cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Maternal and postnatal dietary probiotic supplementation enhances splenic regulatory T helper cell population and reduces ovalbumin allergen-induced hypersensitivity responses in mice

Neonatal to early childhood is the critical period for establishing a balance of T helper 1 (Th1) versus T helper 2 (Th2) cellular immunity within the gut, which is strongly influenced by the source and establishment of gut microflora. Probiotic administration has been shown to attenuate Th2-biased cellular immunity and predisposition to food allergies. To test this hypothesis we provided ad libitum a probiotic-supplemented (Primalac 454 Feed Grade Microbials) or control diet to lactating dams with suckling pups and weaned pups until 10 weeks of age. Weaned mice were sensitized/challenged with egg allergen ovalbumin, saline or adjuvant at 6, 8 and 10 weeks of age. At 3, 6, 8 and 10 weeks, fecal samples were collected for microbial analysis, while blood samples were analyzed for ovalbumin-IgE and total plasma IgE levels. At termination, splenic T helper cell lymphocyte population subtypes were determined using FACS analysis and Th1/Th2/Th17 gene expression by PCR array. At 21 days of age, pups suckled by lactating dams fed the probiotic supplemented diet had significantly enhanced Lactobacillus acidophilus fecal counts compared to controls. Moreover, mice fed the probiotic supplemented diet had enhanced splenic naturally occurring and induced regulatory T cell populations, enhanced TGFβ gene expression and reduced expression of allergic mediator IL13 compared to controls. These results provide evidence that early probiotic supplementation may provide host protection from hypersensitivity reactions to food allergens by attenuating food allergen inflammatory responses.
A method for the incorporation of parametric uncertainty in the weighted evaluation multi-attribute decision analysis model

We develop an extension of the classic Weighted Evaluation (WE) Multi-Attribute Decision Analysis (MADA) model that allows for uncertainty in the parameters of the model. Uncertainties in attribute importance weights and alternative evaluation ratings are represented by independent uniform, triangular or beta random variables; and an iterative multi-variate integration scheme is used to evaluate the mean, variance and skewness of the resulting Probabilistic Weighted Evaluation (PWE). These moments are used to compute two-term Edgeworth and normal approximations to the distribution of: (a) the PWE for each of several alternatives that are to be analysed separately; or (b) the difference between PWEs for selected alternatives that are to be analysed on a pairwise basis. The proposed methodology is used to compare probabilistically three alternative solutions to the Mexico City Airport Siting Problem of Keeney and Raiffa (Keeney, R. L. and Raiffa, H., Decisions with Multiple Objectives. Wiley, New York, 1976).
An Application of the Rorschach INK Blot Test to Three Clinical Types of Dementia Praecox

(1935). An Application of the Rorschach INK Blot Test to Three Clinical Types of Dementia Praecox. The Journal of Psychology: Vol. 1, No. 1, pp. 61-74.
Polyacrylamide as a substrate for microbial amidase in culture and soil.

Abstract High molecular weight, linear polyacrylamide (PAM) with anionic charge is added to agricultural soils as an anti-erosion additive. Research indicates that soil microorganisms are able to utilize PAM as a source of N and that inorganic N pools are altered in some PAM-treated soils. The potential role of hydrolytic amidase activity in the microbial utilization of PAM for N was investigated. Intracellular and extracellular amidase activity was measured over time in enrichment cultures which used PAM as sole N source. Enzyme activity increased concomitant with cell growth and N removal from PAM. Cell growth, N removal and amidase production were dependent upon readily-available C in the medium. Amidase activity and substrate specificity were determined for PAM-utilizing enrichment cultures exposed to various N sources. Polyacrylamide-specific amidase activity appears to be inducible, and not constitutive, based on the lack of amidase activity in cultures supplied with only ammonium nitrate for N versus substantial activity when PAM was added as an amendment with or without ammonium nitrate. Cultures amended with propionamide exhibited amidase activity largely specific for this small amide substrate, while cultures supplied with PAM as sole N source exhibited amidase activity specific for formamide, propionamide and PAM. Amidase activity and substrate specificity were determined for PAM-treated and untreated agricultural field soils. Polyacrylamide-specific amidase activity was higher in PAM-treated soil (14.86±14.0 μg NH 4 + released g −1 soil) than in untreated soil (1.02±2.3 μg NH 4 + released g −1 soil); activity specific for low molecular weight amides was slightly elevated or unchanged in PAM-treated soil as compared with untreated soil.
On the exact solution of the accelerating string in AdS(5) space

Abstract In this Letter, the exact accelerating string solution of a heavy quark–antiquark pair is found in AdS 5 space. On the accelerating string, there is a particular scale which separates the radiation and the heavy quark. This scale is explicitly shown to be an event horizon in the proper frame of the heavy quark. Furthermore, we find a new correspondence, which relates the horizon in AdS 5 space on the gravity theory side to the Unruh temperature in Minkowski space on the field theory side of the AdS/CFT correspondence. p ⊥ -broadening and p L -broadening of the heavy quark due to radiation are computed using the AdS/CFT correspondence.
The central role of familial ethnic socialization in latino adolescents' cultural orientation

