cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
In vitro assays of allosensitization.

With the success of solid organ transplantation has come the realization of the post-transplant morbidity and mortality related to the use of immunosuppressive medications (1–3). Induction of tolerance to the transplanted organ would likely prevent these complications, however, the use of tolerance induction protocols in solid organ transplantation will require assays that reflect the level of immune alloreactivity (allosensitization) of the recipient towards the donor. In order to understand the basis of in vitro assays of allosensitization, several concepts have to be considered. The dominant form of alloantigen is the non-self HLA molecule complexed with a variety of different peptides in its antigen binding groove. The frequency of precursor cells for an alloresponse is thought to be 100–1000 times as strong as the response to standard non-self antigens (4). Additionally, the alloresponse, unlike the response to most other antigens, is not dependent on previous exposure for an initial immune response (4). Any strategies to prevent allorecognition must take into account these cardinal observations. For the immune system to mount a response against a foreign antigen, it must be aware of the antigen’s presence. T cells recognize alloantigen via both direct and indirect pathways (Fig. 1) (5). In the direct pathway, recipient T cells recognize intact donor MHC alloantigens on the surface of donor-derived APC. Acute allograft rejection is thought to be mediated predominantly via this pathway (6). In the indirect pathway, allogeneic MHC molecules shed from the graft are processed by the recipient APC and then presented as peptides within the peptide binding sites of the recipient’s own MHC molecules. There is ample evidence that indirect allorecognition is an important driver of organ transplant rejection in humans (7–10). One of the challenges with measuring responses mediated by the indirect pathway is the low precursor frequency of indirectly primed T cells (6) compared to directly primed cells. Fig. 1 Two mechanisms for allorecognition. Direct allorecognition involves recognition of foreign HLA with a variety of potential peptides present in the antigen-presentation groove. In contrast, indirect allorecognition involves recognition of specific foreign ... This review will summarize in vitro assays of T cell reactivity that reflect alloantigen-specific responses. Humoral issues, proteomics, and genomics will not be covered in this review.
Platelet Activity of Coaxial Electrospun Scaffolds for Applications in Cardiovascular Tissue Engineering

A biocompatible scaffold is vital to implant device design, tissue engineering, and drug delivery. Previous work has shown smooth muscle cell and human umbilical vascular endothelial cell viability, adhesion, proliferation, and migration on coaxially electrospun scaffolds. For vascular applications, these electrospun scaffolds need to be non-thrombogenic, while simultaneously not completely inhibiting the platelets role in hemostasis and augmenting angiogenesis.[1] Therefore, platelet activity on electrospun scaffolds needs to be assessed. In this study, we fabricated coaxial electrospun nanofibers in both 1:1 and 3:1 (gelatin:polyvinyl alcohol, volumetric flow ratios), as well as scaffolds composed of either gelatin or polyvinyl alcohol (PVA). Platelet deposition on the electrospun scaffolds was measured. Furthermore, the activity of human platelets on the electrospun scaffolds was assessed using a modified prothrombinase assay.[2]© 2013 ASME
A new sensitivity analysis and solution method for scintillometer measurements of area-average turbulent fluxes

Scintillometer measurements of the turbulence inner-scale length $$l_\mathrm{o }$$ and refractive index structure function $$C_n^2$$ allow for the retrieval of large-scale area-averaged turbulent fluxes in the atmospheric surface layer. This retrieval involves the solution of the non-linear set of equations defined by the Monin–Obukhov similarity hypothesis. A new method that uses an analytic solution to the set of equations is presented, which leads to a stable and efficient numerical method of computation that has the potential of eliminating computational error. Mathematical expressions are derived that map out the sensitivity of the turbulent flux measurements to uncertainties in source measurements such as $$l_\mathrm{o }$$ . These sensitivity functions differ from results in the previous literature; the reasons for the differences are explored.
Estimation of heterogeneous variances using empirical Bayes methods: theoretical considerations.

Abstract Procedures are described to estimate variances when heterogeneity of genetic and residual dispersion parameters exists for some criterion. Genetic and residual variances are considered to follow distributions with either known or unknown parameters. The estimates of variances obtained are weighted averages of the corresponding parameter and of a databased statistic. Although the techniques presented are largely inspired by Bayesian ideas, the procedures can be given a frequentist interpretation, and the parameters of the prior distributions can be estimated from the data at hand. Techniques are described and illustrated for situations in which animals are related or unrelated across herds. We conjecture that the proposed estimators have smaller mean squared error than those obtained by grouping observations in some way and then applying REML within each group.
Emergency Department Stabilization of Heart Failure

Optimizing heart failure management begins in the emergency department. Prompt recognition and treatment of underlying pathophysiology can improve patient outcomes. A review of therapeutic options is provided, with the goal of providing best practices in patient care.
PIGMENTARY ABNORMALITIES AND CHROMOSOMAL AND GENETIC MOSAICISM AND CHIMERISM

