cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Genome-wide identification of Drosophila Hb9 targets reveals a pivotal role in directing the transcriptome within eight neuronal lineages, including activation of nitric oxide synthase and Fd59a/Fox-D.

Hb9 is a homeodomain-containing transcription factor that acts in combination with Nkx6, Lim3, and Tail-up (Islet) to guide the stereotyped differentiation, connectivity, and function of a subset of neurons in Drosophila. The role of Hb9 in directing neuronal differentiation is well documented, but the lineage of Hb9+ neurons is only partly characterized, its regulation is poorly understood, and most of the downstream genes through which it acts remain at large. Here, we complete the lineage tracing of all embryonic Hb9+ neurons (to eight neuronal lineages) and provide evidence that hb9, lim3, and tail-up are coordinately regulated by a common set of upstream factors. Through the parallel use of micro-array gene expression profiling and the Dam-ID method, we searched for Hb9-regulated genes, uncovering transcription factors as the most over-represented class of genes regulated by Hb9 (and Nkx6) in the CNS. By a nearly ten-to-one ratio, Hb9 represses rather than activates transcription factors, highlighting transcriptional repression of other transcription factors as a core mechanism by which Hb9 governs neuronal determination. From the small set of genes activated by Hb9, we characterized the expression and function of two – fd59a/foxd, which encodes a transcription factor, and Nitric oxide synthase. Under standard lab conditions, both genes are dispensable for Drosophila development, but Nos appears to inhibit hyper-active behavior and fd59a appears to act in octopaminergic neurons to control egg-laying behavior. Together our data clarify the mechanisms through which Hb9 governs neuronal specification and differentiation and provide an initial characterization of the expression and function of Nos and fd59a in the Drosophila CNS.
Synaptic excitation of the second and third order auditory neurons in the avian brain stem.

Abstract Synaptic potentials were examined in the second- and third-order auditory neurons of nucleus magnocellularis and nucleus laminaris in the chick. Brain stems of mature chick embryos were explanted and maintained in vitro for 4 to 8 h. Field potentials, extracellular spike potentials and intracellular potentials evoked by 8th-nerve stimulation were examined. Eighth-nerve stimulation reliably elicited four identifiable field potentials which could be attributed to: (i) the afferent volley of the 8th-nerve axons, (ii) postsynaptic responses of n. magnocellularis neurons, and (iii) ipsilaterally and, (iv) contralaterally-evoked n. laminaris postsynaptic responses. Intracellular-recorded postsynaptic potentials from n. magnocellularis neurons were of two classes. ‘Fast’ excitatory postsynaptic potentials were characterized by a rapid rise time and short duration. They were apparently monosynaptic with a synaptic delay of 0.4 ms. In each n. magnocellularis neuron the ‘fast’ excitatory postsynaptic potentials were composed of 1 to 3 all-or-none components. ‘Slow’ excitatory postsynaptic potentials were characterized by a longer latency, a longer duration and graded amplitude variation in proportion to the intensity of 8th-nerve stimulation. Both ‘fast’ and ‘slow’ excitatory postsynaptic potentials had similar reversal potentials. Since the 8th nerve makes monosynaptic connection with n. magnocellularis neurons, it is likely that at this synapse the ‘fast’ excitatory postsynaptic potentials were produced, while the ‘slow’ potential may be attributable to the convergence of many boutonal synapses of unknown origin. Intracellular injections of horseradish peroxidase into n. magnocellularis revealed that its efferents bifurcate below the nucleus and send one axon to the contralateral n. laminaris while the other axon forms a highly divergent projection to the ipsilateral laminar nucleus. The intracellular records obtained from n. laminaris are consistent with this anatomical finding in that graded excitatory postsynaptic potentials were elicited by 8th-nerve stimulation.
Absolute measurement of the vertical cosmic ray muon intensity at 3 – 50 GeV/c near sea level☆

Abstract An absolute measurement of the vertical cosmic ray muon intensity at 3–50 GeV/ c has been performed with a solid-iron magnetic spectrometer. Results agree in spectral character with those reported by the Durham group but are an average of 10% higher in intensity. Implications for calibrating the present generation of spectrometers are discussed.
Purification of the Escherichia coli integration host factor (IHF) in one chromatographie step

Abstract The integration host factor (IHF) participates in a diverse array of DNA transactions such as replication, recombination and gene expression. We describe a fast and very efficient isolation procedure which yields highly purified IHF in one Chromatographic step.
Neonatal intraperitoneal or intravenous injections of recombinant adeno-associated virus type 8 transduce dorsal root ganglia and lower motor neurons

