cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The fine specificity of monoclonal anti-DNA antibodies induced in normal mice by immunization with bacterial DNA.

Abstract To evaluate further bacterial DNA immunization as a model to study antigen drive in the anti-DNA response, the specificity of induced monoclonal anti-DNA antibodies was characterized. A panel of IgM and IgG monoclonal anti-DNA antibodies was produced from spleen cells of BALB/c mice immunized with single-stranded DNA from E. coli complexed to methylated bovine serum albumin in complete Freund's adjuvant. The binding of these antibodies to DNA and non-DNA antigens was tested by ELISA to assess their range of polyspecificity. These monoclonal antibodies were found to bind to nucleic acid as well as non-nucleic acid antigens, such as β-galactosidase, cardiolipin, Ro, La and Sm. These studies demonstrate that anti-DNA antibodies from normal mice, although induced by bacterial DNA, may display a broad range of antigen recognition and thus resemble lupus anti-DNA antibodies, many of which are polyspecific, in their pattern of cross-reactivity.
The polarization propagator based on an agp state: Theory and application to the helium atom

The AGP reference state is shown to support a high-order consistent propagator approximation. An “improved” polarization propagator approximation is then available via the partitioning technique. An application to the two-electron helium atom is given since in this case the AGP reference state is the exact ground state within a given basis set.
Characterization of Endotoxin Collected on California Dairies Using Personal and Area-Based Sampling Methods

Endotoxin, found in the cell wall of gram negative bacteria, is an important contributor to the biological activity of agriculture particulate matter (PM). We analyzed endotoxin in PM collected on 13 California dairies and from the breathing zone of 226 workers during the summer months of 2008. Two particle size fractions were measured: PM2.5 and inhalable PM. Recombinant factor C assays were used to analyze biologically active endotoxin, while gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry in tandem was used to quantify total lipopolysaccharide. Biologically active endotoxin concentrations in the inhalable PM size fraction from area-based samples ranged from 11–2095 EU/m3 and from 45–2061 EU/m3 for personal samples. Total endotoxin in the inhalable PM size fraction ranged from 75–10,166 pmol/m3 for area-based samples and 34–11,689 pmol/m3 for personal samples. Area-based geometric mean concentrations for biologically active endotoxin and total endotoxin in PM2.5 and inhalable PM size fractions were 3 ...
Performance prediction of a virtual machine

Modeling and simulation of computer systems have two main objectives. First, to evaluate the performance of a given configuration of a machine and second, to derive a mechanism for prediction of performance when configuration parameters change. This paper addresses the second issue and reports the result of a recent investigation of a Virtual Memory Computer. The results indicate which variables or combination of variables have significant effect on the performance and which do not.
Tangential discontinuities in the solar wind

Solar wind discontinuity surfaces observed by spacecraft magnetometers determined from measured time delays and solar wind speed
The Pursuit of Power Corrupts: How Investing in Outside Options Motivates Opportunism in Relationships

Across three laboratory studies, this paper illustrates how a common strategic decision aimed at increasing one’s own power—investing in outside options—can lead to opportunistic behavior in exchange relationships. We show that the extent to which individuals have invested in creating outside options increases the likelihood that they will exploit their current exchange partners, even after controlling for the leverage provided by the outside options. Our results demonstrate that having previously sunk investments in an outside option leads to a heightened sense of entitlement, even when the outside option has been foregone. In turn, feelings of entitlement result in higher aspirations for what is to be gained in the current relationship, and these aspirations fuel opportunism. Finally, we show that other parties may fail to anticipate these effects, leaving them vulnerable to exploitation.
Effects of Racial Discrimination, Childhood Trauma, and Trauma Symptoms on Juvenile Delinquency in African American Incarcerated Youth

To understand racial disproportionality in juvenile delinquency, we studied relationships between 2 possible contributors: effects of manifestations of a structural factor (racism) and psychological consequences of trauma. Informed by Carter’s (2007) theory of race-based trauma, we explored the role of experiences of racial discrimination, childhood trauma, and trauma symptoms in juvenile delinquency through self-reported experiences of incarcerated African American youth. We found that childhood trauma, trauma symptoms, and racial discrimination experiences all significantly contributed to juvenile delinquency, but participants who experienced greater racial discrimination had higher posttraumatic stress symptoms and elevated delinquency rates. Considering the well-documented effects of trauma symptoms on juvenile delinquency, race-based trauma experiences might help us understand one aspect of racial disproportionality in juvenile delinquency.
Omission of Pepsin from Simulated Gastric Fluid in Evaluating Activated Charcoals as Antidotes

Although simulated gastric fluid USP calls for 3.2 g of pepsin/liter, most researchers omit pepsin when evaluating adsorbents. The present results show that, although pepsin adsorbs strongly to activated charcoal, it does not interfere significantly with the adsorption of a typical drug like sodium salicylate. Therefore, its omission is justified. Gastric mucin also had almost no effect on salicylate adsorption.
Some criteria to evaluate demand management policies in Asian countries

