cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
MicroRNAs in control of cell proliferation

ED02-03 We are using three approaches to discover microRNAs that regulate cell proliferation. In the first approach, we focused on miRNAs induced during differentiation of C2C12 myoblasts into myotubes in vitro . One of the microRNAs induced during differentiation, miR-206, suppresses cell proliferation. By surveying mRNAs that are downregulated by miR-206 for genes predicted to be targets of the microRNA, we discovered the mRNA of DNA polymerase alpha p180 is a direct target that is destabilized upon miR-206 transfection. We now report that additional microRNAs induced during muscle differentiation target other cell-cycle regulators. After noting that targeted mRNAs are often destabilized by microRNAs, in the second approach, we tested whether global downregulation of microRNAs by knockdown of Dicer or Drosha can help identify microRNA-repressed mRNAs. The principle was proved by the discovery that HMGA2 oncogene is repressed by the growth-suppressive let-7 microRNA. Indeed, chromosomal translocations in lipomas and leiomyomas de-repress HMGA2 by deleting the 39 UTR that is normally repressed by let-7. Conversely, downregulation of let-7 has been noted in lung cancers and large leiomyomas and is correlated with over-expression of the HMGA2 oncogene. In the third approach we have cloned short RNAs from androgen-dependent prostate cancer cells grown in the presence or absence of androgens and subjected them to ultra-high-throughput sequencing. The frequency of a number of clones present in the libraries is changed by androgens and we have identified several microRNAs that change upon androgen-depletion. Over 30-40% of the short RNAs cloned, however, do not correspond to known microRNAs and are produced by cleavage of known mRNAs and noncoding RNAs. The diversity and abundance of the non-micro-short RNAs (nmsRNAs) contrast with how little is known of their function and suggest that much remains to be done before we understand the biological functions of many short RNAs present in the cell. In an extension of the project we have identified several microRNAs that are reproducibly altered in expression level between the androgen-dependent LnCAP cells and androgen-independent derivative C4-2 cells. Interestingly, the microRNAs decreased in C4-2 cells were also reported by others to be decreased as prostate cancers advance in Gleason score or metastasize. This raises the possibility that a microRNA signature may be established for following the molecular stage of prostate cancer and for predicting its predilection to recur in an androgen-independent form.
Modernism and World War II

Introduction: modernism beyond the Blitz 1. Virginia Woolf and the pastoral Patria 2. Rebecca West's anti-Bloomsbury Group 3. The situational politics of Four Quartets 4. The neutrality of Henry Green 5. Evelyn Waugh and the ends of minority culture Coda: national historiography after the post-War settlement Bibliography.
Procoagulant properties of amniotic fluid.

Abstract Amniotic fluids from about 50 patients from 12 to 40 weeks of gestation have been obtained by amniocentesis and studied for procoagulant material. Some of the fluids were fractionated and concentrated by ammonium sulfate precipitation. The fluids and concentrates were able to shorten the recalcification time of normal plasma or those deficient in factors XI, IX, VIII, and VII. Plasma deficient in factor X or V was not shortened significantly. These results and others with the use of prothrombin, Stypven, and partial thromboplastin times have indicated that this procoagulant from amniotic fluid is an activator of factor X and may function in a manner somewhat similar to Russell's viper venom (RVV). The factor X activator has been roughly quantitated in terms of RVV equivalents and appears to increase with the increasing period of gestation. The amount of procoagulant in clear amniotic fluid is probably insufficient to cause significant intravascular coagulation in the event of an amniotic fluid infusion but may be sufficient to promote primary hemostasis in the uterus following delivery.
Toward a Coherent Test for Disparate Impact Discrimination

Statistics are generally plaintiffs’ primary evidence in establishing a prima facie case of disparate impact discrimination. Thus, the use, or misuse, of statistics dictates case outcomes. Lacking a coherent test for disparate impact, courts choose between the two prevailing tests, statistical significance and the four-fifths rule, in deciding cases, and these tests frequently produce opposite results. Litigants thus face considerable uncertainty and the risk that a judge’s preferred outcome will dictate which test is applied. This Article recognizes that the two tests perform complementary functions that both play a useful role in determining whether liability should be imposed: statistical significance establishes that the challenged practice likely caused the disparity, and the four-fifths rule establishes that the disparity is large enough to matter. Rather than choose between the two tests, courts should use a uniform and coherent standard that combines both them. Determining the parameters of this standard involves difficult policy decisions about the purposes of the doctrine as well as who, and to what extent, should bear the risk of error.
Alcoholism and Lesbians

This chapter explores the issues involved in the relationship between lesbianism and alcoholism. It examines the constellation of health and related problems created by alcoholism, and it critically interrogates the societal factors that contribute to the disproportionately high rates of alcoholism among lesbians by exploring the antecedents and consequences of alcoholism.
Correlations between ultrasonic and fracture toughness factors in metallic materials

