cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Oleate uptake by isolated hepatocytes and the perfused rat liver is competitively inhibited by palmitate

Competition for uptake between long-chain free fatty acids has been difficult to document, because there has been no algorithm for computing unbound concentrations of two fatty acids simultaneously in solution with albumin. We modified an iterative procedure to permit this computation and studied initial [3H]oleate uptake by isolated hepatocytes and steady-state uptake by the single-pass perfused rat liver from 600 microM bovine serum albumin solutions containing various concentrations of oleate in the presence and absence of palmitate. In both systems, the Michaelis-Menten constant was significantly higher in the presence of palmitate than in its absence, whereas the maximal reaction velocity was unaltered, indicating competitive inhibition. In additional experiments employing the multiple transhepatic indicator-dilution technique, the influx rate constant and permeability-surface area product for oleate influx were significantly reduced by palmitate, confirming that the competition observed in the conventional perfused liver studies was at the influx step. Long-chain fatty acid uptake has now been shown to exhibit all the kinetic properties of facilitated transport and cannot be attributed solely to passive diffusion.
“We want to do it differently”: Resisting gentrification in Houston’s Northern Third Ward

This case study describes the beginning stages of community mobilization in highly market-driven Houston, Texas, and the gentrifying Northern Third Ward, one of the city’s oldest African American c...
A new harmonic probing algorithm for computing the MIMO Volterra frequency response functions of nonlinear systems

Frequency domain Volterra analysis of MIMO nonlinear systems is complicated by the need to keep track not only of the multi-dimensional interactions between frequencies, but also of the inputs at which these frequencies are applied and the outputs at which the response is observed. A new notation has been introduced which helps clarify this analysis, simplifying issues of kernel symmetry and opening a pathway for more general proofs and automated computation. The new notation is then used to prove and develop a new MIMO harmonic probing algorithm which allows simultaneous probing on multiple inputs, in contrast to prior work which requires sequentially setting other inputs to zero in order to isolate the response of each MIMO frequency response function (FRF) in turn. The method is illustrated through the analysis of a coupled nonlinear mass-spring-damper system and provides new insight into the structure of the FRFs in this case.
Hispanic Families in Poverty: Diversity, Context, and Interpretation:

The author presents an overview of the settlement patterns of the major Hispanic groups in poverty as well as selected indicators of their poverty-related problems. Key competing explanations for t...
Entropy Based Method for Identification of Leading Risk Indicators

In this paper, a method is proposed for identifying leading risk indicators for prioritization of monitoring system parameters, and maintaining a desired level of reliability. The proposed method is applicable to risk and reliability models that are constructed using the Bayesian Belief Network (BBN) modelling framework. To identify leading risk indicators among the nodes of a BBN risk model, we propose a two-step method on the basis of concepts from Information Theory. The first-step metric applies the information entropy of system being in failed State, which measures the amount of information required to determine the system state as failed. In the second step the prior and posterior probability of the node-states are incorporated. By sorting the metrics associated with all the nodes and their states we can identify the most influential node-state pairs of the network. Such nodes are candidates as risk indicators. The paper provides an illustrative example to detail out and provide insights into the meaning and application of risk leading indicators. Moreover, the method is applied to a real industrial BBN model developed for the risk analysis of the corrosion of oil and gas pipelines.
BD-09 Preliminary report: rule-based algorithms using systemic lupus international collaborating clinics (SLICC) classification criteria to identify patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) from electronic health record (EHR) data

Background SLE is difficult to diagnose given diverse manifestations that occur over time and across care sites. Electronic health records (EHR) are now used in a majority of health care settings throughout the country, and present a rich source of information about patients which can be mined for earlier diagnosis identification, to improve quality of care, or enable clinical studies. To identify SLE patients in EHR data, we developed a rules-based algorithm based on the SLICC classification criteria and compared against a gold standard SLE patient registry data set. Methods We identified 513 patients in the Chicago Lupus Database (CLD) fulfilling 4 or more of the ACR classification criteria for SLE who also had records in the Northwestern Medicine Electronic Data Warehouse (NMEDW). ICD-9/10 codes were used to identify clinical SLICC SLE classification criteria items. Laboratory results were identified using lab test names in combination with threshold numeric values in order to determine whether patients met the SLICC lab test classification criteria requirements. Results As shown in table 1, of 513 patients with SLE in the CLD, we detected the following SLICC classification criteria, in the NMEDW: clinical- chronic cutaneous 97%; acute cutaneous 98%; renal 65%; serositis 52%; arthritis 34%; neuro 29%; ulcers 16%; alopecia 1%; and labs- dsDNA 89%; hemolytic anemia 80%; complement 74%; leukopenia/lymphopenia 73%; APL 64%; ANA 52%; thrombocytopenia 22%; Coombs 17%; Sm 0%. Of 513 patients with SLE in the CLD based on ACR criteria, 513 had at least 1 clinical criteria, 466 had at least 1 immunologic criteria, and 471 had 4 or more criteria. Using EHR data from the NMEDW, and rules for the SLICC classification criteria that were based on ICD9/10 codes and labs and required identification of at least one clinical and one immunological criteria, we categorized 450/513 (88%) patients as having definite lupus. Conclusions Query of patient EHR data with ICD-9/10 codes and lab tests for specific SLICC classification criteria items requires refinement to improve identification of some criteria. Using the SLICC classification rule for definite SLE, we were able to identify 88% of those with definite SLE by the ACR criteria, using ICD9/10 codes and labs. Text searching of notes (by simple string matching or natural language processing) may improve identification of individual SLICC criteria (e.g. renal biopsy) and may be critical for mining physicians’ notes for criteria that are not well documented with diagnosis codes or lab results. Acknowledgements Funding-NIH/NIAMS R21AR074081.
A Hidden Glimpse at Old Thailand? The "Siam Episode" in Fontane's Novel Unwiederbringlich

