cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Mild feline mucopolysaccharidosis type VI. Identification of an N-acetylgalactosamine-4-sulfatase mutation causing instability and increased specific activity.

The missense mutation, L476P, in theN-acetylgalactosamine 4-sulfatase (4S) gene, has previously been shown to be associated with a severe feline mucopolysaccharidosis type VI (MPS VI) phenotype. The present study describes a second mutation, D520N, in the same MPS VI cat colony, which is inherited independently of L476P and is associated with a clinically mild MPS VI phenotype in D520N/L476P compound heterozygous cats. Biochemical and clinical assessment of L476P homozygous, D520N/L476P compound heterozygous, and D520N homozygous cats demonstrated that the entire range of clinical phenotypes, from severe MPS VI, to mild MPS VI, to normal are clustered within a narrow range of residual 4S activity from 0.5% to 4.6% of normal levels. When overexpressed in CHO-KI cells, the secreted form of D520N 4S was inactivated in neutral pH conditions. In addition, intracellular D520N 4S protein was rapidly degraded and corresponded to 37%, 14.5%, and 0.67% of normal 4S protein levels in the microsomal, endosomal, and lysosomal compartments, respectively. However, the specific activity of lysosomal D520N 4S was elevated 22.5-fold when compared with wild-type 4S. These results suggest that the D520N mutation causes a rapid degradation of 4S protein. The effect of this is partially ameliorated as a result of a significant elevation in the specific activity of mutant D520N 4S reaching the lysosomal compartment.
An SIR epidemic model with partial temporary immunity modeled with delay

The SIR epidemic model for disease dynamics considers recovered individuals to be permanently immune, while the SIS epidemic model considers recovered individuals to be immediately resusceptible. We study the case of temporary immunity in an SIR-based model with delayed coupling between the susceptible and removed classes, which results in a coupled set of delay differential equations. We find conditions for which the endemic steady state becomes unstable to periodic outbreaks. We then use analytical and numerical bifurcation analysis to describe how the severity and period of the outbreaks depend on the model parameters.
Coagulation factor V exists uncomplexed in bovine plasma.

Abstract Bovine coagulation factor V has been examined immunochemically to ascertain whether the coagulant polypeptide (h) with Mr = 290 000–330 000 is complexed in plasma with a second immunochemically distinct polypeptide (I2) of Mr = 400 000. Antiserum containing antibodies to h and l2 detects the l2 polypeptide eluting earlier than the h chain on gel filtration of plasma with either added calcium or EDTA, consistent with the behavior of a higher molecular weight noninteracting species. An immobilized monospecific antibody to l2 removes only the l2 polypeptide from a purified factor V preparation containing both h and l2. Moreover, while a monospecific antibody to the h chain was able to precipitate purified radioactively labelled h chain alone or mixed with plasma, the l2 antibody was unable to precipitate radioactively labelled h chain even after attempted recombination of the h chain with l2 present in plasma. These studies indicate that the l2 polypeptide is not complexed to the h chain in a purified system or in plasma and reinforce the conclusion that factor V is a single polypeptide chain uncomplexed in plasma.
Asymmetrical visual-spatial attentional performance in ADHD : evidence for a right hemispheric deficit

This study was designed to confirm the presence of a lateralizing deficit in visual-spatial attention in children with ADHD, to further characterize the nature of this deficit and to specify the likely hemispheric locus of dysfunction. Two versions of the covert orienting of attention procedure which evaluated separately endogenous and exogenous cuing effects were administered to 20 unmedicated children aged 9–12 with ADHD and 20 matched controls. Both groups also underwent thorough psychiatric assessment and testing using the TOVA and the Wisconsin Card Sorting Task (WCST). Children with ADHD showed an asymmetrical performance deficit characterized by a loss of costs on controlled (endogenous) attentional orienting to invalidly cued left visual field targets. The degree of cost asymmetry correlated negatively with the number of categories sorted on the WCST. It was concluded that unmedicated children with ADHD show an asymmetrical performance deficit on the covert orienting procedure characterized by a disruption of right hemispheric attentional mechanisms. This deficit may be related to diminished right hemispheric frontal-striatal catecholamine activity.
SOME NOTES ON FORECASTING OF WINDS ALOFT BY STATISTICAL METHODS.

Abstract Winds aloft statistics from Eniwetok were used to derive a linear regression forecast technique that verified satisfactorily in later application. Other studies showed that these principles were applicable throughout the tropical Pacific Ocean area. Time-lag correlation coefficients were found to decay exponentially with increased time except in the first 6 hr, when decay was more rapid. This has been interpreted as the effect of measurement error and small-scale turbulence. A method was derived for removal of these random errors and, on application, time-lag correlation coefficients for each altitude were then found to decay at constant exponential rates, to at least 48 hr. This indicates that no improvement in regression forecasting can be achieved by use of multiple-term regressions from sequential data. Also, regression forecast verifications can be significantly improved by 1) removing the instrument error by hardware techniques and 2) smoothing out small-scale turbulence by multiple observa...
Randomized comparative trial of interferon-α versus placebo in hepatitis B vaccine non-responders and hyporesponders

