cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Variation in Feeding, Aggression, and Position Choice between Hatchery and Wild Cutthroat Trout in an Artificial Stream

Abstract I compared feeding, aggressive behavior, and spatial distribution of differently ranked individuals of hatchery and wild coastal cutthroat trout Oncorhynchus clarki clarki in an artificial stream. Both hatchery and wild groups established stable dominance hierarchies that seemed to be based on size differences. Hatchery and wild fish within a hierarchical rank fed at similar rates. Hatchery fish were more aggressive than their wild conspecifics, irrespective of rank. Dominant hatchery fish were evenly distributed in pools and riffles, whereas dominant wild fish were three times more often in pools than in riffles. In both groups, socially intermediate fish were almost evenly distributed between pools and riffles, and subordinate fish spent most of their time in pools. On average, hatchery fish spent 57% of their time in pools and 43% in riffles, whereas wild fish spent 71% of their time in pools and 29% in riffles. These results support the hypothesis that excessive expenditure of energy for unne...
Effect of Adhesion on Wafer Separation Due to Trapped Particles

Template-based high-rate nanomanufacturing and wafer bonding both rely on surface energy to bring the surfaces into intimate contact. In high-rate nanomanufacturing, unlike wafer bonding, the contacting surfaces must be easily separated after the pressure is removed. A common problem in wafer bonding and nanomanufacturing is particle contamination. Trapped particles cause a separation zone that will prevent the intimate contact required to transfer nanoscale devices from the template to the device wafer. This problem is examined here using two different methods. The first method examines the effect of a rigid particle trapped between elastic plates. The second investigates the effect of a plastically deforming particle trapped between two elastic half-spaces.Copyright © 2007 by ASME
A framework for characterizing students¿ thinking about logical statements and truth tables

While a significant amount of research has been devoted to exploring why university students struggle applying logic, limited work can be found on how students actually make sense of the notational and structural components used in association with logic. We adapt the theoretical framework of unitizing and reification, which have been effectively used to explain the types of integrated understanding required to make sense of symbols involved in numerical computation and algebraic manipulation, to investigate students’ conceptualizations of truth tables and implication statements. We put forth a two-dimensional space consisting of two continua as a framework to analyse the degree to which students’ thinking is compartmentalized or unified. Results indicate that students tend to treat the constituent pieces that make up these mechanisms independently without an understanding of each as a whole or an integrated view of the two together. This fragmented treatment is contrasted with the instructor's unified vi...
Vibrational and electronic anomalies near Tc in tetragonal superconducting YBa2(Cu0.9557Fe0.05)3O7.1

Abstract Mossbauer effect studies have been made as a function of temperature for the orthorhombic ( χ =0.01, 0.02) and tetragonal ( χ =0.05) superconducting compounds YBa 2 (Cu 1−χ 57 Fe χ ) 3 O 7 + y . For Fe in or slightly displaced from the Cu1 (000) site, temperature dependent measurements yield Debye temperatures for the Mossbauer shift θ δ in the range of 601 to 698 K and for the resonant fraction θ f in the range from 333 to 568 K, depending on the local oxygen configuration. Very little change is observed in the region of the superconducting transition T c for the orthorhombic phase samples, but both phonon and electronic changes occur near T c in the tetragonal phase. The vibrational behavior of Fe in the Cu1 site shows a dramatic hardening near and below T c in tetragonal YBa 2 (Cu 0.95 Fe 0.05 ) 3 O 7.1 . The quadrupolar splitting E Q indicates a change in field gradient in this same temperature region. The Mossbauer shift also behaves anomalously near T c .
Infrared and Raman spectra of the disordered phase of the anthracene- and perdeuterioanthracene-tetracyanobenzene charge transfer complexes

Abstract The i.r. and Raman spectra of the anthracene: tetracyanobenzene (TCNB) and anthracene-d10: TCNB charge transfer complexes were measured at room temperature and at about 220 K. The spectra were assigned by direct comparison with the spectra of pure anthracene, anthracene-d10 and TCNB. Evidence of pre-resonance enhancement was found in the Raman spectra of the charge transfer complexes.
Biomedical Applications of Shape-Controlled Plasmonic Nanostructures: A Case Study of Hollow Gold Nanospheres for Photothermal Ablation Therapy of Cancer

Biomedical applications of plasmonic metal nanostructures represent new and exciting directions of research and development. For instance, photothermal ablation therapy (PTA) based on metal nanomaterials has been actively explored for treating cancer with encouraging success. PTA relies on heat generated from light for destroying cancer cells and thus requires strong optical absorption and high efficiency of photothermal conversion. Desired metal nanostructures for PTA should have strong and tunable SPR, low toxicity, ease of delivery, and convenience for bioconjugation for actively targeting cancer cells. Nanostructures of noble metals, for example, gold and silver, show great promise for PTA applications, including nanoparticles, nanorods, nanoshells, nanocages, and hollow nanospheres. Among these structures, hollow gold nanospheres exhibit a unique combination of small size, spherical shape, and strong, narrow, and tunable SPR. This Perspective highlights the importance of shape control in determining ...
Adolescent cybersurfing for health information: a new resource that crosses barriers.

