cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Comparison of steady and pulsatile flow in a double branching arterial model

Data are presented to compare fluid flow parameters for steady flow with those for time-varying flow in a simplified two branch model which simulates the region of the abdominal aorta near the celiac and superior mesenteric branches of the dog. Measurements in the model included laser doppler anemometry velocity profiles during steady flow, sinusoidal flow with a superimposed mean flow (referred to as simple oscillatory flow) and arterial pulsatile flow. Shear rate measurements were made by an electrochemical technique during steady flow. Flow visualization studies were done during steady and pulsatile flow. Fluid flow effects in the simplified model during steady flow showed many similarities to the results from previous steady flow studies in a canine aortic cast. Shear rates in the region of the proximal (first, or celiac) branch were independent of flow rates in the distal (second, or mesenteric) branch, but the shear pattern within the proximal branch changed significantly as flow in the proximal branch increased. Shear rates on the proximal flow divider (leading edge into the distal branch) depended primarily on the flow rate to the proximal branch, but not on flow to the distal branch. At certain daughter branch flow ratios (approximately 2:1, proximal to distal), flow separation was promoted at the outer wall of the second branch, but flow separation did not occur in the first branch. In contrast to the canine aortic case results, flow separation was never detected on the distal (mesenteric) flow divider of the simplified model. This observation reflects the subtle effects of geometry on flow since the mesenteric flow divider in the canine cast protrudes into the main flow whereas the distal flow divider in the simplified model does not. There were distinct differences in the flow phenomena between steady, simple oscillatory and arterial pulsatile flow. Peak shear rates during pulsatile flow were as much as 10--100 times greater than steady flow shear rates at comparable mean flow rates. Particularly noteworthy for the pulsatile flow with a Womersley parameter of sixteen were very blunt velocity profiles throughout systole, and the absence of flow separation or reversal in those regions of the model that exhibited flow separation during steady flow. The shape of the waveform influences the nature of the flow during time-varying flows. Future studies of fluid dynamics in model systems must consider the pulsatile nature of the flow if a true interpretation of arterial flow phenomena is to be made.
Using Syllabi to Determine the Core Journal and Monographic Literature in Doctoral Finance Programs

Using course syllabi from 66 active Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business–accredited doctoral programs, the investigators determined a core journal and monographic collection in doctoral finance programs. The results are compared to previous studies, such as that of Corrado and Ferris (1997), and implications for collection development and liaison librarians are considered.
Uncertainties of Monod kinetic parameters nonlinearly estimated from batch experiments.

Monod kinetic parameters (Ks, μmax, and Y) that are estimated from batch experimental data can have large uncertainties due to linear correlations between them. The degree of correlation and the resulting uncertainties of the Monod parameters are functions of the initial experimental conditions, the values of the parameters, the type and magnitude of measurement errors, and the sampling number. Careful manipulation of experimental conditions can reduce the correlations between Monod parameters allowing for the estimation of Monod kinetic parameters with the lowest degree of uncertainty. By dimensionless analysis, the correlation and relative standard deviations of Monod parameters were found to be functions of a few dimensionless variables involving the initial substrate (S0) and cell (X0) concentrations. Quantitative relationships were analyzed between the dimensionless variables and the correlation and the uncertainties of the Monod parameters. This analysis allowed for identification of the optimal exp...
Retinoic acid responsive genes in the murine hepatocyte cell line AML 12.

Abstract Retinoic acid (RA) exerts profound effects on multiple aspects of vertebrate development, homeostasis and cellular differentiation. Although the liver is a major target organ for RA, no data exist on global expression of RA-responsive genes in hepatocytes. Therefore, the aim of this study was to characterize RA-responsive genes in a simple system, by using a non-transformed hepatic cell line that is able to express sufficient amounts of endogenous retinoic acid receptors (RARs). For this purpose we used the murine non-transformed hepatocyte cell line AML12. We performed analyses using a cDNA microarray containing 39,000 murine genes. We identified 15 genes that were up-regulated ≥ 2 fold while 3 were down-regulated ≥ 2 fold after 3 h treatment with all-trans RA. Following 24 h all-trans RA treatment, 26 genes were up-regulated ≥ 2 fold, whereas 48 genes were down-regulated ≥ 2 fold. For some of the genes not previously known to be regulated by RA, we confirmed the regulation by RA using real time PCR. Our data in AML12 cells provide a simple and physiologically relevant system to study RA action, without the influence of neoplastic transformation or artificial RAR over-expression. Furthermore, our data describe novel RA responsive genes and provide insight into the role of RA in important processes such as cholesterol metabolism, bile acid secretion, and oncogenesis, among others, that can be tested in future experiments in vivo.
Effects of polyamines on nucleosidediphosphate kinase activity.