A heuristic mathematical basis was proposed for the experimental correlations found between ultrasonic propagation factors and fracture toughness factors in metallic materials. A crack extension model was developed wherein spontaneous stress (elastic) waves produced during microcracking are instrumental in promoting the onset of unstable crack extension. Material microstructural factors involved in the process are measurable by ultrasonic probing. Experimental results indicate that ultrasonic attenuation and velocity measurements will produce significant correlations with fracture toughness properties and also yield strength.
Stability Robustness Improvement of Direct Eigenspace Assignment Based Feedback Systems Using Singluar Value Sensitivities

A methodology to improve the stability robustness of feedback control systems designed using direct eigenspace assignment techniques is presented. The method consists of considering the sensitivity of the minimum singular value of the return difference transfer matrix at the plant input to small changes in the desired closed-loop eigenvalues and the specified elements of the desired closed-loop eigenvectors. Closed-form expressions for the gradient of the minimum return difference singular value with respect to desired closed-loop eigenvalue and eigenvector parameters are derived. Closed-form expressions for the gradients of the control feedback gains with respect to the specified eigenspace parameters are obtained as an intermediate step. The use of the gradient information to improve the guaranteed gain and phase margins in eigenspace assignment based designs is demonstrated by application to an advanced fighter aircraft.
Morbid obesity and diverticulitis: results from the ACS NSQIP dataset.

Background We examined the relationship between morbid obesity, clinical presentation, and perioperative outcomes in patients offered surgery for diverticulitis. Study Design We queried the ACS NSQIP dataset from 2005 to 2010 for patients undergoing surgery for nonhemorrhaging diverticulitis. Univariate comparisons were made between normal weight (NL) and morbidly obese (MO) patients in terms of demographics, clinical presentation, and perioperative and postoperative outcomes variables using chi-square or rank tests. Multivariable regression was used to adjust for age in assessing the impact of MO on the likelihood of emergent surgery (ES), ostomy creation, open surgery, and undergoing procedures without an anastomosis. Results We identified 10,952 patients undergoing surgery for diverticulitis; morbidly obese (body mass index [BMI] ≥ 40 kg/m 2 , n = 592, 5.7%), normal weight (BMI 18.5 to 25 kg/m 2 , n = 2,530, 24.2%). Morbidly obese patients were younger than NL patients by an average of 9.4 years (p Conclusions Morbidly obese patients undergoing surgery for diverticulitis are nearly 10 years younger than NL patients and are more likely to require ES, ostomy creation, open surgery, and to undergo procedures without an anastomosis. Morbidly obese patients undergoing ES also have more preoperative systemic inflammatory response syndrome/sepsis/septic shock.
Measuring medical cost and life expectancy impacts of changes in cigarette sales

Abstract A change in cigarette sales triggers changes in medical-care costs and in years of life expectancy. Changes in sales result from changes in excise tax policy, agricultural policy, cigarette design, smoking behavior, or anti-smoking laws. The model uses data on medical costs, life expectancy, cigarette price elasticity, and smoking demographics to estimate medical-cost and life-year impacts for any change in cigarette sales. It takes into account the medical costs incurred by quitters over their extra years of life, the asymmetry of impacts for increases and decreases in sales, and the delayed medical effects for ages not yet subject to the health risks of smoking. For example, a 1% decrease in U.S. cigarette sales increases life expectancy in the United States by 1.45 million years and increases medical-care costs by $405 million for ages 25 to 79. This amounts to only $280 in added medical costs for each extra year of life. By generating aggregate health impacts at the margin, the model becomes a valuable tool for evaluating programs that affect smoking.
Risk behaviors and self-reported illnesses among Pacific Northwest surfers

Although surfers have high incidental exposure to marine waters, no studies have investigated if surfer risk behaviors (such as surfing during advisories, near an outfall, during a rain event, or use of personal protective equipment) increase or decrease the risk of acquiring waterborne illnesses. We used a web-based survey to assess the association between risk-based behaviors and self-reported illnesses among Pacific Northwest surfers. Commonly reported illnesses include: ear infection or discharge (38%), sore throat or a cough (28%), diarrhea (16%), fever (10.5%), and vomiting (7%). Surfing often during rain events was associated with an increased likelihood of diarrhea (OR = 2.7; 95% CI: 1.4–5.47), sore throat (OR = 1.26; 95% CI: 1.01–2.05), and ear infection (OR = 1.39; 95% CI: 1.01–2.32). Surfing during a health advisory was associated with increased likelihood of diarrhea (OR = 1.94; 95% CI: 1.03–4.64) and sore throat (OR = 2.32; 95% CI: 1.23–4.40). Other behaviors associated with increased illnesses include body surfing, surfing near an outfall, frequency of surfing, and use of ear plugs. Approximately 40% of surfers were unaware if they had surfed during an active health advisory and 29% knowingly surfed during advisories, suggesting the need to engage this population about potential harm and behaviors that may increase health risk.
A spectrophotometric method for the detection of o-dihydroxyl groups in flavonoid compounds.

