cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Anti-tumor activity of splice-switching oligonucleotides

Alternative splicing has emerged as an important target for molecular therapies. Splice-switching oligonucleotides (SSOs) modulate alternative splicing by hybridizing to pre-mRNA sequences involved in splicing and blocking access to the transcript by splicing factors. Recently, the efficacy of SSOs has been established in various animal disease models; however, the application of SSOs against cancer targets has been hindered by poor in vivo delivery of antisense therapeutics to tumor cells. The apoptotic regulator Bcl-x is alternatively spliced to express anti-apoptotic Bcl-xL and pro-apoptotic Bcl-xS. Bcl-xL is upregulated in many cancers and is associated with chemoresistance, distinguishing it as an important target for cancer therapy. We previously showed that redirection of Bcl-x pre-mRNA splicing from Bcl-xL to -xS induced apoptosis in breast and prostate cancer cells. In this study, the effect of SSO-induced Bcl-x splice-switching on metastatic melanoma was assessed in cell culture and B16F10 tumor xenografts. SSOs were delivered in vivo using lipid nanoparticles. Administration of nanoparticle with Bcl-x SSO resulted in modification of Bcl-x pre-mRNA splicing in lung metastases and reduced tumor load, while nanoparticle alone or formulated with a control SSO had no effect. Our findings demonstrate in vivo anti-tumor activity of SSOs that modulate Bcl-x pre-mRNA splicing.
IL-15 receptor maintains lymphoid homeostasis by supporting lymphocyte homing and proliferation

The IL-15 receptor alpha subunit (IL-15Ralpha) mediates high-affinity binding of IL-15, a pleiotropic cytokine implicated in the development of innate immune cells. We have generated IL-15Ralpha null (IL-15Ralpha-/-) mice to understand the role of IL-15Ralpha in immune development and function. IL-15Ralpha-/- mice are markedly lymphopenic despite grossly normal T and B lymphocyte development. This lymphopenia is due to decreased proliferation and decreased homing of IL-15Ralpha-/- lymphocytes to peripheral lymph nodes. These mice are also deficient in natural killer cells, natural killer T cells, CD8+ T lymphocytes, and TCRgammadelta intraepithelial lymphocytes. In addition, memory phenotype CD8+ T cells are selectively reduced in number. Thus, IL-15Ralpha has pleiotropic roles in immune development and function, including the positive maintenance of lymphocyte homeostasis.
Digitizing North: A Critical Discussion of Jonathan Harris's The Whale Hunt

ABSTRACTIn May 2007, media artist Jonathan Harris spent nine days living with an Inupiat family in Barrow, Alaska, where he documented the ancient tradition of the whale hunt in a series of 3,214 photographs, which he later assembled into an interactive database documentary aptly named The Whale Hunt. As designed object, The Whale Hunt is a technical marvel of Flash-based interactive design par excellence, yet for all its merit as a boundary-pushing mode of digital storytelling, it remains a story of North told by way of the South. This paper queries the concept of “digitizing North” and questions of “story” through a discursive analysis and post-colonial critique of The Whale Hunt as representation of North, where North is understood as a vast and shifting discursive field and a cultural imaginary. By interrogating the three main constitutive texts—the database documentary, artist statement, and digital storytelling interface, the paper critically examines their narrative conventions and representational...
A comparison of milk protein sources in diets of calves up to eight weeks of age

Four dietary ratios of dried skim milk and whey protein concentrate as the primary protein sources in milk replacers were evaluated using digestibility, growth performance, health characteristics, and blood measurements of calves that were 12 to 36 h of age to 8 wk of age. Sixteen Holstein bull calves, housed individually within an environmentally controlled facility, were randomly allotted to diets. Protein sources in the milk replacer were expressed as ratios (percentages) of dried skim milk to whey protein concentrate in diet 1, 100:0; diet 2, 67:33; diet 3, 33:67; and diet 4, 0:100. There were no significant differences in the mean number of days that calves scoured. Apparent biological value and N retention differed among diets over all weeks. Apparent digestibilities and biological values (percentages) over all weeks were diet 1, 82.50 and 67.71; diet 2, 82.85 and 70.15; diet 3, 83.82 and 67.46; and diet 4, 84.03 and 72.25, respectively. Diets varying in the ratio of dried skim milk to whey protein concentrates had no effect on health, growth, or apparent digestibilities in Holstein calves up to 8 wk of age.
Specificity of Anagyrus sp. nov. nr. sinope and Leptomastix dactylopii for six mealybug species

