cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The maltase, glucoamylase and transglucosylase activities of acid α-glucosidase from rabbit muscle

1. The maltase and glucoamylase activities of acid α-glucosidase purified from rabbit muscle exhibited marked differences in certain physicochemical properties. These included pH stability, inactivation by thiol-group reagents, inhibition by αα-trehalose, methyl α-d-glucoside, sucrose, turanose, polyols, glucono-δ-lactone and monosaccharides, pH optimum and the kinetics and pH-dependence of cation activation. 2. The results are interpreted in terms of the existence of at least two specific substrate-binding sites or sub-sites. One site is specific for the binding of maltose and probably other oligosaccharides. The second site binds polysaccharides such as glycogen. 3. The sites appear to be in close proximity, since glycogen and maltose are mutually inhibitory substrates and interact directly in transglucosylation reactions. 4. Acid α-glucosidase exhibited intrinsic transglucosylase activity. The enzyme catalysed glucosyl-transfer reactions from [14C]maltose (donor substrate) to polysaccharides (glycogen and pullulan) and to maltose itself (disproportionation). The pH optimum was 5.1, with a shoulder or secondary activity peak at pH5.4. The glucose transferred to glycogen was attached by α-1,4- and α-1,6-linkages. Three major oligosaccharide products of enzyme action on maltose (disproportionation) were detected. 5. The kinetics of enzyme action on [14C]maltose showed that the rate of transglucosylation increased in a sigmoidal fashion as a function of substrate concentration, approximately in parallel with a decrease in the rate of glucose release. 6. The results are interpreted to imply competitive interaction at a specific binding site between maltose and water as glucosyl acceptors. 7. The results are discussed in terms of the possible existence of multiple subgroups of glycogen-storage disease type II.
Purification, structural evolutions, and electrical properties of carbon nanotube yarns processed via incandescent annealing

Abstract Incandescent annealing in high vacuum is investigated for the purification of carbon nanotube (CNT) yarns produced via the floating catalyst chemical vapor deposition (CVD) method. The existing chemical purification routes damage CNTs and often require CNT dispersion. As an alternative, thermal annealing in inert or vacuum atmospheres has proved to remove impurities alongside improving CNT graphitization. Current-induced incandescent annealing process (IAP) in high vacuum provides a scalable and efficient route for the purification of CNT structures in a matter of seconds compared to hours of thermal annealing, reducing time and energy by orders of magnitude. In this study, electrical properties of CNT yarns are correlated with the morphological changes of their structure resulted from the IAP. Three distinct resistivity ranges based on the IAP current were identified and the detailed chemical composition, structure, and temperature-dependent resistivity of their corresponding yarns were investigated. It is concluded that the transport mechanism in the CNT yarns changes dynamically and drastically with the removal of amorphous carbon, iron, sulfur, and reduction in chlorine content. The correlations between the chemical composition, structure, and resistivity of samples provide new insight into CNT doping mechanisms and can be utilized to improve the conductivity of commercially available CNT yarns.
Race-Conscious Career Development: Exploring Self-Preservation and Coping Strategies of Black Professionals in Corporate America:

The ProblemCorporations have maintained a history of operating as racialized social systems that contribute to racial divisions and inequities in the workplace. Despite this reality, there have bee...
Using Bayesian Updating to Improve Decisions under Uncertainty

Decision making requires managers to constantly estimate the probability of uncertain outcomes and update those estimates in light of new information. This article provides guidance to managers on ...
Upper Extremity Interventions

Upper extremity interventions account for 15 % of all symptomatic, extracranial cerebrovascular disease. Brachiocephalic/innominate and subclavian artery lesions account for the majority of upper extremity endovascular procedures with atherosclerotic occlusive disease as the principle etiology. Subclavian stenosis most frequently involves the ostial and/or proximal segment of the subclavian artery. The left subclavian artery is more frequently involved than the right. With technological advances in endovascular therapies providing a safe alternative to traditional surgery, a paradigm shift has developed in the way these lesions are treated.
Minimally Invasive Surgery

This section introduces minimally invasive surgery including laparoscopic and robotic approaches and addresses the benefits and limitations of these techniques. Techniques of entering the abdomen and establishing pneumoperitoneum are discussed. A case of bowel herniation at a trocar site is described and questions are provided for review.
A retrospective study of the safety and efficacy of low molecular weight iron dextran for children with iron deficiency anemia.