Hardly ever do images of Thai or Thailand occur in German literature. Granted, there exists an early if seemingly isolated forerunner from the 17th century: namely, Heinrich Anshelm von Zigler und Kliphausen's voluminous Baroque novel entitled Die asiatische Banise ("The Asian Banise" [which is the name of the heroine]). I adduced it, and briefly discussed its opening scene, in my talk "What is a Good Dramatic Text? A German's Answer to a Thai's Question: that I gave in Bangkok almost a decade ago, and which was subsequently published, in a Thai translation by Chetana Nagavajara, in Silpakorn University's Journal of the Faculty of Arts and, in its English original, in my book Versuche zur europaischen Literatur of 1994. As for the three centuries following Banise, however, I had been unaware of any treatments of Thai topics in German letters; and the quite recent, though very important and meritorious, exception to the rule, Hella Kothman's collection of various Thai texts in German rendition, her Das siamesische Lacheln ("The Siamese Smile"), appeared only after I had penned and delivered my lecture- in fact, simultaneously, as it were, with my aforesaid book.
Ultralight Very Large Aperture Space Telescopes using MODE Lens Technology

A new generation of ultralight space telescopes can be enabled by multiple-order-diffraction-engineered-material (MODE) lenses, which are ultralightweight, transmissive, and can be assembled into very large apertures. In this paper, a diffraction-limited, 0.24-m diameter aperture, nine-segment MODE-lens telescope is designed for the astronomical R-band wavelength.
Requirement of Mitochondrial Transcription Factor A in Tissue-Resident Regulatory T Cell Maintenance and Function.

Regulatory T cells (Tregs) are pivotal for immune suppression. Cellular metabolism is important for Treg homeostasis and function. However, the exact role of mitochondrial respiration in Tregs remains elusive. Mitochondrial transcription factor A (Tfam) is essential for mitochondrial respiration and controls mitochondrial DNA replication, transcription, and packaging. Here, we show that genetic ablation of Tfam in Tregs impairs Treg maintenance in non-lymphoid tissues in the steady state and in tumors. Tfam-deficient Tregs have reduced proliferation and Foxp3 expression upon glucose deprivation in vitro. Tfam deficiency preferentially affects gene activation in Tregs through regulation of DNA methylation, with enhanced methylation in the TSDR of the Foxp3 locus. Deletion of Tfam in Tregs affects Treg homing and stability, resulting in tissue inflammation in colitis, but enhances tumor rejection. Thus, our work reveals a critical role of Tfam-mediated mitochondrial respiration in Tregs to regulate inflammation and anti-tumor immunity.
Geography Is More Important Than Host Plant Use for the Population Genetic Structure of a Generalist Insect Herbivore

Population divergence can occur due to mechanisms associated with geographic isolation and/or due to selection associated with different ecological niches. Much of the evidence for selection-driven speciation has come from studies of specialist insect herbivores that use different host plant species; however, the influence of host plant use on population divergence of generalist herbivores remains poorly understood. We tested how diet breadth, host plant species and geographic distance influence population divergence of the fall webworm (Hyphantria cunea; FW). FW is a broadly distributed, extreme generalist herbivore consisting of two morphotypes that have been argued to represent two different species: black-headed and red-headed. We characterized the differentiation of FW populations at two geographic scales. We first analysed the influence of host plant and geographic distance on genetic divergence across a broad continental scale for both colour types. We further analysed the influence of host plant, diet breadth and geographic distance on divergence at a finer geographic scale focusing on red-headed FW in Colorado. We found clear genetic and morphological distinction between red- and black-headed FW, and Colorado FW formed a genetic cluster distinct from other locations. Although both geographic distance and host plant use were correlated with genetic distance, geographic distance accounted for up to 3× more variation in genetic distance than did host plant use. As a rare study investigating the genetic structure of a widespread generalist herbivore over a broad geographic range (up to 3,000 km), our study supports a strong role for geographic isolation in divergence in this system.
The Trial Lottery

