cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Differentiation of Brain Pericyte-Like Cells from Human Pluripotent Stem Cell−Derived Neural Crest

Brain pericytes regulate diverse aspects of neurovascular development and function, including blood-brain barrier (BBB) induction and maintenance. Primary brain pericytes have been widely employed in coculture-based in vitro models of the BBB, and a method to generate brain pericytes from human pluripotent stem cells (hPSCs) could provide a renewable, genetically tractable source of cells for BBB modeling and studying pericyte roles in development and disease. Here, we describe a protocol to differentiate hPSCs to NG2+ PDGFRβ+ αSMAlow brain pericyte-like cells in 22-25 days through a p75-NGFR+ HNK-1+ neural crest intermediate, which mimics the developmental origin of forebrain pericytes. The resulting brain pericyte-like cells have molecular and functional attributes of brain pericytes. We also provide protocols for maintenance, cryopreservation, and recovery of the neural crest intermediate, and for molecular and functional characterization of the resulting cells. © 2021 Wiley Periodicals LLC. Basic Protocol 1: Differentiation of hPSCs to neural crest Basic Protocol 2: Differentiation of neural crest to brain pericyte-like cells Support Protocol 1: Flow cytometry analysis of neural crest cells Support Protocol 2: Maintenance, cryopreservation, and recovery of neural crest cells Support Protocol 3: Molecular characterization of brain pericyte-like cells Support Protocol 4: Cord formation assay with endothelial cells and brain pericyte-like cells.
Passive siRNA transfection method for gene knockdown in air-liquid interface airway epithelial cell cultures.

Differentiation of human bronchial epithelial cells (HBEs) in air-liquid interface (ALI) cultures recapitulates organotypic modeling of the in vivo environment. Although ALI cultures are invaluable...
Restarting Professional Sports During a Global Pandemic

COVID-19 wreaked havoc on professional sports leagues. By mid-March of 2020, all leagues—including the National Basketball Association and Major League Baseball—had shut down, along with the rest of society. As states began to open back up a couple of months later, professional sports leagues faced the same challenging questions as other businesses of how to restart their operations safely and effectively. However, they also needed to address unique difficulties facing sports that derived from the need for the league and their respective players’ union to negotiate and agree upon the terms and conditions under which they would relaunch the sport. The collective bargaining process required this of both sides, and while players and owners alike wanted to bring their sports back, significant legal and business hurdles persisted. While the NBA reached a resolution that was acceptable to the owners and players, MLB’s story was quite different. After an initial agreement was reached shortly after the season shut down in March, the two sides could not reach an agreement to restart baseball. MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred eventually exercised his right to restart the season under previously defined terms, but no one saw the result as a success. The contrasting paths of the NBA and MLB illuminate the complex legal, business, and cultural issues that play into the collaborative venture of professional sports. It also highlights the importance of strong—or at least functional—labor relations in a sport. This Article seeks to analyze and better understand these issues and situate these professional sports leagues’ journeys to relaunching their seasons in the larger context of professional sports law and business.
A Modest Appeal to SU(7)

A particular version of SU(7) symmetry without top (t) quark provides an explanation for low energy phenomenology and remains consistent with cosmological baryon generation, proton decay, neutrino mass generation and similar exotic processes by including intermediate mass scales.
Cardiovascular disease in African Pygmies: A survey of the health status, serum lipids and diet of Pygmies in Congo

Abstract The general health status with particular reference to cardiovascular disease and serum lipids has been evaluated in a sample of Pygmies of the Ituri Forest. Malaria, filariasis, treponemal infection, and other diseases were found to be common. The Pygmy blood pressures were not greatly different from the blood pressures observed in studies of Americans. Functional heart murmurs were common. Instances of aortic valve incompetence, essential hypertension, and coarction of the aorta were found. Abnormal electrocardiograms were encountered at about the same frequency as has been reported in population studies in the United States but the repolarization abnormalities observed were more frequent and resembled those previously reported from South Africa. No electrocardiogram definitely diagnostic of myocardial infarction was found, but without anatomical studies the presence of coronary artery disease cannot be excluded. Very low serum cholesterol values were found and this finding is discussed in relationship to the Pygmies' diet, physical activity and coexistant disease.
The Racial Contract, educational equity, and emancipatory ideological critique

Charles Mills' major text, The Racial Contract, is a radical liberal intervention in contractarian political philosophy. It argues that in the US today, the social contract ideologically (mis-)represents itself as a colorblind agreement that exemplifies our “post-racist” conditions. Mills holds that once we pierce the misrepresentations that characterize this legitimation discourse, we can see that the majority of whites tend to subscribe, either literally or implicitly, to a supplemental “racial contract.” Under its terms, most whites collude in hoarding sociopolitical resources and educational opportunities for themselves, while disavowing their concerted efforts and subscribing to a wide range of self-serving myths pertaining to the cultural inferiority of the so-called black “underclass.” In this sense, Mills predicts that a critical analysis of the basic structure will reveal systematic and deeply engrained forms of de facto racism throughout major institutions. Drawing on a wide variety of literatur...
“A Woman's World”: The University of California, Berkeley, During the Second World War

