cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Are immediate early genes involved in gonadotropin-releasing hormone receptor gene regulation? Characterization of changes in GnRH receptor (GnRH-R), c-fos, and c-jun messenger ribonucleic acids during the ovine estrous cycle.

GnRH regulates the secretion and synthesis of gonadotropins by binding to specific receptors located in the plasma membrane of the pituitary gonadotroph. Like the concentration of the signaling ligand GnRH, the number of GnRH receptors (GnRH-R) varies dynamically with the changing endocrine milieu during the ovine estrous cycle. With the recent success in cloning of the mammalian GnRH-R gene, it is becoming increasingly evident that some of the changes in GnRH-R numbers may be mediated at least in part via changes in GnRHR gene transcription. However, the regulatory steps involved in the GnRH-R transcription are unknown. The present studies were conducted to 1) characterize in detail the changes in GnRH-R gene expression during the 16-day ovine estrous cycle, 2) determine whether or not changes in GnRH-R gene expression during the estrous cycle are paralleled by alterations in the expression of c-fos and c-jun mRNAs, and 3) determine whether GnRH can induce expression of c-fos and c-jun mRNAs. Results revealed that concentrations of GnRH-R mRNA were highest on the day before estrus, when circulating LH concentrations were still low. GnRH-R mRNA concentrations declined steadily starting at 5 h postestrus, the time of the preovulatory LH surge, reaching their lowest levels by 24 h after estrus. Changes in c-jun mRNA levels, in general, paralleled changes in GnRH-R mRNA concentrations, being highest on the day before estrus and declining thereafter. c-Fos mRNA followed a different time course than c-jun mRNA, remaining elevated from Day 8 prior to estrus until the onset of estrus. c-Fos mRNA levels declined at the time of the surge and remained low until Day 5 postestrus. Similar decreases in GnRH-R and c-jun mRNA were also evident during the estradiol-induced LH surge in anestrous ewes. Studies conducted in ovariectomized hypogonadotropic lambs revealed that GnRH administration increases c-fos and c-jun mRNAs. Taken together, these studies suggest the intriguing possibility that immediate early genes may serve as transduction signals in the transcriptional activation of the GnRH-R gene.
Empowering early mastery of spatial visualization skills in under represented minority engineering students

Students entering university-level engineering programs must be adept at spatial visualization and reasoning. The Cornell University Engineering Success (CUES) program used the NSF ENGAGE curriculum to introduce spatial visualization basics through an innovative project-based course to a select group of first year students. Students in the course were chosen to participate based on multiple background characteristics that place them at risk and may hinder their persistence in engineering. Course results were strong, with an overall 13% improvement in tested skills. Additionally, our teaching team believed that skills application in authentic spatial visualization projects would provide deeper learning. Student teams worked with biomedicai researchers who asked for professional-level visualizations. We employed an action research methodology (observations, instructor journals, expert responses, and e-portfolios), tracking their acquisition of spatial concepts, representations and critical stances. Our hope was to give students a competitive edge, taking advanced visualization techniques and professional skills into future projects.
Diffusion mechanisms at metallic grain boundaries

As the sizes of electronic devices continue to shrink, understanding key atomic phenomena vital to macroscopic processes become increasingly important. Mass transport along grain boundaries (GBs) is such a key process. We have studied diffusion mechanisms at metallic GBs of Ag and Al with the embedded-atom method, with molecular statics (MS) and molecular dynamics (MD), as well as with massively parallel computers at Oak Ridge National Laboratory and Sandia National Laboratory. Formation and migration energies of interstitials and vacancies at the optimal symmetric tilt GBs of different angles in Ag were first obtained using MS at 0 K. Extensive MD simulations were then carried out for selected Ag GBs using massively parallel computers at different finite temperatures up to the melting point. In this way, we were able to determine the dominant diffusion mechanism within different temperature regimes by comparison of the activation energies from MS results for the identified diffusion processes with the MD simulation results. For the first time, the results of this study on Ag GBs had provided realistic explanation and simulation-based evidence for the discrepancy between the activation energies from the recent low-temperature experiments by Ma and Balluffi and those at high temperatures reported in the literature. Preliminary MD results on Al GB diffusion are in excellent agreement with experiment and on-going work on Al and Al-Cu systems aimed to further understand electromigration phenomena will be briefly discussed.
Comparative toxicity of C60 aggregates toward mammalian cells: role of tetrahydrofuran (THF) decomposition.