Abstract Effects of naturally occurring polyamines were tested on the activity of bovine liver nucleosidediphosphate kinase with ATP as phosphoryl donor and eight nucleosidediphosphates as phosphoryl acceptors. The enzyme was either stimulated, inhibited, or unaffected depending upon the nucleosidediphosphate substrate and the polyamine, indicating that a general cation effect is not a sole mechanism of polyamine action. This selectivity and specificity of the effects with respect to both the polyamines and the nucleosidediphosphates leads us to speculate that an action of polyamines on nucleosidediphosphate kinase may play a significant role in the regulation of specific nucleosidetriphosphate synthesis in vivo .
The Coincidence of Student Evaluation by Professor and Peer Group Using Rank Correlation.

AbstractMany university level instructors believe that the system of evaluation and subsequent grading is equitable. The students on the other hand do not always share this belief. This author believes that given the same input, an evaluation of a student by the teacher or by his peer group would not be significantly different. In order to test this hypothesis, an experiment was conducted in a graduate case course during a summer session at Marquette University’s College of Business Administration. The purpose of this article is to describe the results supporting that hypothesis.
Intention and Coercion

Typically, philosophers have taken an external approach to the problem of defining ‘dispositional coercion’. However, a description of the surrounding circumstances of an allegedly coercive action is not the correct approach. What is required is an account of ‘dispositional coercion’ primarily in terms of personal motivation. ‘Dispositional coercion’ involves an agent threatening someone with a sanction if the latter fails to act as the agent requests. In order to define ‘dispositional coercion,’ I believe, the intentions of both the coercer and the victim need elucidation. In this essay, I defend the following set of necessary and sufficient conditions for defining this concept (where X is the coercer, Y is the victim and A is the action that Y is coerced into performing). (1) X threatens Y, that is, X intentionally attempts to create the belief in Y that X will be responsible for harm coming to Y should Y fail to do A. X's motive for attempting to create this belief is his desire to bring about a state of affairs in which Y's recognition of this possible harm to himself influences Y to do A. (2) X successfully creates the belief in Y that Y may be harmed if he fails to do A, that is, X is successful in causing Y to recognise that harm may come to him should he fail to do A. (3) Y intends to do A, and Y's motive for intending to do A is Y's desire to avoid harm to himself. (4) Y does A.
The effect of method and format on the responses of subjects to a Piagetian reasoning problem

Researchers interested in studying the effects of subjects' reasoning levels, as defined by Piaget (Inhelder & Piaget, 1958), on science achievement or other dependent variables face two measurement problems. First, the traditional clinical method is time-consuming and impractical for large numbers of subjects. Second, alternative methods of assessment, although reliable and valid, may over- or underestimate subjects' reasoning levels. The objective of this investigation was to determine the effects of various methods and formats of administering a Piagetian task on subjects' performance. The task chosen for this investigation was the Mr. Short-Mr. Tall problem (Karplus & Lavatelli, 1969; Karplus et al., 1977). The task was presented using four methods: (1) individual clinical interview, (2) group presentation of task followed by paper-and-pencil problem with illustration, (3) group administration of paper-and-pencil instrument with illustration, and (4) group administration of paper-and-pencil instrument without illustration. Each method included four formats: (1) completion answer with essay justification, (2) completion answer with multiple-choice justification, (3) multiple-choice answer with essay justification, and (4) multiple-choice answer with multiple-choice justification. Three hundred seventy-six students who were enrolled in a freshman level biological science class participated in the study. The research design was a 4 × 4 factorial design with method and format of assessment as the main effects. The participants were in 16 distinct laboratory or discussion sections, and each section was randomly assigned to a cell in the research design. Regression analysis with the individual as the unit of analysis showed that neither method nor format of assessment accounted for a significant amount of variance in student performance. The overall interaction remained nonsignificant. Regression analysis with sections as the unit of analysis revealed similar findings. The inter-rater agreement in the scoring of the reasoning task was 98.4%. The principal conclusion is that neither method nor format of task administration influenced the performance of subjects, and this lack of influence is similar for various combinations of method and format. Discussion focused on the importance of this nonsignificant finding for using alternative methods of Piagetian assessment. Implications for teachers are also discussed.
Sick Vessel Syndrome: Recovery of Atherosclerotic and Hypertensive Vessels

This review describes vascular changes in atherosclerotic and hypertensive vessels as well as effects of treatment. Changes in vascular structure in both atherosclerosis and hypertension are characterized by thickening of the vessel wall and vascular "remodeling." Remodeling tends to preserve the size of the lumen in atherosclerotic vessels and results in a smaller lumen in hypertensive vessels. Changes in vascular function are characterized by preservation of smooth muscle relaxation, with the exception of activity of ATP-sensitive potassium channels, and dysfunction of endothelium. Regression of atherosclerosis, by treatment of hyperlipidemia, results in quite rapid removal of lipid from the vessel wall but with inconsistent improvement in maximal vasodilator capacity. In contrast, endothelial function improves during regression of atherosclerosis, and hyperresponsiveness to serotonin subsides rapidly. Effective treatment of hypertension produces regression of vascular hypertrophy, and some approaches (especially angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors) are effective in correcting vascular remodeling. Endothelium-dependent relaxation generally improves during antihypertensive treatment. Reduction in pulse pressure may be more important than reduction in mean arterial pressure in reversing the structural and functional abnormalities of hypertensive vessels.
Inner ear anomalies seen on CT images in people with Down syndrome

