cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A consensual qualitative investigation into the repatriation experiences of young adult, missionary kids

A growing body of literature has documented the repatriation difficulties of children who have spent some portion of their developmental years outside their passport country; this cultural crisis is particularly evident for the repatriated missionary kid (MK). Our study employed a constructivist-interpretivist approach with Consensual Qualitative Research (CQR) to interview young adult, repatriated MKs (n = 9) and those who support them (n = 4). CQR analysis of the MK data resulted in three domains (adjusting to the home country, MK identity and personal growth, and support systems) and 16 core ideas which elaborate on those themes. Separate CQR analysis of the MK supporter interviews resulted in four similar domains (adjustment, identity, relationships, support systems) and 16 core ideas. Our results have been useful in better integrating the foregoing research and in providing suggestions for facilitating positive MK repatriation.
Overexpression of the RAD2 gene of S. cerevisiae: identification and preliminary characterization of Rad2 protein

The cloned RAD2 gene of S. cerevisiae was tailored into regulatable expression vectors for overexpression of Rad2 protein in E. coli and in yeast. In E. coli both Rad2/beta-galactosidase fusion protein and native Rad2 protein are insoluble, but are extractable with 1% Sarkosyl. In yeast some of the overexpressed native Rad2 protein is also insoluble; however, soluble protein is readily detected by immunoblotting with Rad2-specific antibodies. All forms of the protein detected in transformed or untransformed yeast cells and the insoluble species in E. coli migrate in denaturing polyacrylamide gels with an apparent molecular weight considerably larger than the size predicted from the sequence of the RAD2 coding region. This property is not the result of post-translational glycosylation detectable by binding of concanavalin A, or of phosphorylation of the protein. Overexpression of the RAD2 gene is toxic to yeast. Transformed yeast cells grow much more slowly than untransformed controls and when yeast transformants are serially propagated cultures show considerably colony heterogeneity and concomitant selection for rapidly growing variants which express less Rad2 protein. Antisera raised against Rad2/beta-galactosidase fusion protein expressed in E. coli do not cross-react with Rad1, Rad3 or Rad10 protein in crude extracts of yeast, nor with purified E. coli UvrA, UvrB or UvrC proteins.
Analysis of the impact of body mass index on the surgical outcomes after robot-assisted laparoscopic myomectomy.

Abstract Study Objective To estimate the impact of body mass index (BMI) on surgical outcomes in patients undergoing robotic myomectomy. Design A retrospective cohort data analysis (Canadian Task Force classification II-2). Setting Community-based teaching hospital. Patients A total of 77 consecutive patients from January 2005 through November 2008 with symptomatic leiomyomata. Intervention Robotic-assisted laparoscopic myomectomy. Measurements and Main Results Body mass index ([BMI] expressed as kg/m 2 ) was abstracted from the medical charts of all patients undergoing robotic myomectomy. Data on estimated blood loss, procedure time, length of hospital stay, diameter of the largest fibroid, and specimen weight were also extracted. Overall patient demographics between the groups were similar. Thirty-two patients (41.6%) were obese or morbidly obese (BMI > 30). The parameters analyzed for associations with the continuous measure of BMI included length of postoperative hospital stay (LOS), estimated blood loss (EBL), and procedure duration. Median (range) procedure time among all patients was (195 minutes, 98-653 minutes), estimated blood loss was (100 mL, 10-700 mL), and length of hospital stay was (1 day, 1-5 days). No associations were determined between BMI and LOS (r = 0.14, p = .22), EBL (r = 0.25, p = .03), or procedure duration (r = 0.16, p = .22) with Spearman correlations. The size of the largest leiomyoma diameter did not affect these associations. Conclusion Preoperative obesity is not a risk factor for poor surgical outcome in patients undergoing robotic myomectomy.
Estrogen-dependent DNA synthesis and parenchymal cell proliferation in the liver of adult male Xenopus frogs

Abstract Estradiol-17β treatment of adult male Xenopus laevis induces liver parenchymal cells to synthesize DNA and proliferate. DNA synthesis begins 3 to 4 days after estrogen treatment and continues for approximately 10 days. Over this 2-week period, the total number of liver parenchymal cells increases fourfold, the wet weight of the liver remains constant, and there is a 50% reduction in cell volume. The elevated number of cells persists for several months and then returns to the control value. The extent of proliferation is hormone dose dependent. Pulse-chase experiments demonstrate that as a result of hormone treatment a minority of the parenchymal cells in the initial population enter the cell cycle, and via repeated divisions become the majority (79%) of the population by Day 14. The implications of this phenomenon for estrogen-induced liver cell differentiation and vitellogenin gene function are discussed.
An autoradiographic study of the effects of mammalian gonadotropins (follicle-stimulating hormone and luteinizing hormone) and estradiol-17beta on [3H]thymidine labeling of surface epithelial cells, prefollicular cells, and oogonia in the ovary of the lizard Anolis carolinensis.

