cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Non-major histocompatibility complex alloantigen genes affecting immunity

Abstract An alloantigen is a genetically determined cell-surface molecule detected by specific antisera. An identifying letter has been assigned to each genetic locus responsible for the 12 distinct families of alloantigens: A, B, C, D, E, H, I, J, K, L, P, and R. The genes of each system segregate independently of the other systems, except that the A and E are very closely linked (0.5 centimorgans). Selection experiments over numerous generations have revealed distinct changes in gene frequency of the A-E alloantigens, suggesting immune responses associated with susceptibility to coccidiosis, response to immunizations with SRBC, and selection for size of the bursa of Fabricius. Immune response effects of the C system of alloantigen genes are indicated by distinct gene frequency changes following selection for response to SRBC, selection for size of bursa of Fabricius, and macrophage nitrite production after lipopolysaccharide (LPS) stimulation. Immune response effects of the D system of antigens are indicated by data from genetic selection for response to immunization with SRBC, selection for bursa size, and macrophage nitrite and cytokine interleukin (IL)-6 production following LPS stimulation. Immune response effects of the I system genes are indicated by distinct gene frequency changes in lines selected for bursa size and within family comparisons for macrophage nitrite and cytokine IL-6 production following LPS stimulation. Effects of the L system, consisting of only 2 alleles, are indicated by the gene frequency changes following selection for bursa size, direct comparison of genotypes within families for monocyte phagocytosis, susceptibility to coccidiosis, outcome of Rous sarcomas, and immune responses to SRBC and Brucella abortus. Genotypes of the P alloantigen system were directly compared within families of fully pedigreed chicks with significant differences for monocyte phagocytosis. An experimental procedure for simultaneously testing for immune responses of genotypes of 9 of the alloantigen systems (A, B, C, D, E, H, I, L, and P) has been established by producing test progeny from a single cross of parent lines segregating for genes of each of the systems.
A first step forward: Context assessment

In this chapter, we revisit and expand the context framework of Debra Rog, informed by three cases and by new aspects that we have identified. We then propose a way to move the framework into action, making context explicit. Based on the framework's components, we describe and illustrate a process we label context assessment (CA), which provides a means of identifying important contextrelated factors and integrating the implications of these within the three main stages of evaluation. © Wiley Periodicals, Inc., and the American Evaluation Association.
MAPS AND CARTOGRAMS OF THE 2004 US PRESIDENTIAL ELECTION RESULTS

Conventional maps of election results can give a misleading picture of the popular support that candidates have because population is highly non-uniform and equal areas on a map may not correspond to equal numbers of voters. Taking the example of the 2004 United States presidential election, we show how this problem can be corrected using a cartogram — a map in which the sizes of regions such as states are rescaled according to population or some other variable of interest.
Dynamics of Endrin Uptake and Release by Resistant and Susceptible Strains of Mosquitofish

Abstract Results of bioassays and gas chromatographic analyses show that mosquitofish, Gambusia affinis, from near heavily-treated cotton fields near Belzoni, Mississippi (36-hr TLm = 1,000 ppb) and from an uncontaminated site near State College, Mississippi (36-hr TLm = 1 ppb) remove endrin from static test solutions at the same rate. A 500 ppb endrin solution produced 32% mortality in 50 susceptible fish in 25 min but required 144 hr in resistant fish. Relative mortality of fed and starved fish in endrin solutions and the rate of endrin uptake discount swallowing as the primary pathway of endrin entry into mosquitofish. About six times as much endrin is taken up via the exposed head region as is taken up by the general body surfaces. Oxygen requirements of the two populations are similar, but increase for susceptible fish at low endrin concentrations and for resistant fish at high concentrations coincident with the appearance of symptoms of endrin poisoning. Both bioassays and residue analyses revealed ...
Representing analogies to influence fixation and creativity: A study comparing computer-aided design, photographs, and sketches

Many tools are being developed to assist designers in retrieving analogies. One critical question these designers face is how these analogues should be represented in order to minimize design fixation and maximize idea generation. To address this question, an experiment is presented that compares various representations' influence on creativity and design fixation. This experiment presents an effective example (analogue) as computer-aided design (CAD), sketch, or photograph representations. We found that all representations induced fixation, and the degree of fixation did not vary significantly. We also found that CAD representations encourage engineering designers to identify and copy the key effective features of the example. CAD and photo representations also produced a higher quality of design concepts. Results from this experiment offer insights into how these various representations may be used in examples during idea generation; CAD representations appear to offer the greatest advantages during the idea generation process. The results from this experiment also indicate that analogical databases of effective design examples should include CAD and photolike images of the analogue rather than sketches.
A method for quantifying vulnerability, applied to the agricultural system of the Yaqui Valley, Mexico

Abstract We propose measuring vulnerability of selected outcome variables of concern (e.g. agricultural yield) to identified stressors (e.g. climate change) as a function of the state of the variables of concern relative to a threshold of damage, the sensitivity of the variables to the stressors, and the magnitude and frequency of the stressors to which the system is exposed. In addition, we provide a framework for assessing the extent adaptive capacity can reduce vulnerable conditions. We illustrate the utility of this approach by evaluating the vulnerability of wheat yields to climate change and market fluctuations in the Yaqui Valley, Mexico.
Identifying Pleasant Activities for Alzheimer's Disease Patients: The Pleasant Events Schedule-AD

