cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Interaction of ethanol with 111In-labelled membranes: Evaluation by the perturbed angular correlation-sum peak ratio method

The interaction of ethanol with erythrocyte ghosts and vesicles composed of brain lipid extracts labelled with indium-111 was studied using the sum peak ratio method of perturbed angular correlation measurements. Membranes from animals that were fed diets containing ethanol for 10 days demonstrated resistance to the decrease in sum peak ratio values observed in control animals. Thus, repeated administration of ethanol induces changes in the properties of biological membranes, possibly by altering phospholipid composition, which is reflected in the anisotropy of membrane-associated 111In-labelled nuclei as measured by sum peak ratios.
Vasopressin and oxytocin excite MCH neurons, but not other lateral hypothalamic GABA neurons

Neurons that synthesize melanin-concentrating hormone (MCH) colocalize GABA, regulate energy homeostasis, modulate water intake, and influence anxiety, stress, and social interaction. Similarly, vasopressin and oxytocin can influence the same behaviors and states, suggesting that these neuropeptides may exert part of their effect by modulating MCH neurons. Using whole cell recording in MCH-green fluorescent protein (GFP) transgenic mouse hypothalamic brain slices, we found that both vasopressin and oxytocin evoked a substantial excitatory effect. Both peptides reversibly increased spike frequency and depolarized the membrane potential in a concentration-dependent and tetrodotoxin-resistant manner, indicating a direct effect. Substitution of lithium for extracellular sodium, Na+/Ca2+ exchanger blockers KB-R7943 and SN-6, and intracellular calcium chelator BAPTA, all substantially reduced the vasopressin-mediated depolarization, suggesting activation of the Na+/Ca2+ exchanger. Vasopressin reduced input resistance, and the vasopressin-mediated depolarization was attenuated by SKF-96265, suggesting a second mechanism based on opening nonselective cation channels. Neither vasopressin nor oxytocin showed substantial excitatory actions on lateral hypothalamic inhibitory neurons identified in a glutamate decarboxylase 67 (GAD67)-GFP mouse. The primary vasopressin receptor was vasopressin receptor 1a (V1aR), as suggested by the excitation by V1aR agonist [Arg8]vasotocin, the selective V1aR agonist [Phe2]OVT and by the presence of V1aR mRNA in MCH cells, but not in other nearby GABA cells, as detected with single-cell RT-PCR. Oxytocin receptor mRNA was also detected in MCH neurons. Together, these data suggest that vasopressin or oxytocin exert a minimal effect on most GABA neurons in the lateral hypothalamus but exert a robust excitatory effect on presumptive GABA cells that contain MCH. Thus, some of the central actions of vasopressin and oxytocin may be mediated through MCH cells.
Iron: Whence it came, where it went

Determinations of the abundances of iron and related elements in the photosphere, chromosphere, and corona of the sun as well as in solar and galactic cosmic rays are reviewed and compared with abundances derived from meteoritic data. Observed solar system abundances are found to be in accord with predictions of nucleosynthesis under either hydrostatic or explosive conditions but cannot yet be used to define these processes uniquely. The distribution of iron among planets and meteorites can probably be adequately modelled by condensation and fragmentation under equilibrium conditions above about 700 K, but below that temperature it is likely that inhibited solid-state diffusion perturbed attainment of equilibrium. Pertinent factors which are presently unknown include the mechanism responsible for metal-silicate fractionation, the grain size achieved by metallic iron in the nebula, and whether iron-bearing silicate formed prior to accretion.
Antecedents of Customer Loyalty: An Empirical Synthesis and Reexamination

Abstract Despite the importance of customer loyalty, no comprehensive, empirical work has attempted to assess the general findings across academic studies. The study intends to fill that void by conducting a meta-analysis of empirical findings on the predictors of customer loyalty. Although findings of this study support all the hypothesized main effects, they indicate stronger effect size for trust than for other determinants of loyalty. The study also tests the robustness of previous findings across various research and measurement contexts. The analysis of moderating effects reveals several interesting findings. For instance, attitudinal loyalty measures seem to be a plausible surrogate for behavioral loyalty measures. The effects of customer satisfaction and trust on loyalty are less prominent when products are purchased on a regular and relatively short (as opposed to an irregular and relatively long) purchase cycle. Factors that largely relate to product performance (e.g., satisfaction, quality) have a weaker impact on loyalty in B2B than in B2C settings. Some relationships (e.g., the effect of quality on loyalty) become stronger over time. Furthermore, our results detect consistently weaker effects from studies using single-item (relative to multi-item) loyalty measures.
Non-destructive technique for broadband characterization of carbon nanotubes at microwave frequencies

This paper presents a broadband microwave non-destructive technique for characterization of carbon nanotubes (CNTs). Typically, commercially available carbon nanotubes are powder-like samples and, therefore, in this paper, a broadband characterization technique to extract electrical conductivity of powder materials is developed. The technique uses a microstrip line configuration in conjunction with a cavity resonator technique. The electrical conductivity of CNTs is extracted from the measured attenuation in the signal response (|S 21|dB) for the microstrip configuration with a signal trace made of copper and a ground plane filled with CNT samples. A resonant cylindrical cavity is also used in the measurement process to help determine a correction factor for the surface roughness of the CNT microstrip ground plane. A novel method to take attenuation due to surface roughness into account to determine conductivity of CNTs is introduced. Experimental and numerical verification of the proposed method is provi...
Metabolic changes in the knockout mouse for Canavan's disease: implications for patients with Canavan's disease.