In order to understand better non-target effect and potential uses, the host specificity of two parasitoid species (Anagyrus sp. nov. nr. sinope Noyes & Menezes and Leptomastix dactylopii Howard) (both Hymenoptera: Encyrtidae) for six mealybug species [Ferrisia virgata (Cockerell), Phenacoccus madeirensis Green, Phenacoccus solani Ferris, Planococcus citri (Risso),Pseudococcus longispinus (Targioni-Tozzetti) and Pseudococcus viburni (Signoret)] (all Hemiptera: Pseudococcidae) was studied through behavioral observations and laboratory rearing. The selected mealybug species represent major subfamilies and tribes of Pseudococcidae. Except for F. virgata, all mealybug species induced examinations by Anagyrus sp. nov. nr. sinope and L. dactylopii. Anagyrus sp. nov. nr. sinope was specific to P. madeirensis, which was the only mealybug species selected for oviposition and suitable for complete development of the parasitoid. No encapsulation of Anagyrus sp. nov. nr. sinope in P. madeirensis was observed. Leptomastix dactylopii accepted multiple species for oviposition, with the ranking of species preference as P. citri > P. viburni > P. longispinus > P. solani > P. madeirensis. Only P. citri, P. longispinus and P. viburni supported the development of L. dactylopii. Parasitoids developing in P. longispinus and P. viburni suffered from high encapsulation rates, while no encapsulation was observed when developing in P. citri. The results of this study suggest that Anagyrus sp. nov. nr. sinope is highly host specific. Leptomastix dactylopii, on the other hand, has a wider host range. The use of Anagyrus sp. nov. nr. sinope in a mealybug biological control program is limited to P. madeirensis and L. dactylopii to P. citri. The results presented in this study also lead us to question the accuracy of the reported host range of L. dactylopii, which include all six mealybug species tested.
Deaths from Residential Fires among Older People, United States, 1984

Deaths from fires are the fifth leading cause of injury death among people aged 65 years or older. To describe the epidemiology of deaths from residential fires among older people, we analyzed mortality data for 1984 collected by the National Center for Health Statistics. Although older people represented only 12% of the U.S. population in 1984, they accounted for 29% (1,278) of that year's 4,466 residential fire deaths. Conflagrations accounted for 78% of older people's deaths from residential fires; clothing ignitions and other fires accounted for 11% each. Residential fire death rates increased with advancing age. Older black people had death rates 4.6 times the death rates of older white people. Older males had higher death rates than older females. Host, environmental, and behavioral risk factors for residential fire deaths among older people and potential strategies for intervention are discussed. Unless intervention strategies are focused on older people, the residential fire death toll in the U.S. may actually grow as the population of older people increases from 12% of the population in 1984 to about 21% of the population in 2030.
Luteinizing hormone: Changes in secretory pattern during sleep in adult women

Abstract Plasma samples were collected every twenty minutes from each of five normal women and luteinizing hormone was measured by radio-immunoassay. Plasma concentrations of luteinizing hormone were decreased in the first part of the sleep period with the maximum drop occuring during the third hour following stage II onset. Analysis of similar data from a group of five normal men revealed no significant differences in the LH secretory pattern between waking activity and sleep or between the two halves of the sleep period. Analogy was made with the differential capacity of the hypothalamus in males and females to release LH cyclically. Speculation was offered on the possible role of the pineal gland in the sleep-related changes of LH secretion in women.
Loss of housekeeping selenoprotein expression in mouse liver modulates lipoprotein metabolism

Selenium is incorporated into proteins as selenocysteine (Sec), which is dependent on its specific tRNA, designated tRNA([Ser]Sec). Targeted removal of the tRNA([Ser]Sec) gene (Trsp) in mouse hepatocytes previously demonstrated the importance of selenoproteins in liver function. Herein, analysis of plasma proteins in this Trsp knockout mouse revealed increases in apolipoprotein E (ApoE) that was accompanied by elevated plasma cholesterol levels. The expression of genes involved in cholesterol biosynthesis, metabolism and transport were also altered in knockout mice. Additionally, in two transgenic Trsp mutant mouse lines (wherein only housekeeping selenoprotein synthesis was restored), the expression of ApoE, as well as genes involved in cholesterol biosynthesis, metabolism and transport were similar to those observed in wild type mice. These data correlate with reports that selenium deficiency results in increased levels of ApoE, indicating for the first time that housekeeping selenoproteins have a role in regulating lipoprotein biosynthesis and metabolism.
Confidence Interval of the Difference Between Two Proportions with Overdispersion

In confidence interval estimation of the difference between two proportions with overdispersion due to positive correlations, the usual asymptotic normality-based method generally has lower coverage rates than desired, especially when sample size is moderate. Applying the concept of effective sample size to existing methods for independent data, we propose three new asymptotic normality-based methods. It is demonstrated through an extensive Monte Carlo study that the proposed methods generally perform better than the usual method. The proposed methods are illustrated in the application to a motivating data example.
A New Class of Highly Accurate Differentiation Schemes Based on the Prolate Spheroidal Wave Functions

Abstract We introduce a new class of numerical differentiation schemes constructed via the prolate spheroidal wave functions (PSWFs). Compared to existing differentiation schemes based on orthogonal polynomials, the new class of differentiation schemes requires fewer points per wavelength to achieve the same accuracy when it is used to approximate derivatives of bandlimited functions. In addition, the resulting differentiation matrices have spectral radii that grow asymptotically as m for the case of first derivatives, and m 2 for second derivatives, with m being the dimensions of the matrices. The results mean that the new class of differentiation schemes is more efficient in the solution of time-dependent PDEs involving bandlimited functions when compared to existing schemes such as the Chebyshev collocation method. The improvements are particularly prominent in large-scale time-dependent PDEs whose solutions contain large numbers of wavelengths in the computational domains.
Evaluation of relationships within the endemic Hawaiian Platynini (Coleoptera: Carabidae) based on molecular and morphological evidence.

