cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A partially ordered extention of the integers

This paper presents a monotonic system of Post algebras of order ω+ω* whose chain of Post constans is isomorphic with 0≤1≤2≤ ... ≤-3≤-2≤-1. Besides monotonic operations, other unary operations are considered; namely, disjoint operations, the quasi-complement, succesor, and predecessor operations. The successor and predecessor operations are basic for number theory.
Estimation of frequency-selective CDMA channels with large possible delay and Doppler spreads

The problem of estimating channels with a large number of unknown coefficients is considered. A matching pursuit (MP) followed by cancellation (MPC) algorithm is presented. The algorithm consists of two steps. In the first step, a basic MP algorithm that identifies the strongest channel taps and successively cancels them is used. The second step of the algorithm uses the already identified channel taps to estimate the channel coefficients more accurately. The algorithm has several benefits: low complexity, significantly improved performance over conventional least squares (LS) in sparse channels, and handling of time-varying channels including carrier offsets. Methods to successfully terminate the MP step of the algorithm are presented and are shown to perform well. The statistical behavior of MPC is studied. The MPC estimator is found to achieve a performance close to the Cramer-Rao lower bound. Further, MPC is found to outperform conventional LS in terms of bit error rate when low training overhead is used
Estimation of parameters in linear structural relationships: Sensitivity to the choice of the ratio of error variances

Maximum likelihood estimation of parameters in linear structural relationships under normality assumptions requires knowledge of one or more of the model parameters if no replication is available. The most common assumption added to the model definition is that the ratio of the error variances of the response and predictor variates is known. The use of asymptotic formulae for variances and mean squared errors as a function of sample size and the assumed value for the error variance ratio is investigated.
Enrichment for Histone H3 Lysine 9 Methylation at Alu Repeats in Human Cells

The aim of this study was to identify in human cells common targets of histone H3 lysine 9 (H3-Lys9) methylation, a modification that is generally associated with gene silencing. After chromatin immunoprecipitation using an H3-Lys9 methylated antibody, we cloned the recovered DNA and sequenced 47 independent clones. Of these, 38 clones (81%) contained repetitive elements, either short interspersed transposable element (SINE or Alu elements), long terminal repeat (LTR), long interspersed transposable element (LINE), or satellite region (ALR/Alpha) DNA, and three additional clones were near Alu elements. Further characterization of these repetitive elements revealed that 32 clones (68%) were Alu repeats, corresponding to both old Alu (23 clones) and young Alu (9 clones) subfamilies. Association of H3-Lys9 methylation was confirmed by chromatin immunoprecipitation-PCR using conserved Alu primers. In addition, we randomly selected 5 Alu repeats from the recovered clones and confirmed association with H3-Lys9 by PCR using primer sets flanking the Alu elements. Treatment with the DNA methyltransferase inhibitor 5-aza-2′-deoxycytidine rapidly decreased the level of H3-Lys9 methylation in the Alu elements, suggesting that H3-Lys9 methylation may be related to the suppression of Alu elements through DNA methylation. Thus H3-Lys9 methylation is enriched at human repetitive elements, particularly Alu elements, and may play a role in the suppression of recombination by these elements.
Cosmic ray anisotropies observed late in the decay phase of solar flare events

Data was obtained from instrumentation on Explorers 34 and 41 on cosmic-ray anisotropy and magnetic field vectors during five solar flare events. The analysis was conducted in the energy range from 0.7 to 7.6 MeV, of the late decay phase, to evaluate the dependence of net cosmic-ray anisotropy vector amplitude and direction on the magnetic field azimuth. Results showed that in the late decay phase the direction of the net cosmic-ray anisotropy vector was invariant in relation to the direction of the magnetic field, particle energy, and species. Within the statistical error of the available data the invariant direction was perpendicular to the mean magnetic field direction.
GDNF deficit in Hirschsprung's disease.

Abstract Background/Purpose: In 1996, the glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) was identified as one of the ligands of the RET transmembrane receptor. In the same year, GDNF mutations were found in association with RET protooncogene mutations in Hirschsprung patients. Mutations in GDNF per se are thought neither necessary nor sufficient to cause Hirschsprung's disease (HD). To data, our study group has identified GDNF mutations only in 2 of 98 cases of intestinal dysganglionosis. The aim of our study was to investigate a possible expression deficit of GDNF in the enteric nervous system of Hirschsprung patients not mutated for the GDNF gene. Methods: We used rabbit polyclonal antibodies raised against a peptide corresponding to amino acids 186–205 mapping within the carboxy-terminal domain of human GDNF. GDNF expression was studied immunohistochemically in surgical specimens from 30 HD cases (27 classic forms and 3 ultralong forms) and from 10 age-matched controls. Serial sections from the same full-thickness specimens were investigated with the following histochemical and immunohistochemical techniques: acetylcholinesterase, lactate dehydrogenase, succinic dehydrogenase, α-naphthylesterase, glial fibrillary acid protein, S-100 protein, and neuron-specific enolase. Results: A high level of GDNF expression was found in normal intestine and in Hirschsprung ganglionic segment. Satellite elements of myenteric ganglia presented a strong immunoreactivity to GDNF. Conversely, the aganglionic segment showed cholinergic hyperinnervation and hypertrophic trunks of nerve fibers in the muscular interstitium with complete absence of GDNF expression. The small ganglia of the hypoganglionic segment showed a reduced GDNF immunoreactivity. Conclusions: GDNF, a distantly related member of the transforming growth factor-beta superfamily, is a potent neurotrophic and survival factor for neurons and enteric ganglion cells. Mutations of the GDNF gene or GDNF expression deficit interrupt the faithful GDNF signaling via Ret, contributing to HD pathogenesis.
Surface Mutagenesis of the Bovine Papillomavirus E1 DNA Binding Domain Reveals Residues Required for Multiple Functions Related to DNA Replication