Identifying pleasant activities for Alzheimer's disease patients is sometimes difficult due to their declining cognitive functioning. Such activities, however, may help to improve the patient's mood, reduce disruptive behaviors, and provide a sense of accomplishment. This paper presents an instrument, the Pleasant Events Schedule-AD, that can help both professional and family care providers identify and monitor activities that are enjoyable to individual patients.
Identifying intersections with potential for red light-related safety improvement

The problem of red light running is widespread and growing; its cost to society is significant. However, the literature is void of quantitative guidelines that can be used to identify and treat problem locations. Moreover, there has been concern voiced over the validity of various methods used to identify problem locations, especially when automated enforcement is being considered. This paper documents the development of a procedure for identifying and ranking intersection approaches with the potential for improvement in the area of crashes related to red lights. One component of this procedure is a safety prediction model. A sensitivity analysis of this model indicates that red light-related crashes decrease with an increase in duration of the yellow interval and a reduction in the speed limit.
Metal atom reactions with fluorocarbons viii. Silver vapor with f-alkyl iodides with formation of f-alkylsilver compounds

Abstract Codeposition of silver vapor with F -alkyl iodides at -196°C followed by matrix warmup yields AgI and RfAg. These reactions serve as the first examples of formation of R-M compounds employing the metal atom technique, and of formation of primary RfAg compounds. Matrix dilution experiments indicate, contrary to expected results, that high RfI/Ag ratios favor RfAg formation.
Characterization of C–H⋯π interactions in the structure of the CHClF2–HCCH weakly bound complex

The microwave spectra of four isotopologues of the CHClF2–HCCH dimer have been measured and used to determine the structure of the complex. An initial scan over the 7–18 GHz region using the chirped-pulse microwave spectrometer at the University of Virginia provided initial assignments of the 35Cl and 37Cl isotopologues, with two additional H13C13CH species assigned using the resonant cavity Balle–Flygare microwave spectrometer at Eastern Illinois University. For the most abundant isotopologue, the rotational constants and quadrupole coupling constants are: A = 3301.21(4) MHz, B = 1353.4268(19) MHz, C = 1153.7351(18) MHz, χaa = 34.681(12) MHz, χbb = −69.70(3) MHz, χcc = 35.02(2) MHz and χab = −8.8(3) MHz, in good agreement with ab initio calculations at the MP2/6-311++G(2d,2p) level. The alignment of CHClF2 with respect to acetylene reveals a C–H⋯π interaction, with a secondary C–Cl⋯H–C interaction also present between the two monomers. The fitted distance between the CHClF2 hydrogen atom and the center of the triple bond is 2.730(6) A, the distance between the chlorine atom and the acetylenic hydrogen is 3.061(38) A, and the C–H⋯π angle is 148.2(6)°. In addition, the centrifugal distortion constants give an estimate of the binding energy for the weak interaction of about 4.9(5) kJ mol−1, in reasonable agreement with several similar complexes.
The ACM and IEEE-CS guidelines for undergraduate CS education

ACM curriculum recommendations have been instrumental over the last 40 years in defining what is taught at educational institutions around the world.
The consequences of sampling variability on the estimation of wave number and propagation direction from spaceborne SAR image spectra

Even if it were true that SAR (synthetic aperture radar) ocean surface imagery provides a perfect noiseless representation of ocean surface wave height, each spectrum computed from such imagery would be but a single realization of the ensemble-mean ocean spectrum. There would be sampling variability associated with the parameters of dominant wave number and propagation direction extracted from such a spectrum. The present study addresses two questions: (i) what statistical distribution is applicable to the spectra of SAR ocean images? and (ii) what are the consequences of such statistics on the precision with which wave number and propagation direction can be extracted? An examination is made of spectra computed from ocean imagery acquired during the SIR-B (Shuttle Imaging Radar-B) mission. >
Acting together, Contributing together

Collective action typically takes one of two strategically distinct forms. One form is essentially acting together, as in a mob, in coordination on some purpose, which may not be defined in detail ...
Facilitating student retention in online graduate nursing education programs: A review of the literature

Online education, a form of distance education, provides students with opportunities to engage in lifelong learning without the restrictions of time and space. However, while this approach meets the needs of employed nursing professionals, it poses some challenges for educators. Student retention is one such challenge. Student retention rates serve as measures of program quality and are reported to accrediting bodies. Therefore, it is imperative that administrators and program faculty implement comprehensive programs to ensure student retention. This review of the literature was designed to identify strategies to improve student retention in online graduate nursing education programs. The review includes 23 articles that address models, research, and best practices supported in nursing and higher education. The findings indicate that student retention in online programs is a multidimensional problem requiring a multifaceted approach. Recommendations for facilitating retention in online nursing programs include ensuring social presence and program and course quality, and attentiveness to individual student characteristics.
Plus end-specific depolymerase activity of Kip3, a kinesin-8 protein, explains its role in positioning the yeast mitotic spindle.

