cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Cohort Generation and Characterization of Patient-Specific Familial Hypercholesterolemia Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells

Homozygous familial hypercholesterolemia (hoFH) is a rare disorder caused primarily by pathological mutations in the low-density lipoprotein receptor (LDLR), which disrupts LDL-cholesterol (LDL-C) metabolism homeostasis. hoFH patients are at extremely high risk for cardiovascular disease and are resistant to standard therapies. LDLR knockout animals and in vitro cell models overexpressing different mutations have proved useful, but may not fully recapitulate human LDLR mutation biology. We and others have generated induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSC) from hoFH patient's fibroblasts and T cells and demonstrated their ability to recapitulate hoFH biology. In this study, we present the generation and characterization of a cohort of seven hoFH-iPSC lines derived from peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) collected from four homozygous and three compound heterozygous patients. The hoFH-iPSC cohort demonstrated a wide range of LDLR expression and LDL-C internalization in response to rosuvastatin that correlated with the predicted pathogenicity of the mutation. We were able to confirm that hoFH-iPSC cohort were pluripotent by differentiation toward all three germ layers and specifically to hepatocyte-like cells (HLC), the cell with primary LDL-C metabolic regulatory control, by expression of hepatocyte markers. hoFH patient PBMC-derived iPSC recapitulate the LDLR dysfunction of their specific mutation. They were capable of differentiating to HLC and could be useful for early developmental studies, pharmacology/toxicology, and potentially autologous cell therapy.
Voices Heard, Voices Seen: From Classroom Praxis to Digital Stories Worth Sharing

This paper presents the primary benefits digital storytelling affords teachers and students. Maximizing the multimodal authoring conditions for optimal online/offline learning comprises the paper’s main focus. Throughout, it is asserted that stories worth telling are stories worth sharing but only if embedded in dialogic constructs supporting authentic pursuits. Practical considerations important to understanding digital storytelling and its manifold applications, along with classroom-tested recommendations for digital creations, are then presented, followed by seven pedagogical implications requiring a more focused treatment. It is concluded that students are indeed capable of transforming themselves from passive consumers of technology into active creators of digital compositions, one voice, one story at a time.
Evolution of orbit size in toothed whales (Artiodactyla: Odontoceti)

For many marine tetrapods, vision is important for finding food and navigating underwater, and eye size has increased to improve the capture of light in dim ocean depths. Odontocete whales, in contrast, rely instead on echolocation for navigation and prey capture. We tested whether the evolution of echolocation has influenced the orbit size, a proxy for eye size, and examined how orbit size evolved over time. We also assessed variation in orbit size amongst whales and tested how body size, diving ability, sound production, foraging habitat, and prey capture strategy influenced the orbit size using phylogenetic independent contrasts and phylogenetic ANOVAs. Using measurements of orbit length and bizygomatic width, we calculated proportional orbit size for 70 extant and 29 extinct whale taxa, with an emphasis on Odontoceti. We then performed ancestral character state reconstruction on a time-calibrated composite phylogeny. Our analysis revealed that there was no shift in proportional orbit size from archaeocetes through stem odontocetes, indicating that the evolution of echolocation did not influence the orbit size. Proportional orbit size increased in Ziphiidae, Phocoenidae, and Cephalorhynchus. Proportional orbit size decreased in Balaenidae, Physeteridae, Platanistidae, and Lipotidae. Body size, diving ability, foraging environment, and prey capture strategy had a significant influence on orbit size, but only without phylogenetic correction. An increase in orbit size is associated with deep diving behavior in beaked whales, while progenesis and retention of juvenile features into adulthood explain the pattern observed in Phocoenidae and Cephalorhynchus. Decrease in proportional orbit size is associated with adaptation toward murky freshwater environments in odontocetes and skim feeding in balaenids. Our study reveals that the evolution of echolocation had little effect on orbit size, which is variable in whales, and that adaptation for different feeding modes and habitat explains some of this variance.
Recent trends in metallic fast reactor fuels research

Abstract Metallic nuclear fuels have been extensively investigated for more than 60 years. Early studies noted that metallic fuels exhibit characteristic irradiation behaviors that set them apart from oxide fuels. By performing a critical review of historical data, the current gaps in the understanding of metallic U-Zr and U-Pu-Zr fuels (e.g., constituent redistribution, swelling and fission gas release) and recommendations for future research direction can be identified. This paper reviews and highlights the key aspects of the metallic fuel irradiation behaviors, with respect to the gaps in current understanding, based on the research performed in the past 3 years.
An economy of scales: A selective review of obesity's economic causes, consequences, and solutions

