cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Sterol synthesis. Synthesis of 3 beta-hydroxy-25,26,26,26,27,27,27-heptafluorocholest-5-en-7-one and its effects on HMG-CoA reductase activity in Chinese hamster ovary cells, on ACAT activity in rat jejunal microsomes, and serum cholesterol levels in rats.

Abstract 3β-Hydroxycholest-5-en-7-one (I; 7-ketocholesterol) is an oxysterol of continuing interest in biology and medicine. In the present study, we have prepared a side-chain fluorinated analog, 3β-hydroxy-25,26,26,26,27,27,27-heptafluorocholest-5-en-7-one (VI), with the anticipation that the F7 substitution would block major metabolism of the 7-ketosterol, and thereby enhance its potential in vivo effects on serum cholesterol levels and other parameters. Chromium trioxide/dimethyl pyrazole oxidation of the acetate derivative of the previously described 25,26,26,26,27,27,27-heptafluorocholest-5-en-3β-ol (Swaminathan et al., 1993. J. Lipid Res. 34, 1805–1823) followed by mild alkaline hydrolysis gave VI. The effects of VI on 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A (HMG-CoA) reductase activity in Chinese hamster ovary (CHO-K1) cells, on acyl coenzyme A–cholesterol acyltransferase (ACAT) activity in rat jejunal microsomes, and on serum cholesterol levels and other parameters in male Sprague-Dawley rats were determined and compared with those obtained with I and with another α,β-unsaturated ketosterol, i.e. 3β-hydroxy-5α-cholest-8(14)-en-15-one (II). I and VI showed essentially the same potency, considerably less than that of II, in lowering the levels of HMG-CoA reductase activity in CHO-K1 cells. Whereas addition of II to rat jejunal microsomes inhibited ACAT activity (IC50 ∼3 μM), I and VI had no effect under the conditions studied (from 1 to 16 μM). Dietary administration of I, at levels of 0.1 and 0.15%, had no effect on food consumption, gain in body weight, or serum cholesterol levels. At 0.2%, I caused a modest decrease in body weight gain and a slight decrease in serum cholesterol levels (relative to ad libitum but not pair-fed control animals). The F7-7-ketosterol VI, at 0.26% in diet (the molar equivalent of 0.2% I), had no effect on food consumption, body weight, or serum cholesterol levels. Administration of I (0.1, 0.15 or 0.2% in diet) caused increases in the weight of small intestine. In contrast, no effect of VI (0.26% in diet) on small intestinal weight was observed.
A comment on relative molar breadth in Ramapithecus

Abstract The evidence for broad molars in Ramapithecus is reviewed in this study. Extensive comparisons are made with living and fossil pongids and the earliest undoubted hominids, the australopithecines. These comparisons suggest that Ramapithecus is like its closely related Indian relatives, D. indicus and D. sivalensis . Trends in molar shape are discussed as well as some problems in the interpretation of the adaptive meaning of relative molar breadth in hominoids.
A Lithography-Based Compliant Chip-to-Substrate Wafer-Level Interconnect

As the rapid advances in IC design and fabrication continue to challenge and push the electronic packaging technology, in terms of fine pitch, high performance, low cost, and good reliability, compliant interconnects show great advantages for next-generation packaging. β-fly is designed as a compliant chip-to-substrate interconnect for performing wafer-level probing and for packaging without underfill. β-fly has good compliance in all directions to compensate the coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE) mismatch between the silicon die and an organic substrate. The fabrication of β-fly is similar to standard IC fabrication, and wafer-level packaging makes it cost effective. In this work, self-weight effect and stress distribution under planar displacement loading of β-fly is studied. The effect of geometry parameters on mechanical and electrical performance of β-fly is also studied. β-fly with thinner and narrower arcuate beams with larger radius and taller post is found to have better mechanical compliance. In addition to mechanical compliance, electrical characteristics of β-fly have also been studied in this work. However, it is found that structures with excellent mechanical compliance cannot have good electrical performance. Therefore, a trade off is needed for the design of β-fly. Response surface methodology and an optimization technique have been used to select the optimal β-fly structure parameters.Copyright © 2002 by ASME
The Effect of Obesity on Acetaminophen Pharmacokinetics in Man

This study examined the absorption and disposition of orally administered acetaminophen in morbidly obese patients as compared to subjects of normal weight, and possible changes in disposition as the patients underwent weight reduction through dietary modification. The overall disposition of acetaminophen was not affected by a weight loss of 8 to 30 kg; elimination half-life, time to reach the peak, and peak plasma concentration varied within each subject but not in a systematic way. The half-life was the same in the obese patients (2.6 +/- 0.85 hours) and normal subjects (2.6 +/- 0.12 hours). However, maximum plasma concentrations were reached at a significantly later time and were significantly lower in the obese patients as compared to the normals, implying an apparently lower absorption rate. The area under the plasma concentration-time curve for the obese patients when normalized to ideal body weight was more consistent with that in the normal subjects than when normalized to total body weight. Administration of a normal dose of acetaminophen to an obese patient should yield plasma levels in the same range as persons of normal weight. As total weight may exceed 200 per cent of the ideal weight in this patient group, dosing according to total rather than ideal weight could lead to toxic or lethal effects when using the 10 mg/kg dosing recommendation.
Career Goals and Retention-Related Factors Among College Freshmen