Abstract Adult, hypophysectomized Anolis carolinensis with seasonally quiescent ovaries were treated with daily, subcutaneous injections of either 0.05 ml of saline, 10 μg of ovine follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), 10 μg of ovine luteinizing hormone (LH), or 1 μg of estradiol-17β for 5 days. One hour before sacrifice, each animal received an intraperitoneal injection of 3 μCi of [ methyl - 3 H]thymidine. After sacrifice, the ovaries were removed and serially sectioned. Autoradiographs of the region of the ovarian cortex consisting of a surface epithelium, prefollicular cells, oogonia, and primary oocytes (i.e., germinal bed) were then prepared and examined microscopically. Treatment with FSH increased significantly the number of [ 3 H]thymidine-labeled surface epithelial cells, prefollicular cells, and oogonia, as well as the total number of oogonia and the oogonial labeling index, i.e., the ratio of labeled oogonia to total oogonia × 100. Neither LH nor estradiol-17β treatments had a significant effect on these parameters. These results suggest that an FSH-like gonadotropin may mediate cellular proliferation in the germinal bed of this lizard.
An efficient multiversion algorithm for secure servicing of transaction reads

We propose an efficient multiversion algorithm for servicing read requests in secure multilevel databases. Rather than keep an arbitrary number of versions of a datum, as standard multiversion algorithms do, the algorithm presented here maintains only a small fixed number of versions—up to three—for a modified datum. Each version corresponds to the state of the datum at the end of an externally defined version period. The algorithm avoids both covert channels and starvation of high transactions, and applies to security structures that are arbitrary partial orders. The algorithm also offers long-read transactions at any security level conflict-free access to a consistent, though slightly dated, view of any authorized portion of the database. We derive constraints sufficient to guarantee one-copy serializability of executions histories, and then exhibit an algorithm that satisfies these constraints.
Flexible instruments outperform rigid instruments to place anatomic anterior cruciate ligament femoral tunnels without hyperflexion.

Purpose This study evaluated the ability of flexible instruments compared with rigid instruments to place anatomic femoral tunnels in anterior cruciate ligament reconstructions by use of both transtibial drilling and anteromedial drilling without hyperflexion. Methods Rigid and flexible pins were placed in 12 matched pairs of cadaveric knees with transtibial drilling (6 pairs) and anteromedial drilling (6 pairs) at 110° of flexion. Intraosseous pin lengths, femoral exit locations, and tunnel alignment were measured. Results Transtibial drilling with rigid pins placed relatively vertical femoral tunnels 5.8 ± 1.0 mm superior to the central anterior cruciate ligament insertion. Transtibial drilling with flexible pins placed tunnels in the center of the femoral attachment, but the tunnels were relatively close to the posterior femoral cortex, with a mean distance of 8.0 ± 5.9 mm ( P P P Conclusions Transtibial drilling with rigid instruments did not produce anatomic femoral tunnels. Transtibial drilling with flexible pins produced anatomic tunnels, but the tunnels were close to the posterior femoral cortex. Anteromedial drilling without hyperflexion produced anatomic tunnels by use of rigid and flexible instruments, but with flexible instruments, the tunnels were longer and were farther from the posterior femoral cortex. Anteromedial drilling with flexible pins produced tunnels with good length and the best position. Clinical Relevance Flexible instruments compared with rigid instruments can facilitate the creation of anatomic femoral tunnels by use of anteromedial drilling without hyperflexion.
Molecular basis for passive immunotherapy of Alzheimer's disease

Amyloid aggregates of the amyloid-{beta} (A{beta}) peptide are implicated in the pathology of Alzheimer's disease. Anti-A{beta} monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) have been shown to reduce amyloid plaques in vitro and in animal studies. Consequently, passive immunization is being considered for treating Alzheimer's, and anti-A{beta} mAbs are now in phase II trials. We report the isolation of two mAbs (PFA1 and PFA2) that recognize A{beta} monomers, protofibrils, and fibrils and the structures of their antigen binding fragments (Fabs) in complex with the A{beta}(1–8) peptide DAEFRHDS. The immunodominant EFRHD sequence forms salt bridges, hydrogen bonds, and hydrophobic contacts, including interactions with a striking WWDDD motif of the antigen binding fragments. We also show that a similar sequence (AKFRHD) derived from the human protein GRIP1 is able to cross-react with both PFA1 and PFA2 and, when cocrystallized with PFA1, binds in an identical conformation to A{beta}(1–8). Because such cross-reactivity has implications for potential side effects of immunotherapy, our structures provide a template for designing derivative mAbs that target A{beta} with improved specificity and higher affinity.
No primary association between the 308 polymorphism in the tumor necrosis factor α promoter region and insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus

Abstract Whereas TNF-α has been implicated in the pathogenesis of IDDM, its possible role as a primary genetic susceptibility factor has not been well investigated. In this study, we analyzed a biallelic polymorphism in the TNF-α promotor region in a large collection of IDDM patients and controls ascertained from two ethnic populations (U.S. Caucasians and Chinese in Taiwan). We report that the associations with TNF-α are due to linkage disequilibrium between TNF-α and the DR3-DQB1∗0201 haplotype in both ethnic populations. Our analyses of extended haplotypes for the HLA region further substantiate the conclusion that no primary association exists between IDDM and the TNF-a promoter polymorphism.
Oncotator: Cancer Variant Annotation Tool

Oncotator is a tool for annotating genomic point mutations and short nucleotide insertions/deletions (indels) with variant- and gene-centric information relevant to cancer researchers. This information is drawn from 14 different publicly available resources that have been pooled and indexed, and we provide an extensible framework to add additional data sources. Annotations linked to variants range from basic information, such as gene names and functional classification (e.g. missense), to cancer-specific data from resources such as the Catalogue of Somatic Mutations in Cancer (COSMIC), the Cancer Gene Census, and The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA). For local use, Oncotator is freely available as a python module hosted on Github (https://github.com/broadinstitute/oncotator). Furthermore, Oncotator is also available as a web service and web application at http://www.broadinstitute.org/oncotator/.
Frequency and predictive value of the clinical manifestations in Sjögren's syndrome.

