cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Comparison of different solar irradiance models for the superthermal electron transport model for Mars

Abstract As the solar photon fluxes directly control the production of photoelectrons, it is important to examine the influence of different solar irradiance models on the photoelectron fluxes. In this study, we present the implementation of the two recent solar irradiance models, the Flare Irradiance Spectral Model (FISM) and the Heliospheric Environment Solar Spectral Radiation (HESSR) model, to our SuperThermal Electron Transport (STET) model. In addition, we have proposed a new modification to the Hinteregger-81 model. The resultant photoelectron fluxes from the three solar irradiance models, the Hinteregger-81 model, FISM and the HESSR model, are compared and mostly vary within a factor of 2.
Hypomyelination following deletion of Tsc2 in oligodendrocyte precursors

Objective While abnormalities in myelin in tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC) have been known for some time, recent imaging-based data suggest myelin abnormalities may be independent of the pathognomonic cortical lesions (“tubers”). Multiple mouse models of TSC exhibit myelination deficits, though the cell types responsible and the mechanisms underlying the myelin abnormalities remain unclear. Methods To determine the role of alterations in mTOR signaling in myelination, we generated a conditional knockout (CKO) mouse model using Cre-recombinase and the Olig2 promoter to inactivate the Tsc2 gene in oligodendrocyte precursor cells. Results Characterization of myelin and myelin constituent proteins demonstrated a marked hypomyelination phenotype. Diffusion-based magnetic resonance imaging studies were likewise consistent with hypomyelination. Hypomyelination was due in part to decreased myelinated axon density and myelin thickness as well as decreased oligodendrocyte numbers. Coincident with hypomyelination, an extensive gliosis was seen in both the cortex and white matter tracks, suggesting alterations in cell fate due to changes in mTOR activity in oligodendrocyte precursors. Despite a high-frequency appendicular tremor and altered gait in CKO mice, no significant changes in activity, vocalizations, or anxiety-like phenotypes were seen. Interpretation Our findings support a known role of mTOR signaling in regulation of myelination and demonstrate that increased mTORC1 activity early in development within oligodendrocytes results in hypomyelination and not hypermyelination. Our data further support a dissociation between decreased Akt activity and increased mTORC1 activity toward hypomyelination. Thus, therapies promoting activation of Akt-dependent pathways while reducing mTORC1 activity may prove beneficial in treatment of human disease.
Oil debris and viscosity monitoring using ultrasonic and capacitance/inductance measurements

This paper aims at the development of a comprehensive procedure for detecting oil debris contents, as well as analysing other physical parameters associated with lubricating oil degradation, using a combination of ultrasonic, capacitance and inductance-based measurements. Brief explanations, accompanied by the derivation of closed-form expressions that demonstrate the physical sensing mechanisms utilised in this study, are presented. This is followed by a description of the experimental techniques and procedures that were devised to investigate the capability of detecting and differentiating ferrous, non-ferrous and non-metallic particles in oil. This study also found that certain sensing methods exhibited promise in characterising fluctuations in oil viscosity and acid/water content in oil. Finally, the possibility of using such fundamental apparatus in concert for use in oil degradation characterisation and machine health-monitoring applications is discussed. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Heart failure with a normal left ventricular ejection fraction: diastolic heart failure.

A reduced left ventricular ejection fraction measured by echocardiography in a patient with clinical features of heart failure demonstrates that the patient has a cardiac abnormality and that the clinical picture is, in fact, due to heart failure. As such, a reduced ejection fraction ( 0.50). Such patients are typically elderly women with systolic hypertension. These patients are subject to the sudden development of pulmonary congestion (flash pulmonary edema). The finding of heart failure in patients with a normal ejection fraction has focused attention on the role of diastolic dysfunction in producing symptomatic heart failure. The optimal treatment of patients with heart failure and normal ejection fraction has not yet been defined, but the control of systolic hypertension and the avoidance of fluid overload are important.
A history of smoking is associated with improved survival in patients treated with mild therapeutic hypothermia following cardiac arrest

Objectives To assess the association between smoking and survival with a good neurologic outcome in patients following cardiac arrest treated with mild therapeutic hypothermia (TH).
Autoradiographic localization of benzodiazepine receptor binding in dissociated cultures of fetal mouse cerebral cortex.

