cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Generalized bearing roughness fault detection in claw-pole generators

The generalized bearing roughness fault (worn bearing) is an important type of fault in automotive claw-pole generators (CPGs). It is traditionally very difficult to detect worn bearing in electric machines using only electric signals because there is no fault signature with single or multiple characteristic frequencies. In this paper, it is found that for electric machines driven by a belt-pulley assembly, the worn bearing will result in a small but detectable change in the effective diameter of the pulley. Since the effective pulley diameter change can be reliably detected by frequency shift of generator rectifier ripple, the worn bearing fault can be reliably detected. Experimental results demonstrate the method has very good detection performance.
Characterization of metabolic changes associated with the functional development of 3D engineered tissues by non-invasive, dynamic measurement of individual cell redox ratios

Non-invasive approaches to assess tissue function could improve significantly current methods to diagnose diseases and optimize engineered tissues. In this study, we describe a two-photon excited fluorescence microscopy approach that relies entirely on endogenous fluorophores to dynamically quantify functional metabolic readouts from individual cells within three-dimensional engineered tissues undergoing adipogenic differentiation over six months. Specifically, we employ an automated approach to analyze 3D image volumes and extract a redox ratio of metabolic cofactors. We identify a decrease in redox ratio over the first two months of culture that is associated with stem cell differentiation and lipogenesis. In addition, we demonstrate that the presence of endothelial cells facilitate greater cell numbers deeper within the engineered tissues. Since traditional assessments of engineered tissue structure and function are destructive and logistically intensive, this non-destructive, label-free approach offers a potentially powerful high-content characterization tool for optimizing tissue engineering protocols and assessing engineered tissue implants.
A class of compressible elastic materials capable of sustaining finite anti-plane shear

This paper describes a simple class of homogeneous, isotropic, compressible hyperelastic materials capable of sustaining nontrivial states of finite anti-plane shear.
Transgene expression in mouse airway epithelium by aerosol gene therapy with PEI-DNA complexes.

Abstract Gene therapy targeted at the respiratory epithelium holds therapeutic potential for diseases such as cystic fibrosis and α-1 anti-trypsin deficiency. A variety of approaches such as intranasal or intratracheal instillation and aerosol delivery have been utilized to target genes to the airways. Polyethylenimine (PEI), a linear or branched polycationic polymer, has been used for delivery of genes to various organs. In this study, using fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC)-labeled branched PEI, we initially examined the localization of PEI in the lungs after aerosol delivery to Balb/C mice. Further, after aerosol delivery of PEI–CAT DNA, in situ immunostaining for chloramphenicol acetyl transferase (CAT) protein was used to localize the transgene expression within the lungs. Immunohistochemistry for CAT, as well as localization of FITC-labeled PEI, revealed that after aerosol delivery, the PEI–DNA complexes deposit and subsequently transfect most of the epithelial cells in the conducting airways (including the peripheral airways). High levels of CAT were detected at 24 h after aerosol exposure and significant CAT expression was detected in the lungs up to 28 days after a single aerosol exposure. The data suggest that aerosol delivery of PEI–DNA complexes could be effective for the treatment of pulmonary diseases such as cystic fibrosis and α-1 anti-trypsin deficiency.
Approaches to breast cancer screening among nurse practitioners.

Purpose To determine nurse practitioners’ (NPs’) knowledge and reported practices regarding breast cancer screening in a climate of conflicting guidelines. Data Source A descriptive, cross-sectional survey design was used to examine approaches to cancer screening among NPs in western New York. Conclusions Among the 175 NP respondents, agreement with the accepted answer for the individual breast cancer—screening items ranged from 51% to 80%; responses did not vary by age group or gender. Overall, 54% demonstrated agreement with three or more of four breast cancer—screening items. Implications for Practice These findings suggest the need to implement educational interventions as one means of decreasing variation in breast cancer screening among NPs. Also, the development and endorsement of a single set of evidence-based breast cancer—screening guidelines would promote adoption of a single screening recommendation.
THERAPEUTIC EFFICACY OF INOSIPLEX (ISOPRINOSINE®) IN RHINOVIRUS INFECTION

Inosiplex (Isoprinosine), the paracetamidobenzoic acid salt of inosine dimethylaminoisopropanol, has shown antiviral activity in cell culture and in animals. Controlled challenge studies using the drug in a prophylactic fashion, however, have been disappointing. In vitro studies, as well as uncontrolled clinical trials, have suggested that the drug might be more effective when used therapeutically. We therefore undertook to test inosiplex in a controlled, double-blind, therapeutic study of volunteers challenged with rhinovirus. Thirty-nine volunteers were randomly divided into groups receiving either inosiplex or placebo tablets. Drug or placebo was started either at the time of, or 48 hours after challenge with rhinovirus Type 21. Illness was assessed in terms of the classical common cold symptoms, and infection was also determined by viral isolation from daily nasal wash specimens and by serum antibody rises. Five of 19 volunteers in the inosiplex group became ill, whereas 14 of 20 in the placebo group were sick (p less than 0.01). There was no difference between the control and inosiplex groups in the number of volunteers from whom rhinovirus was isolated. There was, however, a reduction in the duration of virus shedding in the inosiplex group. Seroconversion was also slightly less common in the inosiplex group. Immunologic studies suggest that inosiplex stimulates the lymphocyte mitogenic response. The results suggest that inosiplex exerts significant therapeutic benefits in rhinovirus infection.
A Homogeneous System for Formal Logic

