cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Autoreactive B Cell Regulation: Peripheral Induction of Developmental Arrest by Lupus-Associated Autoantigens

Anti-Sm and anti-ssDNA transgenic (Tg) mice were generated using the VH-D-JH rearrangement of an anti-Sm hybridoma of MRL/Mp-lpr/lpr origin. B cells of each specificity account for 15%-35% of the splenic repertoire, but no circulating anti-Sm or anti-ssDNA antibodies are detected. Most autoreactive cells exhibit an immature B cell phenotype and have short half-lives equivalent to those of non-Tg immature B cells. However, at least some anti-Sm B cells are functional, because immunization with murine snRNPs induces anti-Sm secretion. We propose that anti-Sm and anti-ssDNA are eliminated during the transition to mature B cells and that this late stage of tolerance induction is consequential to their spontaneous activation in murine lupus.
Nitrogen metabolism during synchronous growth of Chlorella pyrenoidosa. I. Protein amino acid distribution

Total cellular-N, acid soluble-N, lipid plus chlorophyll-N, and the levels of the individual amino acids were measured during synchronous growth of a high temperature strain, 7-11-05, of Chlorella pyrenoidosa. Total cellular-N increased exponentially except for a small but reproducible deviation from log-linearity which occurred at approximately the middle of the 14 hour synchronous growth cycle. Although the level of acid soluble-N (as % of total cellular-N) exhibited definite periodism during synchronous growth, the amount of nitrogen in this pool was small (approximately 4–8%). Lipid- plus chlorophyll-N showed only slight fluctuations during cellular development; however, the trend followed that previously observed for phospholipid-P. The levels of the protein amino acids were expressed on a mole-percentage basis of the total protein amino acids. The level of most of the protein amino acids remained essentially constant during the course of synchronous growth. The levels of the basic and acidic amino acids as well as alanine exhibited more significant periodism than the other protein amino acids. The total protein amino acid-N level comprised approximately 63% of the total cellular-N throughout cellular development.
BrainIACS: a system for web-based medical image processing

We describe BrainIACS, a web-based medical image processing system that permits and facilitates algorithm developers to quickly create extensible user interfaces for their algorithms. Designed to address the challenges faced by algorithm developers in providing user-friendly graphical interfaces, BrainIACS is completely implemented using freely available, open-source software. The system, which is based on a client-server architecture, utilizes an AJAX front-end written using the Google Web Toolkit (GWT) and Java Servlets running on Apache Tomcat as its back-end. To enable developers to quickly and simply create user interfaces for configuring their algorithms, the interfaces are described using XML and are parsed by our system to create the corresponding user interface elements. Most of the commonly found elements such as check boxes, drop down lists, input boxes, radio buttons, tab panels and group boxes are supported. Some elements such as the input box support input validation. Changes to the user interface such as addition and deletion of elements are performed by editing the XML file or by using the system's user interface creator. In addition to user interface generation, the system also provides its own interfaces for data transfer, previewing of input and output files, and algorithm queuing. As the system is programmed using Java (and finally Java-script after compilation of the front-end code), it is platform independent with the only requirements being that a Servlet implementation be available and that the processing algorithms can execute on the server platform.
Fröhlich's “Vibrational model of Bose-condensation-like excitations of coherent modes”: Transformation into a simple, transparent scheme and relations to non-linear dynamical modeling in biophysics

Abstract Frohlich's “Vibrational model of Bose-condensation-like excitations of coherent modes” is re-investigated. It is shown that it is possible to transform a microscopic approach originally developed by Kaiser exactly into a simple, transparent model. The latter contains the three major contributions frequently encountered in biophysical modeling: dissipative processes, external input and non-linear interactions between the modes. The transformation is described and the resulting model is interpreted on a phenomenological basis.
Complaining as Participation The Case of the Ombudsman

Complaining is seen as a form of participation in administration. Although the literature recommends greater participation, we have little evidence about what sort of people are likely to complain ...
SOME ABNORMAL PROPERTIES OF CHLORAMPHENICOL RNA.

A detailed analysis of the ribosomal components of chloramphenicol ribonucleic acid has revealed slight but definite differences from normal ribosomal ribonucleic acid. Both the 16 s and the 23 s components of chloramphenicol ribonucleic acid sedimented slightly faster through sucrose gradients, and had slightly less affinity for columns of methylated albumin-coated kieselguhr, than their normal counterparts. These differences are explainable in terms of secondary structure; chloramphenicol ribosomal ribonucleic acid may have a greater degree of ordered helical configuration than normal ribosomal ribonucleic acid.
Comparison of Progressive Exercise Performance of Normal Subjects and Patients with Primary Pulmonary Hypertension