C60 fullerene is a promising material because of its unique physiochemical properties. However, previous studies have reported that colloidal aggregates of C60 (nC60) produce toxicity in fish and human cell cultures. The preparation method of nC60 raises questions as to whether the observed effects stem from fullerenes or from the organic solvents used during the preparation of the suspensions. In this paper, we set out to elucidate the mechanism by which tetrahydrofuran (THF) treatment to enhance the preparation of nC60 leads to cytotoxicity in a mouse macrophage cell line. Our results demonstrate that THF/nC60 but not fullerol or aqueous nC60 generates cellular toxicity through a pathway that involves increased intracellular flux and mitochondrial perturbation in RAW 264.7 cells. Interestingly, the supernatant of the THF/nC60 suspension rather than the colloidal fullerene aggregates mimics the cytotoxic effects due to the presence of γ-butyrolactone and formic acid. Thus, the role of nC60 in the cellula...
COVE: a visual environment for ocean observatory design

Physical, chemical, and biological ocean processes play a crucial role in determining Earth's environment. Unfortunately, our knowledge of these processes is limited because oceanography is carried out today largely the way it was a century ago: as expeditionary science, going to sea in ships and measuring a relatively small number of parameters (e.g., temperature, salinity, and pressure) as time and budget allow. The NSF Ocean Observatories Initiative is a US$330 million project that will help transform oceanography from a data-poor to a data-rich science. A cornerstone of this project is the deep water Regional Scale Nodes (RSN) that will be installed off the coasts of Washington and Oregon. The RSN will include 1500 km of fiber optic cable providing power and bandwidth to the seafloor and throughout the water column. Thousands of sensors will be deployed to stream data and imagery to shore, where they will be available in real time for ocean scientists and the public at large. The design of the RSN is a complex undertaking, requiring a combination of many different interactive tools and areas of visualization: geographic visualization to see the available seafloor bathymetry, scientific visualization to examine existing geospatially located datasets, layout tools to place the sensors, and collaborative tools to communicate across the team during the design. COVE, the Common Observatory Visualization Environment, is a visualization environment designed to meet all these needs. COVE has been built by computer scientists working closely with the engineering and scientific teams who will build and use the RSN. This paper discusses the data and activities of cabled observatory design, the design of COVE, and results from its use across the team.
Interactions of the λ cllls1 and the E. coli hfl-1 mutations

Abstract Following infection of Escherichia coli K-12, the λ c II and c III proteins stimulate a high level of synthesis of the λ repressor (the product of the c I gene). This stimulation is necessary for efficient lysogenization. The c II protein may act directly to stimulate transcription of c I, while the c III protein probably acts by blocking a host function called hfl , which is capable of inhibiting c II. With a DNA filter binding assay for the λ repressor, I show here that (1) λ c III + and c III − each produce more repressor after infection of a host deficient in the hfl function ( hfl − ) than after infection of the hfl + parent; (2) the ratio of repressor synthesized by a λ mutant with enhanced c III activity (λ c IIIs) to that produced by λ wild type is lower in an hfl − strain than in an hfl + strain. These results support the idea that hfl and c IIIs both act by increasing the activity of the c II protein.
Guidelines for an Effective Transfer of Cases: The Needs of the Transfer Triad

Transferring cases from one therapist to another is a common occurrence, particularly in agency settings where therapists do training. Despite its prevalence, there is relatively little literature on the topic. The literature that does exist suggests that transferring cases can present challenges to both clients and therapists. In addition to reviewing existing literature, the article examines the transfer process from the perspective of the client, the departing therapist, and the incoming therapist. The article explores the needs that each member of the transfer triad may have, as well as strategies for meeting those needs.
Panic attacks and physical health problems in a representative sample: singular and interactive associations with psychological problems, and interpersonal and physical disability.

Abstract Background Panic attacks may be a risk marker for a variety of psychological problems and are associated with increased impairment in a host of domains. However, previous studies have not investigated the role of physical illness in the panic attack–disability relations, which is striking due to findings that physical illness is linked to both panic attacks and disability. The present investigation examined the singular and interactive effects of panic attacks and physical illness in relation to psychological, interpersonal, and physical types of impairment. Method Adult participants (4,745) recruited from the statewide Colorado Social Health Survey were administered the diagnostic interview schedule. Results As predicted, main effects of panic attacks and physical illness were significantly related to psychiatric comorbidity, depressive symptoms, interpersonal functioning, physical functioning, and perceived general health (p Conclusions These findings suggest that individuals with both panic attacks and physical illness experience elevated disability across a variety of dimensions.
Quantification of methylene blue aggregation on a fused silica surface and resolution of individual absorbance spectra

Abstract The absorbance spectra of individual methylene blue aggregates adsorbed by spin coating on a fused silica surface are resolved. Using singular value decomposition and a model incorporating Beer's Law and elemental conservation, a varied concentration family of UV–Vis spectra are fit. Results indicate that H-dimer formation occurs beginning at a surface concentration of 3×10 13 molecules/cm 2 , and further aggregate formation, including J-type dimers, is significant above 2×10 14 molecules/cm 2 . Based on our results, past assumptions that a spin-coated surface (using a millimolar coating solution) results in a monolayer of methylene blue monomers should be reexamined.
Strain-related differences in the ability of T lymphocytes to recognize proteins encoded by the golli-myelin basic protein gene