Objective To examine adolescents' use of and attitudes toward accessing health information through the Internet. Design Cross-sectional, school-based survey. Participants A socioeconomically and ethnically diverse sample of 412 suburban New York 10th graders (mean [SD] age, 15.8 [0.68] years). Main Outcome Measures Accessing the Internet for health information. Results Half (49%) of the sampled adolescents had used the Internet to get health information. Topics most often explored through the Internet included sexually transmitted diseases; diet, fitness, and exercise; and sexual behaviors. Adolescents found Internet information to be of high value (using a composite gauging worth, trustworthiness, use, and relevance), with no significant differences related to sex, ethnicity, or mother's education. When considering 11 separate health topics, girls found it more valuable to have information on birth control, diet and nutrition, exercise, physical abuse, sexual abuse, and dating violence. Only for alternative medicine were there differences by ethnicity, and there were no differences based on mother's education for the value of having specific health information available through the Internet. Conclusion For adolescents, the Internet is an accessed and valued information source on a range of sensitive health issues.
Political Authority and the Structure of Kinship in Aboriginal Samoa

ABORIGINAL Samoa did not have a central government. Indeed, political A integration of any kind beyond the village level was infrequent and shortlived. And even on the village level political authority was diffused rather than centralized. How this political system was a function of the way kin groups were constituted is the subject of this paper.2 I shall suggest that the extent to which political authority could be exercised was so strictly limited by the kinship structure that no centralization of political authority was possible, on the local as well as supra-local level. First, I shall briefly describe the political system. Then, I shall discuss the kinship structure. And, finally, I shall show how that structure entails a diffused system of political authority. The paper will conclude with some comments on how the kinship structure may have developed and why it did not change so as to allow the emergence of a more centralized political system.
680. Non-Viral Transposon Mediated Gene Transfer of Human Factor VIII to Hemophilia A Mice

Top of pageAbstract Hemophilia A is an X-linked genetic disorder disease resulting in quantitative or qualitative deficiencies in coagulation Factor VIII and the risk for sustained bleeding after trauma or injury. The disorder is an attractive candidate for treatment by gene transfer because only partial correction is required for clinically relevant effects. We are investigating the Sleeping Beauty transposon vector system to express FVIII, using a liver-specific mouse albumin enhancer and human alpha-1-antitrypsin promoter (Alb/HAAT) to direct human FVIII cDNA expression. Transgenes under investigation include B-domain deleted human FVIII (BDD-FVIII) and a FVIII cDNA engineered to include several asparagine-linked oligosaccharides within a short B-domain spacer (F226aa/N6, Pipe et al). Using E16 hemophilia A mice on a congenic C57/BL6 background, we are contrasting expression from these constructs following hydrodynamic tail vein injection. Transposon pT3-Alb/HAAT-BDD-FVIII resulted in plasma FVIII levels of 14 ng/ml 1 week post-injection which gradually declined to |[sim]|4 ng/ml by 3 months. Preliminary results with transposon pT3-Alb/HAAT-F226aa/N6 demonstrate plasma FVIII levels of |[sim]|15 ng/ml 1 month post-injection. No antibodies to hFVIII were detected in either group. These results indicate that a Sleeping Beauty transposon with a liver-specific promoter can direct human factor VIII expression in a mouse model of FVIII and attain partial correction of the deficient protein.
Determinants of sustainability of a Colombian hillside farm

SUMMARY This study applies systems simulation to characterize determinants of sustainability of a hillside farm in the upper Cauca River watershed of Colombia. A farm model linked to process-level crop models was used to simulate a set of farm scenarios. Sustainability, expressed as the probability of farm continuation, was estimated for each scenario based on replicated simulation with stochastic weather and price inputs. Hypotheses about determinants of sustainability were tested by sensitivity analysis. Results identify cropping system, area under cultivation, consumption requirements and crop prices as important determinants of sustainability. The study highlights the impacts of price variability and spatial diversification on farm risk and the results suggest ways to enhance the sustainability of the farm. The methodology was useful for integrating the diverse biophysical and economic factors that aAect farm sustainability.
Weighted matchings for dense stereo correspondence

Abstract The calculation of matches between pixels, points, or other features in stereo images is known as the correspondence problem. This problem is ill-posed due to occlusions; not every pixel, point or feature in one stereo image has a match in the other. Minimization of a cost function over some local region and dynamic programming algorithms are two well-known strategies for computing dense correspondences. However the former approach fails in regions of low texture, while the latter imposes an ordering constraint which is not always satisfied in stereo images. In this study, we present two new techniques for computing dense stereo correspondence. The new methods are based on combinatorial optimization techniques which require polynomial computation time. The first method casts the selection of matches as the assignment problem, solved efficiently by finding a maximum weighted matching on a bipartite graph. The second is a greedy algorithm which computes suboptimal weighted matchings on the bipartite graphs. Both methods use occlusion nodes when no matches exist. The resulting disparity maps have desirable properties such as dense correspondence, while avoiding the drawbacks associated with ordering constraints. Three existing matching approaches are also reviewed for comparative purposes. We test all five techniques on real and synthetic stereo images using performance criteria which specifically measure occlusion detection.
Can Walsh's conceptual model improve the appropriateness and consistency of terminology in speech pathology

