cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Embedded standards-based digital gaming assessments: Pilot study with teachers

Although the research on digital gaming has recently shown that collaboration, problem solving and critical thinking are in evidence with K-12 students who design games; researchers still need to make the case that digital game design content meets rigorous new Common Core standards for Language Arts and mathematics. No class time will be devoted to game design unless proponents of digital gaming can develop and demonstrate this argument. This preliminary data focus on a feasibility implementation of an assessment designed to embed these standards. Three elementary level classroom teachers and their students used the process and demonstrated that (1) teachers can learn to design and use this process and (2) their students demonstrate elements of computational thinking that not only includes the Common Core standards but extends them.
The surface structure of isolated pancreatic islet cells.

The surfaces of isolated pancreatic islet cells were studied with the scanning and transmission electron microscopes. Islets were isolated from the pancreas of Wistar rats by collagenase treatment and were incubated either in glucose-free medium or in 300 mg% glucose for one hour. Immunoreactive insulin (IRI) in the media of both control and experimental preparations was assayed. Islets were then transferred to 4% glutaraldehyde, buffered with cacodylate, pH 7.4, and prepared for scanning and transmission electron microscopy. Cell masses average 200 μ in diameter. Alpha cells appear pyramidal in shape, are about 8 μ in diameter and appear in groups. Beta cells are round or oval in shape and have an average diameter of 10 μ. Glucose stimulation raised the IRI value tenfold and increased the number of blebs and other surface irregularities per unit area of beta cell surface. Comparison with transmission electron micrographs suggests that the blebs are related to the process of emiocytosis.
Structural transformation and physical properties of a hydrogel-forming peptide studied by NMR, transmission electron microscopy, and dynamic rheometer.

Peptide-based hydrogels are attractive biological materials. Study of their self-assembly pathways from their monomer structures is important not only for undertaking the rational design of peptide-based materials, but also for understanding their biological functions and the mechanism of many human diseases relative to protein aggregation. In this work, we have monitored the conformation, morphological, and mechanical properties of a hydrogel-forming peptide during hydrogelation in different dimethylsulfoxide (DMSO)/H2O solutions. The peptide shows nanofiber morphologies in DMSO/H2O solution with a ratio lower than 4:1. Increased water percentage in the solution enhanced the hydrogelation rate and gel strength. One-dimensional and two-dimensional proton NMR and electron microscopy studies performed on the peptide in DMSO/H2O solution with different ratios indicate that the peptide monomer tends to adopt a more helical structure during the hydrogelation as the DMSO/H2O ratio is reduced. Interestingly, at the same DMSO/H2O ratio, adding Ca2+ not only promotes peptide hydrogelation and gel strength, but also leads to special shear-thinning and recovery properties of the hydrogel. Without changing the peptide conformation, Ca2+ binds to the charged Asp residues and induces the change of interfiber interactions that play an important role in hydrogel properties.
Channel probability ensemble update for multiplatform radar systems

Cognitive radar (CR) is a recently proposed concept that depicts the radar channel in a probabilistic manner. In a multiplatform or networked radar system, some parameters or dimensions of interest are visible (i.e., resolvable) to one radar and not to others depending on the geometry of the scenario. For a radar with new measurements, Bayesian methods to update the cell ensemble probabilities in the non-visible parameters are needed. Here, we show how the overall probabilistic understanding of the channel can be updated despite the fact that some cells are non-visible or “ambiguous”. Unfortunately, the number of calculations needed to accomplish a full update is exponentially related to the number of cells. As such, we also introduce a technique that reduces the calculations immensely. Finally, we apply both update techniques to a two-platform radar system trying to form a two-dimensional probability ensemble of the channel.
The relationship between cell injury and osmotic volume reduction: II. Red cell lysis correlates with cell volume rather than intracellular salt concentration

Abstract It is possible to simulate freezing by suspending cells in progressively hyperosmotic solutions. It is not generally possible, however, to discriminate between cell volume reduction and solute concentration as the cause of injury since, in a normal cell behaving as an osmometer, volume is an obligate function of solution osmolality. The paper describes experiments in which osmolality and volume were disassociated by loading red cells with additional KCl by making them slowly permeable to potassium through treatment with valinomycin. It is shown that cell hemolysis is associated with the reduction of cell volume beyond some minimum volume regardless of the concentration of intracellular or extracellular electrolyte. Similarly, it is shown that hemolysis from thermal shock is related to a decrease in cell volume rather than to an increase in solute concentration.
Mother’s Gender Preferences and Child Schooling in Ethiopia

This paper empirically investigates whether the quantity deficit in the children of the mother’s preferred gender is compensated through their favorable treatment in terms of investment in schooling (what we call a compensating hypothesis) in an environment where schooling opportunities are limited. We use data from siblings in two rounds of the demographic and health surveys of Ethiopia for empirical analysis. Using the gender ratio of the mother’s own siblings and the birth of same sex twins as instruments for gender ratio gap, we estimate binary choice models with clustering for school attendance using generalized instrumental variable techniques with interactive instruments. Our empirical evidence appears to be consistent with the compensating hypothesis that the larger the excess of actual proportion of girls over the mother’s desired proportion, the smaller a girl’s chance of attending school and the bigger a boy’s chance of attending school will be.
Optimization of leukocyte concentration in platelet-rich plasma for the treatment of tendinopathy.