The E1 protein from papillomaviruses is a multifunctional protein with complex functions required for the initiation of viral DNA replication. We have performed a surface mutagenesis of the well-characterized E1 DNA binding domain (DBD). We demonstrate that substitutions of multiple residues on the surface of the E1 DBD are defective for DNA replication without affecting the DNA binding activity of the protein. The defects of individual substitutions include failure to form the double trimer that melts the ori and failure to form the double hexamer that unwinds the ori. These results demonstrate that the DBD plays an essential role in multiple DNA replication-related processes apart from DNA binding.
PLATE TECTONIC MODEL FOR THE OLIGO-MIOCENE EVOLUTION OF THE WESTERN MEDITERRANEAN *

Cohen, C.R., 1980. Plate tectonic model for the Oligo-Miocene evolution of the western Mediterranean. Tectonophysics, 68: 283-311. This paper outlines a plate tectonic model for the Oligo-Miocene evolution of the western Mediterranean which incorporates recent data from several tectonic domains (Corsica, Sardinia, the Kabylies, Balearic promontory, Iberia, Algero-Provencal Basin and Tunisian Atlas). Following late Mesozoic anticlockwise rotation of the Iberian peninsula (including the Balearic promontory and Sardinia), late Eocene collision occurred between the Kabylies and Balearic promontory forming a NE-trending suture with NWtectonic polarity. As a result of continued convergence between the African and European plates, a polarity flip occurred and a southward-facing trench formed south of the Kabylie-Balearic promontory suture. During late Oligocene time an E-W-trending arc and marginal basin developed behind the southward-facing trench in the area of the present-day Gulf of Lion. Opening of this basin moved the Corsica-Sardinia-Calabria-Petit Kabylie-Menorca plate southward, relative to the African plate. Early Miocene back-arc spreading in the area between the Balearic promontory and Grand Kabylie emplaced the latter in northern Algeria and formed the South Balearic Basin. Coeval with early Miocene back-arc basin development, the N-S-extension in the Gulf of Lion marginal basin changed to a more NW-SE direction causing short-lived extension in the area of the present-day Valencia trough and a 30’ anticlockwise rotation of the Corsica-Sardinia-Calabria-Petit Kabylie plate away from the European plate. Early-middle Miocene deformation along the western Italian and northeastern African continental margins resulted from this rotation. During the early late Miocene (Tortonian), spreading within a sphenochasm to the southwest of Sardinia resulted in the emplacement of Petit Kabylie in northeastern Algeria.
The adoption and impact of management intensive rotational grazing (MIRG) on Connecticut dairy farms

Management intensive rotational grazing (MIRG) has garnered a great deal of interest in recent years as a method for returning profitability to Northeastern dairy farms. This work uses a random sample of Connecticut dairy farmers to estimate a binary choice adoption model and then cost, productivity, and profit functions that control for the adoption choice. MIRG adopters are shown to be more educated and have less rented agricultural land (a proxy for lack of access to land within a short distance of the barn). MIRG adoption had no significant effects on costs and productivity, nor did it lower profits, per cow. Evidence was found, however, to suggest that full adopters of the technology had more profitable farms than partial adopters. These results also show the importance of controlling for the different characteristics of adopters when evaluating the returns to animal grazing.
Expanding the opportunity for partisan activity among government employees: potential effects on federal executives’ political involvement

Almost half the respondents to a 1990 survey of federal Senior Executive Service personnel said their political activity would increase if Hatch Act constraints on partisan political involvement were removed. More than one-third predicted that if the law permitted, they would distribute partisan campaign literature, organize political meetings, and publicly endorse candidates—activities the Hatch Act now prohibits. Scaling techniques reveal respondents’ present political activity level is 2.58 (on a 1-10 scale), increasing to an estimated 4.07 with Hatch Act liberalization. The potential for expanded political activity is dispersed widely through the SES, but it appears greatest among females, non-whites, youths, newcomers, those with less than a doctorate degree, non-career executives, and respondents supervised by political executives. These findings do not measure the effect of a weakened Hatch Act on the character of the public service. However, if respondents act on their predilections and expand the...
If I Had a Hammer

Based on my career as a sociologist in TV news, I encourage more collaboration between sociologists and the news media. Sociologists can provide valuable insights to journalists and the news media ...
Anaerobic mixed-culture fermentation of aqueous ammonia-treated sugarcane bagasse in consolidated bioprocessing