The fairer sex takes over and the campus becomes a woman's world. They step in and fill the shoes of the departing men and they reveal a wealth of undiscovered ability. The fate of the A.S.U.C. [Associated Students of the University of California] and its activities rests in their hands and they assume the responsibility of their new tasks with sincerity and confidence. — Blue and Gold , University of California, Berkeley, 1943 During World War II, female students at the University of California, Berkeley—then the most populous undergraduate campus in American higher education—made significant advances in collegiate life. In growing numbers, women enrolled in male-dominated academic programs, including mathematics, chemistry, and engineering, as they prepared for home-front employment in fields traditionally closed to them. Women also effectively opposed gendered restrictions on extracurricular participation, filling for the first time such influential campus leadership positions as the presidency of Berkeley's student government and editorship of the university's student newspaper. Female students at Berkeley also furthered activist causes during the war years, with the University Young Women's Christian Association (YWCA) serving as one of the most popular outlets for their political engagement. Historically rooted in a mission of Christian fellowship, by the 1940s the University YWCA held progressive positions on many of the nation's central social, political, and economic issues. Throughout the war years, women dedicated to promoting civil liberties, racial equality, and international understanding led the organization in its response to two of the most egregious civil rights violations in U.S. history: racial segregation and Japanese internment.
Aberrant right subclavian artery. A doubtful cause of symptoms.

Abstract Ten patients with surgically treated aberrant right subclavian artery are reviewed. In half, the symptoms persisted postoperatively. We believe that since this anomaly occurs commonly and since respiratory and swallowing difficulties are frequent in the first few months of life, one should make an exhaustive search for other causes of these symptoms before recommending surgical intervention.
Supporting timing and requirements of digital video and audio in desktop conferencing systems

Digital video and audio are an integral part of a desktop collaboration system. In order to provide an integrated collaboration environment which supports text, graphics, video, and audio, it is necessary to effectively support the timing requirements of digital video and audio. This paper describes the mechanisms and provisions required to support real-time audio and video streams. Details of the Multimedia Multiparty Teleconferencing (MMT) system are described to illustrate these issues with a working implementation. The communication and processing paths of the audio and video streams through the system are described. Finally, tradeoffs between different possible solutions are discussed with regard to those issues (e.g. bandwidth, delay, synchronization, etc.) which are particularly important for real-time multimedia applications.
Design and flight testing of inflatable wings with wing warping

The paper presents work on testing of inflatable wings for unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). Inflatable wing his tory and recent research is discussed. Design and con struction of inflatable wings is then covered, along with ground and flight testing. Discussions include predictions and correlations of the forces required to warp (twist) the wings to a particular shape and the aerodynamic forces generated by that shape change. The focus is on charac terizing the deformation of the wings and development of a model to accurately predict deformation. Relations be tween wing stiffness and internal pressure and the impact of external loads are presented. Mechanical manipula tion of the wing shape on a test vehicle is shown to be an effective means of roll control. Possible benefits to aero dynamic efficiency are also discussed.
Contribution of relative sea-level rise to historical hurricane flooding in New York City

Flooding during hurricanes is a hazard for New York City. Flood height is determined by storm surge characteristics, timing (high or low tide) and relative sea-level (RSL) change. The contribution from these factors is estimated for seven historical hurricanes (1788–2012) that caused flooding in New York City. Measurements from The Battery tide gauge and historical accounts are supplemented with a RSL reconstruction from Barnegat Bay, New Jersey. RSL was reconstructed from foraminifera preserved in salt-marsh sediment that was dated using marker horizons of lead and copper pollution and 137Cs activity. Between the 1788 hurricane and Hurricane Sandy in 2012, RSL rose by 56 cm, including 15 cm from glacio-isostatic adjustment. Storm surge characteristics and timing with respect to astronomical tides remain the dominant factors in determining flood height. However, RSL rise will raise the base level for flood heights in New York City and exacerbate flooding caused by future hurricanes. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Meaningful assessment of learners' understandings about scientific inquiry—The views about scientific inquiry (VASI) questionnaire

Helping students develop informed views about scientific inquiry (SI) has been and continues to be a goal of K-12 science education, as evidenced in various reform documents. Nevertheless, research focusing on understandings of SI has taken a perceptible backseat to that which focuses on the “doing” of inquiry. We contend that this is partially a function of the typical conflation of scientific inquiry with nature of science (NOS), and is also attributable to the lack of a readily accessible instrument to provide a meaningful assessment of learners' views of SI. This article (a) outlines the framework of scientific inquiry that undergirds the Views About Scientific Inquiry (VASI) questionnaire; (b) describes the development of the VASI, in part derived from the Views of Scientific Inquiry (VOSI) questionnaire; (c) presents evidence for the validity and reliability of the VASI; (d) discusses the use of the VASI and associated interviews to elucidate views of the specific aspects of SI that it attempts to assess; and (e) discusses the utility of the resulting rich-descriptive views of SI that the VASI provides for informing both further research efforts and classroom practice. The trend in recent reform documents, unfortunately, ignores much of the research on NOS and SI and implicitly presumes that the “doing” of inquiry is sufficient for developing understandings of SI. The VASI serves as a tool in further discrediting this contention and provides both the classroom teacher and the researcher a more powerful means for assessing learners' conceptions about essential aspects of SI, consonant with the vision set forth in the recently released Next Generation Science Standards (Achieve, Inc., 2013). © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Res Sci Teach 51: 65–83, 2014
Twisted face-pairing 3-manifolds