The extent of exercise limitation and the mechanisms for that limitation in 11 patients with primary pulmonary hypertension (PPH) were studied by progressive, upright cycle ergometry. All patients had a mean pulmonary artery pressure of 30 mm Hg or higher (mean, 56±15), normal pulmonary function testing, normal pulmonary capillary wedge pressure, and pulmonary angiography consistent with the diagnosis. Rest and exercise data obtained from the patients with PPH were compared with data obtained from 11 matched, sedentary control subjects. Mean maximal oxygen consumption ( V ˙ o 2 ) was 13±4 ml/kg/min in the PPH group compared with 28±7 ml/kg/min in the controls. At maximal V ˙ o 2 the minute ventilation ( V ˙ E ) was similar; however, the V ˙ E at any level of carbon dioxide production ( V ˙ CO 2 ) during rest and exercise was significantly higher in the PPH group. Maximal heart rate and oxygen pulse ( V ˙ o 2 /heart rate) was significantly higher in the control group (148±18 vs 180±24, and 6.3±2.2 vs 9.9±3.9, respectively). Anaerobic threshold occurred earlier during progressive exercise in the PPH group and correlated positively with the maximal oxygen pulse achieved in patients with PPH. In conclusion, patients with PPH have severe exertional limitation due to cardiovascular factors with an inability to maintain appropriate oxygen delivery to the body during exercise. No respiratory impairment was recognized; however, an exaggerated ventilatory response to exercise at any level of V ˙ CO 2 was found.
Compression of the spinal cord or cauda equina complicating gynecological malignancy reports of five cases and a review of the literature

Abstract Compression of the spinal cord or the cauda equina is an unusual complication of gynecological malignancy. Reports of five cases are presented: Two patients had epidermoid carcinoma of the cervix, one had adenocarcinoma of the endometrium, one had endometrial stromal sarcoma, and one had choriocarcinoma. The details of 30 additional cases collected from the literature are analyzed with regard to primary malignancy, symptoms, level of neurological compression, and modalities and results of treatment. Back pain and/or root pain is a serious symptom in any patient with malignant disease and should be investigated by bone scan and X rays. Twelve of eighteen (67%) patients with gynecologic malignancies had back pain and/or root pain prior to the development of motor weakness, and three patients in our series had abnormal bone scans prior to the development of motor weakness. Only 4 of 17 (24%) patients were able to walk and control the bladder and bowel after treatment. The combination of radiotherapy and chemotherapy was curative in a patient with choriocarcinoma which was thought to have metastasized to the spinal cord.
Food guidance revisited

Most of us eat a relatively adequate and balanced diet. However, if there were no room for dietary improvement, there would be little reason for the development and widespread dissemination of dietary guidance. Dietary guidance is not a new activity in the United States. Nutritionists both in government and in the private sector have been advising Americans about dietary practices for almost 100 years (1, 2). The evolution of this guidance corresponds to the growth in our understanding of both human nutritional needs and the relationship of diet to health and disease. Guides based on food groups have been developed and published for well over 60 years (3). As nutritionists, we have always been in the position of offering dietary guidance with imperfect and incomplete knowledge; however, traditionally we have assumed that we know enough to offer reasonable and potentially beneficial dietary advice. At present, there is no reason to challenge this assumption. Henry Sherman (4), chair of the 1948 Committee on Dietary Allowances, expressed this notion in terms that are still timely: " ... we need not wait for the completion of medical methods and classifications before putting our new knowledge of foods and nutrition to work in behalf of improved human well-being.... We know the main directions in which improvement is to be found...." Sherman further suggested that dietary guidance should be problem-oriented and should be focused on identified shortfalls, inadequacies, and imbalances in eating patterns. What we see today as inadequacies and imbalances are different from those of the past and may change again tomorrow. An obligation of those who offer food selection guidance to,the public is to state explicitly which problems have been targeted for improvement and why they have been selected. The historical objective of food guides developed by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has been to translate dietary standards and recommendations into simple and reliable nutrition education tools useful to consumers in improv-
In vitro cytotoxicity of surface modified bismuth nanoparticles

This paper describes in vitro cytotoxicity of bismuth nanoparticles revealed by three complementary assays (MTT, G6PD, and calcein AM/EthD-1). The results show that bismuth nanoparticles are more toxic than most previously reported bismuth compounds. Concentration dependent cytotoxicities have been observed for bismuth nanoparticles and surface modified bismuth nanoparticles. The bismuth nanoparticles are non-toxic at concentration of 0.5 nM. Nanoparticles at high concentration (50 nM) kill 45, 52, 41, 34 % HeLa cells for bare nanoparticles, amine terminated bismuth nanoparticles, silica coated bismuth nanoparticles, and polyethylene glycol (PEG) modified bismuth nanoparticles, respectively; which indicates cytotoxicity in terms of cell viability is in the descending order of amine terminated bismuth nanoparticles, bare bismuth nanoparticles, silica coated bismuth nanoparticles, and PEG modified bismuth nanoparticles. HeLa cells are more susceptible to toxicity from bismuth nanoparticles than MG-63 cells. The simultaneous use of three toxicity assays provides information on how nanoparticles interact with cells. Silica coated bismuth nanoparticles can damage cellular membrane yet keep mitochondria less influenced; while amine terminated bismuth nanoparticles can affect the metabolic functions of cells. The findings have important implications for caution of nanoparticle exposure and evaluating toxicity of bismuth nanoparticles.
The isolation of parvalbumin isoforms from the tail muscle of the American alligator (Alligator mississipiensis).

