cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A Mechanism for Coordinating Chromatin Modification and Preinitiation Complex Assembly

Transcription of eukaryotic genes within a chromatin environment requires the sequential recruitment of histone modification enzymes and the general transcription factors (GTFs) by activators. However, it is unknown how preinitiation complex assembly is coordinated with chromatin modification. Here, we show that the model activator GAL4-VP16 directs the ordered assembly of Mediator, histone acetyltransferases (HATs), and GTFs onto immobilized chromatin and naked DNA templates in vitro. Using purified proteins, we found that the Mediator regulates this assembly process by binding to p300 and TFIID. An acetyl-CoA-dependent catalytic switch causes p300 to acetylate chromatin and then dissociate. Dissociation of p300 enhances TFIID binding and active transcription. The dissociation is caused by an autoacetylation-induced conformational change in the catalytic domain of p300. We conclude that autoacetylation-induced dissociation of p300 acts as a catalytic switch, which allows TFIID binding and subsequent preinitiation complex assembly.
Vacuum-formed matrix as a guide for the fabrication of multiple direct patterns for cast posts and cores.

Abstract Fabrication of multiple posts and cores for severely damaged pulpless teeth is arduous because few landmarks remain. Esthetic requirements, occlusal relations, and long axes of the planned final restorations influence the core design. This article describes a method for directly verifying fabricated post-and-core patterns by combining the procedures for making a thermoformed shell for a preparation template and creating a plastic template for multiple core pattern fabrication. (J Prosthet Dent 1997;77:326-7.)
Functional equations for path-dependent phase factors in Yang-Mills theories

Abstract We introduce a gauge-covariant functional derivative for path-dependent quantities, and use it to analyze the behavior of the phase matrix Φy,x(Γ)=PΓexp[-∫xyA(x)·dx], under variations of the contour Γ. We give a general formula for Φy+δy,x+δx(Γ′) for a varied path in terms of Φy,x(Γ), and analyze a gauge-covariant version of the functional wave equation (or “string equation”) for Φ derived by Nambu and by Gervais and Neveu. We conclude that there is still a serious gap in the attempt to derive the string theory from a Yang-Mills theory.
A simple stereoselective synthesis of a tetracyclic C14 ginkgolide

Abstract A short and efficient total synthesis of the structurally interesting tetracyclic ginkgolide derivative (±)- 2 is described.
Directions For An Interactionist Study Of Gender Development

Harold Garfinkel and Erving Goffman have demonstrated the utility of the interactionist approach for the study of sex and gender. This paper proposes some hypotheses and research strategies for complementary interactionist studies of the gender development process. A review of previous research and clinical data concerning feminized boys that patterns of caregiver-infant interaction and caregivers’ use of sex-designating verbal labels provide the basis for gender identity formation. The child then actively seeks to confirm this identity through social interaction and, thereby, learns to express gender. Some prominent theories of gender development and some important aspects of the child’s learning of gender expression are briefly reviewed. A hypothesized sequence of gender development and suggestions for its empirical investigation are offered in conclusion. DESPITE THE RECENT SURGE of sociological interest in the topic of sex and gender, systematic research into the gender development process has been noticeably lacking. My intention in this article is to help fill this void by suggesting directions for an interactionist study of gender development. The interactionist perspective is particularly suited for this task because it provides both a systematic theory of self development and methodological guidance. George Herbert Mead’s (1934:140) observation that “the self. . .is essentially a social structure, and it arises in social experience” provides both the theoretical and methodological focus for this discussion. Clearly, gender development is one aspect of self development. The interactionist perspective implies, therefore, that gender identity, like other social identities, emerges out of social interaction and is incorporated into the individual’s transsituational self. Moreover, because the self is subject to constant empirical tests, this identity, if it is to remain stable, must be continually confirmed across varying interactional situations. The interactionist perspective suggests, therefore, two general research questions concerning the gender development process. How does gender identity emerge out of the process of social interaction? And, how does the child learn to indicate that identity to others and to his or her self? The interactionist perspective also implies that attention must be focused on naturally occurring interactions and social experience for answers to these questions. Systematic observation of interactions between children and their caregivers,’ other significant adults, and peers is required. Moreover, because interactionism recognizes the importance of meanings to social interaction, investigation of individuals’ definitions and understandings of sex and gender is also required. However, in order to suggest specific hypotheses and research strategies for their empirical investigation it is necessary to review some existing social scientific theory and research on this topic. Harold Garfinkel (1967:116-185) and Erving
The treatment of mucous cysts: long-term follow-up in sixty-two cases.