Abstract The effect of boric acid and sodium acetate on the spectra of a variety of flavonoid compounds has been investigated. The boric acid reacts specifically with o-dihydroxyl groups, and this reaction results in a bathochromic shift of the λmax. The spectra of the flavonoid compounds in ethanolic sodium ethylate and ethanolic sodium metaborate solutions were compared. Almost identical spectra were obtained except with the o-dihydroxy compounds. With these compounds the λmax occurs at shorter wavelengths in sodium metaborate than in sodium ethylate solutions.
Energy‐band structure and binding mechanism of TiC

Energy bands have been calculated for TiC using crystal potentials based on the superposition of neutral atomic charge densities, on the superposition of charge densities from doubly ionized Ti(4s0)2+ and C(2p4)2-, and on an approximately self-consistent TiC charge distribution; decomposition of the wave functions into spherical harmonics within (touching) spheres about the Ti and C nuclei indicates in all three cases that the major contribution to the highest occupied bands is from the C-2p states, with the Ti-3d contributing a smaller amount, and the Ti-4s states contributing negligibly to the occupied states in the solid. Thus the binding is a mixture of covalent binding from bonding combinations of the C-2p and Ti-3d wave functions, and ionic binding due to the electron transfer from Ti to C. Because of the diffuse nature of the Ti-4s and C-2p wave functions involved, the spatial charge transfer is found to be much less than the number of electrons transferred from Ti to C states, however, and the simple ideas of ionicity are not appropriate to describing the characteristics of this material; the value of its “ionicity” depends strongly on the physical property being discussed.
Marketing rationale for countertrade

Abstract The article discusses marketing justifications for international countertrade, and also offers some explanations for the recent upsurge in countertrade (CT). The author supports the theory that the market for international marketing expertise is imperfect, and the imbalance of international marketing know-how can be used to advantage by two or more parties through a CT arrangement. For an inexperienced trader, CT can be shown to be a relatively cheaper way of entering and establishing a position in new markets. Co-operation in setting up CTs can also bring benefit to the second (or more than two) partner(s) as well.
Multiscale simulations in simple metals: A density-functional-based methodology

We present a formalism for coupling a density-functional-theory-based quantum simulation to a classical simulation for the treatment of simple metallic systems. The formalism is applicable to multiscale simulations in which the part of the system requiring quantum-mechanical treatment is spatially confined to a small region. Such situations often arise in physical systems where chemical interactions in a small region can affect the macroscopic mechanical properties of a metal. We describe how this coupled treatment can be accomplished efficiently, and we present a coupled simulation for a bulk aluminum system.
Alcohol As a Causative Factor in Pre-Teen Orthopaedic Trauma

We report the case of an 8-year-old boy who sustained a fractured femur after being hit by a car while intoxicated with a blood alcohol level of 120 mg%. An 8-year-old boy, with no significant past medical history was brought by ambulance to the accident and emergency department following a road traffic accident. He had been drinking vodka with an older brother and had stumbled out in front of a moving car. Alcohol use and abuse by children and adolescents continues to be a major problem. The use of alcohol and other drugs is associated with the leading causes of death and injury in this age group. Because of their limited experience with alcohol and smaller body size children become intoxicated with less alcohol intake than adults and they are less able to recognize and compensate for both the physical and psychiatric effects, increasing their risk of both serious physical injury and psychological arrest of development with continued abuse. In the literature the number of acute paediatric attendances with alcohol intoxication is shown to be on the increase, most children being between 13 and 15 years. The child in this case was exceptionally young, having been the victim of a high energy, potentially fatal accident secondary to biochemically proven alcohol intoxication; his blood alcohol level at 120 mg% was 40 mg% above the normal driving limit for adults-80 mg%. This case of an intoxicated 8-year-old boy highlights both the incidence and potentially grave consequences of pre-teen alcohol abuse. Availability of alcohol to minors must be controlled and interventions for the child and adolescent drinker and punitive action for the purveyor are encouraged.
Internal pressure test for characterizing fast-fracture reliability of grinding wheels

A constant danger associated with the use of most grinding wheels (vitrified-bond alumina and silicon carbide wheels) is the possibility of fracture during operation. A standard practice is to subject newly manufactured wheels to a spin test and accept wheels that survive. We propose an internal pressure test which offers a simpler, more economical alternative to the spin test for testing grinding wheels. Probabilities of failure in the internal pressure test are correlated with failure probabilities in the spin test using probabilistic fracture mechanics. Results indicate a reasonably good correlation between the two tests, thus demonstrating their equivalence. A scheme for the easy implementation of the internal pressure test to detect damage in grinding wheels is outlined.
The ABCs of infant leukemia.

