cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Construction of a PAC vector system for the propagation of genomic DNA in bacterial and mammalian cells and subsequent generation of nested deletions in individual library members

The BAC and PAC cloning systems allow investigators to propagate large genomic DNA fragments up to 300 kb in size in E. colicells. We describe a new PAC shuttle vector that can be propagated in both bacterial and human cells. Specifically, the P1 cloning vector pAd10sacBII was modified by the insertion of a puromycin-resistance gene (pac), the Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV) latent replication origin oriP,and the EBV EBNA1 gene. Transfection studies in HEK 293 cells demonstrated that the modified vector was stably maintained as an episome for at least 30 generations. And since pJCPAC-Mam1 contains a loxP site, genomic DNA cloned into this vector can be subjected to loxP-Cre -mediated deletion events. The transposon vector pTnPGKpuro/loxP was modified to make this system amenable to propagation in human cells by inserting pac, oriP, and EBNA1 elements into the vector (Chatterjee, P.K., Coren, J.C., 1997. Isolating large nested deletions in PACs and BACs by in vivo selection of P1 headful-packaged products of Cre-catalyzed recombination between the loxP site in PAC and BAC and one introduced in transposition. NAR 25, 2205-2212.). pTnPGKpuro/loxP-EBV was then used to generate deletions in an individual library member to demonstrate that all of the deletions still contain the required eukaryotic elements and that they were nested. All library members constructed in pJCPAC-Mam1 can be directly transformed into human cells to assess function. And the deletion technology can be used to aid in delineating the boundaries of genes and other cis-acting elements.
Cake Filtration With Particle Penetration at the Cake Surface

Particles in drilling muds build a filter cake on borehole walls and can migrate into the adjacent porous formation and cause formation damage. This study analyzes cake formation, including particle penetration at the cake surface. Mass-balance equations for captured and suspended particles and the fluid phase are averaged along the cake thickness, taking into account conditions of the surface and the septum. Capture mechanisms, such as surface straining, and internal cake erosion and particle capture are included in the analysis. The results are ordinary differential equations in terms of thickness, average particle concentration, average porosity, and such operational parameters as slurry concentration, injection rate, and volumetric solid fraction. Results show that during early stages of cake formation, penetrated-particle concentration peaks and then declines rapidly shortly thereafter.
Effects of angular misalignments on fiber-optic alignment automation

Automation of fiber-to-optic alignment is critical to the development of cost effective fiber-optic component manufacturing technologies. Key to the alignment automation is the angular alignment automation, which is now unavailable. But angular misalignments are unavoidable in practical fiber-optic aligning process. This work evaluates the effects of pitch, yaw, and roll angular misalignments for a butt coupling scheme involving the optical coupling between a single-mode fiber and a laser diode. It is demonstrated that the coupling efficiency and misalignment tolerance are more sensitive to tilt, i.e., pitch and yaw angular misalignments than lateral ones. It is further demonstrated that the time for locating the optimal coupling position using conventional hillclimbing automation searching algorithm is a strong function of angular misalignments.
Fault detection of actuator faults in unmanned underwater vehicles

Abstract A fault-diagnostic system for unmanned underwater vehicles has been designed and tested in real operating conditions. Actuator faults have been considered, relying on approximate models of the vehicles’ dynamics. Fault detection and diagnosis is accomplished by evaluating any significant change in the behaviour of the vehicle. This task is performed by a bank of estimators: a filter is implemented for each actuator fault type, including the no-fault case. The estimators used are extended Kalman filters (EKF), due to the presence of nonlinearities in the dynamic models. Experimental results are reported, to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed approach.
Risk Factors, Therapy and Survival Outcomes of Small Cell and Large Cell Neuroendocrine Carcinoma of Urinary Bladder

The risk factors, the optimal therapy and prognostic factors contributing to poor outcomes of neuroendocrine urinary bladder carcinoma are not fully elucidated because of its rarity. We reviewed the medical records of neuroendocrine bladder carcinoma patients treated at the University of Nebraska Medical Center between 1996 and 2011. Eighteen patients, 55% female with a median age of 77 years, had stage IV disease at diagnosis in 50% of cases. There was a high prevalence of smoking (78%), medical co-morbidities (94%), prior cancer history (22%) and family history of cancer (61%). Treatment modalities included surgery (72%), platinum-based chemotherapy (50%) and/or radiation (22%). Median overall survival was 18.5 months (95% confidence interval, 7-36 months). Patients with Stage II and III cancer who underwent radical surgery with or without neoadjuvant chemotherapy had a median survival of 37 months. In addition to smoking, for the first time, our study indicates that the personal or family history of cancer may increase risk to neuroendocrine bladder cancer. Advanced age and stage at diagnosis, and the presence of multiple co-morbidities contribute to poor overall survival. Patients with early-stage disease are likely to benefit from a combination of radical surgery and platinum-based neoadjuvant chemotherapy.
Prion infection promotes extensive accumulation of α-synuclein in aged human α-synuclein transgenic mice