Abstract Adults who had received 4 x 20 μg doses of hepatitis B (Engerix-B) vaccine (appropriately administered) and who had failed to develop detectable anti-HBs or who had had a minimal response ( −1 ) were randomized to receive either a fifth dose of Engerix-B (20μg) plus 1 million units of interferon-α or a fifth dose of vaccine plus saline placebo intramuscularly (deltoid). Both vaccine and test material were given together in one syringe and participants were blind as to the syringe contents. Anti-HBs was tested (by enzyme immunoassay) one to three months following the injection. Anti-HBs results from the 150 non-responders (NR) and the 26 hyporesponders (HR) are reported. Of NRs receiving a fifth dose plus placebo, 41% developed anti-HBs, whilst 53% of those receiving interferon-α developed anti-HBs. The response rates did not differ significantly. Of HRs receiving vaccine plus placebo, 70% showed an increase in their anti-HBs titre, while 87.5% of those receiving interferon-α with vaccine had titre rises. Vaccinee groups were well matched for age, sex and body mass index and the interval between injection and venepuncture. Side-effects from interferon-α were of short duration and were tolerated by vaccinees seeking protection from hepatitis B infection. On the basis of this study, a fifth dose of vaccine in non- and hyporesponsive vaccinees is recommended. Interferon-α was of unproven value but it may increase the likelihood of seroconversion in NRs and its use could be considered in subjects at continued high risk of contracting hepatitis B. Anti-HBs responses were measurably higher in interferon-α recipients than in placebo recipients.
A chronic, stereotaxic guide-tube platform for intracranial injections in macaques

Abstract Intracranial injection is a valuable method for testing the effects of pharmacologic agents on the central nervous system or specific areas of the brain with minimal peripheral effects. Improved apparatus and techniques have made it possible to treat the same site repeatedly over extended periods of time in unrestrained subjects. Methods are described for the construction and implantation of a durable platform that assures stereotaxic accuracy of intracranial injections for up to two years. The design and use of two kinds of injection cannula for intracerebroventricular and intracerebral injections of one or a few microliters are described in detail. The apparatus and methods have been used in studies of a large number of rhesus, longtailed, and pigtailed macaques over a period of several years. The influence of species characteristics and skull growth on the effectiveness of the techniques is discussed.
Dating fluvial processes from historical data and artifacts

Abstract Geographers have long used historical data and artifacts to reconstruct past landscapes. Many of the same data can provide powerful tools for dating stream processes over the past century or so but applications can range from months to millennia. Historical techniques are important not only to mainstream geomorphological investigations but also to fluvial applications in environmental management. The approach is useful for human-induced fluvial changes as well as for those occurring naturally. This paper is intended as an introduction to several of the primary techniques.
Antibodies to the serine rich Entamoeba histolytica protein (SREHP) prevent amoebic liver abscess in severe combined immunodeficient (SCID) mice.

SUMMARY Amoebic liver abscess caused by Entamoeba histolytica is a major cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. We used mice with severe combined immunodeficiency (SCID mice) to study the role of antibody in protection from amoebic liver abscess, and to identify protective antigens of E. histolytica. Antisera to recombinant versions of two major surface antigens of E. histolytica, the serine rich E. histolytica protein (SREHP) and the 170 kDa adhesin were used in this study. We found that 100% of SCID mice passively immunized with antiserum to the recombinant SREHP molecule were protected from developing amoebic liver abscess after intrahepatic challenge with virulent E. histolytica trophozoites. In contrast, preimmune serum, antiserum to a portion of the 170 kDa adhesin, and antiserum to the trpE fusion partner of SREHP did not protect SCID mice from amoebic liver abscess. Our study demonstrates that antibodies to a recombinant version of the amoebic SREHP molecule can protect against amoebic liver abscess, and suggest the recombinant SREHP molecule should be considered as a possible vaccine candidate to prevent amoebic liver abscess.
Evidence for phase stability and weak links in polycrystalline HgBa2CuO4 + δ

Abstract Polycrystalline HgBa2CuO4 + δ (hereafter denoted as Hg-1201) superconductors were prepared by solid state reaction of stoichiometric quantities of HgO and Ba2CuO3 precursors in an evacuated quartz tube. The “as-synthesized” Hg-1201 samples had a Tc of 95 K, as defined by the onset of diamagnetism. The crystal symmetry was tetragonal with lattice parameters, a = 3.876(2) A , and c = 9.515(3) A , similar to reported values. These results were highly reproducible with several batches. Finely ground Hg-1201 powders were stable upon overnight exposure to ambient air; long-term exposure (~ 10 days) of the powders led to surface deterioration and minor changes in the X-ray pattern, with no observed change in the bulk Tc. Low field magnetization studies showed complete shielding. A Meissner signal ~ 30% of ( − 1 4π ), and clear evidence for weak coupling between the randomly oriented superconducting grains. In large magnetic fields, the hysteresis of the magnetization (proportional to the intragrain current density, assuming a Bean model) decreased rapidly with applied field and temperature. These features and direct studies of the time dependent magnetization give unambiguous evidence for substantial flux creep effects.
ABNORMAL IODOPROTEINS IN THE BLOOD OF EUMETABOLIC GOITROUS ADULTS

