cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Effects of initial microstructure and shock method on the shock-induced transformation strengthening of carbon steels

SAE 1020, 1040, and 1095 steels were shock-loaded to 158 and 283 kbar peak pressures by the mousetrap flyer plate technique. Post-shock mechanical properties, optical microscopy, and comparison with data from the literature indicated that shock pressure duration, is critical to strengthening by the α→e pressure induced transformation. It is suggested that the critical pressure duration is related to a time required for completion of the transformation process and that the required duration is inversely dependent on the volume percent carbide present in the steel.
Spot Reading of the Absolute Paleointensity of the Geomagnetic Field Obtained from Potsherds (Age Ca. 500-430 AD) in Teotihuacan, Mexico

Archaeointensity data have been obtained successfully using the Thellier-Coe protocol from twelve potsherds recovered from the vicinity of the “Piramide del Sol”, Teotihuacan, Mexico. In order to understand the magnetic behavior of the samples, we have conducted low-field versus temperature (k-T) experiments to determine the magnetic carriers of the pre-Columbian artefacts, as well as Saturation Isothermal Remanent Magnetization (SIRM), hysteresis loops and back-fields TESTS. The Curie temperatures indicate the presence of at least three magnetic mineral phases (238°C - 276°C, 569°C - 592°C, and 609°C - 624°C). The predominant Curie temperatures for these samples are typical of Ti-poor magnetite. The results of the magnetic grain size analyses indicate that if the magnetic mineral in a sample is only magnetite, the distribution on the modified Day et al. (1977) diagram yields specimens in the Single (SD), Pseudo (PSD) and Superparamagnetic (SP) domain ranges. The successfully absolute paleointensity determinations in this study using the Thellier-Coe protocol have yielded an average paleointensity of 38.871 +/- 1.833 m-Teslas (N = 12), and a virtual geomagnetic dipole moment of 8.682 +/- 0.402 × 1022 A/m2 which is slightly lower than the present field strength and which corresponds to an age interval between 500 and 430 AD. Thus, our results correlate well with the recently published CALS3K.4 curve and the incipient archaeointensity reference curve for the Mesoamerican paleo-field results. Therefore, the age of the artefacts would correlate well with absolute the early classic Teotihuacan cultural period.
Exercise and Heat Stress in Cystic Fibrosis Patients

Cystic fibrosis (CF) is characterized by high sweat sodium and chloride concentrations. CF patients have long been assumed to be at risk for heat illness, but there has been no quantitative documentation that CF patients actually have a greater loss of sodium and chloride than normals when under environmental stress. We compared thermoregulatory responses of eight CF patients with five normal controls during 90-min exposures to exercise and heat stress. Both groups reached similar peak rectal temperatures and peak heart rates; they had similar sweat volumes and rates. CF patients showed the normal rise in renin and aldosterone and the normal fall in urine sodium excretion; however, CF patients lost significantly more sodium (48.8 +/- 23.4 mEq/liter/m2 versus 20.2 +/- 11.2 mEq/liter/m2) and chloride (46.6 +/- 21.6 mEq/liter/m2 versus 18.5 +/- 11.3 mEq/liter/m2) per unit of surface area than the controls. Serum sodium and chloride concentrations fell in the CF patients but not in the normals. After exercise/heat stress, CF serum chloride was significantly less than normals' (99 +/- 3 mEq/liter versus 104 +/- 1 mEq/liter, P less than 0.01). CF patients have normal temperature, heart rate, hormonal, and renal responses to exercise and heat stress, yet still lose significantly more sodium and chloride than normal. These losses are reflected in part in lower serum concentrations of these ions. There may be important effects of these losses on respiratory tract secretions.
Nonequilibrium chemical and radiation coupling. I - Theory and models. II -Results for AOTV flowfields

A flowfield model for the stagnation region of high-altitude entry vehicles which includes nonequilibrium chemistry, multitemperature, viscous, conduction, and diffusion effects is presented. The model contains coupled nongray nonequilibrium radiative transfer and accounts for local thermodynamic nonequilibrium phenomena for both atoms and molecules. Several approaches for modeling electron-electronic energy are presented ranging from a quasiequilibrium free electron model to a full electron-electronic equation. Comparison with Fire 2 flight data verifies that the model is reasonably accurate. Based on these results for Fire 2 radiation cooling/coupling is measurable and important, the wavelength character of the radiative heat transfer varies with time, and local thermodynamic nonequilibrium is important and should be included.
The Special Educator As Expert Witness

The testimony of educators is crucial in legal disputes over special education programs. Both university professors and teachers may testify as ordinary witnesses, or as experts in the field. It is important for educators to understand the function of expert testimony and the ethical issues raised when the role of an expert is assumed in court. Without the leadership of educators serving as expert witnesses, the courts will continue to define the requirements of special education in terms that do not necessarily reflect the needs of children with disabilities. This article considers those issues and presents guidelines for effective testimony in the context of special education.
Subregional localization of 21 chromosome 7-specific expressed sequence tags (ESTs) by FISH using newly identified YACs and P1s.

