cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A systematic scoping review of yoga intervention components and study quality.

Context The scientific study of yoga requires rigorous methodology. This review aimed to systematically assess all studies of yoga interventions to (1) determine yoga intervention characteristics; (2) examine methodologic quality of the subset of RCTs; and (3) explore how well these interventions are reported. Evidence acquisition Searches were conducted through April 2012 in PubMed, PsycINFO, Ageline, and Ovid's Alternative and Complementary Medicine database using the text term yoga , and through handsearching five journals. Original studies were included if the intervention (1) consisted of at least one yoga session with some type of health assessment; (2) targeted adults aged ≥18 years; (3) was published in an English-language peer-reviewed journal; and (4) was available for review. Evidence synthesis Of 3,062 studies identified, 465 studies in 30 countries were included. Analyses were conducted through 2013. Most interventions took place in India ( n =228) or the U.S. ( n =124), with intensity ranging from a single yoga session up to two sessions per day. Intervention lengths ranged from one session to 2 years. Asanas (poses) were mentioned as yoga components in 369 (79%) interventions, but were either minimally or not at all described in 200 (54%) of these. Most interventions (74%, n =336) did not include home practice. Of the included studies, 151 were RCTs. RCT quality was rated as poor. Conclusions This review highlights the inadequate reporting and methodologic limitations of current yoga intervention research, which limits study interpretation and comparability. Recommendations for future methodology and reporting are discussed.
SU-E-T-556: Dosimetric Comparison of the Bladder and Rectum Based On Daily CBCT for Prostate IMRT

Purpose: With the use of CBCT, delivered dose can be calculated by transferring the planned beams onto the CBCT. Bladder and rectum volumetric doses were calculated and correlated to the daily bladder and rectum fullness. Methods: Patients for this study underwent hypofractionated prostate IMRT to 70 Gy in 28 fractions. Daily CBCT was utilized for image guidance. A clinically acceptable plan was created using a CTV to PTV margin of 5mm. Image fusion was performed to transfer the bladder and rectum contours onto each CBCT. Contours were then edited to match the anatomy of each CBCT. Using the daily treatment isocenter, the planned beams were transferred onto the CBCT and daily and cumulative DVHs calculated. Results: At the time of planning the bladder volume was 470.66cc. The mean, minimum and maximum bladder volume from the 28 CBCTs was 230.57cc, 76.16 cc and 380.8 cc, respectively. Planned bladder V70Gy was 0.98%. Actual bladder V70Gy, as calculated from the CBCTs was 2.46±1.36%. Similarly, planned V60Gy, V50Gy and V40Gy were 2.55%, 4.15% and 6.35% of the total bladder volume. The observed volumes receiving 60Gy, 50Gy and 40Gy were 5.18±2.53%, 4 to 8.21±3.76% and 6 to 12.93±5.60%, respectively. On the planning CT the rectummore » volume was 41.5cc. The observed mean, minimum and maximum rectum volumes were 58.09cc, 93.52 and 47.50cc. The planned rectum V70Gy was 6.02% while the observed cumulative rectum V70Gy was 13.68±3.39%. Rectum V60Gy, V50Gy and V40Gy changed from 13.61% to 22.5±3.86%, 19.15% to 28.68±4.45 and 25.56% to 34.75±5.15%. Conclusion: Bladder and rectum volumes changes during treatment have an affect on the cumulative dose received by these organs. It was observed that volumetric dose received by bladder decreases as volume of the bladder increases. There is no particular trend observed between volumetric dose and rectal volume.« less
Note on desuspending the Adams map

Let p denote a fixed prime and let Pn(pr) denote the cofibre of the degree pr map on Sn–1. We consider π*P3(pr) and show that the map q in the cofibre sequenceinduces a split epimorphism on the p-primary component of π2pS3 if p > 2. That analogous maps q: Pn(pr) →Sn, n ≥ 4, induce split epimorphisms on the p-primary component of πn+2p-3Sn, p > 2, is shown in work of J. F. Adams [1]. It is the purpose of this note to document the above computation in the case n = 3 for the use of others.
A new titanoniobate ion—completing the series [Nb10O28]6−, [TiNb9O28]7− and [Ti2Nb8O28]8−

A new water-soluble polyoxometalate, [TiNb9O28]7−, completes an isostructural and homologous decametalate series from the decaniobate to the dititano-octaniobate ion.
Verification of the equivalent circuit of a channel-collector transistor by two-dimensional numerical simulation

Two-dimensional numerical simulation has been used to qualitatively verify that the collector region of a Channel-Collector Transistor (CCT) functions simultaneously as the collector of a conventional bipolar junction transistor (BJT) and the channel region of a junction field-effect transistor (JFET). Numerical simulation also confirmed that the collector region may be modeled as two JFET's in series, with the second being fully merged with other regions of the device.
New nested adaptive neural networks (NANN) for constitutive modeling