Canavan's disease is an autosomal recessive disorder caused by aspartoacylase deficiency, which leads to accumulation of N-acetylaspartic acid in the brain and blood and an elevated level of N-acetylaspartic acid in the urine. The brain of patients with Canavan's disease shows spongy degeneration. How the enzyme deficiency and elevated N-acetylaspartic acid cause the pathophysiology observed in Canavan's disease is not obvious. The creation of a knockout mouse for Canavan's disease is being used as a tool to investigate metabolic pathways in the mouse and correlate them with the patients with Canavan's disease. The level of glutamate is lower in the knockout mouse brain than in the wild-type mouse brain, similar to what we have found in children with Canavan's disease, and so are the levels of γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA). The level of aspartate is higher in the Canavan's disease mouse brain. The activity of aspartate aminotransferase, an enzyme involved in the malate-aspartate shuttle, is lower in the Cana...
Impact of sulfur on density of Tetranychus pacificus (Acari: Tetranychidae) and Galendromus occidentalis (Acari: Phytoseiidae) in a central California vineyard.

Sulfur is the oldest and most widely used fungicide in the vineyards of California, where it is used for control of powdery mildew (Uncinula necator [Schw.] Burr). For decades, sulfur use has been associated with outbreaks of Tetranychus pacificus McGregor (Acari: Tetranychidae) on cultivated grapes in the San Joaquin Valley. I undertook large-scale field studies to test this association, to evaluate the impact of sulfur on Galendromus occidentalis (Nesbit) (Acari: Phytoseiidae), a major predator of T. pacificus, and to determine if timing of sulfur applications with respect to grape bloom has an impact on T. pacificus density. The studies took place in a 32 ha vineyard in Fresno County, and all fungicide applications were made with commercial-scale equipment. In 1998 a ‘high sulfur’ treatment, a combination of wettable sulfur and sulfur dust, was compared to ‘low sulfur,’ in which demethylation inhibitor (DMI) fungicides partially substituted for sulfur. In 1999 treatments were ‘sulfur,’ ‘DMI,’ ‘sulfur pre-bloom’ (here sulfur was applied prior to grape bloom, in late May, and then DMIs were applied until mid-season) and ‘sulfur post-bloom’ (the reverse of ‘sulfur pre-bloom’). In each year, the T. pacificus population increase came after the end of fungicide applications, and results clearly show a relationship between sulfur use and T. pacificus density. In 1998, mean T. pacificus density was 2.7 times higher and mean G. occidentalis density 2.5 times higher in ‘high sulfur’ compared to ‘low sulfur.’ In 1999, the highest T. pacificus counts were in the ‘sulfur’ and ‘sulfur pre-bloom’ treatments, 4.8 times higher than ‘sulfur post-bloom’ and 2 times higher than ‘DMIs.’ Density of G. occidentalis was 2.3 times as high in ‘sulfur’ or ‘sulfur pre-bloom’ than ‘DMIs.’ The predator/prey ratio was not significantly different among treatments in 1998, but in 1999 it was highest in the ‘sulfur pre-bloom’ treatment. In 1999, density of Homeopronematus anconai (Baker) (Acari: Tydeidae) was 2.7 times higher in ‘sulfur pre-bloom’ compared to ‘sulfur,’ and higher by 2.7 times in ‘DMI’ compared to ‘sulfur post-bloom,’ suggesting a negative effect of sulfur on this tydeid. These results do not support the hypotheses that the cause of the increase in T. pacificus density is due to negative effects of sulfur on phytoseiids or tydeids. Rather, it appears that a plant-based explanation is likely, first, because of the differences in pre-bloom versus post-bloom sulfuring, and second, because of the long lag time between the end of the sulfur applications and the corresponding increase in spider mite density.
Association between concentrations of urinary type II collagen neoepitope (uTIINE) and joint space narrowing in patients with knee osteoarthritis.