Abstract Twenty-one putative chromosome 7-derived expressed sequence tags (ESTs) identified 33 yeast artificial chromosomes (YACs) or P1 clones, which were then used as reagents for physical mapping. FISH mapping established that the ESTs contained within these clones were distributed throughout chromosome 7, with all major cytogenetic bands represented, except 7p13–p15, 7p11, 7q31.2, and 7q35. Each EST sequence identified at least one other sequence in publicly available databases (using search tools such as BLASTN, basic local alignment search tool), and many of the ESTs identified cDNAs and several genomic DNA sequences. However, 7 ESTs did not identify highly significant matches (P
Collective Socialization and Child Conduct Problems: A Multilevel Analysis with an African American Sample

This article uses hierarchical linear modeling with a sample of African American children and their primary caregivers to examine the association between various community factors and child conduct...
Ejaculation Induced by a Uterine Drug (Gravitol)

Summary1. The di-ethyl-amino-ethyl-ether of 2-methoxy-6-allyl-phenol in form of its hydrochloride (Gravitol, Clavitol, Uterol) was found to elicit a characteristic ejacula-tory reflex in the mature male guinea pig.2. This characteristic effect is attributed to the previously studied combination of the drug's depressing and stimulating action upon the central nervous system.
Investigation of laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy and multivariate analysis for differentiating inorganic and organic C in a variety of soils

Abstract Laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) along with multivariate analysis was used to differentiate between the total carbon (C), inorganic C, and organic C in a set of 58 different soils from 5 soil orders. A 532 nm laser with 45 mJ of laser power was used to excite the 58 samples of soil and the emission of all the elements present in the soil samples was recorded in a single spectrum with a wide wavelength range of 200–800 nm. The results were compared to the laboratory standard technique, e.g., combustion on a LECO-CN analyzer, to determine the true values for total C, inorganic C, and organic C concentrations. Our objectives were: 1) to determine the characteristic spectra of soils containing different amounts of organic and inorganic C, and 2) to examine the viability of this technique for differentiating between soils that contain predominantly organic and/or inorganic C content for a range of diverse soils. Previous work has shown that LIBS is an accurate and reliable approach to measuring total carbon content of soils, but it remains uncertain whether inorganic and organic forms of carbon can be separated using this approach. Total C and inorganic C exhibited correlation with rock-forming elements such as Al, Si, Fe, Ti, Ca, and Sr, while organic C exhibited minor correlation with these elements and a major correlation with Mg. We calculated a figure of merit (Mg/Ca) based on our results to enable differentiation between inorganic versus organic C. We obtained the LIBS validation prediction for total, inorganic, and organic C to have a coefficient of regression, r2 = 0.91, 0.87, and 0.91 respectively. These examples demonstrate an advance in LIBS-based techniques to distinguish between organic and inorganic C using the full wavelength spectra.
Studies on the intracellular localization and effects of 2-chloro-4', 4'-di(2-imidazolin-2-yl) terephthalanilide on mitochondria from p388 lymphocytic leukemia and rat liver.

Abstract 2-Chloro-4′,4″-di(2-imidazolin-2-yl)terephthalanilide (NSC 60339) is found primarily in the mitochondrial and nuclear fractions of P388 murine lymphocytic leukemia and rat liver cells which have been exposed to the drug. P388 cells which were exposed to the drug in vivo had higher endogenous oxygen uptake than untreated cells; this new rate of oxygen utilization was not affected by the subsequent addition of glucose or increased phthalanilide in vitro . The effects of the substituted phthalanilide on various other functions of isolated mitochondria were compared to those of spermine, tyramine, and 2,4-dinitrophenol. The phthalanilide was a more potent inhibitor than tyramine of soluble and mitochondria-bound rat liver choline dehydrogenase. Spermine inhibited the enzyme moderately but nitrogen mustard was ineffective. Choline dehydrogenase could not be demonstrated in mitochondria from P388 cells. At 10 −4 M, the phthalanilide inhibited the succinic dehydrogenase complex in mitochondria from P388 cells resistant to NSC 60339. With succinate as a substrate, phosphorylation was inhibited completely in intact rat liver mitochondria and P388 mitochondria at 4 × 10 −4 M and 5 × 10 −5 M, respectively. However, succinate oxidation in the coupled systems was inhibited only 50 per cent at these and higher concentrations of drug. The possible relationship between the effects of NSC 60339 on mitochondrial function and the toxic and chemotherapeutic properties of the drug are discussed.
Potential of adhesives for the future

Rapid technological advancements have contributed to the increasing application of adhesives. Because of these accomplishments, because of continuing materials research and process development activities, and because of their inherent advantages, adhesives have a great potential for the future. Requirements for the future impose a severe challenge on developmental capabilities. More severe structural requirements and environmental conditions may be expected. Because of increasing complexity and costs, there are requirements for significantly higher orders of reliability and lower fabrication costs. Improvements in bonding processes and development of comparatively new techniques are desirable. Test methods require further development and standardization—especially nondestructive methods. Continuing work in collecting and reporting pertinent information, especially on properties and design parameters for adhesive bonding is helping to advance the utilization of adhesives. Current trends indicate that adhesives are progressing from the realm of “art” to science, a factor which should substantially aid in advancing the future potential for adhesives.
Organizational Culture-Performance Link in the Human Services Setting