This paper reviews the economic research on obesity, covering topics such as the measurement of, and trends in, obesity, the economic causes of obesity (e.g. the monetary price and time cost of food, food assistance programs, income, education, macroeconomic conditions, and peer effects), and the economic consequences of obesity (e.g. lower wages, a lower probability of employment, and higher medical care costs). It also examines the extent to which obesity imposes negative externalities, and economic interventions that could potentially internalize such externalities, such as food taxes, subsidies for school-based physical activity programs, and financial rewards for weight loss. It discusses other economic rationales for government intervention with respect to obesity, such as imperfect information, time inconsistent preferences, and irrational behavior. It concludes by proposing a research agenda for the field. Overall, the evidence suggests that there is no single dominant economic cause of obesity; a wide variety of factors may contribute a modest amount to the risk. There is consistent evidence regarding the economic consequences of obesity, which are lower wages and higher medical care costs that impose negative externalities through health insurance. Studies of economic approaches to preventing obesity, such as menu labeling, taxes on energy-dense foods, and financial rewards for weight loss find only modest effects on weight and thus a range of policies may be necessary to have a substantial effect on the prevalence of obesity.
TATA-binding protein-associated factor(s) in TFIID function through the initiator to direct basal transcription from a TATA-less class II promoter

The RNA polymerase II (Pol II) basal transcription factor TFIID is composed of the TATA box-binding protein (TBP) and several TBP-associated factors (TAFs). TBP is required for Pol II transcription from TATA-containing and TATA-less promoters. TATA-less promoters of mRNA-encoding genes often contain an initiator element at the transcription start site that is sufficient to direct accurate Pol II transcription. Here we address the mechanisms of functional TBP recruitment to the TATA-less initiator-dependent promoter of the mouse terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase (TdT) gene. We show that the natural TATA-less TdT initiator region is sufficient to promote low levels of specific transcription in vitro and to direct the assembly of a stable preinitiation complex. In contrast to what is observed for several other promoters lacking a consensus TATA element, the TATA-binding activity of TBP is not required for the functional recruitment of TFIID to the natural TATA-less TdT and beta-polymerase promoters. Moreover, a comparison of TBP and highly purified epitope-tagged TFIID reveals that one or several TAFs function independently of distal regulatory elements to mediate initiator-directed (basal) transcription from the natural TATA-less TdT core promoter in crude nuclear extracts. Furthermore, by using a transcription system reconstituted with purified components, we present the first evidence for a basal transcription function of TAFs through the TdT initiator element. Altogether, our results suggest an alternative pathway for TFIID recruitment to initiator-dependent TATA-less class II promoters in which TAF(s) recruit TBP by interacting either directly or indirectly with the initiator region.
Differentiated instruction and literacy skill development in the preschool classroom

The promotion of emergent literacy skills is a focus for Head Start classrooms. Teachers must find a way to meet the needs of all the students in their classroom when promoting literacy skills. Through principals of differentiated instruction, teachers are able to meet the diverse learning needs of students in a format that creates a respectful, safe learning environment. The current study explored Head Start teachers use of differentiated instruction when promoting literacy skill development in the preschool classroom. Although findings indicate that the teachers are providing skill development activities in print recognition, phonological awareness, writing skill development and oral language, an underlying factor in classroom implementation is tied to teacher feelings of support, professional development and pre-service training programs.
Snowflake Adoptions and Orphan Embryos: The Legal Response to Embryo Transfer

Micah Wheat was born on February 14, 2001 and the birth was historic. It was the first widely publicized birth which came as a result of embryo donation under the Snowflakes Program run by Nightlight Christian Adoptions. He was born six years after he was frozen as an embryo by his genetic parents. He would be thawed by his adoptive parents and implanted in his adoptive mother.The story belies the existing legal void regarding the rights of individuals who are parties to embryo donation, a process which in the main has been treated as a medical matter rather than legal. However, the existence of the Snowflake program requires consideration of the existing law regarding embryo donation. It is also important to consider the legal relations between children born via embryo donation and the donors and donees.This article focuses on issues raised by voluntary and involuntary embryo donations. The issues necessarily include those raised by abortion and stem cell research. Furthermore, the article explores the consequences of equating embryo donation with adoption.The article argues that there will challenges ahead for reproductive supporters in crafting laws that address the important issues but stays away from being equated with adoption.
Economic reform and progress in Latin America and the Caribbean

In the late 1980s, after decades of poor economic management, many Latin American and Caribbean countries undertook structural reform that placed them on a path toward superior economic performance. The authors examine the experience in structural reform in five areas: governance (reforming public institutions), international trade, financial markets, labor markets, and the generation and use of public resources. To characterize the experience with structural reform in the region, they develop quantitative indicators for different types of policy reform and for their outcomes. They conclude that the most progress has been made in liberalizing international trade. In this area the region has done almost as well as the Asian newly industrialized countries (NICs). The least progress has been made in reforming labor markets. In most countries there are still severe constraints on hiring and firing workers, payroll tax rates are high, there are few or no mechanisms for resolving labor disputes, and there is too much public employment. Financial development has improved, especially the depth of financial intermediation, private sector participation in banking, and the size and activity of stock markets. As for the efficient generation and use of public resources, much has been done to make the value-added tax system efficient and to privatize public enterprises. Reform gains in governance have been modest. Latin America remains well behind the Asian NICs and OECD countries, especially regarding the rule of law (judicial and police systems) and the quality of public administration (procedural clarity and the bureaucracy's honesty and technical competence). A great deal has been accomplished, but compared with the Asian NICs and OECD countries, there is still substantial room for improvement.
A review of wireless coexistence test methodologies

