cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Chemosensitivity testing: a critical review.

AbstractBilirubin fractions are measured by (1) the direct diazo reaction, (2) high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), (3) direct spectrophotometry, and (4) enzymatic methods. HPLC, which effects separation and quantitation of the four bilirubin fractions, is the method of choice, but impractical for routine use. A special application of direct spectrophotometry allows the measurement of unconjugated bilirubin and the sum of bilirubin conjugates. This approach, which provides essentially the same information as HPLC, unfortunately is available only in one clinical analyzer. The direct diazo reaction measures bilirubin conjugates plus δ-bilirubin, albeit not very accurately. Direct diazo methods that measure unconjugated bilirubin as direct could obscure the clinical diagnosis. At acid pH, enzymatic methods measure all direct reacting bilirubins, while at pH 10 only conjugated bilirubins are measured. Because the measurement of conjugated bilirubins is clearly more helpful than that of direct biliru...
Sample size calculation for microarray experiments with blocked one-way design

One of the main objectives of microarray analysis is to identify differentially expressed genes for different types of cells or treatments. Many statistical methods have been proposed to assess the treatment effects in microarray experiments. In this paper, we consider discovery of the genes that are differentially expressed among K (> 2) treatments when each set of K arrays consists of a block. In this case, the array data among K treatments tend to be correlated because of block effect. We propose to use the blocked one-way ANOVA F-statistic to test if each gene is differentially expressed among K treatments. The marginal p-values are calculated using a permutation method accounting for the block effect, adjusting for the multiplicity of the testing procedure by controlling the false discovery rate (FDR). We propose a sample size calculation method for microarray experiments with a blocked one-way design. With FDR level and effect sizes of genes specified, our formula provides a sample size for a given number of true discoveries. The calculated sample size is shown via simulations to provide an accurate number of true discoveries while controlling the FDR at the desired level.
Response to inadequate dialysis in chronic peritoneal dialysis patients. Results from the 2000 Centers for Medicare and Medicaid (CMS) ESRD Peritoneal Dialysis Clinical Performance Measures (PD-CPM) Project.

Abstract Background: It is not known if patient prescriptions are being changed if patients are receiving an inadequate dose of peritoneal dialysis. Methods: Data from the 2000 Centers for Medicare and Medicaid were used to obtain data on dialysis adequacy and dialysis prescriptions.Results: A total of 359 of 1,268 (28%) adult peritoneal dialysis patients had a total weekly Kt/V urea (twKt/V) less than 2.0 and 436 of 1,245 (35%) patients had a total weekly creatinine clearance (twCrCl) less than 60 L/wk/1.73 m 2 , defined as "inadequate dialysis." Among chronic ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD) patients, 81 of 188 (43%) patients had inadequate dialysis and a change in the peritoneal dialysis prescription within 6 months of the initial adequacy value. Among cycler patients, 106 of 197 (54%) patients had inadequate dialysis and a change in the prescription. Thirty-six of 46 (78%) CAPD patients and 48 of 56 (86%) cycler patients had an improvement in twKt/V after the prescription was revised. Thirty-two of 42 (76%) CAPD patients and 45 of 57 (79%) cycler patients had an improvement in twCrCl after the prescription was changed. For these patients, twKt/V increased from 1.6 ± 0.3 to 2.1 ± 0.5, with an increase in the peritoneal Kt/V urea from 1.5 ± 0.3 to 1.9 ± 0.4. Similarly, twCrCl increased from 46.3 ± 7.5 to 59.1 ± 10.6 L/wk/1.73 m 2 with an increase in the peritoneal CrCl dose from 42.0 ± 9.1 to 52.7 ± 9.9 L/wk/1.73 m 2 . Conclusion: About half of peritoneal dialysis patients with inadequate dialysis did not have a prescription change and could benefit from modifications in their dialysis prescription.
Regulation of food intake in ruminants. 2. Rations varying in energy concentration and physical form.

Abstract Eight rations varying in physical form and energy concentration were fed to 12 Holstein heifers in a partially balanced incomplete block design. Total ration dry matter intake was increased when pelleted corn was fed with long-oat straw and long-alfalfa hay compared to the roughages fed alone. Grinding of the oat straw decreased intake, whereas grinding and pelleting of the alfalfa hay increased consumption. Pelleted rations composed of 50% roughage and 50% corn resulted in higher digestible energy intake than the corresponding ground or pelleted roughages. Addition of corn to the roughage diets increased dry matter digestibility, decreased the digestibility of cellulose, and increased rumen retention time for the roughage part of the diet. Gastrointestinal tract fill increased as dry matter intake increased. The data indicated that a more accurate method of estimating the space-occupying characteristics of a feed is needed, to verify the bulk or rumen load theory of food intake regulation in ruminants.
Neurodevelopmental long-term outcome in children after hemolytic uremic syndrome

Background To investigate the long-term neurodevelopmental outcome in children after hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS) and to compare outcome dependent on central nervous system (CNS) involvement during HUS.
GEM and the light unflavored non-scalar mesons

