cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Acetaminophen protects brain endothelial cells against oxidative stress

Increasing evidence suggests that acetaminophen has unappreciated anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Drugs that affect oxidant and inflammatory stress in the brain are of interest because both processes are thought to contribute to the pathogenesis of neurodegenerative disease. The objective of this study is to determine whether acetaminophen affects the response of brain endothelial cells to oxidative stress. Cultured brain endothelial cells are pre-treated with acetaminophen and then exposed to the superoxide-generating compound menadione (25 microM). Cell survival, inflammatory protein expression, and anti-oxidant enzyme activity are measured. Menadione causes a significant (p<0.001) increase in endothelial cell death as well as an increase in RNA and protein levels of tumor necrosis factor alpha, interleukin-1, macrophage inflammatory protein alpha, and RANTES. Menadione also evokes a significant (p<0.001) increase in the activity of the anti-oxidant enzyme superoxide dismutase (SOD). Pre-treatment of endothelial cell cultures with acetaminophen (25-100 microM) increases endothelial cell survival and inhibits menadione-induced expression of inflammatory proteins and SOD activity. In addition, we document, for the first time, that acetaminophen increases expression of the anti-apoptotic protein Bcl2. Suppressing Bcl2 with siRNA blocks the pro-survival effect of acetaminophen. These data show that acetaminophen has anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory effects on the cerebrovasculature and suggest a heretofore unappreciated therapeutic potential for this drug in neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's disease that are characterized by oxidant and inflammatory stress.
Immunoneutralization of heterodimeric FSH using FSH beta subunit as the immunogen.

Problem Immunization with beta subunit of gonadotropin may elicit antibody formation to endogenous heterodimeric gonadotropin and result in reproductive unresponsiveness. The objectives of this study were to determine if antibodies produced in rats following immunization with human follicle stimulating hormone beta-subunit (hFSH-beta) could bind to and immunoneutralize heterodimeric FSH, and to elucidate the immunoneutralizing epitope. Method Mature female Sprague-Dawley rats received subcutaneous injections of 10 micrograms of hFSH-beta emulsified in complete Freund's adjuvant, while control animals received only adjuvant. Animals received 10 micrograms hFSH-beta booster injections emulsified in incomplete Freund's adjuvant 2, 4, 11, and 21.5 wk after the initial immunization. Results Immunization with hFSH-beta produced appreciable antibody titers against human FSH (hFSH) as measured in enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA) of immunized rat sera. A more modest titer to rat (rFSH) and no antibody response to rat Luteinizing Hormone (rLH) was observed, thus confirming the specificity of the immune response. Titers against hFSH increased throughout the study. Rat anti-hFSH-beta sera was tested to determine its ability to inhibit binding (immunoneutralizing) of 125I-hFSH to the FSH receptor. Continued immunization resulted in all animals producing immunoneutralizing antibodies. Immunization of rats also resulted in disrupted estrous cycles, but only animals with subsequent titers high enough to completely block binding of FSH to its receptor failed to conceive. In order to assess the immunoneutralizing epitope, antisera were tested in a peptide ELISA. Peptides used in the ELISA corresponded to amino acids that spanned the entire hFSH beta sequence. It was found that antibodies from all rats immunized with hFSH beta bound to amino acids within hFSH-beta 33-53. Conclusions Collectively, these data suggest that amino acids within hFSH-beta 33-53 are necessary but not sufficient to confer immunocontraception. Amino acids within this linear sequence appear in a variety of epitopes of hFSH-beta and hFSH, only some of which are immunoneutralizing. (Am J Reprod Immunol. 1993; 29:000-000.)
Anaesthesia for emergency caesarean section

Summary Globally, the emergency caesarean section rate has been rising. The majority of caesarean sections are done using regional techniques rather than general anaesthesia. For general anaesthesia, the use of supraglottic airway devices can be considered and an obstetric difficult airway algorithm is vital in the management of the difficult airway. Regional anaesthesia can be done through various techniques, including single shot spinal, epidural and combined spinal epidural anaesthesia, as well as less commonly used methods, such as rapid sequence spinal and continuous spinal anaesthesia. This article discusses the indication for different methods of anaesthesia and their advantages and risks. There are also some updates regarding decision-to-delivery time, prophylactic antibiotic administration and preoxygenation duration based on recent guidelines and studies.
Submicrometer intracellular chemical optical fiber sensors

A thousandfold miniaturization of immobilized optical fiber sensors, a millionfold or more sample reduction, and at least a hundredfold shorter response time, all simultaneously, were achieved by combining nanofabricated optical fiber tips with near-field photopolymerization. Specifically, pH optical fiber sensors were prepared with internal calibration, making use of the differences in both fluorescence and absorption of the acidic and basic dye species. The submicrometer sensors have excellent detection limits, as well as photostability, reversibility, and millisecond response times. Successful applications include intracellular and intraembryonic measurements. Potential applications include spatially and temporally resolved chemical analysis and kinetics inside single biological cells and their substructures.
An experimental survey of rust preventives in water I. Methods of testing