BACKGROUND Iron deficiency anemia (IDA) affects millions of children worldwide. Oral iron replacement is effective but often poorly tolerated. Intravenous iron has been demonstrated to have utility in all ages, but pediatric use remains limited. Low molecular weight iron dextran (LMWID) has a dosing range capable of replacing iron deficits in a single infusion and has been evaluated in small pediatric cohorts, but additional safety and efficacy data are limited. Here, we evaluate the safety and efficacy of LMWID in association with an electronic medical record (EMR)-based effort to optimize dosing. PROCEDURE A retrospective IRB-approved investigation of LMWID utilization at a tertiary pediatric hospital between January 1, 2016 and March 31, 2020 was undertaken to evaluate the therapeutic efficacy and frequency/severity of infusion-related adverse event (AE) in children and adolescents receiving LMWID. Patient demographics and LMWID dosing characteristics were collected, and primary outcome measures included laboratory response and the incidence/severity of any infusion-related events. The utilization of an EMR-based nomogram for LMWID dosing was also evaluated. RESULTS A total of 254 infusions for 191 patients were included (ages 0.7-20.9 years), most with IDA. LMWID replaced at least 75% of the estimated iron deficit in a single infusion for 76% of patients. The mean hemoglobin and ferritin increases were 2.1 g/dl and >100 ng/ml, respectively. Infusion-related AEs were rare, occurring in only 12/254 (4.7%) of infusions and 67% during the test dose; each rapidly resolved without long-term sequelae. No AEs occurred in those <10 years of age. Premedication use markedly decreased with nomogram use without a change in AE rate. CONCLUSIONS In a large institutional cohort, LMWID was well tolerated in children and adolescents, with most patients having their total iron deficits relieved in a single infusion. These data support expanded use of LMWID in the management of pediatric iron deficiency.
Nature of branching in electrohydrodynamic instability

Using weak nonlinear analysis, it is shown that an electric field imposed on a bilayer of fluids in the presence of gravity can only lead to subcritical instability of the interface. We see that no matter the horizontal dimension of the fluid layers or the Bond number, subcritical branching necessarily results. A simple expression for the case of deep layers reveals that the subcritical nature of the instability is contributed dominantly by electrostatic forcing, which is of $O(k)$, and diminished curvature which is of $O({k}^{3})$, both being enough to offset the supercritical nature offered by gravity, which is of $O({k}^{2})$.
A Shared Autonomy Surface Disinfection System Using a Mobile Manipulator Robot

Robots are being increasingly used in the fight against highly-infectious diseases such as Ebola, MERS, and SARS-CoV-2. Many of these robots use ultraviolet lights mounted on a mobile base to inactivate the pathogens. While the lights are generally effective at irradiating open spaces and walls, they are less effective when it comes to horizontal surfaces, because of the orientation of the light sources. This can be problematic for pathogens such as Ebola, where transmission via contaminated work surfaces, which are often horizontal, is a concern. In this paper, we describe the design, implementation, and testing of an ultraviolet light disinfection system implemented on a mobile manipulator robot designed to address the problem of horizontal surface disinfection. A human supervisor designates a surface for disinfection, the robot autonomously plans and executes an end-effector trajectory to disinfect the surface to the required certainty, and then displays the results for the supervisor to verify. We also provide some background information on Ultraviolet Germicidal Irradiation (UVGI) and describe how we constructed and validated models of ultraviolet radiation propagation and accumulation in our system. Finally, we describe our implementation on a Fetch mobile manipulation platform, and discuss how the practicalities of implementation on a real robot affect our models.
Die magnetische Widerstandsänderung von Germanium im Temperaturbereich von 10 bis 20 °K

Die longitudinale und transversale magnetische Widerstandsanderung von n-und p-Germanium wurde im Temperaturbereich von 10–20 °K und bei 78 °K bei Feldstarken bis zu 24 KG mit dem Ziel untersucht, das von Lautz und Ruppel [1] beobachtete starke Anwachsen der galvanomagnetischen Effekte bei tiefen Temperaturen naher zu studieren und den moglichen Einflus von Quantisierungseffekten im Zusammenhang mit den theoretischen Untersuchungen von Appel [2] zu diskutieren.
Fuels and Emissions -- Update and Outlook, 1974

Profound change has been observed in automotive emissions since the late 1960's. This change is marked both in the amount and in the chemical make-up of the controlled emissions. The nature of these changes and implications for air pollution effects are discussed. Data are presented to show that emissions control may deteriorate seriously at some temperatures at which vehicles normally operate. The more viable options for alternative fuels are identified, and emissions characteristics of these fuels are described.
Effect of zinc(II) and other divalent cations on binding of 3,5,3'-triiodo-L-thyronine to nuclear receptors from cultured GC cells.

Abstract The effect of Zn(II) in 3,5,3'-triiodo-L-thyronine (T3) binding to nuclear receptors was studied in dialyzed 0.4 M NaCl extracts of nuclei from cultured GC cells. Addition of ZnCl2 to nuclear extracts resulted in a time- and concentration-dependent dissociation of T3 from nuclear receptors. Half-maximal dissociation occurred at 6 microM ZnCl2. Addition of ZnCl2 also resulted in a concentration-dependent inhibition of binding of T3 to nuclear receptors. Half-maximal inhibition of binding occurred at 1-3 microM ZnCl2. Scatchard analysis indicated that Zn(II) addition decreased kA and did not alter receptor concentration. These effects of Zn(II) were prevented when ZnCl2 was added to nuclear extracts in the presence of 5 mM EDTA or 5 mM dithiothreitol. Moreover, Zn(II)-induced inhibition of T3 binding was reversed by the addition of 5 mM EDTA. The inhibitory effect of Zn(II) on T3 binding seemed specific for nuclear receptors; no effect of Zn(II) on the binding of T3 to proteins in rat serum or GC cell cytosol or to rabbit anti-T3 serum was observed. Cd(II) had a similar concentration-dependent inhibition of T3 binding to nuclear receptors which was reversible. Our findings suggest that Zn(II) may play a role in T3 binding to nuclear receptors as well as its putative role in the binding of receptor to DNA.
Theories and techniques of program understanding

