cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Between assessment and intervention: Forging an assessment/curriculum linkage for the handicapped preschooler

This article describes a system for linking developmental diagnosis and individualized educational programming for the handicapped preschooler. The format emphasizes pragmatic, adaptive use of traditional developmental scales as criterion-based measures within educational programming. The linkage process includes four steps: (1) Selecting assessment devices according to curriculum content; (2) Determining developmental levels within separate developmental areas; (3) Identifying developmental ceilings in each area; (4) Matching ceilings to appropriate curriculum objectives. Preliminary supporting data suggest the usefulness of the linkage system for integrating the work of school psychologists and preschool teachers and for imbedding assessment within the process of instructional planning.
Distributed sensor for rectangular plates

A new class of distributed sensors is presented which can measure both the linear, angular deflections and twist of flat composite plates. The sensor relies in its operation on a set of wires which are embedded off the neutral planes of the composite plates. The wires are arranged in a special manner which allows continuous monitoring of the deflection curve of the plate. The output signals of the wires are processed to determine the linear, angular displacements and twist at critical discrete points in the plate. The equations governing the operation of the sensor are developed using the theory of finite elements. The resulting equations provide the sensor with unique interpolation capabilities which make it possible to map the deflection and strain fields over the entire surface of the plate. The theoretical and experimental performance of the sensor are presented in both the time and frequency domains. Comparisons are given between the experimental performance of the distributed sensor and that of conventional laser sensors in order to demonstrate the accuracy and merits of the distributed sensors. The results obtained suggest the potential of this new class of sensors as a viable means for monitoring the static and dynamic deflections of flexible composite SMART plate.
Differential distribution and covalent binding of two labeled forms of methyl-CCNU in the Fischer 344 rat

The present study compares the organ distribution and covalent binding of MeCCNU labeled either within the carbamylating ([cyclohexyl-1-14C]MeCCNU; Chx-14C-MeCCNU) or alkylating ([2-chloroethyl-1,2-14C]MeCCNU; Cle-14C-MeCCNU) region of the compound in an animal model shown to be suitable for studying the nephrotoxicity of the nitrosoureas. Extraction of tissue homogenates with organic solvents of increasing polarity, and subsequent analysis of these extracts by HPLC showed fat to accumulate the highest concentration of parent compound. Kidney accumulated the highest levels of the more polar ether- and methanol-extractable metabolites and/or degradation products of either cyclohexyl-derived or chloroethyl-derived 14C-MeCCNU. Striking differences were apparent in the accumulation, degradation and/or metabolism, and tissue distribution of covalently bound radioactivity for the chloroethyl and cyclohexyl moieties. For example, approximately twice as much cyclohexyl-derived 14C was bound covalently to protein of kidney than to protein of liver or lung. In contrast, approximately twice as much chloroethyl-derived 14C was bound to lung protein than to liver of kidney protein. No radioactivity was bound covalently to tissue DNA following Chx-14C-MeCCNU administration. On the other hand, at 4 h, chloroethyl-derived 14C was irreversibly bound to DNA in the relative amounts of kidney (5.0 nmol/mg), liver (2.7 nmol/mg), and lung (1.25 nmol/mg). These results demonstrate that MeCCNU metabolites and/or degradation products are preferentially accumulated in kidney, a primary target organ for MeCCNU toxicity. Moreover, kidney protein and DNA were subject to extensive carbamylation and alkylation reactions as measured by irreversibly bound cyclohexyl-derived and chloroethyl-derived 14C, respectively. These data suggest that the extent of irreversibly bound drug to tissue macromolecules may be a valid predictor of MeCCNU toxicity. However, the relative toxicological significance of either protein carbamylation or DNA alkylation in mediating MeCCNU-induced nephropathy is not yet understood.
Vasoactive Intestinal Polypeptide Type-1 Receptor Regulation DESENSITIZATION, PHOSPHORYLATION, AND SEQUESTRATION

The vasoactive intestinal polypeptide type-1 (VPAC(1)) receptor is a class II G protein-coupled receptor, distinct from the adrenergic receptor superfamily. The mechanisms involved in the regulation of the VPAC(1) receptor are largely unknown. We examined agonist-dependent VPAC(1) receptor signaling, phosphorylation, desensitization, and sequestration in human embryonic kidney 293 cells. Agonist stimulation of cells overexpressing this receptor led to a dose-dependent increase in cAMP that peaked within 5-10 min and was completely desensitized after 20 min. Cells cotransfected with the VPAC(1) receptor (VPAC(1)R) and G protein-coupled receptor kinases (GRKs) 2, 3, 5, and 6 exhibited enhanced desensitization that was not evident with GRK 4. Immunoprecipitation of the epitope-tagged VPAC(1) receptor revealed dose-dependent phosphorylation that was increased with cotransfection of any GRK. Agonist-stimulated internalization of the VPAC(1)R peaked in 10 min, and neither overexpressed beta-arrestin nor its dominant-negative mutant altered internalization. However, a dynamin-dominant negative mutant did inhibit VPAC(1) receptor internalization. Interestingly, VPAC(1)R specificity in desensitization was not evident by study of the overexpressed receptor; however, we determined that human embryonic kidney 293 cells express an endogenous VPAC(1)R that did demonstrate dose-dependent GRK specificity. Therefore, VPAC(1) receptor regulation involves agonist-stimulated, GRK-mediated phosphorylation, beta-arrestin translocation, and dynamin-dependent receptor internalization. Moreover, study of endogenously expressed receptors may provide information not evident in overexpressed systems.
Development of ''Fast Cool'' pulse magnet coil technology at NHMFL

