cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Unraveling the Global microRNAome Responses to Ionizing Radiation in Human Embryonic Stem Cells

MicroRNAs (miRNA) comprise a group of short ribonucleic acid molecules implicated in regulation of key biological processes and functions at the post-transcriptional level. Ionizing radiation (IR) causes DNA damage and generally triggers cellular stress response. However, the role of miRNAs in IR-induced response in human embryonic stem cells (hESC) has not been defined yet. Here, by using system biology approaches, we show for the first time, that miRNAome undergoes global alterations in hESC (H1 and H9 lines) after IR. Interrogation of expression levels of 1,090 miRNA species in irradiated hESC showed statistically significant changes in 54 genes following 1 Gy of X-ray exposures; global miRNAome alterations were found to be highly temporally and cell line - dependent in hESC. Time-course studies showed that the 16 hr miRNAome radiation response of hESC is much more robust compared to 2 hr-response signature (only eight genes), and may be involved in regulating the cell cycle. Quantitative real-time PCR performed on some miRNA species confirms the robustness of our miRNA microarray platform. Positive regulation of differentiation-, cell cycle-, ion transport- and endomembrane system-related processes were predicted to be negatively affected by miRNAome changes in irradiated hESC. Our findings reveal a fundamental role of miRNAome in modulating the radiation response, and identify novel molecular targets of radiation in hESC.
The Relationship between Adjustment of Mothers with HIV and their Adolescent Daughters

The emotional distress, self-esteem and problem behaviors of adolescent daughters aged 11–18 years (n= 121) and their mothers with HIV were examined and related to reports of parental disclosure of serostatus and adolescents’ perceived bonds with their parents. Most mothers with HIV reported emotional distress in the clinical range (70%). The levels of emotional distress, self-esteem and drug use were significantly correlated between mothers and daughters. Adolescent’s emotional distress was significantly related to maternal disclosure of HIV status. Daughters who perceived their mothers as highly caring also perceived them as low in overprotection. Daughters who perceived their mothers as low in caring were more emotionally distressed and reported more conduct problems and lower self-esteem. Interventions to enhance adjustment of daughters in families coping with HIV must focus on mental health symptoms and mother–daughter bonds.
Patterns of lateralized hand use in an arboreal primate, Simias concolor.

Studies of hand use in nonhuman primates suggest that several species exhibit hand preferences for a variety of tasks. The majority of studies, however, focus on the lateralized hand use of captive nonhuman primate populations. Although captive settings offer a more controlled environment for assessing hand preferences, studies of wild populations provide important insights into how handedness is affected by natural environmental conditions and thus potential insights into the evolution of handedness. To investigate handedness in a population of wild nonhuman primates, we studied patterns of lateralized hand use during feeding in four simakobu monkeys (Simias concolor), an arboreal species inhabiting the Mentawai Islands, Indonesia. Our data show that individual variation in hand preferences for feeding existed among our study animals. In addition, each simakobu expressed a significant hand preference for supporting itself on a branch during feeding, an uncoordinated bimanual task. This bias was most prevalent when the branch used for support was a main branch rather than a terminal branch. When both hands were employed in a coordinated bimanual feeding activity (bimanual manipulation), only two subjects showed a significant bias for feeding. Our data suggest that these individuals are more likely to express significant hand preferences when feeding from stable, rather than precarious, positions within the canopy.
A Fast-Swimming “Mutant” in Stock 51 of Paramecium aurelia, Variety 4*

SYNOPSIS. Animals arising spontaneously in a culture of Paramecium aurelia, variety 4, strain 51.8s, swam about three times as rapidly as normal 51.8s, 51.7s or 29.8 animals. When the 51-fast animals were mixed with 51.8 or 29.8 paramecia, a random sampling of swimming rates showed a bimodal distribution. The faster rate of 51-fast animals was maintained under such deleterious conditions as 48-hour starvation. “Fastness” or “slowness” could not be selected for in vegetative clones. The 51-fast paramecia would not mate with 51.7, 51.8 or 29.8 animals, although fission rate, serotype and general appearance indicated that 51-fast probably arose from strain 51.8.
Astrocyte-Specific Disruption of SynCAM1 Signaling Results in ADHD-Like Behavioral Manifestations

SynCAM1 is an adhesion molecule involved in synaptic differentiation and organization. SynCAM1 is also expressed in astroglial cells where it mediates astrocyte-to astrocyte and glial-neuronal adhesive communication. In astrocytes, SynCAM1 is functionally linked to erbB4 receptors, which are involved in the control of both neuronal/glial development and mature neuronal and glial function. Here we report that mice carrying a dominant-negative form of SynCAM1 specifically targeted to astrocytes (termed GFAP-DNSynCAM1 mice) exhibit disrupted diurnal locomotor activity with enhanced and more frequent episodes of activity than control littermates during the day (when the animals are normally sleeping) accompanied by shorter periods of rest. GFAP-DNSynCAM1 mice also display high levels of basal activity in the dark period (the rodent's awake/active time) that are attenuated by the psychostimulant D,L-amphetamine, and reduced anxiety levels in response to both avoidable and unavoidable provoking stimuli. These results indicate that disruption of SynCAM1-dependent astroglial function results in behavioral abnormalities similar to those described in animals model of attention-deficit hyperactive disorder (ADHD), and suggest a hitherto unappreciated contribution of glial cells to the pathophysiology of this disorder.
Preliminary assessment of the ultra violet curing of composites manufactured by the resin infusion between double flexible tooling process