Relationships among 69 species of Hawaiian Platynini, a monophyletic beetle radiation, was investigated based on evidence from five data partitions, comprising mitochondrial and nuclear DNA sequences (cytochrome oxidase II, 624 bp; cytochrome b, 783 bp; 28S rDNA, 668 bp; wingless; 441 bp) and morphology (206 features of external and internal anatomy). Results from individual and combined data analyses generally support the monophyly of three putative divisions within Platynini in Hawaii: Division 0 (Colpocaccus species group), Division 1 (Blackburnia species group), and Division 2 (Metromenus species group). However, relationships within and among these three divisions differ from previous morphological hypotheses. An extensive series of sensitivity analyses was performed to assess robustness of recovered clades under a variety of weighted parsimony conditions. Sensitivity analyses support the monophyly of Divisions 0 and 1, but were equivocal for the monophyly of Division 2. A phylogeny based on combined data suggests at least four independent losses/reductions of platynine flight wings. The combined analysis provides corroboration for biogeographic hypotheses, including (1) colonization of Kauai by Hawaiian Platynini with subsequent dispersal and colonization along the island chain from Oahu to Maui Nui to Hawaii Island and (2) incongruent area relationships among Eastern Molokai, West Maui, and Haleakala for two species triplets.
Birds of Moderately Different Feathers: Bandwagon Dynamics and the Threshold Heterogeneity of Network Neighbors

This paper investigates bandwagon dynamics in social networks, using an extension of Granovetter's (1978) threshold model. The focus is on the pattern of social ties connecting actors with different participation thresholds. A benchmark model, in which actors' thresholds are similar to their neighbors' thresholds, is built from the principle of homophily. Computational experiments show that participation levels increase when network structure departs from pure homophily, such that actors have new neighbors with discrepant thresholds. Further increasing the heterogeneity of network neighbors causes the bandwagon effects to wane, however, suggesting that bandwagon dynamics are maximized when there is a balance of heterogeneity and homogeneity in social networks. This principle is consistent with insights from several empirical studies and consistent with the conclusions of other formal models.
Historical and veterinary perspectives of surgical stapling.

This article describes the history of the development of surgical stapling devices from their inception to the present.
Husserl, Deleuzean Bergsonism and the Sense of the Past in General

Those familiar with contemporary continental philosophy know well the defenses Husserlians have offered of Husserl’s theory of inner time-consciousness against post-modernism’s deconstructive criticisms. As post-modernism gives way to Deleuzean post-structuralism, Deleuze’s Le bergsonisme has grown into the movement of Bergsonism. This movement, designed to present an alternative to phenomenology, challenges Husserlian phenomenology by criticizing the most “important… of all phenomenological problems.” Arguing that Husserl’s theory of time-consciousness detailed a linear succession of iterable instants in which the now internal to consciousness receives prejudicial favor, Bergsonism concludes that Husserl derived the past from the present and cannot account for the sense of the past, which differs in kind from the present. Consequently, everything on Husserl’s account remains present and his theory cannot accommodate for time’s passage. In this paper, I renew the Husserlian defense of Husserl’s theory of time-consciousness in response to the recent movement of Deleuzean Bergsonism. Section one presents Bergsonism’s notion of the past in general and its critique of Husserl’s theory of time-consciousness. Section two presents a rejoinder to Bergsonism’s critique of Husserl, questioning (1) its understanding of the living-present as linearly extended, (2) its conflation of the living-present with Husserl’s early schema-apprehension interpretation, and (3) its failure to grasp Husserl’s revised understanding of primary memory as a result of (2). In conclusion, I suggest that Husserl’s theory of retention might articulate a notion of the past more consistent with Bergson than Bergsonism itself.
33. MR guided cryosurgery: A preferred method?

Imaging guidance for cryosurgery, has revolutionized the field and allowed cryosurgery to be effectively applied to organs such as the prostate and liver. With each new advance in imaging this application of new technology has been applied to cryosurgery to advance the field. MRI has had great promise for the monitoring of cryosurgery but has never reached its promised potential. In this lecture we will explore the factors that effect the efficacy of an imaging modality as applied to cryosurgery and how to possibly overcome the barriers to the use of MRI in this process. There are a number of factors that must be examined to determine the applicability of an imaging modality for monitoring cryosurgery. The first is the ability of that modality to image the pathology you are trying to treat. Not all imaging modalities see a particular pathology equally well and within one modality different organ pathologies can be seen with different efficacies. For instance, prostate cancer currently is best imaged using multi-parametric MRI, while liver tumors are most efficaciously discovered using intra-operative or laparoscopic US. Next to be considered is the ability of the imaging to guide the cryoprobes into the correct position. MRI has challenges in this regard due to the relatively slow image acquisition time compared to CT or US. Also to be considered is the actual imaging of the freezing process, how that might be correlated to temperature, freezing rates and the ultimate reliable destruction of the abnormal tissue. The best example of this is the hypoechogenic change in thawed liver tissue after it has been frozen and its excellent correlation with complete tissue destruction. Lastly, integral to this whole choice of imaging cryosurgery is cost effectiveness. The particular technical advantages of an imaging modality to monitor cryosurgery has to be weighed against its ultimate cost to use in that setting, this perhaps is one of MRI’s greatest challenges in becoming widely used in monitoring cryosurgery.
Intrapartum management of the fetus with idiopathic hydrocephalus