Historically, reliable monolithic capacitor bank-driven pulse magnet user systems have been limited to fields of about 60 T. We are developing a new user magnet to upgrade the peak fields available to experimenters at the NHMFL facility at Los Alamos. The engineering targets for this pulse system are: 65 T operation, a 30 min cooling time between shots, and enhanced coil reliability. We have developed new pulse magnet technologies to meet the engineering goals. This paper will report design details and the results from prototype testing.
Improved proper name recall by electrical stimulation of the anterior temporal lobes

People's names have an embarrassing propensity to be forgotten. This problem is exacerbated by normal aging and by some kinds of dementia. As evidence from neuroimaging and neuropsychology suggest that portions of the anterior temporal lobes play a role in proper name retrieval, we hypothesized that transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS), a technique that modulates neural transmission, to the anterior temporal lobes would alter the retrieval of proper names. Fifteen young adults received left anodal, right anodal, or sham stimulation of the anterior temporal lobes while naming pictures of famous individuals and landmarks. Right anterior temporal lobe stimulation significantly improved naming for people but not landmarks. These findings are consistent with the notion that the anterior temporal lobes are critically involved in the retrieval of people's names.
Comments on "Packet error probabilities in frequency-hopped spread-spectrum packet radio networks-memoryless frequency-hopping patterns considered

In the above-titled paper by M. Georgiopoulos (see ibid., vol.36, no.6, p.720-3, 1988), the packet error probability induced in a frequency-hopped spread-spectrum packet radio network is computed by using the Markovian property of the byte errors at the receiver. It is shown here that the byte errors at the receiver do not exhibit a Markovian structure. A correct analysis and numerical results are provided. >
Genetic Component of Heat Stress in Dairy Cattle, Development of Heat Index Function.

Production data obtained from AIPL USDA included 119,337 first-parity, test-day records of 15,012 Holsteins from 134 Georgia farms collected in 1990 to 1997. Weather information was obtained from the Georgia Automated Environmental Monitoring Network and included daily minimum, average, and maximum temperatures and humidity for 21 stations throughout the state. Each test-day record was augmented with weather information from the closest weather station. Analyses were based on models that included effects of herd-year-season, age, test day, milking frequency, and several types of heat and humidity. The best model used a temperature-humidity index. With this model, the average test-day yield for milk was about 26.3 kg for a temperature-humidity index <72 and decreased at about 0.2 kg per unit increase in the temperature-humidity index for a temperature-humidity index ≥72. For fat and protein, the test yield was 0.92 and 0.85 kg at a temperature-humidity index <72, respectively, and declined at a rate of 0.012 and 0.009 kg per degree of the temperature-humidity index, respectively. The temperature-humidity index calculated with the available weather information can be used to account for the effect of heat stress on production.
Naturoceutical agents in the management of cardiovascular disease.

During the past decade, complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) has grown in attractiveness to the Western public, and in recognition by practitioners of traditional medicine. The incorporation of effective CAM therapies into traditional practice is termed ‘integrative medicine’. One form of CAM demonstrating exponential growth through mass public consumerism is the use of naturoceuticals. Naturoceutical (or nutraceutical) agents are defined as mega-dose vitamins, herbal products or other ‘natural’ supplements purchased and consumed with premeditated ‘pharmaceutical’ intention to treat or prevent an illness or disease. Dietary supplements per se, are intended to supply adequate nutrients that may be lacking from the diet, and are thus, generally health promoting. A regulatory paradox exists since naturoceuticals are classified as dietary supplements although many possess measurable pharmacologic activity.
Effect of obesity on asthma phenotype is dependent upon asthma severity.

Background. We recently reported that obese and non-obese patients with asthma have similar airflow limitation and bronchodilator responsiveness, but obese patients have more symptoms overall. There is limited information on the effect of obesity on asthmatics of varying severity measured by objective physiological parameters. Understanding how obesity affects asthmatics of differing severity can provide insights into the pathogenesis of asthma in the obese and a rationale for the therapeutic approach to such patients. Methods. Participants with asthma from two American Lung Association—Asthma Clinical Research Center (ALA-ACRC) studies were grouped by tertiles of airflow obstruction (forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1%) predicted, FEV1/forced vital capacity (FVC)) and methacholine reactivity (PC20FEV1). Within each tertile, we examined the independent effect of body mass index (BMI), divided into normal weight, overweight, and obese categories, on lung function, airway reactivity, and symptoms....
Role of calcium in the stimulus-secretion coupling of antral gastrin release.