To determine the course of the so-called mucous cyst both after various modalities of treatment and without treatment, 56 patients with 62 cysts were contacted to participate in a study with an average follow-up of 6.2 years after initial evaluation. The mucous cysts primarily occurred in elderly women and were most prevalent in the index and long fingers. Longitudinal grooving of the nail was not uncommon and may have preceded the appearance of the cyst. Degeneration of the distal interphalangeal joint was frequently found. The long-term results after treatment with simple aspiration or decapping, or by excision with skin grafts and flaps as needed or with observation only were similar. However, surgical excision or aspiration may eliminate earlier the cosmetic disfigurement and occasional discomfort that are associated with this lesion.
THE DILATATION OPERATOR OF N = 4 SYM AND CLASSICAL LIMITS OF SPIN CHAINS AND MATRIX MODELS

A study of the one-loop dilatation operator in the scalar sector of $\mathcal{N}=4$ SYM is presented. The dilatation operator is analyzed from the point of view of Hamiltonian matrix models. A Lie algebra underlying operator mixing in the planar large-N limit is presented, and its role in understanding the integrability of the planar dilatation operator is emphasized. A classical limit of the dilatation operator is obtained by considering a contraction of this Lie algebra, leading to a new way of constructing classical limits for quantum spin chains. An infinite tower of local conserved charges is constructed in this classical limit purely within the context of the matrix model. The deformation of these charges and their relation to the charges of the spin chain is also elaborated upon.
Can avatars enhance consumer trust and emotion in online retail sales

How does the role of trust change when sales relationships and interactions move online? We propose and explore a model suggesting that at a retail website, an avatar is perceived as a social factor that influences online consumers' internal evaluations and approach behaviour. In this lab experiment, social presence and social response theories provided testable hypotheses as to whether avatars exert social influences on consumers similar to those observed with human sales personnel. Specifically, we suggest that a consumer's emotional responses and trust with the online retail will be more positive at the website with a highly likeable avatar as compared to the text-only and the low likeability avatar conditions. Fictitious travel websites were developed to test S-O-R hypotheses from our model. Results support and extend previous research showing that avatars can successfully mimic interpersonal interactions with and exert social influences on online consumers.
Student Management of Web-Based Hypermedia Resources During Open-Ended Problem Solving

Twelve middle school students' use of computer tools to manage and manipulate Internet-based hypermedia resources was investigated. Tools were proposed to support higher order thinking about hypermedia resources to help students find, frame, and resolve open-ended science problems. Tools alone were insufficient to help students manage hypermedia information for solving open-ended problems. Students more frequently applied lower order tool functions (e.g., information collection) than higher order tool functions (e.g., reasoning). Students typically resolved problems with original solutions, but tools were used infrequently to develop evidence-based arguments justifying new ideas. Computer tools alone may be insufficient to help students manage extensive hypermedia resources. Together with additional support structures, however, tool potential may be realized.
Further validation of a cigarette purchase task for assessing the relative reinforcing efficacy of nicotine in college smokers.

The authors sought to further validate a cigarette purchase task (CPT), a self-report analogue of a progressive-ratio operant schedule, for the assessment of the relative reinforcing efficacy (RRE) of nicotine in smokers. The measure was assessed in terms of its correspondence to typically observed operant behavior, convergent validity, and divergent validity. Participants were 33 individuals (58% male, age M 19.30 years) who smoked at least weekly (M 5.31 cigarettes/day) and underwent a single assessment session. Data from the CPT exhibited the predicted inverse relationship between consumption and price, the predicted relationship between consumption and expenditure, and a heterogeneous pattern of interrelationships among the indices of reinforcement. In addition, 2 indices from the measure, intensity of demand and maximum expenditure for cigarettes, exhibited robust convergent and divergent validity. Although this is an incipient research area and the current study used a relatively small sample, these findings support the validity of a CPT as a time- and cost-efficient method for assessing nicotine reinforcement. Theoretical implications of the findings, limitations, and future directions are also discussed.
Spherical Nucleic Acid Nanoparticle Conjugates as an RNAi-Based Therapy for Glioblastoma

Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is a neurologically debilitating disease that culminates in death 14 to 16 months after diagnosis. An incomplete understanding of how cataloged genetic aberrations promote therapy resistance, combined with ineffective drug delivery to the central nervous system, has rendered GBM incurable. Functional genomics efforts have implicated several oncogenes in GBM pathogenesis but have rarely led to the implementation of targeted therapies. This is partly because many “undruggable” oncogenes cannot be targeted by small molecules or antibodies. We preclinically evaluate an RNA interference (RNAi)–based nanomedicine platform, based on spherical nucleic acid (SNA) nanoparticle conjugates, to neutralize oncogene expression in GBM. SNAs consist of gold nanoparticles covalently functionalized with densely packed, highly oriented small interfering RNA duplexes. In the absence of auxiliary transfection strategies or chemical modifications, SNAs efficiently entered primary and transformed glial cells in vitro . In vivo, the SNAs penetrated the blood-brain barrier and blood-tumor barrier to disseminate throughout xenogeneic glioma explants. SNAs targeting the oncoprotein Bcl2Like12 (Bcl2L12)—an effector caspase and p53 inhibitor overexpressed in GBM relative to normal brain and low-grade astrocytomas—were effective in knocking down endogenous Bcl2L12 mRNA and protein levels, and sensitized glioma cells toward therapy-induced apoptosis by enhancing effector caspase and p53 activity. Further, systemically delivered SNAs reduced Bcl2L12 expression in intracerebral GBM, increased intratumoral apoptosis, and reduced tumor burden and progression in xenografted mice, without adverse side effects. Thus, silencing antiapoptotic signaling using SNAs represents a new approach for systemic RNAi therapy for GBM and possibly other lethal malignancies.
Inverted Repeat PCR for the Rapid Assembly of Constructs to Induce RNA Interference