Abstract Multiple parvalbumin isoforms have been detected in the tail (skeletal) muscle of the American alligator (Alligator mississipiensis). One of these isoforms (APV-1) has been highly purified and partially characterized. Protein purification involved mainly gel filtration and anion exchange chromatography, and characterization included gel electrophoresis, amino acid composition analysis, metal ion analysis, MALDI-TOF and ESI mass spectrometry, ultraviolet and fluorescence spectroscopy, and one- and two-dimensional 500 MHz proton NMR spectroscopy. The alligator isoforms are rich in phenyl-alanine and deficient in the other aromatic residues as is typical for parvalbumins. In fact, the one highly purified isoform that forms the basis of this study has only phenyl-alanine as an aromatic residue. Ion exchange chromatography further indicates that this isoform has a relatively high isoelectric point (pl ∼ 5.0), indicating that it is an α-lineage parvalbumin. This alligator parvalbumin isoform is unusual in that it has an atypically high Ca2+ content (almost 3.0 mole of Ca2+ per mole of protein) following purification, a fact supported by terbium fluorescence titration experiments. Preliminary comparative analysis of the highly purified alligator parvalbumin isoform (in the Ca2-loaded state) by two-dimensional 1H-NMR (2D 1H TOCSY and 2D 1H NOESY) indicates that there is considerable similarity in structure between the alligator protein and a homologous protein obtained from the silver hake (a saltwater fish species).
Enzyme Catalyzed Polymerization of Phenol and Aniline Derivatives on a Langmuir Trough to Form Ordered 2-D Polymer Films:

Early work demonstrated that polymeric materials may be synthesized from substi tuted phenols and aromatic amines via a horseradish peroxidase (HRP) enzyme catalyzed reaction in the bulk. We have elaborated a novel approach for this enzyme mediated polymer synthesis using in situ polymerization employing a Langmuir trough. The Langmuir method is used to arrange the reactants at the molecular level prior to and during polymerization. This methodology provides straightforward control over the resulting structure, order and orientation of the final polymer. This increased control leads to improved processability, and functional characteristics for the polymers in comparison to the bulk synthesized polymers. This novel synthetic approach and the resultant ordered polymeric products can provide a useful foundation for the design of biological devices.
Optimal Design of Compact Spur Gear Reductions

The optimal design of compact spur gear reductions includes the selection of bearing and shaft proportions in addition to gear mesh parameters. Designs for single mesh spur gear reductions are based on optimization of system life, system volume, and system weight including gears, support shafts, and the four bearings. The overall optimization allows component properties to interact, yielding the best composite design. A modified feasible directions search algorithm directs the optimization through a continuous design space. Interpolated polynomials expand the discrete bearing properties and proportions into continuous variables for optimization. After finding the continuous optimum, the designer can analyze near optimal designs for comparison and selection. Design examples show the influence of the bearings on the optimal configurations.
Configuring cellular manufacturing systems

We present a three-stage procedure for configuring machines into manufacturing cells, and assigning the cells to process specific sets of jobs. First, operations are assigned, with the objective of minimizing the deviation between available capacity and the workload assigned to each machine. We then extended King's algorithm to group machines based on similarities of operations. Finally a direct-search algorithm for defining the composition of manufacturing ceils is offered. A comprehensive example is also included.
Guidelines for the Management of Heart Failure: Differences in Guideline Perspectives

The development of clinical or practice guidelines is thought to be a successful strategy for improving quality of care. Accordingly, many professional organizations, societies, institutions of health care or policy, and even countries have published practice guidelines on a variety of topics, including heart failure.
Inverse Problem for a Semilinear Ultraparabolic Equation with Unknown Right-Hand Side

The inverse problem of determination of a time-dependent multiplier of the right-hand side is studied for a semilinear ultraparabolic equation with integral overdetermination condition in a bounded domain. The conditions for the existence and uniqueness of solution of the posed problem are obtained.
Accommodation, supply shocks, and sluggish real wages☆

Abstract This paper analyzes the policy dilemmas posed by supply shocks in a rational expectations model featuring sluggish real wages. A discrete time version of the model is used to calculate the variances for prices, wages, and output for alternative policy rules and speeds of adjustment for real wages. The conventional tradeoffs between output and price variability in the model do not always exist.
Simultaneous determination of 11 phytoestrogens in human serum using a 2 min liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry method

