cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Mobile ATM buffer capacity analysis

This paper extends a stochastic theory for buffer fill distribution for multiple “on” and “off” sources to a mobile environment. Queue fill distribution is described by a set of differential equations assuming sources alternate asynchronously between exponentially distributed periods in “on” and “off” states. This paper includes the probabilities that mobile sources have links to a given queue. The sources represent mobile user nodes, and the queue represents the capacity of a switch. This paper presents a method of analysis which uses mobile parameters such as speed, call rates per unit area, cell area, and call duration and determines queue fill distribution at the ATMcell level. The analytic results are compared with simulation results.
A Mechanistic Model for the Prediction of Water-Subcooled-Flow-Boiling Critical Heat Flux at High Liquid Velocity and Subcooling

A new model is presented for the prediction of the critical heat flux (CHF) of subcooled flow boiling based on a liquid-sublayer dryout mechanism, i.e., the dryout of a thin, liquid layer beneath a...
Using Galaxy to Perform Large-Scale Interactive Data Analyses

While most experimental biologists know where to download genomic data, few have a concrete plan on how to analyze it. This situation can be corrected by: (1) providing unified portals serving genomic data and (2) building Web applications to allow flexible retrieval and on-the-fly analyses of the data. Powerful resources, such as the UCSC Genome Browser already address the first issue. The second issue, however, remains open. For example, how to find human protein-coding exons with the highest density of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and extract orthologous sequences from all sequenced mammals? Indeed, one can access all relevant data from the UCSC Genome Browser. But once the data is downloaded how would one deal with millions of SNPs and gigabytes of alignments? Galaxy (http://g2.bx.psu.edu) is designed specifically for that purpose. It amplifies the strengths of existing resources (such as UCSC Genome Browser) by allowing the user to access and, most importantly, analyze data within a single interface in an unprecedented number of ways.
Oral cavity of Tetrahymena pyriformis. A freeze-fracture and high-voltage electron microscopy study of the oral ribs, cytostome, and forming food vacuole.

The architecture of the oral ribs and the cytostome region of the in situ oral cavity of Tetrahymena pyriformis has been studied. The overall organization of the ribs depends on two sets of underlying microtubules, linkers that connect individual microtubules to the plasma membrane and to the alveolar sacs and a fine filamentous reticulum that supports all of these structures and which exhibits many cross-connections to the microtubules and the alveolar sacs. Freeze-fracture replicas of the plasma membrane that covers the ribs reveal longitudinal rows of evenly spaced particles located near the crest and irregular, short rows of closely spaced particles in the troughs between the ribs. The longitudinal rows of particles could correspond to attachment sites for the linkers connecting the outermost microtubules in the rows of four to the plasma membrane. The short, irregular rows of particles might mediate plasma membrane—alveolar sac interactions. Serial thick sections indicate that microtubules from some of the oral ribs extend around the cytostome and insert into the underside of the foot of the trap door-like cytostomal lip. Cytoplasmic vesicles appear to contribute membrane material to the adjacent forming food vacuole. A model describing the functional significance of the different oral cavity components is presented.
Oxygen Microelectrode That Is Insensitive to Medium Chemical Composition: Use in an Acid Microbial Mat Dominated by Cyanidium caldarium.

A novel oxygen microelectrode with a tip diameter of 2 to 20 μm was constructed which could function satisfactorily under a variety of environmental conditions and in a variety of media, including human blood serum, citric acid at pH 2.5, moist air, and paraffin oil. Measurement of oxygen by this electrode does not require stirring of the medium. Electrodes could be made so that the 90% response time necessary to detect changes in oxygen concentration was less than 0.2 s, and response was linear with oxygen concentration. To demonstrate the performance of the electrode, oxygen and photosynthesis profiles of an acid microbial mat (pH 2.8) dominated by the eucaryotic alga Cyanidium caldarium were made. Photosynthetic rates as high as 95 mmol of O2 dm−3 h−1 were measured within the most active 0.1-mm layer, which was ca. 0.2 mm below the surface of the microbial mat. The total photosynthetic activity was 47 mmol of O2 m−2 h−1. Vertical profiles of photosynthesis at different light intensities showed that the microalgae within the mat were not photoinhibited at bright sunlight (2,090 μEinsteins m−2 s−1).
Quantitative Measurement of Blood Loss During Delivery