Expressing stem-loop RNAs in plants, fungi, and animals efficiently silences homologous target gene expression. We devised a novel PCR strategy, called inverted repeat PCR (IR-PCR), which allows rapid assembly and cloning of stem-loop-containing constructs in any vector. IR-PCR relies on differentially tagging antisense and sense copies of the target in one round of PCR and assembling them in a second. We used IR-PCR to assemble constructs targeting profilin, actin, and actin-related protein (ARP) transcripts from Arabidopsis. Immunoblotting of lines expressing a profilin PRF1 3' untranslated region (UTR)-specific construct demonstrated a 77 to 97% reduction in PRF1 protein, but not other profilin isovariants.
China Expands Its Courtesy: Saying “Hello” to Strangers

Courtesy reveals fundamental judgments about who merits respect. Traditional Chinese courtesy rests on lifelong hierarchical bonds that are too clear to require constant verbal reinforcement. But strangers, women, peasants, migrant workers, and others often do not merit face work because they lack status, fall outside the network of insiders, or are politically taboo. Until very recently, European-style equivalents of “hello, ”“ please, ”“ thanks, ”“ sorry,” or “goodbye” existed only in impersonal-sounding translations restricted to brief contacts with foreigners. As Beijing steps back from the socialist revolution, it is promoting these “five courteous phrases” (ni hao, qing, dui bu qi, xiexie, zai jian) to expand courtesy to universal, reciprocal greetings. Popular acceptance of this “verbal hygiene” is spreading via rapid, urban service encounters in which one’s connections are unknown. In this way, China’s self-identity as an “advanced civilization” is being retooled in international terms.
Abusive supervision, distributive justice, and work-life balance: perspectives from salespeople and managers

Perhaps in no other field is the employee–manager relationship as important as in sales. Given the performance-driven nature of the profession, firms seek managers who can optimize individual performance while providing a work environment that leads to satisfied employees. Using data collected from salespeople and sales managers, this study suggests that abusive supervision is one factor which negatively impacts both of these goals. Integrating justice theory within a sales management framework, we advance that abusive sales managers alter perceptions of workplace fairness. In turn, this perceived justice negatively impacts life satisfaction of not only salespeople experiencing the abuse but of managers administering it. Further, an unjust workplace established by an abusive manager can actually have detrimental effects on selling performance. Finally, we uncover normative and continuance commitment as factors that can suppress this negative relationship. If salespeople believe that job is a necessity or ...
Factors involved in the transformation of previously non-transformable Clostridium perfringens type B

The pre-shock incubation of cells plus DNA and the methylation state of plasmid DNA were found to play a role in the electroporation-based transformation of Clostridium perfringens 3626B. Following pre-shock incubation, the highest number of C. perfringens 3626B transformants was obtained when plasmid pGK201 was both dam+ dcm+ modified, while no transformants were obtained when pGK201 was not methylated or only dcm methylated. This is consistent with the observation that plasmid pGK201 was protected against digestion by C. perfringens 3626B cell-associated nucleases for up to 3 min when methylated by both methylases. C. perfringens 3626B was successfully transformed only within a narrow cell recovery rate window. The erm AM gene associated with pGK201 and pAK102 was found to integrate into the chromosome of C. perfringens strains 13A and 3626B.
An overview of the design methods and tools used in bipolar analog arrays

Developments in the area of integrated circuit design methods and computer-aided design tools used in high-frequency (>100 MHz) bipolar arrays are discussed. The developments that occurred in digital integrated circuit design in the areas of simulation, modeling, critiquing, layout, verification, and testing are outlined. From this outline, the ways bipolar analog engineers adapted to these developments are discussed. >
Structural Mapping of Divergent Regions in the Type 1 Ryanodine Receptor Using Fluorescence Resonance Energy Transfer

Summary Ryanodine receptors (RyRs) release Ca 2+ to initiate striated muscle contraction. Three highly divergent regions (DRs) in the RyR protein sequence (DR1, DR2, and DR3) may confer isoform-specific functional properties to the RyRs. We used cell-based fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) measurements to localize these DRs to the cryoelectron microscopic (cryo-EM) map of the skeletal muscle RyR isoform (RyR1). FRET donors were targeted to RyR1 using five different FKBP12.6 variants labeled with Alexa Fluor 488. FRET was then measured to the FRET acceptors, Cy3NTA or Cy5NTA, targeted to decahistidine tags introduced within the DRs. DR2 and DR3 were localized to separate positions within the "clamp" region of the RyR1 cryo-EM map, which is presumed to interface with Ca v 1.1. DR1 was localized to the "handle" region, near the regulatory calmodulin-binding site on the RyR. These localizations provide insights into the roles of DRs in RyR allosteric regulation during excitation contraction coupling.
Random testability of redundant circuits

