cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A morphological investigation of an early reflex pathway in developing rat spinal cord.

The early development of the disynaptic cutaneous reflex pathway in the brachial spinal cord of rat fetuses was investigated both light and electron microscopically. The spinal cord areas which contain the neurons (association interneurons and lateral motor nucleus neurons) involved in this reflex pathway were identified in both neurofibrillar (silver-stained) and semithin plastic embedded specimens. Equivalent areas were identified in adjacent ultrathin preparations for electron microscopy and micrographs of these sample areas were taken of specimens at embryonic days 13.5–19.5 as well as for postnatal day 4 and adult specimens. The relative volume of association and dorsolateral motor neuropils occupied by synaptic boutons in these micrographs was determined using stereological methods. The mean number of synaptic junctions and boutons per 100 μ2 was also determined for the two neuropil areas at each developmental stage. These analyses show that synaptic junctions and boutons occur in the dorsolateral motor neuropil before they can be found in association neuropil. Synapses within motor neuropil are first seen at embryonic day 13.5. Synaptogenesis in the dorsolateral motor neuropil is temporally correlated with the presence of numerous fibers which, in silver-stained specimens, can be seen to arise from the association interneurons and to course into the dorsolateral aspects of the motor nucleus. Synaptic junctions and boutons are not observed in the association neuropil until embryonic day 14.5 and this correlates well with the time when collaterals of the primary afferent fibers can first be observed penetrating into the dorsal half of the intermediate zone from the anlage of the dorsal funiculus. The precocious development of synaptic junctions in dorsolateral motor neuropil in comparison to the association neuropil continues throughout the developmental period examined. These data support a retrograde pattern of synaptogenesis in the early development of the spinal cutaneous reflex pathway. Association interneurons make synaptic contacts with motor neurons before synapses are formed between primary sensory neurons and association cells. This sequence is the reverse of the normal flow of nerve impulses through spinal reflex pathways.
General models for episodic surface denudation and its measurement by cosmogenic nuclides

Abstract In order to use cosmogenic nuclides to infer erosion rates and exposure ages, it is necessary to apply a quantitative model for the accumulation of these nuclides in an eroding surface. The most straightforward model assumes that the surface continuously erodes at a constant rate. In many cases, however, the erosion is episodic: denudation is the result of the spalling off of slabs of rock in a series of discrete events. In a previous paper, we discussed two models for such episodic erosion; in one model slabs of rock spalled off periodically, while in the other slabs spalled off at stochastic time intervals. In both models we took the slabs to have a given, fixed width. In this paper we expand the previously treated models to allow for a statistical distribution of widths; this makes the models more realistic, and broadens our discussion of the fluctuations in the nuclide concentration that may be observed. We present general results for both models, results which allow for any distribution of widths. We then explore the stochastic model in more detail, applying a particular choice of width distribution. This allows us to address an interesting limiting case: when the widths are very small, the average nuclide concentration is accurately given by the standard continuous erosion model; yet, perhaps surprisingly, the fluctuations about this average can be quite significant.
Dependence of agonist activation on a conserved apolar residue in the third intracellular loop of the AT1 angiotensin receptor

The coupling of agonist-activated seven transmembrane domain receptors to G proteins is known to involve the amino-terminal region of their third cytoplasmic loop. Analysis of the amino acids in this region of the rat type in angiotensin (AT1a) receptor identified Leu-222 as an essential residue in receptor activation by the physiological agonist, angiotensin II (Ang II). Nonpolar replacements for Leu-222 yielded functionally intact AT1 receptors, while polar or charged residues caused progressive impairment of Ang II-induced inositol phosphate generation. The decrease in agonist-induced signal generation was associated with a parallel reduction of receptor internalization, and was most pronounced for the Lys-222 mutant receptor. Although this mutant showed normal binding of the peptide antagonist, [Sar1,Ile6]Ang II, its affinity for Ang II was markedly reduced, consistent with its inability to adopt the high-affinity conformation. A search revealed that many Gq-coupled receptors contain an apolar amino acid (frequently leucine) in the position corresponding to Leu-222 of the AT1 receptor. These findings suggest that such a conserved apolar residue in the third intracellular loop is a crucial element in the agonist-induced activation of the AT1 and possibly many other G protein-coupled receptors.
Cranberry Proanthocyanidins Improve Intestinal sIgA During Elemental Enteral Nutrition

Background: Elemental enteral nutrition (EEN) decreases gut-associated lymphoid tissue (GALT) function, including fewer Peyer’s patch lymphocytes and lower levels of the tissue T helper 2 (Th2) cytokines and mucosal transport protein polymeric immunoglobulin receptor (pIgR), leading to lower luminal secretory immunoglobulin A (sIgA) levels. Since we recently demonstrated that cranberry proanthocyanidins (PACs) maintain the Th2 cytokine interleukin (IL)–4 when added to EEN, we hypothesized the addition of PACs to EEN would normalize other GALT parameters and maintain luminal levels of sIgA. Methods: Institute of Cancer Research mice were randomized (12/group) to receive chow, EEN, or EEN + PACs (100 mg/kg body weight) for 5 days, starting 2 days after intragastric cannulation. Ileum tissue was collected to measure IL-4 by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, pIgR by Western blot, and phosphorylated STAT-6 by microarray. Intestinal wash fluid was collected to measure sIgA by Western blot. Results: Compared wi...
Regulation of Cartilage-specific Gene Expression in Human Chondrocytes by SirT1 and Nicotinamide Phosphoribosyltransferase