Background: Numerous methods are available for platelet-rich plasma (PRP) generation, but evidence defining the optimum composition is lacking. We hypothesized that leukocyte-reduced PRP would result in lower inflammatory cytokine expression compared with concentrated-leukocyte PRP and that maintaining the platelet:white blood cell (WBC) ratio would compensate for the effect of increased WBC concentration. Methods: Blood and flexor digitorum superficialis tendons were collected from young adult horses. Three PRP groups were generated with the same platelet concentration but different WBC concentrations: intermediate-concentration standard PRP, leukocyte-reduced PRP, and concentrated-leukocyte PRP. An additional high-concentration PRP group was generated with the same WBC concentration as the concentrated-leukocyte PRP group and the same platelet:WBC ratio as the standard PRP group. The PRP groups were used as media for flexor digitorum superficialis tendon explants in culture for seventy-two hours with 10% plasma in Dulbecco modified Eagle medium (DMEM) serving as control. Tendon gene expression for collagen types I (COL1A1) and III (COL3A1), cartilage oligomeric matrix protein (COMP), matrix metalloproteinase (MMP-13), interleukin-1β (IL-1β), and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) was performed. Results: The desired PRP groups were successfully generated. The expression of COMP, the COL1A1:COL3A1 ratio, and the expression of MMP-13 in flexor digitorum superficialis tendon explants was not different between PRP groups. The expression of COMP (p = 0.0027) and the COL1A1:COL3A1 ratio (p < 0.0001) were increased in the PRP groups as compared with the control group, and the expression of MMP-13 was decreased in the PRP groups as compared with the control group (p < 0.0001). The expression of IL-1β was lowest in leukocyte-reduced PRP and highest in concentrated-leukocyte PRP (p = 0.0001). The leukocyte-reduced PRP group and the control group had the lowest TNF-α expression, whereas the high-concentration PRP and concentrated-leukocyte PRP groups had the highest expression (p = 0.0224). Conclusions: A high absolute WBC concentration in PRP contributes to the expression of inflammatory cytokines in flexor digitorum superficialis tendon explants, and maintenance of the platelet:WBC ratio is not able to counteract this effect. Clinical Relevance: The optimum composition of PRP for the treatment of tendinopathy has not been directly investigated. Persistent inflammation results in inferior repair with scar tissue. The present study indicates that in an animal model, WBC in PRP contributes to inflammatory cytokine production. Therefore, leukocyte-reduced PRP may be the optimum preparation to stimulate superior healing without scar tissue formation.
Mass transfer effects for uniform and nonuniform catalyst pellets

Reaction rates for the catalytic oxidation of hydrogen in a spherical, single-pellet, recycle reactor system showed negligible external mass transfer resistances at Reynolds numbers as low as 0.27. Only at lower flow rates, where complete mixing of gas in the reactor space was doubtful, did fluid-to-pellet mass transfer affect the rate in this particular reactor arrangement. Pellets prepared with a nonuniform distribution of active catalyst particles, and an accompanying two-thirds reduction in mass transfer surface, also exhibited no external diffusion resistance in the temperature range 94–180 °C, unless Re was less than 0.27. However, at lower Reynolds numbers the retardation of the rate by mass transfer was greater for the nonuniform pellets.
Patterns of Clonal Diversity in Dicranopteris linearis on Mauna Loa, Hawaii1

The clonal mat-forming fern, Dicranopteris linearis (N. L. Burm.) Underw., dominates vast areas of rainforests on the windward slopes of Mauna Loa Volcano on the island of Hawai'i. Because clone size has important ecological and evolutionary consequences in such a dominant species, we used isozyme analysis to investigate clone size and other aspects of genetic diversity and reproduction over a broad range of environmental conditions on primary successional sites (pahoehoe lava substrates). Isozyme analysis provided a measure of the upper limit of clonal size in this interdigitating clonal species. Each 0.5-ha primary successional site on Mauna Loa was comprised of a minimum of two to four clones. Genetic diversity in Dicranopteris was low; of 32 putative loci investigated, only 4 were polymorphic, with 2 or 3 alleles/locus. Over the 17 study locations on Mauna Loa and Kilauea Volcanoes, we identified nine multilocus genotypes based on unique combinations of allozymes. Seven of the nine genotypes were heterozygous for at least one locus, evidence of an intergametophytic mating system. Highly dispersible spores, coupled with intergametophytic mating should promote higher genetic diversity. We propose that the following factors contributed to low genetic diversity: founder effects; extreme isolation from mainland gene pools; high potential for mating among different gametophytes produced from the same sporophyte; relatively low numbers of safe sites for gametophyte establishment over space and time; and long-term reliance on vegetative growth. Leaf phenotypes were associated with genotype, but also with environmental conditions. Enough variability within a genotype existed to support the current treatment of Hawaiian Dicranopteris as one species. Vegetative growth was the primary means by which Dicranopteris covered the landscape. Nevertheless, spore production, gametophyte establishment, and sexual reproduction were absolutely essential for colonization of the few favorable microsites available on pahoehoe lava substrates of Mauna Loa following lava eruptions, dieback, and similar landscape-level disturbances.
Structure-function relationships of domains of the δ subunit in Escherichia coli adenosine triphosphatase