Juries are the lifeblood of our criminal justice system. As the Framers clearly understood, and as the Supreme Court has consistently reaffirmed in recent years, their value goes far beyond accuracy in individual cases. Criminal juries are a democratic bulwark against overzealous state power; they keep prosecutors and police in check. Accordingly, the disappearance of traditional criminal trials is not just a problem for individual defendants. It is a problem for all of us. In this Article, we propose a novel mechanism to (partly) restore the criminal jury to its rightful pride of place—a trial lottery. In short, a small percentage of cases that plead out should be randomly selected for jury trial notwithstanding the plea, using the plea’s terms as an upper limit on punishment. Such a system of lottery trials would yield three systemic benefits. First, it would counteract asymmetries in plea negotiations, leading to a more level field of bargaining. Second, it would ‘audit’ the law enforcement process, revealing patterns and irregularities in how police investigate and how prosecutors charge. Third, it would revitalize the role of jurors, lawyers, and judges in criminal adjudication. A trial lottery could thus restore a measure of accountability and democratic spirit to criminal justice systems that increasingly feel distressingly void of both.
Givinostat: an emerging treatment for polycythemia vera

Polycythemia vera (PV), a Philadelphia chromosome-negative myeloproliferative neoplasm, is characterized by panmyelosis, pancytosis, and a JAK2 mutation. Patients are at increased risk of thrombohe...
Blink and You Miss it: Measuring News Readers’ Attention to Interpretative Journalism Cues

Studies have shown that newsreaders often have a difficult time distinguishing between different article types and, anecdotally, were oblivious to the text cues that news organizations offered to h...
Towards a Model for Teaching PAR in the Undergraduate Classroom

This essay draws on the author’s experience teaching two ensemble performance courses to develop a PaR pedagogy for undergraduate students. The model is inspired by Robin Nelson’s proposed elements for a “justifiable” PaR practice: making the tacit explicit, principles of composition, and building connections between “know what” and “know that.” In both versions of the course, the subject of inquiry was California’s use of solitary confinement, and the modes for investigation and presentation of student research were embodied and performative. In the first iteration, students devised original scenes, movement pieces, and immersive explorations. In the second version, students rehearsed and performed a play adapted from the letters, poetry, and artwork of a man who had lived in solitary for over thirty years. After describing the contrasting learning outcomes and performance formats, supplemented with student reflections, the author concludes with a list of proposed tenets that aim to scaffold PaR for novice practitioners while remaining flexible enough to adapt to diverse scholartistic processes.
Estimating Finite Mixtures of Ordinal Graphical Models

Graphical models have received an increasing amount of attention in network psychometrics as a promising probabilistic approach to study the conditional relations among variables using graph theory. Despite recent advances, existing methods on graphical models usually assume a homogeneous population and focus on binary or continuous variables. However, ordinal variables are very popular in many areas of psychological science, and the population often consists of several different groups based on the heterogeneity in ordinal data. Driven by these needs, we introduce the finite mixture of ordinal graphical models to effectively study the heterogeneous conditional dependence relationships of ordinal data. We develop a penalized likelihood approach for model estimation, and design a generalized expectation-maximization (EM) algorithm to solve the significant computational challenges. We examine the performance of the proposed method and algorithm in simulation studies. Moreover, we demonstrate the potential usefulness of the proposed method in psychological science through a real application concerning the interests and attitudes related to fan avidity for students in a large public university in the United States.
Students' perspective on higher educators: interpersonal relationship matters.

Students’ perspective on the higher educators’ performance matters because the ultimate goal of teaching is education quality and students’ satisfaction. Student evaluations are important to university professors to improve their teaching quality and in many cases, secure their promotion and tenureship. Excellent teaching does not have a universal definition, and students often have different perspectives on effective and excellent teaching. In this study, we examined the factors contributing to excellent teaching as rated by students on the website ratemyprofessors.com, a popular website among students to rate their educators voluntarily. The information from this website can be valuable, despite all the critics it has received, given that students provide feedback on a volunteer basis to help their peers with selecting the best class. The website provides a forum for opinions that are not influenced by fear of possible consequences, such as a low grade or tension with faculty. Our study results show that the five top characteristics that are important to students include being caring, respectful, inspirational, as well as giving good feedback, and delivering “amazing” lectures. Further data analysis shows that subject content, in terms of manageable workload, reasonable content difficulty, and grading, can influence students' ratings. The findings indicate that students value interpersonal relationships and cherish individualized feedback and receiving personal support.
Screening Fundus Images to Extract Multiple Ocular Features: A Unified Modeling Approach

