cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Preparation of individual CPK isoenzymes from myocardium and brain.

Abstract In order to obtain quantities of CPK individual isoenzymes suitable for use in experiments concerned with disappearance of CPK from the circulation, we developed a preparative procedure for isolation of MM, MB and BB CPK from human myocardium and brain. The procedure utilized ethanol fractionation, batch adsorption on DEAE Sephadex A-50, and column chromatography with the same medium. Each isoenzyme fraction was virtually free from activity attributable to the other isoenzymes demonstrable by polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, although slight protein contamination was detected by SDS gel electrophoresis.
The Subinertial Momentum Balance of the North Atlantic Subtropical Convergence Zone

Abstract The upper-ocean to forcing by pressure gradients and wind stress is examined using observations from the Frontal Air–Sea Interaction Experiment. A moored way acquired time series of winds. upper-ocean currents, temperatures, and salinities between winter and late spring in a region of the Sargasso Sea known for the presence of upper-ocean fronts. These fronts have timescales of 10 days and dominate current variance, while winds varied with the 4-day timescale of passing weather systems. Employing a frequency domain regression model. it is found that gestrophy accounts for most of the low-frequency (>100 h)current variance in the seasonal pycnoclino, but wind-forced shear becomes important nearer the surface. In particular, currents oriented in the typical NE–SW alonfront direction display geostrophic balance, while those perpendicular to them do not. Wind forcing can produce geostrophic currents indirectly through Ekman pumping. and knowledge of the geostrophic shear is required to distinguish be...
Development of a strain of rabbits with congenital simple nonsyndromic coronal suture synostosis. Part I: Breeding demographics, inheritance pattern, and craniofacial anomalies.

Abstract The lack of an animal model of congenital coronal suture (CS) synostosis has prompted the widespread use of an experimental rabbit model using adhesive immobilization of the CS. Such postnatal models have helped make significant scientific contributions but may still not fully represent all aspects of the human congenital condition. In the March 1993 issue of The Cleft Palate-Craniofacial Journal we reported a female rabbit born in our laboratory with complete bilateral CS synostosis. This follow-up study presents our attempts to breed this animal and establish a strain of craniosynostotic rabbits. To date, we have accomplished 10 back- and intercrosses with these animals and have produced a total of 71 live offspring; 10 animals exhibited complete nonsyndromic unilateral (plagiocephalic) or bilateral (brachycephalic) CS synostotic deformities at birth, and 19 animals exhibited partial CS synostosis that showed more than 75% growth retardation across the CS (well below the 95% confidence interval...
Spacecraft nutational instability prediction by energy-dissipation measurements

Nutational divergence of a spinning spacecraft was studied experimentally and later compard with flight data. Laboratory measurements of liquid energy dissipation in model tanks, with and without propellant management devices, were performed during forced precession of the tanks. Results were used to predict divergence time constants via the energy sink approach and were compared to time constants obtained from flight data. Agreement within 21% was obtained, considered very good since the energy sink approach was used for an exceptionally high liquid-fraction spacecaft. By contrast, analytical estimates were in error by one to three orders of magnitude. Time constants were also compared to drop tests with excellent agreement. Data encompass three designs of propellant management devices and several parameter variations for each design.
Targeting osteoclast-osteoblast communication

The identification of a new mode of cell-cell communication mediated by semaphorin 4D (Sema4D) and Plexin-B1 has added another level to the regulatory balance between bone formation and resorption (pages 1473–1480). This study also highlights Sema4D as a potential target for the development of new therapeutics for osteoporosis and other bone disorders associated with increased resorption.
DECEPTIVE, VERBALLY COERCIVE COLLEGE MALES : ATTITUDINAL PREDICTORS AND LIES TOLD

About 1 in 4 college males admit to having lied or made false promises to have sex. In sex survey data reported here, 22% of 634 men lied an average of 4 times, but the modal number was 1, and 59% lied fewer than 4 times. Of the men who lied, 71% admitted to having been drinking at least some of these times. Lies told fell mostly into two subjective categories indicating caring or commitment (58%) or that this was not casual sex or a one-night stand (38%). Lying happened mostly at parties (66%) or at the woman's or man's apartment (34%). In contrast, only 0.2% of the males who lied admitted to having used threat or force to have sex. A logistic regression revealed four statistically significant predictors of men who lied: (i) (greater) sexual experience/activity, (ii) excessive use of alcohol, (iii) (greater) belief in women's use of a token “no” and (iv) (greater) hostility. Such variables identified correctly 77% of the men who lied.
Highlights of 2012 Fall Meeting

This past December the streets of San Francisco, Calif., surrounding the Moscone Center were awash with a sea of Earth and space scientists attending the 45th consecutive AGU Fall Meeting, eager to share and expand their knowledge “for the benefit of humanity.” As it has for many years, attendance at AGU's Fall Meeting—the largest gathering of Earth and space scientists in the world—continued to increase, this year passing the 24,000 mark. Attendees at the meeting, which took place on 3–7 December 2012, hailed from 97 countries; nearly 7000 of them were students. News from the Fall Meeting was carried in newspapers and on Web sites around the world, and the social media sphere lit up with talk of AGU and the Fall Meeting. It's even reported that for a short time we were a trending topic on Twitter.
Developments of BBG theory

