB, but CcrA overexpression lowered integration frequency. Thus, while CcrB binds DNA, interaction between CcrA and CcrB, in a precise ratio, is required for attB site-specific excision and SCCmec chromosomal insertion.
Patterns of mitochondrial versus nuclear DNA sequence divergence among nymphalid butterflies: the utility of wingless as a source of characters for phylogenetic inference

To investigate the utility of a region of wingless (wg) as a marker for molecular systematics, we compared wg sequences to mitochondrial COII sequences from twenty-two nymphalid butterfly taxa and one outgroup. Compositional characteristics of the two gene regions are compared, and their contributions to a cladogram inferred from the combined data set are assessed. Primarily due to its uniform base composition, wg appears to become saturated more slowly than mtDNA, although the two genes appear to be evolving at quite similar rates. We suggest that wg will be a useful source of characters for phylogenetic studies of butterflies, and perhaps other insect taxa, with divergence times up to 60 million years ago.
A TEST OF THE ABC MODEL UNDERLYING RATIONAL EMOTIVE BEHAVIOR THERAPY

The ABC model underlying Ellis's Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy predicts that people who think more irrationally should respond to daily stressors or hassles differently than do people who think less irrationally. This study tested this aspect of the ABC model. 192 college students were administered the Survey of Personal Beliefs and the Hassles Scale to measure irrational thinking and daily hassles, respectively. Students who scored higher on overall irrational thinking reported a significantly higher frequency of hassles than did those who scored lower on overall irrational thinking, while students who scored higher on awfulizing and low frustration tolerance reported a significantly greater intensity of hassles than did those who scored lower on awfulizing and low frustration tolerance. This indicates support for the ABC model, especially Ellis's construct of irrational beliefs central to this model.
Targeted combinatorial therapy of non-small cell lung carcinoma using a GST-fusion protein of full-length or truncated MDA-7/IL-24 with Tarceva

Melanoma differentiation associated gene-7/interleukin-24 (mda-7/IL-24), a cytokine belonging to the IL-10 family, displays cancer-specific apoptosis-inducing properties when delivered by a replication-incompetent adenovirus (Ad.mda-7) or as a GST-tagged recombinant protein (GST-MDA-7). Previous studies demonstrated that an adenovirus expressing M4, a truncated version of MDA-7/IL-24 containing amino acid residues 104–206, also induced similar cancer-specific apoptosis. We generated recombinant GST-M4 proteins and examined the potency of GST-MDA-7 and GST-M4 on a panel of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) wild type and mutant non-small cell lung carcinoma (NSCLC) cells either as a single agent or in combination with a reversible EGFR inhibitor, Tarceva. The combination of either GST-MDA-7 or GST-M4 (∼0.1 µM) and Tarceva (10 µM), at sub-optimal apoptosis-inducing concentrations synergistically enhanced growth inhibition and apoptosis induction over that observed with either agent alone. The combination treatment also augmented inhibition of EGFR signaling, analyzed by phosphorylation of EGFR and its downstream effectors AKT and ERK1/2, over that with single-agent therapy. Tarceva enhanced GST-MDA-7 and GST-M4 toxicity in cells expressing mutated EGFR proteins that are resistant to the inhibitory effects of Tarceva. In total, these data suggest that combined treatment of NSCLC cells with an EGFR inhibitor can augment the efficacy of GST-MDA-7 and GST-M4 and that the EGFR inhibitor Tarceva may mediate this combinatorial effect by inhibiting multiple tyrosine kinases in addition to the EGFR. This approach highlights a potential new combinatorial strategy, which may prove beneficial for NSCLC patients with acquired resistance to EGFR inhibitors. J. Cell. Physiol. 215: 827–836, 2008. © 2008 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
An Introduction to Current Trends and Benefits of Mobile Wireless Technology Use in Higher Education

The development of mobile wireless technologies hasgenerated a considerable amount of excitement amongpractitioners and academics because it results in shifting theacademic environment from traditional settings to mobilelearning (m-learning) settings. Increasing numbers ofinstitutions of higher education offer courses using mobilewireless technologies as alternative teaching and learningtools. However, regardless of such interests in mobilewireless technologies in higher education, there is lack ofacademic research on the use of mobile wireless technologiesin the higher education setting. The purpose of this article isto examine current information on mobile wireless technolo-gies and answer three crucial questions such as (a) Whattypes of mobile wireless technologies are currently beingused in higher education? (b) How do mobile wirelesstechnologies access to network resources? (c) What are thebenefits of mobile wireless technologies in higher education?Without understanding of these issues, it is virtuallyimpossible to study any subject of mobile wireless technolo-gies in higher education.
On the integration of technology readiness levels at Sandia National Laboratories.