This paper is an enriched version of our introductory paper on twisted face-pairing 3-manifolds. Just as every edge-pairing of a 2-dimensional disk yields a closed 2-manifold, so also every face-pairing e of a faceted 3-ball P yields a closed 3-dimensional pseudomanifold. In dimension 3, the pseudomanifold may suffer from the defect that it fails to be a true 3-manifold at some of its vertices. The method of twisted face-pairing shows how to correct this defect of the quotient pseudomanifold P/∈ systematically. The method describes how to modify P by edge subdivision and how to modify any orientation-reversing face-pairing ∈ of P by twisting, so as to yield an infinite parametrized family of face-pairings (Q, δ) whose quotient complexes Q/δ are all closed orientable 3-manifolds. The method is so efficient that, starting even with almost trivial face-pairings ∈, it yields a rich family of highly nontrivial, yet relatively simple, 3-manifolds. This paper solves two problems raised by the introductory paper: (1) Replace the computational proof of the introductory paper by a conceptual geometric proof of the fact that the quotient complex Q/δ of a twisted face-pairing is a closed 3-manifold. We do so by showing that the quotient complex has just one vertex and that its link is the faceted sphere dual to Q. (2) The twist construction has an ambiguity which allows one to twist all faces clockwise or to twist all faces counterclockwise. The fundamental groups of the two resulting quotient complexes are not at all obviously isomorphic. Are the two manifolds the same, or are they distinct? We prove the highly nonobvious fact that clockwise twists and counterclockwise twists yield the same manifold. The homeomorphism between them is a duality homeomorphism which reverses orientation and interchanges natural 0-handles with 3-handles, natural 1-handles with 2-handles. This duality result of (2) is central to our further studies of twisted face-pairings. We also relate the fundamental groups and homology groups of the twisted face-pairing 3-manifolds Q/δ and of the original pseudomanifold P/∈ (with vertices removed). We conclude the paper by giving examples of twisted face-pairing 3-manifolds. These examples include manifolds from five of Thurston's eight 3-dimensional geometries.
Effects of Graded Dietary Levels of Spirulina maxima on Vitamins A and E in Male Rats

The effects of ingesting the alga Spirulina maxima on the storage and utilization of vitamins A and E were investigated by feeding diets containing 0, 2.7, 10.7, 18.7 and 26.7% S. maxima to male rats for 6 wk. All diets contained 18% protein, which was contributed by S. maxima or by casein or by a mixture of them. Growth results indicated that rats did not utilize the diets containing S. maxima as well as the casein control diet (0% S. maxima) when levels were 10.7% or more of the diet. The ingestion of S. maxima caused a significant increase in dry matter and chloroform-extractable crude fat in the feces. A low level of 2.7% S. maxima caused a significant reduction in plasma, liver and heart alpha-tocopherol levels. The concentrations of alpha-tocopherol in these tissues showed a marked decline with 10.7% S. maxima in the diet, followed by a lesser decline at higher levels. Liver retinoid levels of rats increased when S. maxima was added to the diet, suggesting conversion of the naturally occurring carotenoids in S. maxima to vitamin A. However, the plasma levels of retinol decreased when S. maxima was fed at 10.7% or more. These data demonstrate that S. maxima can significantly alter the storage and utilization of vitamins A and E.
Real-time video transfer using multiple quantum-well retromodulators

This paper is an update in the progress of the development of NRL's Multiple Quantum Well retromodulators for compact, low power communications. We report results for data-in-flight on a small, unmanned aerial vehicle at up to 5 Mbps, in preparation for real-time video transfer using an array of devices. This data was taken at Chesapeake Bay Detachment. We also report transference of color video using wavelet compression at 15 and 30 frames per second, at 4 to 6 Mbps in lab, at eye safe intensity levels. The unit is a cornercube modulator using a 980 nm shutter. A five-element array was used for the data-in-flight. First results of our 1550 nm devices are also presented as is progress in a 'Cats Eye Retromodulator'.
Inhibition of rat brain tryptophan hydroxylation with p-chloroamphetamine.

