cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A retinohypothalamic projection in the rat

A direct projection from the retina to the hypothalamus was demonstrated in the rat. Following injection of tritiated leucine or proline into the posterior chamber of the eye, labelled protein was shown autoradiographically in the suprachiasmatic nuclei of the medial hypothalamus, both ipsilateral and contralateral to the injected eye. The labelling of the nucleus was heaviest in its ventral portion but extended throughout the nucleus. No evidence for a projection to the supraoptic nucleus or any other hypothalamic nucleus was observed. All of the known terminal nuclei of the primary and accessory optic tracts were heavily labelled. The projection to the suprachiasmatic nucleus could not be clearly confirmed in material prepared using the Fink-Heimer method for the demonstration of degenerating axon terminals. Electron microscopic study of the suprachiasmatic nucleus following orbital enucleation showed degenerating endings making synaptic contacts with small dendrites of the suprachiasmatic nucleus cells. These first appeared at three days after operation and were nearly gone by seven days. Thus, the retinohypothalamic tract in the rat appears to arise from the ganglion cells of the retina and to terminate on the smaller dendritic branches of the neurons of the suprachiasmatic nucleus.
A decomposition approach for testing large analog networks

This article presents an efficient method for testing large scale analog and mixed mode networks. Test equations are derived for a partitioned network from Krichhoff current law equations at the partition points. Voltages at the partition points are used to identify network parameters. The method has applications to circuit modeling, fault diagnosis, testing and calibration. The conventional testing methods for dynamic, nonlinear networks are based on the sensitivity approach, which uses incremental changes in voltages to estimate changes in network parameters. However, this conventional approach cannot handle large scale circuits because the sensitivity matrix is dense. This results in enormous requirements for memory space and computing time when the circuit size becomes large. The new method overcomes these deficiencies of the sensitivity approach. In this article, we introduce the decomposition method, describe its basic features and its algorithm, and compare this method with a conventional, sensitivity technique using testing network examples.
A relationship between ring substituents and absolute configuration in the aporphine series. The structures of thalicmidine and argemonine.

L'auteur demontre qu'il existe, d'une maniere generale, un rapport entre les substituants du cycle D des aporphines et la configuration absolue de ces alkaloides. De nouvelles structures ont ete proposees pour la thalicmidine et l'argemonine.
Search for and limits on plume activity on Mimas, Tethys, and Dione with the Cassini Visual Infrared Mapping Spectrometer (VIMS)

Abstract Cassini Visual Infrared Mapping Spectrometer (VIMS) observations of Mimas, Tethys, and Dione obtained during the nominal and extended missions at large solar phase angles were analyzed to search for plume activity. No forward scattered peaks in the solar phase curves of these satellites were detected. The upper limit on water vapor production for Mimas and Tethys is one order of magnitude less than the production for Enceladus. For Dione, the upper limit is two orders of magnitude less, suggesting this world is as inert as Rhea (Pitman, K.M., Buratti, B.J., Mosher, J.A., Bauer, J.M., Momary, T., Brown, R.H., Nicholson, P.D., Hedman, M.M. [2008]. Astrophys. J. Lett. 680, L65–L68). Although the plumes are best seen at ∼2.0 μm, Imaging Science Subsystem (ISS) Narrow Angle Camera images obtained at the same time as the VIMS data were also inspected for these features. None of the Cassini ISS images shows evidence for plumes. The absence of evidence for any Enceladus-like plumes on the medium-sized saturnian satellites cannot absolutely rule out current geologic activity. The activity may below our threshold of detection, or it may be occurring but not captured on the handful of observations at large solar phase angles obtained for each moon. Many VIMS and ISS images of Enceladus at large solar phase angles, for example, do not contain plumes, as the active “tiger stripes” in the south pole region are pointed away from the spacecraft at these times. The 7-year Cassini Solstice Mission is scheduled to gather additional measurements at large solar phase angles that are capable of revealing activity on the saturnian moons.
JointMMCC: Joint Maximum-Margin Classification and Clustering of Imaging Data

A number of conditions are characterized by pathologies that form continuous or nearly-continuous spectra spanning from the absence of pathology to very pronounced pathological changes (e.g., normal aging, mild cognitive impairment, Alzheimer's). Moreover, diseases are often highly heterogeneous with a number of diagnostic subcategories or subconditions lying within the spectra (e.g., autism spectrum disorder, schizophrenia). Discovering coherent subpopulations of subjects within the spectrum of pathological changes may further our understanding of diseases, and potentially identify subconditions that require alternative or modified treatment options. In this paper, we propose an approach that aims at identifying coherent subpopulations with respect to the underlying MRI in the scenario where the condition is heterogeneous and pathological changes form a continuous spectrum. We describe a joint maximum-margin classification and clustering (JointMMCC) approach that jointly detects the pathologic population via semi-supervised classification, as well as disentangles heterogeneity of the pathological cohort by solving a clustering subproblem. We propose an efficient solution to the nonconvex optimization problem associated with JointMMCC. We apply our proposed approach to an medical resonance imaging study of aging, and identify coherent subpopulations (i.e., clusters) of cognitively less stable adults.
Sound-speed tomography using first-arrival transmission ultrasound for a ring array

