cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
CD8+ T Cells Are Required For Glatiramer Acetate Therapy in Autoimmune Demyelinating Disease

The exact mechanism of glatiramer acetate (GA, Copaxone®), an FDA-approved immunomodulatory therapy for multiple sclerosis (MS), remains unclear after decades of research. Previously, we have shown that GA therapy of MS induces CD8+ T cell responses that can potentially suppress pathogenic CD4+ T cell responses. Using a murine model of MS, experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE), we now demonstrate that CD8+ T cells are necessary in mediating the therapeutic effects of GA. Further, adoptive transfer of GA-induced CD8+ T cells resulted in amelioration of EAE, establishing a role as a viable immunotherapy in demyelinating disease. Generation of these cells required indoleamine-2,3-dioxygenase (IDO), while suppressive function depended on non-classical MHC class I, IFN-γ, and perforin expression. GA-induced regulatory myeloid cells, previously shown to activate CD4+ regulatory T cells in an antigen-independent manner, required CD8+ T cells for disease suppression in vivo. These studies demonstrate an essential role for CD8+ T cells in GA therapy and identify their potential as an adoptive immunotherapeutic agent.
Analytical electron microscopy of Al2O3 implanted with iron ions

Single crystals of α-Al2O3 were implanted with iron ions at room temperature to fluences ranging from 4×1016 Fe cm−2 to 1×1017 Fe cm−2. The microstructure and composition in the implanted region were examined using analytical electron microscopy techniques. Special emphasis was placed on monitoring the microstructural changes which take place during post-implantation annealing. Clusters of metallic α-Fe were identified in the specimen after implantation to a dose of 1×1017 Fe cm−2. Analytical electron microscopy of implanted specimens annealed in oxygen revealed the redistribution of the implanted iron and the formation of surface precipitates of α-Fe2O3, subsurface precipitates of various forms of spinel, and, in some cases, subsurface precipitates of iron, depending on the annealing temperature. Examination of implanted specimens annealed under reducing conditions revealed the presence of precipitates of α-Fe.
Depth profiling by XPS for corroded glass

Abstract The depth profiles of glass surface layers were measured by XPS with Ar ion sputtering, although sputtering affects the glass composition. Deposited carbon was the best mask material for sputtering because of its low sputtering yield, clean surface and clear boundary. A glass surface treated by Soxhlet leaching apparatus was compared with untreated glass; their intensity ratio indicated the reasonable change of depth profile representing selective leaching of the alkali component.
Industrial applications of neutron diffraction

Neutron diffraction (or, to be more general, neutron scattering) is a most versatile and universal tool, which has been widely employed to probe the structure, the dynamics and the magnetism of condensed matter. Traditionally used for fundamental research in solid state physics, this technique more recently has been applied to problems of immediate industrial interest, as illustrated in examples covering the main fields of endeavour.
Root-shift in eel hemoglobin.

Abstract Hemoglobin of the eel, Anguilla anguilla , was found to be a mixture of two fractions separable by ion-exchange chromatography, one anionic, the other cationic at pH 8.5. The anionic fraction showed a large Root-shift as well as Bohr-shift, but the cationic fraction lacked both.
Bayesian Analysis of Regression Error Terms

Abstract Properties of realized regression error terms are studied wherein they are treated as unknown parameters. Posterior distributions for individual realized error terms and for linear and certain quadratic functions of them are derived. Posterior moments of measures of skewness, kurtosis, autocovariance, and autocorrelation, defined in terms of the realized errors, are presented, and selected uses of these results indicated in characterizing properties of realized error terms and in suggesting possible departures from standard assumptions.
Zero Point Energy of Confined Fermions

A closed form for the reduced Green's function of massless fermions in the interior of a spherical bag is obtained. In terms of this Green's function, the corresponding zero-point or Casimir energy is computed. It is proposed that a resulting quadratic divergence can be absorbed by renormalizing a suitable parameter in the bag model (that is, absorbed by a contact term). The residual Casimir stress is attractive, but smaller than the repulsive Casimir stress of gluons in the model. The result for the total zero-point energy is in substantial disagreement with bag-model phenomenological values.
Remembering Communist Violence: The Bulgarian Gulag and the Conscience of the West:

This article problematizes the rhetorical appropriations of memories of violence by focusing on a collection of narratives of former labor camp inmates in communist Bulgaria. The collection, publis...
Templating polypeptides on self-assembled hemicylindrical surface micelles

The adsorption of both random coil and α-helical poly l-arginine (PLA) on a surface templated by sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) hemicylindrical micelles is investigated and compared. Both secondary structures of PLA irreversibly adsorb on the SDS hemimicelles preserving the secondary conformation present in solution. However, the hemicylindrical SDS surface micelles induce aligned ordering of the α-helical PLA molecules by the adsorption of them into the grooves and at the top of the hemimicelles. For random coil PLA, ordering is not promoted by the surface hemimicelles. The surface concentration of the α-helical PLA is approximately 2 times larger than that for the random coil PLA although electrostatic attraction to the surface is largely screened by the presence of NaClO4 for the α-helical case. The results indicate that the adsorption process for α-helical PLA case is governed by a combination of electrostatic and van der Waals forces. Neutron reflectivity data show that the templated surface of surface...
Short-baseline reactor neutrino oscillations