: The purpose of this study was to examine the frequency and predictive value of glandular and extraglandular manifestations in Sjogren’s syndrome (SS). The clinical profiles of 169 SS patients were compared to those of 44 non-SS controls. The specific symptoms examined were oral, ocular, vaginal, gastric, pulmonary, skin, joint and muscle pain. Statistical analyses were performed on both individual and grouped symptoms. Chi-squared analyses showed that the frequency of all symptoms was significantly higher among patients than controls. Stepwise discriminant analysis of individual symptoms suggests that the combined symptoms of dry mouth, sore mouth, and dry eyes correctly classified 93% of SS and 97.7% of the controls. While grouped gastric, muscle, psychological, vaginal, skin, nasal, and thyroid symptoms correctly classified 64.3% of SS and 86.1% of the controls. This is the first study to examine the diagnostic value of multi-system manifestation in SS. The overall results suggest that a comprehensive questionnaire of various symptoms may assist the diagnosis of SS. The high predictive value of the combined symptoms confirms their value in the evaluation of SS.
Selective, Retrieval-Independent Disruption of Methamphetamine-Associated Memory by Actin Depolymerization

Background Memories associated with drugs of abuse, such as methamphetamine (METH), increase relapse vulnerability to substance use disorder. There is a growing consensus that memory is supported by structural and functional plasticity driven by F-actin polymerization in postsynaptic dendritic spines at excitatory synapses. However, the mechanisms responsible for the long-term maintenance of memories, after consolidation has occurred, are largely unknown. Methods Conditioned place preference ( n = 112) and context-induced reinstatement of self-administration ( n = 19) were used to assess the role of F-actin polymerization and myosin II, a molecular motor that drives memory-promoting dendritic spine actin polymerization, in the maintenance of METH-associated memories and related structural plasticity. Results Memories formed through association with METH but not associations with foot shock or food reward were disrupted by a highly-specific actin cycling inhibitor when infused into the amygdala during the postconsolidation maintenance phase. This selective effect of depolymerization on METH-associated memory was immediate, persistent, and did not depend upon retrieval or strength of the association. Inhibition of non-muscle myosin II also resulted in a disruption of METH-associated memory. Conclusions Thus, drug-associated memories seem to be actively maintained by a unique form of cycling F-actin driven by myosin II. This finding provides a potential therapeutic approach for the selective treatment of unwanted memories associated with psychiatric disorders that is both selective and does not rely on retrieval of the memory. The results further suggest that memory maintenance depends upon the preservation of polymerized actin.
Molecular orientation of a model liquid crystal alignment layer.

Abstract An analytical methodology, involving the use of a combination of second harmonic generation (SHG) and linear dichroism, was utilized to probe the molecular orientation and angular distribution of a model liquid crystal (LC) alignment layer. In order to determine which film structure would be best suited for use as an alignment layer, the azo dye o-methyl red (MR) was covalently bound to a glass substrate using both monofunctional and trifunctional silane chemistry. The influence of solvent on the orientation and angular distribution of both thin films was also investigated. For the monofunctional silane film under water, the mean orientation angle of the MR molecular long axis was 67±4° and the width of an assumed Gaussian distribution was 32±2°. Under hexanes, the mean orientation angle was the same within error (63±1°) but the distribution width narrowed considerably to 22±1°. Molecular orientation within the trifunctional silane film exhibited little dependence on solvent. Under water, the mean orientation angle and angular distribution width were 76±3° and 30±1°, respectively. With hexanes as the solvent, the mean orientation angle and angular distribution width were 79±1° and 30±1°, respectively. Orientation insensitive SHG measurements indicated that surface coverage in the tri-functional silane film was twice that in the mono-functional silane film. The observed orientational differences were attributed to differences in the forces that dictate molecular orientation for the two systems. Based on the higher orientation angle, higher surface coverage and the lack of solvent dependence, MR-tri exhibits more desirable characteristics for use as an LC alignment layer.
Space Station habitability research.

