cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Miniature Concrete Prism Test: Rapid Test Method for Evaluating Alkali-Silica Reactivity of Aggregates

AbstractExisting test methods to assess alkali-silica reactivity of aggregates such as the accelerated mortar bar test (AMBT) has been shown to be less than satisfactory due to excessive false-positive and false-negative test results. While the concrete prism test (CPT) test is considered to be a more reliable alternative, the unusually long test duration (1 or 2 years, depending on the purpose) renders it unsuitable for routine evaluation of materials. This paper presents a new test method—the miniature concrete prism test (MCPT) that addresses the shortcomings of both the AMBT and the CPT test methods. The aggregates studied in this project were selected based on their established field performance. Results from this investigation indicate that the MCPT test method can reliably identify aggregate reactivity within a short duration of 56 days for the majority of aggregates, whereas it may take up to 84 days for some slowly reactive aggregates.
The neural substrates of writing: A functional magnetic resonance imaging study

Background: Hypotheses regarding the neural substrates of writing have been derived from the study of individuals with acquired agraphia. Functional neuroimaging offers another methodology to test these hypotheses in neurologically intact individuals. Aims: This study was designed to identify possible neural substrates for the linguistic and motor components of writing in normal English-speaking individuals. Methods & Procedures: Functional magnetic resonance imaging was used with 12 adults to examine activation associated with generative writing of words from semantic categories contrasted with writing letters of the alphabet and drawing circles. In addition, the generative writing condition was contrasted with a subvocal generative naming condition. Outcomes & Results: Semantically guided retrieval of orthographic word forms for the generative writing condition revealed activation in the left inferior and dorsolateral prefrontal cortex, as well as the left posterior inferior temporal lobe (BA 37). Howev...
Evaluating the Wellness School Assessment Tool for Use in Public Health Practice to Improve School Nutrition and Physical Education Policies in New York.

BACKGROUND Addressing the limitations of existing Local Wellness Policies (LWPs) and promoting their implementation remain priorities for health and education agencies. One gap has been the absence of a standard assessment to support LWP revision. During planning for an initiative to improve school nutrition and physical education policy, the Wellness School Assessment Tool (WellSAT) was evaluated. METHODS Five public health practitioners used WellSAT to assess 50 LWPs. A randomized, counterbalanced design ensured each LWP was coded twice by separate raters. Models evaluated the extent to which WellSAT ratings reflected differences in the LWPs and order, familiarity and rater effects. During field testing, 18 public health practitioners used WellSAT as part of a statewide public health initiative. RESULTS In pilot testing the majority of the variability in WellSAT scores (median = 88%; range = 76% to 100%) was attributable to differences between policies. Correlations between independent raters' strength and comprehensiveness scores were strong, r = .88 and r = .77, respectively. During field testing, WellSAT was well accepted by public health practitioners and members of the school community. CONCLUSIONS WellSAT represents a reliable and feasible tool for health and education agencies to use in improving LWPs and aligning them with recognized standards.
Multiplanar Osteotomy with Limited Wide Margins: A Tissue Preserving Surgical Technique for High-grade Bone Sarcomas

Background Limb-salvage surgery has been used during the last several decades to treat patients with high-grade bone sarcomas. In the short- and intermediate-term these surgeries have been associated with relatively good function and low revision rates. However, long-term studies show a high rate of soft tissue, implant, and bone-related complications. Multiplanar osteotomy with limited wide margins uses angled bone cuts to resect bone tumors with the goal of complete tumor removal while sparing host tissue although its impact on local recurrence is not known.
The challenges of planning language objectives in content-based ESL instruction:

The purpose of this research was to investigate the major patterns in content-based instruction (CBI) lesson plans among practicum teachers at the final stage of an MA TESOL program. One hundred and seven lesson plans were coded according to a typology developed to evaluate clarity and identify areas of potential difficulty in the design of content and language objectives by TESOL teacher candidates for use in PreK–12 ESL classrooms. Participants in our study tended to have more difficulty in designing language objectives than content objectives. There was also a tendency to write language objectives that focused heavily on the four language skills and on vocabulary, and considerably less often on grammatical structures, functions, or language learning strategies.
Identification, characterization, and biological relevance of prostate cancer stem cells from clinical specimens

Cancer stem cells (CSCs) are a reservoir of tumor cells that exhibit the properties of self-renewal and the ability to re-establish the heterogeneous cell population of a tumor. They appear therapy-resistant and may be the underlying cause of recurrent disease. Using prostate as a model, this review presents the CSC hypothesis and discusses the role of the androgen receptor in CSCs, the methods used for isolating CSCs, and the therapeutic challenges CSCs have for cancer therapy.
Extrapolation in iterative sequences

Abstract The convergence of a general iterative sequence, each member of which is a set of numbers, is analyzed. An effective method of extrapolation is suggested, and tested on some Hartree-Fock SCF iterative sequences.
Soybean Cultivar Responses to Row Spacing and Seeding Rates in Rainfed and Irrigated Environments

Soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] are grown under both irrigated and rainfed conditions in the western Corn Belt. We wanted to determine whether optimum row spacing and seeding rate were similar for different cultivars in different water regimes. A 3-yr field study at Clay Center, NE, and a 2-yr study near Oxford, NE, were conducted. We used a factorial combination of three row spacings (10, 20, and 30 in.), four seeding rates (45 000, 140 000, 230000, and 330 000 seeds/acre) and five cultivars with four replications planted in adjoining irrigated and rainfed fields at each site. Determinate cultivar yield increased 42% (11 bulacre) as seeding rate increased from 45 000 to 140 000 seeds/acre and then remained constant with increased seeding rate. Seeding rate generally did not affect indeterminate cultivar yield. The 20-in. row spacing consistently had the greatest yields or yields equal to the high-yielding row spacing. Yield of indeterminate cultivars in both water regimes and determinate cultivars with irrigation was greater with 20-in. rows than either 10- or 30-in. rows. Yield of determinate cultivars in rainfed was similar in 20- and 30-in. rows and less in 10-in. rows. The 20-in. row spacing also consistently produced the highest yield at all four seeding rates. This report goes beyond previous research findings by concluding that, with moisture stress, determinate cultivars in 20- and 30-in. rows may produce more than in 10-in. rows.
Measurement of protection factors of chemical cartridge, half-mask respirators under working conditions in a copper smelter

The performance of three commonly used chemical cartridge respirators for S02 was measured under working conditions in a copper smelter. An effective SO2 protection factor for each man-respirator trial was calculated as the ratio between average S02 concentrations sampled outside the respirator mask and that simultaneously sampled from inside the mask. The in-use SO2 protection afforded by the three respirators proved to be highly variable with mean protection factors of 22, 18, and 13. The distributions of the protection factors and the effects of mask type, facial size, and mask comfort are discussed.
Vapor-Pressure of Pentafluorodimethyl Ether

Vapor pressures of pentafluorodimethyl ether (E125) have been measured from (228 to 331) K using two ebulliometers. Experimental pressures ranged from (65 to 2024) kPa. Thermodynamic calculations w...
Longterm survival of normal, diploid Syrian hamster cells in tumors induced by transfection with v-Ha-ras and v-myc oncogenes

Abstract Tumors were induced following transfection of normal, diploid hamster embryo cells with plasmids containing the viral Harvey ras and viral myc oncogenes. Direct cytogenetic studies of the tumors performed at 3–7 weeks after injection of the transfected hamster cells into nude mice revealed that 100% of the hamster cells were aneuploid and no detectable diploid cells in mitosis were observed. However, when tumor explants were cultured in vitro, diploid Syrian hamster cells were frequently detected at early passages. The percentage of diploid hamster cells in the cultures varied from 2 to 94% at the first passage. After several passages in vitro, only aneuploid hamster cells were observed. The diploid hamster cells in culture had a flat morphology and senesced. The aneuploid cells in the cultures were readily cloned and formed tumors after reinjection in nude mice. Reconstruction experiments consisting of injecting cloned, aneuploid tumor cells mixed with 6 × 10 6 normal Syrian hamster embryo cells were performed. Cell cultures derived from these mixed tumors contained both normal and aneuploid hamster cells indicating that normal cells survived in vivo during the growth of the tumor cells for up to 4 weeks. During this period, some normal cells transplanted in vivo did not die or terminally differentiate. Since normal cells can persist in vivo, tumor-derived cell cultures are mixed populations and caution should be exercised in interpreting quantitative molecular or cellular studies of these uncloned populations.
Pseudoaneurysm of the Aortic Root Diagnosed by Noninvasive Imaging: Report of a Case

Pseudoaneurysm of the aortic root is a rare condition typically diagnosed by the use of cardiac catheterization and aortography or by surgical exploration. This case describes a patient who was shown to have a pseudoaneurysm of the aortic root without evidence of any acquired etiologic factors other than atherosclerotic vascular disease. Two new advanced techniques of noninvasive imaging were used in confirming the diagnosis: transesophageal echocardiography and gated magnetic resonance imaging. This case highlights the value of techniques such as these to reliably assess the heart and great vessels without the need for more invasive procedures.
An efficient algorithm for the computation of average mutual information: Validation and implementation in Matlab

Abstract Average mutual information (AMI) measures the dependence between pairs of random variables. It has been used in many applications including blind source separation, data mining, neural synchronicity assessment, and state space reconstruction in human movement studies. Presently, several algorithms and computational code exist to estimate AMI. However, most are difficult to use and/or understand the manner by which AMI is calculated. We offer a straightforward and implementable function in Matlab (Mathworks, Inc.) for the computation of AMI in relatively modest sized data streams ( N ∼ 15,000 ). Our algorithm incorporates some best practices for statistical estimation that improves accuracy over other readily available options. We present three validation tests: (i) recovery of a known theoretical expected mutual information in a bivariate Gaussian random variable, (ii) invariance with respect to marginal distribution characteristics, and (iii) optimum time-delay selection in state space reconstruction.
Mutant huntingtin aggregates do not sensitize cells to apoptotic stressors.

