cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Therapeutic options against BCR-ABL1 T315I-positive chronic myelogenous leukemia

Despite the efficacy of imatinib therapy in chronic myelogenous leukemia, the development of resistance continues to challenge the treatment of this disease. Mutations within the kinase domain of BCR-ABL1 constitute the most frequent mechanism of resistance in patients with chronic myelogenous leukemia treated with imatinib or the second generation tyrosine kinase inhibitors nilotinib and dasatinib. Of particular concern is the substitution of the threonine residue at the highly conserved gatekeeper residue 315 with a bulkier hydrophobic isoleucine amino acid. This mutation causes steric hindrance precluding the access ATP-competitive inhibitors to the ATP-binding pocket. To expedite the identification of strategies to override the resistance imposed by the T315I mutation, several strategies have been pursued, including the exploitation of BCR-ABL1 kinase sites distant from the ATP-binding pocket to cripple the kinase activity of the enzyme and inhibiting signaling pathways downstream from BCR-ABL1. Recent insights gained regarding the structural biology of T315I have led to the development of a variety of compounds against this mutant. We herein summarize the most clinically promising anti-T315I therapies.
Extremal Cases of the Ahlswede-Cai Inequality

Consider two set systems A and B in the powerset P(n) with the property that for eachA?A there exists a uniqueB?B such thatA?B. Ahlswede and Cai proved an inequality about such systems which is a generalization of the LYM and Bollobas inequalities. In this paper we characterize the structure of the extremal cases.
On Local Moments

We introduce the concept of local moments for a distribution in Rp, p?1, at a point z?Rp. Local moments are defined as normalized limits of the ordinary moments of a truncated version of the distribution, ignoring the probability mass falling outside a window centered at z. The limit is obtained as the size of the window converges to 0. Corresponding local sample moments are obtained via properly normalized ordinary sample moments calculated from those data falling into a small window. The most prominent local sample moments are the local sample mean which is simply the standardized mean vector of the data falling into the window, and the local covariance, which is a standardized version of the covariance matrix of the data in the window. We establish consistency with rates of convergence and asymptotic distributions for local sample moments as estimates of the local moments. First and second order local moments are of particular interest and some applications are outlined. These include locally based iterative estimation of modes and contours and the estimation of the strength of local association.
STRESS-TENSOR--CURRENT COMMUTATION RELATIONS, THE PION-MASS FORM FACTORS, AND TENSOR- AND SCALAR-MESON DOMINANCE.

The low-energy behavior of the pion-mass form factors is derived using stress-tensor---current commutation relations. The results indicate significant deviations from tensor-meson and scalar-meson pole dominance of the stress tensor. The stress-tensor---$\ensuremath{\epsilon}$-meson coupling and the scale dimension of the pion field are obtained in terms of ${g}_{{A}_{1}\ensuremath{\epsilon}\ensuremath{\pi}}$. Numerical estimates are given.
Enhancement of insulin transport across primary rat alveolar epithelial cell monolayers by endogenous cellular factor(s).

Purpose To characterize factor(s) contained in apical medium of primary cultured rat alveolar epithelial type II cell-like monolayers (RAECM-II) that enhance insulin absorption across alveolar epithelial cells.
Native Americans and National Identity in Early North America

Nation as a concept has been applied to a variety of peoples and societies across time and space, and Native Americans during the colonial era are no exception. This essay offers a brief exploration into the uses and meanings of nation and national identity for the indigenous peoples of North America. It suggests that alternate definitions of collective identity might prove more suitable, which should remind us of the need to both clarify our conceptual framework and take into account the tremendous diversity that existed in early America.
Nonparametric Item Response Theory: A Maturing and Applicable Measurement Modeling Approach.

The papers in this Special Issue are briefly discussed. The practical applicability of nonparametric item response theory (NIRT), NIRT's capacity to address fundamental modeling issues and to function effectively with smaller sample sizes than parametric item response theory (PIRT), along with how NIRT addresses lack-of-fit issues, are emphasized. NIRT assesses latent multidimensionality using item pair conditional covariances and other approaches. This and the relation of latent multidimensionality analyses to construct validity are discussed. The need for NIRT analyses to provide analogues for users to the parameters supplied by PIRT analyses, is stressed. The interaction between fundamental order relationships and polytomous NIRT is discussed. It is concluded that NIRT is an important area of research that should continue to be emphasized in the future.
Principal-Axis Factor Analysis: a Comparison of Four Selected Computer Program Packages

The purpose of this study was to make analytic comparisons of four commonly available packaged computer programs which perform principal-axis factor analysis. The four programs: Statistical Analysis System (SAS, DATA-TEXT, Biomedical Computer Programs (BMDO8M), and the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) were compared by running each program using the same set of data. Comparisons were tabulated according to the following criteria: (1) Manual Characteristics, (2) Data Processing Features, and (3) Statistical Analysis Characteristics. SPSS was considered to be the best overall program because of its excellent pedagogy, cost, accuracy, statistical analysis sufficiency, and output which included a graphic display of variable loadings on rotated factors as an option. However, each program had certain unique characteristics which might make it more nearly conform to the requirements of a particular situation.
Signals in APOBEC3F N-terminal and C-terminal Deaminase Domains Each Contribute to Encapsidation in HIV-1 Virions and Are Both Required for HIV-1 Restriction