The retina is a thin layered tissue located close to the optic nerve, considered an extension of the human brain. It captures the incoming light and transforms it into neural signals. Most ocular and systemic disorders such as diabetic retinopathy, glaucoma, hypertension, and cardiovascular diseases manifest themselves in this central hub. The extraction of useful information from the retina is critical. Different imaging techniques, including fundus photography and optical coherence tomography, helped practitioners find useful details; however, the risk of diagnosis error advanced by human intervention is relatively high. The underlying article has designed a fully automated screening system based on a unified modeling approach of diagnosis. The system can extract multiple ocular features with a novel semantic segmentation network to early detect the symptoms of retinal disease. The proposed method has used a separate, publicly available benchmark dataset for each feature evaluation. It has shown promising results in vessels, optic cup, and optic disc segmentation by achieving the highest accuracy, an area under the roc curve, and dice scores. The method is an effort to reduce vision impairment risks in patients facing diabetic retinopathy and glaucoma by providing an automated screening system that can visualize the changes that appear in retinal features caused by vision-threatening disorders.
Effects of soy-based oils on the tensile behavior of EPDM rubber

Abstract The effects of soy-based oil on the constitutive behavior of EPDM rubber have been investigated. Soy polyols with various hydroxyl numbers as well as unmodified soybean oil have each been incorporated in the EPDM rubber as a partial replacement for petroleum oil. Tensile tests have been performed at low and high rates, and hysteresis and stress relaxation tests have been performed at low rates. It has been found from the tensile tests that the rubber with soy polyol of low hydroxyl number can provide very similar constitutive characteristics as the control. On the other hand, the constitutive characteristics are significantly changed by using soy polyol of high hydroxyl number or unmodified soybean oil. For example, the rubber with unmodified soybean oil elongates substantially up to stretch ratios of 13, which is approximately 100% greater than that of the control. It has also been found from the tensile and hysteresis tests that the soy-based rubbers generally have better energy storing and dissipation characteristics than the control, such as storing more energy while maintaining lower peak stress, for an impact application. The test results indicate the potential for application based tuning of soy rubber properties by selecting an appropriate soy oil/EPDM blend or a polyol/EPDM blend with optimized functionality.
Transitioning into Adulthood: Promoting Youth Engagement, Empowerment, and Interdependence Through Teaming Practices

The conventional models used for preparing youth for emancipation from child welfare emphasize independent living services in which youths learn how to find an apartment, apply for jobs or college, and manage money and budget for household expenses. Yet the focus on “independence” for youth leaving the child welfare system does not fit with the developmental tasks of adolescence. A more fitting goal for youth would be “interdependence,” as most young people do not achieve instant independence, but gradually take on the roles of an adult as they navigate through their twenties. During this period they require considerable emotional and practical support from families. Youth become independent and exercise autonomy within these supportive and empowering relationships.
Learning the New Leadership

Leadership requires power, but many leaders think of power narrowly in terms of command and control. Smart executives know that leadership is not just a matter of issuing commands, but also involves leading by example and attracting others to do what you want. The soft power of attraction and the ability to adapt to situations are the key to effective leadership that can be learned on the basis of experience and analytics.
A rotor flux error-based, adaptive tuning approach for feedforward field oriented induction machine drives

A rotor flux error-based approach to continuous, adaptive tuning of rotor flux, feedforward field-oriented induction machine drives is presented. The controller is derived from the dq induction machine model. The machine parameter errors upon which slip gain is dependent are computed by estimating the rotor flux error from a nonlinear, open loop, rotor flux observer. This observer is constructed by using stator flux, which is estimated from the terminal information. The approach is presented from three perspectives: field orientation, model reference adaptive control, and feedforward/predictive feedback control. The distinctive properties of this controller are discussed at length. It is shown that this adaptive controller with an indirect field oriented controller provides the advantages of direct and indirect field orientation in one system. >
An advanced CMOS process for university microelectronics laboratory courses

The manufacture of CMOS integrated circuits in a university laboratory course is difficult because the process is complicated and time consuming. At RIT, we have developed an approach that allows the manufacture of CMOS integrated circuits similar to manufacturing in a semiconductor factory. In this manufacturing approach, the students see all the steps in the process, including device electrical test. At the start of any lab course, there are many lots (each lot is 3 wafers) at different stages in the process. During the laboratory course, new lots are started as other lots are finished, keeping the total work in process (WIP) constant. Over the last year, we have introduced a new submicron CMOS process, which features dual well, n/sup +/ poly gate, sidewall spacers and low doped drain. Lambda based design rules for Lambda equal to 0.5 /spl mu/m give a minimum transistor length of 1.0 /spl mu/m with L/sub eff/ slightly less. One product is an analog/digital test chip. Factory performance was measured by computing Cpk's for approximately 30 process parameters, measuring cycle time, and evaluating electrical test results on completed lots.
Muscle fibre-type dependence of neuronal nitric oxide synthase-mediated vascular control in the rat during high speed treadmill running