The serum of 5 eumetabolic goitrous adults was found to contain apprcciaable quantities of butanol-insoluble iodine. The thyroidal uptake of I131 was increased in these patients, but was suppressed by the administration of triiodothyronine. Three subjects exhibited concentrations of serum PBI127 and 72-hour PBI131 which were in the thyrotoxic range. Following administration of I131, 26 to 60 per cent of serum radioactivity migrated in the albumin area during zonal electrophoresis of serum. This material was detectable as long as twenty-eight days after administration of the tracer dose. In the serum of normal subjects there was also a radioiodinated compound which migrated with albumin, but which was butanol-soluble and disappeared from the circulation within seven days after administration of I131. The abnormal moiety in the serum of the goitrous subjects was subjected to butanol extraction, hydrolysis, electrophoresis in the presence of Cohn fraction IV-6, chromatography in butanol: water, salting-out b...
Pneumocystis carinii BCK1 functions in a mitogen-activated protein kinase cascade regulating fungal cell-wall assembly.

Pneumocystis pneumonia remains the most common AIDS-defining opportunistic infection in people with HIV. The process by which Pneumocystis carinii constructs its cell wall is not well known, although recent studies reveal that molecules such as β-1-3-glucan synthetase (GSC1) and environmental pH-responsive genes such as PHR1 are important for cell-wall integrity. In closely related fungi, a specific mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) cascade regulates cell-wall assembly in response to elevated temperature. The upstream mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase kinase (MAPKKK, or MEKK), BCK1, is an essential component in this pathway for maintaining cell-wall integrity and preventing fungal cell lysis. We have identified a P. carinii MEKK gene and have expressed it in Saccharomyces cerevisiae to gain insights into its function. The P. carinii MEKK, PCBCK1, corrects the temperature-sensitive cell lysis defect of bck1Δ yeast. Further, at elevated temperature PCBCK1 restored the signaling defect in bck1Δ yeast to maintain expression of the temperature-inducible β-1-3-glucan synthetase gene, FKS2. PCBCK1, as a functional kinase, is capable of autophosphorylation and substrate phosphorylation. Since glucan machinery is not present in mammals, a better understanding of this pathway in P. carinii might aid in the development of novel medications which interfere with the integrity of the Pneumocystis cell wall.
Transcriptional repression of MMP-1 by p21SNFT and reduced in vitro invasiveness of hepatocarcinoma cells.

p21SNFT (21 kDa small nuclear factor isolated from T cells) is a human basic leucine zipper transcription factor that can repress AP-1-mediated transcription. We show here that overexpression of p21SNFT in HepG2 cells leads to repression of matrix metalloproteinase-1 by 70–80%. p21SNFT interacted with Jun at the matrix metalloproteinase-1 promoter −88 Ets/AP-1 enhancer element, where Jun is known to activate transcription via interaction with Fos and Ets proteins. When p21SNFT/Jun dimers bound the element in the presence of Ets, DNA was protected differently than when Fos was paired with Jun. The data suggest a difference in overall conformation between p21SNFT-containing and Fos-containing complexes that may be involved in the repression of matrix metalloproteinase-1 by p21SNFT. Overexpression of p21SNFT led to a reduction in invasiveness of HepG2 cells through type I collagen and reconstituted basement membrane, an effect similar to that obtained via direct immunodepletion of matrix metalloproteinase-1. The results indicate that the mechanism of repression of matrix metalloproteinase-1 by p21SNFT may be exploited in inhibiting pathological matrix remodeling during cancer progression in vivo.
STAT4 knockout mice are more susceptible to concanavalin A-induced T-cell hepatitis.

STAT4, which is activated mainly by IL-12, promotes inflammatory responses by inducing Th1 and Th2 cytokines. Recent genome-wide association studies indicate that STAT4 gene variants are associated with risk of various types of liver diseases, but how STAT4 contributes to liver disease pathogenesis remains obscure. In this study, STAT4 activation was detected in liver immune cells from patients with viral hepatitis and autoimmune hepatitis, as well as in a mouse model of concanavalin A (Con A)–induced hepatitis. Such STAT4 activation was detected mainly in T cells, natural killer T cells, and macrophages and Kupffer cells, and was diminished in Il12a−/− and Il12b−/− mice. As expected, disruption of the Stat4 gene reduced production of Th1 and Th2 cytokines, but surprisingly exacerbated Con A–induced liver injury. Similarly, disruption of Il12a or Il12b also augmented Con A–induced hepatocellular damage. Further studies showed that hepatic natural killer T (NKT) cells from Con A–treated Stat4−/− mice had higher levels of FasL expression and increased cytotoxicity against hepatocytes than those from Con A–treated WT mice. In vitro, blocking FasL attenuated Stat4−/− NKT cytotoxicity against hepatocytes. In conclusion, despite up-regulation of proinflammatory cytokines, STAT4 protects against acute T-cell hepatitis, which is mediated by direct or indirect down-regulation of FasL expression on NKT cells.
Automated 3-D segmentation of respiratory-gated PET transmission images