Paper Presentation Objective To facilitate a change in behavior from visual estimation of blood loss to objective quantification of blood loss during delivery. Secondly, to examine the effect of quantification of blood loss on identification of hemorrhage during birth. Design Prospective cohort to examine two methods to measure blood loss, visual and gravimetric, used by physicians and nurses. Sample A convenience sample of 52 birth cases was evaluated. Methods After approval from the Institutional Review Board, a prospective cohort, evidence‐based project at a suburban hospital in the southern United States was implemented from January 1, 2014 to March 30, 2014. All women who were scheduled for delivery, older than age 18, and spoke English were included in the project. After patient consent, the physician was notified of inclusion. Postpartum blood loss was visually estimated by the physicians and nurses. The research team quantified the blood loss by gravimetrically weighing blood lost, subtracting the dry weight, and adding the fluid in drapes and containers. The amniotic fluid was collected separately and not included. The visual and quantified estimates were compared. Implementation Strategies Donabedian's quality model provided a structured, organized way to improve the process of estimating blood loss for the obstetric patient. Additionally, Lewin's change model was used to change practice. Change occurred during implementation as physicians and nurses learned quantification methods and gained satisfaction in knowing that measurements were objective. The final stage or freezing happened when the data were presented and policy was changed. Ongoing data regarding response to maternal hemorrhage are based on objective quantification of blood loss. Results Physicians and registered nurses underestimated (p = .0001) the amount of blood loss at delivery by 21% to 28%. Registered nurses were inconsistent in underestimating blood loss (p = .441). There were no linear correlations or significance differences between hematocrit and hemoglobin postdelivery. Through a paired t test, a significant difference (p = .0001) between visual and gravimetric estimation of blood loss was found. Conclusion/Implications for Nursing Practice Accurate assessment and recognition of postpartum hemorrhage is an essential skill. Researchers indicate that quantitative measurement of blood loss is an accurate method and visual assessment should be eliminated from practice. Knowing the accurate, objective amount of blood lost will enable the health care team to recognize and respond faster to an obstetric hemorrhage.
MASS—a mail service simulation

This model was developed for the U.S. Post Office Department for the purpose of evaluating the relative merits of alternative mail processing, handling, and transportation plans. It may be used to evaluate proposed mail sorting and routing schemes, man-power allocations, new mail processing equipment, transportation scheduling, and mail volume fluctuations.
A primer on early childhood obesity and parental influence.

Childhood obesity is a common health problem facing U.S. children with an increasing prevalence particularly in certain populations. Recognizing obesity in children is a clinical determination with specific measures that can indicate potential future associated health problems, but parental perception of overweight and/or obesity is influenced by other conditions. This primer offers a brief synopsis of parental influence in the etiology of early childhood obesity beginning with parameters of obesity and how it is operationalized through measurement. The importance of parental perceptions of their children relative to obesity and eating are discussed, and how parents influence the development of childhood eating behaviors or physical activity are considered.
The 87A7 chromomere: Identification of novel chromatin structures flanking the heat shock locus that may define the boundaries of higher order domains☆

The chromatin fiber of eukaryotic chromosomes is thought to be organized into a series of discrete domains or loops. To learn more about these large-scale structures, we have examined the sequence and chromatin organization of the DNA segments surrounding the two hsp 70 genes at the Drosophila melanogaster cytogenetic locus 87A7. These studies indicate that this heat shock locus is flanked on both the proximal and distal sides by novel chromatin structures, which we have called, respectively, scs and scs' (specialized chromatin structures). Each structure is defined by two sets of closely spaced nuclease-hypersensitive sites arranged around a central nuclease-resistant segment. Our findings suggest that these two structures define the proximal and distal boundaries of the 87A7 chromomere and, hence, may be one of the first examples of anchor points for the organization of eukaryotic chromosomes into a series of discrete higher order domains. Moreover, these structures may provide focal points both for the decondensation of the chromomere when the hsp 70 genes are induced by heat shock and for the subsequent rewinding and condensation of the chromomere during recovery from heat shock.
An SVD-based comparison of nine whole eukaryotic genomes supports a coelomate rather than ecdysozoan lineage

Background Eukaryotic whole genome sequences are accumulating at an impressive rate. Effective methods for comparing multiple whole eukaryotic genomes on a large scale are needed. Most attempted solutions involve the production of large scale alignments, and many of these require a high stringency pre-screen for putative orthologs in order to reduce the effective size of the dataset and provide a reasonably high but unknown fraction of correctly aligned homologous sites for comparison. As an alternative, highly efficient methods that do not require the pre-alignment of operationally defined orthologs are also being explored.
Tryptophan concentrations in rat brain. Failure to correlate with free serum tryptophan or its ratio to the sum of other serum neutral amino acids

Groups of rats were deprived of food overnight and then given free access to diets designed to raise (carbohydrate) or lower (carbohydrate and large neutral amino acids) brain tryptophan concentrations. Similar diets were supplemented with 40% fat and fed to other groups. All animals were killed 2h after food presentation. Sera from animals fed carbohydrate plus fat contained 2.5 times as much free tryptophan concentrations did not differ. Similarly, sera from rats fed on carbohydrate, large neutral amino acids, and 40% fat contained 5 times as much free tryptophan as those from rats given this meal without fat, but brain tryptophan concentrations increased by only 26%. Correlations were made between brain tryptophan and (1) free serum tryptophan, (2) the ratio of free serum tryptophan to the sum of the other large neutral amino acids in serum that compete with it for uptake into the brain, (3) total serum tryptophan or (4) the ratio of total serum tryptophan to the sum of its circulating competitors. The r values for correlations (3) and (4) (i.e. those involving total serum tryptophan) were appreciably higher than those for correlations (1) and (2). Brain tyrosine concentrations also were found to correlate well with the ratio of serum tyrosine to the sum of its competitors. Competition for uptake into the brain among large neutral amino acids (represented here by serum ratios) thus appears to determine the changes in the brain concentrations of these amino acids under physiological conditions(i.e. after food consumption). Total, not free, serum tryptophan is the relevant index for predicting brain tryptophan concentrations.
From precedence constraint posting to partial order schedules: A CSP approach to Robust Scheduling