It is shown that the common belief that any optimized, i.e., nonredundant, circuit is easier to test than its nonoptimized counterpart is not fully justified. It is demonstrated by example that a redundant circuit may be more suitable for random testing than its optimized counterpart. A rule which specifies when redundancy is likely to enhance random testability of a two-level AND-OR gate network is formulated. >
Preparation and Properties of 125I-LH-RH

Synthetic LH—RH was iodinated with 125I by the lactoperoxidase technique. The product was separated from non—iodinated LH—RH by polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (PAGE), identified as the monoiodo—derivative, and shown to retain biologic activity. Iodinated oligomers of LH—RH were separated by PAGE.(Endocrinology 92: 1725, 1973)
Ipilimumab augments antitumor activity of bispecific antibody-armed T cells

Background: Ipilimumab is an antagonistic monoclonal antibody against cytotoxic T-lymphocyte antigen-4 (CTLA-4) that enhances antitumor immunity by inhibiting immunosuppressive activity of regulatory T cells (Treg). In this study, we investigated whether inhibiting Treg activity with ipilimumab during ex vivo Tc ell expansion could augment anti-CD3-driven T cell proliferation and enhance bispecific antibody (BiAb)-redirected antitumor cytotoxicity of activated T cells (ATC). Methods: PBMC from healthy individuals were stimulated with anti-CD3 monoclonal antibody with or without ipilimumab and expanded for 10-14 days. ATC were harvested and armed with anti-CD3 x anti-EGFR BiAb (EGFRBi) or anti-CD3 x anti-CD20 BiAb (CD20Bi) to test for redirected cytotoxicity against COLO356/FG pancreatic cancer cell line or Burkitt’s lymphoma cell line (Daudi). Results: In PBMC from healthy individuals, the addition of ipilimumab at the initiation of culture significantly enhanced T cell proliferation (p = 0.0029). ATC grown in the presence of ipilimumab showed significantly increased mean tumor-specific cytotoxicity at effector:target (E:T) ratio of 25:1 directed at COLO356/FG and Daudi by 37.71% (p < 0.0004) and 27.5% (p < 0.0004), respectively, and increased the secretion of chemokines (CCL2, CCL3, CCL4,CCL5, CXCL9, and granulocyte-macrophage colony stimulating factor(GM-CSF)) and cytokines (IFN-γ, IL-2R, IL-12, and IL-13), while reducing IL-10 secretion. Conclusions: Expansion of ATC in the presence of ipilimumab significantly improves not only the T cell proliferation but it also enhances cytokine secretion and the specific cytotoxicity of T cells armed with bispecific antibodies.
Aortic arch injection with C-arm cone beam CT for radiosurgery treatment planning of cerebral arteriovenous malformations: technical note.

Background C-arm cone beam CT (CBCT) with selective intra-arterial contrast injection combined with digital subtraction angiography (DSA) is currently used for the evaluation and treatment planning of cerebral arteriovenous malformations (AVMs). In some instances an AVM will derive its blood supply from more than one main cervical artery (carotid and/or vertebral artery) and a single-vessel injection will not adequately demonstrate the entire AVM nidus. Methods Three patients with cerebral AVM in whom the entire nidus could not be visualized by injection of a single cervical artery are reported. CBCT dataset acquisition was performed by intra-arterial contrast injection in the ascending thoracic aorta through a 5 F pigtail catheter. The injection of diluted iodinated contrast agent (35%) lasted 22 s at a rate of 8 ml/s for a total volume of 176 ml (61.6 ml of contrast agent). The dataset was then processed using standard reconstruction methods. Results Contrast injection in the ascending aorta during a single CBCT acquisition provided a volumetric dataset adequate for subsequent radiosurgical treatment planning. Conclusion This is a safe and effective angiographic technique for the acquisition of volumetric datasets using CBCT that are suitable for treatment planning of intracranial AVMs deriving their blood supply from more than one major cervical artery. This technique allows imaging of the entire AVM nidus during a single CBCT acquisition.
Introduction to CRPS Special Issue

The International Association for the Study of Pain (IASP) Special Interest Group on Pain and the Sympathetic Nervous System held a satellite symposium in Cardiff, Wales, ahead of the World Congress in August 2008. Papers presented at this symposium, now edited and updated, are published here. The problems facing the field of complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) were addressed in general terms by Dr. Donald Manning, summarized below but not published here. Dr. Manning drew on his methodological experience and previewed his contributions to IMMPACT (Dworkin et al. Research design considerations for confirmatory chronic pain clinical trials: IMMPACT recommendations. Pain 2010;140:177–93). Manning pointed out that the state of CRPS research was plagued with methodological issues, with most published studies being inadequate in one or more areas: 1. Definition of CRPS itself has not necessarily been universally accepted. 2. Duration of CRPS (avoiding the terms “acute” and “chronic”) might affect both diagnostic criteria and therapeutic stratagems. 3. Average duration of treatment is usually short. 4. Studies have too few subjects. 5. Double-blind studies are rare, placebo controls are difficult, and statistical analytic methods are controversial. 6. Objective outcome measures are rarely, if ever, used. This results in practical difficulties for clinicians and patients in applying clinical trial data to management of CRPS: 1. How does the physician know which CRPS trial applies to the particular patient? 2. Does information from “acute” CRPS or animal models apply to “chronic” CRPS? 3. How can the clinician and patient assess the risk/cost/benefit of a treatment? 4. How can the clinician and patient assess the risk/cost/benefit of “doing nothing”? 5. Why do the “best” medical centers and research groups appear to have the highest placebo effects? 6. How are CRPS recurrences, relapses, and spread prevented? 7. What are realistic treatment/intervention goals for the individual patient? With these questions in mind, Dr. R. Norman Harden reviewed his studies on …
Bioenergetic assessment of habitat quality for stream-dwelling cutthroat trout (Oncorhynchus clarkii bouvieri) with implications for climate change and nutrient supplementation