Abstract A short review of the early developments due largely to K.A. Brueckner is given. Special emphasis is given to insertions in hole and particle lines, dispersion-effects and healings, and how the quantitative effects of these are related to the nature of the force. The importance of higher-order insertions in hole and particle lines and its relation to the force is also emphasized. This is important in a quantitative comparison of BBG theory with variational theory. The increased healing-distance due to the tensor force is also pointed out. This gives convergence problems. Experiment may leave room for a nuclear force with weaker tensor force than mostly used.
The Land of Hope: Third-Grade Students Use a Walking Tour to Explore Their Community

(2006). The Land of Hope: Third-Grade Students Use a Walking Tour to Explore Their Community. The Social Studies: Vol. 97, No. 3, pp. 129-132.
Truck Drivers' Ability to Locate Targets Briefly Seen in Mirrors:

The objective of this study was to establish a safe, repeatable procedure for measuring functional fields of view for indirect visibility systems on heavy trucks. Thirty-two professional truck drivers participated. A stationary class 8 tractor and attached semi-trailer was the test vehicle. On each trial the driver searched various mirror configurations for an automobile, minivan, motorcycle, or pedestrian target located at various positions around the truck. Two novel aspects of the method were an occluded-view procedure that restricted drivers' visual search to two-second glances, and a touch-screen map of the testing area used to indicate the position of detected targets relative to the truck. Target locations reported by drivers were closer to the truck cab than actual target locations especially for distant targets. This "safety" bias was similar for targets seen with flat and convex mirror configurations and also was observed for directly viewed targets near the front of the truck. Language: en
Modelling dendritic solidification with melt convection using the extended finite element method

Dendritic solidification of pure materials from an undercooled melt is studied using the extended finite element method/ level set method for modelling the thermal problem and a volume-averaged stabilized finite element formulation for modelling fluid flow. The extended finite element method using evolving enrichment functions allows accurate modelling of the discontinuous thermal conditions at the moving sharp freezing front thus capturing its motion precisely. The solution of the velocity field in the melt is obtained assuming that the sharp-interface is diffused over the length of two finite elements. The methodology presented is shown to be an effective tool for capturing the interface phenomena and freezing interface growth using a single uniform finite element grid. The whole formulation is packaged into a flexible, modular and parallel library with the ability to incorporate new physics. Comparisons with other numerical methods as well as analytical results emphasize the fidelity of the method in modelling the underlying physical phenomena and growth mechanisms. Various examples of dendritic growth in two- and three-dimensions are presented.
The SarA protein family of Staphylococcus aureus

Staphylococcus aureus is widely appreciated as an opportunistic pathogen, primarily in hospital-related infections. However, recent reports indicate that S. aureus infections can now occur in other wise healthy individuals in the community setting. The success of this organism can be attributed to the large array of regulatory proteins, including the SarA protein family, used to respond to changing microenvironments. Sequence alignment and structural data reveal that the SarA protein family can be divided into three subfamilies: (1) single domain proteins; (2) double domain proteins; (3) MarR homologs. Structural studies have also demonstrated that SarA, SarR, SarS, MgrA and thus possibly all members of this protein family are winged helix proteins with minor variations. Mutagenesis studies of SarA disclose that the winged helix motifs are important for DNA binding and function. Recent progress concerning the functions and plausible mechanisms of regulation of SarA and its homologs are discussed.
MUST GEOGRAPHERS APOLOGIZE

(1955). MUST GEOGRAPHERS APOLOGIZE? Annals of the Association of American Geographers: Vol. 45, No. 1, pp. 105-108.
Management considerations for accreting shorelines

Abstract Natural coastal accretion in the United States occurs at river mouths, spits across embayments, inlets, capes and cuspate forelands, and pocket beaches. Human‐induced accretion occurs updrift of groins and jetties, landward of breakwaters, and in locations which are artificially nourished. Coastal accretion is usually temporary (years to tens of years). Erosion may occur due to deflection of streams and tidal current channels or to changes in sea level, weather patterns, or sediment budgets. A focus on ownership disputes or use of accreted land draws attention away from the long‐term problem of the development of land which may be subject to future erosion. Control mechanisms should be in place to direct development on accreting shorelines to make more effective use of the resource.
Seasonal variations in the phytoplankton biomass and productivity of a warm-core Gulf Stream ring