Constraint-based approaches to scheduling have typically formulated the problem as one of finding a consistent assignment of start times for each goal activity. In contrast, we are pursuing an approach that operates with a problem formulation more akin to least-commitment frameworks, where the objective is to post sufficient additional precedence constraints between pairs of activities contending for the same resources to ensure feasibility with respect to time and resource constraints. One noteworthy characteristic of this Precedence Constraint Posting (PCP) approach, is that solutions generated in this way generally encapsulate a set of feasible schedules (i.e., a solution contains the sets of activity start times that remain consistent with posted sequencing constraints). Such solutions can offer advantages when there is temporal uncertainty associated with executing activities. In this paper, we consider the problem of generating temporally flexible schedules that possess good robustness properties. We first introduce the concept of a Partial Order Schedule (POS), a type of temporally flexible schedule in which each embedded temporal solution is also guaranteed to be resource feasible, as a target class of solutions that exploit flexibility in a robust way. We then present and analyze two PCP-based methods for generating POSs. The first method uses a pure least commitment approach, where the set of all possible time-feasible schedules is successively winnowed into a smaller resource-feasible set. The second method alternatively utilizes a focused analysis of one possible solution, and first generates a single, resource-feasible, fixed-times schedule. This point solution is then transformed into a POS in a second post-processing phase. Somewhat surprisingly, this second method is found to be a quite effective means of generating robust schedules.
Chromosome numbers of three seagrasses from the Netherlands Antilles

Abstract The chromosome numbers of three seagrasses from The Netherlands Antilles have been determined and are as follows: Thalassia testudinum Banks ex Konig, 2 n = 18; Syringodium filiforme Kutz. in Hohenacker, 2 n = 20; and Halodule wrightii Aschers., 2 n = 44.
Habitat and sediment preferences of Axarus festivus larvae

During fall draw-down of a reservoir in northeast Kansas it was observed that larvae ofAxarus festivus were restricted to highly weathered Pennsylvanian Shale outcrops and surrounding coarse sediments with high-clay content derived from erosion of the shale outcroppings. Larvae constructed burrows into the outcrops and eroded coarse sediments, which they used to filter feed by setting up currents through the burrows. Burrows were widely distributed over the outcrops, with average densities ranging from 372–2,351 burrows m−2. However, closer inspection revealed that burrows were more common at apices of individual shale strata, where weathering of the outcrop was most advanced. Here burrows were more uniformly distributed and densities ranged to 4,166 burrows m−2. 73% of burrows contained larvae. Burrows were generally U-shaped, and averaged 1.8 mm in diameter and 42 mm in total length. Laboratory experiments revealed that 4th instar larvae removed from burrows could construct new burrows in weathered shale, but preferentially used old empty burrows if available. When given choices among alternative sediment combinations of sandvs. finely-ground shale, sandvs. coarsely-ground shale, and finely-ground shalevs. coarsely-ground shale, larvae exhibited statistically significant preferences for the finely-ground shales (P<0.001), coarsely-ground shales (P<0.001), and coarsely-ground shales (P<0.01), respectively. It is concluded that larvae (1) actively select shale or high-clay content sediments, (2) can differentiate among sediments with differing physical properties and (3) exhibit behavioral choices for sediment types that guide them toward shale outcrops.
The selective Dectin-1 agonist, curdlan, induces an oxidative burst response in chicken heterophils and peripheral blood mononuclear cells.

A critical component of host innate immunity is recognition of pathogen-associated molecular patterns (PAMPs) by pattern recognition receptors (PRRs). Dectin-1 is the primary PRR for exogenous β-glucan, a component of fungal and bacterial cell walls. A previous study conducted in our laboratory demonstrated that administration of β-glucan as a feed additive resulted in increased innate immune function of neonatal chickens, suggesting that chickens possess a Dectin-1-like β-glucan receptor. In the present study, we demonstrated that heterophils and peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) from day-old chicks had a significant increase in the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) following stimulation with the Dectin-1 specific agonist, curdlan. Pretreatment of heterophils and PBMCs with laminarin, a β-glucan receptor blocking agent and specific inhibitor of Dectin-1 activity, significantly reduced the curdlan-induced ROS production. Together these data provide evidence for the first time of the presence of a functional Dectin-1-like β-glucan receptor in chicken heterophils and PBMCs.
Dependence of mast cell IgE-mediated cytokine production on nuclear factor-κB activity