Two more or less standard methods exist for the systematic, logical construction of classical mathematics, the so-called theory of types, due in the main to Russell, and the Zermelo axiomatic set theory. In systems based upon either of these, the connective of membership, “e”, plays a fundamental role. Usually although not always it figures as a primitive or undefined symbol. Following the familiar simplification of Russell's theory, let us mean by a logical type in the strict sense any one of the following: (i) the totality consisting exclusively of individuals, (ii) the totality consisting exclusively of classes whose members are exclusively individuals, (iii) the totality consisting exclusively of classes whose members are exclusively classes whose members in turn are exclusively individuals, and so on. Any entity from (ii) is said to be one type higher than any entity from (i), any entity from (iii), one type higher than any entity from (ii), and so on. In systems based upon this simplified theory of types, the only significant atomic formulae involving “e” are those asserting the membership of an entity in an entity one type higher. Thus any expression of the form “( x∈y )” is meaningless except where “ y ” denotes an entity of just one type higher than the type of the entity denoted by “ x ” It is by means of general type restrictions of this kind that the Russell and other paradoxes are avoided.
Investigation of an HMM/ANN hybrid structure in pattern recognition application using cepstral analysis of dysarthric (distorted) speech signals

Computer speech recognition of individuals with dysarthria, such as cerebral palsy patients requires a robust technique that can handle conditions of very high variability and limited training data. In this study, application of a 10 state ergodic hidden Markov model (HMM)/artificial neural network (ANN) hybrid structure for a dysarthric speech (isolated word) recognition system, intended to act as an assistive tool, was investigated. A small size vocabulary spoken by three cerebral palsy subjects was chosen. The effect of such a structure on the recognition rate of the system was investigated by comparing it with an ergodic hidden Markov model as a control tool. This was done in order to determine if this modified technique contributed to enhanced recognition of dysarthric speech. The speech was sampled at 11 kHz. Mel frequency cepstral coefficients were extracted from them using 15 ms frames and served as training input to the hybrid model setup. The subsequent results demonstrated that the hybrid model structure was quite robust in its ability to handle the large variability and non-conformity of dysarthric speech. The level of variability in input dysarthric speech patterns sometimes limits the reliability of the system. However, its application as a rehabilitation/control tool to assist dysarthric motor impaired individuals holds sufficient promise.
Strategy and Structure: Reconceiving the Relationship:

Discussions have drawn attention to the relationship between strategy and structure for much of the last quarter century. Yet, no firm basis has emerged to settle the issue of causal direction or to affirm the relationship's effects on organizational performance. By adding a new dimension to the strategy-structure model, this article attempts to conceptually link long-term performance with (a) the presence of subunits having distinctive competence in strategic planning and (b) the coordination of these differentiated subunits into a discernable microstructure embedded within the overall organization. This new dimension is explored and developed by use of a case of the Pacific Coast seaport industry.
Increased response variability as a marker of executive dysfunction in veterans with post-traumatic stress disorder

The stability of cognitive control processes over time can be indexed by trial-to-trial variability in reaction time (RT). Greater RT variability has been interpreted as an indicator of executive dysfunction, inhibitory inefficiency, and excessive mental noise. Previous studies have demonstrated that combat veterans with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) show substantial impairments in inhibitory control, but no studies have examined response variability in this population. In the current experiment, RT variability in the Go/NoGo response inhibition task was assessed for 45 veterans with PTSD and 34 control veterans using the intra-individual coefficient of variation (ICV) and ex-Gaussian analysis of RT distributions. Despite having mean RTs that were indistinguishable from controls, the PTSD patients had significantly greater RT variability as measured by ICV. More variable RTs were in turn associated with a greater number of false alarm errors in the patients, suggesting that less consistent performers were less successful at inhibiting inappropriate responses. RT variability was also highly correlated with self-reported symptoms of PTSD, depression, and attentional impulsiveness. Furthermore, response variability predicted diagnosis even when controlling for PTSD symptom severity. In turn, PTSD severity was correlated with self-rated attentional impulsiveness. Deficits in the top-down cognitive control processes that cause greater response variability might contribute to the maintenance of PTSD symptomology. Thus, the distractibility issues that cause more variable reaction times might also result in greater distress related to the trauma.
Aortic ejection fraction: a new hemodynamic parameter and its relationship to aortic insufficiency.