The neutrino mixing angle θ 13 is currently a high-priority topic in the field of neutrino physics, with three different reactor neutrino experiments under way, searching for neutrino oscillations induced by this angle. A description of the reactor experiments searching for a non-zero value of θ 13 is given, together with a discussion of their sensitivity within the next few years.
Strengthening Infrastructure and Implementing Functions to Support Collaborative Community Problem Solving

The purpose of this article is to explore infrastructure and functions to serve as a foundation for collaborative community problem solving. The literature reviewed in this article focuses on problem solving in the health, education, and social services arenas. However, the recommendations and perspectives would appear to apply to collaborative community problem solving focused on any complex social issue. It is imperative that as local, state, and national policies and practices evolve supporting collaborative efforts to address a variety of issues, planners be prepared to facilitate community dialogue designed to build strong partnerships at the local level.
Effects of alkyllead antiknock agents and scavengers on carbon deposit formation in engines

This paper reports on an evaluation of the effects on the carbon deposition tendencies of gasolines due to antiknock agents based on TEL (tetreethyllead) and TML (tetramethllead), and also on the effects of the scavengers, substances used to ensure that the combustion products are discharged from the chamber. The results show that the TML can be used since its use gives only a very slight increase in the carbon deposition tendency as compared to TEL. Dibromopropane is prefered to reduce the tendency of leaded gasolines to form carbon deposits.
The control of food intake of free-living humans: Putting the pieces back together

Abstract The control of food intake has been studied using reductionism; by separately investigating environmental, physiological, and genetic variables. The general model of intake regulation attempts to reassemble the pieces into an organized whole. It postulates that intake is influenced by sets of both physiological factors which have negative feedback loops to intake and environmental factors which do not. Data and behavioral genetic analysis on a number of environmental, psychological, dietary, and social variables demonstrate that they have large impacts on the intake of free-living humans in their everyday environments and their magnitude and impact on intake are influenced by heredity. Recent evidence of built environment influences on activity and intake further indicate the profound influence of environmental circumstances on both intake and expenditure. A computer simulation of the general model of intake regulation demonstrates that the model predicts different maintained levels of intake and body weight depending upon the external environment and that change in the environment can produce new sustained levels. It is suggested that eating is influenced by a myriad of physiological and non-physiological factors and that total intake results from the integral of their influences. It is concluded that recombining the components broken down in the reductionistic process results in a functional whole that can well describe human behavior in natural environments. The paper represents an invited review by a symposium, award winner or keynote speaker at the Society for the Study of Ingestive Behavior [SSIB] Annual Meeting in Portland, July 2009.
Bilateral tonic pupils secondary to Ross syndrome: a case report.

In 1958, Alexander Ross described a case with anhidrosis and Adie's syndrome. He considered the Adie's syndrome unrelated to the anhidrosis.1 Currently, Ross syndrome is described as tonic pupils, decreased or a loss of deep tendon reflexes, and segmental anhidrosis.2 Ross syndrome is rare, with less than 50 cases existing in the literature.2
Molecular Structure of the Mouse CCK-A Receptor Gene

Abstract We have cloned the mouse CCK-A receptor gene (Cckar), determined its nucleotide sequence, and analyzed its expression. The receptor protein is encoded in five exons distributed over 9 kb of genomic DNA. Intron/exon borders were determined by comparing the genomic nucleotide sequence with the mouse cDNA sequence obtained by reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction. RNase protection analysis ofCckartranscripts revealed the presence of a splice acceptor site 200 bp upstream of the translational start codon, indicating that the promoter is associated with a non-translated exon at an upstream site. The second coding exon contains a rarely used alternative splice site that would result in the production of a truncated, 48 amino acid protein.Cckaris widely expressed in the gastrointestinal system (pancreas, gallbladder, intestine, colon and stomach), as well as in brain and kidney.
THE HYPER-CVAD REGIMEN IN ADULT ACUTE LYMPHOCYTIC LEUKEMIA

The regimen of hyperfractionated cyclophosphamide, vincristine, doxorubicin, and dexamethasone (hyper-CVAD) has demonstrated significant activity in adult lymphocytic leukemia (ALL) and in other hematologic malignancies, including Burkitt's disease, lymphoblastic lymphoma, mantle cell lymphoma, and multiple myeloma. This article presents the rationale for the development of this regimen, describes the program, summarizes the results of the large clinical trials developed at the University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center, and discusses strategies to improve the results.
Synthesis, characterization, and bioactivity of carboxylic acid-functionalized titanium dioxide nanobelts

