cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Characterization of cytotoxic cells generated from in vitro cultures of murine bone marrow cells.

Abstract Bone marrow cells cultured for 5–6 days generate cytotoxic activity against a number of natural killer (NK)-susceptible tumor cells. In this study, these bone marrow cytotoxic cells were compared to cells with NK activity obtained either from spleen cells activated in vitro with interferon (IFN-α/β) or mitogen or from peritoneal exudate cells (PEC) obtained 4 days after bacillus Calmette-Guerin (BCG) infection. Splenic and PEC cytotoxic cells were shown to be Thy 1.2+, NK 1.1+, Asialo GM+1, Lyt 1.2−, Lyt 2.2−. In contrast, bone marrow cytotoxic cells were Thy 1.2+, NK 1.1−, Lyt 1.2−, Lyt 2.2− and expressed low levels of Asialo GM1 antigen (Asialo GM±1). Precursor cells for bone marrow cytotoxic activity were shown to be Thy 1.2−, NK 1.1−, Lyt 1.2−, Lyt 2.2− but also expressed low levels of Asialo GM1 antigen (Asialo GM±1). Cytotoxic activity for both bone marrow and spleen cells peaked in the lowdensity fractions of discontinuous Percoll density gradients. The cytotoxic activity of these bone marrow cells was augmented by pretreatment with IFN (-α/β, -γ) or soluble factors (IFN free) from activated EL-4 thymoma cells. Surprisingly, the ability of bone marrow cells to generate high levels of cytotoxic activity following in vitro culture appeared to be associated primarily with mice which were of the H-2b haplotype.
Effect of an Isothermal Baffle on Pseudosteady-State Natural Convection Inside Spherical Containers

The influence of an isothermal thin baffle on pseudosteady-state natural convection within spherical containers is studied computationally. The computations are based on an iterative, finite-volume numerical procedure using primitive dependent variables, whereby the time-dependent, two-dimensional axisymmetric form of the governing continuity, momentum and energy equations are solved. Natural convection effect is modeled via the Boussinesq approximation. Parametric studies were performed for a Prandtl number of 0.7. For Rayleigh numbers of 104 , 105 , 106 and 107 , baffles with 3 lengths positioned at 5 different locations were investigated. In effect, a parametric study involving 60 cases were performed. The computational results were benchmarked against previous data available in the literature by comparing the heat transfer correlations, temperature distribution and streamline patterns for cases with no baffle. In general, regardless of the presence of an isothermal baffle, fluid that is heated adjacent to the surface of the sphere rises replacing the colder fluid which sinks downward. For high Ra number cases, the hot fluid at the bottom of the sphere is also observed to rise along the symmetry axis and encounter the sinking colder fluid. This behavior can lead to onset of oscillations in the temperature and flow fields. Partly due to the blockage effect of an isothermal thin baffle and also the extra heating afforded by the baffle, multi-cell recirculating vortex structures are observed. The number and strength of these vortices depend on the position and length of the baffle. The additional heat that is brought into the baffle through the isothermal baffle is directly linked to creation of a counter clockwise rotating vortex next to the baffle. This baffle, in turn, directs hot fluid into the center of the sphere and disrupts thermal stratified layers. For the majority of the length and location combinations investigated, the Nusselt number is lower than the case with no baffle, however the time rate of rise of the bulk temperature can be greater for some combinations. The extent of heat transfer modifications depends on the Rayleigh number, length and location of the baffle.Copyright © 2007 by ASME
Comparison of three nonlinear models to describe long-term tag shedding by lake trout

Abstract We estimated long-term tag-shedding rates for lake trout Salvelinus namaycush using two existing models and a model we developed to account for the observed permanence of some tags. Because tag design changed over the course of the study, we examined tag-shedding rates for three types of numbered anchor tags (Floy tags FD-67, FD-67C, and FD-68BC) and an unprinted anchor tag (FD-67F). Lake trout from the Gull Island Shoal region, Lake Superior, were double-tagged, and subsequent recaptures were monitored in annual surveys conducted from 1974 to 1992. We modeled tag-shedding rates, using time at liberty and probabilities of tag shedding estimated from fish released in 1974 and 1978–1983 and later recaptured. Long-term shedding of numbered anchor tags in lake trout was best described by a nonlinear model with two parameters: an instantaneous tag-shedding rate and a constant representing the proportion of tags that were never shed. Although our estimates of annual shedding rates varied with tag type ...
Prehospital cardiac arrest after arrival of the Paramedic Unit

Rapid response time by paramedic units made it possible to study 26 cases of "primary" cardiac arrests occurring after arrival of the unit. Ventricular fibrillation developed in 14 cases with prodromal ectopy in only two (14%) and rapidly increasing tachycardia in seven (50%). Countershock was successful in 12 (86%) and six (43%) survived. Bradycardia and asystole following countershock forecasted a fatal outcome. Brady-asystolic arrests (BAA) developed rapidly without much warning in 12 cases and were due to sinus arrest or severe sinus bradycardia in 92% and to atrioventricular block in 8%. BAA was 100% fatal. Coronary artery disease was diagnosed as the cause of BAA in seven (58%). All of the three cases, proven to be due to coronary artery disease at autopsy, had an occlusion of the proximal right coronary artery. In the remaining five (42%) cases, BAA was secondary to ruptured aneurysm (2), acute pancreatitis (1), chronic lung disease (1), and mitral stenosis (1). These observations emphasize a need for a more aggressive approach to prehospital management of brady-asystolic cardiac arrests.
The Bioeconomic Impact of Impingement and Entrainment on Yellow Perch in Lake Erie