Key points • Neuronal nitric oxide (NO) synthase (nNOS) inhibition does not impact skeletal muscle blood flow or vascular conductance (VC) during low-speed (20 m min−1) treadmill running. • This may be due to the fact that low exercise intensities recruit primarily oxidative muscle and that nNOS-derived NO contributes to vascular control primarily within glycolytic muscle. • Rats ran in the severe-intensity domain at 15% above critical speed (an important glycolytic fast-twitch fibre recruitment boundary in the rat) before and after selective nNOS inhibition with S-methyl-l-thiocitrulline (SMTC). • SMTC reduced blood flow and VC during supra-critical speed treadmill running (52.5 ± 1.3 m min−1) with the greatest proportional reductions observed in glycolytic fast-twitch compared to oxidative slow- and fast-twitch muscle. There were no effects of SMTC on muscle blood flow or VC during low-speed running (20 m min−1). • The present data reveal important fibre-type- and exercise intensity-dependent peripheral vascular effects of nNOS-derived NO during whole-body exercise. Abstract We have recently shown that nitric oxide (NO) derived from neuronal NO synthase (nNOS) does not contribute to the hyperaemic response within rat hindlimb skeletal muscle during low-speed treadmill running. This may be attributed to low exercise intensities recruiting primarily oxidative muscle and that vascular effects of nNOS-derived NO are manifest principally within glycolytic muscle. We tested the hypothesis that selective nNOS inhibition via S-methyl-l-thiocitrulline (SMTC) would reduce rat hindlimb skeletal muscle blood flow and vascular conductance (VC) during high-speed treadmill running above critical speed (asymptote of the hyperbolic speed versus time-to-exhaustion relationship for high-speed running and an important glycolytic fast-twitch fibre recruitment boundary in the rat) principally within glycolytic fast-twitch muscle. Six rats performed three high-speed treadmill runs to exhaustion to determine critical speed. Subsequently, hindlimb skeletal muscle blood flow (radiolabelled microspheres) and VC (blood flow/mean arterial pressure) were determined during supra-critical speed treadmill running (critical speed + 15%, 52.5 ± 1.3 m min−1) before (control) and after selective nNOS inhibition with 0.56 mg kg−1 SMTC. SMTC reduced total hindlimb skeletal muscle blood flow (control: 241 ± 23, SMTC: 204 ± 13 ml min−1 (100 g)−1, P < 0.05) and VC (control: 1.88 ± 0.20, SMTC: 1.48 ± 0.13 ml min−1 (100 g)−1 mmHg−1, P < 0.05) during high-speed running. The relative reductions in blood flow and VC were greater in the highly glycolytic muscles and muscle parts consisting of 100% type IIb+d/x fibres compared to the highly oxidative muscles and muscle parts consisting of ≤35% type IIb+d/x muscle fibres (P < 0.05). These results extend our understanding of vascular control during exercise by identifying fibre-type-selective peripheral vascular effects of nNOS-derived NO during high-speed treadmill running.
Comparative analysis of light-stimulated motility responses in three diatom species

Diatoms have long been known to be photosensitive, altering the direction of their movement in response to changes in ambient light conditions detected at the tips of the cells. In order to better understand the light conditions responsible for triggering positive photophobic (out-of-light) and negative photophobic (into-light) responses of diatoms, cells from three species of diatoms, Craticula cuspidata (Kutzing) D.G. Mann, Stauroneis phoenicenteron (Nitzsch) Ehrenberg, and Pinnularia viridis (Nitzsch) Ehrenberg, were irradiated at their leading or trailing ends during cell movement. The response times for direction changes when cells were irradiated at various irradiance levels and wavelengths were measured to determine the quality of light responsible for eliciting cell direction changes in each of the three species. All three species displayed strong out-of-light responses at the highest irradiances measured. Craticula cuspidata cells displayed negative photophobic sensitivity (into-light) responses ...
Making Material More Memorable… with Music

Previous columns in the “How Do I Learn?” series explored the neurological basis of learning, memory, and attention. This month, we review the connections between memory and music and consider the possibility that music can facilitate uptake and retention of academic content. While formation of memories and their recall are complicated, several music-related factors are known to influence these processes, as discussed below. A clear prerequisite for learning and remembering something is that one’s attention must be focused on whatever is to be remembered. The prefrontal cortex appears to have a “central executive” function that selects which components of working memories should be consolidated into longer-term memories (Muller & Knight, 2006). In contexts ranging from radio ads to movies, music may serve as an attentional hook that alters memory formation via the central executive. Music that triggers an emotional response may be especially powerful …
Enhancing the pre-polymerization coordination of 1-vinylimidazole

Abstract Recent experimental investigations have found that the rate and conversion of the photopolymerization of 1-vinylimidazole (VIm) can be significantly accelerated with the addition of lithium bistriflimide (LiTf 2 N). However, the underlying molecular-level interactions responsible for this phenomenon are unclear. The two components, VIm and LiTf 2 N, are miscible over a wide range of concentrations and form liquid phases at ambient temperature, and if the fundamental behavior of this mixture can be clearly quantified, there are significant opportunities for tuning the polymerization dynamics, polymer structure, and properties. In this work, molecular dynamics (MD) simulations are used to model the underlying pre-polymerization structure of VIm+LiTf 2 N mixtures at several different concentrations. It is found that the Li + enhances the site–site interactions of key functional groups involved in the polymerization, and this is suggested to play a major role in the experimentally-observed enhancement of the polymerization behavior.
Transgenic overexpression of the α7 integrin reduces muscle pathology and improves viability in the dyW mouse model of merosin-deficient congenital muscular dystrophy type 1A

