Digital Commons Network^™

Aflatoxin B1 Albumin Adducts In Plasma And Aflatoxin M1 In Urine Are Associated With Plasma Concentrations Of Vitamins A And E, Francis A. Obuseh, Pauline E. Jolly, Yi Jiang, Faisal M. B. Shuaib, John Waterbor, William O. Ellis, Chandrika J. Piyathilake, Renee A. Desmond, Evans Afriyie-Gyawu, Timothy D. Phillips

Evans Afriyie-Gyawu

Background: Although aflatoxin exposure has been shown to be associated with micronutrient deficiency in animals, there are few investigations on the effects of aflatoxin exposure on micronutrient metabolism in humans.
Objective: To examine the relationship between aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) albumin adducts (AF-ALB) in plasma and the aflatoxin M1 (AFM1) metabolite in urine and plasma concentrations of retinol (vitamin A) and α-tocopherol (vitamin E) in Ghanaians.
Methods: A cross-sectional study of 147 adult participants was conducted. Blood and urine samples were tested for aflatoxin and vitamins A and E levels.
Results: Multivariable analysis showed that participants with high AF-ALB (≥ 0.80 …

Observation Of A Red-Blue Detuning Asymmetry In Matter-Wave Superradiance, L. Deng, E. W. Hagley, Qiang Cao, Xiaorui Wang, Xinyu Luo, Ruquan Wang, Marvin G. Payne, Fan Yang, Xiaoji Chen, Mingsheng Zhan

Marvin G. Payne

We report the first experimental observation of strong suppression of matter-wave superradiance using blue-detuned pump light and demonstrate a pump-laser detuning asymmetry in the collective atomic recoil motion. In contrast to all previous theoretical frameworks, which predict that the process should be symmetric with respect to the sign of the detuning of the pump laser from the one-photon resonance, we find that for condensates the symmetry is broken. With high condensate densities and red-detuned pump light the distinctive multiorder, matter-wave scattering pattern is clearly visible, whereas with blue-detuned pump light superradiance is strongly suppressed. However, in the limit of a …

Differential Geometry Based Solvation Model I: Eulerian Formulation, Zhan Chen, Nathan A. Baker, Guo-Wei Wei

Zhan Chen

This paper presents a differential geometry based model for the analysis and computation of the equilibrium property of solvation. Differential geometry theory of surfaces is utilized to define and construct smooth interfaces with good stability and differentiability for use in characterizing the solvent–solute boundaries and in generating continuous dielectric functions across the computational domain. A total free energy functional is constructed to couple polar and nonpolar contributions to the solvation process. Geometric measure theory is employed to rigorously convert a Lagrangian formulation of the surface energy into an Eulerian formulation so as to bring all energy terms into an equal …

Rnai Screen Indicates Widespread Biological Function For Human Natural Antisense Transcripts, Mohammad A. Faghihi, Jannet Kocerha, F. Modarresi, P. G. Engstrom, A. M. Chalk, S. P. Brothers, E. Koesema, G. St. Laurent, Claes Wahlestedt

Jannet Kocerha

Natural antisense transcripts represent a class of regulatory RNA molecules, which are characterized by their complementary sequence to another RNA transcript. Extensive sequencing efforts suggest that natural antisense transcripts are prevalent throughout the mammalian genome; however, their biological significance has not been well defined. We performed a loss-of-function RNA interference (RNAi) screen, which targeted 797 evolutionary conserved antisense transcripts, and found evidence for a regulatory role for a number of natural antisense transcripts. Specifically, we found that natural antisense transcripts for CCPG1 and RAPGEF3 may functionally disrupt signaling pathways and corresponding biological phenotypes, such as cell viability, either independently or …

One-Dimensional Wave Equations Defined By Fractal Laplacians, John Fun-Choi Chan, Sze-Man Ngai, Alexander Teplyaev

Sze-Man Ngai

We study one-dimensional wave equations defined by a class of fractal Laplacians. These Laplacians are defined by fractal measures generated by iterated function systems with overlaps. We prove the existence and uniqueness of weak solutions. We also study numerical computations of the solutions and prove the convergence of the approximation scheme. This is a joint work with John F. Chan and Alexander Teplyaev.

Making Research Make Sense: Guiding College Students Into Information Literacy Through The Information Search Process, Jeffrey M. Mortimore

Jeffrey M. Mortimore

Focusing on experiences at Bennett College for Women, this session will investigate strategies for integrating Carol Kuhithau's Information Search Process (ISP) into information literacy instruction. Presenters will discuss the value of the ISP model for understanding students' cognitive and affective experiences as they engage in research, and the benefits of making this process explicit to students during instruction.