The role of calcium in the stimulus-secretion coupling of antral gastrin release was examined in isolated sheets of canine antral mucosa. Mucosa was obtained from 137 dogs and mounted in Ussing chambers to separate the luminal from nutrient surfaces. The influence of verapamil, LaCl3, A23187, and EGTA on the release of gastrin by luminal calcium and ethyl alcohol was examined and the release of immunoreactive gastrin (IG) was measured in luminal perfusates. Release of IG by luminal calcium was dose-related, unsaturable, and impaired by verapamil and by LaCl3. Release of IG by alcohol was prevented by leaching the mucosa of calcium and restored by repletion of the calcium. IG release induced by alcohol was prevented by topical, but not by nutrient, application of LaCl3. Molecular sieve and affinity chromatography of the endogenous IG released in the absence of luminal calcium, and of the exogenous gastrin added, indicated that antral gastrin was released as heptadecapeptide gastrin, and that which was rele...
Effects of amino acid substitutions in transmembrane domains of the NR1 subunit on the ethanol inhibition of recombinant N-methyl-D-aspartate receptors.

Background: The N-methyl-d-aspartate (NMDA) subtype of glutamate receptor is involved in a variety of processes that regulate neuronal plasticity and is an important target for the acute and chronic effects of ethanol. However, the specific sites where ethanol interacts with the receptor protein have yet to be fully elucidated. We previously demonstrated that a phenylalanine to alanine mutation in the third transmembrane domain (TM3) of the NR1 subunit decreased the ethanol inhibition of NMDA receptors expressed in HEK293 cells. In this study, we characterized the ethanol inhibition of NMDA receptors containing additional mutations within the TM3 and TM4 domains of the NR1 subunit. Methods: Site-directed mutagenesis was used to alter specific amino acid residues in the TM3 and TM4 domains of the NR1 subunit. Mutant NR1 subunits were coexpressed with the NR2A subunit in HEK293 cells and examined for alterations in ethanol sensitivity using whole-cell voltage-clamp electrophysiology. Results: Replacing phenylalanine at TM3 position 639 in the NR1 subunit (F639) with 9 different amino acids produced functional receptors when coexpressed with the NR2A subunit. All mutants showed a concentration-dependent inhibition by ethanol (10–100 mM), with the alanine and serine mutants being significantly less sensitive to ethanol. Amino acid substitutions at the F639 site also produced variable changes in the concentration–response relationship to glycine. However, no significant correlation between glycine EC50 values and the magnitude of ethanol inhibition was observed. Alanine mutations at TM4 positions 813 (M813A) and 819 (L819A), but not at 817 (F817A), of the NR1 subunit enhanced ethanol inhibition. Substitution of tryptophan for TM4 residues in the NR1 subunit (positions 820–822) that are homologous to a site in the NR2A subunit shown to reduce ethanol inhibition (A825W) had no effect on ethanol sensitivity. However, these NR1 TM4 tryptophan mutants restored the ethanol inhibition of the NR1 TM3 F639A mutant to wild-type levels in a stepwise fashion. Conclusions: These results indicate that the ethanol sensitivity of NMDA receptors may be regulated by discrete sites within the TM3 and TM4 domains of the NR1 subunit.
A Role for Insect Galectins in Parasite Survival

Insect galectins are associated with embryonic development or immunity against pathogens. Here, we show that they can be exploited by parasites for survival in their insect hosts. PpGalec, a tandem repeat galectin expressed in the midgut of the sand fly Phlebotomus papatasi, is used by Leishmania major as a receptor for mediating specific binding to the insect midgut, an event crucial for parasite survival, and accounts for species-specific vector competence. PpGalec is thus identified as a key molecule controlling vector competence for the most widely distributed form of cutaneous leishmaniasis in the Old World. In addition, these studies demonstrate the feasibility of using midgut receptors for parasite ligands as target antigens for transmission-blocking vaccines.
Experiencing type 2 diabetes mellitus: qualitative analysis of adolescents' concept of illness, adjustment, and motivation to engage in self-care behaviors.

PurposeThe purpose of this study was to explore the perspectives of adolescents diagnosed with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) in terms of how youths conceptualized the effect of T2DM on daily life...
Birds of a Feather, or Friend of a Friend? Using Exponential Random Graph Models to Investigate Adolescent Social Networks

In this article, we use newly developed statistical methods to examine the generative processes that give rise to widespread patterns in friendship networks. The methods incorporate both traditional demographic measures on individuals (age, sex, and race) and network measures for structural processes operating on individual, dyadic, and triadic levels. We apply the methods to adolescent friendship networks in 59 U.S. schools from the National Longitudinal Survey of Adolescent Health (Add Health). We model friendship formation as a selection process constrained by individuals’ sociality (propensity to make friends), selective mixing in dyads (friendships within race, grade, or sex categories are differentially likely relative to cross-category friendships), and closure in triads (a friend’s friends are more likely to become friends), given local population composition. Blacks are generally the most cohesive racial category, although when whites are in the minority, they display stronger selective mixing than do blacks when blacks are in the minority. Hispanics exhibit disassortative selective mixing under certain circumstances; in other cases, they exhibit assortative mixing but lack the higher-order cohesion common in other groups. Grade levels are always highly cohesive, while females form triangles more than males. We conclude with a discussion of how network analysis may contribute to our understanding of sociodemographic structure and the processes that create it.
Organophosphonate-induced toxicity: computer study of reentry in atrial tissue