Abstract: Autoradiography utilizing photoaffinity labelling with [3H]flunitrazepam was used in living cultures of fetal mouse cerebral cortex in situ to localize benzodiazepine receptor binding sites. There was a predominant localization of silver grains over neurons; however, substantial labelling also occurred over nonneuronal background cells. Clonazepam (0.1 μM) and Ro 5-4864 (0.1 μM) displaced substantial numbers of silver grains over neurons and background cells, respectively. In addition, clonazepam displaced 58-68% of specific grains over background cells and Ro 5-4864 displaced 30% of grains over neurons, suggesting that multiple cell types in the CNS may participate in the neuropharmacologic actions of the benzodiazepines.
A split Bregman method for non-negative sparsity penalized least squares with applications to hyperspectral demixing

We will describe an alternating direction (aka split Bregman) method for solving problems of the form min u ∥Au − f∥2 + η∥u∥ 1 such that u ≥ 0, where A is an m×n matrix, and η is a nonnegative parameter. The algorithm works especially well for solving large numbers of small to medium overdetermined problems (i.e. m > n) with a fixed A. We will demonstrate applications in the analysis of hyperspectral images.
Attenuation of Canine Nephrotoxic Glomer‐ulonephritis with an Extracorporeal Immuno‐adsorbent

A novel immunoadsorbent is described in which soluble canine glomerular basement membrane (GBM) antigen was immobilized in collodion membranes adherent to small charcoal particles. As much as 80% of the added GBM antigen was retained in the collodion–charcoal. The binding of GBM antibody to immobilized GBM antigen in vitro and in vivo was demonstrated. For in vivo studies, an extracorporeal circulation system was established, and mongrel dogs were then injected intravenously with GBM antibodies. Whole blood was circulated at 100 ml/min over GBM collodion–charcoal for 4 h. Renal tissue was examined by fluorescence and light microscopy for the deposition of heterologous gamma globulin and glomerular inflammation before and after the extracorporeal procedure. Results showed less deposition of heterologous IgG and less inflammation in experimental dog kidneys than in control kidneys. There was no evidence of release of 131I-labeled GBM from the immunoadsorbent at the conclusion of perfusion experiments and no significant biochemical or hematologic alterations. Finally, extracorporeal immunoadsorbent treatment was capable of attenuating the early heterologous phase of passive canine nephrotoxic nephritis and may have a potential role in the therapy of anti-GBM-mediated nephropathy.
Counterrotating prop-fan simulations which feature a relative-motion multiblock grid decomposition enabling arbitrary time-steps

Improvements are presented of a computer algorithm developed for the time-accurate flow analysis of rotating machines. The flow model is a finite volume method utilizing a high-resolution approximate Riemann solver for interface flux definitions. The numerical scheme is a block LU implicit iterative-refinement method which possesses apparent unconditional stability. Multiblock composite gridding is used to orderly partition the field into a specified arrangement of blocks exhibiting varying degrees of similarity. Block-block relative motion is achieved using local grid distortion to reduce grid skewness and accommodate arbitrary time step selection. A general high-order numerical scheme is applied to satisfy the geometric conservation law. An even-blade-count counterrotating unducted fan configuration is chosen for a computational study comparing solutions resulting from altering parameters such as time step size and iteration count. The solutions are compared with measured data.
Human Stem Cell Factor Dimer Forms a Complex with Two Molecules of the Extracellular Domain of Its Receptor, Kit

Stem cell factor (SCF) is a cytokine that is active toward hematopoietic progenitor cells and other cell types, including germ cells, melanocytes, and mast cells, which express its receptor, the tyrosine kinase, Kit. SCF exists as noncovalently associated dimer at concentrations where it has been possible to study its quaternary structure; it stimulates dimerization and autophosphorylation of Kit at the cell surface. We have used recombinant versions of human SCF and human Kit extracellular domain (sKit) to study SCF-Kit interactions. By size exclusion chromatography, plus various physical chemical methods including light scattering, sedimentation equilibrium, and titration calorimetry, we demonstrate the formation of complexes containing a dimer of SCF (unglycosylated SCF1-165) plus two molecules of sKit. The concentrations of SCF and sKit in these studies were in the range of 0.35-16.2 μM. The data are analyzed and discussed in the context of several possible models for complex formation. In particular, the sedimentation data are not consistent with a model involving cooperative binding. The Kd estimate for SCF-sKit interaction, obtained by sedimentation equilibrium, is about 17 nM at 25°C. With glycosylated SCF1-165, the Kd is considerably higher.
OF DEVIANCE AND DEVIANTS

In concluding this special issue on a sociology of deviance in the new millennium I'd like to thank all of the scholars who participated in the panels at the American Society of Criminology (2004) ...
Trace element evidence for the origin of ocean-island basalts

Ocean-island basalt (OIB) suites display significant and consistent differences in highly incompatible trace element ratios between islands which have end-member radiogenic isotope signatures. OIB derived from sources with a high U/Pb ratio have trace element characteristics consistent with a source dominated by recycled ancient oceanic crust. OIB derived from the isotopically distinct enriched mantle sources have trace element characteristics best interpreted in terms of sources which are mixtures of high U/Pb OIB with minor amounts (a few percent) of recycled sedimentary (pelagic and terrigenous) components.
Student and teacher trial and perceptions of an online ESL academic writing unit