Phytoplankton biomass, as chlorophyll a (Chl a) and ATP, and carbon productivity rates were determined in three cruises to a warm-core Gulf Stream ring. Ring 82B was formed in late February 1982 with observations made in April to May, June and August. Vertical profiles of Chl a, ATP and particulate organic carbon (POC) in April to May showed little vertical structure during a period when the ring mixed layer extended from the surface to >350 m. Daily productivity rates, Chl a and ATP biomass estimates of the euphotic zone were similar to those in the source waters, the Sargasso Sea, but lower than those in contiguous Slope Waters. Despite the absence of a stratified surface layer in the ring, the phytoplankton productivity rates, assimilation numbers, and carbon-specific growth rates were relatively high. In June, a pycnocline existed at 25 m across the ring with biomass maxima of Chl a, ATP, and POC occurring near the seasonal pycnocline. Although the range in productivity in June (0.26 to 0.98 gC m−2 day−1) was similar to that in April, the carbon biomass estimated from ATP increased from 1.42 to 4.77 gC m−2 between the two cruises. The increase was partially attributed to an increased heterotrophic biomass. Carbon-specific specific doubling times in June were, most likely, influenced by the presence of a large heterotrophic ATP component. In August the surface layer of the ring was displaced by intrusions, or overwash, of Slope and Gulf Stream waters. During the 6 month lifespan of 82B total primary production was estimated at 126 gC m−2, a value similar to productivity estimates for the contiguous Slope Waters.
Coil embolization of the splenic artery: long-term impact on splenic volume

Purpose Maintenance of splenic function is often a concern when choosing the appropriate treatment for splenic and splenic arterial pathology. Splenic artery embolization is less morbid than splenectomy, but devascularization of the spleen has the potential to have a similar end-result. The purpose of this study is to determine whether coil embolization of the splenic artery results in a significant degree of splenic volume loss based on long-term CT follow-up data. Materials and Methods Between 1/2004 and 1/2012, a total of 148 patients underwent splenic artery embolization at our institution. Of these, 24 patients (13 males, 11 females, mean age 52) had follow-up contrast-enhanced CT imaging greater than 6 months post-procedure. Embolization was performed using coils anywhere from the splenic artery origin to the splenic hilum. The mean time between embolization and last follow up CT was 27.1 months. Pre- and postembolization splenic volumes were calculated with the use of volume rendering software and compared using the paired t-test. Inter-group comparisons were performed using the unpaired t-test. The presence of Howell-Jolly bodies were ascertained on lab tests. Results Splenic artery embolization resulted in a mean splenic volume loss of 15% (p=0.09). Two patients had a splenic volume loss of greater than 50%: one with 67% loss and one with 88% volume loss. The 9 patients with a grade 3-4 splenic laceration demonstrated a 22% mean volume loss compared to 8% in the 15 patients without trauma (p=NS). Patients that underwent distal splenic artery embolization (n=13) demonstrated a 21% volume reduction while patients with proximal embolization (n=11) demonstrated a 4% reduction (p=NS). No patients had Howell-Jolly bodies on most recent lab tests. No splenic abscesses requiring drainage occurred. No patients required repeat embolization or splenectomy. Conclusion Based on CT volumetric analysis, coil embolization of the main splenic artery resulted in only a mild degree of splenic volume loss over the long term, with a mean of 15% decrease in volume.
Adaptive clinical trials in oncology

Modern oncology drug development faces challenges very different from those of the past and it must adapt accordingly. The size and expense of phase III clinical trials continue to increase, but the success rate remains unacceptably low. Adaptive trial designs can make development more informative, addressing whether a drug is safe and effective while showing how it should be delivered and to whom. An adaptive design is one in which the accumulating data are used to modify the trial's course. Adaptive designs are ideal for addressing many questions at once. For example, a single trial might identify the appropriate patient population, dose and regimen, and therapeutic combinations, and then switch seamlessly into a phase III confirmatory trial. Adaptive designs rely on information, including from patients who have not achieved the trial's primary end point. Longitudinal models of biomarkers (including tumor burden assessed via imaging) enable predictions of primary end points. Taking a Bayesian perspective facilitates building an efficient and accurate trial, including using longitudinal information. A wholly new paradigm for drug development exemplifying personalized medicine is evinced by an adaptive trial called I-SPY2, in which drugs from many companies are evaluated in the same trial--a phase II screening process.
OPTIMAL CULLING POLICY FOR BREEDING EWES

This article demonstrates a method to determine the optimal culling, policy for a sheep breeding flock. A model of the flock is constructed and profitability calculated for different age distributions of ewes. The method is illustrated with data obtained from an actual farm by a farm management consultant.
A simplified representation of the covariance structure of axially symmetric processes on the sphere

Spatial processes having covariance functions that depend solely on the distance between locations are known as homogeneous. Many random processes on the sphere are not homogeneous, especially in the latitudinal dimension. As a result, we study a class of statistical processes that exhibit axial symmetry, whereby their covariance function depends on differences in longitude alone. We develop a new and simplified representation for a valid axially symmetric process, reducing computational complexity considerably. In addition, we explore longitudinally reversible processes and the construction of parametric models for axially symmetric processes.
REVISITING ROBUSTNESS OF THE UNION-OF-SUBSPACES MODEL FOR DATA-ADAPTIVE LEARNING OF NONLINEAR SIGNAL MODELS