The MixAlco process is an example of consolidated bioprocessing (CBP) in which anaerobic mixed-culture fermentation biochemically converts any biodegradable feedstock into carboxylate salts. Downstream processing thermochemically transforms the resulting salts into mixed alcohol fuels or gasoline. To enhance digestibility, sugarcane bagasse was treated under mild conditions (55 degrees C, 24 h, and 30% aqueous ammonia solution with a loading of 10 mL/g dry biomass). Using NH(4)HCO(3) buffer, the feedstock (80% ammonia-treated sugarcane bagasse/20% chicken manure) was anaerobically fermented by a mixed culture of marine microorganisms at 55 degrees C. Four-stage countercurrent fermentations were performed at various volatile solids loading rates (VSLRs) and liquid residence times (LRTs). The highest acid productivity (1.14 g/(L day)) occurred at a total acid concentration of 29.8 g/L. The highest conversion (65%) occurred at a total acid concentration of 27.6 g/L. The continuum particle distribution model (CPDM) predicted the experimental total acid concentrations and conversions within 4.98% and 10.41%, respectively. When using NH(4)HCO(3) buffer, ammonia pretreatment is an attractive option. The CPDM "map" shows that both high volatile solid conversions (78.8%) and high acid concentrations (32.6 g/L) are possible with 300 g/(L liquid) substrate concentration, 30 days LRT, 2 g/(L day) solid loading rate and NH(4)HCO(3) buffer.
Labeled Phosphate Distribution in Working and Nonworking Myocardium

Investigation of phosphate metabolism with the aid of labeled phosphorus has been carried out, using isolated heart preparations in which only the left ventricles perform external work. The corresponding right ventricles in such preparations perform no external work with the unique experimental advantage of a single heart, providing simultaneously both working and "resting" (nonworking) metabolic states. Comparative incorporation of labeled phosphorus into nucleotide phosphate groups, non-nucleotide soluble phosphorylated components, phospholipids and ribose nucleic acid was examined as a function of cardiac work. Incorporation of the label into the rapidly exchanged high-energy phosphate groups was found to be restricted by a prior rate--limiting entry of the externally perfused isotope into the cells, thereby precluding a measure of turnover of these groups by this technic. Differences could not be demonstrated in isotope incorporation in either the phospholipids or RNA of working as compared to nonworking myocardium. It was concluded from these results that RNA is clearly not involved in energy reactions associated with cardiac work function. Phospholipid participation, on the other hand, could be clearly excluded only insofar as the phosphate moiety of these compounds is concerned. Information relevant to a mechanism of phosphate entry into cardiac cells was obtained in which a phosphorylation of hexose appeared to be involved. The composition of cardiac tissue with respect to nucleotide and non-nucleotide soluble components was examined in working and nonworkiug myocardium. Differences in composition were not found with respect to these constituents. A major component appearing in extracts of cardiac tissue was found and subsequently identified to be α-glycerophosphate. On the basis of isotope incorporation data, it was concluded that its metabolic source was of carbohydrate rather than phospholipid origin.
The Effect of Group Norms on Bystander Intervention

(1971). The Effect of Group Norms on Bystander Intervention. The Journal of Social Psychology: Vol. 83, No. 2, pp. 265-273.
Lunar Musings? An Investigation of Hegel's and Kierkegaard's Portraits of Despair

Despite his persistent polemics against the Hegelian ‘speculative’ philosophy, Kierkegaard recognized his own ‘enigmatic respect for Hegel’, and one of his pseudonyms (Johannes Climacus) even acknowledged that his ‘own energies are for the most part consecrated to the service’ of speculation. Nowhere are Kierkegaard's energies more productively devoted to this service than in the work of his last pseudonym, Anti-Climacus, The Sickness Unto Death. In this essay, I argue that not only are there structural parallels between the anatomy of despair in The Sickness Unto Death and the analysis of the ‘unhappy consciousness’ in Hegel's Phenomenology, but that there are striking parallels in terms of the actual content of the respective accounts. I develop these parallels in order, finally, to reconsider the terrain of difference between Kierkegaard's Christian therapeutics of despair and Hegel's phenomenological therapeutics.
Nutrition status and brain function in aging

Biochemical indices of nutrition status as- sessed in 28 healthy persons aged > 60 y were related to cogni- tive performance and electroencephalographic (EEG) indices of neuropsychological function. Performance data were most frequently related to indices ofnutrition status when tasks were demanding. Numerous correlations were also found between EEG indices and indices ofthiamin, riboflavin, and iron nutri- ture. Certain observations, such as a decrement in alpha-wave activity in the EEG ofsubjects with low thiamin status, suggest that subtle neuropsychological impairment can occur in associ- ation with mild deficits in nutrition status. Other findings mdi- cate that EEO frequency responses of older subjects with high iron status are similar to those of younger persons; however, these data are more difficult to interpret. The results suggest that further research on nutrition and neuropsychological function will lead to a better understanding ofthe role of nutri- tion in maintaining the functional integrity of the aging brain. AmJC/inNutr l990;52:93-l02.
The small GTPases ARL-13 and ARL-3 coordinate intraflagellar transport and ciliogenesis