Although dysplasia of inner ear structures in Down syndrome has been reported in several histopathological studies, the imaging findings have not been widely studied. To evaluate the prevalence and clinical significance of inner ear anomalies detected on CT images in patients with Down syndrome. The temporal bone CT images of patients with Down syndrome were assessed for inner ear anomalies; clinical notes and audiograms were reviewed for hearing loss. Logistic regression models were employed to identify which CT findings were associated with sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL). Inner ear anomalies were observed in 74.5% (38/51) of patients. Malformed bone islands of lateral semicircular canal (LSCC), narrow internal auditory canals (IACs), cochlear nerve canal stenoses, semicircular canal dehiscence (SCCD), and enlarged vestibular aqueducts were detected in 52.5% (53/101), 24.5% (25/102), 21.4% (21/98), 8.8% (9/102) and 2% (2/101) of patients’ ears, respectively. IAC stenosis had the highest odds ratio (OR = 5.37, 95% CI: 1.0–28.9, P = 0.05) for SNHL. Inner ear anomalies occurred in 74.5% of our population, with malformed (<3 mm) bone island of LSCC being the most common (52.5%) anomaly. Narrow IAC was seen in 24.5% of patients with Down syndrome and in 57.1% of ears with SNHL. High-resolution CT is a valuable for assessing the cause of hearing loss in people with Down syndrome.
Effects of cyclooxygenase inhibitor treatment on the renal toxicity of cisplatin in rats.

The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of a nonselective cyclooxygenase (cox) inhibitor and of a selective cox-2 inhibitor on the renal toxicity of cisplatin. Cisplatin with or without a cox-1 inhibitor (SC560), a cox-2 inhibitor (SC236), or a nonselective cox inhibitor (piroxicam) was administered to Sprague–Dawley rats. Renal toxicity was assessed by serum creatinine concentration (SCR), urine specific gravity (USG), and histopathologic lesion score (HLS). Acutely, the SCR was significantly higher in rats receiving cisplatin/SC560 (1.62 ± 0.34 mg/dl) or cisplatin/piroxicam (2.0 ± 0.41 mg/dl) than in rats receiving cisplatin alone (1.09 ± 0.40 mg/dl). The apparent increase in SCR in the rats receiving cisplatin/SC236 (1.58 ± 0.31) was not significantly different from that of rats receiving cisplatin alone (1.09 ± 0.40 mg/dl). No significant differences in USG or HLSs were noted between rats receiving cisplatin alone and cisplatin combined with any cox inhibitor. In a chronic study, no differences in renal toxicity were found between rats treated with cisplatin alone and cisplatin/SC236 or cisplatin/piroxicam. The acute rise in SCR following cisplatin treatment can be worsened by the addition of cox inhibitors, especially those that inhibit cox-1.
Anticoagulation early after mechanical valve replacement: improved management with patient self-testing

Objective Self-testing to determine the international normalized ratio improves management with warfarin and reduces the risks of adverse events. Self-testing usually begins several weeks after hospital dismissal after valve replacement. We aimed to compare the in-hospital initiation of international normalized ratio self-testing with usual care in mechanical heart valve recipients. Methods A total of 200 adult mechanical heart valve recipients were randomly assigned to in-hospital international normalized ratio self-testing instruction or usual care. Instruction for self-testing patients began on the fourth postoperative day. The patients were followed up for 3 months to compare the number of international normalized ratio tests, percentage of time in the therapeutic range, and adverse events. Results The baseline characteristics were similar between the 2 groups. During the first 3 postoperative months, the usual-care group underwent an average of 10 international normalized ratio tests, and the self-testing group completed 14 international normalized ratio tests. The mean ± SD percentage of international normalized ratio tests within the therapeutic range was 45% ± 22% for the usual-care group and 52% ± 22% for the self-testing group ( P = .05). Within 90 days after dismissal, transient ischemic attack occurred in 1 patient in the usual-care group and 2 patients in the self-testing group. Bleeding complications occurred in 3 patients in the usual-care group and 5 patients in the self-testing group. Conclusions Management of anticoagulation with warfarin after mechanical valve replacement is improved with self-testing, even during the early postoperative phase when international normalized ratio testing is performed frequently. Although the incidence of adverse events was similar in the 2 groups, better control of the international normalized ratio would be expected to improve outcome in large populations of patients.
Helmholtz's Vowel Theory and the Phonograph

THE results obtained by Messrs. Jenkin and Ewing in their experiments with the phonograph, as described in NATURE, vol. xvii. p. 384, are so different from those reached in some experiments recently performed by Dr. Clarence J. Blake, of this city, in connection with myself, that I venture to call attention to the fact.
Mechanism of one-way traffic of hexameric phi29 DNA packaging motor with four electropositive relaying layers facilitating antiparallel revolution.