Understanding programs written by others is a difficult task. Most maintenance tasks in software require an understanding of the source code as a first step. Unfortunately, in most cases, the source code of a program is the only reliable documentation of its behavior. As a result, maintainers have to rely heavily on code browsing to acquire the necessary information. This paper surveys the various theories that have been proposed to explain the process of understanding, considers the different techniques used by the tools that are employed, and discusses their relative merits and demerits.
Induction of syngeneic cytotoxic T lymphocytes against a B cell tumor. II. Characterization of anti-idiotypic CTL lines and clones.

In an earlier communication we showed that idiotypic immunoglobulin (Id+ Ig) of a B cell hybrid, 2C3, can induce cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTL) in the spleens of mice that are hyperimmunized with the irradiated tumor cells. To understand the extent of heterogeneity in the splenic CTL population, stable anti-idiotypic CTL lines and clones were established from 2C3-primed splenocytes. One representative CTL line A102 which exhibited the phenotype of CD3+, CD4-, and CD8+, has been maintained in long-term culture for more than 18 months. Cytotoxic specificity of A102 was determined by cold target inhibition assay using a panel of syngeneic and allogeneic B cell tumors. The CTL line A102 was highly cytotoxic to 2C3, only weakly to other syngeneic tumors, but not at all to allogeneic B cell tumor CH12. Furthermore, CTL-mediated cytolysis was significantly abrogated by blocking 2C3 cells with anti-idiotypic monoclonal and polyclonal antibodies. These results clearly show that 2C3 Id represents the immunodominant epitope(s) recognized by the CTL line A102. To isolate a highly Id-specific effector population, A102 was repeatedly subcloned by limiting dilution. One such clone 102.F5 exhibited considerable specificity toward Id+ 2C3 while another clone 102.E10 showed no such specificity in a competitive cytotoxicity assay. This was further confirmed by the inhibition studies with anti-Id mAb. Thus, hyperimmunization with irradiated 2C3 cells evokes a spectrum of anti-2C3 cytotoxic effector cells, of which a major population is reactive to the idiotypic determinants associated with 2C3 Ig.
Some Things Engineers Should Know About Experimental Design

This paper discusses basic considerations and practical aspects of designing an experiment. Relatively non-technical essentials, not always covered in standard texts, are emphasized. An introduction to some more technical matters is also provided...
Spectral characterization of manganese peroxidase, an extracellular heme enzyme from the lignin-degrading basidiomycete, Phanerochaete chrysosporium.

Abstract Manganese peroxidase (MnP) is a component of the lignin degradation system of the basidiomycetous fungus, Phanerochaete chrysosporium. This novel MnII-dependent extracellular enzyme (Mr = 46,000) contains a single protoporphyrin IX prosthetic group and oxidizes phenolic lignin model compounds as well as a variety of other substrates. To elucidate the heme environment of this enzyme, we have studied its electron paramagnetic resonance and resonance Raman spectroscopic properties. These studies indicate that the native enzyme is predominantly in the high-spin ferric form and has a histidine as fifth ligand. The reduced enzyme has a high-spin, pentacoordinate ferrous heme. Fluoride and cyanide readily bind to the sixth coordination position of the heme iron in the native form, thereby changing MnP into a typical high-spin, hexacoordinate fluoro adduct or a low-spin, hexacoordinate cyano adduct, respectively. EPR spectra of 14NO- and 15NO-adducts of ferrous MnP were compared with those of horseradish peroxidase (HRP); the presence of a proximal histidine ligand was confirmed from the pattern of superhyperfine splittings of the NO signals centered at g approximately equal to 2.005. The appearance of the FeII-His stretch at approximately 240 cm-1 and its apparent lack of deuterium sensitivity suggest that the N delta proton of the proximal histidine of the enzyme is more strongly hydrogen bonded than that of oxygen carrier globins and that this imidazole ligand may be described as having a comparatively strong anionic character. Although resonance Raman frequencies for the spin- and coordination-state marker bands of native MnP, nu 3 (1487), nu 19 (1565), and nu 10 (1622 cm-1), do not fall into frequency regions expected for typical penta- or hexacoordinate high-spin ferric heme complexes, ligation of fluoride produces frequency shifts of these bands very similar to those observed for cytochrome c peroxidase and HRP. Hence, these data strongly suggest that the iron in native MnP is predominantly high-spin pentacoordinate. Analysis of the Raman frequencies indicates that the dx2-y2 orbital of the native enzyme is at higher energy than that of metmyoglobin. These features of the heme in MnP must be favorable for the peroxidase catalytic mechanism involving oxidation of the heme iron to FeIV. Consequently, it is most likely that the heme environment of MnP resembles those of HRP, cytochrome c peroxidase, and lignin peroxidase.
A Review of “Freedom Struggles: African Americans and World War I”: Lentz-Smith, Adriane, Cambridge, MA: Harvard University Press, 336 pp., $35.00, ISBN: 0674035925, Publication Date: November 2009

In this sweeping study, which is sure to become the quintessential history of African-American men's experiences during the World War I era, Duke University assistant professor of history Adriane L...
A meta-analysis of sex differences in cyber-bullying behavior: the moderating role of age.