Summary Objective To examine whether urine concentrations of type II collagen neoepitope (uTIINE) distinguish subjects with progressive radiographic and/or symptomatic knee osteoarthritis (OA) from those with stable disease. Methods Subjects were 120 obese middle-aged women with unilateral knee OA who participated in a 30-month randomized-controlled trial of structure modification with doxycycline, in which a standardized semiflexed anteroposterior view of the knee was obtained at baseline, 16 months and 30 months. Subjects were selected from a larger sample to permit a priori comparisons between 60 OA progressors and 60 nonprogressors, as defined by joint space narrowing (JSN) in the medial tibiofemoral compartment. Each group contained 30 subjects who exhibited clinically significant increases in knee pain over 30 months and 30 who did not. Urine samples were obtained every 6 months for determination of the creatinine (Cr)-adjusted uTIINE concentration. Results Baseline uTIINE levels were unrelated to JSN in the placebo group. However, among subjects in the active treatment group, a 1-standard deviation increment in baseline uTIINE (68ng/mM Cr) was associated with a marginally significant, two-fold increase in the odds of progression of JSN (odds ratio 2.04, 95% confidence interval 0.98–4.28). The within-subject mean of uTIINE values at baseline, 6 months and 12 months was associated with concurrent JSN measured at 16 months (0.10mm of JSN per 69ng/mM Cr, P =0.008). Similar results were seen in the interval between months 16 and 30 and in analyses using the maximum of intercurrent uTIINE levels. Conclusion Baseline uTIINE was not a consistent predictor of JSN in subjects with knee OA. However, serial measurements of uTIINE reflect concurrent JSN.
Robustness of extended-Kalman-type observers

Robustness properties of extended-Kalman-type observers are investigated for linear plants when actuators and sensors have non-linearities or linear dynamics. Sufficient conditions for the stability of the estimation error are obtained for time-varying extended Kalman filters (EKF) for time-varying plants, and for constant-gain, exponentially weighted EKF for time-invariant plants. When the non-linearities are known only within bands of uncertainty, it is proved that the observer is non-divergent.
Temporal and spatial variability of aerosol optical depth in the Sahel region in relation to vegetation remote sensing

In order to monitor the aerosol characteristics needed for atmospheric correction of remotely sensed data, a network of sun photometers was established in the Sahel region of Senegal, Mali, and Niger. Data analysis suggests that there is a high spatial variability of the aerosol optical thickness tau(a) in the western Sahel region. At a 67 percent confidence level the instantaneous values of tau(a) can be extrapolated approximately 270-400 km with an error tolerance of 50 percent. Spatial variability in the dry season is found to be of a similar magnitude. The ranges of variations in the NDVI in the Sahel region are shown to be approximately 0.02 and 0.01, respectively, due to commonly observed fluctuations in the aerosol optical thickness and aerosol size distribution.
A construction process simulation Web service

This paper explores the potential of construction process simulation as a web service. This web service, or web based application, exploits the high accessibility characteristic of the web, to support easier information exchange and peer collaboration. Two concepts are discussed and presented. One web based prototype called “Interactive Simulation System (ISS)” allows a user unfamiliar with simulation concepts to evaluate construction process productivity (Kim 2000). A second prototypical web service called Web CYCLONE is built upon CYCLONE (Halpin 1973; Halpin and Riggs 1992) methodology and provides the power of simulation to all user levels, novice or professional. The framework of Web CYCLONE is a threeleveled structure, namely novice, intermediate and advanced level, in that each level caters to user needs depending upon the level of sophistication of the user. An asphalt paving operation simulation model is used to demonstrate each prototypical system.
Design and development of the TFDM Information Management Architecture

The Tower Flight Data Manager (TFDM) is a new terminal automation platform that will provide an integrated tower-user display suite including an extended electronic flight strip or “flight data management” (FDM) display. The integrated information exchange and processing environment established by TFDM will support a suite of automation-assisted user support tools collectively designated as the Arrival/Departure Management Tool or A/DMT. A/DMT will develop and manage an integrated plan for arrival, scheduled (and to the extent possible) non-scheduled departure operations at the airport, based on 4D-trajectory assignments. A primary concern of A/DMT is the efficient use of the runway complex to meet service demand from both arrivals and departures. In addition, A/DMT seeks to reduce fuel usage and engine emissions on the airport surface, to permit more efficient use of gates and holding areas, and to enhance the safety of surface operations.
RELY: a reliability simulator for VLSI circuits

A novel reliability simulator and its associated circuit-level degradation models with automated parameter extraction procedures for VLSI circuits have been developed. This circuit reliability modeling and simulation environment can serve as a bridge between the system and device reliability. Performance and lifetime of digital and analog ICs can be optimized through the usage of this reliability simulator. >
Acetylcholine Release in the Hippocampus and Striatum during Place and Response Training.