The importance of nanomotors in nanotechnology is akin to that of mechanical engines to daily life. The AAA+ superfamily is a class of nanomotors performing various functions. Their hexagonal arrangement facilitates bottom-up assembly for stable structures. The bacteriophage phi29 DNA translocation motor contains three coaxial rings: a dodecamer channel, a hexameric ATPase ring, and a hexameric pRNA ring. The viral DNA packaging motor has been believed to be a rotational machine. However, we discovered a revolution mechanism without rotation. By analogy, the earth revolves around the sun while rotating on its own axis. One-way traffic of dsDNA translocation is facilitated by five factors: (1) ATPase changes its conformation to revolve dsDNA within a hexameric channel in one direction; (2) the 30° tilt of the channel subunits causes an antiparallel arrangement between two helices of dsDNA and channel wall to advance one-way translocation; (3) unidirectional flow property of the internal channel loops serves as a ratchet valve to prevent reversal; (4) 5′–3′ single-direction movement of one DNA strand along the channel wall ensures single direction; and (5) four electropositive layers interact with one strand of the electronegative dsDNA phosphate backbone, resulting in four relaying transitional pauses during translocation. The discovery of a riding system along one strand provides a motion nanosystem for cargo transportation and a tool for studying force generation without coiling, friction, and torque. The revolution of dsDNA among 12 subunits offers a series of recognition sites on the DNA backbone to provide additional spatial variables for nucleotide discrimination for sensing applications.
Estimating nodal attractions with exogenous spatial interaction and impedance data using the gravity model

Unlike the conventional calibration of a gravity model in which nodal attractions are treated exogenously, this study treats the attraction of a node as an endogenous composite indicator of many contributing factors associated with the node and estimates the nodal attraction based upon exogenous spatial interaction (flow) and impedance data. An algebraic method is developed for the general \(N\times N\) O-D matrix and applied to a hypothetical \(5\times 5\) O-D flow case. A theoretical discussion of utilizing regression to estimate the contributing factors of nodal attractions is also presented.
A Bulk Flow Model of a Brush Seal System

Fibers can be readily fabricated into a variety of seal configurations that are compliant and responsive to high speed or lightly loaded systems. A linear, circular, or contoured brush seal system is a contact seal consisting of the bristle pattern and hardened interface. When compared to a labyrinth seal, the brush seal system is superior and features low leakage, dynamic stability, and permits compliant structures. But in turn, the system usually requires a hardened smooth interface and permits only limited pressure drops. Wear life and wear debris for operations with static or dynamic excitation are largely undetermined. A seal system involves control of fluid within specific boundaries. The brush and rub ring (or rub surface) form a seal system. Design similitudes, a bulk flow model, and rub ring (interface) coatings are discussed. The bulk flow model calculations are based on flows in porous media and filters. The coatings work is based on experience and expanded to include current practice.
Potent Psittacosis Antigens Free of Anticomplementary Activity

SummaryA method for the preparation of psittacosis antigen of satisfactory potency is presented. When lyophilized, the antigen is free of anticomplementary activity, stable for the 4-month period tested, apparently more sensitive than a lymphogranuloma venereum antigen in the detection of psittacosis antibodies, and apparently free of nonspecific properties.
Magnesium-25 NMR studies of magnesium salts and complexes in nonaqueous solvents

Magnesium-25 NMR measurements were carried out on aqueous and non-aqueous solutions of magnesium salts. In the former case the25Mg resonance frequency was independent of the concentration or of the counterion. In nonaqueous solvents, however, the resonance frequency was dependent on the solvent, the concentration, and on the nature of the counterion, indicating some cation-anion interactions. Measurements on Mg2+—phosphonoacetic acid mixtures in aqueous solutions gave strong indications of complexation. Only inconclusive evidence was obtained on the complexation of Mg2+ by macro-bicyclic cryptand C211 in methanol solutions, and no evidence of complexation was obtained with macrocycle 12-crown-4 in dimethylformamide solutions.
Does frozen section alter surgical management of multinodular thyroid disease

Background Frozen section (FS) evaluation during thyroid surgery is often used to guide intraoperative management. We sought to determine the utility of FS in patients undergoing thyroidectomy for multinodular thyroid disease. Methods From May 1994 through November 2004, 236 patients with multinodular goiter underwent thyroidectomy at our institution. Patient data were retrospectively analyzed to see if a frozen section was performed during the procedure and whether it changed the patient’s outcome. Results Of the 236 patients, 135 (57%) had intra-operative FS. There were no differences between patients who had FS analysis and those who did not with regard to age, gender, and the incidence of malignancy. Of the patients who had FS, 4/135 (3%) were subsequently diagnosed with thyroid cancer on permanent histology. Three of these FS were misread as benign. Therefore, the sensitivity of FS for the diagnosis of thyroid cancer was only 25%. Importantly, in none of the 135 patients did FS alter the intraoperative management. Conclusion While FS was commonly used in patients undergoing thyroidectomy at our institution, in no patient over the last decade did FS correctly alter the intraoperative management. Given the time required to perform FS and the cost associated with it, we believe that routine FS should not be performed in these patients.
Labor needs, crime, and the business location decision: a qualitative account