Abstract It has been postulated that neuronal inclusions composed of mutant huntingtin may play a causative role in the pathogenesis of Huntington’s disease. To study the putative role of aggregates in modulating apoptotic vulnerability, SH-SY5Y cell lines stably expressing truncated huntingtin with 18 (wild-type) (N63–18Q) or 82 (mutant) (N63–82Q) glutamine repeats were established. Aggregates were observed in ∼13% of the N63–82Q cells; no aggregates were observed in the N63–18Q cells. In response to apoptotic stimuli such as staurosporine or hyperosmotic stress, caspase-3 activity was significantly greater in the N63–82Q cells compared to the N63–18Q cells. However, double immunostaining for huntingtin and active caspase-3 revealed that the presence of aggregates did not correlate with the presence of active caspase-3, indicating that aggregates do not contribute to the increase in apoptosis in the N63–82Q cells.
Lupus erythematosus: systemic and cutaneous manifestations

Skin and joint involvements are the most commonly occurring manifestations of systemic lupus erythematosus. There are 3 forms of cutaneous lupus: chronic cutaneous (discoid) lupus, subacute cutaneous lupus, and acute cutaneous lupus. Joint manifestations are usually not associated with warmth of the joints and may be only associated with pain and swelling. Painful or swollen joints respond rapidly to small or moderate doses of corticosteroids, whereas cutaneous manifestations usually respond to antimalarial drugs. Anti-Ro is associated closely with a photosensitive rash and with subacute lupus.
ALK as a paradigm of oncogenic promiscuity: different mechanisms of activation and different fusion partners drive tumors of different lineages

Anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK) is a receptor tyrosine kinase protein implicated in a variety of hematological malignancies and solid tumors. Since the identification of the ALK gene in 1994 as the target of the t(2;5) chromosomal translocation in anaplastic large cell lymphoma, ALK has been proven a remarkably promiscuous oncogene. ALK contributes to the development of a notable assortment of tumor types from different lineages, including hematolymphoid, mesenchymal, epithelial and neural tumors, through a variety of genetic mechanisms: gene fusions, activating point mutations, and gene amplification. Recent developments led to significant diagnostic and therapeutic advances, including efficient diagnostic tests and ALK-targeting agents readily available in the clinical setting. This review addresses some therapeutic considerations of ALK-targeted agents and the biologic implications of ALK oncogenic promiscuity, but the main points discussed are: 1) the variety of mechanisms that result in activation of the ALK oncogene, with emphasis on the promiscuous partnerships demonstrated in chromosomal rearrangements; 2) the diversity of tumor types of different lineages in which ALK has been implicated as a pathogenic driver; and 3) the different diagnostic tests available to identify ALK-driven tumors, and their respective indications.
Host control of yeast dsRNA virus propagation and expression

Abstract Yeast controls propagation of the L-A dsRNA virus, and thus pathogenicity, by partially blocking translation of viral mRNA. L-A makes a Gag-Pol fusion protein by a-1 ribosomal frameshift, regulated by the host but critical for satellite RNA propagation. Discovery of the KEX proteases, by their requirement for killer toxin expression from a satellite dsRNA of L-A, led to the identification of mammalian prohormone processing proteases.
A molecular dynamics study of the stress–optical behavior of a linear short-chain polyethylene melt under shear

In this study, we present details of the stress–optical behavior of a linear polyethylene melt under shear using a realistic potential model. We demonstrate the existence of the critical shear stress, above which the stress–optical rule (SOR) begins to be invalid. The critical shear stress of the SOR of this melt turns out to be 5.5 MPa, which is fairly higher than 3.2 MPa at which shear thinning starts, indicating that the SOR is valid up to a point well beyond the incipient point of shear thinning. Furthermore, contrary to conventional wisdom, the breakdown of the SOR turns out not to be correlated with the saturation of chain extension and orientation: It occurs at shear rates well before maximum chain extension is obtained. In addition to the stress and birefringence tensors, we also compare two important coarse-grained second-rank tensors, the conformation and orientation tensors. The birefringence, conformation, and orientation tensors display nonlinear relationships to each other at high values of the shear stress, and the deviation from linearity begins at approximately the critical shear stress for breakdown of the SOR.
Polymerization of 1,4-bis(tetrahydrothiopheniomethyl)-2-cyano-5-methoxybenzene dibromide: synthesis of electronically ‘push-pull’ substituted poly(p-phenylene vinylene)s