In neurodegenerative disorders of the aging population, misfolded proteins, such as PrPSc, α-synuclein, amyloid β protein and tau, can interact resulting in enhanced aggregation, cross seeding and accelerated disease progression. Previous reports have shown that in Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease and scrapie, α-synuclein accumulates near PrPSc deposits. However, it is unclear if pre-existing human α-synuclein aggregates modified prion disease pathogenesis, or if PrPSc exacerbates the α-synuclein pathology. Here, we inoculated infectious prions into aged α-synuclein transgenic (tg) and non-transgenic littermate control mice by the intracerebral route. Remarkably, inoculation of RML and mNS prions into α-synuclein tg mice resulted in more extensive and abundant intraneuronal and synaptic α-synuclein accumulation. In addition, infectious prions led to the formation of perineuronal α-synuclein deposits with a neuritic plaque-like appearance. Prion pathology was unmodified by the presence of α-synuclein. However, wi...
Is the residual vertical velocity a good proxy for stratosphere‐troposphere exchange of ozone?

Stratosphere-troposphere exchange (STE) of ozone (O3) is key in the budget of tropospheric O3, in turn affecting climate forcing and global air quality. We compare three commonly used diagnostics meant to quantify cross-tropopause O3 fluxes with a Chemistry-Transport Model driven by two distinct European Centre forecast fields. Our reference case calculates accurate, geographically resolved net transport across an isosurface in artificial tracer e90 representing the tropopause. Hemispheric fluxes derived from the ozone mass budget of the lowermost stratosphere yield similar results. Use of the Brewer-Dobson residual vertical velocity as a scaled proxy for ozone flux, however, fails to capture the interannual variability. Thus, the common notion that the strength of stratospheric overturning circulation is a good measure for global STE does not apply to O3. Climatic variability in the modeled O3 flux needs to be diagnosed directly rather than indirectly through the overturning circulation.
The early stages of irradiation induced γ' precipitation in proton irradiated nickel-silicon alloys

The early stages of irradiation induced precipitation of γ' in undersaturated Ni-Si alloys containing 2, 4, 6 and 8 at.% solute have been studied in samples irradiated by 400 keV protons to doses of 0.13 and 0.25 dpa at a dose rate of 2.37 × 10−5 dpa/s over the temperature range 400 to 600°C. Despite the low doses used, substantial solute segregation has been observed, as evidenced by the presence of irradiation induced γ' at voids in many of the samples containing 2 and 4 % Si, and by what appears to be discontinuously precipitated γ' at grain boundaries in some of the 8% Si alloys. Also, we have observed, for the first time, irradiation induced coherent γ' precipitates in the 6 and 8% Si alloys at the highest irradiation temperatures. These effects are discussed in the light of recent theories of irradiation-induced solute segregation and precipitation.
Detecting opportunities for parallel observations on the Hubble Space Telescope

The presence of multiple scientific instruments aboard the Hubble Space Telescope provides opportunities for parallel science, i.e., the simultaneous use of different instruments for different observations. Determining whether candidate observations are suitable for parallel execution depends on numerous criteria (some involving quantitative tradeoffs) that may change frequently. A knowledge based approach is presented for constructing a scoring function to rank candidate pairs of observations for parallel science. In the Parallel Observation Matching System (POMS), spacecraft knowledge and schedulers' preferences are represented using a uniform set of mappings, or knowledge functions. Assessment of parallel science opportunities is achieved via composition of the knowledge functions in a prescribed manner. The knowledge acquisition, and explanation facilities of the system are presented. The methodology is applicable to many other multiple criteria assessment problems.
Two Quantitative Trait Loci for Prepulse Inhibition of Startle Identified on Mouse Chromosome 16 Using Chromosome Substitution Strains

Prepulse inhibition (PPI) of acoustic startle is a genetically complex quantitative phenotype of considerable medical interest due to its impairment in psychiatric disorders such as schizophrenia. To identify quantitative trait loci (QTL) involved in mouse PPI, we studied mouse chromosome substitution strains (CSS) that each carry a homologous chromosome pair from the A/J inbred strain on a host C57BL/6J inbred strain background. We determined that the chromosome 16 substitution strain has elevated PPI compared to C57BL/6J (P = 1.6 × 10−11), indicating that chromosome 16 carries one or more PPI genes. QTL mapping using 87 F2 intercross progeny identified two significant chromosome 16 loci with LODs of 3.9 and 4.7 (significance threshold LOD is 2.3). The QTL were each highly significant independently and do not appear to interact. Sequence variation between B6 and A/J was used to identify strong candidate genes in the QTL regions, some of which have known neuronal functions. In conclusion, we used mouse CSS to rapidly and efficiently identify two significant QTL for PPI on mouse chromosome 16. The regions contain a limited number of strong biological candidate genes that are potential risk genes for psychiatric disorders in which patients have PPI impairments.
Focused laser beams and liquid crystals: fast three-dimensional imaging of structures and topological defects