Abstract This study assesses the bioeconomic effects of the J. R. Whiting power plant on the yellow perch (Perca fiavescens) sport fishery in the Michigan waters of western Lake Erie in Monroe County. The surplus production model was applied to yellow perch commercial and sport catch-and-effort data. The model estimated the yellow perch population in the Lake Erie waters of Monroe County to be approximately 1.074 x 10 10 fish. The Leslie matrix, a density-independent mathematical model, then simulated the effects of impingement and entrainment by the J. R. Whiting plant on this population over the plant's 50-year life expectancy (1952-2002). The combined effect of impingement and entrainment represents an estimated annual reduction of 1.7% in the size of the yellow perch population. Assuming that a 1.7%-reduction in population size will cause a 1.7%-reduction in the sport catch rate of yellow perch, a computerized simulation model of Great Lakes angling demand and supply was used to estimate the net econo...
Kodu alice and computer science unplugged: a model of effective introducing middle school students to computer science and computational thinking (abstract only)

This poster describes the "Computer Science for All Bulldogs (CS4ALL-B) pilot, a 7-week long course taught in Fall 2013 at Opelika Middle School, located in the Auburn- Opelika, Alabama Metropolitan Area (https://cs4allb.eng.auburn.edu). The program marks the first time a formal Computer Science (CS) course has been taught in an Alabama middle school. The CS4ALL-B curriculum builds upon the Auburn University innovative 'three-step' model of K-12 computing and robotics instruction that introduces CS and Computational Thinking (CT) concepts for K-12 students. This model uses programming frameworks such as Kodu, Alice, App Inventor, Lego NXT-G and Tetrix, and Computer Science Unplugged (CSU) activities. While moving between the three steps, students explore the fundamentals of CS/CT concepts. The CS4ALL-B curriculum is structured in four main sections: First, introduction to Kodu for 7th graders and Alice for 8th graders; Second, introduction to CS/CT Concepts; Third, participation in selected CSU activities, then students develop their programs to demonstrate their abilities to design and create Kodu or Alice worlds that implement the concepts learned while participating in CSU activities; Fourth, students build their own course project that includes all concepts and skills grasped throughout their training. This model helps maintain high levels of motivation, concentration, and engagement during the entire course. The results of the pilot assessment, including tools such as traditional written assessments (e.g. quizzes, tests) as well as alternative assessments tools (e.g. projects and blog posts), will be presented. We have found that our methods foster the learners' nascent development in CS.
A Contribution to the Theory of Economic Growth

I. Introduction, 65. — II. A model of long-run growth, 66. — III. Possible growth patterns, 68. — IV. Examples, 73. — V. Behavior of interest and wage rates, 78. — VI. Extensions, 85. — VII. Qualifications, 91.
Learning Genetic Representations for Classes of Real-Valued Optimization Problems

Applying evolutionary algorithms to new problem domains is an exercise in the art of parameter tuning and design decisions. A great deal of work has investigated ways to automate the tuning of various EA parameters such as population size, mutation options, etc. However, genotype-to-phenotype mappings have typically been considered too complex to adapt automatically. We demonstrate a genetic representation learning method that uses meta-evolution to adapt a bitstring encoding for a synthetic class of real-valued optimization problems. The genetic representation we learn performs as well or better than a Gray code both on new instances of the problem class it was trained on and on problem types that it was not trained on.
VALIDATION OF A FOUR-QUADRANT GATE SIMULATION MODEL: PREDICTED VERSUS ACTUAL GATE OPERATING VALUES

Coleman and Moon demonstrated a traffic engineering-based design methodology to determine gate delay (length of flashing signal operation prior to entry gate descent) and gate interval time (time period between initiation of descent of entry gates and initiation of descent of exit gates) at four-quadrant gate crossings. A simulation model incorporating this traffic engineering-based design methodology was developed for the Illinois Department of Transportation to assist in establishing four-quadrant gate operating parameters. To assist in validating the four-quadrant gate simulation model, a comparison of the gate operating parameters at a recent installation in North Carolina was undertaken. The findings from the comparison indicate there is close agreement with the values used in the field installation and those determined by the simulation model.
The Mark II detector for the SLC

Abstract The Mark II detector has been upgraded in preparation for its role as the first detector to take data at the Stanford Linear Collider. The new detector components include the central drift chamber, the time-of-flight system, the coil, the endcap electromagnetic calorimeters and the beam energy and luminosity measuring devices. There have also been improvements in detector hermeticity. All of the major components were installed for a test run at the PEP storage ring (√s = 29 GeV) in 1985. This paper describes the upgraded detector, including its trigger and data acquisition systems, and gives performance figures for its components. Future improvements are also discussed.
Improving management of diabetic ketoacidosis in children.