Metallization Of Nanofilms In Strong Adiabatic Electric Fields, Maxim Durach, Anastasia Rusina, Matthias F. Kling, Mark I. Stockman

Anastasia Rusina

We introduce an effect of metallization of dielectric nanofilms by strong, adiabatically varying electric fields. The metallization causes optical properties of a dielectric film to become similar to those of a plasmonic metal (strong absorption and negative permittivity at low optical frequencies). This is a quantum effect, which is exponentially size-dependent, occurring at fields on the order of 0.1  V/Å and pulse durations ranging from ∼1  fs to ∼10  ns for a film thickness of 3–10 nm.

Striatal Microrna Controls Cocaine Intake Through Creb Signalling, Jonathan A. Hollander, Heh-In Im, Antonio L. Amelio, Jannet Kocerha, Purva Bali, Qun Lu, David Willoughby, Claes Wahlestedt, Michael D. Conkright, Paul J. Kenny

Jannet Kocerha

Cocaine addiction is characterized by a gradual loss of control over drug use, but the molecular mechanisms regulating vulnerability to this process remain unclear. Here we report that microRNA-212 (miR-212) is upregulated in the dorsal striatum of rats with a history of extended access to cocaine. Striatal miR-212 decreases responsiveness to the motivational properties of cocaine by markedly amplifying the stimulatory effects of the drug on cAMP response element binding protein (CREB) signalling. This action occurs through miR-212-enhanced Raf1 activity, resulting in adenylyl cyclase sensitization and increased expression of the essential CREB co-activator TORC (transducer of regulated CREB; also known …

Overview Of The Essential Tremor, Theresa A. Zesiewicz, Abinaya Chari, Israt Jahan, Amber M. Miller, Kelly L. Sullivan

Kelly L. Sullivan

Essential tremor (ET) is one of the most common movement disorders in the world. Despite this, only one medication (propranolol) is approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat it. Fortunately, recent studies have identified some additional medications as treatment of ET. Surgical procedures, such as deep brain stimulation of the ventral intermediate nucleus of the thalamus, offer treatment for refractory tremor. The epidemiology, pathogenesis, and medical and surgical treatment of ET will be discussed in this paper.

Interventions To Improve Excreta Disposal For Preventing Diarrhoea, Thomas F. Clasen, Kristof Bostoen, Wolf-Peter Schmidt, Sophie Boisson, Isaac Chun-Hai Fung, Marion W. Jenkins, Beth Scott, Steven Sugden, Sandy Cairncross

Isaac Chun-Hai Fung

Background: Diarrhoeal diseases are a leading cause of mortality and morbidity, especially among young children in low-income countries, and are associated with exposure to human excreta.
Objectives: To assess the effectiveness of interventions to improve the disposal of human excreta for preventing diarrhoeal diseases.
Search Strategy: We searched the Cochrane Infectious Disease Group Specialized Register; the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), published in The Cochrane Library; MEDLINE; EMBASE; LILACS; the metaRegister of Controlled Trials (mRCT); and Chinese-language databases available under the Wan Fang portal, and the China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI-CAJ). We also handsearched relevant conference proceedings, and …

Reduction Of Circulating Endothelial Cells In Peripheral Blood Of Als Patients, Svitlana Garbuzova-Davis, Robert L. Woods Iii, Michael K. Louis, Theresa A. Zesiewicz, Nicole Kuzmin-Nichols, Kelly L. Sullivan, Amber M. Miller, Diana G. Hernandez-Ontiveros, Paul R. Sanberg

Kelly L. Sullivan

Background: Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) treatment is complicated by the various mechanisms underlying motor neuron degeneration. Recent studies showed that the blood-brain barrier (BBB) and blood-spinal cord barrier (BSCB) are compromised in an animal model of ALS due to endothelial cell degeneration. A later study demonstrated a loss of endothelium integrity in the spinal cords of ALS patients. Since circulating endothelial cells (CECs) in the peripheral blood are associated with endothelium damage, being detached dysfunctional endothelial cells, we hypothesized that CEC levels may reflect endothelium condition in ALS patients.
Methodology/Principal Findings: CEC levels were estimated in whole blood smears from …

De Novo Truncating Fus Gene Mutation As A Cause Of Sporadic Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis, Mariely Dejesus-Hernandez, Jannet Kocerha, Nicole Finch, Richard Crook, Matt Baker, Pamela Desaro, Amelia Johnston, Nicola Rutherford, Aleksandra Wojtas

Jannet Kocerha

Mutations in the gene encoding fused in sarcoma (FUS) were recently identified as a novel cause of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), emphasizing the genetic heterogeneity of ALS. We sequenced the genes encoding superoxide dismutase (SOD1), TAR DNA-binding protein 43 (TARDBP) and FUS in 99 sporadic and 17 familial ALS patients ascertained at Mayo Clinic. We identified two novel mutations in FUS in two out of 99 (2.0%) sporadic ALS patients and established the de novo occurrence of one FUS mutation. In familial patients, we identified three (17.6%) SOD1 mutations, while FUS and TARDBP mutations were excluded. The de novo FUS …