The relationships of four types of career goals (job related, school related, value related, and unknown) with factors of school retention, academic performance, self-esteem, educational self-effic...
“We were slow; it was challenging” and “It was hard not to make knots”: Crocheting as a Literacy Event in a Second Grade Classroom Community

This paper describes a “crazy about crocheting class” and shows how crocheting became a literacy event that promoted student empowerment and classroom community while engaging second grade students in authentic literacy practices. We document how crocheting evolved from a classroom management activity that also encouraged fine motor skills to a stimulus that drove individual and shared reading and writing. We show how this teacher planned instruction by building on student interest and enthusiasm and how these students experienced literacy as an every day social practice.
Run order considerations for Plackett and Burman designs

Abstract Run order considerations for two-level full and fractional factorial designs have been studied in depth, but are lacking for Plackett and Burman designs. We look at the level change problems in Plackett and Burman designs. When a systematic run order is appropriate (as opposed to the conventional random run order), minimizing level changes implies the minimization of experiment costs. We thus aim to find optimal run orders with respect to minimizing level changes. It is shown that level changes are a constant for saturated Plackett and Burman designs. Methods for obtaining the minimum/maximum level changes are given. Tables with example run orders for the cases where N = 12 and N = 20 are tabulated for practical uses. By finding minimum level change designs, we also produce maximum level change designs and such results can be directly extended to Trend Robust designs.
Thrombosis of the renal vein in infants.

Summary 1. Three cases of thrombosis of the renal vein with infarction of the kidney in newborn infants as a complication of diarrhea are presented. 2. This is not an uncommon autopsy finding, and should be suspected clinically when dehydration, shock, hematuria, or anuria, and a tender mass in one or both flanks are associated with diarrhea in the neonatal period. 3. The condition is rapidly fatal. Prompt surgical intervention and post-operative anticoagulant therapy is at present the treatment of choice.
The LXI IVI programming model for synchronization and triggering

The LXI Standard provides three synchronization and trigger methodologies in addition to what system designers are familiar with on rack and stack instruments: 1) A high speed L VDS trigger bus that is eight lanes wide. 2) LAN events and triggers which can be used in place of wires or in addition to them. 3) Very accurate absolute time keeping, time stamping, and time based triggers using IEEE 1588 clocks. An IVI programming model for controlling these methodologies is explored and an example measurement scenario presented based on the use of synthetic instruments working together to make a stimulus-response measurement. The sample code presented shows the ease with which a test engineer can switch between the LXI trigger lines and the equivalent LAN trigger mechanism. Logic models and a state machine example are presented describing necessary arming, triggering, and event generation logic. Tradeoffs between hardware and software implementations are outlined and all of these models are wrapped together to illustrate what is needed in an LXI device to use these capabilities
Efficacy and justice: the importance of medical research and tertiary care to social disparities in infant mortality.

Efficacy and Justice: The Importance of Medical Research and Tertiary Care to Social Disparities in Infant Mortality
Investigation of effects of processing and impurities on the properties of CdTe using microscopic two-dimensional photoluminescence imaging technique

We fabricated glass/SnO 2 /CdS/CdTe samples with 100-nm-thick CdS by chemical-bath deposition and 8-mm-thick CdTe by close-spaced sublimation. A CdCl 2 heat treatment was done in the presence of CdCl2 vapor at 400°C for 5 min. Our photoluminescence (PL) mapping is a direct-imaging technique in which the entire two-dimensional sample surface is imaged onto an electron-multiplying-CCD camera. PL at 850 nm corresponds to 1.458 eV, i.e., a Te-rich CdS x Te 1−x alloy. For the as-deposited sample, the PL intensity is higher at the grain boundaries, indicating a higher concentration of the alloy in the grain-boundary region. The PL intensity image for 900 nm (1.38 eV) is similar to that of the 850-nm image. This indicates that Te-rich CdS x Te 1−x is segregated preferentially in the grain-boundary region. PL images of the same area at 740 and 800 nm show widespread bright spots with a uniform background that is brighter for the 800-nm image. Results for the CdCl 2 -treated samples for the 850-and 900-nm PL are similar to the as-deposited sample; however, the PL intensity is almost 5 times higher when the brighter regions are compared. This indicates a similar accumulation of Te-rich alloy for the CdCl 2 -treated sample as well, but with reduced nonradiative recombination and/or higher degree of alloying. The PL at 740 nm is similar to the as-deposited sample but with higher intensity (2.5 times) again, indicating lower nonradiative recombination.
Wakayama Symposium: Notch-FoxL2-α-SMA Axis in Eyelid Levator Muscle Development and Congenital Blepharophimosis