(2005). Can Walsh's conceptual model improve the appropriateness and consistency of terminology in speech pathology. Advances in Speech Language Pathology: Vol. 7, No. 2, pp. 77-79.
Fabrication of All-Inorganic Nanocrystal Solids through Matrix Encapsulation of Nanocrystal Arrays

A general strategy for low-temperature processing of colloidal nanocrystals into all-inorganic films is reported. The present methodology goes beyond the traditional ligand-interlinking scheme and relies on encapsulation of morphologically defined nanocrystal arrays into a matrix of a wide-band gap semiconductor, which preserves optoelectronic properties of individual nanoparticles while rendering the nanocrystal film photoconductive. Fabricated solids exhibit excellent thermal stability, which is attributed to the heteroepitaxial structure of nanocrystal-matrix interfaces, and show compelling light-harvesting performance in prototype solar cells.
Application of Least-Squares Parameter Identification With Fixed-Length Data Window to the Steel Bending Process

Estimation methods which use fixed-length data windows are discussed along with situations where they have application. A slight modification of the existing methods is developed. This modified method is then used for nonlinear identification of parameters in the steel bending process. The results are excellent.
Effects of Light on Skin Lipid Metabolism

The effects of light on in vitro skin lipid metabolism were examined. Fresh human skin specimens were irradiated with a Xenon lamp at a level equivalent to 10 x the minimal erythema dose. After irradiation the skin specimens were incubated 6 hours in the presence of 14 C-acetate. Total lipids were extracted and the levels of acetate incorporation determined. The total lipid free sterol, neutrol fat, and phospholipid fractions exhibited lower levels of incorporation in irradiated skin than did those from nonirradiated controls. Parallel studies on skin obtained from swine indicated that reduced levels of incorporation of acetate into the various classed of lipids were the results of altered synthesis and not due to reduced isotope uptake, increased lipid breakdown, or direct effects of light per se, on the lipid moieties. Further studies with human skin demonstrated that the light susceptible site of sterol synthesis lies along the biosynthetic pathway between acetate and meyalonate. The data suggest that light interferes with sterol synthesis prior to acetyl CoA and probably involves acetate activation or the availability of substantia, acetyl CoA pools.
Adult Minimal Change Glomerulopathy With Acute Renal Failure

Oliguric acute renal failure occurs in some adult patients with minimal change glomerulopathy. To look for clinical and pathologic factors that increase the risk for developing acute renal failure, 21 adults with minimal change glomerulopathy and a serum creatinine greater than 177 mumol/L (mean, 486 mumol/L; range, 194 to 1,344 mumol/L) (greater than 2.0 mg/dL [mean, 5.5 mg/dL; range, 2.2 to 15.2 mg/dL]) were compared with 50 adults with minimal change glomerulopathy and a serum creatinine less than 133 mumol/L (mean, 88 mumol/L; range, 53 to 124 mumol/L) (less than 1.5 mg/dL [mean, 1.0 mg/dL; range, 0.6 to 1.4 mg/dL]). Minimal change glomerulopathy patients with acute renal failure were older (59.5 v 40.3 years, P less than 0.001), and had higher systolic blood pressure (158 v 138 mm Hg, P = 0.001), more proteinuria (13.5 v 7.9 g/24 h, P = 0.01), and more arteriosclerosis in the renal biopsy specimen (1.7 + v 0.7 + on a scale of 0 to 4+, P = 0.005). Tubular epithelial simplification identical to that observed with ischemic acute renal failure (acute tubular necrosis) was observed in 71% of the patients with serum creatinine greater than 177 mumol/L (greater than 2.0 mg/dL) and 0% of those with less than 133 mumol/L (less than 1.5 mg/dL). All 18 patients with renal failure for whom follow-up data were available had recovery of function (mean creatinine, 539 +/- 301 mumol/L [6.1 +/- 3.4 mg/dL] at the time of biopsy and 106 +/- 27 mumol/L [1.2 +/- 0.3 mg/dL] at last follow-up), but sometimes only after weeks of dialysis support.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
The Unacceptable "Flaneur": The Shopping Mall as a Teenage Hangout.

This article considers the importance of the shopping mall to a group of young people living in the East Midlands of the UK. It shows that for many young people the mall provides a convenient place for hanging out. Yet their occupancy of this setting is not unproblematic. Many adults, for example, perceive the public and visible presence of young people as uncomfortable and inappropriate. Despite constant attempts to move them on, however, young people stubbornly remain within the mall asserting a right of presence. In order to (re)interpret these behaviours (both that of teenager and adult), the study draws upon the new literature of the cultural politics of difference and identity. It suggests that through their various attempts to assert a right of presence, young people assume the mantle of the hybrid. Here, young people are no longer child, nor quite adult. By locating themselves in settings that transgress and so question the spatial hegemony of adulthood, young people journey into the interstitial ...
Inhibition of primary murine macrophage cytokine production in vitro following treatment with the K-opioid agonist U50, 488H