Intrapartum management of fetal idiopathic hydrocephalus (IH) diagnosed late in pregnancy is controversial. Normal intellectual development is possible in many of these infants when neurosurgical intervention is undertaken in the neonatal period. Aggressive intrapartum management is indicated in most of these cases regardless of cortical mantle thickness. However, routine abdominal delivery is associated with increased maternal morbidity without proven fetal benefit. Transvaginal cephalocentesis for fetuses with IH in the cephalic presentation, followed by spontaneous vaginal delivery, lessens maternal morbidity and is compatible with good neonatal outcome.
Chronic migraine is associated with reduced corneal nerve fiber density and symptoms of dry eye

Background We used in vivo corneal confocal microscopy to investigate structural differences in the sub-basal corneal nerve plexus in chronic migraine patients and a normal population. We used a validated questionnaire and tests of lacrimal function to determine the prevalence of dry eye in the same group of chronic migraine patients. Activation of the trigeminal system is involved in migraine. Corneal nociceptive sensation is mediated by trigeminal axons that synapse in the gasserian ganglion and the brainstem, and serve nociceptive, protective, and trophic functions. Noninvasive imaging of the corneal sub-basal nerve plexus is possible with in vivo corneal confocal microscopy. Methods For this case–control study, we recruited chronic migraine patients and compared them with a sex- and age-similar group of control subjects. Patients with peripheral neuropathy, a disease known to be associated with a peripheral neuropathy, or prior corneal or intraocular surgery were excluded. Participants underwent in vivo corneal confocal microscopy using a Heidelberg Retinal Tomography III confocal microscope with a Rostock Cornea Module. Nerve fiber length, nerve branch density, nerve fiber density, and tortuosity coefficient were measured using established methodologies. Migraine participants underwent testing of basal tear production with proparacaine, corneal sensitivity assessment with a cotton-tip applicator, measurement of tear break-up time, and completion of a validated dry eye questionnaire. Results A total of 19 chronic migraine patients and 30 control participants completed the study. There were no significant differences in age or sex. Nerve fiber density was significantly lower in migraine patients compared with controls (48.4 ± 23.5 vs 71.0 ± 15.0 fibers/mm2, P < .001). Nerve fiber length was decreased in the chronic migraine group compared with the control group, but this difference was not statistically significant (21.5 ± 11.8 vs 26.8 ± 5.9 mm/mm2, P < .084). Nerve branch density was similar in the two groups (114.0 ± 92.4 vs 118.1 ± 55.9 branches/mm2, P < .864). Tortuosity coefficient and log tortuosity coefficient also were similar in the chronic migraine and control groups. All migraine subjects had symptoms consistent with a diagnosis of dry eye syndrome. Conclusions We found that in the sample used in this study, the presence of structural changes in nociceptive corneal axons lends further support to the hypothesis that the trigeminal system plays a critical role in the pathogenesis of migraine. In vivo corneal confocal microscopy holds promise as a biomarker for future migraine research as well as for studies examining alterations of corneal innervation. Dry eye symptoms appear to be extremely prevalent in this population. The interrelationships between migraine, corneal nerve architecture, and dry eye will be the subject of future investigations.
The expression pattern of the Distal-less homeo☐-containing gene Dlx-5 in the developing chick limb bud suggests its involvement in apical ectodermal ridge activity, pattern formation, and cartilage differentiation

Here we report the isolation from a chick limb bud cDNA library of a cDNA that contains the full coding sequence of chicken Dlx-5, a member of the Distal-less (Dlx) family of homeobox-containing genes that encode homeodomains highly similar to that of the Drosophila Distal-less gene, a gene that is required for limb development in the Drosophila embryo. The expression pattern of Dlx-5 in the developing chick limb bud suggests that it may be involved in several aspects of limb morphogenesis. Dlx-5 is expressed in the apical ectodermal ridge (AER) which directs the outgrowth and patterning of underlying limb mesoderm. During early limb development Dlx-5 is also expressed in the mesoderm at the anterior margin of the limb bud and in a discrete group of mesodermal cells at the mid-proximal posterior margin that corresponds to the posterior necrotic zone. These mesodermal domains of Dlx-5 expression roughly correspond to the anterior and posterior boundaries of the progress zone, the group of highly proliferating undifferentiated mesodermal cells underneath the AER that will give rise to the skeletal elements of the limb and associated structures. The AER and anterior and posterior mesodermal domains of Dlx-5 expression are regions in which the homeobox-containing gene Msx-2 is also highly expressed, suggesting that Dlx-5 and Msx-2 might be involved in regulatory networks that control AER activity and demarcate the progress zone. In addition, Dlx-5 is expressed in high amounts by the differentiating cartilaginous skeletal elements of the limb, suggesting it may be involved in regulating the onset of limb cartilage differentiation.
Identification of a novel site in the tail of dynein heavy chain important for dynein function in vivo