Human cytidine deaminases APOBEC3F (A3F) and APOBEC3G (A3G) inhibit human immunodeficiency virus type-1 (HIV-1) replication. In the absence of HIV-1 Vif, A3F and/or A3G are incorporated into assembling virions and exert antiviral functions in subsequently infected target cells. Encapsidation of A3F or A3G within the protease-matured virion core following their incorporation into virions is hypothesized to be important for the antiviral function of these proteins. In this report, we demonstrated that A3F was quantitatively encapsidated in the mature virion core. In distinct contrast, A3G was distributed both within and outside of the virion core. Analysis of a series of A3F-A3G chimeras comprised of exchanged N- and C-terminal deaminase domains identified a 14 amino acid segment in the A3F C-terminal deaminase domain that contributed to preferential encapsidation and anti-HIV activity. Amino acid residue L306 in this C-terminal segment was determined to be necessary, but not sufficient, for these effects. Amino acid residue W126 in the N-terminal deaminase domain was determined also to contribute to preferential encapsidation and antiviral activity of A3F. Analysis of the A3F (W126A L306A) double mutant revealed that both residues are required for full anti-HIV function. The results reported here advance our understanding of the mechanisms of A3F virion encapsidation and antiviral function and may lead to innovative strategies to inhibit HIV-1 replication.
The effect of a pill inserter on vaginal misoprostol dosing.

Objective: To determine whether the method of placing a 25- &#119 g misoprostol chip into the posterior fornix to achieve cervical ripening affects the drug's efficacy. Methods: A pill inserter was used to place a misoprostol chip into the posterior fornix for the purpose of cervical ripening prior to induction of labor. Data from a control group were obtained by retrospective chart review. Results: The control and study groups contained 49 patients each. Compared to placing the misoprostol chip with a lubricated finger, the use of the pill inserter resulted in statistically significantly more patients receiving only one dose. This occurred either because a Bishop score of 8 or greater was achieved or because repeat dosing was disallowed secondary to the onset of uterine contractions. Although the total number of patients subsequently requiring oxytocin was significantly increased, there was no difference in the use of oxytocin for either induction or augmentation of labor. The lengths of the latent and a...
Lunar Phase and Acting-Out Behavior

Psychiatric hospital records were used to ascertain whether acting-out behavior increases during the full moon phase. Acting-out behavior is identified as that which was dangerous to self or others...
Testing by the numbers

In order for an organization to reach SEI level 4 capability, quantitative process management is essential. As a step towards SEI level 4 the GSM BSS software organization has developed a metric analysis programme which is being used during the system test phase. This programme focuses on metrics analysis which allows quantitative metric information to be correlated with non-metric knowledge and used real-time. It has allowed us to take a giant leap from simply collecting pass/fail data during testing to analysing the data, so they can be used by the project. Quantitative information is used to plan and monitor test activities and evaluate the product at the end of testing. Not only has this programme provided a technique for managing the test phase, it has provided a mechanism for improving the quality of our releases and we are beginning to use it as a prediction of the quality of our product as release. The metric analysis programme also provides a mechanism for improving the test process and is also being utilized to indicate areas requiring improvement within development. Our paper is a case study of how we use test metrics. It discusses the corrective actions that resulted from the analysis of the metrics. We have found this approach invaluable as we improve the quality of our processes and product.
Pilot Evaluation of a Vacuum-Assisted Biopsy Instrument for Percutaneous Renal Biopsy in Dogs

Kidney biopsies in dogs are commonly obtained using automated spring-loaded biopsy instruments. Interpretation of biopsies from dogs with glomerular disease requires examination of at least 5-10 glomeruli, with at least two biopsies usually required for full evaluation. The purpose of this study was to compare quality and interpretability of renal biopsies obtained from healthy dogs with a large-gauge, vacuum-assisted biopsy instrument versus two biopsies obtained with a spring-loaded biopsy needle. Twenty dogs were randomized into two groups, and percutaneous, ultrasound-guided renal biopsies were evaluated using standard criteria. There were no significant differences in the number of biopsies that contained renal tissue, cortex, or medulla. Biopsies obtained with either instrument contained an adequate number of glomeruli and an equivalent number of arterioles and severity of tissue compression. Differences included easier penetration of the renal capsule and collection of sufficient tissue for interpretation with only one instrument pass when using the vacuum-assisted device (vs two passes required with the spring-loaded instrument). Before use in client-owned dogs, future studies should evaluate whether these differences are clinically relevant advantages in the diagnostic evaluation of dogs with kidney disease, and determine the prevalence and severity of complications when using this larger gauge device.
Characterization of atrial activation (A-A) intervals during atrial fibrillation due to a single driver: do they reflect atrial effective refractory periods?

