bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Nucleofection Mediates High-Efficiency Stable Gene Knockdown and Transgene Expression in Human Embryonic Stem Cells
Authors: Hohenstein Kristi A. , Pyle April D. , Chern Jing Yi , Lock Leslie F. , Donovan Peter J. 
Published: March 2008

Abstract
High-efficiency genetic modification of human embryonic stem (hES) cells would enable manipulation of gene activity, routine gene targeting, and development of new human disease models and treatments. Chemical transfection, nucleofection, and electroporation of hES cells result in low transfection efficiencies. Viral transduction is efficient but has significant drawbacks. Here we describe techniques to transiently and stably express transgenes in hES cells with high efficiency using a widely available vector system. The technique combines nucleofection of single hES cells with improved methods to select hES cells at clonal density. As validation, we reduced Oct4 and Nanog expression using siRNAs and shRNA vectors in hES cells. Furthermore, we derived many hES cell clones with either stably reduced alkaline phosphatase activity or stably overexpressed green fluorescent protein. These clones retained stem cell characteristics (normal karyotype, stem cell marker expression, self-renewal, and pluripotency). These studies will accelerate efforts to interrogate gene function and define the parameters that control growth and differentiation of hES cells.
Disclosure of potential conflicts of interest is found at the end of this article.
Asymptomatic giardiasis-more prevalent in refugees than in native inhabitants of the city of Nis, Serbia
Authors: Miladinovic-Tasic Natasa , Tasic Suzana , Kranjcic-Zec Ivana , Tasic Gordana , Tasic Aleksandar , Tasic Ivan 
Published: March 2008

AbstractGiardiasis is a parasitic infection of the digestive tract, most commonly occurring in closed communities such as schools, kindergartens, prisons, and campuses. The civil war in the former Yugoslav republics and in Kosovo caused a large number of refugees to take shelter in the territory of Serbia. Such large numbers of refugees could be accommodated only in the collective centers. Our aim was to examine the differences in the prevalence of asymptomatic giardiasis among 122 refugees from the former Yugoslav republics who lived in the collective centers in Nis, Serbia, and 241 native Nis inhabitants. Conventional microscopic examination (CME) of three stool samples with or without concentration technique and the enzyme immunoassay (EIA) methods were used. The CME method of three stool samples is considered the gold standard in our statistical survey. Asymptomatic giardiasis is found in 7 refugees (5.7%) using the EIA method, while using the CME (3 samples) Giardia duodenalis (G. duodenalis) was detected in 6 persons (4.9%). Using the EIA method and the CME (3 samples) G. duodenalis was detected in only 1 person in the population group of native inhabitants (0.4%). Asymptomatic giardiasis was more prevalent in the population group of refugees accommodated in collective centers than in native inhabitants in the Nis municipality, Serbia.
The Frequency and Quality of Measures Utilized in Federally-Sponsored Research on Children and Adolescents
Authors: Heyneman Stephen P. , Mintz Pamela Cope 
Published: March 2008

Every test intended for use in FY ‘75 Federally-funded research on children or youth was placed on a list. The list eventually comprised the titles of 1,570 instruments. Some were mentioned by many principal investigators in their proposals; others were mentioned by only one. Some tests were highly respected instruments; others were not. The question pursued was whether there was a relationship between an instrument’s quality and the frequency with which it was used. To gain a sense of a measure’s quality, we utilized the numerical ratings published by the UCLA Center for the Study of Evaluation. For frequency of use we counted the number of times an instrument was mentioned in 3,538 research proposals on children or youth which are currently being sponsored by the Federal government. There is a positive relationship between the quality of tests and their frequency of use. But the degree is not equally strong from one test category to another. A preference for the better rated instruments is particularly evident with tests of academic achievement. More equivocal results appear with respect to tests of vocational skills and intelligence, though in certain respects researchers are definitely using the better of those available in these two categories. The anomaly lies in the categories of reading tests and tests of personality, where the higher rated of the tests have no better chance of being utilized than those judged to be of poor quality. All sponsored researchers need not use the same instruments. But the fact that there are particular subject areas such as in reading and personality where the higher rated tests are less likely to be used points to the need for special attention when choosing instruments for future research.
Boards of Trustees and Academic Decisionmaking: A Review of Literature and Research
Authors: Engel Robert E. , Achola Paul P.W. 
Published: March 2008