The electrophysiologic changes of organophosphonate (OP)-produced acetylcholine (ACh) overload in atrial tissue was studied by computer simulation. Changes in the action potential dynamics due to the heterogeneity of the substrate resulting from OP deposition in the tissue were produced, and the conditions for the generation and persistence of reentry waves were determined. It was shown that modulation of cardiac cell membrane currents can be used to modulate conditions leading to reentry suggesting avenues to prophylaxis.
Scoliotic lumbar hernia as a cause of colonic obstruction.

The splenic flexure was incarcerated in a ring formed by the 12 th rib superiorly (Figs. 2, 3, A), erector spinae muscle medially, and iliac crest inferior-laterally (Figs. 2, 3, B).The ring was released by incision of the erector spinae, and the reduced colon was inspected and found to be viable.The defect was repaired with an overlapping piece of prosthetic material (GORE-TEX; WL Gore and Associates) that was affixed in place by applying multiple concentric circles of surgical hernia staples (Versatack; US Surgical).The patient tolerated the procedure well, was fed on the first postoperative day, and was discharged on the second day. She was followed for 15 months and was free of all symptoms. There are several classifications of lumbar hernias, divided between congenital (20%) and acquired (80%). Frequent causes include trauma, infection, and previous surgery. 1 The cause in this patient was most likely a muscle weakness, allowing the colon to herniate into the space formed by the iliac crest and the 12 th rib, which had been narrowed by severe kyphoscoliosis. Direct repair of the hernia defect has been demonstrated to have a low rate of success. 2 Recently laparoscopic repair has been described, using techniques developed for repair of incisional, parastomal, and epigastric hernias. 3 In this case, an open procedure was performed because of concern for incarceration and ischemia, but the prosthetic and stapled repair could easily have been adapted to a laparoscopic approach. 4 Lumbar hernias are rare; fewer than 300 cases have been reported in the literature. Lumbar hernia should be considered in those rare cases of abdominal pain or bowel obstruction that cannot be explained by more common etiologies.
Cloud computing and business-to-business networks

The objective of this study is to clarify the concept of cloud computing and analyse how it can influence the business-to-business (B2B) world. The study reviews the cloud concept and its definitions published throughout the IT literature. The article then analyses how cloud computing can be applied in B2B networks, from the point of view of transaction cost economics and social network theory. The analysis focuses on how operating in a cloud can influence the transaction costs businesses face in the marketplace and how it can affect the make or buy decision. The study concludes that the overall benefits of cloud computing, including low cost and low investment, real-time accessibility, standardisation and flexibility, lead to lower transaction costs, asset specificity and opportunism. Cloud integration allows companies to better communicate and coordinate with their partners, leading to higher and more efficient levels of market integration.
A Comprehensive Review and Meta-Analysis of the Social Stories Literature

This comprehensive review of Social Story™ literature included (a) a descriptive review, (b) an analysis of research quality, and (c) a meta-analysis using percentage of nonoverlapping data. In the review, 28 studies were included; 18 were included in the meta-analysis. Descriptive results highlighted information on participants, dependent variables, independent variables, and alignment with Social Stories standards. Analysis of research quality yielded strengths in participant description and selection of socially important dependent variables, whereas weaknesses were identified in data collection related to procedural reliability and social validity of procedures. Finally, percentage of nonoverlapping data ranged from 0 to 97.7%, with a median of 50%. Suggestions for future research, implications for practitioners, and limitations are provided.
Structural properties of a class of state-space digital filters that are free of overflow oscillations

Two structural properties of the matrix A within a certain class of overflow-oscillation-free state-space digital filters (A, B, C, d) are described and proven. >
Editing Public Opinion Quarterly, 1972–1986

This article reviews the history of Public Opinion Quarterly from 1972 through 1986, with brief discursions on its prehistory at Princeton and Columbia universities and some reflections on its present and future. Prehistory Public Opinion Quarterly, designated as AAPORs official journal in 1948 and now celebrating its 75th anniversary, almost came to an untimely end in 1967, when Princeton University, its home since its inception, decided it could no longer afford this act of charity. (Princeton University Press actually stopped underwriting the journals publication costs in 1954, and a special ''committee for the POQ,'' organized by Paul Lazarsfeld, persuaded some 25 organizations interested in public opinion research to become ''sustaining subscribers,'' ini- tially at a rate of $100 a year.) It was rescued by W. P. Davison, then a professor at Columbia Universitys School of Journalism but a resident of Princeton, who literally packed up the journals files, loaded them into his station wagon, and drove them to his (fortunately spacious) office suite at Columbia. (A more de- tailed account of the journals early years can be found in Davison (1987, 1992).) The suite was shared with Fred T. C. Yu, another Professor of Journal- ism, and it included an extra room between their two offices with a couple of desks and space for an extra filing cabinet or two. From then until 1972, Davison edited the journal from this office without pay, and I, a newly minted Columbia sociology PhD with a long prehistory as an editor, then teaching in the School of General Studies, was ensconced in the middle office as managing/ copy editor. By the grace of Robert K. Merton, who chaired the Sociology
Capturing the Multiple and Shifting Identities of Farm Women in the Northeastern United States

