cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Dual Receptor T Cells Mediate Pathologic Alloreactivity in Patients with Acute Graft-Versus-Host Disease

Acute graft-versus-host disease (aGVHD) results from a robust response of donor T cells transferred during hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) to allogeneic peptide–major histocompatibility complex antigens. Previous investigations have not identified T cell subsets that selectively mediate either protective immunity or pathogenic alloreactivity. We demonstrate that the small subset of peripheral T cells that naturally express two T cell receptors (TCRs) on the cell surface contributes disproportionately to aGVHD in patients after allogeneic HSCT. Dual TCR T cells from patients with aGVHD demonstrate an activated phenotype and produce pathogenic cytokines ex vivo. Dual receptor clones from a patient with symptomatic aGVHD responded specifically to mismatched recipient human leukocyte antigens (HLAs), demonstrating pathologic alloreactivity. Human dual TCR T cells are strongly activated and expanded by allogeneic stimulation in vitro, and disproportionately contribute to the repertoire of T cells recognizing both major (HLA) and minor histocompatibility antigens, providing a mechanism for their observed activity in vivo in patients with aGVHD. These results identify dual TCR T cells as a target for focused analysis of a T cell subset mediating GVHD and as a potential prognostic indicator.
Krylov space methods on state-space control models

We give an overview of various Lanczos/Krylov space methods and the way in which they are being used for solving certain problems in Control Systems Theory based on state-space models. The matrix methods used are based on Krylov sequences and are closely related to modern iterative methods for standard matrix problems such as sets of linear equations and eigenvalue calculations. We show how these methods can be applied to problems in Control Theory such as controllability, observability, and model reduction. All the methods are based on the use of state-space models, which may be very sparse and of high dimensionality. For example, we show how one may compute an approximate solution to a Lyapunov equation arising from a discrete-time linear dynamic system with a large sparse system matrix by the use of the Arnoldi algorithm, and so obtain an approximate Gramian matrix. This has applications in model reduction. The close relation between the matrix Lanczos algorithm and the algebraic structure of linear control systems is also explored.
Relationship between a Belief in a Just World and Social Justice Advocacy Attitudes of School Counselors.

The purpose of this study was to examine how belief in a just world (BJW), political ideology, religious ideology, socioeconomic status of origin, and race relate to social justice advocacy attitudes among school counseling professionals. A sequential multiple regression indicated that political ideology and BJW were statistically significant variables. The results have several implications regarding the training and development of school counselors. Additionally, recommendations for future research are explored.
Angiotensin II modulates nitric oxide-induced cardiac fibroblast apoptosis by activation of AKT/PKB

Previously we found that interleukin-1β (IL-1β)-activated inducible nitric oxide (NO) synthase (iNOS) expression and that NO production can trigger cardiac fibroblast (CFb) apoptosis. Here, we prov...
Mothers' and Fathers' Perceptions of Change and Continuity in Their Relationships With Young Adult Sons and Daughters

Guided by contemporary feminist revisions of individual theories on adolescent development, interviews with 142 parent dyads were conducted to better understand the variation in mothers' and fathers' perceptions of changes and continuities in their relationships with their firstborn young adult sons and daughters. A between-families content analysis of parents' responses revealed that the most salient issues were firstborns' independence, contact and time spent together, and role patterns. Several gendered patterns emerged, suggesting that mothers and fathers might differentially relate to their daughters and sons. However, a within-family analysis of parental dyads' responses challenges previously held beliefs about gender differences and suggests few gendered differences emerge when considering responses from both parents within the same family. Implications for future research on parent—child relationships are discussed.
The chloroplast NifS-like protein of Arabidopsis thaliana is required for iron–sulfur cluster formation in ferredoxin

Plastids are known to be able to synthesize their own iron-sulfur clusters, but the biochemical machinery responsible for this process is not known. In this study it is investigated whether CpNifS, the chloroplastic NifS-like cysteine desulfurase of Arabidopsis thaliana (L.) Heynh. is responsible for the release of sulfur from cysteine for the biogenesis of iron-sulfur (Fe-S) clusters in chloroplasts. Using an in vitro reconstitution assay it was found that purified CpNifS was sufficient for Fe-S cluster formation in ferredoxin in the presence of cysteine and a ferrous iron salt. Antibody-depletion experiments using stromal extract showed that CpNifS is also essential for the Fe-S cluster formation activity of chloroplast stroma. The activity of CpNifS in the stroma was 50- to 80-fold higher than that of purified CpNifS on a per-protein basis, indicating that other stromal factors cooperate in Fe-S cluster formation. When stromal extract was separated on a gel-filtration column, most of the CpNifS eluted as a dimer of 86 kDa, but a minor fraction of the stromal CpNifS eluted at a molecular weight of approx. 600 kDa, suggesting the presence of a multi-protein complex. The possible nature of the interacting proteins is discussed.
Evolution of the primary immune response to Histoplasma capsulatum in murine lung.