The topology of the and subunit of the Escherichia coli adenosinetriphosphatase (ECF 1 ) has been explored by proteinase digestion and chemical labeling methods. The δ subunit of ECF 1 could be cleaved selectively by reaction of the enzyme complex with very low amounts of trypsin (1:5000, w/w). Cleavage of the δ subunit occurred serially from the C-terminus. The N-terminal fragments of the δ subunit remained bound to the core ECF 1 complex through sucrose gradient centrifugation, indicating that part of the binding of this subunit involves the N-terminal segment. ECF 1 , in which around 20 amino acids had been removed from the C-terminus of δ, still bound to ECF 0 but DCCD sensitivity of the ATPase activity was lost. When ECF 1 was reacted with N -ethyl[ 14 C]maleimide ([ 14 C]NEM) in the native state, only one of the two Cys residues on the δ subunit was modified. This residue, Cys-140, was also labeled in ECF 1 F 0 . Cys-140 was shown to be involved in the disulfide bridge between α and δ subunits that is generated when ECF 1 is treated with CuCl 2 . Thus, the C-terminal part of the δ subunit around Cys-140 can interact with the core ECF 1 complex. These results suggest a model for the δ subunit in which the central part of polypeptide is a part of the stalk, with both N- and C-termini associated with ECF 1 .
The california poppy (eschscholtzia mexicana) as a copper indicator plant — a new example

Abstract The abundance and distribution of the California poppy (Eschscholtzia mexicana) correlates closely with the copper-rich outcrop of a small porphyry-type deposit in Arizona. Chemical factors are probably more important than physical factors in determining why this species is sometimes found as a copper indicator plant.
Archimedean property of ordered semirings

In this paper we are concerned with the problem of determining when the multiplicative semigroup is o-Archimedean if the additive semigroup is o-Archimedean and conversely, in totally ordered semirings (t.o.s.r.). This is in continuation of the author's work in [i] and [2] on the problems how far the properties of multiplicative structure are reflected in the additive structure and vice-versa in ordered semirings. A semiring (S,+,.) is said to be a totally ordered semiring if the additive semigroup (S,+) and the multiplicative semigroup (S,') are totally ordered (t.o.) semigroups under the same total order relation. For any t.o. semigroup, say (S,'), an element x in S is said to be non-negative (non-positive) if x2 ~x (x 2 ~ x); x is said to be positively ordered (negatively ordered) in strict sense if xy ~ x and xy ~ y (xy < x and q m
Effects of dietary omega-3 and omega-6 lipids and vitamin E on serum cytokines, lipid mediators and anti-DNA antibodies in a mouse model for rheumatoid arthritis.

Objective: Omega-3 (ω-3) fatty acid rich-fish oil (FO) and vitamin E (vit-E) may delay the progress of certain autoimmune diseases. The present study examined the mechanism of action of ω-3 and ω-6 lipids and vit-E on the serum cytokines and lipid mediators in autoimmune-prone MRL/lpr mice (a model for rheumatoid arthritis, RA). The lpr (lymphoproliferative) gene is overexpressed in these mice causing extensive lymphoproliferation, lupus-like symptoms and accelerated aging.Methods: Weanling female MRL/lpr and congenic control MRL/++ mice were fed 10% corn oil (CO, ω6) or FO-based semipurified diets containing two levels of vitamin E (vit-E-75, I.U. and vit-E-500 I.U./Kg diet) for four months. At the end of the experiment, serum anti-DNA antibodies, cytokines and lipid mediators levels were determined.Results: The appearance of enlarged lymph nodes was delayed in the mice fed FO, and the FO-500 IU vit-E diet offered further protection against enlargement of lymph nodes. The MRL/lpr mice exhibited significa...
Enzymatic aspects of the reduction of microsomal glycerolipid biosynthesis after perfusion of the liver with dibutyryl adenosine-3′,5′-monophosphate