Integrating technology readiness levels (TRL) into the management of engineering projects is critical to the mitigation of risk and improved customer/supplier communications. TRLs provide a common framework and language with which consistent comparisons of different technologies and approaches can be made. At Sandia National Laboratories, where technologies are developed, integrated and deployed into high consequence systems, the use of TRLs may be transformational. They are technology independent and span the full range of technology development including scientific and applied research, identification of customer requirements, modeling and simulation, identification of environments, testing and integration. With this report, we provide a reference set of definitions for TRLs and a brief history of TRLs at Sandia National Laboratories. We then propose and describe two approaches that may be used to integrate TRLs into the NW SMU business practices. In the first approach, we analyze how TRLs can be integrated within concurrent qualification as documented in TBP-100 [1]. In the second approach we take a look at the product realization process (PRP) as documented in TBP-PRP [2]. Both concurrent qualification and product realization are fundamental to the way weapons engineering work is conducted at this laboratory and the NWC (nuclear weapons complex) as amore » whole. Given the current structure and definitions laid out in the TBP-100 and TBP-PRP, we believe that integrating TRLs into concurrent qualification (TBP-100) rather than TBP-PRP is optimal. Finally, we note that our charter was to explore and develop ways of integrating TRLs into the NW SMU and therefore we do not significantly cover the development and history of TRLs. This work was executed under the auspices and direction of Sandia's Weapon Engineering Program. Please contact Gerry Sleefe, Deputy Program Director, for further information.« less
A scale‐invariant cellular‐automata model for distribited seismicity

In the standard cellular-automata model for a fault an element of stress is randomly added to a grid of boxes until a box has four elements, these are then redistributed to the adjacent boxes on the grid. The redistribution can result in one or more of these boxes having four or more elements in which case further redistributions are required. On the average added elements are lost from the edges of the grid. The model is modified so that the boxes have a scale-invariant distribution of sizes. The objective is to model a scale-invariant distribution of fault sizes. When a redistribution from a box occurs it is equivalent to a characteristic earthquake on the fault. A redistribution from a small box (a foreshock) can trigger an instability in a large box (the main shock). A redistribution from a large box always triggers many instabilities in the smaller boxes (aftershocks). The frequency-size statistics for both main shocks and aftershocks satisfy the Gutenberg-Richter relation with b = 0.835 for main shocks and b = 0.635 for aftershocks. Model foreshocks occur 28 percent of the time.
Skeletal muscle stem cells do not transdifferentiate into cardiomyocytes after cardiac grafting.

Skeletal muscle cell-derived grafts in the heart may benefit myocardial performance after infarction. Several studies have suggested that skeletal muscle stem cells (satellite cells) from adult muscle undergo transdifferentiation into cardiomyocytes after grafting into the heart, but expression of cardiac markers in graft cells has not been rigorously confirmed. To determine the fate of satellite cell-derived grafts in the heart, adult rat satellite cells were tagged in vitro with bromodeoxyuridine (BrdU) and grafted into normal hearts of syngeneic rats. At 4 and 12 weeks the graft cells formed multinucleated, cross-striated myofibers that expressed fast skeletal myosin heavy chain (MHC), thus indicating a mature skeletal muscle phenotype. Double staining for the BrdU tag and cardiac-specific markers was employed to identify transdifferentiation. Aside from four questionable cells, none of the 11 grafts examined expressed alpha-MHC, cardiac troponin I, or atrial natriuretic peptide. At 4 weeks, grafts expressed beta -MHC, a hallmark of slow twitch myofibers. By 12 weeks, however, the myofibers had atrophied and downregulated beta-MHC. Grafts never expressed the intercalated disk proteins N-cadherin or connexin43, hence electromechanical coupling did not occur. In conclusion, satellite cells differentiate into mature skeletal muscle and do not express cardiac-specific genes after grafting into the heart. Thus, transdifferentiation into cardiomyocytes did not occur.
Optimization of time and frequency resolution for radar transmitter identification

An entirely new set of criteria for the design of kernels for time-frequency representations (TFRs) has been previously proposed. The goal of these criteria is to produce kernels (and thus, TFRs) which will enable accurate classification without explicitly defining, a priori, the underlying structure that differentiates individual classes. These kernels, which are optimized to discriminate among multiple classes of signals, are referred to as signal class-dependent kernels, or simply class-dependent kernels. Until now, our technique has utilized the Rihaczek TFR as the base representation, deriving the optimal smoothing in time and frequency from this representation. Here the performance of the class-dependent approach is investigated in relation to the choice of the base representation. Classifier performance using several base TFRs is analyzed within the context of radar transmitter identification. It is shown that both the Rihaczek and the Wigner-Ville distributions yield equivalent results, far superior to the short-time Fourier transform. In addition, a correlation reduction step is presented. This improves performance and extensibility of the class-dependent approach.
Magnocellular and parvocellular contributions to the responses of neurons in macaque striate cortex