This paper revisits the problem of data-adaptive learning of geomet- ric signal structures based on the Union-of-Subspaces (UoS) model. In contrast to prior work, it motivates and investigates an extension of the classical UoS model, termed the Metric-Constrained Union- of-Subspaces (MC-UoS) model. In this regard, it puts forth two iterative methods for data-adaptive learning of an MC-UoS in the presence of complete and missing data. The proposed methods out- perform existing approaches to learning a UoS in numerical exper- iments involving both synthetic and real data, which demonstrates effectiveness of both an MC-UoS model and the proposed methods. etc., if they could explicitly account for any such relationship be- tween subspaces describing a UoS. In order to capture this intuition of "related subspaces," we put forth a novel extension of the tra- ditional UoS model, termed metric-constrained union-of-subspaces (MC-UoS) model. Heuristically, the MC-UoS model states that sig- nals not only belong to a union of low-dimensional subspaces, but the individual subspaces are also close to each other with respect to a metric defined on the Grassmann manifold. The main challenge in this regard is formulation of methods for data-adaptive learning of subspaces underlying an MC-UoS. We address this challenge by pre- senting two iterative algorithms, termed MiCUSaL and rMiCUSaL, for data-adaptive learning of an MC-UoS using complete data and missing data, respectively. In order to demonstrate effectiveness of both the MC-UoS model and the proposed algorithms, we carry out extensive numerical experiments using synthetic and real data. Re- sults of these experiments demonstrate that both MiCUSaL and rMi- CUSaL outperform existing approaches to data-adaptive learning of a UoS in terms of robustness to noise, outliers, and missing data. Notation: We use lower-case and upper-case letters for vectors and matrices, respectively. In addition, (·) T and tr(·) denote trans- pose and trace operations, respectively, while �·� F and �·� p denote Frobenius norm andp norm of matrices and vectors, respectively. Given a set Ω, AΩ (resp., vΩ) denotes the submatrix of A (resp., subvector of v) corresponding to the rows of A (resp., entries of v) indexed by Ω. Finally, a i denotes the (i, j)-th element of A and v(i) denotes the i-th entry of a vector v.
Hydrophobic core repacking in a coiled-coil dimer via phage display: insights into plasticity and specificity at a protein-protein interface.

The coiled-coil, which consists of two or more interwoven amphiphilic α-helices, is formed by sequences that have a characteristic heptad repeat (abcdefg) where a and d are hydrophobic residues. Most efforts to elucidate the origins of coiled-coil pairing selectivity have focused on electrostatic interactions among side chains that flank the core (positions e and g) and on polar side chains that occur occasionally at core positions. We have used phage display to explore another source of coiled-coil specificity: steric matching among nonpolar side chains in the core. We introduced a destabilizing Leu→Ala mutation into the core of one helix in a known heterodimer and then screened a phage-based library of potential partner helices in search of compensating mutations. We identified a new heterodimer pair (30 residues/helix) that is comparable in stability to the GCN4-p1 homodimer (33 residues/helix). Furthermore, the Leu→Ala mutant shows specificity for its phage-derived partner over the original partner d...
Opiate antagonists: central sites of action in suppressing water intake of the rat.

Abstract The pure opiate antagonists, naloxone and naltrexone (0.1–10 mg/kg), dose-dependently suppressed water intake of 24 h water-deprived rats upon subcutaneous administration; their quaternary derivatives, methyl-naloxone and methyl-naltrexone, which are impermeable to the blood-brain barrier, failed to affect drinking. Upon intracerebroventricular administration, both quaternary analogs attenuated drinking at a dose of only 10 μg. These results demonstrate that the antidipsogenic effects of opiate antagonists are primarily mediated at sites within the central nervous system.
The projective dimension of valuated vector spaces

This paper is primarily concerned with a projective dimension of vector spaces with valuations. Let Γ be a totally ordered set with suprema. The valuated vector spaces over Γ form a pre-abelian category V. A short exact sequence 0 → A → B → C → 0 in V is proper if each element of C has a preimage with the same value. The proper projectives in V are precisely the free objects in V. An object V ϵV is free if and only if it is the coproduct of one-dimensional spaces. The main purpose of this paper is to characterize those valuated spaces having proper projective dimension n for each positive integer n. Our characterization uses the notion of separability which is defined as follows. A subspace W of V is called ℵn-separable in V if for each x ϵ V there exists a subset S of W having cardinality not exceeding ℵn such that sup{¦x + w¦: w ϵ W} = sup{¦x + s¦: s ϵ S}. Roughly speaking, we show that proj. dim.(V) ⩽ n if V has enough ℵn − 1-separable subspaces, where we have abbreviated “proper projective dimension” to “proj. dim.” More precisely, we prove that proj. dim.(V) ⩽ n if and only if V is the union of a smooth ascending chain of ℵn − 1-separable subspaces, 0 = V0 ⊆ V1 ⊆ … ⊆ Vα ⊆ … such that dim(Vα + 1Vα) ⩽ ℵn. Many other results are required before this characterization can be obtained. After it is obtained, we are able to prove the existence of valuated vector spaces having projective dimension exactly n for each positive integer n. Also, it is shown that there exist spaces having infinite projective dimension. Although our main results are homological in nature, for the most part the techniques of the paper certainly are not. One might compare what we do, for example, with Kaplansky's structural characterization of algebraically compact groups, which turn out to be those that have pure-injective dimension 1.
HDAC inhibitors potentiate the apoptotic effect of enzastaurin in lymphoma cells