Merosin-deficient congenital muscular dystrophy 1A (MDC1A) is a devastating neuromuscular disease that results in children being confined to a wheelchair, requiring ventilator assistance to breathe and premature death. MDC1A is caused by mutations in the LAMA2 gene, which results in the partial or complete loss of laminin-211 and laminin-221, the major laminin isoforms found in the basal lamina of skeletal muscle. MDC1A patients exhibit reduced α7β1 integrin; however, it is unclear how the secondary loss of α7β1 integrin contributes to MDC1A disease progression. To investigate whether restoring α7 integrin expression can alleviate the myopathic phenotype observed in MDC1A, we produced transgenic mice that overexpressed the α7 integrin in the skeletal muscle of the dyW−/− mouse model of MDC1A. Enhanced expression of the α7 integrin restored sarcolemmal localization of the α7β1 integrin to laminin-α2-deficient myofibers, changed the composition of the muscle extracellular matrix, reduced muscle pathology, maintained muscle strength and function and improved the life expectancy of dyW−/− mice. Taken together, these results indicate that enhanced expression of α7 integrin prevents muscle disease progression through augmentation and/or stabilization of the existing extracellular matrix in laminin-α2-deficient mice, and strategies that increase α7 integrin in muscle might provide an innovative approach for the treatment of MDC1A.
The Early Institutionalization of Congress

This study applies Nelson Polsby's conceptualization of an institutionalized organization to the first U.S. Congress. Polsby argued that the modern Congress is relatively well bounded; internally complex, with a clear division of labor; having well defined and universalistically applied rules of action. In a substantial way these characteristics also were present at the creation of Congress. Most importantly, it began with legislatively socialized members. Congress quickly developed a complex division of labor to produce sound legislation. Fair rules and even-handed presiding officers allowed minority views and majority rule. While substantial changes in its institutionalization have occurred in the two centuries since its founding, Congress assumed the characteristics of an institutionalized organization from the outset of its history.
Poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase-1 inhibition in brain endothelium protects the blood-brain barrier under physiologic and neuroinflammatory conditions.

Blood–brain barrier (BBB) dysfunction seen in neuroinflammation contributes to mortality and morbidity in multiple sclerosis, encephalitis, traumatic brain injury, and stroke. Identification of molecular targets maintaining barrier function is of clinical relevance. We used a novel in vivo model of localized aseptic meningitis where tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNFα) was introduced intracerebrally and surveyed cerebral vascular changes and leukocyte–endothelium interactions by intravital videomicroscopy. Poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase-1 (PARP) inhibition significantly reduced leukocyte adhesion to and migration across brain endothelium in cortical microvessels. PARP inactivation diminished BBB permeability in an in vivo model of systemic inflammation. PARP suppression in primary human brain microvascular endothelial cells (BMVEC), an in vitro model of BBB, enhanced barrier integrity and augmented expression of tight junction proteins. PARP inhibition in BMVEC diminished human monocyte adhesion to TNFα-activated BMVEC (up to 65%) and migration (80–100%) across BBB models. PARP suppression decreased expression of adhesion molecules and decreased activity of GTPases (controlling BBB integrity and monocyte migration across the BBB). PARP inhibitors down-regulated expression of inflammatory genes and dampened secretion of pro-inflammatory factors increased by TNFα in BMVEC. These results point to PARP suppression as a novel approach to BBB protection in the setting of endothelial dysfunction caused by inflammation.
New techniques for estimation of rational expectation models and Volcker deflation

Multivariate autoregressive moving average models are used to form the “reduced forms” of Muth's rational expectation models. One implication of the modern macroeconomic theory is that economic agents' expectations should change in the presence of major policy changes. This paper proposes a simple method for directly comparing the formulation of expectations, and illustrates it by considering the impact of a recent policy change in the US under Paul Volcker of the Federal Reserve Bank. Many new interpretations are based on transfer functions, “gain” calculations, Green's function matrices from solutions of difference equations, and complex conjugate roots to measure cyclical phenomena. Furthermore, the traditional distributed lag models are criticized for arbitrarily assuming that the gain is unity. We provide an equation for minimum mean squared error regulation, and indicate the role played by rational two-step ahead speculations made by economic agents, along with changes therein emanating from the policy change.
Response of a lentic periphyton community to nutrient enrichment at low N:P ratios