Surface modification strategies to reduce engineered nanomaterial (ENM) bioactivity have been used successfully in carbon nanotubes. This study examined the toxicity and inflammatory potential for two surface modifications (humic acid and carboxylation) on titanium nanobelts (TNB). The in vitro exposure models include C57BL/6 alveolar macrophages (AM) and transformed human THP-1 cells exposed to TNB for 24 hrs in culture. Cell death and NLRP3 inflammasome activation (IL-1β release) were monitored. Short term (4 and 24 hr) in vivo studies in C57BL/6, BALB/c and IL-1R null mice evaluated inflammation and cytokine release, and cytokine release from ex vivo cultured AM. Both in vitro cell models suggest that the humic acid modification does not significantly affect TNB bioactivity, while carboxylation reduced both toxicity and NLRP3 inflammasome activation. In addition, short term in vivo exposures in both C57BL/6 and IL-1R null mouse strains demonstrated decreased markers of inflammation, supporting the in vitro finding that carboxylation is effective in reducing bioactivity. TNB instillations in IL-1R null mice demonstrated the critical role of IL-1β in initiation of TNB-induced lung inflammation. Neutrophils were completely absent in the lungs of IL-1R null mice instilled with TNB for 24 hrs. However, the cytokine content of the IL-1R null mice lung lavage samples indicated that other inflammatory agents, IL-6 and TNF-α were constitutively elevated indicating a potential compensatory inflammatory mechanism in the absence of IL-1 receptors. Taken together, the data suggests that carboxylation, but not humic acid modification of TNB reduces, but does not totally eliminate bioactivity of TNB, which is consistent with previous studies of other long aspect ratio nanomaterials such as carbon nanotubes.
Improved oxygenation 24 hours after transition to airway pressure release ventilation or high-frequency oscillatory ventilation accurately discriminates survival in immunocompromised pediatric patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome*.

Objectives:Children with an immunocompromised condition and requiring invasive mechanical ventilation have high risk of death. Such patients are commonly transitioned to rescue modes of nonconventional ventilation, including airway pressure release ventilation and high-frequency oscillatory ventilat
A bicriteria linear programming model for determining linear utility functions in simultaneous multiple trait selection and classification

The selection of superior genotypes or families of genotypes for use as parents in future generations without proper utility function-based selection criteria is very difficult. In this paper a two-phased method for finding a utility function for simultaneous multiple trait selection in plant breeding is presented. In phase I a utility function is constructed to perform consistency checking and genotype ranking. In this procedure the results of Johnson et al. are used. These results are based on the value of the means of the traits. In phase II, a bicriteria linear programming model is utilized to find a new and more appropriate utility function. This new utility function provides better information on the relative weight of each trait as well as information for the general ranking / classification problem related to new genotypes.
Spin-polarized hydrogen maser

Maser action on the hydrogen hyperfine transition has been achieved at a temperature of 0.3 K in a liquid-helium-lined resonator. Polarized atoms are provided by magnetic ejection from a low-temperature discharge in a high magnetic field. The maser demonstrates the feasibility of a proposed low-temperature frequency standard. Operation of the atomic hydrogen source represents an essential step toward magnetic trapping of hydrogen at very low temperatures. Operated continuously, the source provides 5 x 10/sup 12/ atoms/sec to the maser. In a 1 sec single pulse it can provide up to 2 x 10/sup 13/ polarized atoms.
Adolescent alcohol use disorders predict adult borderline personality.

Abstract Background This study investigated adolescent alcohol use disorders (AUDs) and other characteristics as predictors of adult borderline personality disorder (BPD) symptoms. Methods Adolescents with AUDs ( n = 355) were recruited from clinical treatment sources and adolescents without AUDs ( n = 169) were recruited from the community. During an adolescent assessment (age 16 ± 1.3), childhood physical and/or sexual abuse history, AUDs and associated psychiatric disorders were measured via semi-structured interviews. Symptoms of BPD were measured in a young adult follow-up assessment (age 22 ± 2.4). Latent class analysis was utilized to classify individuals into four categories based upon BPD symptom profiles. Results Multinomial regression models indicated that adolescent AUDs and other psychiatric disorders mediated the relationship between child physical and/or sexual abuse and adult BPD latent class. Conclusions Results were consistent with a developmental conceptualization of BPD, with AUDs and other adolescent psychopathology antecedents representing developmentally relevant forms of dysregulation, and in their more severe forms culminating in borderline symptomatology.
A new method for approximating passive network functions

The problem of efficiently approximating real frequency data, which represents either measured information of a physical system or idealized curves to be realized by rational positive real (PR) or bounded real (BR) functions is considered. The final rational function is guaranteed in advance to satisfy the conditions of physical realizability. All the steps of approximation are executed in the real frequency domain. Illustrative, numerical examples are given.
Anti-Inflammatory and Cardioprotective Effects of Tadalafil in Diabetic Mice