The literature reviewed for this paper was placed in three categories. The categories emerged from the scope of the literature base, which ranged from official documents, through impressions by participants in the governance process, to reports of systematic observations of what trustees do. The trustee activity that was the focus for the review was academic affairs. Academic affairs are those that have an obvious and direct relationship to curriculum and instruction and to faculty and students in their scholarly role. Specifically, the three types of literature include: (1) studies with quasi-legalistic assertions for and against board involvement in decisions about academic matters; (2) studies that offer surveys of the perceptions and opinions of trustees, administrators, and faculty about board responsibilities for decisions regarding academic matters; and (3) studies that address what boards of trustees actually decide about academic affairs. The authors apply two ideological assumptions to their review which are drawn from political science. They are the expectation in a democratic society that its leaders should be held accountable for their decisions, and the recognition that elitism is fostered by the specialized knowledge of faculty, the control of information by administrators, and the use of complex committee structure by boards and institutions. In this context elites are those who exercise power out of proportion to the size of their group, and whose power is usually related to authority. The paucity of empirical and analytical studies of board decisionmaking is noted.
Chapter 1 Evaluation: Progress, Problems, and Possibilities
Authors: Clayton Constance E. 
Published: March 2008

The 1988 reauthorization of the 1965 Elementary and Secondary Education Act Chapter 1 legislation introduced several significant changes in both program and evaluation features, many of which have benefited students and schools in the School District of Philadelphia. However, some provisions of the legislation, and the accompanying regulations, have unintended consequences which are hampering efforts to provide the best possible program for students. This article addresses the implementation of schoolwide projects in Philadelphia, discusses some of the conceptual problems which exist in interpreting results of those programs, and offers suggestions for alternative assessment methods. As a result of the 1988 reauthorization, schoolwide projects have increased from 37 sites in 1988–1989 to 103 for the 1991–1992 school year. This expansion has occurred because of positive results in test scores and report card grades and because of the satisfaction expressed by school staffs and communities at having the flexibility to design a program tailored especially for the needs of their own students. Problems with the current legislation, as noted in the article, have stimulated the following attempts at solutions: how to discern which schools are in need of program improvement, how to ensure that schools with successful programs have the opportunity to continue implementing them, how to determine the intent of program improvement, and how to find alternatives to standardized testing. Finally, the article offers suggestions for alternative ways to use standardized test data, as well as performance-based measures of student learning.
Outmigration Among Rural High School Graduates: The Effect of Academic and Vocational Programs
Authors: Huang Gary G. , Weng Stanley , Zhang Fan , Cohen Michael P. 
Published: March 2008

Although rural communities have pressing needs for educated youth, rural schools are criticized for training students with urban-oriented labor skills that facilitate rural-to-urban migration. Some analysts see such schooling contributing to the rural community’s decline. Educators and policymakers concerned about rural areas need to know what kind of school programs help retain educated youth in rural areas. Research on the comparative effectiveness of different curriculum programs in retaining youth in the community can inform the program development for rural schools. This report presents a study that addressed the issue with data from a national longitudinal study, the High School and Beyond (HS&B) of the National Center for Education Statistics. With two-level hierarchical logit modeling that decomposed the variance into school- and individuallevels components, we examined the post-school outmigration pattern in connection with students’ coursework (at the individual level) and curriculum program enrollment (at the school level). We focused on the effects on outmigration of the academic program and the vocational program measured at the two levels, adjusting for the effects of the local labor market condition and student sociodemographic background and test scores. We also introduced interaction terms to determine the specific effects of curriculum on rural school average outmigration. The results revealed that, controlling for the effects of local labor market and student background and academic achievement, outmigration was positively related to schools’ emphasis on academic programs and students’ high credits in the academic curriculum. To clarify the possible confounding relationship between outmigration and college attendance, we further analyzed data of youth that had not gone to college four years after high school. Essentially, the same pattern was found among this subsample of noncollege-goers. Implications for curriculum development were suggested based on the results and other perspectives regarding curriculum reform.
Validity of Randomization Tests for one-Subject Experiments
Authors: Edgington Eugene S. 
Published: March 2008