This review summarizes our recent findings regarding the Notch signaling pathway in regulating normal eyelid morphogenesis and its role in the pathogenesis of human congenital blepharophimosis, ptosis, and epicanthus inversus syndrome (BPES). We used genetic and molecular biological approaches to investigate the mechanism by which Notch1 activation controls expression of FoxL2, which in turn activates smooth muscle actin gene expression in periocular mesenchyma to control eyelid levator smooth muscle formation.
Right Aortic Arch with Anomalous Left Subclavian Artery and Left-Sided Patent Ductus Arteriosus (Vascular Ring) in an Extremely Low-Birth-Weight Infant

We present three-dimensial reconstructed images of the vascular ring of a 4-day-old extremely premature neonate which were obtained utilizing multidetector computer tomography. This is a unique case of early detection of Kommerell’s diverticulum and vascular ring in an extremely low-birth-weight infant using this noninvasive technology.
STATUS AND HABITAT USE OF THE CALIFORNIA BLACK RAIL IN THE SOUTHWESTERN USA

California black rails (Laterallus jamaicensis coturniculus) occur in two disjunct regions: the southwestern USA (western Arizona and southern California) and northern California (Sacramento Valley and the San Francisco Bay area). We examined current status of black rails in the southwestern USA by repeating survey efforts first conducted in 1973–1974 and again in 1989, and also examined wetland plant species associated with black rail distribution and abundance. We detected 136 black rails in Arizona and southern California. Black rail numbers detected during past survey efforts were much higher than the numbers detected during our more intensive survey effort, and hence, populations have obviously declined. Plants that were more common at points with black rails included common threesquare (Schoenoplectus pungens), arrowweed (Pluchea sericea), Fremont cottonwood (Populus fremontii), seepwillow (Baccharis salicifolia), and mixed shrubs, with common threesquare showing the strongest association with black rail presence. Plant species and non-vegetative communities that were less common at points with black rails included California bulrush (Schoenoplectus californicus), southern cattail (Typha domingensis), upland vegetation, and open water. Black rails were often present at sites that had some saltcedar (Tamarix ramosissima), but were rarely detected in areas dominated by saltcedar. We recommend that a standardized black rail survey effort be repeated annually to obtain estimates of black rail population trends. Management of existing emergent marshes with black rails is needed to maintain stands of common threesquare in early successional stages. Moreover, wetland restoration efforts that produce diverse wetland vegetation including common threesquare should be implemented to ensure that black rail populations persist in the southwestern USA.
Plasmonic and metallic cavity nanolasers: A new paradigm for semiconductor lasers?

In this paper, a summary overview of mostly authors' efforts since 2006 in developing the metallic cavity nanolasers is presented. It will start with a brief overview of short history and a background introduction to the plasmon-photon interactions, showing how such interactions might lead to a nanolaser of ever shrinking size. Recent progress in theoretical and experimental studies will then be presented, including the demonstration of the first nanolaser with size below the diffraction limit our recent efforts in raising the operating temperature of such nanolasers, and the eventual realization of the first continuous-wave operation of subwavelength size nanolasers at room temperature under electrical injection.
Genetic dissection of histone function.

Abstract Mutational analysis is an essential tool for understanding the functions of genes within a living organism. The budding yeastSaccharomyces cerevisiaeprovides an excellent model system for dissecting the genetics of histone function at the molecular and cellular levels. A simple gene organization, plus a wide variety of genetic strategies, makes it possible to directly manipulate a specific histone genein vitroand then examine the expression of mutant allelesin vivo.Recent methods for manipulating the yeast histone genes have been designed to facilitate both site-directed analysis of structure/function relationships and unbiased screens targeted at specific functional pathways. The conservation of histone and nucleosome structure throughout evolution means that the principles discovered through genetic studies in yeast will be broadly applicable to the chromatin of more complex eukaryotes.
Headless Bone Screw Fixation for Combined Volar Lunate Facet Distal Radius Fracture and Capitate Fracture: Case Report

We report a case of concomitant fractures of the volar lunate facet of the distal radius and capitate body. Surgical fixation was achieved with open reduction internal fixation using headless compression screws for both fractures. Because of the nature of complications seen after both operative and nonsurgical management, these fractures warrant particular attention.
Host-acceptance behaviour in an herbivorous fly, Delia antiqua