We used a bioenergetic model to determine if cutthroat trout (Oncorhynchus clarkii bouvieri) abundance was related to net energy intake rates (NEI) and the proportion of suitable habitat and to evaluate potential changes in habitat quality due to climate change and stream fertilization efforts. We conducted monthly sampling of cutthroat trout, invertebrate drift, and physical habitat features in pool and riffle habitats. Fish in this study selected foraging positions that enabled them to maximize NEI, and most fish were capable of sustaining high growth rates from July to September. Mean NEI and the proportion of suitable habitat at sites were greater in pools relative to riffle habitats and declined from July to October, primarily due to a decline in temperature over the four months. Cutthroat trout biomass was significantly related to NEI and the proportion of suitable habitat at a site. Model simulations indicated that climate change might reduce habitat quality for small-bodied trout, while extending ...
Coordination and Selfishness in Attacks on Visual Sensor Networks

Event-driven visual sensor networks consist of collaborating camera nodes and scalar sensors which aid in the detection of events of interest in the environment. This collaboration is significant since the camera nodes generally utilize lightweight image processing in order to determine if a frame is relevant to the given application. The reliability of the supporting scalar sensor however may be compromised by an actuation attack which perturbs the sensor's measurements. In this work we examine the achievable actuation of hostile nodes that are not globally coordinated and that may be selfish or untrustworthy in their preferences. We compare our findings with existing research which assumes that all the hostile nodes are coordinated to actuate with the same parameter. We determine that given certain conditions, local optimization may actually result in a stronger stealthy attack than the global coordination case.
Disentangling classification systems from their individual categories and the categoryspecific criteria: an essential consideration to evaluate clinical utility

(2010). Disentangling classification systems from their individual categories and the categoryspecific criteria: an essential consideration to evaluate clinical utility. Journal of Manual & Manipulative Therapy: Vol. 18, No. 4, pp. 205-208.
Linking fine root traits to maximum potential growth rate among 11 mature temperate tree species

Summary 1There is limited understanding of patterns of variation that exist among root traits of different species, especially under field conditions. We contrasted 11 fast- and slow-growing species paired within five evolutionary lineages to investigate whether root traits associated with soil resource acquisition were related to species’ potential growth rate. 2Measurements of root morphology, architecture, nitrogen and phenolic concentration, respiration and phosphorus uptake were taken on fine, non-woody roots sampled from forest stands in central Pennsylvania, USA. 3Across all five contrasts, roots of fast-growing species generally had higher specific root length, smaller diameters, greater degree of branching, and lower phenolic concentrations than those of slow-growing species. This suggests differences in potential soil exploration and root defences among species differing in potential growth rate. 4There were no significant differences between fast- and slow-growing species in root tissue density, respiration or P uptake. Lack of root physiological differences between species differing in growth rate contrasted with previous research on chamber-grown seedlings. 5These results imply that, while roots of fast-growing species may be constructed for more rapid soil exploration and shorter life span than those of slow-growing species, root physiology is either more closely tied to overall plant physiology, which is more similar among mature trees, or masked by variation in soil microsites, root age or interactions with mycorrhizal fungi.
III–V 4D transistors

Recently, III–V gate-all-around (GAA) nanowire MOSFETs or III–V 3D transistors have been experimentally demonstrated by a top-down approach [1–2], showing excellent scalability down to channel length (L ch ) of 50nm. Although parallel integration of the InGaAs nanowires have been successfully demonstrated in Ref. [1] delivering high drive current per wire, the overall current drivability of the devices are still limited by the relatively large pitch of the nanowires. This limitation would become even more severe with further down-scaling of the nanowire width (W NW ) and height (H NW ). One elegant solution to improve current drivability is through vertical stacking of nanowires, which has been demonstrated on Si platform [3]. In this work, we have developed a top-down fabrication process to create vertical (normal to the wafer) and lateral (parallel to the wafer) InGaAs nanowire arrays. We call this new type of nanowire devices III–V 4D transistors to distinguish them from III–V 3D transistors [1–2] which has only one vertical layer and multiple lateral wires. Furthermore, InGaAs GAA nanowire MOSFETs with 3×4 nanowire array has also been demonstrated for the first time.
Keeping Up with the Dutch. Internal Colonization and Rural Reform in Germany, 1800–1914