Abstract This paper describes a research study conducted in the spring semester of 2010, where an online writing unit developed by the authors was implemented in ESL academic writing classes. We developed and revised following peer trial a three-week unit for the compare-and-contrast type essay within the Moodle course management system. The unit consists of a series of assignments and tasks that would normally occur in an onsite writing classroom but with modifications made in an attempt to successfully migrate the same syllabus and teaching strategies from an onsite environment to an online environment. Thus, our unit incorporates various technologies and resources available both within and outside of Moodle. The unit was trialed in three sections of an ESL academic writing course for international undergraduate students at a major research university in the US. Data were collected through pre, during, and post questionnaires regarding students’ preferences for online/distance learning and perceptions of their experiences while using the online unit. Another source of data consisted of semi-structured interviews with students and instructors. Findings from our study are discussed, followed by suggestions for further research and implications for online ESL writing course development.
Helix Dipole Movement and Conformational Variability Contribute to Allosteric GDP Release in Gαi Subunits

Heterotrimeric G proteins (Galphabetagamma) transmit signals from activated G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) to downstream effectors through a guanine nucleotide signaling cycle. Numerous studies indicate that the carboxy-terminal alpha5 helix of Galpha subunits participates in Galpha-receptor binding, and previous EPR studies suggest this receptor-mediated interaction induces a rotation and translation of the alpha5 helix of the Galpha subunit [Oldham, W. M., et al. (2006) Nat. Struct. Mol. Biol. 13, 772-777]. On the basis of this result, an engineered disulfide bond was designed to constrain the alpha5 helix of Galpha(i1) into its EPR-measured receptor-associated conformation through the introduction of cysteines at position 56 in the alpha1 helix and position 333 in the alpha5 helix (I56C/Q333C Galpha(i1)). A functional mimetic of the EPR-measured alpha5 helix dipole movement upon receptor association was additionally created by introduction of a positive charge at the amino terminus of this helix, D328R Galpha(i1). Both proteins exhibit a dramatically elevated level of basal nucleotide exchange. The 2.9 A resolution crystal structure of I56C/Q333C Galpha(i1) in complex with GDP-AlF(4)(-) reveals the shift of the alpha5 helix toward the guanine nucleotide binding site that is anticipated by EPR measurements. The structure of the I56C/Q333C Galpha(i1) subunit further revealed altered positions formore » the switch regions and throughout the Galpha(i1) subunit, accompanied by significantly elevated crystallographic temperature factors. Combined with previous evidence in the literature, the structural analysis supports the critical role of electrostatics of the alpha5 helix dipole and overall conformational variability during nucleotide release.« less
Admission control and scheduling for QoS guarantees for variable-bit-rate applications on wireless channels

Providing differentiated Quality of Service (QoS) over unreliable wireless channels is an important challenge for supporting several future applications. We analyze a model that has been proposed to describe the QoS requirements by four criteria: traffic pattern, channel reliability, delay bound, and throughput bound. We study this mathematical model and extend it to handle variable bit rate applications. We then obtain a sharp characterization of schedulability vis-a-vis latencies and timely throughput. Our results extend the results so that they are general enough to be applied on a wide range of wireless applications, including MPEG Variable-Bit-Rate (VBR) video streaming, VoIP with differentiated quality, and wireless sensor networks (WSN).Two major issues concerning QoS over wireless are admission control and scheduling. Based on the model incorporating the QoS criteria, we analytically derive a necessary and sufficient condition for a set of variable bit-rate clients to be feasible. Admission control is reduced to evaluating the necessary and sufficient condition. We further analyze two scheduling policies that have been proposed, and show that they are both optimal in the sense that they can fulfill every set of clients that is feasible by some scheduling algorithms. The policies are easily implemented on the IEEE 802.11 standard. Simulation results under various settings support the theoretical study.
Gas phase synthesis of epitaxial layers of nickel-chlorine boracite on chromium-chlorine boracite

Abstract Layers of Ni-Cl boracite have been epitaxially grown on Cr-Cl boracite at 900°C. At the reaction temperature both substrate and layer had the cubic 4 3m symmetry whereas at room temperature the layer is ferroelectric (symmetry mm2) and the substrate is still cubic. The layers have been produced both by (i) CVT reactions in closed quartz ampoules and by (ii) two variants of a CVD process using either the reactants BCl3(g) + H2O(g), or B2O3(1) + H2O(g) for the formation of the intermediate gaseous (BOCl)3 and the B2O3 hydrates. The reactant NiCl2(g) has been obtained by the reaction Ni(s) + Cl2(g) = NiCl2(g) at about 1000°C inside the reactor. Layer thicknesses from 1 up to 100 μm have been achieved. The growth rate was of the order of 1 μm/min. The best substrates were found to be those with smooth, as-grown surfaces; these layers were characterized after cooldown by a pattern of ferroelectric 180° domains with the spontaneous polarization oriented perpendicularly to the surface, an average domain size between 1 and 10 μm and by good contrast (at λ = 546 nm) between antiparallel domains placed between crossed polarizers and a retarder. The ferroelectric poling fields were > 107 V m−1.
Energy balance: An overview with emphasis on children