The purpose and scope of the Habitability Research Group within the Space Human Factors Office at the NASA/Ames Research Center is described. Both near-term and long-term research objectives in the space human factors program pertaining to the U.S. manned Space Station are introduced. The concept of habitability and its relevancy to the U.S. space program is defined within a historical context. The relationship of habitability research to the optimization of environmental and operational determinants of productivity is discussed. Ongoing habitability research efforts pertaining to living and working on the Space Station are described.
Gadamer, Rorty, hermeneutics, and Truth: A response to Warnke

Georgia Warnke has recently criticized Richard Rorty's claim that appropriation of Gadamer's work supports Rorty's position that hermeneutics aims not at truth but at ‘edification’. On Warnke's view, however, Gadamer's work suggests that hermeneutical understanding necessarily involves the search for truth and consensus. But such an opposition between Rorty's and Gadamer's hermeneutics on this issue can be seen as primarily a matter of their intentions rather than of their actual explications of hermeneutics, which, when investigated, disclose dangers of both relativism and dogmatism. Rorty's work seems to require, against his intentions, a concept of validity. Gadamer's hermeneutics, when analyzed in terms of three key themes discussed by Warnke ‐ prejudice and tradition, the anticipation of completeness, and the fusion of horizons ‐ yields no coherent account of ‘truth’ without a kind of ‘bias’ in favor of the hermeneutical ‘object’. We still await an adequate account of validity in hermeneutical unders...
1746 MORPHOMETRY OF OLIGOHYDRAMNIOS-INDUCED FETAL LUNG HYPOPLASIA

In fetal guinea pigs oligohydramnios (OH) causes lung hypoplasia which is more severe the earlier the onset and the longer the duration of OH (Ped. Res. 18:336A, 1984). We have quantitated the structural alterations in the lungs of fetal guinea pigs subjected to OH from 45 to 50 days gestation (term 67 days). OH fetuses (n=5) compared to littermate controls (n=4) have: Even a brief period of OH during the late canalicular-early saccular phases of lung development is sufficient to markedly reduce fetal lung growth and to cause profound structural changes. The disproportionate effect of OH on elastic tissue may be related to the fact that this tissue first appears in the parenchyma of the fetal guinea pig lung on day 45; this adverse effect might impede the ability of the lung to recover and could have long term sequelae.
Physical conditions in a quiescent prominence derived from UV spectra obtained with the UVSP instrument on the SMM

A quiescent prominence observed above the north-west limb on November 20, 1980, is analyzed using data obtained with the Ultraviolet Spectrometer and Polarimeter (UVSP) on the Solar Maximum Mission (SMM). The spectral data include the lines 1215 A of Hi, 1401 A of Oiv, 1402 A of Siiv, 1548 A of Civ, 1640 A of Hei, and 1655 A of Ci. From an analysis of these lines and their emission patterns we deduce physical characteristics of the prominence plasma, and suggest in particular that the prominence consisted of flux tubes at various temperatures. In the hotter parts of the plasma the number density reached values of about 3 × 1011 cm#X2212;3.
ITERATIVE METHOD FOR LARGE DEFLECTION NONLINEAR PROBLEM OF LAMINATED COMPOSITE SHALLOW SHELLS AND PLATES

Based on the results by Wang, in this paper, the iterative method is presented for the study of large deflection nonlinear problem of laminated composite shallow shells and plates. The rectangular laminated composite shallow shells have been analyzed. The results have been compared with the small deflection linear analytical solution and finite element nonlinear solution. The results proved that the solution coincide with small deflection linear analytical solution in the condition of the low loads and finite element nonlinear solution in the condition of the high loads.
Nonlinear response of the photocathode of an x-ray streak camera to UV light

We have found that a potassium-iodide photocathode of an x-ray streak camera responds to UV light at {lambda}=308 nm. The photocathode surface work function, 6.5 eV, is larger than the 4 eV energy of the UV photon, hence the source of the response is interesting. We will present results on the response of a transmission type potassium-iodide photocathode to the UV light from a {lambda}308 nm, subpicosecond XeCl laser and from a {lambda}=326 nm HeCd laser. We will test for the nonlinearity of the yield to measure of the number of photons that are needed to be absorbed before a signal is recorded. We will present data on the effect of the UV irradiance on the yield, as well as on the temporal width of the recorded signal. We will give an explanation of the observation and its effect on the dynamic-range response of the streak-camera. We will show that the response is linear with the incident irradiance, up to an incident irradiance of 10{sup 8} W/cm{sup 2} and we will explain the observation.
Cations in olivine, Part 2: Diffusion in olivine xenocrysts, with applications to petrology and mineral physics

Diffusivities for calcium, iron, magnesium, manganese and aluminum have been measured for St. John's olivine undergoing cation exchange with synthetic basaltic melts. The variety of temperature, pressure and fO2 conditions under which the diffusivities were measured complement the equilibrium-partitioning study of calcium in olivine-bearing basalts by Jurewicz and Watson, 1988. Olivine was found to be anisotropic with respect to the diffusion of calcium, iron, magnesium and manganese. This anisotropy is a weak function of temperature, but strongly dependent upon oxygen fugacity.
A new proof of the Neyman‐Pearson lemma from the solution of a maximin receiver problem

This paper presents a motivational example of meaningful use of simple tools from elementary probability. The model presented represents an optimal design for a receiver of signals under the assumption two messages are sent. The results characterize optimal receivers and present useful optimizing functions. In turn, these functions are used to explain and prove a version of the Neyman‐Pearson theorem. Finally, informative examples are given.
Brown Norway and Zucker Lean Rats Demonstrate Circadian Variation in Ventilation and Sleep Apnea