Abstract p -Chloroamphetamine (PCA) at high concentrations (0.0025 to 0.02 M) inhibited rat brainstem tryptophan hydroxylase and, to a lesser extent, rat corpus striatum tyrosine hydroxylase. Hog kidney aromatic l -amino acid decarboxylase was not affected. Inhibition of tryptophan hydroxylase by p -chloroamphetamine was competitive with tryptophan and noncompetitive with 6,7-dimethyl-5,6,7,8-tetrahydropterine (DMPH 4 ). In rats given p -chloroamphetamine, brainstem tryptophan-hydroxylating activity was only slightly reduced, whereas striatal tyrosine-hydroxylating activity was not altered. Synthesis rates of brain serotonin and dopamine in rats treated with p -chloroamphetamine, estimated by measuring the accumulation of 5-hydroxytryptophan and dopa, respectively, after blockade of decarboxylase, were both decreased. In view of the high concentrations of p -chloroamphetamine required to inhibit tryptophan and tyrosine hydroxylases in vitro , mechanisms other than inhibition of enzyme by PCA might be responsible for the decelerated synthesis of serotonin and dopamine in brain (e.g. blockade of monoamine re-uptake).
Freezing and desiccation tolerance in the moss Physcomitrella patens: An in situ Fourier transform infrared spectroscopic study

Abstract In situ Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) was used in order to obtain more insights in the underlying protective mechanisms upon freezing and drying of ABA-treated tissues of the moss Physcomitrella patens . The effects of different treatments on the membrane phase behaviour, glassy state, and overall protein secondary structure were studied. We found that growth on ABA resulted in the accumulation of sucrose: up to 22% of the tissue on a dry weight basis, compared to only 3.7% in non-ABA-treated tissues. Sucrose functions as a protectant during freezing and drying, but accumulation of sucrose alone is not sufficient for survival. ABA-treated tissue survives a freeze–thaw cycle down to −80 °C only after addition of an additional cryoprotectant (DMSO). Survival correlates with preservation of membrane phase behaviour. We found that ABA-treated P. patens can survive slow but not rapid drying down to water contents as low as 0.02 g H 2 O per g DW. Rapidly and slowly dried ABA-treated tissues were found to have similar sugar compositions and glass transition temperatures. The average strength of hydrogen bonding in the cytoplasmic glassy matrix, however, was found to be increased upon slow drying. In addition, slowly dried tissues were found to have a higher relative proportion of α-helical structures compared to rapidly dried tissues.
Predictors of Support for Juvenile Sex Offender Registration: Educated Individuals Recognize the Flaws of Juvenile Registration

We investigated demographic predictors of support for juvenile sex offender registration policies, including education level, gender, political orientation, and age. Participants were 168 individuals recruited from public places in a Midwest community (45% women; M age = 42). In line with hypotheses, as education level increased, support for juvenile registration decreased, as did the belief that juvenile registration protects the community. In addition, as education level increased, belief that the juvenile understood his actions decreased, as did support for juvenile registration when it is framed as ineffective at reducing sex crime. These beliefs mediated the relationship between education level and diminished support for juvenile registration. Implications of these results for the advancement of effective juvenile sex offender policy are discussed.
A region of the Ada DNA-repair protein required for the activation of ada transcription is not necessary for activation of alkA.

Abstract The adaptive response of Escherichia coli protects cells against the mutagenic and toxic effects of alkylating agents. This response is controlled by the Ada protein, which not only functions as the transcriptional activator of the ada and alkA genes but also possesses two DNA methyltransferae activities. Ada is converted into an efficient transcriptional activator by transferring a methyl group from a DNA methylphosphotriester to its own Cys-69 residue and then binds to a DNA sequence (the Ada box) present in both the ada and alkA promoters. Although the Ada protein initially appeared to regulate the ada and alkA genes in a similar fashion, our studies show that the wild-type Ada protein and its truncated derivatives can differentially regulate ada and alkA transcription. In vivo, lower levels of wild-type methylated Ada are needed to activate ada transcription than alkA transcription. In cells exposed to alkylating agents, the N-terminal half of Ada, which contains the DNA-binding domain, is sufficient for efficient activation of alkA, but not ada, transcription. Moreover, truncated derivatives containing 80-90% of Ada are extremely strong constitutive activators of ada but are only inducible activators of alkA transcription. These results suggest that the mechanism by which Ada activates ada transcription differs from that by which it activates alkA transcription.
Carbon nanotubes: A thermoelectric nano-nose

Abstract A thermoelectric `nano-nose' has been built from tangled bundles of single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWNT). The response is specific to the details of the interaction of the adsorbed molecule with the nanotube wall; even gases such as He, N2 and H2 can be easily detected. Plots of ΔS vs. ρ a are sensitive to whether oxidation or reduction of the tube wall is taking place, and to whether the gas molecule is physisorbed or chemisorbed.
A model C++ tree iterator class for binary search trees

In object-oriented design, the concept of a container class that holds a collection of similar objects is fundamental. To use a container class most effectively, it is helpful to define one or more associated iterator classes that can return the objects in the container class in a specified order. An iterator is a bridge that permits the caller to use the objects in a container without knowledge of the details of how the objects are stored in the container. Although the concept of iterator is discussed in a number of books on C++ and/or object-oriented design, it is difficult to find a complete example that is both elegant and sophisticated. In this article, we provide such an example by developing an iterator class for binary search trees that is capable of doing all standard traversals: inorder, preorder, and postorder.
Gonadotroph fonction in 3-week-old gilts reared in a warm or cool thermal environment☆