Pulsations of the ascending aorta during fluoroscopy in patients with aortic insufficiency (AI) have been described. The authors present their observations of a similar phenomenon in patients who have AI undergoing scintiangiography. In addition, this paper describes a technique to validate and quantitate this finding. They studied 17 patients with documented AI and 14 subjects of a control group. First-pass studies were acquired in the RAO 15 degrees projection. Regions of interest were placed over the proximal aorta during systole and diastole. An aortic ejection fraction (AF) was determined. The calculated AEF data were correlated with the presence or absence of AI. The mean AEF from the 17 AI patients was 27.1 +/- 7.2%, while the mean for the non-AI group was 12.0 +/- 6.5% with p less than .001. An AEF of 18% separates the two groups with a sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of 88%, 86%, and 87% respectively. Preliminary data demonstrate a mean reduction in AEF of 12.2 percentage points in 7 AI patients who underwent aortic valve replacement. The AEF may be a useful new parameter to evaluate hemodynamic changes associated with aortic valve replacement in patients with aortic insufficiency.
Vector magnetic field evolution, energy storage, and associated photospheric velocity shear within a flare-productive active region

The evolution of vector photospheric magnetic fields has been studied in concert with photospheric spot motions for a flare-productive active region. Over a three-day period (5–7 April, 1980), sheared photospheric velocity fields inferred from spot motions are compared both with changes in the orientation of transverse magnetic fields and with the flare history of the region. Rapid spot motions and high inferred velocity shear coincide with increased field alignment along the B L= 0 line and with increased flare activity; a later decrease in velocity shear precedes a more relaxed magnetic configuration and decrease in flare activity. Crude energy estimates show that magnetic reconfiguration produced by the relative velocities of the spots could cause storage of ∼ 1032 erg day−1, while the flares occurring during this time expended ≲1031 erg day−1. Maps of vertical current density suggest that parallel (as contrasted with antiparallel) currents flow along the stressed magnetic loops. For the active region, a constant-α, force-free magnetic field (J = αB) at the photosphere is ruled out by the observations.
Field-effect transistor (FET) bibliography

This list of references contains over 200 entries, and no claims are made as to its completeness. The references for the era 1939 through 1963 refer to field-effect transistors, in general, and were obtained mostly from J. T. Wallmark's article, "The Field-Effect Transistor--An Old Device with New Promise," IEEE Spectrum, vol. 1, pp. 182-191, March 1964. The subsequent references (1964 to mid-1967) relate predominantly to insulated-gate field-effect transistors, designated in the literature by IG-FETs. Often, more specific terms are used: for a structure consisting of a metal gate, insulating layer, and semiconductor substrate, the term MIS-FET appeared in the literature. If the insulating layer is an oxide, the terms MOS-FET or MOST are widely used. If the IG-FETs are fabricated by the so-called "thin-film" process, then they are called thin-film transistors, and are designated in the literature by TFTs; however, not all TFTs are FETs
Biomarkers Predict Outcomes Following Cytoreductive Surgery for Hepatic Metastases from Functional Carcinoid Tumors

Background Cytoreductive therapy for metastatic carcinoid provides symptomatic relief and improvement in overall survival. We evaluated whether CgA and 5HIAA could predict symptomatic relief and control of disease progression after cytoreductive surgery.
Syndrome d'hyperperfusion après endartériectomie carotidienne : Peut-on le prédire par le manque de réserve cérébrale?

Objectif Le syndrome d'hyperperfusion cerebrale (SHc) est suppose etre lie a une augmentation du debit post-endarteriectomie chez les patients ayant une reserve vasculaire cerebrale fixee. Des cephalees violentes en seraient l'un des signes precoces. Une augmentation de la pression partielle en CO 2 (pCO 2 ) est responsable de vasodilatation cerebrale et est utilisee pour evaluer la presence d'une reserve cerebrale. Methodes Un total de 45 patients ayant une endarteriectomie de la carotide a eu la mesure du flux dans l'artere carotide interne a l'aide d'un capteur de flux transsonique aux instants suivants : F1, immediatement apres la dissection complete de l'artere carotide interne ; F2, apres 30 secondes d'apnee ; et F3, apres restauration du flux. Les variations ΔF2−F1 et ΔF3−F2 ont egalement ete evaluees. Une augmentation de 10% entre F2 et F1 indiquait une reserve cerebrale normale et entre F3 et F2 indiquait une augmentation du debit post-operatoire. L'âge, le sexe, les comorbidites medicales, l'indication de l'endarteriectomie carotidienne, les valeurs d'oxymetrie cerebrale per-operatoires et le pourcentage de stenoses carotidiennes bilaterales ont ete enregistres. Tous les patients ont ete contactes apres leur sortie a la recherche de cephalees post-operatoires ou d'autres signes suggerant un SHC. Le test-t exact de Fisher a ete utilise pour les facteurs predictifs categoriques et le test rank-sum a ete utilise pour les facteurs predictifs continus. Resultats Sept (16%) patients (groupe A) ont presente des cephalees post-operatoires et 38 (groupe B) n'en ont pas presente. Aucun patient n'a developpe de SH. Aucune variable n'a ete associee avec la survenue de cephalees post-operatoires excepte le sexe feminin (p = 0,005). Il n'y a pas eu de difference statistiquement significative entre F1, F2, F3 et ΔF (F2−F1 ou F3−F2) et entre les groupes A et B (il n'y a pas eu de modification significative de ΔF2−F1 chez 17 patients). Seul un patient parmi 9 qui n'ont pas eu de variation entre F2 et F1, qui ont eu une augmentation significative de F3 et qui etaient senses etre a plus haut risque de SHC, a developpe une cephalee post-operatoire. Conclusions Le manque de reserve cerebrale est frequent chez les patients subissant une endarteriectomie carotidienne. Si les cephalees representent un signe precoce d'hyperperfusion, le syndrome ne semble pas etre predit par le manque de reserve cerebrale et par une augmentation du debit post-endarteriectomie.
Sociotechnical communication in engineering: an exploration and unveiling of common myths

As an area of scholarly interest, engineering communication has begun to come into its own. Its emergence as a dynamic area is not new, but recent efforts have greatly promoted the importance of en...
A COMPARISON OF THE RELAXING-FACTOR SYSTEMS FROM HEART AND SKELETAL MUSCLES.