Abstract Host-plant recognition in the onion fly, Delia antiqua (Meigen), was investigated by presenting reproductively mature females with surrogate plants and manipulating single surrogate features against a backdrop of unchanged stimuli. Colour, shape, and size of surrogate foliage all influenced oviposition. Releases of dipropyl disulphide, the major volatile component of onion, from surrogate foliage stimulated four times more oviposition than releases from the sand substrate. Thus, placement as well as concentration of host chemicals influenced ovipositional behaviour. Interactions among chemical and non-chemical host stimuli are critical to the host-recognition process. Removal of a chemical stimulus or alterations of foliage colour or size caused similar reductions in number of eggs laid. Observations of females alighting on stimulatory and non-stimulatory onion surrogates indicated that colour, shape, size, and chemical stimuli influenced both alighting and post-alighting behaviours. However, post-alighting behaviours, such as running over foliar surfaces and ovipositor probing, were most highly correlated with egg numbers; surrogates that stimulated these behaviours also stimulated the most egg laying. Effects of altering host-plant stimuli were also examined in greater detail by quantifying egg production of individual females given a single surrogate type over an 8-day period. This no-choice test quantified specificity of onion fly ovipositional responses. Elapsed times until 50% of the females accepted oviposition sites were about 7.5, 7.8, 8.8, and > 13 days for unaltered, chemically altered, colour-altered, and size-altered surrogates, respectively. Temporal distributions of egg laying differed for females given altered and unaltered surrogates. Whereas females on unaltered surrogates distributed their egg laying evenly over the experimental period, females on altered surrogates laid a significantly larger portion of their eggs 4 days into the experiment. This temporal concentration of egg laying coincided with maximal accumulation of mature eggs in the ovaries of deprived females. In summary, we have not found good evidence for hegemony of chemical stimuli in the sensory world of D. antiqua. Although single host-plant chemicals are sufficiently stimulatory to elicit oviposition in deprived females, the same can be said for structural and colour cues from onion foliage. In undeprived females, host-colonization is most effectively stimulated by the integration of chemical and non-chemical subsets of the total stimulus pattern represented by onion plants.
Recent Improvements in Helium-3 Solid State Neutron Spectrometry

A Helium-3 semiconductor neutron spectrometer with enhanced efficiency and a useful energy range to 20 MeV is described. The efficiency has been increased 2.5 orders of magnitude over that previously attainable with only a small loss in resolution. Characteristics are presented along with typical monoenergetic and complex neutron spectra.
Studies of influences of liquid-phase species diffusion on spherically symmetric combustion of miscible binary droplets

Abstract Spherically symmetric combustion of binary miscible droplets is studied for the case where liquid-phase species transport is slow relative to droplet surface regression rates. Attention is focused upon later periods of combustion, following decay of initial transients, when droplet species profiles change slowly relative to droplet size changes, and d 2 law combustion (the square of the droplet diameter decreases linearly with time) closely holds. The gas phase is assumed to remain quasi-steady. It is demonstrated that when droplet species profiles change slowly relative to droplet size changes, the mass-flux fraction of a given species off the droplet surface is approximately equal to the volume-averaged mass fraction of that species within the droplet. The ratio of the liquid-phase species diffusion coefficient to the burning-rate constant is treated as a small parameter, and asymptotic solutions for droplet species profiles are developed in terms of this parameter. A concentration boundary layer, where species profiles change sharply in the radial coordinate, is shown to be present at the droplet surface. It is shown that accounting for the boundary-layer structure may be important when predictions of droplet combustion characteristics are made. Sample solutions for heptane-dodecane mixtures and water-methanol mixtures indicate that the variables most affected by accounting for the concentration boundary-layer structure are droplet temperatures and surface compositions.
Assessing the “Experience Bonus” Through Examining Strategic Entry, Candidate Quality, and Campaign Receipts in U.S. House Elections

This article examines nonincumbent fundraising through the lens of two theories that have not been applied in other studies of fundraising—strategic candidate entry and ambitious amateur candidates—to test whether candidates with prior office experience are advantaged in raising funds for U.S. House campaigns. A selection model that takes into account the strategic entry of strong candidates demonstrates that electoral experience matters for only a select subset of experienced candidates. In contrast to previous research, the results show that much of the fundraising difference between amateurs and experienced candidates can be attributed to a selection process where the strongest candidates seek the best races. The results have implications for how we understand the relative importance of various conditions that shape fundraising. Competitive local or national conditions that encourage strong candidacies also allow nonincumbents to accumulate sufficient funds to mount credible campaigns.
Constructing a cosmopolitan public sphere : Hermeneutic capabilities and universal values

Democratic politics might be defined as the agonistic struggle of different parties, groups or individuals over resources, recognition and influence under reciprocal and inclusive conditions. It is based on an unconditional orientation to equality as well as freedom of all those involved to consent to - or dissent from - the norms, policies and practices that are established in the process of public dialogue. This article reconstructs the general agent-based capabilities required for a democratically defined public sphere under conditions of globalization. Making capabilities central is intended to correct a certain over-emphasis regarding institutional macro-structures in the discourse on globalization and cosmopolitanism. After setting the stage with a critical analysis of Martha Nussbaum’s concept of capabilities, the analysis proceeds in two major steps. In the first part, a notion of hermeneutic agency is introduced that avoids a Foucauldian reduction of agency to power structures, while thoroughly s...
Electromagnetic waves running with light speed through multi-component plasmas of arbitrary ratio ωp/ω