Targeting lower motor neurons (LMNs) for gene delivery could be useful for disorders such as spinal muscular atrophy and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. LMNs reside in the ventral gray matter of the spinal cord and send axonal projections to innervate skeletal muscle. Studies have used intramuscular injections of adeno-associated virus type 2 (AAV2) to deliver viral vectors to LMNs via retrograde transport. However, treating large areas of the spinal cord in a human would require numerous intramuscular injections, thereby increasing viral titer and risk of immune response. New AAV serotypes, such as AAV8, have a dispersed transduction pattern after intravenous or intraperitoneal injection in neonatal mice, and may transduce LMNs by retrograde transport or through entry into the nervous system. To test LMN transduction after systemic injection, we administered recombinant AAV8 (rAAV8) carrying the green fluorescent protein (GFP) gene by intravenous or intraperitoneal injection to neonatal mice on postnatal day 1. Tissues were harvested 5 and 14 days postinjection and analyzed by real-time polymerase chain reaction and GFP immunohistochemistry to assess the presence of AAV genomes and GFP expression, respectively. Spinal cords were positive for AAV genomes at both time points. GFP immunohistochemistry revealed infrequent labeling of LMNs across all time points and injection routes. Somewhat surprisingly, there was extensive labeling of fibers in the dorsal horns and columns, indicating dorsal root ganglion transduction across all time points and injection routes. Our data suggest that systemic injection of rAAV8 is not an effective delivery route to target lower motor neurons, but could be useful for targeting sensory pathways in chronic pain.
Correction of accurate mass measurement for target compound verification by quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry.

The aim of this work is to evaluate quadrupole/time-of-flight (QTOF) mass spectrometry for simultaneous measurement of accurate mass and quantification of a target by using a stable isotopically labeled internal standard. Mixtures of caffeine and 13C3-caffeine (internal standard) at different concentration ratios were analyzed by capillary HPLC/QTOF. A calibration plot for quantification is linear over a factor of 20. Without invoking any correction scheme, the mass accuracy seriously degraded when the ratio of the mass standard to the test compound was not unity. The accuracy could be restored to approximately 2 ppm by using a quadratic function to correct the measured mass as a function of the measured signal ratio of target and internal calibrant.
Gracile bone dysplasia

Gracile bones are a frequent abnormality associated with fetal hypokinesia of any cause. With the exception of thin, undermineralized bones, the chondro-osseous structure is usually normal in these cases. We present a lethal skeletal dysplasia comprising minor anomalies, central nervous system abnormalities, gracile long bones, and abnormal chondro-osseous morphology. In addition to a short, disordered growth plate, the chondrocytes contained dilated loops of rough endoplasmic reticulum, suggesting an abnormality of an extracellular matrix protein. This protein appears to have effects on chondro-osseous and on facial and central nervous system development. We suggest the term "gracile bone dysplasia" to describe this disorder.
Genetic Transformation of Drosophila with Transposable Element Vectors

Exogenous DNA sequences were introduced into the Drosophila germ line. A rosy transposon (ry1), constructed by inserting a chromosomal DNA fragment containing the wild-type rosy gene into a P transposable element, transformed germ line cells in 20 to 50 percent of the injected rosy mutant embryos. Transformants contained one or two copies of chromosomally integrated, intact ry1 that were stably inherited in subsequent generations. These transformed flies had wild-type eye color indicating that the visible genetic defect in the host strain could be fully and permanently corrected by the transferred gene. To demonstrate the generality of this approach, a DNA segment that does not confer a recognizable phenotype on recipients was also transferred into germ line chromosomes.
Examining relational empowerment for elementary school students in a yPAR program.

This paper joins relational empowerment, youth empowerment, and Bridging Multiple Worlds frameworks to examine forms of relational empowerment for children in two intermediary institutions—school and a youth participatory action research after-school program (yPAR ASP). Participants were twelve children, most of whom were Latina/o and from im/migrant families, enrolled in a yPAR ASP for 2 years. A mixed-method approach was utilized; we analyzed children’s interviews, self-defined goals, and their social networks to examine their experiences of relational empowerment. We conclude that children experienced each of the five relational empowerment factors—collaborative competence, bridging social divisions, facilitating others’ empowerment, mobilizing networks, and passing on a legacy—in the yPAR ASP setting, and some factors in school. These experiences, however, were more pronounced in the yPAR ASP setting. Additionally, social network analyses revealed that a small but meaningful percentage of actors bridged worlds, especially home and family, but by year 2, also school and the yPAR ASP. Finally, most helpers for school-based goals came from school, but a sizable number came from family, friends, and home worlds, and by year 2, also came from the yPAR ASP. Implications range from theoretical to methodological development, including the use of social network analysis as a tool to descriptively examine relational power in context.
Respecting and Supporting Students' Affective Learning.