Abstract The relaxing-factor systems from heart and skeletal muscle are interchangeable. Both systems inhibit the Mg-activated ATPase (EC 3.6.1.4) activity of either cardiac or skeletal myofibrils. The inhibition of cardiac-myofibrillar ATPase activity by either relaxing-factor granules, non-granular relaxing factor or EDTA, however, is not reversed by Ca2+. This contrasts with the effect of Ca2+ on the inhibition of skeletal-muscle ATPase by these various relaxing factors. The results indicate that cardiac-and skeletal-muscle relaxing-factor systems operate by the same mechanism but that there is a difference between cardiac and skeletal myofibrils.
Functional and immunochemical cross-reactivity of V2-specific monoclonal antibodies from HIV-1-infected individuals

The recent analysis of the first successful RV144 vaccine trial revealed that a high titer of plasma anti-V2 antibodies (Abs) correlated with a decreased risk of HIV-1 infection in vaccine recipients. To understand the mechanism of immune correlates, we studied seven anti-V2 monoclonal Abs (mAbs) developed from HIV-1 infected individuals. The V2 mAbs target conserved epitopes, including the binding site for α4β7 integrin, and are broadly cross-reactive with various gp120 proteins. Preferential usage of the VH1-69 gene by V2 mAbs may depend on selection by the same antigenic structure. Six of seven V2 mAbs weakly neutralized four to eight of the 41 pseudoviruses tested and resistance to neutralization was correlated with longer V2 domains. The data suggest the presence of shared, conserved structural elements in the V2 loop, and these can be used in the design of vaccine immunogens inducing broadly reactive Abs with anti-viral activities.
Preservice Teachers' Abilities, Beliefs, and Intentions regarding Technology Integration.

This study investigated changes in and factors related to students' technology-related abilities, beliefs, and intentions. Participants were 76 preservice teachers who responded to pre- and post-course surveys while taking an introductory educational technology course. Statistically significant changes were found in students' perceived abilities, self-efficacy beliefs, value beliefs, and intentions to use software in their future classrooms. Students' self-efficacy, value beliefs, and intentions were moderately correlated with each other. Abilities were correlated with self-efficacy and computer access. The best predictors of intentions were self-efficacy beliefs, gender, and value beliefs. These results strongly support the effectiveness of educational technology coursework in improving not just abilities, but also beliefs and intentions. They highlight the importance of relationships between preservice teachers' beliefs about technology integration and their potential use of technology in their future c...
A twin study of late-onset depression and apolipoprotein E ε4 as risk factors for alzheimer's disease

A prior history of depression and the e4 allele of apolipoprotein E (APOE) have each been associated with development of Alzheimer's disease (AD). In a sample of 142 elderly twins from a large study of dementia, we examined the relation of major depression, APOE genotype and AD using time-dependent proportional hazards models. Compared against the risk for AD with no history of depression and no e4 allele, the risk ratio for AD with two e4 alleles was 2.87 (C.I. = 1.56–5.28), with one e4 allele, 1.82 (C.I. = 1.09–3.04) and with late-onset depression and no e4 allele, 2.95 (C.I. = 1.55–5.62). There was no suggestion of an interaction between prior depression and APOE genotype in their effects on AD risk. Results were similar when the sample was stratified by twin pair, so that a single genetic marker is unlikely to explain the relation among depression, APOE, and dementia. Risk ratios declined substantially with increasing intervals between the onset of depression and AD. Thus, for many individuals, the association of depression and AD may reflect the occurrence of prodromal depressive symptoms rather than a true risk relationship.
Evaluation of ogawa passive sampling devices as an alternative measurement method for the nitrogen dioxide annual standard in El Paso, Texas