An assessment of inhibition ability was obtained by two test procedures, which yielded the minimum threshold concentration (range) at which an additive prevents the corrosion of ferrous materials in non-acid aqueous solutions containing dissolved air. An accelerated procedure was also adopted, in which the basis solution contained a mixture of potassium ferricyanide and sodium chloride. The ability to inhibit the corrosion of zinc was assessed by weight loss experiments. Stationary current/potential polarisation curves, as well as current/time and potential/time curves, were obtained with a cell which incorporated an iron test specimen as anode, suitably ‘activated,’ a large well-aerated inert cathode, and a non-acid aqueous electrolyte.
Global analysis of Salmonella alternative sigma factor E on protein translation

The alternative sigma factor E (σ(E)) is critical for response to extracytoplasmic stress in Salmonella. Extensive studies have been conducted on σ(E)-regulated gene expression, particularly at the transcriptional level. Increasing evidence suggests however that σ(E) may indirectly participate in post-transcriptional regulation. In this study, we conducted sample-matched global proteomic and transcriptomic analyses to determine the level of regulation mediated by σ(E) in Salmonella. Samples were analyzed from wild-type and isogenic rpoE mutant Salmonella cultivated in three different conditions: nutrient-rich and conditions that mimic early and late intracellular infection. We found that 30% of the observed proteome was regulated by σ(E) combining all three conditions. In different growth conditions, σ(E) affected the expression of a broad spectrum of Salmonella proteins required for miscellaneous functions. Those involved in transport and binding, protein synthesis, and stress response were particularly highlighted. By comparing transcriptomic and proteomic data, we identified genes post-transcriptionally regulated by σ(E) and found that post-transcriptional regulation was responsible for a majority of changes observed in the σ(E)-regulated proteome. Further, comparison of transcriptomic and proteomic data from hfq mutant of Salmonella demonstrated that σ(E)-mediated post-transcriptional regulation was partially dependent on the RNA-binding protein Hfq.
Germs, governance, and global public health in the wake of SARS

A revolution in the governance of global infectious disease threats is under way, accelerated by events triggered by the outbreak of SARS in 2003. This review article analyzes pre-SARS trends in the governance of infectious diseases, examines the impact of the SARS outbreak on these trends, and posits that germ governance is now a criterion of "good governance" in world affairs.
The Retail-Farm Price Ratio, the Farmer's Share, and Technical Change

Technical change in the food marketing industry has been causally linked to the secular increase in the marketing margin, i.e., the margin between product prices at retail and prices of the related raw farm products. Technical change has also been adduced by Lianos to explain the decline in the relative share of farm workers. However, this work generally omits a formal neoclassical model of technical change that accounts for imperfect competition in input and product markets. This paper synthesizes previous work by Muth and by Gardner in developing a more complete specification of the effects of technical change. This specification allows for noninfinite product demand and factor supply elasticities. These theoretical results are then analyzed empirically to derive some specific quantitative implications of technical change for the food marketing industry. Lianos' empirical estimate of the degree of capital-biased technical change in agriculture is reinterpreted with these alternative neoclassical specifications.
Plasminogen carbohydrate side chains in receptor binding and enzyme activation: a study of C6 glioma cells and primary cultures of rat hepatocytes.

The human (Glu1)-plasminogen carbohydrate isozymes, plasminogen type I (Pg 1) and plasminogen type II (Pg 2), were separated by chromatography and studied in cell binding experiments at 4{degrees}C with primary cultures of rat hepatocytes and rat C6 glioma cells. In both cell systems, Pg 1 and Pg 2 bound to an equivalent number of receptors, apparently representing the same population of surface molecules. The affinity for Pg 2 was slightly higher. With hepatocytes, the KD for Pg 1 was 3.2 +/- 0.2 microM, and the KD for Pg 2 was 1.9 +/- 0.1 microM, as determined from Scatchard transformations of the binding isotherms. The Bmax was approximately the same for both isozymes. With C6 cells, the KD for Pg 1 was 2.2 +/- 0.1 microM vs. 1.5 +/- 0.2 microM for Pg 2. Again, the Bmax was similar with both isozymes. 125I-Pg 1 and 125I-Pg 2 were displaced from specific binding sites by either nonradiolabeled isozyme. The KI for Pg 2 was slightly lower than the KI for Pg 1 with hepatocytes (0.9 vs. 1.3 microM) and with C6 cells (0.6 vs. 1.1 microM). No displacement was detected with miniplasminogen at concentrations up to 5.0 microM. Activation of Pg 1more » and Pg 2 by recombinant two-chain tissue-plasminogen activator (rt-PA) was enhanced by hepatocyte cultures. The enhancing effect was greater with Pg 2. Hepatocyte cultures did not affect the activation of miniplasminogen by rt-PA or the activation of plasminogen by streptokinase. Unlike the hepatocytes, C6 cells did not enhance the activation of plasminogen by rt-PA or streptokinase; however, plasmin generated in the presence of C6 cells reacted less readily with alpha 2-antiplasmin.« less
Alternative splicing of an amino-terminal PEVK-like region generates multiple isoforms of Drosophila projectin.