We show how a tightly focused laser beam can serve as a tool to image complex patterns of the director using the technique of fluorescence confocal polarizing microscopy (FCPM). We expand the capabilities of FCPM into the domain of real-time scanning in order to study the dynamic processes at the time scale of about 1ms. In this approach which we call Fast FCPM, confocal imaging is performed using a modified Nipkow-disc scanning confocal microscope. In the Fast FCPM set up, we use a twisted nematic cell as a fast achromatic polarization rotator to change the polarization of probing light by 90°. The achromatic polarization rotator switches between two orthogonal polarization states when a sufficiently strong electric field is applied to reorient the director structure from the twisted to the homeotropic state. Both FCPM and Fast FCPM employ the property of anisotropic media to align fluorescent dye molecules. When observation is performed in polarized light, the measured fluorescence signal is determined by orientation of the dye molecules. As the dye molecules are aligned by the liquid crystal, the detected fluorescence signal visualizes the spatial patterns of the director rather than concentration gradients of dyes. Finally, we present 3D patterns of director associated with both static and dynamic processes in liquid crystals, anisotropic emulsions, and colloidal suspensions.
Comparisons Between the Squash Bug Egg Parasitoids Ooencyrtus anasae and O. sp. (Hymenoptera: Encyrtidae): Development, Survival, and Sex Ratio in Relation to Temperature

Laboratory investigations of the gregarious squash bug egg parasitoids Ooencyrtus anasae and O . n. sp. near anasae ( O . sp.) were conducted at 20.8, 23.0, and 26.6°C. In both species, total developmental periods (egg to eclosed adult) were inversely related to temperature. Temperature had no significant influence on survivorship, progeny production, or sex ratio. At each temperature, O. anasae developed and emerged about a day earlier and produced a significantly higher percentage of female progeny (77%) than did O . sp. (60%). Both parasitoids deposited an average of three (2–7) progeny per host. However, O. anasae consistently deposited more female eggs per host than did O . sp. Proportion of females produced per host by O. anasae tended to increase directly with number of hosts parasitized, but no such relationship was observed in O . sp. Total preimaginal survivorship in both parasitoids was about 89%. In O . sp., male progeny that developed without females emerged about a day later at all temperatures and had a lower pharate adult survivorship than did males that developed in hosts with female siblings.
Applications of Integrated Transport and Gravity-Based Land Use Models for Policy Analysis

Forecasting urban futures is of great importance to ensure the adequate provision of public and private services and to implement policies that guide demand while mitigating negative impacts. This study produces year 2030 predictions of land use and travel conditions across the Austin-Round Rock statistical metropolitan area of Texas by integrating a gravity-based land use model (modeled on Putman's Integrated Transportation-Land Use Package specification) with a standard travel demand model. The land use model cycles through job, household, and land consumption estimates across traffic analysis zones before feeding forward into a contemporaneous model of travel patterns. To understand the implications of different policies better, three scenarios were generated: a business-as-usual scenario, a congestion pricing plus carbon tax scenario, and an urban growth boundary (UGB) scenario. Results reveal how these transportation and land use policies may shape our land and travel futures, and they illuminate cha...
Dietary Mixing in Grasshoppers: Changes in Acceptability of Different Plant Secondary Compounds Associated with Low Levels of Dietary Protein (Orthoptera: Acrididae)

Schistocerca americanasixth-instar nymphs were examined for a change in diet acceptance, in which insects experiencing an unfavorable diet subsequently become predisposed to eat relatively less of that diet and more of diets with a novel flavor than they would had they previously fed on a more adequate diet. Insects were pretreated for 4 h on either low-protein (2 % wet wt) or higherprotein (4%) artificial diets flavored with a plant secondary compound (tomatine or rutin). They were then offered, in choice or no-choice tests, the lowprotein diet with the familiar or a novel (tomatine, rutin, or NHT) flavor. When tomatine was the familiar and rutin the novel flavor in a no-choice test, the insects previously fed low-protein diets took relatively long meals on the novel and relatively short meals on the familiar diets compared with the insects that had previously eaten higher-protein diets. A similar, but in this case considerably less pronounced and statistically nonsignificant, pattern existed in the reciprocal design experiment in which rutin was the familiar and tomatine the novel flavor. Similarly, insects fed low-protein diets flavored with rutin subsequently showed an increased relative preference for the novel flavor (NHT) in a choice test, compared with the high protein-pretreated insects. It is concluded that insects fed protein-deficient diets may subsequently show a preference for novel foods through different mechanisms, the importance of which may differ in different circumstances.
Depressive Symptoms and Obesity/Weight Gain Factors Among Black and Hispanic Pregnant Women

This study examined the relationships between depressive symptoms and obesity/weight gain factors in 56 Black and Hispanic pregnant women and the differences in these variables between the 2 ethnic groups. Of the women, 32% were likely depressed, 66% were overweight/obese, and 45% gained excessive gestational weight. Depressive symptoms were positively correlated with prepregnancy body mass index (BMI; r = .268, p = .046), inversely related to gestational weight gain (r = -.329, p = .013), and not associated with excessive gestational weight gain. Black women were more likely to have excessive gestational weight gain than Hispanic women. Prepregnancy BMI and gestational weight gain data can be useful in identifying pregnant women with depression.
Modeling and Simulation of Carbon Nanotube Interconnect Network