To inquire into the relationship between organizational culture and effective human services delivery, this exploratory cross- sectional study collects data from a nonprofit sectarian human service agency in the Midwest (n = 92) in an effort to assess the applicability of the Organizational Culture Inventory (OCI) in a human services setting. Results of the quantitative analyses of the OCI create an organizational culture profile of the agency and find the existence of multiple cultures within the agency and strong culture-performance link. Special attention is given to the influences of the Humanistic-Encouraging, Dependent, and Perfectionistic cultural norms on service delivery for foster care children. Limitations and implications of this exploratory study are discussed.
Ethane formation in the carbon monoxide-hydrogen reaction system

Abstract The constant volume, isothermal carbon monoxide-hydrogen reaction system has been studied experimentally at 900°F and initial reactant pressure of 2 atm. Gaseous products were measured by gas chromatography techniques. Reaction times extended from one to nine days. Equilibrium conditions are discussed briefly, and allusion is made to the possible role of the ethane molecule in the reaction mechanism.
Effect of tetrachlorophthalic anhydride on hepatic microsomal metabolism in rats and mice.

The capacity for induction of microsomal metabolic enzymes by tetrachlorophthalic anhydride (TCPA) was evaluated in male Sprague‐Dawley rats and male CD‐1 mice. The rats were orally dosed for 7 d with TCPA suspended in corn oil at 25, 100, 250, or 500 mg/kg. Following this treatment a dose‐dependent reduction in the zoxazolamine paralysis time occurred over the dose range 100–500 mg/kg in the rat. No effect on the hexobarbital sleep time was observed at any test level. TCPA was found to produce statistically significant increases in hepatic aminopyrine N‐demethylase, aniline hydroxylase, and cytochrome P‐450 in the rat at 500 mg per kg. In addition statistically significant increases were seen in aniline hydroxylase and cytochrome P‐450 at 25 mg/kg. Mice were orally dosed with TCPA for 7 d at 250, 500, or 1000 mg/kg. There was no effect in the zoxazolamine paralysis time or the hexobarbital sleep time in this species. Hepatic microsomal enzyme levels were not measured in the mouse. These results suggest t...
Frictional properties of poly(MPC-co-BMA) phospholipid polymer for catheter applications.

A fundamental understanding of surface properties of the biomaterials at a nanometer scale should be generated in order to understand cellular responses of the tissue to biomaterials thereby minimizing or eliminating tissue trauma at a macrometer scale. In this study poly(2-methacryloyloxyethyl phosphorylcholine-co-n-butyl methacrylate) ([poly(MPC-co-BMA]) was evaluated as a potential coating material for vascular applications to provide smooth catheterization using atomic force microscopy (AFM) techniques.A uniform coating of [poly(MPC-co-BMA] equivalent to a thickness of 2.5 microm on a polyurethane (PU) catheter material was provided using dip casting technique. Using a contact mode AFM, no significant difference in surface roughness (R(a)) and frictional force (f) between uncoated (R(a)=10.2+/-1.9 nm, f=0.907+/-0.02) and coated (R(a)=11.7+/-1.8 nm, f=0.930+/-0.06) surfaces was observed under dry conditions. However, under wet conditions the R(a) of the coated surface (3.4+/-1.0 nm) was significantly lower than uncoated PU surface (9.0+/-1.8 nm). The coating on PU substrate offered the least frictional resistance (f=0.004+/-0.001) illustrating enhanced boundary lubrication capability due to hydration of phosphorylcholine polymer as compared to a significantly higher f for uncoated PU (0.017+/-0.007) surfaces. These tribological and chemical characteristics of the [poly(MPC-co-BMA)] coating could increase the overall efficacy of PU for clinical applications.
High-affinity calcium-binding proteins in escherichia coli*

Crude extracts of Escherichia coli contain at least three heat stable proteins of M r , 33,000, 47,000, and 60,000, which bind 45 Ca 2+ in buffers containing micromolar calcium and physiological salt concentrations. Fractions containing these proteins neither activated the calmodulin-dependent enzyme, NAD kinase, nor inhibited the activity of this enzyme in the presence of brain calmodulin. Radioimmunoassay of crude extracts for calmodulin indicated the presence of a calmodulin-like antigen. Crude extracts also contain proteins that interact with 2-trifluoromethyl-10H-(3′-aminopropyl)phenothiazine-Sepharose in a calcium-dependent manner, but proteins eluted from this resin did not bind calcium with high affinity.
Gestational changes in oxytocin- and endothelin-1-induced contractility of pregnant rat myometrium