This study evaluates the feasibility of designing and incorporating a cure on demand system into the resin infusion between double flexible tooling (RIDFT) process, using ultraviolet (UV) light for the curing of composite laminates. This work set out to develop a process for the RIDFT that would eliminate or reduce the inflexibility in the current production process, resulting in shortened production cycle times. UV cured laminates were produced at a fraction of the time required for catalyst cured laminates. Mechanical and rheological tests were performed on each of the UV cured laminates produced. The results were referenced against those obtained for laminates produced using a catalyst curing system to determine their overall quality. Experimental results from the tensile and rheological tests inferred that the UV cured laminates yielded material properties that were comparable and in a few instances slightly better than that of thermally cured laminates. POLYM. COMPOS., 27:417–424, 2006. © 2006 Society of Plastics Engineers
Torsion Angle Refinement and Dynamics as a Tool to Aid Crystallographic Structure Determination

Crystallographic methods using experimental diffraction data have produced about 85% of the macromolecular structures in the Protein Data Bank. Before deposition, nearly all crystal structures are refined with gradient-driven optimization techniques. Refinement is typically performed with iterative local optimization methods. A common problem is convergence to local minima. Reparameterization of the model in torsion angle space reduces the number of parameters. This in itself can help to escape from local minima. Combination with rigid-body dynamics algorithms results in an important tool for sampling conformational space. This paper presents the torsion angle refinement and dynamics algorithms implemented for the phenix.refine program and the results of various tests.
Cortical potentials evoked by confirming and disconfirming feedback following an auditory discrimination

Vertex potentials elicited by visual feedback signals following an auditory intensity discrimination have been studied with eight subjects. Feedback signals which confirmed the prior sensory decision elicited small P3s, while disconfirming feedback elicited P3s that were larger. On the average, the latency of P3 was also found to increase with increasing disparity between the judgment and the feedback information. These effects were part of an overall dichotomy in wave shape following confirming vs disconfirming feedback. These findings are incorporated in a general model of the role of P3 in perceptual decision making.
Novel KOH-free anion-exchange membrane fuel cell: Performance comparison of alternative anion-exchange ionomers in catalyst ink

Abstract Alkaline membrane electrode assemblies (MEAs) were fabricated and tested in 5 cm2 single cell configuration. The fuel cell tests were preformed in the absence of any liquid electrolyte, such as KOH. This study shows fuel cell polarization curves for alkaline membrane fuel cell (AMFC) systems that were fabricated with novel anion-exchange ionomers. A comparison of two novel anion-exchange ionomers incorporated into the catalyst ink was achieved by comparing the performance under H2/O2 and H2/air operating conditions. The results presented here indicate that the chemical and physical properties of the recast anion-exchange ionomer that is utilized in AMFC catalyst layers directly influence the obtainable fuel cell performance. It is shown that ionomer materials that are less prone to swelling from hydration and tend to pack closely together in the solid state will result in stronger catalyst–ionomer interfacial interactions. The O2 transport properties in alkaline MEA cathodes are influenced by the resulting void volume of the electrode as defined by the structure and packing arrangement of the recast ionomer molecules.
Diagnostic Accuracy in Lung Cancer: Comparison of Techniques Used in Association with Flexible Fiberoptic Bronchoscopy

Flexible fiberoptic bronchoscopic examination was performed 254 times in 228 patients in a prospective study to determine what specimens would give the greatest yield in the diagnosis of lung cancer. In addition, we questioned whether postbronchoscopic sputum specimens were still the most accurate method of diagnosing lung cancer, as they had been when only the rigid bronchoscope was available. Material for cytopathologic examination was obtained from bronchial brushings, bronchial biopsy, bronchial brushings in saline solution, bronchial washings, and three postbronchoscopic sputum specimens. In the latter part of the study, patients with peripheral tumors were studied with the aid of biplane fluoroscopic techniques. Bronchial brushings and bronchial biopsy each yielded the highest percentage of positive specimens (65 percent); postbronchoscopic sputum specimens were less frequently positive (40 percent). The combination of bronchial brushings and bronchial biopsies gave the optimum overall accuracy (79 percent). Bronchial washings and postbronchoscopic sputum specimens did not add significantly to diagnostic yield, and we conclude that they should no longer be part of the diagnostic procedures routinely ordered. In peripheral lesions, diagnostic accuracy was greatly enhanced in the cases where biplane fluoroscopic techniques were employed.
Warm Hemming of Magnesium Sheet