BACKGROUND Insulin resistance impairs nitric oxide (NO) bioavailability and obesity promotes a state of chronic inflammation and damages the vascular endothelium. Phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitors restore NO signaling and may reduce circulating inflammatory markers, and improve metabolic parameters through a number of mechanisms. We hypothesized that daily administration of the PDE-5 inhibitor, tadalafil (TAD) will attenuate inflammation, improve fasting plasma glucose and triglyceride levels, body weight, and reduce infarct size after ischemia/reperfusion injury in obese, diabetic mice. METHODS Twenty leptin receptor null (db/db) mice underwent treatment with TAD (1 mg/Kg) or 10% DMSO for 28 days. Body weight and fasting plasma glucose levels were determined weekly. Upon completion, hearts were isolated and subjected to 30 min global ischemia followed by 60 min reperfusion in a Langendorff model. Plasma samples were taken for cytokine analysis and fasting triglyceride levels. Infarct size was measured using computer morphometry of tetrazolium stained sections. Additionally, ventricular cardiomyocytes were isolated and subjected to 40 min of simulated ischemia and reoxygenation. Necrosis was determined using trypan blue exclusion and LDH release assay and apoptosis was assessed by TUNEL assay after 1 h or 18 h of reoxygenation, respectively. RESULTS Treatment with TAD caused a reduction in infarct size in the diabetic heart (23.2 ± 1.5 vs. 47.8 ± 3.7%, p<0.01, n = 6/group), reduced fasting glucose levels (292 ± 31.8 vs. 511 ± 19.3 mg/dL, p<0.001) and fasting triglycerides (43.3 ± 21 vs. 129.7 ± 29 mg/dL, p<0.05) as compared to DMSO, however body weight was not significantly reduced. Circulating tumor necrosis factor-α and interleukin-1β were reduced after treatment compared to control (257 ± 16.51 vs. 402.3 ± 17.26 and 150.8 ± 12.55 vs. 264 ± 31.85 pg/mL, respectively; P<0.001) Isolated cardiomyocytes from TAD-treated mice showed reduced apoptosis and necrosis. CONCLUSION We have provided the first evidence that TAD therapy ameliorates circulating inflammatory cytokines and chemokines in a diabetic animal model while improving fasting glucose levels and reducing infarct size following ischemia-reperfusion injury in the heart.
Microscopic friction and solvation in barrier crossing: isomerization of stilbene in size-selected hexane clusters

In order to understand the roles of bulk friction and solvation in barrier crossing reactions, here we report our first study of the isomerization rates for a beam of t-stilbene-hexane_n clusters, n = 1–5, at excess energies covering the range E_(ex) = 0–4000 cm^(−1). We observe that rates measured at excess energies well above the t-stilbene isomerization barrier decrease monotonically with increasing number of solvent molecules. The influence of microscopic solvation on the rates is systematically studied and related to changes in barrier height and internal friction, both key to the understanding of behavior in the bulk.
Explanation and nowness: an objection to the A-Theory

This paper presents an argument against the A-Theory of time. Briefly, I shall contend that the A-Theorist has no explanation for why the present moment in particular has the metaphysical privilege she accords it, and that this puts the theory at a disadvantage. In what follows, I shall begin by presenting this argument. I will follow that with some potential explanations for why the present moment is privileged and reasons militating against them, in addition to some other possible objections to my argument and my responses to them. The conclusion will be that the A-Theorist fails to provide either an obvious or a theoretical explanation of the present time’s privileged status and is thereby at a theoretical disadvantage to theories that do not posit a metaphysically privileged present time. Topics covered include the purported analogy between times and worlds, the possibility that times are individuated by what is true at them, and the semantic status of titles for date-times.
Vitamin C-induced oxalate nephropathy: a case report

Therapeutic benefits of vitamin C is an area of active research and large doses have been suggested by many studies for treatment of various conditions. We are describing a case of oxalate nephropathy leading to end stage kidney disease, which occurred secondary to mega-dose of oral vitamin C. Increasing the awareness between medical personnel as well as patients will clearly decrease the incidence of this debilitating but, at the same time, highly preventable disease.
A new support integration scheme for the weakform in mesh-free methods

A new support integration technique is proposed, which is similar to those used in truly mesh-free methods. The contribution of this paper is to exploit the divergence-free condition for the support integrals to construct quadrature formulas that only require three integration points per particle in two dimensions. Numerical examples show that the proposed integration method can achieve results that agree with manufactured closed-form solutions. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Elimination of coherent Rayleigh backscatter induced noise in fibre Michelson interferometers

A technique for the elimination of coherent Rayleigh backscatter effects in fibre optic Michelson interferometers is demonstrated. This technique allows interferometers to be addressed over a significant length of fibre lead, without Rayleigh backscatter induced excess noise limitations.
Cosmic-ray bursts

In cloud-chamber experiments the frequent occurrence of associated tracks has been observed.(1) It has been pointed out that a simple binary collision cannot explain all the associated tracks.(2)
An osteopontin splice variant induces anchorage independence in human breast cancer cells