The reliance on econometric models in site-selection research limits what we can conclude about how decision-makers evaluate some common location factors. In an effort to open the “black box” of location decisions, this article makes use of in-depth interviews with corporate real estate managers and external service providers to illustrate how such actors serve as intermediaries in the site-selection process. The findings reveal that distinct ways of operationalizing one factor – in this case, labor needs – can influence how decision-makers think about not only the labor market characteristics of a potential location, but also other important factors, such as crime. The data furthermore demonstrate the degree to which real estate professionals rely on anecdotal evidence and subjective perceptions when assessing various location factors. This has important implications for the types of strategies that community development officials might deploy in an effort to attract private investment.
Quantum-limited cooling and detection of radio-frequency oscillations by laser-cooled ions

A single trapped ion, laser cooled into its quantum ground state of motion, may be used as a very-low-temperature detector of radio-frequency signals applied to the trap end caps. If the signal source is a resonant oscillator of sufficiently high Q, the source may also be placed in its quantum ground state by coupling to the ion. Parametric couplings may be used to cool and detect source modes other than the mode directly coupled to the ion. A theoretical analysis of these cooling and detection processes is presented, and as an example, their application to single trapped electron and proton spectroscopy is examined. Squeezing and low noise detection of one quadrature component of the source oscillation are also discussed. The techniques discussed here may lead to radio-frequency measurements of improved accuracy and sensitivity. Cooling and detection of vibrations of macroscopic oscillators also appear possible.
Interactions of an Antimicrobial Peptide (Ac-RRWWRF-NH2) and Surfactants: Towards Antimicrobial Peptide Additives for Coatings Applications

Abstract Waterborne coatings are complex formulations containing a number of components to aid stabilization and eventual coalescence of the polymer particles. Almost all systems contain a number of small molecule functional additives to improve different aspects of system performance. How the performance of these additives depends on interaction with other components of the formulation is relatively unexplored from a fundamental basis. A specific objective of this study is to provide a foundation for continued development of antimicrobial peptides as active polymer coatings components. This work addresses the impact of formulation variables, specifically surfactant structure, on the behavior of a model antimicrobial. Antimicrobials are used because a number of microbes are able to flourish within the water phase of the latexes resulting in a loss of properties commonly known as ‘spoilage’. The model antimicrobial used in this study is a small oligopeptide (known as Combi1) identified as a powerful antimicrobial and has been extensively studied in the areas of pharmaceutics and medicinal chemistry. Monitoring of antimicrobial strength was done through the use of both conventional microbiology methods and high throughput absorbance and fluorescence measurements.
Confining models of the weak interactions in technicolor

Abstract We construct confining models of the weak interactions without fundamental scalar fields using technicolor, and show how to generate fermion masses in these models with extended technicolor. In addition, we discuss the influence of strong SU(2)L on the spectrum of several theories.
The effects of knowledge of performance and cognitive strategies on motor skill learning in children with cerebral palsy.

Purpose The purpose of this research was to examine the effects of presenting augmented information to children with cerebral palsy during practice of a novel motor skill. Methods Single-subject designs with nonconcurrent baselines were used to study improvements in performance. Thirteen children with cerebral palsy were randomly assigned to one of three practice protocols and performed 36 ten-second trials to learn to move a Pedalo, a therapeutic exercise vehicle, backward. Each protocol involved a variable mix of practice under the following conditions: no augmented information, knowledge of performance, and knowledge of performance enhanced by a cognitive strategy. Performance was measured by changes in backward displacement (cm) of the Pedalo across trials. Results All 13 subjects demonstrated improvement in performance across phases. However, only eight subjects (62%) demonstrated a significant improvement in performance when the baseline and retention phases were compared. Of these eight subjects, one demonstrated significant improvement in performance with practice alone, two when provided with knowledge of performance, and five when provided with knowledge of performance and a cognitive strategy. Conclusions This study suggests that children with cerebral palsy benefit greatly from practice of motor tasks and that some of these children may benefit from the use of cognitive strategies to enhance the role of knowledge of performance during practice of motor skills. However, sufficient time is required to successfully integrate the feedback into performance.
Prdm14 initiates lymphoblastic leukemia after expanding a population of cells resembling common lymphoid progenitors

