cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Modeling human disease.

The astonishing recent advances in the technology for determining DNA sequences have made personalized genomics a foreseeable reality for the doctor's office. This technology has started a whole new gold rush for human disease gene discovery and produced an onslaught of information that represents a new challenge in personalized medicine: connecting genotype to phenotype. Experimental organisms such as yeast, worms, fruit flies, zebrafish, and mice have long been critical for discovering the molecular mechanisms fundamental to life, thereby providing a shortcut to understanding human biology. The new developments allow these model organisms to also provide key insights into the association of specific genes with human disease.
Polymer Growth by Functionalized Ruthenium Nanoparticles

We detail here a method to integrate reactive sites onto the surface atoms of ruthenium particles and use these sites as catalysts for oligomer growth. This way we can easily integrate nanoscale metal spheres both structurally and electronically with a shell of organic materials. We study the reaction of a zerovalent ruthenium precursor, Ru(η4-cyclooctadiene)(η6-cyclooctatriene), with different coordinating ligands. Using alcohol ligands produces large particles (∼50 nm in diameter) that are composed of agglomerates of smaller particles. These particles are able to initiate olefin metathesis when they react with diazoalkanes and then strained olefins such as dicyclopentadiene, but the rates of reaction and number of active sites are low. When we use diazoalkanes directly without the intermediacy of the alcohol ligands, the activity of the particles increases, and we are able to produce particles that are as active as other heterogeneous olefin metathesis catalysts.
Intrapleural foreign bodies

Abstract Foreign bodies in the pleural cavity are comparatively rare. A case herein reported is that of a child aged 4 years who suffered from pneumonia and a subsequent empyema. Thoracotomy and rubber tube drainage were instituted. Three foreign bodies within the pleural cavity were later seen in roentgenograms. These foreign bodies were floated out of the pleural cavity with normal saline solution through the thoracotomy wound and proved to be masses of zinc oxide ointment.
A spontaneous variant of an antidigoxin hybridoma antibody with increased affinity arises from a heavy chain signal peptide mutation.

The A/J murine hybridoma cell line 40-150 secretes antidigoxin antibodies with high affinity for digoxin. A first-order spontaneous mutant (40-150 A2.4) produces antibodies containing a mutation at heavy chain position 94 resulting in reduced affinity for digoxin. A second-order mutant (40-150 A2.4 P.10) derived from 40-150 A2.4 produces two species of antibody: one identical to 40-150 A2.4 and the other with a two amino acid truncation at the heavy chain amino-terminus [Panka et al., Proc. natn. Acad. Sci. U.S.A. 85, 3080-3084 (1988)]. The truncated antibody has increased affinity for digoxin relative to the nontruncated variant. Direct nucleotide sequence analysis of polymerase chain reaction amplified heavy chain variable region cDNA derived from 40-150 A2.4 P.10 reveals a point mutation at the -2 position of the signal peptide, resulting in a glutamine to proline change. Southern blots of genomic DNA from all three cell lines gave identical patterns and were consistent with a single heavy chain mRNA derived from a single rearranged gene. The presence of proline at the heavy chain -2 position of antibody 40-150 A2.4 P.10 partially shifts the cleavage site of the signal peptidase to the +2 position, resulting in the production of both full-length and truncated antibody heavy chains. Signal peptide mutation resulting in a change in antibody affinity for antigen is a hitherto unidentified possible mechanism for antibody diversification.
Obtaining Assistance When Lost in the Community Using Cell Phones

This study replicated previous findings that established a five-level, least-to-most prompting system in conjunction with total task presentation as a successful method for teaching students with m...
Unsteady natural convection of air in a tall axisymmetric, nonisothermal annulus

This article presents numerical predictions of axisymmetric natural convection within a tall annular cavity with an aspect ratio of 10 and a radius ratio of 0.6. The temperature of the bounding inner vertical cylinder is hot at its base and decreases linearly with height, while the outer cylinder is cold at its base and its temperature increases linearly with height. These boundary conditions promote a steady bi-cellular flow at low Rayleigh numbers. As the Rayleigh number is increased, the flow transitions to a time-varying state in which the interface between the two natural-convection cells starts to oscillate. If the Rayleigh number is further increased, hysteresis, subharmonics, multiple solutions, and a reverse transition back to a steady state are all predicted. Results predicting the onset of unsteady flow for the Cartesian case are also presented.
Effects of the serotonin antagonist amesergide on reproduction in female rats

Amesergide, a serotonin (5-HT2) antagonist intended to treat depression, was administered orally to female CD rats (20/group) at doses of 0, 3, 10, or 30 mg/kg to evaluate effects on mating, fertility, litter size, live birth index (100 x total liveborn progeny/litter size), progeny survival, and weight gain of each litter. The treatment period extended from two weeks prior to mating through postpartum day 21 to cover possible effects of estrous cycle, mating, gestation, and postpartum events. Twenty additional female rats were given 30 mg/kg through gestation day 18, after which they received the acacia vehicle (recovery group). All females were allowed to deliver naturally and rear their progeny. On postpartum day 8, progeny in the control, 30 mg/kg and 30 mg/kg recovery groups were removed from dams for 4 h. Progeny were weighed as litters, returned to the dams for a 1-h nursing period, and then weighed again to provide an indication of milk intake. Mating and fertility, using the present study design, were not affected by treatment with amesergide. No effects were observed on litter size, live birth index, or progeny survival. In contrast, treatment with amesergide throughout gestation and lactation produced a significant dose-related depression in progeny body weight gains. However, when treatment was discontinued after day 18 of gestation (30 mg/kg recovery group), progeny body weight gains did not differ from those of the control group.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Preparation of microcapsules by electrostatic atomization