Valid Statistical tests for one-subject experiments are necessary to justify Statistical inferences and to ensure the acceptability of research reports to a wide range of journals and readers. The validity of randomization tests for one-subject experiments is examined in this paper. A randomization test is a procedure for determining significance in the following manner. A test statistic (e.g., t or F) is computed for a set of research data. The value of the test statistic is called the “obtained test statistic value.” The data are then divided repeatedly, and the test statistic is computed for each data division. If the proportion of the data divisions giving a test statistic value as large as the obtained test statistic value is no greater than α, the test statistic is significant at the α level. Any Statistical test is said to be a randomization test when the significance of its test statistic is determined by the randomization test procedure. Determination of significance by the randomization test procedure permits the valid application of any Statistical test, whether it be as simple as a t test or as complex as factorial multivariate analysis of variance, for one-subject as well as multiple-subject experiments. For the randomization test procedure to be valid for a one-subject experiment, there must be random assignment of treatment times to treatments (i.e., random determination of when each treatment is to be given); specification, before observing the data, of the test statistic and the criterion to be employed for discarding data; and, in the determination of significance, division of the data in a manner consistent with the random assignment procedure.
A Comparison of the Power of Wilcoxon's Rank-Sum Statistic to that of Student'st Statistic Under Various Nonnormal Distributions
Authors: Blair R. Clifford , Higgins James J. 
Published: March 2008

Computer generated Monte Carlo techniques were used to compare the power of Wilcoxon's rank-sum test to the power of the two independent means t test for situations in which samples were drawn from (1) uniform, (2) Laplace, (3) half-normal, (4) exponential, (5) mixed-normal, and (6) mixed-uniform distributions. Sample sizes studied were ( n1, n2) = (3,9), (6,6), (9,27), (18,18), (27,81), and (54,54). It was concluded that (1) generally speaking, the Wilcoxon statistic held very large power advantages over the t statistic, (2) asymptotic relative efficiencies were reasonably good indicators of the relative power of the two statistics, (3) results obtained from smaller samples were often markedly different from the results obtained from larger samples, and (4) because of the narrow ranges of population shapes and sample sizes investigated in some widely cited previous studies of this type, the conclusions reached in those studies must now be deemed questionable.
A Longitudinal Analysis Using the Lisrel-Model with Structured Means
Authors: Hanna Gila , Lei Hau 
Published: March 2008

The Lisrel-model with structured means was used to study similarities and differences between two groups of students on a longitudinal set of data. Inferences were made about the differences between the two groups in the development of mathematical ability as measured by two tests on three successive occasions, by testing the hypothesis that the slopes in the regression of true final scores on true initial scores are equal across the two groups, and by estimating the difference in the intercept alpha in the structural equation. The results indicated that the two groups started with equivalent mathematics ability. The Immersion group had a significantly higher level (2.52 points) of growth in mathematics ability than the Regular group at Grade 5; in the subsequent year, however, the Regular group exceeded the Immersion group by 2.15 points in its average growth. In comparison with the Regular group, the Immersion group grew more rapidly from grade 4 to 5 and more slowly from grade 5 to 6.
Catalyst Forming
Authors: Schüth Ferdi , Hesse Michael 
Published: March 2008

Abstract
The sections in this article are

Introduction

The Physico‐Chemical Background of Forming Processes

Spray Drying

The Spray‐Drying Process

Atomizers

A
Rotary Atomizers

B
Hydraulic Nozzles

C
Two‐fluid Atomizers

Dryer Configuration

Extrusion

Basic Considerations

Equipment

Paste Composition and Additives

A
Water Content

B
Peptization Agents

C
Binders

D
Plasticizers

E
Lubricants

F
Porogens

Drying and Calcination

Tableting

Basic Considerations

Equipment

Formulation of the Feed

Granulation

Basic Considerations

Equipment

A
The Granulation Pan

B
The Granulation Drum

Miscellaneous Techniques

Oil Drop Coagulation

Pastillation

Coating of Preshaped Bodies

Perspectives
Simultaneous Heat and Mass Transfer and Chemical Reaction
Authors: Dittmeyer Roland , Emig Gerhard 
Published: March 2008