Enzastaurin is an investigational PKCβ inhibitor that has growth inhibitory and pro-apoptotic effects in both B and T-cell lymphomas. We investigated the cytotoxicity and mechanisms of cell death of the combination of enzastaurin and low concentrations of histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibitors in B-cell and T-cell lymphoma cell lines and primary lymphoma/leukemia cells. Combined enzastaurin/suberoylanilide hydroxamic acid treatment synergistically induced apoptosis in diffuse large B-cell lymphoma and T-cell lymphoma cell lines, and primary lymphoma/leukemia samples. Similarly, combined treatment of B-cell-like lymphoma cells with enzastaurin and two different HDAC inhibitors, valproic acid and (2E,4E)-6-(4-chlorophenylsulfanyl)-2,4-hexadienoic acid hydroxyamide synergistically induced apoptosis, suggesting the synergy is generalizable to other HDAC inhibitors. Our data indicate that enzastaurin/HDAC inhibitors therapy can synergistically inhibit growth and induce apoptosis in lymphoid malignancies and may be an effective therapeutic strategy. Potential mechanisms including enzastaurin mediated inhibition of HDAC inhibitor-induced compensatory survival pathways are discussed.
Estimating traffic control strategies with inverse optimal control

This article formulates the problem of estimating the traffic control strategy of a single intersection traffic signal controller from observed data. Building on previous results in the literature on optimal traffic signal control and convex inverse optimal control problems, a method is proposed to efficiently solve the inverse optimal traffic signal control problem to recover the control objective of the observed traffic controller. The resulting program is tested in a numerical experiment with synthetically generated data. Supporting source code is available for download at https://github.com/sgowris2/InverseOptimalControl.
Ergonomic interventions for the reduction of back and shoulder biomechanical loading when weighing calves

Abstract Workers in the agriculture industry have exposure to many of the recognized risk factors for work-related musculoskeletal disorders. The focus of the current project was to develop and evaluate devices designed to reduce exposure to risk factors during the process of weighing beef calves. Ergonomic task analysis of current techniques used to weigh these calves indicated significant stress in the cervicobrachial and lumbar regions. Two ergonomic interventions—the “Handle Attachment” and the “Lever Arm”—were developed to improve the body posture of the lifter and reduce joint loading. A laboratory study and field evaluations were conducted for each of these designs. In the laboratory, muscle activities were quantified for the major muscles of cervicobrachial region, the lumbar region and knee extensor muscle group during the performance of the lifting task while using the two new interventions and the standard method. In the field evaluations, farmworkers used these devices and biomechanical models of the whole body postures were developed to quantify changes in the joint loading when using the interventions. The results show that both intervention techniques reduce the required muscle activity (8–71.6% reduction for the muscles of the cervicobrachial region, 2–43% reduction for the muscles of the lumbar region) and the joint loading (33–100% reduction in shoulder abduction moment and 42–57% reduction in spine compression) as compared to the standard method. Overall, the farmworkers noted that the “Handle Attachment” design is less cumbersome to move and use than the “Lever Arm” design, but laboratory study and field study revealed that the “Lever Arm” design provides the highest reduction in muscle activity and joint loading. Using either intervention while performing this task should decrease the risk to the low back and shoulders. Relevance to Industry The ergonomic intervention research described in this report documents a reduction in exposure to risk factors for shoulder and low back injury in an at-risk population in the agriculture industry.
Executive Cognitive Functioning and Risk for Substance Abuse

Individuals with a substance use disorder (SUD) exhibit deficits in executive cognitive functioning (ECF). ECF is involved in the regulation of goal-directed behavior and includes abilities such as attentional control, strategic goal planning, organization, and cognitive flexibility. The prefrontal cortex is believed to be the primary cortical substrate that subserves ECF. Children deemed at high risk for drug abuse because they have parents with SUD similarly demonstrate cognitive limitations suggesting an ECF deficit. High-risk children, as a group, also exhibit deviations in temperament, an attenuated amplitude of the P300 event-related potential, and heightened aggressivity compared with control groups. These latter characteristics are associated with low ECF capacity and are believed to reflect dysfunction within the prefrontal cortex. It is hypothesized that deviations on these traits form a core disorder of affective, cognitive, and behavioral dysregulation that serves as a general vulnerability fa...
ASSOCIATION OF HOME LANGUAGE WITH SCHOOL INVOLVEMENT AMONG MEXICAN-AMERICAN PARENTS

