cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The role of adenosine A2A receptor signaling in bronchiolitis obliterans.

Background Binding of adenosine to the anti-inflammatory Gs-coupled adenosine 2A receptor (A 2A R) inhibits the activity of most inflammatory cells. Extensive preclinical evidence exists for the use of A 2A R agonists in the prevention of acute ischemia-reperfusion injury. Activation of A 2A Rs on lymphocytes and antigen-presenting cells also attenuates the alloimmune response. Because ischemia-reperfusion injury and alloimmunity are risk factors for the development of bronchiolitis obliterans (BO), the objective of this study was to determine the effect of A 2A R signaling on tracheal rejection in a mouse model of BO. Methods A non-revascularized heterotopic tracheal model across a total alloantigenic mismatch was used to study A 2A R signaling in a mouse model of BO. Tracheal transplants were performed using Balb/c donors into wild-type or A 2A R knockout C57BL/6 recipient mice. Another group of Balb/c transplants into C57BL/6 recipients were also treated with a selective A 2A R agonist. Tracheas were assessed at 3, 7, 12, 21, and 28 days after transplantation by hematoxylin and eosin staining, immunohistochemical staining, and collagen staining. Results Compared with allograft tracheas in wild-type recipients, allografts in A 2A R knockout recipients had increased inflammation and more severe BO development. Recipient wild-type mice treated with a selective A 2A R agonist were significantly protected from lymphocyte infiltration and luminal occlusion, but fibro-obliteration still developed by 28 days after transplantation. Conclusions Endogenous adenosine signals through the A 2A R to attenuate inflammatory and immune factors involved in BO development. Synthetic A 2A R agonists may provide a novel treatment strategy to prevent BO.
Genetic correlation between biomass allocation to male and female functions in a natural population of Ipomopsis aggregata

Genetic correlation between biomass allocation to male and female functions in a natural population of Ipomopsis aggregata
SENSORY PROCESSING AND THE RECOGNITION OF FORMS IN NURSERY-SCHOOL CHILDREN

Recognition of forms under varying sensory input conditions was studied in three groups of pre-school children. One group inspected an object visually while the two other groups were given the additional experience of handling the object either directly or encased in a ball of clear plastic (haptic and manual conditions). Recognition and verbal recall measures were obtained two days later. No differences in verbal recall were observed. In agreement with previous research, performance by the ‘visual only’ group was worse than by the other two groups. Since the recognition by first two groups was equally good, it is suggested that the component underlying haptic facilitation of learning may simply be the amount of concrete activity involved.
Synchronization of cell division in root tips of seven major cereal species for high yields of metaphase chromosomes for flow-cytometric analysis and sorting

Plant tissues that yield large numbers of mitotic cells are useful for cytogenetic analyses and prerequisite to flow-cytometric analysis and sorting of plant chromosomes. Synchronization of cell division in samples from which chromosomes are to be isolated is necessary to ensure high yields of chromosomes. A method developed for synchronizing cell division in root tips ofVicia faba (Dolezel et al., 1992; Lucretti et al., 1993) has been modified, and parameters are presented for the effective synchronization of cell division in root tips ofAvena sativa (oat),Hordeum vulgare (barley),Oryza sativa (rice),Secale cereale (rye),Sorghum bicolor (sorghum),Triticum aestivum (wheat), andZea mays (maize). Optimum parameters for metaphase arrest and collection of chromosomes from synchronized samples are also presented. Using these parameters, the yield and quality of chromosome preparations are appropriate for flow-cytometric characterization and sorting.
Measurement of Fiber Mixing in Yarns

A method based on a modification of the "nearest neighbor" relationship, as used in ecology, is developed for evaluating the extent of mixing of nonhomogeneous fibers in a blended yarn. The evaluation parameter is the degree of randomness in the radial fiber dispersion of a yarn. Simulated cross sections are created for study in such a manner that they feature either randomness or some imposed form of nonrandomness. The procedure for applying the method and the manner of evaluating its results are explained in detail. The method of computation has been programmed so that it can be per formed on a computer.
Performance-Based NDE Personnel Qualifications

This paper establishes an alternative approach for nondestructive examination (NDE) personnel qualification for the boiler and pressure vessel (B&PV) industry. This is the “white paper” developed by the Section XI, Division 2, Task Team, Performance-based NDE Personnel Qualifications. It is anticipated to be the basis for the NDE personnel qualification criteria for the revised Section XI, Division 2, REQUIREMENTS FOR RELIABILITY AND INTEGRITY MANAGEMENT (RIM) PROGRAM FOR NUCLEAR POWER PLANTS that is currently being developed.Based on review of a number of quantitative NDE reliability studies conducted to-date the current deterministic approach to NDE personnel qualification based on such schemes as ASNT SNT-TC-1A, ANSI/ASNT CP-189, EN-473, ISO-9712 and other similar approaches are not as effective as desired. The goal of this document is to present an alternative approach to the deterministic NDE personnel qualification schemes.This paper presents a systematic approach to training together with performance-based tests, psychometrically validated evaluation of knowledge and skills that will improve a NDE candidate’s performance. A majority of traditional employer-based written examinations are not developed or validated psychometrically. The use of third-party psychometrically validated examinations would replace the current practice of employer developed and administered examinations. It improves upon traditional ASNT SNT-TC-1A, ASNT/ANSI CP-189, ISO-9712, etc., requirements by including more comprehensive hands-on practical examinations on a statistically valid set of samples containing flaws representative of those expected to be encounter in shop and field conditions. The sample sets will be designed for either a “general” NDE method, or “limited” technique(s) of a method, or for industry specific sector needs, as applicable.Copyright © 2014 by ASME
A serendipitous discovery that in situ proteolysis is essential for the crystallization of yeast CPSF-100 (Ydh1p).