Abstract Livers from fed male rats were perfused in a nonrecycling system for 60 min with a medium containing 100 mg/dl glucose, 3 g/dl bovine serum albumin, and ~0.5 m m oleic acid, with or without 20 μ m dibutyryl cyclic adenosine-3′,5′-monophosphate (Bt2cAMP). At the termination of the experiment, microsomes were isolated from these livers. In agreement with data reported previously, Bt2cAMP decreased output of triacylglycerol, but stimulated ketogenesis and output of glucose; uptake of free fatty acid was unaffected by the nucleotide. Perfusion with Bt2AMP decreased the biosynthesis of triacylglycerol, diacylglycerol, and phosphatidate from sn-[U-14C]glycerol-3-phosphate by microsomes isolated from these livers. Perfusion with Bt2cAMP also decreased incorporation of sn-glycerol-3-phosphate into phosphatidate by microsomes isolated from the livers, when the microsomes were incubated with NaF to inhibit phosphatidate phosphohydrolase, and when fatty acid, coenzyme A and ATP were replaced by the acyl coenzyme A derivative; the formation of phosphatidate under these conditions was used as an estimate of the activity of sn-glycerol-3-phosphate acyltransferase (EC 2.3.1.15). However, the activities of microsomal phosphatidate phosphohydrolase (EC 3.1.3.4) and diacylglycerol acyltransferase (EC 2.3.1.20), measured with microsomal bound substrate, were increased by Bt2cAMP. These data have been interpreted to mean that Bt2cAMP inhibits hepatic microsomal synthesis of triacylglycerol at a step prior to the formation of phosphatidate, presumably at the glycerophosphate acyltransferase (EC 2.3.1.15) step(s).
Chaos and order in crossed fields

Atoms with a single highly excited electron (so-called Rydberg atoms), when placed in external fields, become atomic-scale laboratories in which the quantum mechanics of strongly nonlinear systems can be tested. Especially the extensive symmetry breaking introduced to the Coulomb potential by crossed electric and magnetic fields leads to rich nonlinear dynamics and is also a source of great complexity. In this paper, we analyze the nonlinear dynamics aspects of this atomic system, such as periodic orbits, bifurcations, order-chaos transitions, and islands of stability. In particular, we present an approximate Hamiltonian that turns out to be very effective in bringing out the classical structures that support the complexity of the motion. We conclude with a coherent state analysis that allows a direct comparison of quantum and classical results.
Porous Media Modeling of Microchannel Cooled Electronic Chips with Nonuniform Heating

Microchannels are used for the cooling of electronic chips. However, the three-dimensional computational fluid dynamics modeling of the large number of channels in a full chip requires a huge numbe...
Thermomagnetic data in iron-rare-earth-boron alloys

Abstract The magnetic phases present in iron-rare-earth-boron alloys were examined with ac and dc susceptibility and hysteresis loops measurements in the temperature range of 4.2 K to 700°C. In FeNdB a shoulder has been observed on the demagnetization curve below 150 K and a peak in ac susceptibility around 140 K. A similar shoulder has been found in FePrB but no peak in ac susceptibility, indicating that its origin is quite different. The relation between the microstructure and magnetic properties is discussed.
Terlakiren: An orally active renin inhibitor in the guinea pig

Human and monkey renin are very similar, but differ from the renin of species commonly used in screening antihypertensive agents (i.e., dog and rat). This has necessitated the evaluation of renin inhibitors (Rls) in primate models. We have found that many Rls are also active against guinea pig (GP) renin, and thus may be evaluated for mean arterial pressure (MAP) lowering in this species. One such Rl is terlakiren (isopropyl N-[N-(4-morpholinocarbonyl)-L-phenylalaninyl-S-methyl-L-cysteinyl]-2-(R)-hydroxy-3(S)-amino-4-cyclohexybutanoate, formerly CP-80,794), an orally active renin inhibitor which lowers MAP and plasma renin activity (PRA) in sodium-deficient cynomolgus and marmoset monkeys. In vitro, terlakiren's IC50 against primate renin (including man) is ∼ 0.6 and 0.3 nM against GP renin. At iv doses of 0.3–3.0 mg (0.48–4.8 mmol)/kg in sodium-depleted GPs, terlakiren produced 20–30 mmHg falls in MAP which returned to control values in 30–150 min. Oral administration of terlakiren at 30 mg (48.3 mmol)/kg reduced MAP 10–15 mmHg and MAP returned to control levels in ∼150 min. Increasing the dose of terlakiren to 50 mg (81 mmol)/kg (po) decreased MAP 25–30 mmHg, with a total duration of effect >5 h. Cardiac output and heart rate were unaffected, indicating that the fall in MAP was totally due to decreased total peripheral resistance. Terlakiren had minimal effects on MAP in GPs on a normal sodium diet. The effect of terlakiren on PRA was evaluated in separate studies. Control PRAs for the sodium-deficient GPs ranged from 15–20 ng Al/ml/h. After 50 mg (81 mmol)/kg (po) of terlakiren, there was 81% suppression of PRA (vs. control) at 240 min and 62% suppression at 5 h. Thus, terlakiren was orally active against renin and blood pressure in the sodium-depleted guinea pig, which appears to be a very good non-primate alternative for the evaluation of renin inhibitors. ©1995 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Profiting from the Internet and the World Wide Web