Sound-speed tomography images can be used for cancer detection and diagnosis. Tumors have generally higher sound speeds than the surrounding tissue. Quality and resolution of tomography images are primarily determined by the insonification/illumination aperture of ultrasound and the capability of the tomography method for accurately handling heterogeneous nature of the breast. We investigate the capability of an efficient time-of-flight tomography method using transmission ultrasound from a ring array for reconstructing sound-speed images of the breast. The method uses first-arrival times of transmitted ultrasonic signals emerging from non-beamforming ultrasound transducers located around a ring. It properly accounts for ray bending within the breast by solving the eikonal equation using a finite-difference scheme. We test and validate the time-of-flight transmission tomography method using synthetic data for numerical breast phantoms containing various objects. In our simulation, the objects are immersed in water within a ring array. Two-dimensional synthetic data are generated using a finite-difference scheme to solve acoustic-wave equation in heterogeneous media. We study the reconstruction accuracy of the tomography method for objects with different sizes and shapes as well as different perturbations from the surrounding medium. In addition, we also address some specific data processing issues related to the tomography. Our tomography results demonstrate that the first-arrival transmission tomography method can accurately reconstruct objects larger than approximately five wavelengths of the incident ultrasound using a ring array.
A Generalization of James'S Second-Order Approximation to the Test for Regression Slope Equality

James's second-order approximation for testing the equality of k independent means under heterogeneity of variance may be adapted to the test for the equality of k independent regression slopes under heterogeneity of error variance. The performance of the approximation is evaluated and program availability is discussed.
Massive disturbance of the daytime lower ionosphere by the giant γ‐ray flare from magnetar SGR 1806–20

[1] The giant γ-ray flare from SGR 1806-20 created a massive disturbance in the daytime lower ionosphere, as evidenced by unusually large changes in amplitude/phase of subionospherically propagating VLF signals. The perturbations of the 21.4 kHz NPM (Lualualei, Hawaii) signal observed at PA (Palmer Station, Antarctica) correspond to electron densities increasing by a factor of ∼100 to ∼103 cm−3 at ∼60 km and ≳1000 to ∼10 cm−3 at ∼30 km altitude. Enhanced conductivity produced by flare onset endured for >1 hour, the time scale determined by mutual neutralization. A brief (∼100 ms) low frequency (∼3 to 6 kHz) emission is also observed during the flare onset.
Boarding is associated with higher rates of medication delays and adverse events but fewer laboratory-related delays

Abstract Background Hospital crowding and emergency department (ED) boarding are large and growing problems. To date, there has been a paucity of information regarding the quality of care received by patients boarding in the ED compared with the care received by patients on an inpatient unit. We compared the rate of delays and adverse events at the event level that occur while boarding in the ED vs while on an inpatient unit. Methods This study was a secondary analysis of data from medical record review and administrative databases at 2 urban academic teaching hospitals from August 1, 2004, through January 31, 2005. We measured delayed repeat cardiac enzymes, delayed partial thromboplastin time level checks, delayed antibiotic administration, delayed administration of home medications, and adverse events. We compared the incidence of events during ED boarding vs while on an inpatient unit. Results Among 1431 patient medical records, we identified 1016 events. Emergency department boarding was associated with an increased risk of home medication delays (risk ratio [RR], 1.54; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.26-1.88), delayed antibiotic administration (RR, 2.49; 95% CI, 1.72-3.52), and adverse events (RR, 2.36; 95% CI, 1.15-4.72). On the contrary, ED boarding was associated with fewer delays in repeat cardiac enzymes (RR, 0.17; 95% CI, 0.09-0.27) and delayed partial thromboplastin time checks (RR, 0.54; 95% CI, 0.27-0.96). Conclusion Compared with inpatient units, ED boarding was associated with more medication-related delays and adverse events but fewer laboratory-related delays. Until we can eliminate ED boarding, it is critical to identify areas for improvement.
Degradation and inactivation of plasma tumor necrosis factor-alpha by pancreatic proteases in experimental acute pancreatitis.

Background: Release of TNFα is thought to play an important role in mediating systemic effects in acute pancreatitis (AP). We have been unable to find an elevation of plasma TNFα in AP and hypothesize that it is susceptible to catabolism by circulating pancreatic proteases. Methods: (1) AP was induced in Sprague-Dawley rats by cerulein hyperstimulation preceded by intraductal infusion of saline (mild) or glycodeoxycholic acid (severe). Healthy and sham-operated animals served as controls. Severity of pancreatitis was confirmed by histology. Plasma TNFα levels were measured at various time points after induction of AP with competitive ELISA. (2) Recombinant rat TNFα (rrTNFα) was incubated with trypsin, elastase, chymotrypsin and pepsin. Western Blot was performed to visualize TNF degradation. (3) RrTNFα was incubated in a concentration and time-dependant manner with proteases and TNF bioactivity was evaluated with a cytotoxicity assay. Results: (1) Plasma TNFα levels in severe pancreatitis were significantly lower than in sham-operated controls after 0.5 and 6 h. (2) Incubation with proteases showed degradation in the presence of trypsin, elastase and chymotrypsin and no effect of pepsin. (3) There was a concentration dependent inactivation of rrTNFα in the presence of pancreatic proteases and a complete time-dependent inactivation in the presence of trypsin. Conclusion: Plasma TNFα does not rise in experimental AP, and levels are significantly lower in severe pancreatitis compared to sham-operated controls. Our study demonstrates degradation and inactivation of TNFα by pancreatic proteases, suggesting that it is unlikely it plays an important role in the development of distant organ failure.
Plasma triglyceride levels and coronary disease.