Abstract The letter indicates the existence of non-linear circularly polarized electromagnetic plane waves running with light speed through hot collisionless multi-component (more than one type of ion) plasmas of arbitrary ratio ω p /ω in a constant magnetic field.
Shunt Current Control in Electrochemical Systems Theoretical Analysis

Electrochemical systems with electrolytes common to all series cells have been plagued with the effects of currents shunting through the common electrolyte. Shunt currents can cause non-uniform cell performance, system corrosion and hydraulic malfunction. A mathematical analysis of shuntage has lead to development of electrical methods for elimination of the shuntage effects. Passage of appropriate currents through the common electrolyte will null the voltage gradients which normally would produce shuntage.
Forgiving and feeling forgiven in late adulthood.

Enright and colleagues (1996) emphasized the beneficial effect of experiencing forgiveness across multiple domains. We build upon their conceptualization of forgiveness by adding a domain—forgiveness by God—to create global forgiveness. In the current study, we use data from a nationally representative study, the Religion, Aging and Health Survey, which utilizes the responses of 1208 Blacks and Whites. The results from a latent variable model indicated that both Blacks and women were more likely to participate in organized religion, and this participation was associated with feeling closer to God. In turn, feeling closer to God corresponded to higher levels of global forgiveness but was not directly associated with improved well-being. Instead, it was global forgiveness that mediated the relationship between closeness to God and improved well-being.
GAINING ACCURACY IN GENERALIZABILITY THEORY: USING MULTIPLE DESIGNS

In a recent study, Shavelson and Webb (in press) referred to problems concerning variance component estimation as the "Achilles heel of G theory." One notable problem cited in that article is the casual regard given for the small sample sizes often used in complex G studies. This problem has also been cited by others, for instance, Cronbach, Gleser, Nanda and Rajaratnam (1972) and Smith (1978). Small samples are most often found when the procedure under investigation is one in which data are expensive or time consuming to collect, as is often the case with observations and ratings. When small samples are involved, sampling errors can cause variance component estimates to be seriously in error and consequently misleading (Smith, 1978; Leone & Nelson, 1966). Because the results and interpretations resulting from G studies are a direct function of these potentially erroneous estimates, estimation methods which can reduce these errors need to be developed. This paper focuses on a procedure that can allow greater confidence to be placed in the variance component estimates derived from a G study design. It will be shown that in some cases multiple G studies can be used to produce more accurate variance component estimates than a single complex study, while simultaneously reducing the total number of observations required to achieve a specified degree of accuracy. Because verified procedures for estimating variance components in unbalanced designs are only beginning to emerge within the context of generalizability theory (Llabre, 1980; Brennan, Jarjoura, & Deaton, 1980), the present paper considers only situations in which balanced designs apply.
Geodetic imaging of plate motions, slip rates, and partitioning of deformation in Japan

[1] Interseismic deformation in Japan results from the combined effects of tectonic processes including rotation of crustal blocks and the earthquake cycle process of elastic strain accumulation about upper plate faults and subduction zone interfaces. We use spherical linear block theory constrained by geodetic observations from densely spaced Global Positioning System (GPS) stations to estimate plate motions, fault slip rates, and spatially variable interplate coupling on the Japan-Kuril, Sagami, and Nankai subduction zones. The reference model developed in this paper consists of 20 blocks, produces a mean residual velocity magnitude of 1.84 mm/yr at 950 stations, and accounts for 96% of the observed interseismic deformation signal. We estimate fault slip rates in excess of 15 mm/yr along the Niigata-Kobe Tectonic Zone and Itoigawa-Shizuoka Tectonic Line through central Japan, confirming their hypothesized roles as major tectonic boundaries. Oblique convergence across the Nankai Trough is partitioned, with 3/4 of the ∼30 mm/yr of trench-parallel motion accommodated by strike-slip motion on the subduction interface and the remaining 1/4 accommodated by right-lateral slip on the Median Tectonic Line. In contrast, our models suggest negligible slip partitioning in eastern Hokkaido, where oblique slip on the Japan-Kuril subduction interface accommodates all of the trench-parallel component of relative plate motion. Inferred spatial variations in the rake and magnitude of slip deficit on subduction zone interfaces reflect the influences of megathrust geometry and earthquake cycle processes such as enhanced elastic strain accumulation about seismic asperities and coseismic sense fault motion indicative of silent slip events or afterslip following large earthquakes.
CD4 T Cell-Dependent CD8 T Cell Maturation