Drosophila projectin is an extremely large protein found within the muscle sarcomeric unit, parallel with the actin and myosin filaments. Projectin has been suggested as the elastic component of C-filaments in insect indirect flight muscles, which is consistent with its localization from the Z band to the tip of the A band in these muscles. Here, we describe the completion of the projectin sequence analysis, which defines projectin as a 1 MDa protein, composed of 39 immunoglobulin and 39 fibronectin III domains. This analysis led also to the identification of a domain rich in the amino acids P, E, V and K within the NH(2) terminus of projectin. The length of the projectin PEVK-like region varies from 100 to 624 amino acid residues, following a complex pattern of alternative splicing events. PEVK domains were first identified in vertebrate titin and they have been associated with the elasticity of the protein. The PEVK-like domain of the projectin isoforms in indirect flight muscles may contribute to the elastic function of the C-filaments. The synchronous projectin isoforms contain a PEVK-like region, and the possible non-elastic function(s) of this domain in synchronous muscles are discussed.
SUCCESSFUL FEDERAL IMPLEMENATION: THE EROSION OF NEIGHBORHOOD INFLUENCES IN MODEL CITIES*

This study of St. Louis' Model Cities program argues that the barriers to effective intergovernmental implementation that are stressed in the literature did not prevent HUD from accomplishing its goal of weakening the influence of poverty-area neighborhood organizations in the program. HUD, primarily through its willingness to withhold Model Cities funds until the neighborhood organizations' role was weakened, was able to alter such factors as local political alignments and the disposition of local implementers rather than having these remain impediments to implementation. HUD was willing to push this course of action due to the exclusion of representatives of the poor from the HUD subsystem.
Karlin's Corollary: A Topological Approach to Pitman's Measure

In this article, many of the known univariate results about Pitman's Measure of Closeness (PMC) are synthesized through a topological approach. The proofs of many known results are simplified and clarified. The approach extends some previous results established under other restrictions. Connections between PMC and Bayesian estimation are discussed but the inherent interpretations differ. A discourse on this connection can be found in the article of Ghosh and Sen (1991). A transitiveness property for ordered estimators is established and a counter example is given for unordered ones. These results help distinguish between the Bayesian and classical interpretations of Pitman's measure.
Understanding Middle School Students Life Satisfaction: Does School Climate Matter?

This study of 461 middle school students explored associations between perceived school climate and life satisfaction. At the bivariate level, higher life satisfaction co-occurred with greater perceptions of each aspect of school climate. Taken together, students’ perceptions of school climate accounted for 19 % of the variance in their life satisfaction. When controlling for the commonality amongst school climate dimensions, four of six dimensions (i.e., student interpersonal relations, student-teacher relations, order and discipline, and parent involvement in schooling) emerged as unique predictors of life satisfaction. Follow-up analyses clarified that parent involvement in schooling co-occurred with greater life satisfaction for girls only. Preventative strategies to promote youth life satisfaction by targeting the most salient aspects of school climate are suggested.
Crystal structure of β-d-galactopyranosylamine

Abstract The crystal structure of β- d -galactopyranosylamine (C6H13O5N) is orthorhombic, with space group P212121, and cell dimensions a = 7.703(2), b = 7.788(2), c = 12.645(3) A, V = 757.612 A3, Z = 4; Dc and Dm are 1.573 and 1.587 cm−3, respectively. Using MoKα radiation (λ = 0.7107 A), 2841 reflections were measured on a CAD-4 diffractometer. The structure was solved by using MULTAN-78, and refined anisotropically for the non-hydrogen positional and thermal parameters. Final agreement indices are R(F) = 0.074, wR(F) = 0.086, and S = 2.1523. The conformation is 4C1( d ). The orientation of the primary alcohol group is gauche/trans. An unexpected feature of the hydrogen bonding is that the amino group accepts a strong OH---N bond, but has no donor functionality in the crystal structure.
Meningitis retention syndrome

A 50-year-old Caucasian woman presented with signs and symptoms of meningitis preceded by a 3 day history of flu-like symptoms and progressive difficulty with urination. Cerebrospinal Fluid (CSF) analysis was consistent with aseptic meningitis. She was found to have a significant urinary retention secondary to atonic bladder. MRI of the brain and spine were normal and CSF-PCR (polymerase chain reaction) was positive for HSV-2. Urinary retention in the context of meningitis and CSF pleocytosis is known as Meningitis Retention Syndrome (MRS). MRS is a rare but important complication of meningitis most commonly associated with HSV-2. Involvement of central pathways may have a role in the pathogenesis of MRS but this is poorly documented. MRS is different from Elsberg syndrome wherein patients display features of lumbosacral polyradiculitis or radiculomyelitis. Early treatment with antiviral therapy was associated with a favorable outcome in our patient.
The calculation of low energy He ion stopping powers

Abstract It is shown that the ratio of He to H stopping powers is virtually independent of target element, implying that only low velocity target electrons are involved in stripping the ion of its electrons. The effective charge of H and He ions in all elements is evaluated, and is shown to be almost target independent. By using different effective charge values for ions traversing solids and gases, the stopping of He in each physical state has been calculated for all elements. These values are compared to experimental values and to the tables of Northcliffe-Schilling.
The energy jump condition for thermomechanical media in the presence of configurational forces

In the context of a propagating surface of discontinuity in a thermomechanical medium, this brief communication establishes a relationship between the supplies of material momentum, linear momentum, energy and entropy. The relationship is equivalent to the jump condition in energy and is also framed in the context of a driving traction.
Melancholic secrets: gender ambivalence and the unheimlich.