Abstract Simple, consistent criteria for measuring the primary (adjusted for feedbacks from the economy) demand impact of monetary and fiscal policies are deprived using a macroeconomic model that consists of real and financial sectors and maintains the stock-flow distinction. The model focuses on fluctuations around the trend growth of the economy. Through applications to some Asian country data, it is shown how the derived criteria are used to assess whether demand management policies have been stabilizing, the extent of coordination between monetary and fiscal policies, and the contribution of demand factors to fluctuations in the output growth rate.
Long-term regulation of proximal tubule acid–base transporter abundance by angiotensin II

In the proximal tubule, angiotensin II (Ang-II) regulates HCO − 3 reabsorption and H + secretion by binding the type 1 Ang-II (AT1) receptor, stimulating Na + /HCO − 3 cotransport and Na + /H + exchange. Studies were carried out to determine if long-term changes in Ang-II receptor occupation alter the abundance of the basolateral Na + /HCO − 3 cotransporter (NBC1) or the apical membrane type 3Na + /H + exchanger (NHE3). In the first set of experiments, rats eating a low-sodium diet were infused with the AT1 blocker, candesartan, or vehicle. In the second, lisinopril-infused rats were infused with either Ang II or vehicle. Transporter abundances were determined in whole kidney homogenates (WKH) and in brush border membrane (BBM) preparations by semiquantitative immunoblotting. Tissue distribution of transporters was assessed by immunocytochemistry. Blockade of the AT1 receptor by candesartan caused decreased abundance of NBC1 in WKH (59±9% of control; P P P P P
Correlations between Terminal Mitosis and Differentiated Fate of Retinal Precursor Cells in Vivo and in Vitro: Analysis with the ''Window-Labeling'' Technique

We have investigated with high resolution the timing of retinal precursor cell commitment to specific differentiated fates, using anin ovomodification of thein vitro“window-labeling” technique (A. M. Repka and R. Adler,J. Histochem. Cytochem.40, 947–953, 1992a). The method involves an initial injection of tritiated thymidine into chick embryos, followed a specified number of hours later by an injection of bromodeoxyuridine (BrDU); cells born during this period are identified by being labeled with thymidine but not with BrDU. We used this method to determine, in a narrow region adjacent to the choroid fissure, the fate of cells born during defined 5-hr intervals between Embryonic Days (ED) 4–8. All the cohorts gave rise to heterogenous differentiated populations, indicating that time of cell birth is not a major cell fate determinant. A progressive restriction in the developmental potential of precursor cells, however, was suggested by the observed decrease in the number of different populations generated during each 5-hr period from ED 4 to 8, and supported also by dissociated cell culture experiments investigating the fate of cells born at different developmental stages. Microenvironmental influences were testedin vitrousing cells windowed-labeledin ovofor 5 hr on ED 5. After spending at least 72 hr within the retina before their isolation for culture, these cells mimicked theirin vivofate, giving rise predominantly to nonphotoreceptor neurons; a completely different behavior was observed when the cells were isolated after shorter exposures to the retinal microenvironment, when they gave rise predominantly to photoreceptors. Together with data demonstrating that differential cell death cannot account for these results, our results are consistent with the hypothesis that cell fate determination occurs after the time of terminal mitosis.
Discourse Devices Used by Language Disordered Children: A Preliminary Investigation.

Language-disordered children's use of two devices through which utterances are related to ongoing discourse, focus and substitution operations, were observed. Focus operations merely repeat, while ...
The next 10 years in antihypertensive treatment

Interview by Tanya StezhkaDr Cooper-DeHoff is an Associate Professor in the Department of Pharmacotherapy and Translational Research, and the Department of Pharmaceutics in the College of Pharmacy, and in the Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, at the University of Florida (FL, USA). Her principle research focuses on hypertension, diabetes and the metabolic syndrome. She was a principle investigator of the INVEST study, which evaluated hypertension treatments in older coronary artery disease patients, and is currently a coinvestigator on two NIH grants evaluating pharmacogenetic hypertension associations. She is a member of the American Heart Association, American Society of Hypertension, American College of Cardiology and Florida Society of Hospital Pharmacists.
Induction of foci of altered hepatocytes by a single injection of azaserine to rats.

Summary The induction of foci of altered, γ-glutamyltranspeptidase (GGT)-positive hepatocytes by azaserine was investigated. After injection of a single dose of azaserine, many foci developed in male Wistar rats fed a choline-devoid (CD) diet containing acetylaminofluorene (AAF), but only a few in rats fed a choline-supplemented (CS) diet containing AAF. Similar results were obtained in rats fed a plain CD diet or a plain CS diet and injected with a single dose of azaserine after a partial hepatectomy. These findings indicate that azaserine is an effective in of liver carcinogenesis in rats, and that a CD diet acts as a strong promoter of the evolution initiated liver cells to foci of altered, GGT-positive hepatocytes.
The role of the social dimension in life cycle engineering