SirT1 is an NAD-dependent histone deacetylase that regulates gene expression, differentiation, development, and organism life span. Here we investigate the function of SirT1 in human chondrocytes derived from osteoarthritic patients. Elevation of SirT1 protein levels or activity in these chondrocytes led to a dramatic increase in cartilage-specific gene expression, whereas a reduction in SirT1 levels or activity significantly lowered cartilage gene expression. SirT1 associated with the cartilage-specific transcription factor Sox9, enhancing transcription from the collagen 2(α1) promoter in a Sox9-dependent fashion. Consistent with this association, SirT1 was targeted to the collagen 2(α1) enhancer and promoter, which in turn recruited the coactivators GCN5, PGC1α, and p300. This led to elevated marks of active chromatin within the promoter; that is, acetylated histone K9/K14 and histone H4K5 as well as trimethylated histone H3K4. Finally, alterations in the NAD salvage pathway enzyme nicotinamide phosphoribosyltransferase led to changes in NAD levels, SirT activity, and cartilage-specific gene expression in human chondrocytes. SirT1, nicotinamide phosphoribosyltransferase, and NAD may, therefore, provide a positive function in human cartilage by elevating expression of genes encoding cartilage extracellular matrix.
Midline Electrographic Abnormalities and Cerebral Lesions in the Newborn Brain

Electroencephalographic (EEG) abnormalities arising from the midline region were identified in 154 of 1008 (15.2%) consecutive neonatal EEGs during a 24-month period. These records were obtained on 97 neonates with a variety of clinical diagnoses. Premature infants made up 79% (77/97) of this group. All patients received at least one cranial ultrasound at 7 to 10 days of life. Sixty-two percent (60/97) of the patients had radiographic and/or neuropathological documentation of cerebral lesions: intraventricular hemorrhage (25), periventricular leukomalacia (18), cerebral infarction (10), cerebral malformation (4), and miscellaneous lesions (3). Six types of midline EEG abnormalities are described: negative sharp waves, positive sharp waves, electrographic discharges associated with myoclonus, electrographic seizures, attenuation of background, and rhythmic monofrequencies. Approximately 90% of the patients with background attenuation, discharges with myoclonus, and positive sharp waves and 72% of patients with EEG seizures had cerebral lesions. Midline positive sharp waves were associated with periventricular leukomalacia as well as intraventricular hemorrhage. No midline positive sharp waves, attenuation, EEG seizures or discharges with myoclonus were found in 25 healthy, asymptomatic neonates. Besides positive sharp waves, other specific midline EEG abnormalities can be associated with cerebral lesions in the neonate. The rapid identification of midline EEG abnormalities in neonatal recordings can enhance the accuracy of both electrographic diagnosis and anatomic localization of associated cerebral lesions.
Simulation of small molecule diffusion using continuous space disordered networks

Disordered networks were created and kinetic Monte Carlo simulations were conducted in order to assess the effects of jump network connectivity on the diffusion coefficient. Off-lattice jump networks were created using reverse Monte Carlo, with an objective function defined by agreement to specified inter-site connectivity, inter-site (jump path) distance and consecutive jump angle distributions. Both Gaussian and Poisson distributions of connectivity were applied, with average connectivities spanning a range appropriate for small molecules within a variety of polymers. Distance and angle distributions were taken from earlier work on jump networks in polypropylene. At short times, anomalous diffusion with a range of exponents n ≥ 0.4 was found over the domain of average connectivities. At longer times, diffusion was normal for connectivities above the percolation threshold, while particles were trapped for lower connectivities. The percolation threshold was slightly higher for Gaussian distributions of co...
Molecular markers linked to stem rot resistance in rice

Stem rot (Sclerotium oryzae) is an important disease constraint in Californian rice production. Measurement of resistance is laborious, and the low heritability of the trait limits the effectiveness of selection in breeding programs. Molecular markers linked to the trait would therefore provide a superior selection screen to assist in transferring resistance into improved cultivars. The genetics of resistance to stem rot was studied in the germplasm line 87-Y-550 (PI566666), which inherited its resistance from the wild species Oryza rufipogon. Four crosses of 87-Y-550 with susceptible lines were made and recombinant inbred lines of only the most-resistant and most-susceptible progeny within each cross were advanced for late-generation testing. Approximately 900 AFLP (amplified fragment length polymorphism) primer combinations were applied to resistant and susceptible bulks within each cross. One AFLP marker showed significant association with stem rot resistance and accounted for approximately 45.0% of the phenotypic variation in 59 progenies. This marker was mapped on rice chromosome 2 between the RFLP markers RZ166 and RG139 by using F2-reference population information. The accuracy of AFLP marker mapping was validated by size and sequence comparison of AFLP bands from 87-Y-550 and the reference population. With the strategy of selective genotyping combined with a parental survey, two microsatellite markers, RM232 and RM251, on chromosome 3 were also found associated with stem rot resistance and accounted for 41.1% and 37.9% of the phenotypic variation, respectively. The multiple linear regression model included TAA/GTA167 on chromosome 2 and RM232 on chromosome 3 and cumulatively explained 49.3% of total variation. The molecular markers linked to stem rot resistance should facilitate selection for this recalcitrant trait in rice breeding programs by eliminating the need for early generation screening.
Multimaterial Fibers and Integrated Fiber Photonic Devices