Abstract A rapid 2 min liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (LC–MS/MS) method operating in multiple reaction ion monitoring mode was developed and validated that allows for the characterization and simultaneous quantification of 11 phytoestrogen metabolites with mass transitions m / z 241/119 (equol), 253/132 (daidzein), 255/149 (dihydrodaidzein), 257/108 ( O -desmethylangolesin), 269/133 (genistein), 283/184 (glycitein), 267/191 (formononetin), 289/109 (biochanin A), 267/91 (coumestrol), enterodiol (301/253), and enterolactone (297/253). The method was demonstrated to be specific and sensitive, and a linear response for each phytoestrogen was observed over a range of 1–5000 ng/mL in human serum with the exception of dihydrodaidzein, whose lower limit of quantification was 2 ng/mL. The separation was carried out on a Synergi Polar-RP 2.5 micron (50 mm × 2.0 mm i.d.) column at 50 °C with water and acetonitrile (both containing 10 mM ammonium acetate) as the mobile phase under gradient conditions at a flow rate of 0.75 mL/min. This LC–MS/MS method is very useful for high-throughput analysis of phytoestrogens and proved to be simple, sensitive, reproducible, and reliable.
Broadband Quantum Cryptography

Quantum cryptography is a rapidly developing field that draws from a number of disciplines, from quantum optics to information theory to electrical engineering. By combining some fundamental quantum mechanical principles of single photons with various aspects of information theory, quantum cryptography represents a fundamental shift in the basis for security from numerical complexity to the fundamental physical nature of the communications channel. As such, it promises the holy grail of data security: theoretically unbreakable encryption. Of course, implementing quantum cryptography in real broadband communications systems poses some unique challenges, including generating single photons, distilling random keys from the quantum key distribution process, and maintaining security at both the theoretical and practical level. Overall, quantum cryptography has a place in the history of secret keeping as a novel and potentially useful paradigm shift in the approach to broadband data encryption. Table of Contents: Introduction / Elements of Classical Cryptography / The Quantum Mechanics of Photons / Fundamentals of Quantum Key Distribution / Information Theory and Key Reconciliation / Components for Broadband QKD / A Survey of QKD Implementations / Conclusion - QKD in the Marketplace
Gender differences in advertising response and self-consciousness variables

This study assesses gender differences in self-consciousness traits and advertising responses across a sample of adult Americans. The results indicate that there are gender differences in public self-consciousness and social anxiety, with the effects particularly pronounced for younger females. Younger females also recalled more television commercials than other male and female groups. The social implications of these findings are considered.
RESPONSE OF WHITE-TAILED DEER TO INFECTION WITH PESTE DES PETITS RUMINANTS VIRUS

White-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) were infected experimentally with two strains of peste des petits ruminants virus. The response varied from fatal consequence to subclinical infection. The clinical signs and gross lesions were similar to those in goats. Virus was recovered from all the infected deer, and survivors developed specific antibodies demonstrated by complement fixation and virus neutralization tests. Survivors also resisted challenge with virulent rinderpest virus that was lethal to a control deer.
Benthic primary productivity on the Georgia midcontinental shelf: Benthic flux measurements and high-resolution, continuous in situ PAR records

[1] Continuous, 7 year records of above-water, near-surface water column and near-bottom measurements of photosynthetically active radiation (PAR) were used in conjunction with in situ chamber measurements to estimate magnitude and seasonal variations in benthic primary productivity (BPP) on the Georgia continental shelf. Correlation between BPP and PAR flux was established with 19 light/dark benthic chamber and PAR flux measurements at water depths from 14 to 40 m. No substantial improvement in the relationship is observed by inclusion of benthic chlorophyll biomass and water temperature, apparently because variations in benthic chlorophyll concentrations are moderated by physical mixing processes and seasonal temperature ranges are relatively modest. Best fit for the data set is described by a simple power function [mg carbon fixed m−2 d−1 = 132(mol photon m−2 d−1)1.45]. In situ, continuous PAR measurements indicate temporal variations and seasonal trends not revealed by previous ship-based measurements. Importantly, calculations of PAR flux and resulting BPP are significantly less than earlier estimates of benthic PAR derived via local insolation and water column light attenuation from ship-based light profiling. Furthermore, benthic PAR flux based on continuous above-water and near-surface in-water PAR measurements fails to correctly reflect seasonal trends for near-bottom PAR. Analysis of the time series data suggests that estimates of the vertical attenuation coefficient for PAR (kPAR) values from ship-based measurements are biased to calmer conditions while variations in the vertical profile of light attenuation prevent accurate estimates of benthic PAR from near-surface or above-water measurements. Accurate estimates of the benthic light field and BPP over the annual cycle require in situ, continuous, high-resolution near-bottom measurements provided by ocean observatories.
Consuming Reality: The Commercialization of Factual Entertainment, by June Deery and The Makeover: Reality Television and Reflexive Audiences, by Katherine Sender

Reality television (RTV) has been the subject of intense scrutiny among observers and critics of popular communication. Recent additions to this discussion, June Deery’s Consuming Reality and Kathe...
The Witten index in superspace, two-dimensional superanomaly in Yang-Mills and gravitational background, and superspace Schwinger-Dewitt heat kernel method

Abstract We consider the Witten index in superspace and show that it is closely related to the superspace Schwinger-DeWitt heat kernel. By evaluating the Witten index for the two-dimensional superspace Yang-Mills and gravitational systems we obtain the two-dimensional superanomaly in an efficient way. Furthermore we show an effective way to treat the three-dimensional supersymmetric Yang-Mills system by the superspace Schwinger-DeWitt heat kernel method. As a consequence, the supersymmetric Chern-Simons term is obtained.
Evaluation of C-reactive protein, an inflammatory marker, and infectious serology as risk factors for coronary artery disease and myocardial infarction.