Abstract Previous work in our laboratory has shown that both μ- and κ-opioid agonists exhibit immunosuppressive activity for antibody responses in vitro. Our earlier work has suggested that both accessory cells and T cells may be altered following treatment with the K-opioid agonist U50, 488H. We intend to further determine the identity of the immune cell population (s) which are affected by opioid treatment, and to determine the nature of the opioid receptor type expressed on these cells. In this study, non-elicited peritoneal macrophages were treated simultaneously with the K-agonist U50.488H and lipopolysaccharide (LPS), and the levels of the cytokines interleukin (IL) -1, IL-6 and tumor necrosis factor (TNF) -α were determined. The results show that U50.488H had a suppressive effect on the production of TNF-α and IL-1 at concentrations as low as 1 nM, while IL-6 was suppressed at concentrations as low as 10 nM. Additional experiments utilizing the opiate antagonist naloxone and the K-selective antagonist norbinaltorphimine (norBNI) were performed in order to further characterize the opioid receptor involved in the cytokine suppression produced by treatment with U50, 488H. Results showed that naloxone was able to partially block U50, 488H suppression while norBNI was able to completely reverse the suppression of IL-6 production. These results suggest that macrophage/monocyte function is significantly modulated following activation of the K-opioid receptor.
Heparin-Bonded Circuits Decrease Thromboembolic Complications and Improve Outcomes in Patients Undergoing Coronary Artery Bypass Graft Surgery

Two prospective, randomized studies were performed to definitively evaluate the safety and efficacy of heparin- bonded circuits in patients undergoing primary coro nary artery bypass graft surgery and to clarify the effect of anticoagulation protocol on clinical and neurologic outcomes. These studies showed that the use of heparin- bonded circuits with lower anticoagulation results in markedly improved clinical outcomes in patients under going primary coronary artery bypass graft surgery with a reduction in both clinical and microscopic throm boembolic risks. The mechanisms by which heparin- bonded circuits affect clinical and neurologic outcomes are explored.
Correlates of problem drinking among drug-using incarcerated women.

Abstract The association between drug use — regular use of crack cocaine or heroin — and problem drinking was examined in a sample of 159 sentenced women at Rikers Island correctional facility in New York City. Using logistic regression, this study tested the association between drug use and alcohol use, controlling for psychosocial variables (sexual abuse history, negative and positive coping skills, and depression), familial drug use (number of family members currently abusing drugs, and those currently abusing alcohol), and demographic variables and criminal history. The association between current, regular crack use and problem drinking approached significance in the final model, which adjusted for criminal behavior, demographic, familial abuse, and psychosocial variables. The results of this study point toward childhood sexual abuse, negative coping skills, and familial alcohol abuse as variables related to problem drinking among incarcerated women.
High spatial resolution imaging with near-field scanning optical microscopy in liquids.

The mechanism of tuning fork-based shear-force near-field scanning optical microscopy is investigated to determine optimal experimental conditions for imaging soft samples immersed in liquid. High feedback sensitivity and stability are obtained when only the fiber probe, i.e., excluding the tuning fork prongs, is immersed in solution, which also avoids electrical shorting in conductive (i.e., buffer) solutions. Images of MEH-PPV were obtained with comparable spatial resolution in both air and water. High optical resolution (∼160 nm fwhm) was observed.
Immunotherapy for head and neck squamous cell carcinoma.

Summary Objectives To review the current state of immunotherapy of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma. Materials and Methods Review of the literature with emphasis on clinical trial data. Results Patients with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) have long been known to be immunosuppressed. This impairment of the immune system is believed, at least in part, to underlie the poor outcomes in this patient population. Modulating the immune system to improve cancer outcomes is an attractive concept in this difficult to treat population. Conclusion New studies have started to unravel the mechanisms of immunosuppression and new therapies are being developed to exploit this new information.
Noonan syndrome/leukemia-associated gain-of-function mutations in SHP-2 phosphatase (PTPN11) enhance cell migration and angiogenesis

Mutations in SHP-2 phosphatase (PTPN11) that cause hyperactivation of its catalytic activity have been identified in Noonan syndrome and various childhood leukemias. Recent studies suggest that the gain-of-function (GOF) mutations of SHP-2 play a causal role in the pathogenesis of these diseases. However, the molecular mechanisms by which GOF mutations of SHP-2 induce these phenotypes are not fully understood. Here, we show that GOF mutations in SHP-2, such as E76K and D61G, drastically increase spreading and migration of various cell types, including hematopoietic cells, endothelial cells, and fibroblasts. More importantly, in vivo angiogenesis in SHP-2 D61G knock-in mice is also enhanced. Mechanistic studies suggest that the increased cell migration is attributed to the enhanced β1 integrin outside-in signaling. In response to β1 integrin cross-linking or fibronectin stimulation, activation of ERK and Akt kinases is greatly increased by SHP-2 GOF mutations. Also, integrin-induced activation of RhoA and Rac1 GTPases is elevated. Interestingly, mutant cells with the SHP-2 GOF mutation (D61G) are more sensitive than wild-type cells to the suppression of cell motility by inhibition of these pathways. Collectively, these studies reaffirm the positive role of SHP-2 phosphatase in cell motility and suggest a new mechanism by which SHP-2 GOF mutations contribute to diseases.
Rarefaction, Compressibility, and Viscous Heating in Gas Microfilters