The present study evaluated the effect of a warm (cycling 27–32 °C, 50–70% RH) or cool (21 °C, 55% RH) thermal environment (TE) on gonadotroph function in 3-week-old gilts (females). Pituitary cells from twelve gilts reared in each TE were cultured at a density of 250,000 cells/1 ml well and exposed to vehicle (culture medium); .1, 1, and 10 nM gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH); 2 mM 8-Br-cAMP (cAMP); and 100 nM phorbol myristate acetate (PMA). Luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) secretion in culture were stimulated by GnRH and by pharmacological compounds (p < .0001). In vitro LH secretion was approximately three-fold higher in the warm, compared to the cool, TE group (p < .0001). Similarly, cellular LH content in the warm TE exceeded that in the cool TE (p < .005). The in vitro secretion of FSH and cellular FSH content were significantly elevated in the warm TE (p < .02). Serum LH concentrations in the warm and cool TE were 7.01 ± 1.75 and 2.13 ± .44 ng/ml, respectively (p < .02). Serum FSH concentrations were 6.38 ± .53 and 4.59 ± .28 ng/ml in the warm and cool TE, respectively (p < .01). The results of this study demonstrate that secretory responses of gonadotrophs in early postweaning pigs are influenced by chronic TE exposure. These differences in secretory activity may reflect levels of cellular gonadotropin available for release.
WHITE LOCOWEED TOXICITY IS FACILITATED BY A FUNGAL ENDOPHYTE AND NITROGEN-FIXING BACTERIA

Mutualistic interactions with fungal endophytes and dinitrogen-fixing bacteria are known to exert key biological influences on the host plant. The influence of a fungal endophyte alkaloid on the toxicity of a plant has been documented in Oxytropis sericea. Oxytropis sericea is a perennial legume responsible for livestock poisoning in western North America. Livestock poisoning is attributed to the alkaloid swainsonine, which is synthesized inside the plant by the fungal endophyte Embellisia sp. In this study, the ability of Oxytropis sericea to form a dinitrogen-fixing symbiosis with Rhizobium and the effects of this symbiosis on the production of swainsonine by Embellisia sp. were evaluated in a greenhouse environment. Seeds of O. sericea were grown in plastic containers. Twenty-week-old O. sericea seedlings were inoculated with four strains of Rhizobium. Twenty weeks after inoculation, plant growth and root nodulation by Rhizobium were measured. Dinitrogen fixation was confirmed using an acetylene reduction assay (ARA) on excised root nodules. Dry leaves were analyzed for swainsonine content. A second set of plants was treated with fungicide to evaluate the effect of reduced fungal endophyte infection on plant growth and swainsonine production. All inoculated plants produced indeterminate nodules. The ARA indicated that 98% of the excised nodules were fixing dinitrogen. Rhizobium-treated plants had greater swainsonine concentrations than the non-inoculated controls. Plants that established from seeds treated with fungicide had lower biomass than non-fungicide-treated controls and plants treated with foliar fungicide. Plants treated with foliar fungicide and the controls had greater swainsonine concentrations than the plants that received seed fungicide. This greenhouse study is the first report of nodulation and dinitrogen fixation in O. sericea. It also demonstrates that dinitrogen fixation increases the production of swainsonine in O. sericea plants infected with Embellisia sp. Results from this study suggest that dinitrogen fixation affects swainsonine production and has the potential to support the symbiosis between Embellisia sp. and O. sericea when soil nitrogen is limited. Oxytropis sericea competitiveness appears to be facilitated by an ability to simultaneously associate with Rhizobium and a fungal symbiont.
Respiratory and carbohydrate changes during ethylene-mediated flower induction in Dutch iris

Abstract The promotion of flowering in small Dutch iris (Iris × hollandica Hoog., cv. ‘Ideal’) bulbs by treatment for 24 h with 10 μl l−1 ethylene was associated with enhanced respiration, which continued long after the end of ethylene treatment. Shorter ethylene treatments, which were partially effective in inducing flowering, resulted in lower and shorter bursts of respiration. Changes in the soluble carbohydrate contents of the ethylene-treated bulbs were not detected until following the cold treatment. The possible mechanisms by which ethylene stimulates flowering are discussed.
Enzyme replacement therapy in feline mucopolysaccharidosis I.