These experiments examined the release of acetylcholine in the hippocampus and striatum when rats were trained, within single sessions, on place or response versions of food-rewarded mazes. Microdialysis samples of extra-cellular fluid were collected from the hippocampus and striatum at 5-min increments before, during, and after training. These samples were later analyzed for ACh content using HPLC methods. In Experiment 1, ACh release in both the hippocampus and striatum increased during training on both the place and response tasks. The magnitude of increase of training-related ACh release in the striatum was greater in rats trained on the response task than in rats trained on the place task, while the magnitude of ACh release in the hippocampus was comparable in the two tasks. Experiment 2 tested the possibility that the hippocampus was engaged and participated in learning the response task, as well as the place task, because of the availability of extra-maze cues. Rats were trained on a response version of a maze under either cue-rich or cue-poor conditions. The findings indicate that ACh release in the hippocampus increased similarly under both cue conditions, but declined during training on the cue-poor condition, when spatial processing by the hippocampus would not be suitable for solving the maze. In addition, high baseline levels of ACh release in the hippocampus predicted rapid learning in the cue-rich condition and slow learning in the cue-poor condition. These findings suggest that ACh release in the hippocampus augments response learning when extra-maze cues can be used to solve the maze but impairs response learning when extra-maze cues are not available for use in solving the maze.
CMP Fill Synthesis: A Survey of Recent Studies

We survey recent research and practice in the area of chemical-mechanical polishing (CMP) fill synthesis, in terms of both problem formulations and solution approaches. We review the CMP as the planarization technique of choice for multilevel very large-scale integration metallization processes. Post-CMP wafer topography varies according to pattern density. We review density-analysis methods and density-control objectives that are used in today's fill-synthesis algorithms. In addition, we discuss the concept of design-driven fill synthesis that seeks to optimize CMP fill with respect to objectives beyond mere density uniformity. Design-driven fill synthesis minimizes the impact of CMP fill on design performance and parametric yield while still satisfying the density criteria that are motivated by manufacturing models. We conclude with a discussion of where CMP fill synthesis may be naturally integrated within future design and manufacturing flows.
Abutment selection for fixed prosthodontics

Abstract Guides have been suggested for the selection of abutments and construction of fixed partial dentures that should withstand the forces of oral function with a maximum of service.
A Radiofrequency Identification (RFID) Temperature-Monitoring System for Extended Maintenance of Nuclear Materials Packaging

A temperature-monitoring system based on radiofrequency identification (RFID) has been developed for extending the maintenance period of the nuclear material packaging for storage and transportation. The system consists of tags, readers, and application software. The tag, equipped with a temperature sensor, is attached to the exterior of a package. The application software enables remote reading, via radio waves, of the temperature from the sensor in the tag. The system reports any temperature violations immediately via e-mail or text message, and/or posts the alarm on a secure website. The system can monitor thousands of packages and record individual temperature histories in a database. The first type of packaging that will benefit from the RFID technology is Model 9977, which has been certified by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) to ship and store fissile materials such as plutonium and uranium. The recorded data can be correlated to the temperature of the containment O-ring seals, based on the decay heat load of the contents. Accelerated aging studies of the Viton® GLT O-rings have shown that temperature is one of the key parameters governing the life of the O-ring seals, which maintain the integrity of the containment boundary of the package. Use of the RFID temperature-monitoring system to verify that the surface temperature remains below a certain threshold will make it possible to extend the leak-test period of the package from one year to up to five years. The longer leakrate testing interval will yield a cost savings of up to $10,000 per package over five years. This work was conducted by Argonne National Laboratory in support of the DOE Packaging Certification Program, Office of Environmental Management, Office of Packaging and Transportation (EM-63).
Cocaine and metabolite concentrations in plasma during repeated oral administration: development of a human laboratory model of chronic cocaine use.

Long-term use of cocaine may produce neurophysiological and metabolic alterations that differ from acute drug use. A laboratory model that was capable of evaluating the effects of chronic cocaine administration in human subjects was needed. Chronic oral administration of cocaine was considered a feasible route because of the ease of administration, control of dosing patterns, and possible reduction in medical risks compared with the intravenous and smoked routes. This clinical study was conducted to evaluate chronically administered oral cocaine as a means of studying cocaine addiction and withdrawal in humans. Cocaine-abusing volunteers were given multiple doses of oral cocaine each day in up to 16 daily sessions (including three placebo sessions). In each daily session, volunteers received five equal doses separated by hourly intervals. Across sessions, the dose was increased from an initial dose of 100 mg (500 mg/day) to 400 mg (2000 mg/day) in the last session. The dose for each consecutive cocaine session was increased by 25 mg/dose/session (125-mg total increase per session). Twelve subjects were enrolled in the study; however, three subjects dropped out prior to completion of at least three sessions. Two subjects completed all 13 cocaine sessions. The remaining seven subjects completed from 3 to 11 sessions; their participation was terminated early for safety and behavioral reasons. Plasma was collected during all sessions and analyzed for cocaine and metabolites by solid-phase extraction followed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. Oral cocaine administration resulted in peak plasma concentrations of cocaine approximately 1 h after administration. Accumulation of cocaine was evident between hourly doses and there was evidence of dose-proportional increases in area under the curve (AUC) measures across sessions. A variety of cocaine metabolites was measured in plasma including benzoylecgonine, ecgonine methyl ester, norcocaine, benzoylnorecgonine, and p- and m-hydroxy metabolites of cocaine and benzoylecgonine. During chronic oral dosing, there appeared to be a trend for AUC ratios (AUC metabolite /AUC cocaine ) of benzoylecgonine and ecgonine methyl ester to decrease and norcocaine to increase, indicating the possibility of dose-, time-, or route-dependent changes in the absorption and/or metabolism of cocaine. Overall, this study demonstrated that chronic oral dosing of cocaine produced dose-related increases in plasma cocaine concentration, and this model could be useful for studying the effects of chronic cocaine use in human subjects.
Punctuated equilibrium excused: the original examples fail to support it