AbstractToo often educators pay too little attention to the psychological and emotional impact subject matter has on students. Teaching effectiveness would be greatly enhanced if educators would consider students’ affective reactions to material delivered in courses, workshops, and other collegiate learning experiences.
Forecasting space markets

Abstract Space Policy is here reprinting edited extracts from two reports — one French, one American — which aim to forecast the market for space applications and launch services over the next 10 and 15 years respectively. Euroconsultś 1986 edition of The World Space Industry Survey: Ten-Year Outlook gives a country-by-country analysis of policies and programmes; an evaluation of markets for space applications and a forecast of the market for launch systems. The Report on the 1986 Outside Users Payload Model , prepared by Battelle, Columbus Division, for the US National Aeronautics and Space Administration, provides an estimate of demand for launch services for payloads in a range of mission categories flown by countries outside the Soviet bloc. Using different starting points and methodologies, the two reports nevertheless draw convincingly similar conclusions.
Design of a Miniature Piezoprobe for High Resolution Stratigraphic Profiling

The stratigraphic features present in all natural deposits, which reflect their deposition environment, can significantly influence the response of these deposits to engineered construction. This paper presents the development of a miniature piezoprobe optimized for the continuous detection of stratigraphic features within a varved soil deposit where individual layers are less than one centimetre in thickness. The study uses previous research to identify parameters in the design of a field-deployable miniature piezoprobe and to present a framework that enables stratigraphic detection from pore pressure measurements. Laboratory experiments on the ability of fluids to saturate the filter and the influence of the fluid-filter system on piezoprobe sensitivity reveal that low to moderate viscosity immiscible fluids (e.g., 100 cS silicone oil) provide optimal performance considering practical implementation aspects. Laboratory and field studies that examine the soil deformation characteristics within the vicinity of such probes indicate that an apex filter location is preferable for stratigraphic detection and that soil deformations around the probe are primarily limited to less than one probe radii. Proof of concept results from an in situ profile obtained with the miniature piezoprobe compares well with measurements from a continuous core sample from a Connecticut Valley varved clay deposit.
[14C]bis(2-chloroethoxy)methane: comparative absorption, distribution, metabolism and excretion in rats and mice.

bis(2-Chloroethoxy)methane (BCM) is used primarily as a precursor in the synthesis of polysulfide elastomers. After administration of [14C]BCM, radioactivity is readily absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract and moderately absorbed through skin. Following absorption, BCM-derived radioactivity is rapidly distributed to all tissues, rapidly metabolized and excreted primarily in urine. Minimal effects of sex, species or dose in the range studied (0.1–10 mg kg−1) were observed on the fate of BCM in rats and mice after all routes of administration. The major metabolite (about 40% of the dose) of BCM in rat was isolated and identified as thiodiglycolic acid (TDGA) indicating that the ether linkage of BCM is cleaved to form 2-chloroethyl fragments that may be further metabolized to 2-chloracetaldehyde, conjugated with glutathione and the latter subsequently metabolized to TDGA. 2-chloroacetaldehyde has also been shown to be cardiotoxic, possibly accounting for BCM cardiotoxicity observed in repeated dose studies.
Novel cellular processes that regulate post-transcriptional expression of HIV-1 transcripts

5'-capping is an early mRNA modification that has important consequences for downstream events in gene expression such as pre-mRNA synthesis and splicing, mRNA cytoplasmic transport, translation, and mRNA turnover. The role of RNA-capping in post-transcriptional regulation of HIV-1 expression has not been examined in detail. Here, we will present data on the roles played by cellular proteins and HIV-1 RNA capping on post-transcriptional expression of viral RNAs.
Robustness and power of linear regression when variables are poisson-distributed

Suppose X t is a random variable with mean α + βt and β unknown. X t is observed at discrete points in time, t = 1, 2, 3…n. One wants to determine if there is any trend in the X t over time. That is, test the hypothesis β = 0 against β ≠ 0. If one assumes that X t is normally distributed, standard linear regression techniques apply. This paper investigates the robustness of the standard F test on β when X t is, in fact, Poisson-distributed with mean α + βt.
Forest fertilization research and practice in the Pacific Northwest

Forest managers in the Pacific Northwest (PNW) use fertilization as a means to increase timber yields in managed stands. Information on the biological basis for nutrient amendments and stand growth responses to fertilization is required to effectively use fertilization as a silvicultural tool, and research programs in mineral cycling and forest nutrition have been underway in the region for about four decades. Most PNW Douglas-fir forest sites are nitrogen deficient. Mineral cycling research has shown high C/N ratios and low nitrification rates for soils in the region. Research and development projects in the Pacific Northwest have produced an information base that is used to select sites and stands for fertilization and to forecast growth after treatment. Much of the basis for operational fertilization programs in western Oregon and Washington comes from cooperative research programs; current activities for these programs are directed toward improving site-specific response information. Forest fertilization in the Pacific Northwest has become a silvicultural practice of major significance over the past two decades. Forest industry and government organizations managing forest lands in western Oregon and Washington apply nitrogen fertilizer to Douglas-fir stands over a range of soil and stand types (operational fertilization of other species is minor). About 50,000 to 55,000 ha are fertilized each year, and future programs will likely be of similar magnitude. Most current plans for management regimes including fertilization call for multiple applications.
Flood enhancement through flood control

Flood stages for constant discharge have increased 2–4 m over the past century at numerous locations in the Mississippi River basin. However, no increases are observed on rivers such as the Meramec and the upper Missouri, which have been spared extensive river engineering projects. Flood-stage increases on the middle Mississippi River and lower Missouri River are mostly attributable to channelization.
Exploiting polarization in nonlinear optical surface spectroscopy