Protein products of the golli-MBP gene complex, expressed in the nervous and lymphoid systems, contain sequences in common with sequences in 'classic' MBP, expressed exclusively in the nervous system. In this report, it was determined whether T cell lines (TCLs) specific for encephalitogenic epitopes of 'classic' MBP were able to recognize sequences within golli-MBP. TCLs derived from SJL mice specific for the immunodominant 83-102 sequence and the subdominant 19-27 sequence of 'classic' MBP recognized golli-MBP J37 and BG21, respectively. In contrast, TCLs derived from PL and B10.PL mice specific for the immunodominant 1-9 sequence of 'classic' MBP did not recognize this sequence within either J37 or BG21. These strain-related differences in the ability of golli-MBP proteins to stimulate 'classic' MBP-specific TCLs are discussed with respect to a possible influence on whether the course of EAE is relapsing (SJL) or monophasic (PL and B10.PL).
Integrin α4β1 Promotes Monocyte Trafficking and Angiogenesis in Tumors

Monocytes and macrophages extensively colonize solid tumors, where they are thought to promote tumor angiogenesis. Here, we show that integrin alpha4beta1 (VLA4) promotes the invasion of tumors by myeloid cells and subsequent neovascularization. Antagonists of integrin alpha4beta1, but not of other integrins, blocked the adhesion of monocytes to endothelium in vitro and in vivo as well as their extravasation into tumor tissue. These antagonists prevented monocyte stimulation of angiogenesis in vivo, macrophage colonization of tumors, and tumor angiogenesis. These studies indicate the usefulness of antagonists of integrin alpha4beta1 in suppressing macrophage colonization of tumors and subsequent tumor angiogenesis. These studies further indicate that suppression of myeloid cell homing to tumors could be a useful supplementary approach to suppress tumor angiogenesis and growth.
Nuclear medium modifications of hadrons from generalized parton distributions

We study the structure of generalized parton distributions (GPDs) in spin 0 nuclei within a microscopic approach for nuclear dynamics. GPDs can be used on one side as tools to unravel the deep inelastic transverse structure of nuclei in terms of both transverse spatial and transverse momentum degrees of freedom. On the other, one can obtain information on GPDs themselves by observing how they become modified in the nuclear environment. We derive the structure of the nuclear deeply virtual Compton scattering tensor and generalized parton distributions at leading order in Q in a field-theoretical framework. The nuclear generalized parton distributions are calculated using a two-step process---the convolution approach---where the scattering process happens from a quark inside a nucleon, itself inside a nucleus, disregarding final state interactions with both the nuclear and nucleon debris. We point out that details of the nuclear long-range interactions, such as two-body currents, can be disregarded compared to the deep inelastic induced modifications of the bound GPDs. We show how the pattern of nuclear modifications predicted, and in particular the deviations of off-shell effects from the longitudinal convolution provide clear signals to be sought in experimental measurements. Finally, we find interesting relationships by studying Mellin moments in nuclei: in particular we predict the A dependence for the D term of GPDs within a microscopic approach and the behavior with t of the total momentum carried by quarks in a nucleus. The latter provides an important element for the evaluation of nuclear hadronization phenomena that are vital for interpreting current and future data at RHIC, HERMES, and Jefferson Lab.
Accelerated cellulose depolymerization catalyzed by paired metal chlorides in ionic liquid solvent

Efficient hydrolytic depolymerization of crystalline cellulose to sugars is a critical step and has been a major barrier for improved economics in the utilization of cellulosic biomass. A novel catalytic system involving CuCl2 (primary metal chloride) paired with a second metal chloride, such as CrCl2, PdCl2, CrCl3 or FeCl3 in 1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium chloride ([EMIM]Cl) ionic liquid solvent has been found to substantially accelerate the rate of cellulose depolymerization under mild conditions. These paired metal chlorides are particularly active for the hydrolytic cleavage of 1,4-glucosidic bonds when compared to the rates of acid-catalyzed hydrolysis at similar temperatures (80–120 ◦C). In contrast, single metal chlorides with the same total molar loading showed much lower activity under similar conditions. Experimental results illustrate the dramatic effect of the second metal chloride in the paired catalytic system. An array of characterization techniques, including electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectroscopy, differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), X-ray absorption fine structure (XAFS) spectroscopy, and X-ray absorption near edge structure (XANES) spectroscopy, in combination with theoretical calculations at the DFT level, was used to reveal a preliminary understanding of possible mechanisms involved in the paired CuCl2/PdCl2 catalytic system. We discovered that Cu(II) was reduced during the course of the reaction to Cu(I) only in the presence of a second metal chloride and a carbohydrate source such as cellulose in the ionic liquid system. Our results suggest that Cu(II) generates protons by hydrolysis of water to catalyze the depolymerization step, and serves to regenerate Pd(II) reduced to Pd(0) by side reactions. Pd(II) likely facilitates the depolymerization step by coordinating the catalytic protons, and also promotes the formation of hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF). Our results also suggest that the C2-proton
Master's Degrees in Software Engineering: An Analysis of 28 University Programs