Nitrogen Dioxide (NO2) is a common urban air pollutant that results from the combustion of fossil fuels. It causes serious human health effects, is a precursor to the formation of ground level ozone, another serious air pollutant, and is one of the six criteria air pollutants established by the United States (U.S.) Clean Air Act (CAA). Ogawa Passive Sampling Devices (PSDs) for NO2 were collocated and operated at six NO2 Federal Reference Method (FRM) monitor locations in the El Paso, Texas area for the 2004 calendar year. Passive samples were taken at 2-week, 3-week, and 4-week intervals and compared against the continuously operating FRM monitors. Results showed that the collective NO2 annual arithmetic mean for all passive monitors was identical to the NO2 mean for all FRM monitors. Of the individual locations, three passive annual NO2 means were identical to their corresponding FRM means, and three passive annual NO2 means differed from their corresponding FRM means by only one part per billion (ppb). Linear correlation analysis between all readings of the individual NO2 PSDs and FRM values showed an average absolute difference of 1.2 ppb with an r 2 of 0.95. Paired comparison between high and low concentration annual NO2 sites, seasonal considerations, and interlab quality control comparisons all showed excellent results. The ease of deployment, reliability, and the cost-savings that can be realized with NO2 PSDs could make them an attractive alternative to FRM monitors for screening purposes, and even possibly an equivalent method for annual NO2 monitoring. More tests of the Ogawa NO2 PSD are recommended for different ecosystem and climate regimes.
Repair of large insertion/deletion heterologies in human nuclear extracts is directed by a 5' single-strand break and is independent of the mismatch repair system.

The repair of 12-, 27-, 62-, and 216-nucleotide unpaired insertion/deletion heterologies has been demonstrated in nuclear extracts of human cells. When present in covalently closed circular heteroduplexes or heteroduplexes containing a single-strand break 3′ to the heterology, such structures are subject to a low level repair reaction that occurs with little strand bias. However, the presence of a single-strand break 5′ to the insertion/deletion heterology greatly increases the efficiency of rectification and directs repair to the incised DNA strand. Because nick direction of repair is independent of the strand in which a particular heterology is placed, the observed strand bias is not due to asymmetry imposed on the heteroduplex by the extrahelical DNA segment. Strand-specific repair by this system requires ATP and the four dNTPs and is inhibited by aphidicolin. Repair is independent of the mismatch repair proteins MSH2, MSH6, MLH1, and PMS2 and occurs by a mechanism that is distinct from that of the conventional mismatch repair system. Large heterology repair in nuclear extracts of human cells is also independent of the XPF gene product, and extracts of Chinese hamster ovary cells deficient in the ERCC1 and ERCC4 gene products also support the reaction.
Adenosine A2A receptor occupancy stimulates expression of proteins involved in reverse cholesterol transport and inhibits foam cell formation in macrophages

Transport of cholesterol out of macrophages is critical for prevention of foam cell formation, the first step in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis. Proteins involved in this process include cholesterol 27-hydroxylase and adenosine 5'-triphosphate-binding cassette transporter A1 (ABCA1). Proinflammatory cytokines and immune complexes (IC) down-regulate cholesterol 27-hydroxylase and impede cholesterol efflux from macrophages, leading to foam cell formation. Prior studies have suggested occupancy of the anti-inflammatory adenosine A2A receptor (A2AR) minimizes early atherosclerotic changes in arteries following injury. We therefore asked whether A2AR occupancy affects macrophage foam cell formation in response to IC and the cytokine interferon-gamma. We found that the selective A2AR agonist 2-p-(2-carboxyethyl)phenethylamino-5'-N-ethylcarboxamido-adenosine (CGS-21680) inhibited foam cell formation in stimulated THP-1 human macrophages, and the effects of CGS-21680 were reversed by the selective A2AR antagonist 4-(2-[7-amino-2-(2-furyl) [1, 2, 4]triazolo[2,3-a] [1, 3, 5]triazin-5-ylamino]ethyl)phenol. In confirmation of the role of A2AR in prevention of foam cell formation, CGS-21680 also inhibited foam cell formation in cultured murine peritoneal macrophages but did not affect foam cell formation in A2AR-deficient mice. Agents that increase foam cell formation also down-regulate cholesterol 27-hydroxylase and ABCA1 expression. Therefore, we determined the effect of A2AR occupancy on expression of these reverse cholesterol transport (RCT) proteins and found that A2AR occupancy stimulates expression of message for both proteins. These results indicate that one mechanism for the antiatherogenic effects of adenosine is stimulation of the expression of proteins involved in RCT. These findings suggest a novel approach to the development of agents that prevent progression of atherosclerosis.
An octanuclear [Co(II)~2-Co(III)~2]~2 interlocked grid-example of an inorganic [2]catenane

An oxalic dihydrazide based flexible polydentate amidrazone ligand undergoes spontaneous [2 × 2] grid assembly, followed by partial disassembly, and then reassembly in the presence of Co(NO3)2·6H2O and NH4(NCS) to form a unique octanuclear [Co(II)2–Co(III)2]2 interlocked, single braided 4 + 4 [2]catenane.
Limitation of Human Rights, Land Exclusion, and Tribal Extinction: The Agta Negritos of the Philippines

Southeast Asia's many Negrito groups have suffered formidable human rights violations during the past century. This article documents some of the abuses that have occurred in one particular Negrito society in the Philippines, the economic and demographic effect these abuses have had on that society, and how the members of that society are today responding (or failing to respond) to what is happening to them. The authors apply the competitive exclusion principle as a heuristic device for exploring why this social injustice is found worldwide whenever small-scale ethnic peoples are outnumbered by more powerful societies.
The Neurofibromatosis Type 2 Gene Product, merlin, Reverses the F-Actin Cytoskeletal Defects in Primary Human Schwannoma Cells