Intraflagellar transport (IFT) machinery mediates the bidirectional movement of cargos that are required for the assembly and maintenance of cilia. However, little is known about how IFT is regulated in vivo. In this study, we show that the small guanosine triphosphatase (GTPase) adenosine diphosphate ribosylation factor-like protein 13 (ARL-13) encoded by the Caenorhabditis elegans homologue of the human Joubert syndrome causal gene ARL13B, localizes exclusively to the doublet segment of the cilium. arl-13 mutants have shortened cilia with various ultrastructural deformities and a disrupted association between IFT subcomplexes A and B. Intriguingly, depletion of ARL-3, another ciliary small GTPase, partially suppresses ciliogenesis defects in arl-13 mutants by indirectly restoring binding between IFT subcomplexes A and B. Rescue of arl-13 mutants by ARL-3 depletion is mediated by an HDAC6 deacetylase-dependent pathway. Thus, we propose that two conserved small GTPases, ARL-13 and ARL-3, coordinate to regulate IFT and that perturbing this balance results in cilia deformation.
Human Adipocyte Viability Testing: A New Assay

Abstract Background Surgical experience and anecdotal data on the most effective method of harvesting, preparing, and injecting autologous fat grafts are inconsistent and conflicting. Because the limitation of fat grafting is its resorption, understanding how various handling techniques affect adipocyte survival is crucial to optimizing its long-term survival. Objective We sought to develop a method for assaying fat viability in its clinically used form and then to test several common techniques used in fat grafting for their effects on the viability of the fat. Methods We performed the well-established MTT [3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyl tetrasodium bromide] cell survival and proliferation assay on fat, but the colored enzyme-breakdown product could not be released into the supernatant for spectrophotometric analysis. An entirely new protocol was developed that allowed the MTT assay to quantitate the viability of free fat grafts. The assay was able to distinguish between different quantities of live fat and to quantify the decrease in viability when the fat is stored. We subjected the fat to various treatments, including insulin and Triton-X 100 detergent, (Sigma Aldrich, St. Louis, MO) centrifugation, extrusion through different types and sizes of needles, and freezing. Results With the exception of detergent, which decreased viability, all other treatments had no statistically significant effect on adipocyte survival. Freezing did not result in decreased cell viability. Conclusions It is unlikely that variations in the clinical results of free fat grafting are the result of the handling techniques examined in this study.
BRST QUANTIZATION IN THE SIEGEL GAUGE

From a formal generalization to N copies of the free open string field theory BRST-quantized in the Siegel gauge we reproduce the BRST quantization of the free closed bosonic string field theory and obtain the one of massless higher spin field theories.
Decline of the Shasta Crayfish (Pacifastacus fortis Faxon) of Northeastern California

Native freshwater faunas in North America are declining, principally due to the combined effects of habitat degradation and introduced species. Relatively little attention has been directed to the decline of freshwater invertebrates, which may be even more threatened than fishes. This paper chronicles recent changes in the distribution and abundance of the Shasta crayfish (Pacifastacus fortis Faxon), a state and federally endangered species endemic to the midreaches of the Pit River system in northeastern California. We made snorkeling and SCUBA surveys for crayfish in 1990 and 1991 and examined various records for historic distributions. Shasta crayfish have been extirpated from much of their historic range by water impoundment and diversion, and they are further threatened by two introduced crayfish species (Pacifastacus leniusculus Dana and Orconectes virilis Hagen). By 1990 Shasta crayfish were restricted to seven isolated populations, mostly in the headwaters of spring-fed tributaries to the Pit river. P. leniusculus had become established throughout much of the study area in about 12 years. In one site P. leniusculus probably contributed to the precipitous decline of Shasta crayfish, from 2000–3000 in 1980 to about 370 (± 135) in 1991. O. virilis, which occurred in only the most disturbed parts of the system, showed little range expansion in 30 years and had been replaced in a large stretch of the Pit River by P. leniusculus. P. leniusculus occupied sites with a broad range of habitat variables (temperature, pH, turbidity, substrate size) partly or wholly overlapping measures of sites with the other two species. The decline of the Shasta crayfish, like the extinction of its closest relative P. nigrescens in the San Francisco Bay area earlier this century, reflects the decline of its habitat and probably pressure from the aggressive exotic P. leniusculus.
Burnout and Career Satisfaction Among Surgical Oncologists Compared with Other Surgical Specialties

Introduction Little is known regarding the rate of burnout, career satisfaction, and quality of life (QOL) among surgical oncologists compared with other surgical subspecialties.
Intuiting the infinite

This paper offers a defense of Charles Parsons’ appeal to mathematical intuition as a fundamental factor in solving Benacerraf’s problem for a non-eliminative structuralist version of Platonism. The literature is replete with challenges to his well-known argument that mathematical intuition justifies our knowledge of the infinitude of the natural numbers, in particular his demonstration that any member of a Hilbertian stroke string ω-sequence has a successor. On Parsons’ Kantian approach, this amounts to demonstrating that for an “arbitrary” or “vaguely represented” string of strokes, we can always “add” one more stroke. Critics have contested the cogency of a notion of an arbitrary object, our capacity to vaguely represent a definite object, and the role of spatial and temporal representation in the demonstration that we can “add” one more. The bulk of this paper is devoted to demonstrating how to meet all extant criticisms of his key argument. Critics have also suggested that Parsons’ whole approach is misbegotten because the appeal to mathematical intuition inevitably falls short of providing a complete solution to Benacerraf’s problem. Since the natural numbers are essentially and exclusively characterized by their structural properties, they cannot be identified with any particular model of arithmetic, and thus a notion of intuition will fail to capture the universality of arithmetic, its applicability to all entities. This paper also explains why we should not reject appeal to mathematical intuition even though it is not itself sufficient to fully “close the gap” on Benacerraf’s challenge.
Suggested viroid etiology for chrysanthemum chlorotic mottle disease.