Abstract Background: The transcription factor nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) has been implicated in the regulation of a number of inflammatory cytokines and has been the proposed target for anti-inflammatory therapeutics. Objective: Our purpose was to explore the role of NF-κB in the regulation of allergic inflammation. Methods: To determine whether NF-κB is activated during IgE-mediated reactions and what types of mediators it regulates, a mutant form of IκB was used to block the ability of NF-κB to translocate to the nucleus and promote the transcription of selected genes. Results: Mouse bone marrow–derived mast cells stimulated by IgE receptor cross-linking exhibited an activation of NF-κB as assessed by electrophoretic mobility shift assays. Transfected mast cells expressing the mutant IκB showed very little NF-κB activation. Both control and transfected cells released β-hexosaminidase after specific antigen challenge, and this release could be potentiated by exogenous adenosine. Transfected mast cells that failed to develop NF-κB activation did not produce IL-6 messenger RNA or protein after IgE-mediated stimulation, but these cells retained the ability to produce transcripts for IL-4 and IL-5 in spite of the suppression of NF-κB activity. Conclusions: It appears that NF-κB is activated during IgE-mediated allergic inflammation and that this activity is necessary for the production of IL-6, but not IL-4 or IL-5. When considering the use of agents that target NF-κB to reduce inflammatory processes, it is important to know precisely which cytokines are under its control. (J Allergy Clin Immunol 2000;105:500-5.)
Valuation effects of rollout publicly traded partnerships in the oil and gas industry

In trying to explain the often painful process of corporate restructuring, fingers are frequently pointed at inefficient management. This gives short shrift, however, to an important result of breaking up large, integrated corporations and selling them in smaller pieces: it makes the capital market more nearly complete, and there are strong theoretical arguments that this enhances value. We report the results of a natural experiment that occurred in the oil and gas industry, in which eleven integrated corporations formed publicly traded partnerships to hold their domestic production properties, yet (with few exceptions) retained most of the partnership units under corporate ownership. This behavior avoids any significant change in corporate governance, and is inconsistent with the tax motive popularly attributed as the reason for forming these partnerships; yet we find that significant positive abnormal returns accrued to stockholders when the formations were announced. The results we observe, therefore, support the theory that additional value can be realized by expanding the set of opportunities available to the investment community.
Relation of coronary atherosclerosis determined by electron beam computed tomography and plasma levels of n-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide in a multiethnic population-based sample (the Dallas Heart Study).

Elevated plasma levels of B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) and N-terminal pro-BNP (NT–pro-BNP) are seen in the setting of cardiac ischemia and are associated with adverse outcomes in patients with coronary artery disease. The mechanisms leading to natriuretic peptide elevation in patients with coronary artery disease, including the contribution of coronary atherosclerosis itself, have not been fully elucidated. Measurement of NT–pro-BNP, electron beam computed tomography, and cardiac magnetic resonance imaging were performed in 2,445 subjects from the Dallas Heart Study who were free of heart failure and renal insufficiency. Electron beam computed tomography–determined coronary artery calcium scores were categorized as none (
Predicting Firm Reputation Through Content Analysis of Shareholders' Letter

In this study, we use content analysis to measure the usefulness of the narrative content of the chairman's letter to the shareholders as a possible proxy for corporate reputation. Firms with both high and low corporate reputations are identified using three prominent rating services. Using content analysis, significant variations in word choice, word length and word variety are found between these two groups. The firms with a high corporate reputation use less varied, shorter and more concrete words than the low reputation firms. These high reputation firms concentrate on realism with a matter-of-fact type of style. Based on these variables, a logit regression successfully classifies 81 percent of our study firms according to perceived reputation. The results are further tested by matching unranked corporations to our study firms. The logit values for the matched firms are statistically different from those of the study groups. We attribute this to content differences in the letter to the shareholders. This significant association between narrative content and corporate reputation suggests that management uses the shareholders’ letter as a tool of reputation management.
Childbearing, Stress and Obesity Disparities in Women: A Public Health Perspective

The perinatal period, from early in the first trimester to 1 year postpartum, provides opportunities for novel public health interventions to reduce obesity disparities. We present a unifying socio-biological framework to suggest opportunities for multidisciplinary research and public health approaches to elucidate and target the mechanisms for the development of maternal obesity and related disparities. The framework illustrates the interplay of the social, cultural and physical environment; stress appraisal and response; and coping behaviors on short-term outcomes (e.g. allostatic load and gestational weight gain), the intermediate outcomes of persistent insulin resistance and post-partum weight retention, and longer term outcomes of obesity and its disease consequences. Testing the proposed relationships may provide insights into how childbearing risk factors such as gestational weight gain, postpartum weight retention and parity contribute to obesity, which are needed to inform public health policies and clinical care guidelines aimed at reducing obesity and improving the health of women.
QUANTUM DOT INFRARED DETECTORS AND SOURCES

InAs/GaAs quantum dot devices have the potential to be the leading technology for infrared detection and emission, which are necessary for many military and domestic applications. Quantum dot infrared photodetectors yield higher operating temperatures, lower dark currents, and more wavelength tunability. They also permit the detection of normal-incidence light. Quantum dot infrared sources are also expected to yield higher operating temperatures, in addition to lower threshold currents and higher modulation bandwidths. After a brief review of the history of infrared detection and emission, the optical and electrical characteristics of self-organized In(Ga)As/GaAs quantum dots grown by molecular beam epitaxy are discussed, followed by results for the quantum dot detectors and emitters that have been developed at the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor.
Relationship Between Soil Stiffness Gauge Modulus and Other Test Moduli for Granular Soils