Anatomical and physiological studies of the primate visual system have suggested that the signals relayed by the magnocellular and parvocellular subdivisions of the LGN remain segregated in visual cortex. It has been suggested that this segregation may account for the known differences in visual function between the parietal and temporal cortical processing streams in extrastriate visual cortex. To test directly the hypothesis that the temporal stream of processing receives predominantly parvocellular signals, we recorded visual responses from the superficial layers of V1 (striate cortex), which give rise to the temporal stream, while selectively inactivating either the magnocellular or parvocellular subdivisions of the LGN. Inactivation of the parvocellular subdivision reduced neuronal responses in the superficial layers of V1, but the effects of magnocellular blocks were generally as pronounced or slightly stronger. Individual neurons were found to receive contributions from both pathways. We furthermore found no evidence that magnocellular contributions were restricted to either the cytochrome oxidase blobs or interblobs in V1. Instead, magnocellular signals made substantial contributions to responses throughout the superficial layers. Thus, the regions within V1 that constitute the early stages of the temporal processing stream do not appear to contain isolated parvocellular signals. These results argue against a direct mapping of the subcortical magnocellular and parvocellular pathways onto the parietal and temporal streams of processing in cortex.
Bilateral forearm and hand compartment syndrome following thrombolysis for acute myocardial infarction: a case report

A patient suffering from a cocaine-induced myocardial infarction was treated with thrombolytic therapy and developed acute bilateral compartment syndromes of the upper extremities and hands from bleeding due to attempted bilateral radial artery cannulation. He was treated with emergent decompression of the forearm compartments and intrinsic muscles of the hands and recovered excellent hand function without significant neurologic or muscular damage. The problems encountered in the management of this case are detailed, and recommendations for prevention and therapy are discussed.
Youth-Onset Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: Lessons Learned From the TODAY Study

Type 2 diabetes mellitus is increasingly diagnosed in obese children and adolescents. Evidence suggests that this disease commonly progresses more rapidly in youth compared with adults and is associated with high rates of early microalbuminuria, hypertension, and dyslipidemia. The Treatment Options for Type 2 Diabetes in Adolescents and Youth (TODAY) study was the first multiethnic, multicenter randomized trial in the United States to compare 3 treatment approaches in obese youth with new-onset type 2 diabetes (n=699; ages 10-17 years): monotherapy with metformin, metformin with rosiglitazone, and metformin with an intensive lifestyle intervention. The primary outcome was glycemic control. Diabetes-related complications and cardiovascular risk factors were also examined. Approximately half of the participants could not maintain glycemic control by using metformin alone. Combination therapy with metformin and rosiglitazone resulted in better durability of glycemic control, and metformin plus intensive lifestyle intervention was intermediate but not superior to metformin alone. Deterioration in glycemic control was associated with rapid loss of beta cell function, not worsened insulin sensitivity, and could not be explained by differences in adherence or body mass index. After 3.9 years, 236 (33.8%) of participants had hypertension and 116 participants (16.6%) had microalbuminuria. Only 55.9% of participants had a low-density lipoprotein cholesterol level less than 100 mg/dL (to convert to mmol/L, multiply by 0.0259) after 3 years, and 71 of 517 participants (13.7%) had retinopathy. The significance of the findings from this important trial for the management of youth and young adults with youth-onset type 2 diabetes and its complications is discussed. An aggressive multifaceted approach is needed to prevent or forestall premature microvascular and macrovascular complications in youth-onset type 2 diabetes.
Dynamic simulations of oxygen binding to myoglobin

We report dynamic simulations of the process by which a dioxygen molecule enters or leaves the heme pocket region of myoglobin along a path between the distal histidine (E7) and valine (E11). Our reaction coordinate measures the distance of the ligand from a "dividing plane" defined by three protein atoms. The equilibrium probability distribution as a function of this coordinate is determined by a series of molecular-dynamic simulations with overlapping "umbrella" constraining potentials; the resulting potential of mean force has a barrier of about 7 kcal/mol for exit from the heme pocket. A comparison of this free energy profile with the corresponding potential energy profile suggests that entropy effects dominate the kinetic barrier. Reactive trajectories are generated from dynamic simulations beginning at the top of the potential of mean force; only a small fraction of these recross the dividing surface, indicating that transition state theory may be a good approximation for this process.