The identities of women on farms are shifting as more women enter farming and identify as farmers, as reflected by the 30 percent growth in women farmers in the U.S. census of agriculture (USDA 2009). This article draws from identity theory to develop a quantitative measure of the identities of farm women. The measure incorporates multiple roles farming women may perform and weights these roles by their salience to two farm identities, farm operator and farm partner. We use a sample of women on farms (n = 810) in the northeastern United States to assess the measures of role identity in relation to reported decision-making authority, farm tasks, and farm and individual characteristics. The findings provide a multidimensional view of farming women in the northeastern United States, a far more complex view than traditional survey research has previously captured. This research provides a measure that other researchers can use to assess the multiple and shifting identities of farming women in other sections of the United States.
Reflections on real presence by a virtual person

I have lived in San Francisco while working as a full-time virtual faculty member for Michigan State University for nearly six years. Unlike most humans, I spend a larger proportion of every day as a virtual person than as a physical person. This article is adapted from a keynote speech I delivered at the Fourth International Workshop on Presence in Philadelphia in May of 2001. I use a personal narrative style to explore issues and to question some of the research community's prevailing assumptions about presence.Lombard and Ditton's (1997) frequently cited conceptualization defines presence as a "perceptual illusion of nonmediation" that occurs "when a person fails to perceive or acknowledge the existence of a medium in his/her communication environment and responds as he/she would if the medium were not there." The underlying assumption is that, in the absence of technology, everyone experiences continuous presence at a constant intensity throughout their lives.Instead, this article suggests that presence is not a constant of everyday nonmediated experience. Careful consideration of unmediated (real) presence might help the conceptualization and study of mediated presence.
The relationship between school multiculturalism and interpersonal violence: an exploratory study

BACKGROUND: Multiculturalism has been purported to be supportive of positive youth development and outcomes. This study examined the relationship between perceived school multiculturalism-whether youth felt and thought that their school and teachers supported and provided activities for diverse intergroup interactions-and serious interpersonal violence, and explored whether this relation was mediated by civic engagement, ethnic identity, ethnocultural empathy, and positive peers. METHODS: An ethnically diverse sample of 324 middle-school youth (mean age: 12.5 years; range: 11-15 years; sex: 50% female) from a city in northern California participated in the study. Analyses consisted of structural equation modeling with bootstrapping. RESULTS: The results revealed a negative association between school multiculturalism and interpersonal violence that was fully mediated by positive peers and civic engagement. Although school multiculturalism was positively associated with ethnic identity, ethnic identity, in turn, was not significantly associated with interpersonal violence. CONCLUSIONS: School multiculturalism is an important protective factor against youth violence by facilitating positive peer relationships and community engagement among youth. Teachers, administrators, and health officials need to consider the ways in which they can facilitate and encourage greater understanding, openness, and respect for diversity, and promote harmonious interactions among different groups at schools. Greater institutional support for school multiculturalism through implementation of tolerance curriculum and activities, for example, could in turn facilitate favorable youth outcomes. Language: en
Experimental constraints of using slow-light in sodium vapor for light-drag enhanced relative rotation sensing

Abstract We report on experimental observation of electromagnetically induced transparency and slow-light ( v g ≈ c /607) in atomic sodium vapor, as a potential medium for a recently proposed experiment on slow-light enhanced relative rotation sensing [Shahriar et al. Phys. Rev. Lett. (submitted for publication), http://arxiv.org/abs/quant-ph/0505192 .]. We have performed an interferometric measurement of the index variation associated with a two-photon resonance to estimate the dispersion characteristics of the medium that are relevant to the slow-light based rotation sensing scheme. We also show that the presence of counter-propagating pump beams in an optical Sagnac loop produces a backward optical phase conjugation beam that can generate spurious signals, which may complicate the measurement of small rotations in the slow-light enhanced gyroscope. We identify techniques for overcoming this constraint. Conclusions reached from the results presented here will pave the way for designing and carrying out an experiment that will demonstrate the slow-light induced enhancement of rotation sensing.
Technology for meat-grinding systems to improve removal of hard particles from ground meat