We examined the effect of nitrogen:phosphorus (N:P) ratios and nutrient concentrations on periphyton when nutrients (N and P) are provided in excess. A gradient of seven N:P ratios ranging from 7.5:1 to 1:7.5 and each at three absolute concentrations, was established using nutrient-releasing substrata placed in a meso-oligotrophic lake. Differences in total algal biovolume among nutrient ratios were significant (analysis of covariance [ANCOVA]) when P concentration was entered as the co-variate. In addition, total algal biovolume was significantly correlated with N concentration but not P. To further evaluate the relationship between nutrient ratios and biovolume, we analyzed (using four 1-way analysis of variances [ANOVAs]) four subsets of data defined as a series of treatments where one nutrient concentration remained relatively constant as the other changed creating different N:P ratios. Ratios of data subsets ranged from 1:1 to 7.5:1 and 1:1 to 1:7.5 with low and high concentrations of both series. Only diatom biovolume varied with ratio but these differences are most likely related to increased green algal abundance. Species richness and diversity differed among N:P ratios (ANCOVA) when P concentration was used as the co-variate. Stigeoclonium tenue (Ag.) Gomont, which generally accounted for the increase in green algal abundance, varied with nutrient ratio (ANCOVA) when P was the co-variate. Based on the ANCOVAs, correlations, and one-way ANOVAs, periphyton in this system appears to be affected by N concentration but not by N:P treatment ratios under nutrient-rich conditions. When compared with previous studies, these data also suggest that the response of periphyton to in situ treatments constructed with nutrient-releasing substrata vary between years.
Predictive power of air travel and socio-economic data for early pandemic spread.

Background Controlling the pandemic spread of newly emerging diseases requires rapid, targeted allocation of limited resources among nations. Critical, early control steps would be greatly enhanced if the key risk factors can be identified that accurately predict early disease spread immediately after emergence. Methodology/Principal Findings Here, we examine the role of travel, trade, and national healthcare resources in predicting the emergence and initial spread of 2009 A/H1N1 influenza. We find that incorporating national healthcare resource data into our analyses allowed a much greater capacity to predict the international spread of this virus. In countries with lower healthcare resources, the reporting of 2009 A/H1N1 cases was significantly delayed, likely reflecting a lower capacity for testing and reporting, as well as other socio-political issues. We also report substantial international trade in live swine and poultry in the decade preceding the pandemic which may have contributed to the emergence and mixed genotype of this pandemic strain. However, the lack of knowledge of recent evolution of each H1N1 viral gene segment precludes the use of this approach to determine viral origins. Conclusions/Significance We conclude that strategies to prevent pandemic influenza virus emergence and spread in the future should include: 1) enhanced surveillance for strains resulting from reassortment in traded livestock; 2) rapid deployment of control measures in the initial spreading phase to countries where travel data predict the pathogen will reach and to countries where lower healthcare resources will likely cause delays in reporting. Our results highlight the benefits, for all parties, when higher income countries provide additional healthcare resources for lower income countries, particularly those that have high air traffic volumes. In particular, international authorities should prioritize aid to those poorest countries where both the risk of emerging infectious diseases and air traffic volume is highest. This strategy will result in earlier detection of pathogens and a reduction in the impact of future pandemics.
Reproductive consequences of alcohol abuse: Males and females compared and contrasted

The adverse effects of ethyl alcohol on the hypothalamic pituitary gonadal axes of men and women are discussed with particular attention being given to effects of alcohol upon reproduction. Data obtained from acute and chronic alcohol exposure studies are presented. The putative pathophysiologic mechanisms responsible for disturbed reproductive performances in alcohol abusing individuals are discussed where sufficient data are available.
Seeing and Hearing Students' Lived and Embodied Critical Literacy Practices

In this article, the authors argue that teachers and researchers must expand current verbo- and logo-centric definitions of critical literacy to recognize how texts and responses are embodied. Ethnographic data illustrate the ways that youth perform critical literacy in ways that educators might not always be prepared to see, hear, or acknowledge.
Structural biology: Lariat lessons

The spliceosome enzyme complex removes intron sequences from RNA transcripts to form messenger RNA. The crystal structure of a lasso-shaped RNA suggests a mechanism for this splicing process. See Article p.193
End of an Era for the Los Alamos Critical Experiments Facility: History of critical assemblies and experiments (1946–2004)

Abstract The Los Alamos Critical Experiments Facility (LACEF) was the last operational, general-purpose, critical-mass laboratory in the United States. The long history of remote operations and large-scale critical-mass experiments at LACEF began in 1948, and it effectively ended in July 8th, 2004, when the last critical experiment was performed on the Planet critical assembly. The experimental activities at the Pajarito Site began in April 1946 as a way to obtain subcritical measurements for weapons safety guidance. A year later, the first Kiva (a concrete-reinforced building) was constructed, and 18 months afterward the first remote critical operation was reported with the Topsy critical assembly. In the early years, the Pajarito Site primarily supported the weapons program; later, for almost 17 years, the neutronics of the Rover nuclear-propulsion program dominated activities at Pajarito Site. More recently, Pajarito Site added some new dimensions to its operations in order to support emergency response, the Nuclear Criticality Safety Program, and radiation-detection development. The long history of critical-assembly measurements and operations is documented in hundreds of peer-reviewed technical papers, laboratory reports, personal files, and video sessions with some of the pioneers. It is the intent of this paper to capture, in one single document, a summary and the highlights of the glorious days of this facility. In essence, this paper is a summary of the programs conducted in the last 58 years and of the numerous critical assemblies and reactors that operated at LACEF. It also provides a list of references to the reader who might want to learn more about this facility’s rich history.
Synthesis and characterization of several molybdenum chloride cluster compounds