We have studied nine patients who presented with pigmentary anomalies of the skin in association with other congenital malformations; in eight, we demonstrated chromosomal mosaicism in lymphocytes and/or skin fibroblasts. A review of the literature revealed 25 similar examples of an association between pigmentary anomalies and chromosomal mosaicism or chimerism. The pigmentation varied but usually followed a pattern known as Blaschko lines. Our findings indicate a relationship between aberrant skin pigmentation and chromosomal mosaicism, and suggest a developmental explanation for the pigmentary patterns seen in chromosomal or genetic mosaicism and in chimerism. Further, they emphasize the need for extensive cytogenetic investigation of patients who present with pigmentary abnormalities and associated malformations.
Electromagnetic properties of the low-lying states in heavy ( A ≃ 190 ) transitional nuclei

In a particle-$\ensuremath{\gamma}$ spectroscopy experiment, $^{188,190,192}\mathrm{Os}$ nuclei were Coulomb excited by 14.5 MeV $^{4}\mathrm{He}$, 48.0 MeV $^{16}\mathrm{O}$, and 62.0 MeV $^{32}\mathrm{S}$ beams, successively. Using both semiclassical and quantum mechanical coupled channels codes, the coincidence $\ensuremath{\gamma}$-ray yields were analyzed to obtain the relative quadrupole moments of the ${2}_{1}^{+}$ state, as well as branching ratios and the spectroscopic quadrupole moments of the ${2}_{2}^{+}$ states in these nuclei. As an independent check, the spectroscopic quadrupole moments of the ${2}_{1}^{+}$ and ${2}_{2}^{+}$ states in $^{188}\mathrm{Os}$ were measured by particle spectroscopy techniques using $^{16}\mathrm{O}$ projectiles. The results of the two experiments are in good agreement. These results, together with the corresponding values for $^{184,186}\mathrm{W}$ and $^{194}\mathrm{Pt}$, are compared with the predictions of several models, including (i) microscopic pairing-plus-quadrupole and boson expansion theory, and (ii) phenomenological interacting boson approximation and asymmetric rigid rotor models. The general experimental trends are best described by the above microscopic models. Both phenomenological models fail to reproduce the systematics of the experimental quadrupole moments.NUCLEAR REACTIONS $^{188,190,192}\mathrm{Os}(\ensuremath{\alpha}, {\ensuremath{\alpha}}^{\ensuremath{'}}\ensuremath{\gamma})$, $E=14.5$ MeV; $^{188,190,192}\mathrm{Os}(^{16}\mathrm{O}, ^{16}\mathrm{O}^{\ensuremath{'}}\ensuremath{\gamma})$, $E=48.0$ MeV; $^{188,190,192}(^{32}\mathrm{S}, ^{32}\mathrm{S}^{\ensuremath{'}}\ensuremath{\gamma})$, $E=62.0$ MeV; measured particle-$\ensuremath{\gamma}$ coin; deduced $q({2}_{2}^{+})$, branching ratios (${2}_{2}^{+}$), relative $q({2}_{1}^{+})$. Thick natural target. $^{188}\mathrm{Os}$($^{16}\mathrm{O}$, $^{16}\mathrm{O}$\ensuremath{'}), $E=45.0$ MeV; measured $\ensuremath{\sigma}(E, 142.3\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{})$; deduced $q({2}_{1}^{+})$, $q({2}_{2}^{+})$. Thin enriched target. Coupled channel semiclassical and quantum mechanical analyses.
Retinal capillary hemangioma: A comparison of sporadic cases and cases associated with von Hippel-Lindau disease

Abstract Objective To report observations regarding the onset of tumors in patients with retinal capillary hemangiomas (RCH) and comparing sporadic cases with those associated with von Hippel-Lindau (VHL) disease. Design Retrospective consecutive case series. Participants Sixty-eight patients with RCH managed at a tertiary referral center. Main outcome measures The data were analyzed for age at diagnosis of RCH, two-hit mutation model, onset of new tumors, and random (Poisson) distribution. Results Among 68 patients, we identified 174 RCHs in 86 eyes. Thirty-one patients had VHL disease, and 37 patients were sporadic. The median age at diagnosis in cases with VHL disease was 17.6 years (range, 2.8–46.7 years), and in those without VHL disease it was 36.1 years (range, 7.0–74 years). The age distribution of RCH followed a two-hit mutation model. In eyes with VHL disease, the total number of RCH were distributed randomly as calculated by the Poisson distribution (mean number of tumors=4). Overall onset of 33 new tumors was documented in 11 eyes (13%) over a median interval of 16 months (range, 3–235 months). All new tumors developed before the age of 47 years. The retinal location of new tumors was similar to the previous tumors with most new tumors located in the superotemporal quadrant (42%) and in the midperipheral retina (58%). Of the 50 patients initially manifesting solitary RCH, only 4 had new tumors develop over a median follow-up duration of 6.4 years (range, 0–33 years). All four cases had VHL disease. Conclusions The median age at diagnosis of RCH in patients with VHL disease was almost 18 years less than those without VHL disease. The age distribution of RCH followed the two-hit mutation model. In VHL disease, the number of RCH is determined randomly. Most of the new RCH develop by the age of 47 years. In the absence of VHL disease, it is unlikely for patients with solitary RCH to develop new tumors.
Food Consumption of House Mice at Low Temperatures