Characterization of Atrial Activation Intervals During AF. Background: The mean, median, and minimum local atrial activation (A-A) intervals have been used to determine the local atrial effective refractory period (AERP) during atrial fibrillation (AF), the underlying assumption being that AF is due to multiple reentrant wavelets. Objective: We tested the hypothesis that when AF is due to a single, rapid, stable reentrant circuit (driver), the minimum and mean local A-A intervals will be similar at sites in the reentrant circuit, but will vary widely at sites with fibrillatory conduction, making these latter intervals unreliable indicators of AERP. Methods: During sustained AF due to a left atrial (LA) driver in 6 sterile pericarditis dogs, electrograms were recorded from 186 bipolar electrodes from both atria. A-A intervals were measured from each recording site during 1.2 seconds of AF. Minimum A-A intervals as well as temporal (within site) and spatial (between sites) variability were determined from all sites. Results: A-A intervals from each site during AF demonstrated that (1) 90–100% of right atrial (RA) sites and 18–39% of LA sites showed considerable (SD > 6 ms) temporal variability; (2) RA and LA sites with fibrillatory conduction (SD > 6 ms) showed considerable (a) spatial variability (RA: 9–36 ms; LA: 5–27 ms) and (b) variability of the minimum A-A intervals (RA: 14–35 ms; LA 11–28 ms). Conclusion: During AF due to a driver, areas with fibrillatory conduction manifested considerable variability in the mean and the minimum A-A intervals. Therefore, it is unlikely that any of the A-A intervals reflect AERP. (J Cardiovasc Electrophysiol, Vol. 22, pp. 310-315, March 2011)
Division of labor during primary humoral immunity

B lymphocytes are often considered a homogenous population. However, B cells in both mouse and humans are comprised of distinct subpopulations that differ in development, phenotype, function, and microenvironmental niches. Much of our understanding about how these different B-cells populations mount antibody responses has been derived from experimental findings in mouse models and based on the use of model antigens. These reductionist studies performed over decades have been invaluable in defining the parameters of the B-cell antibody response to different types of antigens. However, these antigens also are now known to differ in a significant manner from bona fide physiological pathogens, and precisely how these different B-cell subsets divide labor in the primary humoral immune defense of pathogens is less well understood. While there are no absolutes in this area, there are recurring themes that divide the roles of B-cell subsets to different arms of the antibody response. This review provides an overview of rules that govern the B-cell labor roles, exceptions that break these rules, and models that have been used to define them.
Computing the distribution of the product of two continuous random variables

We present an algorithm for computing the probability density function of the product of two independent random variables, along with an implementation of the algorithm in a computer algebra system. We combine this algorithm with the earlier work on transformations of random variables to create an automated algorithm for convolutions of random variables. Some examples demonstrate the algorithm's application.
Fine-grid simulations of gas-solids flow in a circulating fluidized bed

This research note demonstrates that more accurate predictions of a two-fluid model for the riser section of a circulating fluidized bed are obtained as the grid size is equally refined along all the directions of the gas-particle flow. However, two-fluid simulations of large-scale fluidized beds with such a fine mesh are currently computationally prohibitive. Alternatively,subgrid models can significantly reduce the simulation time of multiphase flow by using coarse mesh, whereas maintaining a high level of accuracy.
Differential optical receiver for free space laser communication with ambient light compensation

Photo detectors are used to detect laser signals to support high-speed data communications for Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV). However, there is one potential problem, which is the unwanted ambient light that causes detector to saturate. This is not a problem at night-time. However, at day time, the sun-light causes a D.C photo current and causes the photo detector to saturate and makes the laser signal undetectable. While optical filters are used to reduce the problem, additional techniques are needed to further reduce this problem. In this paper, we present a differential optical receiver to cancel ambient light and other atmospheric noise. In the proposed technique, two photo diodes are configured as a differential receiver to cancel ambient light. Experimental results are presented to validate the concept.
Second-generation parabolic trough solar energy systems optimization analysis

In the near future high-efficiency, low-cost, parabolic trough collectors will probably become available. The economic feasibility of these parabolic trough solar-energy systems is affected by many parameters which include component cost, load shape, fraction of the load supplied by solar energy, average temperature of the collector field and its axis of rotation, and for solar Rankine cogeneration systems, the electrical-to-thermal energy output ratio. The sensitivity of economic feasibility and system design to changes in these and other relevant parameters is discussed. System design and economics generally were found to be sensitive to component cost. They were also found to be quite sensitive to some of the other parameters in restricted ranges.
Cell degeneration is not a primary causer for Connexin26 (GJB2) deficiency associated hearing loss