Histoplasma capsulatum induces a cell-mediated immune response in the lungs and lymphoid organs of mammals. In this study, we analyzed the progression of the cytokine and inflammatory reactions in the lungs of mice infected intranasally with H. capsulatum. We measured cytokine mRNA levels and determined the inflammatory cell populations during the active phase of infection ( CD8+ > NK cells. Thus, H. capsulatum provokes an orderly modulation of the inflammatory and cytokine responses in murine lungs.
Seasonal Phenology of Ferrisia gilli (Hemiptera: Pseudococcidae) in Commercial Pistachios

ABSTRACT The mealybug Ferrisia gilli Gullan is a serious new pest of pistachios in California. It was first found near the town of Tulare in the late 1990s and has since spread to orchards in most pistachio-producing regions of the state. The seasonal phenology of F. gilli was evaluated in a commercial pistachio orchard in Tulare County during 2005 and 2006. During both seasons F. gilli overwintered as small nymphs and had three complete generations per year. Mealybug population densities were low and remained as immatures in March and April; by late May adult females formed and averaged (±SE) 1.3 ± 0.3 and 1.2 ± 0.3 per 0.75 m of sample branch in 2005 and 2006, respectively. The first in-season generation occurred from early June through mid-July, with mealybug densities ranging from 17.6 ± 5.6-26.4 ± 6.2 mealybugs per 0.75 m sample branch. The second in-season generation occurred from late July through September and had peak densities of 408.6 ± 93.9 and 182.0 ± 34.2 mealybugs per branch. In March and A...
An Effective Approach for Identifying Evolving Three-Dimensional Structural Motifs in Protein Folding Data

Molecular Dynamics-based simulations have been employed to study the protein folding process, in which a protein acquires its functional three-dimensional structure. This has resulted in a large number of protein folding trajectories. As a result, it becomes increasingly important to analyze such data to facilitate a deeper understanding of the protein folding mechanism. In this paper, we focus on identifying important 3D structural motifs in the folding data. We have proposed a multi-step algorithm that is not only computationally efficient but also captures the evolving nature of the folding process. Empirical evaluation demonstrates that such motifs are effective at characterizing a protein's structural evolution in its folding process. We also show that such motifs can be utilized to address important folding issues such as detecting important folding events, and structurally characterizing a folding pathway.
Effect of Feeding Sodium Propionate on Milk and Fat Production, Roughage Consumption, Blood Sugar, and Blood Ketones of Dairy Cows

Summary A double-reversal experiment involving ten cows from the Cornell University Dairy Herd was used to detect the effect of the daily feeding of 1/2 lb. of sodium propionate on milk production, butterfat test, hay consumption, blood sugar and blood ketone levels. There were no significant differences (P In a supplemental experiment, two fistulated steers were fed propionate and control feed, and the fatty acid content of the rumen was determined at regular intervals after feeding. The feeding of the propionate feed resulted in higher levels of all the volatile fatty acids in the rumen for the first 3 hr. after feeding, particularly the propionic. From 3 to 9 hr. after feeding, the concentrations of rumen acids from the two feeds were quite similar. It was calculated that all of the administered propionate had disappeared in 7 hr., and most of it in 3 hr.
High reliability three-stacked amorphous-silicon solar cell

The light-induced degradation in a-SiC, a-Si, and a-SiGe single cells was investigated under various illumination conditions. It was found that the degradation characteristics of mu tau products in the single cells can be described simply by a function of the photogenerated current and the recombination current. The light-induced degradation in stacked cells was also investigated by evaluating the individual current-voltage characteristics. It was also found that degradation characteristics in component cells of stacked cells show good agreement with the characteristics predicted from the mu tau product in single cells. By designing a high-reliability stacked cell using these results, an a-Si/a-Si/a-SiGe three-stacked solar cell was obtained with an initial conversion efficiency of 10.0% and a degradation ratio of 10% after a light exposure equivalent to a one-year field test. >
Unemployment and Voter Turnout

The 2008 presidential election saw the highest voter turnout in over a generation. This elevated level of electoral participation took place at a time when the country was in the midst of deep economic recession. Despite the timeliness and theoretical importance of this question, the scholarly literature has surprisingly little to say about whether the economy affects turnout. We tackle this question with a comprehensive empirical strategy that focuses on unemployment. Using a variety of data sources and statistical models, we explore the effects of unemployment on voter turnout both longitudinally and at multiple level of analysis: state, county, and individual. In every case – regardless of the unit of analysis and the level at which unemployment is measured – we find a positive effect on voter turnout. In both standard regression and difference-in-difference models, we show that increases in unemployment increase voter participation. We also elucidate the interaction between unemployment rates and personal experiences with unemployment.
Paths to Activation of Transcription

In bacteria, transcription—the synthesis of RNA from DNA—is carried out by the enzyme RNA polymerase, which binds to the start site of a gene, the promoter. Now two reports in this week9s issue, Wyman (p. 1658) and Miller (p. 1655), show two ways that this complex can be triggered to start transcription, both by proteins that act to change the configuration of the RNA polymerase enzyme itself. In his Perspective, Geiduschek discusses these and other examples of transcriptional regulation, suggesting that each may act on the step in the transcription process in which the RNA polymerase-promoter complex is reconfigured in preparation for RNA synthesis.
The Visual Arts— A Classroom Myth or an Accountable Program?