Enzyme replacement therapy (ERT) has long been considered an approach to treating lysosomal storage disorders caused by deficiency of lysosomal enzymes. ERT is currently used to treat Gaucher disease and is being developed for several lysosomal storage disorders now that recombinant sources of the enzymes have become available. We have continued development of ERT for mucopolysaccharidosis I (MPS I) using the feline model. Recombinant alpha-L-iduronidase was administered intravenously at low dose (approximately 0.1 mg/kg or 25,000 units/kg) to four cats and high dose (0.5 mg/kg or 125,000 units/kg) to two cats on a weekly basis for 3- or 6-month terms. Clinical examinations showed distinct clearing of corneal clouding in one cat although clinical effects in the others were not evident. Biochemical studies of the cats showed that the enzyme was distributed to a variety of tissues although the liver and spleen contained the highest enzyme activities. Glycosaminoglycan storage was decreased in liver and spleen, and the histologic appearance improved in liver, spleen, and renal cortex. Enzyme was not consistently detected in cerebral cortex, brainstem, or cerebellum and the histologic appearance and ganglioside profiles did not improve. A variety of other tissues showed low variable uptake of enzyme and no distinct improvement. IgG antibodies to alpha-L-iduronidase were observed in five cats with higher titers noted when higher doses were administered. Mild complement activation occurred in three cats. Enzyme replacement therapy was effective in reversing storage in some tissues at the biochemical and histologic level in MPS I cats but an improved tissue distribution and prevention of a significant immune response could make the therapy more effective.
Static testing of U-shaped formed metal bellows

Abstract This paper summarizes the results of an investigation in which an innovative test facility was designed and constructed for the purpose of stress testing of thin-walled U-shaped formed metal bellows. Stress values calculated from strains obtained using commercially available strain gages for various modes of deformation were compared with those predicted by currently available static stress equations. It was observed that the experimental test results are significantly different from the stress values obtained using the analytical static stress equations. Possible explanations for the discrepancies are presented and discussed. It is concluded that common, commercially available strain gages are inappropriate for measuring convolute strains in thin-walled formed metal bellows with small convolute radii.
Peptide inhibitors of caspase-3-like proteases attenuate 1-methyl-4-phenylpyridinum-induced toxicity of cultured fetal rat mesencephalic dopamine neurons.

Abstract Multiple aspartate-specific cysteine proteases have been identified and specific members of this family have been implicated in the apoptotic death of many mammalian cell types. Caspase-3-like proteases seem to play a pivotal role in neuronal apoptosis since mice with germline inactivation of the caspase-3 gene manifest profound alterations in neurogenesis. Moreover, inhibitors of caspase-3-related proteases have been shown to inhibit neuronal apoptosis. Here we extend recent work from our laboratory on the mechanisms mediating the neurotoxic actions of 1-phenyl-4-methylpyridinium using ventral mesencephalon cultures containing dopamine neurons. We demonstrate that low concentrations of 1-phenyl-4-methylpyridinium induce apoptosis in dopamine neurons by morphological and biochemical criteria. Moreover, pretreatment of ventral mesencephalon cultures with the tetrapeptide inhibitors of the caspase-3-like proteases; zVAD-FMK or Ac-DEVD-CHO specifically inhibit death of dopamine neurons neurons induced by low concentrations of 1-phenyl-4-methylpyridinium, whereas the caspase-1-like inhibitor Ac-YVAD-CHO was without effect. Our data indicate that exposure of cultured ventral mesencephalondopamine neurons to low concentrations of 1-phenyl-4-methylpyridinium results in apoptotic death and that caspase-3-like proteases may mediate the neurotoxic apoptotic actions of 1-phenyl-4-methylpyridinium.
A risk-assessment model for foot and mouth disease (FMD) virus introduction through deboned beef importation

We present a risk-assessment model to assess the risk of introduction of foot and mouth disease (FMD) virus associated with deboned beef importation. The model was developed in accordance with the risk-reduction procedures proposed by the European Community for meat importation. The risk reduction procedures include farm-level inspection, ante-mortem inspection, post-mortem inspection, chilling and deboning. The risk assessment was based on the prevalence of FMD-infected cattle in herds as well as the prevalence of infected herds in the exporting country. Computer simulations were carried out to evaluate the probability of FMD virus introduction by importing 100 tons of deboned beef in relation to FMD prevalence, number of cattle selected from each herd, and sample sizes in ante-mortem and post-mortem inspections. The effects of the risk-reduction procedures on the probability of FMD virus introduction were examined.
A method for measuring mean circumferential fiber shortening rate from gated blood pool scans.

Ejection fraction and ejection rate are easily obtained from gated cardiac images, but no method is available for calculating mean circumferential fiber shortening rate. We assumed that the cube root of left ventricular end-diastolic volume or counts is proportional to the minor axis of the left ventricle at end-diastole or end-systole. Mean circumferential fiber shortening rate is then equal to the [cube root of the end-diastolic volume (count) minus cube root of end-systolic volume (count)] divided by [cube root of end-diastolic volume (count) multiplied by the ejection time]. In 250 contrast ventriculograms, the standard mean circumferential fiber shortening rate (MCFSR) and that derived by the cube root method correlated well (r=0.94). The mean value of MCFSR (0.85±0.35) was greater than the cube root value (0.75±0.35) (P<0.001). The regression equation was y=0.86x+0.02. Similar correlations were obtained from gated radionuclide images using a semiautomated program (r=0.93) in 24 subjects or completely automated program (r=0.85) in 28 patients. The regression equation between MCFSR and that derived from the cube root of counts for the semiautomated program was y=0.82x+0.04 and for the automated program was y=0.84x+0.004. Similar correlations, slopes, and intercepts were seen using circumferential fractional shortening for angiographic data when correlated with both the semiautomated and automated gated blood pool scan programs. These data indicate that MCFSR and circumferential fractional shortening may be obtained from gated blood pool images using cube root estimates of end-diastolic and end-systolic radii with a high degree of correlation with the standard contrast ventriculographic technique.
Decline and devolution: : The sources of strategic military retrenchment