Gas flows through microfilters are simulated in the continuum and slip flow regimes as a function of the Knudsen, Reynolds, and Mach numbers. The numerical simulations are based on the spectral element formulation of compressible Navier-Stokes equations, which utilize previously developed high-order velocity slip and temperature jump boundary conditions. Both slip and no-slip simulations are used to identify the rarefaction effects. The simulation results show skin friction and form-drag reduction with increased Knudsen number. Pressure drops across the filters are compared against several empirical scaling laws, available in the literature. Compressibility becomes important for high-speed flows, creating large density fluctuations across the microfilter elements. For high-Mach-number flows interactions between thermal and kinetic energies of the fluid are observed. It is also shown that viscous heating plays a significant role for high-speed gas flows, which impact heat-transfer characteristics of microfilters.
Work in progress: Evaluating the use of mobile game development in introductory CS courses

Computer games have been accepted as an engaging and motivating tool in the CS curriculum. However, designing and implementing a playable game is challenging and is best done in advanced courses. Games for mobile devices offer the advantage of being simpler and, thus, easier to program for lower-level students. By exposing these students to a wide range of advanced topics, we can demonstrate to them that CS can be much more than coding. Here, we discuss our evaluation of a set of learning modules for introductory CS courses that use mobile game development as a motivational learning context.
Comparison of neat and photo-crosslinked polyvinylidene fluoride-co-hexafluoropropylene thin film dielectrics formed by spin-coating

Abstract We report the characterization of photo-crosslinked polyvinylidene fluoride-co-hexafluoropropylene (PVDF-HFP) thin film, metal–insulator–metal capacitors fabricated using standard semiconductor processing techniques. We characterize the capacitors using in-situ vibrational spectroscopy during thermally-assisted poling and correlate the Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) results with X-ray diffraction (XRD) results. FTIR analysis of the neat PVDF-HFP showed α → β transformations during poling at room temperature and at 55 °C. α → β transformations were observed for the crosslinked polymer only during poling at 55 °C. XRD data revealed that photo-crosslinking caused the polymer to partially crystallize into the β -phase. The similar behavior of the neat and crosslinked samples at 55 °C suggests that a higher activation energy was needed for α → β transformations in crosslinked PVDF-HFP during poling. Electrical measurements showed that photo-crosslinking had no significant effect on the dielectric constant and dielectric loss of PVDF-HFP. However, the dielectric strength and maximum energy density of the crosslinked polymer were severely reduced.
Toward a Theory Relating Political Discourse, Media, and Public Opinion

This paper presents a multimethod investigation of framing in the government–media–public interaction during the so-called partial-birth abortion (PBA) debate in the U.S. Operationalizing framing as the use of the word “baby” or “fetus,” content analysis first shows that opposing political elites employed almost exclusive vocabularies in attempts to justify their views and shape attitudes. Time-series analysis then charts the path of “baby’s” discursive dominance from congressional discourse through news and editorials to citizens. Finally, experimental results support 2 microlevel hypotheses. First, uptake—exposure to articles featuring the exclusive use of “baby” or “fetus,” respectively, increased or decreased support for banning PBA. Second, emergence—participants exposed to discourse using both terms converged upon a response independent of the words’ relative proportions. In contrast to probabilistic survey response models, these findings support the idea that a kind of public reason can emerge from the interaction of citizens’ judgment processes and elite communication.
Targeted Access for Varied Audiences to Integrated, Heterogeneous Digital Information Resources

Paper accompanying a poster presentation for the 2003 ASIS&T Annual Conference. This paper describes the University of North Texas (UNT) Libraries' Portal to Texas History project, which aims to integrate and ensuer long-term access to large quantities of heterogeneous digital resources from many different institutions.
Basic calcium phosphate crystal-induced collagenase production: role of intracellular crystal dissolution.

Abstract Objective: To investigate the potential therapeutic effects of inhibiting intracellular dissolution of basic calcium phosphate (BCP) crystals in tissue culture by raising lysosomal pH using bafilomycin A 1 , a specific vacuolar pump inhibitor. Design: 45 Ca-labeled crystals were used to demonstrate intracellular crystal dissolution in human foreskin fibroblasts (HF). Mitogenesis was evaluated using [ 3 H]thymidine incorporation assays and cell counts. Northern blot and Western blot were used to study collagenase [matrix metalloproteinase-1 (MMP1)] mRNA accumulation and protein secretion, respectively. Results: Bafilomycin A 1 inhibited intracellular dissolution of BCP crystals and caused a concentration-dependent inhibition of BCP crystal-induced mitogenesis. Doses of bafilomycin A 1 which inhibited intracellular crystal dissolution and mitogenesis had no effect on BCP crystal-induced MMP1 mRNA accumulation or protein secretion. Conclusion: Raising lysosomal pH to inhibit intracellular BCP crystal dissolution attenuates the proliferative response to BCP crystals in HF but does not prevent metalloprotease synthesis and secretion. The therapeutic potential of lysosomotropic agents for preventing joint destruction in BCP crystal deposition disease is limited.
Conditional Bicistronic Cre Reporter Line Expressing Both Firefly Luciferase and β-galactosidase