Recently, there has been a concerted effort to develop methods for direct measurement of soil stiffness, modulus, or both. A new field test device called the soil stiffness gauge (SSG), which is currently marketed as GeoGauge, shows potential to assess near-surface stiffness. A comparison is presented of moduli obtained from the SSG with moduli obtained from other tests on granular soils. The maximum single-amplitude dynamic force produced during the SSG measurement is determined to be 17.3 N. On this basis, an estimate of the shear strain amplitude produced from the SSG is made by finite element analysis. A plot of shear modulus versus shear strain amplitude on a medium sand obtained from different laboratory tests, including the SSG, is presented. The comparison of the SSG modulus with the moduli from other laboratory tests indicates that the SSG outputs a dynamic modulus corresponding to a strain amplitude approximately 20 times higher than the expected range and with a magnitude lower than it should be on the basis of the induced strain. Nevertheless, the SSG modulus is still higher than that from the resilient modulus test typically used for pavement design.
A new method of treatment for complete tracheal rings in an infant: endoscopic laser division and balloon dilation.

Abstract Purpose: The authors describe a new technique for management of complete tracheal rings in infants. Methods: The procedure consists of rigid bronchoscopy with KTP laser division, in the posterior midline, of the complete rings and gradual advancement of the bronchoscope aided by endoscopic balloon dilation. Conclusions: The laser division, coupled with balloon dilation, allows for controlled separation of the cartilages posteriorly. The anterior esophageal wall buttresses the posterior tracheal separation. J Pediatr Surg 35:262-264. Copyright © 2000 by W.B. Saunders Company.
Down-regulation of vascular endothelial growth factor in human colon carcinoma cell lines by antisense transfection decreases endothelial cell proliferation.

Background. Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is a potent paracrine angiogenic factor implicated in human colon cancer angiogenesis. This study determined whether regulation of VEGF expression by human colon cancer cell lines affects endothelial cell proliferation in an in vitro model of angiogenesis. Methods. Human colon carcinoma cell lines were screened for VEGF mRNA expression. SW480 cells (low VEGF expresser) were transfected with the VEGF sense (VS) vector, and SW620 cells (high VEGF expresser) were transfected with the VEGF antisense (VAS) vector. Cells were transfected with the vector alone as control. Endothelial cells were grown in conditioned, serum-free medium produced from experimental cells, and proliferation was determined. Results. SW480-VS transfectants exhibited a sixfold increase in VEGF secretion. SW620-VAS transfectants exhibited a 50% reduction in VEGF secretion. Endothelial cells grown in conditioned medium from SW480-VS cells exhibited a 1.5-to 2-fold increase in proliferation. Addition of conditioned medium from SW620-VAS cells resulted in a 25% to 50% decrease in endothelial cell proliferation. Conclusions. VEGF production by human colon cancer cells regulates endothelial cell proliferation. Antisense VEGF transfection can down-regulate VEGF secretion and biologic activity. Therapies to decrease VEGF expression may be a means of inhibiting angiogenesis in primary and metastatic colon cancer.
Knight shifts and Pauli susceptibilities in alkali metal alloys

Abstract Explicitly orthogonalized wavefunctions are calculated for conduction electrons at the nucleus in liquid alkali-metal alloys at all concentrations. These wavefunctions, when combined with measured alloy Knight shifts, lead to a unique Pauli susceptibility in the density range 4.0
Consumer preferences for new technology: apples enriched with antioxidant coatings in Uzbekistan

Food markets in developing countries are experiencing an expansion of new functional products. Even though their market share is small, these food products are usually imported and post a higher price compared to local products. In this article, we investigate the consumer response toward new functional food products in Uzbekistan by focusing on the incorporation of apples enriched with antioxidant coating in the food market. We conduct consumer surveys with two different information treatments. We utilize a dichotomous-choice contingent valuation methodology to estimate willingness to pay for this product and analyze factors that affect consumer choice. The results suggest that the average Uzbek respondent is willing to purchase functional apples with a 6% discount. The effect of information regarding the potential health benefits of antioxidants is positive and statistically significant. We compare the findings with a previous U.S. study of the same product and discuss how the delivery method provides an additional hurdle in the Uzbek market.
Neuropilin-2 contributes to tumorigenicity in a mouse model of Hedgehog pathway medulloblastoma