The current research used meta-analysis to determine whether (a) sex differences emerged in cyber-bullying frequency, (b) if age moderated any sex effect, and (c) if any additional moderators (e.g., publication year and status, country and continent of data collection) influenced the sex effect. Theoretically, if cyber-bullying is considered a form of traditional bullying and aggression, males are likely to cyber-bully more than females. Conversely, if cyber-bullying is considered relational/indirect aggression, females will be slightly more likely to cyber-bully than males. RESULTS from 122 effect size estimates showed that males were slightly more likely to cyber-bully than females; however, age moderated the overall effect. Specifically, females were more likely to report cyber-bullying during early to mid-adolescence than males, while males showed higher levels of cyber-bullying during later adolescence than females. Publication status and year and continent and country of data collection also moderated the overall effect. Aggr. Behav. 9999:1-15, 2014. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Language: en
Magnesium bioavailability from human milk, cow milk, and infant formula in suckling rat pups

Little is known about the absorption of magnesium from infant diets. Magnesium bioavailability was evaluated from infant diets that varied by protein and carbohydrate source; magnesium, calcium, and phosphorus contents; and the form of magnesium fortification. Diets were separated into soluble, insoluble, and fat fractions to determine magnesium distribution. Most of the magnesium (> 62%) was found in the soluble fraction. Gel filtration of the soluble fraction from all diets studied showed that > 95% of magnesium is free or associated with low-molecular-weight compounds. Distribution of 28Mg and native magnesium in fractions of the diets was similar, thus validating the use of an extrinsic label. In vitro digestion decreased the percent insoluble magnesium from as high as 35% to 2-8%. Whole-body retention of 28Mg-labeled diets in suckling rat pups 4 h after oral intubation ranged from 51% to 92%. No significant differences were found between human milk, cow milk, and infant formula. In conclusion, magnesium from the infant diets studied has high bioavailability, and moderate differences in their composition do not affect bioavailability significantly.
Performance analysis of multiprocessor systems containing functionally dedicated processors

General models of multiprocessor systems in which processors are functionally dedicated are described. In these models, processors are divided into different types. A task can be assigned only to a processor of certain types. Clearly, the model of multiprocessor systems with identical processors is a special case of our models. These models also include the job shop problem in which there is exactly one processor of each type. Worst case performance bounds of priority-driven schedules are obtained.
Low-Income Women and HIV Risk Reduction: Elaborations from Qualitative Research.

Focus groups were conducted with 45 young, single, low-income women regarding the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Risk in this sample was substantial, as 53% had multiple sexual partners, and 55% reported a recent sexually transmitted disease. Qualitative analysis of transcribed focus groups identified six themes that emerged across groups: (a) misinformation about vertical transmission and treatment of HIV-related illnesses; (b) risk perception linked to emotive factors rather than objective data; (c) uncertainty regarding the risk-reducing value of monogamy; (d) fatalism linked with ambivalence about HIV-antibody testing and treatment; (e) recognition of the importance of discussing HIV-related topics with children, but concern that such discussion with other women might be inappropriate; and (f) inconsistent communication regarding HIV transmission and prevention with partners, partly the result of concerns about violating trust in intimate relationships. These themes warrant attention in the development of HIV risk-reduction programs.
On the coevolution of pathogen and host: II. Selfing hosts and haploid pathogens.

Abstract The theory of discrete time coevolution is applied to the problem of maintenance of genetic polymorphism with selfing hosts and haploid pathogens. It is shown that the usual simplifying assumption, discrete synchroized generations with no intraspecific frequency-dependent selection, precludes stability. This situation is not corrected by the incorporation of special features such as mutation, alternate hosts, partial outcrossing of the hosts, or genetic recombination in the pathogen population.
Respiratory maneuvers in converting WPW syndrome to normal conduction and converting normal conduction to a WPW syndrome.

Abstract Two cases are presented which demonstrate the control of intermittent WPW syndrome by respiratory maneuvers. Electrocardiograms and quantitative vectorcardiograms are presented. One case was also studied by exercise tolerance, simulated altitude, and hypoxia.
Trust in the brain

A new event-related fMRI study suggests that decisions about trustworthiness involve structures that process emotions, and raises intriguing questions about cues used for such judgments.
Scattering of coherent sound waves by atmospheric turbulence

An analytical study of the propagation of coherent sound waves through an atmosphere containing both mean and fluctuating flow variables is presented. The general flow problem is formulated as a time-dependent wave propagation in a half-space containing the turbulent medium. The coherent acoustic waves are analyzed by a smoothing technique, assuming that mean flow variables vary with the height only. The general equations for the coherent waves are derived, and then applied to two special cases, corresponding to uniform and shear mean flow, respectively. The results show that mean shear and turbulence introduce pronounced effects on the propagation of coherent acoustic disturbances.
Interpretation of Measured Tracer Concentration Fluctuations Using a Sinusoidal Meandering Plume Model