Although seemingly rare, leukemia is the second most common cancer in children less than 1 year of age. This represents 5 to 10% of childhood leukemias, with an incidence of 44 per million “infants” or approximately 200 infants diagnosed with leukemia in the United States each year. 1 For unclear reasons, this incidence appears to be rising over the past 20 years. Infant leukemias include subsets of both acute lymphoblastic and acute myeloblastic leukemias (ALL and AML) with unique clinical and biologic features, including mixed lineage leukemia (MLL) rearrangements. The historical definition of “infant” leukemia is based on the observation that children less than 1 year of age respond poorly to standard therapies for older children with leukemia. In recent years, we have gained an appreciation for the unique biologic nature of infant leukemias and struggled with the poor outcome of our youngest patients with ALL, as well as with the public health implications of emerging environmental and dietary risk factors. In the past 2 years, four major trials have reported improved outcomes in infant ALL, bringing new hope and greater understanding. These studies will encourage new research opportunities and intense discussion. In this review, we hope to introduce you to the current knowledge and discussions in this field. Leukemia can present at anytime, beginning in utero. Fetal leukemia has been detected by umbilical blood sampling as early as 33 weeks of gestation when ultrasound may detect polyhydramnios, hydrops, and/or fetal hepatosplenomegaly. 2 Such congenital
Wide-field imaging design for a multiple-capillary DNA-sequencing system

A laser-induced fluorescence detection system compatible with a capillary electrophoresis array was developed. The design incorporates fiber-optic excitation and a detection system including a diffraction grating and a CCD camera. The system employs no moving parts and is capable of producing data comparable to commercially available systems. It is based on a spectrally-resolved four-dye sequencing scheme. The conceptual design was proven, however, refinements must be made to optimize performance for high-throughput capillary-array DNA sequencing. Automated sample preparation and loading in combination with a refillable separation- matrix capillary-array system could prove to be an invaluable tool for completion of the Human Genome Project.
The effect of atrial pacing-induced tachycardia on left ventricular contractile function in conscious newborn and adult sheep.

Summary: In order to determine if an increase in heart rate is associated with an increase of left ventricular contractile function during the neonatal period we recorded phasic and mean aortic blood pressure, left atrial mean or left ventricular end diastolic pressure, phasic left ventricular blood pressure, aortic blood flow velocity and the instantaneous first derivatives of left ventricular blood pressure (dP/dt) and aortic blood flow velocity (dV/dt) during pacing-induced tachycardia in conscious newborn and adult sheep. There was a significant positive linear correlation between heart rate and both indices of contractility (dP/dt and dV/dt) in both age groups. Left ventricular end diastolic pressure was unchanged except for a decrease at the most rapid heart rate in the newborns. There was no change in aortic mean blood pressure during the study. Our data demonstrate that an increase of heart rate is associated with an increase of left ventricular contractile function in conscious neonatal and adult sheep. Investigations of the effects of potential inotropic agents on left ventricular contractile performance in newborns and adults must evaluate the independent effect of any simultaneously occurring increase in heart rate.
The sodA gene of Haemophilus ducreyi encodes a hydrogen peroxide-inhibitable superoxide dismutase

Abstract Haemophilus ducreyi is the etiologic agent of the sexually transmitted disease chancroid, an ulcerative condition implicated in increased HIV transmission. There is increasing evidence for the roles of oxidative stress proteins including superoxide dismutase enzymes in the survival and persistence of pathogenic organisms within the host. The sodA gene of Haemophilus ducreyi was isolated from a genomic plasmid library on the basis of its ability to rescue the hydrogen peroxide hypersensitivity of an Escherichia coli sodA−sodB− strain. The H. ducreyi SodA protein also complemented the aerobic growth defect of the E. coli sodA−sodB− strain in minimal medium. The deduced amino-acid sequence of the H. ducreyi sodA gene product is 74 and 70% identical to the Mn-SODs of Haemophilus influenzae and E. coli, respectively. However, unlike Mn-SODs, the H. ducreyi SodA protein was inhibited by hydrogen peroxide in native gels stained for SOD activity.
Hypoglycemic and antihyperglycemic effect of Begonia malabarica Lam. in normal and streptozotocin induced diabetic rats.

Abstract Aim of the study The stem of Begonia malabarica was used traditionally by the Malasar tribe to treat diabetes. To validate the hypoglycemic and antihyperglycemic effects of the hexane, ethylacetate and methanol extracts obtained from an ethnomedicinal plant, Begonia malabarica. Materials and methods The doses for the study were fixed based on Irwin test. The hypoglycemic effect of hexane, ethylacetate and methanol extracts of Begonia malabarica stems were studied in normal animals. The antihyperglycemic effect of the methanol extract was studied in streptozotocin induced diabetic rats. Results In normal rats the treatment with the methanol extract of Begonia malabarica had shown a highly significant reduction (16.54 and 34.47%) in plasma glucose levels from the 0 h values at the dose of 100 and 200 mg/kg respectively. In streptozotocin induced diabetic rats the body weight of the Begonia malabarica methanol extract treated animals had shown a significant increase (13.38% at 200 mg/kg) after 4 weeks treatment. The plasma glucose levels were reduced significantly by 46.57 and 50.20% after 4 weeks treatment at 100 and 200 mg/kg respectively. Likewise the absolute kidney weight was also reduced in a significant manner. After 25 days treatment the Begonia malabarica methanol extract treated animals had shown low fasting plasma glucose levels (54.29, 61.34% in 100 and 200 mg/kg) and reduced postprandial plasma glucose levels (54.23, 65.96% in 100 and 200 mg/kg) when compared with diabetic control values. Serum insulin levels and liver glycogen levels were increased to 40.04 and 42.18% in 200 mg/kg Begonia malabarica methanol extract treated animals respectively. The treatment with Begonia malabarica methanol extract did not change the triglycerides and total cholesterol levels. The urea and creatinine levels were also reduced significantly by this treatment. The reduction in SGPT levels indicated the absence of toxicity of Begonia malabarica extract at this dose level. Conclusion This study supports the use of Begonia malabarica by the Malasar tribe for the treatment of diabetes. Fractionation of this extract may yield novel prototypes to manage diabetes mellitus.
Advanced digital forensics with Open Source tools