The Hedgehog (Hh) signaling pathway has been implicated in the most common childhood brain tumor, medulloblastoma (MB). Given the toxicity of post-surgical treatments for MB, continued need exists for new, targeted therapies. Based upon our finding that Neuropilin (Nrp) transmembrane proteins are required for Hh signal transduction, we investigated the role of Nrp in MB cells. Cultured cells derived from a mouse Ptch+/−;LacZ MB (Med1-MB), effectively modeled the Hh pathway-related subcategory of human MBs in vitro. Med1-MB cells maintained constitutively active Hh target gene transcription, and consistently formed tumors within one month after injection into mouse cerebella. The proliferation rate of Med1-MBs in culture was dependent upon Nrp2, while reducing Nrp1 function had little effect. Knockdown of Nrp2 prior to cell implantation significantly increased mouse survival, compared to transfection with a non-targeting siRNA. Knocking down Nrp2 specifically in MB cells avoided any direct effect on tumor vascularization. Nrp2 should be further investigated as a potential target for adjuvant therapy in patients with MB.
Surface Electrochemistry of CO and H2/CO Mixtures at Pt(100) Interface: Electrode Kinetics and Interfacial Structures

The Pt(100)−CO interaction in aqueous electrolytes was examined by using rotating disk methods in combination with in-situ surface X-ray scattering (SXS) measurements. The analysis of the SXS results indicates that the topmost platinum atoms expand away from the second layer by ca. 4% when Hupd was completely displaced from Pt(100) by CO to form a saturated layer of CO. Assuming that gas-phase heats of adsorption for CO apply as well to the liquid−solid interface, we estimate that the Gibbs energy change for the displacement of Hupd by CO on Pt(100) is close to −90 kJ/mol. A Pt(100)−CO surface normal interlayer spacing of 1.4 ± 0.4 A was extracted from SXS measurements, suggesting that CO is adsorbed primarily at the 2-fold bridge-bonded sites, or possibly a mixture of bridge and atop sites. In contrast to the Pt(111)−CO system, no structures of COad with long-range order were formed on Pt(100). Two different forms of COad are formed at the Pt(100)−electrolyte interface: the weakly adsorbed state which i...
An 85-Year-Old Woman With a History of Falls

Dr Delbanco: Mrs R is an 85-year-old widowed retired municipal worker who is the mother of 2 sons, one of whom is unmarried and lives with her in an urban community near Boston, Mass. Born in Italy, Mrs R came to the United States as a teenager and worked until retiring 10 years ago because of progressive arthritic pain and accompanying unsteadiness. She has no income other than Social Security, receives Medicare, and is eligible for lifesaving free medications at the Beth Israel Hospital, where she has been cared for by a general internist, Dr B, for more than 20 years. In recent years her medical problems have focused on difficulty walking and several falls and near falls, resulting in her being virtually homebound. She lives on the first floor of a house with a few steep steps outside the entrance, which limit her ability to move in and out
Chemoprevention in Barrett's esophagus.

Barrett’s metaplasia-associated esophageal adenocarcinoma is one of the most rapidly increasing cancers in Western countries. Whereas early detection remains the cornerstone of prevention, chemoprevention is emerging as a complementary strategy. Carcinogenesis in Barrett’s mucosa is a multistep process in which cellular growth becomes progressively dysregulated. Fortunately, the process of carcinogenesis is a protracted one, which provides ample opportunity for intervention. In this review, we will discuss various potential chemoprevention targets and rationale behind their use to prevent Barrett’s related esophageal adenocarcinoma. We will also critically appraise the emerging preclinical and clinical literature regarding prevention of neoplasia in Barrett’s esophagus.
Kinetics of ion beam deposition of carbon at room temperature

Abstract Growth rates of carbon films grown by ion beam deposition using methane gas were measured in situ as a function of deposition conditions. The methane pressure dependence of the growth rate was used to measure the cross-section for charge exchange. Variations in deposition rate per incident energetic particle found for each ion energy were related to ion current density. It was found that rates of growth per incident energetic specie were (i) largest for the smallest current densities, (ii) decreased monotonically with increasing current density, and (iii) were consistently larger than can be explained by deposition directly from the energetic flux alone. These observations were interpreted in terms of irradiation-induced surface interactions which promote chemisorption of methane physisorbed from the ambient atmosphere.
WiiFit™ Plus balance test scores for the assessment of balance and mobility in older adults

The Nintendo Wii™ is becoming an increasingly popular technology for the training and assessment of balance in older adults. Recent studies have shown promising results for its use in fall prevention. However, it is not clear how scores on the WiiFit™ balance games relate to current standardized tests of balance and mobility. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the relationship between WiiFit™ Plus balance tests, and standardized tests of older adult fitness, balance, mobility, self-reported balance confidence, and visual attention and processing. Results from 34 older adult participants indicate that WiiFit™ balance tests do not correlate well with standardized functional balance, mobility and fitness tests. However, the Wii balance score, as measured by the Basic Balance Test of the WiiFit™, does correlate with visual processing speed as measured by the Useful Field of View (UFOV) test. These results indicate that WiiFit™ balance tests may provide advantageous information supplementary to information obtained through standard functional mobility and balance tests; however, caution should be used when using the WiiFit™ balance tests in isolation. Further research is necessary as these technologies become widely used in clinical and home settings for balance training and assessment.
Comparison of the properties of the five soluble guanylyl cyclase subunits in Drosophila melanogaster