Water, Sanitation And Hygiene For The Prevention Of Diarrhoea, Sandy Cairncross, Caroline Hunt, Sophie Boisson, Kristof Bostoen, Val Curtis, Isaac Chun-Hai Fung, Wolf-Peter Schmidt

Isaac Chun-Hai Fung

Background: Ever since John Snow's intervention on the Broad St pump, the effect of water quality, hygiene and sanitation in preventing diarrhoea deaths has always been debated. The evidence identified in previous reviews is of variable quality, and mostly relates to morbidity rather than mortality.
Methods: We drew on three systematic reviews, two of them for the Cochrane Collaboration, focussed on the effect of handwashing with soap on diarrhoea, of water quality improvement and of excreta disposal, respectively. The estimated effect on diarrhoea mortality was determined by applying the rules adopted for this supplement, where appropriate.
Results: The striking effect …

Generalized Complex Hamiltonian Torus Actions: Examples And Constraints, Thomas Baird, Yi Lin

Yi Lin

Consider an effective Hamiltonian torus action T×M→M on a topologically twisted,generalized complex manifold M of dimension 2n. We prove that the rank(T)≤n−2 and that the topological twisting survives Hamiltonian reduction. We then construct a large new class of such actions satisfying rank(T)=n−2, using a surgery procedure on toric manifolds.

Encouragement As Service Philosophy: Motivating African-American College Students To Connect With Library Resources And Services, Jeffrey M. Mortimore, Amanda Wall

Jeffrey M. Mortimore

Drawing upon recent research in academic self‐concept and student motivation, presenters will explore the role of faculty/staff encouragement in motivating African‐American college students to connect with and use library resources and services. Presenters will review experiences at Bennett College for Women and consider ramifications for other Historically Black Colleges and Universities as well as non‐HBCU institutions.

Electromagnetic Wave Dynamics In Matter-Wave Superradiant Scattering, Marvin G. Payne, Lu Deng, Edward G. Hagley

Marvin G. Payne

We present a small-signal wave propagation theory on matter-wave superradiant scattering. We show, in a longitudinally excited condensate, that the backward-propagating, superradiantly generated optical field propagates with ultraslow group velocity and that the small-signal gain profile has a Bragg resonance. We further show a unidirectional suppression of optical superradiant scattering, and explain why matter-wave superradiance can occur only when the pump laser is red detuned. This is the first analytical theory on field propagation in matter-wave superradiance that can explain all matter-wave superradiance experiments to date that used a single-frequency, long-pulse, red-detuned laser.

Public Health Workforce Trust Measures: Comparative Analysis Of T1-T2 Measures Across Two Lhd’S And Organizational Responses To Economic Hard Times, William A. Mase

William A. Mase

This public health workforce research initiative expands practice-based employee trust measurement in a time-one time-two (T1 – T2) quantitative design methodology. The initiative is an expansion of previously conducted research within the Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky Health Departments. Tailored workforce-based quality improvement (QI) initiatives were developed and implemented within the two local health departments (LHD’s). Workforce-based QI was a product of strategic initiatives defined by leadership of both health departments and informed by a critical review of the data collected in 2008. Analysis of additional independent variables and interaction terms were evaluated and are presented for supervisor/employee race concordance. In …

Dark Matter Halos And Evolution Of Bars In Disk Galaxies: Varying Gas Fraction And Gas Spatial Resolution, Jorge Villa-Vargas, Isaac Schlosman, Clayton Heller

Jorge Villa-Vargas

We conduct numerical experiments by evolving gaseous/stellar disks embedded in live dark matter halos aiming at quantifying the effect of gas spatial resolution and gas content on the bar evolution. Three model sequences have been constructed using different resolutions, and the gas fraction has been varied along each sequence within the range of f_g = 0%-50%, but keeping the disk and halo properties unchanged. We find that the spatial resolution becomes important with an increase in the gas content. For the higher resolution model sequences, we observe a bimodal behavior in the bar evolution with respect to the gas …

Metallization Of Nanofilms In Strong Adiabatic Electric Fields, Maxim Durach, Anastasia Rusina, Matthias F. Kling, Mark I. Stockman

Maxim Durach

We introduce an effect of metallization of dielectric nanofilms by strong, adiabatically varying electric fields. The metallization causes optical properties of a dielectric film to become similar to those of a plasmonic metal (strong absorption and negative permittivity at low optical frequencies). This is a quantum effect, which is exponentially size-dependent, occurring at fields on the order of 0.1  V/Å and pulse durations ranging from ∼1  fs to ∼10  ns for a film thickness of 3–10 nm.