The current study utilized an ecological framework to examine the longitudinal interrelations among Latino adolescents’ (N = 323) cultural orientation (i.e., ethnic identity and enculturation), familial ethnic socialization experiences, and generational status. Findings indicated that ethnic identity and enculturation were both predicted by adolescents’ generational status, although some of these relations were indirect via the relation between generational status and familial ethnic socialization. Findings underscore the importance of examining the dimensions of cultural orientation independent of one another and considering the central role of familial socialization practices in these processes. Moreover, the current work provides direction for further theoretical work to advance our understanding of the unique aspects of cultural orientation.
Diversifying high school students' views about computing with electronic textiles

More than twenty years ago, Turkle and Papert wrote about the lack of epistemological pluralism in computing and the resulting exclusivity in the field. Although research on what constitutes a personal epistemology has expanded since then, students continue to hold narrow views of computing that are disconnected from the field at large. To align with current research, we use the term "views" to encompass students' expectations of, attitudes towards, and beliefs about computing. We took a crafts-oriented approach to expanding students' views of computing and broadening participation in computer science by engaging high school students in a 10-week electronic textiles unit. Students were introduced to computational concepts and practices as they designed and programmed electronic artifacts. We found their views shifted from pre- to post-interviews in ways that allowed them to see computing as accessible, transparent, personal, and creative. We discuss how e-textiles materials and the design of classroom activities brought back a diversity of ways thinking about who can do computing, how to do it, and what computing can be.
Nocturnal dispersal by female Acarapis woodi in honey bee (Apis mellifera) colonies

Comparisons were made between the infestation levels of the honey bee tracheal miteAcarapis woodi (Rennie) in newly emerged honey bees (Apis mellifera L.) exposed for 12 h during the daytime or nighttime in mite-infested bee colonies. Bees exposed during the night harbored a significantly higher number of mites (718) when compared with the daytime bees (88 mites) (n=14 day/night cycles utilizing 33 colonies). On 4 days of an 8-day study, three test colonies were closed during the daytime to eliminate foraging flights. Thus equal numbers of bees were present in the colonies during the day and night sample periods. These 4 flightless days were compared to 4 free-flight days and mite dispersal rates were not significantly different. Additionally, the movement of bees on the combs of four glass-walled observation hives was quantified on 10 days at 08∶00, 12∶00, 16∶00, 20∶00, 24∶00 and 04∶00 h. Bee movement at 24∶00 and 04∶00 h was significantly lower than the other observation times. Movement of host bees may be one factor involved in the increased nighttime mite dispersals. These findings do not support the hypothesis that the absence of foraging bees during the day reduces the bee to bee contact time, thus reducing mite dispersals between host bees. Differential diurnal activity levels between host bees and mite parasites was demonstrated. The exact role of host-bee behavior and/or mite behavior in the nighttime dispersal patterns observed, remains for further investigation.
Minimal connectivity between neostriatal transplants and the host brain.

Abstract The present study sought to determine if axonal connectivity is established between neostriatal transplants and the host brain during the first two months of graft development. Cell suspensions of embryonic neostriatum were transplanted into the adult rat neostriatum lesioned previously by kainic acid. After 1–2 months, injections of horseradish peroxidase conjugated with wheat germ agglutinin (HRP) were made either within the graft, into adjacent host neostriatum or the host ventral midbrain. In animals with HRP injection sites restricted to the graft no retrograde or anterograde label was found in the host brain. However, both anterograde axon label and retrogradely labelled neurons were found in areas within the transplant but distal to the injection site. Neither ventral midbrain nor host neostriatal HRP injections resulted in any significant anterograde or retrograde label within the graft. These results demonstrate a lack of connectivity between neostriatal grafts and the host brain 1–2 months post-transplantation but an ability of grafted neurons to project to different locations within the transplant. Therefore, transplanted neostriatal neurons develop for the first two months in the absence of normal neostriatal afferent and efferent connections.
Comparing direct and indirect interaction in stroke rehabilitation

We explore the differences of direct (DI) vs. indirect (IDI) interaction in stroke rehabilitation. Direct interaction is when the patients move their arms in reaction to changes in the augmented physical environment; indirect interaction is when the patients move their arms in reaction to changes on a computer screen. We developed a rehabilitation game in both settings evaluated by a within-subject study with 10 patients with chronic stroke, aiming to answer 2 major questions: (i) do the game scores in either of the two interaction modes correlate with clinical assessment scores' and (ii) whether performance is different using direct versus indirect interaction in patients with stroke. Our experimental results confirm higher performance in use of DI over IDI. They also suggest better correlation of DI and clinical scores. Our study provides evidence for the benefits of direct interaction therapies vs. indirect computer-assisted therapies in stroke rehabilitation.
Mössbauer data reduction: The M1-E2 transition of 99Ru