Abstract The mechanical effects of KCl, oxytocin and endothelin-1 on pregnant rat myometrium were examined using intact strips and β-escin-treated skinned strips. Myometrial tissues from delivering rats were more sensitive to 10.7 mM K + compared to mid and late gestation. Maximum contractions induced by K + were obtained at concentrations of 118 mM at mid and late gestation and during delivery. The maximum amplitude of contractions induced by oxytocin and endothelin-1 compared to the 118 mM K + -induced contraction increased during the progress of gestation. Maximum contractions induced by oxytocin and endothelin-1 were greater than those induced by 118 mM K + at delivery, and maximum contractions by oxytocin were larger than those by endothelin-1 during delivery. In 10 μM nifedipine and Ca 2+ -free (containing 2 mM EGTA) solutions, 118 mM K + contractions were completely abolished; however, both oxytocin and endothelin-1 produced contractions. In Ca 2+ -free solutions, contractions by oxytocin were larger than those by endothelin-1. In skinned myometrial strips, guanosine 5′- O -thiotriphosphate (GTP, 1 μM-1 mM), guanosine 5′- O -(γ-thiotriphosphate) (GTPγS, 0.1–10 μM) and oxytocin (1 nM-0.1 μM) with 10 μM GTP, but not endothelin-1 with 10 μM GTP increased Ca 2+ sensitivity of contractile force. These results suggests that (1) the membrane permeability for Ca 2+ and the number of receptors of oxytocin and endothelin-1 increase during the progress of gestation, (2) both oxytocin and endothelin-1 produce contractions by activation of voltage-dependent Ca 2+ channels and Ca 2+ release from internal storage sites, (3) oxytocin, but not endothelin-1, coupled to receptors increases Ca 2+ sensitivity to contractile proteins.
Research on Marketing Ethics: A Systematic Review of the Literature:

The growing field of marketing ethics research is investigating the many aspects of marketing that have an ethical dimension. This article provides a systematic review of this research by (1) devel...
Comparison of Effectiveness of Bare Metal Stents Versus Drug-Eluting Stents in Large (≥3.5 mm) Coronary Arteries

Drug-eluting stents (DESs) are superior to bare metal stents (BMSs) in decreasing restenosis rates across a wide range of patient and lesion subsets. However, widespread utilization of DESs raises concerns with regard to risks of prolonged dual antiplatelet therapy, the potential for late adverse events such as late thrombosis, and cost. Vessel diameter and lesion length have been previously identified as predictors for restenosis for DESs and BMSs. This study compared the clinical outcomes of DESs versus BMSs in large coronary arteries (≥3.5 mm). A cohort of 233 patients who underwent single-vessel angioplasty with DES implantation in large vessels was compared with 233 propensity-matched patients who received BMSs in vessels with similar reference vessel diameters. Clinical outcomes at 30 days, 6 months, and 1 year were compared between groups. Baseline clinical and procedural characteristics were similar. Target lesion revascularization and target vessel revascularization rates and the incidence of major adverse cardiac events were low and comparable between the 2 groups at all follow-up intervals. At 1 year, the primary outcome occurred in 8.5% of patients with DESs and 7.7% of patients with BMSs (p = 0.80). There were no episodes of subacute stent thrombosis or late thrombosis in either group. In conclusion, implantation of DESs in large coronary arteries confers no additional benefit compared with BMSs, and the 2 approaches are associated with equally favorable clinical outcomes at 1 year.
Are We Throwing Histology out with the Microscope? A Look at Histology from the Physician's Perspective.

A trend in medical schools across the United States is the refurbishing of histology laboratories with digital microscopy systems. Although such systems may reduce curricular time, they do not teach basic microscope skills, and students who learn solely with these systems may be less prepared for their practices or specialties, particularly in rural areas that may not be equipped with digital microscope technology. At the West Virginia School of Osteopathic Medicine (WVSOM), students are trained to practice in a wide variety of environments, especially rural areas. A research survey was conducted to gather information for evidence-based decisions about histology education at WVSOM. The survey asked a range of questions concerning histology knowledge, tissue preparation, and microscopy. Responses did not differ significantly between physicians in urban versus rural practices. Ninety percent of physicians do not utilize digitized images, and only 50% have microscopes readily available. Regardless of the technology available, 90% feel that students must have microscope training and 88% of physicians feel that histology is important to the medical curriculum and use their histology knowledge often (weekly or daily) (66%). These results demonstrate that histology education should move toward a blending of traditional microscope and glass slides with computer-based instructional technologies.
The total artificial heart.

Over the past 50 years, significant advances have been made in the development of total artificial hearts (TAH). These advances have most recently led to a clinical trial of a unique, transcutaneously powered TAH.
The early stages of Wallerian degeneration in the severed optic nerve of the newt (Triturus viridescens).

The initiation of Wallerian degeneration in the severed optic nerve of the newt (Triturus viridescens) was very rapid and intense. Significant degeneration of nonmyelinated axons was observed as early as six hours after lesion (h.a.l.) and was almost complete by 48 h.a.l. Initial degeneration of non-myelinated axons began in “extracellular digestion chambers” formed between burgeoning ependymoglial processes. The remaining fragments and debris were later phagocytized by surrounding ependymoglial processes. Many axons of myelinated fibers have degenerated as early as 6 h.a.l. However, the overall population of myelinated axons degenerates at a much slower rate than nonmyelinated ones, for many of them appear intact as late as 48 h.a.l. Some myelin sheaths show significant signs of degeneration by 6 h.a.l. Indeed, by this time a number of myelinated fibers have completely degenerated leaving only large vacuolated spaces in the nerve parenchyma. Swelling and vacuolization of the sheath are among the earliest signs of myelin degeneration. The ependymoglial cell response to optic nerve lesion is manyfold and dramatic. By 6 h.a.l. there are signs of burgeoning ependymoglial processes which begin to resemble scar formation (gliosis) by 48 h.a.l. The morphological evidence is consistent with the concept of an important phagocytic role of ependymoglial cells during the early stages of optic nerve degeneration.
Human factors affecting the success of advanced manufacturing systems