Objective. The optimal fluid management for diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) is uncertain. In an effort to simplify DKA therapy, we revised the treatment protocol in our institution to use a simpler method of calculating fluid needs, use fluids with higher sodium concentration, and allow glucose concentration to be adjusted easily. We performed a retrospective study to determine the effects of these revisions. Design. We compared patients treated with traditional and revised protocols (∼220 and ∼300 patients, respectively, over consecutive 2.75-year intervals). Sixty patient records were randomly selected from the first group (30 treated with each of 2 protocol versions) and 30 from the second group. Biochemical and clinical parameters were analyzed. Results. Patients selected for detailed analysis were similar in demographics and initial laboratory measurements. Patients treated under the revised fluid protocol received less total fluid, needed fewer intravenous fluid changes, were treated at less cost, and resolved acidosis more rapidly than patients treated under the original protocols. The rate of cerebral edema (0.3%–0.5%) was unchanged. Conclusion. A DKA protocol that necessitates less fluid delivery and fewer calculations simplifies therapy and is associated with more rapid correction of acidosis.
Genetic inactivation of melanin-concentrating hormone receptor subtype 1 (MCHR1) in mice exerts anxiolytic-like behavioral effects.

The biological effects of the melanin-concentrating hormone (MCH) are mediated by the melanin concentrating hormone receptor 1 (MCHR1) in mice. This receptor is enriched in brain areas that are involved in the modulation of mood and affect, suggesting that MCH-dependent signaling may influence neurobiological mechanisms underlying fear and anxiety processes. To test this, we have generated mice lacking functional MCHR1 and characterized phenotypic traits using a number of behavioral tests. Mice carrying a null mutation of the MCHR1 gene display anxiolytic-like behavior across a battery different behavioral paradigms commonly used to assess fear and anxiety responses in rodents: open field, elevated plus maze, social interaction, and stress-induced hyperthermia. The brain serotonin (5-HT) system is central to the control of mood- and anxiety-related processes. To examine the impact of MCHR1 receptor deletion on 5-HT neurotransmission, we used in vivo microdialysis in freely moving knockout and wild-type mice. Baseline dialysate 5-HT levels were significantly lower in MCHR1 knockout mice as compared with wild-type controls (9.53±0.24 fmol for wild types vs 6.91±0.36 fmol for knockouts) in the prefrontal cortex (PFC), one of the main target structures of the serotonergic system and one that is highly associated with the control of emotional processes. Moreover, forced swim increased 5-HT efflux in the PFC of wild-type but not MCHR1 knockout mice. In summary, we show that MCHR1 can modulate stress- and anxiety-like behaviors and suggest that this may be due to changes in serotonergic transmission in forebrain regions.
Surfactant-enhanced oxidation of trichloroethylene by permanganate––proof of concept

Abstract Oxidative dechlorination of chlorinated solvents by permanganate is an emerging technology for remediation of groundwater contaminated with dissolved chlorinated contaminants. In this study, the enhancement of trichloroethylene (TCE) degradation by permanganate in aqueous solution in the presence of surfactant was evaluated through a continuous stir batch reactor system with the presence of permanganate as the limiting reagent and free phase TCE. The TCE degradation was determined by continuous monitoring the amount of chloride produced, which was then reverted to the rate of permanganate consumption. It was found that the chloride production, an indication of TCE degradation, followed a pseudo-first-order reaction kinetics with respect to KMnO 4 in the presence of free phase TCE. When no surfactants were present, the observed pseudo-first-order rate constant ( k obs ) was 0.08–0.19 min −1 and the half-life ( t 1/2 ) was 4–9 min for MnO 4 − . When the surfactant concentration was less than its critical micelle concentration (CMC), the k obs values increased to 0.42–0.46 min −1 and the t 1/2 reduced to 1.5–1.7 min for MnO 4 − . As the surfactant concentration was greater than the CMC, the k obs values increased to 0.56–0.58 min −1 and the t 1/2 reduced to 1.2–1.3 min. The preliminary results showed that combination of permanganate with a proper type of surfactant can speed up contaminant removal.
Transmission and scanning electron microscope studies on the mandibular condyle of the guinea pig

Abstract A scanning and transmission electron microscope study of the mandibular condyle of the guinea pig revealed that the articular surface displayed numerous gentle irregular undulations about 100–200 μm apart. Superimposed on these were small prominences and depressions about 5–15 μm in size. At high magnification the surface irregularities were clearly defined in condyles washed initially with saline. The surface irregularities of condyles immersed immediately in fixative, however, were partially obscured by a layer of surface material which was considered to be of synovial fluid origin. These findings suggest that compressive forces applied to the condyle would result in an entrapment and enrichment of synovial fluid, resulting in “boosted lubrication” between the articular surfaces.
FLEXIBLE INFRARED HEART RATE SENSOR USING QUANTUM DOTS

The proposed design uses Quantum Dots (QDs) and basic MEMS fabrication techniques to create a flexible thin-film optical heart rate sensor. Fields including health sciences, fitness sciences and psychophysiological studies can benefit from a biosensor that detects heart rate (HR) in a noninvasive manner. Optical heart rate sensors achieve this by being able to collect signals simply through contact with the user. While the sensing method itself is nothing new, the nature of the flexible thin-film structure will allow the device to achieve maintained unobtrusive contact with minimal effort.
Melting and thermal pressure of hcp-Fe from the phonon density of states