Understanding the heterogeneous genetic mechanisms of tumor initiation in lymphoid leukemias (LL) will lead to improvements in prognostic classification and treatment regimens. In previous studies of mouse leukemias, we showed that retroviral insertion at the ecotropic viral insertion site 32 locus leads to increased expression of Prdm14, a pluripotency gene implicated in the self-renewal capacity of embryonic stem cells and the early stages of breast cancer. Here, we show that PRDM14 is also overexpressed in ∼25% of human lymphoid neoplasms, with increased frequencies in T-cell acute LL and hyperdiploid precursor B-cell acute LL. To test if Prdm14 overexpression could initiate leukemia, mice were transduced with bone marrow cells transfected with a Prdm14 expression vector. LLs developed in 96% of female mice and 42% of male mice. Before the onset of leukemia, differentiation of transduced cells was biased up to 1000-fold toward cells with features of common lymphoid progenitors (CLPs), and lymphoid differentiation showed a relative block at the pro-B stage. Microarray gene expression analysis of expanded CLP-like cells before the onset of leukemia demonstrated upregulation of genes involved in pluripotency, tumor initiation, early B-lineage commitment, Wnt/Ras signaling and the epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition. Among the dysregulated genes were imprinted genes and non-coding RNAs including Dlk1 and Meg3, which are also key pluripotency mediators. Heightened expression of the estrogen-dependent oncogene, Myb, in tumors suggests a basis for the increased frequency of cancer in female mice. These data provide the first direct evidence for the association of Prdm14 with cancer initiation in an in vivo mouse model and in human lymphoid malignancies, while suggesting mechanisms for Prdm14's mode of action.
Calcium efflux in rat lens: Na/Ca-exchange related to cataract induced by selenite.

Sodium gradient-dependent 45Ca2+ transport occurred across the lens membrane both in the direction of Ca2+ uptake by inside-out vesicles and Ca2+ efflux after Ca2+ loading of right-side-out vesicles. Using the calcium ionophore, A23187, >90% of the Na+ gradient-dependent Ca2+ uptake was estimated to be free Ca2+. A normal Na+ gradient was also required to maintain calcium homeostasis in the intact lens. The Na+ gradient contributed to Ca2+ efflux from lenses pre-loaded in medium containing 15 raM CaCl2. Therefore, a Na/Ca-exchange functions to control Ca efflux in rat lens, in addition to the Ca-ATPase. In the preweanling rat mature nuclear cataracts occurred by 96 h after subcutaneous injection of sodium selenite (30 nmol/g animal wt). A 3-5 fold increase of Ca2+ acccompanied cataract formation. The loss of Ca2+ homeostasis can be detected by 48 h after treatment selenite treatment. At this time the initial rate of Na+ gradient-dependent Ca2+ uptake was 30% lower in lens vesicles from selenite-treated ra...
TWO-DIMENSIONAL QCD WITH ADJOINT MATTER

We review the recent work on the light-cone quantization of (1+1)-dimensional large N QCD coupled to adjoint matter. The spectrum of these models consists of glueball-like bound states which, in the large N limit, can be pictured as closed strings that cannot split or join. The pair creation (annihilation) inside the string is not suppressed even in the large N limit, giving rise to complex dynamics similar to that of genuine higher dimensional gauge theories. The mass spectra of such models exhibit an exponential growth of the density of states (Hagedorn behavior) and the absence of massless glueballs even in the case of massless constituents.
Interference-enhanced Raman scattering from Ti0(2)/Si0(2) multilayers: measurement and theory.

Raman-band intensities for sputter-deposited TiO2/SiO2 multilayer coatings are found to exhibit a strong dependence on excitation wavelength of the probe laser. A model based on standing waves within the stack correctly predicts the magnitude and wavelength dependence of the observed enhancements.
Science denial and the science classroom.

Biology teachers are accustomed to engaging individuals who do not accept biological evolution. Denial of evolution ranges from ignorance of the evidence to outright denial or distortion of data. The list of science denial topics has grown alarmingly over the years to include: HIV as the cause of AIDS, exaggeration of the health and environmental risks of genetically modified organisms, existence of holes in the ozone layer, the rise in antibiotic resistance, health risks caused by cigarette smoking, exaggeration and denial of harmful side effects of pesticides, water and environmental damage caused by hydraulic fracturing, the fear that vaccines do more harm than good, and, of course, global warming and climate change. Teaching climate science has become so perilous in some school districts that the National Center for Science Education, long known for activism in the arena of evolution education, has greatly expanded efforts in the arena of climate (http://ncse.com/climate).
United States Registered Nurse Workforce Report Card and Shortage Forecast

Registered nurses (RNs) play a critical role in health care delivery. With an aging US population, health care demand is growing at an unprecedented pace. Using projected changes in population size and age, the authors developed demand and supply models to forecast the RN job shortage in each of the 50 states. Letter grades were assigned based on projected RN job shortage ratios. The number of states receiving a grade of "D" or "F" for their RN shortage ratio will increase from 5 in 2009 to 30 by 2030, for a total national deficit of 918 232 (725 619 - 1 112 112) RN jobs. There will be significant RN workforce shortages throughout the country in 2030; the western region will have the largest shortage ratio of 389 RN jobs per 100 000. Increased efforts to understand shortage dynamics are warranted.
Promising approaches to circumvent the blood-brain barrier: progress, pitfalls and clinical prospects in brain cancer