Abstract In the range of pH 5.5–6.5 the etiologic agent of chrysanthemum chlorotic mottle disease (ChCMV) is extremely unstable in crude leaf extracts. However, grinding of infected tissue in alkaline buffer (pH 7.5–9.5) significantly increased the stability and infectivity of the agent. Homogenization of tissue in 0.2 M borate buffer, pH 9.0, with sodium dodecylsulfate (SDS)-phenol or chloroform-n-butanol, rendered the agent as infectious and more stable than homogenization in borate buffer alone. Pancreatic ribonuclease but not pancreatic deoxyribonuclease abolished infectivity of ChCMV extracted from tissue with SDS-phenol. Following centrifugation of crude extracts, most of the infectivity was found in the 5,900 g and 120,000 g supernatant fluids, although some could be sedimented under these conditions. Rate-zonal centrifugation of leaf extracts of ChCMV in linear-log sucrose density gradients showed that the predominant infectious species sedimented between 6 and 14 S but with minor species sedimenting between 18 and 23 S and 35 and 40 S. We propose that ChCMV is a viroid.
Feeding Habits of Red Drum (Sciaenops ocellatus) in Galveston Bay, Texas: Seasonal Diet Variation and Predator-Prey Size Relationships

Feeding habits, seasonal diet variation, and predator size-prey size relationships of red drum (Sciaenops ocellatus) were investigated in Galveston Bay, Texas through stomach contents analysis. A total of 598 red drum ranging from 291–763 mm total length were collected and their stomach contents analyzed during fall 1997 and spring 1998. The diet of red drum showed significant seasonal patterns, and was dominated by white shrimp (Penaeus setiferus) during fall and gulf menhaden (Brevoortia patronus) during spring. Blue crab (Callinectes sapidus) was an important component of red drum diets during both seasons. Significant differences existed between prey types consumed during fall and spring as red drum diet reflected seasonal variation in prey availability. Predictive regression equations were generated to estimate original carapace width of blue crabs from several measurements taken from carapace fragments recovered in red drum stomachs. Regressions were highly significant (r2>0.97) and increased the number of blue crabs with size information nearly three fold. Predator size-prey size relationships were determined for red drum feeding on white shrimp, gulf menhaden, and blue crab. Although regression slopes were statistically significant, prey sizes increased only slightly with increasing red drum size. Comparisons of prey sizes consumed by red drum with sizes occurring in the field indicate that red drum feed in nearshore shallow water habitats, which serve as nursery areas for many juvenile fishes and crustaceans. Our findings demonstrate that red drum feed on several prey species of commercial and recreational value and may have important effects on estuarine community structure.
The Overamplification of Gravity Waves in Numerical Solutions to Flow over Topography

Abstract The tendency of high-resolution numerical weather prediction (NWP) models to overpredict the strength of vertically propagating mountain waves is explored. Discrete analytic mountain-wave solutions are presented for the classical problem of cross-mountain flow in an atmosphere with constant wind speed and stability. Time-dependent linear numerical solutions are also obtained for more realistic atmospheric structures. On one hand, using second-order-accurate finite differences on an Arakawa C grid to model nonhydrostatic flow over what might be supposed to be an adequately resolved 8Δx-wide mountain can lead to an overamplification of the standing mountain wave by 30%–40%. On the other hand, the same finite-difference scheme underestimates the wave amplitude in hydrostatic flow over an 8Δx-wide mountain. Increasing the accuracy of the advection scheme to the fourth order significantly reduces the numerical errors associated with both the hydrostatic and nonhydrostatic discrete solutions. The Coupl...
Lin28: A MicroRNA Regulator with a Macro Role

Lin28, a highly conserved RNA-binding protein, has emerged as a modulator of the processing of the let-7 microRNA. This role for Lin28 has important implications for our mechanistic understanding of pluripotency, the timing of development, and oncogenesis.
Nutrient-limited continuous culture in the phauxostat

Stable steady-state growth of Escherichia coli B limited by succinate, phosphate, or sulfate ion over the range of specific growth rates of 0.025-0.51 h(-1) was achieved using pH-controlled auxostasis in the phauxostat. The concentration of the growth-limiting substrate in the growth vessel could be varied at will in the region of the Monod half-maximal saturation constants by adjusting the concentration of that substrate in the reservior (at constant buffering capacity) or by varying the population density of the culture through changing the buffering capacity of the medium in the reservoir.
Teach graphics using excel in place of a graphing calculator

Excel spreadsheets were developed to teach the underlying math in a computer graphics course including reviewing basic linear algebra operations, tracing a series of OpenGL transformations, and creating Bezier curves and surfaces with forward differences. Each spreadsheet contains an English overview of the mathematical process and the numerical result of each sub step thus providing a high level of abstraction. Double clicking a numerical result shows the underlying equation and operands used. The authors recommend using Excel in place of a graphing calculator in a computer graphics course.
Gene therapy for arterial thrombosis