Abstract The concept of using neural networks in constitutive modeling has been proposed by the first author and his co-workers. In this methodology, neural networks are trained directly with the results of material tests, and the trained neural networks can be used in analysis of boundary value problems similar to any other material model. In this paper, we introduce nested adaptive neural networks, a new type of neural network developed by Ghaboussi and his co-workers, and apply this neural network in modeling of the constitutive behavior of geomaterials. Nested adaptive neural networks take advantage of the nested structure of the material test data, and reflect it in the architecture of the neural network. This new neural network is applied in modeling of the drained and undrained behavior of sand in triaxial tests.
Professionalization and Retention Outcomes of a University–Service Mentoring Program Partnership

With the use of a university–service partnership to introduce mentoring and shared governance, the aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of these interventions on nurse perceptions of the supportive culture of the workplace environment, professional skill development, decisional involvement, and retention and vacancy rates. A nonequivalent pretest–posttest, noncontrol group design was used with mentors of newly hired mentees to evaluate their workplace perspectives following mentor classes, ongoing mentor support, and a formal mentor–management workforce governance board. A convenience sample of 89 RNs from two acute care facilities attended mentoring and professionalization classes and worked with 109 mentees over 1–3 years. Mentors reported improved teamwork and the ability to deal with conflict but wanted more administrative oversight of the quality and scope of practice of support staff and additional interdepartmental collaboration. One hospital's vacancy rate decreased by 80%, and the other facility's retention rate improved by 21%. The data suggest that a mentor program with comprehensive education and mentor–management alliances through formal workforce environment governance enhances professionalization of frontline nurses and helps sustain a positive, constructive workplace environment. Mentoring classes on communication and cultural sensitivity skills and other leadership concepts, followed by mentor support and mentor–administrative forums, have positive implications for sustained improvement of a supportive culture as perceived by hospital-based RNs and new nurse graduates.
A rapid DNA preparation for PCR fromChlamydomonas reinhardtii andArabidopsis thaliana

A method for preparing DNA for PCR has been adapted from the forensic work of Walsh et al. (Biotechniques 10:506–513) for use withChlamydomonas reinhardtii andArabidopsis thaliana. The method consists of a short incubation of cells or tissue in ethanol, followed by addition of Chelex-100 and heat treatment. Following centrifugation, the supernatant is added directly to the PCR reaction; forChlamydomonas, amplification product is visible over a range of four orders of magnitude of starting cells. Using this method, DNA suitable for PCR template can also be obtained fromArabidopsis leaf tissue without grinding, organic extraction or precipitation steps. This method may prove to be useful for other plant and algal species.
Direct interaction of all-trans-retinoic acid with protein kinase C (PKC). Implications for PKC signaling and cancer therapy

Protein kinase C (PKC) regulates fundamental cellular functions including proliferation, differentiation, tumorigenesis, and apoptosis. All-trans-retinoic acid (atRA) modulates PKC activity, but the mechanism of this regulation is unknown. Amino acid alignments and crystal structure analysis of retinoic acid (RA)-binding proteins revealed a putative atRA-binding motif in PKC, suggesting existence of an atRA binding site on the PKC molecule. This was supported by photolabeling studies showing concentration- and UV-dependent photoincorporation of [(3)H]atRA into PKCalpha, which was effectively protected by 4-OH-atRA, 9-cis-RA, and atRA glucuronide, but not by retinol. Photoaffinity labeling demonstrated strong competition between atRA and phosphatidylserine (PS) for binding to PKCalpha, a slight competition with phorbol-12-myristate-13-acetate, and none with diacylglycerol, fatty acids, or Ca(2+). At pharmacological concentrations (10 micrometer), atRA decreased PKCalpha activity through the competition with PS but not phorbol-12-myristate-13-acetate, diacylglycerol, or Ca(2+). These results let us hypothesize that in vivo, pharmacological concentrations of atRA may hamper binding of PS to PKCalpha and prevent PKCalpha activation. Thus, this study provides the first evidence for direct binding of atRA to PKC isozymes and suggests the existence of a general mechanism for regulation of PKC activity during exposure to retinoids, as in retinoid-based cancer therapy.
Changes in sex ratio over time in the endangered iguana Cyclura cychlura inornata

Changes in sex ratio of a population over time can indicate possible conservation concerns. Using population estimates for males and females, we examined changes in the sex ratio of two populations...
The analytical energy gradient scheme in the Gaussian based Hartree-Fock and density functional theory for two-dimensional systems using the fast multipole method