We demonstrate multimaterial fibers containing dielectric, conducting and semiconducting microstructures with disparate optical and electrical functions. The integrated functionalities, for example, photodetectors and fiber-lasers, are demonstrated at both single-fiber and fiber-fabric levels.
Michigan's dramatic far-right parade

While a substantial number of broad-gauged surveys of the extreme right in the United States have appeared in recent years, particularly since the Oklahoma City bombing, we have only just begun to ...
Changing dividend policies caused by the Tax Reform Act of 1986: An empirical analysis

In this paper the authors analyze the change in dividend yield (and capital gains yield) patterns of the group of 1108 firms listed on the monthly CRSP tapes from 1984 to 1988. It was anticipated that the Tax Reform Act of 1986 would lead to a pattern of increasing dividend yields and decreasing capital gains yields in 1987 and 1988 due to the elimination of the capital gains tax rate by 1988 and the overall reduction in personal tax rates. The results were consistent across all dividend groups as expected.
Routine operative breast endoscopy for bloody nipple discharge.

Background Submillimeter endoscopes are now available and have been described to assist surgeons in the evaluation and management of symptomatic nipple discharge.
High-speed electrophoretic separation of DNA fragments using a short capillary

Abstract Capillary electrophoresis using a replaceable gel buffer was applied to the separation of DNA fragments. A short effective length capillary (1–2 cm) at low electric field allowed the separation of a 20–1000 bp ladder in 1 min. Although similar separation speed was achieved with a longer capillary at high field, the resolution of larger fragments was degraded. The short effective length capillaries were able to separate the wildtype and mutant PCR products of the TGF-β 1 gene in under 45 s.
Can technology be managed strategically

Abstract The purpose of this article is to investigate techniques for inserting strategic management of technology into the overall business planning process. The method developed here begins with defining the technological profile of a company and then proceeds to expand the method to incorporate analytical procedure for technology futuring, and finally combining these long-range forecasts with the company's policies and plans into an integrated planning model. An illustrative case study of the NCR Corporation is appended to demonstrate the application.
Identification of high-confidence somatic mutations in whole genome sequence of formalin-fixed breast cancer specimens

The utilization of archived, formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) tumor samples for massive parallel sequencing has been challenging due to DNA damage and contamination with normal stroma. Here, we perform whole genome sequencing of DNA isolated from two triple-negative breast cancer tumors archived for >11 years as 5 µm FFPE sections and matched germline DNA. The tumor samples show differing amounts of FFPE damaged DNA sequencing reads revealed as relatively high alignment mismatch rates enriched for C · G > T · A substitutions compared to germline samples. This increase in mismatch rate is observable with as few as one million reads, allowing for an upfront evaluation of the sample integrity before whole genome sequencing. By applying innovative quality filters incorporating global nucleotide mismatch rates and local mismatch rates, we present a method to identify high-confidence somatic mutations even in the presence of FFPE induced DNA damage. This results in a breast cancer mutational profile consistent with previous studies and revealing potentially important functional mutations. Our study demonstrates the feasibility of performing genome-wide deep sequencing analysis of FFPE archived tumors of limited sample size such as residual cancer after treatment or metastatic biopsies.
NEURODEVELOPMENTAL OUTCOME AT 3.5 YEARS OF AGE IN ECMO TREATED CHILDREN: RELATIONSHIP TO PRIMARY DIAGNOSIS † 1224

NEURODEVELOPMENTAL OUTCOME AT 3.5 YEARS OF AGE IN ECMO TREATED CHILDREN: RELATIONSHIP TO PRIMARY DIAGNOSIS † 1224
Beyond Global Summitry: Food Sovereignty as Localized Resistance to Globalization

Recently there has been a marked shift reflecting increased theoretical interest and political practices embracing strategies of localism or relocalization against neoliberal globalization. Specifically, individuals, farmers, and communities embracing the framework of food sovereignty have increasingly adopted localism tactics in response to the globalization of food systems, the corporate agribusiness model, and attendant food crises. The spread of the food sovereignty concept from the global peasants' movement Via Campesina to locales as diverse as industrial France and the rural state of Vermont in the United States demonstrates the way in which food sovereignty has been appropriated in different international settings. Additionally, the turn toward localism merits further scrutiny as a reflection of an unsettling of forms of collective resistance at a moment of structural crisis in global capitalism. Localism as an alter-globalization tactic is still overshadowed by protest summitry and large-scale mo...
Sociocultural factors and the development of disordered eating: A longitudinal analysis of competing hypotheses.