Connexin26 (Cx26, GJB2) mutations can induce congenital deafness and are responsible for ∼50% of nonsyndromic hearing loss in children. Mouse models show that Cx26 deficiency induces cochlear development disorder, hair cell loss, and spiral ganglion (SG) neuron degeneration. Hair cell loss and cell degeneration have been considered as a primary causer responsible for Cx26 deficiency associated hearing loss. In this study, by coincidental examination of cochlear postnatal development with recording of auditory brainstem response (ABR) and hair cell function, we found that occurrence of hearing loss in Cx26 knockout (KO) mice was ahead of hair cell loss and cochlear cell degeneration. ABR was absent at the whole-frequency range (8-40 kHz) after birth. However, cochlear cells including SG neurons had no significant degeneration throughout postnatal development. Severe cochlear hair cell loss and SG neuron degeneration were only visible in middle and basal turns, i.e., in middle and high frequency regions, in the adult Cx26 KO mouse cochlea. Functional tests show that hair cells in Cx26 KO mice functioned normally; outer hair cells retained electromotility. These data suggest that cell degeneration is not a primary causer of Cx26 deficiency associated hearing loss. Some mechanisms other than cell degeneration, such as cochlear development disorders, may play an essential role in this common hereditary deafness.
Survival and Inoculum Production of Gibberella zeae in Wheat Residue

Survival and inoculum production of Gibberella zeae (Schwein.) Petch (anamorph Fusarium graminearum (Schwabe)), the causal agent of Fusarium head blight of wheat and barley, was related to the rate of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) residue decomposition. Infested wheat residue, comprising intact nodes, internodes, and leaf sheaths, was placed in fiberglass mesh bags on the soil surface and at 7.5- to 10-cm and 15- to 20-cm depths in chisel-plowed plots and 15 to 20 cm deep in moldboard-plowed plots in October 1997. Residue was sampled monthly from April through November during 1998 and every 2 months through April to October 1999. Buried residue decomposed faster than residue placed on the soil surface. Less than 2% of the dry-matter residue remained in buried treatments after 24 months in the field, while 25% of the residue remained in the soil-surface treatment. Survival of G. zeae on node tissues was inversely related to the residue decomposition rate. Surface residue provided a substrate for G. zeae for a longer period of time than buried residue. Twenty-four months after the initiation of the trial, the level of colonization of nodes in buried residue was half the level of colonization of residue on the soil surface. Colonization of node tissues by G. zeae decreased over time, but increased for other Fusarium spp. Ascospores of G. zeae were still produced on residue pieces after 23 months, and these spores were capable of inducing disease. Data from this research may assist in developing effective management strategies for residues infested with G. zeae.
THE ANGEL OF THE PRESENCE IN THE BOOK OF JUBILEES

The Book of Jubilees offers a picture of the world in which angels are very active in nature and in history. To a certain extent, the writer was simply following his biblical base in attributing significant roles to angels in the earliest times of sacred history, but he goes far beyond that base to elaborate a larger cast of characters and a more defined sense of their work. Among that cast of characters is a creature called the "angel of the presence" who mediates between the deity and humanity and carries out some remarkable functions as he does so.
The Economic Impact of Health Policy Interventions

The rapid aging of the U.S. population, increases in the absolute prevalence of chronic diseases, and the associated rise in the proportion of the GNP expended on medical care all indicate the need for methods to accurately forecast future health care expenditures for specific chronic diseases. Additionally, if these methods are biomedically realistic, they can be used to evaluate the economic implications of specific prevention strategies designed to reduce chronic disease incidence, prevalence, and mortality. Projection strategies that are not biomedically realistic, such as models that assume that risks for demographic subgroups do not change over time (e.g., “static component” models), though possibly accurate over the short run, are not suitable for assessing the long term effects of specific proposed health policy interventions which are designed to alter risks. In this paper we present a strategy for forecasting health care costs which is based on a model that represents the natural history of a chronic disease in terms of a preclinical state, a clinical state, case fatality rates, cures, and the implications of exogenous medical factors. Using this model we project that the treatment costs associated with respiratory cancer in the white male population of the U.S. may undergo a two-thirds increase in real dollars over the period 1977 to 2000. About one-half of this increase is due to a demographic shift to an older population structure, with the remainder due to higher respiratory cancer incidence rates in younger cohorts. Alteration of certain parameters of the model to simulate various interventions suggests that about three-quarters of the cost of this disease could be eliminated, though realization of any significant part of this savings would require a lengthy phase-in period.
Characterization of phosphotyrosyl-protein phosphatase activity associated with calcineurin.