Sustainability recognises the interdependence of ecological, social and economic systems and nowhere is the concept of sustainability more critical than in developing nations, whose economies rely heavily on natural resources. Software for life cycle assessment (LCA) is becoming increasingly effective in evaluating the potential environmental and resource impacts of design and supply chain decisions. As more decision-makers commit to sustainability, there is increasing pressure to incorporate economic and social considerations into LCA. In addition, it may be necessary to incorporate social impacts to ensure LCA is relevant with respect to developing countries. The degree to which social impacts have been included in LCA is briefly reviewed and metrics associated with social impacts are discussed. Input-output analysis is introduced as a method for considering social impacts.
Influences of the Normal Menstrual Cycle on Physiologic Functioning During Behavioral Stress

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the influence of the normal menstrual cycle on lipoprotein, cardiovascular, and neuroendocrine stress responses. Fifteen normally-cycling, healthy women participated in a series of behavioral tasks during the menstrual, follicular, and luteal phases of their menstrual cycle. These women had established menstrual cycle regularity for the three months prior to enrollment in this study, were free from menstrual cycle disturbances, biochemically confirmed that they ovulated, and displayed appropriate patterns of reproductive hormone fluctuations during the study period. Heart rate, blood pressure, low density lipoprotein-cholesterol, and total cholesterol all demonstrated significant elevations from baseline levels during tasks. No differences in the magnitude of stress responses during the three menstrual cycle phases were noted for any physiological variable. We conclude that the hormonal fluctuations that occur in healthy, normally-cycling women during the menstrual cycle do not influence the stress responses that were investigated here. Significant influences of menstrual cycle phase previously reported in the literature, albeit not in a consistent direction, may have been due to the recruitment of women with menstrual cycle irregularities, and to the failure to adequately verify menstrual cycle phase.
The effect of local or general anesthesia on the physiology and behavior of tail docked pigs.

Tail docking of pigs is a routine procedure on farms to help control tail-biting behavior; however, docking can cause pain. The objective of this research was to evaluate the effect of local or general anesthesia on the physiology (experiment 1) and behavior (experiment 2) of tail docked pigs. Pigs were allocated to one of six treatment groups: (i) sham docking (CON); (ii) docking using conventional cutting (CUT) with side-cutting pliers; (iii) CUT docking plus local anesthesia injected immediately before docking (LA); (iv) CUT docking plus short-acting local anesthesia applied topically to the tail wound (SHORT); (v) CUT docking plus long-acting anesthesia applied topically to the tail wound (LONG) and (vi) CUT docking while the pig was anesthetized with carbon dioxide gas (CO(2)). In experiment 1, blood samples were collected from pigs (10 pigs per treatment) before and 30, 60 and 120 min after docking to measure leukocyte counts and percentages and cortisol concentrations. In experiment 2, the above treatments were repeated (10 pigs per treatment); the percentage of stress vocalizations were recorded during the administration of the treatments and behavior was recorded for up to 120 min after docking or handling. All pigs were weighed before and 24 h after docking and wound healing was recorded until weaning. The neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio was greater (P 0.05) between SHORT and CON pigs 30 min after docking. Cortisol concentrations did not differ (P > 0.05) among pigs given pain relief at the time of docking compared with pigs' docked without pain relief. Body weight change and wound scores did not differ (P > 0.05) among treatments. The percentage of stress vocalizations increased (P < 0.05) in CUT, SHORT and LONG, but not in CON, LA and CO(2) pigs in response to docking or handling. The percentage of time pigs spent lying without contact after docking tended to be greater (P = 0.06) in CUT pigs compared with all other docking treatments and CON pigs. In this study, none of the anesthesia treatments tested were effective at significantly changing the physiological or behavioral response to tail docking in pigs.
Development of a CFD Simulation Method for Extreme Wave and Structure Interactions

A robust Volume of Fluid (VOF) technique is presented together with an incompressible Euler/Navier Stokes solver operating on adaptive, unstructured grids to simulate the interactions of extreme waves and three-dimensional structures. The incompressible Euler/Navier Stokes equations are solved using projection schemes and a finite element method. The classic dam-break problem has been used to validate the computer code developed based on the method described above. The numerical simulations of a three dimensional dam-break wave interacting with a single cylinder and a cylinder array have been carried out. Computational results have demonstrated that the present CFD method is capable of simulating the interactions of extreme waves and three-dimensional structures, which are of great importance for the comprehension of many natural phenomena in marine, coastal and marine engineering.Copyright © 2005 by ASME
The Far Side of Heterogeneity A Critical Analysis of Empirical Subtyping Research in Learning Disabilities

The paper evaluates critically recent research aimed at empirically identifying homogeneous subtypes of learning disability. The problem of heterogeneity is discussed as well as philosophical, conceptual, and methodological concerns associated with present subtype research. Comparisons are drawn with classification efforts in the natural sciences and parallels are drawn for application to classification in learning disabilities. In general, subtyping research in learning disabilities is viewed positively, but problematic aspects seem presently to limit its usefulness. To overcome these dif-ficulties, it is suggested that researchers strive for more commonality with respect to both methods and measures used for subtype analysis, and that researchers pool their ef-forts. In this way, a single classification scheme for learning disabilities could be developed that would possess wide relevance for reducing heterogeneity and improving educational efforts.
How members of the public interpret the word accident.