Abstract A new method for preparing microcapsules based on a one-step gelling process combined with an electrostatic atomization technique is proposed. In the process, capsules with polymer shells are produced by dripping viscous solution, which contains a crosslinker agent, into a consolidation solution with agitation. In this study, sodium alginate and CaCl 2 were used as a polymer material for shell formation and crosslinker agent, respectively. Carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) was used as a non-gelling polymer to modulate the viscosity and the density of the core solution to prevent deformation during the shell formation process. The CMC in the core of the capsule obtained was then enzymatically decomposed using cellulase. The results show that the microcapsules with alginate shell and water core are obtained successfully. By combining the one-step gelling process with the electrostatic atomization technique, the capsule size can be reduced to 500 μm in diameter. To demonstrate a practical application, enzyme immobilization was performed within the capsules. Invertase, which catalyzes the decomposition of sucrose into fructose and glucose, was used as a model enzyme in this study. The results show that invertase is immobilized with high efficiency (87–98%). Enzyme activity is increased with increasing of the applied voltage in the electro-dripping process because of the smaller capsule diameter at the higher applied voltage.
Intraoral Plexiform (Multinodular) Neurilemoma

An intraoral (buccal) mass in a 6-year-old child was found to be a benign plexiform (multinodular) neurilemoma by fine-needle aspiration (FNA) biopsy cytology and histologic examination of the excised specimen. Clinical and pathological features of these rare tumors are reviewed, and the capacity of FNA to guide surgical planning in the pediatric population is emphasized.
Relative Elevation Topographic Surface Modelling of a Large Alluvial River Floodplain and Applications for the Study and Management of Riparian Landscapes

Abstract This paper presents a novel and useful spatial modelling technique to create a topographic surface that estimates a floodplain's elevation relative to the average low-flow water surface elevation of a river channel. This model was applied to a 121 km study area of the middle Sacramento River, California, USA, where it was tested as a surrogate for observed water table depth and an observed 3.3 year recurrence interval flood inundation surface using independent data sets. The modelled relative elevation topographic surface correlated significantly (p < 0.005) to observed well water depths suggesting that the modelled surface reflected a reasonable approximation of vertical distance to the water table. Results from a flood inundation pattern analysis indicated an overall accuracy of 79% for correctly predicting inundated and non-inundated zones. The model was then used to measure relative channel bank height and the distribution of riparian plant communities to examine landscape ecological relation...
Information, Credit Risk, Lender Specialization and Loan Pricing: Evidence from the DIP Financing Market

We provide an empirical support for theories of lender specialization using the recently developed market for Debtor-in-Possession (DIP) financing. The legal environment in which DIP financing operates represents a natural laboratory for testing determinants of lending specialization (e.g. lender choice). We find that the choice of lender is not driven by credit risk, but by information considerations and that this lending specialization has loan pricing effects. In short, banks (non-bank lenders) lend to more (less) transparent firms and at lower (higher) loan spreads. Our results are consistent with the interpretation that banks provide important and useful services.
Combinatorial Marking of Cells and Organelles with Reconstituted Fluorescent Proteins

Expression of GFP and other fluorescent proteins depends on cis-regulatory elements. Because these elements rarely direct expression to specific cell types, GFP production cannot always be sufficiently limited. Here we show that reconstitution of GFP, YFP, and CFP previously split into two polypeptides yields fluorescent products when coexpressed in C. elegans. Because this reconstitution involves two components, it can confirm cellular coexpression and identify cells expressing a previously uncharacterized promoter. By choosing promoters whose expression patterns overlap for a single cell type, we can produce animals with fluorescence only in those cells. Furthermore, when one partial GFP polypeptide is fused with a subcellularly localized protein or peptide, this restricted expression leads to the fluorescent marking of cellular components in a subset of cells.
Systematics and CSR: The Theory and Processes of Normative Referencing

This article examines the theoretical status of the three CSR models of William C. Frederick. Using the method of systematics, it disaggregates the elements of the three models and suggests one int...
Gender and Sentencing in the Federal Courts Are Women Treated More Leniently