It is a well recognized fact that under conditions of lowered environmental temperatures, the food consumption of isolated active mammals shows a. definite increase (Campbell, 1945; Howard, 1951; Sealander, 1952 a ). The increased food intake is evidently necessary to supply more fuel for increased metabolism and consequently more production of body heat to maintain normal body temperature. An abundant supply of food in live-trapping small mammals in winter has also been shown to be an important factor in their survival (Llewellyn, 1950). However, in gregarious animals there is often another factor quite important in the maintenance of body heat in cold weather. This is the huddling effect of numbers of animals together. The value of this factor in survival of small mammals has been shown by several workers (Howard, 1951; Sealander, 1952 b ). The data presented here further indicate that huddling together and sharing of body warmth may be an important factor in body temperature maintenance in cold weather. The study was conducted at Madison, Wisconsin, during 1949–50 in a vacated, unheated army barrack-building. Two large enclosures were made by lining the lower walls of two rooms with galvanized iron. …
Soil test survey of the Gambia: An overview

Abstract The Gambia is a small, densely populated country bisected by the River Gambia in West Africa. Most of the population depends on subsistence agriculture. Groundnut (Arachis hypogea) is the dominant cash crop, with significant hectarage of other grain crops, such as millet (Pennisetum glaucum) and maize (Zea mays), also present. Under the Gambia Agriculture Research and Diversification (GARD) Project contracted by USAID, the University of Wisconsin established a soil testing laboratory at the Yundum Agricultural Research Station to serve both research and service needs. In addition, research has been initiated to develop appropriate soil test interpretations and fertilizer recommendations for specific crops grown on specific soils. A plant nutrient survey of the country was initiated in 1991 and completed in 1992 to help obtain a picture of the soil fertility status of the country. Soil and tissue samples were taken from 1150 fields planted to groundnut, maize, and millet to develop a soil fertilit...
Air traffic complexity for a distributed air traffic management system

An appropriate balance between strategic and tactical air traffic management (ATM) is one of the key factors affecting the performance of an ATM system. Complexity metrics are a powerful strategic ...
Effect of clinical mutations on functionality of the human riboflavin transporter-2 (hRFT-2)

The Brown-Vialetto-Van Laere syndrome (BVVLS) is a rare neurological disease characterized by ponto-bulbar palsy, bilateral sensorineural deafness, and respiratory insufficiency. Recent genetic studies have identified mutations in the C20orf54 gene, which encodes the human riboflavin (RF) transporter -2 (hRFT-2) and suggested their link to the manifestation of BVVLS. However, there is nothing currently known about the effect of these mutations on functionality of hRFT-2, a protein that is expressed in a variety of tissues with high expression in the intestine. We addressed this issue using the human-derived intestinal epithelial Caco-2 cells. Our results showed significant (P < 0.01) impairment in RF uptake by Caco-2 cells transiently expressing W17R, P28T, E36K, E71K, and R132W (but not L350M) hRFT-2 mutants. This impairment in RF transport was not due to a decrease in transcription and/or translation of hRFT-2, since mRNA and protein levels of the carrier were similar in cells expressing the mutants and wild-type hRFT-2. Confocal images of live Caco-2 cells transiently transfected with hRFT-2 mutants (fused with green fluorescent protein) showed the P28T, E36K, E71K, and R132W mutants were retained within the endoplasmic reticulum, while the W17R and L350M mutants were expressed at the cell membrane; cell surface expression of the W17R mutant was further confirmed by direct determination of cell surface transporter density. These results show for the first time that some of the BVVLS associated mutations in hRFT-2 affect the transporter functionality and that this effect is mediated via alterations in membrane targeting and/or activity of the transporter.
Estrogen Receptor-β Is Critical to Granulosa Cell Differentiation and the Ovulatory Response to Gonadotropins

The process of granulosa cell differentiation that occurs in preovulatory follicles is dependent on FSH but requires augmentation by estradiol. To determine which estrogen receptor (ER) form mediates the effects of estradiol during gonadotropin-induced follicle growth, differentiation, and rupture, we characterized the response of ERα- and ERβ-null mice to gonadotropin-induced ovulation. Immature mice were treated with an ovulatory regimen of exogenous gonadotropins and tissues were collected at distinct time points for morphological, biochemical, gene expression, and immunohistochemical analyses. Granulosa cells of ERβ knockout (ERKO) preovulatory follicles exhibited an attenuated response to FSH-induced differentiation, as evident by reduced aromatase activity and estradiol synthesis, and insufficient expression of LH receptor. As a result, βERKO ovaries were unable to fully respond to an ovulatory bolus of gonadotropin, leading to a reduced rate of follicle rupture; insufficient induction of prostaglan...
Analysis of laser radar measurements of the asteroid 433 Eros