The four original stipulations of the definition ofpunctuated equilzbrium (PE; Eldredge & Gould, 1972) are shown to be unsupported, and even contradicted, by the two evidential examples these authors supplied: the trilobite Phacops rana of the Middle Devonian, and the land snail Poectlozonites bermudensis of Late Pleistocene Bermuda. The additional, much-discussed example of Bellamya unicolor and the accompanying suite of molluscan species of Pliocene-Recent African Lake Turkana, studied by Williamson, also fails to exemplify PE. In particular, the data produced for these cases appear to represent counterexamples to Mayr’s paradigm of peripatric speciation, embraced by Eldredge and Gould as the central effective mechanism of PE. The data actually illustrate instead a prevailingly centrifugal pattern of speciation that will accommodate and explain episodic aspects of microevolution in a more realistic way.
AN ASSESSMENT OF MONITORING EFFORTS IN ENDANGERED SPECIES RECOVERY PLANS

Recovery efforts for threatened and endangered species often must be initiated with incomplete data. The outcomes of such efforts are difficult to predict, which makes monitoring the progress of recovery efforts an integral part of the recovery process. We evaluated the role of monitoring in recovery plans for 181 species listed as threatened and endangered under the U.S. Endangered Species Act. We considered both the extent to which monitoring tasks were proposed as part of the recovery effort and the extent to which the tasks proposed were actually implemented. In general, tasks devoted to tracking the species' population trend were more likely to be proposed and implemented than were other monitoring activities (e.g., those devoted to the species' demographics, its habitat requirements, or the impact of predators, competitors, and exotics). We found that the extent and nature of the monitoring proposed and implemented appeared to reflect taxonomic biases that exist throughout the recovery process and were little influenced either by the level of understanding of the species' biology or by the recovery priority assigned to the species. In particular, monitoring efforts did not adequately address the specific threats affecting species. Proposals for, and implementation of, monitoring progress toward recovery goals were independent of the type of criteria defined in the plans (e.g., population level and habitat extent), although population-related criteria were disproportionately common. Based on these findings, we caution against an overemphasis on focal species monitoring, especially when such an emphasis leads to the reduction or exclusion of other types of monitoring. We also recommend that species-specific attributes factor more prominently in the development of monitoring to avoid monitoring action that is otherwise unnecessary.
PAR4: a new role in the modulation of visceral nociception.

Protease-activated receptors (PARs) are a family of G-protein-coupled receptors with a widespread distribution that are involved in various physiological functions including inflammation and nociception. In a recent study in Neurogastroenterology and Motility, Auge et al. describe for the first time the presence of PAR4 on visceral primary afferent neurons and its role in modulating colonic nociceptive responses, colonic hypersensitivity and primary afferent responses to PAR2 and Transient Receptor Potential Vanilloid-4 (TRPV4). Using the model of visceromotor response (VMR) to colorectal distension (CRD), they show that a PAR4 agonist delivered into the colon lumen decreases basal visceral response to CRD and reduces the exacerbated VMR to CRD induced by treatment with PAR2 or TRPV4 agonists. In isolated sensory neurons, they show that a PAR4 agonist inhibits calcium mobilization induced by PAR2 or TRPV4 agonists. Finally, they describe increased pain behaviour evoked by luminal application of mustard oil in PAR4 deficient mice compared to wild type controls. The newly discovered role of PAR4 in modulating visceral pain adds to our growing understanding of the contribution of colonic proteases and PARs to the mechanisms involved in colonic hypersensitivity and their potential role as therapeutic targets for irritable bowel syndrome.
Prosecuting terrorism in international tribunals

Terrorism can be defined as acts of violence directed against a civilian population or civilian objects for the purpose of spreading terror among civilians and with a view to intimidating persons in authority to submit to the demands of the perpetrators. Terrorism has been condemned by the international community and has indeed been recognized as a crime under customary international law. However, there are still those who believe that persons engaged in a war of liberation — that is, an armed struggle against colonial rule, foreign domination, or a racist regime — are entitled to resort to acts of terror in order to achieve their “noble objectives”, but following September 11th, that view has been discredited in several resolutions of the General Assembly on the United Nations and of the Security Council. Terrorism is not included in the subject-matter jurisdiction of the International Criminal Court (ICC) but can be prosecuted in the ICC as an added component of war crimes such as directing an attack against individual civilians not taking a direct part in hostilities. Terrorism is also not expressly included in the subject-matter jurisdiction of the International Criminal Tribunal for the Former Yugoslavia (ICTY) but has been prosecuted in the ICTY under provisions in the Geneva Conventions of 12 August 1949 which prohibit acts of violence directed against civilians for the purpose of spreading terror in the civilian population. It should be noted, though, that terrorism does not only require the special intent to spread terror among the civilian population but also the further special intent of intimidating persons in authority to give in to the demands of the terrorists.
The Response to and Repair of RAG-Mediated DNA Double-Strand Breaks