Plus end-specific depolymerase activity of Kip3, a kinesin-8 protein, explains its role in positioning the yeast mitotic spindle
Phylogenetic relationship of the Brasilian leptodactylid frog generaCraspedoglossa, Cycloramphus andZachaenus

Based on immunological comparisons of the serum albumins ofCraspedoglossa andZachaenus with antisera to albumin of several species ofCycloramphus, it is concluded that morphological and biochemical evolutionary rates have not been comparable within the study group. Taken together, the morphological and biochemical information demonstrate that whileZachaenus is a genetic member of theCycloramphus lineage, it has attained generic status.
Low-cost fiber Bragg grating interrogation system for in situ assessment of structures

A project targeted at developing a low-cost fiber optic interrogator system for fiber Bragg grating (FBG) sensors has been completed, and has resulted in a stand-alone system that can be used in multiple applications. The interrogator system, tailored as a potential solution for embedded strain sensing in composite wind turbine blades, was recently tested and its performance validated at the Infrastructure Assurance & Non-Destructive Inspection (NDI) department at Sandia National Laboratories (SNL). The test specimen used to test the system consisted of a single fiber optic cable with six FBG sensors embedded in a 36-ply fiberglass composite specimen. The FBG sensors were installed around a series of known engineered flaws. Six foil type resistive strain gauges were bonded to the composite specimen surface and co-located with the six embedded FBG sensors. The fiber optic interrogator was used to sample the FBG sensors and an independent data acquisition system was used to sample the foil strain gauges. The test specimen was subjected to a series of static loads and the results from both the foil strain gauges and the FBG sensors were compared. Results from the analysis show a good correlation between the embedded FBG sensors and the foil strain gauges.
Quantum Theory and Geography: What Can Dr. Bertlmann Teach Us?

Quantum theory is introduced as a way to understand the world that is consistent with past and current notions in humanistic geography, while avoiding the errors of determinism and the limitations of positivism. Emphasis is placed on quantum concepts of causality, holism, and locality and their relationship to geographic thought. The implications of Bell's theorem with respect to locality are explored and the dynamic notions of twistor space and implicate order are introduced.
HPTLC ANALYSIS OF AMINO ACIDS IN BIOMPHALARIA GLABRATA INFECTED WITH SCHISTOSOMA MANSONI

ABSTRACT HPTLC analysis was used to determine the amino acid content in the digestive gland-gonad complex (DGG) of Biomphalaria glabrata snails infected with larval Schistosoma mansoni for eight weeks. DGGs of infected and control snails were pooled, extracted in ethanol, and chromatographed using various sorbent-mobile phase combinations applicable to amino acid analysis. Zones were detected with ninhydrin and quantified by densitometry.Qualitative analysis showed the presence of histidine, lysine, alanine, methionine, threonine, asparagine, proline, and leucine/isoleucine in both the infected and uninfected DGGs. Quantitative analysis was done on histidine, lysine, alanine, and methionine, but only lysine showed a significant reduction (Student's t-test, P<0.05) in concentration in the DGGs of infected snails compared to the controls. Lysine, an essential amino acid for the developing schistosome larvae, is obtained in significant amounts from the snail DGG.
Leukapheresis of a Five‐Year‐Old Girl with Chronic Granulocytic Leukemia

A therapeutic leukapheresis of a five-year-old girl with adult-type chronic granulocytic leukemia is described, with techniques for minimizing the effects of hypovolemia. The patient's unduly rapid response to chemotherapy suggested that the procedure had effected a substantial reduction in the leukocyte mass.
PRODUCTION FUNCTION AND CHANGING TECHNOLOGY FOR WATER TRANSPORT: SOME EMPIRICAL RESULTS

Abstract The revival of shallow-draft water transportation in the United States during the post-1947 period is attributable to technological innovations which enabled water carriers to offer better quality of service at lower cost. Technological innovations were made in all elements of the water-carrier industry. Among the most important innovations were: (a) the power, speed and maneuverability of towboats; (b) design, size and arrangement of barges in the tow; (c) automation of many functions and adoption of communication devices; (d) improvement of navigation channels and lock design; and (e) new and improved terminal facilities with specialized cargo handling equipment. Our statistical results confirm that technological progress has been continuous, although uneven, in inland waterways.
The relative contributions of extraversion, neuroticism, and personal strivings to happiness

According to Ryan and Deci (2001), research into well-being has focused on pleasure and pain (hedonic well-being) or meaning and self-actualization (eudaimonic well-being); little research has combined the two perspectives. Using a sample of 271 college students, we found that extraversion and neuroticism, hedonic factors, were strongly related to happiness, but personal strivings, eudaimonic factors, were unrelated, thus providing support for the hedonic view. Future research should study hedonic and eudaimonic well-being simultaneously.
Extra-pair mating in the spotted sandpiper: a female mate acquisition tactic