After a 5-year mission, a 4-year transit followed by a one-year mission orbiting the asteroid 433 Eros, the Near-Earth Asteroid Rendezvous-Shoemaker (NEAR) spacecraft made a controlled landing onto the asteroid's surface on 12 February 2001. Onboard the spacecraft, the NEAR Laser Rangefinder (NLR) facility instrument had gathered over 11 million measurements, providing a spatially dense, high-resolution, topographical map of Eros. This topographic data, combined with Doppler tracking data for the spacecraft, enabled the determination of the asteroid's shape, mass, and density thereby contributing to understanding the internal structure and collisional evolution of Eros. NLR data indicate that Eros is a consolidated body with a complex shape dominated by collisions. The offset between the asteroid's center of mass and center of figure indicates a small deviation from a homogeneous internal structure that is most simply explained by variations in mechanical structure. Regional-scale relief and slope distributions show evidence for control of some topography by a competent substrate. It was found that pulse dilation was the major source of uncertainty in single-shot range measurements from the NLR, and that this uncertainty remains consistent with the overall 6-m range measurement system accuracy for NEAR. Analysis of NLR data fully quantified the geodynamic nature of this planetesimal, ergo, illustrating the utility of laser altimetry for remote sensing.
Thermal-diffusion fractionation: Oils, fats, and some derivatives

A number of fats and oils and derivatives there-from were subjected to thermal diffusion in a column in which one plate was heated with low-pressure steam and the other cooled with tap water. Triglyceride moved toward the top while glycerol and monoglyceride moved toward the bottom when mixtures containing all components were diffused. Mixed triglycerides showed no tendency to separate; neither did fatty-acid mixtures which differed only in degree of unsaturation. However when a fatty acid mixture was brominated, subsequent separation was observed. Marked color-improvement was observed in the top fractions from various crude oils; the colored substances were concentrated exponentially in the bottom fractions. Polymeric substances from partly polymerized oils also concentrated toward the bottom. Some tentative generalizations on types of separations to be expected are discussed.
Quantitative Raman characterization of MoTiO22 catalysts

Two molybdenum species (i.e., Mo interaction species and MoO3) are identified and quantitated by Raman spectroscopy for a series of MoTiO22 catalysts. The Mo interaction species is shown to increase with Mo loading up to 6 wt% MoO3 and to level off at higher Mo loadings. MoO3 is detected at 7.5 wt% MoO3TiO2 and shown to increase linearly with further Mo additions. The molybdenum speciation determined from Raman data is shown to correlate with ESCA and X-ray diffraction measurements.
Feature-inclusion stochastic search for Gaussian graphical models

We describe a serial algorithm called feature-inclusion stochastic search, or FINCS, that uses online estimates of edge-inclusion probabilities to guide Bayesian model determination in Gaussian graphical models. FINCS is compared to MCMC, to Metropolis-based search methods, and to the popular lasso; it is found to be superior along a variety of dimensions, leading to better sets of discovered models, greater speed and stability, and reasonable estimates of edge-inclusion probabilities. We illustrate FINCS on an example involving mutual-fund data, where we compare the model-averaged predictive performance of models discovered with FINCS to those discovered by competing methods.
Shape‐Reprogrammable Polymers: Encoding, Erasing, and Re‐Encoding

Shape-reprogramming in a polymer is demonstrated, where prescribed 3D geometric information can be encoded, decoded, erased, and re-encoded. In essence, the shape-reprogrammable polymer (SRP) acts as computer hardware that can be reformatted and reprogrammed repeatedly. Such SRPs have the potential to be repurposed directly without going through material disposal and recycling.
Differential changes in the permeability of squash hypocotyl cells in relation to the severity of Hypomyces stem rot

Abstract Urea efflux was identical from excised squash hypocotyl tissues taken from healthy plants and fungus-free tissue adjacent to young lesions caused by Hypomyces solani f. sp. cucurbifae; rates of urea uptake were unaffected by the stage of lesion development. Electrolyte leakage from tissues above lesions was also unaffected during early stages of lesion formation. However, a decrease in permeability to cellular electrolytes occurred at the stage in lesion development when hypocotyls were girdled, but well before foliar chlorosis was evident. These results show that the stage of disease development is a critical factor in the expression of host cell permeability changes, and that squash hypocotyl cells are altered differentially in their passive permeability characteristics in response to infection by Hypomyces solani.
Latino politics and political theory: rights, power, and membership

In many ways, the genesis for this special issue of Politics, Groups and Identities, “Latino Politics and Political Theory: Rights, Power and Membership,” has its origins in the very association th...
Possible Significance of Cilioretinal Arteries in Open-angle Glaucoma

To study the possible prognostic significance of the cilioretinal artery in open-angle glaucoma, the disc stereophotographs of one hundred consecutive patients with bilateral open-angle glaucoma were reviewed for the presence of cilioretinal arteries. The charts of 20 patients with unilateral cilioretinal arteries were then studied for the extent of the optic disc cupping and visual field damage. Despite the absence of a significant difference in the intraocular pressure between the two groups, eyes with cilioretinal arteries showed larger cup/disc ratios and more visual field damage when compared to the contralateral eyes without cilioretinal arteries in the same patients.
Effects of pyrolysis-gas chemical reactions on surface recession of charring ablators.