The electrical properties of metallic carbon nanotubes (CNT) can rival, or even exceed, the best metals known. It is a potential candidate for future on-chip interconnect, whose performance will be dominant in the next generation integrated circuits. In this paper, a study on the modeling and simulation techniques for the CNT interconnect network is carried out. The frequency-independent models of CNT interconnects in terms of resistance, inductance and capacitance are summarized. A novel frequencydependent circuit model is proposed for CNT for various high-frequency applications. Preliminary analysis shows a good match between numerical simulations and the compact model. The proposed modeling and simulation techniques for CNT interconnect network are expected to play an important role in the future CNT nanotechnology applications.
Squamous metaplasia of extrahepatic biliary system in an AIDS patient with cryptosporidia and cholangitis

AIDS-related cholangiopathy is an increasingly recognized syndrome associated with significant morbidity and mortality. The mechanism of cholangiopathy is unknown but is assumed to be related to infectious pathogens such as CMV and cryptosporidia. The case of a Haitian with HIV and longstanding intestinal cryptosporidiosis who presented with cholangitis and protuberant intrabiliary filling defects is reported. Histopathological examination of biliary biopsies revealed previously unreported extensive squamous metaplasia of the bile duct epithelium, and the histogenesis of this condition is discussed. Chronic cryptosporidial infestation may be directly pathogenic resulting in squamous metaplasia that mimics biliary malignancy.
Prognostic implications of epigenetic silencing of p15INK4B in acute promyelocytic leukemia.

Prognostic implications of epigenetic silencing of p15 INK4B in acute promyelocytic leukemia
Who Is Dürer's "Syphilitic Man"?

Among Albrecht Durer’s first known woodcuts is one showing a syphilitic man. The Nuremberg artist’s image is the earliest known depiction of an individual suffering from this illness. Syphilis was probably brought by Conquistadores from the New World to Naples in the later 1490s and was then transmitted throughout Western Europe by Northern mercenaries ( Landsknechten ) returning from Italy to their native Germany and Switzerland. The attire worn by Durer’s Syphilitic Man is exactly that of the Landsknecht . This makes the image important not only as a very early work by the artist and the earliest image of a syphilitic, but also as a depiction of the agent of the disease. The young Durer had ample opportunity to study such mercenaries during his journeyman years in present-day Switzerland and Strasbourg, since most of them came from precisely the same impoverished territories.
Leading logarithms of heavy quark masses in processes with light and heavy quarks

The matrix elements of operators containing both heavy quark (Q) and light quark (q) fields can contain large logarithms of the type ln(mQ2/μ2), where μ is a typical QCD mass scale and mQ is the heavy quark mass. We outline a method for summing leading logarithms of this type. We apply it to the decay constant fM of a low lying pseudoscalar meson M with Qq flavor quantum numbers and predict the ratios of decay constants for mesons with different heavy flavors. We also apply it to a matrix element of a four-quark operator which is relevant for B0−B0 mixing.
The Effect of Non-Sampling Errors on Measures of Association in 2 × 2 Contingency Tables

Abstract The effects of non-sampling errors on measures of association in 2 × 2 contingency tables are evaluated by the application of models due to the U. S. Bureau of the Census. This is achieved by first expressing the appropriate sample estimates in the form of Taylor series approximations involving cell probabilities, and then applying the model in a term by term fashion. In this way, the relative effects of sampling errors and response errors on the variability of an estimated measure of association may be interpreted in terms of a sampling variance component and a response variance component. Finally, some indication is given as to how re-survey information can be used to estimate these quantities.
Transient analysis of electrolytically initiated polymerization

Abstract Electrochemically initiated polymerization at a planar electrode is treated theoretically and an approximate solution to the full time-dependent problem is found assuming the electrode process to be reversible (so that the Nernst relation holds). The homogeneous kinetics lead to a second-order coupled non-linear initial-boundary value problem, and the method developed for its solution is general and applicable to other problems. The approximate solution is converted to an equation for the transient current-versus-time curve, for electrode initiated polymerization, which can be used for the experimental determination of the polymerization and termination rate constants. An analysis procedure for such determination is outlined.
Schriftkerben // Kerfs of Writing A Phenomenology of Kafka's Stylus

This essay investigates a specific notion and practice of writing that may explain and make sense of: a) certain graphic features of Kafka’s handwriting (Part 1); b) several „conceptual” remarks about his “intransitive” way of writing (Part 2); c) some narrative texts, most notably “Ein Traum” and the Hunter Gracchus fragments (Part 3). Considering the connection of these three elements, which intertwine in an exemplary way in Kafka, the essay proposes a new perspective on the aesthetics of Kafka’s “style”—namely, the practice of what will be described as “fetishistic inscription” and subsequently explored in its poetological relevance. The attempt to excavate a moment of identity, that is to say, an essential belonging-together of the threefold nexus, marks the phenomenological method of the investigation. Finally, the exemplary relationship between graphics and notions of selfhood in Kafka may enable us to glimpse a fundamental modality in which subjects relate to their script (Part 4). (CJ)
Routes to calcified porous silicon: implications for drug delivery and biosensing