As a preliminary step toward performing respiration compensated attenuation correction of respiratory-gated cardiac PET data, we acquired and automatically segmented respiratory-gated transmission data for a dog breathing on its own under gas anesthesia. Transmission data were acquired for 20 min on a CTI/Siemens ECAT EXACT HR (47-slice) scanner. Two respiratory gates were obtained using data from a pneumatic bellows placed around the dog's chest. For each respiratory gate, torso and lung surfaces were segmented automatically using a differential 3-D image edge detection algorithm. Three-dimensional visualizations showed that during inspiration the heart translated about 4 mm transversely and the diaphragm translated about 9 mm inferiorly. The observed respiratory motion of the canine heart and diaphragm suggests that respiration compensated attenuation correction may be necessary for accurate quantitation of high-resolution respiratory-gated human cardiac PET data. Our automated image segmentation results suggest that respiration compensated segmented attenuation correction may be possible using respiratory-gated transmission data obtained with as little as 3 min of acquisition time per gate.
Distribution coefficients for nickel and zinc in soils

Distribution coefficients (Kd) indicate the capability of a soil to retain a solute and also the extent of its movement in a solution phase. The purpose of the study was to determine Kd values for the heavy metals Ni and Zn in soils, in order to evaluate the ability of different soils to retain the metals. Batch equilibrium experiments on Ni and Zn were conducted to obtain adsorption isotherms, Kd values and distribution curves for Ni and Zn, with six concentrations of test solutions and three soils. Ni and Zn adsorption increased significantly as the concentration of the cation increased in the test solution. The range of Kd values for Zn and Ni was 140–684 and 152–388 ml g−1, respectively, for the soils investigated. The Mecklenburg clay, with high cation-exchange capacity (CEC), gave high Kd values for both Ni and Zn. There was no consistent relationship between the Kd values and soil pH and organic matter. The distribution curves for Ni and Zn showed negative correlation between solution concentration of Ni and Zn and Kd values. The results of this study indicate better retardation of Zn as compared to Ni by the soils.
IL-1β–Mediated Signals Preferentially Drive Conversion of Regulatory T Cells but Not Conventional T Cells into IL-17–Producing Cells

Regulatory T cells (Tregs) are committed to suppressive functions. Recently, it was proposed that Tregs could produce IL-17 under proinflammatory, polarizing conditions. We studied the role of Tregs on IL-17 production in the absence of exogenous cytokines and insults. Using in vitro and in vivo approaches, we determined that under neutral conditions, simultaneous activation of Tregs and naive CD4+ conventional T cells in the presence of APCs resulted in conversion of Tregs into IL-17–producing cells, and endogenous IL-1β was mandatory in this process. Mechanistic analysis revealed that the IL-1R1 was highly expressed on Tregs and that IL-1β induced marked activation of p38 and JNK, which were involved in IL-17 production. These observations could have important implications on therapeutic strategies using Tregs.
Automatic control of mechanical ventilation and the inspired fraction of oxygen in the premature infant: a simulation study

Mechanical ventilation and oxygen supplementation are considered as crucial to the care of premature infants with severe lung disease. The purpose of this study is to initiate the assessment of the efficiency of two techniques combined; the automatic control of mechanical ventilation as well as closed-loop control of the inspired fraction of oxygen (FIO2). The simulation results show a definite advantage by using the advanced automatic techniques compared with the conventional manual methods.
Distortion correction using mutual information in 3D diffusion tensor microscopy

Magnetic resonance diffusion tensor imaging (MR-DTI) is often complicated by distortion in the diffusion-sensitizing directions due to the large diffusion gradients. In this work we have corrected for this distortion using mutual information as the cost function, and applied this technique to real 3D diffusion data. We evaluated the performance of various cost functions, along with the effect of different interpolation techniques on convergence to the global maximum. Taking the advantage of the Fourier nature of the data we suggest its use in performing shifts and shears. With these corrections we observed marked improvement in the estimation of diffusion tensor maps, supporting its use in 3D diffusion tensor imaging.
The RNA-binding protein LIN28B regulates developmental timing in the mammalian cochlea

Proper tissue development requires strict coordination of proliferation, growth, and differentiation. Strict coordination is particularly important for the auditory sensory epithelium, where deviations from the normal spatial and temporal pattern of auditory progenitor cell (prosensory cell) proliferation and differentiation result in abnormal cellular organization and, thus, auditory dysfunction. The molecular mechanisms involved in the timing and coordination of auditory prosensory proliferation and differentiation are poorly understood. Here we identify the RNA-binding protein LIN28B as a critical regulator of developmental timing in the murine cochlea. We show that Lin28b and its opposing let-7 miRNAs are differentially expressed in the auditory sensory lineage, with Lin28b being highly expressed in undifferentiated prosensory cells and let-7 miRNAs being highly expressed in their progeny—hair cells (HCs) and supporting cells (SCs). Using recently developed transgenic mouse models for LIN28B and let-7g, we demonstrate that prolonged LIN28B expression delays prosensory cell cycle withdrawal and differentiation, resulting in HC and SC patterning and maturation defects. Surprisingly, let-7g overexpression, although capable of inducing premature prosensory cell cycle exit, failed to induce premature HC differentiation, suggesting that LIN28B’s functional role in the timing of differentiation uses let-7 independent mechanisms. Finally, we demonstrate that overexpression of LIN28B or let-7g can significantly alter the postnatal production of HCs in response to Notch inhibition; LIN28B has a positive effect on HC production, whereas let-7 antagonizes this process. Together, these results implicate a key role for the LIN28B/let-7 axis in regulating postnatal SC plasticity.
Youth exposure to alcohol advertising on television in the UK, the Netherlands and Germany.