Abstract The base-induced polymerization of 1,4-bis(tetrahydrothiopheniomethyl)-2-cyano-5-methoxybenzene dibromide in aqueous acetonitrile yields a soluble polyelectrolyte which may be thermally eliminated to give the electronically ‘push-pull’ substituted poly(2-cyano-5-methoxy-1,4-phenylene vinylene). Ultraviolet-visible and infra-red spectral studies showed production of the conjugated polymer, with a band gap of ca. 2.6–3.0eV (410–480 nm) that varied somewhat as a function of elimination conditions. Elemental analysis indicates some retention of tetrahydrothiophenium side groups in the polyelectrolyte polymer, despite the use of a variety of elimination conditions. The retention of side chains in this synthesis is possibly due to a significant degree of irregularity in the positions of the cyano and methoxy substitutents in the eliminated polymer, resulting from non-regioselectivity in this polymerization. This reaction demonstrates the potential in the Wessling process for polymerization of p-xylylenes that have electronically very asymmetric (‘push-pull’) substitution patterns.
Defining a Pathway of Communication from the C-Terminal Peptide Binding Domain to the N-Terminal ATPase Domain in a AAA Protein

AAA proteins remodel other proteins to affect a multitude of biological processes. Their power to remodel substrates must lie in their capacity to couple substrate binding to conformational changes via cycles of nucleotide binding and hydrolysis, but these relationships have not yet been deciphered for any member. We report that when one AAA protein, Hsp104, engages polypeptide at the C-terminal peptide-binding region, the ATPase cycle of the C-terminal nucleotide-binding domain (NBD2) drives a conformational change in the middle region. This, in turn, drives ATP hydrolysis in the N-terminal ATPase domain (NBD1). This interdomain communication pathway can be blocked by mutation in the middle region or bypassed by antibodies that bind there, demonstrating the crucial role this region plays in transducing signals from one end of the molecule to the other.
Mechanisms of postnatal neurobiological development : Implications for human development

This review focuses on the postnatal neuroanatomical changes that arise during the first years of human life. Development is characterized by 2 major organizational periods. The first period begins at conception and includes the major histogenetic events such as neurulation, proliferation, migration, and differentiation. It has been proposed that these events may be controlled by genetic and epigenetic events, which give rise to neural structures that are amenable to external influence. The second period is a time of reorganization in the human cortex. These events occur during gestation and continue postnatally, possibly through the 2nd decade of life. This stage is characterized by dendritic and axonal growth, synapse production, neuronal and synaptic pruning, and changes in neurotransmitter sensitivity. Although the initiation of these events is influenced by endogenous signals, further neural maturation is primarily influenced by exogenous signals. To illustrate both the progressive and regressive events during the postnatal period, we use examples from the development of the human cortex.
Can Virtual Reality Effectively Elicit Distress Associated with Social Anxiety Disorder

This study examined the ability of a Virtual Reality (VR) environment to elicit the physiological and subjective arousal typically associated with public speaking. Using 21 adults with Social Anxiety Disorder (SAD) and 24 adults with no disorder, this study had three objectives: (a) to determine whether speaking to a virtual audience elicited significant increases in physiological response (e.g., heart rate, electrodermal activity, and respiratory sinus arrhythmia) and subjective distress over baseline resting conditions (b) to determine if individuals with SAD had a greater increase in physiological arousal and subjective distress when speaking in front of a live audience vs. the virtual environment and (c) to determine whether individuals with SAD had greater changes in physiological and self-reported arousal during each speech task compared to controls. All participants gave an impromptu speech in front of an in vivo and VR audience while measures of physiological arousal and self-reported distress were obtained. Results demonstrated that the VR task elicited significant increases in heart rate, electrodermal activity, and respiratory sinus arrhythmia, and self-reported distress over baseline conditions but was less anxiety-producing than the in vivo speech task. In addition, participants reported a moderate level of presence in the VR task, but significantly less than in the in vivo task. No group differences were found on physiological measures. Clinical implications of these findings and the role of VR in the treatment of SAD are discussed.
Research on Performance of the Modified Asphalt by Diatomite-Cellulose Composite

The diatomite-cellulose composite (DCC) was used to modified asphalt for pavement in the study, and then the high temperature performance, low temperature performance and temperature susceptibility of asphalt were studied. The results showed that these performances of asphalt were all improved after modified by DCC, and the performance of modified asphalt significantly associated with the ash content of DCC, and H-3 DCC was the best. The performance of modified asphalt by DCC was obviously better than using diatomite and cellulose directly. The improving properties of modified asphalt by DCC were caused by synergistic effect of diatomite and cellulose.
Interferon-β impairs induction of HLA-DR antigen expression in cultured adult human astrocytes