This paper offers a theory of military retrenchment by states in relative decline. I argue that a declining state will choose to withdraw foreign military deployments and security commitments when there exists a suitable regional “successor” to which it can devolve its current responsibilities. The degree of a successor's suitability and the strategic importance of the region to the declining state interact to determine when and how rapidly retrenchment will occur. Importantly, this devolutionary model of retrenchment predicts significant variations in retrenchment patterns across a declining state's multiple regional commitments. It advances the literature by producing nuanced predictions of precisely where, when, and how quickly retrenchment will occur. This paper assesses the theory empirically through an examination of Great Britain's varying regional retrenchment strategies prior to World War I.
Sequences of dental ontogeny and callitrichid taxonomy

Sequences of dental development and eruption radiographically determined for 160 immature callitrichids were combined with nonontogenetic criteria in an investigation of callitrichid affinities. Marmosets (Callithrix andCebuella) are distinct from tamarins (Leontopithecus andSaguinus) in both sequences of dental ontogeny and nonontogenetic characters.Callimico presents a tamarin-like pattern in its dental ontogeny and overall appearance. A new callitrichid classification which separates marmosets and tamarins into different subfamilies (Callitrichinae, Leontopithecinae and Callimiconinae) is proposed. Dental ontogenetic data suggest that callitrichids are derived platyrrhine taxa.
Families and faith: how religion is passed down across generations

How can a religious tradition be passed down from generation to generation in a family? If it is possible, what are the critical components parents and family should do? Clergies and devoted parent...
Exogenous juvenile hormone and methoprene, but not male accessory gland substances or ovariectomy, affect the blood/nectar choice of female Culex nigripalpus mosquitoes.

Summary When newly emerged females of the mosquito Culex nigripalpus Theobald (Diptera: Culicidae) take a sugar meal, they develop both a propensity to seek a host and resting-stage ovarian follicles. As follicle growth is indicative of Juvenile Hormone (JH) activity, we searched for possible roles of JH in the behavioural shift from nectar to blood-host odour preference by Cx. nigripalpus after emergence, using an olfactometer-choice assay. Topically applied or injected methoprene (a JH analogue) resulted in a behavioural shift and follicular growth in unfed females that increased with increasing dosages. Topical methoprene 500 ng and 4 μg resulted in a switch to bird-odour preference. JH III injection resulted in a lesser shift from honey responses to bird responses. Methoprene application caused no detectable changes in glycogen, total sugars or total lipid when assayed 24 h after treatment. Additionally, as male accessory glands (MAG) have been shown to synthesize JH, we implanted intact paired MAGs from either conspecific or Aedes aegypti (L.) donors, or injected 1/3 gland pair equivalents of conspecific MAG homogenate into unfed newly emerged females. All MAG treatments failed to induce behavioural or ovarian modifications. Ovariectomy had no effect on the sugar-induced shift from nectar to host preference in the olfactometer. Thus JH, but not MAG, mimicked the effects of a sugar meal by causing both follicular growth and the shift to preference for a host.
IV. Collective Enforcement of Peace and Security.

The Security Council of the United Nations will, from the first day of its existence, include in its membership all of the great powers. The Council, backed by the united will of the five powers with permanent seats in that body, will act, if it acts at all, with an authority which no organ of the League of Nations ever possessed. In the League Council, there was no time during which all of the great powers participated. Only two of them, France and the United Kingdom, were League members throughout its period of activity. Some may believe that too high a price, or a higher price than was necessary, was paid to insure the participation of the Five Powers, and especially the United States and the Soviet Union, in the United Nations Organization. The price was paid largely in provisions of its Charter relative to the maintenance or restoration of international peace and security which circumscribe carefully the situations in which the Security Council can take action.
Effects of plastic deformation on the elastic modulus and density of bulk amorphous Pd40Ni10Cu30P20

Abstract The effect of annealing and plastic deformation on the density and modulus of bulk amorphous Pd40Cu30Ni10P20 was measured. The shear and bulk modulus were measured by resonant-ultrasound spectroscopy. Annealing causes the density and shear modulus to increase, but the bulk modulus remains approximately constant. Following annealing, plastic deformation reduces both the density and shear modulus to their values in the as-quenched samples. A linear relationship was found between the shear modulus and the density. The relative change in the shear modulus is approximately 25 times larger than the relative change in the density.
Serious Games for the Pediatric Anklebot