This paper discusses several wireless coexistence test methods in-practice and proposed for industry standards such as ANSI C63.27 The test methods include conducted and radiated setups, and utilize a range of technologies at various levels of sophistication, including consumer electronics, laboratory grade test equipment, and anechoic test chambers. Some key parameters associated with the testing environments are outlined, and the benefits and limitations of the different test methods are discussed. Finally, some ideas on research needed to reconcile the outputs from the various tests are explored.
Replacing Arg70 by Histidine in The Cytochrome Aa3-600 Menaquinol Oxidase from Bacillus Subtilis Changes The Nitrogen Interacting with The Semiquinone Formed at The Qh Site But Does Not Eliminate Catalytic Function

Cytochrome aa3-600 is a terminal oxidase in the electron transport pathway that contributes to the electrochemical membrane potential by actively pumping protons. A notable feature of this enzyme c...
Causality-Driven Performance Monitoring and Scaling Automation for Managed Solutions

A key feature of Cloud computing is its agility and flexibility to support the scalability needs of business solutions. Currently, the agility is only limited to the scalability of the compute, memory and storage. To improve an application's agility, we need to monitor a measure solution level metrics and associate the performance of the metrics to the business agility needs of the solution by making real-time scalability or change decisions. In this paper, we illustrate a scaling decision mechanism utilizing the monitoring data from infrastructure, middleware, and business level metrics. We use these performance metrics as input to a causality analysis model to make architecture changes or scalability decisions. Mathematically, we define the causality as a graph to link the changes in the measured metric values to the action of the solution change. The causality analysis follows scalability principles as best practices. They are a) the principle of performance scalability b) principle of contribution margin for scalability, and c) principle of the least cost of SLA compliance. We define these scalability principles as the rules to ensure that the business stakeholder of the solution can maintain or improve their business quality or profit margins as the computing capability scales up or down. To implement those principles, we need to establish the linkages of the business metrics to the decision of changes. To make such linkage, we first utilize causality analysis to identify feasible scaling actions, and then associate those actions with the system, application, and business performance metrics. With the help of causality analysis, we implement a performance monitoring and scaling automation framework for managed solutions using an Open Source Monitoring system.
Improving Distributed Semantic Search with Hybrid Topology and Peer Recommendation

In this paper, we propose a novel framework for discovery Semantic Web data in large-scale distributed networks. In this framework, peers dynamically perform topology adaptations to spontaneously create communities with similar semantic interests, so that search requests have a high probability of being satisfied within the local community. For queries which cannot be efficiently solved inside the community, a directory overlay built on Distributed Hash Table (DHT) is used to assist the search. Recommendation from peers of the same community is employed to extract only semantically related results thus improving the precision. Experiments with simulations substantiate that our techniques significantly improve the search efficiency, scalability, and precision.
Treatment Planning for Patients With Autism Spectrum Disorders.

Patients with autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) can present with extremely heterogeneous issues, and, therefore, their treatment can be very challenging. Most patients with ASDs will benefit from contact with a multitude of disciplines. In this article, treatment planning is structured in terms of the patient's life stages. Early on, assessment of developmental milestones, metabolic conditions, and hearing; making the diagnosis of ASD; and providing genetic counseling are salient. As the child grows, speech and language therapy, early intensive intervention, special education, parent training, and neurologic assessment become important. With greater age, behavior therapy, pharmacotherapy, occupational therapy, and sexuality issues are often in ascendancy. As the patient approaches and proceeds through adulthood, transition training, housing options, and guardianship issues may be priorities. Advocacy is relevant throughout the life span. Professionals have an obligation to familiarize parents with interventions likely to be fruitful or unhelpful. There is growing evidence that early intensive behavior intervention, though expensive, may produce lifelong gains in functioning. A variety of experimental and/or unproven treatments are identified; mental health professionals can help families with members who have ASDs by guiding them toward effective treatments and away from therapies of unknown value but with potential risks and/or costs.
Nuclear factor-κB in pancreatitis: Jack-of-all-trades, but which one is more important?