This tutorial has three goals: (1) to explain and demystify the Internet and the World Wide Web; (2) to explore the vast wealth of resources available on the Web (if only one knew how to find them!); and (3) to examine how the Internet will become an essential component of the world's emerging "knowledge economy". The authors provide a brief history of the Internet and the evolution of the WWW, then explain how it operates and how information flows through it. They look at how you one profit from the information resources of the Web in such diverse areas as travel and leisure, investment and finance, shopping, medicine, real estate, museums, weather, education, computers, science and engineering, libraries and research, news and current events, research, finding people and keeping yourself informed. They discuss current research issues related to how the Internet will support information tools for an information age.
Cholesterol-lowering effects of dietary fiber: a meta-analysis

Background: The effects of dietary soluble fibers on blood cholesterol are uncertain. Objective: This meta-analysis of 67 controlled trials was performed to quantify the cholesterol-lowering effect of major dietary fibers. Design: Least-squares regression analyses were used to test the effect on blood lipids of pectin, oat bran, guar gum, and psyllium. Independent variables were type and amount of soluble fiber, initial cholesterol concentration, and other important study characteristics. Results: Soluble fiber, 2‐10 g/d, was associated with small but significant decreases in total cholesterol [ 20.045 mmol · L 21 ·g soluble fiber 21 (95% CI: 20.054, 20.035)] and LDL cholesterol [20.057 mmol · L 21 ·g 21 (95% CI: 20.070, 20.044)]. The effects on plasma lipids of soluble fiber from oat, psyllium, or pectin were not significantly different. We were unable to compare effects of guar because of the limited number of studies using 2‐10 g/d. Triacylglycerols and HDL cholesterol were not significantly influenced by soluble fiber. Lipid changes were independent of study design, treatment length, and background dietary fat content. Conclusions: Various soluble fibers reduce total and LDL cholesterol by similar amounts. The effect is small within the practical range of intake. For example, 3 g soluble fiber from oats (3 servings of oatmeal, 28 g each) can decrease total and LDL cholesterol by <0.13 mmol/L. Increasing soluble fiber can make only a small contribution to dietary therapy to lower cholesterol. Am J Clin Nutr 1999;69:30‐42.
Optimizing web service messaging performance using a context store for static data

The performance and efficiency of Web Service messaging can be greatly increased by removing the redundant parts of SOAP messages. This paper describes our research work in optimizing SOAP message contents. This area is particularly important to those applications that are physically constrained mobile computing environments. The redundant or static parts of the SOAP message may be treated as metadata and stored in shared metadata space. We integrate our optimized SOAP messaging system with our information management research framework. We evaluate our approach by testing the performance of the resulting system. The empirical result shows that we save on average 83% of message size and on average 41% of transit time.
Induction of anteroposterior neural pattern in Xenopus by planar signals.

Neural pattern in vertebrates has been thought to be induced in dorsal ectoderm by ‘vertical’ signals from underlying, patterned dorsal mesoderm. In the frog Xenopus laevis , it has recently been found that general neural differentiation and some pattern can be induced by ‘planar’ signals, i.e. those passing through the single plane formed by dorsal mesoderm and ectoderm, without the need for vertical interactions. Results in this paper, using the frog Xenopus laevis , indicate that four position-specific neural markers (the homeobox genes engrailed-2(en-2) , XlHbox1 and XlHbox6 and the zincfinger gene Krox-20 ) are expressed in planar explants of orsal mesoderm and ectoderm (‘Keller explants’), in the same anteroposterior order as that in intact embryos. These genes are expressed regardless of convergent extension of the neurectoderm, and in the absence of head mesoderm. In addition, en-2 and XlHbox1 are not expressed in ectoderm when mesoderm is absent, but they and XlHbox6 are expressed in naive, ventral ectoderm which has had only planar contact with dorsal mesoderm. en-2 expression can be induced ectopically, in ectoderm far anterior to the region normally fated to express it, suggesting that a prepattem is not required to determine where it is expressed. Finally, the mesoderm in planar explants expresses en-2 and XlHbox1 in an appropriate regional manner, indicating that A-P pattern in the mesoderm does not require vertical contact with ectoderm. Overall, these results indicate that anteroposterior neural pattern can be induced in ectoderm soley by planar signals from the mesoderm. Models for the induction of anteroposterior neural pattern by planar and vertical signals are discussed.
Corporate Use of Environmental Marketplace Advocacy: A Case Study of GE's 'Ecomagination' Campaign

This study explored the concept of marketplace advocacy within the context of General Electric’s “Ecomagination” environmental campaign. The study looked at what makes marketplace advocacy campaigns successful, how these campaigns are used to conceal environmental issues, and what concerns the public has with the corporations that implement these campaigns. The results indicated that marketplace advocacy is a powerful strategic communications tool that can be used by corporations to successfully alter public opinion and impact policy surrounding environmental concerns and issues.
Generativity and Explanation in Semantics: A Reply to Fodor and Lepore

In this article I address the remarks made in Fodor and Lepore's article, “The Emptiness of the Lexicon: Reflections on James Pustejovsky's The Generative Lexicon ,” regarding the research program outlined in Pustejovsky 1995. My response focuses on two themes, FL's misreadings and misinterpretations of the substance as well as the details of the theory, and the generally negative and unconstructive view of the study of semantics and natural language meaning inherent in their approach.
The Ideal of Socially Responsible Science: Reply to Dupré, Rolin, Solomon, and Giere