The analytical total energy gradient scheme for the Hartree–Fock and density functional crystalline orbital theory is formulated for infinitely extended periodic systems of general dimensions and implemented for those of two dimensions. Two major differences between the analytical gradient scheme for extended systems and that for molecular systems are described in detail. The first is the treatment of the long-range Coulomb interactions, which arise due to the infinite nature of the system size. The long-range effect is efficiently included by the multipole expansion technique and its extension, the fast multipole method. The use of the fast multipole method enables us to include the long-range effect up to the order of micrometer to millimeter region around the reference unit cell by virtue of the logarithmic cost scaling of the algorithm achieved by regrouping distant multipoles together and reducing the number of pairwise interactions. The second is the formulation of analytical gradient expressions with respect to unit cell parameters. In HF theory they can be calculated by accumulating forces acting on atoms multiplied by some appropriate factors, while there is an extra term which requires a special numerical treatment in grid-based density functional theory. Specifically, it is shown that the quadrature weight derivatives do not vanish even in the limit of infinitely fine grid when calculating the gradients with respect to unit cell parameters, and are essential in evaluating those gradients. Combining the analytical gradient scheme and an efficient inclusion of the long-range interaction makes it feasible to perform a full geometry optimization of extended systems at ab initio levels. As an illustration, the long-range interaction energies are computed for a two-dimensional sheet of hydrogen-fluoride. The CPU time reduction on going from the explicit evaluation of the two-electron integrals to multipole expansion, and from the multipole expansion to fast multipole method is significant. Geometry optimizations are performed on an infinite two-dimensional hexagonal boron-nitride sheet and the dependence of the gradients on various parameters are investigated.
Endothelial expression of E-selectin is induced by the platelet-specific chemokine platelet factor 4 through LRP in an NF-κB–dependent manner

The involvement of platelets in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis has recently gained much attention. Platelet factor 4 (PF4), a platelet-specific chemokine released on platelet activation, has been localized to atherosclerotic lesions, including macrophages and endothelium. In this report, we demonstrate that E-selectin, an adhesion molecule involved in atherogenesis, is up-regulated in human umbilical vein endothelial cells exposed to PF4. Induction of E-selectin RNA is time and dose dependent. Surface expression of E-selectin, as measured by flow cytometry, is also increased by PF4. PF4 induces E-selectin expression by activation of transcriptional activity. Activation of nuclear factor-κB is critical for PF4-induced E-selectin expression, as demonstrated by promoter activation studies and electrophoretic mobility shift assays. Further, we have identified the low-density lipoprotein receptor-related protein as the cell surface receptor mediating this effect. These results demonstrate that PF4 is able to increase expression of E-selectin by endothelial cells and represents another potential mechanism by which platelets may participate in atherosclerotic lesion progression.
Transcriptome Analysis of a Petal Anthocyanin Polymorphism in the Arctic Mustard, Parrya nudicaulis

Angiosperms are renown for their diversity of flower colors. Often considered adaptations to pollinators, the most common underlying pigments, anthocyanins, are also involved in plants’ stress response. Although the anthocyanin biosynthetic pathway is well characterized across many angiosperms and is composed of a few candidate genes, the consequences of blocking this pathway and producing white flowers has not been investigated at the transcriptome scale. We take a transcriptome-wide approach to compare expression differences between purple and white petal buds in the arctic mustard, Parrya nudicaulis, to determine which genes’ expression are consistently correlated with flower color. Using mRNA-Seq and de novo transcriptome assembly, we assembled an average of 722 bp per gene (49.81% coding sequence based on the A. thaliana homolog) for 12,795 genes from the petal buds of a pair of purple and white samples. Our results correlate strongly with qRT-PCR analysis of nine candidate genes in the anthocyanin biosynthetic pathway where chalcone synthase has the greatest difference in expression between color morphs (P/W = ∼7×). Among the most consistently differentially expressed genes between purple and white samples, we found 3× more genes with higher expression in white petals than in purple petals. These include four unknown genes, two drought-response genes (CDSP32, ERD5), a cold-response gene (GR-RBP2), and a pathogen defense gene (DND1). Gene ontology analysis of the top 2% of genes with greater expression in white relative to purple petals revealed enrichment in genes associated with stress responses including cold, drought and pathogen defense. Unlike the uniform downregulation of chalcone synthase that may be directly involved in the loss of petal anthocyanins, the variable expression of several genes with greater expression in white petals suggest that the physiological and ecological consequences of having white petals may be microenvironment-dependent.
Gödel and the origins of computer science

The centenary of Kurt Godel (1906–78) is an appropriate occasion on which to assess his profound, yet indirect, influence on the development of computer science. His contributions to and attitudes toward that field are discussed, and are compared with those of other pioneer figures such as Alonzo Church, Emil Post, Alan Turing, and John von Neumann, in order better to understand why Godel's role was no greater than it was.
A diagnostic expert system for helping the operation of hazardous waste incinerators

Abstract This paper presents a diagnostic expert system for detecting sensor failures of the incinerator control system. The domain knowledge of the system is based on system models, causal relationships among failure events, and the heuristic operator knowledge for handling off-normal situations. The inference functions of the diagnostic system are jointly provided by rule-based backward/forwarding chaining, causal relationship-based Bayesian network inference, and system model-based Kalman filtering inference. As examples of applying the proposed framework, failure diagnosis of the steam temperature regulator and the detection of thermocouple drifts are presented.
Multi-domain anomaly detection in spatial datasets