Abstract In a recent article in The Journal of Interdisciplinary Mathematics (Vol. 10 (2007), No. 6, p.727) three series of light unflavored non-scalar mesons were identified as to their structural similarity based on a mathematical modeling framework which analogized light non-scalar mesons to the resonance phenomenon in the series, inductor-resistor-capacitor network picture. Said series comprise the following objects: (1) The ρ-series contains the “odd-ρ” and “even f” mesons, where “odd” or “even” refers to the total angular momentum (J) associated with the given resonance state. (In the present work “total angular momentum, J”, will be designated as “spin, S”.) The individual members of the ρ-series considered below are the ρ(770) , the f2 (1270) , the ρ3 (1690) , and the f4 (2050). (2) The φ-series contains the “odd φ ” and “even f ’ ” mesons; (3) the ω-series contains the “odd ω” and “even a” mesons. Also, in a number of recent articles the Gluon Emission Model (GEM) has been applied to the sum tota...
Normative Trends in Children's Perceptions of Availability and Utilization of Attachment Figures in Middle Childhood.

Two studies addressed the normative aspects of attachments to mothers and fathers in middle childhood. Using both cross-sectional and longitudinal comparisons, we tested the hypothesis that children show no changes in perceptions of availability of attachment figures across the later middle childhood years, but do utilize attachment figures less at older ages. The first study included a cross-sectional comparison of third and sixth graders, and the second study was a follow-up on the third graders when they were in fifth grade. Both studies suggested a decline in utilization, but not in perceptions of availability of attachment figures within the later middle childhood years. Study 1 also demonstrated that children turn to parents to meet attachment needs, and peers to meet companionship needs. Study 2 examined individual differences in attachment by exploring how changes in attachment to mothers from third to fifth grade were related to children's social adjustment at fifth grade. Increases in perceptions of availability forecast better emotional and behavioral regulation at fifth grade. Changes in utilization of attachment figures showed both linear and nonlinear relations to regulation.
A non-oscillatory method for spallation studies

This paper introduces a non-oscillatory method, the finite element flux-corrected transport (FE-FCT) method for spallation studies. This method includes the implementation of a one-dimensional FCT algorithm into a total Lagrangian finite element method. Consequently, the FE-FCT method can efficiently eliminate fluctuations behind shock wave fronts without smearing them. In multidimensional simulations, the one-dimensional FCT algorithm is used on each grid line of the structured meshes to correct the corresponding component of nodal velocities separately. The requirement of structured meshes is satisfied by using an implicit function so that arbitrary boundaries of the simulated object can be described. In this paper, the proposed FE-FCT method is applied in spallation studies. One- and two-dimensional examples show this non-oscillatory method could be one of the candidates to accurately predict spallation and the spall thickness. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Control of Y1Ba2Cu3Ox microstructures by polymer-metal-complex precursor synthesis

Single phase Y1Ba2Cu3Ox material (1,2,3-compound) have been synthesized from polymer-metal-complex (PMC) precursor between 860 and 950°C using a reaction time as short as 0.5 h. The morphology of the films and of fibers prepared by this process have been investigated. At low calcination temperatures the material is comprised of submicron grains, which are extensively interconnected forming a natural percolation network. Nodules with outgrowths are formed at intermediate temperatures; oblong shaped discs are obtained at high temperatures. The size and shape of grains are remarkably uniform in a given preparation; the former increases monotonically with the increase of calcination temperature. The 1,2,3-compounds produced are pure according to x-ray; they possess good superconducting properties (Tc (midpoint) = 90.6 K; ΔTc (90%-10% resistivity) < 1 K) as prepared. Similar control of grain size and microstructure has been achieved for fibers of the 1,2,3-compound, the mechanical strength of which is inversely related to grain size. Pure Y2Ba1Cu2O5 has also been prepared by the precursor method. X-ray diffraction gave unit cell dimension of a = 12.18 A, b = 5.66 A and c = 7.13 A belong to Pnma or P space group.
Deprivation, delay of reinforcement, and the selection of behavioural strategies

Abstract Thirty-two rats with different histories of water deprivation were tested at different levels of present water deprivation in a choice condition: they had to choose between a small water reinforcement delayed a short period of time and a large water reinforcement delayed a longer period of time. The animals expressed a greater preference for the larger, more delayed reinforcement when they were either presently deprived of water or had a past history of water deprivation. The results are discussed in the context of present ecological models and the conditions during which animals would be expected to behave according to those models.
Assessing the Role of Gender Rejection Sensitivity, Identity, and Support on the Academic Engagement of Women in Nontraditional Fields using Experience Sampling Methods

Efforts to understand and alleviate the pervasive underrepresentation of women in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields may benefit from the utilization of research methodologies that can model STEM engagement from multiple levels of analysis. We discuss the utility of experience sampling methodology (ESM) in capturing this broad range of factors that contribute to women's success and engagement in STEM fields—as well as other fields in which women have historically been underrepresented—with special focus on the importance of identity, social support, and gender-based rejection. We propose that the use of ESM may provide fine-grained details of women's STEM experiences, and thus model the challenges they face in STEM fields. The advantages of using ESM for capturing repeated measures of affect and behavior, the use of electronic methods of data collection, and the use of ESM to administer interventions are discussed.
Three-Dimensional Ultrasound Imaging Model of Mitral Valve Regurgitation: Design and Evaluation