In this issue of the Journal, Kihara et al. report marked hypertriglyceridemia and pancreatitis in a young woman with autoimmune disease.1 IgA antibodies to lipoprotein lipase appeared to block its function, resulting in marked hypertriglyceridemia. Although the association of autoimmune disease with this degree of hypertriglyceridemia is unusual, Beaumont has been suggesting for 20 years that less severe autoimmune hyperlipidemia may be common.1 Autoimmune disease with antibodies to lipoprotein lipase or hepatic triglyceride lipase may cause mild hypertriglyceridemia and hypercholesterolemia and contribute to the acquired causes of hyperlipidemia induced by abnormalities in lipoprotein lipase, such as untreated diabetes mellitus, . . .
Relationship between biochemical, virological, and histological response during interferon treatment of chronic hepatitis C

The present study was conducted to evaluate the relationship between biochemical, virological, and histological response during the course of interferon therapy. Ninety consecutive patients with well-documented chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) were treated with 5 MU of interferon alfa-2b three times weekly for 6 months. Liver biopsy was performed, and serum HCV RNA titer was measured before and at the completion of interferon treatment. Normalization of serum alanine transaminase (ALT) concentration (biochemical response) was observed in 50% of patients. In these patients, Knodell score declined significantly from 9.6 +/- 0.5 to 5.0 +/- 0.5 (P < .01), and 75% became HCV RNA negative. The remaining patients (50%) were biochemical nonresponders; mean Knodell score declined from 9.6 +/- 0.5 to 7.7 +/- 0.5 (P < .01), and 11% became HCV RNA negative. For both biochemical responders and nonresponders, the decline in Knodell score was confined to the components of hepatic inflammation (piecemeal necrosis + lobular + portal inflammation); no change in fibrosis was observed. Hepatic inflammation declined by 5 points or more in 69% of biochemical responders and 48% of biochemical nonresponders, and by at least 50% from pretreatment values in 74% and 38% of biochemical responders and biochemical nonresponders, respectively. For all patients (both biochemical responders and nonresponders) who remained viremic at the conclusion of interferon therapy, the reduction in hepatic inflammation was a linear function of the decline in HCV RNA titer. We conclude that more than one third of patients who had no biochemical response after 6 months of interferon therapy achieved a similar improvement in hepatic histology as was observed in patients with biochemical response. This improvement in hepatic histology appeared to correlate with a reduction in HCV RNA titer, especially in patients who remained viremic.
Metal-dependent Self-assembly of Protein Tubes from Escherichia coli Glutamine Synthetase Cu2+ EPR STUDIES OF THE LIGATION AND STOICHIOMETRY OF INTERMOLECULAR METAL BINDING SITES

Abstract Escherichia coliglutamine synthetase (GS) is a dodecameric assembly of identical subunits arranged as two back-to-back hexagonal rings. In the presence of divalent metal ions, the dodecamers “stack” along their six-fold axis of symmetry to yield elongated tubes. This self-assembly process provides a useful model for probing metal-dependent protein-protein interactions. However, no direct spectroscopic or structural data have confirmed the identity of the ligands to the shared metal ions in “stacked” GS. Here, 9-GHz Cu2+ EPR studies have been used to probe the ligand structure and stoichiometry of the metal binding sites. The wild type protein, with N-terminal sequence (His-4)-X 3-(Met-8)-X 3-(His-12), exhibits a classic Cu2+-nitrogen spectrum, with g⊥ = 2.06 G, g∥ = 2.24 G, and A∥= 19.3 × 10−3 cm−1. No superhyperfine structure is observed. The H4C mutant affords a spectrum that is the combination of two spectra at all stages of saturation. One of the overlapping spectra is nearly identical to the spectrum of wild type, and is due to His ligation. The second spectrum observed yields g∥ = 2.28 and A∥ = 17.1 × 10−3 cm−1. The linewidth and tensor values of the second component have been assigned to Cu2+-S ligation. In contrast, the H12C mutant exhibits an EPR spectrum at low Cu2+ occupancy that is very similar to the second set of spectral features observed for H4C, and which is assigned to Cu2+-S ligation. No Cu2+-His ligation is apparent until the Cu2+/N-terminal helices ratio is >1.0. At saturation, the g = 2.00–2.06 region of the spectrum is essentially a mirror image of the spectrum obtained with H4C, and is due to overlapping Cu2+-N and Cu2+-S EPR spectra. The M8L and M8C mutants were also studied, in order to probe the role of position 8 in the N-terminal helix. Spectral parameters of these mutants are nearly identical to each other and to the wild type spectrum at saturating Cu2+, suggesting that Met-8 does not act as a direct metal ligand. Together, the results provide the first direct evidence for a binuclear metal ion site between each N-terminal helix pair at the GS-GS interface, with both His-4 and His-12 providing metal ligands.
Lamotrigine: Once Daily Add-on Therapy for Epilepsy in Adults Experiencing Partial Onset Seizures