Abstract The Drosophila melanogaster genome contains 5 genes that code for soluble guanylyl cyclase subunits. Two of these genes code for subunits, Gycα-99B and Gycβ-100B, which form a conventional NO-sensitive guanylyl cyclase and the other three code for atypical subunits, Gyc-88E, Gyc-89Da and Gyc-89Db. The properties and distribution of Gyc-88E and Gyc-89Db have previously been described and here Gyc-89Da is described. Gyc-89Da only forms an active guanylyl cyclase when co-expressed with Gyc-88E. The three atypical subunits probably form two different heterodimers in vivo: Gyc-88E/89Da and Gyc-88E/89Db. Both of these heterodimers were slightly stimulated by NO donors and Gyc-88E/89Da showed a greater activation by Mn2+, with an increase in Vmax and a decrease in Km, compared to Gyc-88E/89Db. Both Gyc-88E/89Da and Gyc-88E/89Db were expressed in neurons in both the peripheral and central nervous system. Although all three heterodimeric soluble guanylyl cyclases in D. melanogaster can be activated by NO ...
Radioallergosorbent testing of toluene diisocyanate-reactive individuals using p-tolyl isocyanate antigen

Serum from 26 persons shown to react to provocative inhalation challenge with low concentration of toluene diisocyanate (TDI) was tested by radioallergosorbent test (RAST) using a p-tolyl isocyanate-human serum albumin (TMI-HSA) conjugate. Results were evaluated by the RAST ratio and by the mean +3 standard deviation methods. Positive results were obtained in 15% to 19% of TDI reactors, depending on the method of evaluation. These findings suggest that TDI asthma may be a complex syndrome with several types of reaction possible, including an IgE mechanism in some individuals, but they do not support the theory that TDI asthma is based solely on an immune mechanism. However, they do not disagree with the hypothesis that TDI reactivity may be mediated by a pharmacologic mechanism.
Action principle for subcritical string fields

We consider the problem of constructing multiloop amplitudes for open string dual resonance models in space-time dimension D less than 26. These amplitudes are constructed so that open string unitarity is automatic. For general subcritical dimension, we show to remove redundant states by including an extra scalar world-sheet field (the free field incarnation of the Liouville degree of freedom) to make the BRST charge nilpotent, and the constructing a vertex function invariant under this modified charge. We prove the existence and uniqueness of this modified vertex for D<25. Although explicit calculations beyond one loop are very difficult, the duality properties are manifest. Our results are summarized by giving a Witten style action for open subcritical string fields. For the case D = 25, there are actually two solutions for a BRST invariant vertex function. The simplest does not lead to the subcritical dual loop amplitudes, because some of the redundant states still circulate the loops. However, in this case the scalar degree of freedom can be interpreted as a 26th coordinate, but with Dirichlet conditions on the open string. This is just a version of the critical string. The other solution has all redundant states removed and corresponds to the true subcritical dual model for D = 25. We consider, with partial success, the implications of this work for the interactions of subcritical closed strings.
Extraction of UO22+ by two hindered (GO) (ClCH2)PO(OH) extractants, in benzene and n-heptane diluents, from aqueous chloride and nitrate phases

Abstract The extraction of U(VI) from an aqueous mineral acid phase by a hindered (GO)(ClCH 2 )PO(OH) extractant in a carrier diluent was studied as a function of the hydrogen ion concentration in the aqueous phase, steric hindrance within the extractant molecule, nature of the carrier diluent and composition of the aqueous phase. The two extractants were 2,6-iso-propyl phenyl chloromethyl phosphonic acid, [2,6-( i -C 3 H 7 ) 2 C 6 H 3 O] (ClCH 2 )PO(OH), symbolized as H(2,6-Pφ)[( CIM ) P ] and 2,6-sec-butyl phenyl chloromethyl phosphonic acid, [2,6-( s -C 4 H 9 ) 2 C 6 H 3 O] (ClCH 2 )PO(OH), symbolized as H(2,6-sBφ)[( ClM ) P ]. T he carrier diluents were benzene and n -heptane. The aqueous phases were 1.00 F (HCl + NaCl) and 1.00 F (HNO 3 + NaNO 3 ). The extractant and hydrogen ion dependencies were found to be 2.0-power, respectively. Comparison of extraction of U(VI) in terms of the various parameters show the following ratios of K s values: H(2,6- i Pφ) [(ClM)P]/H(2,6-sBφ)[(ClM)P], 2.5; in n -heptane/in benzene, 10; and from NO 3 − /from Cl − , 1.5. The K s is defined by the expression K= K s F 2 [H] + ] 2 where K is the distribution ratio, F is the concentration of extractant in the organic phase, [H + ] is the concentration of H + in the aqueous phase and K s is a constant characteristic of the system.
PETALS: Proteomic Evaluation and Topological Analysis of a mutated Locus' Signaling