Study Objectives: Circadian rhythms influence many biological systems, but there is limited information about circadian and diurnal variation in sleep related breathing disorder. We examined circadian and diurnal patterns in sleep apnea and ventilatory patterns in two rat strains, one with high sleep apnea propensity (Brown Norway (BN)) and the other with low sleep apnea propensity (Zucker Lean (ZL)). Design/Setting: Chronically instrumented rats were randomized to breathe room air (control) or 100% oxygen (hyperoxia), and we performed 20-h polysomnography beginning at Zeitgeber time 4 (ZT 4; ZT 0 = lights on, ZT12 = lights off). We examined the effect of strain and inspired gas (two- way analysis of variance) and analyzed circadian and diurnal variability. Measurements and Results: Strain and inspired gas-dependent differences in apnea index (AI; apneas/h) were particularly prominent during the light phase. AI in BN rats (control, 16.9 ± 0.9; hyperoxia, 34.0 ± 5.8) was greater than in ZL rats (control, 8.5 ± 1.0; hyperoxia, 15.4 ± 1.1, (strain effect, P < 0.001; gas effect, P = 0.001)). Hyperoxia reduced respiratory frequency in both strains, and all respiratory pattern variables demonstrated circadian variability. BN rats exposed to hyperoxia demonstrated the largest circadian fluctuation in AI (amplitude = 17.9 ± 3.7 apneas/h (strain effect, P = 0.01; gas effect, P < 0.001; interaction, P = 0.02); acrophase = 13.9 ± 0.7 h; r 2 = 0.8 ± 1.4). Conclusions: Inherited, environmental, and circadian factors all are important elements of underlying sleep related breathing disorder. Our method
High-speed frequency swept light source for Fourier domain OCT at 20 kHz A-scan rate

We demonstrate a high-speed tunable, continuous wave laser source for Fourier domain OCT. The laser source is based on a fiber coupled, semiconductor optical amplifier and a tunable ultrahigh finesse, fiber Fabry Perot filter for frequency tuning. The light source provides frequency scan rates of up to 20,000 sweeps per second over a wavelength range of >70 nm FWHM at 1330 nm, yielding an axial resolution of ~14 μm in air. The linewidth is narrow and corresponds to a coherence length of several mm, enabling OCT imaging over a large axial range.
The MFMU cesarean registry: Does an unfavorable cervix at induction of labor in women with one prior cesarean affect maternal morbidity?

OF LABOR IN WOMEN WITH ONE PRIOR CESAREAN AFFECT MATERNAL MORBIDITY? WILLIAM GROBMAN, for the NICHD MFMU Network, Bethesda, Maryland OBJECTIVE: To determine whether cervical status at induction of labor (IOL) increases adverse outcomes in women with a prior cesarean. STUDY DESIGN: Women with one prior transverse cesarean undergoing a TOL at term with a singleton were identified from a prospectively collected database of deliveries occurring in 19 academic centers during a 4-year period. Maternal health outcomes for those women with and without a favorable cervix (FC), defined as a modified Bishop score O5, were compared. Multivariable analysis was performed on selected variables to determine whether cervical status at IOL was associated with increased maternal risks when compared to spontaneous labor (SL). Data were analyzed separately for women without and with a prior vaginal delivery (PVD). RESULTS: 2868 women underwent IOL and had a complete cervical exam at initiation of IOL. VBAC was less likely with an unfavorable cervix (UC) when compared to a FC for women without (44.9 vs. 68.7%, p!0.0001) and with (76.9 vs. 91.1%, p!0.0001) a PVD. Conversely, the frequency of other maternal morbidities was not associated with cervical status at IOL (see Table). In multivariable analysis, an UC decreased the chance of a successful VBAC when compared with SL in women without a PVD (OR .50, 95% CI .42-.60). Conversely, success rates for VBAC were similar for women undergoing IOL with a FC and women in SL (OR 1.3, 95% CI .98-1.6). Results were similar for women with a PVD (OR .55, 95% CI .42-.70 and OR 1.3, 95% CI .94-1.8, respectively). CONCLUSION: VBAC success is less likely if IOL occurs in the presence of an UC regardless of whether a woman has had a PVD. Cervical status at IOL is not associated with other measures of maternal morbidity.
Cysteine residue periodicity is a conserved structural feature of variable surface proteins from Paramecium tetraurelia

The DNA sequences of the entire coding regions of the A and C type variable surface protein genes from Paramecium tetraurelia, stock 51 have been determined. The 8151 nucleotide open reading frame of the A gene contains several tandem repeats of 210 nucleotides within the central portion of the molecule as well as a periodic structure defined by cysteine residues. The 6699 nucleotide open reading frame of the C gene does not contain any identifiable tandem repeats or internal similarity but maintains a periodicity based on the cysteine residue spacing. The deduced amino acid sequences encoded by the two genes are most similar within the 600 amino-terminal and 600 carboxyl-terminal amino acid residues, the central portions show only limited sequence similarity. We conclude that internal repeats are not a conserved feature of variable surface proteins in Paramecium and discuss the possible importance of the regular pattern of cysteine residues.
Highly selective single-nucleotide polymorphism detection with optofluidic ring resonator lasers