Purpose The Cre-loxP system has become an important strategy for conditional gene deletion and conditional gene expression in genetically engineered mice. To evaluate Cre recombinase expression, we generated reporter mice that permit both noninvasive imaging in living animals and either ex vivo histochemical/immunohistochemical tissue transgene expression analysis or quantitative enzyme analysis in the same animal.
THE CLEARANCE OF IMMUNE COMPLEXES FROM THE CIRCULATION OF MAN AND OTHER PRIMATES

~3 If deposition of circulating IC is im­ portant in the pathogenesis of IC-mediated dis­ ease, study of the mechanisms responsible for the clearing of IC from the circulation could elucidate the role of circulating IC in the pathogenesis of IC­ mediated disease. In this review, the mechanisms responsible for the clearance of IC from the circu­ lation are examined. Particular attention is paid to studies in man and other primates (monkeys, apes), because of recent evidence that primates handle circulating IC differently from nonpri­ mates. The possible pathophysiologic significance of the unique aspects of the IC-clearing mecha­ nisms of the primate is also discussed.
Evaluating the genetic basis of multiple-locule fruit in a broad cross section of tomato cultivars

Lycopersicon esculentum accessions bearing fasciated (multiloculed) fruit were characterized based on their flower organ and locule number phenotypes. Greenhouse and field evaluations indicate that increases in locule number are associated with increases in the number of other floral organs (e.g., sepals, petals, stamens) in all stocks. F1 complementation, F2 segregation analysis, and genetic mapping indicate that at least four loci account for increases in the number of carpels/locules in these stocks. The most significant of these map to the bottoms of chromosomes 2 and 11 and correspond to the locule number and fasciated loci. All stocks tested were fixed for mutations at the fasciated locus, which maps to the 0.5-cM interval between the markers T302 and cLET24J2A and occurs in at least three allelic forms (wild type and two mutants). One of the fasciated mutant alleles is associated with nonfused carpels and repressed recombination and may be due to a small inversion or deletion. The other two loci controlling locule number correspond to the lcn1.1 and lcn2.2 loci located on chromosomes 1 and 2, respectively.
A molecular mechanism for combinatorial control in yeast: MCM1 protein sets the spacing and orientation of the homeodomains of an α2 dimer

DNA recognition sequences for dimeric proteins typically contain two types of information. The first is the DNA sequence of each half-site, and the second is the arrangement of these half-sites. We show that dimers of the yeast homeodomain protein alpha 2, although able to read the first type of information, lack the ability to assess the second type. Rather, alpha 2 dimers bind with equal affinity to artificial operators in which the two half-sites are arrayed as inverted repeats, as direct repeats, or as everted (inside-out) repeats. We show that a second protein-MCM1-sets the exact spacing and orientation of the homeodomains in the alpha 2 dimer so that they accommodate only the geometry of the naturally occurring operators. These experiments show directly how the target specificity of a homeodomain protein is raised by an auxiliary protein, allowing it to distinguish the biologically correct operators from closely related sequences in the cell.
Milk-alkali-induced pancreatitis in a chronically hypocalcemic patient with DiGeorge syndrome.

Abstract Background Pancreatitis is a common diagnosis in the emergency department (ED), and milk-alkali syndrome (MAS) is an uncommon etiology for pancreatitis. MAS is caused by increased calcium and alkali ingestion, causing hypercalcemia accompanied by metabolic alkalosis and renal failure. Once considered rare, MAS is an increasingly common cause of hypercalcemia. Awareness of the resurgence of this syndrome is important for emergency physicians when recalling the causes of renal failure and pancreatitis. We present a case of pancreatitis and acute renal failure (ARF) in a chronically hypocalcemic DiGeorge syndrome patient, resulting from hypercalcemia secondary to excessive ingestion of calcium carbonate tablets. Case Report A patient with DiGeorge syndrome and chronic abdominal pain due to gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) presented to our ED for severe abdominal pain. He reported nausea and vomiting, as well as epigastric pain that seemed worse than his typical pain. Laboratory evaluation revealed pancreatitis and ARF, although the patient had no prior history of these conditions. Upon further questioning, his mother divulged that the patient had been taking large quantities of calcium carbonate tablets for his worsening GERD symptoms. The patient was admitted to the intensive care unit where his pancreatitis and ARF eventually resolved as his calcium levels returned to his baseline. Why Should an Emergency Physician Be Aware of This? MAS is a relatively uncommon diagnosis, but can lead to serious sequelae such as pancreatitis and ARF. Questioning the patient about calcium ingestion is an important facet to the diagnosis and work-up of pancreatitis and ARF. Recognition of this etiology can improve patient outcomes and prevent recurrences.
Capacitive Based Liquid Crystal Chemical and Biological Sensors

This paper demonstrates the principle of capacitive sensing in liquid crystal (LC) based sensors with potential applications to chemical and biological systems. The theory for tracking the average molecular deformation partially disorder LC film via capacitive sensing is investigated. Three capacitance measurements are required to track the average molecular orientation as well as the degree of disorder in the LC film. Sensors' outputs are digitized by involving capacitance to digital converter to be applied to computerized applications. Both the experimental and calculated capacitances of a selected sensor structure are presented.
Evolutionary synthesis of nand logic: Dissecting a digital organism