Conventional antithrombotic treatments with antiplatelet, anticoagulant, or fibrinolytic drugs are not uniformly successful and are associated with hemorrhagic side effects. Thus, new approaches to the prevention and treatment of arterial thrombosis are desirable. The gene transfer approach is particularly attractive because of its unique ability to express an antithrombotic gene at selected sites of the vessel wall (where thrombosis is threatened) while avoiding systemic anticoagulation. Clinical conditions potentially amenable to antithrombotic gene therapy include coronary artery bypass grafting, percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty, peripheral artery angioplasty or thrombectomy, intravascular stenting, and vascular graft prostheses. Gene therapy may prove effective in preventing subacute thrombosis in these settings and, eventually, may play an adjuvant role to systemic thrombolysis in the treatment of acute arterial occlusion. The introduction of an antithrombotic gene into the arterial wall can be achieved either by direct in vivo gene transfer (e.g., by luminal administration of a viral vector) or by in vitro genetic manipulation of cells before their seeding onto vascular grafts, stents, or denuded arteries. The direct gene transfer approach has been used to deliver antithrombotic genes to animal arteries in vivo. Antithrombotic genes used to date include those encoding enzymes of the prostacyclin synthetic pathway, nitric oxide synthase, the thrombin inhibitor hirudin, and thrombomodulin. The in vitro gene transfer approach has been used to enhance the fibrinolytic activity of vascular grafts by overexpressing plasminogen activators. If the initial successes of gene therapy for thrombotic disease in animal models are confirmed by longer-term experiments, and if new vectors are developed which permit prolonged transgene expression without inflammation, human studies can be initiated.
Mechanical properties of native and ex vivo remodeled porcine saphenous veins

When grafted into an arterial environment in vivo, veins remodel in response to the new mechanical environment, thereby changing their mechanical properties and potentially impacting their patency as bypass grafts. Porcine saphenous veins were subjected for one week to four different ex vivo hemodynamic environments in which pressure and shear stress were varied independently, as well as an environment that mimicked that of an arterial bypass graft. After one week of ex vivo culture, the mechanical properties of intact saphenous veins were evaluated to relate specific aspects of the mechanical environment to vein remodeling and corresponding changes in mechanics. The compliance of all cultured veins tended to be less than that of fresh veins; however, this trend was more due to changes in medial and luminal areas than changes in the intrinsic properties of the vein wall. A combination of medial hypertrophy and eutrophic remodeling leads to significantly smaller (p<0.05) wall stresses measured in all cultured veins except those subjected to bypass graft conditions relative to stresses measured in fresh veins at corresponding pressures. Our results suggest that the mechanical environment effects changes in vessel size, as well as the nature of the remodeling, which contribute to altering vein mechanical properties.
System Engineering the Space Infrared Interferometric Telescope (SPIRIT)

The Space Infrared Interferometric Telescope (SPIRIT) was designed to accomplish three scientific objectives: (1) learn how planetary systems form from protostellar disks and how they acquire their inhomogeneous chemical composition; (2) characterize the family of extrasolar planetary systems by imaging the structure in debris disks to understand how and where planets of different types form; and (3) learn how high-redshift galaxies formed and merged to form the present-day population of galaxies. SPIRIT will accomplish these objectives through infrared observations with a two aperture interferometric instrument. This paper gives an overview of SPIRIT design and operation, and how the three design cycle concept study was completed. The error budget for several key performance values allocates tolerances to all contributing factors, and a performance model of the spacecraft plus instrument system demonstrates meeting those allocations with margin.
Vacuum Polarization in Nucleon Structure

We draw analogies between the shell model and the quark model and also between the many body theory and the lattice gauge theory. We then report results of our lattice calculations on the πN σ term and the flavor-singlet axial charge of the nucleon in the framework of quenched QCD. The disconnected insertions, or vacuum polarizations, which involve contributions from the sea quarks are evaluated with the stochastic estimator with the Z 2 noise which yields minimum variances. We find the sea-quark contribution to the πN sigma term to be ~ 1/2 – 1/4 of that of the dynamical fermion calculation. Whereas, the sea-quark contribution to the flavor-singlet g A is negative and large enough to cancel the valence (connected insertion) contribution substantially to resolve the “proton spin crisis”.
Reflection on Beyond Discipline from Compliance to Community

In this reflective essay, the author reflects on Beyond Discipline (Kohn, 2006). In his work, Kohn (2006) is implicit on his perspective on the nature of children; blaming the children; bribes and threats; classroom control; children's classroom of their own choosing; the classroom as community; and solving the problems together. Kohn's assertion about discipline is not something new. In fact, I implemented a similar discipline style as a teacher to diverse students in public school. In this reflection, I highlight the effectiveness of Kohn's recommendations on Beyond Discipline strategies. In doing so, I explain Kohn's perspectives on the following topics: a) nature of children; b) blaming the kids; c) bribes and threats; d) punishment as a consequence; e) classroom of children's choosing; and f) a classroom as a community. In addition, I compare Kohn's perspective on discipline strategies with Liu's (1997) multi-year teacher/students relationships model on classroom discipline.
Identification of Metalloprotease/Disintegrins in Xenopus laevis Testis with a Potential Role in Fertilization