See “Deletion of IκBα activates RelA to reduce acute pancreatitis in mice through up-regulation of Spi2A,” by Neuhofer P, Liang S, Einwachter H, et al, on page 192; and “Activation of nuclear factor-κB in acinar cells increases the severity of pancreatitis in mice,” by Huang H, Liu Y, Daniluk J, et al, on page 202.
Increasing the Accuracy of MODIS/Aqua Snow Product Using Quantitative Image Restoration Technique

The National Aeronautics and Space Administration's Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS)-based snow mask product critically uses 1.6 μm band 6. The snow mask algorithm for MODIS on Aqua has been adapted to use the 2.1 μm band 7, since some of Aqua's MODIS detectors are nonfunctional. We have previously introduced an algorithm for quantitative image restoration (QIR) that can restore missing pixels or scan lines, using multilinear regression with input from a spatial-spectral window in other bands. In this letter, we argue that the use of MODIS Aqua band 6 data restored with the QIR technique in the snow algorithm results in a higher accuracy snow product as compared to the current MODIS Aqua snow product based on band 7 data. We show this by comparing a QIR-restored band 6 based product to the band 7 based product, applied to MODIS Terra, where we have simulated the Aqua-like damage to band 6. We demonstrate improved performance on representative granules covering different surface land-type conditions.
Electron beam transport studies for the APLE experiment

Abstract The Average Power Laser Experiment (APLE) is a 10 μm FEL experiment that is configured as a single accelerator master oscillator power amplifier (SAMOPA). The performance of the device is dependent upon high brightness electron beam transport through bends, bunchers, two wigglers, and intervening magnetic matching sections. Electron beam transport simulations of the APLE layout are presented, and the various design trade-offs and underlying physics of the APLE device is discussed.
Effect of Cimetidine on Eggshell Quality and Plasma 25-Hydroxycholecalciferol in Laying Hens

Experiments were conducted to investigate the effect of feeding cimetidine (CIMET), ranging from 0 to 750 mg/kg, on vitamin D3 metabolism and eggshell calcification in laying hens fed two levels of vitamin D3 (500 and 2,000 ICU/kg). Final BW and feed intake were not significantly affected by either CIMET or vitamin D3 level. Feeding 500 and 750 mg of CIMET significantly decreased total egg production in hens fed either level of vitamin D3, but no differences were observed at lower CIMET levels. Tibia ash decreased significantly in hens fed 150 to 750 mg of CIMET, regardless of the vitamin D3 level. Plasma Ca and inorganic P concentrations were decreased in hens fed high CIMET levels (500 and 750 mg/kg) at Week 2, but no differences were observed at Week 4. Feeding CIMET (500 and 750 mg/kg) significantly decreased plasma 25-hydroxycholecalciferol (25-OHD3) levels at Week 2 in hens fed both vitamin D3 diets but not at Week 4. Eggshell breaking force, shell thickness, and percentage shell weight were decreased significantly by CIMET in all experiments; however, in one experiment, shell quality recovered by Week 8. These results suggest that the CIMET-induced reduction in bone mineralization, eggshell quality, and plasma 25-OHD3 levels could be due to interference of CIMET with vitamin D3 metabolism in vitamin D3-replete laying hens. Shell quality decreased in CIMET-treated hens fed the higher vitamin D diet even though 250-HD3 plasma levels were three times higher than in hens fed the lower vitamin D diet, suggesting that CIMET affected shell quality through some mechanism other than inhibition of 250-HD3 synthesis.
SU-E-T-776: External Beam Accelerated Partial Breast Irradiation Using Intensity Modulated Proton Therapy (IMPT)

Purpose: To explore advantages and uncertainties of IMPT for accelerated partial breast irradiation (APBI), and compare the dosimetry with passive scatteringprotons (PSPB) and clinic photon 3D radiotherapy (3DCRT). Method and Materials: Two theoretical proton IMPT plans, i.e. one with two tangential fields (OPPOSED_PAIR) and one with a tangential field and an en face field (ORTHOGONAL_PAIR), were created for 11 patients and compared with PSPB and 3DCRT. The impact of range and patient setup uncertainties and scanned spots mismatching between fields for IMPT plans was evaluated. Results: Compared with 3DCRT, IMPT plans with both beam configurations significantly reduced the dose to lungs, normal breast tissues,heart and breast skin and have significantly better dose coverage for target volume using ORTHOGONAL_PAIR and comparable coverage using OPPOSED_PAIR. Compare with PSPB, IMPT with both beam configurations was significantly better for V90 and V75 of breast skin, and V90 and V75 of ipsilateral normal breast, and comparable for V50 and V30 of breast skin, V100 of ipsilateral normal breast, V5Gy and mean dose of ipsilateral lung, maximum dose of heart and contralateral breast, and mean dose of contralateral lung. IMPT using ORTHOGONAL_PAIR was comparable for V10 of breast skin, V50 and V20 of ipsilateral normal breast, and V10Gy and V20Gy of ipsilateral lung, but significantly worse using OPPOSED_PAIR. For IMPT, CTV coverage of 95% prescription dose was over 90% considering range and patients setup uncertainties, but could drop to 80% with scanned spots mismatching between two beams in worst scenario. The en face beam has significantly more dose fluctuation in chestwall region than tangential beam. Conclusion: IMPT plans showed potential for normal tissuedose reduction and target coverage improvement compared with PSPB and 3DCRT. It is robust considering range and patient setup uncertainties, but vulnerable to the scanned spots mismatching among different beams.
Electrochemical Reduction of Arylethenylpyridinium Salts: Relation to Structure Anthelmintic Activity