Magnesium sheet has received increasing interest for automotive body and closure applications. However, implementation of these applications faces many challenges involving room temperature formability. Hemming a closure panel with a magnesium outer panel will be difficult because of the sharp bend radius. Bending behavior of AZ31B-O at elevated temperatures was investigated to approximate the hemming of closure panels with acceptable surface appearance. Surface quality from small-radius bending was quantified as a function of temperature between 180 and 300 °C. Flanging with a 1.5 mm die radius yielded an acceptable surface quality at 210 °C and higher. Hemming required a minimum temperature of 270 °C for an acceptable surface condition with a 2 mm outer radius. The complex pattern of grain size and morphology of the deformed microstructure was documented with respect to the elevated temperature deformation behavior of Mg alloys. These results suggest that Mg can be hemmed at elevated temperatures with a small radius (∼1½ times the sheet thickness) and therefore could be used for vehicle closures.
A role for oxygen free radicals in aminonucleoside nephrosis

The cellular processes responsible for the proteinuria induced by the aminonucleoside of puromycin (PA) remain inadequately defined. Hypoxanthine is both a metabolic breakdown product of PA as well as a substrate for xanthine oxidase, which catalyzes its enzymatic conversion to xanthine and uric acid, yielding the superoxide anion in the process. We examined whether oxygen free radical production contributes to the development of proteinuria in this model. Seven groups of male Sprague-Dawley rats were studied. Proteinuria was quantitated and histology examined 7 days after rats were treated with PA intravenously over 5 min. PA-treated animals received either saline, dimethyl sulfoxide, superoxide dismutase, or catalase over 30 min prior to and 30 min following PA administration. Another group received allopurinol over 4 hr prior to PA. The superoxide dismutase and allopurinol treatment groups had a significant suppression of urinary protein excretion compared to the PA control group. There were also less severe glomerular morphologic changes in the superoxide dismutase group vs. the PA controls, which demonstrated a pathologic pattern that included epithelial cell blebbing, segmental mesangial cell proliferation and matrix expansion, loss of glomerular capillary lumina, and occasional adhesions between the glomerular tuft and Bowman's capsule. The allopurinol group exhibited normal glomerular morphology on light microscopy, with the exception of occasional epithelial cell blebs. All groups showed spreading of the epithelial cell cytoplasm along the glomerular basement membrane with loss of foot processes, focal areas of lifting of the epithelial cell from the glomerular basement membrane, cytoplasmic vacuolization, and protein reabsorption droplets; however, allopurinol-treated animals demonstrated these changes to a lesser extent.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Method in the madness? a political-economy analysis of the ethnic conflicts in less developed countries

This paper is an attempt, from a political economist's point of view, to look for some clear patterns in the horrendous complexities of the ethnic and sectarian conflicts that are raging in less developed countries. We emphasize the importance of some institutional failures (such as the decline of mediating institutions or of preexisting structures of credible commitment) rather than mere cultural and historical animosities behind the collapse of interethnic understandings and compromises. The rise in ethnic conflicts is not always associated with economic deterioration, sometimes quite the contrary. The effects of market expansion are also ambiguous. In our discussion of policy lessons we have tried to look for various ways, both political and economic, of constructing institutionalized incentives for conciliatory actions.
Outcomes research in hand surgery: where have we been and where should we go?

Purpose The outcomes movement began in response to a national emphasis to control cost and to limit geographic variation in medical services. The impact of the outcomes movement on hand surgery research is unknown. We conducted a systematic review of hand surgery studies to assess the past and current states of outcomes research in this specialty. Methods A systematic review of hand surgery outcomes studies was conducted in The Journal of Hand Surgery (American and British volumes) from 1988 to 2004. A Medline search using the 11 Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality categories of outcomes studies was performed. Studies were rated for study design, data endpoints, and level of impact using the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality–designated impact levels. Results A total of 2,236 studies were identified, and 1,188 were included in the analysis. Most studies were rated as level 1 impact (N = 1090, 92%), and a small number of studies were level 4 impact (N = 98, 8%). Thirty-nine percent were prospective and 45% (N = 529) were retrospective descriptive studies. Data gathered in studies included objective clinical measures (N = 672, 57%), quality of life (N = 374, 31%), morbidity (N = 401, 34%), subjective clinical measures (N = 27, 16%), cost (N = 185, 2%), and mortality (N = 11, 1%). Conclusions Our systematic review of hand surgery outcomes studies found that much of the research is confined to testing new or existing surgical techniques (level 1 impact). We found a small number of studies that did show improvement in patient outcomes as a result of an intervention (level 4 impact). The future direction of outcomes studies should consider the impact of the research goals to change patient or physician behavior to enhance health parameters. More research on economic analysis needs to be conducted in hand surgery to meet the national goal of containing cost and improving the quality of health care.
Full-day kindergarten and student literacy growth: Does a lengthened school day make a difference?