BACKGROUND: Exposure of young people to alcohol advertising is a risk factor for underage drinking. This study assessed youth exposure to television alcohol advertising in the UK, the Netherlands and Germany, from December 2010 to May 2011. METHODS: A negative binomial regression model predicted number of alcohol advertisements from the proportion of the television viewership in each age group. This allowed comparison of alcohol advertisement incidence for each youth age category relative to an adult reference category. RESULTS: In the UK, those aged 10-15 years were significantly more exposed to alcohol advertisements per viewing hour than adults aged ≥25 years [incidence rate ratio (IRR) = 1.11; 95% confidence interval (95% CI): 1.06, 1.18; P CONCLUSION: Adolescents in the UK and the Netherlands, but not Germany, had higher exposure to television alcohol advertising relative to adults than would be expected from their television viewing. Further work across a wider range of countries is needed to understand the relationship between national policies and youth exposure to alcohol advertising on television. Language: en
The role of temperament in children with insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus.

Investigated the role of child temperament and diabetes-related environmental demands on the adjustment of children with insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (IDDM) and investigated the role of these same variables on diabetes control. Parents of 117 children completed questionnaires assessing their child's temperament, diabetes-specific environmental demands, and psychosocial adjustment. Glycohemoglobin (HbAlC) and demographics were obtained. Analyses evaluated the incremental variance accounted for by temperament and environmental demands after controlling for the effects of the demographic variables. Results suggest that lower activity and greater flexibility were related to fewer behavior problems. Greater persistence and less distractibility were related to fewer social competence problems. Greater flexibility and negative moods were related to better metabolic control. Greater child responsibility for the diabetes regimen was related to more behavior problems.
Extruded Granular Formulation with Biomass of Biocontrol Gliocladium virens and Trichoderma spp. to Reduce Damping-off of Eggplant Caused by Rhizoctonia solani and Saprophytic Growth of the Pathogen in Soil-less Mix

Extruded granular formulations containing rice flour, gluten, Pyrax, vermiculite, canola oil, and fermentor-produced biomass of isolates of Gliocladium virens (Gl-3, Gl-21 and Gl-32), Trichoderma hamatum (TRI-4 and 31-3), T. harzianum (Th-32 and Th-87) and T. viride (Tv-101) were evaluated for their effect on the reduction of eggplant damping-off caused by Rhizoctonia solani, reduction of pathogen inoculum and proliferation of the isolates in a soil-less mix. Granules with all isolates except 31-3 significantly (P < 0.01) reduced damping-off, and granules with Gl-3, Gl-21, Gl-32, TRI-4 and Th-87 yielded stands comparable to that (90%) of the non-infested control. Granules with isolates Gl-21 and TRI-4 were the most effective in the reduction of saprophytic growth of R. solani, and there was a significant inverse correlation (r 2 = - 0.82) between eggplant stand and saprophytic growth of the pathogen over all treatments. Isolate propagules proliferated to about 107 colony-forming units (CFU) g−1 of soil-le...
A framework for open, flexible and distributed e-learning

Designing open, flexible distance learning systems on the World Wide Web requires thoughtful analysis and investigation combined with an understanding of both the Web's attributes and resources and the ways instructional design principles can be applied to tap the Web's potential. A framework for open, flexible, and distributed learning has been developed to provide guidance in designing, developing, implementing, and evaluating instructional and training materials on the Web. The proposed framework is based on eight interrelated and interdependent dimensions and associated subdimensions as follows: (1) pedagogical (content, goals/objectives, design approach, methods and strategies, organization, instructional medium, evaluation); (2) technological (infrastructure, hardware, software); (3) interface design (page and site design, navigation, usability testing); (4) online support (instructional/counseling support, technical support); (5) management (maintenance of learning environment, distribution of information); (6) resource support (online resources, offline resources); (7) ethical (social and cultural diversity, geographical diversity, learner diversity, information accessibility, etiquette, legal issues); and (8) institutional (academic affairs, student services). The proposed framework is said to have the potential to provide guidance in designing Web-based learning materials; reviewing Web-based instruction and training courses; organizing resources for Web-based learning; designing comprehensive authoring systems; and designing distributed learning systems, virtual universities, and cyberschools. (Contains 45 references.) (MN) Reproductions supplied by EDRS are the best that can be made from the original document. Saturday 8 April, 2000 Dr. Badrul H. Khan Crossroads of the New Millennium A Framework for Open, Flexible and Distributed Learning Prepared and Presented
Höhere Acene: vielseitige organische Halbleiter