Sociocultural models hypothesize causal paths in the development of eating disorders, yet few longitudinal studies have controlled for temporal stability, leaving open the question as to causality and the directionality of effects. In the present study, the authors tested portions of the socioculturally based dual-pathway model, specifically, the risk factor hypotheses that internalization of the thin ideal predicts body dissatisfaction, that body dissatisfaction predicts depressive affect, and that depressive affect predicts disordered eating. The authors also examined competing hypotheses (e.g., disordered eating predicts depressive affect) as well as the possibility of simultaneous relationships (i.e., variables would be related to one another within a time frame). The 6 models (3 cross-lagged and 3 simultaneous) were evaluated using 236 female freshmen who provided self-report data during their 1st semester in college and 6 months later. While controlling for temporal stability, structural equation modeling revealed that (a) intemalization and body image each were related to the other across time; (b) body image was related directionally, but only in the simultaneous context, to depressive affect; and (c) depressive affect and disordered eating were related reciprocally and temporally to one another. Directions for future research and implications for intervention are provided.
High-efficiency nanoscale liquid chromatography coupled on-line with mass spectrometry using nanoelectrospray ionization for proteomics.

We describe high-efficiency (peak capacities of ∼103) nanoscale (using column inner diameters down to 15 μm) liquid chromatography (nanoLC)/low flow rate electrospray (nanoESI) mass spectrometry (MS) for the sensitive analysis of complex global cellular protein enzymatic digests (i.e., proteomics). Using a liquid slurry packing method with carefully selected packing solvents, 87-cm-length capillaries having inner diameters of 14.9−74.5 μm were successfully packed with 3-μm C18-bonded porous (300-A pores) silica particles at a pressure of 18 000 psi. With a mobile-phase delivery pressure of 10 000 psi, these packed capillaries provided mobile-phase flow rates as low as ∼20 nL/min at LC linear velocities of ∼0.2 cm/s, which is near optimal for separation efficiency. To maintain chromatographic efficiency, unions with internal channel diameters as small as 10 μm were specially produced for connecting packed capillaries to replaceable nanoESI emitters having orifice diameters of 2−10 μm (depending on the pack...
Rebuttal to: Inappropriate use of risk score models for operative mortality in nonsurgical treatments by Luc Noyez, MD, PhD

We thank Dr. Noyez for his comments regarding our study (BenDor I, Gaglia MA, Barbash IM, et al. Comparison between Society of Thoracic Surgeons score and logistic EuroSCORE for predicting mortality in patients referred for transcatheter aortic valve implantation. Cardiovasc Revasc Med. 2011;12:345–9). We agree with Dr. Noyez in that both the STS score and the EuroSCOREwere developed from clinical databases in order to predict expected patient mortality from surgical cardiac procedures. Currently, however, both risk scores are used as key criteria for inclusion in transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) trials. The EuroSCORE is usedmostly outside of the USA, while the STS score is usedmostly in the USA. Both scores provide an objective benchmark for standardized patient enrollment, and both have inherent limitations. Understanding that the logistic EuroSCORE overpredicts the risk of mortality and the STS score is superior for patients undergoing surgical AVR, we chose to use both risk models in our study due to the lack of a specific risk score for TAVR and balloon aortic valvuloplasty (BAV). The data sets for both risk models did not include patients undergoing TAVR, yet this does not mean that we cannot use those risk models for predicting mortality after TAVR and medical/BAV. These risk scores include variables, such as renal failure functional class ejection fraction, known to increase mortality risk in patients with severe aortic stenosis regardless of the treatment choice.
Interval Analysis-Based Flutter Analysis of Airplane Wings

Modern aircrafts require improved performance and maneuverability while they conduct the missions. The flutter, an aeroelastic phenomenon is one of the important situations that limit the aircraft speed. Furthermore, for aircraft operated at high speed, many uncertainties may exist in its structural and aerodynamics characteristics. Especially, a slight change in the wing structural mode may induce a variation in its aerodynamic force distribution. In this work, an interval-based approach is used to handle the uncertainties associated with the flutter analysis. The set-theoretic representation of uncertainty is motivated by a possible lack of detailed probabilistic information on the distributions of the parameters. The analysis procedure is performed on an aircraft wing structure using finite element idealization and the results have shown the effectiveness and feasibility of the interval method. The order of the aerodynamic, mass and stiffness matrices of the assembled structures is reduced by introducing the first few natural modes of the structure as generalized coordinates. System equivalent reduction expansion process is used for model reduction which uses the generalized inverse and carries information pertaining to the selected modes at the selected set of degrees of freedoms. The system equivalent reduction formulation allows the reduction process to preserve the dynamics of the full system in a reduced set of matrices. Thus the order of the eigenvalue problem in the flutter analysis is reduced to one-third of the corresponding statics problem.Copyright © 2012 by ASME
In-vivo adaptation of the mouse renal sodium-phosphate transporter to low Pi diet is not related to gene transcription