Melancholy is both the refusal of grief and the incorporation of loss, a miming of the death it cannot mourn. (Butler, 1997, p. 142) Many people experience the [uncanny] feeling in the highest degree in relation to death and dead bodies, to the return of the dead, and to spirits and ghosts. As we have seen, some languages in use today can only render the German expression “an unheimlich house” by “a haunted house.” (Freud, 1919, p. 364) Psychoanalytic theory has played a crucial role in undermining the belief that we can ever be in full possession of our selves. In this context, we gain a different perspective on the question of what it might mean to dwell in the world today. In other words, what does it mean for one to be “at home”? Is it possible to find a secure residence for the one? In this context, Judith Butler (1993) has pointed out that “sex” is a key regulatory norm by which “one” becomes viable at all (p. 2). The normative positions of “male” and “female,” of “masculine” and “feminine,” provide the framework within which one achieves cultural intelligibility. In this sense, it might be said that sex and gender categories attempt to provide a home within which one can be—that is, they house the one, they provide a shelter from which to attempt the construction of an identity. But can one ever be at home within such an abode? Or is it perhaps the case that gendered identities are the equivalent of haunted houses—melancholic structures inhabited by the lost other? If gender does indeed exhibit such a The author thanks Catherine Silver for her comments on an earlier version of this article.
Power measurements and national energy consumption of televisions and videocassette recorders in the USA

Abstract The combined energy consumption of US televisions and videocassette recorders was about 40 TW h per year in 1998, corresponding to 3.6% of national residential electricity consumption. The average household television energy consumption was about 310 kW h per year, 23% of which was used while the units were not active. The average household videocassette recorder energy use was about 100 kW h per year, 95% of which was used while the units were not active.
Charge balance and ionospheric potential dynamics in time-dependent global electric circuit model

We have developed a time-dependent model of global electric circuit (GEC) in spherical coordinates. The model solves time-dependent charge continuity equation coupled with Poisson's equation. An implicit time stepping is used to avoid a strict dielectric relaxation time step condition, and boundary conditions for Poisson's equation are implemented to allow accurate description of time evolution of the ionospheric potential. The concept of impulse response of GEC is introduced that allows effective representation of complex time dynamics of various physical quantities in the circuit using model results obtained for instantaneous deposition of a point charge. The more complex problems are then reconstructed using convolution and linearity principles. For a point charge instantaneously deposited at a typical thundercloud altitude the impulse response of the charge density shows induction of the same value and polarity charge at the ionospheric boundary, while charge of the same value but opposite sign is moving down logarithmically with time and neutralizes the source point charge on time scale corresponding to the dielectric relaxation time at altitude of the source point charge. The ionospheric potential is modified immediately with input of the source point charge based on free space solution of Poisson's equation. Then the ionospheric potential relaxes. It is shown that during formation of two main charge centers of the thundercloud, typically represented by a current dipole, the ionospheric potential can be determined from the difference of time integrals of two ionospheric potential impulse responses corresponding to charge locations at the opposite ends of the current dipole. For latitude- and longitude-independent conductivity model, the total charge on the Earth is exactly zero at all times. During cloud-to-ground lightning discharge, the ionospheric potential changes instantaneously by a value proportional to the charge moment change produced by lightning and then relaxes to zero. For a typical charge moment change of 35Ckm and lightning frequency 10s−1, the ionospheric potential changes by 9.3kV; this value agrees well with the results presented by Rycroft et al. (2007) and Rycroft and Odzimek (2010).
Risk Factor Burden in Middle Age and Lifetime Risks for Cardiovascular and Non-Cardiovascular Death (Chicago Heart Association Detection Project in Industry)

Few data exist regarding the association of risk factor burden in middle age with lifetime risks for cardiovascular disease (CVD) and non-CVD death. In this study, participants in the Chicago Heart Association Detection Project in Industry aged 40 to 59 years in 1967 to 1973 were stratified into 5 groups on the basis of risk factor burden: favorable risk factor profile (untreated blood pressure ≤120/≤80 mm Hg, total cholesterol 35 vs 26 years in men, >35 vs 28 years in women). In conclusion, having favorable risk factors in middle age is associated with a lower lifetime risk for CVD death and markedly longer survival. These results should encourage efforts aimed at preventing the development of risk factors in younger subjects to decrease CVD mortality and promote longevity.
L-α-glycerophosphate binding to bovine γ-crystallin: a potential link between metabolism and supramolecular order