Proteins containing a membrane-anchored metalloprotease domain, a disintegrin domain, and a cysteine-rich region (MDC proteins) are thought to play an important role in mammalian fertilization, as well as in somatic cell-cell interactions. We have identified PCR sequence tags encoding the disintegrin domain of five distinct MDC proteins from Xenopus laevis testis cDNA. Four of these sequence tags (xMDC9, xMDC11.1, xMDC11.2, and xMDC13) showed strong similarity to known mammalian MDC proteins, whereas the fifth (xMDC16) apparently represents a novel family member. Northern blot analysis revealed that the mRNA for xMDC16 was only expressed in testis, and not in heart, muscle, liver, ovaries, or eggs, whereas the mRNAs corresponding to the four other PCR products were expressed in testis and in some or all somatic tissues tested. The xMDC16 protein sequence, as predicted from the full-length cDNA, contains a metalloprotease domain with the active-site sequence HEXXH, a disintegrin domain, a cysteine-rich region, an EGF repeat, a transmembrane domain, and a short cytoplasmic tail. To study a potential role for these xMDC proteins in fertilization, peptides corresponding to the predicted integrin-binding domain of each protein were tested for their ability to inhibit X. laevis fertilization. Cyclic and linear xMDC16 peptides inhibited fertilization in a concentration-dependent manner, whereas xMDC16 peptides that were scrambled or had certain amino acid replacements in the predicted integrin-binding domain did not affect fertilization. Cyclic and linear xMDC9 peptides and linear xMDC13 peptides also inhibited fertilization similarly to xMDC16 peptides, whereas peptides corresponding to the predicted integrin-binding site of xMDC11.1 and xMDC11.2 did not. These results are discussed in the context of a model in which multiple MDC protein-receptor interactions are necessary for fertilization to occur.
Radiographic Evidence of Hip Microinstability in Elite Ballet.

Purpose To determine prevalence, magnitude, and predisposing radiographic features of hip subluxation in elite ballet dancers. Methods A cross-sectional investigation of professional male and female ballet dancers was performed using 5 plain radiographs. A "splits" anteroposterior (AP) radiograph was performed with legs abducted parallel to the trunk in the coronal plane (splits position; grand ecart facial). Hip center position (HCP) was measured on standing AP pelvis and AP pelvis splits views and the difference calculated (subluxation distance) to determine prevalence and magnitude of femoral head subluxation. Student t test compared HCP on AP pelvis and splits radiographs. Pearson correlations were used to correlate splits HCP with radiographic measures of femoroacetabular impingement and dysplasia. Results Analyzing 47 dancers (21 men, 26 women; 23.8 ± 5.4 years), mean HCP on standing AP pelvis was 9.39 ± 3.33 mm versus 10.8 ± 2.92 mm on splits radiograph, with mean subluxation distance of 1.41 mm ( P = .035). Forty-two dancers' femoral heads translated laterally with splits positioning, and 17 dancers (36%) exhibited a "vacuum sign" (bilateral in 71% of subjects with at least 1 hip vacuum sign). There was strong positive correlation ( r = 0.461, P = .001) with splits HCP and alpha angle (Dunn 45°), and moderate negative correlation ( r = −0.332, P = .022) with subluxation distance and neck-shaft angle. In men, splits HCP increased as lateral center edge angle (CEA) decreased ( r = −0.437, P = .047), as anterior CEA decreased ( r = −0.482, P = .027), as Tonnis angle increased ( r = 0.656, P = .001), and as femoral head extrusion index increased ( r = 0.511, P = .018). In women, there was moderate negative correlation ( r = −0.389, P = .049) with subluxation distance and neck-shaft angle. Conclusions Hip subluxation occurs during splits in most professional ballet dancers, with a significantly greater magnitude of subluxation in women than men. Subluxation magnitude increases with increasing alpha angle and decreasing neck-shaft angle. In men, the magnitude increases with severity of dysplasia. Women had subluxation regardless of acetabular morphology but increased subluxation with decreased neck-shaft angle. This provides radiographic support for hip microinstability in elite ballet. Level of Evidence Level IV, diagnostic.
Abstract IA17: The therapeutic potential of PI(3) inhibition in lymphoma

The PI(3) kinase is engaged by multiple genetic, epigenetic and signaling abnormalities that are unique to particular molecular subtypes of lymphoma. Central to our understanding of lymphomas is signaling from the B cell receptor (BCR), which can occur by different mechanisms in each lymphoma subtype. A natural consequence of BCR signaling is engagement, which activates the SYK tyrosine kinase and consequently PI(3) kinase. The ABC subtype of diffuse large B cell lymphoma has chronic active BCR signaling in which PI(3) kinase is engaged along with NF-κB, both of which promote the survival of the malignant cells. In Burkitt lymphoma, a different mode of BCR signaling, known as tonic signaling, is responsible for cell survival and this is entirely mediated by the PI(3) kinase, with little or no involvement of NF-κB. A small subset of lymphomas belonging to the GCB subtype of DLBCL also appears to utilize tonic BCR signaling for survival. However, over half of GCB DLBCL tumors activate PI(3) kinase signaling due to genetic and epigenetic mechanisms, including PTEN inactivation and amplification of the mIR-17-92 cluster of microRNAs, which negatively regulate PTEN. Normal and malignant B cells express the PI(3) kinase delta catalytic subunit, which is not expressed highly outside of the lymphoid lineage. Selective PI(3) kinase delta inhibition with idelalisib has produced objective responses in several lymphoma malignancies. An open question, however, is whether other PI(3) kinase isoforms also contribute to signaling in lymphoma. Successful treatment of lymphomas with PI(3) kinase inhibitors will require drug combinations that inactivate parallel survival mechanisms. For example, in ABC DLBCL, PI(3) kinase inhibition synergizes strongly with inhibition of NF-κB using the BTK inhibitor ibrutinib. Citation Format: Louis M. Staudt. The therapeutic potential of PI(3) inhibition in lymphoma. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR Special Conference: Targeting the PI3K-mTOR Network in Cancer; Sep 14-17, 2014; Philadelphia, PA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Mol Cancer Ther 2015;14(7 Suppl):Abstract nr IA17.
Pathogenesis of Acute Legionnaires’ Disease Pneumonia: Immunofluorescent Microscopic Study