Using data from the United States Sentencing Commission (2001-2003), we examine the role of gender in the sentencing of defendants in federal courts. We address two questions: First, can we explain the gender gap in sentencing by taking into account differences in legal and extralegal factors? And second, do legal and extralegal factors have the same impact for male and female defendants? Overall, we find that female defendants receive more lenient sentence outcomes than their male counterparts. Legal factors account for a large portion of the gender differences, but even after controlling for legal characteristics a substantial gap in sentencing outcomes remains. Also, despite their influence on sentencing outcomes in some instances, extralegal characteristics do not help to close the gender gap. Finally, when male and female defendants are examined separately, we find that not all legal and extralegal factors weigh equally for male and female defendants.
Distinct Ligand-dependent Roles for p38 MAPK in Priming and Activation of the Neutrophil NADPH Oxidase

In response to certain cytokines and inflammatory mediators, the activity of the neutrophil NADPH oxidase enzyme is primed for enhanced superoxide production when the cells receive a subsequent oxidase-activating stimulus. The relative role of p38 MAPK in the priming and activation processes is incompletely understood. We have developed a 2-step assay that allows the relative contributions of p38 MAPK activity in priming to be distinguished from those involved in oxidase activation. Using this assay, together with in vitro kinase assays and immunochemical studies, we report that p38 MAPK plays a critical role in TNFalpha priming of the human and porcine NADPH oxidase for superoxide production in response to complement-opsonized zymosan (OpZ), but little, if any, role in neutrophil priming by platelet-activating factor (PAF) for OpZ-dependent responses. The OpZ-mediated activation process per se is independent of p38 MAPK activity, in contrast to oxidase activation by fMLP, where 70% of the response is eliminated by p38 MAPK inhibitors regardless of the priming agent. We further report that incubation of neutrophils with TNFalpha results in the p38 MAPK-dependent phosphorylation of a subpopulation of p47(phox) and p67(phox) molecules, whereas PAF priming results in phosphorylation only of p67(phox). Despite these phosphorylations, TNFalpha priming does not result in significant association of either of these oxidase subunits with neutrophil membranes, demonstrating that the molecular basis for priming does not appear to involve preassembly of the NADPH oxidase holoenzyme/cytochrome complex prior to oxidase activation.
We're All in This Together: Identifying Meaningful Outcomes for K-6 Students of Teacher Candidates.

Connecting K—6 student outcomes with teacher preparation programs remains a critical need for the field. Even while educators have begun to sort through and document outcomes for teacher interns relative to national standards, the task of connecting performance to K—6 student outcomes has been little documented. In this interview study, the authors identify what mentor teachers associated with one urban teacher preparation program believe are positive student and associated mentor outcomes that result from student teacher participation in their elementary classrooms. The authors conduct a content analysis of individual interviews with 16 student teacher mentors, and use data from a teacher candidate focus group that addressed a subset of the teacher interview questions to triangulate this analysis. The authors discuss their findings in light of implications of the findings for teacher educators and how findings can be used for in-depth, follow-up studies.
Latency and energy aware value prediction for high-frequency processors

This work addresses the issues of access latency and energy consumption in value predictor design for high-frequency, wide-issue microprocessors. Previous value prediction research allows for generous assumptions regarding table configurations and access conditions, while ignoring prediction latencies and energy issues. However, the latency of a high-performance value predictor cannot always be completely hidden by the early stages of the instruction pipeline as previously assumed, and it causes noticeable performance degradation versus unconstrained value prediction. This paper describes and compares several variations of basic value prediction methods: at fetch, post-decode, and decoupled.The performance of at-fetch and post-decode value predictors is limited by the high access latency of accurate predictor configurations. Decoupled value prediction excels at overcoming the high-frequency table access constraints by placing completion-time predictions into a separate and easily accessible storage. However, it has high energy requirements. We study a value prediction approach that combines the latency-friendly approach of decoupled value prediction with a more energy-efficient implementation. The traditional PC-indexed prediction tables are removed and replaced by a queue of prediction traces. This latency and energy aware method of maintaining and distributing speculated values leads to a 58%-95% reduction in value predictor energy consumption versus known value prediction techniques while still maintaining high performance.
Thanatophoric Dwarfism Two Case Reports and Survey of the Literature

Thanatophoric dwarfism is a severe form of short-limbed dwarfism in which cardiorespiratory failure uniformly results in death in the neonatal period. Its radiographic features include markedly flattened vertebral bodies with a typical U-shaped deformity, a flat squat pelvis, and short, bowed extremities with flaring and irregularity of the metaphyses. These char acteristic features distinguish this entity from the two other most commonly confused congenital short-limbed forms of dwarfism—achondroplasia and achondrogenesis. The distinctions are discussed in the text.
Solid-state 2-micron laser transmitter for space applications

NASA Langley Research Center (LaRC) is a leader and has pioneered technologies related to the development of 2-micron laser transmitters. Using a co-doped Ho,Tm:LiYF/sub 4/ crystal laser, NASA LaRC researchers have demonstrated up to 600 mJ of 2-micron energy. Recently, a 2 micron power oscillator at room temperature was demonstrated for a possible Space Shuttle mission.
Physiological vagility and its relationship to dispersal and neutral genetic heterogeneity in vertebrates