The highly selective nature of protein-ligand interactions provides a sensitive mechanism for the modulation of cellular activity by proteins. In the eye lens the supramolecular order of the lens crystallins, which is expected to be susceptible to protein electrostatic charge, in part defines transparency. The binding of charged ligands to proteins is one way of achieving an alteration in protein electrostatic charge. Evidence is presented that L-α-glycerophosphate, a major phosphorus metabolite of eye lens metabolism, binds to the globular protein, γ-crystallin with moderately high affinity and in a positive cooperative manner. The following binding parameters were obtained from equilibrium measurements: minimum number of binding sites, n = 2; Kassoe = 6.2 ± 0.5 × 103 M-1; cooperativity parameter, αH = 1.9 ± 0.1. Interactive computer graphics display techniques were used to locate putative ligand binding sites, and in turn, to identify the possible molecular interactions responsible for the binding of li...
Localized ions under the surface of liquid helium

Abstract The surface displacement, binding energy, and effective mass of localized ion states just under the surface of liquid helium are computed. Electrostrictive forces substantially enhance these quantities.
Evidence for neuroendocrine function of a unique splicing form of TCF7L2 in human brain, islets and gut

Aims/hypothesis Variants in the TCF7L2 gene remain the strongest genetic associations with increased risk of type 2 diabetes. Recently, we identified a unique splicing form of TCF7L2 expressed in pancreatic islets, pancreas and colon and detected by assay ‘ex13-13b’. The expression of ex13-13b strongly correlated with proinsulin in glucose-stimulated pancreatic islets, suggesting a potential role for this form in the development of type 2 diabetes. The goal of this study was to further characterise this unique TCF7L2 splicing form in human tissues.
Civil War in the Post-Colonial World, 1946-92:

In this article, we provide a systematic analysis of the extent to which political, economic, and cultural factors are associated with civil wars in the post-colonial states of Africa, Asia, and the Middle East. Results of logistic regression analyses corroborate previous findings that semi-democracy is associated with an increased likelihood of civil war, while greater economic development reduces the probability of civil war. We also found that militarized post-colonial states are more likely to experience civil war, as are Asian — more than Middle Eastern and African — states. Among the political, economic, and cultural factors, semi-democracy has the greatest impact on the probability of civil war, which suggests the greater role of political — more than economic or cultural — factors in post-colonial civil wars. All told, the findings suggest that a multifaceted strategy of full democratization, demilitarization, and development is required to reduce the likelihood of civil war in post-colonial states.
Disposition of Cocaine in Skin, Interstitial Fluid, Sebum, and Stratum Corneum

[Abstract [ The aim of this study was to determine whether or not the skin acts as a reservoir for cocaine. Cocaine-ds (1 mg/kg) was administered to five nondependent, cocaine-experienced volunteers. Skin tissue, interstitial fluid, sebum, stratum corneum, and plasma were collected for 72 h after drug administration. Cocaine and benzoylecgonine (BE) levels were determined using GC-MS. Cocaine concentrations peaked in plasma at 1 h after administration, with pharmacokinetic parameters (tl/2, CL, Vd) also in the expected ranges. In skin, cocaine levels peaked around 1.5 h after administration and became undetectable by 6 h. A correlation was found between the plasma and skin AUC for cocaine (R = 0.99, p = 0.006, N = 4). BE was not detected in skin. In interstitial fluid (N = 4), cocaine concentrations peaked around 5 h after drug administration and were undetectable by 24 h. BE peaks varied between 2 and 24 h and were not detectable at 48 h. In sebum, cocaine levels peaked between 3 and 24 h. BE was found in three samples between 12 and 24 h. In stratum corneum, cocaine was measurable in only one sample from one subject. These findings suggest that skin does not act as a reservoir for cocaine. Rather, cocaine appears to be distributed rapidly to the skin and eliminated, following a time course similar to that of plasma.
Challenges for dielectric materials in future integrated circuit technologies

Abstract Dielectrics provide crucial functions in integrated circuits as gate dielectrics, transistor isolation structures, memory elements, interlevel dielectrics, and also provide charge storage in fast capacitors for power isolation. As the feature sizes of integrated circuits continues to decrease and speed increases, the performance requirements for these dielectrics increases significantly. Conventional materials such as thermal and CVD SiO 2 are being replaced with new materials such as high k gate dielectrics, and carbon doped SiO 2 for low k interlevel dielectrics. Even in package level power isolation capacitors, improvements in performance are becoming more difficult and new materials are needed. The challenges to dielectric materials will become even more severe as the industry approaches the l0 nm generation. In each of these applications, the requirements and integration issues are different, and this paper will highlight the long-term challenges for different applications of high k and low k materials. Nanotechnology has the potential to deliver new nano-structured materials to support these requirements, but significant challenges must be overcome before they can be useful.
Replication of Chloroplast DNA: Replication Origins, Topoisomerase I, and In Vitro Replication

Replication origins in pea chloroplast DNA (ctDNA) have been mapped in the 44 kbp SalI fragment A. Restriction digests of pea ctDNA with SmaI, PstI and SalI/SmaI have allowed orientation of the two D-loops on the restriction map. One D-loop is located in the spacer region between the 16S and 23S rRNA genes, and the second D-loop is located downstream of the 23S rRNA gene, about 6 kbp apart from the first D-loop. Denaturation mapping of two recombinants, pCP12–7 and pCBI-12, which contain the two D-loops, confirmed the location of the D-loops. Denaturation mapping studies also showed that the D-loop present in the rRNA spacer region has a much higher A+T content than the other D-loop.
Social Integration, Fear of Crime, and Life Satisfaction