Acene werden wegen ihrer einzigartigen elektronischen Eigenschaften, die auf der Topologie ihrer π-Systeme beruhen, seit langem untersucht. Berichte uber die bemerkenswerten Halbleitereigenschaften hoherer Homologe haben in letzter Zeit zu verstarkten Forschungsaktivitaten gefuhrt. Es wurden neue Verfahren zur Synthese, Funktionalisierung und Reinigung sowie zur Herstellung organoelektronischer Bauteile entwickelt. Durch Untersuchungen an hochreinen Acen-Einkristallen wurden die charakteristischen elektronischen Eigenschaften und Kenngrosen fur die Beurteilung von Dunnschichtbauteilen ermittelt. Um die Verarbeitbarkeit in Losung zu verbessern, wurden neuartige Funktionalisierungsmethoden entwickelt. Die fur elektronische Anwendungen erwunschten Eigenschaften nichtfunktionalisierter Acene bleiben bei der Funktionalisierung erhalten. Mit diesen Verfahren wurden kurzlich Derivate hoherer Acene als Pentacen, die zuvor kaum zuganglich waren, erhalten, sodass Struktur-Eigenschafts-Beziehungen untersucht werden konnten.
By-Product Feeds for Lactating Dairy Cows: Effects of Cottonseed Hulls, Sunflower Hulls, Corrugated Paper, Peanut Hulls, Sugarcane Bagasse, and Whole Cottonseed with Additives of Fat, Sodium Bicarbonate, and Aspergillus oryzae Product on Milk Production

Abstract In Experiment 1, Holstein cows (32) fed diets in three 28-day periods were used to evaluate a 3×2×2 factorial arrangement of fiber sources (sunflower hulls, pelleted cottonseed hulls, and pelleted undelinted cottonseed hulls at 35% of dry matter), fat (0 or 2.5%). and sodium bicarbonate (0 or 1.0%). Sixteen cows also received Aspergillus oryzae product (56.7 g/day) continuously. Sunflower hulls decreased daily intake (19.4 versus 25.1kg), milk (23.3 versus 26.5kg), milk protein (2.85 versus 2.95%), and body weight change (−.08 versus .90kg), but milk fat percent was higher (3.54 versus 3.32%). Sunflower hulls depressed digestibility of dry matter, organic matter, and acid detergent fiber. Added fat reduced milk fat and protein percents. Experiment 2 evaluated fiber sources (20% ground corrugated cardboard boxes, combination of 10% cardboard and 10% peanut hulls, or 30% cottonseed hulls), animal fat (0 or 2.5%), sodium bicarbonate (0 or .75%), and condensed molasses solubles by-product from rum distilling (0 or 10%). Corrugated boxes effected lowest intake (18.0 kg/day), cottonseed hulls highest intake (23.5 kg/day), and combination intermediate (20.2 kg/day). Added fat depressed fat percent. Condensed molasses solubles lowered milk yield but increased milk fat percent (3.76 versus 3.30), molar percent of acetic acid, and ratio of acetic to propionic. In two other experiments whole cottonseed (12.5 or 15% of dry matter) with corn silage, pelleted steam pressure treated sugarcane bagasse, or cottonseed hulls increased milk yield but decreased milk fat percent, especially with pelleted bagasse.
Corticofugal influence in the macaque lateral geniculate nucleus.

Abstract Responses of single cells in the macaque lateral geniculate nucleus were recorded through extracellular micropipettes. Spectral sensitivity of each cell was determined by recording its responses to 6 diffuse monochromatic photic stimuli. Activity in a predetermined limited area of striate cortex was then temporarily removed by cooling and responses to the same photic stimuli were recorded. Responses of approximately half the units projecting to the cooled cortical area were altered during cooling. A decrease in responses to excitatory stimuli was predominant, implying removal of corticofugal excitation. Some cells increased their responses to excitatory stimuli during dortical cooling, implying removal of corticofugal inhibition.
The "p"-Median Model as a Tool for Clustering Psychological Data

The p-median clustering model represents a combinatorial approach to partition data sets into disjoint, nonhierarchical groups. Object classes are constructed around exemplars, that is, manifest objects in the data set, with the remaining instances assigned to their closest cluster centers. Effective, state-of-the-art implementations of p-median clustering are virtually unavailable in the popular social and behavioral science statistical software packages. We present p-median clustering, including a detailed description of its mechanics and a discussion of available software programs and their capabilities. Application to a complex structured data set on the perception of food items illustrates p-median clustering.
Physical exercise and the prevention of disability in activities of daily living in older persons with osteoarthritis.

Background: The prevention of disability in activities of daily living (ADL) may prolong older persons’ autonomy (older persons are defined in this study as those aged 60 years). However, proved preventive strategies for ADL disability are lacking. A sedentary lifestyle is an important cause of disability. This study examines whether an exercise program can prevent ADL disability. Methods: A 2-center, randomized, single-blind, controlled trial was conducted in which participants were assigned to an aerobic exercise program, a resistance exercise program, or an attention control group. Of the 439 community-dwelling persons aged 60 years or older with knee osteoarthritis originally recruited, the 250 participants initially free of ADL disability were used for this study. Incident ADL disability, defined as developing difficulty in transferring from a bed to a chair, eating, dressing, using the toilet, or bathing, was assessed quarterly during 18 months of follow-up. Results: The cumulative incidence of ADL disability was lower in the exercise groups (37.1%) than in the attention control group (52.5%) (P = .02). After adjustment for demographics and baseline physical function, the relative risk of incident ADL disability for assignment to exercise was 0.57 (95% confidence interval, 0.38-0.85; P=.006). Both exercise programs prevented ADL disability; the relative risks were 0.60 (95% confidence interval, 0.38-0.97; P=.04) for resistance exercise and 0.53 (95% confidence interval, 0.33-0.85; P=.009) for aerobic exercise. The lowest ADL disability risks were found for participants with the highest compliance to exercise. Conclusions: Aerobic and resistance exercise may reduce the incidence of ADL disability in older persons with knee osteoarthritis. Exercise may be an effective strategy for preventing ADL disability and, consequently, may prolong older persons’ autonomy. Arch Intern Med. 2001;161:2309-2316
ALMOND, MELON, AND PIGWEED POLLEN RETENTION IN THE BOLL WEEVIL (COLEOPTERA; CURCULIONIDAE)