In the context of a quasi-experimental research design, literacy data obtained on students were examined to assess relationships between kindergarten program model (full- vs. half-day) and student literacy outcomes. Application of multilevel modeling techniques to the time series data collected from kindergarteners in economically disadvantaged school contexts in a large southwestern school district revealed that students exposed to a full day of instruction had greater literacy growth than their peers in half-day classrooms. Further examination of the program model results revealed that the relative efficacy of full-day kindergarten tended to be greater in smaller class size environments. These results, if replicated, suggest that full-day kindergarten initiatives targeted toward students from disadvantaged backgrounds may be more successful when implemented in classrooms with relatively small student enrollments. Implications for instructional policy and practice are discussed.
Patterning Alloy Precipitates through Tailored Surface Loading

An innovative processing technique that produces distinct, locally patterned microstructures within a single sample is introduced in this article. This technique alters the conventional heat-treatment process by applying a micropatterned external surface load to selected locations during the quench and anneal. In the aluminum-copper system (2 wt pct Cu), spatial control of Al2Cu precipitates within 50 μm features over an aggregate length scale of millimeters is achieved. Chemical interactions among the furnace environment, the alloy sample, and the loading device can affect the experiments adversely and steps used to ameliorate these effects are discussed. The precipitate patterning technique presented in this article is compatible with standard “heat and beat” processing and could be used potentially to develop new multifunctional metallic alloys.
A rapid method for the visual determination of size distribution of spheres from the size distribution of their sections.

SUMMARY The difficulty of calculating size distributions of spheres in masses from the size distributions of sectional circles is overcome by providing standard pairs of curves representing most imaginable particle-size distributions which might occur in nature. An observer needs only to match the histogram representing his own observations with one of the new curves to obtain immediately the size distribution of spheroid particles in his material.
Brightness function: Role of the pupil

Pairs of brightness functions were generated by magnitude estimation, one pair for each of three flash durations (0.5,1.0, and 3.0 sec). Each pair comprised a function obtained with an artificial pupil and a function obtained with the uncontrolled natural pupil. The pupil turned out to have little or no effect on the form and slope of the power functions for brightness, even when flash duration was as long as 3.0 sec.
Carboxy terminal sequence and synthesis of rat kidney laminin γ1 chain

Carboxy terminal sequence and synthesis of rat kidney laminin γ1 chain. We used antibodies against mouse Englebreth-Holm-Swarm (EHS) tumor laminin to screen a newborn rat kidney λgt11 expression library and isolated three overlapping cDNA clones, termed 2b-11 (401 bp), 10-b7 (779 bp), and 2a (2,095 bp). DNA sequence analysis identified these cDNAs as encoding much of the carboxy terminal domain I/II of laminin γ1 chain (formerly referred to as B2e), and 1436bp of the 3′ untranslated region. In situ hybridization of fetal (E15) rat sections localized laminin γ1 chain mRNA primarily to meninges of the brain, auditory and peripheral nerve fibers, gastrointestinal system, and developing lung airway epithelium. Intense hybridization was also found in early nephric structures and glomeruli of fetal kidneys. In kidneys of three-day-old rats, hybridization persisted over early nephric figures, developing glomeruli, and collecting ducts, but considerably less hybridization was seen over tubules. On Northern blots of neonatal kidney RNA, the three cDNA clones hybridized to two species of 7.5 and 5.5 kb, suggesting that developing rat kidney laminin γ 1 mRNAs are processed using two different polyadenylation signals.
Discussion of “The effects of multimedia-induced affective states on recall and decision making by individual investors”

Abstract Rose (this issue) presents the results of two experiments designed to examine the effects of information presentation characteristics, specifically the use of multimedia, on decision making. Recent advances in information technology make this is an important and timely topic. Rose's study provides useful insights and should stimulate additional research. As with any experiment, however, there are important limitations that should be addressed and corrected in future studies.
Classification of the Lie bialgebra structures on the Witt and Virasoro algebras

Abstract We prove that all the Lie bialgebra structures on the one sided Witt algebra W 1 , on the Witt algebra W and on the Virasoro algebra V are triangular coboundary Lie bialgebra structures associated to skew-symmetric solutions r of the classical Yang-Baxter equation of the form r = a ∧ b . In particular, for the one-sided Witt algebra W 1 =Der k[t] over an algebraically closed field k of characteristic zero, the Lie bialgebra structures discovered in Michaelis (Adv. Math. 107 (1994) 365–392) and Taft (J. Pure Appl. Algebra 87 (1993) 301–312) are all the Lie bialgebra structures on W 1 up to isomorphism. We prove the analogous result for a class of Lie subalgebras of W which includes W 1 .
Monoclonal Antibodies to Rat Brain Acetylcholinesterase: Comparative Affinity for Soluble and Membrane‐Associated Enzyme and for Enzyme from Different Vertebrate Species