According to conservation of information theorems, performance of an arbitrarily chosen search, on average, does no better than blind search. Domain expertise and prior knowledge about search space structure or target location is therefore essential in crafting the search algorithm. The effectiveness of a given algorithm can be measured by the active information introduced to the search. We illustrate this by identifying sources of active information in Avida, a software program designed to search for logic functions using nand gates. Avida uses stair step active information by rewarding logic functions using a smaller number of nands to construct functions requiring more. Removing stair steps deteriorates Avida's performance while removing deleterious instructions improves it. Some search algorithms use prior knowledge better than others. For the Avida digital organism, a simple evolutionary strategy generates the Avida target in far fewer instructions using only the prior knowledge available to Avida.
Analysis of groundwater exchange for a large plains river in Colorado (USA)

Complete daily water budget information was assembled for a 105 km segment of the South Platte River in the plains region below Denver, CO, for the period 1983–1993. The data were used in testing the possibility that dependence of alluvial exchange mechanisms on stage height, as shown by models of alluvial exchange, allows alluvial exchange to be predicted continuously over a given reach through use of statistical information on river discharge. The study segment was divided into an upper and a lower reach; daily alluvial exchanges for each reach were estimated by the method of residuals. The two reaches show small (15%) but statistically significant annual differences in rates of exchange. For each reach, there is a seasonal pattern (2·5-fold oscillation) in alluvial discharge to the channel, reflecting seasonality in recharge of the alluvium by irrigation. At discharges up to 40 m3/s (82nd percentile), alluvial discharge to the channel occurs at a rate independent of river discharge. Above 40 m3/s, net alluvial discharge into the channel is progressively reduced; at 60 m3/s (92nd percentile) there is no net alluvial exchange. At still higher river discharges, water is lost to the alluvium through bank storage at a rate that is linearly related to the logarithm of discharge. Annually, alluvial discharge accounts for 15–18% of water entering the study segment, and alluvial recharge through bank storage accounts for 2–4% of water leaving the segment. Alluvial recharge through bank storage at the highest discharges can, however, exceed low-flow alluvial discharge rates by five-fold over short intervals. Even though daily alluvial exchanges vary widely, they can be estimated at r2 values above 80% on the basis of reach, season, and river discharge. Copyright © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Airway responses to a diluent used in the methacholine challenge test

Background Inhalation of diluent is often used in performing methacholine challenge tests, but its elimination has been suggested because marked falls in FEV 1 after diluent inhalation have not been documented and performing this step is time-consuming. Objective We investigated the frequency and magnitude of response to the inhalation of diluent, and if there were any systematic effects in determining the PC 20 using the baseline and postdiluent spirometric measurements. Methods All methacholine challenges performed during a 6-year period (N = 3,902) were reviewed retrospectively. Results The maximum increase and decrease in FEV 1 and FVC from baseline were 56.3% and −41.4%, respectively, and 61.7% and −40.3%, respectively. The mean absolute changes from baseline in FEV 1 and FVC were −0.018 L and −0.026 L, respectively. There was a highly significant correlation ( r 2 = 0.96; P 20 baseline and PC 20 postdiluent values, and a mean difference of 0.041 mg/mL ( P 20 postdiluent being higher. Conclusions These data do not provide strong evidence to support either using or eliminating the diluent stage. It is clear that there are frequent and sometimes large changes in FVC and FEV 1 after the inhalation of diluent containing phenol and sodium bicarbonate buffer. If a laboratory intends to report changes in airway function qualitatively (ie, positive or negative), the diluent stage may not be necessary. However, if a laboratory intends to report bronchial challenge data from inhaling methacholine in a quantitative fashion and report a continuous variable such as PC 20 , a diluent stage is recommended.
Trinity Evolution Mesenchymal Stem Cell Allografting in Foot and Ankle Surgery

Biologic augmentation of orthopaedic procedures is a time-tested useful adjunct. The ability to predictably heal all fractures and arthrodesis procedures is still elusive because of multiple factors. The next frontier in musculoskeletal medicine and surgery will involve increasing biologic manipulation of the healing environment. Mesenchymal stem cell allograft is viable living biologic material that is capable of new bone formation and osteointegration at the implantation site.
EFFECTS OF A REVIEWER‐PROMPTING STRATEGY ON TIMELY MANUSCRIPT REVIEWS

We studied a reviewer-prompting system designed to improve the timeliness of journal reviews. The prompting system consisted of an e-mail message sent individually to reviewers noting the manuscript number, review due date, and associated social amenities for the timely completion of the task. Our results indicated that the prompting system increased timely reviews.
Belhassen tachycardia in a 19-month-old child.