Oxygen depletion effect in chemical reactions between pyrolysis gases and air stream on surface recession of charring ablators
Multicultural Literature That Brings People Together

The authors review numerous books that feature multiple cultures within the story or illustrations. Their belief is that this mosaic of cultures is an accurate reflection of our changing world. يراجع المؤلفون عدة كتب تتمثل فيها ثقافات متعددة ضمن القصة أو الصور. ويعتقدون أن فسيفساء الثقافات هذه مرآة صادقة لعالمنا المتغير. 本文作者审阅了无数有关多元文化的书籍。在这些书籍中，无论是在故事里或插图中都凸显了对多元文化的描述。本文作者相信，这种交织了多种不同文化的描述，正确地反映了我们不断变化的世界。 Les auteurs passent en revue de nombreux livres qui presentent des cultures differentes par le recit ou par l'illustration. Pour eux, cette mosaique de cultures est un bon reflet de monde en plein changement qui est le notre. Авторы рассматривают многочисленные книги, где в текстах или иллюстрациях присутствует множество разнообразных культур. Авторы полагают, что эта мозаика культур является точным отражением нашего изменчивого мира. Los autores examinan numerosos libros que presentan varias culturas como parte del cuento o las ilustraciones. Su creencia es que este mosaico de culturas es una reflexion acertada de nuestro mundo cambiante.
Detrusor inhibition induced by stimulation of pudendal nerve afferents

A critical analysis of therapeutic vesicoinhibitory electrical stimulation is presented based on a study of ten patients with suprasacral spinal cord lesions and detrusor hyperreflexia. The detrusor contraction was either completely abolished, or the threshold of the contraction significantly increased, with electrical stimulation delivered to the dorsal nerves of penis (or clitoris) via surface electrodes. A current strength of 0.09 to 3.5 times the bulbocavernosus reflex threshold was used.
Characterizing active wadi channels in arid lands by linear mixture modeling

The assessment of flash flood potential of wadi (dry river) systems in arid lands is often difficult because of the lack of sufficiently long rainfall and discharge records of the infrequent and spatially variable rainfall events. Characterization of active wadi systems by remote sensing may offer an alternative solution. A methodology is presented to characterize the channel infill of wadi systems based on the soil composition, and the geomorphic and geologic properties of drainage basins. Spectral mixture modeling is performed on a Landsat TM image to identify the source material (endmembers) and source upland area of the alluvial infill. Endmembers are determined by two methods: (1) identifying pure image pixels, and (2) using spectral libraries representing main rock units of the drainage basin. Both methods are evaluated in terms of their ability to establish the relative contribution of upland source rocks to the overall alluvium composition in the lowland. The identification of wadi systems that are presently most active (high stream-power values) and efficient in transporting sediments to the basin outlet may enable identification of areas prone to flash floods.
A Model for Advising in an Individualized Undergraduate College

Since its beginning in 1970, the New College, a degree-granting division of The University of Alabama for highly motivated students, has maintained three curriculum components: (1) a general education core of six interdisciplinary seminars in the division-two levels each of the humanities, natural sciences, and social sciences-; (2) a depth study (major), consisting typically of ten to twelve courses in one discipline or appropriate interdisciplinary area; and (3) electives. Aside from the core seminars, however, the students' programs are as varied as the 200 students in the college. For developing a personalized curriculum plan, each student has access to the 2500 undergraduate courses offered through the eleven undergraduate colleges, schools, and special programs at the University; independent study and off-campus learning experiences by contracts; and, with special permission, certain graduate courses that may enhance the student's depth study. Needless to say, sound academic advising is of paramount importance in such a program, and over the years a model has been developed that has proved highly successful in assisting most New College students in meeting their goals as undergraduates. At the heart of this system, called "contract advising," are faculty who take seriously the importance of their advising responsibilities. Interest in working with students beyond the classroom is an important consideration when hiring new teaching staff. Thus when a professor becomes part of New College, along with the teaching assignment comes a group of advisees with academic goals related to the faculty member's interests. The number of advisees ranges from five t o new faculty with a one-fourth-time joint appointment in the division to thirty for full-time administrator-teachers. With their advisor's assistance, students set goals, plan academic schedules, and enlist members of their contract advising committees. They are expected to seek advising and become informed about learning experiences that can enhance their curricula. Many become advisors themselves through service on the Admissions Task Force, assisting in screening and advising of prospective students; as "peer advisors," providing assistance to other students in the division; and as University "Avanti Counselors," working with the staff of the New Student Office in the University's orientation programs. Yet, the advising system developed by the College reaches most of those neglecting to initiate their own participation. Many people and support services are involved directly or adjunctly to the New College Contract Advising model, from the student's admission to the University through the New College admissions' process; from New Student Orientation to development of the contract advising committee and the beginning-of essential planning for his or her undergraduate education. Figure 1 illustrates the essence of this model.
Evaluation of the integrity of 3D orthogonal woven composites with embedded polymer optical fibers