Abstract Previous studies have demonstrated that dietary phosphate deprivation increases sodium-dependent uptake of phosphate (P i ) by renal brush-border membrane vesicles in several mammalian species. These studies demonstrated that the V max of transport was increased without a change in the K m . Subsequently, molecular tools specific for the mouse sodium-phosphate transporter became available, and these were used to show that low P i diet increased functional and immunoreactive transporter protein, and mRNA encoding the transporter in the mouse. These results suggested that increased gene transcription was responsible for these observations. The current investigation was designed to investigate this possibility. Mice were placed on a control P i diet (0.4% P i and 0.45% Ca ++ ) or a low P i diet (0.02% P i and 0.45% Ca ++ ) for 7 days, and nuclei were isolated from kidney cortex. Renal sodium-phosphate transporter transcription rates were determined by nuclear run-on assays, and were compared to β-actin and sodium-hydrogen exchanger isoform-1 (NHE-1) relative transcription rates. Results showed similar relative transporter transcription rates in mice on control diet as compared to mice on low P i diet (control diet 1.30 ± 0.11 and low P i diet 1.07 ± 0.21 [normalized for β-actin], and control diet 1.28 ± 0.28 and low P i diet 0.82 ± 0.25 [normalized for NHE-1]). These results suggest that adaptation of the renal Na+Pi transporter to dietary phosphate deprivation does not involve gene transcription, but rather is most likely related to mRNA stability or translational efficiency.
Ethics-related technology policies in schools

Educators often face ethical and legal issues with the use of information and communication technology (ICT), especially when assigning digital content to their students. Institutional policies regarding the boundaries of acceptable ICT use can help educators deal with these issues. In this article, the authors apply neo-institutional theory to the diffusion of institutional policies on the ethics of ICT use. To evaluate this conceptual analysis, data are presented from three sources: a nationwide survey of U.S. schools, a 23-country survey of principals of upper secondary schools, and a content analysis of 46 acceptable use policies from school web sites in six countries. The predicted homogeneity among schools with regard to their ethical policies was found among web sites, within the United States, and to some extent, cross-nationally. Across countries the pattern in the adoption of ethical policies by schools was more heterogeneous and apparently idiosyncratic.
A biomonitor of trace heavy metals: indium and dysprosium in red alder roots (Alnus rubra Bong.)

Abstract Bioaccumulation of indium (In) and dysprosium (Dy) by the roots of red alder (Alnus rubra Bong.) was tested in a small free-flowing stream in Oregon. Mixed solutions of the two elements, In and Dy, were continuously introduced into the stream water as non-radioactive tracers for 1.8 hr and 2.1 hr in two separate experiments. In the first experiment, the two elements were added in a non-chelated form; in the second experiment, upstream from the first, indium-DTPA [(carboxymethylimino)bis(ethylene-dinitrilo) tetraacetic acid pentasodium salt] and dysprosium-DTPA were used as tracers. Instrumental neutron activation analysis was used to determine the quantity of each stable tracer sorbed to the alder roots and the amount remaining in the stream water. Non-chelated In was sorbed by roots up to a concentration of 1.7 μg In/g of root (dry wt), whereas the In-DTPA sorption rate was higher by a factor of approximately 2. Non-chelated Dy was sorbed by roots up to a concentration of 29 μg Dy/g of root (dry wt), while the sorption of Dy-DTPA was less by a factor of 8.
Removal of a low-molecular basic dye (Azure Blue) from aqueous solutions by a native biomass of a newly isolated Cladosporium sp.: Kinetics, equilibrium and biosorption simulation

Abstract The biosorption of Azure Blue from aqueous solution was investigated for the first time using a new isolated Cladosporium Ch2-2. The biosorption studies were carried out under various parameters, such as initial dye concentration, pH, biosorbent dosage and different cations. High dye removal yield was achieved at pH 8, which was consistent with the pH of most of the wastewater. The maximum biosorption occurred at the pH value of 8.0 for Azure Blue. Mg2+ and EDTA had a positive effect on dye biosorption process. Equilibrium time was attained at 60 min for the dye concentrations of 30–100 mg/L. The adsorbent dosage of 0.1 g in 20 ml was found to be optimum for increased dye uptake. The Langmuir isotherm model better described the process of dye uptake than the Freundlich model. The maximum monolayer biosorption capacity of the biosorbent was 51.4 mg/g. The pseudo-second order kinetic model adequately described the kinetic data. Finally the proposed biosorbent was successfully used for the decolorization of Azure Blue in simulated wastewater conditions. The biosorption results suggested that this environmentally friendly and efficient biosorbent may be useful for the removal of basic dyes from aqueous solution.
Extended Plasticity of Visual Cortex in Dark-Reared Animals May Result from Prolonged Expression of cpg15-Like Genes