We studied the effect of interferons on the expression of class II histocompatibility (HLA-DR) antigens by cultured adult human astrocytes. Cultures were derived from brain tissue resected for surgical treatment of intractable epilepsy. Cultured astrocytes did not spontaneously display HLA-DR antigen as determined by immunocytochemistry and flow cytometry with antibody to HLA-DR. Astrocytes cultured for 72 h with recombinant or natural interferon-gamma (IFN gamma) demonstrated a dose-dependent increase in HLA-DR expression with optimal stimulation by 100 U/ml IFN gamma. HLA-DR expression was not detectable in astrocytes cultured with IFN gamma for less then 48 h, and peak HLA-DR expression (over 80% of cells) was seen at 120 h of culture. Optimal HLA-DR expression required continuous presence of IFN gamma. Exposure of astrocytes to recombinant or natural interferon-beta (IFN beta) did not induce HLA-DR and pretreatment of astrocytes with IFN beta or interferon-alpha (IFN alpha) significantly inhibited subsequent induction of HLA-DR expression by IFN gamma. These observations suggest that interferons may function in regulating human astrocyte HLA-DR expression within the central nervous system.
A Transient Cell Cycle Shift in Drosophila Imaginal Disc Cells Precedes Multipotency

When Drosophila imaginal discs regenerate, specific groups of cells can switch disc identity so that, for example, cells determined for leg identity switch to wing. Such switches in cell determination are known as transdetermination. We have developed a system by which individual cells are marked and monitored in vivo as they transdetermine so that their proliferation, cell sizes, and differentiation are accurately traced. Here, we document that when cells transdetermine, they do not convert to a younger cell cycle. Instead, cell cycle changes precede transdetermination and are different from those observed at any time in normal development. We propose that it is not a younger but a unique cell cycle progression and a big cell size that conditions the cells for developmental plasticity.
Owls and larks in hypnosis: individual differences in hypnotic susceptibility relating to biological rhythms.

Abstract In 1986 Coleman developed the Owl and Lark Questionnaire to differentiate morning people from evening people, with owl individuals being more alert during the evening phase and lark individuals being more alert during the morning phase. Rossi has hypothesized that the bimodal peaks of hypnotizability found by Aldrich and Bernstein in 1987 were caused by alterations in owl and lark circadian rhythms. In the current study I used the Harvard Group Scale of Hypnotic Susceptibility, Form A to test compliance with hypnotic suggestions among 42 graduate students at three times of the day: in the morning, in the evening, and, as a control, in the middle of the night. Owls were more hypnotizable than larks in the morning, and larks were also significantly more hypnotizable in the evening than owls. There was no difference between the two groups in the middle of the night. A possible implication of this study is that one fundamental mechanism of therapeutic hypnosis is the entrainment of psychobiological r...
The young dancer.

Young people who are committed to developing careers in dance typically maintain that they must practice their art every day to meet its demands. Unfortunately, the daily practice of movements that are extreme and repetitive make dancers more susceptible to injury than the population at large. Unlike their fellow athletes in most other sports, dancers seldom experience career-threatening traumatic injuries, but they do manifest a wide range of microtraumatic syndromes. It is a maxim in the field that “if you dance long enough you will sustain injuries.” While the epidemiology of dance injuries still is in the process of being written, in the authors' practice, where dancers are seen with great regularity, the numbers and types of injuries treated can be documented. This article reviews these findings and emphasizes the biomechanics that precipitate the injury, and need to be addressed in formulating strategies for prevention and rehabilitation. The biomechanical approach focuses on one mechanism of injury that should be borne in mind throughout: Most dance injuries result from errors in technique, or the repetitive application of techniques to bodies that are anatomically ill prepared to perform them.
BIK, the founding member of the BH3-only family proteins: mechanisms of cell death and role in cancer and pathogenic processes

BIK is the founding member of the BH3-only family pro-apoptotic proteins. BIK is predominantly localized in the ER and induces apoptosis through the mitochondrial pathway by mobilizing calcium from the ER to the mitochondria and remodeling the mitochondrial cristae. BIK-mediated apoptosis is mediated by selective activation of BAX. BIK also induces non-apoptotic cell death in certain cell types by unknown mechanisms. BIK is non-essential for animal development, but appears to be functionally redundant for certain developmental functions with BIM. BIK is implicated in the selection of mature B cells in humans. BIK is a pro-apoptotic tumor suppressor in several human tissues and its expression in cancers is prevented by chromosomal deletions encompassing the Bik locus or by epigenetic silencing. BIK appears to be a critical effector in apoptosis induced by toxins, cytokines and virus infection. Several anti-cancer drugs transcriptionally activate Bik gene expression through transcriptional pathways dependent on factors such as E2F and p53 or by removal of epigenetic marks on the chromatin. BIK appears to be a prominent target for anti-cancer drugs that inhibit proteasomal functions. BIK has also been used as a therapeutic molecule in gene therapy-based approaches to treat difficult cancers.
General Equilibrium of a Regional Economy with a Financial Sector - Part II: A Simple Behavioral Model

. Simple behavioral assumptions are incorporated into an accounting framework that provides linked budget and balance sheets for sectors of a regional economy. A short-run Keynesian-type model is developed where quantities rather than prices adjust, and where regional prices and interest rates are equal to national levels. The analysis highlights the importance of the financial services sector as an active factor in regional growth. Consumer deposit and debt preferences, and limitations imposed on credit extension by the financial services sector can have important effects on the regional economy as evidenced by changes in the export multiplier.
Effects of Modified Residential Construction on Indoor Air Quality