Background Colon cancer is driven by mutations in a number of genes, the most notorious of which is Apc. Though much of Apc's signaling has been mechanistically identified over the years, it is not always clear which functions or interactions are operative in a particular tumor. This is confounded by the presence of mutations in a number of other putative cancer driver (CAN) genes, which often synergize with mutations in Apc. Computational methods are, thus, required to predict which pathways are likely to be operative when a particular mutation in Apc is observed.
Polarization of cell wall synthesis during spore germination of Mucor rouxii

The relationship between wall synthesis and spore germination was studied in sporangiospores of Mucor rouxii . Two parameters were examined: (1) the kinetics of accumulation of cell wall aminopolysaccharides (chitin + chitosan) in a population of germinating spores, and (2) the autoradiographic patterns of deposition of these polymers in individual germlings. The sporangiospores germinated in two stages: First, the ellipsoidal spores grew into larger germ spheres; second, the germ spheres produced, under the cultivation conditions selected, single germ tubes. Throughout the two stages of germination, the spore population accumulated cell wall aminopolysaccharides at an exponential rate. Initially, the germ spheres exhibited uniform, nonpolarized patterns of wall synthesis. Subsequently, polarized patterns of wall synthesis appeared in the germ spheres prior to germ tube emergence. Polarization gradually confined wall deposition to a small region of the cell surface where the germ tube would have later emerged. There was a net massive displacement of wall synthesizing activity from the germ sphere to the elongating germ tube. The emergence of a germ tube in a germinating sporangiospore of M. rouxii is primarily the result of a vectorial change (polarization) in cell wall synthesis.
Lucy's limbs: skeletal allometry and locomotion in Australopithecus afarensis

Precise information about the bodily proportions of early hominids is crucial for accurate functional and phylogenetic interpretations of early human evolution1–6. The partial skeleton of Australopithecus afarensis (AL 288-1; ‘Lucy’7,8) recovered in 1974 from the Hadar area of Ethiopia9 permits the first direct assessment of body size, limb proportions and skeletal allometry in ancestral hominids that pre-date 3 Myr. Using allometric relationships for limb lengths in non-human catarrhine primates (as a whole and for African apes alone) as empirical base lines for comparison, I show here that the limb proportions of A. afarensis are clearly unique among hominoids. The data indicate that A. afarensis had already attained forelimb proportions similar to those of modern humans but possessed hindlimbs that were relatively much shorter; hence the ‘intermediate’ humerofemoral index of AL 288-1 (85.1) compared with Homo sapiens and great apes9,10. It follows that relative and absolute elongation of the hindlimbs represents one of the major evolutionary changes in later human evolution. The bodily proportions of Lucy are not incompatible with some form of bipedal locomotion, but kinematic identity and functional equivalence with the bipedal gait of modern humans seem highly improbable. Reduced relative stride length in AL 288-1 probably implies both greater relative energy cost and relatively lower peak velocities of bipedal locomotion in A. afarensis.
On linear control theory

Optimum control of linear multivariable processes is the concern of this paper. The optimum control problem is studied via the state-variable concept and the dynamic-programing technique. A linear multivariable control system is shown to have optimum performance with respect to a quadratic performance criterion, if both the controller and the estimator are independently designed in an optimum manner.
Sikh terrorism in the struggle for Khalistan

Abstract The attack on the Golden Temple, the “Holy of Holies” of the Sikh religion in Amritsar, India, in June 1984 found the world's attention on a long‐simmering but low‐keyed conflict—the fight of the Sikh separatists for an independent Punjab, renamed Khalistan. The Sikh struggle has all of the earmarks of the type of conflicts breaking out in the new third world nations, which are remnants of the old colonial empires; a quest for ethnic identity, a desire for religious purity (i.e., the fear of being absorbed by the majority Hindus), and the desire for nationhood. The Sikhs are a proud and achieving people who feel unequally yoked with the Hindus, but their desire for an independent nation in the middle of a hostile India borders on fantasy.
AlGaAs/AlAs QW modulator for 6328 Å operation

The first reflection measurements of an AlGaAs/AlAs quantum well modulator designed to operate at the He–Ne laser wavelength of 6328 A are reported. Photocurrent measurements indicate large absorption changes in the QWs. The measured fractional reflectivity change of 7% was used to stabilise a He–Ne laser through negative feedback.
“Every individual has his own insanity”: Applying Vygotsky's work on defectology to the question of mental health as an issue of inclusion

Volume 2 of Plenum's The Collected Works of L. S. Vygotsky, Fundamentals of Defectology includes work from a variety of points in Vygotsky's career during which he treated the topic of defektologia. This Soviet field focused on characteristics of the human makeup that have typically been the concern of abnormal psychology, learning disabilities, and special education: the inabilities to hear or speak, and cognitive functioning at significantly lower than normal levels. The term defectology actually mischaracterizes Vygotsky's (1993) own approach to differences from the evolutionary norm, which he did not consider to be defective or prohibitive in enabling a full immersion in societal life. Nonetheless, the language and ideology of deficit remains at large in spite of efforts to attend more respectfully to issues of difference that concerned Vygotsky as he undertook to address how best to educate the millions of children who survived World War I and the Bolshevik and Russian Revolutions that precipitated the Soviet era, yet who did so both physically and mentally traumatized.