This study examines the relationship among features of the local community, fear of crime, and subjective well-being. It draws from the community literature on social integration and from stress th...
Professional Certification in Human Factors: Progress and Pitfalls

Under the auspices of the Subcommittee on Professional Standards (Policy and Planning Committee), effort was resumed in 1984 on a program for certification/licensing of Human Factors specialists within the Human Factors Society. The approach taken by the subcommittee was to review current arguments on the proposition of certification and licensing, determine implications for HPS involvement, define the major issues, and develop a preliminary plan for a recommended certification program for consideration and review by the HFS Executive Council. Such a review was held during the 1984 Annual Meeting with the decision to proceed with developing a plan for phased development of a certification program (Blanchard, 1985).As a result of the 1984 decision, a subcommittee on certification was established under the newly formed committee on professional standards. Bob Blanchard was appointed as the initial chair. That committee has now been actively involved in developing a certification program for two years. In ad...
Interfacial morphology and photoelectrochemistry of conjugated polyelectrolytes adsorbed on single crystal TiO2.

The nanoscale morphology and photoactivity of conjugated polyelectrolytes (CPEs) deposited from different solvents onto single crystal TiO2 were investigated with atomic force microscopy (AFM) and photocurrent spectroscopy. CPE surface coverages on TiO2 could be incremenentally increased by adsorbing the CPEs from static solutions. The solvents used for polymer adsorption influenced the surface morpohology of the CPEs on the TiO2 surface. Photocurrent spectroscopy measurements in aqueous electrolytes, using iodide as a hole scavenger, revealed that the magnitude of the sensitized photocurrents was related to the surface coverages and the degree of aggregation of the CPEs as determined by AFM imaging. Absorbed photon-to-current efficiencies approaching 50% were measured for CPE layers as thick as 4 nm on TiO2. These results suggest that precise control of CPE morphology at the TiO2 interface can be achieved through optimization of the deposition conditions to improve the power conversion efficiencies of po...
Towards in vivo high-resolution OCT based ductal imaging

We present an atlas of OCT b-scans of human breast tissue generated by a customized ultrahigh-resolution spectral-domain OCT system with an axial resolution of 2.7µm and a lateral resolution of 6.2µm.
Oaks were the historical foundation genus of the east-central United States

Foundation tree species are dominant and define ecosystems. Because of the historical importance of oaks (Quercus) in east-central United States, it was unlikely that oak associates, such as pines (Pinus), hickories (Carya) and chestnut (Castanea), rose to this status. We used 46 historical tree studies or databases (ca. 1620–1900) covering 28 states, 1.7 million trees, and 50% of the area of the eastern United States to examine importance of oaks compared to pines, hickories, and chestnuts. Oak was the most abundant genus, ranging from 40% to 70% of total tree composition at the ecological province scale and generally increasing in dominance from east to west across this area. Pines, hickories, and chestnuts were co-dominant (ratio of oak composition to other genera of <2) in no more than five of 70 ecological subsections and two of 20 ecological sections in east-central United States, and thus by definition, were not foundational. Although other genera may be called foundational because of localized abundance or perceptions resulting from inherited viewpoints, they decline from consideration when compared to overwhelming oak abundance across this spatial extent. The open structure and high-light conditions of oak ecosystems uniquely supported species-rich understories. Loss of oak as a foundation genus has occurred with loss of open forest ecosystems at landscape scales.
Rewriting Institutional Narratives to Make Amends: The French National Railroads (SNCF)

In 1940, France, threatened with total annexation by Nazi Germany, signed an armistice agreement with Germany that placed the French government in Vichy France and divided the country into an occupied and unoccupied zone. The Armistice also requisitioned the rolling stock of the SNCFâ€”French National Railwaysâ€”which became a significant arm in the German effort, transporting soldiers, goods, and over 75,000 deportees crammed into merchandise wagons toward Nazi extermination camps. Between 3,000-5,000 survived. Of the roughly 400,000 SNCF employees, Nazis murdered a couple of thousand for resistance or alleged in subordination. Railway men who resisted the Germans also often has to resist their employer as well. After the liberation of French at the end of WWII, the companyâ€”not simply the brave individuals -- received Franceâ€™s Medal of Honor for its alleged role in the ultimate defeat of the Germans. This medal, along with other postwar propaganda in the form of films and books, instilled a singular narrative about the companyâ€™s heroic wartime role. This narrative continued uninterrupted until the 1980s. Those who returned, along with the relatives of many who did not, increasingly challenge the companyâ€™s simplified wartime narrative. In the 1990s, lawsuits against the company began in France and continue through 2016 in the United States. In response, the SNCF made efforts to intertwine story of deportation with the company narrative of resistance. One key forum for this attempt was a colloquium held in 2000 at the AssemblA©e Nationale in Paris.That colloquium is examined here through the lenses of three forms of narrative analysis: structural, functional, and post-structural. Each analytic frame illuminates different challenges to that colloquiumâ€™s attempts at revising history through altering a mystified institutional narrative. Through the analysis of this case, the author establishes the power of these analytic frameworks when examining problematic discursive spaces that hold in place master narratives and limit moral work.
A randomized double-blind trial of chloral hydrate/hydroxyzine versus midazolam/acetaminophen in the sedation of pediatric dental outpatients.