Childhood obesity is a significant public health problem, affecting one in five children in the United States. At the crux of this issue is a dysregulation of energy intake and energy expenditure. This review will provide an overview on energy and nutrient balance. We discuss energy balance studies in children using indirect and direct measures, and focus particularly on obesity as a deleterious consequence in childhood survivors of cancer. Obesity affects 11-57% of children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia, probably due to increased energy intake and reduced energy expenditure secondary to reduced habitual activity caused by fatigue. However, most of the studies in children with leukemia are retrospective, use BMI as a measure of obesity, and are inconclusive about the impact of the type of treatment on the development of obesity later in life. To better understand the etiology of obesity in both healthy and sick children, we need to undertake nutrient balance studies with appropriate measures of fat mass and fat distribution while keeping in mind the influence of normal tissue growth and puberty on energy balance.
Diagnostic Video Data Processing

Computers have been built which can handle spatial problems. A particularly interesting application of the spatially oriented computer is to ``read'' chest X-ray photofluorograms and to separate the obviously abnormal chest films from the normal chest films. Preliminary studies of such a computer will be described.
Mouse testis–brain RNA-binding protein (TB-RBP): expression, purification and crystal X-ray diffraction

TB-RBP (testis–brain RNA-binding protein) is a mouse RNA-binding protein that controls the temporal and spatial expression of mRNA. Found most abundantly in brain and male germ cells in the testis, TB-RBP is known to suppress the translation of specific testicular and brain mRNAs as part of cell development. TB-RBP–mRNA complexes can bind microtubules and thereby facilitate RNA translocation. Translin is the human orthologue of TB-RBP which binds to single-stranded ends of DNA sequences in breakpoint regions of chromosomal translocations. TB-RBP/translin has been crystallized in space group P21212. The expression, purification, and crystallization of TB-RBP are described as well as preliminary X-ray diffraction data. The multimeric state of TB-RBP is addressed using dynamic light-scattering results.
Interaction of Metal Ions with Acid Sites of Biosorbents Peat Moss and Vaucheria and Model Substances Alginic and Humic Acids

The interaction between added metal ions and acid sites of two biosorbents, peat moss and the alga Vaucheria, was studied. Results were interpreted in terms of two model substances, alginic acid, a copolymer of guluronic and mannuronic acids present in marine algae, and humic acid in peat moss. For peat moss and Vaucheria at pH 4−6, two protons were displaced per Cd sorbed, after correction for sorbed metals also displaced by the heavy metal. The frequent neglect of exchange of heavy metals for metals either sorbed on the native material or added for pH adjustment leads to erroneous conclusions about proton displacement stoichiometry. Proton displacement constants KexH decreased logarithmically with pH and had similar slopes for alginic acid and biosorbents. This pH effect was interpreted as an electrostatic effect of increasing anionic charge making proton removal less favorable. The maximum number of exchangeable acid sites (capacity CH) decreased with pH for alginic acid but increased with pH for bioso...
Linking Teaching for Understanding to Practice in a U.S. History Class

The author reports findings from a study that explored the methods a U.S. history teacher used to promote students' higher order thinking and engagement. The teacher, Mr. Scott (a pseudonym), challenged his urban high school students to develop stronger understandings of history by enacting elements of the teaching for understanding (TFU) curricular framework (Perkins and Blythe 1994; Wiske 1998). This article describes how the teacher shared his learning goals with students, created interesting and engaging central questions and culminating group projects, and assessed students' performances. The findings illustrate the power of linking curricular frameworks such as TFU to practice and provide a model of what is possible (Shulman 1987) for practicing teachers.
What is Mathematics and Why Won't it Go Away?

Abstract We report on a seminar for first-year college students that weaves mathematical proof and problem-solving together with discussions of cultural, philosophical, and aesthetic issues surrounding mathematics.
Povidone-iodine sclerosis of pelvic lymphoceles: a prospective study

Twelve patients presented for percutaneous catheter drainage of 13 postoperative pelvic lymphoceles. Six patients with 7 lymphoceles were treated with povidone-iodine sclerosis prior to catheter removal. Only 1 lymphocele (which continued to drain large amounts of fluid during and after the sclerosis procedure) recurred. Six patients with 6 lymphoceles had their percutaneous catheters removed without sclerosis. Fluid collections recurred in 3 instances, necessitating repeat percutaneous drainage (2 patients) or surgery (1 patient). Percutaneous therapy is the treatment of choice for patients with postoperative lymphoceles. Povidone-iodine sclerosis is often effective in preventing reaccumulation of fluid once the lymphocele cavity is collapsed.
Skin Temperature of the Extremities and Basal Heat Production

ConclusionUnder the constant environmental temperature for the male subjects studied, a simple linear relationship was found between the basal heat production and the average skin temperature of the great toes.
Using computer-assisted demonstrations of optical phenomena in an undergraduate optics course