This work describes methods for the fabrication of calcium phosphate films on crystalline silicon substrates, with the long-term goal of employing such materials in either drug delivery or sensing applications. The emphasis of this particular account encompasses both film fabrication as well as surface modification strategies relevant to the sensing of bio-molecular species. For the former, a new process for calcium phosphate film formation is described entailing the use of a high energy DC spark onto silicon surfaces in the presence of Ca 10 (PO 4 ) 6 (OH) 2 . For sensing purposes, routes to modification of the calcium phosphate/porous silicon surface have been achieved via the use of bifunctional bisphosphonate derivatives, with proof-of-concept demonstrated by the covalent attachment of fluorescent fluorescein tags.
Revisiting MRI for Appendix Location During Pregnancy

OBJECTIVE. The purpose of this study is to determine the location of the appendix in pregnant patients by MRI and to investigate the possibility of gradual upward displacement of the appendix during pregnancy.CONCLUSION. The gradual upward displacement of the appendix during pregnancy was confirmed. MRI can be used for determination of the appendix localization in pregnant patients. Further studies with a larger number of patients will be helpful to answer this clinically relevant question.
Fibronectin and proteolytic fragments of fibronectin interfere with the adhesion of Staphylococcus epidermidis to plastic

W.M. DUNNE AND E.M. BURD. 1993. The adhesion of five strains of slime-positive Staphylococcus epidermidis to plastic microwells was significantly diminished (P < 0.005) in a concentration-dependent fashion when wells were previously coated with increasing concentrations (1.6–13.1 μg cm-2) of human fibronectin (FN). The adhesion of four of five strains was significantly reduced when wells were coated with 3.2 μg cm-2 of FN and at concentrations ≥6.5 μg cm-2 the adhesion of all slime-positive strains was significantly reduced. The coating of microwells with chymotryptic fragments of FN containing the heparin-binding, gelatin-binding, or cell-binding domains also reduced bacterial adhesion but none of the fragments exceeded the anti-adhesive activity of intact FN. A comparison of FN-coated or albumin-coated microwells showed that both proteins caused a significant reduction in the adhesion of test strains to plastic but that the anti-adhesive activity of FN was greater than albumin at all concentrations tested. The adhesion of the slime-negative phase variant of one of the test strains to plastic was neither enhanced nor reduced by FN coating indicating that the production of an exopolysaccharide by Staph. epidermidis influences interactions with protein-coated surfaces. These results support the contention that FN does not mediate the adhesion of all strains of Staph. epidermidis to plastic surfaces.
One-Pot Synthesis of High-Quality Zinc-Blende CdS Nanocrystals

This paper reports a one-pot synthetic method for producing CdS nanocrystals. We have demonstrated that the nanocrystal nucleation and growth stages can be automatically separated in a homogeneous system with the presence of nucleation initiators. Accelerators used for more than 70 years in rubber vulcanization (i.e., tetraethylthiuram disulfides, and 2,2‘-dithiobisbenzothiazole) were found to be effective nucleation initiators for CdS nanocrystal synthesis. The as-prepared CdS nanocrystals are highly monodisperse and possess a zinc blende crystal structure. The quantum yield of the band-gap photoluminescence is up to 12% when the surface-trap emission was totally eliminated after a gentle oxidation under laboratory fluorescent light.
Instabilities of convection rolls in a high Prandtl number fluid

An experiment on the stability of convection rolls with varying wave-number is described in extension of the earlier work by Chen & Whitehead (1968). The results agree with the theoretical predictions by Busse (1967a) and show two distinct types of instability in the form of non-oscillatory disturbances. The ‘zigzag instability’ corresponds to a bending of the original rolls; in the ‘cross-roll instability’ rolls emerge at right angles to the original rolls. At Rayleigh numbers above 23,000 rolls are unstable for all wave-numbers and are replaced by a three-dimensional form of stationary convection for which the name ‘bimodal convection’ is proposed.
Raman scattering in the intermetallic compounds AuAl2, AuGa2 and AuIn2☆

Abstract Raman spectra of single crystal AuAl 2 , AuGa 2 and AuIn 2 have been obtained over the temperature range 2–300K. The frequencies and linewidths for the q ⋍ 0 Raman-active modes are determined and the form of the Raman scattering tensor has been established; sample surface preparation is seen to influence the observed mode linewidth. Anomalous scattering in mechanically-polished samples of AuAl 2 and AuGa 2 is reported and discussed.
Scaling Small-Scale Wind Turbines for Wind Tunnel Testing