Brain drug delivery is a major challenge for therapy of central nervous system (CNS) diseases. Biochemical modifications of drugs or drug nanocarriers, methods of local delivery, and blood-brain barrier (BBB) disruption with focused ultrasound and microbubbles are promising approaches which enhance transport or bypass the BBB. These approaches are discussed in the context of brain cancer as an example in CNS drug development. Targeting to receptors enabling transport across the BBB offers noninvasive delivery of small molecule and biological cancer therapeutics. Local delivery methods enable high dose delivery while avoiding systemic exposure. BBB disruption with focused ultrasound and microbubbles offers local and noninvasive treatment. Clinical trials show the prospects of these technologies and point to challenges for the future.
Composition of Guinea Keet Breast and Thigh Meat

Guinea keets, reared to 12 wk on a modified turkey starter and grower diet, were processed like broilers and thigh and breast meat samples analyzed. Proximate analysis for breast and thigh meat without skin was: dry matter 25.4 and 24.0%; protein 22.7 and 19.4%; hexane extractables 0.86 and 2.2%; and ash 1.06 and 1.05% respectively. Total cholesterol in breast meat was 40.6 mg/100g raw tissue, and 62.1 mg in the thigh. Also included were analyses for Na, K, Ca, Mg, P, thiamin, riboflavin, niacin, pantothenic acid and the fatty acid profiles of the meat and skin. Guinea meat was found to be lower in fat, sodium and cholesterol and higher in potassium, phosphorus, thiamin, riboflavin, niacin and vitamin B6 than broiler meat.
On the delta‐wye reduction for planar graphs

We provide an elementary proof of an important theorem by G. V. Epifanov, according to which every two-terminal planar graph satisfying certain connectivity restrictions can by some sequence of series/parallel reductions and delta-wye exchanges be reduced to the graph consisting of the two terminals and just one edge.
Low-Noise CMOS TGC Amplifier With Adaptive Gain Control for Ultrasound Imaging Receivers

A CMOS time-gain-compensation (TGC) amplifier is presented in this brief to accommodate large dynamic input signals and contribute low noise in ultrasound imaging receivers. From the system level, this brief addresses the necessity of performing gain control in balancing dynamic range and noise performance of a TGC amplifier. It then illustrates the noise effect on this type of amplifiers and points out the potential design tradeoffs. At the circuit level, by employing a current feedback topology, a new TGC amplifier is proposed to achieve low noise, variable gain, and relatively constant bandwidth. A design prototype was fabricated with a 130-nm CMOS process. The measurement results successfully demonstrate a TGC amplifier with a constant bandwidth of 10 MHz and a variable gain ranging from 13.8 to 36.3 dB. The equivalent input-referred noise is 7.41 nV/√Hz, and the maximum harmonic distortion is below 0.8%.
Narratives of Modern Architecture as One. A Review of The Future of Architecture: Since 1889

Writing “histories” of architecture has become a daunting task these days. The information made available by countless books, articles, dissertations and exhibitions has rendered the historian’s mission increasingly problematic, owing to the difficulty in covering the available knowledge and in organizing it under the form of a coherent narrative.
Essential Trace Metals: New Definitions Based on New Paradigms

This article will concentrate on the nutritional and physiological aspects of modem trace metal research. It will try to establish meaningful relations among the research activities of the past 50 years, and to summarize the present state of knowledge as a basis for future endeavors. The discussion will address the gradual emergence during the past decades of three paradigms that can be expected to determine the directions of future research.
COMPARISON OF THE EFFECTS OF ACHROMOBACTER IOPHAGUS AND SPLENIC PULP ON COLLAGEN OF RESTRUCTURED BEEF

Bacterial cultures (BC) of Achromobacter iophagus and bovine splenic pulp (SP) were evaluated for their ability to degrade collagen in a restructured product high in connective tissue. Effects of the BC (6.0% v/w) and SP (3% w/w) on collagen solubility, amino acid composition, thermal stability, and sarcoplasmic and myofibrillar protein extractability were determined. Results yielded increased (P < 0.05) collagen solubility of A. iophagus and splenic pulp treated samples over that of the high collagen (HC) control product. As a result of both treatments, collagen decreased (P< 0.05) in denaturation temperature and enthalpies. Collagen from the BC samples exhibited decreased levels of hydroxyproline, glycine and proline which may be attributable to changes produced in collagen stability as determined by the collagen stability and denaturation temperature measurements.
Reduction of complication rate in percutaneous dilation tracheostomies.

Introduction: Percutaneous dilation tracheotomy (PDT) is now an accepted alternative to surgical tracheotomy in certain patients. We began performing these procedures in 2000 and use it regularly in select intensive care unit patients requiring prolonged intubation and mechanical ventilation. Materials and Methods: A retrospective chart review of consecutive PDTs performed in the Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery at the John Hopkins Hospital between 2002 and 2005 was undertaken. Procedural and postoperative complications in an earlier group were compared with those in the later group for both frequency and severity. Results: Three hundred eighteen PDTs were performed on intensive care patients during this time period. All were performed using the Ciaglia method and the Cook Blue Rhino (Cook Medical Products, Bloomington, IN) set under direct bronchoscopic visualization. In group A (first 159 patients), there were a total of 12 complications (7.5%), including six cases of perioperative hemorrhage, whereas in group B (second 159 PDTs), there were seven complications (4.4%) with no cases of perioperative hemorrhage. Conclusions: PDT provides an easy and convenient alternative to open tracheotomy (OT) and should be added to the otolaryngologist's armamentarium of surgical airway procedures. The complication rate of PDT is low and similar to that of open operative tracheotomy. However, with experience and the use of strict protocols in both patient selection and PDT procedure, the complication rate can be significantly reduced further both in frequency and severity, making it even safer than an open operative tracheotomy.
Patterns in Analysts' Long-Term Earnings Forecasts