We directly probed the phonon density of states (DOS) of hexagonal close-packed iron (e-Fe) with high statistical quality between pressures of 30 GPa and 151 GPa using nuclear resonant inelastic X-ray scattering and insitu synchrotron X-ray diffraction experiments at 300 K. From each measured phonon DOS, we determined the vibrational free energy (F_(vib)) and mean-square displacement of atoms, 〈u^2〉. The volume dependence of F_(vib) is directly related to the vibrational thermal pressure, which we combine with previously reported theoretical values for the electronic and anharmonic thermal pressures to find the total thermal pressure (P_(th)). In addition, we obtained the shape of e-Fe’s melting curve from the volume dependence of our 〈u^2〉, and anchored it with an experimentally determined melting point to obtain the high-pressure melting behavior of e-Fe. Considering thermal pressure and anharmonic effects, we found e-Fe’s melting temperature at the pressure of Earth’s core–mantle boundary (P = 135 GPa) to be 3500 ± 100 K. Extrapolating our melting curve to the pressure of the inner-core boundary (ICB, P = 330 GPa), where Earth’s solid inner-core and liquid outer-core are in contact, we determined a melting temperature for e-Fe of 5600 ± 200 K. Finally, combining this temperature constraint with our P_(th), we determined the density of e-Fe under ICB conditions to be 13.50 ± 0.03 g/cm^3, which is 5.5 ± 0.2% higher than the seismically inferred density at the ICB.
Detection of Escherichia coli O104 in the Feces of Feedlot Cattle by a Multiplex PCR Assay Designed To Target Major Genetic Traits of the Virulent Hybrid Strain Responsible for the 2011 German Outbreak

A multiplex PCR was designed to detect Escherichia coli O104:H4, a hybrid pathotype of Shiga toxigenic and enteroaggregative E. coli, in cattle feces. A total of 248 fecal samples were tested, and 20.6% were positive for serogroup O104. The O104 isolates did not carry genes characteristic of the virulent hybrid strain.
Measurement of the stopping cross sections for protons and 4He ions in erbium and erbium oxide: A test of Bragg's rule

Abstract Measurements of absolute stopping cross sections of erbium and erbium oxide for 250 keV to 2.5 MeV protons and 4 He ions have been made by ion backscattering. Contamination of the erbium films was minimized by in situ deposition of the reactive metal onto the target substrate in an ultra-high vacuum chamber attached to the beam line of a 2.5 MeV Van de Graaff accelerator. Oxidation was accomplished by in situ annealing in an oxygen atmosphere. The oxidation state of the film was determined by both X-ray diffraction and elastic proton scattering. A stringent test of Bragg's Rule was made for erbium oxide by measuring the energy loss of the ion beam in an erbium film before and after oxidation. The measurements confirmed Bragg's Rule at the highest velocities of this experiment (21 × 10 8 cm/s), the rule was in error by 13%. This is believed to be the first stringent test of Bragg's Rule in solids using absolute cross sections in which significant disagreement was observed between experiment and theory. The measured cross sections were also used to determine the parameters of the electronic stopping cross section formula developed by Brice.
The Strength of Syntax Based Approaches to Dynamic Network Intrusion Detection

In this paper, we investigate three syntax based, sliding window schemes for automatic intrusion detection. The first method, the fixed partition sliding window scheme (FPSW), uses a fixed window size and a one-byte sliding window. The second method, referred to as variable-length partition sliding window (VPSW), uses a variable length window with a predetermined breakmark. The third method, referred to as variable-length partition with multiple breakmarks (VPMB), is similar to VPSW except that multiple breakmarks are used. The results indicate that while the FPSW and VPSW methods are effective for detecting worms with mild changes in the worm code contents, VPMB is suitable for detecting fully polymorphic worms.
A unified approach to compressible and incompressible flows

Abstract We present a finite element formulation for solving the compressible Navier-Stokes equations which accommodates the use of any set of variables. If primitive variables ( p , u , T ), or entropy variables are used, the incompressible limit is well behaved. Therefore, one formulation can be used to solve both compressible and incompressible flows.
Inactivation of the Mgat1 gene in oocytes impairs oogenesis, but embryos lacking complex and hybrid N-glycans develop and implant.

Complex and hybrid N-glycans contain sugar residues that have been implicated in fertilization, compaction of the embryo, and implantation. Inactivation of the Mgat1 gene responsible for their synthesis is embryonic lethal, but homozygous mutant blastocysts are phenotypically normal due to the presence of maternal Mgat1 gene transcripts. To identify roles for complex and hybrid N-glycans in oogenesis and preimplantation development, the Mgat1 gene in oocytes was deleted by using a ZP3Cre recombinase transgene. All mutant oocytes had an altered zona pellucida (ZP) that was thinner than the control ZP, and they did not possess complex N-glycans but contained ZP1, ZP2, and ZP3 glycoproteins. Mutant eggs were fertilized, all embryos implanted, and heterozygotes developed to birth. However, mutant females had decreased fertility, yielded fewer eggs after stimulation with gonadotropins, and produced a reduced number of preimplantation embryos and less progeny than controls. About 25% of embryonic day 3.5 (E3.5) embryos derived from mutant eggs were severely retarded in development, even when they were heterozygous and expressed complex N-glycans. Thus, a proportion of Mgat1−/− oocytes were developmentally compromised. Surprisingly, mutant eggs also gave rise to Mgat1−/− embryos that developed normally, implanted, and progressed to E9.5. Therefore, complex or hybrid N-glycans are required at some stage of oogenesis for the generation of a developmentally competent oocyte, but fertilization, blastogenesis, and implantation may proceed in their absence.
Experiences with a high-fidelity wireless building energy auditing network