The cleavage and polyadenylation specificity factor (CPSF) complex is required for the cleavage and polyadenylation of the 3′-end of messenger RNA precursors in eukaryotes. During structural studies of the 100 kDa subunit (CPSF-100, Ydh1p) of the yeast CPSF complex, it was serendipitously discovered that a solution that is infected by a fungus (subsequently identified as Penicillium) is crucial for the crystallization of this protein. Further analyses suggest that the protein has undergone partial proteolysis during crystallization, resulting in the deletion of an internal segment of about 200 highly charged and hydrophilic residues, very likely catalyzed by a protease secreted by the fungus. With the removal of this segment, yeast CPSF-100 (Ydh1p) has greatly reduced solubility and can be crystallized in the presence of a minute amount of precipitant.
The Defense-growth Nexus in the United States Revisited

Despite a large volume of work on the defense-growth relationship in the United States, previous studies have failed to reach a consensus. Part of the explanation of the mixed results may be that various data sets and model designs have been employed. Thus, using an updated (1948-1996) and longer data set, I test several of the more prominent defense-growth models. This research design will eliminate sampling bias and increase reliability of findings. The results of this research design show that defense spending does not have a significant, direct impact on economic growth in the United States. Instead, nonmilitary government expenditures have significant, negative effects on economic growth.
An approach for estimating soil carbon using the National Nutrient Loss Database.

Agricultural lands have the potential to contribute to greenhouse gas mitigation by sequestering organic carbon within the soil. Credible and consistent estimates will be necessary to design programs and policies to encourage management practices that increase carbon sequestration. Because a nationwide survey of soil carbon by the wide range of natural resources and management conditions of the United States is prohibitively expensive, a simulation modeling approach must be used. The National Nutrient Loss Database (NNLD) is a modeling and database system designed and built jointly by the USDA– Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) and Texas A&M University to provide science-based inferences on environmental impacts from changes in agricultural management practices and programs at the regional and national level. Currently, the NNLD simulates 16 crops and covers ∼ 1.35 × 108 ha. For estimating soil carbon sequestration, the database will be populated with ∼ 1.5 × 106 field-level model runs using the EPIC (Environmental Policy Impact Calculator) model, which includes newly incorporated carbon equations consistent with those in the Century model. Each run will represent a unique situation defined by state, crop, climate, soil, irrigation type, conservation practice, tillage system, and nutrient management treatment (nutrient rate, application frequency, application timing, and manure category). Results are to be assigned to specific National Resource Inventory points (NRI) to simulate regional and national baselines. In this article we present the modeling approach and discuss the strengths and limitations.
Microstructure and mechanical properties of as-cast and aged Nb–15 at.% Al–10 at.% Ti, –25 at.% Ti and –40 at.% Ti alloys

Abstract Compression tests have been conducted at 900 °C at a strain rate of 10 −4 s −1 for Nb–15 at.% Al–10 at.% Ti, –25 at.% Ti and –40 at.% Ti alloys in the initial conditions and after aging. The 10Ti and 25Ti alloys were in the as-cast condition, and the 40Ti alloy was in the hot-rolled condition. Specimens were aged for 10 or 100 h at 873 K (600 °C), 1173 K (900 °C) and 1373 K (1100 °C). The microstructures were characterized by optical and scanning electron microscopy. There was a marked increase in strength for all conditions as the Nb content increased. This is attributed not only to solid solution strengthening of the β phase, but also increased volume fraction of the harder Nb 3 Al δ phase. The 40Ti alloy remained a single phase (B2 structure) for all heat treatments, but δ and an unidentified phase (probably O ) was present after testing following aging at 1173 K (900 °C). There was no significant effect of aging on the strength. The 25Ti and 10Ti alloys showed increased strength with increasing aging temperature and time, which correlated to the increased amount of the δ phase.
Products and mechanisms of the reaction of oleic acid with ozone and nitrate radical.