We describe the development of a cardiac flow model and imaging chamber to permit Doppler assessment of complex and dynamic flow events. The model development included the creation of a circulatory loop with variable compliance and resistance; the creation of a secondary regurgitant circuit; and incorporation of an ultrasound imaging chamber to allow two-dimensional (2D) and three-dimensional (3D) Doppler characterization of both simple and complex models of valvular regurgitation. In all, we assessed eight different pulsatile regurgitant volumes through each of four rigid orifices differing in size and shape: 0.15 cm(2) circle, 0.4 cm(2) circle, 0.35 cm(2) slot and 0.4 cm(2) arc. The achieved mean (and range) hemodynamic measures were: peak trans-orifice pressure gradient 117 mm Hg (40 to 245 mm Hg), trans-orifice peak Doppler velocity 560 cm/s (307 to 793 cm/s), Doppler time-velocity integral 237 cm (111 to 362 cm), regurgitant volume 43 mL (11 to 84 mL) and orifice area 0.32 cm(2) (0.15 to 0.4 cm(2)). The model was designed to optimize Doppler signal quality while reflecting anatomic structural relationships and flow events. The 2D color Doppler, 3D color Doppler and continuous wave Doppler quality was excellent whether the data were acquired from the imaging window parallel or perpendicular to the long-axis of flow. This model can be easily adapted to mimic other intracardiac flow pathology or assess future Doppler applications.
Reframing the Narrative of the Battered Women’s Movement

Many claim that the battered women’s movement has been co-opted and depoliticized. We argue that this narrative of decline should be reframed as one of continual growth that has incorporated evolving feminist frameworks. We show how the movement’s first generation of activists has learned from its mistakes and continues to challenge systems that fail survivors of abuse. In addition, a second generation of activists, many of whom are minority women, has created new organizations and new ways to practice intersectionality. We conclude that each strand within the movement brings complementary strengths that can prepare it to meet future challenges.
On optimal batch rekeying for secure group communications in wireless networks

Advances in wireless communications and mobile computing have led to the emergence of group communications and applications over wireless. In many of these group interactions, new members can join and current members can leave at any time, and existing members must communicate securely to achieve application-specific missions or network-specific functionality. Since wireless networks are resource-constrained, a key challenge is to provide secure and efficient group communication mechanisms that satisfy application requirements while minimizing the communication cost. Instead of individual rekeying, i.e., performing a rekey operation right after each join or leave request, periodic batch rekeying has been proposed to alleviate rekeying overhead in resource-constrained wireless networks. In this paper, we propose an analytical model to address the issue of how often batch rekeying should be performed. We propose threshold-based batch rekeying schemes and demonstrate that an optimal rekey interval exists for each scheme. We further compare these schemes to identify the best scheme that can minimize the communication cost of rekeying while satisfying application requirements when given a set of parameter values characterizing the operational and environmental conditions of the system. In a highly dynamic wireless environment in which the system parameter values change at runtime, our work may be used to adapt the rekeying interval accordingly.
Crystallization and preliminary X-ray analysis of full-length annexin I comprising the core and N-­terminal domain

Annexin I, a member of the annexin family of Ca2+- and phospholipid-binding proteins, has been crystallized with the complete N-terminus. Annexins are structurally divided into a conserved protein core and an N-terminal domain that is variable in sequence and length. Three-dimensional structures of annexins comprising the protein core and a short N-terminal domain (annexins III, IV, V, VI, XII) or a truncated form almost completely lacking the N-terminal domain (annexins I and II) have been published so far. Here, the crystallization of annexin I comprising not only the core but also the complete N-terminal domain is reported. The crystals belong to the space group P212121, with unit-cell parameters a = 63.6, b = 96.3, c = 127.4 A, and diffract to better than 2 A. Assuming a molecular weight of 38.7 kDa for annexin I and an average value of 2.5 A3 Da−1 for VM, two molecules per asymmetric unit are present.
Performance modeling and optimization of interconnected Ethernets

An internetwork of LANs is modeled as a graph with LAN segments as edges and transparent bridges and repeaters as nodes. The graph model leads to a simple expression for the effective load on an arbitrary LAN segment, which takes into account the overhead traffic due to the learning mechanism of the transparent bridges. Simplifying assumptions for the operation of the medium access control (MAC) layer protocol lead to a simple expression of the average end-to-end delay in terms of the effective loads on the LAN segments. The problem of optimally locating bridges and repeaters on the nodes in order to minimize the average delay is studied. This problem is equivalent to the set partitioning problem which can be readily solved with state-of-the-art algorithms. Minimizing cost subject to a constraint on average end-to-end delay is discussed. Locating bridges and repeaters on a linear topology, as typically found in an office building with a large number of floors, is also studied. >
Sonographic Evaluation of Extensor Tenosynovitis