We describe the design, deployment, and experience with a wireless sensor network for high-fidelity monitoring of electrical usage in buildings. A network of 38 mote-class AC meters, 6 light sensors, and 1 vibration sensor is used to determine and audit the energy envelope of an active laboratory. Classic WSN issues of coverage, aggregation, sampling, and inference are shown to appear in a novel form in this context. The fundamental structuring principle is the underlying load tree, and a variety of techniques are described to disambiguate loads within this structure. Utilizing contextual metadata, this information is recomposed in terms of its spatial, functional, and individual projections. This suggests a path to broad use of WSN technology in energy and environmental domains.
Unsupervised classification of saturated areas using a time series of remotely sensed images

Abstract. The spatial distribution of saturated areas is an important consideration in numerous applications, such as water resource planning or siting of management practices. However, in humid well vegetated climates where runoff is produced by saturation excess processes on hydrologically active areas (HAA) the delineation of these areas can be difficult and time consuming. A technique that can simply and reliably predict these areas would be a powerful tool for scientists and watershed managers tasked with implementing practices to improve water quality. Remotely sensed data is a source of spatial information and could be used to identify HAAs. This study describes a methodology to determine the spatial variability of saturated areas using a temporal sequence of remotely sensed images. The Normalized Difference Water Index (NDWI) was derived from medium resolution Landsat 7 ETM+ imagery collected over seven months in the Town Brook watershed in the Catskill Mountains of New York State and used to characterize the areas susceptible to saturation. We found that within a single land cover, saturated areas were characterized by the soil surface water content when the vegetation was dormant and leaf water content of the vegetation during the growing season. The resulting HAA map agreed well with both observed and spatially distributed computer simulated saturated areas (accuracies from 49 to 79%). This methodology shows that remote sensing can be used to capture temporal variations in vegetation phenology as well as spatial/temporal variation in surface water content, and appears promising for delineating saturated areas in the landscape.
Progress toward Eliminating Iodine Deficiency in the Republic of Georgia

odine deficiency (ID) is the leading cause of preventable mental retardation worldwide. The most effective method of eliminating ID disorders (IDD) is promoting the widespread consumption of adequately iodized salt. To measure the impact of legislation banning the import and sale of noniodized salt, the Republic of Georgia government and UNICEF conducted a national survey of IDD prevalence in November 2005. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional cluster survey of 970 school-aged children measured: 1) urinary iodine excretion (UIE), 2) prevalence of goiter by palpation, and 3) the iodine content of household salt. Results: The median UIE was 320.7 μg/L, and only 40 (4.4%) of 900 urinary samples were below 100 μg/L. Palpation of 4420 children revealed a total goiter rate of 32.4% (95% confidence interval [CI]=27.2-37.5). Of 957 salt samples analyzed with rapid salt testing kits, 867 (90.6%, 95% CI=86.9-94.3%) were adequately iodized (≥15 ppm), and only 39 (4.1%) had no iodine. Iodization of salt was validated in 136 random samples using iodometric titration; 94.1% (95% CI=89.1-97.2%) were adequately iodized. Conclusions: Due in part to effective legislation and implementation, Georgia now meets the primary World Health Organization criteria for IDD elimination (i.e., >90% of households using adequately iodized salt and <50% of population with UIE <100 μg/L). Findings of potential excessive iodine intake should be further examined. To maintain elimination of IDD, it is important to continue to enforce legislation and sustain Georgia’s salt iodization program.
Signaling in colon cancer stem cells

Colorectal cancer is the fourth most common form of cancer worldwide and ranks third among the cancer-related deaths in the US and other Western countries. It occurs with equal frequency in men and women, constituting 10% of new cancer cases in men and 11% in women. Despite recent advancement in therapeutics, the survival rates from metastatic are less than 5%. Growing evidence supports the contention that epithelial cancers including colorectal cancer, the incidence of which increases with aging, are diseases driven by the pluripotent, self-renewing cancer stem cells (CSCs). Dysregulation of Wnt, Notch, Hedgehog and/or TGF-β signaling pathways that are involved in proliferation and maintenance of CSCs leads to the development of CRC. This review focuses on the signaling pathways relevant for CRC to understand the mechanisms leading to tumor progression and therapy resistance, which may help in the development of therapeutic strategies for CRC.
Ultra-low voltage GaAs/AlGaAs Mach-Zehnder intensity modulators

In this paper Mach-Zehnder modulators with 0.3 V drive voltage were presented. These modulators use substrate removed very compact GaAs/AlGaAs optical waveguides for tight optical confinement and buried doped QWs as electrodes. Separation between the doped QW electrodes is only 0.15 mum. This allows the creation of very large modulating electric fields with low voltages. Such large fields create large index changes due to linear electro-optic effect and carrier depletion. Furthermore very strong optical confinement improves the optical overlap hence large material index changes can be utilized very efficiently.
Peperomia leaf cell wall interface between the multiple hypodermis and crystal-containing photosynthetic layer displays unusual pit fields.