Abstract Simultaneous instantaneous concentration and wind velocity fluctuations were measured 100 to 752 m downwind of a point source release of SF6 tracer during two field studies conducted amid rolling wheat fields and at a flat desert site in eastern Washington. Data from stable, neutron, and unstable conditions are interpreted using a meandering plume model where the meander is defined to be sinusoidal and the instantaneous plume profile is Gaussian. A sensitivity analysis of the model shows that the characteristic concentration time scale is a direct function of the meander time scale and the receptor position relative to the meander centerline. For narrow instantaneous plumes relative to the meander amplitude, the predicted mean crosswind profiles of concentration, intermittency factor, concentration fluctuation intensity, and peak-to-mean ratios exhibit bimodal distributions. Conditional (nonzero) concentration fluctuation intensifies calculated from the model are scattered about 1.0;, the scatter...
Injection Methods in the Fermilab Booster

At present there are two working injection methods; single-turn using a ferrite kicker magnet and multiturn using a pulsed set of 4 dipoles in one straight section. The operating characteristics of these methods are described. The expected implementation of H injection will involve the incorporation of devices for all three methods in one 6-m long straight section. The H-scheme is described and the expected operating characteristics compared to the present methods.
Three-dimensional characterization of textile composites

Abstract The mechanical and failure behavior of a carbon-fabric/epoxy composite was characterized and appropriate failure criteria in three dimensions were proposed. The material investigated was reinforced with a five-harness satin carbon fiber weave. Test methods were developed/adapted for complete mechanical characterization of textile composites in three dimensions. Through-thickness tensile and compressive properties were obtained by testing short waisted blocks bonded to metal end blocks. The through-thickness shear behavior was determined using a short beam with V-notches under shear. Multiaxial states of stress were investigated by testing in-plane and through-thickness specimens under off-axis tension and compression at various orientations with the in-plane directions. Three types of failure criteria in three dimensions were proposed, limit criteria (maximum stress), fully interactive criteria (Tsai–Hill, Tsai–Wu), and failure mode based and partially interactive criteria (Hashin–Rotem, Sun, NU). The latter, a newly developed interlaminar failure theory, was found to be in excellent agreement with experimental results in the through-thickness direction, especially those involving interlaminar shear and compression.
Examining Mexico and US values education in a global context

Discussion about values education has begun to dominate the educational policy agenda in a number of countries over the last ten years. Of particular relevance are questions on what to teach, how and why. This discussion seems to be more prominent among those countries undergoing vigorous political, economic and social change. In the last few years, under the ever-increasing influence of the US and the so-called global economy, Mexico has intensified its active search for democracy and invigorated its march toward modernization. Both of these intentions have proven to have important influences on the values the Mexican state and educational policy makers see as necessary to be transmitted via education. Simultaneously, internal as well as external forces are continuously challenging Mexican identity, which has evolved relatively consonant with the aims of a centralized and hierarchical state and in line with the principles of the 1910 Revolution. The implementation of the North American Free Trade Agreeme...
The human ventromedial prefrontal cortex is critical for transitive inference

We hypothesized that the ventromedial pFC (vmPFC) is critical for making transitive inferences (e.g., the logical operation that if A > B and B > C, then A > C). To test this, participants with focal vmPFC damage, brain-damaged comparison participants, and neurologically normal participants completed a transitive inference task consisting an ordered set of arbitrary patterns. Participants first learned through trial-and-error the relationships of the patterns (e.g., Pattern A > Pattern B, Pattern B > Pattern C). After initial learning, participants were presented with novel pairings, some of which required transitive inference (e.g., Pattern A > Pattern C from the relationship above). We observed that vmPFC damage led to a specific deficit in transitive inference, suggesting that an intact vmPFC is necessary for making normal transitive inferences. Given the usefulness of transitivity in inferring social relationships, this deficit may be one of the basic features of social conduct problems associated with vmPFC damage.
Mercury Vapor Release from Broken Compact Fluorescent Lamps and In Situ Capture by New Nanomaterial Sorbents

The projected increase in the use of compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs) motivates the development of methods to manage consumer exposure to mercury and its environmental release at the end of lamp life. This work characterizes the time-resolved release of mercury vapor from broken CFLs and from underlying substrates after removal of glass fragments to simulate cleanup. In new lamps, mercury vapor is released gradually in amounts that reach 1.3 mg or 30% of the total lamp inventory after four days. Similar time profiles but smaller amounts are released from spent lamps or from underlying substrates. Nanoscale formulations of S, Se, Cu, Ni, Zn, Ag, and WS2 are evaluated for capture of Hg vapor under these conditions and compared to conventional microscale formulations. Adsorption capacities range over 7 orders of magnitude, from 0.005 (Zn micropowder) to 188 000 microg/g (unstabilized nano-Se), depending on sorbent chemistry and particle size. Nanosynthesis offers clear advantages for most sorbent chemistries. Unstabilized nano-selenium in two forms (dry powder and impregnated cloth) was successfully used in a proof-of-principle test for the in situ, real-time suppression of Hg vapor escape following CFL fracture.
Endemism and Invasion in the Great Lakes Diatom Community