This is a case report of tenosynovitis of the second and third extensor tendon compartments of the wrist. The report is unique in that tenosynovitis was evaluated with a combination of gray-scale sonographic images with and without an acoustic standoff pad, real-time examination, and color and spectral Doppler interrogation. Tenosynovitis is a nonspecific, inflammatory process affecting the tendon sheath and may occur as a result of infection, trauma, or inflammatory arthropathy such as rheumatoid arthritis. This case most likely represents an inflammatory type of extensor tenosynovitis. Symptoms, sonographic findings, and treatment options are briefly discussed.
Tiagabine in anxiety disorders

GABA has been implicated in both the aetiology and treatment of anxiety. Tiagabine is currently the only selective GABA reuptake inhibitor available in US markets; it exerts its action via GAT-1 transporter blockade presynaptically, facilitating GABA neurotransmission. Preclinical studies and current human studies suggest tiagabine possesses anxiolytic properties. The anxiolytic properties of tiagabine have also been suggested in a number of case series, open-label studies and placebo-controlled studies in patients with different anxiety disorders. Throughout these studies, tiagabine has been reasonably tolerated; the most commonly reported adverse events include dizziness, headache and nausea. Tiagabine may be a useful addition to currently available drugs for anxiety; however, the data from small open-label investigations remain to be confirmed in larger controlled studies.
Computer modeling of engine knock chemistry

The development of detailed chemical kinetic reaction mechanisms for analysis of autoignition and knocking of complex hydrocarbon fuels is described. The wide ranges of temperature and pressure encountered by end gases in automobile engine combustion chambers result in extreme demands on the reaction mechanisms intended to describe knocking conditions. The reactions and chemical species that are most important in each temperature and pressure regime are discussed, and the validation of these reaction mechanisms through comparison with idealized experimental results is described. The use of these mechanisms is illustrated through comparisons between computed results and experimental data obtained in actual knocking engines. >
Reconstitution in liposomes of a μ-opioid binding protein purified to homogeneity from bovine striatal membranes

Abstract An opioid binding protein (OBP) purified to homogeneity from bovine striatal membranes was reconstituted into liposomes. For most experiments a CHAPS extract of bovine striatum, devoid of opioid binding, served as source of G-proteins and lipids. Liposomes were formed by precipitation of a mixture of OBP and CHAPS extract with polyethylene glycol-6000 (PEG). Reconstituted OBP bound μ agonist ligands stereos-pecifically and with high affinity, similar to that of membrane-bound μ-receptors. The binding was highly selective for μ-ligands, as compared to δ and κ-ligands and was completely inhibited by GTPγS. Similar results were obtained in reconstitution experiments with purified G-proteins. Stimulation of low Km GTPase by μ-agonists was observed. These results indicate that recoupling of purified receptor with G protein has taken place in this system and confirm that OBP is a μ binding protein.
SAS 106 – Audit Evidence: Is it Effective?

What constitutes audit evidence has always been a “gray” area in the audit profession, as no clear-cut guidance has ever been released that provides an auditor with details of what exactly to collect. SAS 31 attempted to provide this guidance, but ultimately came up short. SAS 106 – Audit Evidence superseded SAS 31 – Evidential Matter, with the aim of finally providing ultimate guidance as to what exactly constitutes acceptable audit evidence. It should be noted that SAS 105 changed the term from “evidential matter” to “audit evidence”. This paper examines the contents of “Statement of Auditing Standards 106 – Audit Evidence”, SAS 106, which was released by the AICPA in 2006 as part of an updated series of risk assessment statements. The main points of SAS 106 are discussed, as are the issues that have arisen since its release. The paper then provides an important recommendation on how the statement might be updated to provide the audit profession with more guidance on the subject of audit evidence. Finally, a conclusion summarizing the key points of the paper is provided, which also states the benefits that an update to the statement would provide for the audit profession.
Severe hot flashes are associated with chronic insomnia.

Background Because hot flashes can occur during the night, their presence has been frequently associated with insomnia in women with symptoms of menopause. However, many factors other than hot flashes or menopause can be responsible for insomnia, and several factors associated with insomnia in the general population are also commonly observed in perimenopausal and postmenopausal women who have hot flashes. Methods A random sample of 3243 subjects (aged ≥18 years) representative of the California population was interviewed by telephone. Included were 982 women aged 35 to 65 years. Women were divided into 3 groups according to menopausal status: premenopause (57.2%), perimenopause (22.3%), and postmenopause (20.5%). Hot flashes were counted if they were present for at least 3 days per week during the last month and were classified as mild, moderate, or severe according to their effect on daily functioning. Chronic insomnia was defined as global sleep dissatisfaction, difficulty initiating sleep, difficulty maintaining sleep, or nonrestorative sleep, for at least 6 months. Diagnoses of insomnia were assessed according to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fourth Edition , classification. Results Prevalence of hot flashes was 12.5% in premenopause, 79.0% in perimenopause, and 39.3% in postmenopause. Prevalence of chronic insomnia was reported as 36.5% in premenopause, 56.6% in perimenopause, and 50.7% in postmenopause ( P Conclusions Severe hot flashes are strongly associated with chronic insomnia in midlife women. The presence of hot flashes should be systematically investigated in women with insomnia. Treating hot flashes could improve sleep quality and minimize the deleterious consequences of chronic insomnia.
Dictyostelium Macroautophagy Mutants Vary in the Severity of Their Developmental Defects