Objective—To explore what the word accident means to the lay public. This interpretation is of interest because it has been raised by injury control professionals as one justification for discouraging use of that word. Methods—A national telephone survey of 943 adults in the United States was conducted. Respondents were selected at random from households whose phone numbers were generated using random digit dialing techniques. Bivariate and multivariate analyses were performed to determine if respondent characteristics predicted their interpretations of the word accident. Results—Eighty three per cent of respondents associated preventability with the word accident, and only 26% felt that accidents were controlled by fate. However, 71% thought that accidents could not be predicted, and 4% felt that accidents were done on purpose. Age, education, income, and race emerged as independent predictors of various accident interpretations. Conclusions—Only in the case of "unpredictability" does the public's interpretation of the word accident match many experts' expectations. The concept of "unintentionality" is what seems to be communicated most strongly by use of the word accident. Persistent attempts on the part of injury control professionals to eliminate this word from social discourse may result in unintended consequences, which are discussed.
The land grab, finance capital, and food regime restructuring: the case of Egypt

The role of Egyptian finance capital in acquiring (and attempting to acquire) agricultural land in southern neighbouring countries since the 2007–2008 food-fuel-financial crisis represents in part the southward expansion of the frontier in Egypt, or new socio-ecological spaces for heightened capital accumulation. This expansion, heralded by processes of financialisation, is the latest wave of corporate consolidation of the country's agri-food system. This paper offers an historical analysis of frontier making in modern-day Egypt and how it has been shaped by relations between Egypt and Sudan within a restructuring hegemonic state system, from the nineteenth century to present-day revolutionary times. Then, a case study of one Egyptian financial firm, Citadel Capital, is detailed to demonstrate that the ‘global land grab’ reflects food regime restructuring with the end of cheap food and oil – and greater food insecurity and political instability in Egypt and in southern neighbouring countries.
Growth and Endocrine Function of Isolated Ovarian Follicles Cultivated in Vivo

Ovarian follicles isolated by enzymatic dispersal of mouse ovaries were cultivated in 2 in vivo systems. Dispersed tissues from 2 ovaries were placed into either sterile gelfoam sponges or sterile millipore filter diffusion chambers and implanted subcutaneously into previously ovariectomized mice of the same strain from which ovaries had been taken. This was done to test the ability of dispersed ovarian tissue to include vaginal opening and estrous cycle activity when cultivated in vivo. In order to note the growth and endocrine activity of isolated ovarian follicles single intact follicles were removed from the despersals by means of a micropipette under a dissecting microscope. The follicles were than cultivated individually as intraocular transplants/y On observation it was discovered that when cultured as conglomerates the isolated follicles induced vaginal opening and estrous cycle activity in 28 ovariectomized animals. Cultured singly the follicles were capable of growth and estrogen secretion in 5 animals of a group of 23 when the sole ovarian structure in the culture. When the single follicle was cultured in the presence of free cells obtained from the dispersal the number showing both growth and estrogem secretion rose to 23 in a group of 29. These data indicate that follicles obtained by enzymatic dispersal are endocrinologically competent and may be a useful experimental tool.
Integrated Silicon PIN Photodiodes Using Deep N-Well in a Standard 0.18- $\mu$ m CMOS Technology

This paper studies integrated silicon photodiodes (PDs) implemented in standard CMOS technologies. A new PIN PD structure utilizing deep n-well is presented, and compared with conventional vertical and lateral PIN PDs at 850-nm wavelength and different bias conditions. Prototype PDs were fabricated in a 0.18-mum standard CMOS technology, and their DC, impulse and frequency responses were characterized. A 70 times 70 mum2 PD with the new structure achieved a 3-dB bandwidth of 2.2 GHz in small signal at 5-V bias, whereas conventional lateral and vertical PIN PDs could only operate up to 0.94 GHz and 1.15 GHz, respectively. At 5-V bias, the impulse response of the new PD exhibited a full-width at half-maximum pulsewidth of 127 ps, versus 175 and 150 ps for the conventional lateral and vertical ones, respectively. At 15.5-V bias, the bandwidth of this new PD reached 3.13 GHz, with an impulse response pulsewidth of 102 ps. The responsivity of all prototype PDs was measured at approximately 0.14 A/W up to 10-V bias, which corresponded to a quantum efficiency of 20%. The responsivity of the new PD could be further increased to 0.4 A/W or 58% quantum efficiency, when operating in the avalanche region at 16.2-V bias.
SU5416, a VEGF Receptor Inhibitor and Ligand of the AHR, Represents a New Alternative for Immunomodulation