The goal of Philosophy of Science after Feminism is to provide the blueprint for a philosophy of science more socially engaged and socially responsible than the philosophy of science we have now, a philosophy of science that can help to promote a science more socially engaged and socially responsible than the science we have now. A central part of this venture is the ideal of socially responsible science, an ideal that evokes a set of interrelated concerns in the minds (and comments) of John Dupre, Kristina Rolin, Miriam Solomon, and Ron Giere. In this paper I set out to answer these concerns and make explicit exactly what is in the offing if I have succeeded.
Interaction of KCNE subunits with the KCNQ1 K+ channel pore

KCNQ1 alpha subunits form functionally distinct potassium channels by coassembling with KCNE ancillary subunits MinK and MiRP2. MinK-KCNQ1 channels generate the slowly activating, voltage-dependent cardiac IKs current. MiRP2-KCNQ1 channels form a constitutively active current in the colon. The structural basis for these contrasting channel properties, and the mechanisms of alpha subunit modulation by KCNE subunits, are not fully understood. Here, scanning mutagenesis located a tryptophan-tolerant region at positions 338-340 within the KCNQ1 pore-lining S6 domain, suggesting an exposed region possibly amenable to interaction with transmembrane ancillary subunits. This hypothesis was tested using concomitant mutagenesis in KCNQ1 and in the membrane-localized 'activation triplet' regions of MinK and MiRP2 to identify pairs of residues that interact to control KCNQ1 activation. Three pairs of mutations exerted dramatic effects, ablating channel function or either removing or restoring control of KCNQ1 activation. The results place KCNE subunits close to the KCNQ1 pore, indicating interaction of MiRP2-72 with KCNQ1-338; and MinK-59,58 with KCNQ1-339, 340. These data are consistent either with perturbation of the S6 domain by MinK or MiRP2, dissimilar positioning of MinK and MiRP2 within the channel complex, or both. Further, the results suggest specifically that two of the interactions, MiRP2-72/KCNQ1-338 and MinK-58/KCNQ1-340, are required for the contrasting gating effects of MinK and MiRP2.
A study of the energy content of the seismic waves P and pP

The energy observed in the seismic waves P and pP in a large number of earthquakes is compared, by means of two partly independent methods, with the theoretical energy calculated from a standard equation. The results are analyzed, depth of focus, distance from epicenter to observing station, geographical location of epicenter, and azimuth from station being used as variables. When compared with the theoretical ratio, the ratio of the energy in pP to the energy in P averaged over a distance range 60°-90° is observed to decrease with depth, by 0.5 on a logarithmic scale of energy between 100 and 600 km. depth of focus. The results for the two waves are compared separately with theoretical values, and the observed effect appears to be about equally due to an increase of P energy and a decrease of pP energy with depth. The theoretical formula is reexamined to determine if permissible changes in the assumptions or numerical values can account for the results. No such changes are found; certain assumptions with respect to increased absorption of energy near the surface of the earth provide a partial qualitative explanation, but quantitatively they cannot be reconciled with data from other sources. The variation with distance between observed and calculated energies is not large enough to be treated quantitatively; slight changes in the slope of the accepted velocity vs. depth curve are tentatively suggested on the basis of it. The energy ratio pP/P compared to the theoretical ratio is significantly too large in shallow earthquakes occurring in the Aleutian region and can be attributed to pP rather than P. For shallow shocks in the New Hebrides region and very deep shocks of the Southwest Pacific there is some indication that the energy ratio is smaller than for comparable shocks elsewhere. Data on observed wave periods are given. The effect of differences between instruments is considered.
Monte Carlo simulation of ions in a magnetron plasma

A simulation of ion dynamics in a planar magnetron discharge is performed using separate three-dimensional Monte Carlo codes for the electrons and ions. First, to predict the ionization sites, the orbits of energetic electrons are simulated for prescribed DC electric and magnetic fields, subject to collision with neutrals at random intervals. In the second code the predicted sites are used as the starting positions of ion trajectories. The ion trajectories are followed taking into account collisions with neutrals, turbulent electric fields, and the DC field. The authors report results for ion impact on the cathode and substrate anode surfaces (energy, angle, and spatial distribution) and ion parameters in the plasma (density, drift velocity, random energy, and transit time). To test these results they compare them to several previously reported experiments, and in most cases find good agreement. These simulation methods not only are useful for gaining an understanding of the magnetron plasma operation, but may also aid in designing magnetrons. >
An Overview of Unsteady Pressure Measurements in the Transonic Dynamics Tunnel

The NASA Langley Transonic Dynamics Tunnel has served as a unique national facility for aeroelastic testing for over forty years. A significant portion of this testing has been to measure unsteady pressures on models undergoing flutter, forced oscillations, or buffet. These tests have ranged from early launch vehicle buffet to flutter of a generic high-speed transport. This paper will highlight some of the test techniques, model design approaches, and the many unsteady pressure tests conducted in the TDT. The objectives and results of the data acquired during these tests will be summarized for each case and a brief discussion of ongoing research involving unsteady pressure measurements and new TDT capabilities will be presented.
Prevalence of multiple cardiac risk factors in US adults with diabetes