Macroautophagy is the major mechanism that eukaryotes use to recycle cellular components during stressful conditions. We have shown previously that the Atg12-Atg5 conjugation system, required for autophagosome formation in yeast, is necessary for Dictyostelium development. A second conjugation reaction, Aut7/Atg8 lipidation with phosphatidylethanolamine, as well as a protein kinase complex and a phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase complex are also required for macroautophagy in yeast. In this study, we characterize mutations in the putative Dictyostelium discoideum orthologues of budding yeast genes that are involved in one of each of these functions, ATG1, ATG6, and ATG8. All three genes are required for macroautophagy in Dictyostelium. Mutant amoebae display reduced survival during nitrogen starvation and reduced protein degradation during development. Mutations in the three genes produce aberrant development with defects of varying severity. As with other Dictyostelium macroautophagy mutants, development of atg1-1, atg6-, and atg8- is more aberrant in plaques on bacterial lawns than on nitrocellulose filters. The most severe defect is observed in the atg1-1 mutant, which does not aggregate on bacterial lawns and arrests as loose mounds on nitrocellulose filters. The atg6- and atg8- mutants display almost normal development on nitrocellulose filters, producing multi-tipped aggregates that mature into small fruiting bodies. The distribution of a green fluorescent protein fusion of the autophagosome marker, Atg8, is aberrant in both atg1-1 and atg6- mutants.
Comprehensive spectral analysis of human EEG generators in posterior cerebral regions

Abstract Continuous spectral analyses of several minutes of normal human EEGs were prepared by computer, and converted to compact graphic forms. This new presentation of voluminous data in contour maps gives an overview of the evolution of patterns in the EEG. Parameters graphed were spectral intensity (“power spectral density”), and coherence, a quantity expressing strength of relationship between brain areas. In one subject, the strongest relations were among longitudinally oriented parieto-occipital linkages, representing the subject's alpha wave. Wave activity in a similar frequency band, recorded across the occipital midline, was completely incoherent with the alpha wave. Thus, two independent generation processes in the same frequency band, orthogonally polarized, are required to account for these records. Low frequency activity in the O1O2 leads was related only partially to the heart-beat. In a second subject, there was somewhat greater coherence from side to side than between homolateral centro-parietal and parieto-occipital pairs of leads. The same configuration of two geometrically orthogonal and statistically uncorrelated generators was observed in this subject. Of 28 other analyzed in this way, eighteen showed the same clear perpendicularity, seven were similar but less marked, while three showed no such pattern. The second illustrative subject also showed coherences flanking his alpha-wave peaks, covering a band considerably wider (2–5 c/sec) than those of high alpha intensity (0.5–1.0 c/sec). Eighteen of 25 other subjects showed a similar disparity of width. Mathematical constraints implied by the common finding of two perpendicular alphaband generators were presented. The wide coherent bands (C3-P3/C4-P4) were interpreted as possibly due to shared “side-bands” of the alpha wave; but other features of these wide bands led to the suggestion that much of the local activity not shared between the sides is caused by the shared activity, or at least causally connected with it.
THE RELATIVE POTENCIES OF ADRENAL CORTICAL STEROIDS AS DETERMINED BY A COLD PROTECTION TEST AND BY A GLYCOGEN DEPOSITION TEST

THIS COMMUNICATION is concerned with the comparative activities of 11-desoxycorticosterone acetate, corticosterone, 11-dehydrocorticosterone and 17-hydroxy-ll-dehydrocorticosterone on a cold protection test and the comparative activities of 17-hydroxy-ll-dehydrocorticosterone and 11-dehydrocorticosterone on a test involving the deposition of glycogen in the fasting adrenalectomized male mouse.
LARK: a light-weight, resilient application-level multicast protocol

Application-level multicasting (ALM) has attracted a significant amount of attention, as it is a convincing alternative over traditional IP multicasting. We present a simple, light-weight, yet scalable, ALM protocol, called. LARK, that allows the formation and maintenance of overlay topologies in a completely distributed fashion while maintaining only O(1) state at each node and ensuring robustness in the presence of a large number of node failures. Conceptually, members self-organize into cliques, where a clique is a cluster of end-hosts in which each end-host is aware of, and exchanges state with, every other end-host in the cluster. No control message is exchanged for clique maintenance beyond the necessary state update among members belonging to the same clique. In addition, members are allowed to peer with randomly selected members belonging to other distinct cliques. This ensures that in the event that one or more members leave or fail, the other members can re-join the group at other peers they are aware of. We elaborate on the components of LARK and derive certain theoretical bounds on its performance. We also validate our design through simulations.
Optimization of DNA delivery by three classes of hybrid nanoparticle/DNA complexes