Schwannoma tumors, which occur sporadically and in patients with neurofibromatosis, account for 8% of intracranial tumors and can only be treated by surgical removal. Most schwannomas have biallelic mutations in the NF2 tumor suppressor gene. We previously showed that schwannoma-derived Schwann cells exhibit membrane ruffling and aberrant cell spreading when plated onto laminin, indicative of fundamental F-actin cytoskeletal defects. Here we expand these observations to a large group of sporadic and NF2-related tumors and extend them to schwannomatosis-derived tumors. Mutation at NF2 correlated with F-actin abnormalities, but the extent of morphological change did not correlate with the type of NF2 mutation. We used a recently described molecular strategy, TAT-mediated protein transfer, to acutely introduce the NF2 protein, merlin, into primary human schwannoma cells in an attempt to reverse the cytoskeletal phenotype. Abnormal ruffling and cell spreading by cells with identified NF2 mutations were rapidly reversed by introduction of TAT-merlin. The effect is specific to TAT-merlin isoform 1, the growth-suppressive isoform of merlin. TAT-merlin isoform 2, a TAT-merlin mutant (L64P), and merlin lacking TAT were ineffective in reversing the cytoskeletal phenotype. Results show that merlin isoform 1 is sufficient to restore normal actin organization in NF2-deficient human tumor cells, demonstrating a key role for merlin in the NF2 phenotype. These results lay the foundation for epigenetic complementation studies in NF2 mouse models and possibly for experiments to evaluate the utility of merlin transduction into patients as protein therapy.
A feasible Global Carbon Cycle Observing System: a plan to decipher today's carbon cycle based on observations

A design is presented to continuously monitor the transfers of carbon between the atmosphere and the terrestrial biosphere and oceans on large spatial scales. A consideration of the expected signal-to-noise suggests that a very cost effective method is to perform repeated measurements of the mixing ratios of trace gases in the atmospheric column at an increased number of sites compared to the present geographical coverage. This can be accomplished with existing technology, provided that more automation is applied to the sampling process as well as to the analytical procedures. The resulting data will be crucial to test extrapolations based on direct flux measurements to regional and global scales.
The correct name in Oenothera for Gaura drummondii (Onagraceae)

In 2007, Wagner and Hoch proposed the new name Oenothera xenogaura W.L.Wagner & Hoch for the species then known as Gaura drummondii (Spach) Torrey & A. Gray (non O. drummondii Hooker, 1834). However, the authors overlooked the availability of Gaura hispida Bentham (1840) for this species. Accordingly, we herewith make the appropriate new combination for this species, O. hispida (Bentham) W.L.Wagner, Hoch & Zarucchi, and place O. xenogaura in synonymy.
Assessing mandibular shape variation within Gigantopithecus using a geometric morphometric approach.

This study provides a survey of mandib- ular shape in a sample of extant hominoids (Pan, Go- rilla, Pongo, and Hylobates), as well as extinct Asian and Eurasian taxa (Ouranopithecus, Sivapithecus, and Gigantopithecus) in order to compare overall shape simi- larity. Results presented call into question differences in mandible shape recently used to distinguish Giganto- pithecus giganteus from Gigantopithecus blacki and to justify resurrecting a different generic designation, ''Indopithecus,'' for the former. It is concluded that while the two large-bodied Asian taxa may have been adapted to slightly different dietary niches with different geo- graphic and temporal ranges, the unique mandibular/ dental characters that the two taxa share should not be viewed as independent evolutionary developments. Am J Phys Anthropol 137:201-212, 2008. V
Proximity-Focus: The New Generation Streak Tube

A new era in x-ray and visible streak photography opened with the introduction of the proximity-focus or planar streak tube. Elimination of grids and photoelectron pinhole optics has resulted in a tube capable of transmitting peak photoelectron currents neces-sary for recording picosecond and sub-picosecond events without temporal or spatial distortion. Vacuum compatible x-ray cameras, based upon the planar design, have demonstrated better than 3 ps resolution. Visible cameras have shown impressive dynamic range and produced streaks of high statistical quality with picosecond resol-ution. These properties have opened new fields in picosecond and sub-picosecond photography.
Ruptured dermoid cyst arising from Meckel cave

A 65-year-old woman with metastatic appendiceal adenocarcinoma presented with confusion and weakness. MRI demonstrated an extra-axial mass in left Meckel cave,1 and scattered hyperintense lesions along the leptomeninges and left lateral ventricle on contrast images (figure). Although leptomeningeal metastases …
Aircraft free-space MIMO communications

We investigate the use of MIMO to increase the data rate of air to air wireless links without scattered propagation. The conditions for significant improvement over SISO are outlined.
Time dependence of myocardial contractility in the human left ventricle.