In malignant tumors, metastasis genes are typically deregulated by aberrant expression or splicing. Osteopontin is expressed at high levels by various cancers and contributes importantly to their invasive potential. In contrast, osteopontin derived from host cells induces cellular immunity and could bolster antitumor protection by cytotoxic T lymphocytes. Here we show that breast cancer cells express multiple splice variants of osteopontin. According to RT-PCR analysis of human breast tissue specimens, the splice variant osteopontin-c is a highly specific marker for transformed cells, which is not expressed in their surrounding normal tissue. The full-length form of osteopontin aggregates in the presence of physiologic amounts of calcium and, in this state, leads to enhanced cell adhesion. Ostensibly, this effect is inhibitory for tumor cell dissemination. The shortest splice variant, osteopontin-c, does not aggregate in the presence of calcium and enhances clone formation in soft agar. According to microarray analysis, osteopontin-c induces the expression of oxidoreductases, consistent with protection from anoikis during anchorage-independent growth. These studies define a third functional domain of osteopontin, beside the C-terminal CD44-binding site and the central integrin-binding site. They also provide evidence for a bifunctional character of osteopontin, with the soluble form supporting invasiveness and the aggregated form promoting adhesion.
A Long-Acting, Highly Potent Interferon α-2 Conjugate Created Using Site-Specific PEGylation

Recombinant interferon alpha-2 (IFN-alpha2) is used clinically to treat a variety of viral diseases and cancers. IFN-alpha2 has a short circulating half-life, which necessitates frequent administration to patients. Previous studies showed that it is possible to extend the circulating half-life of IFN-alpha2 by modifying lysine residues of the protein with amine-reactive poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) reagents. However, amine-PEGylated IFN-alpha2 comprises a heterogeneous product mixture with low specific activity due to the large number and critical locations of lysine residues in IFN-alpha2. In an effort to overcome these problems we determined the feasibility of creating site-specific, mono-PEGylated IFN-alpha2 analogues by introducing a free (unpaired) cysteine residue into the protein, followed by modification of the added cysteine residue with a maleimide-PEG reagent. IFN-alpha2 cysteine analogues were expressed in Escherichia coli and purified, and their in vitro bioactivities were measured in the human Daudi cell line growth inhibition assay. Several cysteine analogues were identified that do not significantly affect in vitro biological activity of IFN-alpha2. Certain of the cysteine analogues, but not wild-type IFN-alpha2, reacted with maleimide-PEG to produce mono-PEGylated proteins. The PEG-Q5C analogue retained high in vitro bioactivity (within 3- to 4-fold of wild-type IFN-alpha2) even when modified with 20- and 40-kDa PEGs. Pharmacokinetic experiments indicated that the 20-kDa PEG-Q5C and 40-kDa PEG-Q5C proteins have 20-fold and 40-fold longer half-lives, respectively, than IFN-alpha2 following subcutaneous administration to rats. These studies demonstrate the feasibility of using site-specific PEGylation technology to create a long-acting, mono-PEGylated IFN-alpha2 protein with high specific activity.
Pure red cell aplasia: Lymphocyte inhibition of erythropoiesis

Summary The pathogenesis of pure red cell aplasia (PRCA) was studied in a patient who had no evidence of malignancy. In marrow culture, no erythroid colonies (from late erythroid progenitors [CFU-E]) but normal numbers of well-haemoglobinized erythroid bursts (from early erythroid progenitors [BFU-E]) were found, indicating that BFU-E existed in the patient but that their subsequent in vivo differentiation was inhibited. Autologous coculture studies suggested that inhibition was mediated by the patient's ER+ lymphocytes. After remission was induced with cyclophosphamide, autologous ER + cells no longer suppressed in vitro erythropoiesis. However, cryopreserved ER + cells, obtained with anaemia, suppressed BFU-E growth from remission marrow. An expanded population of large granular lymphocytes (LGL) with ER +, Fcγ+. T3 +, T8 +, HNK-1 +, Ia —, M1 — phenotype and no functional natural killer (NK) cell activity was noted during PRCA that reverted to normal with remission. For this patient, both in vivo and in vitro evidence demonstrates a cellular inhibition of erythropoiesis at the level of differentiation between BFU-E and CFU-E.
Screen time use in children under 3 years old: a systematic review of correlates