Often advanced topics require high cost tools which may put them out of reach for many programs but several advanced topics in digital forensics may be presented using readily available Open Source tools. This exposes students to developing areas in digital forensics and may also suggest fruitful areas for their own research. This tutorial will present live memory collection and analysis and Windows registry analysis as illustrations.
Binding of the calcium channel blocker nitrendipine to its receptor in purified sarcolemma from canine cardiac ventricle.

High affinity binding of the 1,4-dihydropyridine calcium channel blocker [3H]nitrendipine was found in cardiac sarcolemma but not cardiac sarcoplasmic reticulum or mitochondria. Sarcolemmal binding of [3H]nitrendipine was saturable and reversible, with a maximum (Bmax) of approximately 1 pmol/mg protein and a Kd of approximately 0.14 nm. Displacement of sarcolemma-bound [3H]nitrendipine by other nifedipine analogs was stereospecific. The Kd for nitrendipine binding was approximately three orders of magnitude lower than the IC50 for the negative inotropic effect of this drug on isolated cat myocardium.
Efficient and stable red organic light emitting devices from a tetradentate cyclometalated platinum complex

Abstract An efficient and stable red phosphorescent organic light emitting diode was developed using a tetradentate cyclometalated platinum complex. Devices employing the phosphorescent molecule, platinum(II)-9-(4-methylpyridin-2-yl)-2-(3-(quinolin-2-yl)phenoxy)-9 H -carbazole (PtON11Me), yielded high external quantum efficiencies and high operational lifetimes. A maximum EQE of 12.5% and color coordinates CIE ( x = 0.61, y = 0.36) was achieved in devices employing efficient hole blocking and transporting materials and a high operational lifetime of T 0.97 ∼ 3200 h was achieved in devices utilizing electrochemically stable hole blocking and transporting materials.
A Defense of Secession and Political Self-Determination

Rejetant le modele du consentement et le modele teleologique concernant la question du droit de secession et de l'autodetermination politique, l'A. developpe un modele hybride de justification politique, selon lequel un groupe de personnes peut revendiquer son droit de secession, s'il est de taille a assurer les fonctions necessaires a un etat pour legitimer ses pretentions a la territorialite
PSP metrics in support of software engineering education

This paper describes a position about use of the personal software process (PSP) metrics (W.S. Humphrey, 1995). The position presented describes how and why PSP metrics can be used in teaching and learning about software engineering. The PSP can not solve all problems that students and professionals have in developing software, but it can support and guide such software developers in establishing disciplined practices that can be analyzed and improved. The data and metrics provided by the PSP form the basis for an engineering and scientific approach to such an analysis, and they appear to provide more promise for success than any other method or tool on the horizon. These metrics also encourage and support a new, more effective paradigm for education that replaces the programming teacher with a coach that is able to give detailed, specific counselling on how students can improve.
Ammonium Nitrate Cluster Ions

Sputtering of condensed-phase ammonium nitrate yields many positive and negative cluster ion series derived from different ionic cores. The cluster cores are surrounded by varying numbers of ammoni...
High-fidelity geometric modeling for biomedical applications

We describe a combination of algorithms for high-fidelity geometric modeling and mesh generation. Although our methods and implementations are application-neutral, our primary target application is multiscale biomedical models that range in scales across the molecular, cellular, and organ levels. Our software toolchain implementing these algorithms is general in the sense that it can take as input a molecule in PDB/PQR forms, a 3D scalar volume, or a user-defined triangular surface mesh that may have very low quality. The main goal of our work presented is to generate high quality and smooth surface triangulations from the aforementioned inputs, and to reduce the mesh sizes by mesh coarsening. Tetrahedral meshes are also generated for finite element analysis in biomedical applications. Experiments on a number of bio-structures are demonstrated, showing that our approach possesses several desirable properties: feature-preservation, local adaptivity, high quality, and smoothness (for surface meshes). The availability of this software toolchain will give researchers in computational biomedicine and other modeling areas access to higher-fidelity geometric models.
The isolation of vascular endothelial cell lines with altered cell surface and platelet-binding properties