Population dynamics and health for individual Great Lakes diatom species is explored. Information dealing with how these taxa compete with introduced species and rapid environmental changes in modern times is examined. Diatomists have identified a number of these taxa, but discussion is limited with little or no information covering the ecological range of the taxa over time. Some of these include Cyclotella americana Fricke; C. bodanica var. stellata Skvortzow; and Stephanodiscus superiorensis Theriot. A number of taxa endemic to the Great Lakes undescribed in the literature also exist. These are species wedged into taxonomic categories from the European taxonomic system. Recent advances in the understanding of diatom species boundaries, suggest these names are inappropriately used for a number of taxa identified in paleolimnological investigations of the Great Lakes. This problem developed because taxonomic information outside of the European flora is not readily available to researchers, and because the focus of paleolimnological studies is primarily environmental reconstruction minimizing the time that can be spent unraveling taxonomically troublesome species. Examples of these are Cyclotella bodanica var. glabriscula and C. bodanica var. oligactis. Great Lakes populations of these taxa are significantly different from the original populations described from alpine lakes in Austria and Switzerland and merit taxonomic separation. Many of the endemic taxa are no longer present in the modern Great Lakes assemblages. The precise time of their disappearance from the system is not know, but modifications in Great Lakes diatom populations clearly coincided with the development of substantial European settlement of the Great Lakes region. C. americana, for example, was always limited to Lakes Erie and Ontario but disappeared from both of these lakes prior to 1900. With the disappearance of these taxa, came a number of introductions to the lakes. This work represents the first attempt to document these floristic changes.
Insisting on Digital Equity: Reframing the Dominant Discourse on Multicultural Education and Technology

In the United States, where technological progress is portrayed as humanistic progress, computer technologies often are hailed as the great equalizers. Even within progressive education movements, such as multicultural education, the conversation about instructional technology tends to center more on this or that wonderful Web site or piece of software than on equitable access to thesetechnologies.Inthisarticle,theauthorchallengespeopleworkingatthe intersections of multicultural and instructional technology, insisting that our first concern must be the elimination of digital inequities. It is only when we reframe the dominant discourse in this way that we practice authentic multicultural education.
Minireview: Dopaminergic Regulation of Insulin Secretion from the Pancreatic Islet

Exogenous dopamine inhibits insulin secretion from pancreatic β-cells, but the lack of dopaminergic neurons in pancreatic islets has led to controversy regarding the importance of this effect. Recent data, however, suggest a plausible physiologic role for dopamine in the regulation of insulin secretion. We review the literature underlying our current understanding of dopaminergic signaling that can down-regulate glucose-stimulated insulin secretion from pancreatic islets. In this negative feedback loop, dopamine is synthesized in the β-cells from circulating l-dopa, serves as an autocrine signal that is cosecreted with insulin, and causes a tonic inhibition on glucose-stimulated insulin secretion. On the whole animal scale, l-dopa is produced by cells in the gastrointestinal tract, and its concentration in the blood plasma increases following a mixed meal. By reviewing the outcome of certain types of bariatric surgery that result in rapid amelioration of glucose tolerance, we hypothesize that dopamine serves as an “antiincretin” signal that counterbalances the stimulatory effect of glucagon-like peptide 1.
Interfacial Alignment Mechanism of Forming Spherical Silica with Radially Oriented Nanopores

When cationic surfactants are added to the Stober process, spherical particles with radially oriented mesopores can be prepared by precipitation of silica from a solution of ethanol, water, and ammonia. Van Tendeloo and co-workers proposed that these particles form by epitaxial growth of cylindrical assemblies from the facets of Ia3d cubic (MCM-48) seeds. [J. Phys. Condens. Matter 2003, 15, S3037.] Here, we reexamine this hypothesis by detailed characterization of intermediate and final mesoporous silica particles formed from ethanol/water/ammonia solutions. We find that the presence of a cubic core is not required to explain the synthesis of spherical particles with radially oriented pores. Instead, we hypothesize that the radial orientation originates at the particle surface because of the preferred alignment of CTAB micelles normal to that interface. Consistent with previous studies of the Stober process, we initially observe small, irregular silica/surfactant clusters. After an induction time, these c...
Impact of Asthma Self-management on Pediatric Emergency Department Visits and Hospitalizations

Asthma education is an essential component of asthma management. Studies indicate a decrease in emergency department visits and hospitalizations when patients or parents participate in asthma self-management education programs. Because of time constraints, programs are often not offered or attended. Furthermore, variation among programs makes it difficult to generalize findings from one program to another. The purpose of this study was to compare the number of children who experienced an asthma-related emergency department visit and/or hospitalization between those whose parents attended a short, group-based, inpatient asthma self-management education program and those whose parents did not attend. A retrospective, comparative, descriptive study was conducted. Subjects consisted of a convenience sample of 298 children (attended, n = 126; did not attend, n = 172) admitted to a New England children’s hospital in 2006 with a primary diagnosis of asthma. Data from 2 hospital databases were collected for 12 mo...
Cardiac Ventricular Diastolic and Systolic Duration in Children With Heart Failure Secondary to Idiopathic Dilated Cardiomyopathy