This paper analyzes the data collected from 98 manufacturing companies to investigate the associations between human factors and the success of advanced manufacturing systems (AMS). The AMS measures and human factors were cross-tabulated and the Chi Square values were used to test the hypotheses of the study. The results show that statistically significant, positive associations exit between human factors and the success of AMS implementation. The implications of the findings to the practitioners and researchers are discussed.
Integrated Water Resources Optimization Models: An Assessment of a Multidisciplinary Tool for Sustainable Water Resources Management Strategies

Integrated water resources optimization models (IWROM) are tools that have been developed over the last decade for determining optimal water allocations among competing sectors. This article describes the state of the art of IWROMs. We illustrate the various approaches that have been taken to determine and maximize economic benefits of withdrawing water for various use categories in IWROM applications, including off-stream human uses and in-stream uses such as ecological flows. First, we describe the hydrologic simulators used in IWROM applications, and the mathematical methods used to solve the optimization problems. It is suggested that IWROMs (a) seek to model coupled human–nature relationships and mimic the impact of water resources management strategies on the environment at the basin scale; (b) allow for the simulation and assessment of economic policies and strategies on water resources management; (c) can support basin-wide decision-making; and (d) are particularly useful for water-scarce regions. Finally, we have identify the need for improvements in (a) simulating biophysical systems; (b) handling model uncertainty; (c) inclusion of environmental flows and other relevant environmental factors through economic benefit functions; (d) accounting for social impacts related to shifts in water allocations among users; and (e) inclusion of stakeholders in the development of IWROMs.
The loss of phenotypic traits by differentiated cells. VI. Behavior of the progeny of a single chondrocyte.

A single, functional, mitotically quiescent chondrocyte may be induced to reenter the mitotic cyde, and produce a progeny of over 1011 cells. Sessile, adherent, polygonal cells deposit matrix, whereas amoeboid, dispersed, flattened fibroblastic cells do not. The prior synthetic history of a cell is of greater importance in determining whether the characteristic chondrogenic phenotype will be expressed, rather than growth in "permissive" or "nonpermissive" medium. Clonal conditions select for stem-like cells, some of whose progeny may become polygonal chondrocytes. The retention of the characteristic chondrogenic phenotype in vitro is favored by pruning the dedifferentiated chondrocytes which arise in these cultures. Dedifferentiated chondrocytes interfere with the deposition and synthesis of chondroitin sulfate by neighboring functional chondrocytes. Possible mechanisms are proposed to explain this type of cell-cell or cell exudate interference. If the progeny of a single, genetically programmed chondrocyte may or may not synthesize chondroitin sulfate, then extragenic sites in the cytoplasm or cell surface must influence the decision as to which cluster of "luxur" molecules the cell will synthesize.
Expression Patterns of Duplicate Genes in the Developing Root in Arabidopsis thaliana

Data on gene expression in the development of the root in Arabidopsis thaliana were used to test for expression profile differences among multi-gene families and to examine the extent to which expression differences accompanied coding sequences divergence within families. Significant differences among families were observed on two principal axes, accounting for over 80% of the variance in the expression data. The number of synonymous nucleotide substitutions per synonymous site (d S ) and the number of nonsynonymous nucleotide substitutions per nonsynonymous site (d N ) were estimated between the members of two-member families (N = 428) and between phylogenetically independent sister pairs (N = 190) of sequences within larger families. Ribosomal proteins and a few other proteins were exceptional in showing highly divergent expression patterns in spite of very low levels of amino acid sequence divergence, as indicated by the low d N relative to d S . However, the majority of gene duplicates showed relatively high levels of amino acid sequence divergence without appreciable change in expression pattern in the cell types analyzed.
Variational methods for generating meshes on surfaces in three dimensions

Variational methods for generating meshes are developed for arbitrary surfaces in three dimensions. Several variational principles are written down for surfaces, the corresponding elliptic equations are listed, and several simple examples are given. In addition, a short discussion of planar methods and relative scaling of integrals are included in this paper for completeness.
RNA amplification for successful gene profiling analysis