Vagility is the inherent power of movement by individuals. Vagility and the available duration of movement determine the dispersal distance individuals can move to interbreed, which affects the fine-scale genetic structure of vertebrate populations. Vagility and variation in population genetic structure are normally explained by geographic variation and not by the inherent power of movement by individuals. We present a new, quantitative definition for physiological vagility that incorporates aerobic capacity, body size, body temperature and the metabolic cost of transport, variables that are independent of the physical environment. Physiological vagility is the speed at which an animal can move sustainably based on these parameters. This meta-analysis tests whether this definition of physiological vagility correlates with empirical data for maximal dispersal distances and measured microsatellite genetic differentiation with distance {[F(ST)/[1-F(ST))]/ln distance} for amphibians, reptiles, birds and mammals utilizing three locomotor modes (running, flying, swimming). Maximal dispersal distance and physiological vagility increased with body mass for amphibians, reptiles and mammals utilizing terrestrial movement. The relative slopes of these relationships indicate that larger individuals require longer movement durations to achieve maximal dispersal distances. Both physiological vagility and maximal dispersal distance were independent of body mass for flying vertebrates. Genetic differentiation with distance was greatest for terrestrial locomotion, with amphibians showing the greatest mean and variance in differentiation. Flying birds, flying mammals and swimming marine mammals showed the least differentiation. Mean physiological vagility of different groups (class and locomotor mode) accounted for 98% of the mean variation in genetic differentiation with distance in each group. Genetic differentiation with distance was not related to body mass. The physiological capacity for movement (physiological vagility) quantitatively predicts genetic isolation by distance in the vertebrates examined.
N-Propionylated Group B Meningococcal Polysaccharide Mimics a Unique Bactericidal Capsular Epitope in Group B Neisseria meningitidis

The N-propionylated group B meningococcal polysaccharide (NPrGBMP) mimics a unique protective epitope on the surface of group B meningococci (GBM) and Escherichia coli K1. Using a series of monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) induced by the NPrGBMP-monomeric tetanus toxoid (TT) conjugate vaccine it was demonstrated that mAbs having specificities for both extended and conventional short segments of the NPrGBMP were formed, but only the former were bactericidal, and/or gave passive protection against live challenge by GBM. The failure of mAbs specific for short epitopes to protect was further established when (NeuPr)4-TT was used as the vaccine. Of all the mAbs produced that were specific for short internal segments of the NPrGBMP, none were protective, despite the fact that most of them cross-react with the GBM capsular polysaccharide. In contrast, most of the protective mAbs produced by NPrGBMP- TT did not recognize the group B meningococcal polysaccharide (GBMP) unless it was present in its aggregated high molecular weight form. The bactericidal epitope mimicked by the NPrGBMP was shown to be ubiquitous in the capsule of both GBM and E. coli K1 using immunogold labeling techniques and, because of its unique properties, its identification could be significant in the development of a comprehensive conjugate vaccine against group B meningococcal meningitis. This is because most known human alpha(2-8)-polysialic acid self-antigens can be accommodated in 30-50 alpha(2-8)-linked sialic acid residues, which is roughly equivalent to an 11-kD length of the GBMP. It has been hypothesized that the formation of the protective epitope on the surface of GBM is due to the interaction of helical segments of the GBMP with another molecule and that the protective epitope is mimicked by the NPrGBMP. Support for the above hypothesis is provided by the fact that the protective NPrGBMP epitope has a similar unusual length dependency to that of the GBMP epitope.
Comparative analyses of English as a Second Language reading comprehension data classical test theory and latent trait measurement

Item responses on a multiple-choice reading comprehension test from 88 ESL subjects were submitted to classical test item analyses and the Rasch one-parameter latent trait model. The Rasch model identified more misfitting items than the classical item analyses and allowed the researchers to plot the reading comprehension items at their calibrated positions along the lines of the latent trait. The trait was defined at the easy end by items that assess literal comprehension and inference of explicit details and at the difficult end by items that assess multiple string inferences. The Rasch model also indicated that additional items were needed at both ends of the difficulty continuum, if subjects in those ranges are to be discriminated properly.
Tetragonal to orthorhombic transformation during mullite formation

The mullite formation process in both single phase and diphasic sol-gel precursors to mullite was studied using dynamic x-ray diffraction (DXRD). A metastable, tetragonal-like mullite phase was observed in all the single gels at temperatures from 980 °C to 1200 °C, but not in any of the other precursors. The tetragonal to orthorhombic mullite transformation was very slow as the lattice parameters, a and b, split and moved gradually away from each other as a result of a gradual decrease of alumina content in the mullite solid solution with increasing temperature from 1100 °C to 1200 °C. The formation of tetragonal mullite coincides with that of the Al–Si spinel. The occurrence of tetragonal mullite or the spinel (or both) is determined mainly by the processing conditions of the sol-gel precursors.
Authenticity and Diversity: A Comparative Reading of Charles Taylor and Martin Heidegger