Abstract Calcineurin purified from bovine brain is shown to possess phosphotyrosyl-protein phosphatase activity towards proteins phosphorylated by the epidermal growth factor receptor/kinase. The phosphatase activity is augmented by Ca2+/calmodulin or divalent cation (Ni2+ > Mn2+ > Mg2+ > Co2+). In the simultaneous presence of all three effectors the enzymatic activity is synergistically increased. Ca2+/calmodulin activates the Mg2+-supported activity by decreasing the Km value for phosphotyrosyl-casein from 2.2 to 0.6 μM, and increasing the Vmax from 0.4 to 4.6 nmol/min/mg. These results represent the first demonstration that calcineurin can dephosphorylate phosphotyrosyl-proteins and suggest a novel mechanism of activation of this enzyme.
Transfection of a Human Gene for the Repair of X-Ray- and EMS-Induced DNA Damage

EM9 cells are a line of Chinese hamster ovary cells that are sensitive to killing by ethylmethanesulfonate (EMS) and X ray, since they are unable to repair the DNA damage inflicted by these agents. Through DNA-mediated gene transfer, human DNA and a selectable marker gene, pSV2neo, were transfected into EM9 cells. Resistant clones of transfected cells were selected for by growth in EMS and G418 (an antibiotic lethal to mammalian cells not containing the transfected neo gene). One primary clone (APEX1) and one secondary clone (TEMS2) were shown to contain both marker and human DNA sequences by Southern blot. In cell survival studies, APEX1 was shown to be as resistant to EMS and X ray as the parental cell type AA8 (CHO cells). TEMS2 cells were found to be partially resistant to EMS and X ray, displaying an intermediate phenotype more sensitive than AA8 cells but more resistant than EM9 cells. Alkaline elution was used to assess the DNA strand-break rejoining ability of these cells at 23 degrees C. APEX1 cells showed DNA repair capacity equal to that of AA8 cells; 75% of the strand breaks were repaired with a rejoining T 1/2 of 3 min. TEMS2 showed similar levels of repair but a T 1/2 for repair of 9 min. EM9 cells repaired only 25% of the breaks and showed a T 1/2 for repair of 16 min. The DNA repair data are consistent with the survival data in that the more resistant cell lines showed a greater capacity for DNA repair. The data support the conclusion that APEX1 and TEMS2 cells contain a human DNA repair gene.
Computational methods for unsteady transonic flows

Computational methods for unsteady transonic flows are surveyed with emphasis on prediction. Computational difficulty is discussed with respect to type of unsteady flow; attached, mixed (attached/separated) and separated. Significant early computations of shock motions, aileron buzz and periodic oscillations are discussed. The maturation of computational methods towards the capability of treating complete vehicles with reasonable computational resources is noted and a survey of recent comparisons with experimental results is compiled. The importance of mixed attached and separated flow modeling for aeroelastic analysis is discussed, and recent calculations of periodic aerodynamic oscillations for an 18 percent thick circular arc airfoil are given.
An in situ colorimetric measurement study of electrochromism in the di-n-heptyl viologen system

Abstract An insitu colorimetric method, based on the CIE (Commission Internationale de l’Eclairage) system of colorimetry, has been applied to the study of the electrochromic N,N′-bis(n-heptyl)-4,4′-bipyridylium (di-n-heptyl viologen) system in aqueous solution on transmissive ITO/glass substrates. On electrochemical reduction of the di-n-heptyl viologen di-cation, the purple di-n-heptyl viologen radical cation salt deposits as a film and the changes in hue and saturation have been tracked using CIE 1931 xy chromaticity coordinates. The CIELAB 1976 colour space coordinates of the purple di-n-heptyl viologen radical cation salt were L∗ = 76, a∗ = 33, and b∗ = −20, with a complementary wavelength of 548 nm. A sharp decrease in luminance was found on formation of the di-n-heptyl viologen radical cation salt. Colour coordinates for the reverse (oxidation) direction plots show hysteresis, implying that specific choice of colour values depends on both the potential applied and from which direction the potential is changed.
Effects of Changes in Regional Body Composition on Physical Function in Older Adults: A Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial.

Background/Objective Obesity exacerbates age-related physical disability; however, observational studies show that any weight loss in old age is associated with greater risk of mortality. Conversely, randomized controlled trials in older adults show that weight loss is beneficial. The discrepancy may be due to weight loss intention and differential changes to regional body composition. The purpose of this research was to evaluate the independent role of regional body composition remodeling in improving physical function.
The biosynthesis of transfer ribonucleic acid in the developing rat brain and in cultured glial cells.