cpg15 is an activity-regulated gene that encodes a membrane-bound ligand that coordinately regulates growth of apposing dendritic and axonal arbors and the maturation of their synapses. These properties make it an attractive candidate for participating in plasticity of the mammalian visual system. Here we compare cpg15 expression during normal development of the rat visual system with that seen in response to dark rearing, monocular blockade of retinal action potentials, or monocular deprivation. Our results show that the onset of cpg15 expression in the visual cortex is coincident with eye opening, and it increases until the peak of the critical period at postnatal day 28 (P28). This early expression is independent of both retinal activity and visual experience. After P28, a component of cpg15 expression in the visual cortex, lateral geniculate nucleus (LGN), and superior colliculus (SC) develops a progressively stronger dependence on retinally driven action potentials. Dark rearing does not affect cpg15 mRNA expression in the LGN and SC at any age, but it does significantly affect its expression in the visual cortex from the peak of the critical period and into adulthood. In dark-reared rats, the peak level of cpg15 expression in the visual cortex at P28 is lower than in controls. Rather than showing the normal decline with maturation, these levels are maintained in dark-reared animals. We suggest that the prolonged plasticity in the visual cortex that is seen in dark-reared animals may result from failure to downregulate genes such as cpg15 that could promote structural remodeling and synaptic maturation.
Arm-manipulator coordination for load sharing using variable compliance control

Coordination of a human arm and a manipulator to share a load is a new problem. In this paper, we propose a variable compliance control as a coordination mechanism for the arm and the manipulator. The compliance will be updated according to the force exerted by the manipulator. This coordination mechanism is proposed to accommodate with the uncertainties associated with the impedance of the human arm and the weight of the object. Furthermore, the stability of the system and the manipulation speed will be improved. The stability problem is studied using the small gain theorem. Experiments were conducted in our laboratory to prove the effectiveness of the proposed scheme.
Honey bee sting pain index by body location

The Schmidt Sting Pain Index rates the painfulness of 78 Hymenoptera species, using the honey bee as a reference point. However, the question of how sting painfulness varies depending on body location remains unanswered. This study rated the painfulness of honey bee stings over 25 body locations in one subject (the author). Pain was rated on a 1–10 scale, relative to an internal standard, the forearm. In the single subject, pain ratings were consistent over three repetitions. Sting location was a significant predictor of the pain rating in a linear model ( p < 0.0001, DF = 25, 94, F = 27.4). The three least painful locations were the skull, middle toe tip, and upper arm (all scoring a 2.3). The three most painful locations were the nostril, upper lip, and penis shaft (9.0, 8.7, and 7.3, respectively). This study provides an index of how the painfulness of a honey bee sting varies depending on body location.
The Directed Minimum-Degree Spanning Tree Problem

Consider a directed graph G = (V, E) with n vertices and a root vertex r ∈ V. The DMDST problem for G is one of constructing a spanning tree rooted at r, whose maximal degree is the smallest among all such spanning trees. The problem is known to be NP-hard. A quasi-polynomial time approximation algorithm for this problem is presented. The algorithm finds a spanning tree whose maximal degree is at most O(Δ* + log n) where, Δ* is the degree of some optimal tree for the problem. The running time of the algorithm is shown to be O(nO(log n)). Experimental results are presented showing that the actual running time of the algorithm is much smaller in practice.
Identification of Two Mycobacterium smegmatis Lipoproteins Exported by a SecA2-Dependent Pathway

The SecA2 protein is part of a specialized protein export system of mycobacteria. We set out to identify proteins exported to the bacterial cell envelope by the mycobacterial SecA2 system. By comparing the protein profiles of cell wall and membrane fractions from wild-type and DeltasecA2 mutant Mycobacterium smegmatis, we identified the Msmeg1712 and Msmeg1704 proteins as SecA2-dependent cell envelope proteins. These are the first endogenous M. smegmatis proteins identified as dependent on SecA2 for export. Both proteins are homologous to periplasmic sugar-binding proteins of other bacteria, and both contain functional amino-terminal signal sequences with lipobox motifs. These two proteins appeared to be genuine lipoproteins as shown by Triton X-114 fractionation and sensitivity to globomycin, an inhibitor of lipoprotein signal peptidase. The role of SecA2 in the export of these proteins was specific; not all mycobacterial lipoproteins required SecA2 for efficient localization or processing. Finally, Msmeg1704 was recognized by the SecA2 pathway of Mycobacterium tuberculosis, as indicated by the appearance of an export intermediate when the protein was expressed in a DeltasecA2 mutant of M. tuberculosis. Taken together, these results indicate that a select subset of envelope proteins containing amino-terminal signal sequences can be substrates of the mycobacterial SecA2 pathway and that some determinants for SecA2-dependent export are conserved between M. smegmatis and M. tuberculosis.
Relational Poetry Expressing Interweaving Realities

Relational poetry is a form of poetry inspired by social constructionism. A freestanding poem is responded to via an interweaving of a second poem within the lines of the first. The result is a new poem that is different than either one alone.
Findings at mammographic screening on only one standard projection: outcomes analysis.