Systole and diastole are the fundamental periods of the cardiac cycle, yet little emphasis has been placed on their relative duration when evaluating heart failure. Cardiac intervals are used to assess ventricular function, but the relative duration of systole and diastole for defining function have not been evaluated. We hypothesized that in heart failure, systole is prolonged and diastole shortened. We defined systole and diastole in 16 children with idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy and in 16 normal controls, matched for age and gender, using the mitral regurgitant (MR) and tricuspid regurgitant (TR) flow duration. The systole and diastole durations (expressed as a fraction of the cardiac cycle) were correlated with heart rate and age and compared between groups. The subjects were compared with gender- and age-matched controls (9.98 +/- 6.1 vs 9.88 +/- 6.08 years, p = NS). The 2 groups had similar heart rates (104 +/- 31 vs 92 +/- 34 beats/min, p = NS). The systole duration was not significantly different when measured by MR versus TR duration (0.60 +/- 0.10 vs 0.57 +/- 0.11 of the cardiac cycle, respectively, p = NS). Systole was prolonged in subjects compared with controls (0.60 +/- 0.1 vs 0.42 +/- 0.08, respectively, using MR duration, p < 0.0001 and 0.57 +/- 0.11 vs 0.41 +/- 0.07, respectively, using TR duration, p = 0.0008). The systolic/diastolic ratio was 0.77 +/- 0.24 in the controls versus 1.57 +/- 0.98 in the patients with idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy using the TR duration (p < 0.005) and 1.67 +/- 0.68 using the MR duration (p < 0.0001). The systole duration correlated with heart rate in subjects (r = 0.79, p = 0.0003) and controls (r = 0.69, p = 0.003). In conclusion, systole is significantly prolonged and diastole correspondingly shortened in heart failure. Reversal of the normal systolic/diastolic ratio may compromise cardiac filling and function. The systole and diastole duration are easily measured using routine Doppler flow, enhancing assessment of cardiac function in children.
Prevalence and distribution of abdominal aortic plaque in a community-dwelling cohort free of clinical cardiovascular disease and major cardiovascular disease risk factors

Background Abdominal aortic atherosclersosis is associated with incident cardiovascular disease (CVD); excess burden of atherosclerotic abdominal aortic plaque (AAP) may be useful for identification of persons at increased risk of occlusive vascular disease. We sought to determine the prevalence and quantitative burden of AAP detected by CMR in community-dwelling adults free of prevalent CVD and major CVD risk factors.
Conduction-electron spin resonance in aluminum at 79 GHz

Conduction-electron spin resonance in aluminum has been studied by the microwave transmission technique at 79 GHz over the temperature range 4-80 K. At low temperatures the $g$ value and linewidth show the same type of anomalous temperature dependence as reported earlier at 35 GHz. At high temperatures, where the linewidth reflects the spin-flip scattering rate from thermal phonons, a strong and unexpected frequency dependence is observed with the linewidth being proportional to the applied frequency.
Destabilizing Universal Linkers for Signal Amplification in Self-Ligating Probes for RNA

Recent studies have established the utility of oligonucleotide ligation methods in the detection of DNAs and RNAs in solution and in cellular imaging. Notably, the ligated full-length oligonucleotide products commonly bind to the target nucleic acid much more tightly than do the two starting half-probes, which effectively limits the resulting signals to one per target. Here, we report on a molecular strategy for destabilizing ligated products in template-promoted self-ligation reactions, thus yielding multiple signals per target. A new universal linker design is described in which a dabsyl leaving group is placed on a short alkane tether. This allows the placement of an electrophile at the end of any DNA sequence, in contrast to earlier ligation strategies, and it also speeds reaction rates by a factor of 4−5. This new class of molecular linker/activator yields as much as 92-fold amplification of signals in DNA and RNA detection, and proceeds without enzymes, added reagents, or thermal cycling. The linker...
Embedded system protection from software corruption

As Embedded Systems are being network enabled, allowing for remote updates and data sharing, software corruption has become a major concern. Security protection has mostly been overlooked. Software corruption can simplistically be considered as unauthorized instructions that are executed within the system. This can occur through behaviorally modified instruction code introduced via new software installation, updates, or application input data (such as buffer overflows). We introduce a vault architecture that prevents the insertion of software corruptions for embedded systems that allow remote access. Simulation results for the vault architecture are provided.
Strings reinterpreted as topological elements of space-time

Abstract In 1974, Scherk and Schwarz suggested a reinterpretation of string dynamics as a theory of quantum gravity with unification. We suggest completing the transition through the reinterpretation of the strings themselves as Feynman paths, spanning the topology of space-time in the Hawking-King-McCarthy model. This explains the emergence of gravity.
Microevolutionary interpretations from the dentition.