The software engineering institute published the last reference curriculum for a master's in software engineering in 1991. In 2007, a coalition from academia, industry, and government began creating a new reference curriculum. An early step was to establish a baseline of graduate education by surveying 28 master's programs in software engineering. The survey was largely limited to US schools. Key findings showed that the universities viewed software engineering largely as a specialization of computer science, that faculty size is generally small with few dedicated professors, and that new master's programs continue to start despite the decrease in computer science majors over the past few years. We used the IEEE Computer Society's Software Engineering Body of Knowledge (SWEBOK) to structure our analysis of the 28 curricula, focusing primarily on courses and topics required or semirequired of all students. (A course is semirequired if there is at least a 50 percent chance a student must take it.) Major findings show wide variation in the depth and breadth of SWEBOK coverage in required and semirequired courses, less than 40 percent of all programs requiring an introductory course on software engineering, and many universities having required and semirequired courses that are peripheral to SWEBOK.
Intergenerational Mobility for Women and Minorities in the United States

Now that some of the historic barriers to economic success for U.S. women and minorities have begun to fall, women and blacks, in particular, are moving upward on the nation's socioeconomic ladder. Melissa Kearney reviews evidence that improved economic opportunities for these two groups make sex and race less important than they once were in determining economic status. But sex- and race-based differences in wages and income persist, and interactions between sex and class and between race and class continue to play a role in the intergenerational transmission of income status. Kearney surveys studies and data showing that marriage remains important in determining women's economic status, even though marriage rates among women aged eighteen to thirty-four have been falling--from 73 percent in 1960 to 44 percent in 2000. Not only do spousal earnings continue to dominate family income for married women, but also women tend to marry men whose position in the income distribution resembles their fathers' position. Marriage thus facilitates the transmission of economic status from parents to daughters. Racial wage gaps persist, says Kearney, largely because of differences in education, occupation, and skill. It also appears likely that the effects of discrimination, both current and past, continue to impede racial economic convergence. Kearney notes that the transmission of income class from parents to children among blacks differs noticeably from that among whites. Black parents and white parents pass their economic standing along to children at similar rates. But because mean income is lower among blacks than among whites, the likelihood of upward mobility in the overall income distribution is substantially lower among blacks. Black children are much more likely than white children to remain in the lower percentiles of the income distribution, and white children are more likely to remain in the upper reaches of the income distribution. Downward mobility from the top quartile to the bottom quartile is nearly four times as great for blacks as for whites.
Placebo Washout in Trials of Antipsychotic Drugs

For antipsychotic phase 3 clinical trials, we compare the relative merits of a placebo washout period with an alternate design strategy using a low-dose antipsychotic treatment Evaluations are made with respect to the achievement of specific clinical trial design goals including the effect on power for detecting between-treatment and within-treatment pre-post differences. The relative merits of these two designs are discussed separately for those patients who enter the initial leadin period after withdrawal from previous antipsychotic medication and for those not on medication immediately before that period.
Every Language Now

The Health Care Interpreter Network (HCIN) is a collaborative of hospitals and providers that share the services of their trained language interpreters over a video and voice network. Its voice/video technology facilitates very rapid connection (about 12 s) to qualified medical interpreters for 15 spoken languages plus American Sign Language. The vast majority of the HCIN interpreting is done in the outpatient clinics rung by the county facilities or teaching hospitals.
Diffuse retinal injury from a non-penetrating TASER dart

To describe a non-penetrating TASER gun injury resulting in a small exudative retinal detachment but significant visual acuity and retinal function loss as demonstrated by electroretinography (ERG). A 39-year-old man presented to the emergency department with a TASER barb embedded in his right lower lid. A complete clinical ophthalmologic examination and surgical extrication were performed, as well as radiologic imaging and Ganzfeld electroretinography. No scleral penetration was observed on surgical exploration. Retinal examination showed a peripheral exudative detachment. Subsequent follow-up revealed progressive resolution of the detachment and improvement in visual acuity. The ERG showed a 63–70% decrease in rod a- and b-waves, while isolated cone responses were reduced by only 10%, with a minimal increase in implicit time. This case shows that periocular TASER injuries, even if apparently superficial, may result in significant ocular damage. ERG may be useful in the diagnosis of visual loss attributed to disturbance in photoreceptor function, in the absence of anatomically evident damage.
Human Immunodeficiency Virus Type 1 env Evolves toward Ancestral States upon Transmission to a New Host

Selecting human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) sequences for inclusion within vaccines has been a difficult problem, as circulating HIV strains evolve relentlessly and become increasingly divergent over time. We report an assessment of this divergence from three perspectives: (i) across different hosts as a function of time of infection, (ii) between donors and recipients in known transmission pairs, and (iii) within individual hosts over time in relation to the initially replicating virus and to the deduced ancestral sequence of the intrahost viral population. Surprisingly, we consistently found less divergence between viruses from different individuals sampled in primary infection than in individuals sampled at more advanced stages of illness. Furthermore, longitudinal analysis of intrahost divergence revealed a 2- to 3-year period of evolution toward a common ancestral sequence at the start of infection, indicating that HIV recovers certain ancestral features when infecting a new host. These results have important implications for the study of HIV population genetics and rational vaccine design, including favoring the inclusion of viral gene sequences taken early in infection.
Assessing neuromuscular disease with multifrequency electrical impedance myography.