A set of computer programs has been developed for the visual presentation of introductory optical phenomena. These computer simulations were created to serve a dual purpose: as demonstration aids in an NSF-sponsored Optics Demonstration Laboratory, and as teaching aids in undergraduate geometrical and physical optics courses. In the field of diffractive optics, simulations include the calculation of intensity patterns for unobscured and obscured apertures in both rectangular and circular geometries. These patterns can be compared to those measured in the laboratory with a CCD camera. A program for calculating the diffraction pattern for a two-dimensional aperture of arbitrary shape has also been developed. These programs, when coordinated with homework assignments, allow students to compare their theoretical derivations with a correct numerical solution for the same problem. In the field of geometrical optics, a ray-trace program appropriate for gradient-index fibers with cylindrical symmetry has been developed. This program enables the student to study the focusing properties of such fibers, and to predict how such properties depend on the index profile and on the length of the optical fiber. Examples of these programs will be presented, along with a report on the success of these programs as a vehicle for imparting a conceptual understanding of the physical principles involved.
Diagnosis and treatment of epilepsy in children and adolescents.

Seizures have a variety of aetiologies and may have various manifestations. Some are recurrent and represent the different types of epilepsy, whereas others are isolated events. Descriptions of various epileptic seizures, as well as their corresponding electroencephalograms (EEGs), have recently led to a unifying international classification of epileptic seizures and epilepsy syndromes. These classifications are extremely important for the practitioner working with the paediatric patient, as they allow for optimal evaluation and treatment. This article reviews the epilepsies and epilepsy syndromes with special attention to age of onset and prognosis. Special circumstances such as status epilepticus, which represents a true medical emergency, are reviewed. The first step in the pharmacological management of seizures is to establish the diagnosis of epilepsy. The recurrence of seizures (or the risk), seizure type and specific syndrome help guide initial treatment choices. There is no drug of choice, but some drugs have proven more effective for certain types of seizure. Monotherapy is preferable, and combination therapy should only be used if monotherapy with first-line drugs fails. Candidates for the newer antiepileptic drugs (e.g. felbamate, gabapentin, lamotrigine and vigabatrin) include patients resistant to older agents or who are unable to tolerate them. The exact place in therapy of these newer agents is uncertain, but in many patients they provide better seizure control and are better tolerated.
Learning and recall differentiated in serial learning

In a serial learning experiment in which the first item was made unique, the controls learned the list in the usual manner. For the experimental group, each trial began at a different, randomly chosen syllable. The results show that (a) acquisition is impaired and there is a different curve for the experimental group; (b) the unique item has an anchoring effect; and (c) a plot of errors within each trial shows no serial position effect (SPE) in the experimental group. The results are interpreted to indicate that: (a) anchoring accounts for a substantial portion of the SPE, and (b) recall shows no SPE in this paradigm.
Chemopreventive agents induce suppression of nuclear factor-κB leading to chemosensitization

Nuclear factor-kappaB (NF-kappaB), a transcription factor, is present normally in the cytoplasm as an inactive heterotrimer consisting of p50, p65, and IkappaBalpha subunits. When activated, NF-kappaB translocates to the nucleus as a p50-p65 heterodimer. This factor regulates the expression of various genes that control apoptosis, viral replication, tumorigenesis, various autoimmune diseases, and inflammation. NF-kappaB has been linked to the development of carcinogenesis for several reasons. First, various carcinogens and tumor promoters have been shown to activate NF-kappaB. Second, activation of NF-kappaB has been shown to block apoptosis and promote proliferation. Third, the tumor microenvironment can induce NF-kappaB activation. Fourth, constitutive expression of NF-kappaB is frequently found in tumor cells. Fifth, NF-kappaB activation induces resistance to chemotherapeutic agents. Sixth, several genes involved in tumor initiation, promotion, and metastasis are regulated by NF-kappaB. Seventh, various chemopreventive agents have been found to down-regulate the NF-kappaB activation. All these observation suggest that NF-kappaB could mediate tumorigenesis and thus can be used as a target for chemoprevention and for the treatment of cancer. Agents that suppress NF-kappaB activation can suppress the expression of genes involved in carcinogenesis and tumorigenesis in vivo.
Secret key extraction using Bluetooth wireless signal strength measurements

Bluetooth has found widespread adoption in phones, wireless headsets, stethoscopes, glucose monitors, and oximeters for communication of, at times, very critical information. However, the link keys and encryption keys in Bluetooth are ultimately generated from a short 4 digit PIN, which can be cracked off-line. We develop an alternative for secure communication between Bluetooth devices using the symmetric wireless channel characteristics. Existing approaches to secret key extraction primarily use measurements from a fixed, single channel (e.g., a 20 MHz WiFi channel); however in the presence of heavy WiFi traffic, the packet exchange rate in such approaches can reduce as much as 200×. We build and evaluate a new method, which is robust to heavy WiFi traffic, using a very wide bandwidth (B 20 MHz) in conjunction with random frequency hopping. We implement our secret key extraction on two Google Nexus One smartphones and conduct numerous experiments in indoor-hallway and outdoor settings. Using extensive real-world measurements, we show that outdoor settings are best suited for secret key extraction using Bluetooth. We also show that even in the absence of heavy WiFi traffic, the performance of secret key generation using Bluetooth is comparable to that of WiFi while using much lower transmit power.
A new method for quantifying the probability of segregative plasmid loss inEscherichia coli B/r

A new method for quantifying rates of segregative plasmid loss is described. The probability of plasmid loss is found from the decrease in the fraction of plasmid containing cells, following a synchronous division. Stability inEscherichiacoli B/r increased with pH and dilution rate, but decreased with temperature.
Human mesenchymal stem cells maintain transgene expression during expansion and differentiation.