Abstract Objectives. We sought to test whether C-reactive protein (CRP) and seropositivity to any of three infectious agents are associated with angiographic coronary artery disease (CAD) and clinical myocardial infarction (MI). Background. CRP, an inflammatory marker, is reported to predict risk of MI. The stimulus for CRP is unknown but might include infection. Chlamydia pneumoniae, cytomegalovirus and Helicobacter pylorihave been linked to risk of MI or CAD. Methods. Blood samples were collected from 363 patients undergoing coronary arteriography and tested for CRP and IgG titers to the infectious agents. Results. CRP was higher in patients with CAD (1.32 mg/dl [SE 0.22, n = 80] vs. 0.58 mg/dl [SE 0.11 mg/dl, n = 109], p = 0.004) and in those with MI (2.05 mg/dl [SE 0.36, n = 47] vs. 0.54 mg/dl [SE 0.08, n = 133], p = 0.0002) than in respective control subjects. Seropositivity for each agent was present in a high proportion of patients with CAD (58% to 77%) or MI (54% to 75%) as well as in control subjects (no CAD: 46% to 74%; no MI: 50% to 77%). However, subjects seropositive to both C. pneumoniaeand H. pylorihad an increased prevalence of CAD (odds ratio [OR] 2.6, p = 0.02) and MI (OR 2.0, p = 0.15) and tended to have higher CRP levels (1.07 mg/dl [SE 0.16]) than those seronegative to both infectious agents (0.53 mg/dl [SE 0.10], p = 0.06). Conclusions. CRP is elevated in patients with CAD (more than twofold) and in those with MI (fourfold). Infectious serology is highly prevalent in both patients and control subjects. Seropositivity to both C. pneumoniaeand H. pylori(but not one agent alone) may predict increased risk and may be associated with higher CRP levels. Infectious serology may be less predictive than previously suggested, but the cause of inflammation in CAD and MI deserves further study.
A switch for the transfer of substrate between nonribosomal peptide and polyketide modules of the rifamycin synthetase assembly line

A nonribosomal peptide synthetase (NRPS) loading module and a polyketide synthase (PKS) elongation module catalyze the preliminary steps in the biosynthesis of the rifamycin antibiotics. A benzoate molecule is covalently attached to the phosphopantetheine arm of the thiolation domain of the loading module when its reaction partner methylmalonyl-CoA is absent. Occupancy of the thiolation domain of the elongation module by a methylmalonyl moiety appears to trigger intermodular transfer of benzoate to the ketosynthase domain of the elongation module. This transthiolation event is fast relative to the initial loading of benzoate onto the loading module. It will be of interest to determine if these results are generally true for intermodular acyl transfer in other NRPS-PKS and PKS assembly lines.
Agile Software Development: Ad Hoc Practices or Sound Principles?

Management and organization theories help explain why agility is needed in software development and how to achieve it. Even though the effectiveness of some specific agile practices is not yet fully established, the agile approach is consistent with the sound principles grounded in management and organization theories discussed here. Our analysis helps understand the validity and applicability of the agile approach. It also highlights some of the challenges faced by agile development. Also, this analysis highlights several opportunities to fine-tune and understand the applicability and relevance of agile methods in different project contexts. Finally, rather than focusing attention on whether there is anything new with agile methods, it's more useful to understand the conditions under which specific agile practices are likely to be effective
Determination of Activity Coefficients of Semi-Volatile Organic Aerosols Using the Integrated Volume Method

We demonstrate the use of the Integrated Volume Method (IVM) to estimate activity coefficients of semi-volatile organic compounds pertinent to ambient/atmospheric aerosols in binary mixtures. We generate binary solution aerosols with different mole fractions of individual components; for each mixture, we measure total change in aerosol volume upon heating from 25 ○ C to 35 ○ C, with the aerosols being at equilibrium in both states. The change in aerosol volume, or in other words, the partitioning between the particle phase and the gas phase, is used to determine activity coefficients of the compounds as a function of their mole fraction in the mixture. We demonstrate this method using the following four model systems. System 1: adipic acid–pimelic acid, which illustrates polar organic–polar organic interactions. Non-ideal behavior was observed with activity coefficients around three at infinite dilution. System 2: adipic acid–dioctyl sebacate, which illustrates polar organic–non-polar organic interactions...
Probability Learning and the P3 Component of the Visual Evoked Potential in Man

Evoked potentials were recorded to stimuli (S1) which were predictive of stimuli (S2) worth different monetary values to determine if these waveforms reflected the probability and/or the value of the predicted event as the subject learned the relationship between S1 and S2. Both the monetary value of S2 and its conditional probability following S1 were systematically manipulated over a wide range of values. Subjects were required to use the conditional probability information (0.5,0.75,1.0) in order to make a correct behavioral response and receive the monetary payoff ($0, $1, $2). The results indicate that the amplitude of the P3 component of the average evoked response to S1 increases as subjects learn the relationship between S1 and S2, and S2 is a high value event.
Novel zinc-based fixative for high quality DNA, RNA and protein analysis