Abstract A general methodology for the extraction of hyperfine parameters is given for mixed transitions (M1, E2) between 5 2 , 3 2 Mossbauer nuclei. Rather than approximate the spectrum with a sum of Lorentzian lines, which are compared with theoretical spacings and amplitudes, the fitting is done directly on the controlling hyperfine parameters. The method offers advantages for complex, unresolved spectra and the difficult case of ruthenium (99RuO2) is examined in detail.
Approaches to ablating the myelotoxicity of chemotherapy

Myelotoxicity remains a significant dose-limiting side effect of chemotherapy contributing to the morbidity and mortality of patients undergoing treatment for cancer. A number of different experimental approaches are being studied, both in the clinic and in the laboratory, in an attempt to prevent this iatrogenic complication. The present review provides a synopsis of the various myeloprotective strategies now being employed in experimental trials. Emphasis is placed on the use of putative physiologic bioregulatory molecules (lactoferrin, prostaglandin E, interferon) to prevent or lessen chemotherapy-induced myelotoxicity, with consideration also given to other promising treatment modalities (i.e., adenosine, lithium, diethyldithiocarbanate).
Magnetic induction for the sensing of magnetic fields by animals--an analysis.

Abstract Magnetic induction is analyzed as a possible mechanism for the detection of weak magnetic fields by animals. The range of parameters possible for a system which provides a signal greater than thermal noise and meets other constraints is determined. It is concluded that an organ millimeters in size is required to sense the Earth's field by induction. The labyrinth of the inner ear is discussed in these terms.
Demographic characteristics of persons using pornography in three technological contexts

Significant attention is being given to the impact of the Internet on forms of “cybersex”. Few studies of cybersex have provided cross-sectional analysis of pornography use. Moreover, no analysis has contrasted pornography on the Internet with other technological forms. This is problematic when attempting to evaluate the impact technology has had on pornography use. In an attempt to address the question posed by Stern and Handel (2001), “does technology matter?” to pornography use, this study reports descriptive findings from the General Social Survey since 1973. Specifically, three technological contexts were operationalized from items in the GSS to describe pornography use and the demographic characteristics of persons who use pornography in three technologies: film, theater or VCR, or websites. A greater proportion of people, who reported use of pornography were males, young persons, and persons who lived in urban areas. Variations in other demographic characteristics such as employment status and income, however, suggested that technology does make a difference in pornography access and, thus, use.
Undergraduate Research and Inquiry-Based Learning: The Revitalization of the Humboldtian Ideals.

AbstractThe past few decades have witnessed an increasing separation of research and teaching, particularly in the area of undergraduate education. Supporters of such a separation have argued that involvement of undergraduates in research is incompatible with the idea of the research university. However, one of the founding principles of the research university, defined by Wilhelm von Humboldt two hundred years ago, is the close partnership of student and faculty in their joint pursuit of research as part of the university function of teaching and learning. In this essay, a concise history of this renowned scholar is provided, leading to a discussion of strategies (with examples) that enable institutions to provide opportunities for undergraduate research in biology, despite the challenges faced by mass higher education and limited resources.
The State of Green Engineering at Virginia Tech

This paper reviews the success and failures of the Green Engineering Program at Virginia Tech over the past ten years. The history of the program is examined, including the steps to offering a ‘concentration’ in the area. Both of the core courses of the eighteen credit concentration are described and their evolution tracked: Introduction to Green Engineering (ENGR3124) and Environmental Life Cycle Assessment (ENGR3134). Steps currently being considered to add graduate level courses and efforts to obtain research funding are discussed.Copyright © 2003 by ASME
X-Ray Line Measurements with High Efficiency Bragg Crystals

We have studied the focusing properties of two highly oriented pyrolitic graphite (HOPG) spectrometers, which differ in the degree of the mosaic spread: ZYA with a low mosaic spread ({gamma}=0.4 degrees) and ZYH with a large mosaic spread ({gamma}=3.5 degrees). In order to assess the crystal performance for a variety of different experiments, various K{alpha} and K{beta} x-ray lines have been produced using a high-intensity ({approx}>10{sup 17} W/cm{sup 2}) short-pulse ({approx} 100 fs) laser beam focused onto Ti, V, Zn, and Cu foils. The measured spectral resolution of the HOPG crystals in both first and second order diffraction has been compared with theoretical predictions. Using known values for the peak reflectivity of HOPG crystals, we have also computed K{alpha} x-ray conversion efficiencies of Ti, V, Zn, and Cu. These results are important to estimate the optimal conditions under which different types of HOPG monochromators can be used for the detection of weak x-ray signals as the one encountered in x-ray Thomson/Compton scattering experiments.
Elucidating the Crystal Face- and Hydration-Dependent Catalytic Activity of Hydrotalcites in Biodiesel Production