The timing of intrinsic contractile events has been studied in the human heart. Time to peak force averaged 69 msec in the normal heart as compared with 98 msec in patients with aortic stenosis. Contractile element velocity increased following peak force in both groups, although maintained for different durations before an abrupt deceleration occurred, probably representing decay of maximum active state.
Concepts, Objects and the Analytic in Kant

Kant defines analytic truth in terms of ‘conceptual containment’. He also claims that there are some necessary truths which do not depend upon conceptual containments. These are synthetic a priori. If ‘true in virtue of conceptual containment’ means ‘true solely in virtue of the concepts involved’ or ‘true solely in virtue of the meaning of the terms involved’, then many philosophers since Kant have argued that there can be no synthetic a priori. And there is some ground for concluding that this is what ‘true in virtue of conceptual containment’ did in fact mean for Kant, since Kant insisted that all synthetic judgments are validated only by reference to some ‘third thing’ over and above the concepts involved. The proper assessment of this issue requires a distinction between two theories of concepts, and two senses of conceptual containment. While in one sense there may be no truths which are necessary independently of conceptual containment, Kant has shown that in another sense there are such truths.
A comparison of Ada and Pascal in an introductory computer science course

Pascal’s long and successful run at West Point illustrated Winston Churchill’s dictum that, “The absence of alternatives clears the mind wonderfully.” However, by the mid-90s, the United States Military Academy was finding that Pascal, long the educational workhorse, was no longer the clear choice for serious computer science education. The decision was taken to evaluate alternatives to Pascal. The criteria selected for programming language evaluation were student learning outcomes based on course goals and objectives. The controlled educational environment of a service academy provides an excellent opportunity to conduct research using control groups and experimental groups. We conducted a side by side comparison of the use of Pascal, which was specifically designed for instructional purposes, and Ada in an introductory course. The experiment demonstrated that students were much more successful in Ada than in Pascal, and led to the revision of the Academy core curriculum to use Ada 95 in our introductory computer science class. This paper discusses the details of our comparison, citing specific examples to illustrate a rational basis for evaluating programming language features against course objectives.
Learning and Performance Across Disciplines: An Epilogue for Moving Multidisciplinary Research Toward an Interdisciplinary Science of Expertise

We conclude this special issue, not with a summary, but with a forward look. We consider a number of issues related to those presented in this special issue, with the goal of suggesting how we might build upon the tremendous body of work in sports research. We begin with a discussion of the issues surrounding what it means to create interdisciplinarity in a domain of inquiry. Then, we briefly discuss potential ways of adopting methods and concepts from the contributing disciplines. Following this, we discuss notions of self-improvement in learning and integrate this with a continuum of expertise development that is appropriate to the context of the contributions to this special issue. We conclude with a discussion of a set of research directions for interdisciplinary studies of the development of expertise.
Thermophysical and thermochemical properties on-demand for chemical process and product design

The article provides a perspective of chemical process and product design on-demand, plus its implementation and impact in addressing modern challenges faced by the chemical industry. The concepts of Global Information Systems in Science and Engineering in application to the field of thermodynamics as well as Dynamic Data Evaluation for thermophysical and thermochemical properties are discussed as underlying principles for implementation of chemical process and product design on-demand.
Relative location in wireless networks

In ad-hoc networks, location estimation must be designed for mobility and zero-configuration. A peer-to-peer relative location system uses pair-wise range estimates made between devices and their neighbors. Devices are not required to be in range of fixed base stations, instead, a few known-location devices in the network allow the remaining devices to calculate their location using a maximum-likelihood (ML) method derived in this paper. This paper presents simulations using both a standard channel model and actual indoor channel measurements for verification. Both simulation and measurements show that a peer-to-peer relative location system can provide accurate location estimation using received signal strength (RSS) as a ranging method.
A New GIScience Application for Visualized Natural Resources Management and Decision Support

This article presents two decision support plug-ins in free GIS software: ArcGIS Explorer Desktop. The ubiquitous WebGIS Analysis Toolkit for Extensive Resources (uWATER) focuses on providing GIS analysis functions: spatial and attribute queries in the public services tool for users with limited access to commercial GIS software. The interface of uWATER is general enough to support decision-making in numerous management issues in natural resources, economics and agriculture. The uWATER-Pumping Assessment (uWATER-PA) toolkit, on the other hand, is an extended package targeting the specific environmental issue of groundwater pumping impacts. The uWATER-PA package is an excellent alternative to evaluating complex groundwater pumping assessment issues before investing significant time, labor, and funds in monitoring and detailed scientific study. It incorporates simulation of the physics of groundwater flow and user interaction into GIS software. A graphical user interface makes both data entry and interpretation of results intuitive to non-technical individuals. Results are presented as colored drawdown maps and can be saved in GIS format for future dissemination. The impact of drawdown on existing wells can be characterized and mapped, through the use of uWATER's spatial query capabilities and the drawdown maps generated by uWATER-PA.
Absorption, transport, and storage of retinyl-15-14C palmitate-9,10-3H in the rat

Retinyl-15-(14)C palmitate-9,10-(3)H was fed to rats in order to study hydrolysis and reesterification of this ester during digestion, absorption, transportation, and storage. After administration there was a progressive increase in the (14)C/(3)H ratio of the retinyl esters as they moved from intestinal contents to intestinal mucosa, lymph, and liver, which indicates that repeated hydrolysis and reesterification occur during the digestion and assimilation of this ester.
The Attitudes Toward Gender Roles in Conservative Christian Contexts Scale: A Psychometric Assessment