Summay.-Mexican-American parents of children attending a K-6 public elementary school in Texas were surveyed to examine the association of parental use of language at home with the extent of the parents' involvement with the school. A sample of 403 parents represented 317 who spoke only Spanish at home, 33 who spoke both Spanish and English, and 53 parents who primarily spoke English at home. Parents who spoke English at home volunteered at school significantly more often than parents who spoke Spanish at home, and more often than parents who spoke both Spanish and English at home. Conversely, parents who spoke Spanish and English at home attended school board meetings more frequently than did parents who spoke only Spanish at home. It has been suggested that a lack of English proficiency may discourage Mexican-American parental involvement with schools which their children attend (Baca & Cervantes, 1989). Some parents have indicated that they do not attend school functions and activities because they do not speak or understand English well (Bermudez & Padron, 1990; Chavlun & Williams, 1988). Further, teachers have reported that language differences have limited their abhty to communicate effectively with children in the classroom, which ultimately affects communication of parents and teachers (Correa, 1987; Hayes, 1992). School personnel have indicated that barriers to parental involvement exist when teachers and administrators are unable to communicate effectively with a group of parents who speak a language other than English, therefore, affecting the amount and type of parental participation which can occur (Lnger, 1993). The purpose of this study was to examine the association of use of languages and school involvement for a sample of Mexican-American parents of elementary school children. Subjects Four hundred and three Mexican-Amencan parents of elementary school students were surveyed. To examine the relationship between these parents' language usage and t he~r school involvement, the respondents were dlvided into those who spoke Spanish at home (n=317), those who used a
Southern Cascadia episodic slow earthquakes

[1] Continuous GPS and seismic data from northern California show that slow earthquakes periodically rupture the Gorda-North America plate interface within southern Cascadia. On average, these creep events have occurred every 10.9 ± 1.2 months since at least 1998. Appearing as week-long GPS extensional transients that reverse secular forearc contraction, the data show a recurrence interval 22% shorter than slow events recognized to the north. Seismic tremor here accompanies the GPS reversals, correlated across as many as 5 northern California seismometers. Tremor occurs sporadically throughout the year, but increases in duration and intensity by a factor of about 10 simultaneous with the GPS reversals. Beneath west-central Oregon, three reversals are also apparent, but more stations are needed to confirm sporadic slip on the plate interface here. Together, these measurements suggest that slow earthquakes likely occur throughout the Cascadia subduction zone and add further evidence for the role of fault-fluid migration in controlling transient slow-slip events here.
Engineering a prokaryotic apocytochrome c as an efficient substrate for Saccharomyces cerevisiae cytochrome c heme lyase

Cytochromes c are heme proteins that require multiple maturation components, such as heme lyases, for cofactor incorporation. Saccharomyces cerevisiae has two heme lyases that are specific for apocytochromes c (CCHL) or c(1) (CC(1)HL). CCHL can covalently attach heme b groups to apocytochrome c substrates of eukaryotic but not prokaryotic origin. Besides their conserved Cys-Xxx-Xxx-Cys-His heme-binding motifs, the amino-terminal regions of apocytochrome c substrates appear to be important for CCHL function. In this study, we show for the first time that only two amino acid changes in the amino-terminal region of the non-CCHL substrate apocytochrome c(2) from Rhodobacter capsulatus are necessary and sufficient for efficient holocytochrome c formation by CCHL. This finding led us to propose a consensus sequence located at the amino-terminus of apocytochromes c, and critical for substrate recognition and heme ligation by CCHL.
The 7/8 Piano Keyboard: An Attractive Alternative for Small-Handed Players:

This study examines whether the use of a 7/8 keyboard contributes to the physical ease of small-handed pianists in comparison to the conventional piano keyboard. A secondary research question focus...
The vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) receptor Flt-1 (VEGFR-1) modulates Flk-1 (VEGFR-2) signaling during blood vessel formation.

Mice lacking the vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) receptor flt-1 (VEGFR-1) die from vascular overgrowth, caused primarily by aberrant endothelial cell division (Kearney JB, Ambler CA, Monaco KA, Johnson N, Rapoport RG, Bautch VL: Vascular endothelial growth factor receptor Flt-1 negatively regulates developmental blood vessel formation by modulating endothelial cell division. Blood 2002, 99:2397–2407). Because a second high-affinity VEGF receptor, flk-1, produces a positive endothelial proliferation signal, it was logical to ask whether flt-1 affects developmental blood vessel formation by modulating signaling through flk-1. Differentiated embryonic stem cell cultures lacking flt-1 (flt-1−/−) had increased flk-1 tyrosine phosphorylation, indicating that flk-1 signaling is up-regulated in the mutant background. The selective flk-1 inhibitor SU5416 partially rescued the flt-1−/− mutant phenotype, and this rescue was accompanied by a decrease in the relative amount of flk-1 tyrosine phosphorylation. Thus reduced flk-1 signal transduction can partially compensate for the lack of flt-1. The flt-1−/− mutant phenotype was also partially rescued by Flt-1/Fc, a truncated flt-1 that binds and sequesters the VEGF ligand. Taken together, these data show that down-regulation of flk-1 signaling by two different strategies partially rescues the developmental vascular overgrowth seen in the absence of flt-1, and they support a model whereby flt-1 modulates the flk-1 signal at an early point in the pathway.
Methods for assessing the stability of slopes during earthquakes—A retrospective