The experimental compound SU5416 went as far as Phase III clinical trials as an anticancer agent, putatively because of its activity as a VEGFR-2 inhibitor, but showed poor results. Here, we show that SU5416 is also an aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR) agonist with unique properties. Like TCDD, SU5416 favors induction of indoleamine 2,3 dioxygenase (IDO) in immunologically relevant populations such as dendritic cells in an AHR-dependent manner, leading to generation of regulatory T-cells in vitro. These characteristics lead us to suggest that SU5416 may be an ideal clinical agent for treatment of autoimmune diseases and prevention of transplant rejection, two areas where regulatory ligands of the AHR have shown promise. At the same time, AHR agonism might represent a poor characteristic for an anticancer drug, as regulatory T-cells can inhibit clearance of cancer cells, and activation of the AHR can lead to upregulation of xenobiotic metabolizing enzymes that might influence the half-lives of co-administered chemotherapeutic agents. Not only does SU5416 activate the human AHR with a potency approaching 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin, but it also activates polymorphic murine receptor isoforms (encoded by the Ahrd and Ahrb1 alleles) with similar potency, a finding that has rarely been described and may have implications in identifying true endogenous ligands of this receptor.
Impact of Pre-Existing Immunity on Gene Transfer to Nonhuman Primate Liver with Adeno-Associated Virus 8 Vectors

Vectors based on the primate-derived adeno-associated virus serotype 8 (AAV8) are being evaluated in preclinical and clinical models. Natural infections with related AAVs activate memory B cells that produce antibodies capable of modulating the efficacy and safety of the vector. We have evaluated the biology of AAV8 gene transfer in macaque liver, with a focus on assessing the impact of pre-existing humoral immunity. Twenty-one macaques with various levels of AAV neutralizing antibody (NAb) were injected intravenously with AAV8 vector expressing green fluorescent protein. Pre-existing antibody titers in excess of 1:10 substantially diminished hepatocyte transduction that, in the absence of NAbs, was highly efficient. Vector-specific NAb diminished liver deposition of genomes and unexpectedly increased genome distribution to the spleen. The majority of animals showed high-level and stable sequestration of vector capsid protein by follicular dendritic cells of splenic germinal centers. These studies illustrate how natural immunity to a virus that is related to a vector can impact the efficacy and potential safety of in vivo gene therapy. We propose to use the in vitro transduction inhibition assay to evaluate research subjects before gene therapy and to preclude from systemic AAV8 trials those that have titers in excess of 1:10.
Denuding and centrifugation of maturing bovine oocytes alters oocyte spindle integrity and the ability of cytoplasm to support parthenogenetic and nuclear transfer embryo development

The effects of cumulus cell removal and centrifugation of maturing bovine oocytes on nuclear maturation and subsequent embryo development after parthenogenetic activation and nuclear transfer were examined. Removal of cumulus cells at 4, 8, and 15 hr after in vitro maturation (IVM) or the centrifugation of denuded oocytes had no effect on maturation rates. Oocytes treated at 0 hr of IVM had a lower expulsion rate (50%) of the first polar body (PB1). The removal of cumulus cells and centrifugation affected the pattern of spindle microtubule distribution and division of chromosomes. There were almost no spindle microtubules allocated to PB1 and the spindles were swollen in anaphase I and telophase I oocytes. Approximately 20% of PB1 oocytes contained tripolar or multipolar spindles. After activation, oocytes denuded with or without centrifugation at 8 hr of IVM resulted in the lowest rate of development (3.0%). Denuded oocytes at 4, 15, and 24 hr of IVM with centrifugation or not resulted in similar blastocyst development rates (9.6%-13.2%). However, centrifugation of oocytes denuded at the beginning of IVM resulted in lower blastocyst development rate (8.1%, P < 0.05) than the noncentrifuged oocytes (17.3%). After nuclear transfer, the blastocyst development rates of oocytes denuded and centrifuged at 0, 4, and 8 hr of IVM were not different when compared to the same patch of noncentrifuged oocytes. However, oocytes denuded and centrifuged at 15 hr of IVM resulted in lower (P < 0.05) blastocyst development rates than the noncentrifuged oocytes. The results of this study suggest that removal of cumulus cells and centrifugation of denuded oocytes affect the spindle pattern. Embryo development of denuded and centrifuged oocytes may differ depending on the time of removal of cumulus cells.
Evaluation of the counterion condensation theory of polyelectrolytes

We compare free energies of counterion distributions in polyelectrolyte solutions predicted from the cylindrical Poisson-Boltzmann (PB) model and from the counterion condensation theories of Manning: CC1 (Manning, 1969a, b), which assumes an infinitely thin region of condensed counterions, and CC2 (Manning, 1977), which assumes a region of finite thickness. We consider rods of finite radius with the linear charge density of B-DNA in 1–1 valent and 2–2 valent salt solutions. We find that under all conditions considered here the free energy of the CC1 and the CC2 models is higher than that of the PB model. We argue that counterion condensation theory imposes nonphysical constraints and is, therefore, a poorer approximation to the underlying physics based on continuum dielectrics, point-charge small ions, Poisson electrostatics, and Boltzmann distributions. The errors in counterion condensation theory diminish with increasing distance from, or radius of, the polyion.
The effect of age on the rhythmic contractions of the rat small intestine.