Optofluidic ring resonator microlasers in conjunction with molecular beacons are used for intracavity detection of DNA single-nucleotide polymorphism. A discrimination ratio of 100 is achieved between the target DNA and single-base-mismatched DNA.
Experimental Demonstration of Adaptive MDP-Based Planning with Model Uncertainty

Markov decision processes (MDPs) are a natural framework for solving multiagent planning problems since they can model stochastic system dynamics and interdependencies between agents. In these approaches, accurate modeling of the system in question is important, since mismodeling may lead to severely degraded performance (i.e. loss of vehicles). Furthermore, in many problems of interest, it may be dicult or impossible to obtain an accurate model before the system begins operating; rather, the model must be estimated online. Therefore, an adaptation mechanism that can estimate the system model and adjust the system control policy online can improve performance over a static (o-line) approach. This paper presents an MDP formulation of a multi-agent persistent surveillance problem and shows, in simulation, the importance of accurate modeling of the system. An adaptation mechanism, consisting of a Bayesian model estimator and a continuouslyrunning MDP solver, is then discussed. Finally, we present hardware flight results from the MIT RAVEN testbed that clearly demonstrate the performance benefits of this adaptive approach in the persistent surveillance problem.
Design of a single-feed 60 GHz planar metallic Fabry-Perot cavity antenna with 20 dB gain

In this paper a Fabry-Perot cavity (FPC) has been used to design a 60 GHz single feed directive antenna. The FPC antenna is made by a ground plane covered by a frequency selective surface (FSS). We have provided simple design guidelines based on a transmission line model. Numerical simulations confirm the design guidelines and antenna performances.
Recruitment of the Type B Histone Acetyltransferase Hat1p to Chromatin Is Linked to DNA Double-Strand Breaks

Type B histone acetyltransferases are thought to catalyze the acetylation of the NH(2)-terminal tails of newly synthesized histones. Although Hat1p has been implicated in cellular processes, such as telomeric silencing and DNA damage repair, the underlying molecular mechanisms by which it functions remain elusive. In an effort to understand how Hat1p is involved in the process of DNA double-strand break (DSB) repair, we examined whether Hat1p is directly recruited to sites of DNA damage. Following induction of the endonuclease HO, which generates a single DNA DSB at the MAT locus, we found that Hat1p becomes associated with chromatin near the site of DNA damage. The nuclear Hat1p-associated histone chaperone Hif1p is also recruited to an HO-induced DSB with a similar distribution. In addition, while the acetylation of all four histone H4 NH(2)-terminal tail domain lysine residues is increased following DSB formation, only the acetylation of H4 lysine 12, the primary target of Hat1p activity, is dependent on the presence of Hat1p. Kinetic analysis of Hat1p localization indicates that it is recruited after the phosphorylation of histone H2A S129 and concomitant with the recombinational-repair factor Rad52p. Surprisingly, Hat1p is still recruited to chromatin in strains that cannot repair an HO-induced double-strand break. These results indicate that Hat1p plays a direct role in DNA damage repair and is responsible for specific changes in histone modification that occur during the course of recombinational DNA repair.
Dynamic Changes in the Intermediate Filaments of the Epithelial Cells During Development of the Chicken’s Bursa of Fabricius

Abstract The development of bursal follicles and the differentiation of the follicle-associated epithelium and interfollicular epithelium were studied immunohistochemically using monoclonal anti-vimentin and anti-cytokeratin antibodies. In 10-day-old embryos the entodermal and cloacal epithelia coexpressed vimentin- and cytokeratin-intermediate filaments. Both undifferentiated and differentiated bursal surface epithelium simultaneously expressed vimentin- and cytokeratin-intermediate filaments during the entire period of embryogenesis. Vimentin expression in reticuloepithelial cells was related to bursal cell differentiation but was not linked to immune function. Sequential loss of vimentin from interfollicular epithelium, follicle-associated epithelium, and reticuloepithelial cells may reflect sequential acquisition of maturity in these three compartments. The presence of cytokeratin-intermediate filaments suggested that follicle-associated epithelium was not of mesenchymal origin. Testosterone treatment did not influence the vimentin and cytokeratin filament expression in the epithelial cell.
MODELING SOAK-TIME DISTRIBUTION OF TRIPS FOR MOBILE SOURCE EMISSIONS FORECASTING: TECHNIQUES AND APPLICATIONS

The soak time of vehicle trip starts is defined as the duration of time in which the vehicle's engine is not operating and that precedes a successful vehicle start. The temporal distribution of the soak time in an area is an important determinant of areawide mobile source emissions. In this study, a methodology for modeling soak-time durations is formulated and implemented. The methodology involves estimation of models using vehicle trip data from household travel surveys and supplementary zonal demographic and land use data. The effectiveness of the methodology lies in its easy application at the traffic zonal level within a metropolitan region to obtain zone-specific soak-time distributions by time of day and origin activity purpose. The methodology is applied to estimate soak-time duration models for the Dallas-Fort Worth area of Texas.
Ebstein’s Malformation With Imperforate Tricuspid Valve