The study of clinical samples is often limited by the amount of material available to study. While proteins cannot be multiplied in their natural form, DNA and RNA can be amplified from small specimens and used for high-throughput analyses. Therefore, genetic studies offer the best opportunity to screen for novel insights of human pathology when little material is available. Precise estimates of DNA copy numbers in a given specimen are necessary. However, most studies investigate static variables such as the genetic background of patients or mutations within pathological specimens without a need to assess proportionality of expression among different genes throughout the genome. Comparative genomic hybridization of DNA samples represents a crude exception to this rule since genomic amplification or deletion is compared among different specimens directly. For gene expression analysis, however, it is critical to accurately estimate the proportional expression of distinct RNA transcripts since such proportions directly govern cell function by modulating protein expression. Furthermore, comparative estimates of relative RNA expression at different time points portray the response of cells to environmental stimuli, indirectly informing about broader biological events affecting a particular tissue in physiological or pathological conditions. This cognitive reaction of cells is similar to the detection of electroencephalographic patterns which inform about the status of the brain in response to external stimuli. As our need to understand human pathophysiology at the global level increases, the development and refinement of technologies for high fidelity messenger RNA amplification have become the focus of increasing interest during the past decade. The need to increase the abundance of RNA has been met not only for gene specific amplification, but, most importantly for global transcriptome wide, unbiased amplification. Now gene-specific, unbiased transcriptome wide amplification accurately maintains proportionality among all RNA species within a given specimen. This allows the utilization of clinical material obtained with minimally invasive methods such as fine needle aspirates (FNA) or cytological washings for high throughput functional genomics studies. This review provides a comprehensive and updated discussion of the literature in the subject and critically discusses the main approaches, the pitfalls and provides practical suggestions for successful unbiased amplification of the whole transcriptome in clinical samples.
The chemokine receptor CXCR2 ligand KC (CXCL1) mediates neutrophil recruitment and is critical for development of experimental Lyme arthritis and carditis

Deletion of the chemokine receptor CXCR2 prevents the recruitment of neutrophils into tissues and subsequent development of experimental Lyme arthritis. Following footpad inoculation of Borrelia burgdorferi, the agent of Lyme disease, expression of the CXCR2 ligand KC (CXCL1) is highly upregulated in the joints of arthritis-susceptible mice and is likely to play an important role in the recruitment of neutrophils to the site of infection. To test this hypothesis, we infected C3H KC(-/-) mice with B. burgdorferi and followed the development of arthritis and carditis. Ankle swelling was significantly attenuated during the peak of arthritis in the KC(-/-) mice. Arthritis severity scores were significantly lower in the KC(-/-) mice on days 11 and 21 postinfection, with fewer neutrophils present in the inflammatory lesions. Cardiac lesions were also significantly decreased in KC(-/-) mice at day 21 postinfection. There were, however, no differences between C3H wild-type and KC(-/-) mice in spirochete clearance from tissues. Two other CXCR2 ligands, LIX (CXCL5) and MIP-2 (CXCL2), were not increased to compensate for the loss of KC, and the production of several innate cytokines was unaltered. These results demonstrate that KC plays a critical nonredundant role in the development of experimental Lyme arthritis and carditis via CXCR2-mediated recruitment of neutrophils into the site of infection.
Beyond risky alcohol use: screening non-medical use of prescription drugs at National Alcohol Screening Day.

Abstract Introdcution Recent epidemiological data has indicated an increasing trend in the non-medical use of prescription drugs (NMUPD) among college students. NMUPD has shown a strong relationship with heavy alcohol use and associated negative consequences. Despite the trends and association with other risky behavior, there remain large gaps in the literature regarding this hazardous behavior. To date, no study has examined the prevalence of NMUPD among student attending National Alcohol Screening Day (NASD), and few studies have explored motives contributing to NMUPD, as well as the relationship between motives, NMUPD, and alcohol use. Methods The current study examined the prevalence and motives for NMUPD among undergraduate students (N = 128) attending NASD. Results Overall, 42% of the sample reported NMUPD at least once in their lifetime, 29.7% at least once in the past year, and 18.0% reported simultaneously engaging in alcohol consumption and NMUPD. Pain relievers were the most frequently used drug class for lifetime use, and stimulants were the most frequently reported for past year use. Most students reported NMUPD for functional reasons. Students that engaged in binge drinking were three times more likely to report NMUPD. Conclusions The findings from the current study suggest that events like NASD may provide a platform for screening and discussing NMUPD, and its associated risk with heavy alcohol use.
Nanoscale adhesion, friction and wear studies of biomolecules on silane polymer-coated silica and alumina-based surfaces

Proteins on biomicroelectromechanical systems (BioMEMS) confer specific molecular functionalities. In planar FET sensors (field-effect transistors, a class of devices whose protein-sensing capabilities we demonstrated in physiological buffers), interfacial proteins are analyte receptors, determining sensor molecular recognition specificity. Receptors are bound to the FET through a polymeric interface, and gross disruption of interfaces that removes a large percentage of receptors or inactivates large fractions of them diminishes sensor sensitivity. Sensitivity is also determined by the distance between the bound analyte and the semiconductor. Consequently, differential properties of surface polymers are design parameters for FET sensors. We compare thickness, surface roughness, adhesion, friction and wear properties of silane polymer layers bound to oxides (SiO2 and Al2O3, as on AlGaN HFETs). We compare those properties of the film–substrate pairs after an additional deposition of biotin and streptavidin. Adhesion between protein and device and interfacial friction properties affect FET reliability because these parameters affect wear resistance of interfaces to abrasive insult in vivo. Adhesion/friction determines the extent of stickage between the interface and tissue and interfacial resistance to mechanical damage. We document systematic, consistent differences in thickness and wear resistance of silane films that can be correlated with film chemistry and deposition procedures, providing guidance for rational interfacial design for planar AlGaN HFET sensors.
Improvement of Aggressive and Antisocial Behavior After Resection of Temporal Lobe Tumors

Seizures associated with temporal lobe tumors may rarely manifest as episodic aggressive behavior. We describe 2 cases involving pediatric patients who presented with histories of unusually aggressive and antisocial behavior. Magnetic resonance imaging identified right mesial temporal lobe masses in both patients. After craniotomy for tumor removal, both patients were seizure-free and had marked reductions in their aggressive behavior. Tumors in the temporal lobe may be associated with behavioral problems, including aggression and rage attacks, which can be alleviated with surgical intervention. It is important to distinguish this subgroup of pediatric patients from those with alternative diagnoses such as attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder or oppositional defiant disorder.
Targeting metastatic melanoma.