ABSTRACTPurpose: The National Cholesterol Education Program, Adult Treatment Panel III (NCEP ATP III) included diabetes mellitus (DM) as a risk factor for major coronary events equivalent to existing coronary heart disease (CHD). This study estimates the national prevalence of additional CHD risk factors for US adults with and without DM and heart disease using Medical Expenditure Panel Survey (MEPS) data.Methods: In this retrospective study using nationally representative 2000 and 2002 MEPS survey data, DM and CHD for adult respondents (n = 44 481) were identified by ICD-9 codes or self-reported DM, coronary heart disease, angina, heart attack or stroke, or other heart disease. Six additional risk factors assessed were hypertension, hypercholesterolemia, smoking, age (≥ 45 years [men], ≥ 55 years [women]), obesity, and physical inactivity. The national prevalence of cardiac risk factors was assessed in four subgroups: CHD–/DM–; CHD–/DM+; CHD+/DM–, CHD+/DM+.Results: The CHD–/DM+ group had significantly hi...
Hospitality Industry Professionals' Perceptions of the Importance of Content Areas in the Finance and Accounting Curriculum

ABSTRACT This study investigated the importance that professionals working in the hospitality industry attach to key areas taught in hospitality financial management and accounting as they relate to the success of hospitality graduates. It also sought to determine whether significant differences existed between various demographic subgroups based on industry segment, position, time in the industry, and educational attainment. A snowball sampling technique yielded 103 useable surveys. Analysis of the data indicated that practitioners did attach substantial importance to both financial management and accounting skills in achieving industry success. Of the two skill sets, they viewed financial management skills as more critical. There was a clear demarcation between those accounting areas more closely associated with operations and those linked to financial accounting. Analysis of the demographic subgroups identified differences in perception, but only a few of these rose to the level of significance.
Crust and upper‐mantle structure of North Africa, Europe and the Middle East from inversion of surface waves

SUMMARY We estimate the crust and upper-mantle seismic velocity structure in North Africa, southern Europe, and the Middle East using our surface-wave dispersion tomography results from a previous study. The surface wave tomography study provided high-resolution coverage across the region from more than 6800 Rayleigh and 3800 Love wave paths over the period range from 10‐60 s. We have also included additional tomography results from 65 to 120 s. The tomography model provides average Rayleigh and Love wave dispersion curves for each 2 ◦ × 2 ◦ block in the region. We use these results to determine velocity structure by fitting the synthetic curves from simplified crust and upper-mantle models to the tomographic data for each block via a grid search. The grid search technique was chosen in order to map out the complete error space and to easily incorporate other data sets or a priori information. The initial grid search is conducted over sediment thickness, crustal velocity, crustal thickness, and upper-mantle velocity. To keep the grid search computationally reasonable, other parameters are held fixed (sediment velocity, Poisson’s ratios, and density). Despite the well-known trade-off between crustal thickness and crustal velocity that occurs when fitting surface wave data, the initial grid search is quite successful in retrieving first order features, such as ocean-continent crustal thickness differences and crustal thickening in all but the oldest orogenic zones. We can resolve major sedimentary basins, active ridges, and see differences based on crustal age (e.g. Archean cratons vs Phanarozoic crust). To better control the trade-off inherent in fitting group velocity curves, we also explore using other information to better constrain the grid searches. In particular, we use a global sediment depth and velocity model to fix those parameters and a regional Pn tomography to constrain the upper-mantle velocities. In this constrained grid search, we vary crustal thickness, upper and lower crustal velocities, and upper-mantle Poisson’s ratio. This produces a somewhat better fit to the dispersion curves while simultaneously satisfying several datasets. While there are many similarities in the unconstrained and constrained model results, overall we believe the constrained grid search model is a better representation of reality. Finally, we compare and contrast our preferred velocity model with a number of other published models for this region. Within the resolution of the various models, they appear to be similar.
Modeling relationships between calving traits: a comparison between standard and recursive mixed models

Background: The use of structural equation models for the analysis of recursive and simultaneous relationships between phenotypes has become more popular recently. The aim of this paper is to illustrate how these models can be applied in animal breeding to achieve parameterizations of different levels of complexity and, more specifically, to model phenotypic recursion between three calving traits: gestation length (GL), calving difficulty (CD) and stillbirth (SB). All recursive models considered here postulate heterogeneous recursive relationships between GL and liabilities to CD and SB, and between liability to CD and liability to SB, depending on categories of GL phenotype. Methods: Four models were compared in terms of goodness of fit and predictive ability: 1) standard mixed model (SMM), a model with unstructured (co)variance matrices; 2) recursive mixed model 1 (RMM1), assuming that residual correlations are due to the recursive relationships between phenotypes; 3) RMM2, assuming that correlations between residuals and contemporary groups are due to recursive relationships between phenotypes; and 4) RMM3, postulating that the correlations between genetic effects, contemporary groups and residuals are due to recursive relationships between phenotypes. Results: For all the RMM considered, the estimates of the structural coefficients were similar. Results revealed a nonlinear relationship between GL and the liabilities both to CD and to SB, and a linear relationship between the liabilities to CD and SB. Differences in terms of goodness of fit and predictive ability of the models considered were negligible, suggesting that RMM3 is plausible. Conclusions: The applications examined in this study suggest the plausibility of a nonlinear recursive effect from GL onto CD and SB. Also, the fact that the most restrictive model RMM3, which assumes that the only cause of correlation is phenotypic recursion, performs as well as the others indicates that the phenotypic recursion may be an important cause of the observed patterns of genetic and environmental correlations.
Generalized robust point matching using an extended free-form deformation model: application to cardiac images