Indoor air quality (IAQ) was assessed in homes in an experimental community of single-family dwellings that had been built with materials chosen for low pollutant emission and other modified design features to provide enhanced residential indoor air quality. The IAQ was measured in six of these experimental homes and also in three conventionally built homes of similar size and price range. The IAQ was assessed shortly after construction before the houses were occupied and again after each of the houses had been occupied for five months. Before occupancy, there were higher levels of airborne panicles and of some volatile organic compounds in the conventional homes than in the experimental homes. During occupancy, benzene, ethylbenzene, m-and p-xylene, and o-xylene were all higher in the conventional homes, but dichloromethane, Freon 11, and trichlorethylene were higher in the experimental homes. In the conventional homes, mean levels of benzene and chloroform increased, whereas methylchlomform and toluene levels decreased from preoccupancy to occupancy. In the experimental homes, dichloromethane increased, and m-and p-xylene and o-xylene decreased from preoccupancy to occupancy. The results suggest that attached garages, geographical siting, and occupants' activities substantially influenced the IAQ in these homes. The enhanced indoor air quality homes tested in this study were judged to be at least partially effective, with the most obvious sustained IAQ benefits being related to the lack of an attached garage.
Reduction Of Water And Hydrogen Band In Chalcogenide Glass

Procedural modification in making chalogenide glass and optical fibers has resulted in the reduction, and, in some cases, the elimination of water and hydrogen absorption bands. As a result of this new approach, transmission in the 2.5μm (4000 cm -1) to 7 μm (1428 cm-1) region is improved by dB loss of two orders of magnitude. The methods are as fol-lows: 1. Elimination of hydrogen sulfide absorption bands from As2S3 glass by selectively doping the glass with a fraction of ppm As203 to act as a hydrogen getter. 2. Elimination of water absorption bands from As2S3 glass by baking out the quartz ampoule at 900°C under high vacuum and by using vacuum-distilled elemental powdered sulfur as a starting material. Sulfur is known to be fairly hygroscopic, especially in the powdered form. Thus, it is a potential source of H2O contamination.© (1983) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
S‐100 protein immunostaining identifies cells expressing a chondrocytic phenotype during articular cartilage repair

The healing of articular surface defects has been studied with conventional histology, which relies on the staining of the extracellular matrix to identify the phenotype of the cells present. A chondrospecific cellular marker would be useful. S-100 protein has been found in all chondroid tissues studied, and we evaluated its usefulness in the study of articular cartilage repair. Full-thickness rabbit femoral condylar defects were made, and the specimens were studied at serial time intervals. S-100 protein staining positively showed chondroid cells in the 7- and 14-day specimens, which were not identifiable by conventional techniques. At 30 and 60 days, an S-100 positive band of cells separated a deep safranin-O positive hypertrophic layer from a fibrocellular surface layer. At 120 days, the presence of S-100 protein identified cells with chondrogenic potential, and the lack of S-100 protein in other cells embedded in conventionally stained matrix suggested that these cells were no longer of a chondroid phenotype. The presence of S-100 protein-identified chondroid cells early in the repair process when the cells had not begun to synthesize conventionally stainable matrix and the lack of S-100 protein in cells late in the repair positively identified a phenotypic change earlier than conventional histology.
Follicle-Stimulating Hormone Inhibits Adenosine 5′-Monophosphate-Activated Protein Kinase Activation and Promotes Cell Proliferation of Primary Granulosa Cells in Culture through an Akt-Dependent Pathway

FSH, acting through multiple signaling pathways, regulates the proliferation and growth of granulosa cells, which are critical for ovulation. The present study investigated whether AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK), which controls the energy balance of the cell, plays a role in FSH-mediated increase in granulosa cell proliferation. Cells isolated from immature rat ovaries were grown in serum-free, phenol red free DMEM-F12 and were treated with FSH (50 ng/ml) for 0, 5, and 15 min. Western blot analysis showed a significant reduction in AMPK activation as observed by a reduction of phosphorylation at thr 172 in response to FSH treatment at all time points tested. FSH also reduced AMPK phosphorylation in a dose-dependent manner with maximum inhibition at 100 ng/ml. The chemical activator of AMPK (5-aminoimidazole-4-carboxamide-1-beta-D-ribofuranoside, 0.5 mm) increased the cell cycle inhibitor p27 kip expression significantly, whereas the AMPK inhibitor (compound C, 20 microm) and FSH reduced p27kip expression significantly compared with control. FSH treatment resulted in an increase in the phosphorylation of AMPK at ser 485/491 and a reduction in thr 172 phosphorylation. Inhibition of Akt phosphorylation using Akt inhibitor VIII reversed the inhibitory effect of FSH on thr 172 phosphorylation of AMPK, whereas ERK inhibitor U0126 had no effect. These results show that FSH, through an Akt-dependent pathway, phosphorylates AMPK at ser 481/495 and inhibits its activation by reducing thr 172 phosphorylation. AMPK activation by 5-amino-imidazole-4-carboxamide-1-beta-D-ribofuranoside treatment resulted in a reduction of cell cycle regulatory protein cyclin D2 mRNA expression, whereas FSH increased the expression by 2-fold. These results suggest that FSH promotes granulosa cell proliferation by increasing cyclin D2 mRNA expression and by reducing p27 kip expression by inhibiting AMPK activation through an Akt-dependent pathway.
Technological Development and Advances in Single-Photon Emission Computed Tomography/Computed Tomography