AbstractThe sections in this article areIntroductionMathematical DescriptionSingle Reactions (Conversion Problem)Pore Diffusion in an Isothermal PelletFilm and Pore Diffusion in an Isothermal PelletFilm and Pore Diffusion Together with Interphase Heat TransferFilm and Pore Diffusion Together with Interphase and Intraparticle Heat TransferExternal Heat and Mass TransferUse of Complex Rate ExpressionsSimple Reversible ReactionsSimple Irreversible Reactions withLangmuir–Hinshelwood‐Type KineticsSimple Reversible Reactions withLangmuir–Hinshelwood‐Type KineticsTemperature Dependence and Reaction Order of Transport‐Limited ReactionsIntraparticle DiffusionInterphase Mass TransferDiagnostic Criteria and Experimental Methods for Estimating the Influence of Heat and Mass Transfer on the Effective Reaction RateExperimental CriteriaTheoretical CriteriaExperimental Methods for Estimating the Influence of Heat and Mass Transfer EffectsMultiple Reactions (Selectivity Problem)TypeISelectivityTypeIISelectivityTypeIIISelectivityMathematical Description of the Diffusional TransportFick's Law with Constant Effective DiffusivitiesBulk Diffusion andKnudsen DiffusionPressure‐Driven Viscous Flow and Surface DiffusionMaxwell–Stefan Equations and Related ModelsBulk Diffusion,Knudsen Diffusion and Pressure‐Driven Viscous FlowSurface DiffusionControl of Selectivity in the Disproportionation of Ethylbenzene to Benzene and Diethylbenzenes on anHZSM‐5 Catalyst by Utilizing Diffusion EffectsShape‐Selective CatalysisMicrokineticsMacrokineticsModeling of Shape Selectivity EffectsSimplifying AssumptionsModel EquationsSimulation ResultsAProduct Shape Selectivity (Unaffected by Other Factors)BProduct Shape Selectivity and Reactant Diffusion Limitation (Combined Effect)CProduct Shape Selectivity and Selective Adsorption (Combined Effect)DProduct Shape Selectivity and Restricted Transition State Shape Selectivity (Combined Effect)Controlled Modification of the Pore StructureConcluding Remarks
Adaptive identification of linear time‐delay systems: From theory toward application to engine transient fuel identification
Authors: Orlov Y. , Kolmanovsky I. V. , Gomez O. 
Published: March 2008

AbstractThe paper is of tutorial value. A theoretical treatment of adaptive (online) identification issues is reviewed side by side for linear time‐delay systems (LTDSs) with state measurements and for single‐input single‐output (SISO) LTDS with output measurements. A class of parameter identification algorithms is then presented for SISO LTDS with known and unknown delays. An application of the proposed algorithms to transient fuel identification in a port‐fuel‐injected internal combustion engine is illustrated in an experimental study. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Electrically Directed On‐Chip Reversible Patterning of Two‐Dimensional Tunable Colloidal Structures
Authors: Xie Rongguo , Liu Xiang‐Yang 
Published: March 2008

AbstractIn this work, we report a versatile approach to two‐dimensional colloidal patterning based on the lateral assembly of colloidal particles by an alternating electric field (AEF). Under the AEF, the lithographically templated electrodes provide an effective way to reversibly and rapidly assemble colloidal particles into some desirable patterns. By controlling the AEF and the electrode pattern geometry, various colloidal patterns with tunable lattice spacing and even with binary lattice spacing have been formed. Particularly, we demonstrate that well‐defined linear defects can be embedded inside the colloidal crystals, whereas the unwanted existing defects can be controllably relaxed by this patterning process. This novel patterning technique is amenable to both large scale on‐chip patterning and micro‐structural control with single‐particle resolution on a time scale of seconds. Furthermore, it introduces a new class of colloidal structures with the properties that can be finely tuned, reversibly switched, or permanently fixed, opening a new way for the engineering of novel materials and devices at micro levels.
The clinical spectrum associated with a chromosome 17 short arm proximal duplication (dup 17p11.2) in three patients
Authors: Doco‐Fenzy Martine , Holder‐Espinasse Muriel , Bieth Eric , Magdelaine Corinne , Vincent Marie‐Claire , Khoury Maroun , Andrieux Joris , Zhang Feng , Lupski James R. , Klink Rabih , Schneider Anouck , Goze‐Martineau Odile , Cuisset Jean‐Marie , Vallee Louis , Manouvrier‐Hanu Sylvie , Gaillard Dominique , de Martinville Bérengère 
Published: March 2008