L'authenticite et la diversite font aujourd'hui figure de slogans dans les societes contemporaines de part et d'autre de l'Atlantique nord. En revanche, on a peu explore les liens entre ces deux idees. A cette fin, cet article aborde les ecrits tantot convergents, tantot divergents de Charles Taylor et Martin Heidegger pour prolonger leurs reflexions respectives sur l'authenticite et montrer en quoi elles peuvent servir de fondement a une nouvelle forme de diversite culturelle. Pour tous deux, l'etre-au-monde authentique nous permet d'acceder au trefonds du materiel culturel dont nous devons disposer pour que se nouent des rapports fructueux avec les autres cultures.
The 1959 Nyasaland State of Emergency in Old Karonga District

This article discusses the 1959 State of Emergency in the old Karonga District in the northern part of Nyasaland, an area that became associated with violent resistance to colonial authority, and it does so in an attempt to demonstrate the significance of local studies in understanding colonialism and nationalist movements. It is divided into three sections. The first section explains the factors responsible for the heightened political temperature in the period preceding the emergency; this is followed by a description of some individual events that occurred earlier that year and during the state of emergency itself. In the process, it shows the uncompromising attitudes of the government and the governed towards each other and, thus, the inevitability of the conflict. Finally, the article examines the manner in which the changing political climate of the time affected indigenous power dynamics and social relations, especially among the Ngonde, the numerically preponderant inhabitants of the lakeshore are...
Neural Network Computation by In Vitro Transcriptional Circuits

The structural similarity of neural networks and genetic regulatory networks to digital circuits, and hence to each other, was noted from the very beginning of their study [1, 2]. In this work, we propose a simple biochemical system whose architecture mimics that of genetic regulation and whose components allow for in vitro implementation of arbitrary circuits. We use only two enzymes in addition to DNA and RNA molecules: RNA polymerase (RNAP) and ribonuclease (RNase). We develop a rate equation for in vitro transcriptional networks, and derive a correspondence with general neural network rate equations [3]. As proof-of-principle demonstrations, an associative memory task and a feedforward network computation are shown by simulation. A difference between the neural network and biochemical models is also highlighted: global coupling of rate equations through enzyme saturation can lead to global feedback regulation, thus allowing a simple network without explicit mutual inhibition to perform the winner-take-all computation. Thus, the full complexity of the cell is not necessary for biochemical computation: a wide range of functional behaviors can be achieved with a small set of biochemical components.
Multilayer Dual-Band Filter Using a Reflector Cavity and Dual-Mode Resonators

A dual-band filter has been designed using a multilayer approach. The structure includes a reflector cavity and dual-mode resonators. The walls of the reflector cavity have been designed using metalized vias enabling the integration characteristics of standard planar microwave circuits. The principle includes the passband division of a fourth-order fully canonical form into two narrowband second-order passbands. The designed topology exhibits a dual-band response with center frequencies of 5.2 and 5.7GHz and in-between isolation of 30 dB created by two in-band transmission zeros. The enclosing cavity reduces radiation loss and increases the unloaded of the resonant modes. The hybrid design provides insertion losses better than 1.7 dB and narrow fractional bandwidths of 2.5%.
ESTABLISHING AND SUSTAINING RESEARCH-BASED PRACTICES AT CENTENNIAL SCHOOL: A DESCRIPTIVE CASE STUDY OF SYSTEMIC CHANGE

There has recently been increased attention given to the widely perceived gap between research and practice in school psychology and education. The purpose of this article is to describe how Centennial School of Lehigh University, an alternative day school for students with emotional and behavioral disorders, was able to successfully implement and sustain research-based practices. The use of such practices, in conjunction with organizational and systemic change, led to the significant reduction and eventually the virtual elimination of the use of and need for physical restraint and seclusionary time-out in the school, as well as a substantial increase in students’ prosocial behavior. Procedures for reducing the gap between research and practice at Centennial School are discussed, including the methods used by school personnel to facilitate systems change, successfully implement research-based practices, and create a supportive organizational structure for sustaining effective practices. Possible roles for school psychologists in systems change efforts, potential barriers to the implementation of research-based practices, and recommendations as to how these barriers may be overcome also are provided. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
A 850-GHz waveguide receiver employing a niobium SIS junction fabricated on a 1-/spl mu/m Si/sub 3/N/sub 4/ membrane

We report on a 850-GHz superconducting-insulator-superconducting (SIS) heterodyne receiver employing an RF-tuned niobium tunnel junction with a current density of 14 kA/cm/sup 2/, fabricated on a 1-/spl mu/m Si/sub 3/N/sub 4/ supporting membrane. Since the mixer is designed to be operated well above the superconducting gap frequency of niobium (2/spl Delta//h/spl ap/690 GHz), special care has been taken to minimize niobium transmission-line losses. Both Fourier transform spectrometer (FTS) measurements of the direct detection performance and calculations of the IF output noise with the mixer operating in heterodyne mode, indicate an absorption loss in the niobium film of about 6.8 dB at 822 GHz. These results are in reasonably good agreement with the loss predicted by the Mattis-Bardeen theory in the extreme anomalous limit. From 800 to 830 GHz, we report uncorrected receiver noise temperatures of 518 or 514 K when we use Callen and Welton's law to calculate the input load temperatures. Over the same frequency range, the mixer has a 4-dB conversion loss and 265 K/spl plusmn/10 K noise temperature. At 890 GHz, the sensitivity of the receiver has degraded to 900 K, which is primarily the result of increased niobium film loss in the RF matching network. When the mixer was cooled from 4.2 to 1.9 K, the receiver noise temperature improved about 20% 409-K double sideband (DSB). Approximately half of the receiver noise temperature improvement can be attributed to a lower mixer conversion loss, while the remainder is due to a reduction in the niobium film absorption loss. At 982 GHz, we measured a receiver noise temperature of 1916 K.
Increased expression of chemokine KC, an interleukin-8 homologue, in a model of oxygen-induced retinopathy.