Human adult bone marrow contains both hematopoietic stem cells that generate cells of all hematopoietic lineages and human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs), which support hematopoiesis and contribute to the regeneration of multiple connective tissues. The goal of the current study was to demonstrate that transduced hMSCs maintain transgene expression after stem cell differentiation in vitro and in vivo. We have introduced genes into cultured hMSCs by retroviral vector transfer and demonstrated long-term in vitro and in vivo expression of human interleukin 3 (hIL-3) and green fluorescent protein (GFP). Protocols were developed to achieve transduction efficiencies of 80–90% in these stem cells. In vitro expression of hIL-3 averaged 350 ng/106cells/24 h over 17 passages (>6 months) and GFP expression was stable over the same time period. Transduced hMSCs were able to differentiate into osteogenic, adipogenic, and chondrogenic lineages and maintained transgene expression after differentiation. Parallel studies were performed in vivo using NOD/SCID mice. Human MSCs expressing hIL-3 were cultured on several matrices and then delivered by subcutaneous, intravenous, and intraperitoneal routes. Sampling of peripheral blood demonstrated that systemic hIL-3 expression was maintained in the range of 100–800 pg/ml over a period of 3 months. These results illustrate the ability of hMSCs to express genes of therapeutic potential and demonstrate their potential clinical utility as cellular vehicles for systemic gene delivery.
Variation in estradiol level affects cortical bone growth in response to mechanical loading in sheep.

Although mechanical loading can stimulate cortical bone growth, little is known about how individual physiology affects this response. This study demonstrates that in vivo variation in estradiol (E2) level alters osteoblast sensitivity to exercise-induced strains, affecting cortical bone responses to mechanical loading. Subadult sheep were divided into treatment groups that varied in terms of circulating E2 levels and loading (exercised and sedentary). After 45 days, periosteal cortical bone growth rates and cross-sectional properties were measured at the midshafts of hindlimb bones and compared with strain data. The results indicate significant interactions between E2 and strain. Cortical bone growth in exercised animals with elevated E2 levels was 27% greater in the femur, 6% greater in the tibia, and 14% greater in the metatarsal than in exercised animals with lower E2 levels, or sedentary animals regardless of E2 dose ( P <0.05). There was also a trend toward greater resistance to deformation in the tibia, but not the metatarsal, in the exercised, high-E2 group compared to the other treatment groups. These results demonstrate that E2 plays a role in mediating skeletal responses to strain, such that physiological variation in E2 levels among individuals may lead to differential growth responses to similar mechanical loading regimes. Efforts to model the relationship between environmental strain and bone morphology should include the effects of physiological variation in hormone levels.
Tracking the 2004 Presidential Campaign Web Sites Similarities and Differences

This study analyzed the content of news releases posted on the presidential candidate Web sites of George W. Bush and John Kerry during the 2004 election campaign. Findings suggest topics like terrorism and the war in Iraq received significant attention in the news releases, supplanting traditional campaign policy issues such as education, social security, and Medicare. The 2004 online campaign news releases also confirmed the prominence of attack over policy issues in the two major party candidates’ rhetoric. Also, 80% of the news releases posted by George Bush and John Kerry on their campaign Web sites contained an attack against the opposition. Finally, approximately 80% of the overall 2004 online news releases posted by Bush and Kerry on their campaign Web sites contained at least one reference to candidates’ personality traits.
Institutionalizing organizational change through cascade training

Institutionalization of organizational change should be considered a part of the change process, regardless of the nature of the change. After initial success, many change efforts eventually fail. The article discusses a framework for institutionalizing change and introduces cascade training to ensure the employee competence to carry out the change. The article introduces four designs of cascade training based on the change target, change purpose, the training outcomes, organizational characteristics and characteristics of the intervention.
Allergy to iguana.

Abstract Background: Furry animals produce allergens that can cause allergic rhinitis and asthma. In contrast, scaly animals, such as lizards, are assumed not to be allergenic. Objective: We sought to evaluate a 32-year-old man who complained of allergic rhinitis and asthma symptoms that occurred exclusively in his own home. He had dogs and cats at home but denied any increase in symptoms specifically associated with these pets. Skin prick testing initially performed to 42 common aeroallergens, including cat, dog, and house dust mite, elicited negative results. He later reported that the symptoms were worse on exposure to his pet iguanas. Methods: Skin prick tests were subsequently performed to an extract made from scales from his pet iguana. Extracts were also prepared from several zoo reptiles. Immunoassays for IgE antibody, as well as IgE immunoblots, were performed by using these extracts and the patient's serum. Results: The skin prick test result with the pet iguana scale extract was positive. The patient's serum contained IgE antibody to his own pet iguana and to a zoo iguana. Conclusion: Our patient's history, skin test results, and in vitro studies clearly demonstrate that he is allergic to iguana. Physicians should be aware that such allergy to scaly pets may occur and should not restrict history taking to questions about furry pets. (J Allergy Clin Immunol 2000;106:369-72.)
Campus Information-and-Knowledge Modeling: Embedding Multidisciplinary Knowledge into a Design Environment for University Campus Planning:

This article gives an overview of our research approach in collecting specific information and multidisciplinary knowledge with the aim of integrating them into a model for the planning of a university, supported by a design environment. Our goal is to develop a strategy for modeling raw information and expert knowledge for the Georgia Tech Campus. This research was divided into three stages: First, we identified a variety of written sources of information for campus planning, extracting and distinguishing raw information from disciplinary knowledge. Second, we selected the elicitation methods to gather knowledge directly from experts, with the objective of performing qualitative assessments -effectiveness, efficiency, and satisfaction- of certain features of the Georgia Tech Campus. Third, we interpreted the information and knowledge obtained and structured them into Bloom's taxonomy of factual, conceptual, procedural and meta-cognitive, to define the specific modeling implementation strategies. Currentl...
Intrinsic weak link originating from tilt in contacts between dx2-y2 wave superconductors

wave superconductors, which form a contact at a tilt angle. The contact is a weak link or a Josephson junction, with properties determined by the misalignment angle. Complementing existing theories that discuss the influence of dx2-y2 symmetry on the charge transfer across junctions, the ideas presented provide insights into the origin of the junction formed in such configurations. The mechanism discussed is of relevance for the understanding of the electronic properties of grain boundaries in superconductors, including the angular dependence of the critical current density.
Relaxation and NMR Spectra of Nickel (II) — Purine Complexes

The temperature-jump and NMR line-broadening techniques have been used to determine the stability constants, kinetics and binding sites of nickel(II)-purine complexes in aqueous solution. The temperature-jump relaxation spectrum consists of two processes, dependent on concentration and pH. Previous evidence has shown that the anionic form of the ligand binds to the metal ion, hence HL, Ni2+ and NiL+ alone are not sufficient to explain the kinetic data. The two most likely systems consistent with the data are: (1) complexes differing in their sites of metal attachment (linkage isomers) and (2) higher order complexes, i.e. and NiL2 complex in addition to the NiL+ complex. Both possibilities fit the temperature-jump data reasonably well, although neither is entirely satisfactory. The NMR experiments provide additional experimental evidence allowing a choice of mechanisms to be made. The preferred mechanism is The rate and equilibrium constants for this scheme are calculated. From the temperature-dependence of the NMR line width, the activation parameter for k−2 and the chemical shift ΔΩNi for H(8) on the bound purine are calculated. The results are consistent with a normal substitution mechanism for aqueous nickel(II) ion.
Measurement of trace acid levels in diazonaphthoquinone photoactive compounds (PACs)

With the continuing drive to control and improve resist performance, the need to monitor and control all aspects of the resist has become more important. The presence of acids in the resist can have a significant impact on the performance. Monitoring acid levels in diazonaphthoquinone PACs is an area that has not had much attention to date. A procedure has been developed to measure acid levels in these compounds. The procedure uses Congo red dye as an acid indicator in aqueous THF and monitors changes spectrophotometrically. The method is capable of measuring acidity of resist components in the 10 to 100 ppm range. This procedure has been applied to the forced aging of dry diazonaphthoquinone PACs. The results show that the 2,1,5 isomer decomposes faster than the 2,1,4, isomer. The method is sufficiently general that it can be used to monitor acid level in other resist components or in resist solutions (see also accompanying paper #3049-50).
Hierarchial architecture for real-time adaptive resource management

This paper presents the Real Time Adaptive Resource Management system (RTARM 1), developed at the Honeywell Technology Center. RTARM supports provision of integrated services for real-time distributed applications and offers management services for end-to-end QoS negotiation, QoS adaptation, real-time monitoring and hierarchical QoS feedback adaptation. In this paper, we focus on the hierarchical architecture of RTARM, its flexibility, internal mechanisms and protocols that enable management of resources for integrated services. The architecture extensibility is emphasized with the description of several service managers, including an object wrapper build around the NetEx real-time network resource management. We use practical experiments with a distributed Automatic Target Recognition application and a synthetic pipeline application to illustrate the impact of RTARM on the application behavior and to evaluate the system performance.
Field evaluation of juvenile in vitro embryo transfer (JIVET) in sheep.