What happens in today's art classroom might very well be myth, this writer ex plains, since the educational benefits of the learning ex periences are not verifiable. Art edu cators must move beyond generalities and develop specific instructional guide lines and undertake the research to validate them, he says.
Civic Engagement in the Field of Psychology.

The purpose of this article is to describe the importance of, and recommendations for how best to promote, civic engagement among undergraduate psychology majors. In this article, we will describe how the goals of civic engagement are consistent with the specific curricular goals of undergraduate psychology programs. We also will (a) review the empirical support for civic engagement in the field of psychology and describe the implications of this method for teaching students about diversity; (b) discuss some of the challenges associated with incorporating civic engagement in psychology courses as well as provide strategies for overcoming these challenges; (c) discuss some of the unique ethical issues related to civic engagement in the field of psychology; and (d) provide recommendations, using specific examples, for how to incorporate service-learning activities as a means of encouraging civic engagement in psychology courses. Working for the common good is a fundamental concept in the field of psychology and, in fact, in this article, we argue that the curricular goals of undergraduate psychology programs are consistent with the goals of civic engagement. Promoting civic engagement in the field of psychology is supported by the literature, yet challenges exist when attempting to incorporate civic engagement as a central component of psychology courses. The concepts of service-learning and civic engagement are not new to the field of psychology. William James, considered by many to be the "father" of psychology in America, argued a century ago that youth should be encouraged to participate in community service as a means of mobilizing people by giving them a sense of common purpose. James argued that our society addressed the need for solidarity and a sense of common purpose by mobilizing military action rather than social action (James, 1910). John Dewey, president of the American Psychological Association in 1899, was the founder of progressive education, pedagogy that became the foundation for what we know today as service-learning or civic engagement (Rocheleau, 2004). Dewey proposed that students need to struggle with social problems through the application of concepts and principles learned in the classroom. This emphasized the pedagogical method of using community service to enhance students' understanding of facts and theories. Both Dewey and James emphasized the importance of theoretical relevance. That is, viable theories must be capable of addressing every day social and ethical problems. Progressive education must encourage students to actively participate in the democratic process and tackle difficult issues related to social justice.
Quality assurance phantom for digital dental imaging

Objective. The purpose of this research was to develop a simple quality assurance phantom that could be used for the initial calibration and follow-up testing of commercially available intraoral digital imaging systems. Study design. A radiographic phantom was constructed that contains a calibrated step wedge for measuring dose response, an etched pattern of slits in a metallic background for measuring the spatial resolution in line pairs per millimeter, and 2 rows of wells of varying diameter and depth in an acrylic background for contrast-detail analysis. Quality assurance protocols were developed and validated. Results. The quality assurance phantom provides a method of assessing a digital intraoral imaging system by measuring the sensitivity and dynamic range, the contrast/detail detectability and the spatial resolution. Conclusions. This quality assurance phantom can serve as an effective means to calibrate and monitor the performance characteristics of a digital dental intraoral imaging system. (Oral Surg Oral Med Oral Pathol Oral Radiol Endod 2011;112:632-639) Although radiation exposure to individuals undergoing dental examinations is considered to be low relative to other diagnostic radiology examinations, 1 it is worth noting that the most frequent x-ray examination in the United Kingdom is the dental radiograph. 2 A similar situation exists in other European countries 3 and similarly in the United States, with approximately 100 million examinations per year. 4
Control of cell-fate plasticity and maintenance of multipotency by DAF-16/FoxO in quiescent Caenorhabditis elegans

The Caenorhabditis elegans vulval precursor cells (VPCs) offer a paradigm for investigating how multipotency of progenitor cells is maintained during periods of quiescence. The VPCs are born in the first larval stage. When hermaphrodites are grown under favorable conditions, the EGF-mediated “inductive” signal and the LIN-12/Notch-mediated “lateral” signal confer a precise spatial pattern of distinct vulval cell fates in the third larval stage, a day after hatching. Under adverse conditions, hermaphrodites undergo a prolonged quiescent period as dauer larvae, which can endure for several months with progenitor cells such as VPCs in developmental arrest. If favorable conditions ensue, larvae recover and resume development as postdauer third stage larvae, with the same VPC spatial-patterning events as in continuously developing third stage larvae. Here, we identify several consequences of dauer life history for VPC specification. In wild-type dauers, VPCs undergo a phenomenon reminiscent of natural direct reprogramming to maintain or reestablish multipotency; they acquire an active block to signal transduction by EGF receptor and LIN-12/Notch and have a different mechanism for regulating transcription of the lateral signal. Furthermore, DAF-16/FoxO, a target of insulin/insulin-like growth factor signaling, is required to promote VPC fate plasticity during dauer and for normal vulval patterning after passage through dauer, suggesting that DAF-16/FoxO coordinates environment and life history with plasticity of cell fate.
MICHIGAN RESIDENTS' PERCEPTIONS OF WETLANDS AND MITIGATION