Wind tunnel testing of wind turbines can provide valuable insights into wind turbine performance and provides a simple process to test and improve existing designs. However, the scale of most wind turbines is significantly larger than most existing wind tunnels, thus, the scaling required for testing in a typical wind tunnel presents multiple challenges. When wind turbines are scaled, often only geometric similarity and tip speed ratio matching are employed. Scaling in this manner can result in impractical rotational velocities. For wind tunnel tests that involve Reynolds numbers less than approximately 500,000, Reynolds number matching is necessary. When including Reynolds number matching in the scaling process, keeping rotational velocities realistic becomes even more challenging and preventing impractical freestream velocities becomes difficult. Turbine models of 0.5, 0.4, and 0.3 m diameter, resulting in wind tunnel blockages up to 52.8%, were tested in order to demonstrate scaling using Reynolds number matching and to validate blockage corrections found in the literature. Reynolds numbers over the blades ranged from 20,000 to 150,000 and the tip speed ratio ranged from 3 to 4 at the maximum power point for each wind speed tested.Copyright © 2012 by ASME
Structure-guided U2AF65 variant improves recognition and splicing of a defective pre-mRNA.

Purine interruptions of polypyrimidine (Py) tract splice site signals contribute to human genetic diseases. The essential splicing factor U2AF65 normally recognizes a Py tract consensus sequence preceding the major class of 3′ splice sites. We found that neurofibromatosis- or retinitis pigmentosa-causing mutations in the 5′ regions of Py tracts severely reduce U2AF65 affinity. Conversely, we identified a preferred binding site of U2AF65 for purine substitutions in the 3′ regions of Py tracts. Based on a comparison of new U2AF65 structures bound to either A- or G-containing Py tracts with previously identified pyrimidine-containing structures, we expected to find that a D231V amino acid change in U2AF65 would specify U over other nucleotides. We found that the crystal structure of the U2AF65-D231V variant confirms favorable packing between the engineered valine and a target uracil base. The D231V amino acid change restores U2AF65 affinity for two mutated splice sites that cause human genetic diseases and successfully promotes splicing of a defective retinitis pigmentosa-causing transcript. We conclude that reduced U2AF65 binding is a molecular consequence of disease-relevant mutations, and that a structure-guided U2AF65 variant is capable of manipulating gene expression in eukaryotic cells.
Chronic axial compression of the mouse tail segment induces MRI bone marrow edema changes that correlate with increased marrow vasculature and cellularity

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of bone marrow edema (BME) has been found to be helpful in the diagnosis of back pain attributed to degenerative disk disease (DDD) and spondyloarthropathy (SA), but its interpretation is limited by a lack of knowledge of its nature and natural history. We assessed effects of compressive forces to mouse tail segments of WT and TNF-Tg mice with SA, via contrast enhanced-MRI and histology. Normalized marrow contrast enhancement (NMCE) of uninstrumented WT vertebrae significantly decrease, threefold (p < 0.01) from 8 to 12 weeks of age, while the NMCE of TNF-Tg vertebrae remained elevated. Compressive loading (6x body weight) increased NMCE twofold (p < 0.02) within 2 weeks in WT tails, which was equal to 6x loaded TNF-Tg tails within 4 weeks. Histology confirmed degenerative changes and that load-induced NMCE corresponded to increased vascular sinus tissue (35 +/- 3% vs. 19 +/- 3%; p < 0.01) and cellularity (4,235 +/- 886 vs.1,468 +/- 320 cells/mm(2); p < 0.01) for the loaded versus unloaded WT, respectively. However, micro-computed tomography (CT) analyses failed to detect significant load-induced changes to bone. While the bone marrow of loaded WT and TNF-Tg vertebrae were similar, histology demonstrated mild cellular infiltrate and increased osteoclastic resorption in the WT tails versus severe inflammatory-erosive arthritis in TNF-Tg joints. Significant (p < 0.05) decreases in cortical and trabecular bone volume in uninstrumented TNF-Tg versus WT vertebrae were confirmed by micro-CT. Thus, chronic load-induced DDD causes BME signals in vertebrae similar to those observed from SA, and both DDD and SA signals correlate with a conversion from yellow to red marrow, with increased vascularity.
Why People Do Not Drink: A Study of Teetotalers

Abstract A structured interview was administered to 133 white members of a mid-western Protestant church noted for its views against drinking. All subjects were over age 40 and had children over age 25. Three-fourths of them were lifelong teetotalers. Compared to drinkers in the group, teetotalers were significantly more likely to be highly religious and puritanical, come from families of similar views, and have teetotaler parents and spouses. The teetotalers having a family history of alcoholism differed from teetotalers lacking such a history in the following regards: they less often came from rural backgrounds and had fewer siblings; their parents generally were less puritanical and religious and included fewer teetotalers and more heavy drinkers. These differences suggest that teetotalism, even in a religious group proscribing alcohol, derives from diverse motivations where the presence or absence of alcoholism in the family may be a contributing factor.
Regional Heat Transfer and Pressure Drop in Two-Pass and Three-Pass Flow Passages With 180-Degree Sharp Turns