Abstract The vascular endothelium consists of a single layer of flattened, contact-inhibited cells that line the inner surface of blood vessels. One important characteristic of these cells is that circulating blood cells should not adhere or become activated by contact with the endothelial cell surface that is exposed to the bloodstream. This non-thrombogenic surface is a characteristic not only of the endothelium in vivo, but also of cultured endothelial cells such as the clonal line of adult bovine aortic endothelium used in this study. Using the mutagen 2-chloroacetaldehyde, we have been able to isolate cell lines of endothelial origin which have stable alterations in morphology and in the ability to bind platelets to the upper cell surface. Other cell surface properties that are altered in these cells include the distribution of a major cell surface glycoprotein (LETS, fibronectin), the response to incubation with a multivalent lectin (concanavalin A) and the distribution of iodinatable cell surface proteins. The binding of platelets to the endothelial cell variants can be quantified by radioisotope labeling of the platelets and measurement of the amount of label on cell-associated platelets. When platelets were incubated with 14 C-serotonin prior to incubation with the variant endothelial cells, it was found that the binding of platelets to these cells was not accompanied by release of serotonin from platelet granules. This is in contrast to the release reported when platelets are allowed to adhere to subendothelial vessel components, and demonstrates that adhesion to endothelial surfaces is dissociable from the platelet release reaction. The use of such endothelial cell variants should allow elucidation of the biochemical properties of the normal endothelial cell surface which render it nonthrombogenic.
Low Molecular Weight Disulfide Cross-Linking Peptides as Nonviral Gene Delivery Carriers

Cross-linking peptides have been developed by inserting multiple Cys residues into a 20 amino acid condensing peptide that polymerizes through disulfide bond formation when bound to DNA resulting in small, highly stable DNA condensates that mediate efficient in vitro gene transfer [McKenzie et al. (2000) J. Biol. Chem. 275, 9970−9977]. In the present study, a minimal peptide of four Lys and two terminal Cys residues was found to substitute for Cys-Trp-(Lys)17-Cys, resulting in DNA condensates with similar particle size and gene expression in HepG2 cells. Substitution of His for Lys residues resulted in an optimal peptide of Cys-His-(Lys)6-His-Cys that, in addition to the attributes described above, also provided buffering capacity to enhance in vitro gene expression in the absence of chloroquine. The reported structure−activity relationships systematically explore peptides with combinations of Lys, Cys, and His residues resulting in low molecular weight peptides with improved gene transfer properties.
PLANNING MODELS: THE CHALLENGES OF STRATEGIC IMPERATIVES IN HIGHER EDUCATION

A sample of 42 top‐ and middle‐level planners in four community colleges was identified and selected on the basis of informed opinion. They were selected from a population of 60 administrators. These planners were administrators who were surveyed, interviewed, and selectively tape recorded for data collection on rational and strategic decision making. The data were analyzed with the use of ethnographic and nonparametric procedures. With the use of satisfactory evidentiary warrant, it was concluded that two rural colleges (A and C) used different planning models as compared to those used by urban institutions, namely B and D. A and C used the consensus model, while B and D applied the autocracy and rational models, respectively.
Bilateral Asymmetry in Bone Measurements of the Hand and Lateral Hand Dominance

Two hundred thirty-five (235) normal male participants of the Baltimore Longitudinal Study were classified as right handed, left handed, and ambidextrous on the basis of their grip-strength performance. Their left and right hands were also radiographed and the measurements of the second metacarpal bones were evaluated on the basis of hand dominance. The results indicated that, as a rule, the right hand measurements are higher than those of the left hand, regardless of hand dominance. The bilateral differences in total width, length, total area and cortical area are significant among the right hand dominant and nonsignificant among the left hand dominant. Regardless of hand dominance the bilateral differences in medullary width are nonsignificant. These results suggest an inherent tendency of the right second metacarpal to have more bone than the left regardless of hand dominance. Differential stress due to hand dominance will increase the bilateral difference in the right handed and reduce it in the left handed.
The Role of Minimal- and No-Contact Behavioural Treatments in Migraine

The impact of migraine is substantial for both the individual who suffers from it and society in general in terms of lost work hours, medication costs and healthcare usage. Many different forms of treatment are available for migraine, including biobehavioural approaches such as relaxation training and biofeedback. Research regarding the efficacy of these nonpharmacological treatments has been extensive and consistently demonstrates lasting success with the use of the skills taught in treatment. Such treatment approaches have demonstrated effectiveness even when delivered in as few as 2 or 3 sessions with a therapist, thus substantially reducing the cost of treatment. Other treatment formats such as group and no-contact therapies have demonstrated success as well. This article reviews the efficacy and cost efficiency of minimal-contact biobehavioural treatments for migraine as outlined in the research literature. Strictly self-help approaches are also reviewed, and resources for self-help information are discussed. The research indicates that such time-limited and focused treatment approaches are highly effective with select patients; however, there is a lack of research specifying the specific types of patients with migraine who benefit the most from these approaches. Future research needs to address this issue in order to provide the most efficacious and cost-effective treatments for all patients with migraine.
Adaptive output feedback control of a class of multi-input multi-output systems using neural networks