: Seven unique monoclonal antibodies were generated to rat brain acetylcholinesterase. Upon density gradient ultracentrifugation, immunoglobulin complexes with the monomenc enzyme appeared as single peaks of acetylcholinesterase activity with a sedimentation coefficient approximately 3S greater than that of the free enzyme. This behavior is consistent with the assumption of one binding site per enzyme molecule. Apparent dissociation constants of these antibodies for rat brain acetylcholinesterase calculated on the basis of this assumption ranged from about 10 nA/ to more than 1,000 nM. Some of the antibodies were less able to bind the membrane-associated enzyme that required detergent for solubilization than the naturally soluble acetylcholinesterase of detergent-free brain extracts. Species cross-reactivity was investigated with crude brain extracts from mammals (human, mouse, rabbit, guinea pig, cow, and cat) and from other vertebrates (chicken, frog, and electric eel). Three antibodies bound rat acetylcholinesterase exclusively; one had nearly the same affinity for all mammalian acetylcholinesterases investigated; the remaining three showed irregular binding patterns. None of the antibodies recognized frog and electric eel enzyme. Pooled antibody was found to be suitable for specific immunofluorescence staining of large neurons in the ventral horn of the rat spinal cord and smaller cells in the caudate nucleus. Other potential applications of these antibodies are discussed.
Ground Water Monitoring Using Laser Fluorescence And Fiber Optics

In-situ measurement of aromatic ground water contaminants, including the benzene, ethylbenzene, toluene, and xylenes (BTEX) fraction of gasoline, has been demonstrated using fiber optic systems. A prototype field instrument has shown that this method has advantages over traditional sampling and analysis. Problems encountered and solved include coupling of the laser energy into to fiber, sensor design, and detector configuration to optimize instrument sensitivity. The effects of sensor length, corresponding to well depth, on limits of detection are presented. Effects of potential interferences, including external fluorescence quenchers, are discuss-ed. The resolution of complex mixtures is addressed, with modifications to the detector shown to be effective in separation of groups of contaminants. Instrument design considerations include the need for portability, ruggedness at field sites, and ease of operation. The modular instrument design used is shown to help solve these potential problems, while maintaining analytical sensitivity and reproducibility. Modular optical system design has also shown to be useful when modifications are made. Changes in the detector as well as provisions for multiple laser sources have allowed a flexible system to be configured to meet analytical demands as they arise. Sensor design considerations included high ultraviolet transmission, physical flexibility, resistance to breakage, and resistance to chemical and/or biological fouling. The approach to these problem areas is presented, as well as discussion of the methods used to minimize effects of fiber solarization. Results of testing the field portable prototype are presented for a variety of typical ground water analysis sites, illustrating the usefulness of this new technology in environmental monitoring.
Effects of early ingestional experiences on the acquisition of appropriate food selection by young chicks

Abstract Two experiments examined the role that initial feeding experiences with varying consequences have on the subsequent food selection behaviour of young chicks, Gallus gallus. In experiment 1, chicks were given a single feeding experience with food or sand having either beneficial (food for chicks aged 2·5 days), neutral (food for chicks aged 0·5 days, or sand for both age groups), or aversive (lithium chloride injection for both age groups) long-term consequences. Chicks aged 0·5 or 2·5 days did not discriminate, between the two substances during a later pecking session. If the long-term consequences of the initial pecking experience were beneficial, the chicks increased their subsequent pecking regardless of whether they received the same substance as initially presented or the other substance. Similarly, if the long-term consequences were aversive, the chicks decreased their subsequent pecking. Experiment 2 showed that following differential feeding experience with two foods, chicks aged 2·5 days did discriminate between these substances on the basis of the long-term consequences of ingesting each substance. Chicks received three sessions with one food prior to the pairing of aversive consequences with ingestion of a second food. The chicks decreased their subsequent pecking to the food that had been paired with illness while continuing to peck at the other food, as well as at a novel food. Initially, chicks associate the long-term consequences of ingestion with general feeding-related cues such as pecking (experiment 1). With additional feeding experiences, however, chicks associate cues that are food-specific with the long-term consequences of ingestion (experiment 2), thus allowing young chicks to select substances having beneficial consequences and to reject those having aversive consequences.
Does younger donor age affect the outcome of reduced-intensity allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation for hematologic malignancies beneficially?

Does younger donor age affect the outcome of reduced-intensity allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation for hematologic malignancies beneficially?
Differential Insulin-like Growth Factor II (IGF-II) Expression: A Potential Role for Breast Cancer Survival Disparity