Developing lymphocytes must assemble antigen receptor genes encoding the B cell and T cell receptors. This process is executed by the V(D)J recombination reaction, which can be divided into DNA cleavage and DNA joining steps. The former is carried out by a lymphocyte-specific RAG endonuclease, which mediates DNA cleavage at two recombining gene segments and their flanking RAG recognition sequences. RAG cleavage generates four broken DNA ends that are repaired by nonhomologous end joining forming coding and signal joints. On rare occasions, these DNA ends may join aberrantly forming chromosomal lesions such as translocations, deletions and inversions that have the potential to cause cellular transformation and lymphoid tumors. We discuss the activation of DNA damage responses by RAG-induced DSBs focusing on the component pathways that promote their normal repair and guard against their aberrant resolution. Moreover, we discuss how this DNA damage response impacts processes important for lymphocyte development.
Boron Neutron Capture Therapy of Cancer as a Part of Modern Nanomedicine

10 B-enriched boron-containing compounds into tumor cells with subsequent irradiation of the tumor tissue by thermal or epithermal neutrons causes tumor damage and death. The mechanism of the tumor cell damage during BNCT is based on the capture-fission reaction between the boron-10 nucleus and a neutron resulting in an α-particle release inside the cell. A successful BNCT therapeutic agent must obey several requirements, most importantly it should (1) selectively accumulate in tumor cells, (2) show certain levels of tumor-to-blood concentration ratios (3 and higher), and (3) provide the therapeutic concentration of 10 B in tumor cells (at least 20 µg of 10 B/g of tumor).
Physical Mechanisms of Nonlinear Equilibration of a Baroclinically Unstable Jet over Topographic Slope

Spatio-temporal evolution of meanders on a baroclinically unstable jet over a topographic slope is investigated using pulse asymptotics and numerical simulations. An unperturbed jet is prescribed by a potential vorticity front in the upper layer overlaying intermediate layers with weak potential vorticity gradients and a quiescent bottom layer over a positive (same sense as isopycnal tilt) cross-stream topographic slope.
The Function of Illness and Disability in Three Victorian Autobiographies

(1991). The Function of Illness and Disability in Three Victorian Autobiographies. a/b: Auto/Biography Studies: Vol. 6, Illness, Disability, and Lifewriting, pp. 26-32.
Making the African Rugby Pitch: Sports, Race and Nation in Tanzania

Long a potent symbol of South African national identity, rugby has featured prominently in the lives of expatriate South Africans in the post-apartheid period. This paper focuses attention on white South African investors who relocated to Tanzania after 1994, and their incongruous efforts to (re)establish rugby as a club and national sport in a former frontline state. I analyze four critical social domains: 1) the establishment of the Tanzania Rugby Union and its efforts to popularize rugby through schools, the press, and the fielding of a national side to compete in Confederation of African Rugby tournaments; 2) the renewal of club teams whose roots trace back to pre-independence Afrikaner settlers in the area; 3) construction of a rugby-centered recreational facility and club house complete with members-only sports facilities, restaurants and pub; and 4) the rapid expansion of rugby viewing as a social activity following the introduction of satellite television. Analysis features incidents of racial taunting on the rugby pitch during club and international matches; the invocation of different forms of colonial nostalgia in rugby club facilities (prominent display of insensitive portraits and paintings); and the testy expression of sports nationalism while viewing televised rugby events.
Integral cross sections for electron-impact excitation of the C 3Πu, E 3Σ+g and a'' 1Σ+g states of N2

Absolute integral cross sections (ICSs) for electron-impact excitation of the C 3Πu, E 3Σ+g and a'' 1Σ+g states of N2 from the X 1Σ+g (v'' = 0) ground-state level are presented for electron-impact energies of 13, 15, 17.5, 20, 25, 30, 50 and 100 eV. ICSs are also presented for the individual vibrational levels of the C 3Πu state (v' = 0, 1, 2, 3 and 4). The ICSs were derived from recent differential cross sections determined via energy-loss spectroscopy (Malone et al 2009 Phys. Rev. A 79 032704; Malone et al 2009 Phys. Rev. A 79 032705). The results are compared with existing measurements in the literature.
Transfection Assays for Transformation of Model Colonic Cell Lines

The recognition of cancer as a genetic disease has changed the approach investigators take to understanding the mechanisms of carcinogenesis. The discovery of oncogenes, and the recognition of the inactivation of tumor suppressor genes, DNA repair enzymes, and of apoptotic pathways have provided a clearer picture of the dysregulation which is required for a cell to become a cancer.
New Model for the Mutual Enhancement of Nonlinear Optical Phenomena in Composite Media