Abstract The boll weevil (Anthonomus grandis Boheman) remains a devastating insect pest on cotton (Gossypium hirsutum C. Linnaeus), particularly where it has not been eradicated. Identifying and understanding the survival of overwintered boll weevils, when cotton is not available, is important in designing mitigation programs and controlling this insect pest, especially in areas where boll weevils are active all year. Many non-malvaceous taxa have been listed as possible overwintering adult food sources. The purpose of this research was to determine if pollen from three non-malvaceous taxa could be used as food sources for overwintering boll weevils in the Lower Rio Grande Valley of Texas, where weevils are active year-round and during cotton-free periods. The taxa are almond [Prunus dulcis (Mill.) D.A. Webb], melon (Cucumis melo C. Linnaeus subsp. melo), and pigweed (Amaranthus sp.), Furthermore, it was intended to determine the retention of these pollen types in the boll weevil gut. More weevils (84%) c...
Work in progress — Analysis of misconceptions of engineering technology students about electrical technology concepts. A mixed methods study

Leading policy makers and researchers of the National Academy of Engineering agreed that the teaching of STEM disciplines in the U.S. schools must be improved. “The focus on STEM education is closely related to concerns about U.S. competitiveness in the global economy and about the development of a workforce with the knowledge and skills to address technical and technological issues” [1]. Analyzing the academic success of engineering students, previous research [2] shows that even high-performance students after four years of college instruction still continue to hold significant misconceptions about scientific concepts and have incorrect interpretations of phenomena (like electricity, force, light). This paper is based on the dissertation research that focuses on the analysis of students' misconceptions about electricity. It represents a unique synthesis of methods from educational research and cognitive psychology applied to the population of Electrical Engineering Technology students. Misconceptions about electrical concepts of freshmen will be analyzed and compared to the misconceptions of seniors. The goals of this research target: (1) understanding how student mental models and misconceptions change with increasing levels of competency and expertise during their progression from freshmen to senior levels and (2) investigating the correlation between student academic success and their misconceptions.
Simulation-based functional test justification using a Boolean data miner

In simulation-based functional verification, composing and debugging testbenches can be tedious and time-consuming. A simulation data-mining approach, called TTPG (C. Wen, L-C Wang et al., 2005), was proposed as an alternative for functional test pattern generation. However, the core of simulation data-mining approach is Boolean learning, which tries to extract the simplified view of the design functionality according to the given bit-level simulation data. In this work1, an efficient data-mining engine is presented based on decision-diagram(DD)-based learning approaches. We compare the DD-based learning approaches to other known methods, such as the Nearest Neighbor method and support vector machine. We demonstrate that the proposed Boolean data miner is efficient for practical use. Finally, that the TTPG methodology incorporated with the Boolean data miner can achieve a high fault coverage (95.36%) on the OpenRISC 1200 microprocessor concludes the effectiveness of the proposed approach.
A single-supply true voltage level shifter

When a signal traverses on-chip voltage domains, a level shifter is required. Inverters can handle a high to low voltage shift with minimal leakage. For a low to high voltage level translation, inverters tend to consume a large amount of leakage power, and hence special circuits have been proposed for this type of translation. This paper reports a novel single-supply "true" (in the sense that it can handle a low to high, or high to low voltage level conversion) voltage level shifter, which can handle low-to-high and high-to-low voltage translation. Such a requirement arises in many modern ICs or systems-on-chip (SoCs). The use of single supply voltage reduces circuit complexity by eliminating the need for routing both supply voltages. The proposed circuit was extensively simulated in a 90 nm technology using SPICE. Simulation results demonstrate that the level shifter is able to perform voltage level shifting with low leakage for both low to high, as well as high to low voltage level translation. We have validated the correct operation of the proposed level shifter under process and temperature variations as well.
The Relationship Between Language Paradigm and Parallelism: The EQ Prototyping Language

Both the imperative (Fortran [1], APL [4], Matlab [5], etc.) and functional (Sisal [2], Id [6], EPL [7], etc.) language paradigms have attractive features. Imperative languages are able to easily express changing quantities, something which functional languages find more difficult. However, the side-effects of imperative languages makes parallelization more difficult than in functional languages. The EQ language is an attempt to blend these two paradigms, in order to try and achieve the advantages of both. While designed for sequential execution, it turns out that EQ makes the parallelism in a program explicit to the user, without introducing special “parallel” constructs. We feel this property makes EQ a good target for further parallel language research.
Mixing Line Analysis of Clouds and Cloudy Boundary Layers