Combining nonlinear optics with ellipsometry improves the information content available in studies of nonlinear optical surfaces and materials and provides a novel and general route for background suppression. As one example, this novel nonlinear optical null ellipsometry (NONE) approach allowed for the selective detection of bovine serum albumin adsorption on glass from the changes induced in the hyperpolarizability of coadsorbed rhodamine 6G, providing a general route for label-free real-time biosensing. In combination with new theoretical developments, polarization analysis in surface second harmonic generation is shown to yield rich information on molecular orientation and the optical constants of the thin surface layer. This ellipsometric technique is particularly useful in studies of chiral media, in which second-order nonlinear optical measurements have been shown to be remarkably sensitive to chirality at the interface.
The Mass Society and Group Action Theories of Cultural Production: The Case of Stylistic Innovation in Jazz

Two theoretical orientations to cultural production are presented: the mass society and group action theories. It is argued that the two theories provide alternative, but not mutually exclusive, explanations for changes in cultural content and that the case of stylistic change in jazz between 1920 and 1940 presents an appropriate empirical test. Examining data on black jazz, its musicians and audiences in Detroit, it is found that a group action explanation has more power than a mass society explanation. Only one of the three stylistic changes isolated in a musicological analysis is causally related to the integration of jazz into the system of popular music production, whereas the other two changes are best accounted for by the purposive action of musicians as a group. Implications are drawn for the sociology of jazz as well as the study of cultural production. Jazz is an art form which, like film, has gone through rapid changes since its origins in the early part of this century. Such patterns of cultural change provide a rich but underutilized data base for studies of cultural production (Peterson, c). The stylistic changes that occurred in jazz between the two World Wars could be accounted for by two distinct theoretical orientations to cultural production in twentieth century Western societies. In this paper I will examine the relative explanatory power of the mass society and group action orientations to cultural production. The mass society and group action orientations provide alternative, but not mutually exclusive, explanations for changes in cultural content in modern societies. According to mass society theory the sources of such
Noncanonical FK506-Binding Protein BDBT Binds DBT to Enhance Its Circadian Function and Forms Foci at Night

The kinase DOUBLETIME is a master regulator of the Drosophila circadian clock, yet the mechanisms regulating its activity remain unclear. A proteomic analysis of DOUBLETIME interactors led to the identification of an unstudied protein designated CG17282. RNAi-mediated knockdown of CG17282 produced behavioral arrhythmicity and long periods and high levels of hypophosphorylated nuclear PERIOD and phosphorylated DOUBLETIME. Overexpression of DOUBLETIME in flies suppresses these phenotypes and overexpression of CG17282 in S2 cells enhances DOUBLETIME-dependent PERIOD degradation, indicating that CG17282 stimulates DOUBLETIME's circadian function. In photoreceptors, CG17282 accumulates rhythmically in PERIOD- and DOUBLETIME-dependent cytosolic foci. Finally, structural analyses demonstrated CG17282 is a noncanonical FK506-binding protein with an inactive peptide prolyl-isomerase domain that binds DOUBLETIME and tetratricopeptide repeats that may promote assembly of larger protein complexes. We have named CG17282 BRIDE OF DOUBLETIME and established it as a mediator of DOUBLETIME's effects on PERIOD, most likely in cytosolic foci that regulate PERIOD nuclear accumulation.
Phospholipid and Cholesterol Profiles from Chicken Seminal Components During In Vitro Storage at 5 C

Two experiments were conducted with undiluted chicken semen to determine if fluctuations in endogenous phospholipids and cholesterol might relate to loss of fertilizing capacity which accompanies in vitro storage for 24 hr at 5 C. The following parameters were monitored quantitatively: individual seminal plasma and spermatozoal phospholipids, spermatozoal cholesterol to phospholipid molar ratios, and spermatozoal cholesterol mole percent. After storage for various periods, total lipids were extracted with chloroform:methanol (2:1, v/v). Total phospholipids were obtained by precipitation with cold acetone and further resolved into individual components by thin layer chromatography. All phospholipids and cholesterol were quantitated spectrophotometrically. Spermatozoal phospholipids, the spermatozoal molar ratio of cholesterol to phospholipid, and the spermatozoal mole percent of cholesterol remained essentially the same throughout the 24-hr storage period. Seminal plasma phosphatidylethanolamine also did not fluctuate significantly during the storage period. However, the phosphatidylcholine and the phosphatidylserine-inositol fractions from the seminal plasma appeared to increase with time.
Comparative Studies on Dihydrofolate Reductases from Plasmodium falciparum and Aotus trivirgatus