Purpose. New medications and combination treatment strategies for patients with metastatic melanoma are discussed. Summary. Bcl-2 is an inhibitor of apoptosis that is overexpressed in approximately 80% of melanoma cell lines and is believed to contribute to the development of resistance to cytotoxic chemotherapy in patients with melanoma. Oblimersen, an antisense oligonucleotide that stops the translation of Bcl-2 mRNA to protein, significantly improved progression-free survival when administered in combination with dacarbazine. Overall survival was significantly improved in patients with low levels of serum lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), but not in patients with elevated LDH. RAF proteins are a family of serine/threonine kinases that regulate many aspects of cellular function. RAF mutations occur in 70% of melanoma cell lines. Although RAF kinases are thought to be important in the pathogenesis of melanoma, RAF inhibition with sorafenib has not significantly improved survival in patients with advanced disease. Cytotoxic T-lymphocyte antigen 4 (CTLA-4) is a naturally occurring inhibitor of T-cell function that prevents the complete activation of T cells upon exposure to antigens by antigen-presenting cells. Two monoclonal antibodies to CTLA-4 (tremelimumab and ipilimumab) have been developed to promote T-cell activation in melanoma and other types of cancer. Phase I and phase II clinical trials of these agents in patients with metastatic melanoma have demonstrated promising effects on tumor progression, with objective response rates of approximately 20% and sustained responses in some patients. Several vaccines have been developed to stimulate immune system responses against melanoma. Despite promising early findings with polyvalent melanoma vaccine and with vaccine containing heat shock proteins, results with these agents in larger clinical trials have been disappointing. Conclusion. Ongoing clinical trials continue to evaluate these and other novel approaches to the treatment of metastatic melanoma.
Acute and Chronic B Cell Depletion Disrupts CD4+ and CD8+ T Cell Homeostasis and Expansion during Acute Viral Infection in Mice

B cells provide humoral protection against pathogens and promote cellular immunity through diverse nonclassical effector functions. To assess B cell function in promoting T cell homeostasis, mature B cells were either acutely or chronically depleted in mice using CD20 mAb. Acute B cell depletion in either 2- or 4-mo-old mice significantly reduced spleen and lymph node CD4+ and CD8+ T cell numbers, including naive, activated, and Foxp3+CD25+CD4+ regulatory T cell subsets. The numbers of IFN-γ– and TNF-α–producing T cells were also significantly reduced. Chronic B cell depletion for 6 mo in aged naive mice resulted in a 40–70% reduction in activated CD4+ and CD8+ T cell numbers and 20–50% reductions in IFN-γ–producing T cells. Therefore, B cells were necessary for maintaining naive CD4+ and CD8+ T cell homeostasis for subsequent optimal T cell expansion in young and old mice. To determine the significance of this finding, a week of B cell depletion in 4-mo-old mice was followed by acute viral infection with lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus Armstrong. Despite their expansion, activated and cytokine-producing CD4+ and CD8+ T cell numbers were still significantly reduced 1 wk later. Moreover, viral peptide-specific CD4+ and CD8+ T cell numbers and effector cell development were significantly reduced in mice lacking B cells, whereas lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus titers were dramatically increased. Thus, T cell function is maintained in B cell–depleted mice, but B cells are required for optimal CD4+ and CD8+ T cell homeostasis, activation, and effector development in vivo, particularly during responses to acute viral infection.
HOST DETERMINANTS OF MYCORRHIZAL DEPENDENCY OF CITRUS ROOTSTOCK SEEDLINGS

Summary Seedlings of five citrus rootstocks were grown in a low phosphorus (P) sandy soil and were either (1) inoculated with Glomus intraradices Schenck & Smith, (2) non-inoculated and fertilized with P, or (3) non-inoculated without added P. The order of mycorrhizal dependency (MD) of the five rootstocks was sour orange = Cleopatra mandarin > Swingle citrumelo > Carrizo citrange > trifoliate orange. The less dependent rootstocks, trifoliate orange and its hybrid Carrizo citrange, had greater leaf P, finer roots (greater length per unit of dry root) and slower growth rates than sour orange and Cleopatra mandarin. Rootstocks with lower MD also generally had greater hydraulic conductivity of roots, and greater transpiration and CO2 assimilation rates. Under well-watered conditions, VAM plants of all five rootstocks did not differ in morphology, anatomy or physiology from non-mycorrhizal plants fertilized with P of similar size, growth rate and P status.
Desorption of organic analytes from activated charcoal II: Dealing with the problems

The previous paper in this series(1) dealt with the factors affecting the desorption efficiency. This paper continues by attempting to deal with the problems arising from the factors and interactions demonstrated. In particular, a mathematical treatment for linearizing the desorption efficiency-loading relationship is derived. The method successfully linearizes experimental data for 2-ethoxyethyl acetate and data in the literature for acetone. Data for the dependency of the desorption efficiency on desorption volume at constant loading for biphenyl is shown to fit the theoretical equation quite well. Finally, a method is described which eliminates the dependence of the desorption efficiency on the presence of other compounds for mixtures of polar compounds.
Ultrastructure of ciliary microtubules after critical point drying.