Hydrotalcites (HTs) are an important class of heterogeneous catalysts for a wide variety of traditionally base-catalyzed organic transformations and have been considered as an alternative to homogeneous catalysts in the transesterification of fats/oils in biodiesel production. Previous experimental observations show that HT-like materials possess a crystal face-dependent activity that varies between related organic transformations, as well as a profound influence for HT hydration on its catalytic activity. We use a combination of molecular dynamics simulations and periodic plane-wave density functional theory to elucidate both the crystal face- and hydration-dependent activity of Mg−Al HT. We develop a new force field for HT, based on the existing ClayFF force field, and utilize this model to examine the interaction of a model ester reactant with HT in the presence of differing solvents, representative of conditions for common transesterification and hydrolysis reactions. Our results suggest that the vari...
gLIMS: Google cloud-based laboratory information management system for NMR metabolomics

Our project is a scalable community-driven spectroscopic annotation system for the field of metabolomics, which is the study of the of the identifying products left behind by the process of metabolism. This project is a Google-based laboratory information management system or gLIMS. This system combines the intuitive Google Drive interface and storage system with applications that empower the data, including data-visualization, annotation, and exposure to the semantic web. The value of this system is its ability to view, interpret, and then annotate significant metabolites on nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopic data. gLIMS overcomes shortcomings in currently available software, which are proprietary, closed, fail to offer web services and workflow integration, or do not have collaboration tools for scientists. The ability to plot and annotate spectra enables the metabolomics community to improve analysis and subsequent scientific discovery. The system is flexible, efficient, available, and easy to integrate with scientific workflow software by providing a representational state transfer (RESTful) web service interface. This system is implemented using Google's platform as a service (PAAS) technologies to produce a robust, available, scalable, and extensible lab information management system running entirely in-browser which facilitates collaboration on a worldwide scale.
Vertical Oscillations in Protostellar Disks. I. Formulation of the Problem

Protostellar disks that are relatively massive evolve under the influence of spiral-type density perturbations. Radiation from induced vertical oscillations could slow the rapid growth of these modes while allowing continued accretion onto the central star. Here I provide a general mathematical framework for studying disk evolution in this context. A nondimensional scheme is adopted that separates out the relatively short, dynamical timescale associated with vertical oscillations and orbital motion from the much longer, evolutionary time required for alteration of the underlying disk structure. I derive both the axisymmetric and nonaxisymmetric modal equations governing the evolution. I also present some general results that will later prove useful, including a perturbative expansion of the disk potential and a careful treatment of the rotation curve near the inner and outer disk edges.
Abstract A68: Molecular response of pediatric chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) with imatinib mesylate therapy

A68 Background Childhood cases ( Materials and Methods During the period from January 2003 to December 2007 we selected 56 cases of pediatric chronic myeloid leukemia who could not afford bone marrow transplant treatment in the pediatric Haemato-Oncolgy Department of Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose Cancer Research Institute, a tertiary cancer center from eastern India. All cases were Philadelphia chromosome and bcr/abl molecular transcript positive. The distribution of patients in the age group 1-5, 6-12 & 12-18 were 4 (7.14%), 15 (26.79%) and 37 (66.07%) respectively. The dose of imatinib mesylate (Veenat in Natco Pharma) given was 100 mg in 1-5 yrs, 200 mg in 6-12 yrs and 400 mg in older children. The maximum duration given was 5 years. bcr/abl molecular testing was done by RT-PCR method. In all patients it was done before diagnosis at 6 months, 1 year and then yearly up to 5years. Result With median follow up of 25 months (range 4 months - 48 months), Twenty-five children (44.64%) showed complete molecular response. Sixteen patients (28.57%) showed complete hematological, partial cytogenetic and partial molecular response. Eleven patients (19.64%) showed partial haematological response only. Four patients (7.14%) died during treatment because of blast crisis. Conclusion Imatinib is a good curative drug in chronic myeloid leukemia in pediatric patients. Citation Information: Cancer Prev Res 2008;1(7 Suppl):A68.
Geometry of n-state systems, pure and mixed

We discuss the geometry of states of quantum systems in an n-dimensional Hilbert space in terms of an explicit parameterization of all such systems. The geometry of the space of pure as well as mixed states for n-state systems is discussed. The parameterization is particularly useful since it allows for the simple construction and isolation of various physically meaningful subspaces of the space of all density matrices. This is used to describe possible geometric phases, their calculation, and analyze entropy and purity (or linear entropy) functions. In particular we provide conditions under which nontrivial abelian and/or nonabelian geometric phases aris in these subspaces in terms of the given parameterization, an explicit example is given, and multidimensional ientopic surfaces are discused.
Broadcast Control Channel Jamming: Resilience and Identification of Traitors