Abstract Extra-pair mating behaviour was studied in the spotted sandpiper, Actitis macularia , a sex-role reversed, polyandrous shorebird, in which females are larger than and socially dominant to males. On a population basis, intra-pair mating events (0.39 events/h) exceeded extra-pair events (0.05 events/h) by about a factor of 10; 15% ( N =26) of extra-pair events were copulations. Extra-pair events were not synchronized with the fertile period of females. Extra-pair mating events were more likely to end in copulations when males were either unpaired or paired to females that had not started laying a clutch compared with males that were incubating or paired to a laying female. Overall, males moved further than females during extra-pair events, but distance moved was associated with male reproductive status. Within each sex, extra-pair events were not randomly distributed among individuals in most years, indicating that few individuals were responsible for most extra-pair events. For both sexes, extra-pair behaviour was correlated with number of breeding attempts annually and was unrelated to individual morphology and breeding experience. Extra-pair events increased the likelihood that females would subsequently pair with the males concerned. It is proposed that extra-pair mating events in spotted sandpipers in part serve the novel function of establishment and maintenance of social relationships that may lead to subsequent pair formation and mate acquisition, a pattern correlated with the species sex-role reversed mating system.
Validation of the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index and the Epworth Sleepiness Scale in older black and white women

Objectives Despite routine use with older adults, the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) and Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS) have not been adequately validated in older samples, particularly those from diverse racial backgrounds. The objective of this study was to determine the reliability and validity of and to provide normative data for these questionnaires in community-dwelling older women.
Jeffries Wyman, philosophical anatomy, and the scientific reception of Darwin in America.

In historical discussions of the scientific reaction to Darwin in America, two figures have stood out. They are Louis Agassiz and Asa Gray, both professors at Harvard College, who publicly took opposing sides on the issue. Gray was depicted by his biographer, A. Hunter Dupree, as an empiricist who eschewed all forms of idealism. Prepared by his empiricism to follow the implications of the new data brought forth by Darwin and others, he quickly accepted evolution and natural selection and became Darwin's chief scientific advocate in America. Agassiz has been generally viewed as an idealist, whose transcendental notion of natural history as a reflection of God's creative plan of the universe made it impossible for him to accept the transformation of species. For the remainder of his career, long after most other scientists had been converted, Agassiz kept up the battle against evolution. The two colleagues at Harvard became so passionately committed to their respective positions, that for a time in the 1 860s they were not on speaking terms.' Usually omitted from accounts of biological theorizing in nineteenth-century America is a third naturalist at Harvard whose career paralleled those of Gray and Agassiz: the compartive anatomist Jeffries Wyman (18141874). Agassiz taught geology and zoology from 1847 to his death in 1873, Gray taught botany from 1842 until his retirement in 1873, and Wyman taught comparative anatomy and physiology from 1847 to his death in
Asymmetric modes and the transition to vortex structures in rotating Rayleigh-Bénard convection

We report heat transport measurements and optical shadowgraph visualization of rotating Rayleigh-B\'enard convection. For dimensionless rotation rates 1404300, the initial transition to convection, occurring at a Rayleigh number R much less than the linear-stability value for roll or vortex states, is a forward Hopf bifurcation to an azimuthally asymmetric state with mode number n. States with n=3, 4, 5, 6, and 7 exist at low to moderate R and precess with frequencies that depend on R and \ensuremath{\Omega}. At higher R there is a continuous transition to a state with noisy, time-dependent heat transport, a distinct array of vortices in the central region, and a modulation of the precession speed of the outer structures.
Response to salvage therapies and outcome in patients with multiple myeloma relapsing after pomalidomide therapy.

Response to salvage therapies and outcome in patients with multiple myeloma relapsing after pomalidomide therapy
Early Neurologic Assessment of the Patient with Spinal Cord Injury

A thorough knowledge of patterns of spine and spinal cord injury is necessary in the evaluation of the patient with acute spine injury. A systematic, thorough examination is critical in providing lifesaving care, as well as in preventing further neurologic injury. This article reviews fracture patterns and emergency assessment and management of the patient with spinal cord injury. We review the significant aspects of the neurologic exam, including evaluation of the motor and sensory systems, and the description of typical spinal cord injury syndromes. The combination of a comprehensive history and detailed neurologic assessment helps ensure optimal management of the patient with a spinal cord injury and aids in ensuring maximal neurologic outcome.
Binding of retinol induces changes in rat cellular retinol-binding protein II conformation and backbone dynamics.