Abstract: The biosynthesis of tRNA was investigated in cultured astroglial cells and the 3-day-old rat brain in vivo. In the culture system astrocytes were grown for 19 days and were then exposed to [3H]guanosine for 1.5–7.5 h; 3-day-old rats were injected with [3H]guanosine and were killed 5–45 min later. [3H]tRNA was extracted, partially purified, and hydrolyzed to yield [3H]-guanine and [3H]methyl guanines. The latter were separated from the former by high performance liquid chromatography and their radioactivity determined as a function of the time of exposure to [3H]guanosine. The findings indicate that labeling of astrocyte tRNA continued for 7.5 h and was maximal, relative to total RNA labeling, at 3 h, while in the immature brain tRNAs were maximally labeled at 20 min after [3H]guanosine administration. The labeling pattern of the individual methyl guanines differed considerably between astrocyte and brain tRNAs. Thus, [3H]1-methylguanine represented up to 35% of the total [3H]methyl guanine radioactivity in astrocyte [3H]tRNA, while it became only negligibly labeled in brain [3H]tRNA. Conversely, brain [3H]tRNA contained more [3H]N2-methylguanine than did astrocyte [3H]tRNA. Approximately equal proportions of [3H]7-methylguanine were found in the [3H]tRNAs of both neural systems. The [3H]methylguanine composition of brain [3H]tRNA was followed through several stages of tRNA purification, including benzoylated DEAE-cellulose and reverse phase chromatography (RPC-5), and differences were found between the [3H]methylguanine composition of RPC-5 fractions containing, respectively, tRNAlys and tRNAphe. The overall results of this study suggest that developing brain cells biosynthesize their particular complement of tRNAs actively and in a cell-specific manner, as attested by the significant differences in the labeling rates of their methylated guanines. The notion is advanced that cell-specific tRNA modifications may be a prerequisite for the successful synthesis of cell-specific neural proteins.
The Importance of the “Gegenbaur School” for German Morphology

Summary The school Carl Gegenbaur cultivated at Heidelberg (1873–1901) was critical to the history of German morphology in multiple ways. During and after his lifetime, the school carried out detailed comparative anatomical and embryological investigations in an evolutionary framework, thereby contributing substantially to the project of vertebrate evolutionary morphology. Its members also defended their mentor when his ideas came under attack. After his death, they labored to perpetuate his program and his memory in the increasingly unwelcoming environment of medical education and research. While the senior members of the school did this largely through institutional means–seeking to place Gegenbaur sympathizers in academic and editorial positions–its junior members absorbed some of the criticisms of the school to develop a modified, more functional approach to evolutionary morphology. The school thus kept the Gegenbaur program alive and active in the German-speaking lands for over fifty years.
Magnetic resonance elastography of nucleus pulposus shear modulus - A new approach for disc degeneration biomarkers

Intervertebral disc degeneration is cell mediated cascade of biochemical, mechanical and structural changes that disrupts its function. These changes are difficult to overturn; consequently, early diagnosis is key for the success of any treatment. Clinically, disc degeneration is diagnosed by the interpretation of morphological changes observed in T2 weighted MR images. However, those changes in morphology are characteristic of moderate to advanced stages of degeneration. Therefore, this method is not useful to diagnose early stages of disc degeneration.Copyright © 2012 by ASME
Enhanced hydrogen concentrations ahead of rounded notches and cracks-competition between plastic strain and hydrostatic stress

The finite element method was used to solve the coupled elastic-plastic boundary value problem and transient hydrogen diffusion initial boundary value problem. Solutions were obtained at room temperature and under plane strain deformation in the neighborhood of a blunting crack tip under small scale yielding conditions and in the neighborhood of a rounded notch in a four-point bend specimen. The hydrogen population profiles in both normal interstitial lattice sites (NILS) and trapping sites were calculated and conditions for the predominance of the total amount of hydrogen by either of the populations were studied. A discussion of the finite element results in conjunction with different mechanisms of hydrogen embrittlement is presented. If a critical amount of hydrogen is required for hydrogen induced crack initiation, the present results predict locations of crack initiation sites at steel bend specimens which are in agreement with experimental observations on the occurrence of the first microcracking event.
Magnetic Octupole Moments of Axially Symmetric Deformed Nuclei

The magnetic octupole moments of twenty odd-$A$ nuclei whose energy levels are reasonably well described by the axially-symmetric collective model in strong coupling have been calculated. With but two exceptions, the predicted moments are of the same magnitude as or larger than the moments measured for seven nuclei. The model parameters have been determined by fitting the measured values of the lower moments and transition probabilities. The assumption has been made that the orbital gyromagnetic ratio for the odd nucleon is that of a free particle. Then from the total gyromagnetic ratio of the particle, which was determined from the measured magnetic dipole moment and $M1$ transition probabilities, the spin gyromagnetic ratio, ${g}_{s}$, was determined. With but one exception ${g}_{s}$ was found to have a value between the free particle and pure Dirac particle values.
Herbicide Treatment and Timing for Controlling Kentucky Bluegrass (Poa pratensis) and Tall Fescue (Festuca arundinacea) in Cool Season Grasslands of Central Kentucky, USA