The regulation and management of wetlands is often contentious because wetlands share characteristics of both land, typically a private good, and water, typically treated as a public good. Landowners’ desires to develop “their property” with wetlands tend to conflict with the public benefits associated with healthy, intact wetland ecosystems. To understand better how residents in the state of Michigan, USA understand and perceive wetlands, a statewide telephone survey was undertaken. The survey of 1012 Michigan residents revealed most people to be very familiar with wetlands and think it very important to protect them. Across demographic groups, at least 60 percent of respondents believe it to be very important that wetlands exist both now and in the future. Multiple regression analysis suggests that younger, better educated, and wealthier people place greater importance than others on wetland existence; the analysis also indicates that Republicans seem to value wetlands slightly less than Democrats and Independents. Interestingly, respondents’ community type (e.g., rural, urban, suburban) appears to make relatively little difference on the importance of wetland existence.
Current theories of centering for pronoun interpretation: a critical evaluation

We review the fundamental concepts of centering theory and discuss some facets of the pronoun interpretation problem that motivate a centering-style analysis. We then demonstrate some problems with a popular centering-based approach with respect to these motivations.
E-government: infrastructure and technologies for education and training

National governments around the world have started committing substantial resources to creating the environment and infrastructure for doing business electronically with their citizens, businesses, and other government entities. However, to stay in tune with this internet economy, the skills and knowledge of their citizens and employees need to be continually updated and refreshed. E-learning provides the vehicle for this continuous education and training. The purpose of this research is to identify the infrastructure and e-learning technologies that are currently available for creating a comprehensive online education and training environment that supports development of government workforce. The research surveys and provides a review of the latest technological developments and practices in e-learning to help the professionals, managers, and policy makers of both profit and non-profit organisations to identify the areas of information technologies they can invest to bring about efficiency and cost savings in continuous education and training. The research also identifies several research projects within the area to further advance the field.
End Processing Precedes Mitochondrial Importation and Editing of tRNAs in Leishmania tarentolae

All mitochondrial tRNAs in Leishmania tarentolae are encoded in the nuclear genome and imported into the mitochondrion from the cytosol. One imported tRNA (tRNA(Trp)) is edited by a C to U modification at the first position of the anticodon. To determine the in vivo substrates for mitochondrial tRNA importation as well as tRNA editing, we examined the subcellular localization and extent of 5'- and 3'-end maturation of tRNA(Trp)(CCA), tRNA(Ile)(UAU), tRNA(Gln)(CUG), tRNA(Lys)(UUU), and tRNA(Val)(CAC). Nuclear, cytosolic, and mitochondrial fractions were obtained with little cross-contamination, as determined by Northern analysis of specific marker RNAs. tRNA(Gln) was mainly cytosolic in localization; tRNA(Ile) and tRNA(Lys) were mainly mitochondrial; and tRNA(Trp) and tRNA(Val) were shared between the two compartments. 5'- and 3'-extended precursors of all five tRNAs were present only in the nuclear fraction, suggesting that the mature tRNAs represent the in vivo substrates for importation into the mitochondrion. Consistent with this model, T7-transcribed mature tRNA(Ile) underwent importation in vitro into isolated mitochondria more efficiently than 5'-extended precursor tRNA(Ile). 5'-Extended precursor tRNA(Trp) was found to be unedited, which is consistent with a mitochondrial localization of this editing reaction. T7-transcribed unedited tRNA(Trp) was imported in vitro more efficiently than edited tRNA(Trp), suggesting the presence of importation determinants in the anticodon.
WAD: A Feasibility study using the Wicked Audio Debugger

Contemporary programmers have a predominately visual experience. Computer code is read from sophisticated text editors, analyzed using visual tools, designed using UML, and debugged using a watch window. Little research has attempted to create tools for the non-sighted programmer, using either haptic or aural feedback. In this paper, we present WAD, the wicked audio debugger, a new debugger for Microsoft Visual Studio 2005 that sonifies computer code as an aid to the programmer. This paper has two primary contributions, namely the tool itself and the results of a feasibility study. We conducted this feasibility study to test participants' ability to comprehend dynamic program behavior, including tracking the value of state variables and control flow. Results of our feasibility study show that participants were able to comprehend approximately 86% of dynamic program behavior using audio only.
Optimum Spreading Sequences for Asynchronous CDMA System Based on Nonlinear Dynamical and Ergodic Theories