A spatial anomaly captures a phenomenon occurring in a region which is vastly deviant in behavior with respect to the other normal observations. However, in reality this anomaly may impact other phenomena in the region across multiple domains, for example, crime is often linked to other sociopolitical factors or phenomenon such as poverty and education. Similarly, accidents in the region may be linked to other environmental factors such as weather and surface condition. So, finding anomalies across multiple domains is important in various applications. In this paper, we propose an approach for finding such a tangible anomalous window across multiple domains where window refers to the set of contiguous points in space, and since the window is multi-domain, there are several overlapping windows in the same space across domains. Our approach for finding anomalous window across the domains comprises the following steps: (1) single-domain anomaly detection: discovering anomalous window in each domain; (2) association rule mining: discovering relationship between the anomalous windows across domains using association rule mining; and (3) validation: validating the result using (a) Monte Carlo simulation, (b) correlation using lift and (c) ground truth evaluation. In addition, we also provide a probabilistic framework to evaluate the relationships between the spatial nodes as a postprocessing step. Finally, we provide a visualization technique for viewing the multi-domain anomalous window and the probabilistic relationships between the nodes. We provide detailed experimental results and comparisons with other approaches using real-world health ranking [51] and transportation datasets [50] with known ground truth windows. The results show that our approach is effective in finding the anomalies in multiple domains as compared to other approaches.
Intimate Partner Violence and Health Status among Older Women

As the baby boomer generation ages, there are more than 18 million women older than 65 (13.4% of the female population in the United States). More than 41% of these women remain in intimate relationships with their partner and thus become vulnerable to intimate partner violence (IPV). This group of women represents a unique group in the violence literature. Most of this literature has focused on IPV in women of childbearing age. What happens to these women and their relationships as they age? How does IPV differ for women who are not functionally dependent and not relying on their intimate partner for care? This article discusses the epidemiology of IPV, the health effects of IPV, and strategies for identification and intervention by health providers for this group of older women.
UTP and ATP increase extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 phosphorylation in bovine chromaffin cells through epidermal growth factor receptor transactivation.

Adenosine triphosphate (ATP) is coreleased with catecholamines from adrenal medullary chromaffin cells in response to sympathetic nervous system stimulation and may regulate these cells in an autocrine or paracrine manner. Increases in extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) 1/2 phosphorylation were observed in response to ATP stimulation of bovine chromaffin cells. The signaling pathway involved in ATP-mediated ERK1/2 phosphorylation was investigated via Western blot analysis. ATP and uridine 5′-triphosphate (UTP) increased ERK1/2 phosphorylation potently, peaking between 5 and 15 min. The mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK/ERK)-activating kinase (MEK) inhibitor PD98059 blocked this response. UTP, which is selective for G-protein-coupled P2Y receptors, was the most potent agonist among several nucleotides tested. Adenosine 5′-O-(3-thio) triphosphate (ATPγS) and ATP were also potent agonists, characteristic of the P2Y2 or P2Y4 receptor subtypes, whereas agonists selective for P2X receptors or other P2Y receptor subtypes were weakly effective. The receptor involved was further characterized by the nonspecific P2 antagonists suramin and reactive blue 2, which each partially inhibited ATP-mediated ERK1/2 phosphorylation. Inhibitors of protein kinase C (PKC), protein kinase A (PKA), Ca2+/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II (CaMKII), and phosphoinositide-3 kinase (PI3K) had no effect on ATP-mediated ERK1/2 phosphorylation. The Src inhibitor PP2, epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) inhibitor AG1478, and metalloproteinase inhibitor GM6001 decreased ATP-mediated ERK1/2 phosphorylation. These results suggest nucleotide-mediated ERK1/2 phosphorylation is mediated by a P2Y2 or P2Y4 receptor, which stimulates metalloproteinase-dependent transactivation of the EGFR.
Narcotrafficking, migration, and modernity in rural Mexico.

Here therefore I try to address this issue to provide a deeper understanding of the cultural and economic processes that are at play. The aim is to complicate the prevailing version of narcotrafficking that so frequently associates it with rural underdevelopment marginalization and "peasants." Below I examine the local history and the cultural processes that contribute to the proliferation of a narcotics industry in the Tierra Caliente region of Michoacan. This ethnographic approach highlights the local identities and changing social relations that emerge alongside these structural changes (Appadurai 1996; Pred and Watts 1992). I show that narcotrafficking has risen alongside a long history of capital investment and modernization an argue that it is because of the previous state interventions in this region encouraging agroindustrial production and entrepreneurial behavior that narcotrafficking could emerge so forcefully. I then describe some of the cultural practices of traffickers and their followers to illustrate how they have come to be seen as a group within the local space. (excerpt)
Analyzing the structure of informal transit: The evening commute problem

Through the use of a profit-maximizing continuum approximation model, this paper systematically analyzes the development and structure of informal transit systems as a function of the network, user, and modal characteristics. This study examines the evening commute problem along a linear corridor where passengers originate uniformly from a central business district and have destinations uniformly distributed along the corridor. Informal transit drivers who are profit-maximizing will be compared against the traditional case of coordinated, government service that aims to maximize the total welfare. Policies, such as fare regulation and vehicle licensing schemes, will be presented to help rationalize informal transit service using a government-operated service as the baseline.
History of GP obstetrics.