Immunofluorescent study of the lungs in cases of fatal suspected acute Legionnaires’ disease enabled confirmation of the presence of Legionella pneumophila . In addition, probable pathogenetic mechanisms that had not been as clearly visualized by light microscopy became apparent: the retrograde involvement of the larger bronchioles and proximal airways, invasion of the interstitium, extension to pleura, and lymphatic and hematogenous spread. Organisms were demonstrated to occur in the liver and spleen of one patient. The development of technics for the earliest possible diagnostic verification of Legionnaires’ disease, with specimens obtained as untraumatically as practical from selected sites and screened by specific immunofluorescent microscopic examination, should contribute to patient survival.
Sex pheromone components of corn stalk borerSesamia nonagriodes (Lef.) isolation, identification, and field tests.

Z-11-Hexadecenyl acetate (Z11-16∶OAc), dodecyl acetate (12∶OAc),Z-11-hexadecenal (Z11-16∶Aid), andZ-11-hexadecenol (Z11- 16∶OH), were found in pheromone gland extracts of femaleSesamia nonagriodes (Lef.) [Lepidoptera: Noctuidae]. These four components were also present in airborne volatiles collected from calling virgin females in a 65∶18∶8∶9 ratio. Hexadecyl acetate (16∶OAc) was also detected but found to be inactive. The identification was based on multicolumn GC analysis, mass spectrometry, and field activity.Z11-16∶OAc is the major sex pheromone component; the addition of the secondary components individually decreased male captures. The blend of the four synthetic components in 69∶15∶8∶8 ratio was highly attractive to males; 200 μg per trap was the most effective concentration in field tests.
Phagocytic and opsonic activities of germfree rats.

SummaryPhagocytic activity was comparable in germ free and “conventional” control rats as evaluated by the intravascular clearance of a gelatinized radioiodinated “RE test lipid emulsion.” Both germfree and conventional plasma manifested similar opsonic activity as evaluated by their ability to enhance Kupffer cell phagocytosis of colloidal gold in vitro. Opsonin is suspected to be a “natural antibody” in view of the phagocytic stimulatory activity of plasma from the germ-free animals.
Cell dynamics studied by quantitative phase imaging

We examine intracellular traffic using spatial light interference microscopy (SLIM). The dispersion relation, i.e. decay rate vs. spatial mode, reveals that the mass transport is diffusive at short scales and deterministic at long scales.
Tracking performance as a function of distorted knowledge of results

The influence of distorted knowledge of results on tracking performance of 32 male and 32 female Ss was examined. Results indicate the performance of the male Ss was uninfluenced by the various distortion conditions. For the female Ss distorted knowledge of results had a significant effect upon tracking performance, with the condition of least distortion resulting in poorer performance, than under the condition of the greater distortion.
An oxytocin receptor polymorphism predicts amygdala reactivity and antisocial behavior in men

Variability in oxytocin (OXT) signaling is associated with individual differences in sex-specific social behavior across species. The effects of OXT signaling on social behavior are, in part, mediated through its modulation of amygdala function. Here, we use imaging genetics to examine sex-specific effects of three single-nucleotide polymorphisms in the human oxytocin receptor gene (OXTR; rs1042778, rs53576 and rs2254298) on threat-related amygdala reactivity and social behavior in 406 Caucasians. Analyses revealed that among men but not women, OXTR rs1042778 TT genotype was associated with increased right amygdala reactivity to angry facial expressions, which was uniquely related to higher levels of antisocial behavior among men. Moderated meditation analysis suggested a trending indirect effect of OXTR rs1042778 TT genotype on higher antisocial behavior via increased right amygdala reactivity to angry facial expressions in men. Our results provide evidence linking genetic variation in OXT signaling to individual differences in amygdala function. The results further suggest that these pathways may be uniquely important in shaping antisocial behavior in men.
Evaluation on HIV/AIDS prevention and control after implementing PITC in Neijiang city

Objective To evaluate the quality of the prevention and control of HIV /AIDS after implementing PITC in Neijiang city.Methods The " National evaluation program on the implementation of HIV /AIDS" was applied to evaluate the prevention and control of HIV /AIDS from 2010 to 2012,before and after implementing PITC.Results After carrying out PITC,all the indexes of the main AIDS prevention and control measures in Neijiang were improved yearly from2010,and the differences were of statistical significance(P 0.01).Conclusions After the implementation of PITC,the control and preventive measures were well carried out,the quality of control and prevention was promoted.However,the detection ability of the medical services should be enhanced,and the intervention for protecting the high risk population should be strengthened.