The heterogeneous reactions of deposited, millimeter-sized oleic acid droplets with ozone and nitrate radicals are studied. Attenuated total reflectance infrared spectroscopy (ATR−IR), gas chromatography−mass spectrometry (GC−MS), and liquid chromatography−mass spectrometry (LC−MS) are used for product identification and quantification. The condensed-phase products of the ozonolysis of oleic acid droplets are 1-nonanal (30 ± 3% carbon yield), 9-oxononanoic acid (14 ± 2%), nonanoic acid (7 ± 1%), octanoic acid (1 ± 0.2%), azelaic acid (6 ± 3%), and unidentified products. The infrared spectra show that a major fraction of the unidentified products contain an ester group. Additionally, the mass spectra show that at least some of the unidentified products have molecular weights greater than 1000 amu, which implicates a polymerization reaction. The observed steps of 172 amu (9-oxononanoic acid) and 188 amu (azelaic acid Criegee intermediate) in the mass spectra suggest that these species are the monomers in th...
Inferior vena cavectomy for nonexcisable Wilms' tumor thrombus

Wilms' tumor with tumor extension into the vena cava is a not uncommon variant of tumor presentation. Typically, this extension is nonadherent to the endothelium and readily lends itself to removal either before or after chemotherapy. This case illustrates an unusual variant in which the tumor within the cava was tightly adherent to the venous wall and required the complete excision of the vena cava, left renal vein, and a portion of the iliac system.
Radial growth response of white oak to climate in eastern North America

Predicting forest responses to climate change requires an understanding of the cause–effect relationships linking climate to tree growth. Dendroecological analyses across sites that span climate gr...
Problems and Issues in the Use of Concept Maps in Science Assessment.

The search for new, authentic science assessments of what students know and can do is well under way. This has unearthed measures of students' hands-on performance in carrying out science investigations, and has been expanded to discover more or less direct measures of students' knowledge structures. One potential finding is concept mapping, the focus of this review. A concept map is a graph consisting of nodes representing concepts and labeled lines denoting the relation between a pair of nodes. A student's concept map is interpreted as representing important aspects of the organization of concepts in his or her memory (cognitive structure). In this article we characterize a concept map used as an assessment tool as: (a) a task that elicits evidence bearing on a student's knowledge structure in a domain, (b) a format for the student's response, and (c) a scoring system by which the student's concept map can be evaluated accurately and consistently. Based on this definition, multiple concept-mapping techniques were found from the myriad of task, response format, and scoring system variations identified in the literature. Moreover, little attention has been paid to the reliability and validity of these variations. The review led us to arrive at the following conclusions: (a) an integrative working cognitive theory is needed to begin to limit this variation in concept-mapping techniques for assessment purposes; (b) before concept maps are used for assessment and before map scores are reported to teachers, students, the public, and policy makers, research needs to provide reliability and validity information on the effect of different mapping techniques; and (c) research on students' facility in using concept maps, on training techniques, and on the effect on teaching is needed if concept map assessments are to be used in classrooms and in large-scale accountability systems. © 1996 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Selection for Body Weight at Eight Weeks of Age.15. Feed Passage and Intestinal Size of Normal and Dwarf Chicks

Abstract Comparisons were made of feed passage rates and size of the gastrointestinal tract components among populations of chickens exhibiting wide differences in growth rate. The populations consisted of White Plymouth Rock stocks selected bidirectionally for high and low juvenile body weight. Comparisons included males heterozygous for the sex-linked gene for dwarfism, as well as normal and dwarf males and females. The indigestible marker, ferric oxide, appeared earlier and disappeared later in the excreta of males from the low-weight line than in those from the high-weight line. Results with female chicks were similar, except that line differences in the time to the first appearance in the excreta were not significant. There were no significant differences in feed passage rates due to the dwarf gene. The weights of the crop, gizzard, duodenum, and the total gastrointestinal tract were, when expressed as a percentage of body weight, significantly heavier for male chicks from the low-weight than for those from the high-weight line. Duodenum weights of female chicks from the low-weight line were also significantly larger than those from the high-weight line. Effects of the dwarfing gene on various components of the gastrointestinal tract, when expressed as percentage weights, were not significant with one exception. Dwarf females from the high-weight line had lower duodenum weights than normals while the reverse was true in the low weight line. In general, the proportionately larger intestinal weights appeared to correspond with a slower clearance of feed through the gastrointestinal tract and may be indicative of altered digestive or absorptive functions resulting from selection for growth.
Mechanical bowel preparation or not for elective colorectal surgery.

Abstract Background: Mechanical bowel preparation has been a mainstay in the management of patients undergoing elective colorectal surgery, but in recent years, this practice has been challenged; and a number of clinical reports have demonstrated no benefit, as judged by reduction of surgical site infections. This paper presents the advantages and disadvantages of mechanical bowel preparation. Methods: Review of the pertinent English language literature. Results: Some published studies support omission of mechanical preparation of the colon prior to elective colo-rectal surgery. However, the evidence is not definitive, in that the most rigorous study performed to date, a large, randomized trial, is non-confirmatory. Conclusions: Additional stratified studies of different mechanical bowel preparation methods, compared with no preparation, are required to address whether the practice should be abandoned.
Mapping genomic library clones using oligonucleotide arrays