A large percentage (68%) of children under age 3 use screen media, such as television, DVDs and video games, on a daily basis. Research suggests that increased screen time in young children is linked to negative health outcomes, including increased BMI, decreased cognitive and language development and reduced academic success. Reviews on correlates of screen time for young children have included preschool age children and children up to age 7; however, none have focused specifically on correlates among infants and toddlers. As research suggests that screen media use increases with age, examining correlates of early media exposure is essential to reducing exposure later in life. Thus, this paper systemically reviews literature published between January 1999 and January 2013 on correlates of screen time among children between 0 and 36 months of age. Two methods were used to conduct this review: (1) Computerized searches of databases (PubMed, PsycINFO, ERIC, Medline); and (2) Reference sections of existing reviews and primary studies. Inclusion criteria were: (1) The article included separate data for children 36 months and younger, (2) English language, (3) peer reviewed article, (4) analysis reported for screen viewing as a dependent variable, (5) original research article and, (6) examined correlates or associations between screen time and other demographic, contextual or behavioral variables. Articles were compiled between 2011 and 2013 and evaluation occurred in 2012 and 2013. The literature search identified 29 studies that met inclusion criteria. These studies investigated a total of 33 potential correlates, which were examined in this review. Findings suggest demographic variables most commonly correlated with high screen time among infants and toddlers are child’s age (older) and race/ethnicity (minority). Child BMI, maternal distress/depression, television viewing time of the mother and cognitive stimulation in the home environment were also associated with screen media use. Studies reported that child sex, first born status, paternal education, non-English speaking family, two-parent household, number of children in the home and non-parental childcare were not associated with screen time among children aged 0–36 months. Associations were unclear (fewer than 60% of studies report an association) for maternal age, maternal education and household income. The remaining correlates were investigated in fewer than three studies and thus not coded for an association. The correlates identified in this study point to avenues for intervention to reduce screen time use in young children. However, further research is necessary to explore a number of environmental, socio-cultural and behavioral correlates that are under-examined in this population and may further inform prevention and intervention strategies.
Optical-CT scanning of polymer gels

The application of optical-CT scanning to achieve accurate high-resolution 3D dosimetry is a subject of current interest. The purpose of this paper is to provide a brief overview of past research and achievements in optical-CT polymer gel dosimetry, and to review current issues and challenges. The origins of optical-CT imaging of light-scattering polymer gels are reviewed. Techniques to characterize and optimize optical-CT performance are presented. Particular attention is given to studies of artifacts in optical-CT imaging, an important area that has not been well studied to date. The technique of optical-CT simulation by Monte-Carlo modeling is introduced as a tool to explore such artifacts. New simulation studies are presented and compared with experimental data.
Cultural Pluralism in American Education.

(1980). Cultural Pluralism in American Education. The Clearing House: A Journal of Educational Strategies, Issues and Ideas: Vol. 53, No. 5, pp. 235-237.
Microstructure and mechanical properties of a 5754 aluminum alloy modified by Sc and Zr additions

The effects of various heat treatments upon the microstructure and mechanical properties of a rolled 5754 aluminum alloy modified with 0.23 wt.% Sc and 0.22 wt.% Zr were investigated. Grain size, as well as precipitate size, type, and morphology were observed by optical and transmission electron microscopies. Two populations of the Al3Sc1� x Zrx phase were present: (i) large incoherent precipitates formed during solidification and hot-rolling; and (ii) fine coherent precipitates formed from secondary precipitation, which improved alloy strength, as shown by hardness, tensile, and fatigue measurements. Aging, however, also produced two types of grain-boundary precipitates, Al6Mn and b-Al3Mg2, which contributed to poorer fatigue behavior and reduced ductility. # 2002 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.
CONSIDERATIONS FOR THE USE OF GRASS CARP IN LARGE, OPEN SYSTEMS

ABSTRACT Grass carp have effectively controlled submergent aquatic macrophytes in large reservoirs when stocked at densities up to 75 fish per vegetated hectare. Large systems pose special concerns relative to decisions on whether to stock grass carp. Multiple use, multiple agency involvement, and interstate jurisdictions complicate decisionmaking. Complex vegetation communities of large systems make results less predictable. Grass carp movements not only allow impacts on nontarget areas but also may result in incomplete control. Grass carp biology is understood well enough to predict effects on vegetation, but vegetation responses to grass carp are not predictable enough for vegetation to be managed rather than controlled. This paper discusses the potentials and limitations for grass carp in large, open systems based principally upon studies in Lake Conroe, Tex., where 45 percent of the 8,000–hectare reservoir was infested by submergent macrophytes.
An MDA-based Approach for Specifying Semantic Portals

We propose an approach to leverage the development life cycle of a semantic portal through the use of Object Management Group's model driven architecture (MDA). In our proposed approach, developers can use their prior knowledge about system modeling and UML to create semantic applications, without worrying much about various ontologic intricacies. We believe that our proposed combination of the semantic technologies and MDA-centric standardizations makes an ideal contrivance for the integration and development of standardized knowledge-based applications.
Shear Strength of Soils

Shear may be defined as the tendency of one part of a soil mass to slide with respect to the other. This tendency occurs on all planes throughout the soil mass. The singular plane of interest, however, is the plane of potential failure, called the plane of rupture.
Continuity of solutions to operator equations with respect to a parameter.