We have developed a reliable, cost-effective and non-toxic fixative to meet the needs of contemporary molecular pathobiology research, particularly in respect of RNA and DNA integrity. The effects of 25 different fixative recipes on the fixed quality of tissues from C57BL/6 mice were investigated. Results from IHC, PCR, RT–PCR, RNA Agilent Bioanalyser and Real-Time PCR showed that a novel zinc-based fixative (Z7) containing zinc trifluoroacetate, zinc chloride and calcium acetate was significantly better than the standard zinc-based fixative (Z2) and neutral buffered formalin (NBF) for DNA, RNA and protein preservation. DNA sequences up to 2.4 kb in length and RNA fragments up to 361 bp in length were successfully amplified from Z7 fixed tissues, as demonstrated by PCR, RT–PCR and Real-Time PCR. Total protein analysis was achieved using 2-D gel electrophoresis. In addition, nucleic acids and proteins were very stable over a 6–14-month period. This improved, non-toxic and economical tissue fixative could be applied for routine use in pathology laboratories to permit subsequent genomic/proteomic studies.
(Vapor + liquid) equilibria and coexisting densities of (carbon dioxide + n-butane) at 311 to 395 K

Abstract An experimental phase-equilibrium apparatus has been modified with the addition of vibrating-tube densitometers to allow the simultaneous measurement of (vapor + liquid) equilibrium and saturated phase densities. The equipment operates from 300 to 400 K and at pressures to 14 MPa. Both the vapor and liquid phases are recirculated. Measurements have been obtained on (carbon dioxide + n -butane) at 311.09, 344.43, and 394.6 K at pressures up to the critical. The measured phase compositions and densities agree within experimental uncertainty with previously reported results.
Effect of Microstructure on Cavitation during Hot Deformation of a Fine-Grained Aluminum-Magnesium Alloy as Revealed through Three-Dimensional Characterization

The effect of microstructure on cavitation developed during hot deformation of a fine-grained AA5083 aluminum-magnesium alloy is investigated. Two-point correlation functions and three-dimensional (3-D) microstructure characterization reveal that cavitation depends strongly on the mechanism that controls plastic deformation. Grain-boundary-sliding (GBS) creep produces large, interconnected cavities rapidly during plastic straining. Solute-drag (SD) creep produces isolated cavities with less total volume fraction at a given strain. The 3-D microstructure data reveal adjacency between various microstructural features. Cavities are observed to be preferentially adjacent to large Al6(Mn,Fe) particles and to Mg-Si particles of all observed sizes. These data suggest that cavities preferentially nucleate at Mg-Si particles and at large Al6(Mn,Fe) particles. This result may be applied to reduce cavitation in commercial hot-forming operations utilizing aluminum-magnesium alloys.
"What pushed me over the edge was a deer hunter": Being vegan in North America.

Thirty-two vegans were interviewed in order to examine the reasons for becoming vegan, the sustaining motivation to persist, the interpersonal and intrapersonal impact of the diet and associated practices, and the vegans’ assessment of omnivores’ eating practices. Interviews were analyzed using a model that diagrams the process of becoming vegan provided by McDonald (2000). Participants reported strained professional and personal relationships as a result of their diet and beliefs. Vegan diets were associated with an increase in physical, eudaemonic, and spiritual well-being.
Crashworthiness Analysis of the January 26, 2005 Glendale, California Rail Collision

In Glendale, California on January 26, 2005, impact with an SUV on the track caused a southbound commuter train to derail, impact a standing freight train, buckle laterally outward, and rake the side of a northbound commuter train. Significant deformation resulted in the front of the southbound train and the side of the northbound train. There were a total of eleven fatalities and over one hundred injuries. This incident was investigated as a part of an ongoing field study of occupant injury in passenger train collisions and derailments currently being conducted by the United States (US) Department of Transportation's (DOT) Rail Accident Forensic Team in support of the Equipment Safety Research Program of the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA). The Forensic Team determined that the primary causal mechanism of injuries and fatalities in the Glendale incident was the loss of occupied volume of the passenger cars brought about by severe structural deformation.
Gyroscopic effects in micropolar elasticity

Abstract The influence of gyroscopic fields on the dynamics of continuum systems modeled by micropolar elasticity is considered. In particular, the general effects of gyroscopic inertia on the properties of the micropolar frequency eigenvalues and their associated eigenfunctions are determined. For example, although the gyroscopic micropolar field equations are classically nonself-adjoint, through the use of the skew symmetry of the Coriolis operator, a modified form of orthogonality is developed. Additionally, through the use of a modified version of Rayleigh's quotient, various of the properties of the eigenvalues are developed namely, potential bifurcations, realness, etc.
Clinical considerations in the design of protocols for somatic gene therapy.