We consider an optically linear fluid containing nanoparticles in which quantum confinement effects permit a controlled saturable absorbance to be exploited. We also incorporate the effects of neighboring particles on the local field that any one particle experiences, when calculating the effective permittivity of that particle close to resonance. Since the particles are free to move, under the influence of the Lorentz force, one can alter their spatial distribution as a function of the local field gradients. The particles will move closer together in regions of high electric field, further increasing the local field in the vicinity of any one of these particles, if their permittivities are higher than that of the host fluid. The particles move apart if the reverse is true.
Common Knowledge and Non-Patent Literature in the Internet Age

This short essay, which is based on comments submitted to the US Patent and Trademark Office (PTO) in response to its Patent Quality Initiative, argues that the PTO should amend its examination practices to restore examiners’ ability to rely on common knowledge and official notice when making obviousness determinations, as supported by the Supreme Court’s precedent in KSR v. Teleflex; and to encourage examiners to search relevant technical fields using not only databases of U.S. patents and scientific journals, but the entire Worldwide Web.
One step forward, two steps back: the key to wearables in the field is the app

Wearable trackers and sensors are becoming an increasingly popular option for people to manage their health and fitness and for physicians to monitor patients with chronic illnesses. Consumer wearables such as the Jawbone UP and Fitbit Flex empower people to change habits that may help prevent health problems. The success of wearables depends on their perceived ease of use and how successfully users are able to incorporate them into their lives over the long term. We conducted a usability test and field study with fourteen users comparing two consumer wearable devices. While participants rated the aesthetic design of the Jawbone UP24 higher, they rated app characteristics such as usefulness and trust in data generated of the Fitbit Flex app higher. These findings suggest that while wearable technologies are advancing in capabilities, their acceptance and satisfaction may depend on the quality of the app, in addition to the qualities of the wearable device itself.
The Use of Gene Therapy for Ablation of Atrial Fibrillation

Atrial fibrillation is the most common clinically significant cardiac arrhythmia, increasing the risk of stroke, heart failure and morbidity and mortality. Current therapies, including rate control and rhythm control by antiarrhythmic drugs or ablation therapy, are moderately effective but far from optimal. Gene therapy has the potential to become an attractive alternative to currently available therapies for atrial fibrillation. Various gene transfer vectors have been developed for cardiovascular disease with viral vectors being most widely used due to their high efficiency. Several gene delivery methods have been employed on different therapeutic targets. With increasing understanding of arrhythmia mechanisms, novel therapeutic targets have been discovered. This review will evaluate state-of-art gene therapy strategies and approaches including sinus rhythm restoration and ventricular rate control that could eventually prevent or eliminate atrial fibrillation in patients.
Development and Implementation of Wireless Environmental Sensor Network for Measuring Fluid and Water Quality Fluxes in Watersheds

This research is motivated by the need to develop low cost, wireless, environmental sensor networks for monitoring hydraulic and water quality variables in streams and watersheds. Salamander is the Serial Amphibious Linear Arrays of Micro And Nano Devices for Environmental Research, and the tool provides a versatile, instrumentation platform for deploying hydraulics and water quality sensors within stream networks. The Salamander is designed to collect and transmit a variety of hydraulics and water quality data using inexpensive sensors and wireless technologies. We outfit Salamander for estimating sediment flux at cross-sections in a stream using inexpensive velocity bend sensors, light attenuation sediment sensors, temperature, and pressure sensors. The field site chosen for testing the sensor network is at the confluence of 1, 2, and 3 streams to gain a better understanding of the effect of spatial scales on sediment transport within the watershed. Downstream of the confluences the hydrograph and sedigraph is approximately the linear addition of the upstream tributaries. Wireless data transmission from the Salamanders to the data storage location was successful, and on-going research is underway to model the data within the cyberinfrastructure created by the Virtual Observatory and Ecological Information System. The results of this work show that the inexpensive Salamander network can be quickly deployed in the field to monitor hydrologic events of interest to the researcher. Intelligent features are currently being designed and implemented to approximate the velocity and sediment distribution and there after compute sediment flux for the cross section while performing calculations on parameter gradients to check for erroneous data. 1433 World Environmental and Water Resources Congress 2013: Showcasing the Future © ASCE 2013
Analysis of Leptospirosis Surveillance in 2005 in Huaiyuan County

Objective To investigate leptospirosis infection in natural population and in the host animal so as to provide basis for leptospirosis control and prevention.Methods Serological,etiological and epidemiological methods were used in the surveillance.Results The inapprant infection rate in epidemic season was higher than that in non-epidemic season(9.00:0.96),and Lcterohe morrhagiae group accounted for 100%.The predominant host animal had changed from swine to Apodemus agrarius(accounted 84.02%).In spring,infection rate of host animal was higher than autumn,which was in concoidance with the population infection.Conclusion The epidemic group had changed from Promonia in 1970s to Lcteroho morrhagiae,which was in concord with population infection.The host animal had changed from swine to Apodemus agrarius.Group-alternative indicated that investigations and methods should be enforced in order to control the outbreak of Leptospirosis.
IgG Structure and Function

Immunoglobulin G (IgG) is a 150 kDa glycoprotein found in human serum and an important mediator of the humoral immune response. IgG is composed of two heavy chains and two light chains, each divided into variable and constant domains. The variable domains are responsible for antigen binding, while the constant domains are responsible for interactions with effector molecules and effector cells. Human IgG is divided into four subclasses which although having high sequence homology, offer structural variation that significantly impacts biological function.
Simple eosinophilic granulomatous prostatitis.