With increased consumption of ground meat, especially ground beef, quality issues for these products have become more important to industry and consumers alike. Ground meats are usually obtained from relatively low-value cuts and trimmings, and may on occasion contain undesirable hard particles. Hard particles in coarse-ground meat products may include bone chips or fragments, cartilage and dense connective tissue; all of which are considered undesirable defects and which can be reduced by utilizing hard-particle removal systems during grinding operations. This review discusses the principles of hard-particle separation from ground meat, the factors which influence performance of particle separation and some commercially available particle removal systems. Product and processing parameters such as initial bone and connective tissue content, fat content, temperature, pre-grinding size and grinder knife design are considered important for removing hard particles effectively. Pressure gradient on the grinder knife/plate interface was found to play a significant role in particle separation from soft (fat and lean) tissue. Various commercial systems, which are classified as central removal and periphery removal systems, are also discussed. Finally, the authors suggest some processing considerations for meat grinding to help achieve the best quality ground meat for consumers' satisfaction.
Fuzzy upscaling in reservoir simulation: An improved alternative to conventional techniques

Abstract Rock typing is an essential part of building geological model for an asset. Millions of dollars are invested in logs, core measurements, SCAL studies and geological interpretation that result in definition of different rock types. In most cases rock types that are identified in a reservoir do not have crisp boundaries and display overlapping characteristics. During the upscaling process, multiple rock types that have been identified in a high resolution geological (geocellular) model are approximated into a dominant rock type for any grid block in a reservoir simulation flow model. This defeats the original purpose of performing detail geological and petrophysical studies as far as reservoir flow models are concerned. The objective of this study is to develop a new upscaling methodology based on fuzzy set theory. Fuzzy rock typing is a new upscaling methodology where the inherent uncertainties and vagueness associated with rock typing procedure are accounted for during the development of the geological model that is used in the dynamic modeling. In this paper a numerical simulator has been used in order to set up multiple scenarios that would demonstrate the differences between conventional approach of implementation of rock types in geological models and the new approach that is the subject of this study. Multiple rock types are implemented in a high resolution geological model and upscaling is performed using conventional technique and the Fuzzy rock typing. Results (oil production and water breakthrough time) of models with conventional and the new upscaling methods are compared with the high resolution model to demonstrate the advantages of the new method. It is demonstrated that upscaling using the new methodology leads to better simulation results when compared to high resolution model both in primary production model and in water flooding model.
Characterizing a rat Brca2 knockout model

Evidence exists that BRCA2 carriers may have an elevated risk of breast, ovarian, colon, prostate, and pancreatic cancer. In general, carriers are defined as individuals with protein truncating mutations within the BRCA2 gene. Many Brca2 knockout lines have been produced and characterized in the mouse. We previously produced a rat Brca2 knockout strain in which there is a nonsense mutation in exon 11 between BRC repeats 2 and 3, and a truncated protein is produced. Interestingly, while such a mutation in homozygous mice would lead to limited survival of approximately 3 months, the Brca2−/− rats are 100% viable and the vast majority live to over 1 year of age. Brca2−/− rats show a phenotype of growth inhibition and sterility in both sexes. Aspermatogenesis in the Brca2−/− rats is due to a failure of homologous chromosome synapsis. Long-term phenotypes include underdeveloped mammary glands, cataract formation and lifespan shortening due to the development of tumors and cancers in multiple organs. The establishment of the rat Brca2 knockout model provides a means to study the role of Brca2 in increasing cancer susceptibility and inducing a novel ocular phenotype not previously associated with this gene.
Two differentially expressed ommochrome-binding protein-like genes (obp1 and obp2) in larval fat body of the European corn borer, Ostrinia nubilalis

Ommochrome-binding proteins function in coloration and detoxification pathways by transporting tryptophan metabolites, and increase in hemolymph concentration prior to diapause. Two ommochrome-binding protein genes from the European corn borer Ostrinia nubilalis (Hubner) (Onobp1 and Onobp2; GenBank accession nos. AY819651 to AY819655 and AY862870) were isolated. Relatedness to OBP-encoding genes was suggested by peptide similarity, phylogenetic reconstruction, and expression data. 21 single nucleotide polymorphisms between obp1 and 23 polymorphisms between obp2 alleles were identified, and resultant genomic markers were inherited in a Mendelian fashion. RT-PCR showed fat body specific Onobp1 and Onobp2 transcription. The Onobp1 transcript was RT-PCR amplified from fat body of 5 instars, whereas Onobp2 was expressed in fat body of 4 and 5 instars, and peaked in 5 instar wandering and 1 week old diapausing larvae. Expression suggests gene duplicates are maintained by change in temporal expression. The significance of Onobp1 and 2 gene products to O. nubilalis diapause physiology requires additional investigation.
Use of High-Flow Continuous Renal Replacement Therapy with Citrate Anticoagulation to Control Intracranial Pressure by Maintaining Hypernatremia in a Patient with Acute Brain Injury and Renal Failure

Traumatic brain injury and intracranial hypertension often require treatment to optimize patient outcome. There are a variety of complex medical conditions that can preclude standard approaches to the treatment of intracranial hypertension. We describe a case where a novel approach using continuous dialysis with trisodium citrate was used to optimize the outcome of a young male with acute renal failure and acute respiratory distress syndrome in the setting of acute traumatic brain injury.
Pulsed phase thermography imaging of fatigue-loaded composite adhesively bonded joints