I was delighted to read David Jewell's March focus column in the BJGP ,1 which has stimulated this communication. I was a GP obstetrician from January 1947 to 1981. There has been increasing pressure from mothers, midwives, and health visitors to return to the days of high percentage home delivery where suitable. We are all aware of its advantages but they are much unsung. In the period prior to the NHS in 1948, midwives were based in clinics run by the MOH (Medical Officer of Health) in conjunction with the MOH's assistants; they gave antenatal care and delivered babies at home. Should an emergency arise, the midwife would send for a doctor; …
Interpreting Institutions' in Veblen's Evolutionary Theory

. The form and basic properties of Thorstein Veblen's evolutionary theory are analyzed as an interpretative strategy for understanding the social institutions of modern industrial society. By formulating hypothetical historical reconstructions based on his principles of social action and institutional transformation, Veblen creates an heuristic construction that serves as a formula for observation and analysis of what he finds to be the essential meaning of existing behavior. This gives to his work a critical style, but also a depth of analysis that has a degree of predictive validity.
Results from a simple laser color perimeter

Stimulus size, chromaticity, adaptation, luminance and local adaptation are more easily controlled when laser light rapidly scans the appropriate portion (s) of the visual field. Adaptation of a Ferree-Rand perimeter to the use of He-Ne laser light gives chromatic and achromatic thresholds of relatively low variance.
Fetal hyperinsulinism at 14-20 weeks and subsequent gestational diabetes.

Objective To examine the predictive value of amniotic fluid (AF) insulin at 14–20 weeks' gestation for subsequent gestational diabetes and macrosomia in unselected gravidas 35 years or older at time of genetic amniocentesis. Methods We identified 296 pregnancies through stored AF samples from genetic amniocenteses (collected March 1987 through August 1992) in women meeting the following criteria: age 35 years or older, amniocentesis at 14–20 weeks, performance of a 50-g glucose challenge test, and adequate delivery data. Results A modified double-antibody radioimmunoassay reliably measured AF insulin with a detection limit of 0.35 μU/mL. Pregnant women in whom gestational diabetes was later diagnosed had higher median AF insulin levels than women who did not (0.60 versus 0.42 μU/mL, respectively; P = .026). A stepwise logistic regression analysis of gestational age at amniocentesis, maternal second-trimester weight, maternal age, and log AF insulin value on gestational diabetes showed only AF insulin to have a significant association with gestational diabetes ( P = .004). Seven of 21 cases of gestational diabetes had AF insulin values exceeding the 95th percentile (1.33 μU/mL) compared with only 14 of 275 women with normal glucose tolerance ( P Conclusion Gestational diabetes is associated with increased AF insulin at 14–20 weeks, suggesting augmentation of fetal insulin production in the early fetal period in at least some cases of gestational diabetes.
Magnetic stratigraphy and a test for block rotation of sedimentary rocks within the San Andreas fault zone, Mecca Hills, southeastern California

A 500-m section of the Palm Spring Formation in the southern Mecca Hills, located within the San Andreas fault zone in southeastern California, has been paleomagnetically sampled to determine possible tectonic rotation in this area and to establish time-stratigraphic control. This work was partly stimulated by the fact that 80 km farther south, previous studies demonstrated 35° of postdepositional rotation in the Palm Spring Formation of the Vallecito-Fish Creek basin east of the Elsinore fault. Several lines of evidence suggest that hematite is the main magnetic carrier of the Mecca Hills samples. Large anhedral hematite grains observed in magnetic extracts and a positive fold test imply a detrital origin of the remanence. The polarity reversal patterns, together with earlier vertebrate paleontologic studies, restrict the time span for deposition of this unit to the middle-late Matuyama chron (2.0–0.75 myr ago), thus of uppermost Pliocene and early Pleistocene age. Characteristic directions of best least-squares fit for 73 samples suggest little or no overall rotation, despite the severe late Quaternary tectonic activity demonstrated by the intense deformation of these strata.
High-throughput RFLP genotyping method for large genomes based on a chemiluminescent detection system

Genetic linkage mapping based on RFLPs is a valuable genomics tool for studying organisms with no genome sequence information. However, the generally used Southern hybridization method based on the radioisotope32P is not ideal for genotyping large mapping populations. We have overcome limitations of the alternative chemiluminescent detection system and developed a high-throughput RFLP genotyping method suitable for large-scale mapping studies of large genomes. Important elements in our process are PCR labeling of probes, complete removal of post-PCR unincorporated nucleotides via column-based purification methods, use of a 1:4 DIG-[11]-dUTP:dTTP ratio, and using a rocker instead of an orbital shaker during hybridization and post-hybridization processing of membranes. Using this method, we mapped the large genome of the homosporous fern speciesCeratopteris richardii by genotyping a mapping population of 513 doubled haploid line (DHL) progeny of a cross between two completely homozygous parental lines. Our genotyping method can robustly detect sub-picogram quantities of DNA fragments from a large number of samples and can be applied to linkage mapping studies of other organisms with large genomes.
A Rational Basis for Engineering College Education