†Background and Aims Leaves of succulent Peperomia obtusifolia (Piperaceae), and its related species, contain a large multilayered hypodermis (epidermis) subtended by a very small single-layered photosynthetic palisade parenchyma, the latter containing spherical aggregates of crystals called druses. Each druse is in a central vacuole surrounded by chloroplasts. All hypodermal cell walls are thin, except for thick lowermost periclinal walls associated with the upper periclinal walls of the subtending palisade cells. These thick walls display ‘quilted’ impressions (mounds) formed by many subtending palisade cells. Conspicuous depressions occur in most mounds, and each depression contains what appear to be many plasmodesmata. These depressions are opposite similar regions in adjacent thin palisade periclinal walls, and they can be considered special pit fields that represent thin translucent regions (‘windows’ or ‘skylights’). Druses in the vacuoles of palisade cells occur below these pit field regions and are surrounded by conspicuous cytoplasmic chloroplasts with massive grana oriented perpendicular to the crystals, probably providing for an efficient photosynthetic system under low-intensity light. †Methods Leaf clearings and fractures, light microscopy and crossed polarizers, general and histochemical staining, and transmission and scanning electron microscopy were used to examine these structures. †Key Results Druses in the vacuoles of palisade cells occur below the thin pit field regions in the wall interface, suggesting an interesting physical relationship that could provide a pathway for light waves, filtered through the multiple hypodermis. The light waves pass into the palisade cells and are collected and dispersed by the druses to surrounding chloroplasts with large grana. †Conclusions These results imply an intriguing possible efficient photosynthetic adaptation for species growing in low-light environments, and provide an opportunity for future research on how evolution through environmental adaptation aids plants containing crystals associated with photosynthetic tissues to exist under low-light intensity and with other stresses.
Learning Disabilities Theory Its Current State and Future Prospects

Although theory has played an integral role in shaping prevailing practices in the LD field, broad overviews of paradigms and presentations of theoretical issues have been relatively infrequent and limited in scope. For instance, as has been made clear in preceding articles in this journal, a great deal of the discussion has been limited to and by definitional vagaries. Leaders concerned with the future have stressed the critical importance of an increased emphasis on theory development and the use of an improved theoretical base to guide future research and practice. There is a particular need at this time for greater explication and analysis of major controversies related to theories of cause and correction. For this article in the series, we asked Joe Torgesen to briefly review the status of theory in the LD field, to discuss its relationship to practice and to share his perspective of future directions for theory development. In doing so, he suggests the reasons for the present theoretical disarray, e...
A Future for Epidemiology

This paper considers ways of thinking about causes and prevention that could guide epidemiology beyond the present era. Discontent with modern epidemiology, in the face of its substantial achievements, is taken as a sign that the guiding principles of the discipline warrant reconsideration. To begin this task, current practices are placed within an historical perspective, in a review of the dominant ideas of successive eras in epidemiology. Then the premises and constraints of the present era of chronic disease epidemiology, with its risk factor paradigm, are specified. Finally, elements of a causal paradigm for an emerging era are proposed. This paradigm encourages thinking about causes at multiple levels of organization and within the historical context of both societies and individuals. The proposed approach aims to preserve and build on the contributions of past eras, as well as the present one.
Equipment is cheap, but the field must develop and support common software for psychological research

Over the last 18 years, the commercial sector has provided psychology with very advanced equipment at low cost. It is unlikely, however, that the commercial sector will provide psychology with the special-purpose software that is needed for data acquisition. Software costs are now the greatest cost of data acquisition. Psychology needs common software used by many researchers. Efforts and funds must therefore be concentrated so that comprehensive software systems can be developed and supported. Software systems should provide open architectures to allow individual researchers to add specialized functions within an integrated environment.
Grading the resuscitation literature to generate evidence based guidelines in pet CPR: The RECOVER initiative

owever paramedic led research is limited. Few structured opporunities exist at undergraduate level for these professionals towork r learn together; in clinical practice, most collaboration is brief nd opportunistic. Structured research and inter-professional postraduate education programmes in Emergency Medical Science ay address these needs. TwoMSc in EmergencyMedical Science programmes have been ntroduced at CEMS, UCD since 2006. The MScEMS (Advanced aramedic) degree is offered for one year’s primary research by dvanced Paramedics. The MScEMS (Immediate Care) is an interrofessional two year taught programme. Both have attracted ignificant numbers of successful candidates. Methods: The programmes are briefly described in structure, utcomes and productivity. Results:MScEMS(AP) original research projects have addressed ducation and training, clinical practice, occupational risks, interrofessional working and EMS systems. One peer reviewed ublication has been accepted and others are in preparation; muliple clinical and professional presentations by graduates have esulted. The MScEMS(IC) intakes include Advanced Paramedics (52%), urses (10%), general practitioners and emergencymedicine physiians (38%). Collaborative working is a requirement throughout nd reflects real life practice. Components include structured clincal training and ambulance service placements, critical appraisal, rimary research and systems reviews. Almost 15% of all Advanced Paramedics in Ireland have joined ne or other programme. Programmecompletionandstudent satisfaction rateshavebeen igh. Conclusion: Structured postgraduate research and education is easible and may address long-term deficits in EMS research and nter-professional working.
Protein disulfide isomerase-2 of Arabidopsis mediates protein folding and localizes to both the secretory pathway and nucleus, where it interacts with maternal effect embryo arrest factor