PURPOSE: To determine the radiographic and clinical outcomes of findings seen at mammographic screening on only one standard projection. MATERIALS AND METHODS: To identify prospectively marked benign-appearing and abnormal findings that were seen on only one standard projection, 63,836 consecutive two-view mammographic screening studies were reviewed. Subsequent outcomes analysis included determination of the frequency of occurrence, mammographic features, work-up performed, and final imaging assessment. For imaging findings that prompted tissue sampling, histopathologic diagnosis was recorded. To identify breast cancers among the remaining findings, screening cases were linked with a regional tumor registry. RESULTS: Of the 61,273 screening studies available for review, 2,023 (3.3%) involved prospectively identified findings seen on only one standard projection. One thousand eighty-six (53.7%) studies with one-view-only findings were judged to represent superimposition of normal breast structures (summat...
Regulation of Microtubule Dynamics and Myogenic Differentiation by Murf, a Striated Muscle Ring-Finger Protein

The RING-finger domain is a novel zinc-binding Cys-His protein motif found in a growing number of proteins involved in signal transduction, ubiquitination, gene transcription, differentiation, and morphogenesis. We describe a novel muscle-specific RING-finger protein (MURF) expressed specifically in cardiac and skeletal muscle cells throughout pre- and postnatal mouse development. MURF belongs to the RING-B-box-coiled-coil subclass of RING-finger proteins, characterized by an NH2-terminal RING-finger followed by a zinc-finger domain (B-box) and a leucine-rich coiled-coil domain. Expression of MURF is required for skeletal myoblast differentiation and myotube fusion. The leucine-rich coiled-coil domain of MURF mediates association with microtubules, whereas the RING-finger domain is required for microtubule stabilization and an additional region is required for homo-oligomerization. Expression of MURF establishes a cellular microtubule network that is resistant to microtubule depolymerization induced by alkaloids, cold and calcium. These results identify MURF as a myogenic regulator of the microtubule network of striated muscle cells and reveal a link between microtubule organization and myogenesis.
Firm Size and Work Compensation in China

Remarkably, recent research on the Chinese labor market has suggested that the situation in China is inconsistent with the stylized fact that large firms pay higher wages and offer more generous benefits. Expanding the empirical basis from 78 to 300 000 industrial firms, I overturn the previous result and show that wage determination in the average firm fits the international norm. Exploring subsamples of firms I also point to a likely source for the conflicting findings: firm size is positively correlated with the average wage in private firms, but negatively correlated with the average wage in the state-owned sector. These novel results could guide future studies aiming to understand the sources of the firm size wage premium, and, in particular, studies that target the largest industrial labor market in the world.
Brief Report: Emergency Department Utilization by Individuals with Autism

To identify medical problems most commonly presenting to emergency departments among individuals with autism as compared to non-autistic persons across age groups. Data was obtained from the 2010 National Emergency Department database and was analyzed by age categories: 3–5, 6–11, 12–15, 16–18 and 19 years and older. Epilepsy emerged as the leading presenting diagnosis among those with Autism spectrum disorder (ASD), ages 16–19 years and 19 over. Psychiatric conditions were primary among ASD individuals aged 12–15 years, accounting for more than 11 % of all visits. In this sample, age-related differences were noted in medical diagnoses among autistic individuals as compared to non-autistic persons.
Workshop on Distributed Fault-Tolerant Computers

Important directions for research were defined at a workshop on distributed fault-tolerant computers, held November 3-5, 1976, in San Juan, Puerto Rico. Sponsored by the IEEE Computer Society's Technical Committee on Fault-Tolerant Computing, chaired by John Meyer, and the Micro/Mini Computers TC, chaired by William Dejka, the workshop attracted 46 participants to discuss this rapidly developing area.
Prevention of Pertussis among Adolescents by Vaccination: Taking Action on What We Know and Acknowledging What We Do Not Know

Clinical Infectious Diseases 2004; 39:29–30 This article is in the public domain, and no copyright is claimed. 1058-4838/2004/3901-0006 Pertussis is the only disease for which children are routinely vaccinated that is not at historically low levels in the United States. The increases seen in pertussis are not due to ineffective vaccines or programs. The effectiveness of acellular pertussis vaccine has been demonstrated to be high in both prelicensure studies and postlicensure evaluations, and coverage among vaccine-eligible age groups remains high. However, pertussis continues to strike those who are susceptible because of waning vaccine-induced immunity and infants who are too young to have completed the primary vaccination series. To address the issue of waning immunity, formulations of acellular pertussis vaccine combined with diphtheria and tetanus toxoids for adolescents and adults (TdaP) are now under development in the United States; TdaP vaccines are already licensed and available in Canada, Germany, France, and Australia and are expected in the United States soon. Because a vaccine to prevent pertussis in older children, adolescents, and adults is likely to be available soon, how should policy makers approach its use? Our recommendations for use of TdaP should be guided by our knowledge, and there are things we know well about pertussis. Outbreaks of pertussis occur in a variety of settings but are most frequently recognized in middle and high schools. Antimicrobial prophylaxis is recommended for close contacts of patients with pertussis, and outbreak response is a complex, costly, and disruptive activity for schools and local health authorities. The rates of hospitalization, serious complications, and death among adolescents are low, but cough illness due to pertussis is prolonged, and the health impact—in terms of medical visits, antimicrobial treatment, and experience of illness—is significant. Currently, these school-based outbreaks are not preventable, and the only strategies for control are identification, isolation, and prophylaxis of contacts.
Causes for the decline of suspended‐sediment discharge in the Mississippi River system, 1940–2007