Abstract Due to their high flexibility, high tensile strain and high fracture toughness, polymer optical fibers (POF) are excellent candidates to be utilized as embedded sensors for structure health monitoring of fiber reinforced composites. In 3D orthogonal woven structures yarns are laid straight and polymer optical fiber can be easily inserted during preform formation either as a replacement of constituents or between them. The results of the previous paper indicated how an optic fiber sensor can be integrated into 3D orthogonal woven preforms with no signal loss. This paper addresses whether incorporating POF into 3D orthogonal woven composites affects their structure integrity and performance characteristics. Range of 3D orthogonal woven composites with different number of layers and different weft densities was fabricated. The samples were manufactured with and without POF to determine the effect of embedding POF on composite structure integrity. Bending, tensile strength tests, and cross section analysis were conducted on the composite samples. Results revealed that integrity of 3D orthogonal woven composite was not affected by the presence of POF. Due to its high strain, embedded POF was able to withstand the stresses without failure as a result of conducting destructive tests of the composite samples. Micrograph of cross-section of composite samples showed that minimum distortion of the yarn cross-section in vicinity of POF and no presence of air pocked around the embedded POF which indicates that 3D woven preform provided a good host for embedded POF.
Management of invasive thyroid carcinoma

Abstract Laryngotracheal invasion is a rare occurrence in the thyroid carcinoma that demands aggressive complete removal of tumor to prevent mortality. The most common cause of death related to thyroid carcinoma is local invasion of the upper airway. The otolaryngologist-Head & Neck surgeon, trained in surgery of the larynx and trachea, is an expert in dealing with the most complex cases of thyroid cancer. However, successful treatment depends on a clear understanding of the regional anatomy with a goal of complete tumor removal with preservation of function. In most situations, this can be accomplished resulting in long-term local control of even the most aggressive locally invasive tumors. This study reviews a 30-year experience with treatment of locally invasive thyroid cancer. Although the principle of complete removal of tumor is unchanged regardless of the area of invasion, the guidelines for reconstruction vary greatly depending on the site and extent of the defect. Total laryngectomy is rarely necessary and even large defects of the subglottic larynx and trachea can be reconstructed. This article defines the regions of resection and those that do require reconstruction of rigid support of the airway. The study defines the concept of a “subglottic laryngectomy” with reconstruction, because the region can be affected by thyroid cancer. Large tracheal defects as well can be reconstructed. The basis of the reconstruction is the sternocleidomastoid myoperiosteal flap that provides skeletal support to the trachea on cricoid as needed. The surgical technique for reconstruction with the flap is described in detail. The use of tracheal stents for support during the healing phase is also described.
Water Is Not H2O.

Abstract What makes a liquid water? A strong version of "psychological essentialism" predicts that people use the presence or absence of H2O as the primary determinant of what liquids they call "water." To test this prediction, subjects were asked to judge the amount of H2O in liquids called "water" and liquids not called "water." Neither their beliefs about the simple presence/absence of H2O nor about the proportion of H2O in the liquids accounted well for which ones are normally called "water." Typicality ratings and an extended tree solution on similarity ratings suggested that use, location, and source of a liquid may also influence whether it is considered to be water. Sentence acceptability judgments further suggested that there may be a sense of "water" that corresponds to the strong essentialist view, but that there is also a more general sense in common use encompassing mixtures with varying amounts of H2O. These findings indicate that essentialist beliefs alone may not fully explain category membership judgments and word use, and they suggest a modified version of psychological essentialism.
Adamantane–platinum conjugate hosted in β-cyclodextrin: Enhancing transport and cytotoxicity by noncovalent modification

This work reports the synthesis of a complex of a carboplatin analog having tethered adamantane that is encapsulated in the hydrophobic cavity of β-cyclodextrin (βCD) and its cytotoxic activity towards human neuroblastoma cells (SK-N-SH). We found that this inclusion complex of βCD adamantane carboplatin analog exhibited higher cytotoxicity towards SK-N-SH cells than carboplatin itself, and the inclusion complex exhibited a higher binding to plasmid pBR322 deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) than carboplatin. Confocal fluorescence images of SK-N-SH cells treated with βCD having an attached fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC)-tag exhibited fluorescence in the vicinity of the nuclei of the neuroblastoma cells. Direct measurements of the platinum content in SK-N-SH cells using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) indicated that the uptake rate of carboplatin was about 4 times higher than βCD adamantane carboplatin analog inclusion complex. When compared to carboplatin, we believe that the higher cytotoxicity of inclusion complex towards SK-N-SH cells is due to its higher DNA binding ability as compared to carboplatin, and more efficient delivery to the nucleus of the cell. This work suggests that the advantage of deliberate noncovalent modification with βCD through host-guest chemistry may also be broadly applicable to other anticancer agents as well.
Aryl-substituted aminobenzimidazoles targeting the hepatitis C virus internal ribosome entry site

We describe the exploration of N1-aryl-substituted benzimidazoles as ligands for the hepatitis C virus (HCV) internal ribosome entry site (IRES) RNA. The design of the compounds was guided by the co-crystal structure of a benzimidazole viral translation inhibitor in complex with the RNA target. Structure-binding activity relationships of aryl-substituted benzimidazole ligands were established that were consistent with the crystal structure of the translation inhibitor complex.
Reply to H. V. Wyatt