The paradox of engineering education is that it must prepare the student to undertake work in areas unknown at the time he is attending college. An attempt is made to formulate criteria for establishing engineering curricula which will meet this apparently self-contradictory requirement. Rather than basing education on apparatus and techniques possessing high rates of obsolescence, it is suggested that the following be emphasized: the disciplining of the mind; communication techniques, both linguistic and mathematical; the cultural heritage of mankind; the macroscopic properties of the three states of matter; invariant principles of laboratory apparatus; fundamental network theory; and the field concept and radiation.
Microarray profiling reveals the integrated stress response is activated by halofuginone in mammary epithelial cells

Background: The small molecule Halofuginone (HF) is a potent regulator of extracellular matrix (ECM ) gene expression and is unique in its therapeutic potential. While the basis for HF effects is unknown, inhibition of TGFb signaling and activation of the amino acid restriction response (AAR) have been linked to HF transcriptional control of a number of ECM components and amelioration of fibrosis and alleviation of autoimmune disease by regulation of Th17 cell differentiation, respectively. The aim of this study was to generate a global expression profile of HF targets in epithelial cells to identify potential mediators of HF function in this cell type. Results: We report that HF modulation of the expression of the ECM remodeling protein Mmp13 in epithelial cells is separable from previously reported effects of HF on TGFb signal inhibition, and use microarray expression analysis to correlate this with transcriptional responses characteristic of the Integrated Stress Response (ISR). Conclusions: Our findings suggest activation of the ISR may be a common mechanism underlying HF biological effects.
Board Composition and Corporate Financing: The Impact of Financial Institution Representation on Borrowing

This study examined the extent to which the presence of representatives of financial institutions on firms' boards of directors affected borrowing decisions. Through a time-series analysis of 22 la...
Pathways to Teacher Learning in Multicultural Contexts A Longitudinal Case Study of Two Novice Bilingual Teachers in Urban Schools

This longitudinal case study focused on the learning trajectories of two novice bilingual education teachers in urban schools. We traced changes in and relationships between these teachers' knowledge, beliefs, and interactive thinking about teaching culturally diverse learners. Multiple data collection strategies were used, including concept maps, in-depth interviews, surveys, and stimulated recall interviews. Data were collected before and after a multicultural education course in which the teachers were enrolled during their 1--year MEd and credential program. Data were also collected during their first and second years of inservice teaching. Results suggest that the relationship between teachers' knowledge, beliefs, and decision making is complicated and dynamic. Classroom and school contexts affected teachers' attempts to enact constructivist and social justice education principles. Moreover, prior beliefs as well as the teacher education program (TEP) and teachers' own developmental needs contributed...
Engineering molecularly imprinted polymer (MIP) materials: Developments and challenges for sensing and separation technologies

Molecular imprinting, artificial receptors, plastic antibodies are terms associated with synthetic materials capable of chemical and biological sensing. Through the years, these sensors have advanced greatly not only in analytical chemistry; they have high utility for environmental, health, security, military, etc. monitoring and separations applications. New transduction methods and miniaturization have enabled in-situ and real-time sensing capabilities. On the other hand, they have high utility as matrices for chemical and biological separations. The challenge of employing molecularly imprinted polymers or MIPs as receptors lie in demonstrating high selectivity and sensitivity. Robustness and cost are also important considerations. Traditional methods of monolith polymerization employing free radical polymerization mechanisms have yielded good performance but lack the ability to demonstrate repeatable selectivity and sensitivity. Thin films have been deemed to be more useful in sensing applications, but may not offer the right throughput for separations applications. Engineering optimized materials require not only adapting to new chemistries but also knowing their structure-property relationships.
A Survey of Commercial & Open Source Unmanned Vehicle Simulators

This report presents a survey of computer based simulators for unmanned vehicles. The simulators examined cover a wide spectrum of vehicles including unmanned aerial vehicles, both full scale and micro size; unmanned surface and subsurface vehicles; and unmanned ground vehicles. The majority of simulators use simple numerical simulation and simplistic visualization using custom OpenGL code. An emerging trend is to used modified commercial game engines for physical simulation and visualization. The game engines that are commercially available today are capable of physical simulations providing basic physical properties and interactions between objects. Newer and/or specialized engines such as the flight simulator X-Plane or Ageia PhysX and Havok physics engines, are capable of simulating more complex physical interactions between objects. Researchers in need of a simulator have a choice of using game engines or available open source and commercially available simulators, allowing resources to be focused on research instead of building a new simulator. We conclude that it is no longer necessary to build a new simulator from scratch.
Subunit contributions to phosphorylation‐dependent modulation of bovine rod cyclic nucleotide‐gated channels

Cyclic nucleotide-gated (CNG) channels in rod photoreceptors transduce a decrease in cGMP into hyperpolarization during the light response. Insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) increases light responses by increasing the cGMP sensitivity of CNG channels, an event mediated by a protein tyrosine phosphatase. Native rod CNG channels are heteromultimers, composed of three CNGA1 subunits and one CNGB1 subunit. Previous studies on heterologously expressed rod CNG channels show that a specific tyrosine in the CNGA1 subunit (Y498) is required for modulation by protein tyrosine phosphatases, protein tyrosine kinases and IGF-1. Here we show that the CNGB1 subunit contains a specific tyrosine (Y1097) that is important for modulation of heteromeric channels by tyrosine phosphorylation. Direct biochemical measurements demonstrate 32P-labelling of CNGA1Y498 and CNGB1Y1097. Replacement of either Y498 of CNGA1 or Y1097 of CNGB1 with phenylalanine reduces modulation, and removal of both tyrosines eliminates modulation. Unlike CNGA1, CNGB1 does not exhibit activity dependence of modulation by tyrosine phosphorylation. Hence both CNGA1 and CNGB1 subunits contribute to phosphorylation-dependent modulation of rod CNG channels, but the phosphorylation states of the two subunits are regulated in different ways.
Metabolism and cancer mix in Madrid.