Recent research on internal colonization in Imperial Germany emphasizes how racial and environmental chauvinism drove plans for agricultural settlement in the ‘polonized’ German East. Yet policymakers’ dismay over earlier endeavours on the peat bogs of northwest Germany and their admiration for Dutch achievements was a constant refrain. This article traces the heterogeneous Dutch influences on German internal colonization between 1790 and 1914 and the mixed results of Germans efforts to adapt Dutch models of wasteland colonization. Indeed, despite rising German influence in transnational debates over European internal colonization, derogatory comparisons between mediocre German ventures and the unrelenting progress of the Dutch persisted. Thus, the example of northwest Germany highlights how mounting anxieties about ‘backwardness’ continued to mold the enterprise in the modern era and challenges the notion that the profound German influences on the Netherlands had no analog in the other direction.
Intraoperative Monitoring of Cranial Motor Nerves

Multimodality recordings from a combination of various structures provide a new and effective method to reduce morbidity associated with intracranial or extracranial surgery in the region of the third and twelfth cranial nerves. Electromyography and compound muscle action potentials have been particularly helpful, especially when monitoring facial nerve function in patients with acoustic neuromas. Brainstem auditory evoked potentials (BAEP) and somatosensory evoked potential (SSEP) should also be recorded when there is a compromise of the brainstem or auditory nerve.
Information that isotopic measurements provide about space and the cosmos

The study of the isotopic abundances of the rare gases helium, neon, and argon in iron meteorites lead to the conclusion that the rare gases are produced mainly by the action of the cosmic rays with the meteorites. The high energy cosmic ray particles produce nuclear spallation reactions with the elements composing the meteorites. By comparing the cosmic-ray produced radioactive isotopes of different half lives such as H/sup 3/, Ar/sup 37/, Ar/sup 39/, Cl/sup 36/, Al/su p 26/, Be/sup 10/, and K/sup 40/ it is possible to investigate the constancy of cosmic rays in time and space. The measurements indicate that during the last 500,000 years there was no greater than a 10% change in the intensity of cosmic rays, and that cosmic rays near the earth have about the same intensity as cosmic rays in the asteroidal belt some 450 million kilometers further from the sun. In addition there is evidence that indicates that some of the meteorites have undergone collisions in space previous to being captured by the earth. (auth)
High-Speed Aerosol Flow Through Micro-Nozzles for Direct-Write Processes

Aerosol direct-write printing for mesoscale features has been commercially available since around 2002 from Optomec®. We have developed variances to this process first in Collimated Aerosol Beam-Direct Write (CAB-DW) for printing sub-10 μm features and in Micro Cold Spray for printing with solid metallic aerosols. These deposition tools offer extensive uses, but are still limited in certain applications by either line widths or the amount of overspray. Modeling of aerosol flow through micro-nozzles used in these applications yields a greater understanding of the focusing of these aerosol particles, and may provide a vehicle for new nozzle designs which will further enhance these tools. Recent modeling applied both Stokes and Saffman force to the aerosol particles. Under certain conditions particle rotation and Magnus force may also be necessary to accurately predict the aerosol particles. In this paper we will present our recent results of high-speed flow of 1–10 μm diameter aerosol particles through micro-nozzles in which the model includes all three forces (Stokes, Saffman, Magnus) of fluid-particle interaction, and a comparison of these results to experiments.Copyright © 2013 by ASME
Evaluating an approach to improving the adoption rate of wireless drug library updates for smart pumps.

Purpose An academic medical center’s approach to improving the adoption rate of wireless drug library updates for smart pumps was evaluated. Summary A multidisciplinary team composed of pharmacy, nursing, medical engineering, materials management, and patient equipment personnel at an academic medical center collaborated to update the drug libraries of more than 1800 smart pumps via a wireless control system. Two pilot tests were completed to identify and resolve issues before the live wireless update was attempted. The second pilot test, a passive approach, produced an adoption rate of 42% of 1804 pumps at the end of one week and a rate of 56% on day 10. The goal of 80% was not achieved until day 22. The change to an active multidisciplinary process three months later produced an adoption rate of 80% for 1869 pumps on day 10, resulting in a 45.4% increase in the adoption rate between the two trials on day 10 ( p < 0.001). Communication regarding the updates was disseminated via e-mail to the entire organization, with fliers posted on all patient care units, and verbally during staff meetings. Patient equipment personnel manually tagged each pump with a blue zip tie after verifying the update to easily identify which pumps had been updated. Areas for improvement include increasing communication to the staff detailing when the update will occur and changing the day of the week the update is performed. Conclusion A multidisciplinary team actively engaged in the updating of wireless i.v. smart pump drug libraries reduced the amount of time required to reach a goal adoption rate of 80%.
Direct, Rapid, and Label-Free Detection of Enzyme–Substrate Interactions in Physiological Buffers Using CMOS-Compatible Nanoribbon Sensors