In this paper, we address the problem of countering jamming of broadcast control channels in wireless communication systems. Targeting control traffic on a system, e.g., BCCH channel in GSM, leads to smart attacks that can be four orders of magnitude more efficient than blind jamming. We propose several schemes based on coding theory and its applications that can counter both external and internal attackers (traitors). We introduce a T-(traitor) resilient scheme that requires less than (TlogT N)2 control information transmissions and guarantees delivery of control information against any coalition of T traitors. The proposed scheme also allows the identification of persistently jamming traitors.
Evaluating a model of forest succession using fuzzy analysis

In this paper we discuss how to select the optimal policy from a set of possible policies for a model of forest succession, which can be characterized by a set of trees and the corresponding average life-span with each possible tree transition. The transition probabilities are estimated by counting the numbers of sapling trees of each species under a canopy tree. [1]. In our setting the transition matrix is defined by using the linguistic terms and as a consequence, the expected longevity of each tree is fuzzy. We use the Dempster–Shafer theory [8] ('76) together with techniques of Norton [7] ('88) and Smetz [9] ('76) to approximate the transition probabilities.
Intraventricular hemorrhage secondary to intranidal aneurysm rupture-successful management by arteriovenous malformation embolization followed by intraventricular tissue plasminogen activator: case report.

Background and importance Intraventricular hemorrhage related to arteriovenous malformation (AVM) rupture is associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Intraventricular tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) has been used to treat spontaneous intraventricular hemorrhage. We demonstrate the successful application of endovascular occlusion to seal the rupture site of an AVM followed by intraventricular tPA. Clinical presentation A 32-year-old woman presented with a right frontoparietal parasagittal AVM abutting the motor cortex. The AVM was diagnosed when the patient was 13 years old, and she initially underwent conservative management. At the age of 30, the patient suffered an intracranial hemorrhage, leaving her with left hemiparesis. After rehabilitation, the patient regained ambulation; however, she remained spastic and hyperreflexic on the left side. Two years after her major hemorrhage, she presented for elective treatment of her AVM. The patient was advised to undergo staged embolization before surgical resection of her AVM. The initial embolization was uneventful. A second embolization was complicated by intraventricular hemorrhage and coma. The patient was treated with placement of an external ventricular drain followed by embolization of intranidal aneurysm. After embolization of the intranidal aneurysm the ruptured, the patient was treated with intraventricular tPA. The patient had rapid clearance of the intraventricular hemorrhage and significant improvement in her neurological examination, following commands 24 hours later and returning almost to baseline. Conclusion This case demonstrates the feasibility of treating AVM-related intraventricular hemorrhage with tPA if the rupture source can be confidently sealed interventionally. This strategy can be lifesaving but needs further study to ensure its safety.
Interrelationships among activity, food intake and weight gain in genetically obese and lean Zucker rats

In Experiment 1, food deprivation resulting in a 30% reduction in body weight produced significant increases in wheel running in both obese and lean female Zucker rats. In Experiment 2, a new technique, food contingent activity (FR, VI), dramatically increased wheel running in both obese and lean female Zucker rats. This increase in activity was achieved primarily during the dark period. Regardless of changes in activity levels, food intake and body weight gain remained similar to controls. When food was again available ad lib, activity levels rapidly decreased for obese but not lean rats. These results indicate that behavioral interventions alone are not sufficient to correct the obesity of the genetically obese rat.
A Validation of the Inventory of Callous-Unemotional Traits in a Community Sample of Young Adult Males

Callous-unemotional (CU) traits have been shown to delineate a subgroup of individuals at high risk for exhibiting severe and persistent criminal behavior. The Inventory of Callous-Unemotional Traits (ICU; Frick 2004) was recently developed as a comprehensive rating scale designed to measure multiple facets of CU traits. However, validation of this measure has been limited to youth in adolescence and emerging adulthood (age range =12–20), leaving questions about the utility of this measure in early adulthood unanswered. The current study evaluated the factor structure of the ICU within a racially diverse and well characterized community sample of adult males (n = 425) using exploratory factor analysis (EFA) and confirmatory factor analysis (CFA). While results found the best fitting model to be the three-bifactor structure that has been previously reported in adolescent samples, the fit indices were only marginally acceptable and suggest the need for scale refinement. Total and subscales scores demonstrated significant and distinct associations with relevant external criteria (e.g., delinquency, psychopathy, psychopathology, psychosocial functioning). Implications and directions for future research are discussed.
Pulsed Electron Spin Resonance Resolves the Coordination Site of Cu2+ Ions in α1-Glycine Receptor