We have developed a high-density DNA probe array and accompanying biochemical and informatic methods to order clones from genomic libraries. This approach involves a series of enzymatic steps for capturing a set of short dispersed sequence markers scattered throughout a high-molecular-weight DNA. By this process, all the ambiguous sequences lying adjacent to a given Type IIS restriction site are ligated between two DNA adapters. These markers, once amplified and labeled by PCR, can be hybridized and detected on a high-density oligonucleotide array bearing probes complementary to all possible markers. The array is synthesized using light-directed combinatorial chemistry. For each clone in a genomic library, a characteristic set of sequence markers can be determined. On the basis of the similarity between the marker sets for each pair of clones, their relative overlap can be measured. The library can be sequentially ordered into a contig map using this overlap information. This new methodology does not require gel-based methods or prior sequence information and involves manipulations that should allow for easy adaptation to automated processing and data collection.
Effect of deprivation level on responses to novel alleys in albino rats

After learning to run an L-shaped alley for sucrose solution, male albino rats were presented novel alleys (N-alleys) in the same and opposite direction as the goal turn-off alley. Moderately water deprived Ss (MOD group) entered both types of N-alleys more frequently than highly deprived Ss (HI group). MODs also showed the typical exploration gradient, of entering alleys nearest the start box more frequently than those nearer to the goal. HIs, however, entered an N-alley on the goal side most frequently when it was nearest the goal. The results were interpreted as based on combined goal anticipatory and exploratory behavior.
Determinants of Market Competitiveness in an Environmentally Sustainable Tourism Industry

This article introduces a detailed new model of competitiveness that focuses on environmental sustainability factors associated with travel destinations. The multiplicity of industries involved in destinations' planning and development requires the use of a competitiveness model that examines the relationships among all stakeholders involved in creating and integrating value-added products to sustain resources while maintaining market position relative to other competitors. The development of future destinations must be guided by effective and efficient management with a focus on sustainable customer base. Thus, destination management should focus on a systematic examination of unique comparative advantages that provide a special long-term appeal to the target travel customer segments. Therefore, sustaining the longevity of a given destination becomes a function of responding to market demand and competitive challenges. It is critical for future destination development plans to be compatible with market n...
Relationships among Young Children's Aural Perception, Listening Condition, and Accurate Reading of Graphic Listening Maps

The purpose of our study was to explore relationships among children's aural perception, music listening condition, and the accuracy of children's reading of listening maps. The aural discriminatio...
Comparing field- and model-based standing dead tree carbon stock estimates across forests of the US

Summary As signatories to the United Nation Framework Convention on Climate Change, the US has been estimating standing dead tree (SDT) carbon (C) stocks using a model based on live tree attributes. The USDA Forest Service began sampling SDTs nationwide in 1999. With comprehensive field data now available, the objective of this study was to compare field- and model-based estimates of SDT C stocks across the US to evaluate potential directions for improving National Greenhouse Gas Inventory (NGHGI) reporting and C dynamics research. Field inventory data indicated that most forests have relatively little SDT C stocks ( 25 Mg/ha) are infrequent. Models used for past NGHGIs to predict SDT C stocks do not accurately reflect what was observed in inventory plots, resulting in an overestimation (~100 per cent) of SDT C stocks at the national scale. These results indicate that the current estimate of the Nation’s total forest C stock is overestimated by ~4.2 per cent due to overestimation of SDT C stocks that are a relatively small component of the total forest C stock. A field-based approach is suggested for use in future C reporting efforts to reduce estimation bias.
Simulating Burr Type VII Distributions through the Method of -moments and -correlations

Burr Type VII, a one-parameter non-normal distribution, is among the less studied distributions, especially, in the contexts of statistical modeling and simulation studies. The main purpose of this study is to introduce a methodology for simulating univariate and multivariate Burr Type VII distributions through the method of �� -moments and �� -correlations. The methodology can be applied in statistical modeling of events in a variety of applied mathematical contexts and Monte Carlo simulation studies. Numerical examples are provided to demonstrate that �� -moment-based Burr Type VII distributions are superior to their conventional moment-based analogs in terms of distribution fitting and estimation. Simulation results presented in this study also demonstrate that the estimates of �� -skew, �� -kurtosis, and �� -correlation are substantially superior to their conventional product-moment based counterparts of skew, kurtosis, and Pearson correlation in
Body-fixed Orientation Sensors for Trunk Motion Sensing

Awkward trunk postures and dynamic trunk movements are associated with increased risk of low back disorders (LBDs). Recent advancements in computing and micro-electromechanical systems (MEMS) technology have resulted in high precision, compact, and relatively inexpensive commercial orientation sensors that address the workplace usage limitations of the most common kinematics measurement methods (video analysis, magnetic field sensors, and electrogoniometers). The purpose of this study is to review the available body-fixed orientation sensing technology for its use in ergonomics research and practice. A laboratory study of a custom MEMS accelerometer-based inclinometer highlights issues of axial orientation, vibration, and non-gravitational acceleration that affect orientation results from basic inclinometers. Techniques are presented for correcting for such issues in advanced sensors using computational methods and combinations of MEMS accelerometers, gyroscopes, and/or magnetometers. Body-fixed orientati...
Effects of Simulation to Teach Students With Disabilities Basic Finance Skills