We have investigated the contribution of CD4 T cells to the optimal priming of functionally robust memory CD8 T cell subsets. Intranasal infection of CD4 T cell-deficient (CD4 −/− ) mice with lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus resulted in the elaboration of virus-specific CD8 T cell responses that cleared the infection. However, by comparison with normal mice, the virus-specific CD8 T cells in CD4 −/− mice were quantitatively and qualitatively different. In normal mice, lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus-specific memory CD8 T cells are CD44 high , many are CD122 high , and a majority of these cells regain expression of CD62L overtime. These cells produce IFN-γ and TNF-α, and a subset also produces IL-2. In the absence of CD4 T cell help, a distinct subset of memory CD8 T cells develops that remains CD62L low up to 1 year after infection and exhibits a CD44 int CD122 low phenotype. These cells are qualitatively different from their counterparts in normal hosts, as their capacity to produce TNF-α and IL-2 is diminished. In addition, although CD4-independent CD8 T cells can contain the infection following secondary viral challenge, their ability to expand is impaired. These findings suggest that CD4 T cell responses not only contribute to the optimal priming of CD8 T cells in chronically infected hosts, but are also critical for the phenotypic and functional maturation of CD8 T cell responses to Ags that are more rapidly cleared. Moreover, these data imply that the development of CD62L high central memory CD8 T cells is arrested in the absence of CD4 T cell help.
High Energy Electron-Induced Transients In a Shielded Focal Plane Array

Monte Carlo simulations demonstrate that electrons in a Europa-like radiation environment produce single events capable of depositing more than 100 keV in a shielded focal plane array (FPA). Aluminum shielding slows down high energy free space electrons through collisions. Incident electrons can also generate secondary particles within shielding through electromagnetic cascades, nuclear interactions, and other mechanisms. When incident electrons and secondary particles deposit energy in FPA pixels, the result is transient increases in background noise. We compare the energy deposition integral cross sections and estimate the single event effect rate for a range of electron energies incident upon an FPA shielded with 1, 5, and 10 cm of aluminum.
Cell-Secreted Vesicles in Equine Ovarian Follicular Fluid Contain miRNAs and Proteins: A Possible New Form of Cell Communication Within the Ovarian Follicle

Proper cell communication within the ovarian follicle is critical for the growth and maturation of a healthy oocyte that can be fertilized and develop into an embryo. Cell communication within the follicle involves many signaling molecules and is affected by maternal age. Recent studies indicate that cell communication can be mediated through secretion and uptake of small membrane-enclosed vesicles. The goals of this study were to 1) identify cell-secreted vesicles (microvesicles and exosomes) containing miRNAs and proteins within ovarian follicular fluid and 2) determine if miRNA level differs in exosomes isolated from follicular fluid in young compared to old mares. We demonstrate the presence of vesicles resembling microvesicles and exosomes in ovarian follicular fluid using transmission electron microscopy and CD63-positive and RNA containing vesicles using flow cytometry. Moreover, proteomics analysis reveals that follicular fluid-isolated exosomes contain both known exosomal proteins and proteins not previously reported in isolated exosomes. MicroRNAs were detected in microvesicle and exosomes preparations isolated from follicular fluid by real-time PCR analysis. Uptake of fluorescent-labeled microvesicles by granulosa cells was examined using in vitro and in vivo approaches. MicroRNA expression profiling reveals that miRNAs in microvesicle and exosome preparations isolated from follicular fluid also are present within surrounding granulosa and cumulus cells. These studies revealed that cell communication within the mammalian ovarian follicle may involve transfer of bioactive material by microvesicles and exosomes. Finally, miRNAs present in exosomes from ovarian follicular fluid varied with the age of the mare, and a number of different miRNAs were detected in young vs. old mare follicular fluid.
Formal modeling and analysis of the AFDX frame management design

The Avionics Full Duplex Switched Ethernet (AFDX) has been developed to provide reliable data exchange with strong data transmission time guarantees in internal communication of the aircraft. The AFDX design is based on the principle of a switched network with physically redundant links to support availability and be tolerant to transmission and link failures in the network. In this work, we develop a formal model of the AFDX frame management to ascertain the reliability properties of the design. To capture the precise temporal semantics, we model the system as a network of timed automata and use Uppaal to model-check for the desired properties expressed in CTL. Our analysis indicates that the design of the AFDX frame management is vulnerable to faults such as network babbling which can trigger unwarranted system resets. We show that these problems can be alleviated by modifying the original design to include a priority queue at the receiver for storing the frames. We also suggest communicating redundant copies of the reset message to achieve tolerance to network babbling.
The Effects of Field Mowing on Adult Butterfly Assemblages in Central New York State

We investigated the effects of mowing on butterfly counts in fields and woodland openings in upstate New York. We predicted that total counts of butterfly individuals would decrease immediately after mowing, but increase in the year following mowing at corresponding times in the growing season. To test these predictions, we used modified Pollard transects to obtain counts from three sampling ses- sions prior to and three sampling sessions after mowing. These counts were compared to those on similar dates in subsequent non-mowing years. The results show a significant decrease in counts of butterflies immediately following mowing, compared to the same periods in non-mowed years. The immediate decrease in counts following mowing may be due to the loss of nectaring sources, since nectaring and nectaring sources declined sharply following mowing, but recovered within a month following mow- ing. In the year following mowing, the rebound was significantly greater in fields (> 0.20 ha) than in woodland openings (< 0.19 ha). While species varied in their rebound, only two of 24 species (Pieris rapae and Danaus plexippus) declined significantly in the year following mowing.
Time-dependence of X-pinch structure in one test from two radiographic images