Many studies have been conducted on the fine structure of the "9 + 2" microtubules from cilia and flagella . The techniques used include both thin sectioning of whole cilia or flagella and negative staining of isolated microtubules . In this study, cilia from four diverse species of ciliate protozoa : Euplotes eurystomus, Spirostomum ambiguum, Tetrahymena pyriformes, and Colpoda ; and sperm from the insect Oncopeltus fasciatus, were prepared by spreading on a Langmuir trough (12) followed by drying from liquid CO 2 (2) . The combined procedures (5) will hereafter be referred to as LTCD . In each case, small spherical periodic masses occur attached to one of the doublet peripheral microtubules (11) .
Angiotensin II Contributes to Cerebral Vasodilatation During Hypoxia in the Rabbit

Background and Purpose Hypoxia increases cerebral blood flow (CBF). Hypoxia also exerts a major influence on the renin-angiotensin system. In addition to the circulating renin-angiotensin system, a local renin-angiotensin system appears to be present in the brain, and angiotensin II receptors have been identified in cerebral blood vessels. In this study we tested the hypothesis that endogenous angiotensin II attenuates dilatation of the cerebral vessels during hypoxia. Methods Pentobarbital-anesthetized rabbits were prepared for measurement of blood flow (microspheres) and assigned to one of two groups: in group 1 (n=11), rabbits were subjected to 30 minutes of stable hypoxia (Pao2=34±1 mm Hg, mean±SD) followed by 15 minutes of reoxygenation (Pao2=177 to 200 mm Hg). Blood flow was measured four times: under control conditions, after 15 and 30 minutes of hypoxia, and after 15 minutes of reoxygenation. This was a control group to characterize changes in CBF during hypoxia. In group 2 (n=11), blood flow was ...
Robust planning for coupled cooperative UAV missions

This paper presents a new formulation for the UAV task assignment problem with uncertainty in the environment. The problem is posed as a task assignment with uncertainty in the cost information, and we apply a modified robust technique that allows the operator to tune the level of robustness in the optimization. This formulation is then used to solve the assignment problem for a heterogeneous fleet of vehicles operating in an uncertain environment. The key aspect of this formulation is that it directly addresses the inherent coupling in deciding how to assign vehicles to perform reconnaissance tasks that provide the most benefit to the strike part of the missions. We demonstrate that the robust solution to this coupled problem can be solved as single mixed-integer linear problem. The paper presents and discusses simulations for the proposed formulation, demonstrating significant improvements over previous ones.
Haiku economics: little teaching aids for big economic pluralists

Haiku is a distinguished (if short) form of poetry with roots dating back to 17th century Japan. Poets understand that haiku is the most efficient form of economic speech. But technical efficiency is not the only or even the main goal of writing haiku. Haiku clear a trail for enlightenment and stimulate open discussion. A wide variety of poets, from Matsuo Bashō (1644-1694) to Richard Wright (1908-1960), have practiced writing haiku simply to improve their own powers of observation. To date, haiku and economics have not been explored together, and certainly not at the level of principles. This article introduces a new field of inquiry, "haiku economics," and offers tips on how to the start the journey in a classroom setting.
Postnatal Development of Type I and Type II Hair Cells in the Mouse Utricle: Acquisition of Voltage-Gated Conductances and Differentiated Morphology

The type I and type II hair cells of mature amniote vestibular organs have been classified according to their afferent nerve terminals: calyx and bouton, respectively. Mature type I and type II cells also have different complements of voltage-gated channels. Type I cells alone express a delayed rectifier, gK,L, that is activated at resting potential. We report that in mouse utricles this electrophysiological differentiation occurs during the first postnatal week. Whole-cell currents were recorded from hair cells in denervated organotypic cultures and in acutely excised epithelia. From postnatal day 1 (P1) to P3, most hair cells expressed a delayed rectifier that activated positive to resting potential and a fast inward rectifier, gK1. Between P4 and P8, many cells acquired the type I-specific conductance gK,L and/or a slow inward rectifier, gh. By P8, the percentages of cells expressing gK,L and gh were at mature levels. To investigate whether the electrophysiological differentiation correlated with morphological changes, we fixed utricles at different times between P0 and P28. Ultrastructural criteria were developed to classify cells when calyces were not present, as in cultures and neonatal organs. The morphological and electrophysiological differentiation followed different time courses, converging by P28. At P0, when no hair cells expressed gK,L, 33% were classified as type I by ultrastructural criteria. By P28, approximately 60% of hair cells in acute preparations received calyx terminals and expressed gK,L. Data from the denervated cultures showed that neither electrophysiological nor morphological differentiation depended on ongoing innervation.