Electrical impedance myography (EIM) is a noninvasive technique for neuromuscular assessment in which low-intensity alternating current is applied to a muscle and the consequent surface voltage patterns are evaluated. Previous work using a single frequency of 50 kHZ has demonstrated quantitative correlation of EIM parameters with disease status. In this investigation we examined the use of multifrequency EIM, studying a prototypical neurogenic disease (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, ALS) and myopathic disorder (inflammatory myopathy, IM). Eleven ALS patients, 7 IM patients, and 46 normal subjects participated in the study. Although disease-specific patterns were not identified such that IM could be differentiated from ALS, impedance vs. frequency patterns for diseased subjects differed substantially from those of the age-matched normal subjects, with the greatest alterations occurring in the most severe cases. Multifrequency EIM may be well-suited to serve as an easily applied technique to assess disease severity in a variety of neuromuscular conditions. Muscle Nerve, 2006
Kinesthetic learning in the classroom

1. SUMMARY We propose a special session focusing on kinesthetic learning activities, i.e., physically engaging classroom exercises. These might, for example, involve throwing a frisbee around the classroom to represent transfer of control in a procedure call, or simulating polygon scan conversion with rope for edges and students for pixels. The session will begin with a brief kinesthetic learning activity to motivate the value of these activities. We will follow with a variety of examples, and discuss how to deploy these in a classroom. In the middle of the session, the audience will divide into facilitated groups to design their own activities. Finally, we will all mingle to share and discuss the results. We will set up a public web forum for continued discussion and generation of new ideas.
Situated Behavior and the Place of Measurement in Psychological Theory

Measured values of human behavior may entail contradictory attributes of wave and particle by analogy with the wave/particle attributes of the electron. 1/f scaling is the wave attribute in this analogy and punctate data points are the particle attribute. One consequence of the wave/particle duality in physics was to elevate measurement to a primary place in physical theory, and one purpose of the present analogy is to likewise elevate measurement to a primary place in psychological theory. Another purpose is to emulate Robert Shaw's creative use of analogies, consistent with the brief quotation that begins this article.
AMPK Promotes Aberrant PGC1β Expression To Support Human Colon Tumor Cell Survival

A major goal of cancer research is the identification of tumor-specific vulnerabilities that can be exploited for the development of therapies that are selectively toxic to the tumor. We show here that the transcriptional coactivators peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma coactivator 1β (PGC1β) and estrogen-related receptor α (ERRα) are aberrantly expressed in human colon cell lines and tumors. With kinase suppressor of Ras 1 (KSR1) depletion as a reference standard, we used functional signature ontology (FUSION) analysis to identify the γ1 subunit of AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) as an essential contributor to PGC1β expression and colon tumor cell survival. Subsequent analysis revealed that a subunit composition of AMPK (α2β2γ1) is preferred for colorectal cancer cell survival, at least in part, by stabilizing the tumor-specific expression of PGC1β. In contrast, PGC1β and ERRα are not detectable in nontransformed human colon epithelial cells, and depletion of the AMPKγ1 subunit has no effect on their viability. These data indicate that Ras oncogenesis relies on the aberrant activation of a PGC1β-dependent transcriptional pathway via a specific AMPK isoform.
A latent variable analysis of working memory capacity, short-term memory capacity, processing speed, and general fluid intelligence

Significant relationships exist between general fluid intelligence and each of the following constructs: short-term memory capacity, working memory capacity (WMC), and processing speed. However, the interrelationship among all four constructs has not been investigated. Multiple measures of each of these constructs were obtained from 120 healthy young adults. Structural equation modeling was then performed to determine which construct served as the best predictor of general fluid intelligence. The results suggest that WMC, but not short-term memory capacity or processing speed, is a good predictor of general fluid intelligence in young adults. Possible mechanisms underlying the link between WMC and general fluid intelligence are discussed. D 2002 Elsevier Science Inc. All rights reserved.
Isolation of viable reconstituted cells from human karyoplasts fused to mouse cytoplasts.

Abstract Long-term survivors of reconstituted human-mouse cells have been isolated and characterized by utilizing nuclear and cytoplasmic genetic markers. Karyoplasts were derived from the human SV40-transformed fetal lung fibroblast strain WI38 VA13, while cytoplasts were obtained from the mouse fibroblast A9 cell line which was both hypoxanthine-aminopterin-thymidine-sensitive (HATs; nuclear marker) and chloramphenicol-resistant (CAPr; cytoplasmic marker). The fusion products were isolated in medium containing HAT and CAP. Clones initially showed a growth pattern different from either human or mouse parental cell, but after repeated subculturing, morphologically resembled the nuclear donor cell. The human and mouse components in these cells were identified from other possible fusion combinations by karyotypic, enzymatic and mitochondrial DNA (mDNA) analyses. The karyotype, using both Q-banding and C-banding revealed only human chromosomes. Electrophoretic mobility of the enzyme malate dehydrogenase, a nuclear controlled enzyme, confirmed the human nucleus. Buoyant density centrifugation of radioactive labelled isolated mitochondrial DNA from the reconstituted cells provided evidence that the cytoplasm was of mouse origin.
Empirical Variations of Relationality and the Question of Ontology: A Comment on Ken Gergen's Relational Being