Summary In vivo and in vitro rates of intestinal rhythmic contractions were measured in the same rats varying in age from very young to the senescent. Two rat strains, three small intestine locations, and six ages were compared. Contraction rates determined in vivo and in vitro were similar. Rhythmic contractions at all ages were fastest in the duodenum, slower in the jejunum, and slowest in the ileum. Contractions at 10 days of age were significantly slower than' at all other ages; otherwise no systematic age-associated difference in contractions was demonstrated in either strain. Several factors were suggested as possibly influencing the developmental aspects of contraction rate and, therefore, their potential involvement in the early post natal period was suggested. It appears that old age does not influence the rate at which rhythmic contractions occur in the small intestine of the rat, and very possibly, these results are applicable to other species including humans.
Reliability-constrained die stacking order in 3DICs under manufacturing variability

3D integrated circuits (3DICs) with through-silicon vias (TSVs) are an important direction for semiconductor-based products and “More than Moore” scaling. However, 3DICs bring simultaneous challenges of reliability (power and temperature in stacks of thinned die) as well as variability (performance and power) in advanced technology nodes. In this paper, we study variability-reliability interactions and optimizations in 3DICs. Initial motivating studies show that in the presence of manufacturing variability, different die stacking orders can lead to as much as 2 years (~44%) difference in MTTF of a 3DIC stack. We study MTTF-driven die-stacking optimization with consideration of variability, and propose a “rule-of-thumb” guideline for stacking optimization to improve peak temperature as well as reliability in 3DICs. We also propose integer-linear programming (ILP) methods for reliability-driven die-stacking optimization. Our methods can achieve ~7% and ~28% improvement in average and minimum MTTF, respectively, of 3DICs; we also achieve ~3% improvement in performance under fixed reliability constraints. Our stacking optimizations can help improve 3DIC product yields under reliability requirements. Our research also yields the notable observation that a limited amount of manufacturing variation can “help” improve 3DIC product reliability when die-stacking optimization is applied.
Computational characterization of lightweight multilayer MXene Li-ion battery anodes

MXenes, a class of two-dimensional transition metal carbides and nitrides, have shown promise experimentally and computationally for use in energy storage applications. In particular, the most lightweight members of the monolayer MXene family (M = Sc, Ti, V, or Cr) are predicted to have gravimetric capacities above 400 mAh/g, higher than graphite. Additionally, intercalation of ions into multilayer MXenes can be accomplished at low voltages, and low diffusion barriers exist for Li diffusing across monolayer MXenes. However, large discrepancies have been observed between the calculated and experimental reversible capacities of MXenes. Here, dispersion-corrected density functional theory calculations are employed to predict reversible capacities and other battery-related properties for six of the most promising members of the MXene family (O-functionalized Ti- and V-based carbide MXenes) as bilayer structures. The calculated reversible capacities of the V2CO2 and Ti2CO2 bilayers agree more closely with experiment than do previous calculations for monolayers. Additionally, the minimum energy paths and corresponding energy barriers along the in-plane [1000] and [0100] directions for Li travelling between neighboring MXene layers are determined. V4C3O2 exhibits the lowest diffusion barrier of the compositions considered, at 0.42 eV, but its reversible capacity (148 mAh/g) is dragged down by its heavy formula unit. Conversely, the V2CO2 MXene shows good reversible capacity (276 mAh/g), but a high diffusion barrier (0.82 eV). We show that the diffusion barriers of all bilayer structures are significantly higher than those calculated for the corresponding monolayers, advocating the use of dispersed monolayer MXenes instead of multilayers in high performance anodes.
Influence of Formamidines on Twospotted Spider Mite (Acari: Tetranychidae) Dispersal Behavior

Sixty-three formamidines, two formanilides, and two anilines were examined as potential educers of dispersal behavior in Tetranychus urticae Koch. Fifteen formamidines elicited both walk-off and spin-down, whereas three induced walk-off only and 10 spin-down only; all other compounds were inactive. Some of the formamidines were potent inducers of dispersal behavior. Formamidine-induced walk-off and spin-down were not correlated, suggesting that they were independent behavioral phenomena. Nineteen of the formamidines caused mortality of T. urticae significantly greater than that of controls. Formamidine-induced walk-off but not spin-down was significantly correlated with formamidine-induced mortality. Formamidine metabolites containing the amidine moiety also elicited dispersal, but nonformamidine metabolites were inactive. The relationships of formamidine structure to dispersal behavior and mortality are presented.
In Situ Probing and Atomistic Simulation of a-Si:H Plasma Deposition

Hydrogenated amorphous silicon thin films deposited from SiH4 containing plasmas are used in solar cells and thin film transistors for flat panel displays. Understanding the fundamental microscopic surface processes that lead to Si deposition and H incorporation is important for controlling the film properties. An in situ method based on attenuated total internal reflection Fourier transform infrared (ATR-FTIR) spectroscopy was developed and used to determine the surface coverage of silicon mono-, di-, and tri-hydrides as a function of deposition temperature and ion bombardment flux. Key reactions that take place on the surface during deposition are hypothesized based on the evolution of the surface hydride composition as a function of temperature and ion flux. In conjunction with the experiments, the growth of a-Si:H on H-terminated Si(001)-(2×1) surfaces was simulated through molecular dynamics. The simulation results were compared with experimental measurements to validate the simulations and to provide supporting evidence for radical-surface interaction mechanisms hypothesized based on the infrared spectroscopy data. Experimental measurements of the surface silicon hydride coverage and atomistic simulations are used synergistically to elucidate elementary processes occurring on the surface during a-Si:H deposition.
Talking to the Dead: Religion, Music, and Lived Memory Among Gullah/Geechee Women by LeRhonda S. Manigault-Bryant

Talking to the Dead is a compelling ethnographic study that considers the lived religious practices of Gullah/Geechee women in the lowcountry of South Carolina. Set against the backdrop of seven Af...
Staging and prognostic factors in nonseminomatous testicular cancer.