Prior research measures gender-role attitudes among Christians. However, these measures are generally limited to societal and familial contexts. Little prior research has examined gender-role attitudes in conservative Christian religious contexts. Research that has focused on religious contexts is qualitative or uses simple measures that are not validated. Therefore, the present paper presents data from two national samples describing the psychometric properties of the attitudes toward gender roles in conservative Christian contexts scale. Ways in which this scale can be used to measure adherents’ gender-role attitudes in congregational settings are addressed.
"Down to the Gila": A. J. Chandler's Desert Land Scheme and the Gila River Indian Reservation, 1891-1911

In the latter nineteenth century, few American Indians had rights that powerful economic interests were bound to respect. These speculative interests in central Arizona Territory's Salt River Valle...
Hawaiian Drosophila genomes: size variation and evolutionary expansions

This paper reports genome sizes of one Hawaiian Scaptomyza and 16 endemic Hawaiian Drosophila species that include five members of the antopocerus species group, one member of the modified mouthpart group, and ten members of the picture wing clade. Genome size expansions have occurred independently multiple times among Hawaiian Drosophila lineages, and have resulted in an over 2.3-fold range of genome sizes among species, with the largest observed in Drosophila cyrtoloma (1C = 0.41 pg). We find evidence that these repeated genome size expansions were likely driven by the addition of significant amounts of heterochromatin and satellite DNA. For example, our data reveal that the addition of seven heterochromatic chromosome arms to the ancestral haploid karyotype, and a remarkable proportion of ~70 % satellite DNA, account for the greatly expanded size of the D. cyrtoloma genome. Moreover, the genomes of 13/17 Hawaiian picture wing species are composed of substantial proportions (22-70 %) of detectable satellites (all but one of which are AT-rich). Our results suggest that in this tightly knit group of recently evolved species, genomes have expanded, in large part, via evolutionary amplifications of satellite DNA sequences in centric and pericentric domains (especially of the X and dot chromosomes), which have resulted in longer acrocentric chromosomes or metacentrics with an added heterochromatic chromosome arm. We discuss possible evolutionary mechanisms that may have shaped these patterns, including rapid fixation of novel expanded genomes during founder-effect speciation.
Association Between Circulating Levels of C-Reactive Protein and Interleukin-6 and Risk of Inflammatory Bowel Disease

Background & Aims There is evidence that immune dysfunction precedes symptoms of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) by several years. Characterization of preclinical systemic inflammation could contribute to the understanding of the biology of IBD and, ultimately, facilitate development of strategies for early disease detection and intervention. We evaluated associations between circulating levels of interleukin-6 (IL6) and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP) and diagnosis of incident Crohn's disease (CD) or ulcerative colitis (UC). Methods We conducted a nested case-control study of participants enrolled in 2 population-based, nationwide, prospective cohort studies (the Nurses' Health Study and the Nurses' Health Study II). We analyzed blood specimens, collected before diagnosis, from 83 persons with CD, 90 persons with UC, and 344 matched individuals without IBD (control subjects). Plasma levels of hsCRP and IL6 were measured. We investigated associations between each inflammatory marker and IBD risk using multivariable logistic regression models to adjust for potential confounding exposures. Results Compared with the lowest quintile of IL6 level, the highest quintile was associated with an odds ratio (OR) of 4.68 (95% confidence interval, 1.91–11.46) for CD (Ptrend Conclusions Plasma levels of IL6 and hsCRP before diagnosis are associated with risk of incident CD and UC. Subclinical levels of systemic inflammation may be a feature of an early disease state that precedes the development of symptomatic IBD.
Diffusion of food policy in the U.S.: The case of organic certification

Organic food certification policy and programs are an interesting case to explore in terms of policy diffusion, as there has been interesting dynamics between the federal and state levels, and great diversity in the pace of diffusion across states. At the same time, this policy diffusion underlies a very dynamic marketplace that has relied on government-based certification policies and programs to stabilize and support growth of the organic food sector. The focus of this paper is a cross-section time series analysis of organic policy adoptions over the past several decades to explore the types of factors that have influenced diffusion across time and space. Although federal policy activity has been a key driver of this dynamic, there are several other state-specific factors that also help to explain the differential diffusion of policies in this realm.
Thermally induced reversible solid-state transformation of novel s-indacene 1,3,5,7-tetraone derivatives

Two novel s-indacene 1,3,5,7-tetraone derivatives, DTID-Hep2 and iso-DTID-Hep2, were synthesized and fully characterized. The controllable solid-state phase transformation of the crystals was studied. The unique thermally induced polymorphic transformations suggest that the two materials are interesting for potential applications not only in organic optoelectronics but also in switchable molecular actuators.
IMPROVING THE CLINICAL UTILITY OF THE FRAMINGHAM RISK FUNCTION FOR INCIDENT CORONARY HEART DISEASE BY THE ADDITION OF WEIGHTED MULTI-MARKER GENETIC RISK SCORES IN MORE THAN 40,000 INDIVIDUALS OF CAUCASIAN ANCESTRY

Genome-wide association studies have identified genetic variants associated with coronary heart disease (CHD). One of the potential uses of these genetic biomarkers is to improve the predictive capacity of risk functions. In this study, we studied the clinical utility of 4 multi-locus genetic risk