ABSTRACT Despite two decades of investigating the potential for somatic gene therapy in curing human disease, few clinical trials are being proposed. This delay is due in part to limitations of exi...
Ca2+ channels and signalling in cilia and flagella.

Abstract Ca 2+ plays a key role in the regulation of ciliary and flagellar movement. This article focuses on the initial steps of this regulation: how and where Ca 2+ enters cilia and flagella to trigger specific changes in axonemal motility. This knowledge is fundamental for understanding the sites, molecular targets and mechanisms of action of Ca 2+ within the cilium of flagellum.
A visual preference-modeling and decision-support technique for buyers of multi-attribute products

We describe an intuitive, visual technique by which buyers of multi-attribute goods and services in electronic marketplaces can express their preferences, and receive real-time feedback about which transaction partners can most suitably meet their needs. Our work embodies a novel approach towards the visualization and conceptualization of multi-attribute spaces. Our system gives users the option of being able to iteratively refine their preferences based upon dynamically generated decision-support feedback.
Deep in-Situ Stress Measurements by Hydrofracturing

Abstract Hydrofracturing is a recently developed in-situ stress-measuring method. It consists of hydraulically pressurizing a sealed-off interval inside of a borehole until fracture initiates. The fracture is then extended by additional pumping of fluids from the surface. The pressures recorded during the test can be directly related to the magnitudes of the in-situ principal stresses. The orientation of the fracture in the borehole yields the directions of the principal stresses. The method overcomes some limitations of the more conventional strain-relief techniques: stresses can be determined at any distance from the access point (limited only by hole length), stresses are measured directly, no elastic parameters are required in determining the minimum principal stress, no delicate instruments are used in the borehole, no overcoring is necessary. The hydrofracturing method was theoretically developed for both high- and low-permeability rocks, and was extensively tested in the laboratory under simulated in-situ conditions. These tests confirmed the theoretical assumptions and results. Field measurements were conducted in some ten states within the continental U.S., at depths varying from 100 m (Nevada Test Site) to 1900 m (Rangely, Colorado). The hydrofracturing results were very consistent within each site, and the calculated principal stresses and their directions could, in most cases, be correlated to tectonic phenomena or other measurements and observations. In particular, the stresses determined at Rangely were in accord with the expected condition for the right lateral slip of the existing strike-slip fault, and were used to correctly predict the critical pore pressure necessary to trigger local earthquakes. At the Nevada Test Site, the results of twelve hydrofracturing measurements conducted both from the surface and from underground tunnels indicated a linear increase with depth in all the principal stresses. Hydrofracturing is a simple method of stress determination. It utilizes commercially available packers, pressure lines and pumps, which can be either rented or purchased. It is now being tested in fault zones, in anomalously hot formations, in extremely anisotropic rocks. It is being considered as a major tool in plate-tectonics studies, earthquake control, geothermal-energy extraction from hot dry rock, and new methods of mining.
Direct adaptive impedance control of robot manipulators

This article presents an adaptive scheme for controlling the end-effector impedance of robot manipulators. The proposed control system consists of three subsystems: a simple “filter” that characterizes the desired dynamic relationship between the end-effector position error and the end-effector/environment contact force, an adaptive controller that produces the Cartesian-space control input required to provide this desired dynamic relationship, and an algorithm for mapping the Cartesian-space control input to a physically realizable joint-space control torque. The controller does not require knowledge of either the structure or the parameter values of the robot dynamics and is implemented without calculation of the robot inverse kinematic transformation. As a result, the scheme represents a general and computationally efficient approach to controlling the impedance of both nonredundant and redundant manipulators. Furthermore, the method can be applied directly to trajectory tracking in free-space motion by removing the impedance filter. Computer simulation results are given for a planar four degree-of-freedom redundant robot under adaptive impedance control. These results demonstrate that accurate end-effector impedance control and effective redundancy utilization can be achieved simultaneously by using the proposed controller.
Point and click! Review of the literature on utilization of online materials in nursing education programs

This article presents an introduction to the history of Web-based and Web-assisted teaching, learning, and assessment. The development of the field of distance education and its relevance to nursing will be documented. Published utilization studies of one set of online nurse educational tools, the Assessment Technologies Institute content mastery and comprehensive predictor, will be reviewed and discussed. Methods by which schools of nursing can access and integrate these online nursing education resources will be explored.
Branes and mirror symmetry in N=2 supersymmetric gauge theories in three-dimensions

Abstract We use brane configurations and SL(2, Z ) symmetry of the type IIB string to construct mirror N = 2 supersymmetric gauge theories in three dimensions. The mirror map exchanges Higgs and Coulomb branches, Fayet-Iliopoulos and mass parameters and U(1)R symmetries. Some quantities that are determined at the quantum level in one theory are determined at the classical level of the mirror. One such example is the complex structure of the Coulomb branch of one theory, which is determined quantum mechanically. It is mapped to the complex structure of the Higgs branch of the mirror theory, which is determined classically. We study the generation of N = 2 superpotentials by open D-string instantons in the brane configurations.
The origin and characteristics of a pig kidney cell strain, LLC-PK.