This chapter presents a tutorial and overview of the interplay among nonlinear dynamical system theory, ergodic theory, and the design and analysis of spreading sequences for CDMA communication systems. We first address some motivational factors in information theory, communication theory, and communication systems to chaotic communication systems. Then we consider some basic issues in CDMA communication system. Next we summarize some properties of nonlinear dynamical system and ergodic theories needed for this study. Some history and details on the design and analysis of optimum chaotic asynchronous and chip-synchronous spreading sequences for CDMA systems are given. These optimum spreading sequences allow about 15% more users than random white sequences/Gold codes in an asynchronous system and 73% more users in a chip-synchronous system. Comparisons of performance of these system under ideal and practical conditions are also made. Finally, some brief conclusions are given.
Chromosomal Abnormalities in Selected Hematopoietic Malignancies Detected by Conventional and Molecular Cytogenetics: Diagnostic and Prognostic Significance

Theodor Boveri first proposed the somatic mutation theory of cancer in 1914. He proposed that cancer develops from a single cell that acquires a genetic alteration. The hypothesis of the clonal origin of neoplasms, however, could neither be confirmed nor be refuted because the tools for testing his hypothesis were not yet available at the time. With advances in the techniques for obtaining analyzable metaphases over the ensuing years, supporting evidence accumulated. In 1960, Nowell and Hungerford reported the first recurrent chromosomal abnormality associated with a single cancer type, chronic myelocytic (or myeloid) leukemia, or CML [1]. The marker chromosome was named the Philadelphia (Ph) chromosome in honor of the city where it was discovered.
A Gamma-Knife-Enabled Mouse Model of Cerebral Single-Hemisphere Delayed Radiation Necrosis

Purpose To develop a Gamma Knife-based mouse model of late time-to-onset, cerebral radiation necrosis (RN) with serial evaluation by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and histology. Methods and Materials Mice were irradiated with the Leksell Gamma Knife® (GK) PerfexionTM (Elekta AB; Stockholm, Sweden) with total single-hemispheric radiation doses (TRD) of 45- to 60-Gy, delivered in one to three fractions. RN was measured using T2-weighted MR images, while confirmation of tissue damage was assessed histologically by hematoxylin & eosin, trichrome, and PTAH staining. Results MRI measurements demonstrate that TRD is a more important determinant of both time-to-onset and progression of RN than fractionation. The development of RN is significantly slower in mice irradiated with 45-Gy than 50- or 60-Gy, where RN development is similar. Irradiated mouse brains demonstrate all of the pathologic features observed clinically in patients with confirmed RN. A semi-quantitative (0 to 3) histologic grading system, capturing both the extent and severity of injury, is described and illustrated. Tissue damage, as assessed by a histologic score, correlates well with total necrotic volume measured by MRI (correlation coefficient = 0.948, with p<0.0001), and with post-irradiation time (correlation coefficient = 0.508, with p<0.0001). Conclusions Following GK irradiation, mice develop late time-to-onset cerebral RN histology mirroring clinical observations. MR imaging provides reliable quantification of the necrotic volume that correlates well with histologic score. This mouse model of RN will provide a platform for mechanism of action studies, the identification of imaging biomarkers of RN, and the development of clinical studies for improved mitigation and neuroprotection.
Board Tensions and Activist Trustees: Current Domestic Cases and Implications for the Enrollment Manager

Utilizing five recent highly-visible case studies of campus tensions between boards of trustees and trustee activism, the researcher examined each case, the history of trustees, the shift in trustee activism, what happened and what can be learned from each case, institutional context, the role of the trustee, and several responses. The researcher concludes by providing specific recommendations to effectively minimize trustee activism and tensions in the future and describes how these tensions specifically affect the university enrollment manager.
Workforce Shortfall and Knowledge Transfer Solutions

Community college students and displaced information technology workers represent an untapped resource for resolving the workforce shortfall issue facing the aerospace industry. This paper will discuss coursework that community college students are taking, demographics of a community college student, and the lack of research, internship, scholarship, and co-op programs available. It will present ideas for outreach to this vastly ignored segment of the educational community. Discussion will include reasons why students attend community college instead of four year universities, and the impact of guidance and mentorship on these students. Many students are re-entry students with a variety of applicable aerospace skill sets in their work history, but are currently lacking and working towards a Bachelor’s Degree. Suggestions will be made to attract experienced students into positions where their skills can be utilized, while earning an aerospace industry applicable degree. It will also contrast and compare the skill sets of outsourced information technology workers to the skill sets needed by the aerospace industry, and present ideas for skills transfer and attracting, training, and retaining these experienced employees. Recruiting, training and workforce development programs will be discussed for all types of potential aerospace workers, as well as innovative compensation plans that can help students retain their financial aid monies, and not disincentivize them to work. It will discuss the federal financial aid formula, and how aerospace companies can use their knowledge of it to help attract students. Lastly, accommodations will be discussed for handling students and workers with special needs, and enabling them to more fully participate in research, internship, and co-op programs vital to their education, employability, and graduate school applications.
The Quest of Analogical Thinking