This article examines the accuracy of analysts9 long-term estimates (made before the beginning of the year being forecast) of annual operating earnings during the 1986–2002 period, as provided in the Thomson First Call I/B/E/S database. The article asks whether an investor can use the pattern of a particular analyst9s earnings estimates as a way of discerning analyst accuracy; that is, whether there are biases or signals in those patterns. Examining the change between consecutive earnings estimates, we find larger changes (negative or positive) are associated with lower forecast accuracy. Examining the difference between an analyst9s estimate of earnings and the previous year9s actual earnings in joint tests, we find that estimates predicting larger increases in earnings are decreasingly accurate, but those predicting larger decreases in earnings are increasingly accurate. Examining the number of estimates produced by an analyst as a signal of quality, we find no relationship in univariate tests, although one has been reported previously in the literature; in joint tests, a negative relationship is found between forecast frequency and accuracy.
Inverse compute-and-forward: Extracting messages from simultaneously transmitted equations

We consider the transmission of independent messages over a Gaussian relay network with interfering links. Using the compute-and-forward framework, relays can efficiently decode equations of the transmitted messages. The relays can then send their collected equations to the destination, which solves for its desired messages. Here, we study a special case of the inverse compute-and-forward problem: transmitting the equations to a single destination over a multiple-access channel. We observe that if the underlying messages have unequal rates, the set of possible values of an equation is constrained by the value of the other equations. We use this fact to improve the rate region for downloading equations. Interestingly, the rate region achieved over relay networks with interfering links using a combination of compute-and-forward and inverse compute-and-forward is larger than the best rate region achievable in the absence of interfering links. This verifies that interference may be used to beneficially “mix” messages over a wireless network.
Physiologic variations in lower extremity venous valvular function

We conducted this study to investigate the physiologic variations in venous valvular function and calf muscle pump function that occur in normal limbs after prolonged stationary standing. Twenty-two limbs from 11 healthy volunteers were studied after a brief period of activity and after 4 to 6 hours of stationary standing. Vein diameter, peak reflux flow velocity (PRFV), and valve closure time (VCT) were measured with duplex scanning in the standing position in the common femoral vein (CFV), superficial femoral vein (SFV), popliteal vein (POP), proximal greater saphenous vein (GSV), and greater saphenous vein at the knee (kGSV). Pneumatic rapid inflation-deflation cuffs were used to elicit reflux. Vein cross-sectional area (VA) and peak reflux volume (PRVol) were calculated. Venous volume (VV), venous filling index (VFI), ejection fraction (EF), residual volume fraction (RVF), and outflow fraction (OF) were measured with air plethysmography in all limbs. After stationary standing, there was no significant change or trend toward an increase in diameter or VA in any of the deep veins and there was no change in the PRFV or VCT. In the proximal GSV there was a significant increase in diameter (p = 0.0001) and VCT (p = 0.048) without a change in PRFV. No significant changes were noted in the kGSV. In the GSV the PRFV was significantly lower (p < 0.05) and the VCT significantly shorter (p < 0.05) compared with the SFV and POP but values were no different from those in the CFV. The PRFV was significantly higher in the SFV (p < 0.0001) and the POP (p < 0.002) compared with that in the CFV.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Caspase Cleaved Tau in Alzheimer's Disease: A Therapeutic Target Realized.

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder characterized by an array of symptoms affecting memory and cognition. Some common symptoms of AD include memory loss that disrupts daily life, challenges in planning or solving problems, confusion with time or place, and changes in mood and personality [1]. Central dogma to the etiology of AD is the beta-amyloid cascade, which stipulates that beta-amyloid in oligomeric forms represents the earliest step in a cascade eventually leading to the formation of senile plaques and neurofibrillary tangles (NFTs) and neurodegeneration [2]. For many years the connection between plaques and tangles was unknown, however, in 2002 we reported that caspase activation and the cleavage of tau might link these two molecular entities in AD [3]. Our evidence was based on the synthesis and application of a caspase-cleavage site directed antibody to a known caspase-cleavage site within tau located at the amino-terminus (position 25). Figure 1 depicts the first experiment ever performed with affinity-purified tau caspase-cleavage antibody that revealed widespread labeling predominantly within NFTs, neuropil threads, and dystrophic neurites (Figure 1A) that was absent in age-matched control sections (Figure 1B).
Imaging of Diseases of the Liver

This course describes the major focal and diffuse diseases of the liver that have significant imaging findings. A multimodality approach is used in integrating findings on scintigraphy, ultrasound, computed tomography (CT), and magnetic resonance (MR) imaging.