X-pinches have been developed as point sources of soft X-rays for radiography, and are now routinely used for that purpose. Spatial resolution as good as 2 /spl mu/m and time resolution as good as a few 10 s of picoseconds has been obtained. Here, we present images from one of a very small number of tests in which a 450-kA, 100-ns pulse was divided among three X-pinches in parallel, and each of the three emitted an X-ray burst that was used for radiography of one or both of the other two.
Adoption of a Learning Contract in Higher Education: Reconciling Administrative Policy and Academic Standards

This disguised case features a marketing major, Susan Lafleur, who presented Professor Higgins, the Department Chair, with a dilemma. She needed a petition signed to enroll in a capstone course while simultaneously taking a prerequisite course. She received an employment offer from a prestigious overseas corporation, which required a baccalaureate marketing degree. Higgins informed Susan that the prerequisite courses had never been waived previously. Further investigation revealed that Susan had a marginal academic record. Higgins’s quandary involved maintaining academic standards, College policy, and compassion for the student. Decision making, motivation, and psychological contract research were applied. What should Higgins do?
On computational and behavioral evidence regarding Hebbian transcortical cell assemblies

Pulvermuller restricts himself to an unnecessarily narrow range of evidence to support his claims. Evidence from neural modeling and behavioral experiments provides further support for an account of words encoded as transcortical cell assemblies. A cognitive neuroscience of language must include a range of methodologies (e.g., neural, computational, and behavioral) and will need to focus on the on-line processes of real-time language processing in more natural contexts.
The cardiorenal syndrome: should change make us uncomfortable?

Cardiorenal interaction in heart failure is poorly understood. It is well established that the presence of chronic kidney disease increases mortality in patients with heart failure. Furthermore, several studies have demonstrated that worsening renal function (WRF) during the treatment of acute decompensated heart failure leads to inadequate resolution of congestion, recurrent hospitalizations, and increased mortality. Diuretics remain the mainstay of acute heart failure therapy but have been shown to contribute to the development of WRF, especially when administered in high doses. Therefore, the efforts of the heart failure community have focused on finding alternative therapies that allow freedom from congestion without precipitating WRF. Several novel therapies, including nesiritide, vasopressin antagonists, adenosine receptor antagonists, and ultrafiltration, have failed to outperform standard diuretic therapy alone when judged by this metric. Furthermore, none of these therapies have been shown to reduce mortality relative to standard treatment. Can we therefore assume that a therapy that promotes diuresis while improving renal function during acute treatment would be associated with better outcomes? The manuscript by Testani et al in this issue of the Journal of Cardiac Failure examines this question by assessing the impact of improved renal function (IRF) on mortality in 903 consecutive patients admitted to the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania with acute decompensated heart failure. In that paper, 31% of patients experienced IRF, defined as a $20% improvement in estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), at some point during their hospitalization, and 18% maintained this improvement at the time of discharge relative to admission. Surprisingly, patients with persistent IRF throughout hospitalization had a significantly increased
Veto Players and the Rule of Law in Emerging Democracies

The authors investigate the relationship between constitutional design and the rule of law in emerging democracies. The authors provide a formal logic to the Madisonian assertion that increasing the number of veto players strengthens the rule of law. The model shows that as the number of veto players in government increases, their ability to collude on accepting bribes decreases; therefore, their incentive to vote on legislation strengthening the rule of law increases. The authors classify governments according to the number of veto players, following the logic proposed by Tsebelis. The authors test hypotheses derived from their model on 35 emerging democracies using veto-player data that they gathered for the analyses. The authors find that systems with multiple veto players have higher levels of the rule of law. Furthermore, independent of the number of veto players, presidential systems have lower levels of the rule of law than do parliamentary systems.
The Impact of Electronic Media Violence: Scientific Theory and Research

Since the early 1960s, research evidence has been accumulating that suggests that exposure to violence in television, movies, video games, cell phones, and on the Internet increases the risk of violent behavior on the viewer's part, just as growing up in an environment filled with real violence increases the risk of them behaving violently. In the current review this research evidence is critically assessed and the psychological theory that explains why exposure to violence has detrimental effects for both the short and long-term is elaborated. Finally the size of the "media violence effect" is compared with some other well-known threats to society to estimate how important a threat it should be considered.
Microbial properties and litter and soil nutrients after two prescribed fires in developing savannas in an upland Missouri Ozark Forest