Lamotrigine (LTG) is a newer antiepileptic medication that has multiple indications for epilepsy including add-on therapy for partial onset epilepsy in adults. The primary antiseizure mechanism of action is blockage of voltage-sensitive sodium channels which stabilizes neuronal membranes and inhibits excitatory presynaptic neurotransmitter release. It has linear pharmacokinetics with rapid absorption with a tmax < 3 hours and no first pass metabolism. Bioavailability is nearly 100% with approximately 55% protein binding. Glucuronidation is the mechanism of elimination with a half life of approximately 24 hours. Co administration with an enzyme inducer shortens the half life to approximately 15 hours while enzyme inhibitors such as valproic acid lengthen the half life to over 60 hours. Immediate release preparations can be given once a day alone or with enzyme inhibitors and the recently available extended release preparation can be given once a day even with enzyme inducers. Pregnancy and oral contraceptive pills significantly alter the metabolism of LTG. Efficacy has been demonstrated in multiple clinical trials with a satisfactory safety profile. The most commonly reported CNS related adverse events include dizziness, diplopia, ataxia, headache and somnolence. The most commonly reported non-CNS related adverse event is rash, which is typically benign and self limited with only rare occurrence of Stevens-Johnson syndrome. LTG is a particularly good choice of antiepileptic medication in persons with comorbid mood disorders as it also has an indication for treatment of bipolar disorder and in the elderly population due to its tolerability, lack of interaction with anticoagulants and antiplatelet agents and linear pharmacokinetics.
Analysis of a dual mode nanodipole loaded by a plasmonic core-shell particle

The dual mode operation of a nanodipole is demonstrated using a plasmonic core-shell particle load. Specifically, the fact that the latter exhibits an equivalent Lorentz type permittivity is utilized, in order to achieve either a capacitive or an inductive impedance response. Consequently, when such a particle is inserted within the gap defined by the nanodipole arms, the current conduction across the gap can be controlled depending on whether the core-shell particle exhibits either a capacitive or an inductive response. Both the half- and the one-wavelength modes are excited resulting in the dual mode operation of the nano-antenna.
RF Bandwidth of Frequency-Division Multiplex Systems Using Frequency Modulation

The radio-frequency energy distribution of a Frequency-Division-Multiplex, Frequency-Modulated Multichannel telephony system is evaluated. An estimate is obtained of the intermodulation noise generated when this spectrum is passed through an "ideal" bandpass filter with very sharp cutoff. From this it is possible to specify the minmum bandwidth of such a filter in terms of required system performance. This result provides a useful guide to the bandwidth over which control of group-delay and attenuation is necessary.
Response to commentary by Schneck.

Retrospective analyses that seek to determine the incidence of a particular disease are often problematic, especially when the context of testing ordered cannot be determined. Empirically noticing an association of vesicoureteral reflux (VUR) in children treated for urachal anomalies (UA), we embarked on a retrospective review as a pilot study to determine the merit of this theoretical association. Family history of VUR and urinary tract infection are known to be associated with increased risk of VUR, and currently these risk factors are utilized to screen for
Lack of association between the 5-HTTLPR and the error-related negativity (ERN).

The error-related negativity (ERN) is a negative waveform that occurs approximately 50 ms after an incorrect response. Pharmacological manipulations and theoretical accounts suggest that the ERN reflects reward-related dopamine activity; however, it is likely that several neurotransmitters contribute to the generation of the ERN. Two studies have found an association between the ERN and the serotonin transporter-linked promoter region (5-HTTLPR) polymorphism. In order to investigate this further, 86 participants performed an arrow version of the flanker task and were genotyped for the 5-HTTLPR and the A/G SNP (rs25531) located within the L allele. Despite using multiple methods to group subjects by genotype and score the ERN, no reliable associations between the ERN and the 5-HTTLPR were found. The current study casts doubt on the relationship between ERN and 5-HTTLPR; reasons for this discrepancy with previous work are discussed.
Gas Chromatographic Analysis of Sugars in Granola Cereals

Fourteen granola cereals from seven different manufacturers were analyzed for sugars with a gas chromatographic technique that determines the type and amount of all the common food sugars. The total sugar content of the cereals ranged from 22–32% of dry weight. Sucrose was the predominant sugar, along with varying amounts of fructose and glucose. Several cereals also contained lactose. New sampling procedures have been developed for these heterogeneous mixtures.
Essay Review: Marital Therapy, Monogamy, and Menagés