A neonate was admitted at the age of 8 days with a history of increasing cyanosis and tachydyspnea after a normal pregnancy and delivery at 42 weeks’ gestation. A transthoracic echocardiography appeared to indicate pulmonary atresia with an intact ventricular septum. The child was intubated, intravenous prostaglandin E1 was started, and the patient was transferred to our hospital. The newborn presented with central cyanosis while being ventilated with 100% oxygen. No heart murmur was perceptible. Transthoracic echocardiography revealed marked apical displacement of the tricuspid valve leaflets (Figure 1 and Movie I). Linear attachments of the anterior and the mural leaflets resulted in complete separation of the inlet portion from the apical trabecular and outlet portions of the right ventricle (Figure 2 and Movie II). On color Doppler, we were unable to demonstrate either antegrade or regurgitant flow across the valve …
Sefirot as the Essence of God in the Writings of David Messer Leon

The period from the middle of the fifteenth century to the middle of the sixteenth century marks a transition in Jewish intellectual history in the Italian Renaissance characterized by the decline of Jewish rationalism and the rise of kabbalah. This process reached its culmination with the printing of Sefer ha-Zohar in 1558–59, an event accompanied by heated controversy on many fronts. During these years we find those thinkers who unambiguously profess their allegiance to one camp or the other, but we also find many whose allegiance is at least superficially ambivalent.
An effect of referential scene constraint on search implies scene segmentation

Subjects searched aerial images for a UFO target, which appeared hovering over one of five scene regions: Water, fields, foliage, roads, or buildings. Prior to search scene onset, subjects were either told the scene region where the target could be found (specified condition) or not (unspecified condition). Search times were faster and fewer eye movements were needed to acquire targets when the target region was specified. Subjects also distributed their fixations disproportionately in this region and tended to fixate the cued region sooner. We interpret these patterns as evidence for the use of referential scene constraints to partially confine search to a specified scene region. Importantly, this constraint cannot be due to learned associations between the scene and its regions, as these spatial relationships were unpredictable. These findings require the modification of existing theories of scene constraint to include segmentation processes that can rapidly bias search to cued regions.
A mode-matching approach to determine the shielding properties of a doubly periodic array of rectangular apertures in a thick conducting screen

The application of the mode-matching technique to determine the shielding properties of a thick doubly periodic conducting screen of rectangular apertures is presented. Floquet waves are used to represent the reflected and transmitted fields, while waveguide modes are used to determine the fields within the screen. Expressions for all fields are formed using Hertzian potentials. After enforcing boundary conditions and forming a system of linear equations, the mode coefficients are determined using standard techniques. Numerical results show the effect of increasing thickness and incidence angle variation on transmitted power. It is shown that by selectively choosing the number of waveguide modes, meaningful results for transmission can be obtained for screens whose thickness is several times the size of the apertures. The results also demonstrate the relationship between this approach and application of the waveguide below cutoff principle. It is also noted that at higher frequencies, higher order Floquet modes will propagate and contribute to the transmitted power
Evaluation and Management of Male Urinary Incontinence

The male lower urinary tract is well adapted to the rigors of everyday life in providing an effective lowpressure storage organ and a sophisticated, relatively trouble-free sphincter mechanism. The majority of male incontinence cases encountered presently are related to prostate pathology, many being due to sphincteric weakness following radical surgery. This review article will discuss the anatomy and neurophysiology of the lower urinary tract in the male and the causes, evaluation, and management of incontinence.
On the Optimum Transmitting Wave Length for a Vertical Antenna over Perfect Earth

This paper considers the idealized problem of the transmission from a perfect vertical antenna over perfectly conducting plane earth. The distribution of current amplitude along the antenna is assumed to be sinusoidal. The antenna resistance is entirely radiational and has been calculated in a companion paper. The amount of energy radiated in various altitudinal directions is calculated, and distribution diagrams are given illustrating special cases. The conditions for the greatest economy of radiated energy are formulated for the case of a terrestrially located receiving station, the optimum wave length being determined as 0.39 of the fundamental. A transmitting arrangement of special interest for Heaviside-layer experiments is also described.
On the emergence of rules in neural networks

A simple associationist neural network learns to factor abstract rules (i.e., grammars) from sequences of arbitrary input symbols by inventing abstract representations that accommodate unseen symbol sets as well as unseen but similar grammars. The neural network is shown to have the ability to transfer grammatical knowledge to both new symbol vocabularies and new grammars. Analysis of the state-space shows that the network learns generalized abstract structures of the input and is not simply memorizing the input strings. These representations are context sensitive, hierarchical, and based on the state variable of the finite-state machines that the neural network has learned. Generalization to new symbol sets or grammars arises from the spatial nature of the internal representations used by the network, allowing new symbol sets to be encoded close to symbol sets that have already been learned in the hidden unit space of the network. The results are counter to the arguments that learning algorithms based on weight adaptation after each exemplar presentation (such as the long term potentiation found in the mammalian nervous system) cannot in principle extract symbolic knowledge from positive examples as prescribed by prevailing human linguistic theory and evolutionary psychology.
Ethical Obligations and Federal Regulations in Ethnographic Research and Anthropological Education