ABSTRACT: The goal of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of four herbicides for controlling invasive Kentucky bluegrass (Poa pratensis L.) and tall fescue (Festuca arundinacea Schreb.) in idle grasslands by monitoring post-treatment plant communities. Experiments were conducted in two remnant savannas in central Kentucky. With the exception of domestic grazing, these sites were chosen because they were undisturbed by agriculture and development. Single treatments of 0.2 kg ai/ha imazapic, 0.2 kg ai/ha clethodim, 0.2 kg ai/ha imazapic + 1.1 kg ai/ha glyphosate, 0.03 kg ai/ha sulfosulfuron, and an untreated control were implemented in fall 2004 and spring and summer 2005 at each site in a randomized complete block design. Plant communities were monitored 3, 10, 12, 14, and 15 months after the final treatments were implemented. At 15 months post-treatment, tall fescue cover was reduced in all treatment plots relative to the untreated control, with the greatest reduction in tall fescue cover occurring in...
Asymptotic behavior of order statistic least mean square (OSLMS) algorithms in nonGaussian environments

These algorithms modify the ordinary LMS algorithm by applying an OS filtering operation to the instantaneous gradient estimate. The OS operation in OSLMS can reduce the bias on filter coefficient estimates (relative to LMS) when operating in non-Gaussian environments and can also reduce the average squared parameter error when in steady state operation. Some supporting analysis is presented for these effects, and simulation studies are provided. Guidelines are suggested for the selection of the OSLMS algorithms based on the expected noise environment. >
On Learning from Wittgenstein; or What Does It Take to See the Grammar of Seeing Aspects?

This chapter revisits Wittgenstein’s remarks on aspects, as well as my earlier disagreement with Mulhall on how to read those remarks, but its focus is on Wittgenstein’s general approach—as exemplified in his remarks on aspects—to the elucidation and dissolution of philosophical difficulties. In the second part of the chapter, I apply that approach, as I understand it, to Mulhall’s proposed ‘dissolution’ of the ‘paradox’ of aspect-dawning. This critical engagement with Mulhall was my first sustained attempt to practice what I then thought of as Wittgensteinian therapy, and later also came to think of as a form of ordinary language philosophy.
Ultrabroadband mirror using low-index cladded subwavelength grating

We report a novel subwavelength grating that has a very broad reflection spectrum and very high reflectivity. The design is scalable for different wavelengths. It facilitates monolithic integration of optoelectronic devices at a wide range of wavelengths from visible to far infrared.
Seismic migration on the IBM 3090 Vector facility

Seismic prospecting aims at determining the structure of the earth from indirect measurements. Acoustic wave fields are generated at the surface, penetrate the earth, and are backscattered by the earth's inhomogeneities. The data recorded at the surface are processed in a complex sequence of steps among which seismic migration plays an important role. This is a wave depropagation process that permits the localization in depth of the origin of the diffraction events measured (in time) at the surface. This paper presents an overview of the major wave-equation migration methods. The most frequently executed algorithms or kernels on which the execution speed depends most crucially are given particular attention. The speedup resulting from scalar-to-vector formulation is presented over wide ranges of dimensionality for linear tridiagonal equation solvers, Fourier Transforms, and convolution operations. The vectorizability and resulting speedup are also addressed in the case of migration schemes known as the Phase-Shift Method and the Phase Shift Plus Interpolation (PSPI) Method. It is shown that Fourier domain migration based on the phase-shift concept lends itself conveniently to multilevel parallelism on the 3090 Vector Facility (VF): vectorization of the innermost loops and concurrent processing in the outer loops by means of the VS FORTRANmore » Version 2 Multitasking Facility.« less
Global Gender Disparities in Obesity: A Review

There is a global obesity pandemic. However, the prevalence of overweight and obesity among men and women varies greatly within and between countries, and overall, more women are obese than men. These gender disparities in overweight and obesity are exacerbated among women in developing countries, particularly in the Middle East and North Africa. Yet, in developed countries, more men are overweight than women. Current knowledge suggests that myriad sociocultural dynamics throughout the world exacerbate gender disparities in excess weight gain. Different contextual factors drive gender differences in food consumption, and women often report consuming healthier foods, yet may consume more sugar-laden foods, than men. Acculturation, through complex sociocultural pathways, affects weight gain among both men and women. The nutrition transition taking place in many developing countries has also affected excess weight gain among both genders, but has had an even greater impact on the physical activity levels of women. Furthermore, in some countries, cultural values favor larger body size among women or men as a sign of fertility, healthfulness, or prosperity. As the global obesity pandemic continues, more research on gender disparities in overweight and obesity will improve the understanding of this pandemic.
Development and assessment of bioinformatics tools for species conservation and habitat management

This project represents an interdisciplinary approach to integrating computational methods into the knowledge-discovery process associated with understanding biological systems impacted by the loss or destruction of sensitive habitats. We specifically developed bioinformatics tools for the study of (1) beach mouse communities and (2) marginal fish habitats. Data mining was used in these projects to intelligently query databases and to elucidate broad patterns that facilitate overall data interpretation. Visualization techniques that were developed present mined data in ways where context, perceptual cues, and spatial reasoning skills can be applied to uncover significant trends in behavioral patterns, habitat use, species diversity, and community composition.
Cardiovascular Disease Risk in Children and Adolescents