On some landscapes periodic fire may be necessary to develop and maintain oak-dominated savannas. We studied the effects of two annual prescribed burns to determine their effect on microbial activity and soil and litter nutrients 1 year after the last burn. Surface litter and soil from the upper 0–5 cm soil layer in three developing savannas (oak-hickory, Quercus-Carya), oak-hickory-pine (Quercus-Carya-Pinus), and pine (Pinus) were collected one year after the second of two annual prescribed burns. Surface litter was analyzed for nutrients and soil was analyzed for phospholipid fatty acids (PLFAs) and nutrients. Surface litter chemistry differed across the three savannas for potassium (K) and boron (B), being significantly (P < 0.05) higher for unburned forest than for burned forest. Among savannas, only sulfur (S) was higher for the pine savanna and B for the oak-hickory savanna, both were higher for unburned forest than for burned forest. For soil, calcium (Ca) and B differed across savannas, being higher for burned forest than for unburned forest. Among savannas, soil pH, Ca, and B concentrations were higher in soil from burned forest than from unburned forest. Total PLFA differed among savannas, but was not affected by burning treatments. However, the amounts of biomarkers for Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria were higher while the amount of biomarker for fungal PLFA was lower for burned forest than for unburned forest. Our results indicate that the two annual prescribed burns moderately affected PLFA microbial community structure and litter and soil nutrient concentrations. However, the long-term effects of fire on these study sites are not known and merit further study.
Understanding the Cycle: Childhood Maltreatment and Future Crime

Child maltreatment is a major social problem. This paper focuses on measuring the relationship between child maltreatment and crime using data from the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent Health (Add Health). We focus on crime because it is one of the most costly potential outcomes of maltreatment. Our work addresses two main limitations of the existing literature on child maltreatment. First, we use a large national sample, and investigate different types of maltreatment in a unified framework. Second, we pay careful attention to controlling for possible confounders using a variety of statistical methods that make differing assumptions. The results suggest that maltreatment greatly increases the probability of engaging in crime and that the probability increases with the experience of multiple forms of maltreatment.
Copying Right and Copying Wrong with Web 2.0 Tools in the Teacher Education and Communications Classrooms

Understanding the tenets of copyright in general, and in particular, in online communication and publishing with Web 2.0 tools, has become an important part of literacy in today’s Information Age, as well as a cornerstone of free speech and responsible citizenship for the future. Young content creators must be educated about copyright law, their own rights as content creators, and their responsibilities as producers and publishers of content derived from the intellectual property of others. Educators should prepare them for responsible and ethical participation in new forms of creative expression in the Information Age. The recent integration of video and audio content and the implementation of Web 2.0 tools in the contemporary English language classroom has made this learning environment a particularly appropriate proving ground for the examination of current student practices with respect to intellectual property. This paper describes an approach employed with English education and communications students to prepare them for such a complex subject matter.
Does a virtual networking laboratory result in similar student achievement and satisfaction

Delivery of content in networking and system administration curricula involves significant hands-on laboratory experience supplementing traditional classroom instruction at the Rochester Institute of Technology. Providing the resources necessary in the traditional physical laboratory setting is challenged by increasing budgetary and space constraints. Delivery of laboratory instruction in a distance virtual format is a potential cost-effective solution to the problem, at the same time it presents technical challenges 3, 5. The blend of face-to-face and online instruction offers the opportunity not only to solve the resource issue, but also to sustain contact beyond the borders of the classroom and extend the learning environment. This paper presents the results of an action research study conducted to investigate the impact on student achievement and student satisfaction of delivering laboratory instruction in a distance delivered virtual laboratory, and discusses some of the challenges encountered in offering this virtual experience.
Assessment of the factors impacting agricultural extension training programs in Tanzania: A descriptive study

Many studies conducted on extension have identified problems and the failure of various approaches that are meant to help farmers in agricultural advancement. This study was designed to obtain the ideas of the main clientele group in the extension sector and that is, of course, farmers. Farmers probably make up the largest Extension clientele group in many African countries. This study aimed to identify the perceptions that farmers have of extension services in Kilolo district, Tanzania. In addition, the study sought to identify farmers’ preferences of the extension approaches used and to identify factors that motivated their participation in extension training. This study was based on input from 120 interviewed participants in the Kilolo district of Iringa region. A researcher developed interview schedule was used to collect the data. According to this study, most farmers are motivated to attend extension education training to learn new ways of doing things in order to improve production, and farmers prefer to learn by doing through demonstration. Despite the eagerness that farmers have for learning new ways of farming, most farmers are discouraged with the poor organization and coordination of extension training programs in their areas. Most farmers know the importance of extension services in improving their production, but they are not satisfied with the way these services are being implemented. The other factor that the study identified is the lack of a participatory approach among extension agents, which leads to the inability to meet farmers’ needs. Additionally, the study found that poor support by the government for the extension sector also lowers the effectiveness of the extension agent. In most cases, extension agents live far from their assigned villages due to lack of housing. There is also a lack of transport