A number of anthropologists and sociologists have seriously questioned the appropriateness for ethnography of Institutional Review Board procedures because they were designed specifically for biomedical and experimental research. This paper examines two dilemmas created by IRB guidelines when they are applied to ethnographic work conducted by students. The first problem regards the ambiguous boundaries that separate education and research; the second concerns the difficulty of establishing the multiple ethical obligations of the ethnographer while simultaneously recognizing that ethnographers, especially student ethnographers, themselves merit ethical treatment. It is suggested not only that the IRB system inadequately addresses the complexities of ethnographic research and education, but that it may inadvertently create rather than forestall ethical conundrums.
Predation by Myxococcus xanthus Induces Bacillus subtilis To Form Spore-Filled Megastructures

Biofilm formation is a common mechanism for surviving environmental stress and can be triggered by both intraspecies and interspecies interactions. Prolonged predator-prey interactions between the soil bacterium Myxococcus xanthus and Bacillus subtilis were found to induce the formation of a new type of B. subtilis biofilm, termed megastructures. Megastructures are tree-like brachiations that are as large as 500 μm in diameter, are raised above the surface between 150 and 200 μm, and are filled with viable endospores embedded within a dense matrix. Megastructure formation did not depend on TasA, EpsE, SinI, RemA, or surfactin production and thus is genetically distinguishable from colony biofilm formation on MSgg medium. As B. subtilis endospores are not susceptible to predation by M. xanthus, megastructures appear to provide an alternative mechanism for survival. In addition, M. xanthus fruiting bodies were found immediately adjacent to the megastructures in nearly all instances, suggesting that M. xanthus is unable to acquire sufficient nutrients from cells housed within the megastructures. Lastly, a B. subtilis mutant lacking the ability to defend itself via bacillaene production formed megastructures more rapidly than the parent. Together, the results indicate that production of the megastructure facilitates B. subtilis escape into dormancy via sporulation.
Comparative Analysis of SET Domain Proteins in Maize and Arabidopsis Reveals Multiple Duplications Preceding the Divergence of Monocots and Dicots

Histone proteins play a central role in chromatin packaging, and modification of histones is associated with chromatin accessibility. SET domain [Su(var)3-9, Enhancer-of-zeste, Trithorax] proteins are one class of proteins that have been implicated in regulating gene expression through histone methylation. The relationships of 22 SET domain proteins from maize (Zea mays) and 32 SET domain proteins from Arabidopsis were evaluated by phylogenetic analysis and domain organization. Our analysis reveals five classes of SET domain proteins in plants that can be further divided into 19 orthology groups. In some cases, such as the Enhancer of zeste-like and trithorax-like proteins, plants and animals contain homologous proteins with a similar organization of domains outside of the SET domain. However, a majority of plant SET domain proteins do not have an animal homolog with similar domain organization, suggesting that plants have unique mechanisms to establish and maintain chromatin states. Although the domains present in plant and animal SET domain proteins often differ, the domains found in the plant proteins have been generally implicated in protein-protein interactions, indicating that most SET domain proteins operate in complexes. Combined analysis of the maize and Arabidopsis SET domain proteins reveals that duplication of SET domain proteins in plants is extensive and has occurred via multiple mechanisms that preceded the divergence of monocots and dicots.
Qualitative analysis of key informant interviews about adolescent stigma surrounding use of school mental health services

Given the increased access to mental health services that schools provide, there has been a growing consensus among mental health professionals for the delivery of services for youth in schools. Building the capacity of schools to provide evidence-based socio-emotional supports across a continuum of care has been prioritized in recent decades. However, despite policy changes to implement more mental health services in schools, these services still remain widely underutilized by adolescents experiencing mental health problems. Understanding the factors impacting students’ decisions to seek help or use resources provided in a school setting is crucial for actually increasing utilization of care. Yet, little is known about the role of stigma in students’ underutilization of school mental health services. The current study examined stigma about mental health and services in schools through a qualitative analysis of 15 school personnel and student interviews at three high schools in South Carolina. Thematic a...
The Effects of Eliminating the Concept of Fourth Amendment Standing-Thirty Years in Hindsight

In 1978, the United States Supreme Court decided Rakas v. Illinois and dispensed with the "rubric of standing" used in earlier cases. Twenty years later, in Minnesota v. Carter, the Court appeared to assertively reaffirm Rakas dissuading lower courts from analyzing a legitimate expectation of privacy issue under the rubric of standing. The Court has never expressly undertaken to eliminate the standing analysis from any other area of constitutional inquiry. Was the elimination of standing in Rakas a grand experiment? If so, how successful was the experiment? How, if at all, did it affect Fourth Amendment doctrine when looking back now after thirty years?This Article seeks to provide some answers to these questions. Part 1 examines the confusion generated by Rakas in federal circuit courts, state courts, and among legal scholars. Part II sets forth a brief background description of relevant Court rulings in the decades leading up to Rakas and ends by citing to references to Rakas itself that clarify the basis for the thesis of the article. Section III examines some federal cases where search-and-seizure fact patterns illuminate the central difficulty created by Rakas and Carter. Part V summarizes the surprising conclusions to be drawn from these cases, supporting the thesis that in Rakas the Court undertook a bold and far-sighted attempt to streamline the threshold analysis for this heavily litigated Bill of Rights provision -- only to have the endeavor paralyzed in 1998 by the Court's decision in Carter. The article concludes by suggesting that this view of the Rakas decision is the correct view, and suggests that the Court could reinvigorate Rakas without overruling Carter.