The heat transfer distributions for flow passing through a two-pass (one-turn) and a three-pass (two-turn) passages with 180-degree sharp turns are studied by using the analogous naphthalene mass transfer technique. Both passages have square cross-section and length-to-height ratio of 8. The passage surface, including top wall, side walls and partition walls, is divided into 26 segments for the two-pass passage and 40 segments for the three-pass passage. Mass transfer results are presented for each segment along with regional and overall averages. The very non-uniform mass transfer coefficients measured around a sharp 180-degree turn exhibit the effects of flow separation, reattachment and impingement, in addition to secondary flows. Results of the three-pass passage indicate that heat transfer characteristics around the second turn is virtually the same as that around the first turn. This may imply that, in a multiple-pass passage, heat transfer at the first turn has already reached the thermally developed (periodic) condition. Over the entire two-pass passage, the heat transfer enhancement induced by the single-turn is about 45% to 65% of the fully developed values in a straight channel. Such a heat transfer enhancement decreases with an increase in Reynolds number. In addition, overall heat transfer of the three-pass passage is approximately 15% higher than that of the two-pass one. This 15% increase appears to be Reynolds number independent. The pressure loss induced by the sharp turns is found to be very significant. Within the present testing range, the pressure loss coefficient for both passages varies significantly with the Reynolds number.Copyright © 1989 by ASME
An Examination of Social Disorganization and Pluralistic Neighborhood Theories with Rural Mothers and Their Adolescents

Neighborhoods matter for youth; yet, most literature focuses on neighborhood deficits rather than strengths. To understand how best to capture neighborhoods, this study used census- and perception-based measures of neighborhood characteristics as suggested by social disorganization and pluralistic neighborhood theories, respectively, to determine the association between structural characteristics and perceptions of positive and negative neighborhood characteristics. The ethnically diverse (59% White and 34% African American) sample (N = 1,414) consisted of early adolescents (53% female) and their mothers. We found that participants perceived distinct positive and negative neighborhood characteristics. For adolescents and mothers, neighborhood structural characteristics were positively associated with risk perceptions (e.g., physical and social disorder) but differently associated with positive neighborhood characteristics. In addition, participants perceived their neighborhoods differently (e.g., adolescents perceived less informal social control but more cohesion than their mothers). We discuss the importance of the neighborhood context, particularly positive neighborhood characteristics, for rural families.
Home dilatation of long-segment oesophageal stricture using a pneumatic indwelling balloon catheter

After a long-gap oesophageal atresia was bridged by a fullthickness, tubularised, postero-superiorly-based flap of proximal oesophagus, home-based pneumatic dilatation was employed twice daily to treat the subsequent narrowed segment.
Cell Signaling and Trafficking of Human Melanocortin Receptors in Real Time Using Two‐photon Fluorescence and Confocal Laser Microscopy: Differentiation of Agonists and Antagonists

Melanocortin hormones and neurotransmitters regulate a vast array of physiologic processes by interacting with five G-protein-coupled melanocortin receptor types. In the present study, we have systematically studied the regulation of individual human melanocortin receptor wild subtypes using a synthetic rhodamine-labeled human melanotropin agonist and antagonist, arrestins fused to green fluorescent protein in conjunction with two-photon fluorescence laser scanning microscopy and confocal microscopy. Stimulation of the melanocortin receptors by its cognate agonist triggered rapid arrestin recruitment and receptor internalization for all four human melanocortin receptors examined. Antagonists-bound melanocortin receptors, on the other hand, did not recruit beta-arrestins, and remained in the cell membrane even after long-term (30 min) treatment. Agonist-mediated internalization of all melanocortin receptor subtypes was sensitive to inhibitors of clathrin-dependent endocytosis, but not to caveolae inhibitors. In summary, agonist-mediated internalization of all subtypes of melanocortin receptors are dependent upon beta-arrestin-mediated clathrin-coated pits, whereas, beta-arrestin-2 conjugated green fluorescence protein (beta-arrestin-2-GFP) recruitment is not dependent on protein kinase A activation. Real time two-photon fluorescence laser scanning microscopy is a most powerful tool to study the dynamic processes in living cells and tissues, without inflicting significant and often lethal damage to the specimen.
Enduring Agonism: Between Individuality and Plurality

There is something profoundly disturbing in the concept of politics as an agon, a site of contestation, struggle, and competition. Action in a world of pervasive and irreducible conflict risks exposing the individual to the contingency of all unity, including the unity of the self, and thus forces individuals to recognize their own internal divisions and contradictions. This article considers the possibility of enduring, surviving, and excelling at agonistic politics. It asks what kind of individuality, what mode of thinking about and addressing the person's inner plurality, might provide the capacities to survive participation in the democratic agon and thus sustain democracy as a form of politics. Accounts of agonistic politics concur in imagining the individual as engaged in what might be called an inner agonism; therefore my analysis focuses on the reasons for this mimetic relationship between individuality and politics. I argue that mimesis in political imagination draws out particular sorts of affective responses, orienting the person to her political world in ways that might provide precisely the sorts of resources needed for action.
Achieving gender equality in learning outcomes: Evidence from a non-formal education program in Bangladesh