For a class of uncertain multi-input multi-output non-linear systems an adaptive output feedback control methodology is developed using linearly parameterized neural networks. The neural network operates over a tapped delay line of memory units, comprised of system input/output signals. The adaptive laws for neural network parameters are written in terms of a linear observer of the nominal system's error dynamics. Ultimate boundedness of the error signals is shown through Lyapunov's direct method. Simulations illustrate the theoretical results.
Survey of Jail Visitors About Visitation Policies

Little has been written about policies affecting the public who visit jails. As the number of jail inmates increases, many offenders’ families are affected. For the majority, their first contact with the criminal justice system might be by visiting an inmate in jail. This study measured the levels of visitors’ understanding and satisfaction with visitation policies at two county jails in a northeastern state. A total of 281 visitors from two county jails completed the surveys. Data from this study revealed that—to meet the needs of the visitors—attention should be given to methods of visiting, jail staff training, dissemination of visitation policies, and conditions of inmate incarceration. By addressing these issues, problems that visitors encounter while visiting inmates may be lessened, and their concerns about inmates may be decreased. These changes may lead to more amenable interactions between visitors and jail staff during visitation.
In vivo studies on the uptake of tritium labeled decamethonium in the chicken CNS

Abstract Levels of tritiated decamethonium diiodide in tissues from the CNS of the young chicken were measured using a liquid scintillation counter. Uptake of the labeled compound was demonstrated in vivo and showed significant regional localisation.
Design limitations of a photoacoustic probe for port wine stain depth determination

We designed a photoacoustic probe to determine the depths of epidermal melanin layer and port wine stain (PWS) in human skin. We present experimental data showing limitations in its use. We developed acrylamide tissue phantoms with optical properties matched to shoe of human PWS skin. We determined the limit in resolving epidermal and PWS layers. Additionally, we determined the maximum epidermal melanin concentration that allowed threshold detection of the PWS layer. Finally, we compared the photoacoustic signals from the tissue phantoms and human PWS skin.
Fos immunohistochemical determination of brainstem neuronal activation in the muskrat after nasal stimulation

Stimulation of the nasal passages of muskrats with either ammonia vapours or retrogradely-flowing water produced cardiorespiratory responses (an immediate 62% decrease in heart rate, 29% increase in mean arterial blood pressure, and sustained expiratory apnoea). We used the immunohistological detection of Fos, the protein product of the c-fos gene, as a marker of neuronal activation to help elucidate the brainstem circuitry of this cardiorespiratory response. After repeated ammonia stimulation of the nasal passages, increased Fos expression was detected within the spinal trigeminal nucleus (ventral laminae I and II of the medullary dorsal horn, ventral paratrigeminal nucleus, and spinal trigeminal nucleus interpolaris), an area just ventromedial to the medullary dorsal horn, the caudal dorsal reticular formation and the area of the A5 catecholamine group compared to control animals. Repeated water stimulation of the nasal passages produced increased Fos expression only in the A5 catecholamine group. There was an increase in the number of Fos-positive cells in the ammonia group in the ventral laminae I and II of the medullary dorsal horn and the ventral paratrigeminal nuclei compared with the water group. We conclude that ammonia stimulation of the nasal passages produces a different pattern of neuronal activation within the brainstem compared with water stimulation. We also conclude that Fos immunohistochemistry is a good technique to determine functional afferent somatotopy, but that immunohistochemical detection of Fos is not a good technique to identify the medullary neurons responsible for the efferent aspects of an intermittently produced cardiorespiratory reflex.
Generalizations of Ky Fan's matching theorems and their applications

Abstract We obtain generalizations of Ky Fan's matching theorems for open [or closed] coverings and their applications. Generalized forms of the KKM theorem, the Fan-Browder fixed point theorem, and the Schauder fixed point theorem and other new results are obtained.
The idea of anthropogenic global climate change in the 20th century

People had long speculated that human activities might affect a region's climate. But a developed conjecture that humanity might change the climate of the entire planet first appeared in 1896: a calculation that carbon dioxide from fossil fuel combustion could gradually warm the globe. Scientists soon rejected the idea. Most people thought it incredible that climate could change globally except on a geological timescale, pushed by forces far stronger than human activity. In midcentury, a few scientists revived the hypothesis of global warming. Meanwhile, the exponential growth of human activity, especially chemical pollution and nuclear armaments, was showing that humanity really could affect the entire atmosphere. Moreover, during the 1960s research suggested that small perturbations might lead to an abrupt change in the climate system. Although nobody expected serious impacts until the distant 21st century, some began to frame global warming not just as a scientific puzzle but as an environmental risk, a security risk, a practical policy question, an international relations issue, and even a moral problem. In the late 1970s a scientific consensus began to take shape, culminating around the end of the century in unanimous agreement among government representatives on essential points, although many uncertainties remained. Meanwhile, increasing media warnings of peril made most of the literate world public aware of the issue, which had deep implications for the human relationship with nature. Skepticism persisted, correlated with aversion to regulation. The majority of the world public were now concerned, but disinclined to take action Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. This article is categorized under: Climate, History, Society, Culture > Ideas and Knowledge
Cortical gray matter deficit in patients with bipolar disorder.