Before 1900, the Missouri–Mississippi River system transported an estimated 400 million metric tons per year of sediment from the interior of the United States to coastal Louisiana. During the last two decades (1987–2006), this transport has averaged 145 million metric tons per year. The cause for this substantial decrease in sediment has been attributed to the trapping characteristics of dams constructed on the muddy part of the Missouri River during the 1950s. However, reexamination of more than 60 years of water- and sediment-discharge data indicates that the dams alone are not the sole cause. These dams trap about 100–150 million metric tons per year, which represent about half the decrease in sediment discharge near the mouth of the Mississippi. Changes in relations between water discharge and suspended-sediment concentration suggest that the Missouri–Mississippi has been transformed from a transport-limited to a supply-limited system. Thus, other engineering activities such as meander cutoffs, river-training structures, and bank revetments as well as soil erosion controls have trapped sediment, eliminated sediment sources, or protected sediment that was once available for transport episodically throughout the year. Removing major engineering structures such as dams probably would not restore sediment discharges to pre-1900 state, mainly because of the numerous smaller engineering structures and other soil-retention works throughout the Missouri–Mississippi system. Published in 2009 by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Hierarchical test generation under intensive global functional constraints

The authors address the system-level functional constraint problem for hierarchical test generation. They propose several approaches to solve both control constraints and bus constraints. For control constraints, circuit behavior information is exploited to derive valid control Boolean covers for different modules. For bus constraints, a constant value bus constraint abstraction technique and a test cube justification technique are introduced. These proposed algorithms have been implemented in the hierarchical test generation package, ARTEST, and four high-level circuits with different constraint characteristics have been tested in experiments. The experimental results show the effectiveness of combining the control cover abstraction technique and the test cube justification technique as a complete solution to the global functional constraint problem. >
Atomic scale chemo-mechanics of silica: nano-rod deformation and water reaction

The notion of bond rupture as the initiation event leading to mechanical failure in a material system is well known. Less recognized but no less valid is that bond strain also fundamentally affects the chemical reactivity of the atoms involved in the bonding. This dual role of bond strain is clearly brought out in the present simulations. Stress–strain response of dry silica to the point of structural instability is studied using a classical inter-atomic potential model, whereas transition-state pathway sampling of water–silica reaction is performed using molecular orbital theory. Although not as accurate as possible from the standpoint of existing methods of simulation, the results nevertheless illustrate the physical insights into chemo-mechanical processes one can extract through multi-scale modeling and simulation.
Work in progress — connecting online labs and homework

Experts recognize connections between different representations of a topic that novices often fail to use. One aspect of this is that novices may fail to realize material learned in one context, e.g. a lab assignment, is useful in a different context, e.g. homework. As we move toward teaching in a connected online world, we should also move toward strengthening the connections between different aspects of a course. This could improve student learning in many courses, especially introductory courses. Using screen casting, we captured a digital video of work in an online lab assignment in an introductory math class. This video was then embedded into an online homework system, so that when students made a mistake in the homework problems related to the material covered by the lab assignment, they were given the option to review the lab video. Over the first two semesters of use, about 1/3 of the students offered the video opted to follow the link. However, performance overall on the assignment did not change significantly, though speed of completion did improve somewhat. Further work is being done to try to decide when, if ever, such techniques will improve student learning.
Ozone budgets from the Dynamics and Chemistry of Marine Stratocumulus Experiment

Measurements from the Dynamics and Chemistry of marine Stratocumulus experiment have been used to study components of the regional ozone budget. The surface destruction rate is determined by eddy correlation of ozone and vertical velocity measured by a low-flying aircraft. Significant variability is found in the measured surface resistance; it is partially correlated with friction velocity but appears to have other controlling influences as well. The mean resistance is 4190 s/m which is higher (slower destruction) than most previous estimates for seawater. Flux and mean measurements throughout the marine boundary layer are used to estimate the net rate of in situ photochemical production/destruction of ozone. Averaged over the flights, ozone concentration is found to be near steady state, and a net of photochemical destruction of 0.02-0.07 ng/cu m per sec is diagnosed. This is an important confirmation of photochemical model results for the remote marine boundary layer. Ozone vertical distributions above the boundary layer show a strongly layered structure with very sharp gradients. These distributions are possibly related to the stratospheric ozone source.
Metal nanocrystal memories. I. Device design and fabrication

This paper describes the design principles and fabrication process of metal nanocrystal memories. The advantages of metal nanocrystals over their semiconductor counterparts include higher density of states, stronger coupling with the channel, better size scalability, and the design freedom of engineering the work functions to optimize device characteristics. One-dimensional (1-D) analyses are provided to illustrate the concept of work function engineering, both in direct-tunneling and F-N-tunneling regimes. A self-assembled nanocrystal formation process by rapid thermal annealing of ultrathin metal film deposited on top of gate oxide is developed and integrated with NMOSFET to fabricate such devices.