Abstract We applied pulsed phase thermography to image and size damage in adhesively bonded joints. Specifically, the initiation and propagation of fatigue-induced damage in single lap joints with carbon fiber epoxy adherends was investigated. Lap joint specimens with various levels of manufacturing defects were fabricated and loaded in low-cycle fatigue. A calibration specimen with artificial defects was used to design a threshold algorithm for sizing of the damaged regions. The dominant failure mode in specimens without manufacturing defects was fiber-failure, whereas joints failing prematurely demonstrated adhesive failure. Imaging of the lap joints after regular number of fatigue cycles revealed that manufacturing defects could be detected and the resulting, imminent adhesive failure could be identified prior to joint failure. Additionally, the extent of this damage could be accurately estimated through the sizing algorithm. Due to the brittle nature of fiber-failure, it could not be detected prior to failure of the joint, however this was not critical, as the goal was to identify premature failure of the adhesively bonded joint.
Substantial contribution of extrinsic risk factors to cancer development

Recent research has highlighted a strong correlation between tissue-specific cancer risk and the lifetime number of tissue-specific stem-cell divisions. Whether such correlation implies a high unavoidable intrinsic cancer risk has become a key public health debate with the dissemination of the 'bad luck' hypothesis. Here we provide evidence that intrinsic risk factors contribute only modestly (less than ~10-30% of lifetime risk) to cancer development. First, we demonstrate that the correlation between stem-cell division and cancer risk does not distinguish between the effects of intrinsic and extrinsic factors. We then show that intrinsic risk is better estimated by the lower bound risk controlling for total stem-cell divisions. Finally, we show that the rates of endogenous mutation accumulation by intrinsic processes are not sufficient to account for the observed cancer risks. Collectively, we conclude that cancer risk is heavily influenced by extrinsic factors. These results are important for strategizing cancer prevention, research and public health.
Circadian synchrony in networks of protein rhythm driven neurons: Research Articles

The interaction between gene activation and cellular activity has recently emerged as a critical aspect of brain behavior, but the dynamics of networks incorporating these interactions are poorly understood. An interesting phenomena arises when the genetic activation oscillates endogenously and a network of such cells synchronize to a coherent rhythm, such as is the case with the suprachiasmatic nucleus. To explain this synchronization, we propose a model in which a mRNA/protein expression cycle drives neurons electrical activity, and synaptic activation shifts the phase of the protein rhythm. Using lattice networks, we demonstrate that these interactions are sufficient to generate coherent oscillation. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Complexity 12: 67–72, 2006This paper was submitted as an invited paper resulting from the “Understanding Complex Systems” conference held at the University of Illinois–Urbana Champaign, May 2005
PCP and sigma receptors in brain are not altered after repeated exposure to PCP in humans.

The psychotomimetic effects of phencyclidine (PCP) in humans can persist or reappear months after the drug has been eliminated, suggesting that PCP can induce long-term changes in the brain. The present study examined whether repeated exposure to PCP in a human drug-addicted population was accompanied by alterations in either PCP or sigma binding sites in their postmortem brains as compared to suicide controls. Saturation studies using [3H]TCP and [3H]haloperidol in the presence of spiperone to measure PCP and sigma sites, respectively, revealed no significant differences in the affinity or density of binding sites between these two clinical populations in a variety of brain areas examined. The results suggest that these brain binding sites remain unperturbed in humans despite multiple challenges with PCP. Delayed psychotic episodes following the use of PCP may be attributed to other neurochemical changes that are initiated by interactions of PCP with these two binding sites. Language: en
Abstract 1469: Cyclin D1 plays a critical role in the response of mammary gland to estrogen and progesterone by regulating progesterone receptor expression

Estrogen and progesterone are important hormones in normal female development, yet both have critical roles in breast carcinogenesis. Cyclin D1 is a breast cancer oncogene whose amplification is linked to poor prognosis in estrogen and progesterone receptor positive breast cancers. Here we show that cyclin D1 regulates progesterone receptor expression, consequently enhancing responses to estrogen and progesterone in breast development and carcinogenesis. Estrogen treatment of cyclin D1 transgenic mice caused mammary hyperplasias expressing increased progesterone receptors, which were stimulated by progesterone and blocked by a progesterone antagonist. Cyclin D1 regulated progesterone receptor expresion through a novel estrogen- and cyclin D1-responsive enhancer in DNA encoding part of the 3’ untranslated region of the progesterone receptor gene. Small inhibitory RNAs for cyclin D1 decreased progesterone receptor expression in human breast cancer cells, which sensitized them to progesterone-antagonists. Since estrogen and progesterone regulate cyclin D1, our results suggest that cyclin D19s participation in a feed-forward loop could contribute to increased breast cancer risks associated with estrogen and progesterone combinations. Additionally, its regulation of the progesterone receptor identifies a novel role for cyclin D1 in ovarian hormone control of breast development and breast carcinogenesis. Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 101st Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2010 Apr 17-21; Washington, DC. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2010;70(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 1469.
Accumulation of calcium45 by salivary glands.