Staging of nonseminomatous testicular cancers, as with other tumors, renders important prognostic information and is necessary for making appropriate treatment recommendations. There is no universally accepted staging system for testis cancer, however. Despite the lack of uniformity, most of the staging systems in use today are capable of segregating patients into a “goodrisk” or “poor-risk” category. The former group experiences cure less frequently and are appropriate candidates for investigational treatment. Tumor bulk is the most important prognostic factor in virtually all staging systems.
Assessing Implementation of Learner-Centered Teaching While Providing Faculty Development

ABSTRACTThis article describes a study of 58 faculty members using a practical method for assessing the prevalence of learner-centered practices through individual interviews and rating their described practices with published rubrics. Analysis of the interviews found that the same faculty member might use more learner-centered practices in one course and more instructor-centered practices in another, depending on the course level, instructional format, and enrollment. Through the collegial interviews, faculty members became more aware of learner-centered practices. Interviews can be an effective development technique. Via this process, faculty developers can achieve two purposes: assessment of teaching and instructional development, at once.
Robot motion planning with task specifications via regular languages

This paper presents an efficient approach for planning collision-free and dynamically feasible trajectories that enable a mobile robot to carry out tasks specified as regular languages over workspace regions. A sampling-based tree search is conducted over the feasible motions and over an abstraction obtained by combining the automaton representing the regular language with a workspace decomposition. The abstraction is used to partition the motion tree into equivalence classes and estimate the feasibility of reaching accepting automaton states from these equivalence classes. The partition is continually refined to discover new ways to expand the search. Comparisons to related work show significant speedups.
Membrane Deformation Induced by Cation Binding to Negatively Charged Phospholipids

The divalent cation Ca2+ plays a critical role in many cell signaling and membrane trafficking pathways, including exocytosis and membrane fusion. Ca2+ signal transduction is commonly thought to occur through interaction with protein partners; however, it may also interact with negatively charged phospholipids within the plasma membrane leading to changes in lipid behavior.Here we show that an asymmetric concentration of Ca2+ ions across the membrane can generate tubules or protrusions from membranes containing phosphatidylserine (PS) or phosphatidylinositol-4,5-bisphosphate (PIP2). We transferred single vesicles with controlled membrane tension into Ca2+ solution and observed the formation of inward tubules, indicating negative curvature generation by Ca2+. The Ca2+-induced membrane deformation is inhibited by high tension or low cation binding, in a similar manner as we have previously observed for BAR domain proteins. We propose that the membrane deformation is caused by Ca2+-induced clustering of PS and PIP2 creating negative curvature. In confirmation of this we find that Mg2+, which is known to only weakly cluster PS and PIP2, only generates curvature at relatively high concentrations and low tension. Additionally, for PS vesicles the membrane deformation requires high Ca2+ concentration (a few millimolar), while PIP2 vesicles, which are more sensitive to Ca2+-induced clustering, are deformed at lower Ca2+ concentrations. The presence of salt ions (Na+) also influences Ca2+-induced membrane curvature. High salt content can reduce Ca2+-induced curvature by shielding Ca2+ ions from the membrane. An asymmetric salt concentration can influence membrane structure and either enhance or oppose Ca2+-induced membrane curvature. The observed Ca2+-induced membrane deformation represents a new mechanism for Ca2+ signaling events. This mechanism is likely to be especially important for the role of Ca2+ in exocytosis and membrane fusion events.
Psychological and Behavioral Impact of Participation in Ovarian Cancer Screening.

Evaluation of costs and benefits associated with cancer screening should include consideration of any psychological and behavioral impact associated with screening participation. Research examining the psychological and behavioral impact of screening asymptomatic women for ovarian cancer (OC) was considered. Research has focused upon potential negative psychological (e.g., distress) and behavioral (e.g., reduced future screening participation) impact of false positive (FP) OC test results. Results suggest FP OC screening results are associated with greater short-term OC-specific distress. While distress dissipates over time it may remain elevated relative to pre-screening levels for several weeks or months even after clinical follow-up has ruled out malignancy. The likelihood of participation in future OC screening may also be reduced. Research focused upon identification of any beneficial impact of participation in OC screening associated with receipt of “normal” results was also considered. This research suggests that a “normal” screening test result can have psychological benefits, including increased positive affect and beliefs in the efficacy of screening. It is concluded that any psychological or behavioral harms attributable to OC screening are generally very modest in severity and duration and might be counterbalanced by psychological benefits accruing to women who participate in routine OC screening and receive normal test results.
The Adoption of IFRS in Africa