Fitzgerald, R. V. Conjoint Marital Therapy. Foley, V. An Introduction to Family Therapy. Smith J. & Smith L. Beyond Monogamy.
Phenidone and hydroxyurea reduce sulfur mustard-increased proteolysis in hairless guinea pig skin

AbstractIncreased proteolytic activity at the dermal-epidermal junction is postulated as being involved in sulfur-mustard-induced cutaneous injury. Homogenates of skin punch biopsy specimens from the skin of hairless guinea pig at 6, 9, 12, and 24 h after a 7 min vapor cup exposure to sulfur mustard (HD) demonstrated enhanced proteolytic activity. Homogenates from the biopsy specimens of exposed animals produced from 3 to 10 times the hydrolysis of the chromogenic peptide substrate Chromzym TH (tosyl-gly-pro-arg-p-nitranilide) and human elastase substrate N-methoxysuccinyl-ala-ala-pro-val-p-nitranilide than did the homogenates from control samples. In this study HD-increased proteolysis of the TH substrate by extracts of hairless guinea pig skin biopsies was nearly eliminated by systemic treatment with hydroxyurea and greatly reduced by topical application of the anti-inflammatory compound phenidone. Compounds that reduce HD-increased proteolytic activity, such as phenidone and hydroxyurea, can serve as p...
The Problem-Solving Workshop: A Social-Psychological Contribution to the Resolution of International Conflicts

In recent years there have been a number of efforts to develop new approaches to the resolution of international conflict, based on a social-psychological model and involving direct, unofficial communications under thirdparty auspices. The present paper discusses one such approach, consisting of problemsolving workshops in which representatives of conflicting national groups are brought together for face-to-face communication in a relatively isolated setting, free from governmental and diplomatic protocol. The basic format calls for more or less unstructured discussions, taking place in the presence and under the guidance of social scientists who are knowledgeable both about group process and about conflict theory. Setting, agenda, ground rules, procedures, and third-party interventions are designed to counteract the accusatory, legalistic, and conflict-expressive atmosphere that usually characterizes interactions between conflicting parties and to promote, instead, a task-oriented, analytical approach. Such an atmosphere, it is assumed, has the potential for producing changes in the participants' perceptions and attitudes
Reliability polynomials and link importance in networks

The reliability polynomial is a graph invariant which is of interest where graphs are used as models of systems such as communication networks, computer networks, and transportation networks. This paper examines the use of reliability polynomials to rank the edges in a graph in terms of overall importance to graph reliability. For a given edge e in the graph G, G-e and G*e denote the graph with the link deleted and contracted (respectively); p (0 >
Kernel-based Approaches for Collaborative Filtering

In a large-scale collaborative filtering system, pair wise similarity between users is usually measured by users' ratings on the whole set of items. However, this measurement may not be well defined due to the sparsity problem, i.e., the lack of adequate ratings on items for calculating accurate predictions. In fact, most correlated users have similar ratings only on a subset of items. In this paper, we consider a kernel-based classification approach for collaborative filtering and propose several kernel matrix construction methods by using biclusters to capture pair wise similarity between users. In order to characterize accurate correlation among users, we embed both local information and global information into the similarity matrix. However, this similarity matrix may not be a kernel matrix. Our solution is to approximate it with the matrix close to it and use low rank constraints to control the complexity of the matrix.
Peripheral excision margins for dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans: a meta-analysis of spatial data.

Background The purpose of this study was to analyze available datasets to assess the degree of asymmetry typically associated with DFSP, and to study the optimal surgical approach for extirpating these tumors by clearing lateral margins.
The Impact of Segment Vibrations on Adaptive Optics at the Keck Telescope

The impact of segment vibration on the performance of adaptive optics at Keck Observatory was modeled. Errors after correction are significant but comparable to other errors in future adaptive optics systems.
Chronic Non-Exertional Myalgia and Myoadenylate Deaminase Deficiency: a Possible Association

Myoadenylate deaminase deficiency is noted in skeletal muscles. It generally presents with exertional myalgias, fatigue and weakness. We present a patient who complained of constant pain unrelated to activity with biopsy finding consistent of myoadenylate deaminase deficiency. Keywords Myoadenylate deaminase deficiency; Myalgia; Pain
Lack of neighborhood effects from a transcriptionally active phosphoglycerate kinase–neo cassette located between the murine β-major and β-minor globin genes