The diagnostic study of the thermodynamic structure of nonprecipitating clouds and cloudy boundary layers is formulated using a mixing line and saturation point approach. A parametric model for the mean structure is developed as a tool for diagnostic and prognostic modeling. Cloud-scale mixing processes are analyzed in the same framework, together with the energies of the evaporative instability in cumulus clouds. A velocity scale emerges for this evaporative instability. The statistical study of saturation level distribution in partially cloudy boundary layers is proposed to related cloud fraction to the mean thermodynamic mixing processes.
Congressional Committee Members as Independent Agency Overseers: A Case Study

This paper is concerned with the behavior of members of a Congressional committee in their role as overseers of an independent regulatory commission. Congressional committees seem periodically to become aware of the presence of the regulatory agencies and after a more or less spectacular examination of one or another of them, allow them to slip back to an undisturbed and unnoticed routine. Their status as “independent” agencies leaves to Congress the formal responsibility both for checking on the fulfillment of their legislative mandates and for preserving them from domination by their clientele and the President. Too little notice has been taken, however, of the nature of the control of these regulatory agencies emanating from Congress. This study results from an examination of the House Education and Labor Committee as it reviewed the performance of the National Labor Relations Board in 1953. My sources are the public hearings of the Committee in the 83d Congress and interviews with Committee members over a two-year period thereafter.
A Game-Theoretic Model of Inspection-Resource Allocation*

This paper presents a generalization of a game.theoretic model, first described in an earlier paper, of the relationship between an inspectee who may decide to "cheat" or not, and an inspector whose task it is to minimize the expected gain that the inspectee achieves by cheating. When cheating is detected by the inspector, a penalty is assessed against the inspectee. The generalized model permits imposing a relationship between the level of the penalty to the inspectee when he/she is caught and the value to the inspectee of not being caught when he/she is cheating. The solution of the game takes on different forms depending on whether or not the inspector's resources are sufficient to make the detection of cheating likely.
Structurally Redundant Heterogeneity and Group Decision Making

The actual productivity of a group is equal to its potential productivity minus process losses associated with things such as low motivation, high coordination costs, and poor information pooling. ...
Investigation of Integrated Management for Medical Equipment

The objective is to discuss related problems of medical equipment management to modern hospital.Research Contents:the necessity of strengthening management to medical equipment in medical establishment;the goal of purchase management in medical equipment;assets of medical equipment and stream management;monitoring and management in adverse event monitoring of medical apparatus;medical instrument abandonment management.By strengthening integrated management of medical instrument,the purposes can be attained imply scientific decision,reasonable purchase,effective management,supply guarantee,containment of adverse event monitoring,safeguard of medical service security and quality of medical treatment.
Food Landscapes: Cooking, Community Service and Art-Making with Teens

ABSTRACTIn this article, we describe Food Landscapes, an interdisciplinary program involving youth who live in an urban community identified as a food desert. Food Landscapes combined socially engaged art-making, cooking, community engagement, and community service to open dialogue with youth about food justice and equity, the meaning of community, and the formation of meaningful relationships between youth and community members who have disabilities. We describe the program and discuss the theory and model bases for the program and lessons learned during program implementation.
A study on unsteady aerodynamic excitation forces on radial turbine blade due to rotor-stator interaction

It is important to predict the resonant vibration level for the design of a variable nozzle turbine. In this study, unsteady CFD analyses are conducted to investigate flow mechanism that causes aerodynamic excitation forces. As a result, it is found that excitation forces are affected by shock wave and clearance flow and can be modeled with a linear function of impeller inlet dynamic pressure and Mach number. Then resonant vibration level is calculated by the CFD and FEM, and compared with experimental data. It is validated that CFD results can be used for qualitative evaluation of excitation forces.
Knowledge, Social Constraint, and Self-Doubt: Mechanisms of Social Network Influence on Attitude Strength

Those around us have a profound influence on our views, particularly close network members. The nature and mechanism of this influence remains unclear, however. The current research uses a national probability sample field experiment to examine three potential mechanisms of social network influence, focusing on the possibility of suppression of attitude change by like-minded network members. Results support this possibility, and provide little evidence for knowledge exchange, and mixed evidence for a hybrid model in which network dissent serves as a heuristic cue encouraging attitude reconsideration. Findings suggest that prior disproportionate emphasis on the impact heterogeneous networks is unwarranted, and also that future research should examine the motivational aspects of the social network context.
Endoscopic Treatment of Arachnoid Cysts

Arachnoid cysts are a congenital malformation, secondary to splitting or duplication of the arachnoid that becomes filled with CSF [1]. They typically arise within the arachnoidal cisterns, in most cases in the middle fossa at the sylvian fissure (30–50 %). Ten percent arise on the hemisphere convexity, 10 % in the suprasellar cistern, 10 % in the quadrigeminal cistern, 10 % in the cerebellopontine angle, and 10 % in the midline of the posterior fossa [1]. Midline cysts (suprasellar, interhemispheric, quadrigeminal, and posterior fossa) are usually associated with hydrocephalus and present earlier in life, usually during the first 10 years.