Abstract The structure and backbone dynamics of rat holo cellular retinol-binding protein II (holo-CRBP II) in solution has been determined by multidimensional NMR. The final structure ensemble was based on 3980 distance and 30 dihedral angle restraints, and was calculated using metric matrix distance geometry with pairwise Gaussian metrization followed by simulated annealing. The average RMS deviation of the backbone atoms for the final 25 structures relative to their mean coordinates is 0.85(±0.09) A. Comparison of the solution structure of holo-CRBP II with apo-CRBP II indicates that the protein undergoes conformational changes not previously observed in crystalline CRBP II, affecting residues 28-35 of the helix-turn-helix, residues 37-38 of the subsequent linker, as well as the β-hairpin C-D, E-F and G-H loops. The bound retinol is completely buried inside the binding cavity and oriented as in the crystal structure. The order parameters derived from the 15 N T 1 , T 2 and steady-state NOE parameters show that the backbone dynamics of holo-CRBP II is restricted throughout the polypeptide. The T 2 derived apparent backbone exchange rate and amide 1 H exchange rate both indicate that the microsecond to second timescale conformational exchange occurring in the portal region of the apo form has been suppressed in the holo form.
Xenon‐133 diffusion and trapping in single‐crystal uranium dioxide

The diffusion of 133Xe in single-crystal UO2 was studied following the recoil injection of the 133Xe from an external fissionable source. This technique was selected to minimize the diffusion path to a free surface and decrease the possibility of gas-atom trapping during the diffusion anneals. Gas release results consistent with classical diffusion solutions were obtained over the entire heating cycle for each release curve and no “burst effect” was observed. The results were consistent with D = 2.88 × 103 exp [(−4.78 ± 0.15) eV/kT] cm2s−1 over the temperature range 1065 to 1300 °C. Increasing the recoil concentration to 3 × 1012 fission fragments cm−2 (3 × 10−8 fission atom fraction) produced anomalies in the gas release curves which probably resulted from gas-atom trapping. Using parameters measured elsewhere for rare gas trapping in UO2 and CaF2, it was shown that many of the rare gas diffusion coefficients reported in the literature for UO2 appear to be too low as a consequence of gas-atom trapping. Die Diffusion von 133Xe in UO2-Einkristallen wurde im Anschlus an die Ruckstosinjektion von 133Xe aus einer auseren Quelle untersucht. Diese Technik wurde gewahlt, um den Diffusionsweg zu einer freien Oberflache zu minimalisieren und verringert die Moglichkeit des Anhaftens der Gasatome wahrend der Diffusionstemperung. Ergebnisse fur Gasabgabe in Ubereinstimmung mit klassischen Diffusionslosungen wurden uber den gesamten Heizzyklus fur jede Abgabekurve erhalten und kein “burst effect” beobachtet. Die Ergebnisse waren konsistent mit D = 2,88 × 103 exp [(− 4,78 ± 0,15) eV/kT] cm2s−1 im Temperaturbereich 1065 bis 1300 °C. Ein Anstieg der Ruckstoskonzentration auf 3 × 1012 Spaltteilchen cm−2 (3 × 10−8 Spaltungsatomanteil) ergab Anomalien in der Gasabgabekurve, die vermutlich vom Anhaften der Gasatome herruhrten. Mit an anderer Stelle gemessenen Parametern fur Anhaften von Edelgasen in UO2 und CaF2 wird gezeigt, das viele der Edelgasdiffusionskoeffizienten, die in der Literatur fur UO2 angegeben werden, infolge des Anhaftens der Gasatome, zu klein zu sein scheinen.
Recent progress in metal-organic chemical vapor deposition of $\left( 000\bar{1} \right)$ N-polar group-III nitrides

Progress in metal-organic chemical vapor deposition of high quality N-polar (Al, Ga, In)N films on sapphire, silicon carbide and silicon substrates is reviewed with focus on key process components such as utilization of vicinal substrates, conditions ensuring a high surface mobility of species participating in the growth process, and low impurity incorporation. The high quality of the fabricated films enabled the demonstration of N-polar (Al, Ga, In)N based devices with excellent performance for transistor applications. Challenges related to the growth of high quality N-polar InGaN films are also presented.
Dynamic scaling of ion-sputtered surfaces.

We derive a stochastic nonlinear equation to describe the evolution and scaling properties of surfaces eroded by ion bombardment. The coefficients appearing in the equation can be calculated explicitly in terms of the physical parameters characterizing the sputtering process. We find that transitions may take place between various scaling behaviors when experimental parameters, such as the angle of incidence of the incoming ions or their average penetration depth, are varied.
Histamine production by alloantigen-activated mouse bone marrow cells

Histamine's contribution to the manifestations associated with graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) and/or hybrid resistance is unknown. Thus, we initiated studies to see whether or not mouse bone marrow cells could produce histamine upon alloantigen stimulation. Irradiated allogeneic spleen cells were shown to stimulate bone marrow cells to produce and secrete high levels of histamine. During 7 days of culture there was only a marginal increase in cell-associated histamine while the amount of histamine in the supernatant increased 10- to 20-fold. Optimal histamine production was dependent upon Lyt 1+2+ T cells resident in the bone marrow. Further, bone marrow cells from Nude mice failed to produce high levels of histamine following alloantigen stimulation. Soluble factors produced by alloantigen-stimulated bone marrow cells or by Con A-stimulated rat spleen cells induced high levels of histamine production in bone marrow cells in the absence of alloantigen. We suggest that histamine production by alloantigen-activated bone marrow cells may modulate immune functions following bone marrow transplantation.
Artificial MicroRNAs as siRNA Shuttles: Improved Safety as Compared to shRNAs In vitro and In vivo