Journal of Pediatrics, The - In Press.Proof corrected by the author Available online since jeudi 9 octobre 2014
Synthesis and structure—activity relationships of new muscarinic antagonists

In an attempt to develop more selective muscarinic acetylcholine receptor (m-AcChR) antagonists, (R)-1-azabicyclo[2.2.2]oct-3-yl thioxanthene-9-carboxylate, (R,S)-thiochromane-4-carboxylate, and (R,S)-chromane-4-carboxylate were synthesized. Evaluation of the binding affinities of these compounds to muscarinic receptors indicates that replacing the oxygen by sulfur in the xanthenyl and chromanyl moieties does not significantly change selectivity, but does reduce the affinity of 5 and enhance the affinity of 9a.
Free Convection in Gulf Coast Reservoirs: ABSTRACT

Several observed diagenetic changes in Gulf Coast sediments, such as dissolution of calcite and feldspar and pore cementation by silica and calcite, End_Page 141------------------------------ require many changes of pore fluid. The number of pore volumes required is much greater than can be derived from compaction alone. Free convection, if it exists, is an attractive process in accounting for these observations. Three lines of evidence indicate that free convection is occurring in at least some Gulf Coast reservoirs. First, Rayleigh-Darcy calculations were made for a variety of reservoir thicknesses, permeabilities, and thermal gradients. Reasonable Gulf Coast values were selected and thermally sensitive parameters were allowed to vary with temperature. Critical Rayleigh numbers were exceeded for thick Gulf Coast sands. Depending on site-specific conditions, diagenetic reduction of permeability may create a preferred depth range for the occurrence of free convection. The econd line of evidence includes pore-fluid density, silica content, and temperature data for Frio Formation waters. These data are consistent with a freely convecting system. Third, areal distribution of thermal gradients within a Frio reservoir exhibits a geometric pattern completely consistent with Benard-type convection cells: central, upward-moving, heated plumes surrounded by polygonal zones of cooler, down-flowing waters. Therefore, free convection in Gulf Coast reservoirs is consistent with both field data (as demonstrated in the Frio Formation) and theoretical calculations. End_of_Article - Last_Page 142------------
Performance Evaluation of a Passively-Aerated Plastic-Wrapped Composting System Designed for Emergency Disposal of Swine Mortalities

Monitoring of a passively-aerated plastic-wrapped mortality composting system designed for emergency disposal of diseased swine highlighted the importance of the physical characteristics of materials used to envelop the carcasses. Inadequate moisture was a problem when using envelope materials such as ground cornstalks or straw having low density and high air-filled porosity. High O2 concentrations throughout these materials, and significantly higher moisture levels in the top layers than in the materials surrounding the carcasses, suggested significant air movement and transport of carcass moisture away from the carcasses, resulting in carcass desiccation and incomplete decay. Although internal temperatures and moisture levels in test units constructed with corn silage were much more favorable than in those constructed with cornstalks or straw, less carcass decomposition occurred. Settling and compaction, resulting in high bulk density and low air-filled porosity, caused low O2 concentrations that appeared to impair carcass decay in the silage test units.
The effect of ring electrodes attachment to a corona gun on control of free ion concentration and back corona for improving powder paint appearance

In a powder coating process using corona guns, only a small fraction (6%-10%) of the total ions generated during the corona discharge contribute to powder charging. Most of the remaining free ions deposit on the powder layer and on the grounded workpiece, increasing the charge-to-mass ratio (Q/M) of the powder layer, which contributes to the early onset of back corona. To reduce the number of free ions reaching the powder coated work piece, two different ion traps made of copper ring electrodes were tested. The first ring had a smooth surface and the second ring had 11 sharp points for concentrating electric field lines. Adding the sharp points was found to provide self-cleaning properties to the ring electrode and the powder did not deposit on the ring. By increasing the distance from the ring electrodes to the corona gun electrode, or by increasing the powder flow rate, it was possible to control the level of Q/M acquired by the powder. By adjusting the position of the ring electrodes and the gun voltage, Q/M could be controlled from -0.15 to -2.15 /spl mu/C/g, which shows a much wider range of Q/M control compared to that which can be achieved with corona gun without a ring electrode. However, the application of a ring electrode reduced the electric field for powder deposition, resulting a low first-pass transfer efficiency (FPTE). While the magnitude of the electric field near the target decreased, the distribution of the field near the corona gun covered a wide area, thus expanding the angle of the conical powder spray pattern from the nozzle. The electric field modifications introduced by the grounded ring electrodes were simulated by using Lorentz 2D software for different geometrical configurations. The reduction of field intensity between the gun and the substrate and a strong radial field introduced by the ring, explain the cause of the FPTE reduction and the expansion of the conical powder spray pattern. The electrical field distribution around the corona electrode and the target panels are presented along with the experimental data on ion currents for different applied voltages to the corona gun and for different ring electrode positions. The appearance of the cured powder films was found to be influenced by the voltage applied to the corona gun, the type of ring and its position relative to the corona tip. The best appearance was obtained by using a ring with a smooth outer surface biased at -20 kV, and with the corona voltage at -100 kV.
Vector Goldstone Boson and Lorentz Invariance

Spontanous symmetry breaking usually gives spin 0 Goldstone bosons for the case of internal symmetries and spin 1/2 fermions for the supersymmetry. The spontaneous breaking of higher dimensional Lorentz symmetry can give vector Goldstone boson in 4-dimension.