Plasmid DNA encoding a luciferase reporter gene was complexed with each of six different hybrid nanoparticles (NPs) synthesized from mixtures of poly (D, L-lactide-co-glycolide acid) (PLGA 50:50) and the cationic lipids DOTAP (1, 2-Dioleoyl-3-Trimethyammonium-Propane) or DC-Chol {3β-[N-(N', N'-Dimethylaminoethane)-carbamyl] Cholesterol}. Particles were 100-400 nm in diameter and the resulting complexes had DNA adsorbed on the surface (out), encapsulated (in), or DNA adsorbed and encapsulated (both). A luciferase reporter assay was used to quantify DNA expression in 293 cells for the uptake of six different NP/DNA complexes. Optimal DNA delivery occurred for 105 cells over a range of 500 ng - 10 μg of NPs containing 20-30 μg DNA per 1 mg of NPs. Uptake of DNA from NP/DNA complexes was found to be 500-600 times as efficient as unbound DNA. Regression analysis was performed and lines were drawn for DNA uptake over a four week interval. NP/DNA complexes with adsorbed NPs (out) showed a large initial uptake followed by a steep slope of DNA decline and large angle of declination; lines from uptake of adsorbed and encapsulated NPs (both) also exhibited a large initial uptake but was followed by a gradual slope of DNA decline and small angle of declination, indicating longer times of luciferase expression in 293 cells. NPs with encapsulated DNA only (in), gave an intermediate activity. The latter two effects were best seen with DOTAP-NPs while the former was best seen with DC-Chol-NPs. These results provide optimal conditions for using different hybrid NP/DNA complexes in vitro and in the future, will be tested in vivo.
Bacterial Residues in Coprolite of Herbivorous Dinosaurs: Role of Bacteria in Mineralization of Feces

Abstract The Cretaceous Two Medicine Formation of northwestern Montana has yielded blocky, calcareous coprolites that contain abundant fragments of conifer wood and were produced by large herbivorous dinosaurs. The coprolites are generally dark gray to black in color due to a dark substance confined chiefly within what originally were the capillaries of tracheid and ray cells of xylem. This substance is a kerogen that consists in part of thin-walled vesicles 0.1–1.3 μm in diameter. Pyrolysis products of this kerogen are diagnostic of a bacterial origin with a possible contribution from terrestrial plants. The vesicular component is interpreted as the residue of bacterial cells, whereas a second filamentous component, closely associated with the vesicles, may be the residue of an extracellular binding material, such as glycocalyx. At least two episodes of calcification of the coprolite are recognized by manganous cathodoluminescence. The earlier of these infilled the capillary channels of the conifer fragm...
A performance constraint on compensatory lengthening in child phonology.

The systematic mispronunciations of young children often resemble phonological rules, and there is a temptation to treat the data as identical to adult phonological data. However, performance factors are often evident in the child's speech. Constraints in phonological theory are “hard” (all-or-nothing), but constraints in performance are often “soft” (allowing something to occur under some conditions but not under others). One child phonological process that has an obvious linguistic interpretation is compensatory lengthening, wherein a segment becomes long when a nearby segment is deleted. In data from one child, two compensatory lengthening processes led to the creation of [i:] but never [u:], even though [u:] appeared in the child's speech as the correct realization of adult /u:/. The child also showed later mastery of all back rounded vowels and glides than of the corresponding front vowels and glides. It is argued that compensatory lengthening never led to [u:] because of a soft performance constrain...
Bleomycin stimulation of cytokine secretion by the human alveolar macrophage.

Bleomycin (BLM) is a very effective antineoplastic drug for many gynecologic and urinary tract carcinomas. However, its use, e.g., cumulative dosage, often is limited by the pulmonary fibrosis that...
The Douglas-Fir Tussock Moth in the Interior Pacific Northwest

The Douglas-fir tussock moth, Orgyia pseudotsugata (McDunnough), is a common defoliator of fir in the interior forests of western North America. It is one of four western species of Orgyia, but it is the only member of the group that occasionally reaches outbreak numbers while feeding exclusively on conifers.24 Because of the explosive and destructive nature of its outbreaks, the Douglas-fir tussock moth has achieved much deserved notoriety among forest managers. For this reason, considerable effort has been made in recent years to understand the dynamics of tussock moth populations and to develop methods for minimizing their impact.11
Risk Management for Intelligent Fast Engine Response Control

Research studies and field incident reports show that the propulsion system can be an effective tool to help control and eventually land a damaged aircraft. However, the relatively slow response time of aircraft engines is a major concern when they are used for maneuvering a partially impaired aircraft. Enhanced engine capability can be achieved by letting the engine operate beyond normal operational limits, which are designed to provide various safety factors under normal operation. These operational limits can include temperature limits, pressure limits, acceleration limits, shaft speed limits and stall margin limits. Because of the inherent risky nature of enhanced engine operation, it is important to study and understand the risks involved. The risks can be categorized into two major groups – operability risk and lifing risk. The operability risks are severe and abrupt in nature; they include engine stall, surge, and flame out. Some of these risks may not be able to be recovered from during flight. The lifing risks are more progressive and may depend on the specific operating condition and its duration. This paper will develop a high level methodology for managing the operating risk of the propulsion system, and will define the roles of the flight controller and the propulsion controller in the risk trade-off mechanism.
Low Temperature Selected Area Re-Growth of Ohmic Contacts for III-N FETs