RNA interference (RNAi) provides a promising therapeutic approach to human diseases. However, data from recent reports demonstrate that short-hairpin RNAs (shRNAs) may cause cellular toxicity, and this warrants further investigation of the safety of using RNAi vectors. Earlier, in comparing hairpin-based RNAi vectors, we noted that shRNAs are highly expressed and yield an abundance of unprocessed precursors, whereas artificial microRNAs (miRNAs) are expressed at lower levels and are processed efficiently. We hypothesized that unprocessed shRNAs arise from the saturation of endogenous RNAi machinery, which poses likely a burden to cells. In this study, we tested that hypothesis by assessing the relative effects of shRNAs and artificial miRNAs on the processing and function of miRNAs. In competition assays, shRNAs disrupted miRNA biogenesis and function, whereas artificial miRNAs avoided this interference even when dosed to silence as effectively as shRNAs. We next compared the safety of these vectors in mouse cerebella, and found that shRNAs cause Purkinje cell neurotoxicity. By contrast, artificial miRNA expression was well tolerated, resulting in effective target gene silencing in Purkinje cells. These findings, together with data from earlier work in mouse striata, suggest that miRNA-based platforms are better suited for therapeutic silencing in the mammalian brain.
Benthonic foraminiferal faunal and isotopic data for the postglacial evolution of the Champlain Sea

Benthonic foraminiferal faunal and isotopic data from Champlain Sea sediments (approximately 12,500 to 10,000 yr B.P. in age) in two piston cores from Lake Champlain provide a detailed, apparently continuous record of the evolution of the Champlain Sea. Cassidulina reniforme and Islandiella helenae are the dominant benthonic foraminifera during the initial phase of the Champlain Sea, and are replaced by Elphidium excavatum forma clavatum and Protelphidium orbiculare as the dominant species during the remainder of the sea's history. The oxygen-isotopic data show a gradual decrease in δ18O between approximately 12,500 and 10,900 yr B.P., followed by a more rapid decrease during the interval 10,900 to 10,000 yr B.P. The δ13C data have a similar trend as δ18O, with generally decreasing values up the section. The isotopic and faunal data suggest that nearly marine conditions were present in the initial plase of the Champlain Sea, followed by gradually decreasing salinities and increasing temperatures as the sea evolved. The beginning of the rapid isotopic decrease at approximately 10,900 yr B.P. marks the onset of the largest environmental change in the history of the Champlain Sea, probably reflecting a major pulse of meltwater from the Laurentide Ice Sheet.
Glucose utilization in the auditory system: cochlear dysfunctions and species differences.

Abstract 1. 1. Deoxyglucose uptake in peripheral auditory tissues and inferior colliculus of the young CBA or C57BL/6J mouse increases with intensity of an acoustic stimulus from 25 to 85 dBA and decreases from 85 to 115dBA. 2. 2. In 36-month-old CBA and 9-month-old C57BL with sensorineural hearing loss the metabolic response to stimulation is attenuated 50% or more. 3. 3. Metabolic responses to stimuli are qualitatively and quantitatively different in the gerbil and in the guinea-pig. 4. 4. It is concluded that cochlear dysfunctions are characterized by abnormal evoked metabolism; and that the stimulus-response pattern varies with species.
Charge-transfer and the location of superconducting holes in La2 − βSrβCuO4

Abstract As β increases in La 2 − β Sr β CuO 4 , holes transfer from the cuprate-planes to the LaO layers—the opposite of what the charge-transfer hypothesis predicts. We interpret this analyzed charge-transfer as indicating that the superconductivity originates in the vicinity of LaO layers, not in the cuprate-planes—contrary to previous interpretations of measurements which place the origin of superconductivity in the cuprate-planes.
The Impact of Structural Family Therapy Training on Conceptual and Executive Therapy Skills

The importance of empirical evaluations of family therapy training is gaining increased recognition. This study reports the results of a controlled assessment of a training seminar in structural family therapy. Changes in the conceptual and executive skills of 44 therapy trainees (22 family trainees and 22 controls) were assessed over a 16-week period using repertory grid and videotaped therapy simulation techniques. Results indicated significant conceptual gains in family therapy trainees, but only among those with little previous exposure to family training. Differences in the overall number as well as the type of interventions were also noted. Results generally supported the predicted impact of therapy training, but left unanswered questions regarding the unique impact of family therapy training over individual training. These qualifications are discussed and directions for future work are highlighted.
Low profile wide band VHF/UHF antenna

Many applications in communications and radar require antennas that conform to the surface of the supporting structure. Whenever applicable, the antenna aperture is approximated by a plane with the requirement that the dimension normal to the aperture (“profile”) be minimized. Low profile antennas are of special importance within the VHF/UHF bands where they are used as communications antennas on airborne platforms. In addition to low profiles, these antennas also require wide bandwidths. Meeting both requirements at the long wavelengths involved poses special difficulties. Although the subject of profile reduction for flush mounted antennas is not new, the number of papers dealing specifically with VHF/UHF band designs is surprisingly small. Two recently proposed designs employ variants of a discone antenna.
Augmentation of stagnation region heat transfer due to turbulence from a DLN can combustor