This study used a multiple probe design across participants to examine the effects of classroom simulation using static picture prompts to teach students to make a purchase using a debit card and track expenses by subtracting purchase amounts and adding deposits into a check register. Results demonstrated a functional relation between simulated instruction and students’ ability to complete a 20-step task analysis of debit card use and expense and deposit tracking in a check register. Students were able to generalize purchasing skills to new community settings up to 5 weeks after intervention. Implications for practice and recommendations for future research are described.
An object-oriented design for adaptive filter performance comparisons

Advancement of digital signal processing (DSP) algorithms have afforded a wealth of adaptive filtering options while advancements in software has lead to the C++ language and the object-oriented generation of programming. The advantages of object-oriented programming (OOP) over conventional structured programming are reviewed, differences between selected adaptive filters are discussed and a C++ program used for performance comparisons of these filters is presented. >
Stromal-epithelial interactions in the progression of ovarian cancer: influence and source of tumor stromal cells.

Abstract Stromal cells are essential for the progression of many cancers including ovarian tumors. Stromal cell-epithelial cell interactions are important for tumor development, growth, angiogenesis, and metastasis. In the current study, the effects of normal ovarian bovine stromal cells on ovarian tumor progression was investigated. The hypothesis tested is that ovarian stromal cells will alter the onset and progression of ovarian tumors. Conditioned medium from normal bovine ovarian surface stromal cells was found to stimulate the growth of normal ovarian surface epithelium and had no effect on the growth of human tumor cell lines SKOV3 and OCC1. Human ovarian cancer cell lines, SKOV3 and OCC1, were injected subcutaneously into nude mice to examine tumor progression. Tumor growth in the nude mice was dramatically reduced when normal ovarian surface stromal cells were co-injected with SKOV3 or OCC1 cells. Similar results were obtained with normal bovine or human ovarian stromal cells. In contrast, irrelevant testicular stromal cells and epithelial cells had no effect on tumor growth in the nude mouse. Histological examination of these tumors revealed a characteristic stromal cell component adjacent to epithelial cell colonies. Sections of these tumors were hybridized with species specific genomic probes using fluorescence in situ hybridization to identify cell populations. Epithelial cells were shown to be of human origin (i.e. SKOV3 or OCC1), but stromal cells were found to be primarily murine in origin (i.e. host tissue). No detectable bovine cells were observed in the tumors after one week post-injection. Results suggest that stromal cells are an essential component of ovarian tumors. Interestingly, normal ovarian stromal cells had the ability to inhibit tumor growth, but were not able to survive long-term incubation at the tumor site. The developing tumor appears to recruit host (i.e. murine) stromal cells to invade the tumor and support its growth. In summary, normal ovarian stromal cells can inhibit ovarian tumor progression and the developing tumors recruit adjacent host stroma to become “tumor stroma”. The tumor stroma likely develop an altered phenotype that cooperates with the tumorigenic epithelial cells to help promote the progression of ovarian cancer.
Exploring the Dynamics of the End-User Environment: The Impact of Education and Task Differences on Change

Myriads of researchers have investigated the link between information system use and end-user satisfaction. In spite of the proliferation of such research, many questions remain. This study explores the end-user environment by studying motivation and satisfaction of computer users over a 6-month interval. The Job Diagnostic Survey (JDS), designed by Hackman and Oldham, was employed to measure job core characteristics of 44 computer end-users. Scores were compared those of an earlier survey administered within the same organizations. We find that differences in perceived job motivation can be traced to task and education. Furthermore, we conclude that the type of educational program offered by organizations is vital to information system satisfaction.
Zinc Supplementation in Children Is Not Associated with Decreases in Hemoglobin Concentrations

Zinc supplementation has proven beneficial in the treatment of acute child diarrhea and appears to enhance linear growth. There is a theoretical risk of anemia in zinc-supplemented children due to inhibited iron transport via decreased copper absorption. Although many zinc supplementation trials have included hematological measures, the potential effect of zinc on these outcomes has not been quantitatively evaluated in a comprehensive review. We performed a systematic review of randomized trials that examined the effect of zinc supplementation on hemoglobin concentrations in apparently healthy children ages 0-15 y and conducted a random effects meta-analysis of weighted mean differences (WMD) of change in hemoglobin concentrations before and after supplementation. Twenty-one randomized, controlled trials representing 3869 participants were included in the meta-analysis. The duration of treatment ranged from 4 to 15 mo; doses were typically 10-20 mg/d. Zinc supplementation did not affect changes in hemoglobin concentrations (pooled WMD: 0.8 g/L; 95% CI: -0.6, 2.2; P = 0.27). There was no evidence for effect modification by age, zinc dosage, duration of treatment, type of control, baseline hemoglobin status, geographical or healthcare setting, or quality of the studies. These results suggest that zinc supplementation at doses typically used in randomized trials is a safe intervention with regards to hemoglobin concentrations. Some benefits might exist among children with severe anemia or zinc deficiency, which warrant further evaluation.
Biological basis of neuroprotection and neurotherapeutic effects of Whole Body Periodic Acceleration (pGz)