Protein disulfide isomerase (PDI) is a thiodisulfide oxidoreductase that catalyzes the formation, reduction and rearrangement of disulfide bonds in proteins of eukaryotes. The classical PDI has a signal peptide, two CXXCcontaining thioredoxin catalytic sites (a,a′), two noncatalytic thioredoxin fold domains (b,b′), an acidic domain (c) and a C-terminal endoplasmic reticulum (ER) retention signal. Although PDI resides in the ER where it mediates the folding of nascent polypeptides of the secretory pathway, we recently showed that PDI5 of Arabidopsis thaliana chaperones and inhibits cysteine proteases during trafficking to vacuoles prior to programmed cell death of the endothelium in developing seeds. Here we describe Arabidopsis PDI2, which shares a primary structure similar to that of classical PDI. Recombinant PDI2 is imported into ER-derived microsomes and complements the E. coli protein-folding mutant, dsbA. PDI2 interacted with proteins in both the ER and nucleus, including ER-resident protein folding chaperone, BiP1, and nuclear embryo transcription factor, MEE8. The PDI2-MEE8 interaction was confirmed to occur in vitro and in vivo. Transient expression of PDI2-GFP fusions in mesophyll protoplasts resulted in labeling of the ER, nucleus and vacuole. PDI2 is expressed in multiple tissues, with relatively high expression in seeds and root tips. Immunoelectron microscopy with GFP- and PDI2-specific antisera on transgenic seeds (PDI2-GFP) and wild type roots demonstrated that PDI2 was found in the secretory pathway (ER, Golgi, vacuole, cell wall) and the nuclei. Our results indicate that PDI2 mediates protein folding in the ER and has new functional roles in the nucleus.
Evaluation of a program for the pharmacologic management of children with asthma

Abstract An evaluation of a program used for the pharmacologic management of asthma was conducted by a retrospective chart review of patients seen by the Pediatric Allergy and Pulmonary Service at the University of Iowa. A scheme for drug selection based on pharmacologic and physiologic principles had been used to determine the medication requirements needed to attain specified therapeutic goals. Explicit criteria, defined prior to the review, were used to confirm the diagnosis, characterize the patients as chronically or intermittently symptomatic, and grade the disease by severity prior to the initiation of therapy. Of the 25 patients with intermittent symptoms, none of the patients with the 2 least severe grades of asthma required more than as-needed bronchodilators for control of symptoms while 80% of the patients in the 2 more severe grades required corticosteroids (p = 0.002). Among the 172 patients with chronic symptoms, a single noncorticosteroid prophylactic drug (usually theophylline in optimal doses) was the final management requirement for nearly 90% of the 27 patients in the 2 least severe grades of chronic asthma, for 70% of 129 patients in grade III, and in only 30% of the 16 patients in grade IV, the most severe grade (p
Adolescent stressors, psychopathology, and young adult substance dependence: a prospective study.

Objective: There is much theory, but sparse empirical evidence, supporting the notion that internalizing symptoms and negative affect are the mechanism by which exposure to stressful life events influence the development of substance-use disorders in adolescence and young adulthood. However, many empirical studies have shown that, in addition to elevations in internalizing symptoms, exposure to stressful life events also produces elevations in externalizing behaviors and conduct problems, which are important risk factors for substance-use disorders. The current study tested adolescent externalizing and internalizing symptoms as competitive mediators of the effects of stressors on young adult drug dependence. Method: Data from an ongoing study of children of alcoholics (n = 223) and matched controls (n = 204) were collected in two annual interviews in adolescence and two follow-ups in young adulthood. Results: Experiencing stressful life events during adolescence led to increases in both externalizing and ...
Determination of double bond conversion in dental resins by near infrared spectroscopy

Abstract Objectives: This study determined the validity and practicality of near infrared (NIR) spectroscopic techniques for measurement of conversion in dental resins. Methods: Conversion measurements by NIR and mid-IR were compared using two techniques: (1) The conversion of 3 mm thick photopolymerized Bis-GMA/TEGDMA resin specimens was determined by transmission NIR. Specimens were then ground and reanalyzed in KBr pellet form by mid-IR. (2) As further verification, thin resin films were photocured and analyzed by mid-IR. Multiple thin films were then compressed into a thick pellet for examination by NIR. Results: Conversion values obtained by NIR and mid-IR techniques did not differ significantly. A correction for changing specimen thickness due to polymerization shrinkage was applied to NIR conversion measurements since an internal standard reference peak was not employed. Sensitivity of the NIR technique was superior to those based on the mid-IR. Significance: The nondestructive analysis of conversion in dental resins by NIR offers advantages of convenience, practical specimen dimensions and precision compared with standard mid-IR analytical procedures. Because glass is virtually transparent in the NIR spectrum, this technique has excellent potential for use with filled dental resins as well.
Predisposition of the dark state of rhodopsin to functional changes in structure.