Investigation into the direct synthesis of Mo/sub 4/Cl/sub 8/(P(C/sub 2/H/sub 5/)/sub 3/)/sub 4/ from Mo/sub 2/(OAc)/sub 4/ led to a synthetic procedure that produces yields greater than 80%. The single-crystal structure disclosed a planar rectangular cluster of molybdenum atoms. Metal-metal bond distances suggest that the long edges of the rectangular cluster should be considered to be single bonds and the short metal-metal bonds to be triple bonds. This view is reinforced by an extended Hueckel calculation. Attempts to add a metal atom to Mo/sub 4/Cl/sub 8/(PR/sub 3/)/sub 4/ to form Mo/sub 5/Cl/sub 10/(PR/sub 3/)/sub 3/ led instead to a compound with the composition Mo/sub 8/Cl/sub 16/(PR/sub 3/)/sub 4/. Solution and reflectance uv-visible spectra and x-ray photoelectron spectra suggest that tetranuclear molybdenum units are present. The facile reaction between Mo/sub 8/Cl/sub 16/(PR/sub 3/)/sub 4/ and PR/sub 3/ imply that the linkage between tetrameric units is weak.
Stereology of parallel, straight, circular cylinders.

SUMMARY New stereological formulae are developed to quantify an array of straight, parallel, circular cylinders. The problem arose through the necessity to determine the average length and surface density of the crypts of the large intestine. These crypts or glands have the shape of test tubes.
Conformational enthalpies, ΔH°[axial/equatorial], of 3- and 4-methylcyclohexanone

Abstract Methylcyclohexanone exists primarily in its most stable chair form at ambient temperatures. Two chair conformers exist in which the methyl group may be either axially or equatorially oriented. The conformational energy difference between these is dominated by non-bonded interactions. Several theoretical methods were undertaken to model the conformational enthalpy, Δ H °, including molecular mechanics (MM), ab initio molecular orbital, and density functional theories (DFT). Ab initio methods include HF/6-31G*, HF/6-311G**, HF/6-311+G(3 df ,2 p ), MP2-fu/6-31G*, MP2-fu/6-31+G*, and G2(MP2) levels of theory. A hybrid theoretical model, G2(MP2,SVP), was found to give nearly identical results to G2(MP2) theory. The DFT methods included B3-LYP/6-31G*, B3-LYP/6-311+G(3 df ,2 p ), B3-PW91/6-31G*, and B3-PW91/6-311+G(3 df ,2 p ). The theoretical results are compared with recent gas-phase experimental measurements from our laboratory. The conformational energy between the more stable equatorial conformer and the less stable axial conformer has been measured by resonance-enhanced multiphoton ionization spectroscopy to be 1.55±0.12 and 2.1±0.2 kcal mol −1 for 3- and 4-methylcyclohexanone, respectively. There is excellent agreement between these experimental values and the MM and DFT methods. A less satisfactory agreement is made for the MP2 and G2(MP2) methods.
A Comparative Study of Disulphide-Bonding and Molecular Weights of Purified Fractions from Secalin, Gliadin, and Hordein

Prolamin polypeptides from rye, wheat, and barley were compared with respect to the nature of their disulphide bonds, the effects of reduction, and their molecular weights. Most secalins were distinguished by their ease of reduction to polypeptides of intermediate mobility, ranging in size from about 82-92 kilodaltons (Kd), or to polypeptides with molecular weights of 38 Kd that migrated 20-25% slower upon reduction. A third group of secalin components had intermediate electrophoretic mobility on lactate gels, were unaffected by reducing agents and had a molecular weight of 48 Kd. Wheat gliadin fractions contained two types of component: the cogliadins that could not be reduced further and the a-, /}-, or y-gliadins which were reduced to polypeptides of slightly lower electrophoretic mobilities than their native precursors. The predominant molecular weight range of gliadin polypeptides was 33-37 Kd. The predominant polypeptide components of hordein were nonreducible, with apparent molecular weights in the range from 50-60 Kd. Few secalin or hordein polypeptides were similar in both size and reactivity to the gliadins.
Timing of Delivery for Women with Stable Placenta Previa

Women with placenta previa are at increased risks for complications related to obstetrical hemorrhage and the need for emergent delivery. Some will remain asymptomatic without preterm labor or vaginal bleeding, and thus the clinician must decide when to schedule cesarean delivery in a "stable" patient. Decision-making for the optimal timing of delivery across the late preterm and early-term period requires balancing the probability and severity of maternal hemorrhage at each gestational age versus the probability and severity of neonatal morbidity. On the basis of the limited available data, in women with uncomplicated complete placenta previa, scheduled delivery between 36 and 37 weeks should be considered.