Exercise is a well known neuroprotective and neurotherapeutic strategy in animal models and humans with brain injury and cognitive dysfunction. In part, exercise induced beneficial effects relate to endothelial derived nitric oxide (eNO) production and induction of the neurotrophins; Brain Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF) and Glial Derived Neurotrophic Factor (GDNF). Whole Body Periodic Acceleration (WBPA (pGz), is the motion of the supine body headward to footward in a sinusoidal fashion, at frequencies of 100–160 cycles/min, inducing pulsatile shear stress to the vascular endothelium. WBPA (pGz) increases eNO in the cardiovascular system in animal models and humans. We hypothesized that WBPA (pGz) has neuroprotective and neurotherapeutic effects due to enhancement of biological pathways that include eNOS, BDNF and GDNF. We discuss protein expression analysis of these in brain of rodents. Animal and observational human data affirm a neuroprotective and neurotherapeutic role for WBPA (pGz). These findings suggest that WBPA (pGz) in addition to its well known beneficial cardiovascular effects can be a simple non-invasive neuroprotective and neurotherapeutic strategy with far reaching health benefits.
Transcriptional ontogeny of the developing liver

During embryogenesis the liver is derived from endodermal cells lining the digestive tract. These endodermal progenitor cells contribute to forming the parenchyma of a number of organs including the liver and pancreas. Early in organogenesis the fetal liver is populated by hematopoietic stem cells, the source for a number of blood cells including nucleated erythrocytes. A comprehensive analysis of the transcriptional changes that occur during the early stages of development to adulthood in the liver was carried out. We characterized gene expression changes in the developing mouse liver at gestational days (GD) 11.5, 12.5, 13.5, 14.5, 16.5, and 19 and in the neonate (postnatal day (PND) 7 and 32) compared to that in the adult liver (PND67) using full-genome microarrays. The fetal liver, and to a lesser extent the neonatal liver, exhibited dramatic differences in gene expression compared to adults. Canonical pathway analysis of the fetal liver signature demonstrated increases in functions important in cell replication and DNA fidelity whereas most metabolic pathways of intermediary metabolism were under expressed. Comparison of the dataset to a number of previously published microarray datasets revealed 1) a striking similarity between the fetal liver and that of the pancreas in both mice and humans, 2) a nucleated erythrocyte signature in the fetus and 3) under expression of most xenobiotic metabolism genes throughout development, with the exception of a number of transporters associated with either hematopoietic cells or cell proliferation in hepatocytes. Overall, these findings reveal the complexity of gene expression changes during liver development and maturation, and provide a foundation to predict responses to chemical and drug exposure as a function of early life-stages.
Risk factors for alcohol misuse: examining heart rate reactivity to alcohol, alcohol sensitivity, and personality constructs.

Objective: Heart rate reactivity to alcohol has been conceptualized as an index of alcohol-induced reward and has been associated with a sensation seeking personality profile. The goal of this study is to expand on previous findings regarding the significance of heart rate reactivity to alcohol while examining convergent lines of research on alcohol sensitivity, the rewarding effects of alcohol, and personality constructs. Methods: Participants (N=47) were heavy drinkers who completed an intravenous alcohol challenge protocol. Results: Analyses revealed a significant negative relationship between heart rate reactivity and alcohol-induced sedation and subjective intoxication. Heart rate reactivity was positively related to self-reported alcohol-induced vigor and to impulsivity and sensation seeking scores. Conclusions: Taken together, these results suggest that individuals with heightened heart rate reactivity to alcohol appear to be more sensitive to the invigorating properties of alcohol, while being less sensitive to the sedative and unpleasant effects of alcohol intoxication. These findings have implications to the conceptualization of heart rate reactivity to alcohol as a biobehavioral marker of alcohol sensitivity.
Is tenderness a basic emotion

The article presents the case to consider tenderness a basic emotion, using the criteria proposed by Ekman (in Handbook of cognition and emotion, Wiley, England, 1999). The first part of the article reviews the relationship between tenderness and the related concepts of love and empathy. The next section reviews evidence concerning whether tenderness meets some of Ekman’s criteria. The last section reports an experiment testing whether tenderness meets Ekman’s criterion of distinct subjective experience. Participants watched scenes designed to induce different emotions. Results showed that a scene could induce high levels of tenderness and low levels of joy if that scene also induced high levels of sadness. These results suggest that the subjective experience of tenderness is distinct from that of joy.
Runx1 Binds Positive Transcription Elongation Factor b and Represses Transcriptional Elongation by RNA Polymerase II: Possible Mechanism of CD4 Silencing