The CNIO Cancer Conference ‘The Energy of Cancer’ held last November was a bridge between metabolic and cancer research, emphasizing the interdisciplinary nature of the field. It confirmed that the outlines of the main pathways involved in coordinating nutrient uptake and metabolism with cell growth have begun to emerge.
Geochemical Studies of Columbia River Basalts

We report our findings for two studies of Columbia River basalts that are relevant to United States radwaste disposal programs. A rhyodacite intrudes the Wanapum basalt and is exposed in a quarry along the Hood River, Oregon. Since the rhyodacite is different geochemically from the basalt, and was intruded at a high temperature, then this site can be used to evaluate the effects of the intrusion on the basalt. In such a study we assume the intrusive rock is a high temperature heat engine, and that cooling may be by convection, conduction, or both. Contact effects of the intrusion are not pronounced in the basalt, and are restricted to minor recrystallization within one meter of the contact, and to possibly some minor fracture filling. Traverses were made from the rhyodacite into the basalt, and samples at closely spaced intervals analyzed for K, U, Th by field and laboratory gamma spectrometry, and by neutron activation analysis for some 35 elements. Separate aliquots were analyzed by isotope dilution to inspect Sr isotopic variations. The chemical studies do not indicate migration of any elements from the rhyodacite into the basalt, nor for any in-basalt or in-rhyodacite migration. Despite a pronounced chemical gradient between the rocks, each has remained a closed, isochemical system. The Sr isotopic studies indicate that the rhyodacite possesses Sr (87/86) = 0.70407 ± 0.00008 while the intruded basalts possess Sr (87/86) = 0.7052 ± 0.0002. Even in samples of the contact, with intermingled rhyodacite and basalt, each rock preserves its own characteristic Sr (87/86) signature, thus again attesting to the closed system conditions. We conclude for this natural experiment that the Wanapum basalt is not readily penetrated by elements from a high temperature, molten source.
Methoxychlor Inhibits Growth and Induces Atresia of Antral Follicles Through an Oxidative Stress Pathway

The mammalian ovary contains antral follicles, which are responsible for the synthesis and secretion of hormones that regulate estrous cyclicity and fertility. The organochlorine pesticide methoxychlor (MXC) causes atresia (follicle death via apoptosis) of antral follicles, but little is known about the mechanisms by which MXC does so. Oxidative stress is known to cause apoptosis in nonreproductive and reproductive tissues. Thus, we tested the hypothesis that MXC inhibits growth and induces atresia of antral follicles through an oxidative stress pathway. To test this hypothesis, antral follicles isolated from 39-day-old CD-1 mice were cultured with vehicle control (dimethylsulfoxide [DMSO]), MXC (1-100 microg/ml), or MXC + the antioxidant N-acetyl cysteine (NAC) (0.1-10 mM). During culture, growth was monitored daily. At the end of culture, follicles were processed for quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction of Cu/Zn superoxide dismutase (SOD1), glutathione peroxidase (GPX), and catalase (CAT) mRNA expression or for histological evaluation of atresia. The results indicate that exposure to MXC (1-100 microg/ml) inhibited growth of follicles compared to DMSO controls and that NAC (1-10 mM) blocked the ability of MXC to inhibit growth. MXC induced follicular atresia, whereas NAC (1-10 mM) blocked the ability of MXC to induce atresia. In addition, MXC reduced the expression of SOD1, GPX, and CAT, whereas NAC reduced the effects of MXC on their expression. Collectively, these data indicate MXC causes slow growth and increased atresia by inducing oxidative stress.
A Metric for Identifying System Exploitation using Buffer Overflow

Buffer overflow attacks affect the workings of different processes within any computer. It is hypothesized that the number of processes running on the system will change when a buffer overflow has occurred. This hypothesis is tested by gathering data from a Red Hat Linux 9 system and a Windows XP system both before and after exploitation. By using statistical analysis, the data from both systems are compared. The results from the experiment support the hypothesis. On the Red Hat system, the number of processes running after exploitation increases. On the Windows system, the number of processes running decreases due to the fact that explorer responds to the change by restarting itself. Thus, the results support the hypothesis that the number of processes running on a system change after an exploit occurs. These results indicate that a program that monitors the number of processes running on the system and provides statistical feedback about that data will offer a warning if a system has been compromised.
Role of linoleate as an essential fatty acid for the cat independent of arachidonate synthesis