Substrate Specificity And Kinetic Studies Of Pads 1, 3, And 4 Identify Potent And Selective Inhibitors Of Protein Arginine Deiminase 3, Bryan Knuckley, Corey P. Causey, Justin E. Jones, Monica Bhatia, Christina J. Dreyton, Tanesha C. Osborne, Hidenari Takahara, Paul R. Thompson

Tanesha C. Osborne

Protein citrullination has been shown to regulate numerous physiological pathways (e.g., the innate immune response and gene transcription) and is, when dysregulated, known to be associated with numerous human diseases, including cancer, rheumatoid arthritis, and multiple sclerosis. This modification, also termed deimination, is catalyzed by a group of enzymes called the protein arginine deiminases (PADs). In mammals, there are five PAD family members (i.e., PADs 1, 2, 3, 4, and 6) that exhibit tissue-specific expression patterns and vary in their subcellular localization. The kinetic characterization of PAD4 was recently reported, and these efforts guided the development of the two most …

A Chloroacetamidine-Based Inactivator Of Protein Arginine Methyltransferase 1: Design, Synthesis, And In Vitro And In Vivo Evaluation, Obiamaka Obianyo, Corey P. Causey, Tanesha C. Osborne, Justin E. Jones, Young-Ho Lee, Michael R. Stallcup, Paul R. Thompson

Tanesha C. Osborne

Protein arginine methyltransferases (PRMTs) catalyze the post-translational methylation of arginine residues. PRMT1 is the predominant mammalian isozyme, and is responsible for generating the majority of the asymmetrically dimethylated arginine found in vivo. The dysregulation of this enzyme has been implicated in heart disease and cancer; thus, its inhibition would be useful in the treatment of these diseases. Herein, we describe the most potent PRMT1 inhibitor described to date. This compound, denoted C21, is a chloroacetamidine-containing peptide that is able to irreversibly bind and inactivate the enzyme selectively. We have also shown that the coactivator activity of PRMT1 is selectively inhibited …

Chvátal-Erdös Type Theorems, Ralph J. Faudree, Jill R. Faudree, Ronald J. Gould, Michael S. Jacobson, Colton Magnant

Colton Magnant

The Chvátal-Erdös theorems imply that if G is a graph of order n ≥ 3 with κ(G) ≥ α(G), then G is hamiltonian, and if κ(G) > α(G), then G is hamiltonian-connected. We generalize these results by replacing the connectivity and independence number conditions with a weaker minimum degree and independence number condition in the presence of sufficient connectivity. More specifically, it is noted that if G is a graph of order n and k ≥ 2 is a positive integer such that κ(G) ≥ k, δ(G) > (n+k2-k)/(k+1), and δ(G) ≥ α(G)+k-2, then G is hamiltonian. It is shown that if …

Desk-Top Software Development Using Html Applications, John N. Dyer

John N. Dyer

While many business managers today have experience with office productivity software, internet browsing, and html development, few outside of the I.T. field have the knowledge, skills and experience in developing desk-top applications. The purpose of this article is to provide a relatively simple (but little known) method of developing and deploying Windows client-side applications, called html applications (HTA), using html, Windows Scripting Languages (WSL), and Windows COM and Objects. Few standard programming courses (with the exception of Visual Basic (VB)) include topics directly related to Windows application development. A recent literature review found no textbooks or journal articles, and few …

Towards An Automation Of The Circle Method, Andrew Sills

Andrew V. Sills

The derivation of the Hardy-Ramanujan-Rademacher formula for the number of partitions of n is reviewed. Next, the steps for finding analogous formulas for certain restricted classes of partitions or overpartitions is examined, bearing in mind how these calculations can be automated in a CAS. Finally, a number of new formulas of this type which were conjectured with the aid of Mathematica are presented along with results of a test for their numerical accuracy.

Group Work At Georgia Southern University: Recommendations From The 2009-2010 Flc On Sotl, Trent W. Maurer, Diana Sturges, Padmini Shankar, Deborah Allen, Saida Akbarova

Trent W. Maurer

No abstract provided.

Toward A Digital Poetics For Children, Richard Flynn

Richard Flynn

No abstract provided.

The Effect Of Neuragen Pn® On Neuropathic Pain: A Randomized, Double Blind, Placebo Controlled Clinical Trial, Li Li

Li Li

Background: A double blind, randomized, placebo controlled study to evaluate the safety and efficacy of the naturally derived topical oil, "Neuragen PN®" for the treatment of neuropathic pain.

Methods: Sixty participants with plantar cutaneous (foot sole) pain due to all cause peripheral neuropathy were recruited from the community. Each subject was randomly assigned to receive one of two treatments (Neuragen PN® or placebo) per week in a crossover design. The primary outcome measure was acute spontaneous pain level as reported on a visual analog scale.

Results: There was an overall pain reduction for both treatments from pre to post application. …