GaN has a wide band gap energy, high electron mobility, high saturation velocity, and excellent thermal properties making it a promising material for high power and high frequency electronic devices. The development of enhancement mode GaN metal oxide semiconductor (MOS) transistors has been elusive due to the non-availability of a good insulating gate dielectric and the difficulty in forming of ohmic source/drain regions. Ion-implantation of dopants causes severe lattice damage requiring a high temperature post-implant anneal and has not been a successful method to obtain acceptable low-resistance source/drain regions. At the same time, gate dielectrics for most compound semiconductors, in addition to difficulties in minimizing the density of interface states which pin the Fermi level by inducing trap levels in the midgap, are degraded by instabilities as a result of high temperature annealing. The paper presents the development ohmic source/drain contacts for GaN MOSFETs by selected area epitaxial regrowth. Re-growth of GaN on patterned substrates by metal-organic chemical vapor deposition (MOCVD) employs a growth regime to decrease the enhanced growth rates and island formation that result from the diffusion of precursors to the selected area. The enhanced growth rate is 4.5μm/hr compared to 0.5μm/hr of the as-grown GaN on the unpatterned substrate. The enhanced growth rate also results in heavily porous GaN. Selected area growth, device processing, the material and device characterization results will be presented. In particular the selected area growth of doped contacts in the 800°C temperature range leads to superior morphology and contact resistance as compared to similar contacts grown at 1060°C. The contact resistivity of the n+ re-growth region measured was ∼2×10-4 Ω-m and the morphology of the re-grown region was comparable to the as-grown GaN with an RMS roughness ∼1.4nm. The success of fabricating low temperature contacts for GaN enhancement mode MOS transistors is a critical step in fabricating these devices opening new applications.
A Preliminary Analysis of the Causes of the Supernatural,Divination and Calamity in Large Amount in Zuozhuan

The description about the supernatural,divination and calamity takes a large amount in Zuozhuan;previous studies said that it is because Zuo Qiuming(the author of Zuozhuan) was curious about the supernatural or he made use of these tales about the supernatural,divination and calamity to make the book more esoteric from the respective of literary techniques.This article attempts to provide reasonable explanation for large description about the supernatural,divination and calamity in Zuozhuan on the basis of analysis of major duties of historiographers in the Spring and Autumn Period,Human beings' effect upon their fates through their struggle as well as Zuo Qiuming's writing principle in history: unity of heaven and morality.
Application Study on Detection of Malaria Infection by Tag Primer-Nested/Multiplex PCR

Objective To study the field application value of tag primer-nested/multiplex PCR on detecting malaria infection.Method A total of 79 blood samples,collected randomly from the inhabitants with fever and their family members,were tested for Plasmodium vivax by tag primer-nested/multiplex PCR,and the results were compared with the conventional microscopy method.Result Among 79 blood samples,6 were confirmed being infected by Plasmodium vivax by PCR.10 samples were positive in primary microscopic examination.Among them,4 were determined as negative by microscopic re-examination.The results of microscopic re-examination and PCR were the same,with accordant rate of 100%.Conclusion Tag primer-nested/multiplex PCR is sensitive and specific for detecting malaria infection.It has the application value for malaria distinctive diagnosis and definitude.
Nutritional status and dietary habits of older people.

With advancing age, a decrease in calories and other nutrients was a common finding in 2800 women and 250 men. Group averages were found to be below the recommended allowances. On the other hand, obesity and poor food selection were also common A review of food intake and laboratory and physical findings is included.
Techniques for Assessing the Effects of Pharmacological Inhibitors on Intercellular Protein Movement

Intercellular protein movement is an important mechanism in plant development. Here we present an integrated protocol that utilizes an inducible system to block plasmodesmata-dependent movement and assessment of fluorescent recovery after photobleaching (FRAP) to identify compounds that influence intercellular protein movement.
Postnatal changes in lambs of two pathways for thyroxine 5'-monodeiodination in brown adipose tissue.

We have recently shown that ovine fetal brown adipose tissue (BAT) contains two distinct iodothyronine 5'-monodeiodinase (5'MDI) activities, one with a high Km (type I) and another with a low Km (t...
Controlling the slides

When utilizing screen media as an educational platform, maintaining control over one's experience may lead to more successful learning outcomes. In the current work, adults learned four new action sequences, each via a different slideshow type. The computer advanced slides automatically, but each version had a different pausing mechanism: (1) free pause (viewers could click the mouse at any point to pause the show), (2) subgoal pause (show paused after subgoals, viewer clicked to continue), (3) timed pause (show paused every 20 slides, viewer clicked to continue), and (4) no pause (no viewer interaction). Participants completed a written memory test, live performance test, cognitive load measures, and satisfaction measures. Results indicated that memory recall was significantly lower in the no pause version when compared to the versions with pause capability. Also, over half of participants reported that the no pause version was their least favorite format to learn from. Conversely, over half of participants selected the free pause as their favorite slideshow format, and participants reported that they felt most in control of the free pause version. These reports occurred in spite of only one-quarter of all participants actually using the click-to-pause feature in the free pause slideshow. Perhaps the mindset of being in control, rather than the pausing itself, increased likeability of the program. This research has implications for program design and education, pointing to flexible pacing features being helpful in enhancing users' enjoyment of the program and ability to extract novel information. Memory is better after viewing slideshows with some pausing function.Learners reported liking the slideshow without pause capability the least.Learners reported liking the slideshow with a click-to-pause feature the best.The mindset of being in control seemed to be particularly beneficial.Flexible design and blended user/computer control are optimal for screen learning.
How To Get Rid of Closure