A stable epithelial-like pig kidney cell strain has been established. This strain has been carried through more than 300 serial passages, has remained free of microbial and viral contaminants, and has retained a near diploid number of chromosomes. Attempts to produce tumors with these cells in immunosuppressed laboratory animals have been uniformly negative. The cells have grown rapidly in monolayer cultures with a split ratio of 1 to 15 at weekly intervals, but have failed to proliferate in suspension cultures. A subline adapted to growth on serum-free medium 199 has been carried through 145 passages on this medium. Several unusual morphologic features have been observed in these cultures including three-dimensional “domelike” structures. These cells have been found susceptible to some viruses and have been especially useful for viruses of domestic animals. LLC-PK1 cells have produced significant levels of plasminogen activator.
Germline self-renewal requires cyst stem cells and stat regulates niche adhesion in Drosophila testes

Adults maintain tissue-specific stem cells through niche signals. A model for niche function is the Drosophila melanogaster testis, where a small cluster of cells called the hub produce locally available signals that allow only adjacent cells to self-renew. We show here that the principal signalling pathway implicated in this niche, chemokine activation of STAT, does not primarily regulate self-renewal of germline stem cells (GSCs), but rather governs GSC adhesion to hub cells. In fact, GSC renewal does not require hub cell contact, as GSCs can be renewed solely by contact with the second resident stem cell population, somatic cyst stem cells (CySCs), and this involves BMP signalling. These data suggest a modified paradigm whereby the hub cells function as architects of the stem cell environment, drawing into proximity cellular components necessary for niche function. Self-renewal functions are shared by the hub cells and the CySCs. This work also reconciles key differences in GSC renewal between Drosophila testis and ovary niches, and highlights how a niche can coordinate the production of distinct lineages by having one stem cell type rely on a second.
Alien Rescue: A Problem-Based Hypermedia Learning Environment for Middle School Science:

This article describes an innovative hypermedia product for sixth graders in space science: Alien Rescue. Using a problem-based learning approach that is highly interactive, Alien Rescue engages st...
The “Old Wheelwork” and Its Revolutions: Precarious Authority in Gisela and Bettine von Arnim's Das Leben der Hochgräfin Gritta von Rattenzuhausbeiuns

This article investigates tropes of sovereignty and revolution in Das Leben der Hochgrafin Gritta von Rattenzuhausbeiuns, a novel-length Kunstmarchen written in 1840 by Gisela von Arnim with her mother Bettine. In its renditions of authority and resistance, the Gritta tale contains both an archive of the political frictions of the Vormarz period and an object-lesson in the ambiguous status of female authorship at the time. This reading calls attention to the proliferation of sites of precarious authority in the tale, from the eccentric Count's gimcrack Rettungsmachine (rescue machine)—a throne with an ejector seat that flings off anyone who sits in it—to the not-quite-satisfying fairy-tale ending, which raises Gritta herself to the role of sovereign even as it excludes her from the story's true locus amoenus: a “nature convent” in line with Schillerian ideals. I am grateful to the anonymous reviewers for their very helpful comments. I would also like to thank the students in my Reed College seminar, “Law ...
Traffic anomaly detection based on the IP size distribution

In this paper we present a data-driven framework for detecting machine-generated traffic based on the IP size, i.e., the number of users sharing the same source IP. Our main observation is that diverse machine-generated traffic attacks share a common characteristic: they induce an anomalous deviation from the expected IP size distribution. We develop a principled framework that automatically detects and classifies these deviations using statistical tests and ensemble learning. We evaluate our approach on a massive dataset collected at Google for 90 consecutive days. We argue that our approach combines desirable characteristics: it can accurately detect fraudulent machine-generated traffic; it is based on a fundamental characteristic of these attacks and is thus robust (e.g., to DHCP re-assignment) and hard to evade; it has low complexity and is easy to parallelize, making it suitable for large-scale detection; and finally, it does not entail profiling users, but leverages only aggregate statistics of network traffic.
MINILAPAROTOMY RADICAL RETROPUBIC PROSTATECTOMY: TECHNIQUE AND RESULTS

AbstractPurpose: A small incision (minilaparotomy) radical retropubic prostatectomy is described and evaluated. A newly designed self-retaining retractor* was used as a robot and functioned as a second operative assistant.Materials and Methods: A total of 522 consecutive patients underwent minilaparotomy radical prostatectomy by a single surgeon (F. F. M.) between 1991 and 1997. The technique of minilaparotomy radical retropubic prostatectomy (a 7 to 8 cm. midline incision) is described in detail.Results: A questionnaire was mailed to all 522 patients and there were 265 responses. Satisfactory continence was achieved in the short term in 85% of patients (0 to 1 pad). Of the patients 83% had a prostate specific antigen of less than 0.2 ng./ml. at average followup of 2.6 years. There was no operative mortality and the overall complication rates were similar to other patients treated by the same department staff with a larger incision. The typical patient was discharged home 3 days postoperatively.Conclusion...