Abstract During the twentieth century, several methods to assess the stability of slopes during earthquakes were developed. Pseudostatic analysis was the earliest method; it involved simply adding a permanent body force representing the earthquake shaking to a static limit-equilibrium analysis. Stress-deformation analysis, a later development, involved much more complex modeling of slopes using a mesh in which the internal stresses and strains within elements are computed based on the applied external loads, including gravity and seismic loads. Stress-deformation analysis provided the most realistic model of slope behavior, but it is very complex and requires a high density of high-quality soil-property data as well as an accurate model of soil behavior. In 1965, Newmark developed a method that effectively bridges the gap between these two types of analysis. His sliding-block model is easy to apply and provides a useful index of co-seismic slope performance. Subsequent modifications to sliding-block analysis have made it applicable to a wider range of landslide types. Sliding-block analysis provides perhaps the greatest utility of all the types of analysis. It is far easier to apply than stress-deformation analysis, and it yields much more useful information than does pseudostatic analysis.
Effects of preoptic, hypothalamic, and telencephalic lesions on thermoregulation in the lizard, Dipsosaurus dorsalis☆

Abstract 1. 1.|Electrolytic lesions were placed stereotaxically in the medial preoptic area, hypothalamus, and in the telencephalon to determine their functions in behavioural thermoregulation in the desert iguana, Dipsosaurus dorsalis . 2. 2.|Lesioned and sham-operated control lizards were placed on the hot side of the thermal shuttle box, as described in the preceding paper. 3. 3.|Six characteristics of behavioural thermoregulation were analyzed for each lesioned and sham-operated control lizard in the present study and for each unoperated control lizard from the previous paper. These characteristics are the mean high body temperature at shuttling (HBTS), the mean low body temperature at shuttling (LBTS), the standard deviations of the HBTS and LBTS, the frequency of shuttling, and the body temperatures of lizards taking up special thermal postures. The level of significant difference between a characteristic of a lesioned lizard and the unlesioned groups was accepted at p ≤ 0·05. 4. 4.|Medial preoptic area lesions dramatically alter thermoregulation. The LBTS was significantly decreased in all seven lizards. The HBTS was also significantly increased in two lizards. The standard deviations of the HBTS and LBTS in some lizards were also significantly large, while the frequency of shuttling is significantly reduced. 5. 5.|Lesions of the nucleus of the anterior hypothalamus and nucleus suprachiasmaticus, but not the anterior hypothalamic area, resulted in a significant reduction in both the frequency of shuttling and the LBTS, and the standard deviation of the LBTS was significantly reduced in one of these lizards. 6. 6.|Lesions in the neural structures of the rostral-dorsal hypothalamus and the nucleus of the ventromedial hypothalamus had no effects on thermoregulatory performance. However, a bilateral lesion of the nucleus paraventricularis resulted in a very low standard deviation of the LBTS. 7. 7.|Large lesions extending from the posterior part of the ventromedial telencephalon to the medial forebrain bundle and large lesions of the medial wall of the telencephalon (medial cortex, septal area) resulted in significantly low HBTS's and LBTS's. The standard deviations of these two temperatures were exceedingly large. 8. 8.|The medial preoptic area in ectothermic lizards plays an essential role in the neural integration of behavioural thermoregulation, as it does in both physiological and behavioural control of temperatures in the endothermic birds and mammals. The high and low temperature set-point mechanisms, responsible for shuttling behaviour, act independently of each other. Other rostral hypothalamic nuclei and telencephalic structures contribute to the central neural network involved in thermoregulation.
Assessing the impact of the windfall profits tax on the US economy

The paper focuses on the effect that the elimination of the windfall profits tax (WPT) on crude oil would have on the various producing sectors, consuming sectors and household categories in the USA, where the interrelationships between these entities are explicitly considered. Special attention is given to the agricultural sectors of the economy. Thus, in the context of a general equilibrium model, the effect of the elimination of the WPT on the producing sectors in general and the three agricultural sectors plus forestry in particular, on the consuming sectors, on households and on the Government is calculated. Over the period 1984–1990, such a policy initiative would result in higher output by the non-crude-oil producing sectors (by about $1.783 billion), higher consumption of goods and services (by about $1.651 billion), and an increase in welfare (by about $1.625 billion). The Government will realize a decrease in revenue of about $1.362 billion while the domestic crude oil industry will experience an increase in output of approximately $1.217 billion. For the agricultural sectors, output overall will fall. Specifically, for the programme crops sector, output will decline by $39 million, for the livestock sector, output will fall by $14 million, for all other agricultural commodities, output will decline by $36 million and for forestry, output will be reduced by $29 million. Attendant on these reductions in output will be lower prices for the respective commodities.
The V‐Chip in Canada and the United States: Themes and variations in design and deployment