The goal of Serious Games (SGs) in motor therapy has been established since the early studies with the MIT-Manus robot. It is important to keep the patient engaged during sensorimotor rehabilitation. Here we describe the development of three SGs, namely the Shipwreck, the Race for Noah's Ark, and Soccer 2014. The games are intended to be used with the Pediatric Anklebot and provide an interactive environment to the assist-as-needed robotic therapy for children with Cerebral Palsy ages 5 to 8. As with the games developed for the MIT-Manus robot, the SGs are visually-guided, visually-evoked, easy to play with, and promote training of the impaired ankle in dorsi-plantar flexion and inversion-eversion. The games' goal is to reinforce meaningful play and challenge. We have recently initiated clinical testing employing these games and expect to determine if motor learning model offers a meaningful approach to lower extremity rehabilitation efforts.
Haematological cancer: Treatment of smoldering multiple myeloma

In a recent randomized trial, lenalidomide plus low-dose dexamethasone prolonged overall survival in patients with high-risk smoldering multiple myeloma. Although the results are impressive, the generalizability is limited to a small subset of patients. Additional studies are needed to identify specific patient populations who can benefit from early intervention.
Issues Related to Colorectal Cancer and Colorectal Cancer Screening Practices in Women

Studies have shown that colorectal cancer (CRC) incidence is equal between men and women. However, several studies have demonstrated lower adenoma detection rates in women than in men. Many questions arise about differences in adenomas, CRC, and screening practices between men and women: should screening be the same for both sexes, are there differences in risk factors in the formation of colon cancer, should special groups of women be screened differently from the general population, are colonoscopies tolerated differently in women and why, and what determines if a woman will undergo colonoscopy? This article reviews these issues.
Galagos and Gummivory

An experimental program investigating the role of gum in the diet of captiveGalago senegalensis braccatus is reviewed. One set of studies investigated the role of gum chemistry in dietary preferences. The animals showed a preference forAcacia gums over gums from other plants. If condensed or hydrolized tannins were added to theAcacia gums, such gums were consumed at a lower rate than plainAcacia gum. This effect was stronger with the condensed (quebracho) tannin. The effect of such secondary compounds on gum consumption in wild galagos needs investigation. The second set of studies examined digestion of gums, which are complex polysaccarides probably requiring fermentation in the gut. Substitution of gum for simple carbohydrate sources in the diet lead to increased gut transit time. On the gum diet, animals maintained weight without an increase in intake or a decrease in activity levels. Apparent dry matter digestibility of the two diets was equivalent. Indicators of gut bacterial action increased on the gum diet. These observations are strong indirect evidence for an increase of fermentation in the gut on the gum diet.
Reaching Consumers in the Twenty-First Century: The Short Way Around the Barn

Fundamental changes are underway in the U.S. food system, changes that are altering traditional marketing relationships linking consumers, food retailers and wholesalers, food processors and farmers and ranchers. Parts of the food system are becoming more tightly integrated, shortening the path from farm to grocery. Thus, the food system of the future promises to be more nimble in responding to consumer needs.
Modeling elastic wave propagation in waveguides with the finite element method

Abstract This paper reports on the application of guided waves techniques to nondestructively determine the structural integrity of engineering components. Specifically, this research uses a commercial finite element (FE) code to study the propagation characteristics of ultrasonic waves in annular structures. In order to demonstrate the accuracy of the proposed FE technique, the propagation of guided waves in a flat plate is examined first. Next, the propagation of guided waves in thick ring structures is investigated. Finally, these FE results are compared to analytical and experimental results. The results of this study clearly illustrate the effectiveness of using the FE method to model guided wave propagation problems and demonstrate the potential of the FE method for problems when an analytical solution is not possible because of “complicated” component geometry.
The effects of contaminants on the properties of medicinal kaolins.

Properties of kaolin were critically studied from the viewpoint of proposing a more stringent set of standards in order to better define this pharmaceutical product. Determinations as to chemical composition, settling rate, and absorption of alkaloids and dyes were carried out. Microphotographs of the contaminants present were obtained and an effort was made to relate the presence of these contaminants with the observed pharmaceutical activity.
Weighted Scoring Model for Resource Allocation in Postconflict Reconstruction

This paper presents a weighted scoring model as a systematic approach to resource allocation in postconflict reconstruction operations in two distinct environments: adversarial and nonadversarial. The model is intended to aid decision makers in prioritizing, planning, and allocating resources for postconflict reconstruction efforts. Weighted scoring is used to conduct value analysis to determine an appropriate mix of reconstruction projects in a fixed budget portfolio to either maximize overall value or to steer support toward a desired combination of core outcomes. The utility of the model lies in its ability to use the proposed methodology effectively in any postconflict environment to provide quantitative results and a structured decision making approach. While the evaluation measures or metrics may change in each environment, the core outcomes and the central tasks which support those outcomes hold regardless of the type of postconflict environment. These core outcomes of security, governance, rule of law, economics, and social wellbeing, if achieved, constitute success in postconflict reconstruction operations.