Single-photon emission computed tomography/computed tomography (SPECT/CT) has emerged during the past decade as a means of correlating anatomical information from CT with functional information from SPECT. The integration of SPECT and CT in a single imaging device facilitates anatomical localization of the radiopharmaceutical to differentiate physiological uptake from that associated with disease and patient-specific attenuation correction to improve the visual quality and quantitative accuracy of the SPECT image. The first clinically available SPECT/CT systems performed emission-transmission imaging using a dual-headed SPECT camera and a low-power x-ray CT subsystem. Newer SPECT/CT systems are available with high-power CT subsystems suitable for detailed anatomical diagnosis, including CT coronary angiography and coronary calcification that can be correlated with myocardial perfusion measurements. The high-performance CT capabilities also offer the potential to improve compensation of partial volume errors for more accurate quantitation of radionuclide measurement of myocardial blood flow and other physiological processes and for radiation dosimetry for radionuclide therapy. In addition, new SPECT technologies are being developed that significantly improve the detection efficiency and spatial resolution for radionuclide imaging of small organs including the heart, brain, and breast, and therefore may provide new capabilities for SPECT/CT imaging in these important clinical applications.
Nonpsychiatric physicians' identification and treatment of depression in patients with diabetes

Abstract The recognition of depression by nonpsychiatric physicians was studied in a group of patients with diabetes mellitus. One hundred fourteen patients participating in a longitudinal study of diabetes control and complications also agreed to undergo psychiatric evaluation. Twenty-eight (24.6%) of these patients satisfied the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (ed 3) (DSM-III) criteria for major depressive episode. Outpatient and inpatient medical records of these patients were examined and compared to those from a control group of 28 patients without psychiatric diagnosis (psychiatrically well). Physicians recorded the presence of abnormal psychological features (e.g., anxious or depressed mood) in 19 (68%) of the depressed patients and in 1 (3.4%) of the controls (χ2 = 22.5, P
Time to Treatment: A Crucial Factor in Thrombolysis and Primary Angioplasty.

Time to treatment with thrombolytic therapy has been recognized as an important factor in the treatment of patients with acute myocardial infarction: By restoring infarct-related artery patency earlier, clinical outcome is improved. Of the several components of time delay between the onset of pain to opening of the artery, in-hospital time delay (i.e., the door-to-needle time) is one that physicians can control the most, with improvements being reported with the use of a myocardial infarction (MI) protocol like the one advocated by the National Heart Attack Alert Program. These same principles apply to the alternate reperfusion strategy, primary angioplasty. Indeed, while primary angioplasty has been shown to be beneficial in early clinical trials, it appears that the “door-to-balloon” time is a crucial component of the overall strategy. Thus, a growing body of evidence demonstrates that time to treatment is a crucial factor in both thrombolysis and primary angioplasty.
The International Network Structure of News Media: An Analysis of Hyperlinks Usage in News Web sites

This study takes a network approach to examining international communication. Building upon the world system theory and the preferential attachment network theorem, the structure of the international network created by news media is examined. The use of external hyperlinks in 6,298 foreign sries in 20 languages from 223 news Web sites in 73 countries was examined. Findings revealed that information continues to flow from a handful of countries to the rest of the world. News media preferred linking to established information sources, typically in core counties. This study concludes that news media use new technology to replicate old practices.
Testimonial for and Reminiscences about Neal Miller

Abstract The author served as a research assistant with Neal Miller at Yale from 1955 to 1959. He narrates Miller's research activities on social learning and imitation, on personality and psychotherapy, and on brain structures mediating biological drives and rewards. He describes Miller's classroom teaching and relationships with graduate students. He pays tribute to Miller's encouragement for Bower's own research, and the life lessons and scientific lessons he provided for many of his students and young researchers.
Phosphorus Retention in Constructed Wetlands Vegetated with Juncus effusus, Carex lurida, and Dichanthelium acuminatum var. acuminatum