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to determine the retinal expression of angiogenic chemokines/cytokines in a mouse model of oxygen-induced retinopathy. Methods: C57BL/6 (B6) mice were exposed to 75% oxygen from postnatal day 7 (P7) to P12 and then recovered in room air. Reverse transcription–polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) was used to determine relative mRNA levels of KC, macrophage inflammatory protein-2 (MIP-2), interleukin-1α (IL-1α), and interferon gamma (IFN-γ). Immunohistochemistry was used to localize KC in the retina. IL-1α was also injected into the vitreous of mouse eyes, and KC expression was examined by RT-PCR, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), and immunohistochemistry. Results: KC expression at both the mRNA and protein levels was increased in P14, P17, and P21 of hyperoxia-injured eyes. KC immunoreactivity was localized along the nerve fiber layer and in radial Muller cell processes. IL-1α mRNA was modestly increased in hyperoxia-injured eyes on P14 and P17. INF-γ mRNA was ...
Natural history of depression in traumatic brain injury.

Abstract Dikmen SS, Bombardier CH, Machamer JE, Fann JR, Temkin NR. Natural history of depression in traumatic brain injury. Arch Phys Med Rehabil 2004;85:1457–64. Objective To examine prospectively the rates, risk factors, and phenomenology of depression over 3 to 5 years after traumatic brain injury (TBI). Design Inception cohort longitudinal study. Setting Level I trauma center. Participants Consecutive admissions of 283 adults with moderate to severe TBI. Interventions Not applicable. Main outcome measure Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression (CES-D) Scale. Results The rates of moderate to severe depression ranged from 31% at 1 month to 17% at 3 to 5 years. With 1 exception, the relation between brain injury severity and depression was negligible. Less than high school education, preinjury unstable work history, and alcohol abuse predicted depression after injury. Examination of CES-D factors indicate that, in addition to somatic symptoms, both depressed affect and lack of positive affect contribute to elevated CES-D scores. Conclusions High rates of depressive symptoms cannot be dismissed on grounds that somatic symptoms related to brain injury are mistaken for depression. Depressed affect and lack of positive affect are also elevated in persons with TBI. Preinjury psychosocial factors are predictive of depression and knowing them should facilitate efforts to detect, prevent, and treat depression after TBI.
Functional genomics of cactus host shifts in Drosophila mojavensis

Understanding the genetic basis of adaptation to novel environments remains one of the major challenges confronting evolutionary biologists. While newly developed genomic approaches hold considerable promise for addressing this overall question, the relevant tools have not often been available in the most ecologically interesting organisms. Our study organism, Drosophila mojavensis, is a cactophilic Sonoran Desert endemic utilizing four different cactus hosts across its geographical range. Its well-known ecology makes it an attractive system in which to study the evolution of gene expression during adaptation. As a cactophile, D. mojavensis oviposits in the necrotic tissues of cacti, therefore exposing larvae and even adults to the varied and toxic compounds of rotting cacti. We have developed a cDNA microarray of D. mojavensis to examine gene expression associated with cactus host use. Using a population from the Baja California population we examined gene expression differences of third instar larvae when reared in two chemically distinct cactus hosts, agria (Stenocereus gummosus, native host) vs. organpipe (Stenocereus thurberi, alternative host). We have observed differential gene expression associated with cactus host use in genes involved in metabolism and detoxification.
Origin of the human L1 elements: Proposed progenitor genes deduced from a consensus DNA sequence

A consensus sequence for the human long interspersed repeated DNA element, L1Hs (LINE or KpnI sequence), is presented. The sequence contains two open reading frames (ORFs) which are homologous to ORFs in corresponding regions of L1 elements in other species. The L1Hs ORFs are separated by a small evolutionarily nonconserved region. The 5' end of the consensus contains frequent terminators in all three reading frames and has a relatively high GC content with numerous stretches of weak homology with AluI repeats. The 5' ORF extends for a minimum of 723 bp (241 codons). The 3' ORF is 3843 bp (1281 codons) and predicts a protein of 149 kD which has regions of weak homology to the polymerase domain of various reverse transcriptases. The 3' end of the consensus has a 208-bp nonconserved region followed by an adenine-rich end. The organization of the L1Hs consensus sequence resembles the structure of eukaryotic mRNAs except for the noncoding region between ORFs. However, due to base substitutions or truncation most elements appear incapable of producing mRNA that can be translated. Our observation that individual elements cluster into subfamilies on the basis of the presence or absence of blocks of sequence, or by the linkage of alternative bases at multiple positions, suggests that most L1 sequences were derived from a small number of structural genes. An estimate of the mammalian L1 substitution rate was derived and used to predict the age of individual human elements. From this it follows that the majority of human L1 sequences have been generated within the last 30 million years. The human elements studied here differ from each other, yet overall the L1Hs sequences demonstrate a pattern of species-specificity when compared to the L1 families of other mammals. Possible mechanisms that may account for the origin and evolution of the L1 family are discussed. These include pseudogene formation (retroposition), transposition, gene conversion, and RNA recombination.
The Role of Economic Development Corporations in Local Economic Development: Evidence From Texas Cities