WYATT's inference1 that Avery's work on pneumococcal transformation was not well recognized by geneticists in the decade following his 1944 report2 is somewhat at odds with my own recollection and experience. If we sometimes omitted a specific citation to the original work, this is testimony to his name (like Mendel's) having already become a household word, too familiar to require routine attribution. A more useful reference might be a later review.
The potential of the COSMOS network to be a source of new soil moisture information for SMOS and SMAP

The COSMOS network will eventually consist of several hundred sensors throughout the United States that report kilometer-scale soil water content via measurement of the intensity of neutrons immediately above Earth's surface. We show that COSMOS sensors must be corrected for the effects of growing vegetation. Once this phenomenon is completely understood the COSMOS network could be a useful source of information for the validation of both soil moisture and vegetation products obtained from current and future microwave remote sensing satellites.
Physical studies of the hemocyanin of the marine gastropod, Kelletia kelleti (Forbes).

Abstract 1. 1. The hemocyanin of the Californian whelk, Kelletia kelleti, investigated at pH and ionic conditions close to physiological, has a molecular weight close to 9.0 × 10 6 and a sedimentation constant of 114S, characteristic of the di-decameric structure of molluscan hemocyanins. Light-scattering measurements at pH 8.0, 0.05M Mg2+, 0.01 M Ca2+ gave a molecular weight of 9.0 ± 0.6 × 10 6 , and scanning transmission electron microscopy produced nearly the same particle mass of 9.22 ± 0.50 × 10 6 daltons (Da). 2. 2. Light-scattering measurements on the fully dissociated monomers in the presence of 8.0 M urea and at pHs 10.6 and 11.0 gave molecular weights of 4.50 × 10 5 –4.91 × 10 5 , that are close to one-twentieth of the mass of the parent di-decameric hemocyanin assembly. 3. 3. Changes in pH produced a bell-shaped molecular weight profile, with molecular weights close to 9.0 × 10 6 in the pH region of about 5.5–8.0, and progressive dissociation to 4.5 × 10 5 Da monomers in the region below pH. 40 and above pH 9.0 or 10, depending on the absence or presence of stabilizing Mg2+ ions (0.01 M). 4. 4. In the absence of divalent ions some aggregation of hemocyanin was found at pHs close to 5.0, with observed molecular weights above 10 × 10 6 (investigated at a hemocyanin concentration of 0.10 g/l). The early studies of Condie and Langer (Science144, 1138–1140, 1965) had shown that Kelletia kelleti hemocynanin aggregates at acidic pHs close to the isoelectric point, forming linear polymers of the hemocyanin di-decamers. 5. 5. The influence of various ureas and salts on the subunit structure and the denaturation of the dissociated subunits, followed by light-scattering and optical rotation, indicate hydrophobic stabilization of the subunit contacts within the decameric sub-assemblies, as well as in the folding or tertiary structure of the constituent subunits.
Computer science: An essential course for the liberal arts

There is a wide divergence of opinion as to the appropriate content for an introductory computer science course. Approaches to teaching the subject range from “computer appreciation” presentations to rigorous courses for computer science majors. This paper presents the thesis that computer science has reached a level of maturity which allows it to be presented in a stimulating and intellectually honest manner to liberal arts students regardless of their majors, and that such a course is an important, almost essential, part of the curriculum for such students. A rationale for this view will be presented, and a course conforming to the rationale will be described.In many liberal arts institutions, including mine, any subject which may be related to technology is regarded with suspicion; and zealous efforts are made to avoid contamination of the curriculum with unsuitable courses having a technological base. Because the rationale for the course seems to satisfy my colleagues in the more humanistic subjects, it is presented in some detail here for its possible value in other institutions.
PREDICTION OF POWER FLOWS THROUGH MACHINE VIBRATION ISOLATORS

A dynamic model is described for vibration isolation systems consisting of a source machine, multiple vibration isolators and a supporting structure. The machine is modeled as a rigid body of six degrees of freedom. Each of the isolators is treated as an assembly of six simple translational and rotational springs and allowed to be inclined at arbitrary angles. The supporting structure is composed of a rectangular plate and a number of reinforcing beams placed in any directions. The equation of motion of such a composite structure is derived from Hamilton's principle and then combined with that of the machine to determine the modal characteristics and vibrations of the whole isolation system, the reaction forces at each isolator, and the power flows into the supporting structure. Numerical examples are presented to examine the power flows under various situations.
Studies in the genus Physaria (Cruciferae)

Building upon a taxonomic treatment ofPhysaria published in 1939, an extension of information concerning the genus is presented. Comments on misapplication of the nameP. acutifolia Rydb., a new trichome type forPhysaria, and a high elevation species in Colorado are accompanied by the presentation of four new taxa. These areP. alpina, P. eburniflora, P. lepidota, andP. newberryi var.racemosa.
Physical activity in the prevention of obesity: current evidence and research issues.