In this paper we present a novel and automated technique based on the generalized robust point matching (G-RPM) framework using an extended free-form deformation (EFFD) model for analysis of left ventricular (LV) motion. Unlike free-form deformations (FFDs) that employ parallelepipedical lattice shapes, the EFFD models use arbitrarily-shaped lattices. Our technique extends the set of possible deformations, and thus a more accurate estimate of LV deformation can be obtained. The computation is efficient since the number of control points is largely reduced. In particular for cardiac motion tracking, it requires roughly segmenting the myocardial boundary in only the first time frame and no more segmentation is needed. We evaluate the approach on sequences of in-vivo cardiac magnetic resonance images.
NEUROTENSIN BINDING TO HUMAN EMBRYONIC LUNG FIBROBLASTS

AbstractSeveral neuropeptides have been shown to regulate the function of cells involved in immune response and inflammation. Neurotensin is a 13 amino acid neuropeptide localized primarily to the nervous system and gut. Neurotensin also stimulates mast cell degranulation and enhances phagocytic and cytolytic capability of macrophages, suggesting that this peptide regulates inflammatory and immune responses. Fibroblasts play an important role in inflammation and tissue healing, and these processes may be regulated by several neuropeptides that have been shown to bind to fibroblasts. However neurotensin receptors have not been identified on fibroblasts. Human embryonic lung fibroblasts (HELF) were examined for binding and biological effects of neurotensin. 125I-neurotensin binding to adherent and confluent human embryonic lung fibroblasts (HELF), plated in 12mm diameter wells was specific and saturable. Computer-assisted resolution of the binding data demonstrated two classes of binding sites: a high affin...
CLIMATE CHANGE ,C LIMATE MODES, AND CLIMATE IMPACTS

▪ Abstract Variability of the atmospheric and oceanic circulations in the earth system gives rise to an array of naturally occurring dynamical modes. Instead of being spatially independent or spatially uniform, climate variability in different parts of the globe is orchestrated by one or a combination of several climate modes, and global changes take place with a distinctive spatial pattern resembling that of the modes-related climate anomalies. Climate impact on the dynamics of terrestrial and marine biosphere also demonstrates clear signals for the mode effects. In this review, we view modes as an important attribute of climate variability, changes, and impact and emphasize the emerging concept that future climate changes may be manifest as changes in the leading modes of the climate system. The focus of this review is on three of the leading modes: the North Atlantic Oscillation, the El Nino-Southern Oscillation, and the Pacific Decadal Oscillation.
Trends and Issues in Distance Education: International Perspectives, 2nd Edition

Good books on broad topics are hard to find. The second edition of Trends and Issues in Distance Education does a great job of meeting this challenge by offering chapters on far-reaching international trends that can have practical influence on the decisions that readers must make at the local level. From e-learning in manufacturing companies in Malaysia to various models for supporting learners who are at a distance, the book is a valuable resource for when performance issues lead you beyond the boundaries of the traditional training classroom. Trends and Issues in Distance Education: International Perspectives, 2nd ed. (2012; ISBN: 978-1-61735-828-9) is published by Information Age Publishing (paperback).
Growth in Kyphotic Ringed Sawbacks, Graptemys oculifera (Testudines: Emydidae)

Abstract Kyphosis has not been reported in any Graptemys species (map turtles and sawbacks). We captured four kyphotic individuals of Graptemys oculifera from the Pearl River system, Mississippi, with three individuals recaptured 5 to 12 yrs later; one juvenile female had measurable growth, and two adult females had negligible growth. All kyphotic individuals were females, with an overall occurrence rate of 0.10% (4 of 3830 individuals) at five G. oculifera sample sites.
Correlation between thyroid hormone status and hepatic hyperplasia and hypertrophy caused by the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor alpha agonist Wy-14,643

The metabolic inhibitor rotenone inhibits hepatocellular proliferation and the incidence of liver cancer resulting from exposure to the PPARα agonist Wy-14,643, via unknown mechanisms. Since the absence of thyroid hormones diminishes hepatomegaly, an early biomarker for the hepatocarcinogenicity induced by PPARα agonists, this study was undertaken to investigate whether rotenone might interference with the ability of Wy-14,643 to alter the animal thyroid status.