In relation to the adoption and adaptation of IFRS in Africa, some recommendations have been proposed by Owolabi and Iyoha (Owolabi and Iyoha, Adopting International Financial Reporting Standards in Africa: Benefits, Prospects and Challenges): That the education, sensitization, and communication to stakeholders of issues associated with IFRS should commence in earnest. That a rigorous IFRS capacity building program should be embarked upon by all regulatory bodies, firms and training institutions in order to provide the needed manpower for IFRS implementation.This paper addresses the benefits, costs, tax implications, as well as tax administrative issues which are likely to result as a consequence of IFRS adoption and adaptation in Africa. By weighing the benefits which are likely to result (against the expected costs), it is able to recommend further proposals which should help in paving the way for easier facilitation of IFRS adoption.
Skin cancer in the military: A systematic review of melanoma and nonmelanoma skin cancer incidence, prevention, and screening among active duty and veteran personnel

Background Occupational sun exposure is a well-studied risk factor for skin cancer development, but more work is needed to assess melanoma and nonmelanoma skin cancer risk among US military personnel to improve education and screening efforts in this population. Objective To conduct an extensive review of skin cancer risks for US military personnel to inform preventive education, diagnosis, and treatment efforts to better protect these individuals from future skin cancer development. Methods A systematic review of published studies on the subject of melanoma and nonmelanoma skin cancer in military personnel was conducted. Results A total of 9 studies describing skin cancer incidence in the US military were identified, with 4 studies specific to melanoma. The study findings reveal an increased risk for melanoma associated with service in the military or prisoner of war status. Service in tropical environments was associated with an increased incidence of both melanoma and nonmelanoma skin cancer among World War II soldiers. Two studies found that increased melanoma risk was also branch dependent, with the highest rates among the United States Air Force. Several of the reviewed studies implicated increased sun exposure during military service and lack of sufficient sun protection as the causes of higher rates of skin cancer among US military and veteran populations as compared with among the nonmilitary population in the United States. Limitations The reviewed articles have variable results; a prospective randomized controlled trial would be helpful to develop interventions that mitigate skin cancer risk in the US military. Conclusion This review identifies an abundance of evidence for an increased risk for skin cancer development among US active duty and veteran populations.
ACUTE SYSTOLIC DYSFUNCTION IMMEDIATELY FOLLOWING VALVE DEPLOYMENT IN TAVR: WHEN SHOULD GRADIENTS BE EVALUATED FOLLOWING TRANSCATHETER AORTIC VALVE REPLACEMENT

Despite the number of TAVR devices implanted there exists no standardized timing for evaluation of the replacement valve's function. In the periprocedure time window, mean gradients and peak velocities have been noted to be abnormally low, which may suggest post deployment left ventricular stunning
Abstract 409: Ex-vivo Targeting Of Insulin-like Growth Factor-1 Gene To The Heart Promotes Mobilization And Homing Of Stem Cells Through Paracrine Release Of Stromal Cell Derived Factor-1{alpha}

Background: We hypothesize that genetic modification of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) to overexpress IGF-1 enhances their survival and engraftment in the infarcted heart and promotes recruitment of stem cells through paracrine release of SDF-1α Methods and Results: MSCs from male rat were either used as non-transduced ( Non-Trans MSCs) or transduced with adenoviral null-vector ( Null MSCs) or vector encoding for IGF-1 ( IGF-1 MSCs). IGF-1 mRNA and protein levels in IGF-1 MSCs were higher until 12 days as compared with Null MSCs ( p ). Molecular studies revealed higher levels of phosphorylated (p) p-Akt (2-fold), p-P27 (>20-fold), and p-P21 (>30-fold) together with SDF-1α(>24-fold), all of which increased in parallel with IGF-1 expression (200-fold) in IGF-1 MSCs as compared with Null MSCs. For in vivo studies, coronary artery was ligated in female rats and 70μl DMEM without cells (group-1) or containing 3x10 6 Null MSCs (group-2) or IGF-1 MSCs (group-3) were implanted into infarct and peri-infarct areas. One week later, immunoblot showed elevated myocardial levels of IGF-1, p-Akt, and p-P27 accompanied by higher survival of IGF-1 MSCs ( p Null MSCs) as determined by real-time PCR for sry -gene. Enhanced cell proliferation was observed after immunostaining for Ki67+in group-3 ( p vs all groups). SDF-1α protein was increased in group-3 animal hearts (20-fold vs group-2), with massive mobilization and homing of ckit + GATA4 +, MDR1 + GATA4−, ckit + GATA4−, and CXCR4 + cells into infarcted heart. Animals harvested at six weeks showed significantly reduced infarction size in groups-2 & 3 as compared with group-1. Confocal imaging after immunostaining for myosin heavy chain, troponin-I, actinin, connexin-43, vonWilbrand factor-VIII and smooth muscle actin showed extensive myogenic regeneration and angiogenesis in the infarcted heart. Indices of left ventricle function including ejection fraction and fractional shortening were significantly improved in group-3 as compared with group-1 ( p ). Conclusions: Ex-vivo delivery of IGF-1 activated pro-survival and proliferation signaling. Moreover, paracrine release of SDF-1α subsequent to IGF-1 overexpression caused extensive mobilization and homing of stem cells into infarcted heart.