Herein, we identify the coordination environment of Cu²(+) in the human α1-glycine receptor (GlyR). GlyRs are members of the pentameric ligand-gated ion channel superfamily (pLGIC) that mediate fast signaling at synapses. Metal ions like Zn²(+) and Cu²(+) significantly modulate the activity of pLGICs, and metal ion coordination is essential for proper physiological postsynaptic inhibition by GlyR in vivo. Zn²(+) can either potentiate or inhibit GlyR activity depending on its concentration, while Cu²(+) is inhibitory. To better understand the molecular basis of the inhibitory effect we have used electron spin resonance to directly examine Cu²(+) coordination and stoichiometry. We show that Cu²(+) has one binding site per α1 subunit, and that five Cu²(+) can be coordinated per GlyR. Cu²(+) binds to E192 and H215 in each subunit of GlyR with a 40 μM apparent dissociation constant, consistent with earlier functional measurements. However, the coordination site does not include several residues of the agonist/antagonist binding site that were previously suggested to have roles in Cu²(+) coordination by functional measurements. Intriguingly, the E192/H215 site has been proposed as the potentiating Zn²(+) site. The opposing modulatory actions of these cations at a shared binding site highlight the sensitive allosteric nature of GlyR.
Alphavirus Replicon Approach to Promoterless Analysis of IRES Elements

Here we describe a system for promoterless analysis of putative internal ribosome entry site (IRES) elements using an alphavirus (family Togaviridae) replicon vector. The system uses the alphavirus subgenomic promoter to produce transcripts that, when modified to contain a spacer region upstream of an IRES element, allow analysis of cap-independent translation of genes of interest (GOI). If the IRES element is removed, translation of the subgenomic transcript can be reduced >95% compared to the same transcript containing a functional IRES element. Alphavirus replicons, used in this manner, offer an alternative to standard dicistronic DNA vectors or in vitro translation systems currently used to analyze putative IRES elements. In addition, protein expression levels varied depending on the spacer element located upstream of each IRES. The ability to modulate the level of expression from alphavirus vectors should extend the utility of these vectors in vaccine development.
PROTECTIVE AND RISK BEHAVIORS OF RURAL MINORITY ADOLESCENT WOMEN

Studies of adolescent risk and protective behaviors have focused on identifying modifiable psychosocial variables that predict differential outcomes for subsequent intervention efforts. Research has been scarce in studies of rural minority adolescent women. This study examined the protective and risk behaviors of these women and their relationship to physical or sexual abuse. Rural minority adolescent women endured high levels of psychological distress and many high risk behaviors, yet experienced many protective behaviors. Barriers to health care included access and confidentiality. Physically or sexually abused adolescents endured relatively greater risk and fewer protective behaviors than nonabused adolescents. The prevalence of risk behaviors and abuse among rural minority adolescent women presents a need for development of psychotherapeutic interventions as part of behavioral interventions for risk reduction. These women may benefit from confidential identification and assessment of abuse history and risk and protective behaviors so that appropriate psychological treatment can accompany accessible medical treatment.
Olive without a cause: the story of infantile hypertrophic pyloric stenosis

For many diseases and medical conditions the clinical recognition and the development of accurate diagnostic methods and the etiological cause precede effective treatment. In the case of infantile hypertrophic pyloric stenosis (HPS), this sequence of events did not happen. Clinical recognition of the entity proceeded directly to the development of curative treatment. Reliable diagnostic imaging methods followed, but a definitive etiology has not been elucidated. This paper reviews the historical aspects of hypertrophic pyloric stenosis, discusses how and why it took so long for this not uncommon disease to be recognized, and highlights the physicians who changed an often fatal disease into an easily diagnosed and treated minor affliction.
Cavitation-erosion-lnduced phase transformations in alloys

Previously reported surface phase transformations occurring during cavitation erosion in cobalt- and iron-base alloys have been confirmed. However, an examination of the effect of aging treatments on Stellite 6B failed to demonstrate any simple relationship between transformation characteristics and erosion resistance. For several iron-base transformable alloys, the erosion resistance was shown to be related to strength and again no direct correlation could be established between transformation and erosion. It is concluded that the phase transformation is incidental to the erosion process. However, since many erosion resistant alloys do undergo a deformation-induced phase transformation, a more general explanation for the erosion resistance of alloys with close-packed structures is offered in terms of stacking fault energy.
Modality Effects: Do They Fall on Deaf Ears?:

The present study tests the assumption of the PAS theory of echoic memory (Greene & Crowder, 1984) that the representation of acoustic features is necessary in producing modality effects. Performance by deaf subjects was compared to hearing subjects on serial and free-recall tasks with vocalizing and non-vocalizing conditions. For the serial tasks, typical modality and acoustic similarity effects were observed with hearing subjects, and no such effects were found with deaf subjects. However, for the free-recall task, modality effects were found for both deaf and hearing subjects. It is unlikely that phonological coding resulting from gestural cues mediates the modality effect, as phonological confusion errors for deaf and hearing subjects did not correlate with the size of this effect.
Analysis of channeled spectropolarimetry using singular value decomposition