Runx1 binds the silencer and represses CD4 transcription in immature thymocytes. In this study, we found that Runx1 inhibits P-TEFb, which contains CycT1, CycT2, or CycK and Cdk9 and stimulates transcriptional elongation by RNA polymerase II (RNAPII) in eukaryotic cells. Indeed, its inhibitory domain, spanning positions 371 to 411, not only bound CycT1 but was required for silencing CD4 transcription in vivo. Our chromatin immunoprecipitation assays revealed that Runx1 inhibits the elongation but not initiation of transcription and that RNAPII is engaged at the CD4 promoter but is unable to elongate in CD4(-) CD8(+) thymoma cells. These results suggest that active repression by Runx1 occurs by blocking the elongation by RNAPII, which may contribute to CD4 silencing during T-cell development.
Analysis of Computer-Mediated Communication: Using Formal Concept Analysis as a Visualizing Methodology:

Computer-Mediated Communication (CMC) is used in different contexts such as business, non-profit organizations, and education and uses different tools such as computer conferencing, e-mail, and groupware. However, it is apparent that the field of CMC lacks established methodologies to analyze the phenomena. This article introduces the use of Formal Concept Analysis (FCA) as a methodology to visualize the data in CMC. FCA is based on a mathematical lattice theory and offers visual maps (graphs) with conceptual hierarchies. Combined with content analysis, FCA is proposed to be a potential method for the analysis of CMC. In this study, three categories (social, cognitive, and metacognitive) from Henri’s (1992) model for CMC content analysis were applied to FCA after a previous study used a contentanalysis method based on Henri’s model to convert the data from a computer conference. The purpose of this article is to provide an example of the application of FCA to CMC and to argue for its potential use for analyzing on-line discourse. Although this article specifically addresses issues related to analyzing data in CMC for education, the methodology is applicable to the analysis of CMC for different purposes.
Age effects on tinnitus and hearing loss in CBA/CaJ mice following sound exposure

Tinnitus is a maladaptive neuropathic condition that develops in humans and laboratory animals following auditory insult. In our previous study we demonstrated that sound exposure leads to development of behavioral evidence of tinnitus in a sample of exposed mice. However, this tinnitus mouse model did not account for long-term maladaptive plasticity or aging, factors that are commonly linked to the human tinnitus population. Therefore the same group of mice was monitored for tinnitus for 360 days post exposure. Tinnitus was assessed behaviorally by measuring gap-induced pre-pulse suppression of the acoustic startle (GPIAS). Cochlear histology was performed on both control (unexposed) and experimental mice to determine whether sound exposure caused any evident cochlear damage. We found that 360 days after exposure the vast majority of exposed mice exhibited similar gap detection deficits as detected at 84 days post exposure. These mice did not demonstrate significant loss of inner/outer hair cells or spiral ganglion neurons compared to the control sample. Lastly, we demonstrated that GPIAS deficits observed in exposed animals were unlikely exclusively caused by cochlear damage, but could be a result of central auditory maladaptive plasticity. We conclude that CBA/CaJ mice can be considered a good animal model to study the possible contribution of age effects on tinnitus development following auditory insult.
Browns Ferry nuclear power-plant fire on March 22, 1975

A review is presented of the March 22, 1975, fire at the Browns Ferry nuclear power plant. The fire originated in the electrical cable trays and burned for 7 hr before it was extinguished by water. The use of water was delayed until the reactors were in a stable shutdown condition because of the possibility of shorting circuits, which might have caused further degradation of conditions that would have been more difficult to control. However, when water was authorized, the fire was quickly extinguished. The fire-fighting efforts and the damage caused by the fire are described. The loss of electrical power and control circuits resulted in the unavailability of emergency core-cooling systems and hampered efforts to provide normal cooling to the reactor fuel. The availability of alternate cooling methods is reviewed, the efforts to maintain cooling of the reactor fuel are discussed, and the basic reasons for the common-mode failures are described. Assessments of the fire were made by three groups in the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC), as well as by an independent insurance group. Some of the details of these assessments are presented, in particular, some deficiencies that the NRC Office of Inspection and Enforcement found during itsmore » investigation and some of the lessons learned from the events as determined by the NRC Special Review Group.« less
A Review of “Will of a People: A Critical Anthology of Great African American Speeches”

A perusal of the 22 speeches anthologized in Will of a People might provoke scholars of rhetoric, public address, and African American oratory to dismiss it as another volume of well-worn and oft-s...
Renal cell carcinoma: diagnosis and relevance of newly described subtypes

Since the modern classification scheme for renal cell carcinoma was established in 1998, new subtypes have been recognised. These include MITF family translocation renal cell carcinoma (e.g., Xp11/TFE3), low-grade tubulocystic carcinoma, mucinous tubular and spindled carcinoma, clear cell-papillary carcinoma, and specific subtypes associated with end-stage kidney disease. We will discuss diagnostic criteria for each entity with emphasis on distinction from more common subtypes based on morphology and adjunctive studies such as immunohistochemistry and FISH. We will also discuss the clinical relevance of these distinctions with regard to prognosis and targeted therapy.
Effect of Intragastric Hypertonic Glucose Loads on AC Brain Resistance in Rats.