Non-formal education (NFE) programs have been a long standing approach to educating marginalized children, especially girls, across the developing world. Though such programs provide girls expanded access to learning opportunities, the evidence of whether enhanced access actually leads girls to achieve on par with boys remains limited. I analyze the academic achievement of girls relative to boys in a sample of 1,203 children participating in a NFE program in rural Bangladesh, known as SHIKHON which means “learning” in Bengali. I find strong correlational evidence that gender is not significantly associated with achievement; on average, girls achieve on par with boys across four subject areas including literacy (English and Bangla), numeracy, science and social science.
Bilateral secondary angle-closure glaucoma as a complication of anticoagulation in a nanophthalmic patient

Abstract PURPOSE: To describe bilateral hemorrhage of the posterior segment and secondary angle-closure glaucoma as sequelae of anticoagulation therapy in a nanophthalmic patient. METHODS: An 80-year-old man who was nanophthalmic and was undergoing anticoagulation therapy presented with declining visual acuity in left eye. Six months later, he experienced declining visual acuity in his right eye. RESULTS: In the LE and six months later in the RE, ocular examination disclosed angle-closure glaucoma and a hemorrhagic retinal detachment. Peripheral iridoplasty successfully treated the initial attack. The subretinal hemorrhage was successfully drained by pars plana vitrectomy, retinotomy, and air-fluid exchange in the left eye. Anatomic success and intraocular pressure control were obtained, but visual recovery was limited. CONCLUSION: Intraocular hemorrhage and angle-closure glaucoma are potential complications of anticoagulation therapy in a patient with nanophthalmos.
The measurement and structure of household wealth

Abstract This paper deals with methodological issues that arise in measuring household wealth. Two prominent American household surveys—the PSID and SCF—rely on different methodological approaches to the measurement of household wealth. In particular, SCF oversamples high-income households and has a far more extensive set of questions. In the top one percent of the wealth distribution, better measures of wealth are related to over-sampling of very wealthy households and the number of questions that are asked. However, one can characterize total household wealth holdings for the overwhelming majority of households with a relatively moderate number of questions. When successive waves of wealth modules are used to compute savings, the verdict on quality is more cautious, in part due to the inherently larger role measurement error plays in any first difference formulation.
Oxalic acid and the hyperoxaluric syndromes

Because calcium oxalate renal stones are the most common type of renal calculus found in this country, a discussion of oxalic acid and abnormalities associated with its synthesis and excretion seems warranted in a symposium of this sort. Although calcium metabolism and excretion have been investigated extensively in syndromes associated with recurrent nephrolithiasis, relatively little attention has been paid to oxalate in these conditions. Nevertheless, information now available, particularly concerning the known hyperoxaluric conditions, has led to greater understanding of idiopathic calcium oxalate nephrolithiasis and more rational treatment of this condition. In this review, the physicochemical and metabolic aspects of oxalic acid will be reviewed, followed by a discussion of the hyperoxaluric syndromes and the role of oxalate in idiopathic calcium oxalate stone disease.
Neoadjuvant chemotherapy for bladder cancer

While it is now clear that chemotherapy can contribute to improved outcome for some patients with muscle invasive bladder cancer, selection criteria for this very heterogenous disease are lacking. The authors make an appeal for a biologically (in contrast to anatomically) based staging system, and urge that perioperative chemotherapy be given with standard combinations with curative intent.
Luteinizing Hormone Releasing Activity of Crude Ovine Hypothalamic Extract in Man

A HYPOTHALAMIC luteinizing hormone releasing factor, which is active in rats and rabbits, has been purified and separated from other hypothalamic factors which control the function of the adenohypophysis1. In order to determine whether hypothalamic extracts of animal origin were capable of stimulating the release of pituitary hormones in man, a crude, thioglycollate-treated extract of ovine stalk-median eminence was administered to three children. This material elicited an increase in the plasma concentration of immunoassayable luteinizing hormone in each subject. The investigation was initiated to study the effect of such extracts on plasma growth hormone concentrations because of the potential use of these materials in patients with hypopituitarism secondary to hypothalamic dysfunction. A preliminary report of this aspect of the study has been presented2.
Buckling of circular cylindrical shells with multiple orthotropic layers and eccentric stiffeners.

An exact solution is derived for the buckling of a circular cylindrical shell with multiple orthotropic layers and eccentric stiffeners under axial compression, lateral pressure, or any combination thereof. Classical stability theory (membrane prebuckled shape) is used for simply supported edge boundary conditions. The present theory enables the study of coupling between bending and extension due to the presence of different layers in the shell and the presence of eccentric stiffeners. Previous approaches to stiffened multilayered shells are shown to be erratic in the prediction of buckling results because of neglect of coupling between bending and extension.
Myocyte contractile activity modulates norepinephrine cytotoxicity and survival effects of neuregulin-1β

The purpose of this study is to test the hypothesis that mechanical and electrical activity in adult rat ventricular myocytes (ARVM) alters responses to proapoptotic and prosurvival ligands. The ef...