Abstract Cyclic voltammetry data were obtained for a series of 1(1 –)- and 1 (2-arylethenyl)pyridinium salts. The 1(1-arylvinyl) salts exhibited more negative reduction potentials than their N- β -styryl counterparts. Rationalizations of the reduction values are provided. Differences in reduction potentials within a series are discussed utilizing substituent constant effects. Correlations exist for the electrochemical data and anthelmintic activity.
Effects of hydration on the molecular structure of magnesium-fulvic acid complexes: a MOPAC (PM3) study

Abstract A semi-empirical model of Suwannee River fulvic acid, based on spectroscopic and electrochemical evidence, has been used as a basis for determining the structural characteristics and computed enthalpies and entropies of both anhydrous and hydrated mixed metal ion-fulvic acid complexes containing magnesium and either zinc, lead or cadmium. Replacement of Mg2+ with Cd2+, Pb2+, or Zn2+ at alternate binding sites results in changes in binding of Mg2+ from cis to trans at the phthalate binding site in fulvic acid. Hydration of Mg2+, Cd2+, Pb2+ and Zn2+ changes the relative enthalpies of formation for the di-substituted metal-fulvic acid complexes while leaving the type of binding at the phthalate binding site unaffected. The entropies of complex formation for both the anhydrous and hydrated metal ion-fulvic acid complexes are similar. Consequently, standard enthalpies of formation are an indicator of the relative strength of metal ion binding for both metal ion-phthalic acid and metal ion-fulvic acid complexes. Hydrogen bonding contributes to the overall structure and to the co-ordination of waters of hydration in the metal-fulvic acid complexes
The effect of particle size distribution on light transmittance measurement.

Light transmittance by clouds of small particles has long been used as a method to measure particle properties such as size or concentration. However, this application of light scattering has resulted in empirical data dependent on the specific instrument. Deviations from light extinction theory result when scattered light enters the detector, increasing the apparent transmittance. Previous studies of light extinction measurements have mainly considered error as a function of particle size with only limited analysis of polydispersed particle size distributions. The ratio of the expected extinction coefficient to the theoretical extinction coefficient is reported as a function of the log-normal size distribution parameters, geometric mass mean radius, and geometric standard deviation, for various detector acceptance angles.
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs inhibit the expression of cytokines and induce HSP70 in human monocytes.

Recent studies have shown that the non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) activate heat shock transcription factor (HSF1) from a latent cytoplasmic form to a nuclear, DNA binding state. As HSF1 can function as both an activator of heat shock genes and a repressor of non-heat shock genes such as IL1B and c- fos, we have examined the potential role of HSF1 in the effects of NSAIDs on gene expression in a human monocytic cell line THP-1. We found that two members of the NSAIDs, sodium salicylate and sulindac repress the IL1B promoter to similar degree to heat shock or HSF1 overexpression. In addition, sodium salicylate and additional NSAIDs used at concentrations that activate HSF1 also inhibited the expression of other monocytic genes (TNF-alpha, IL-1beta, IL-6, IL-8, IL-10, ICAM-1) activated by exposure to a pro-inflammatory stimulus (lipopolysaccharide, LPS). At least in the case of the IL1B promoter, repression did not seem to involve another factor whose activity is affected by the NSAIDs, NFkappaB as the IL1B promoter fragment used in our studies is not NFkappaB responsive and binds specifically to HSF1. Exposure to NSAIDs had a complex effect on HSP gene expression and while sulindac activated the stress responsive HSP70B promoter, sodium salicylate did not. In addition, only a subset of the NSAIDs induced HSP70 mRNA species. These findings reflect the properties of HSF1 which can be activated to at least two DNA binding forms only one of which activates heat shock promoters and suggest that individual NSAID family members may differentially induce one or other of these forms. Overall therefore, exposure to NSAIDs leads to a profound switch in gene expression in monocytic cells, with suppression of genes involved in macrophage activation and induction of stress genes and HSF1 appears to play a regulatory role in these effects.
A framework for testing hardware-software security architectures

New security architectures are difficult to prototype and test at the design stage. Fine-grained monitoring of the interactions between hardware, the operating system and applications is required. We have designed and prototyped a testing framework, using virtualization, that can emulate the behavior of new hardware mechanisms in the virtual CPU and can perform a wide range of hardware and software attacks on the system under test.Our testing framework provides APIs for monitoring hardware and software events in the system under test, launching attacks, and observing their effects. We demonstrate its use by testing the security properties of the Secret Protection (SP) architecture using a suite of attacks. We show two important lessons learned from the testing of the SP architecture that affect the design and implementation of the architecture. Our framework enables extensive testing of hardware-software security architectures, in a realistic and flexible environment, with good performance provided by virtualization.
N6-methyladenosine-dependent regulation of messenger RNA stability