Sophie Gibb has recently invented a very interesting strategy against Kim’s causal exclusion argument. This strategy adopts the powers theory of causation and an interpretation of mental causation in terms of double prevention. Gibb’s strategy results both in invalidating the principle of the causal closure of the physical domain in most of its formulations and in disarming the argument in question. In my paper, I present a general procedure for the opponents of reductive physicalism which enables them to grapple successfully with the mentioned principle. I also argue that although it could be possible to adopt Gibb’s strategy as a part of this procedure, there is a simpler one to obtain a similar outcome. This strategy is mainly based on Uwe Meixner’s causal argument against physicalism and it leads to the conclusion that if one accepts the principle of sufficient cause ( i.e. the principle of sufficient reason in its causal variant), then one should reject the principle of causal closure in the light of some empirical data. This alternative proposal is more attractive than Gibb’s solution, since it is independent of any conception of causation, does not make any distinction between causal relevance and causal efficacy, and does not refer to the notion of double prevention .
Effectiveness of air purifier on health outcomes and indoor particles in homes of children with allergic diseases in Fresno, California: A pilot study

Objective: Epidemiologic studies indicate that indoor air pollution is correlated with morbidity caused by allergic diseases. We evaluated the effectiveness of reducing the levels of indoor fine pa...
Influence of breed, milk yield, and temperature-humidity index on dairy cow lying time, neck activity, reticulorumen temperature, and rumination behavior.

ABSTRACT The objective of this study was to compare weekly mean lying time (LT), neck activity (NA), reticulorumen temperature (RT), and rumination time (RU) among 3 breed groups, milk yield (MY), and temperature-humidity index (THI). Cows (n = 36; 12 Holstein, 12 crossbred, and 12 Jersey) were blocked by parity group (primiparous or multiparous), days in milk, and MY. Lying time, NA, RT, RU, and MY were recorded and averaged by day and then by week for each cow. For study inclusion, each cow was required to have 10 wk of LT, NA, RT, and RU data. Maximum THI were recorded and averaged daily. Mean (±SE) days in milk, LT, MY, RT, RU, NA, and maximum THI were 159.0 ± 6.0 d, 11.1 ± 0.1 h/d, 28.7 ± 0.5 kg/d, 38.8 ± 0.0°C, 6.4 ± 0.1 h/d, 323.8 ± 3.8 activity units, and 56.5 ± 0.6, respectively. The MIXED Procedure of SAS (SAS Institute Inc., Cary, NC) was used to evaluate fixed effects of breed, MY, parity, THI, and their interactions on LT, NA, RT, and RU with cow nested within breed as subject. All main effects remained in each model regardless of significance level. Stepwise backward elimination was used to remove nonsignificant interactions. The interactions of breed × parity group and maximum THI × parity group were associated with RT. Increasing THI coincided with increasing RT. Least squares means LT for multiparous cows was significantly greater than LT for primiparous cows (11.4 ± 0.3 and 10.5 ± 0.5 h/d, respectively). Least squares means NA for primiparous cows was greater than for multiparous cows of all breeds (372.1 ± 10.9 and 303.4 ± 7.8, respectively). The CORR Procedure of SAS was used to evaluate relationships among RT, RU, LT, NA, and MY. Rumination time was positively correlated with MY (r = 0.30) and negatively correlated with LT (r = −0.14). Reticulorumen temperature was negatively correlated with MY (r = −0.11). Rumination time was positively correlated with NA (r = 0.18) and negatively correlated with LT (r = −0.14). Lying time and NA were negatively correlated (r = −0.43). Neck activity was positively correlated with MY (r = 0.14). Lying time was negatively correlated with MY (r = −0.25). Milk yield was associated with RU, which may be related to cows with greater MY also having a greater feed intake. Lying time increased and NA decreased with increasing parity, which may be effects of social hierarchy, where primiparous cows are more susceptible to being pushed away from the feed bunk and freestalls. Milk yield was positively associated with RU. Greater milk production requires greater feed intake, which may result in longer RU than for low-yielding cows. Lying time decreased as milk yield increased. The behavioral and physiological differences observed in this study provide new insight into the effects that breed, parity, MY, and THI have on cows.
Model-independent extraction of |Vcb| from B¯→D⁎ℓν‾

Abstract We fit the unfolded data of B ¯ 0 → D ⁎ + l ν ‾ from the Belle experiment, where l ≡ e , μ , using a method independent of heavy quark symmetry to extrapolate to zero-recoil and extract the value of | V c b | . This results in | V c b | = ( 41.9 − 1.9 + 2.0 ) × 10 − 3 , which is robust to changes in the theoretical inputs and very consistent with the value extracted from inclusive semileptonic B decays.