Background: cortical gray matter volume deficit and ventricular enlargement are well documented in schizophrenia, but their presence in bipolar disorder is less well established. Methods: global cortical gray matter, white matter and sulcal CSF, as well as lateral and third ventricular volume measures, were derived from axial MRI brain images obtained on age-matched bipolar (n=9), schizophrenic (n=9), and control (n=16) subjects. All subjects were free of history of alcohol or other substance dependence. Results: relative to controls, bipolar patients had widespread volume deficits of cortical gray matter but not of cortical white matter. Schizophrenic patients had an even more severe cortical gray matter deficit and greater sulcal and lateral ventricular enlargement than the bipolar patients. Conclusions: this group of patients with bipolar disorder had a widespread deficit of cortical gray matter similar to, but less pronounced than, that observed in patients with schizophrenia.
The genetic connections of Alzheimer's disease: An emerging source of caregiver stress

Abstract The purpose of this study was to expand and refine current theoretical conceptualization of dementia caregiving by identifying and analyzing new potential sources of stress. A qualitative analysis of unsolicited letters ( N =51) written by family caregivers of persons diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease (AD) was conducted. Content analysis of the data confirmed that providing care for persons diagnosed with AD could impart emotional, physiological, and financial stress on caregivers. The data also revealed an emerging source of stress for family caregivers—fears and uncertainties regarding possible genetic connections between family caregivers and relatives suffering from AD. These results strongly suggest that concerns with genetic connections should be included in theoretical models of stress and dementia caregiving. Implications include the need for increased dissemination of information regarding genetic connections and AD, as well as increased support for family members if and when genetic connections are discovered.
The Effect of Heterogeneity on Numerical Ordering in Rhesus Monkeys

We investigated how within-stimulus heterogeneity affects the ability of rhesus monkeys to order pairs of the numerosities 1 through 9. Two rhesus monkeys were tested in a touch screen task where the variability of elements within each visual array was systematically varied by allowing elements to vary in color, size, shape, or any combination of these dimensions. We found no evidence of a cost (or benefit) in accuracy or reaction time when monkeys were tested with stimuli that were heterogeneous in color, size, or shape. This was true even though both monkeys experienced extended initial training with arrays that were homogeneous in the color, shape, and size of elements. The implications of this finding for the mechanisms that monkeys use to represent and compare numerosities are discussed.
The resolution of turbulent pressures at the wall of a boundary layer

Abstract This paper is a discussion of the resolution by a piezo-electric transducer of the local pressure fluctuations at the wall of a turbulent boundary layer. The first part applies to transducers whose sensing area is large in comparison with the boundary layer thickness, and the second part to transducers whose sensing area is either of the order of, or smaller than, the boundary layer thickness. For large transducers, the main result, derived for a sensing surface of arbitrary shape and with an arbitrary spatial sensitivity distribution, is that under circumstances which are perhaps unrealistically stringent, the attenuation of a given frequency component will increase as the cube of the transducer face linear dimension. In general, it should be expected to increase only as the square of the dimension. In the second part, the probable dependence of the resolution on frequency and on transducer size is indicated by using both recent experimental evidence and physical reasoning bearing on the nature of the pressure cross-spectral density. Both approaches suggest that in a co-ordinate system translated downstream at an appropriate velocity, as the streamwise wave number increases, the spectral density in wave number-frequency space is associated with proportionately increasing spanwise wave numbers and almost proportionately increasing frequencies. Experimental evidence suggests departure from this finding if the fixed axis longitudinal wave length is very large (of the order of the boundary layer thickness) in which case both the characteristic time in convected axes and the characteristic lateral coherence length appear to reach asymptotic finite values. For shorter waves, the strong relationship between the two space scales and the convective time scale necessarily implies that the resolution of the frequency spectral density by a finite transducer continues to deterioriate as the frequency increases. It is concluded that the attenuation predictions previously published by the author are not likely to be seriously in error.
Rationale and Evidence for Menu-Labeling Legislation

Menu-labeling legislation is a proposed public health intervention for poor diet and obesity that requires chain restaurants to provide nutrition information on menus and menu boards. The restaurant industry has strongly opposed menu-labeling legislation. Using scientific evidence, this paper counters industry arguments against menu labeling by demonstrating that consumers want chain restaurant nutrition information to be disclosed; the current methods of providing nutrition information are inadequate; the expense of providing nutrition information is minimal; the government has the legal right to mandate disclosure of information; consumers have the right to know nutrition information; a lack of information reduces the efficiency of a market economy; and menu labeling has the potential to make a positive public health impact.