For the treatment of beta-globin gene defects, a homologous recombination-mediated gene correction approach would provide advantages over random integration-based gene therapy strategies. However, "neighborhood effects" from retained selectable marker genes in the targeted locus are among the key issues that must be taken into consideration for any attempt to use this strategy for gene correction. An Ala-to-Ile mutation was created in the beta6 position of the mouse beta-major globin gene (beta(6I)) as a step toward the development of a murine model system that could serve as a platform for therapeutic gene correction studies. The marked beta-major gene can be tracked at the level of DNA, RNA, and protein, allowing investigation of the impact of a retained phosphoglycerate kinase (PGK)-neo cassette located between the mutant beta-major and beta-minor globin genes on expression of these 2 neighboring genes. Although the PGK-neo cassette was expressed at high levels in adult erythroid cells, the abundance of the beta(6I) mRNA was indistinguishable from that of the wild-type counterpart in bone marrow cells. Similarly, the output from the beta-minor globin gene was also normal. Therefore, in this specific location, the retained, transcriptionally active PGK-neo cassette does not disrupt the regulated expression of the adult beta-globin genes. (Blood. 2001;98:65-73)
Creating context: design-based research in creating and understanding CSCL

One of the biggest challenges in helping students learn via CSCL is embedding their work in appropriate social contexts and helping create a culture of inquiry and collaboration. This article describes how design-based research allowed the deliberate evolution of a set of tools and practices to help students collaborate effectively. The SpeakEasy, one of the earliest Web-based discussion boards, was evolved from prior discussion tools, adapted to an Internet-based science learning environment, and evolved to work with both online and offline classroom projects and practices. Research conducted as part of the evolution shows how social cues can be used to help students develop an integrated understanding of science. Implications for the design of socio-technical systems are discussed.
Emotional development in children with different attachment histories: the first three years.

The development of fear, anger, and joy was examined in 112 children using a longitudinal design. Children were observed at 9, 14, 22, and 33 months in standard laboratory episodes designed to elicit fear, anger, or joy. At 14 months, mother–child attachment was assessed in the Strange Situation. The attachment groups (avoidant, secure, resistant, and disorganized/unclassifiable) differed in the trajectories of emotional development, with the differences first apparent at 14 months of age. Resistant children were the most fearful and least joyful, and fear was their strongest emotion. More than secure children, they responded with distress even in episodes designed to elicit joy. When examined longitudinally, over the second and third years, secure children became significantly less angry. In contrast, insecure children’s negative emotions increased: Avoidant children became more fearful, resistant children became less joyful, and disorganized/unclassifiable children became more angry. Higher attachment security uniquely predicted that at 33 months, children would show less fear and anger in episodes designed to elicit fear and anger, and less distress in episodes designed to elicit joy, even in conservative regression analyses controlling for all the earlier emotion scores.
A Confucian Framework for Categorizing Elementary Pre-Service Teachers' Expectations of Their Science Methods Course.

Science teacher educators strive to improve their elementary science methods courses through modification of existing content, activities, or teaching technique. But what do the enrolled preservice teachers expect to learn from these courses and how do they expect to learn it? This study qualitatively examines preservice elementary teachers’ expectations of: their science methods course, the activities of the course, the instructor, and of themselves. Upon entry to the elementary science methods course at two Midwestern colleges in the Fall term of 2008, preservice teachers (n=37) were asked to articulate what they expected to learn and how they expected to learn it. Their written responses were coded and categorized into one of three areas: imitation, reflection, and experience. These three categories, as a philosophical theoretical framework, stem from Confucius who suggested that the aforementioned areas were the keys to gaining wisdom. It is important, that as science teacher educators, we understand how our students expect to gain wisdom about their profession from our course. It is our contention that preservice teachers' expectations of their elementary science methods course prior to the commencement of the course have far reaching effects into the context in which they engage within the course.
New Records of Hyachelia tortugae Barnard, 1967, and H. lowryi Serejo and Sittrop, 2009 (Amphipoda: Gammaridea: Hyalidae), from Palmyra Atoll National Wildlife Refuge: Cooccurrence on Pacific Green Turtles (Chelonia mydas).

ABSTRACT Amphipods of the genus Hyachelia collected during an epibiont survey conducted over three years (2009, 2010, and 2011) at Palmyra Atoll are reported. Both known species, i.e., Hyachelia tortugae Barnard, 1967, and Hyachelia lowryi Serejo and Sittrop, 2009, were collected from Pacific green turtles, Chelonia mydas (Linnaeus). Given the increased awareness of epibionts and the desire of researchers to make positive identifications, figures of the diagnostic features of both amphipod species are presented. The significance of the cooccurrence of these two species on Pacific green turtles (Chelonia mydas) is discussed.
Laminar boundary layer behind a shock with vaporization and combustion

The laminar boundary layer behind a normal shock wave with vaporization at the wall and combustion within the boundary layer is formulated for Prandtl and Schmidt numbers equal to 1. The problem is reduced to the Blasius equation with new boundary conditions. The solutions, which extend the work of Blasius, Emmons, and Mirels, cover a wide range of shock Mach numbers and wall material-gas combinations. Boundary-layer profiles which were obtained on an analog computer are presented.
EFFECTS OF SPOOL-AND-LINE TRACKING ON SMALL DESERT MAMMALS