Heat transfer measurements have been made in the stagnation region of a flat plate with a circular leading edge. Electrically heated aluminum strips placed symmetrically about the leading edge stagnation region were used to measure spanwise averaged heat transfer coefficients. The maximum Reynolds number obtained, based on leading edge diameter, was about 100,000. The model was immersed in the flow field downstream of an approximately half scale model of a can-type combustor from a low NO(x), ground based power-generating turbine. The tests were conducted with room temperature air; no fuel was added. Room air flowed into the combustor through six vane type fuel/air swirlers. The combustor can contained no dilution holes. The fuel/air swirlers all swirled the incoming airflow in a counter clockwise direction (facing downstream). A 5-hole probe flow field survey in the plane of the model stagnation point showed the flow was one big vortex with flow angles up to 36' at the outer edges of the rectangular test section. Hot wire measurements showed test section flow had very high levels of turbulence, around 28.5 percent, and had a relatively large axial-length scale-to-leading edge diameter ratio of 0.5. X-wire measurements showed the turbulence to be nearly isotropic. Stagnation heat transfer augmentation over laminar levels was around 77 percent and was about 14 percent higher than predicted by a previously developed correlation for isotropic grid generated turbulence.
Quick and dirty GOMS: a case study of computed tomography interpretation

GOMS (goals, operators, methods, and selection rules) has the potential for a high degree of theoretical accuracy. However, this accuracy is time-consuming to realize under field conditions, and, consequently, GOMS generally is not used by software engineers. Nevertheless, in our experience, GOMS models can be practical if the effort required to produce and use the model is commensurate with its limited practical accuracy. To speed and simplify the development of GOMS models, we developed "quick and dirty" GOMS-or QGOMS. In this work, we detail an 8-year case study in which QGOMS models were used by a software engineering team to develop and evolve an interface for the electronic display of computed tomography (CT) medical images. Experimentally generated timing results were compared to model estimates to provide an indication of expected accuracy for QGOMS models under field conditions. We have also implemented a direct-manipulation graphical tree editor that allows rapid development and analysis of QGOMS models. In addition to rapid model construction, QGOMS provides "probability selection rules" allowing a more refined GOMS analysis.
Effect of temperature on Cs+ sorption and desorption in subsurface sediments at the Hanford Site, U.S.A.

The effects of temperature on Cs+ sorption and desorption were investigated in subsurface sediments from the U.S. Department of Energy Hanford Site. The site has been contaminated at several locations by the accidental leakage of high-level nuclear waste (HLW) containing 137Cs+. The high temperature of the self-boiling, leaked HLW fluid and the continuous decay of various radionuclides carried by the waste supernatant have resulted in elevated vadose temperatures (currently up to 72 °C) below the Hanford S-SX tank farm that have dissipated slowly from the time of leakage (1970). The effect of temperature on Cs+ sorption was evaluated through batch binary Cs+−Na+ exchange experiments on pristine sediments, while Cs+ desorption was studied in column experiments using 137Cs+-contaminated sediments. Cs+ adsorption generally decreased with increasing temperature, with a more apparent decrease at low aqueous Cs+ concentration (10-10−10-6 mol/L). Cs+ desorption from the contaminated sediments increased with incr...
Evidence that differential packaging of the major platelet granule proteins von Willebrand factor and fibrinogen can support their differential release

Summary. Background: von Willebrand factor (VWF) and fibrinogen are major storage proteins of platelet α-granules. VWF is synthesized by the megakaryocyte, the cell from which platelets bud, and fibrinogen is delivered to α-granules by endocytosis.Aim: Considering biosynthetic origins, VWF and fibrinogen might be differentially packaged within platelets. We applied immunofluorescence microscopy to provide whole platelet, global information on the distributions of VWF and fibrinogen.Results: The distribution of VWF and fibrinogen were characterized in both the resting state and handling activated human platelets. Full cell volume image stacks were collected by spinning-disk confocal microscopy, corrected for a small pixel shift between green and red channels, deconvolved, and visualized in a three-dimensional space. In sum, we found that there was little overlap in the distribution of VWF and fibrinogen in resting state platelets. In an important control, the distributions of green and red secondary antibodies overlapped completely when different color secondary antibodies directed against the same first antibody were used. Moreover, the same result was observed using different first antibodies and switching second antibody color to switch the color of VWF and fibrinogen staining. No accumulation of fibrinogen in late endosomes or lysosomes was detected by co-staining with LAMP2, a late endosome/lysosome membrane protein. Significantly, we found that in handling activated platelets there was differential retention of fibrinogen-positive granules relative to VWF positive granules.Conclusion: Our results indicate that VWF and fibrinogen are differentially packaged in human platelets. Moreover, the results suggest that differential packaging could support differential release of α-granule proteins.
Biomechanical reevaluation of orthodontic asymmetric headgear.