The qualities of the dentition (preservability, hereditability, evolutionary stability, behavioral correlations) make them eminently suited for long-term evolutionary studies where only natural selection need be considered. Teeth, however, can be just as valuable for short-term or microevolutionary studies but here consideration of additional processes and conditions is required. Admixture, one such source of microevolution common to many living human groups, often follows contact or discovery by external groups or displacement. Estimates of admixture have been made for several such living hybrid populations by several investigators and all were premised on assumed blood group allele frequencies for the ancestral population of the hybrid group as in this simple model: Text Table Text. Time 3 living hybrid groups Time 2 + foreign group Time 1 prehistoric ancestral group For any given living hybrid group, admixture estimates vary widely depending on which other living “unmixed” population is assumed to be most like the ancestral group. This paper presents admixture estimates (for three living North American native groups, Aleuts, Koniag Eskimos, and Pueblo Indians, known by pedigree studies to be admixed to varying degrees) based on allele frequencies calculated from dental phenotypes exhibited in prehistoric skeletal samples known to be ancestral to each of the living hybrid groups. These estimates are compared with estimates based on blood groups. It is uncertain at present whether the potential error resulting from possibly inexact modes of inheritance of these dental traits is less or greater than the potential error due to assuming a living group to be genetically identical with the ancestral group for the trait(s) in question. Widespread acceptance of this procedure utilizing skeletal samples obviously rests with the verification of existing models for dental trait inheritance.
Dynamic and Neurogenic Factors Determining the Hepatic Arterial Flow after Portal Occlusion

Acute ligation of the portal vein in the barbital-anesthetized dog produces a significant increase in the hepatic arterial flow when the perfusion pressure remains elevated in the artery. Evidence is presented which supports the concept that the immediate readjustment is solely dependent on dynamic changes. The late readjustments are probably conditioned by the interplay of neurogenic and humoral factors.
Reactivity of quadruply bonded dimolybdenum(II) complexes with alkyl isocyanides: Mo-Mo bond cleavage or retention?

Abstract The quadruply-bonded dimolybdenum(II) complexes Mo2(μ-dppm)2X4 (X = Br or I) can be prepared in high yield from Mo2(μ-dppm)2Cl4 (dppm = Ph2PCH2PPh2) via simple halide-exchange reactions (using NaX in acetone). The complexes Mo2(μ-dppm)2X4 (X = Cl, Br or I) react with one equivalent of RNC (R = i-Pr or t-Bu) in the presence of TlPF6 (in THF) or KPF6 (in acetone) to give [Mo2X3(dppm)2(CNR)]PF6, the first examples of multiply bonded Mo4+2 complexes that contain coordinated π-acceptor RNC ligands. The reactions of Mo2(μ-dppm)2X4 with an excess of RNC lead to seven-coordinate mononuclear cations [MoX(dppm)(CNR)4]+, which are in turn converted into [Mo(CNR)5(dppm)]2+ and thence [Mo(CNR)7]2+. The significance of these results, insofar as they relate to the cleavage of mixed halide-phosphine complexes of dimolybdenum(II) by isocyanides and the substitution chemistry of [Mo(CNR)7](PF6)2 by phosphine ligands, are discussed. Comparisons are made with related chemistry of dinuclear and mononuclear molybdenum(II) complexes that contain bidentate nitrogen donors such as 2,2′-bipyridine, 1,10-phenanthroline and 1,4-disubstituted diaza-1,3-butadienes. The reactions between cis-Mo2(mhp)2Cl2(PMePh2)2 (mhp is the anion of 2-hydroxy-6-methylpyridine) and t-BuNC (in the presence of KPF6) result in the formation of mixtures of Mo2(mhp)4 and [Mo(CN-t-Bu)5(PMePh2)2](PF6)2
Homozygous loss of menin is well tolerated in liver, a tissue not affected in MEN1

Most tumor suppressor genes show a widespread pattern of expression, yet individuals with germline, heterozygous loss of function of such genes develop tumors in a restricted set of tissues. This paradox has generated a multitude of speculative hypotheses. The gene for multiple endocrine neoplasia type I (MEN1) encodes a ubiquitously expressed tumor suppressor of unknown function called menin. Humans and mice with germline, heterozygous loss-of-function mutations in the MEN1 gene almost always develop at least one endocrine tumor by late adulthood, and examination of those tumors invariably reveals loss of the wild-type allele. To investigate the paradox of tissue-specific tumor phenotype in MEN1, mice homozygous for an Men1 gene with exons 3–8 flanked by loxP sites were bred to transgenic mice expressing cre from the albumin promoter. This strategy allowed us to generate mice with homozygous deletion of the Men1 gene in liver, a tissue not normally predisposed to developing tumors in humans or mice with heterozygous MEN1 loss-of-function mutations. Livers that were completely null for menin expression appeared entirely normal and remained tumor free until late adulthood. These results argue against certain hypotheses previously proposed for the tissue specificity of tumor suppressor genes and provide insights to the mechanism of tissue specificity in MEN1.