A friendly critique of Ken Gergen's (2009) Relational Being is advanced through reference to the ontological foundation of his own reflective explorations—in the kindred field of phenomenology. The relationship of empirical observations to their ontological foundation is given demonstration in Gergen's thorough articulation of the vicissitudes of social relationality. A cautionary suggestion regarding the potential conflation of empirical and ontological relationality is presented, followed by a more direct assessment of the position advanced by Gergen. The practical strengths and theoretical limitation of filtering relationality through the dual lens of social psychology and social constructionism are considered.
High-speed optoelectronics receivers in SiGe

This paper focuses on the investigation of integrated CMOS and Silicon/Germanium (SiGe) devices for highspeed optical receiver circuits. In this paper, we present several competitive designs of front-end transimpedance amplifiers (TIA) for optical receiver applications using the IBM 5HP (0.5 micron) SiGe technology. This technology exhibits f/sub T/ and f/sub MAX/ of 47 GHz and 65 GHz respectively. Spectre simulations in the Cadence Affirma analog design environment are conducted for both the TIA's and a complete receiver circuit consisting of a TIA, a cascaded multi-stage differential amplifier and a multi-stage inverting amplifier at the single supply voltage of 3.3 V. We also discuss the practicality of using SiGe based photodetectors for 1.3-1.5 /spl mu/m wavelength light and the use of Neolinear's NeoCircuit/NeoCell mixed signal design tools for optimization of the analog circuits.
Early transcriptional effects of aldosterone in a mouse inner medullary collecting duct cell line

The mineralocorticoid aldosterone is a major regulator of Na+ and acid-base balance and control of blood pressure. Although the long-term effects of aldosterone have been extensively studied, the e...
Numerical algorithms for continuous optimal trajectories

We consider the problem of computing minimum-cost trajectories in continuous space. We focus on two classes of problems: isotropic cost problems where the cost depends only on the position, and anisotropic cost problems where the cost depends on the position and direction of the trajectory. Using stochastic control discretization, we evaluate the performance of different value iteration techniques for solving the dynamic programming equations. For isotropic problems, our results show that the recently developed fast-sweeping algorithms offer significant computation advantages over Dijkstra-type algorithms and adaptive label correcting algorithms. However, for anisotropic problems, adaptive label correcting algorithms are fastest. We also investigate the accuracy of discrete graph approximations, and approaches for computing the optimal continuous trajectories from the discrete stochastic control solution.
Vpr Is Required for Efficient Nef Expression from Unintegrated Human Immunodeficiency Virus Type 1 DNA

Unintegrated human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) DNA are viral DNA products formed naturally during HIV replication. While the integrated proviral DNA form is transcriptionally active and results in productive infection, unintegrated DNA is also capable of expression of viral RNA and proteins. Previously, we showed that HIV Vpr enhances expression from integrase-defective HIV. Here we show that Vpr activation of expression is partially dependent upon the presence of a transcriptionally active HIV promoter and results in increased transcription of unspliced gag and spliced nef viral RNA. While Tat is detectable during infection with integrase-defective HIV, Tat levels are not affected by the presence of Vpr. Mutation studies reveal that Tat is dispensable for the Vpr-mediated enhancement of expression from unintegrated DNA. We find that virion-associated Vpr is sufficient for Nef expression from unintegrated viral DNA, resulting in the efficient downregulation of CD4 from the surface of infected cells. These results provide a mechanism by which Nef expression from unintegrated HIV type 1 DNA expression occurs.
Improving Intra-Cellular Security Using Air Monitoring with RF Fingerprints

Improved intra-cellular security is addressed using device-specific RF fingerprints to mitigate malicious network activity that can occur through unauthorized use of digital identities. In air monitoring applications where physical equipment constraints are not overly restrictive, RF fingerprinting remains a viable option for providing regional intra-cellular security for systems such as cellular telephone and last mile WiMax networks. Proof-of-concept results are provided for GSM signals given they are readily available in most areas. Recent RF fingerprinting work has demonstrated average device classification accuracies (serial number identification) of 92% using OFDM-based 802.11a preamble responses at SNR = 6 dB. The goal here was to determine if similar performance could be achieved using RF fingerprints extracted from near-transient and midamble regions of GSM signals. This was done using instantaneous phase responses from each region to form RF statistical fingerprints that are subsequently classified using Fisher-based MDA/ML processing. Considering all GSM device permutations from four different manufacturers, near-transient RF fingerprinting provided nearly 13% improvement in classification performance when compared with midamble RF fingerprinting and achieved average classification performance consistent with the 802.11a benchmark of 92% correct classification at SNR = 6 dB.
Value of electropharmacologic testing in idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy and sustained ventricular tachyarrhythmias.