Abstract Objective: Increased risk of cancer and other adult diseases have been associated with perinatal exposure to adverse conditions such as stress and famine. Recently, Insulin-like growth factor II (IGF-II) was identified as the first gene associated with altered expression caused by fetal exposure to poor nutrition. IGF-II regulates fetal development and breast cancer cell survival, in part, by regulating anti-apoptotic proteins through activation of the IGF-I and insulin receptors. African–American (AA) women have a lower overall breast cancer (BC) incidence, however, they present with advanced disease at diagnosis, poorer prognosis and lower survival than Caucasian (CA) women. The reasons for the BC survival disparity are not well understood. We hypothesize that IGF-II plays a role in the survival disparity observed among AA breast cancer patients by stimulating rapid tumor growth, inhibiting apoptosis, and promoting metastasis. Design: This study examines IGF-II expression and regulation of the anti-apoptotic proteins Bcl-2, Bcl-X L , and survivin in Hs578t (ER−), CRL 2335 (ER−), and CRL 2329 (ER+) breast cancer cells and compares with the expression of these proteins in paired breast tissue samples from AA and CA women by qRT-PCR and Western blotting. Results: IGF-II expression was significantly higher in AA cell lines and tissue samples when compared to Caucasians. IGF-II siRNA treatment decreased anti-apoptotic protein levels in all cell lines (regardless of ER status). These effects were blocked by the addition of recombinant IGF-II. Of significance, IGF-II expression and regulation of Bcl-X L and survivin in cell lines correlated with their expression in paired breast tissues. Conclusions: IGF-II and the anti-apoptotic proteins differential expression among AA and CA patients may contribute to the breast cancer survival disparities observed between these ethnic groups.
Planar-to-wavy transition of Cu–Ag nanolayered metals: a precursor mechanism to twinning

The interface-mediated plastic deformation mechanisms of a semi-coherent Cu–Ag bimetal nanolayered structure subjected to out-of-plane tension are characterized by molecular dynamics simulations. Results show that the initially planar Cu–Ag nanolayers abruptly become wavy at a critical tensile strain. This planar-to-wavy interlayer transition is facilitated by the low shear resistance of the Cu–Ag interlayer interface, which slides to accommodate the out-of-plane deformation. The process redistributes misfit dislocations along the interface to reduce the bending energy of the wavy structure. High stress concentrations subsequently develop at the summits and valleys of the wavy Cu–Ag interlayer interfaces, from which micro-twinning partials are emitted. These results demonstrate that the wavelength of the wavy Cu–Ag nanolayer structure forms a critical length scale for the localization of spatially periodic defect sources for twin nucleation. This planar-to-wavy interlayer transition mechanism is only acti...
Phase velocity dispersion shaping as a design parameter in traveling wave tubes

The phase velocity dispersion of a traveling wave tube circuit is a major design parameter of a wide band TWT. The phase velocity dispersion determines the degree of variation in the electron bunching process as a function of frequency and as a result determines the frequency dependence of the gain, the AM/PM, the linearity, the harmonic power and tolerance to beam voltage changes.
Anisotropic networking of carbon black in glass/epoxy composites using electric field

This investigation explores the manipulation of carbon black particles for tailoring the electrical properties of unidirectional glass fiber reinforced epoxy composites. Carbon black particles were anisotropically networked along the through-thickness direction of glass/epoxy composite plates using an alternating current electric field applied during curing of the composite, with the objective of maximizing the electrical conductivity through the thickness. Anisotropic networking was observed microscopically and was quantified by measuring the DC electrical conductivity of the cured glass/epoxy composite material in the three principal directions. The effects of carbon black amount, electric field strength, and electric field frequency on the anisotropic conductivity are elucidated using a parametric investigation. It is shown that the through-thickness conductivity can be increased by a factor of roughly 104 relative to the case with no conductivity tailoring and can be of the same order of magnitude as ...
In Vitro Evaluation of Amphiphilic Macromolecular Nanocarriers for Systemic Drug Delivery

Amphiphilic star-like macromolecules and amphiphilic scorpion-like macromolecules are polymeric micelles capable of water-solubilizing hydrophobic molecules for intravenous injection. In this work, four different amphiphilic macromolecules (M12P5, M6P5, NC12P5, NC6P5) were evaluated using human primary cell lines of the vasculature: human umbilical endothelial cells (HUVEC), umbilical arterial smooth muscle cells (UASM), and normal dermal human fibroblasts (NDHF). The three primary cell types were incubated with culture media containing amphiphilic macromolecules at five concentrations ranging from 10-3 M to 10-7 M at 24, 48, and 72 h. All cell types treated with both amphiphilic macromolecules showed similar cell viability compared to the vehicle control at all concentrations, except at 10-3 M, which showed a substantially lower cell viability. Cells treated with amphiphilic macromolecules also exhibited similar characteristic cell morphologies at all concentrations, except for 10-3 M, which showed distr...
An approximate analytical expression for elastic stresses in flat punch problems

A simple approximate closed form expression is presented for finding the normal traction distribution under a finite stiffness thick flat punch being pressed without bending into another flat elastic contact body. The correct corner singularity known from elasticity solutions is built into the new expression. The traction expression is validated by an extensive parametric finite element study that shows that the maximum error in predicted tractions is less than 4% for thick contact bodies. Limits of applicability of the expression as the contact body becomes thinner are explored. The stresses and stress intensity factors are readily found from the tractions using well known integral expressions which can be evaluated in seconds numerically. Example applications to fretting crack growth are also presented.
A provisional model of mathematical problem solving

The current paper introduces a provisional model designed to describe the cognitive processes involved in solving algebraic and more complex mathematical problems. The model contains three major components: (1) the problem task environment, (2) long-term memory, and (3) working memory. Each of the major components consists of major processes and subpro-esses that are described. Questions about the specificity of models are raised in the discussion.
Regional differences in substance P-like immunoreactivity in the striatum correlate with levels of pre-protachykinin mRNA