Channeled spectropolarimetry is a technique for measuring the spectral dependence of the polarization state of light. Passive polarization optics are used to encode the spectral dependence of the four Stokes components s k into a single irradiance spectrum. We treat the technique as a linear operator and compute its singular value decomposition numerically. The resulting singular functions divide into three distinct groups representing s 0 , s 1 and mixtures of s 2 and s 3 . The corresponding singular values indicate that measurements of the latter two groups will have signal-to-noise ratios reduced form that of s 0 by factors of 0.6 and 0.4 respectively. The structure of the singular vectors is in agreement with a separate estimate of the system's resolution.
Stable adaptive control of a class of first-order nonlinearly parameterized plants

Stable adaptive control algorithms are designed for a class of first-order nonlinearly parameterized plants containing nonlinearities similar to those arising in fermentation process models. When the plant nonlinearity is conveniently parameterized and when the controller parameters are adjusted adaptively, the output error is shown to converge to zero. Stability of the overall system is proved using the Lyapunov function with a suitably chosen cubic term. >
Molecular characterization of a sulfate-reducing consortium which mineralizes benzene

A stable and sediment-free, benzene mineralizing, sulfate-reducing culture that resisted repeated attempts at isolation was examined using molecular approaches such as traditional cloning and sequencing and a direct PCR fingerprinting method for 16S rRNA genes. Despite the culture's long exposure to benzene as the only carbon and energy source (over 3 years) and repeated dilutions of the original enrichment, this consortium has remained relatively complex. Cloning and sequence analysis identified 12 unique small subunit rRNA genes. The 16S rRNA genes belong to different eubacterial phyla, including Proteobacteria, Cytophagales and Gram-positives. There is one deeply branching clone which is not closely related to any known, sequenced, bacterium. A different clone, however, is closely related to a known sulfidogenic, aromatic hydrocarbon degrader. To assess 16S rRNA gene cloning efficiency, a fingerprinting method based on fluorescent, end-labeling of PCR product (16S rRNA genes) and screening by restriction length polymorphism analysis (RFLP) was employed. The data obtained indicated that we had cloned and characterized nearly all of the eubacterial 16S rRNA genes amplified from the consortia.
Evaluating the Feasibility of Using Noncontact Sensors to Conduct a Targetless Concealed Information Test

The standard Concealed Information Test (CIT) requires the use of target items to elicit physiological response differences between those concealing information and those naive to target items. Interpersonal Deception Theory contends that deceivers often exhibit both strategic and nonstrategic behaviors in an attempt to appear truthful. This paper proposes a study designed to ascertain the feasibility of using noncontact sensors to conduct a target less CIT to elicit cues of strategic and nonstrategic behaviors indicative of concealed knowledge and deception. The ability to implement a CIT without target items increases the feasibility of CIT use in a number of border control, passenger screening, and document adjudication contexts.
Health-related quality of life following haematopoietic cell transplantation: patient education, evaluation and intervention

Health-related quality of life (QOL) is a vital concern in the pre-treatment consent process and post-treatment care of recipients of haematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT). We propose that comprehensive care of such patients requires an integration of knowledge of the impact of HCT on QOL, assessment of QOL, as well as resources available for intervention. This knowledge may significantly improve patient care when incorporated into daily clinical practice in the transplant setting. As a framework for this approach, this article reviews the literature on QOL after allogeneic and autologous HCT for adults with haematological malignancies. We then discuss evidence in support of the beneficial impact of clinical QOL assessment, and finally evaluate behavioural interventions that show promise to maintain or improve QOL after HCT.
American Views About Public Services: A Challenging Paradox for Public Administrators

Abstract This review of public opinion about the role of government in the United States finds a perhaps surprising combination of conservative and liberal beliefs. For example, while they are strongly supportive of tax cuts, Americans also want more government activism in a wide variety of areas. This certainly presents a challenge for public administrators and government since the means for fulfilling these desires of the citizens are far from readily apparent.
Fault tolerance in ZigBee wireless sensor networks

Wireless sensor networks (WSN) based on the IEEE 802.15.4 Personal Area Network standard are finding increasing use in the home automation and emerging smart energy markets. The network and application layers, based on the ZigBee 2007 PRO Standard, provide a convenient framework for component-based software that supports customer solutions from multiple vendors. This technology is supported by System-on-a-Chip solutions, resulting in extremely small and low-power nodes. The Wireless Connections in Space Project addresses the aerospace flight domain for both flight-critical and non-critical avionics. WSNs provide the inherent fault tolerance required for aerospace applications utilizing such technology. The team from Ames Research Center has developed techniques for assessing the fault tolerance of ZigBee WSNs challenged by radio frequency (RF) interference or WSN node failure.12
WP1066, a novel JAK2 inhibitor, suppresses proliferation and induces apoptosis in erythroid human cells carrying the JAK2 V617F mutation