Abstract Electrophysiologic studies in 64 patients with idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy who had sustained ventricular tachycardia or ventricular fibrillation were performed. A sustained ventricular tachyarrhythmia was induced in 43 patients (67%). Electropharmacologic testing predicted an antiarrhythmic drug effective in 15 of 35 patients in whom sustained monomorphic ventricular tachycardia could be induced reproducibly (43% of tested patients, 23% of all patients). During median followup of 1.6 years, there were 32 arrhythmia recurrences and 24 cardiac arrests. Multivariate regression analysis identified treatment with a drug predicted to be effective at electropharmacologic testing as the only predictor of freedom from arrhythmia recurrence (p = 0.01); and treatment with a drug predicted to be effective at electropharmacologic testing and lower New York Heart Association functional class as independent predictors of freedom from cardiac arrest (p = 0.03 and p=0.02, respectively). At median follow-up, the incidences of freedom from arrhythmia recurrence and from cardiac arrest were both 100% during treatment with a drug predicted to be effective at electropharmacologic testing versus 54 ± 8% and 62 ±7%, respectively, during other treatments. These findings indicate that results of electropharmacologic testing accurately predict freedom from arrhythmia recurrence and cardiac arrest in patients with idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy and sustained ventricular tachyarrhythmias.
Cost-Effectiveness of Endoscopic Therapy for Barrett’s Esophagus

Management options for Barrett’s esophagus with high-grade dysplasia include intensive endoscopic surveillance, surgical esophagectomy, or endoscopic ablation therapy. Controlled, prospective trials comparing these treatment strategies have not been performed. In addition, clinical uncertainty may exist with respect to the accuracy of diagnosis of Barrett’s high-grade dysplasia, risk of cancer progression, and likelihood of durable treatment outcome. Disease models can simulate risk over time in an attempt to account for these uncertainties. Cost-effectiveness analyses, based on these models, can be used to compare the relative costs and outcomes of endoscopic therapy for Barrett’s esophagus with high-grade dysplasia, compared to surgery or surveillance strategies.
Adapting Koch's postulates

In the late 19th century, Robert Koch established his famous postulates as stringent guidelines to evaluate causation in infectious disease ( 1 ). These original postulates require isolation of the putative pathogen and reinfection of a healthy host to prove causation. Over the years, Koch's postulates have been continually restated to incorporate the latest scientific findings and technologies ( 2 – 5 ). Modern molecular techniques have demonstrated that current or previous members of a microbial community can affect disease outcome, providing a nuanced view of strict causation as originally proposed by Koch. There is thus a need to incorporate microbial communities into rigorous modern guidelines for evaluating disease causation.
Chicano/a History: Its Origins, Purpose, and Future

This article surveys the writing of Chicano/a history since its inception and reflects on why scholars have been concerned with certain issues and how they have written about them. Born from the tumult of the Vietnam era, the field has challenged the status quo and emboldened those communities from which Chicano/a historians come and which they ultimately serve. Given the generation-long development of Mexican American history, this article focuses on Chicano/a historiography, with some commentary on the recent emergence of Latino/a history and the future directions that this field may take. It engages three questions that have driven the field: What forces engendered the ethnic Mexican community in the United States? Who comprises it? And how does the past bear on the present?
Perioperative Complications of Pedicle Subtraction Osteotomy

Study Design Retrospective case series. Objective To describe the perioperative complications (0 to 90 days) associated with pedicle subtraction osteotomies (PSOs) performed at a tertiary spine center by two experienced spine surgeons who recently adopted the technique. Methods We reviewed all 65 patients (47 women and 18 men; mean age 60 years, range 24 to 80) who underwent a PSO at our institution. Descriptive data and analysis of complications were limited to the perioperative time (within 90 days of surgery). Data analyzed included operative time, length of stay (LOS), estimated blood loss (EBL), blood products, comorbidities, neurologic complications, and medical complications. Complications were rated as major and minor. Radiographic data was also analyzed. Results Ten patients (15.4%) had a major complication, and 15 (23%) had a minor complication. There were three perioperative deaths. The most common major complication was neurologic deficit (6.2%, 4/65), three with a permanent foot drop, and one with paraplegia secondary to postoperative hematoma. There were no differences between patients with and without a major complication in regard to age, gender, comorbidities, operative time, number of levels fused, and EBL ( p > 0.05). Patients with a major complication had a longer intensive care unit stay ( p = 0.04). There was no difference in the rate of major complications between the initial and later cases performed. Conclusion The major complication rate for pedicle subtraction osteotomy was 15% and the minor complication rate was 23%. The most common major complication was neurologic deficit in 6.2%. The complication rate did not change with increased surgeon experience.
Study on the War-analysis Simulation Engine Based on HLA