The distribution of neurons containing the messenger RNA encoding preprotachykinin, the precursor of the neuropeptides substance P and K, was examined in the striatum of the rat. The large majority of cells densely labelled by in situ hybridization histochemistry (using a 35S-radiolabelled RNA probe complementary of the beta-preprotachykinin mRNA) were located within the boundaries of areas of dense [3H]naloxone binding which delineate the striosomes, a striatal compartment distinct from the surrounding matrix with respect to its inputs, outputs and neurochemical content. In view of previous immunohistochemical data, the results suggest that tachykinin-containing neurons of the striosomes have a higher rate of tachykinin synthesis than those neurons located in the surrounding striatal matrix.
ALMOST-ORTHONORMAL BASES FOR HILBERT SPACE

A basis $\{x_n\}$ for a Hilbert space H is called a Riesz basis if it has the property that $\sum a_nx_n$ converges in H if and only if $\sum|a_n|^2 , and hence if and only if $\{x_n\}$ is the isomorphic image of some orthonormal basis for H. A consequence of a classical result of Bary [1] is that any basis for H that is quadratically near an orthonormal basis must be a Riesz basis. Motivated by this result, we study in this paper the class of normalized bases in a Hilbert space that are quadratically near some orthonormal basis, bases we call almost-orthonormal bases. In particular, we prove that any such basis must be quadratically near its Gram-Schmidt orthonormalization, and derive an internal characterization of these bases that indicates how restrictive the property of being almost-orthonormal is.
Application of Element Balance Method to Evaluate the Quantity and Period of Biogas Generation

Abstract The period of biogenic gas generation plays a very important role in its accumulation, but till now there is no creditable and effective method to appraise it at home and abroad. It is a material balance process of organic elements during organic matter evolution, regardless of the mechanisms of biogenic gas. In this article, the element balance method is explored and established to appraise biogenic gas, which is demarcated and applied according to the abundant analyzed data in Songliao basin. Results indicate that the depth of biogenic gas generation is possibly shallower than 800 m; the biogas-generated quantity of source rock in this area is about 285.0 × 10 12 m 3 . And the main period of biogenic gas generation occurs before the end of Nenjiang period.
Carbohydrate modifications in the spirostane cellobioside cholesterol absorption inhibitor series

Abstract Cholesterol absorption inhibition remains an attractive approach for the treatment of hypercholesterolemia. We have continued our SAR development in the spirostanyl cellobioside class of agents seeking a greater understanding of the role carbamoyl substitution has on the potency in this series. In this regard, a series of differentially substiuted carbamate analogs were made with and without deoxygenations. From this study, it was determined that the minimal requirements for optimal potency was a lone carbamate at C4″ and deoxygenation at the C6″ position.
A cognitive analysis of preference for urban nature

Abstract Preferences for urban environments containing prominent natural elements were studied as a function of content categories, viewing time, and nine predictor variables: spaciousness, refuge, coherence, legibility, complexity, mystery, typicality, nature, and age. A nonmetric factor analysis of the preference ratings for the longest viewing time yielded four dimensions: Older Buildings, Concealed Foreground, Tended Nature, and Contemporary Buildings. Tended Nature was best liked, Older Building least liked, and there was very little difference in preference ratings with brief and longer viewing times. Regression analyses revealed three variables as independent positive predictors of preference: coherence, mystery, and nature. Practical and theoretical implications of the results were explored. Overall, the results support the usefulness of the Kaplans' informational model of environmental preference.
Pharmacologic treatment of psychiatric disease in pregnancy and lactation: fetal and neonatal effects.

Objective To review published data pertaining to safety of psychoactive drugs used to treat psychiatric disorders during pregnancy and lactation. Data Sources A computerized search of articles published through July 1995 was performed on the MEDLINE data base. Additional sources were identified through cross-referencing. Methods of Study Selection All identified references were reviewed with particular attention given to study design. Data Extraction and Synthesis Each reference was reviewed to determine the safety of psychoactive agents to treat depression, bipolar disease, schizophrenia, and anxiety during pregnancy and lactation. Prospective or large retrospective studies were given more importance than case reports. Conclusion Psychoactive medications may be used during pregnancy. Because data on safety are largely retrospective, treatment decisions must be weighed carefully.
The developmental effects of a municipal wastewater effluent on the northern leopard frog, Rana pipiens.