To determine the essential fatty acid (EFA) requirements of the cat, specific pathogen-free kittens were fed either a linoleate-deficient diet or one of two diets containing 5% safflower seed oil (SSO) with or without 0.2% tuna oil. The diets were fed for 82-101 weeks beginning at 3 months of age. The results showed that linoleate is an essential fatty acid for the cat. Linoleate deficiency resulted in reduced feed efficiency (in males), high rates of transepidermal water loss, poor skin and coat condition, and fatty liver. These manifestations of EFA deficiency were prevented by SSO. Tuna oil had no additional effect. Analyses of the fatty acid composition of plasma, erythrocytes and liver lipids revealed that linoleate deficiency caused changes that were qualitatively, but not quantitatively similar to EFA deficiency in the rat. When SSO was provided, linoleate was elongated and desaturated at the delta 5 position to form 20:2n6 and 20:3(5,11,14). However, there was negligible conversion of linoleate to arachidonate. These results indicate that linoleate has specific functions as an EFA, independent of arachidonate synthesis and prostaglandin formation.
Optical properties of perfluorocyclobutyl polymers. III. Spectroscopic characterization of rare-earth-doped perfluorocyclobutyl polymers

We present a continuation of two previous studies [J. Opt. Soc. Am. B20, 1838 (2003) and J. Opt. Soc. Am. B21, 958 (2004)] on the optical characteristics of perfluorocyclobutyl-based polymers. Previously, the spectral dependences of the refractive index and the extinction coefficient have been calculated, and investigations were made into the theoretical and measured attenuation spectra of these polymers. Here, we report on the erbium-doped perfluorocyclobutyl aryl ether polymer 1,1,1-tris(4-trifluorovinyloxy)phenyl ethane. The absorption and fluorescence spectra are provided, including the Judd-Ofelt parameterization. The Judd-Ofelt parameters are found to be Omega_2 = 16.05×10^-20 cm², Omega_4 = 3.67×10^-20 cm², and Omega_6 = 3.59×10^-20 cm². These results are compared with those for a similar study on erbium-doped poly(methyl methacrylate), and conclusions are drawn concerning the effect of host properties in the 1550 nm region.
Residual Tensile Strength Prediction on a Ply-by-Ply Basis for Laminates Containing Impact Damage

Impact loading on composite laminates can cause surface or internal damage in the form of fiber breakage, delamination and matrix cracking. Such damage can reduce laminate tensile strength. In the work presented here, impact damage was modelled as part through-the-thickness damage and laminate residual strength was evaluated by ex amining the behavior of each individual ply of the laminate. A residual strength prediction procedure, proposed previously for laminates containing cut internal fibers, was used here for laminates containing impact damage. The prediction of laminate residual strength was performed based on 3-D finite element results in conjunction with a principal load carry ing ply failure criterion. The predicted residual strength agreed with the experimental data within the bounds of 0.85 to 1.08 times the experimental data, indicating the applicability of the procedure and the damage modelling technique.
Patterns of antigenic diversity and the mechanisms that maintain them

Many of the remaining challenges in infectious disease control involve pathogens that fail to elicit long-lasting immunity in their hosts. Antigenic variation is a common reason for this failure and a contributor to the complexity of vaccine design. Diversifying selection by the host immune system is commonly, and often correctly, invoked to explain antigenic variability in pathogens. However, there is a wide variety of patterns of antigenic variation across space and time, and within and between hosts, and we do not yet understand the determinants of these different patterns. This review describes five such patterns, taking as examples two bacteria (Streptococcus pneumoniae and Neisseria meningitidis), two viruses (influenza A and HIV-1), as well as the pathogens (taken as a group) for which antigenic variation is negligible. Pathogen-specific explanations for these patterns of diversity are critically evaluated, and the patterns are compared against predictions of theoretical models for antigenic diversity. Major remaining challenges are highlighted, including the identification of key protective antigens in bacteria, the design of vaccines to combat antigenic variability for viruses and the development of more systematic explanations for patterns of antigenic variation.
Biodegradation of BTX Vapors In a Compost Medium Biofilter

Removal of benzene, toluene, and xylenes (BTX) from waste gases was studied in a 50-L laboratory-scale biofilter (25.2 cm I.D. and 100 cm H). A commercial blend of composted chicken manure and peat moss was used as the filter bed. The composted organic material was selected due to its relatively high microbial diversity and for its nutritive value (i.e. presence of N-sources and essential minerals). Three sets of experiments were carried through by changing the inlet gas concentration (500 mg m−3 to 6000 mg m−3), the superficial gas velocity (9.6 m h−1, 24.1 m h−1 and 36.1 m h−1), the gas flow direction (up- and downwards), and by controlling the moisture of the filter bed, for a total duration of 157 days. The biofilter was operated at a BTX inlet gas concentration as high as 5721 mg m−3 and showed a removal efficiency of 97 percent. The maximum elimination capacity (ECmax) of the compost filter bed was 108 g BTX m−3 h−1. Despite these excellent results, the biofiltration process exhibited some operation...