Aiming at the demand that a war-plan is simulated,analyzed and assessed by the war-analysis integrated simulation environment(WAISE),the paper firstly discusses the components and functions of simulation engine based on high level architecture(HLA) and then brings forward three run-modes including single-replication simulation,multiple-replication simulation,and variable-scenario-based multiple-replication simulation,and two application-modes including single-side assessment and multi-sides combat.Finally,the paper introduces some keys of developing a simulation engine prototype,for example,the SCR(ScenarioID-COAID-RepID) method of simulation management,the run-control arithmetic to the course of action,and the control interface to the federates.
Probing synergetic effects between platinum nanoparticles deposited via atomic layer deposition and a molybdenum carbide nanotube support through surface characterization and device performance

Platinum (Pt) supported on transition metal carbide (TMC) surfaces (Pt/TMC) has been the focus of significant research interest, due to the similar electronic and geometric structures between TMC and Pt. This paper focuses on a new type of electrocatalyst fabrication using high purity β-molybdenum carbide (referred to as Mo2C hereafter) nanotubes as a support and atomic layer deposition (ALD) as the Pt nanoparticle deposition technique (Pt/Mo2C). In particular, rotary ALD equipment was used to grow Pt particles from the subnanometer level to 2 to 3 nanometers by simply adjusting the number of ALD cycles in order to probe the interaction between the deposited Pt nanoparticles and Mo2C nanotube support. Lattice spacing analysis using high resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM) images, combined with Pt binding energy shift in XPS results, clearly showed a strong interaction between Pt nanoparticles and the Mo2C nanotube support in all the resultant Pt/Mo2C samples. We postulate that this strong interaction is responsible for the significantly enhanced durability observed in constant potential electrolysis (CPE) testing. Of the three samples from different ALD cycles (15, 50 and 100), Mo2C nanotubes modified by 50 (1.07 wt% Pt loading) and 100 cycles (4.4 wt% Pt) of Pt deposition showed higher activity per Pt mass than commercial 20% Pt supported on carbon black. Finally, we report the nanoscale Pt/Mo2C catalyst performance in a device setting for different Pt loadings by applying it in a PEMFC anode.
Parthenogenesis in mated Chinese Painted quail (Coturnix chinensis) hens decreases sperm–egg penetration and alters albumen characteristics

Parthenogenesis, embryonic development without fertilization, resembles very early embryonic mortality in fertilized eggs. Also, parthenogenesis alters egg albumen characteristics in virgin Chinese Painted quail hens genetically selected for parthenogenesis (PV). When these PV hens are mated (PM), hatchability is reduced versus control mated (CM) hens that were not genetically selected for parthenogenesis. However, it is unclear if parthenogenesis, which occurs in PM hens, reduces hatchability due to infertility and altered albumen characteristics. Sperm-egg penetration (SEP) holes are indicative of true fertilization and may be useful in identifying if eggs from PM hens exhibit a decrease in fertility versus CM hens. Therefore, the objectives of this study were to determine if parthenogenesis in PM hens (1) decreases SEP, (2) alters albumen characteristics similar to parthenogenesis in eggs from PV hens, and (3) yields albumen characteristics similar to fertilized eggs containing early mortality. Daily, PV and PM eggs were collected, labeled, and incubated for 10 days, then broken out to determine the incidence of parthenogenesis and albumen characteristics. Also daily, fresh PM and CM quail eggs were macroscopically examined to determine if an egg was infertile with no embryonic development, parthenogenetic, or fertile. Each of these eggs was then microscopically examined for SEP. For both PV and PM incubated eggs, parthenogenesis decreased albumen pH, O2, and protein concentrations yet increased Ca(2+) and CO2 concentrations versus eggs with no development. For incubated PM eggs, albumen pH and O2 were lower, yet CO2 was higher for eggs containing parthenogens or early dead embryos versus infertile eggs. For SEP, fresh eggs classified as infertile or parthenogenetic from PM and CM hens had similar SEP holes but only one sixth as many SEP holes as eggs classified as fertilized. Eggs from CM hens had 3.5 times as many SEP holes as PM eggs. In conclusion, parthenogenesis that occurs in mated quail hens inhibits fertility and alters albumen characteristics similarly to parthenogenesis in unfertilized eggs and early embryonic mortality in fertilized eggs.
Mapping riparian resources in semiarid watersheds using airborne multispectral imagery

This research quantifies remotely sensed airborne data into physical and ecological variables, obtaining an improved spatial and temporal representation of the dynamics of native and exotic plant communities within the Escalante River corridor, Utah, USA.
Vaccines in the Prevention of Viral Pneumonia

Pneumonia is of great global public health importance. Viral infections play both direct and indirect parts in its cause across the globe. Influenza is a leading cause of viral pneumonia in both children and adults, and respiratory syncytial virus is increasingly recognized as causing disease at both extremes of age. Vaccination offers the best prospect for prevention but current influenza vaccines do not provide universal and durable protection, and require yearly reformulation. In the future, it is hoped that influenza vaccines will give better and universal protection, and that new vaccines can be found for other causes of viral pneumonia.