Abstract The practicality of using juvenile in vitro embryo transfer (JIVET) on a field scale in China was evaluated in each of three seasons (summer, autumn and winter) from 2006 to 2007. A total of 102 donor Merino lambs (18 summer, 69 autumn and 15 winter) aged 4–8 weeks were stimulated with 4×40mg FSH administered at 12h intervals plus 400IU PMSG given at the time of the first FSH treatment. Overall, 89.2% (91/102) of the lambs exhibited follicle development and 79.1±65.5 (mean±S.D.) cumulus–oocyte complexes were recovered per donor lamb. Compared with the groups of summer (84.9±55.3) and autumn (83.6±70.8) lambs, the number of recovered cumulus–oocyte complexes was significantly decreased in winter (51.4±43.7; p p p p >0.05). Based on the number of donors stimulated, the total number of offspring and viable progeny produced per donor lamb in autumn (5.81 and 4.87) was significantly ( p
Preconditioned multigrid methods for two-dimensional combustion calculations at all speeds

The development of an effective implicit integration strategy for two-dimensional (axisymmetric) combustion calculations at all speeds is presented. A time-derivative preconditioning technique is first combined with an implicit line relaxation algorithm to yield an approach capable of removing the acoustic time step restriction at low flow speeds while handling stiff chemical kinetics in a fully implicit fashion. Numerical performance is further improved through the addition of a full multigrid/full approximation storage (FMG-FAS) convergence acceleration strategy. Numerical simulations of a subsonic reacting shear layer (finite rate hydrogen-air chemistry), a subsonic bluff-body stabilized flame (mixing-limited methane-air chemistry), and a supersonic jet diffusion flame (finite rate hydrogen-air chemistry) are presented to test the basic attributes of the algorithm. Comparisons with experimental data are presented for all cases, and a detailed examination of the computational efficiency of the new procedure is conducted. The strengths and weaknesses of multigrid ideas for fully coupled combustion calculations are particularly highlighted.
Interspecific movement of the paternal sex ratio chromosome

Here we examine the potential for interspecific movement of a supernumerary or B chromosome and its subsequent stability. B chromosomes differ from autosomes in that they are nonvital, nonpairing chromosomes which vary in number between conspecific individuals. According to one generally accepted hypothesis, B chromosomes originate from the autosomes of their host. However, previous comparisons of B chromosome and host autosome sequences have suggested an additional evolutionary route: that B chromosomes originating in one species may be subsequently transferred into another species via interspecific hybridization. To examine B chromosome movement, hybrid crosses were utilized to introduce the paternal sex ratio chromosome (PSR) of Nasonia vitripennis into N. giraulti and N. longicornis. The results demonstrate that these transfers occur at high rates and that the meiotic drive system of PSR continues to function in both species, resulting in the maintenance of PSR at high frequencies. The relevance of these results to origin hypotheses of PSR is discussed here, as are the potential ecological effects of naturally occurring PSR movement and the potential applied uses of the mechanisms of PSR.
Design, synthesis and biological evaluation of a simplified fluorescently labeled discodermolide as a molecular probe to study the binding of discodermolide to tubulin.

Abstract The design, synthesis, and biological evaluation of a simplified fluorescently labeled discodermolide analogue possessing a dimethylaminobenzoyl fluorophore has been achieved. Stereoselective Suzuki coupling and Horner–Wadsworth–Emmons reaction comprised the key tactics for its construction. The analogue exhibited qualitatively similar activity to paclitaxel in a tubulin assembly assay, and it can thus be used as a fluorescent molecular probe to explore the local environment of the discodermolide binding site on tubulin. The results of fluorescence measurements on the tubulin-bound analogue are reported.
¿Es el injerto aortocoronario bajo circulación extracorpórea la única técnica que asegura la revascularización miocárdica completa? Pros y contras

Como en otros avances tecnicos en medicina, la fase inicial del rechazo a la revascularizacion sin circulacion extracorporea ha dado lugar a su aceptacion con algunas limitaciones. La principal preocupacion hoy dia es si la tecnica se puede aplicar de forma segura para acceder a todas las arterias coronarias, especialmente a los vasos posterolaterales del corazon. En nuestra opinion, el injerto aortocoronario sin circulacion extracorporea ha demostrado ser una excelente alternativa a las tecnicas estandares de revascularizacion, sin los riesgos ni complicaciones de la circulacion extracorporea. Puede ser aplicada a cualquier caso con una incidencia minima de conversiones a la tecnica convencional, evitando asi las complicaciones de la circulacion extracorporea. En este trabajo describimos nuestra tecnica, sometemos a discusion nuestra experiencia en la revascularizacion miocardica completa y proponemos que la maquina de circulacion extracorporea sea una herramienta disponible para casos mas complejos en vez de ser considerada un elemento indispensable en la revascularizacion miocardica.
A comprehensive system for evaluation of remote sequence similarity detection

Background Accurate and sensitive performance evaluation is crucial for both effective development of better structure prediction methods based on sequence similarity, and for the comparative analysis of existing methods. Up to date, there has been no satisfactory comprehensive evaluation method that (i) is based on a large and statistically unbiased set of proteins with clearly defined relationships; and (ii) covers all performance aspects of sequence-based structure predictors, such as sensitivity and specificity, alignment accuracy and coverage, and structure template quality.