Purpose: The relation between habitual physical activity and the prevention of overweight and obesity in adults based on the evidence from the epidemiologic literature is described. Methods: Literature was reviewed of current findings from large population-based studies of forward directionality in which physical activity was considered as a primary study factor. Results: The longitudinal evidence suggests that habitual physical activity plays more of a role in attenuating age-related weight gain, rather than in promoting weight loss. Moreover, recent data suggest that increasing amounts of physical activity may be necessary to effectively maintain a constant body weight with increasing age. Conclusion: Over decades, small savings in excess weight gain accumulate into net savings that may be quite meaningful with regard to minimizing the risk associated with obesity-related disorders. The question remains as to how important maintaining a constant body weight through middle age and into older age is to healthy, already-active people of normal body weight.
The Case for Open Radical Prostatectomy

Radical prostatectomy is the gold standard surgical treatment for clinically localized prostate cancer. Over the years, many different approaches to surgical removal of the prostate have been described. Today, the most common techniques are open radical retropubic prostatectomy and robotic-assisted laparoscopic radical prostatectomy. Although there are many differences between the 2 approaches, the common goal is to optimize oncologic and functional outcomes. This article highlights the background, techniques, and outcomes of open and robotic prostatectomy.
Kinetics of dissolution of gaseous halothane in Krebs-Ringer's solution.

The responses of biological tissues to volatile anaesthetics are commonly studied by incubating specimens in a bath containing dissolved anaesthetic. One accepted technique is to bubble an anaesthetic gas into several incubation chambers simultaneously. To assess the validity of this technique in producing dissolved anaesthetic (the biologially active form) at equal rates among the several chambers, we determined the kinetics of dissolution of halothane gas in three tissue incubation chambers containing Krebs-Ringer’s solution. We found that (1) the dissolution kinetics were first-order in all three chambers; (2) the rate of halothane dissolution depended on the gas bubbling rate; (3) even with the same bubbling rates, chamber shapes and chamber volumes, the dissolution rates for the three chambers were not equal, suggesting that dissolution rate depended on small differences in chamber geometry; (4) the dissolution rates could be made equal by adjusting chamber bubbling rates according to calculations involving the first-order rate equation; and (5) the maximum coefficient of variation of dissolved halothane concentration was 9% at 63% approach to equilibrium and 3% at equilibrium.
Abstract 4556: AR intragenic rearrangement and altered androgen receptor mRNA splicing in castration-resistant prostate cancer

Proceedings: AACR 102nd Annual Meeting 2011‐‐ Apr 2‐6, 2011; Orlando, FL Androgen depletion for advanced prostate cancer (PCa) targets activity of the androgen receptor (AR), a steroid receptor transcription factor required for PCa growth. The emergence of lethal castration-resistant PCa (CRPCa) is marked by aberrant re-activation of the AR despite ongoing androgen depletion. Recently, alternative splicing has been described as a mechanism giving rise to COOH-terminally truncated, constitutively active AR isoforms that can support the CRPCa phenotype. However, the pathologic origin of these truncated AR isoforms has not been described. The goal of this study was to investigate alterations in AR expression arising in a cell-based model of PCa progression driven by truncated AR isoform activity. We demonstrate that stable, high-level expression of truncated AR isoforms in 22Rv1 CRPCa cells coincides with intragenic rearrangement of a ∼35kb AR genomic segment, which contains several alternative AR exons. Analysis of metastatic CRPCa tissues indicated that related AR copy number alterations are frequent and often occur in conjunction with high-level AR amplification. Nucleotide-level resolution of the break fusion junction in 22Rv1 cells revealed a DNA repair signature consistent with a microhomology-mediated, replication-based mechanism of origin. Together, these data provide the first report of AR intragenic rearrangements in CRPCa and a link with pathologic expression of truncated AR isoforms in a cell-based model of PCa progression. Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 102nd Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2011 Apr 2-6; Orlando, FL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2011;71(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 4556. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2011-4556
Analysis of all-frequency variational behavior of the Kirchhoff approximation for a classic surface-scattering model

In testing a stochastic variational principle at high frequencies by using a Kirchhoffean trial function in an idealized model for surface scattering - a randomly embossed plane - we have found not only the predicted high-frequency improvement but also an unexpected low-frequency improvement in the calculated scattering amplitudes. To investigate systematically the all-frequency variational behavior, we consider here the deterministic one-boss case - Rayleigh's classic model whose exact solution is available for comparison - over all wavelengths, polarizations, and configurations of incidence and scattering. We examine analytically in particular the long-wave limit of the variational-Kirchhoff amplitudes; the results demonstrate improvements in both wavelength and angle depedence for horizontal (TM) polarization and some variational improvements for vertical (TE) polarization. This low-frequency behavior in tandem with the foreseen high-frequency improvement leads to good variational-Kirchhoff results through the intermediate resonance-frequency regime for this model.
Algorithm for Formation of Loop Admittance Matrix

This paper derives the algorithm for building the loop admittance matrix. The algorithm is found by obtaining the dual of the algorithm for the formation of the bus impedance matrix. An application of the algorithm is presented.