Abstract Spool-and-line tracking is an innovative and inexpensive way to record the movements of small mammals in a variety of habitats, and could have important applications for conservation related studies. However, the potential negative effects of the method have not been investigated. We document the effects of spool-and-line tracking on short-term change in body mass, recapture, and survival probability of banner-tailed kangaroo rats, Dipodomys spectabilis, in southeastern Arizona. We attached spools to D. spectabilis adults of both sexes during 3 y of varying environmental conditions, with total sample sizes of 90 experimental and 81 control animals. We did not attach spools to females in late pregnancy, and, to avoid entanglement, we did not attach spools to kangaroo rats located within 25 m of each other on the same night. We found no significant negative effects of spool attachment on body mass, survival, or recapture probability in either sex in any year.
An Internet-Based Distributed Service Architecture

This paper describes a distributed architecture that enables the delivery of design services over the Internet. The architecture of an individual service is three-tiered. The first tier is a common communication protocol interface. The middle tier is the common product model interface. The third tier is the core of the design service. Though fundamentally decoupled, methods in the communication layer and the product model layer have been formalized to enable the aggregation of services and the support of problem decomposition. In addition, with the standardization of the first two tiers, it is possible to rapidly deploy various design services, both new and legacy applications, that can be easily made accessible via the Internet. As examples of design services, the prototype implements a project manager service with a companion CAD package, services that incorporate two legacy applications (a building code analysis service and a service that generates and displays an accessible path for a given floor plan design using motion planning and animation techniques), and a disabled access service that takes advantage of the decomposable infrastructure.
Review article: reflux and asthma - mechanisms of interaction and asthma outcomes

SUMMARY Asthma is a heterogeneous clinical syndrome characterised by nonspecific airway hyperresponsiveness and inflammation. Reflux is a trigger and ⁄ or co-morbid disorder in approximately 75% of asthmatics. Mechanisms exist between the oesophagus and the lung, including common embryonic foregut origins and vagal innervation. Oesophageal acid results in bronchoconstriction that can be ablated with vagotomy. Autonomic dysfunction with heightened vagal tone and local axonal reflexes are also active. Oesophageal acid potentiates the bronchoconstrictive effect of other asthma triggers. Microaspiration induces bronchoconstriction and alters the immune response to a Th-2 response in animal models. All of these mechanisms can induce airway inflammation including neuroinflammatory mediators, airway eosinophilia, neutrophilia and macrophage activation. Cytokines levels, including IL-5, IL-6 and IL-8, are also increased. Proton pump inhibitor treatment lowers exhaled breath condensate 8-isoprostane levels. Reflux treatment improves asthma outcomes in selected asthmatics with reflux symptoms, with placebo-controlled trials showing improved peak expiratory flow rates and asthma quality of life, although these findings are modest.2 Asthmatics without reflux symptoms do not show asthma improvement with PPI therapy. Reflux therapy-responsive asthma may represent a distinct asthma phenotype. Future research is needed to identify biomarkers or clinical variables that identify this phenotype.
Renal hemodynamics and vascular reactivity in canine DOCA-salt hypertension

Because of the potential role that the kidney may play in deoxycorticosterone acetate (DOCA)-salt hypertension, changes in renal blood flow, renal vascular reactivity, and renal adrenergic vascular tone were followed in the conscious instrumented dog. DOCA-salt was administered daily after obtaining control measurements. Systemic mean arterial blood pressure (MAP) was monitored with an indwelling catheter, renal blood flow (RBF) was measured electromagnetically using an implanted blood flow probe, and drugs were administered intrarenal arterially through an indwelling renal artery catheter. During the first week of DOCA-salt administration MAP increased from 106 +/- 3 to 118 +/- 2 mmHg and at week 2 to 123 +/- 2 mmHg (P less than 0.01). RBF increased from 275 +/- 32 to 336 +/- 34 during week 1 (P less than 0.05) and to 324 +/- 29 ml/min during week 2. The log ED50 of norepinephrine administered intra-arterially decreased from 1.66 +/- 0.114 to 1.48 +/- 0.091 and 1.41 +/- 0.067 ng/ml (P less than 0.05), and of angiotensin II from 2.58 +/- 0.072 to 2.31 +/- 0.09 (P less than 0.05) and 2.38 +/- 0.05 pg/ml, during weeks 1 and 2, respectively. There was, however, no increase in adrenergic vascular tone as determined by the change in RBF obtained with the intra-arterial infusion of alpha-adrenoceptor antagonists. These experiments indicate that RBF is not compromised in canine DOCA-salt hypertension, and renal adrenergic tone is no greater in the hypertensive than in the normotensive control period.
A Microstructural and Mechanical Property Study of an AM50 HPDC Magnesium Alloy

As the need for weight saving and fuel economy has increased, so has the interest in using Aluminum-Manganese (AM) Magnesium alloys. A thorough examination of the existing literature found several competing conclusions on how elongation and microstructure correlate; therefore a study was performed on a high-pressure die cast (HPDC) AM50 alloy. This study focused on understanding the relationship between microstructure and mechanical properties in test bars manufactured from a complex-shaped test casting.
Symptomatic Bug Localization for Functional Debug of Hardware Designs