Objective: To investigate the distribution of distal and lateral forces produced by orthodontic asymmetric headgear (AHG) using mathematical models to assess periodontal ligament (PDL) influence and to attempt to resolve apparent inconsistencies in the literature. Materials and Methods: Mechanical models for AHG were constructed to calculate AHG force magnitudes and direction using the theory of elasticity. The PDL was simulated by elastic springs attached to the inner-bow terminals of the AHG. The total storage energy (Et) of the AHG and the supporting springs was integrated to evaluate the distal and lateral forces produced by minimizing Et (Castigliano’s theorem). All analytical solutions were derived symbolically. Results: The spring-supported headgear model (SSHG) predicted the magnitude and distribution of distal forces consistent with our data and the published data of others. The SSHG model revealed that the lateral forces delivered to the inner-bow terminals were not equal, and the spring constant (stiffness of the PDL) affected the magnitude and direction of the resultant lateral forces. Changing the stiffness of the PDL produced a greater biomechanical effect than did altering the face-bow design. The PDL spring model appeared to help resolve inconsistencies in the literature between laboratory in vitro experiments and clinical in vivo studies. Conclusion: Force magnitude and direction of AHG were predicted precisely using the present model and may be applied to improve the design of AHG to minimize unwanted lateral tooth movement. (Angle Orthod. 2012;82:682–690.)
Dynamics of connected vehicle systems with delayed acceleration feedback

In this paper, acceleration-based connected cruise control (CCC) is proposed to increase roadway traffic mobility. CCC is designed to be able to use acceleration signals received from multiple vehicles ahead through wireless vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V) communication. We consider various connectivity structures in heterogeneous platoons comprised of human-driven and CCC vehicles. We show that inserting a few CCC vehicles with appropriately designed gains and delays into the flow, one can stabilize otherwise string unstable vehicle platoons. Exploiting the flexibility of ad-hoc connectivity, CCC can be applied in a large variety of traffic scenarios. Moreover, using acceleration feedback in a selective manner, CCC provides robust performance and remains scalable for large systems of connected vehicles. Our conclusions are verified by simulations at the nonlinear level.
Taking or Not Taking a Class: Students' Perceived Physiognomies Associated with Syllabi

This paper has tried to reconcile and synthesize the existing literature on course syllabi and create an interconnected and cohesive conceptual framework capable of bringing together the findings of previous conceptualization. The spin-off objectives involved conducting a survey to establish the students’ overall perceptions regarding the course syllabi in general and the most recent syllabi they have been exposed to in particular. More importantly, we wanted to find out if the students’ current perceptions were significantly different from an ideal syllabus perception and whether students’ gender, ethnicity, academic standing, option, time of class, and class structure (i.e., regular vs. totally online) influenced students’ perception of a syllabus. This study identified four factors contributing to an ideal syllabus. This study extended the previous research on syllabi because no other study has focused on syllabus format and its visual presentation. The findings suggest that alternative strategies should be used to communicate syllabus information.
Candida albicans and Candida krusei differentially induce human blood mononuclear cell interleukin-12 and gamma interferon production.

Protection against Candida infection involves both innate and acquired immune responses, and cytokines produced by monocytes during the innate response may modify the acquired immune response by T cells. We hypothesized that Candida species which differ in pathogenicity can differentially induce production of immunoregulatory cytokines by human monocytes, which in turn modify T cells for immune responses to Candida. To test this hypothesis, we examined the effects of Candida albicans and Candida krusei on immunoregulatory cytokine production by human monocytes and gamma interferon (IFN-γ) production by peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC). Purified monocytes were incubated with live or heat-killed strains of C. albicans and C. krusei at the optimal Candida/monocyte ratio of 0.5. Cytokines in the supernatants were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Our data demonstrated that live C. albicans and C. krusei significantly induced interleukin-10 (IL-10), monocyte chemotactic factor 1, IL-1β, and tumor necrosis factor alpha production by monocytes relative to unstimulated monocytes. In contrast, unlike C. krusei, pathogenic live strains of C. albicans induced no or only a minimal level of IL-12. The expression of IL-12 p40 mRNA levels by reverse transcription-PCR corroborated the IL-12 protein (p70) findings. In human PBMC, human blood monocytes were the major source of both IL-10 and IL-12 production in response to C. albicans and C. krusei. Upon activation of T cells in the presence of Candida-modified monocytes and antigen-presenting cells, IL-12 production by PBMC treated with Candida organisms correlated strongly with the level of IFN-γ production by T cells. These results indicate that the virulence of C. albicans may be related to its ability to induce the monocytic type II cytokine IL-10, with a selective inhibition of IL-12 production, which may be responsible for the observed lack of T-cell IFN-γ and may restrain an effective type I immune response to Candida.
Performance of coherent optical receivers

Coherent optical communications, an area of research that shows great promise for future high-bandwidth and long-haul applications, is reviewed. Coherent optical receivers, which add light to the received signal as part of the detection process, have numerous advantages over direct-detection receivers, most notably increased sensitivity and increased selectivity, at the cost of increased complexity. The performance of coherent optical receivers under shot-noise-limited conditions is reviewed for a variety of modulation and demodulation formats. In addition, laser phase noise is discussed, and its effect on receiver performance is analyzed. >