Let $A(k)u(k)=f(k) (1)$ be an operator equation, $X$ and $Y$ are Banach spaces, $k\in\Delta\subset\C$ is a parameter, $A(k):X\to Y$ is a map, possibly nonlinear. Sufficient conditions are given for continuity of $u(k)$ with respect to $k$. Necessary and sufficient conditions are given for the continuity of $u(k)$ with respect to $k$ in the case of linear operators $A(k)$.
Experimental methods for evaluating heating uniformity in radio frequency systems

Heating uniformity is one of the most important considerations in developing radio frequency (RF) systems and processes in heating applications. Two different loads were used in this study to evaluate heating uniformity in a 12 kW, 27.12 MHz pilot-scale RF system with plate applicators. One method involved the use of a custom-designed water load, while the other used polyurethane foam. For the water load, 24 thermocouples simultaneously measured final temperatures of water and 1% carboxymethylcellulose (CMC) solution in both horizontal and vertical planes. Regulating the air gaps between the top electrode and the water or CMC samples resulted in different power couplings in the heating load ranging from 5.5 to 10 kW and corresponding heating rates of 5.3–9.4 °C min −1 . The hottest spot was always located near the electrode centre. The temperature difference between the front and back sides of the RF cavity was less than 2 °C, but the difference between the right and left sides was as much as 10 °C. A relatively large zone was defined in the centre where the temperature difference was less than 4 °C. A symmetric design of the inductance positions and feeding strips improved the heating uniformity. The temperature distribution after symmetric design was further confirmed in polyurethane foams using a thermal imaging camera. Further research is needed to improve the heating uniformity with the help of computer modelling.
Point of impact: Delivering mission essential supplies to the warfighter through the Joint Precision Airdrop System

Soldiers know firsthand the criticality of having mission essential supplies and equipment arrive at the right place, at the right time. This is of particular importance when operating in remote locations around the world where hostilities are prevalent, terrain is restrictive and mission accomplishment has strategic implications. The Joint Precision Airdrop System (JPADS) is a guided logistical resupply platform that delivers supplies and equipment in a precise manner to Soldiers operating in restrictive or hostile terrain from a high altitude when conventional means of resupply are unavailable, unrealistic or ill-advised. Our current force structure requires a system that can operate in a dynamic and mercurial environment in order to rapidly adjust to changes on the ground. The research paper will explore the JPADS from a Systems Architecture perspective in order to decompose the system and provide critical system details, which will aid in the Design Structure Matrix (DSM) analysis that will follow. The outcome of this research is to not only provide recommendations to the project sponsors working on the JPADS, but to illustrate the value of using Systems Engineering methodologies and tools to analyze complex systems and challenges.
An Award with Reservations

After Poisson read his 1814 memoir he had every reason to expect the prize would be retired. It had been established with him in mind and he had finally realized Laplace’s expectation of him. It had taken longer than anticipated and he had needed help, but still he had completed an analysis. The help had come first of all by chance from Lagrange. Sophie Germain had provided more help by demonstrating that Lagrange’s equation, in fact, worked in a number of special cases, experimentally demonstrating its validity. Yet while Poisson could use this information to encourage and guide him in his own work, he did not have to think seriously of Sophie Germain as either critic or competitor. Apparently her mathematical acumen was not great enough to allow her to derive Lagrange’s equation in any way. The honorable mention awarded her — by Poisson as well as the other judges — constituted acknowledgement of rather useful work by an inferior, rather than recognition of a peer.
Taste reactivity in alcohol preferring and nonpreferring rats.

Taste reactivity tests were used to examine the orofacial responses of alcohol preferring (P) rats and alcohol nonpreferring (NP) rats to the taste of alcohol. In the initial exposure, naive rats were tested for reactivity to five concentrations of alcohol (5%, 10%, 20%, 30%, and 40% v/v), water, and one solution each of sucrose and quinine. A two-bottle consumption test was then given for a 3-week period to allow the rats access to 10% alcohol. After the preference test, a second taste reactivity test was done using the same solutions as in the initial reactivity test. The results indicated no significant differences in taste reactivity between P rats and NP rats on the initial exposure, except that NP rats made significantly more mouth movements. During the two-bottle tests, consumption of alcohol by P rats was consistently higher than that of NP rats across all test days. On the second taste reactivity test, P rats showed an increase in the number of ingestive responses and a decrease in the number of aversive responses to alcohol. NP rats' taste reactivity to alcohol remained unchanged from Exposure 1 to Exposure 2. P rats' and NP rats' responses to sucrose and quinine did not change from Exposure 1 to Exposure 2. It was concluded that there were no innate taste response differences between P and NP rats to alcohol but that following alcohol experience, P rats showed a significant increase in ingestive responses and a concomitant decrease in aversive responses to the taste of alcohol. These data suggest that the taste of alcohol becomes more palatable to P rats after alcohol experience, a factor that may be important in the maintenance of continued high alcohol consumption by P rats.
Cost-effectiveness of endovascular therapy for acute ischemic stroke

Though rarely considered in the clinical decision algorithm, issues of cost-effectiveness assume critical importance for the sustainability of a widely used therapy that entails considerable cost and has unproven benefit. Although current data are limited, we review the studies that have demonstrated via modeling that endovascular stroke treatment may generate significant future economic benefits, even if these treatments have a high price and result in relatively small initial reductions in disability. We highlight important considerations that, on the basis of the logistics and protocols of current neuroendovascular practices, should be included in future cost-effectiveness analyses of endovascular therapy for acute ischemic stroke.
C‐Terminal region of human NAD+‐dependent 15‐hydroxyprostaglandin dehydrogenase is involved in the interaction with prostaglandin substrates