Heidegger frequently quotes Angelius Sigelius’s statement that the “rose is without why?”1 In The Principle of Reason, Heidegger appeals to this aphorism in order to circumscribe the limits of the principle of sufficient reason. He outlines the transformation whereby that principle no longer defines the subordination of grounded to ground, but instead prefigures the movement of stepping back into the difference between being and beings, into the priority of that difference.2 As he suggests, that principle must undergo a two thousand year incubation in order that the evoking of these new relations, the “crossing over” of a metaphysical emphasis by an alternative configuration of sense, can occur.3 This “crossing over” redefines the philosophical landscape so as to shift the precedence from what has occupied thought to what has remained unthought. The fixity of metaphysical terms gives way to “polyvalent words” like Satz, which denotes not only the conventional meaning of “principle” or “statement,” but also a richer sense of “movement.”4 Such transpositions of meanings prompt thought to undergo a “leap.” Thus, the “why?” is placed in abeyance as a receding ground from which thought “leaps” in the direction of an Abgrund, an abyss.5
Analysis of Intake System Gas Wave Effect for Small Displacement Engine

This paper introduced the basic theory of the gas wave effect in the intake manifold,researched the method of volumetric efficiency improvement by gas wave effect,and validated the conclusion's correctness on test-bed.
Cellular and molecular drivers of differential organ growth: insights from the limbs of Monodelphis domestica

A fundamental question in biology is “how is growth differentially regulated during development to produce organs of particular sizes?” We used a new model system for the study of differential organ growth, the limbs of the opossum (Monodelphis domestica), to investigate the cellular and molecular basis of differential organ growth in mammals. Opossum forelimbs grow much faster than hindlimbs, making opossum limbs an exceptional system with which to study differential growth. We first used the great differences in opossum forelimb and hindlimb growth to identify cellular processes and molecular signals that underlie differential limb growth. We then used organ culture and pharmacological addition of FGF ligands and inhibitors to test the role of the Fgf/Mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPK) signaling pathway in driving these cellular processes. We found that molecular signals from within the limb drive differences in cell proliferation that contribute to the differential growth of the forelimb and hindlimbs of opossums. We also found that alterations in the Fgf/MAPK pathway can generate differences in cell proliferation that mirror those observed between wild-type forelimb and hindlimbs of opossums and that manipulation of Fgf/MAPK signaling affects downstream focal adhesion-extracellular matrix (FA-ECM) and Wnt signaling in opossum limbs. Taken together, these findings suggest that evolutionary changes in the Fgf/MAPK pathway could help drive the observed differences in cell behaviors and growth in opossum forelimb and hindlimbs.
Effects of a Minute and Regular Dose of Recombinant Human Activated Factor VII in Beagles with Hereditary Coagulation Factor FVII Deficiency.

Many hereditary coagulopathies have been reported in various canine breeds, and dogs with naturally-occurring hemophilia A and B have served as models to elucidate the pathophysiology and evaluate the efficacy and safety of novel therapeutic options including recombinant products and gene therapy. In this study we compared the effects of a minute and regular dose of recombinant human activated factor VII (rFVIIa) in Beagles with hereditary FVII deficiency. Affected Beagles have A total of 6 adult FVII-deficient research Beagles received on separate occasions (2–7 days apart with 4–6 dogs per group) a bolus of rFVIIa (Novo Nordisk) at 5ug/kg (Minute dose) or 30ug/kg (Regular dose) and an FFP infusion at 10ml/kg over The pre-CBT values of FVII deficient dogs ranged from 4.3 to 9 min (m±SEM, 6.1±0.4; normal We conclude that a single treatment with rFVIIa is highly effective in normalizing coagulation parameters in FVII-deficient Beagles, while FFP seems to cause a lesser effect. Minute amounts of rFVIIa appear to be sufficient presumably due to its ability to initiate the extrinsic cascade with subsequent sustained activation of the intrinsic cascade. While it needs to be determined whether human rFVIIa will also control more severe clinical bleeding in FVII-deficient Beagles, this disease model offers the opportunity to also evaluate the effects and pharmacokinetics of this and other long-acting rFVIIa analogues as well as gene therapy.
Multifocal Intradural Extramedullary Pilocytic Astrocytomas of the Spinal Cord: A Case Report and Review of the Literature