SYNOPSIS Dihydrofolate reductase (E.C. 1.5.1.3) from Plasmodium falciparum and from its host, the owl monkey (Aotus trivirgatus). were partially purified and characterized. The molecular weight of the parasite enzyme was estimated to be over 10 times as high as that of the host enzyme. The host enzyme had 2 pH optima whereas the parasite enzyme only one. The activity of the host enzyme was greatly stimulated by KCI and urea, while that of the parasite enzyme was inhibited at high concentrations of such chaotropic agents. Km of the parasite enzyme was significantly higher than that of the host enzyme. The parasite enzyme had much lower Ki for pyrimethamine than the host enzyme. Dihydrofolate reductases isolated from pyrimethamine-resistant and pyrimethaminesensitive strains of P. falciparum were found to be similar.
Students' Views of the Characteristics of Instructors' Approachability:

The present study explored college students' perceptions of what makes an instructor approachable. 82 female and 22 male undergraduate students were asked to list characteristics of an instructor that would make it more likely and less likely for that student to seek help from an instructor outside of class. The responses were content analyzed and six categories of behaviors emerged from the responses: personality, lecture and class style, respect for students' understanding, goes beyond the call of duty, office habits, and grading issues. Responses that fit into the first four categories were listed as the most important factors in instructors approach-ability.
Hepsin and maspin are inversely expressed in laser capture microdissectioned prostate cancer.

Purpose: Recent studies have shown that hepsin, a serine protease, is over expressed in prostate cancers, implicating hepsin activity in tumor invasion. Using microarray technology we have previously identified 22 genes that were up-regulated in high grade prostate cancers compared with benign prostatic hyperplasia. Of them hepsin was the most differentially over expressed. In the current report we compare hepsin to maspin (BD Transduction Laboratories, San Diego, California), a serine protease inhibitor (serpin), to measure the balance between levels of serine proteases and serpins, which are considered to be a critical determinant of net proteolytic activity.Materials and Methods: We combined the technique of laser capture microdissection with gene expression monitoring by micro-array analysis to investigate the gene expression profiles of prostate cells of different histological types. We also studied maspin immunohistochemically.Results: We observed that hepsin as well as 7 of 22 previously reported u...
A Method of Measuring the Cosmic Ray Charge Composition between 1010 and 1014 eV

We wish to report the details of an experiment to measure the charge composition of the primary cosmic radiation from Z = 1 to about 50 in the energy range 1010 to 1014 eV. A large geometry factor of ~7500 cm2ster is necessary to measure intensities at the low flux levels of these particles. The necessary charge resolution can be obtained using 1/2 m × 1/2 m square detection elements in the following manner. The linearity properties of CsI scintillators and Cerenkov detectors make them ideal for primary charge identification. Further charge information and a fast coincidence pulse will be obtained from two geometry defining plastic scintillators. The fast coincidence pulse will trigger a digitized spark chamber which will provide sufficient directional and positional information so that resolutions comparable with much smaller area detectors can be obtained. The energy of the incident particles is determined using total energy spectrometers. The module for examining electromagnetic cascades consists of six tungsten-scintillator elements, each of one cascade length thickness and each pulse height analyzed. The energy of incident nucleons is measured in the 20 elements of an iron-scintillator ionization calorimeter. It has a total depth of 3.5 nuclear interaction mean free paths.
Infections in combat casualties during Operations Iraqi and Enduring Freedom.

Background:Infections are a common acute and chronic complication of combat-related injuries; however, no systematic attempt to assess infections associated with US combat-related injuries occurring in Iraq and Afghanistan has been conducted. The Joint Theater Trauma Registry (JTTR) has been establi
Genome-wide analysis of polymorphisms associated with cytokine responses in smallpox vaccine recipients

The role that genetics play in response to infection or disease is becoming increasingly clear as we learn more about immunogenetics and host-pathogen interactions. Here we report a genome-wide analysis of the effects of host genetic variation on cytokine responses to vaccinia virus stimulation in smallpox vaccine recipients. Our data show that vaccinia stimulation of immune individuals results in secretion of inflammatory and Th1 cytokines. We identified multiple SNPs significantly associated with variations in cytokine secretion. These SNPs are found in genes with known immune function, as well as in genes encoding for proteins involved in signal transduction, cytoskeleton, membrane channels and ion transport, as well as others with no previously identified connection to immune responses. The large number of significant SNP associations implies that cytokine secretion in response to vaccinia virus is a complex process controlled by multiple genes and gene families. Follow-up studies to replicate these findings and then pursue mechanistic studies will provide a greater understanding of how genetic variation influences vaccine responses.
Color of specular highlights

An integral part of computer graphics, machine vision and human vision understanding is modeling how a surface reflects light. There is a substantial body of work on models describing surface reflectance ranging from purely matte to purely specular. One of the advantages of diffuse reflectance is that the color and the intensity of the reflected light are separable for most materials. Color is determined by the chromophores of the material, while intensity depends on the scene geometry. In specular highlights the color and the intensity of a specularity depend on both the geometry and the index of refraction of the material, which in turn is a function of wavelength. The graphics and vision communities often employ the following simplifying assumption when modeling specular highlights: For non-conductive materials the color of the specularity is the color of the light source. We will show that in most cases this assumption is violated. Theoretical analysis demonstrates that even for non-metallic surfaces the reflectivity ratio at specularities varies with both wavelength and angle of incidence. Furthermore, our experiments with a multispectral sensor clearly show that the deviation of the color of the specularities from the color of the incident light can be consistently measured.
The ‘Right of Thirst’ for Animals in Islamic Law: A Comparative Approach:

Little attention has been given to animals' access to water in different cultural and legal contexts. The ‘right of thirst’ in Islamic law constitutes an important exception. In the first section of this paper I outline the doctrinal bases for the ‘right of thirst’, and clarify the sense in which it is a ‘right’ and is ‘Islamic’. In the second section of the paper I assess the relevance of Islamic water law in two geographic contexts, the Islamic Republic of Pakistan and the American West. Comparison of the two cases indicated that direct relevance for Pakistan is more complex than expected, and indirect relevance for the USA is less remote and more stimulating than might be expected.
Detecting and Estimating Hormesis Using a Model-Based Approach

Hormesis is defined as a dose-response relationship that is stimulatory at low doses, but is inhibitory at higher doses. In a given experiment, it is not unusual to observe enhanced responses at low doses, however, such enhanced responses may not imply hormesis, but the random fluctuation of the data. Statistical tests can be developed to detect hormesis when enhanced responses at low concentrations are observed. We propose the use of a model-based approach to detect the presence of, and estimate the extent of, hormesis. This approach includes two steps: detection and estimation. In the detection step, we compare the full and the reduced models. The full model describes the dose-response relationship incorporating the hormetic effect; the reduced model describes the dose-response relationship without the hormetic effect. The full model is an extension of the reduced model and has an extra parameter that measures the amount of increase in response at low doses. A test of statistical significance of this ex...
High-quality Brewster’s angle polarizer for broadband infrared application

We have designed and constructed a linear polarizer for use with visible and infrared radiation. The broadband polarizer consists of four germanium plates arranged in a chevron geometry. Input radiation is incident near Brewster’s angle for the first plate such that the reflected beam is preferentially s-wave polarized. This reflected beam is steered subsequently to the successive plates, always intersecting near Brewster’s angle. The beam polarization at the output of the device is almost completely s-wave polarized. The ratio of the paraxial flux of the nearly extinguished p-wave polarized light to the s-wave polarized light transmitted through the device is found to be less than 10-5 for laser illumination at wavelengths of 0.633, 1.32, 3.39, and 10.6 μm. Calculations predict that extinction ratios less than 10-5 are achievable over the wavelength range from 0.4 μm to beyond 500 μm. Alternative design geometries involving fewer plates are also described along with their advantages and disadvantages.
The role of bactericidal/permeability-increasing protein in the treatment of primate bacteremia and septic shock.

Human neutrophil azurophilic granules contain an ∼55-kDa protein, known as bactericidal/permeabilityincreasing protein (BPI), which possesses a high-affinity binding domain for the lipid A component of lipopolysaccharide (LPS). Thein vivo LPS neutralizing activity of exogenous BPI was studied in a model of lethalEscherichia coli bacteremia. Five baboons were treated with BPI (5 mg/kg bolus injection followed by a 95 μg/kg/min BPI infusion over 4 hr), while four additional animals received a genetically engineered variant of BPI (NCY103). Five animals received a placebo treatment and served as controls. Both wild-type rhBPI and NCY103 significantly (P<0.05) decreased blood levels of LPS throughout an 8-hr evaluation period following live bacterial challenge. Two hours followingE. coli administration, LPS levels peaked in the controls, at 6.86±3.22 ng/ml, whereas LPS levels were 3.39±2.1 ng/ml in the BPI group and 2.04±1.18 ng/ml in the NCY103 group. Tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) and interleukin-6 levels likewise were attenuated in the treatment groups, whereas circulating sTNFR I was significantly (P<0.05) reduced only in the BPI group. Leukocytopenia and granulocytopenia were significantly (P<0.02) lessened in the BPI group, by an average of 59% leukocytopenia and 65% granulocytopenia, respectively. This study supports the concept ofE. coli LPS neutralization by BPIin vivo and demonstrates that a moderate (70%) reduction in peak LPS-LAL activity is sufficient to alter some hematologic and cytokine manifestations of bacteremia.
Tightly Connected Hierarchical Interconnection Networks for Parallel Processors

A method for constructing hierarchical in terconnection networks is presented. The method is based on connecting isomorphic clusters using a complete graph as the higher level network. Applying it to various classes of graphs, including hypercubes and meshes, results in networks with optimal connectivity, high bisection width, low degree, diameter and cost. With hypercube clusters, the degree, diameter and cost are approximately | , | and j of the same parameters in a comparable size hy percube. With mesh clusters, the performance parame ters are polynomially better than those in a similar size mesh.
Orientation of the boundaries of out-of-step domains in anorthite