Abstract Wastewater effluents are complex mixtures containing a variety of anthropogenic compounds, many of which are known endocrine disruptors. In order to characterize the developmental and behavioral effects of such a complex mixture, northern leopard frogs, Rana pipiens , were exposed to a range of concentrations (0%, 10%, 50%, 100%) of municipal wastewater effluent from the egg stage through metamorphosis. The estrogenic activity of the effluent was quantified by the calculation of an estradiol (E2) equivalency (EEQ) factor and was determined to be equivalent to 1.724 ± 2.103 ng/L E2. Individuals from the 50% and 100% wastewater treatments took significantly longer to reach metamorphosis than individuals in the 0% and 10% treatments. An increased incidence of male testicular oocytes was observed in the 50% and 100% treatments when compared to the control treatment. Morphological changes in the thyroid glands of 100% wastewater-treated individuals were also noted. No effects of wastewater exposure on growth, sex ratio, swim speed, startle response, or female gonadal development were observed. These results suggest that municipal wastewater effluent can alter the timing of the metamorphic process and impact male sexual development in R. pipiens .
Processing and routing of a membrane-anchored form of proneuropeptide Y.

To investigate factors governing proteolytic processing and routing of biologically active peptides in the secretory pathway, cDNAs for preproneuropeptide Y (preproNPY) and preproneuropeptide Y fused to a membrane anchor were transfected into pituitary cells. The anchor was the transmembrane and COOH-terminal cytoplasmic domain of peptidylglycine alpha-amidating monooxygenase (PAM); these domains are essential for correct routing of integral membrane forms of PAM. Like proneuropeptide Y (proNPY), the integral membrane form of proNPY was a good substrate for the endogenous prohormone convertases, yielding soluble NPY stored in regulated secretory granules. Tethering of proNPY to the membrane resulted in only a small delay in the rate of cleavage to produce mature NPY and in the arrival of NPY in regulated secretory granules. In contrast, the COOH-terminal region of proNPY remained attached to the transmembrane/COOH-terminal domain of PAM and was rerouted to the vicinity of the trans-Golgi network, where in...
Enforcing dynamic spectrum access with spectrum permits

Given the flexibility of cognitive radio devices, a user can easily transmit on radio frequencies outside of her allocated range, creating harmful interference to legitimate transmissions. Therefore, how to effectively enforce allocated spectrum is a key challenge when deploying dynamic spectrum access in practice. We propose and demonstrate Gelato, a spectrum permit system to enforce dynamic spectrum access. By embedding spectrum permits into data transmissions, Gelato intrinsically links each user's spectrum usage with her license, thus proving the right of spectrum usage. Trusted police nodes, who patrol transmission areas, can reliably detect illegal transmissions that lack of valid spectrum permits. In this demo, we will demonstrate a prototype of Gelato built on widely available USRP radios. We will illustrate how Gelato transmits and verifies spectrum permits, and its capability of detecting malicious attacks.
Performance analysis of multi-channel wireless infrastructure networks

Wireless infrastructure networks that provide ubiquitous connectivity to mobile nodes in metro areas are becoming increasingly popular. The nodes in such backbone networks are often equipped with multiple transceivers to allow for simultaneous transmissions in multiple non-overlapping channels. In this paper, we develop an analytical model for evaluating the throughput and delay performance of wireless infrastructure networks employing Slotted Carrier Sense Multiple Access with Collision Avoidance (CSMA/CA) over multiple channels. The analytical model, which takes into account the correlation due to multi-hop transmissions, approximates the performance observed through simulations accurately.
Detection of parts in patterns and images

Subjects performed in an embedded-figures detection task which required them to judge whether one pattern was a part of another. In the perception condition, the part was presented before the complete pattern, but in the imagery condition, the part was presented after the complete pattern. Subjects made fast, but inaccurate, responses in the perception task when RT s were recorded, but the error rate declined substantially when they were given 10 sec to make a decision. In the latter condition, subjects failed to detect a part on 14% of the trials in the perception condition and on 72% of the trials in the imagery condition when a correction was made for prior perception of the part. A subsequent experiment showed that the high error rate in the imagery task was not the result of the subject’s inability to remember the complete pattern. The complexity of mental operations and the limited accuracy of visual images are considered as possible alternative explanations of the results.
Epidemiology of Eosinophilic Esophagitis

In this article, the epidemiology of eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) is reviewed. Demographic features and natural history are described, the prevalence and incidence of EoE are highlighted, and risk factors for EoE are discussed. EoE can occur at any age, there is a male predominance, it is more common in whites, and there is a strong association with atopic diseases. EoE is chronic, relapses are frequent, and persistent inflammation increases the risk of fibrostenotic complications. The prevalence is currently estimated at 0.5-1 in 1000, and EoE is now the most common cause of food impaction. The incidence of EoE is approximately 1/10,000 new cases per year, and the increase in incidence is outpacing increases in recognition and endoscopy volume, but the reasons for this evolving epidemiology are not yet fully delineated.
The price of information

In this paper I apply an old problem of Quine's (the inscrutability of reference in translation) to a new style of theory about mental content (causal/nomological/informational accounts of meaning) and conclude that no “naturalization” of content of the sort currently popular can solve Quine's “gavagai” enigma. I show how failure to solve the problem leads to absurd conclusions not about one's own mental life, but about the nonmental world. I discuss various ways of attempting to remedy the accounts so as to avoid the problem and explain why each attempt at solving the problem would take the information theorists further from their self-assigned task of “naturalizing” semantics.