Background and importance Pilocytic astrocytoma (PA) is among the most common of the central nervous system gliomas in the pediatric population; however, it is uncommon in adults. PAs of the spinal cord in adults are even rarer, with only a few cases found in the literature. We report here the first case in the literature of multifocal intradural extramedullary spinal cord PAs in an adult. Clinical presentation Our patient is a 56-yr-old female who presented with loss of balance and an ataxic gait. Multiple extramedullary spinal cord tumors were identified intraoperatively, the lesions completely resected, and all diagnosed as PAs. Conclusion This case illustrates a unique instance of multifocal intradural extramedullary spinal cord PAs in an adult with no previous history of PA during childhood, no known familial syndromes, and no brain involvement.
The Tie That Binds: Trusteeship, Values, and the Decision-Making Process at AME-Affiliated HBCUs

ABSTRACTThis study aimed to discover how trust is established during the decision-making processes of boards of trustees at private historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs). This study also aimed to address if and how board composition and individual board members’ value systems play a role in the decision-making process and work of the board. Using a multisite case-study approach, currently serving board members of 3 African Methodist Episcopal church-affiliated HBCUs were interviewed regarding the way in which they engaged with the presidential selection process at their institution. Major findings from this study were that personality and character traits of presidential candidates may have a heavier influence on the perception of candidates’ suitability than their resume or past performance. Furthermore, there was a direct reflection of board members’ values in the personality and network traits found desirable and nondesirable in presidential candidates. These shared values create a sense...
Improve ground-level PM2.5 concentration mapping using a random forests-based geostatistical approach.

Abstract Accurate measurements of ground-level PM2.5 (particulate matter with aerodynamic diameters equal to or less than 2.5 μm) concentrations are critically important to human and environmental health studies. In this regard, satellite-derived gridded PM2.5 datasets, particularly those datasets derived from chemical transport models (CTM), have demonstrated unique attractiveness in terms of their geographic and temporal coverage. The CTM-based approaches, however, often yield results with a coarse spatial resolution (typically at 0.1° of spatial resolution) and tend to ignore or simplify the impact of geographic and socioeconomic factors on PM2.5 concentrations. In this study, with a focus on the long-term PM2.5 distribution in the contiguous United States, we adopt a random forests-based geostatistical (regression kriging) approach to improve one of the most commonly used satellite-derived, gridded PM2.5 datasets with a refined spatial resolution (0.01°) and enhanced accuracy. By combining the random forests machine learning method and the kriging family of methods, the geostatistical approach effectively integrates ground-based PM2.5 measurements and related geographic variables while accounting for the non-linear interactions and the complex spatial dependence. The accuracy and advantages of the proposed approach are demonstrated by comparing the results with existing PM2.5 datasets. This manuscript also highlights the effectiveness of the geographical variables in long-term PM2.5 mapping, including brightness of nighttime lights, normalized difference vegetation index and elevation, and discusses the contribution of each of these variables to the spatial distribution of PM2.5 concentrations.
Iterative matrix correlation for bisection clustering

We introduce and theoretically study the convergence behavior of iterative matrix correlation computation and show how it can be leveraged to derive a novel bisection clustering algorithm with unique characteristics. A correlation matrix is a symmetric n × n matrix for n vectors, where the (i, j)-th entry is the Pearson correlation coefficient between vectors i and j. We observe that in general cases iterative update of the correlation matrix leads to its convergence where all entries are either 1 or −1. Moreover, the same convergence behavior holds if we select a pre-determined subset of columns from the correlation matrix in each iteration for the next iteration of correlation computation. We mathematically prove this observation, analyze its convergence behavior, and propose an efficiency improvement technique. While this observation is significant in its own right and may have many applications, we focus on how to apply it to achieve bisection clustering. Clustering is a fundamental data mining task. Bisection clustering is particularly important because it can be used as a building block to construct hierarchical clustering and arbitrary k-clustering. The derived algorithm, which we call Corbis, works in a fundamentally different way from existing ones with preferable characteristics and comparative advantages especially for high dimensional data. It can be an important addition to the arsenal of clustering algorithms.
Late-onset stress symptomatology (LOSS) scale - short form: development and validation

Objectives: Late-onset stress symptomatology (LOSS) is a phenomenon observed in older combat veterans who experience increased combat-related thoughts, feelings, and reminiscences corresponding with the changes and challenges of aging. Previously, we developed the LOSS Scale to assess LOSS. This paper describes the development and validation of a LOSS Scale short form (LOSS-SF) to screen veterans in various settings who may be actively re-examining their past wartime experiences. Method: Three studies examined the reliability and validity of the LOSS-SF in separate samples of male combat veterans age 55 and older (total N = 346). Veterans were administered measures via telephone and mail survey. Correlation and regression analyses examined the reliability and validity of the LOSS-SF. Results: The LOSS-SF exhibited strong internal consistency (alpha = .93), test-retest reliability (2 week interval on average; r = .88), and good concurrent validity with the LOSS Scale (r = .81). Convergent and divergent validity were supported by the pattern of correlations between the LOSS-SF and other construct measures. Conclusion: The LOSS-SF is a reliable and valid measure to quickly assess thoughts, feelings, and reminiscences about past combat experiences in older veterans and identify those veterans in distress who may benefit from psychological interventions..
Refraction correction for radio echo-sounding of ice overlain by firn