Vegetated constructed wetlands are used for sequestration of nutrients from agricultural runoff. A greenhouse experiment was conducted to study phosphorus retention rates in unvegetated and vegetated constructed wetland mesocosms planted with Juncus effusus (J. effusus), Carex lurida (C. lurida), and Dichanthelium acuminatum var. acuminatum (D. acuminatum). Mesocosms were either planted with monocultures of J. effusus, C. lurida, D. acuminatum or a mixed culture with all the above three plants or remained unvegetated. Mesocosms were dosed with 2.5 mg/l of phosphorus once every month for 6 months (June to November) in 2008 and 2009. Water samples were collected 8 h after dosing and were analyzed for soluble inorganic phosphorus, particulate phosphorus, and total phosphorus. Sediment and plant samples were also collected with the water samples and were analyzed for total phosphorus. Vegetated treatments were effective in removing phosphorus and had at least 70 % removal rate in 2008 and 2009. Unvegetated mesocosms showed 80 % removal rate in 2008 and 65 % in 2009. Monoculture of C. lurida and J. effusus along with the mixed culture treatment indicated at least 77 % of removal rates. In conclusion, vegetated mesocosms had higher phosphorus removal rates compared to mesocosms with no vegetation. Therefore, the study suggests that phosphorus removal rates could be enhanced by using vegetated constructed wetlands with either monoculture or mixed culture stands of J. effusus and C. lurida.
New immigration requirements for students in U.S. who are not U.S. citizens

The U.S. Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS) has delayed the date by which universities and colleges who enroll non-U.S. citizens holding non-immigrant visas must decide whether or not they are going to participate in the INS' new Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS). The new deadline is 15 February. The initial deadline was 30 January However, it has been delayed “to accommodate schools and visitors centers that are new users” of the Internet-based SEVIS system, according to a statement released by the INS.
Raman and infrared spectra of trimethylenecyclopropane

Abstract The preparation of trimethylene cyclo propane (TMCP) has been reported from two different laboratories. The products have different physical properties. Reasons are given for believing that Dorko's method gives TMCP, and that the sample of Waitkus et al. is some other substance or is impure. TMCP was prepared by Dorko's procedure. Raman data were obtained at low temperatures for both liquid and polycrystalline solid. Infrared data have been acquired for the solid (at −190°C), and have been improved for the vapor. These data have been interpreted on the assumption of a planar trigonal structure of D 3 h symmetry, and are compatible with it. Reliable assignments have been made for 14 of the 16 optically allowed fundamentals (out of a total of 20). The symmetric CC stretch is very high −1800 cm −1 —whereas the degenerate one is at 1620 cm −1 , or about normal. This observation is rationalized.
A branch and bound algorithm for solving a class of nonlinear integer programming problems

On presente une methode branch and bound pour resoudre le probleme de la minimisation d'une fonction concave separable sur un ensemble polyedral convexe ou les variables sont contraintes a etre entieres. On donne des resultats de calcul
Signaling, cytoskeletal and membrane mechanisms regulating GLUT4 exocytosis

Solving how insulin regulates glucose transport into skeletal muscle and adipose tissue remains a fundamental challenge in biology and a significant issue in medicine. A central feature of this process is the coordinated accumulation of the glucose transporter GLUT4 into the plasma membrane. New signaling and cytoskeletal mechanisms of insulin-stimulated GLUT4 exocytosis are of emerging interest, particularly those at or just beneath the plasma membrane. This review examines signals that functionally engage GLUT4 exocytosis, considers cytoskeletal regulation of the stimulated GLUT4 itinerary, and appraises the involvement of plasma membrane parameters in GLUT4 control. We also explore how these newly-defined signaling, cytoskeletal and membrane mechanisms could be of therapeutic interest in the treatment and/or prevention of GLUT4 dysregulation in disease.
Neutron total cross sections on nuclei at Fermilab energies

We have measured total cross sections for neutrons on protons, deuteriom, beryllium, carbon, aluminium, iron, copper, cadmium, tungsten, lead, and uranium for momenta between 30 and 300 GeV/c. The measurements were carried out in a small-angle neutral beam at Fermilab. Typical accuracy of the data is 0.5 to 1%. The cross sections are consistent with an A0.77±0.01 dependence over the entire momentum range. The cross sections are compared with theoretical predictions. Agreement is found only if inelastic screening is included. Nuclear radii obtained from our data are in good agreement with previous determinations.
Enriching scholarship: sustaining effective campus collaborations

For almost 15 years, the University of Michigan's Teaching and Technology Collaborative (TTC) has been working to help faculty and instructors learn and incorporate technology into their teaching and research. Our premiere event, Enriching Scholarship, is held each May before faculty leave for the summer. How does a group of volunteers from units all over campus organize and host an event like this not just once, but for 15 years? More importantly, how could you do it on your campus? The interactive session at the conference and this paper will walk you through our planning process, from identifying potential campus partners with similar goals to establishing a group focused on planning and funding a campus-wide event.
A new algorithm for NMOS AC hot-carrier lifetime prediction based on the dominant degradation asymptote

This study presents a new algorithm for improved prediction of AC hot-carrier lifetime. It is based on identifying and projecting the dominant degradation asymptote and accounts for the stress-bias-dependent degradation rate n, and the non-linearity of the degradation time-dependence. Detailed model parameter extraction and lifetime prediction procedures are explained, and applications of the new algorithm demonstrated. Significant differences in the predicted AC-lifetimes are found between the existing and the new algorithms over a wide range of CMOS inverter designs.