Purpose: The discovery of an activating somatic mutation in codon 617 of the gene encoding the Janus kinase (JAK)-2 (JAK2 V617F) in patients with myeloproliferative disorders has opened new avenues for the development of targeted therapies for these malignancies. However, no effective JAK2 inhibitors are currently available for clinical use. Experimental Design: We investigated the activity of ( E )-3(6-bromopyridin-2-yl)-2-cyano- N -(S0-1phenylethyl)acrylamide (WP1066), a novel analogue of the JAK2 inhibitor AG490, in JAK2 V617F–positive erythroleukemia HEL cells and in blood cells from patients with polycythemia vera. Results: We found that WP1066 significantly inhibited JAK2 and its downstream signal transducer and activator of transcription-3, signal transducer and activator of transcription-5, and extracellular signal-regulated kinase-1/2 pathways in a dose- and time-dependent manner. As a result, WP1066 concentrations in the low micromolar range induced time- and dose-dependent antiproliferative and proapoptotic effects in HEL cells. As expected, WP1066 inhibited the proliferation of peripheral blood hematopoietic progenitors of patients with polycythemia vera carrying the JAK2 V617F mutation in a dose-dependent manner. Conclusions: Our data suggest that WP1066 is active both in vitro and ex vivo and should be further developed for the treatment of neoplasms expressing the JAK2 V617F mutation.
Proteomic Revelation: SUMO Changes Partners When the Heat Is On

Dynamic changes in the posttranslational modification of proteins govern most cellular signaling pathways. Work over the past decade has connected many of these processes with the covalent attachment of the small ubiquitin-like modifier (SUMO) protein to target proteins, but a global view of the dynamics of SUMOylation was missing. A system-level proteomics approach has now been used to describe quantitative changes in protein modification with the SUMO-2 paralog during the response to heat shock. The SUMOylation status of more than 700 proteins was monitored in HeLa cells during the induction of hyperthermic stress and the recovery period. A massive redistribution of SUMO-2 was observed that affected many biological pathways that are important for the heat shock response, including cell cycle regulation, transcription, translation, protein folding, and DNA repair. Collectively, these data suggest a wide-ranging role for SUMOylation in the cellular response to hyperthermic stress. The strategies that were developed to provide this global view of SUMOylation should guide future approaches to probing quantitative changes in protein modification.
Basic Fibroblast Growth Factor Increases the Number of Excitatory Neurons Containing Glutamate in the Cerebral Cortex

Stem cells isolated from the ventricular zone of embryonic day 12.5 rat telencephalon progressively proliferate and differentiate in vitro into three major classes of amino acid-containing neurons, glutamate, aspartate, and GABA. We quantitatively examined the effect of basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) and nerve growth factor (NGF) on amino acid-containing neurons. bFGF caused a threefold increase in glutamate-containing neurons, while the number of GABA- and aspartate-containing neurons was not significantly changed. In contrast, NGF did not alter the number of amino acid-containing neurons. The ratio of glutamate- to GABA-containing neurons in untreated or NGF-treated cultures was 0.6:1. In the bFGF-treated cultures, this ratio was 1.4:1, which closely approximates the ratio in the cerebral cortex in vivo. Treatment with antisense oligonucleotides targeted to bFGF mRNA provoked a 50% decrease in the number of glutamate-containing neurons but had no significant effect on the GABA-containing neurons. Thus, diffusible factors such as bFGF may play an important role in determining the relative proportion of excitatory versus inhibitory neurons in the cerebral cortex by selectively regulating the proliferation of stem cells committed to different neurotransmitter phenotypes.
Small Molecule Binding, Docking, and Characterization of the Interaction between Pth1 and Peptidyl-tRNA

Bacterial Pth1 is essential for viability. Pth1 cleaves the ester bond between the peptide and nucleotide of peptidyl-tRNA generated from aborted translation, expression of mini-genes, and short ORFs. We have determined the shape of the Pth1:peptidyl-tRNA complex using small angle neutron scattering. Binding of piperonylpiperazine, a small molecule constituent of a combinatorial synthetic library common to most compounds with inhibitory activity, was mapped to Pth1 via NMR spectroscopy. We also report computational docking results, modeling piperonylpiperazine binding based on chemical shift perturbation mapping. Overall these studies promote Pth1 as a novel antibiotic target, contribute to understanding how Pth1 interacts with its substrate, advance the current model for cleavage, and demonstrate feasibility of small molecule inhibition.
Using a formal approach to simulation interoperability to specify languages for ambassador agents

Ambassador agents represent simulation services that are candidates to contribute to the solution of a problem. They need to know and express enough about the simulations to negotiate with other ambassador agents if the represented simulation systems can be composed to contribute to the solution. A formal approach to simulation interoperability based on set theory and date modeling theory was developed. The formal model of data in M&S capturing possible representations of real or imagined things in the world including definitions for existential and transformational dependencies is presented. Existential dependencies capture the relationships within a model while transformational dependencies capture the relationships between interactions with a model. These definitions are used to formally specify interoperation, the ability to exchange information, as a necessary condition for interoperability. The elements needed for a language needed for ambassador agents are derived using the formal approach to interoperability.