The orientation of the boundaries of out-of-step domains in ‘transitional’ anorthite has been deduced from the direction of elongation of the diffuse X-ray reflections h + h + l = 2n + 1 in selected precession photographs. The reflections are elongated normal to which is in the zone and contains the body-centring vector (a+b−c)/2. The structure is presumed to be perfect parallel to . Atoms in essentially identical, primitive anorthite-like domains are related across the out-of-step domain boundaries by body-centring vectors. Increasing diffuseness of the h + k + l = 2n + 1 reflections indicates progressively smaller domains (more frequent domain boundaries), and when thesereflections disappear, the structure has become body-centred on the average.
The Effect of Age and Glucose Concentration on Insulin Secretion by the Isolated Perfused Rat Pancreas

Age changes in the β-cell’s sensitivity to glucose as well as in its overall capacity to secrete insulin may play a part in the glucose intolerance of aging. The isolated perfused rat pancreas preparation was used to study the effect of age and glucose level on insulin secretion. Overnight-fasted male Wistar 12- and 23-month-old rats had basal plasma glucose levels of 106 ± 4 (se) and 100 ± 4 mg/dl. Perfusate glucose levels were raised from 80 mg/dl to either 150, 220, or 360 mg/dl for 50 min (n = 6 to 8 in each group). Insulin secretion followed the typical biphasic pattern of an early spike and fall, followed by a sustained gradual increase at both ages. First-phase (0–10 min) insulin secretion in the old rats was significantly lower at 150 (184 vs. 524 μU/min, P < 0.05) and 220 mg/dl (327 vs. 644 min, P < 0.05), while it was nearly identical at 360 mg/dl. Although lower in the old rats, second-phase (11–50 min) insulin secretion was not statistically significantly different for each glucose level. When...
Effects of a nonuniform vertical profile of chlorophyll concentration on remote-sensing reflectance of the ocean

Numerical simulations of radiative transfer were used to examine the effects of a nonuniform vertical profile of the inherent optical properties of the water column associated with the vertical profile of chlorophyll concentration, Chlz, on the spectral remote-sensing reflectance, Rrs, of the ocean. Using the Gaussian function that describes the Chlz profile, we simulated a relatively broad range of openocean conditions characterized by the presence of a subsurface Chl maximum at depths greater than or equal to 20 m. The simulations for a vertically nonuniform Chlz were compared with reference simulations for a homogeneous ocean whose Chl was identical to the surface Chl of inhomogeneous cases. The range of values for the Gaussian parameters that produce significant differences in Rrs5% was determined. For some vertical structures of Chlz considered, the magnitude of Rrs and the blue-togreen band ratios of Rrs differ significantly from the reference values of homogeneous ocean (70% in extreme cases of low surface chlorophyll of 0.02 mg m 3 and shallow pigment maximum at 20 m). The differences are small or negligible when the nonuniform profiles are characterized by a surface Chl greater than 0.4 mg m 3 or a depth of Chl maximum greater than 45 m (65 m in extremely clear waters with a surface Chl of 0.02 mg m 3 or less). The comparison of modeling results with the current algorithm for retrieving the global distribution of chlorophyll from satellite imagery of ocean color suggests that strong effects of the subsurface chlorophyll maximum on reflectance at low surface chlorophyll concentrations can lead to a severalfold overestimation in the algorithm-derived surface chlorophyll. Examples of field data from the Sea of Japan and the north polar Atlantic Ocean are used to illustrate various nonuniform pigment profiles and their effect on the blue-to-green ratio of Rrs. © 2005 Optical Society of America OCIS codes: 010.4450, 280.0280.
Computer Based Simulations in Evaluating Registered Nurse Students in a Baccalaureate Program

Evaluating competencies in clinical judgement that registered nurse students bring into a generic or individualized baccalaureate program has frequently posed problems for nursing faculty. This article describes the use of computer based simulations to evaluate educational and experiential learning as a means of according appropriate credit for clinical nursing courses and facilitating admission and progression within the existing undergraduate curriculum. Simulations developed for five courses represent typical client situations congruent with course and level expectations. Preliminary findings of the project have been highly encouraging.
Nonlinear structural finite element model updating and uncertainty quantification

This paper presents a framework for nonlinear finite element (FE) model updating, in which state-of-the-art nonlinear structural FE modeling and analysis techniques are combined with the maximum likelihood estimation method (MLE) to estimate time-invariant parameters governing the nonlinear hysteretic material constitutive models used in the FE model of the structure. The estimation uncertainties are evaluated based on the Cramer–Rao lower bound (CRLB) theorem. A proof-of-concept example, consisting of a cantilever steel column representing a bridge pier, is provided to verify the proposed nonlinear FE model updating framework.
Absence of transcription factor c-maf causes abnormal terminal differentiation of hypertrophic chondrocytes during endochondral bone development.