Since their establishment, city-level economic development corporations in Texas have grown in popularity as an ostensible means of providing for economic development. However, one knows little abo...
Incidence of humoral hypercalcemia of malignancy among hypercalcemic patients with cancer.

Abstract Background Malignancy-associated hypercalcemia (MAHC) is the most common cause of hypercalcemia among hospitalized patients. MAHC can result from the production of parathyroid hormone related peptide (PTHrP) which is known as humoral hypercalcemia of malignancy (HHM). HHM is commonly thought to account for approximately 80% of MAHC. Methods We conducted a 12-year review of PTHrP testing at our institution to establish the prevalence of HHM among patients with MAHC. Results A total of 524 PTHrP immunoassays were performed during the study period of which 470 tests qualified for inclusion in the analysis. Evidence of malignancy was found for 242 of 470 patients (51%). No etiology could be determined for 98 cases of MAHC (40%) and increased PTHrP contributed to 92 cases (38%) of MAHC. Age, race and gender were not associated with HHM. Increased PTHrP was observed at initial malignancy diagnosis in 20% of cases. PTHrP was never increased outside of the context of malignancy. Discussion The prevalence of HHM among patients with MAHC is likely to be lower than previously described.
Is the Ultimate Solution to the Viability of the FLP Discount Technique to be Found in Further Litigation

The latest tax court cases to address the D. A. Kimbel case, decided by the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals on May 20, 2004, which gave new life to Family Limited Partnerships (FLPs) are reviewed as well as the recent appellate decision in the Strangi case. Although clear that Section 2036(a) contains an exception for a bona fide sale for adequate consideration, the form of the FLP investment has been found to be significant in determining whether the FLP conducted a legitimate economic activity or was overwhelmingly testamentary in nature, and therefore not to be respected for transfer tax purposes. The Third and Fifth Circuits have issued opinions that appear to be at odds concerning what is a legitimate business activity for the Section 2036(a) exception. The tax advisor is left to determine when a partnership will be deemed engaged in business transactions sufficient for the bona fide sale for the adequate and full consideration exception to apply. The answer might just depend on what circuit has jurisdiction over the client. The possibility of an attack under Section 2036(a)(2) is the focus of the analysis. Left unresolved by these latest cases is whether the Commissioner is foreclosed from raising Section 2036(a)(2) in circumstances where Section 2036(a)(1) or the bona fide sale exception contained in Section 2036(a) do not apply. Might the better approach be to avoid the courts and take the issue of valuation discounting in the context of an FLP to Congress for a legislative resolution? The success in the codification of the rules regarding grantor retained annuity trusts (GRATS) and grantor retained unitrusts (GRUTS) is referred to as an example.
Cryogenic System and Cryostat Design for the LHC IR Quadrupole Magnets

The LHC interaction region (IR) inner triplet cryostats are under development at Fermilab. The inner triplet consists of four 70 mm aperture superconducting quadrupole magnets manufactured at Fermilab and KEK. These magnets are cooled with pressurized static superfluid helium at 1.9 K which transports the heat to saturated 1.8 K He II via a He II heat exchanger. This paper discusses the requirements for the inner triplet cryostat, development of the cryogenic system, and He II heat exchanger arrangement. Cooldown and quench pressure issues with the external He II heat exchanger are also discussed.
Gedatsu-Kai and Religion in Contemporary Japan: Returning to the Center

Acknowledgments Chapter 1. An Inside Approach to Japanese Religion Chapter 2. Okano Eizo: From Spiritual Crisis to the Founding and Organization of Gedatsu-kai Chapter 3. Who Joins Gedatsu-kai: Life Histories of Individual Members Chapter 4. The Members of Gedatus-kai: Results of Nationwide Survey Chapter 5. Branch Meetings: The Grassroots Basis and Social Activities of Gedatsu-kai Chatper 6. Branches, Divisions, and Headquarters: How Gedatsu-kai Is Organized Chapter 7. Ritual Life: The Round of Religious Activities in Gedatsu-kai Chapter 8. Returning to the Center: Gedatsu-kai, New Religions, and Contemporary Japan Notes Bibliography Index
The reactions of the oxidase and reductases of Paracoccus denitrificans with cytochromes c.