NAD+-dependent 15-hydroxyprostaglandin dehydrogenase (15-PGDH) catalyzes the oxidation of the 15(S) hydroxyl group of prostaglandins to a 15-keto group resulting in a significant reduction of the biological activities of prostaglandins. Although the key residues involved in NAD+ binding and in catalytic activity have been partially identified, the sites of interaction of the enzyme with the prostaglandin substrates are yet to be determined. Homology analysis of the primary structures of 15-PGDH from human, mouse and rat indicates that the sequences are almost homologous except for two regions near the C-terminus. The involvement of the C-terminal region in catalytic activity was examined by studies on C-terminally truncated enzymes and on human/rat chimeric enzymes. When three to four amino acids were removed successively from the C-terminal end of human 15-PGDH, the truncated enzymes exhibited decreasing Vmax/Km ratios and increasing Km values for PGE2 as the chain was shortened. Similarly, when the C-terminal 14 amino acids of human 15-PGDH were replaced by the C-terminal 14 amino acids of rat 15-PGDH or vice versa, the Vmax/Km ratios and the Km values for prostaglandin E2 of the chimeric enzymes were in between those of the two wild-type enzymes. This indicates that the catalytic effectiveness of human 15-PGDH decreases as the C-terminal region is gradually removed or replaced by rat sequences. The C-terminal region appears to be more important for the interaction of the enzyme with the prostaglandin substrates than with the coenzyme.
Update on the regulation of mammalian melanocyte function and skin pigmentation

Melanogenesis is the unique process of producing pigmented biopolymers that are sequestered within melanosomes, which provides color to the skin, hair and eyes of animals and, in the case of human skin, also protects the underlying tissues from UV damage. We review the current understanding of melanogenesis, focusing on factors important to the biochemistry of pigment synthesis, the biogenesis of melanosomes, signaling pathways and factors that regulate melanogenesis, intramelanosomal pH, transport and transfer of melanosomes, and pigmentary disorders related to the dysfunction of melanosome-related proteins. Although it has been known for some time that many of the factors that affect melanogenesis are derived from keratinocytes, fibroblasts, endothelial cells, hormones, inflammatory cells and nerves, a number of new factors that are involved in that regulation have recently been reported, such as factors that regulate melanosome pH and ion transport.
Infrared Techniques for Measuring Temperature and Related Phenomena of Microcircuits

A flexible ir system affords several ways to approach the investigation of temperature, dependent phenomena on small geometry targets. The appropriate technique will generally depend upon the objective of the particular investigation. Procedures for determining thermal time response, temperature mapping, and thermal image generation are demonstrated by example.
Determinants of Strain-Specific Differences in Efficiency of Reovirus Entry

Cell entry of reovirus requires a series of ordered steps, which include conformational changes in outer capsid protein μ1 and its autocleavage. The μ1N fragment released as a consequence of these events interacts with host cell membranes and mediates their disruption, leading to delivery of the viral core into the cytoplasm. The prototype reovirus strains T1L and T3D exhibit differences in the efficiency of autocleavage, in the propensity to undergo conformational changes required for membrane penetration, and in the capacity for penetrating host cell membranes. To better understand how polymorphic differences in μ1 influence reovirus entry events, we generated recombinant viruses that express chimeric T1L-T3D μ1 proteins and characterized them for the capacity to efficiently complete each step required for membrane penetration. Our studies revealed two important functions for the central δ region of μ1. First, we found that μ1 autocleavage is regulated by the N-terminal portion of δ, which forms an α-helical pedestal structure. Second, we observed that the C-terminal portion of δ, which forms a jelly-roll β barrel structure, regulates membrane penetration by influencing the efficiency of ISVP* formation. Thus, our studies highlight the molecular basis for differences in the membrane penetration efficiency displayed by prototype reovirus strains and suggest that distinct portions of the reovirus δ domain influence different steps during entry.
Bayesian Estimation and the Kalman Filter

In this tutorial article we give a Bayesian derivation of a basic state estimation result for discrete-time Markov process models with independent process and measurement noise and measurements not affecting the state. We then list some properties of Gaussian random vectors and show how the Kalman filtering algorithm follows from the general state estimation result and a linear-Gaussian model definition. We give some illustrative examples including a probabilistic Turing machine, dynamic classification, and tracking a moving object.
Expanding the Justificatory Framework of Mill's Experiments in Living

In On Liberty, Mill introduced the concept of ‘experiments in living’. I will provide an account of what Mill saw to be the basic problem he was addressing – the extensive pressure to fit in with the crowd, and how this bred mediocrity. I connect this to worries about public reason models of justification. I argue that a generalized version of Mill's argument offers us a better path to political justification stemming from experimentation. Rather than grounding political justification on shared political reasons, we justify our political culture on our ability to reject consensus views and try alternatives.