N(6)-methyladenosine (m(6)A) is the most prevalent internal (non-cap) modification present in the messenger RNA of all higher eukaryotes. Although essential to cell viability and development, the exact role of m(6)A modification remains to be determined. The recent discovery of two m(6)A demethylases in mammalian cells highlighted the importance of m(6)A in basic biological functions and disease. Here we show that m(6)A is selectively recognized by the human YTH domain family 2 (YTHDF2) 'reader' protein to regulate mRNA degradation. We identified over 3,000 cellular RNA targets of YTHDF2, most of which are mRNAs, but which also include non-coding RNAs, with a conserved core motif of G(m(6)A)C. We further establish the role of YTHDF2 in RNA metabolism, showing that binding of YTHDF2 results in the localization of bound mRNA from the translatable pool to mRNA decay sites, such as processing bodies. The carboxy-terminal domain of YTHDF2 selectively binds to m(6)A-containing mRNA, whereas the amino-terminal domain is responsible for the localization of the YTHDF2-mRNA complex to cellular RNA decay sites. Our results indicate that the dynamic m(6)A modification is recognized by selectively binding proteins to affect the translation status and lifetime of mRNA.
On the structure of positive solutions to an elliptic problem arising in thin film equations

We consider the structure of positive radial solutions of Δu+u−α−u−β=0in BR,u=0on ∂BR, where BR is a ball in RN with radius R. When 0 0 such that when R>R∗, the Dirichlet problem has exactly two radial solutions; when R=R∗, the solution is unique and there is no solution for R 0, the radial solution exists and is unique.
Validity of the swelling method for the determination of the interaction parameter

Abstract By selecting solvents with a very weakly concentration-dependent interaction parameter χ with poly(dimethylsiloxane) (PDMS) and using experimental values of the elastic modulus of dry, end-linked PDMS networks, the Flory-Rehner theory and the phantom network assumption we obtained good agreement between the values of χ from equilibrium swelling and those obtained from intrinsic viscosity measurements on solutions of linear chains. The solvents used were 2,3-dimethylpentane and 2,2,4-trimethylpentane at 25°C.
Analytic investigation of some reduced models in the large N limit

Abstract Using the replica technique to perform quenched average, a large class of vector models is investigated, starting from the reduced form introduced by Parisi. We also comment on the properties of the reduced infinite color QCD2 and show that quenching is unnecessary in this case.
The role of computers and information systems in medicine

An information system can be defined as a system intended to provide information needed by the user in the conduct of his business. The primary 'business' of medicine is the care (management) of people who require various levels of medical investigation, counseling and treatment. While many specialized medical and medical administrative data processing capabilities have been developed, the current systems of medical information management and communication are inadequate for present day patient care needs.
Radiation exposure to children in diagnosing and at hydrostatic reduction of intussusception.

The energy imparted to the children in diagnosing and hydrostatic reduction of intussusception was measured in 45 children by means of an area-dose measurement device and the mean absorbed dose was estimated. The device was provided with data on tube kVp, mAs and shutter positions and the results were presented as dGy × cm2. The device had been calibrated against a 30 cm3 ionisation chamber at the relevant kVp range. The median energy imparted and mean absorbed dose were 10.8 mJ and 0.94 mGy, respectively. 70% of the total dose was delivered during fluoroscopy. The complex irradiation situation with varying field collimation, tube voltage and amount of photon absorbing barium sulphate in the intestines renders organ dose and hazards estimations less reliable. However, even leaving the radiation shielding effect of the barium sulphate out, the radiation load is justifiable for a combined diagnostic and interventional procedure.
Presence of neuronal proteins in serially cultured cells from autopsy human brain.

Abstract Cells that contain the high (NF-H) and medium (NF-M) molecular weight neurofilaments and neuron-specific enolase (NSE) have been cultured from human brain (Brodmann frontal area 9 and hippocampus) obtained at routine autopsy. Three of these cultures (from a 52-year-old man with vascular dementia, a 75-year-old man with Alzheimer's disease, and an 80-year-old normal woman) have been propagated to passage 12–14 and studied in detail. Cellular morphology was pleomorphic and consistent with a relatively low level of differentiation, by both light microscopic and ultrastructural examination. Immunocytochemical reactivity in a characteristic filamentous pattern was observed with monoclonal antibodies to nonphosphorylated epitopes of NF-H and NF-M as well as with redundant antibody probes specific for NF-H and NF-M. Immunoblotting studies confirmed the presence of NF-H and NF-M. Immunocytochemistry and Immunoblotting also demonstrated the presence of NSE, but not of glial fibrillary acidic protein or other glial markers. Immunocytochemical studies also indicated the presence of proline hydroxylase, an enzyme found in fibroblasts but not neurons. These studies indicate that cells can be cultured from autopsy human brain which are not neurons but nevertheless express molecules used as markers (NF-H, NF-M, and NSE) of adult neurons in vivo and in culture.
Control of mRNA Decay by Heat Shock-Ubiquitin-Proteasome Pathway