While the timing and thrust of V‐Chip policies pursued in Canada and the U. S. in the mid‐1990s were similar, specific ways that V‐Chip technologies were deployed varied significantly. Design and deployment choices reflected the technical and industrial context, regulatory dynamics, and legislative institutions and processes in each country. Modeled after closed captioning technologies, in Canada the V‐Chip was deployed in the cable decoder box, with the CRTC making key decisions. The V‐Chip was introduced in television sets in the U.S., with greater legislative involvement.
Microfabricated electroosmotic pump for capillary-based sequential injection analysis

Abstract A microfabricated electroosmotic pump with an integrated serpentine isolation channel was developed on a glass chip and applied to a capillary-based sequential injection analysis (SIA) system for an enzyme inhibition assay. The pump chip contains an anode reservoir, an ion-exchange membrane electric field decoupler (EFD) that also serves as a cathode reservoir, parallel pump channels and an isolation channel. A two-step etching process was adopted to etch the pump channels to a depth of 20 μm and the isolation channel to a depth of 90 μm. The pump flow rate was very stable: the relative standard deviation (RSD) of the pump rate was 1.9% for propulsion and 2.3% for aspiration. The pump chip was successfully applied to a capillary-based sequential injection analysis system with a confocal fluorescence detector. For repetitive analysis of a 13 μM fluorescein solution, an RSD of 0.6% was attained, which demonstrated the flow stability of the EOF pump. The system was then applied to an enzyme inhibition assay, the diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid (DTPA) inhibition of the β-galactosidase-catalyzed hydrolysis of fluorescein di(β- d -galactopyranoside). Reproducible results (RSD
Caring nurse practice in the intrapartum setting: nurses' perspectives on complexity, relationships and safety.

Aim This article reports on a qualitative study of nurse perceptions of caring nurse practice in the complex adaptive system of health care. Background Caring nurse practice encompasses technical skills and caring behaviours. Maternity care in the USA has seen worsening maternal and neonatal outcomes and safety has become a priority. As a result, hospital systems have begun efforts to improve outcomes, initiating safety and quality programmes that standardize care and implementing nursing frameworks that enhance relationships. Design Qualitative hermeneutic phenomenology. Methods A qualitative design analysed 13 nurses' perspectives on caring practice during the second stage of labour. In June and July of 2012, interviews were conducted with 13 labour and delivery nurses located in a hospital that had adopted a perinatal safety initiative and relationship-focused nursing model. The nurses described caring nurse practice and the factors that affected its provision. Transcripts of audio recordings and notes taken during interviews were analysed for themes and fundamental meanings. Findings Nurses' perspectives about the provision of caring nurse practice was affected by the complexity of the healthcare system, interactions with team members, challenges related to documentation; and respect for natural birth. Conclusion Nurses at all levels of practice can use these perspectives to identify patterns in the complex adaptive healthcare system to improve quality and safety. Best practices include enhancing teamwork, implementing safety initiatives and promoting a Relationship-Based framework. Continued study of caring nurse practice could lead to establishment of additional safety and quality protocols vital to improving patient outcomes.
A transformation of ritual: The nisei 60th birthday

Rituals are enactments of shared meanings, norms, and values. The kanreki, a traditional Japanese rite of passage to old age at 60, is now being celebrated by Nisei (second generation Japanese Americans). This paper examines the transformation of the Japanese rite of passage to a collective response among the Nisei to the dilemmas of growing older in urban America.
Interferon action: Effects of mouse α and β interferons on rosette formation, phagocytosis, and surface-antigen expression of cells of the macrophage-type line RAW 309Cr.1

Abstract Treatment with an essentially pure mouse α or β interferon boosts the binding and phagocytosis of opsonized sheep red blood cells by cells of the murine macrophage-like cell line RAW 309Cr.l. The kinetics and the dose dependence of the effects of the two interferons are very similar. The effects depend on continued RNA and protein synthesis, and they diminish after the removal of interferon from the medium. Studies with agents specifically binding FcRI receptors (i.e., IgG2a) and FcRII receptors (i.e., the Fab fragment of the antireceptor monoclonal antibody 2.4G2) revealed a three- to fivefold increase in the level of FcRI receptors per cell and an about twofold increase in that of FcRII receptors per cell after treatment with interferon. The enhanced binding and phagocytosis of opsonized sheep red blood cells by interferon treatment are apparently a consequence of the increased number of Fc receptors. As revealed by studies involving the binding to the cells of labeled monoclonal antibodies to several cell surface antigens, the level of the H-2Dd surface antigen is also selectively increased three- to fourfold in the cells after exposure to interferon.
Total hemispherical emissivity of W(100)

The transient calorimetric technique is used to measure the total hemispherical emissivity of the clean (100) surface of single crystal tungsten over the temperature range 340 to 1260 °K. The emissivity is found to be only slightly sensitive to adsorption of monolayer quantities of oxygen on the surface. Results are fit to a free-electron Drude model with a correction term for interband absorption.