As the only member of the family of G-protein-coupled receptors for which atomic coordi- nates are available, rhodopsin is widely studied for insight into the molecular mechanism of G-protein- coupled receptor activation. The currently available structures refer to the inactive, dark state, of rhodop- sin, rather than the light-activated metarhodopsin II (Meta II) state. A model for the Meta II state is pro- posed here by analyzing elastic network normal modes in conjunction with experimental data. Key mechani- cal features and interactions broken/formed in the pro- posed model are found to be consistent with the exper- imental data. The model is further tested by using a set of Meta II fluorescence decay rates measured to empirically characterize the deactivation of rhodopsin mutants. The model is found to correctly predict 93% of the experimentally observed effects in 119 rhodopsin mutants for which the decay rates and misfolding data have been measured, including a systematic analysis of Cys?Ser replacements reported here. Based on the detailed comparison between model and experiments, a cooperative activation mechanism is deduced that couples retinal isomerization to concerted changes in conformation, facilitated by the intrinsic dynamics of rhodopsin. A global hinge site is identified near the retinal-binding pocket that ensures the efficient propa- gation of signals from the central transmembrane region to both cytoplasmic and extracellular ends. The predicted activation mechanism opens the transmem- brane helices at the critical G-protein binding cytoplas- mic domain. This model provides a detailed, mechanis- tic description of the activation process, extending experimental observations and yielding new insights for further tests. Proteins 2006;65:970-983. V
Transcriptional profiling of wheat caryopsis development using cDNA microarrays

The expression of 7,835 genes in developing wheat caryopses was analyzed using cDNA arrays. Using a mixed model analysis of variance (ANOVA) method, 29% (2,237) of the genes on the array were identified to be differentially expressed at the 6 different time-points examined, which covers the developmental stages from coenocytic endosperm to physiological maturity. Comparison of genes differentially expressed between two time-points revealed a dynamic transcript accumulation profile with major re-programming events that occur at 3–7, 7–14 and 21–28 DPA. A k-means clustering algorithm grouped the differentially expressed genes into 10 clusters, revealing co-expression of genes involved in the same pathway such as carbohydrate and protein synthesis or preparation for desiccation. Functional annotation of genes that show peak expression at specific time-points correlated with the developmental events associated with the respective stages. Results provide information on the temporal expression during caryopsis development for a significant number of differentially expressed genes with unknown function.
Kiss-and-run, fuse-pinch-and-linger, fuse-and-collapse: the life and times of a neurosecretory granule.

The fate of secretory membrane after fusion with the cell surface has been a subject of interest and considerable debate for almost 30 years. At nerve terminals, the limited number of synaptic vesicles and often high rates of action potential firing require that efficient machinery be in place to recover and replenish the vesicle pool to sustain the flow of information across the synapse over time. Since the first description of vesicle recycling at synapses (1, 2), a debate about the nature of the machinery responsible for this task has persisted.
PSEUDODIPLACODON, A NEW GENERIC NAME FOR DIPLACODON PROGRESSUM PETERSON (MAMMALIA, PERISSODACTYLA, BRONTOTHERIIDAE)

Diplacodon progressum Peterson is not referable to the genus Diplacodon Marsh and is assigned the new generic name Pseudodiplacodon. Diplacodon is regarded as a nomen dubium, but may be a senior synonym of Eotitanotherium, a genus that is clearly distinct from Pseudodiplacodon. Only the type species of Pseudodiplacodon is accepted as valid, although there is one large individual belonging to this genus that could potentially represent a second species. Recognition of a second species is regarded as inappropriate, however, in the absence of additional specimens or distinct character differences.
Dugas’ Histoire de la Mécanique (1953)

The view of the history and meaning of mechanics implied by most textbooks is derived from the quite unreliable Science of Mechanics by E. Mach 1, which overlooks the deeper conceptual problems, dismissing them as mere “mathematics”. There have been few subsequent attempts to treat the subject at large. Among them should be mentioned the [...] history of physics by E. Hoppe 2 and Duhem’s original but rather overdrawn Les Origines de la Statique 3. To correct the gross errors of most of the historical statements in current books the best course is to return to the sources. Here E. Jouguet has done great service in making many short extracts available in his anthology4.
Risk and Protective Factors for Suicidal Ideation in African American Women With a History of Sexual Violence as a Minor

Compared with other ethnic groups, African Americans have the highest rate of childhood victimization. The literature is sparse with regard to suicidal ideation among African American women with a history of sexual violence as a minor. Using survey data, this study utilized logistic regression to investigate the roles of a risk factor, criminal justice involvement, and protective factors, ethnic identity, and spiritual well-being, in experiencing suicidal ideation. Findings suggest that criminal justice involvement and the interaction of ethnic identity and spiritual well-being are important factors in understanding which African American women may be at a greater risk of experiencing suicidal ideation.