Cytokine and proto-oncogene messenger RNAs (mRNAs) are rapidly degraded through AU-rich elements in the 3′ untranslated region. Rapid decay involves AU-rich binding protein AUF1, which complexes with heat shock proteins hsc70-hsp70, translation initiation factor eIF4G, and poly(A) binding protein. AU-rich mRNA decay is associated with displacement of eIF4G from AUF1, ubiquitination of AUF1, and degradation of AUF1 by proteasomes. Induction of hsp70 by heat shock, down-regulation of the ubiquitin-proteasome network, or inactivation of ubiquitinating enzyme E1 all result in hsp70 sequestration of AUF1 in the perinucleus-nucleus, and all three processes block decay of AU-rich mRNAs and AUF1 protein. These results link the rapid degradation of cytokine mRNAs to the ubiquitin-proteasome pathway.
High-T/sub c/ SQUID-based impedance magnetocardiography

We report impedance magnetocardiography (I-MCG) measurements carried out in a partially shielded environment. In these measurements, a small-amplitude ac current is injected through the torso via outer electrodes and the ac magnetic fields are probed with a high-Tc SQUID magnetometer. We have also performed simulations using an axisymmetric finite element method (FEM) model in order to predict the SQUID response to changes in tissue conductivity and blood volume during the cardiac cycle. The heart is modeled as a nested sphere inside an idealized conducting thorax. The current density and resulting magnetic field are calculated during two phases of the cardiac cycle. Calculated field values are compared to experimental results. FEM simulations are extended to model the induced current density and SQUID response during noncontacting I-MCG.
Social density and aggression in captive groups of pigtail monkeys (Macaca nemestrina)

Abstract A survey of aggressive behavior in 72 groups of pigtail monkeys (Macaca nemestrina) housed under identical spatial conditions revealed that frequency of contact aggression (grab, push, hit, bite) was directly related to social density. This result conforms with expectations of effects of crowding, but contrasts with previous work on responses to manipulation of spatial density. A similar paradoxical contrast between the effects of social density and spatial density has been documented in humans, and consequently development of a nonhuman primate model for study of crowding stress may be warranted. The choice of social density for captive nonhuman primate groups should be made with great care to avoid densities that result in destructive aggression.
The use of three breeds of dog to protect rangeland sheep from predators

Abstract A total of 24 dogs (11 Komondorok, 9 Great Pyrenees and 4 Akbash Dogs) were placed with rangeland sheep to test their effectiveness in reducing losses of sheep to predators. All but 1 of the dogs (Komondor) had been reared from puppyhood with lambs. Seven of the dogs (4 Komondorok, 1 Great Pyrenees and 2 Akbash Dogs) were determined to be unsuitable for rangeland use after a relatively short period (1–6 weeks), primarily because of their rambunctious behavior and their lack of attentiveness to the sheep. Three of the 24 dogs (2 Komondorok and 1 Akbash Dog) died before their performance could be adequately evaluated. Two of the dogs (Komondorok) were relatively unsuccessful, but details of their performance were not available. The paper focuses on 12 trials with the remaining 12 dogs (3 Komondorok, 8 Great Pyrenees and 1 Akbash Dog). In 7 of the 12 trials, a pair of dogs or a single dog appeared to be influential in reducing the loss of sheep to predators. The effectiveness of the dogs in 2 trials was questionable, and in 3 of the trials, the dogs had little apparent influence on the number of sheep killed by predators. The dogs that appeared most effective barked at night, patrolled the area around the flock, and were aggressive to animals that came near the sheep. A variety of problems occurred when using the dogs, and benefits other than a reduction in predation, such as facilitating trailing and keeping the flock together, were noted in several of the trials. The use of dogs to protect rangeland sheep appears to be a practical technique, however, as with other forms of control, dogs will probably not eliminate predation. Not all dogs will be successful, and their use may be impractical in some situations.
The Constants of Change and Continuities: Perspectives on Three Decades of Academic Archives

Although there have been changes in information technology and in higher education since the publication of College and University Archives: Selected Readings in 1979, the core fundamentals of college and university archives remain the same. If academic archivists are to make progress in their mission to ensure selection, preservation, and accessibility of their institutions’ records, they need to be engaged in all areas that challenge their resources, training, and even their professional position. Despite the daunting nature of these challenges, there are some approaches that are appropriate and bring attention to the critical issues and opportunities archivists face.
Numerical pathologies in snap-through simulations

Abstract Aircraft structures operating in severe environments may experience snap-through, causing the curvature on part or all of the structure to invert inducing fatigue damage. This paper examines the performance of beam and continuum nonlinear finite element formulations in conjunction with several popular implicit time stepping algorithms to assess the accuracy and stability of numerical simulations of snap-through events. Limitations of the structural elements are identified and we provide examples of interaction between spatial and temporal discretizations that affect the robustness of the overall scheme and impose strict limits on the size of the time step. These limitations need to be addressed in future works in order to develop accurate, robust and efficient simulation methods for response prediction of structures encountering extreme environments.
Reconceptualizing clans: Kinship networks and statehood in Kazakhstan