Debugging the pre-Silicon Register Transfer Level (RTL) design is one of the most resource and time intensive processes in contemporary hardware design cycles. Given the scale and complexity of designs, bug localization is very valuable for debugging. We present an automatic bug localization technique in RTL. Our technique is based on identifying statistically relevant common symptoms across failing simulation traces through mining, and mapping these back to the corresponding execution paths in the RTL source code. Our localized code zones are small, focused, functionally coherent and executable. We achieve localization upto 5% and an average localization of 15% in the source code and upto 80% reduction in simulation trace size for a wide variety of bugs in all the important modules of a USB design.
Differentiating Sex and Species of Western Grebes (Aechmophorus occidentalis) and Clark's Grebes (Aechmophorus clarkii ) and Their Eggs Using External Morphometrics and Discriminant Function Analysis

Abstract. In birds where males and females are similar in size and plumage, sex determination by alternative means is necessary. Discriminant function analysis based on external morphometrics was used to distinguish males from females in two closely related species: Western Grebe (Aechmophorus occidentalis) and Clark's Grebe (A. clarkii). Additionally, discriminant function analysis was used to evaluate morphometric divergence between Western and Clark's grebe adults and eggs. Aechmophorus grebe adults (n = 576) and eggs (n = 130) were sampled across 29 lakes and reservoirs throughout California, USA, and adult sex was determined using molecular analysis. Both Western and Clark's grebes exhibited considerable sexual size dimorphism. Males averaged 6–26% larger than females among seven morphological measurements, with the greatest sexual size dimorphism occurring for bill morphometrics. Discriminant functions based on bill length, bill depth, and short tarsus length correctly assigned sex to 98% of Western...
Simultaneous Quenching and Repressing (Marquench-Repress) of Sintered Fe-Mo-Cu-C Steel Parts

Development of heat treated PM steel parts with high dimensional tolerance was conducted.Calibration of dimensions by repressing (sizing) of sintered steel parts is commonly used, however it is not used for heat treated sintered steel parts because of their high hardness. As heat treatment usually deteriorates dimensional tolerances of sintered steel parts, expensive finish machining or grinding is often required.A new method of Marquench-Repressing, simultaneous quenching and repressing of undercooled austenite, enables calibration of dimension along with martensite transformation in a single step.Fe-Mo-Cu-C alloy was selected and processed. Significant improvement both in dimensional tolerance and mechanical properties was confirmed.
Effects of MeV ion beam on polymers

The electronic ({var_epsilon}{sub c}) and nuclear ({var_epsilon}{sub n}) stopping effects produced by 3.5 MeV and 5.0 MeV ion bombardment in polyvinylidine chloride (PVDC), polyethylene (PE) and polyethylene sulfide were studied and compared. To separate these effects the authors chose two bombardment energies and a thin film polymer stacking technique developed in house. The resulting stacked layered system consisting of each polymer was bombarded with 3.5 MeV and 5.0 MeV alpha particles. The layered system was selected such that the first few layers experience most of the effects of the electronic energy deposited and the last layer receives the effects of the nuclear stopping. The electrical conductance and the changes in the chemical structure were measured by direct resistivity measurements, Raman microprobe analysis, RBS, and FTIR. The post-irradiation characterization resolved the effects of the stopping powers on the polymer films.
Escherichia coli removal in biochar-augmented biofilter: effect of infiltration rate, initial bacterial concentration, biochar particle size, and presence of compost.

Bioretention systems and biofilters are used in low impact development to passively treat urban stormwater. However, these engineered natural systems are not efficient at removing fecal indicator bacteria, the contaminants responsible for a majority of surface water impairments. The present study investigates the efficacy of biochar-augmented model sand biofilters for Escherichia coli removal under a variety of stormwater bacterial concentrations and infiltration rates. Additionally, we test the role of biochar particle size and “presence of compost on model” biofilter performance. Our results show that E. coli removal in a biochar-augmented sand biofilter is ∼96% and is not greatly affected by increases in stormwater infiltration rates and influent bacterial concentrations, particularly within the ranges expected in field. Removal of fine (<125 μm) biochar particles from the biochar-sand biofilter decreased the removal capacity from 95% to 62%, indicating biochar size is important. Addition of compost to...
A Complementary Wafer Cleaning and Growth Process for Low Temperature, Defect Free, Selective Silicon Epitaxy

Low temperature (<850°C) defect free selective silicon epitaxy has been achieved with a conventional barrel type reactor (base pressure ~10-4 Torr) using complementary cleaning and growth processes: a wet multi-step oxidizing clean, and a novel non-steady state CVD growth process. With this combination of cleaning and growth processes, it is shown that the need for a high temperature (950-1000°C) insitu native oxide removal step, which may be incompatible with advanced VLSI process integration, is eliminated.
Did Desert Storm Reduce Marital Satisfaction among Army Enlisted Personnel

Data from over 800 enlisted soldiers were analyzed to assess differences in marital satisfaction as related to participation in Operation Desert Storm. Among those soldiers who had remained married between August 1990 and mid-1992, our results indicated no significant over-all change with respect to marital satisfaction.