We demonstrate the versatility of Al2O3-passivated Si nanowire devices (“nanoribbons”) in the analysis of enzyme–substrate interactions via the monitoring of pH change. Our approach is shown to be effective through the detection of urea in phosphate buffered saline (PBS), and penicillinase in PBS and urine, at limits of detection of <200 μM and 0.02 units/mL, respectively. The ability to extract accurate enzyme kinetics and the Michaelis–Menten constant (Km) from the acetylcholine–acetylcholinesterase reaction is also demonstrated.
Relation of smoking and alcohol consumption to incident alzheimer's disease

The authors examined the effects of smoking and alcohol use in a prospective community-based study of incident Alzheimer's disease. Two in-home interviews of the total elderly population of East Boston, Massachusetts, conducted in 1982 and 1985 were used to sample individuals for clinical evaluation for Alzheimer's disease. A total of 513 persons underwent detailed clinical evaluation including neurologic, neuropsychologic, and psychiatric evaluation to diagnose Alzheimer's disease. In weighted logistic regression controlled for age, sex, and education, the estimated odds ratio of Alzheimer's disease was 0.7 (95% confidence interval 0.3-1.4) for ever smokers compared with never smokers. For 40 pack-years of smoking, the odds ratio of Alzheimer's disease was 0.8 (95% confidence interval 0.6-1.1). Consumption of 1 oz (30 ml) of alcohol per day was associated with an odds ratio of 1.1 (95% confidence interval 0.8-1.5). These results suggest that recent mild-to-moderate consumption of alcohol is not substantially related to incidence of Alzheimer's disease and that smoking does not increase risk of the disease.
Jiang Ze-Min's Significant Contribution in the Process of Establishing Deng Xiao-Ping's Theoretic Guiding Position

Jiang Ze-Min has significant theoretical contribution.In the part of theoretical guidance,he holded Deng Xiao-Ping's great banner,established Theory of Deng Xiao-Ping as the guiding position and suggested it as the party's guiding theory in party constitution.In the part of theoretical innovation,he persisted in guiding developing practice by developing Marxism,accurately understood the features of the times,took a correct scientific judgment of our party's historical bearing,focused on the subject of socialistic construction with Chinese particular,concentrated the wisdom of the whole party,generalized practical experience and put forward the important thought of "Three Represents" with huge Marxist theoretical courage and creative spirits.
Articulation of the Deaf

Forty-six deaf children ranging in age from 3 to 15 years were given both the Templin-Darley 50 item and 116 item Diagnostic Articulation Tests. Consonants were studied relative to sound position, place of articulation, manner of articulation, voicing, and blend combinations. The data showed trends parallel to those manifested in defective articulation patterns due to organic and functional anomalies. Some of the critical factors were: initial sound position, visibility, phonetic power, neurogenic complexity in producing the phoneme, voicing, hearing level, and age. Vowels were studied relative to age, tongue placement, and tongue height. Trends were similar to those found with consonants. A rank order of articulating errors was suggestive of a maturational programing of most difficult to least difficult sound regardless of etiology.
Marital status, spousal coverage, and the gender gap in employer-sponsored health insurance

Not only do men who work full time earn more than women, but they are more likely to receive employer-sponsored health benefits. This paper provides evidence on the gender gap in employer-sponsored health insurance. The results indicate that the gap is driven largely by the tendency of married women to decline employer-sponsored insurance in favor of being covered through their husbands. Indeed, among single workers, women are more likely than men to be offered insurance. These findings call into question the conclusion made by previous researchers that employers discriminate against women in the provision of health insurance.
Silicon to Silicone: Stretching the Capabilities of Micromachines with Electroactive Polymers

Electroactive polymer transducers have many features that are desirable for MEMS devices. An especially attractive type of electroactive polymer is dielectric elastomer. Dielectric elastomers, transducers that couple the deformation of a rubbery polymer film to an applied electric field, show particular promise with features such as simple fabrication in a variety of size scales, high strain and energy density, high efficiency and fast speed of response, and inherent flexibility, environmental tolerance, and ruggedness. A variety of actuator configurations has been demonstrated at the small size scales needed for MEMS devices, including rolled “artificial muscle" actuators, framed and bending beam actuators for efficient opto-mechanical switches, and diaphragm and thickness mode actuators for pumps and valves. The performance benefits of electroactive polymers can allow for new generations of devices in microrobotics, communications, and biotechnology. Several challenges remain for electroactive polymers, including microfabrication, integration with driving electronics, and operational lifetime.
An Analysis of Taiwanese Immigrants' Health Care Choice – Obamacare or Taiwan National Health Care