What role, if any, does kinship play in modern political life? Recent work in comparative politics has focused on a variety of informal relationships. It is striking that kinship has not received s...
An experimental study of the lift, drag and static longitudinal stability for a three lifting surface configuration

The experimental procedure and aerodynamic force and moment measurements for wind tunnel testing of the three lifting surface configuration (TLC) are described. The influence of nonelliptical lift distributions on lift, drag, and static longitudinal stability are examined; graphs of the lift coefficient versus angle of attack, the pitching moment coefficient, drag coefficient, and lift to drag ratio versus lift coefficient are provided. The TLC data are compared with the conventional tail-aft configuration and the canard-wing configuration; it is concluded that the TLC has better lift and high-lift drag characteristics, lift to drag ratio, and zero-lift moments than the other two configurations. The effects of variations in forward and tail wind incidence angles, gap, stagger, and forward wind span on the drag, lift, longitudinal stability, and zero-lift moments of the configuration are studied.
A robust method for calculating the simplicity and orientation of planar polygons

Abstract Computational difficulties can arise when determining whether a planar polygon is simple, in particular, when two or more sides are ‘almost’ parallel. This paper presents algorithms which utilize winding numbers to avoid most of the difficulties associated with this problem and, for simple polygons, to also calculate their orientation.
Theoretical and experimental investigation of hybrid broadband terahertz metamaterial absorber

Among electromagnetic spectrum, terahertz region has been utilized less due to the lack of appropriate devices that works well in these frequencies But recently growing interest has been focused to design devices with functionality in terahertz region because of potential terahertz applications. We present a novel structure that broadens bandwidth of terahertz metamaterial absorber. Our structure takes a benefit of multiband absorber by making the bands close enough to each other but in a multilayer pattern. The absorber has composed of two concentric copper rings in two different layers followed by polyimide and a metal back layer. Simulation shows 100 GHz bandwidth which is double of that of a single layer single ring absorber.
Nutrient element concentration in leaves for 40 pecan cultivars

Abstract Mean leaf concentrations are presented for 40 named cultivars and USDA selections for leaf nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), potassium (K), calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg), zinc (Zn), manganese (Mn), iron (Fe), and copper (Cu) for a 3‐year period with mean separation by Tukey's Studentized Range Test. A General Linear Models Analysis of Variance revealed significant (p=0.0001) differences between cultivars and years for all nutrients and year x cultivar differences (p≤0.0002) for N, P, K, and Ca. Two studies indicate the pecan cultivar ‘Grabohl’ is a high user of K. Comparisons between cultivars for years and locations appeared inconsistent for many elements. The conservative Tukey's test did not reveal significant differences among cultivars as to their leaf Zn and Cu contents.
Effects of Constituent Properties on Performance Improvement of a Quenching and Partitioning Steel

In this paper, a two-dimensional microstructure-based finite element modeling method is adopted to investigate the effects of material parameters of the constituent phases on the macroscopic tensile behavior of Q&P steel and then to do a computational materials design approach for its performance improvement. For this purpose, a model Q&P steel is first produced and various experiments are then performed to characterize the steel. Actual microstructure-based model is generated based on the information from EBSD, SEM and nano-indentation test, and the material properties for the constituent phases are determined based on the initial constituents’ properties from HEXRD test and the subsequent calibration of model prediction to tensile test results. Influence of various material parameters of the constituents on the macroscopic behaviors is then investigated by separately adjusting them by small amount. Based on the observation on the respective influence of constituents’ material parameters, a new set of material parameters are devised, which results in better performance in ductility. The results indicate that various material parameters may need to be concurrently adjusted in a cohesive way in order to improve the performance of Q&P steel. In summary, higher austenite stability, less strength difference between the phases, higher hardening exponents of themore » phases are generally beneficial for the performance improvement. The information from this study can be used to devise new Q&P heat-treating parameters to produce the Q&P steels with better performance.« less
An All-digital Nuclear Medicine Department

An all-digital nuclear medicine department is described. Nuclear medicine images are acquired by a separate computer interfaced to each camera. The digital images are viewed, manipulated, and interpreted from remote display stations in an interpretation area. The interpretation is dictated into a Rapid Telephone Access System (RTAS), where the voice is digitized and stored. By dialing the patient’s identification number, the referring physician can hear the interpretation over any telephone. The images are filed on large storage discs. The digital scans can be rapidly and easily accessed for later review by the use of several directory programs. This system has brought not only efficiency and cost savings, but the ability for remote viewing elsewhere in the hospital and telephone transmission of nuclear cardiology studies from community hospitals for interpretation in the digital nuclear medicine department.