Abstract The purpose of this study was to evaluate in a randomized, double-blinded fashion the sedative and behavioral responses of children undergoing pediatric dental procedures as outpatients and who had received a combination of either oral chloral hydrate 50 mg/kg, not to exceed 1 gm, with hydroxyzine 25 mg (Group 1); or oral midazolam 0.5 mg/kg with acetaminophen elixir 10 mg/kg (Group 2). The children were rated according to sleep, movement, crying and overall behavior at preselected intervals that included presedation, introduction to the operating suite, injection, and overall behavior. There were no statistical differences between the two groups in regards to age, weight, length of procedure, or sex. Group 1 was more asleep in the later time intervals (P < 0.05). Their were no statistically significant differences between the groups in relation to the overall evaluation for the procedure. In conclusion, midazolam/acetaminophen is as effective as chloral hydrate/hydroxyzine in the sedation of young children undergoing outpatient dental procedures.
Evidence for the Production of N4 via the N2 A3Σu+ + N2 A3Σu+ Energy Pooling Reaction

We report mass spectrometric evidence supporting our proposed mechanistic pathway for the production of N4 through the energy pooling reaction N2 A3Sigma(u)+ + N2 A3Sigma(u)+. N2 A3Sigma(u)+ is generated from the quenching of resonantly excited xenon in a mixture of xenon, 15N2, and 14N2 that is illuminated with xenon resonant lamps (147 nm). Mass spectra are periodically taken of the mixture. Over time, we observe significant isotopic scrambling of the 15N2 and 14N2, generating 15N14N in concentrations approaching 10% (approximately 2 Torr) of the initial 15N2 concentration. Though we do not observe the direct formation of N4, the isotopic ratios indicate that an excited complex (15N2(14)N2) exists long enough so that scrambling of the nitrogen atoms can occur, offering a possible route to the formation of tetrahedral nitrogen (1Td N4).
GreenTouch: transparent energy management for cellular data radios

Smartphones come equipped with multiple radios for cellular data communication such as 4G LTE, 3G, and 2G, that offer different bandwidths and power profiles. 4G LTE offers the highest bandwidth and is desired by users as it offers quick response while browsing the Internet, streaming media, or utilizing numerous network aware applications available to users. However, majority of the time this high bandwidth level is unnecessary, and the bandwidth demand can be easily met by 3G radios at a reduced power level. While 2G radios demand even lower power, they do not offer adequate bandwidth to meet the demand of interactive applications; however, the 2G radio may be utilized to provide connectivity when the phone is in the standby mode. To address different demands for bandwidth, we propose GreenTouch, a system that dynamically adapts to the bandwidth demand and system state by switching between 4G LTE, 3G, and 2G with the goal of minimizing delays and maximizing energy efficiency. GreenTouch associates users' behavior to network activity through capturing and correlating user interactions with the touch display. We have used top applications on the Google play store to show the potential of GreenTouch to reduce energy consumption of the radios by 10%, on average, compared to running the applications in the standard Android. This translates to an overall energy savings of 7.5% for the entire smartphone.
Nanoparticle Oxygen Sensing in Skin

Oxygen is essential in maintaining the health of skin. Each year, six million people develop chronic ischemic wounds in the United States, costing over $25 billion in treatment. The measurement of skin oxygenation therefore holds great clinical value by enabling diagnosis, prevention, and treatment for such patients. The development of oxygen-sensing materials has benefited greatly from the use of micro- and nanoparticles, whose unique chemical and biological properties help improve the sensing capabilities and biocompatibility of a variety of oxygen sensors. In this chapter, the most recent advances in oxygen-sensing materials and techniques will be presented, with a focus on techniques suitable for applications in skin.
Enriching Professional Learning Networks: A Framework for Identification, Reflection, and Intention

Many educators in the 21st century utilize social media platforms to enrich professional learning networks (PLNs). PLNs are uniquely personalized networks that can support participatory and continuous learning. Social media services can mediate professional engagements with a wide variety of people, spaces and tools that might not otherwise be available. Teachers who once might have had access to only a handful of colleagues can now employ Facebook, Twitter and other mediums to learn from peers across the globe at any time. However, educators face numerous challenges building and enhancing their PLNs for professional growth. To support educators in the development of their PLNs, we present a framework for PLN enrichment. Rooted in our research and experiences with PLNs, this flexible framework is designed to help educators reflect upon how they might continuously improve their PLN experiences and outcomes.
The Political Economy of Education, Financial Literacy, and the Racial Wealth Gap

This article examines the mismatch between the political discourse around individual agency, education, and financial literacy, and the actual racial wealth gap. The authors argue that the racial wealth gap is rooted in socioeconomic and political structure barriers rather than a disdain for or underachievement in education or financial literacy on the part of Black Americans, as might be suggested by the conventional wisdom. Also, the article presents a stratification economic lens as an alternative to the conventional wisdom to better understand why the racial wealth gap persists.
An accurate algorithm for the detection of DNA fragments from dilution pool sequencing experiments.