Atherosclerosis is a global health issue beginning in childhood. Children's early development of cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors may include exposure to key biological components responsible for vascular inflammation in young adults. A retrospective medical record review based on the 2008 American Academy of Pediatrics childhood lipid screening recommendations examined current and initial CVD risk factors for 227 at-risk school-aged children during wellness exams to better determine the age when children are most likely to convert from being risk-free to at risk for CVD. An original risk trend algorithm analyzed risk clustering and risk trend progression. Risk onset was young (M=2.88 years), with family risk most prevalent and risk clustering and accumulation noted, perhaps precluding primordial prevention.
What Research Can Tell Policymakers about School Choice

American school systems have implemented several different kinds of school choice policies, and most of them are controversial. The research literature on various forms of school choice reveals some areas of consensus, but other areas where the results of studies diverge. Consensus results show that parents are more satisfied with choice, that they report using academic preferences to make choices, and that they tend to be more involved with their child's education as a consequence of choice. There is some, though mixed, evidence of improved test scores for children involved with various forms of choice. Actual parental use of choice and gathering of information, however, show some evidence of stratification, not always by race or income, but often by the level of parental involvement and motivation. These results provide considerable evidence about the effects on students whose parents have made an active choice, but more policy research is needed on the effects of competition on students in schools that have not been chosen. © 2001 by the Association for Public Policy Analysis and Management.
SAVING AND SOCIAL INSURANCE

In a model which is both intertemporal and uncertain, this paper shows that risk averters increase saving in response to increases in the probability of income losses and reduce saving in response to social insurance.
Ground motion and vibration issues for accelerators

Ground motion and vibration can be a limiting factor in the performance of future colliders, in particular linear colliders and large hadron colliders. Investigations of ground motion have been carried out around the world for several decades. In this review, after brief discussion of ground motion requirements for NLC, TESLA and VLHC, the results of recent investigations of ground motion are presented as well as stabilization techniques developed for the NLC.
Evaluating hydrologic effects of spatial and temporal patterns of forest canopy change using numerical modelling

Although hydrologic responses to land cover changes are often studied using a paired watershed approach, it is not feasible to assess the hydrological effects of many different patterns of land cover alteration by empirical studies alone. An alternative is to use well validated, spatially explicit, physically based numerical models to estimate watershed storage and flux dynamics. The objectives of this study were to assess the sensitivity of watershed flow regimes to several spatial and temporal patterns of forest harvest and recovery in a snow-dominated mountain watershed. The Distributed Hydrology Soil-Vegetation Model (DHSVM) was parameterized using 1998–2007 climate data for the 28-km2 Mica Creek Experimental Watershed (MCEW), a headwater catchment in the inland Pacific Northwest. The modelling experiment indicated that clear-cutting the entire watershed would increase runoff volume by 79% and 5th percentile flows by 68%. Hydrologic recovery resulting from forest regeneration after clear-cut harvesting is expected to take up to 25 years to return to baseline conditions, and 50 years to fully recover to preharvest conditions. A more realistic harvesting scenario where the watershed was gradually harvested in a series of clear-cut blocks allowing for subsequent regeneration to occur was also assessed. This approach reduced the magnitude of hydrologic alteration. Analysis of several other scenarios, defined by aspect, elevation, and distance to the stream network, revealed that flow regime was more sensitive to the amount of alteration rather than pattern and landscape position of disturbance. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Renin Release in Response to Renin System Blockade: Activation of the Renin System in Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus

Activation of the renin-angiotensin system (RAS) in diabetes is thought to contribute to nephropathy. This is suggested by findings of an enhanced renovascular (RPF) response to RAS blockade with angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACE-I) and angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs). An alternative approach to assess RAS activation is the evaluation of renin release following RAS blockade. Forty-four consecutively enrolled Type 1 diabetic patients (28.2+/-1.5 years) and 37 normal subjects (37+/-2.6 years) in high salt balance were given 25 mg of captopril and 16 mg of candesartan p.o. on consecutive days. All subjects were Caucasian. All, except one diabetic patient, had normal renal function. Plasma renin activity (PRA) and renal plasma flow (RPF) were measured for four hours after both drugs, and at eight, and 24 hours after candesartan. As anticipated, both drugs increased PRA. Peak responses (90' after captopril) were 5.6+/-1 ng/mL Ang I/hour in diabetic patients, and 1.7+/-0.9 ng/mL Ang I/hour in normal subjects (p<0.001). Responses to both drugs were correlated in diabetic patients for PRA (r=0.623; p=0.001) and for RPF (r=0.9; p<0.001). When the PRA response to captopril was below the median, the RPF response was limited (22.1+/-17.6 ml/minute/1.73 m2). When it was above the median, the RPF response was also larger (62.2+/-13.9 ml/minute/1.73 m2; p=0.006). Renin response to ACE-I and ARB confirms activation of the RAS in diabetic patients.