AbstractA case of simple eosinophilic granulomatous prostatitis is presented. The simple variety shows an abundant eosinophilic infiltrate of the prostate without peripheral eosinophilia, allergic history or vasculitis. No treatment has been recommended to date. The use of a low-dose steroid provided symptomatic relief in our patient.
Conflict Resolution: Making Friends with Conflict

Interpersonal conflict is emotionally draining and a major cause of burnout, and having to deal with it, day in and day out, is a major reason for job dissatisfaction. Learning how to manage it makes your job more enjoyable and lessens your stress. We present a method for conflict resolution that urges you to get beyond the political and personality issues and focus on interests and values that underlie the interests. We use a case of an entitled faculty member to demonstrate not just how to do this but also the decision points that might lead to a different solution.
Multinational States and Moral Theories of International Legal Doctrine

When those of us armed with a typical liberal sense of right and wrong read historical accounts of liberation movements directed against either domestic tyrants or colonizers, we intuitively agree that the oppressed peoples deserved their freedom, because they deserved to govern themselves.
Numerical investigation of the AE44-mild steel galvanic structural joint

Here, we present an experimentally validated numerical model for an AE44 (Magnesium alloy) and mild steel galvanic couple subjected to a mechano-electrochemical process. The model is capable of tracking moving boundaries of the corroding constituent of the couple by employing Arbitrary Langrangian Eulerian (ALE) finite element method. Results show that when an anode is under a purely elastic deformation, there is no significant effect of mechanical loading on the electrochemical galvanic process. However, when the applied tensile load is sufficient to cause a plastic deformation, the local galvanic corrosion activity at the vicinity of the interface is increased remarkably. The effect of other factors, such as electrode area ratios, electrical conductivity of the electrolyte and depth of the electrolyte, are studied. It is observed that the conductivity of the electrolyte significantly influences the surface profile of the anode, especially near the junction.
Expanded indications for noninvasive prenatal genetic testing: Implications for the individual and the public

Summary Objectives Noninvasive prenatal testing (NIPT) has rapidly been integrated into the routine management of women at increased risk for common autosomal aneuploidies. Advances in molecular diagnostics have quickly made it possible to use NIPT to screen for other genetic variants not formerly included in routine prenatal genetic screening or diagnostic testing, including sex chromosome aneuploidies (SCAs) and microdeletion syndromes. Moreover, it is anticipated that NIPT will become available for use by the low-risk obstetric population in the near future as test performance becomes better defined with clinical experience. The pace and trajectory of these advances raise important questions about the clinical, ethical, and public health impact of this new prenatal technology for individual patients, families, and society. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted of pregnant women who had utilized NIPT to examine key patient-reported aspects of the educational and decision-making process regarding current and forthcoming indications of this screening test. Results A total of 139 participants completed the survey. Two-thirds (n = 90, 65.2%) entered their prenatal care with the intention to undergo prenatal genetic screening or testing primarily because of self-identification as advanced maternal age (AMA); these participants were more likely to have had prenatal genetic assessment in a prior pregnancy (P = 0.016). The remainder proceeded with NIPT following a directed discussion with their clinician about testing options. Leading decision-making factors in favor of NIPT included the absence of iatrogenic risk, the increased accuracy of NIPT as compared to conventional screening to detect trisomy (T) 21, T13, T18, and SCAs, and the ability to determine fetal sex. Participants had greater familiarity with T21, T13, and T18 than with SCAs and overall less familiarity with the microdeletions that NIPT is currently being marketed to detect. While participants recognized the superior accuracy of NIPT over conventional screens, few recognized the different detection and false positive rates within a screening panel for each of the identifiable conditions. Despite their awareness of the increased accuracy of NIPT, 41.3% (n = 57) described the testing process as stressful, 64.7% (n = 90) recommended a formal, written informed consent process in addition to 50.0% (n = 68) genetic counseling prior to screening. Conclusions Pregnant women are less familiar with SCAs, microdeletions, and the capability of NIPT to screen for these variants than they are with T21, T18, and T13. Additionally, despite the increased accuracy and capability of NIPT as compared to conventional screening tests, women reported feeling anxiety during the screening process. The results of this study highlight the need for clinicians and policymakers to provide effective guidance and support for patients’ decision-making about NIPT both at the present time and as the indications expand to include all pregnant populations and detailed fetal genomic analysis.