Electron transport in theParacoccus denitrificans respiratory chain system is considerably more rapid when it includes the membrane-bound cytochromec552 than with either solubleParacoccus c550 or bovine cytochromec; a pool function for cytochromec is not necessary. Low concentrations ofParacoccus or bovine cytochromec stimulate the oxidase activity. This observation could explain the multiphasic Scatchard plots which are obtained. A negatively charged area on the “back side” ofParacoccus c which is not present in mitochondrialc could be a control mechanism forParacoccus reactions.Paracoccus oxidase and reductase reactions with bovinec show the same properties as mammalian systems; and this is true ofParacoccus oxidase reactions with its own soluble cytochromec if added polycation masks the negatively charged area. Evidence for different oxidase and reductase reaction sites on cytochromec include: (1) stimulation of the oxidase but not reductase by a polycation; (2) differences in the inhibition of the oxidase and reductases by monoclonal antibodies toParacoccus cytochromec; and (3) reaction of another bacterial cytochromec withParacoccus reductases but not oxidase. Rapid electron transport occurs in cytochromec-less mutants ofParacoccus, suggesting that the reactions result from collision of diffusing complexes.
Program analysis by levels of description

A plan/goal analysis of computer programs is developed and partially tested. This approach combines the ideas of plan analysis and top-down design and provides a principled description of a computer program at increasing levels of specificity. Three types of description were used in a simple debugging task: plan, goal and complete (plan + goal). Subjects were given a buggy program and a description of that program and the time taken to correct the bug was recorded. Contrary to predictions, the plan description was the most useful program documentation for both novice and advanced programmers. It is theorized that while high-level descriptions allow a program's goals to be understood, plans are precisely the information required to debug the implementation of these goals. This plan approach integrates the use of PDL as both a program and a plan description language.
TUDCA Rescues γ-Cell Metabolic Oscillations from ER Stress, Revealed By NAD(P)H-FLIM and FRET

Dysregulation of endoplasmic reticulum (ER) homeostasis contributes to β-cell dysfunction, but it remains unclear how the dynamics of metabolic oscillations are affected. Using both fitting and phasor analyses of NAD(P)H lifetimes, we observed an increase in the lifetime of bound NAD(P)H in islets harvested from ob/ob mice, an in vivo model of obesity and ER stress, relative to wild-type controls. The downstream effects of mitochondrial-driven cellular dynamics were quantified using combinations of FRET biosensors, fluorescent dyes, and genetically-encoded reporters. Analysis of the oscillations revealed that ER stress modulates the dynamics of mitochondrial NAD(P)H and membrane potential (Δψm), ATP/ADP, and cytosolic and ER Ca2+. In ob/ob islets, the β-cell's sensitivity to glucose was fundamentally increased, as evidenced by a ∼3-fold increase in oscillatory plateau fraction and augmented insulin exocytosis. In vivo administration of the chemical ER stress mitigator tauroursodeoxycholic acid (TUDCA) - currently in Phase I Clinical trials - rescued the oscillation dynamics in ob/ob islets by relaxing β-cell glucose sensitivity and reducing baseline levels of cytosolic Ca2+. Reduction of β-cell excitability may improve long term survival in obese animals.
Description of Application on Typical Specification of 110～500kV Substation HV Switchgear

The production and operation conditions of HV switchgear were briefly introduced.It is pointed out the problems of special notice in type selecting according to HV switchgear typical specification.And the suggestions for manufacturer to meet the requirements of the typical specification are given.
Early surgical bypass versus endoscopic stent placement in pancreatic cancer.

Abstract Introduction The optimal treatment for biliary obstruction in pancreatic cancer remains controversial between surgical bypass and endoscopic stenting. Methods Retrospective analysis of unresected pancreatic cancer patients in the Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project Florida State Inpatient and Ambulatory Surgery databases (2007–2011). Propensity score matching by procedure. Primary outcome was reintervention, and secondary outcomes were readmission, overall length of stay (LOS), discharge home, death and cost. Multivariate analyses performed by logistic regression. Results In a matched cohort of 622, 20.3% (63) of endoscopic and 4.5% (14) of surgical patients underwent reintervention (p Discussion Among propensity score-matched patients receiving bypass vs. stenting, readmission and mortality rates are similar. However, candidates for both techniques may experience fewer subsequent procedures if offered early biliary bypass with the caveats of decreased discharge home and increased cost/LOS.
Theoretical Approaches to the Analysis of Individual-Environment Interaction

In the introductory chapter the dichotomy between internal and external determinants of behavior was discussed. Emphasis was placed on the interaction between internal and external determinants in terms of their interdependent character. Thus, the need for a focus on the internal and external units to be employed and on the processes involvedwhat in the organism interacts with what in the environment and how? In this chapter there will be a review of five models for analyzing the process of individual-environment interaction. The five models do not cover all such past efforts in the field. However, they are representative and cover drive (need), cognitive, and behavioral points of view. Indeed, one point of interest is the extent to which the models tend to focus on one or another set of variables to the exclusion of others, as if cognitive, behavioral, and affective activities occurred in isolation from one another. The five models vary in a number of ways: the extent to which they have been formalized or systematized, the extent to which they have evolved out of and have subsequently influenced interactional research, whether the conceptual roots are in psychology or in other fields, and the clarity with which they address the question of how.