The minus end-directed microtubule motor cytoplasmic dynein is responsible for the intracellular movements of many organelles, including nuclei and endosomes. The dynein heavy chain contains a C-terminal motor domain and an N-terminal tail domain. The tail binds other dynein subunits and the cargo-interacting dynactin complex but is dispensable for movement of single dynein molecules in vitro. Here, we identified a mutation in the Aspergillus nidulans heavy chain tail domain, nudAF208V, which causes obvious defects in dynein-mediated nuclear positioning and early endosome movement. Astonishingly, the nudAF208I mutation in the same position does not cause the same defects, suggesting that a subtle difference in the size of the amino acid side chain at this position has a significant consequence. Importantly, our biochemical analyses indicate that the nudAF208V mutation does not affect dynein subunit interactions and the mutant dynein is also able to bind dynactin and another dynein regulator, NUDF/LIS1. The mutant dynein is able to physically interact with the early endosome cargo, but dynein-mediated early endosome movement away from the hyphal tip occurs at a significantly reduced frequency. Within the small group of early endosomes that move away from the hyphal tip in the mutant, the average speed of movement is lower than that in the wild type. Given the dispensability of the dynein tail in dynein motility in vitro, our results support the notion that the structural integrity of the dynein tail is critical in vivo for the coordination of dynein force production and movement when the motor is heavily loaded. Background: The dynein heavy chain tail is required for subunit interactions but not for in vitro motility. Results: A dynein tail mutation affects dynein function in vivo without affecting subunit interactions. Conclusion: A site upstream of the subunit interaction sites of the dynein tail is important in vivo. Significance: This study discovers a novel site of the dynein tail critical for motor function in vivo.
An Indication of Change in Domestic Production in Descent Commissioned Nonmarket Economies

Dwellings are equated with units of production in a descent commissioned nonmarket economy. Change in house size is construed as a by-product of social processes mediating circulations in status-yielding redistribution networks. Change in structure size at Cahokia is cited as an analogue of elaborating domestic corporations.
Kinetics of Ion−Molecule Reactions with Dimethyl Methylphosphonate at 298 K for Chemical Ionization Mass Spectrometry Detection of GX

Kinetics studies of a variety of positive and negative ions reacting with the GX surrogate, dimethyl methylphosphonate (DMMP), were performed. All protonated species reacted rapidly, that is, at the collision limit. The protonated reactant ions created from neutrals with proton affinities (PAs) less than or equal to the PA for ammonia reacted exclusively by nondissociative proton transfer. Hydrated H(3)O(+) ions also reacted rapidly by proton transfer, with 25% of the products from the second hydrate, H(3)O(+)(H(2)O)(2), forming the hydrated form of protonated DMMP. Both methylamine and triethylamine reacted exclusively by clustering. NO(+) also clustered with DMMP at about 70% of the collision rate constant. O(+) and O(2)(+) formed a variety of products in reactions with DMMP, with O(2)(+) forming the nondissociative charge transfer product about 50% of the time. On the other hand, many negative ions were less reactive, particularly, SF(5)(-), SF(6)(-), CO(3)(-), and NO(3)(-). However, F(-), O(-), and O(2)(-) all reacted rapidly to generate m/z = 109 amu anions (PO(3)C(2)H(6)(-)). In addition, product ions with m/z = 122 amu from H(2)(+) loss to form H(2)O were the dominant ions produced in the O(-) reaction. NO(2)(-) underwent a slow association reaction with DMMP at 0.4 Torr. G3(MP2) calculations of the ion energetics properties of DMMP, sarin, and soman were also performed. The calculated ionization potentials, proton affinities, and fluoride affinities were consistent with the trends in the measured kinetics and product ion branching ratios. The experimental results coupled with the calculated ion energetics helped to predict which ion chemistry would be most useful for trace detection of the actual chemical agents.
A novel design for solid oxide fuel cell stacks

Conventional fuel cell stack designs suffer from severe spatial non-uniformity in both temperature and current density. Such variations are known to create damaging thermal stresses within the stack and thus, impact overall lifespan. In this work, we propose a novel stack design aimed at reducing spatial variations at the source. We propose a mechanism of distributed fuel feed in which the heat generation profile can be influenced directly. Simulation results are presented to illustrate the potential of the proposed scheme.
Looking Out from the Inside: Incarcerated Women's Perceived Barriers to Treatment of Substance Use

Using the Allen Barriers to Treatment Instrument (ABTI), 299 women incarcerated in a local jail were asked about the barriers they believed they would face in seeking treatment after their release. The top reported barriers were the inability to pay for treatment, the lack of health insurance, and long waiting lists for publicly funded care. An exploratory factor analysis was used to categorize the ABTI barriers into seven factors these women believed would stand in their way: Program Characteristics, Non-Gender Specific Programming, Treatment Site Access, Financial Access, Personal Beliefs About Use & Recovery, Community & Social Environment, and Children & Work Obligations.
Structure, crystallography, and morphogenesis of the cryptic shell of the terrestrial slug Limax maximus (Mollusca, gastropoda).