Abstract In this study, we report that the transcription factor c-Maf is required for normal chondrocyte differentiation during endochondral bone development. c-maf is expressed in hypertrophic chondrocytes during fetal development (E14.5–E18.5), with maximal expression in the tibia occurring at E15.5 and E16.5, in terminally differentiated chondrocytes. In c-maf -null mice, fetal bone length is decreased ∼10%, and hypertrophic chondrocyte differentiation is perturbed. There is an initial decrease in the number of mature hypertrophic chondrocytes at E15.5 in c-maf -null tibiae, with decreased expression domains of collagen X and osteopontin, markers of hypertrophic and terminal hypertrophic chondrocytes, respectively. By E16.5, there is an expanded domain of late hypertrophic, osteopontin -positive chondrocytes in the c-maf −/−. This accumulation of hypertrophic chondrocytes persists and is still observed at 4 weeks of age. These data suggest that c-Maf facilitates the initial chondrocyte terminal differentiation and influences the disappearance of hypertrophic chondrocytes. BrdU and TUNEL analyses show normal proliferation rate and apoptosis in the c-maf -null. There is a specific decrease in MMP-13 expression at E15.5 in the c-maf -null. MMP-13 is known to be regulated by AP-1 and may also be a target of c-Maf. Thus, cartilage is a novel system in which c-Maf acts during development, where c-Maf is required for normal chondrocyte differentiation.
Cyclohexane Dehydrogenation of Clean Pd Surfaces Studied by UV Photoemission.

Abstract Ultraviolet photoemission studies show that cyclohexane is adsorbed without decomposition on clean polycrystalline Pd and single-crystal Pd (111) surfaces at low temperature (≤ 120 °K) but that at 300 °K it dehydrogenates to leave chemisorbed benzene on the surface.
Stereometric Gait Evaluation For Control Of Hip And Knee Joint Surgery In Patients With Neurogenic Disorders Of Movement

Detailed knowledge on normal and pathological joint motion during physiological activities such as gait is necessary both for planning and evaluating of orthopaedic surgery in pyramidal-extrapyramidal disorders of movement. A methodology of stereometric gait evaluation using cinephotography in three planes combined with a pair of transparent force plates and electro-myographic recording is described. Resultats of a foot load study in 35 normal preschool children and long them follow-up evaluations on hip and knee joint operations in cerebral spastic patients are demonstrated. Problems of picture analysis are discussed. As a mean for improvement in surgical procedures for such patients, detailed information are obtainable by cinephotography is mandatory. In addition, three-dimensional motions in large joints such as hips, knees and talo-crural articulations must be measured quantitatively with a high degree of accuracy. Special polyhedral reflective targets were developed to permit semiautomatic and automatic image analysis for joint range measurement in the lower extremities.
Short Term Wind Speed Forecasting Based on Bayesian Model Averaging Method

Wind energy has been the world’s fastest growing source of clean and renewable energy in the past decade. One of the fundamental difficulties faced by power system operators, however, is the unpredictability and variability of wind power generation, which is closely connected with the continuous fluctuations of the wind resource. Good short-term wind speed forecasting methods and techniques are urgently needed since it is important for wind energy conversion systems in terms of the relevant issues associated with the dynamic control of the wind turbine and the integration of wind energy into the power system. This paper proposes the application of Bayesian Model Averaging (BMA) method in combining the one-hour-ahead short-term wind speed forecasts from different statistical models. Based on the hourly wind speed observations from one representative site within North Dakota, four statistical models are built and the corresponding forecast time series are obtained. These data are then analyzed by using BMA method. The goodness-of-fit test results show that the BMA method is superior to its component models by providing a more reliable and accurate description of the total predictive uncertainty than the original elements, leading to a sharper probability density function for the probabilistic wind speed predictions.Copyright © 2009 by ASME
Hydrothermal Synthesis of New Pure Beryllophosphate Molecular Sieve Phases from Concentrated Amines

A few new pure beryllophosphate molecular sieves have been hydrothermally synthesized by using concentrated amines such as triethylene tetramine, polyethylene polyamine, piperazine, and pyridine as structure-directing agents. The structures of these compounds were characterized by single-crystal X-ray diffraction. Their structures are similar to the zeolite gmelinite, gismondine, and ABW frameworks, named BePO4−GME, BePO4−GIS, and BePO4−ABW, respectively. BePO4−GME is the first instance of phosphate with GME topology. The organic template was found in the 12-membered ring channels running along [001]; the thermal analysis indicates that the inorganic framework collapses above 400 °C after the removal of the template. BePO4−GIS is a new beryllophosphate, which has three-dimensional, intersecting 8-membered ring channels along the crystallographic [001], [010], and [111] directions. In the concentrated amines system these resulting compounds have similar structural characterizations: Their frameworks that ...
Properties and Applications of Magnetorheological Fluids

Magnetorheological (MR) fluids are materials that respond to an applied magnetic field with a change in rheological behavior. Typically, this change is manifested by the development of a yield stress that monotonically increases with applied field. Interest in MR fluids derives from their ability to provide simple, quiet and rapid response interfaces between electronic controls and mechanical systems. In this paper, the basic composition and properties of example MR fluids are reviewed. Some contemporary applications of MR fluids are then discussed.