Conclusion1. Ca45 accumulation and loss in the submaxillary gland is much slower than in the kidney. Equilibrium between the gland and blood is reached approximately 4 hours after administration, while at 8 hours the specific activity of calcium in blood and kidneys has fallen to less than one-half that in the submaxillary gland. Equilibrium is again reached at 18 hours. 2. In female Long-Evans rats, total calcium in the submaxillary gland was 21.6 + 1.0 meq/kg, in the kidney 4.0 + 0.1 meq/kg and in blood 3.66 + .14 meq/kg.
Husk Tightness, Earworm Egg Numbers, and Starchiness of Kernels in Relation to Resistance of Corn to the Corn Earworm

Factors responsible for corn earworm, Heliothis zea (Boddie), resistance in 6 resistant sweetcorn inbreeds and varieties, 1 extremely resistant starchy variety (Zapalote Chico), and Golden Cross Bantam T Strain were studied over several years. Over 5 years there were consistent differences among varieties in amount of earworm damage; Zapalote Chico, U.S. 34, and pajamaca were outstandingly resistant. During 3 years there were no consistent significant differences in numbers of eggs laid on 3-day-old silks of the varieties although a significant F value was obtained in 1 year. In 2 years, slitting the husk tips or removing the distal 1 inch of tip at first silking significantly increased susceptibility in the varieties as a group, and in most varieties individually. This evidence for resistance owing to husk tightness is of renewed interest in light of the failure of recent studies to substantiate the presence of chemical resistance factors. In 1 season, there was no significant difference in injury to starchy as compared with sugary ears on similar genetic backgrounds.
Influence of Gestational Impaired Glucose Tolerance of Pregnancies on Umbilical Adiponectin Level of Newborns

Objective To investigate the changes of umbilical adiponectin(APN) levels in newborn whose mothers with gestational impaired glucose tolerance (GIGT).Methods Eighteen neonates of GIGT pregnancies and 50 controls of normal glucose tolerance (NGT) pregnancies were studied.APN concentration was qualified in the umbilical vein serum with radioimmunoassay methods.Capillary blood glucose was measured at the first hour after delivery.Results Umbilical APN level in the GIGT group was significantly higher than that in NGT group [(61.06±16.85)mg/L vs(48.04±15.47)mg/L,t=2.38 P0.05],mean blood glucose level was significantly lower in the newborns of GIGT group [(2.31±0.71)mmol/L vs (3.18±0.52)mmol/L,t=-4.46 P0.001].No significant correlation was found between APN level and blood glucose in neonates of GIGT group (r=-0.125 P0.05).Conclusions Umbilical serum APN levels are elevated in newborns of GIGT mo-thers.This may be due to the dysregulation of serum APN levels associate with GIGT pregnancy.More attention shall be paid to the metabolic changes of GIGT mothers and their offspring.
The Effects of Pond Drying and Predation on Blanchard's Cricket Frogs (Acris blanchardi)

Pond hydroperiod and predators play a central role in structuring aquatic communities. Because of predicted changes in precipitation and temperature patterns associated with climate change, pond hydroperiods will likely be altered. Reduced hydroperiods can impact amphibian populations by restricting the amount of time available for larval growth and by altering predatory interactions via increased predator densities. We investigated how pond drying and predation singularly and interactively affected growth and survival of Acris blanchardi (Blanchard's Cricket Frogs). We reared recently hatched tadpoles through metamorphosis in outdoor mesocosms using a factorial design incorporating three hydroperiods (fast-drying, slow-drying, or constant) and three larval odonate predator treatments (caged, uncaged, or absent). Caged and uncaged predator treatments were implemented to evaluate both consumptive and non-consumptive effects. There were no differences in survival, time to metamorphosis, or size at metamorph...
Activator-Dependent Acetylation of Chromatin Model Systems

Regulatory mechanisms underlying eukaryotic gene expression, and many other DNA metabolic pathways, are tightly coupled to dynamic changes in chromatin architecture in the nucleus. Activation of gene expression generally requires the recruitment of histone acetyltransferases (HATs) to gene promoters by sequence-specific DNA-binding transcriptional activators. HATs often target specific lysines in the core histone amino-terminal "tail" domains (NTDs), which have the potential ability to alter higher order chromatin structure. In order to better characterize the impact targeted histone acetylation has on chromatin structure and function, we have characterized a novel model system derived from the human T-cell lymphoma virus type 1 promoter. Using this system as an example, here we describe the use of a combination of biochemical and biophysical methods to investigate the effect of activator-dependent acetylation on higher order chromatin structure and transcription by RNA polymerase II.
An Assessment of Herbal Weight Loss Products

Although herbal medication use has exploded over the last several years, the amount of information regarding efficacy and safety has not been as generous. There are numerous herbal weight loss products available over-the-counter that claim to“increase energy,”“decrease water retention,”“curb sugar cravings,”“suppress hunger,” and“build muscles.” However, verified and validated studies to confirm these weight loss claims are lacking in the scientific arena. Issues of safety and efficacy are discussed as well as guidelines for patients taking herbal products and suggestions for interventions that pharmacists can provide to consumers.