The structure and crystallography of the internal shell of the pulmonate gastropod slug Limax maximus were studied at the levels of light and scanning electron microscopy, revealing patterns of shell ontogeny and morphogenesis. The calcified portion of the slightly convex ovoid shell is composed of a single palisade layer of calcitic crystals. Numerous projections, 100 μm in width at the dorsal tip, are found on the dorsal surface of the shell and coincide with local nucleation sites of primordial calcium salt deposition onto the periostracum. With continued calcification these projections coalesce ventrally, forming the single crystalline shell layer. The organic portion of the shell includes the periostracum and an extensive PAS-staining conchiolin. In EDTA-etched preparations, conchiolin appears as a spongy network of fibers throughout the shell. Both horizontal and vertical components of the conchiolin are present, the former of variable thickness and occurring in an intercrystalline manner, the latter always occurring normal to the horizontal set. Macromorphogenic growth is characterized by three distinct temporal stages. Primary growth occurs radially from the umbonal region. Secondary growth is synonymous with shell thickening. Tertiary growth is characterized by both a lateral component, in which the shell extends beyond the primary growth boundaries, and a ventral component, in which the shell continues to grow in thickness. SEM of the ventral shell surface reveals a pattern of growth at the crystalmatrix interface. Proteinaceous fibers of the conchiolin occur unidirectionally in horizontal rows. Zones of incipient calcitic crystallization onto these hypostracal fiber bundles are contrasted by zones of increasing crystallization until the fibrous template (reduced hypostracum) is completely covered by crystals.
It is decidable whether a monadic thue system is canonical over a regular set

A restricted confluence problem is investigated for string-rewriting systems (Thue systems). It is shown that it is decidable whether a monadic Thue system is canonical over a regular set; i.e., there is an algorithm to determine whether every string in a regular set has a unique normal form modulo a monadic Thue system.
A biphasic finite element model of in vitro plowing tests of the temporomandibular joint disc.

Disorders of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) afflict 3–29% of people aged 19–40 years. Degenerative joint disease (DJD) of the TMJ generally occurs 15 years earlier than in other human joints and 1.5–2 times more often in women than men. The TMJ disc is the primary stress distribution mechanism within the joint. Mechanical failure of the TMJ disc precedes clinical signs of DJD. Unlike postcranial synovial joints, biomimetic replacements of the disc have not been successful, probably due to the paucity of knowledge about TMJ biomechanics. Translation of stress-fields mediolaterally across the TMJ disc may lead to fatigue failure because of the effect of traction forces on the tissue surface and because the disc is relatively weak in this aspect. Traction forces are composed of friction forces, which are known to be low in the TMJ, and plowing forces which are relatively much higher and result from movement and pressurization of fluids within the tissues due to translating surface loads. In the in vitro plowing experiment, a rigid curve-ended indenter is lowered into a TMJ disc that has been mounted on a stage with pressure gauges, and the indenter is then translated in a prescribed mediolateral motion that is intended to simulate the motion of the mandibular condyle on the TMJ disc in vivo. As a first step, these plowing experiments have quantified the variables thought to be important in tissue failure. A next step is to define the full role of these variables in the pathomechanics of TMJ disc tissue through a validated model. Therefore, the aim of this study was to develop and test a finite element model of the plowing experiments based on an orthotropic biphasic description of the soft tissue behavior of the TMJ disc. For this plowing model, the arbitrary Lagrange Eulerian method was used to approximate the moving load problem, where in vitro the indenter slid along the tissue’s superior surface. Approximate validation of the plowing model was based on comparisons of model-predicted temporal and spatial distribution of indenter displacement and total normal stresses (±15%) and laboratory measurements during one complete cycle of plowing motion. Other useful predictions from the plowing model include spatial and temporal distributions of biomechanical variables of interest that cannot be measured experimentally, such as total stress, pressure, strain, and the relative significance of the orthotropic solid phase properties.
Absolute differential cross section measurements for proton-proton elastic scattering at 647 and 800 MeV

Absolute differential cross sections for elastic proton-proton scattering have been measured in the center-of-mass angular interval from 20\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{} to 90\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{} at 647 and 800 MeV with overall uncertainties of \ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{} (3-10)% and \ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{} (3-5)%, respectively. The data at 800 MeV are the most accurate so far reported at that energy. Comparison is made to earlier measurements and contemporary phase-shift analyses.NUCLEAR REACTIONS $^{1}\mathrm{H}(p,p)^{1}\mathrm{H}$, $E=647$, 800 MeV; measured $\ensuremath{\sigma}(\ensuremath{\theta})$; $\ensuremath{\theta}=23\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}\ensuremath{-}90\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}$, $\ensuremath{\Delta}\ensuremath{\theta}=3\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}$.
Localization of neuroactive substances in the vertebrate retina: Evidence for lamination in the inner plexiform layer