AbstractThe p11.2‐p12 region of human chromosome 17 is gene rich and composed of at least two genomically unstable domains: the Smith–Magenis syndrome region (17p11.2) and the Charcot‐Marie‐Tooth region (17p12), both of which are flanked by several low‐copy repeat sequences. Homologous recombination between these flanking repeats results in either deletion‐ or duplication‐associated phenotypes caused by a gene dosage effect. We report on the clinical phenotype of three patients presenting with either a 17p11.2 or 17p11.2p12 duplication, revealed by chromosome analysis and confirmed by fluorescent in situ hybridization analysis, high resolution genomic analysis of the 17p region using oligonucleotide array comparative genomic hybridization, and molecular studies with microsatellite markers. Two patients carry the 17p11.2 duplication, while the third one shows a larger duplication including the 17p12 region. The facial features observed in our patients include triangular face, full cheeks, smooth philtrum, thin upper lip, dental malocclusion, irregular eyebrows, and sparse hair, all of which are consistent with the pure proximal dup 17p phenotype. The patients' other clinical features are compared with previously published cases. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Senescence of reproduction may explain adaptive menopause in humans: A test of the “mother” hypothesis
Authors: Pavard Samuel , E. Metcalf C. Jessica , Heyer Evelyne 
Published: March 2008

AbstractThe “mother” hypothesis is one of the main adaptive explanations of human menopause. It postulates that reproductive cessation constitutes a strategy that has been selected for during human evolution because mothers at older ages might maximize their fitness by investing resources in the survival and reproduction of their living children rather than by continuing to reproduce. This study provides a test of this hypothesis. Fertility functions that maximize fitness are built into a model incorporating the fact that the survival of females during the rearing period is a major determinant of their children's survival. Results are given according to different scenarios of increase with mothers' age of maternal mortality risk and risk of stillbirth and birth defects (on the assumption that these females do not experience menopause). Different estimates of the effect of a mother's death on her child's survival were also incorporated. Finally, a population genetics framework allows us to estimate selection on these optimal fertility functions. To determine whether or not these fertility functions show a menopause, three criteria are discussed: the rapidity of fertility decline, if any; the magnitude of selection on menopause compared with a nonmenopausal strategy; and the selection on survival during post‐reproductive life. Our results show that menopause and subsequent post‐reproductive life are significantly advantageous when two conditions are satisfied: a marked increase in stillbirth and risk of birth defects as well as in maternal mortality with mother's age. Am J Phys Anthropol, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Weld line characteristics of PC/ABS blend. II. Effect of reactive compatibilizer
Authors: Lim Jong Cheol , Cho Kuk Young , Park Jung‐Ki 
Published: March 2008

AbstractThe effects of reactive compatibilizer and processing temperature on the morphology and the mechanical properties at the weld line of 60/40 (wt/wt) poly‐ carbonate (PC) and acrylonitrile‐butadiene‐styrene (ABS) copolymer blends were investigated. Amine functionalized styrene/n‐phenyl maleimide/maleic anhydride terpolymer (amine‐SPMIMA) was used as the in‐situ reactive compatibilizer for PC/ABS blend. Weld tensile strength increased as the content of amine‐SPMIMA was increased. Weld impact strength showed maximum value for the blend containing about 3% amine‐SPMIMA. The variation in the mechanical property at the weld line was correlated with the change in the morphology of the blend. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2008