SummaryRats with chronic implanted platinum black electrodes were used to evaluate the effect of various solutions on brain resistance. Intragastric or intraperitoneal loads of water, hypertonic glucose, sucrose, and NaCl, alone or in various combinations were tested. Intraperitoneal sucrose and intragastric NaCl decreased AC resistance, as would be expected from their known osmotic effects in causing shifts of water from the extracellular compartment. Hypertonic glucose loads did not decrease resistance but were equivalent to water loads in their effects because of rapid absorption and cellular utilization. These results are in agreement with previous behavioral studies in showing that ingested hypertonic glucose does not dehydrate the animal and that current notions about the importance of the colligative properties of ingested glucose in controlling food intake are inadequate.
The effect of altered lighting hours in the rats of growth and development on depression-related behaviors in adult rats

Objective: It is said that shorter daily lighting time and longer lighting time would affect Hamsters' depressive measurements in behavioral test,and we also would like to determine how the time affect rats' depressive measurements.Methods: Fifty 5-week-old male Sprague-Dawley(SD) rats were divided into five groups.Before these groups were treated with normal lighting hours for one week,they were treated with different daily lighting hours for eight weeks..Before and after the light reverted,determining their depression degree through forced swimming test and determining their learning and memory ability via Y-maze test.Results:Prolonging lighting hours made Rats' movement(climbling and swimming) time shorter and the immobility time longer,and the total frequency,the error frequency and the cumulative time in learning and memory all increased significantly,vice versa.And althrough these changes were reverted a little after normal lighting for a week,they can't revert to normal level.Conclusion: Prolonging lighting hours would cause depression-related behaviors such as less movements and descent of learning and memory ability in rats,which suggests that altered lighting hours is an important factor to affect rats' emotion,and the effects couldn't be eliminated by short normal lighting.
F. Y. Edgeworth on J. M. Keynes' A Treatise on Probability: The Mind and Journal of the Royal Statistical Society Reviews

Edgeworth's two reviews of the A Treatise on Probability, in Mind and The Journal of the Royal Statistical Society, demonstrated an understanding of many of the topics of Keynes' approach that was not achieved by any other reviewer, including the reviews made by B. Russell and C. D. Broad.Edgeworth covered and understood that interval valued probability was the most general representation of the probability relation for Keynes, that the weight of the evidence, was opposed to the weight of the argument, V, was an important breakthrough, along with Keynes' conventional coefficient of weight and risk, c.He recognized the connection between the "finite probabilities" of part III of the TP and interval valued probability, as well as the connection between them and Keynes' concepts of intuition, the logic of similarity-dissimilarity, resemblances, pattern recognition, and analogy. He understood the importance of being able to apply Chebyshev's Inequality in areas where Keynes had raised concerns about the effectiveness of the standard approach. Edgeworth's review is vastly superior to the reviews of Ronald Fisher and Arne Fisher, as well as to the reviews of E. Wilson, R. Pearl, or H. Jefferys.
Kinetic master equation modeling of an artificial protein pump

Biological ion channels and pumps have inspired many efforts to generate artificial counterparts due to their fundamental importance and practical applications. Recent work by Hinds et al. (Adv. Funct. Mater. 2014, 24, 4317–4323) demonstrated a selective protein pump based on an artificial nanopore in which the pump cycles are based on selective binding and release of His-tagged GFP protein ions to a NTA–Ni2+ transition metal complex. In this work, a kinetic master equation method is presented to model this pump and to establish the origin of the variation of selectivity with concentration of imidazole that is involved in the release mechanism. A two-site model with multiple species of proteins is used to mimic the pump mechanism under nonequilibrium conditions. Numerical simulation qualitatively reproduces the experimental selectivity, and uncovers essential ingredients of the pump mechanism. In addition, the binding mechanism between His-tags and NTA–Ni2+ is investigated using molecular dynamics simulat...
FTA Trade Provisions

This chapter lists and discuses the types and variations of environmental provisions contained in regional and bilateral free-trade agreements that have been negotiated in the years since NAFTA. Both will be referred to as free trade agreements (FTA) with RTA reserved for regional agreements — that is, those involving three or more countries in a specific geographic area. These provisions vary widely, from as little as a line or two in the preamble or an objective, inclusion as an exception to prohibited trade restrictions, provisions in one or more chapters or sections of the agreement (such as the investment chapter), a separate environmental chapter, or a separate environmental agreement that accompanies the trade agreement. The content of this chapter is based on analyses of FTAs in publications by Chaytor (2009), Colyer (2003a and b, 2004, 2006a, 2008, 2010), the OECD (2007), Less and Kim (2008), Less and Gigli (2008), Gigli (2009), Gallagher and Serrat (2010) and Bourgeois et al. (2007), as well as the several FTAs with environmental provisions and other relevant references. More detailed information on the various types of provisions and their respective FTAs are given in Chapters 7–10. Quotes from specific trade agreements are taken from the agreements available through the WTO’s RTA database or the OAS’s SICE database.