The inner plexiform layer (IPL) of the vertebrate retina is a multilaminated region containing bipolar, amacrine, interplexiform and ganglion cell processes. Immunohistochemical methods clearly demonstrate the existence of various neuroactive substances in distinct morphological types of amacrine cells. Sufficient detail in the staining consistently delineates processes containing these neuroactive substances in multiple laminae of the IPL. Thus, the histochemical approach provides a powerful tool for the analysis of the laminar organization of the IPL and can also be used to further clarify the functional role of various transmitter and peptide substances in the retina.
Dependence of spin-pumping spin Hall effect measurements on layer thicknesses and stacking order

Voltages generated from inverse spin Hall and anisotropic magnetoresistance effects via spin pumping in ferromagnetic (F)/nonmagnetic (N) bilayers are investigated by means of a broadband ferromagnetic resonance approach. Varying the nonmagnetic layer thickness enables the determination of the spin diffusion length in Pd of 5.5 \ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{} 0.5 nm. We also observe a systematic change of the voltage line shape when reversing the stacking order of the F/N bilayer, which is qualitatively consistent with expectations from spin Hall effects. However, even after independent calibration of the precession angle, systematic quantitative discrepancies in analyzing the data with spin Hall effects remain.
Ribozymes: aiming at RNA replication and protein synthesis

The RNA world hypothesis is founded on the idea of an RNA replicase, or self-replicating RNA molecule, and presupposes the later emergence of ribozymes capable of catalyzing the synthesis of peptides. The recent demonstrations of ribozyme-catalyzed template-directed primer extension, and of ribozyme-catalyzed amide bond synthesis, confirm the plausibility of the RNA world, and highlight the steps that remain to be demonstrated in the laboratory.
LIPID CONTENT OF THE HEPATOPANCREAS OF THE ISOPOD, BATHYNOMUS GIGANTEUS A. MILNE EDWARDS, 1879

Die Gesamtlipide im Hepatopankreas des abyssalen Isopoden Bathynomus giganteus schwanken zwischen einem Maximum von 88,20% des Trockengewichts dieses Organs und einem Minimum von 22,70% mit einem Durchschnittswert fur 10 Tiere von 51,18%. Die Abwesenheit von nachweisbaren Kohlehydraten im Hepatopankreas und die grose Menge der in diesem Organ vorhandenen Lipide legt die Vermutung nahe, das Lipide das dominierende Substrat fur den Stoffwechsel darstellen. Die niedrige Umgebungstemperatur, bei der diese Tiere leben, wurde in der Tat einen vorzugsweise auf Lipiden basierenden Stoffwechsel eindeutig begunstigen.
A YAC Contig in Xq22.3–q23, fromDXS287toDXS8088, Spanning the Brain-Specific Genesdoublecortin(DCX) andPAK3

Abstract Although several genes for mental retardation and epilepsy, including double cortex/X-linked lissencephaly ( DC/XLIS ), have been localized to Xq21.3–q23, there has been no complete physical map of this region available. We constructed a YAC/STS contig map by initiating two yeast artificial chromosome (YAC) walks from the markers that flanked the DC/XLIS candidate gene region. We report an approximately 4-Mb contig extending from DXS287 to DXS8088, encompassing DXS1072 and DXS1059, and composed of 52 YACs identified with 15 previously published STSs and 19 novel YAC-end STSs. This contig also contains two brain-specific genes, doublecortin (HGMW-approved symbol DCX ), responsible for DC/XLIS, and PAK3, which may be responsible for neurological diseases localized to this region. The new contig extends and incorporates several previously published contigs, providing a total overlapping contig extending approximately 34 Mb from DXS441 in Xq13.1 to DXS8088 in Xq23.
"Have We Found Abraham To Be Our Forefather According To the Flesh?" a Reconsideration of Rom 4:1

by S. K. Stowers and C. T. Rhyne have moved the discussion forward significantly by demonstrating that formal considerations require this chapter to be read in a larger context; 2 however, even in these treatments, major obscurities remain concerning the meaning and function of Rom 4:1. This essay seeks to clarify the discussion of Romans 4 by re-examining this verse which introduces Abraham into Paul's argument and offering a new proposal for translating the Greek text. This proposal, if viable, will cast new light on the way in which Paul employs the figure of Abraham in his discussion, and it will consequently make the continuity of the argument in Romans 3 and 4 more readily discernible. Let us consider the evidence.
Stepping off the pendulum: Why only an action-based approach can transcend the nativist–empiricist debate.

Abstract We argue that the nativist–empiricist debate in developmental psychology is distorted, both theoretically and methodologically, by a shared framework of assumptions concerning the nature of representation. In particular, both sides of the debate assume models of representation that make the emergence of representation impossible. This, in turn, distorts conceptions of cognitive development by forcing developmentally new representation to be constructed out of some already available (innate) foundation of atomistic representations – it forces a foundationalism. Contemporary nativists and empiricists differ with respect to the size and scope of such foundations, but are equally committed to some form of foundationalism. In further consequence, this foundationalism distorts methodologies by rendering any form of developmental emergence of representation impossible, and, thus, renders control conditions in experiments for such kinds of development (and their precursors) crucially irrelevant. We end by outlining an approach to modeling representation that is not committed to foundationalism because it explicitly models representational emergence. This is an action-based approach, with similarities to Piaget's model.
Entropic and Enthalpic Surface Segregation from Blends of Branched and Linear Polymers