Due to recent policy changes in the USA and Taiwan, Taiwanese immigrants residing in the USA face a choice of continuing to receive health care in the USA or returning to Taiwan for treatment care. This study uses a quantitative survey to explore the association between recent health policy changes and the health care choice of Taiwanese immigrants residing in the USA. These findings indicate that there are statistically significant associations between a variety of factors and the Taiwanese immigrants' desire to return to Taiwan for health care under the new national health insurance plan (2nd NHIA). The variables positively associated with a desire to return to Taiwan for health care include the length of domicile and residence required to receive benefits, a nostalgic desire to return to Taiwan, the lower cost of health care in Taiwan, and if the respondents had come to the USA before 1996. The negatively associated variables include having a job in the USA, having a desire to return to Taiwan to live after retirement, the language preference in communications with a doctor, and a preference about the best place to receive dental treatment. The study reveals the dynamics behind the health care decision-making of Taiwanese immigrants and particularly their choice of whether to seek care in the USA or in Taiwan.
Crossing borders: family migration strategies and routes from Burma to the US

Over the last 35 years, the US has been the top recipient country for refugee resettlement. Despite political ambivalence about refugee admittance and their integration into America’s sociocultural...
Forum On Role Of Genetically Modified Organisms In The Future Of Food And Agriculture

Food is a subject about which there will always be a great deal of controversy. For one thing, many people care about what they eat and are increasingly concerned about additional ingredients or tampering. Interest in the specific source of food and how it was grown has increased in recent years, especially in the more developed part of the world. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
Structure and Dynamics of Membrane Proteins and Membrane Associated Proteins with Native Bicelles from Eukaryotic Tissues

In vitro studies of protein structure, function, and dynamics typically preclude the complex range of molecular interactions found in living tissues. In vivo studies elucidate these complex relationships, yet they are typically incompatible with the extensive and controlled biophysical experiments available in vitro. We present an alternative approach by extracting membranes from eukaryotic tissues to produce native bicelles to capture the rich and complex molecular environment of in vivo studies while retaining the advantages of in vitro experiments. Native bicelles derived from chicken egg or mouse cerebrum tissues contain a rich composition of phosphatidylcholine (PC), phosphatidylethanolamine (PE), phosphatidylglycerol (PG), phosphatidylserine (PS), phosphatidylinositol (PI), phosphatidic acid (PA), lysolipids, cholesterol, ceramides (CM), and sphingomyelin (SM). The bicelles also contain source-specific lipids such as triacylglycerides (TAGs) and sulfatides from egg and brain tissues, respectively. W...
Progressive Renal Disease Established by Renin-Coding Adeno-Associated Virus–Driven Hypertension in Diverse Diabetic Models

Progress in research and developing therapeutics to prevent diabetic kidney disease (DKD) is limited by a lack of animal models exhibiting progressive kidney disease. Chronic hypertension, a driving factor of disease progression in human patients, is lacking in most available models of diabetes. We hypothesized that superimposition of hypertension on diabetic mouse models would accelerate DKD. To test this possibility, we induced persistent hypertension in three mouse models of type 1 diabetes and two models of type 2 diabetes by adeno-associated virus delivery of renin (ReninAAV). Compared with LacZAAV-treated counterparts, ReninAAV-treated type 1 diabetic Akita/129 mice exhibited a substantial increase in albumin-to-creatinine ratio (ACR) and serum creatinine level and more severe renal lesions. In type 2 models of diabetes (C57BKLS db/db and BTBR ob/ob mice), compared with LacZAAV, ReninAAV induced significant elevations in ACR and increased the incidence and severity of histopathologic findings, with increased serum creatinine detected only in the ReninAAV-treated db/db mice. The uninephrectomized ReninAAV db/db model was the most progressive model examined and further characterized. In this model, separate treatment of hyperglycemia with rosiglitazone or hypertension with lisinopril partially reduced ACR, consistent with independent contributions of these disorders to renal disease. Microarray analysis and comparison with human DKD showed common pathways affected in human disease and this model. These results identify novel models of progressive DKD that provide researchers with a facile and reliable method to study disease pathogenesis and support the development of therapeutics.
Beyond cute: exploring user types and design opportunities of virtual reality pet games

Virtual pet games, such as handheld games like Tamagotchi or video games like Petz, provide players with artificial pet companions or entertaining pet-raising simulations. Prior research has found that virtual pets have the potential to promote learning, collaboration, and empathy among users. While virtual reality (VR) has become an increasingly popular game medium, litle is known about users' expectations regarding game avatars, gameplay, and environments for VR-enabled pet games. We surveyed 780 respondents in an online survey and interviewed 30 participants to understand users' motivation, preferences, and game behavior in pet games played on various medium, and their expectations for VR pet games. Based on our findings, we generated three user types that reflect users' preferences and gameplay styles in VR pet games. We use these types to highlight key design opportunities and recommendations for VR pet games.
Rima Marius, the Moon: Formation of lunar sinuous rilles by constructional and erosional processes

Abstract Lunar sinuous rilles are large (kilometers long; tens of meters wide) channels commonly found on the lunar maria. Although there is broad consensus that sinuous rilles were generated during lava-flow emplacement, disagreement remains regarding the relative contributions of erosional and constructional processes during rille formation. Careful mapping of portions of Rima Marius (centered at 16.37°N, 49.54°W) using Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter (LRO) Narrow Angle Camera (NAC) images with resolutions as high as 0.5 m/pixel reveal morphologic evidence for the origin of sinuous rilles. Specifically, shallow (