Radio-echo signals travel faster in firn than in ice, which affects the analysis of ice-mass thickness. If this effect is neglected, then the calculated thickness of an ice mass may be in error by an amount of the order of one-tenth of the firn thickness. An exact formulation is derived for the path of the signal through the firn and the ice. Explicit solutions are given for constant, linear, and quadratic profiles of the refractive index in the firn layer.
Optical Fourier Transform Construction

In this paper we describe two methods of constructing optical Fourier transforms for use in image processing. Both the coherent parallel and converging beam Fourier transform methods are presented. The converging beam set-up was used to obtain results presented in another paper (1) at this NATO school but its full discussion at that time was postponed until now. The input objects chosen for this study are those of snow crystals. They are most appropriate since their Fourier transforms contain both some high and low spatial frequencies, not to mention they are beautiful patterns to observe.
Seed Germination and Seedling Growth

In order to understand factors regulating germination and subsequent growth of the seedling we should first be knowledgeable as to the processes involved during this period. Propagation by seeds is the major method of reproduction in nature and the most widely used method in agriculture due to its high efficiency. A seed is a ripened ovule which when shed from the parent plant consists of an embryo and a stored food supply both of which are enclosed in a seed coat or covering. Seed germination may be defined as a series of events which take place when dry quiescent seeds imbibe water resulting in an increase in metabolic activity and the initiation of a seedling from the embryo. In order for germination to be initiated the following criteria must be meet: 1. The seed must first be viable (the embryo is alive and capable of germination). 2. Appropriate environmental conditions such as available water, proper temperature, oxygen, and, in some cases, light must be supplied. 3. Primary dormancy in the seed must be overcome.
Convergence in Corporate Governance: Empirical Evidence from Europe 2000-2003

Using a dataset on corporate governance ratings of 300 largest European companies from 17 countries, I analyse the dynamics of corporate governance between 2000 and 2003 focusing on convergence. Within the structure of corporate governance shareholders' rights and duties and take-over defences have changed little while ratings for board structure and functioning and particularly for disclosure have risen in every country and industry. Continental companies narrow the gap in relation to the UK and Ireland, and there is evidence of convergence within individual countries and industries. Nevertheless, the European corporate governance landscape is still diverse, with differences between countries overwhelming differences between industries.
A new transformation for the Lotka–Volterra problem

The Lotka–Volterra dynamical system \(\left( {\dot x_1 = ax_1 - bx_1 x_2 ,\;\dot x_2 = - cx_2 + bx_1 x_2 } \right)\) is reduced to a single second‐order autonomous ordinary differential equation by means of a new variable transformation. Formal analytic solutions are presented for this latter differential equation.
Normal Form and Center Manifold Calculations on MACSYMA

This paper describes the use of the symbolic manipulation system MACSYMA to facilitate normal form and center manifold computations, which arise in nonlinear dynamics problems. These computations represent a relatively new approach towards obtaining approximate solutions to systems of ordinary differential equations. A near-identity coordinate transformation in the form of a power series is used to locally transform a given system into a normal (i.e., simple or canonical) form. Center manifold calculations are a related technique for reducing the number of dimensions in a given system of ordinary differential equations by restricting attention to the flow on an invariant subspace. A MACSYMA program developed to perform such computations is presented and described in detail. The program is illustrated by applying it to a sample nonlinear dynamics problem.
Biomechanical Analysis of Porcine Cartilage Elasticity

Grafting of tissue-engineered cartilage to joints with osteoarthritis has the potential to supersede arthroplasty as the standard of care. However, in order to support the development of functional tissue engineering methods, the subfailure biomechanics of the individual cartilage types that comprise joints must be determined. Current methods for analyzing tissues are based on imaging and are therefore unable to profile the strain dependence of mechanical behaviors within different cartilage types. Recently, an analysis technique based on Optical Fiber Polarimetric Elastography (OFPE) has overcome these challenges. OFPE has been used to characterize the different mechanical behaviors of a range of unprocessed biomaterials and tissues. In the present work, this technique is used to characterize the biomechanics of both articular cartilage and meniscal fibrocartilage within a porcine knee. OFPE testing of the tissue is conducted over a range of physiological loading and unloading values. These results demonstrate the distinctive mechanics of each cartilage type. Due to their different locations within the knee, each cartilage type exhibits distinctly unique biomechanical behavior. Based on the results of OFPE, we correlate the specific buckling, delamination, and bridging events to maxima and minima along the loading and unloading curves. This provides unprecedented detail with regard to the subfailure biomechanics. This information is integral to the design of the next generation of tissue-engineered constructs. Therefore, OFPE will be used across multiple disciplines to rapidly determine the mechanical behavior of tissue-engineered constructs to support functional tissue engineering efforts.