Motivation The short read lengths of current high-throughput sequencing technologies limit the ability to recover long-range haplotype information. Dilution pool methods for preparing DNA sequencing libraries from high molecular weight DNA fragments enable the recovery of long DNA fragments from short sequence reads. These approaches require computational methods for identifying the DNA fragments using aligned sequence reads and assembling the fragments into long haplotypes. Although a number of computational methods have been developed for haplotype assembly, the problem of identifying DNA fragments from dilution pool sequence data has not received much attention. Results We formulate the problem of detecting DNA fragments from dilution pool sequencing experiments as a genome segmentation problem and develop an algorithm that uses dynamic programming to optimize a likelihood function derived from a generative model for the sequence reads. This algorithm uses an iterative approach to automatically infer the mean background read depth and the number of fragments in each pool. Using simulated data, we demonstrate that our method, FragmentCut, has 25-30% greater sensitivity compared with an HMM based method for fragment detection and can also detect overlapping fragments. On a whole-genome human fosmid pool dataset, the haplotypes assembled using the fragments identified by FragmentCut had greater N50 length, 16.2% lower switch error rate and 35.8% lower mismatch error rate compared with two existing methods. We further demonstrate the greater accuracy of our method using two additional dilution pool datasets. Availability and implementation FragmentCut is available from https://bansal-lab.github.io/software/FragmentCut. Contact vibansal@ucsd.edu. Supplementary information Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
Metropolitan Land Values

We estimate the first cross-sectional index of transaction-based land values for every U.S. metropolitan area. The index accounts for geographic selection and incorporates novel shrinkage methods using a prior belief based on urban economic theory. Land values at the city center increase with city size, as do land-value gradients; both are highly variable across cities. Urban land values are estimated at more than two times GDP in 2006. These estimates are higher and less volatile than estimates from residual (total - structure) methods. Five urban agglomerations account for 48 percent of all urban land value in the United States. JEL Codes: C43, R1, R3
Hydraulic and biological characterization of a large Kaplan turbine

Abstract One of the most cost-effective and environmentally sound methods of developing hydropower is through the uprating of hydroelectric turbines. In many countries hydroelectric dams have turbines that are approaching their expected service life, with plans underway to install replacement turbines that are expected to improve fish passage survival. To validate these improvements, there is a need to develop a baseline hydraulic characterization of existing Kaplan turbines. An autonomous sensor device known as the Sensor Fish was deployed at Ice Harbor Dam to characterize the hydraulics under different operating conditions. Nadir pressures varied by operating condition, with values decreasing with operating power (144–106 kPaA). Pressure changes during turbine passage varied by operating condition, with values increasing with operating power (311–344 kPa). There were slightly more significant events (acceleration ≥95G) in the stay vane/wicket gate region than the runner region. Rotational velocity data were similar between operating conditions. Sensor Fish data amassed during field studies in similar turbines were used for comparison. This study offers critical insights into the biological performance of large Kaplan turbines and provides vital information that can be used to make informed decisions that lead to additional design or operational improvements.
Abstract LB-171: Potential chemopreventative treatments in Fanconi anemia related HNSCC

Fanconi anemia (FA) is a DNA repair mechanism genetic disorder which leads to bone marrow failure and cancer. Risk of solid tumor malignancy in FA patients occurs decades earlier and at a rate several hundred-fold higher than the general population, necessitating regular cancer surveillance. Development of an adjunct therapy or preventative survival-enhancing therapy with a minimal side effect profile will benefit this population in which chemotherapy and radiation are particularly damaging. To this end, we established a cell line from a post bone marrow transplant FA patient with a T2N2bM0 oral SCC grown as an adherent monolayer culture. We tested pioglitazone, metformin, and N1-hexyl-N5-benzyl-biguanide (HBB), emerging chemopreventative therapies for head and neck squamous carcinoma, for growth inhibition in head and neck cancer cell lines, including our FA SCC cell line. Additional cell lines include UMSCC 11A (laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma), CA 9-22 (oral squamous cell carcinoma), Beas2B (SV40 immortalized normal bronchial epithelium), and MSK Leuk1 (oral leukoplakia cell line). All cell lines are HPV negative. MTT assays determined cell viability after 1, 2, and 3 days of treatment. Pioglitazone at all concentrations (5, 10, 20, 40 μM) decreases cell proliferation compared to solvent controls (P Citation Format: Kimberly A. Miller, Beverly R. Wuertz, Anna M. Haynes, David A. Potter, Frank G. Ondrey. Potential chemopreventative treatments in Fanconi anemia related HNSCC [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2018; 2018 Apr 14-18; Chicago, IL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2018;78(13 Suppl):Abstract nr LB-171.