The surface segregation from blends of branched and linear polymers is investigated using Monte Carlo simulation. It is found that in the athermal system an entropic segregation is possible which favors the linear polymers at the surfaces. When an attraction between the polymer beads is introduced the branched polymers are found preferentially at the surface. The simulations provide a simple explanation of recent experimental observations on polyolefin materials in terms of enthalpic effects, but this suggests that the segregation behavior observed in experiments is not universal but should depend on details of fluid-fluid and fluid-surface interactions.
Effective field theories for topological insulators by functional bosonization

Effective field theories that describe the dynamics of a conserved U(1) current in terms of ``hydrodynamic'' degrees of freedom of topological phases in condensed matter are discussed in general dimension $D=d+1$ using the functional bosonization technique. For noninteracting topological insulators (superconductors) with a conserved U(1) charge and characterized by an integer topological invariant [more specifically, they are topological insulators in the complex symmetry classes (class A and AIII), and in the ``primary series'' of topological insulators, in the eight real symmetry classes], we derive the BF-type topological field theories supplemented with the Chern-Simons (when $D$ is odd) or the $\ensuremath{\theta}$ (when $D$ is even) terms. For topological insulators characterized by a ${\mathbb{Z}}_{2}$ topological invariant (the first and second descendants of the primary series), their topological field theories are obtained by dimensional reduction. Building on this effective field theory description for noninteracting topological phases, we also discuss, following the spirit of the parton construction of the fractional quantum Hall effect by Block and Wen, the putative ``fractional'' topological insulators and their possible effective field theories, and use them to determine the physical properties of these nontrivial quantum phases.
Inferring narrative and intention from playground games

We present a system which observes humans participating in various playground games and infers their goals and intentions through detecting and analyzing their spatiotemporal activity in relation to one another, and then builds a coherent narrative out of the succession of these intentional states. We show that these narratives capture a great deal of essential information about the observed social roles, types of activity and game rules by demonstrating the systempsilas ability to correctly recognize and group together different runs of the same game, while differentiating them from other games. Furthermore, the system can use the narratives it constructs to learn and theorize about novel observations, allowing it to guess at the rules governing the games it watches. For example, after watching several different games, the system figures out on its own that Tag-like games require close physical proximity in order for the role of ldquoitrdquo to swap from one person to another. Thus a rich and layered trove of social, intentional and cultural information can be drawn out of extremely impoverished and low-context trajectory data.
Risk factors for the development of recurrent atrial fibrillation: Role of pacing and clinical variables

Atrial fibrillation recurs in many patients treated with antiarrhythmic therapy to maintain sinus rhythm. From March 1985 to August 1991, 214 patients with recurrent symptomatic chronic or paroxysmal atrial fibrillation for which conventional antiarrhythmic agents had failed were treated with propafenone or sotalol. Baseline demographic data including the presence of pacing therapy were collected. Life-table estimates of the duration of freedom from atrial fibrillation were constructed on the basis of pacemaker status. Of 214 patients, 26 (12.1%) had pacing therapy. Patients with dual-chamber pacing were more likely to remain in sinus rhythm at 6 months (80%) than were patients with ventricular pacing (40%) or patients without pacing therapy (55%) (p = 0.002). A Cox univariate regression analysis demonstrated that dual-chamber pacing in contrast to ventricular pacing or no pacing was associated with a lower risk of recurrent atrial fibrillation. Clinical parameters such as age, gender, left atrial size, fibrillation pattern, drug assignment, ejection fraction, and underlying cardiac disease did not alter the risk of recurrent atrial fibrillation. Dual-chamber pacing was associated with a decreased likelihood of recurrent atrial fibrillation even after adjustment for other clinical covariates in a multivariate model (p = 0.04). In patients with recurrent atrial fibrillation treated with propafenone or sotalol, dual-chamber pacing improved maintenance of sinus rhythm.
Glial Cell–Derived Neurotrophic Factor–Independent Ureteric Bud Outgrowth from the Wolffian Duct

The kidney collecting duct system and the ureter derive from the ureteric bud, an outgrowth of the Wolffian duct. It is generally believed that glial cell–derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) plays a critical role in this earliest stage of kidney development, but 30 to 50% of knockout mice that lack
UbiGreen: investigating a mobile tool for tracking and supporting green transportation habits

The greatest contributor of CO2 emissions in the average American household is personal transportation. Because transportation is inherently a mobile activity, mobile devices are well suited to sense and provide feedback about these activities. In this paper, we explore the use of personal ambient displays on mobile phones to give users feedback about sensed and self-reported transportation behaviors. We first present results from a set of formative studies exploring our respondents' existing transportation routines, willingness to engage in and maintain green transportation behavior, and reactions to early mobile phone "green" application design concepts. We then describe the results of a 3-week field study (N=13) of the UbiGreen Transportation Display prototype, a mobile phone application that semi-automatically senses and reveals information about transportation behavior. Our contributions include a working system for semi-automatically tracking transit activity, a visual design capable of engaging users in the goal of increasing green transportation, and the results of our studies, which have implications for the design of future green applications.