cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Fast evaluation of test vector sets using a simulation-based statistical metric

Evaluating the coverage of tests for large circuits is computationally very intensive, particularly for logic BIST, software-based self test and on-line test schemes. This has led to research into techniques for rapidly evaluating the coverage of proposed test. We introduce a new metric which is highly correlated with fault coverage measured by gate-level simulators. Based on this metric, we estimate the time when the fault coverage saturates. This is done with only one pass of simulation and it provides a measure of the effectiveness of the test sequence when applied to the circuit-under-test; additionally, the fault coverage can be estimated with a relatively small number of test vectors. Experimental results on the ISCAS'85 and ISCAS'89 benchmarks, and a RISC processor (OR1200), show an average error of 2.85% in the estimated fault coverage compared with the fault coverage from full fault simulation, with an average speedup over 8x for large circuits.
Improving Learning of Airway Management with Case-based Computer Microsimulations

Abstract Background Computer-based microsimulation provides opportunities to interactively learn critical skills in a relatively risk-free environment, but there has been little study of its usefulness in nursing education. Method In a comparison group design with random assignment, 78 undergraduate pediatric nursing students learned concepts of airway management via lecture or via Laerdal's MicroSim®. A week later, all participated in a bronchiolitis simulation. Written exam questions (four on end-of-unit examination at 2 weeks and two on end-of-course examination at 2 months postinitial learning) assessed knowledge acquisition. At 3 weeks postinitial learning, all students completed a severe asthma MicroSim (scores assessed knowledge transfer). An end-of-course survey evaluated learner receptivity to microsimulation. Results/Conclusions Exam scores and learner receptivity to microsimulation were similar for both learning approaches. MicroSim learners had better knowledge transfer scores (first attempt) although lecture learners spent significantly more time interacting with the severe asthma MicroSim. MicroSim actively engages learners and, in this study, yielded learning outcomes equivalent to those achieved with lecture.
From First Nations to Self-Government : A Political Legacy of Indigenous Nations in the United States

The indigenous movement in the United States moves from aboriginal autonomy to quasi-conquest and domination, internal colonies, and tribal reservations and back to limited self-government and claims to sovereignty. This article traces the roots and efforts of the U.S. indigenous movement to maintain political autonomy, land, and cultural autonomy within the legal, political, and cultural institutions of the United States. The American Indian experience is quite different from the experiences of most indigenous peoples, but the U.S. indigenous movement illustrates some fundamental points of the indigenous perspective and provides a model for defining indigenous relations with nation-states.
Non-invasive assessment of kidney oxygenation: a role for BOLD MRI

Blood oxygen level-dependent (BOLD) contrast magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has been applied to investigate kidney oxygenation in human patients. These investigations reflect the progress of radiology from a primarily anatomic discipline to one that provides insight into tissue physiology. In particular, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is non-invasive, uses no ionizing radiation, and provides insight into disease development and tissue physiology.
Semantics and the computational paradigm in cognitive psychology

There is a prevalent notion among cognitive scientists and philosophers of mind that computers are merely formal symbol manipulators, performing the actions they do solely on the basis of the syntactic properties of the symbols they manipulate. This view of computers has allowed some philosophers to divorce semantics from computational explanations. Semantic content, then, becomes something one adds to computational explanations to get psychological explanations. Other philosophers, such as Stephen Stich, have taken a stronger view, advocating doing away with semantics entirely. This paper argues that a correct account of computation requires us to attribute content to computational processes in order to explain which functions are being computed. This entails that computational psychology must countenance mental representations. Since anti-semantic positions are incompatible with computational psychology thus construed, they ought to be rejected. Lastly, I argue that in an important sense, computers are not formal symbol manipulators.
Self-report as a validity check for the Lüscher Color Test.

20 college students, in a single-group design, participated in a study of the validity of the Luscher Color Test. The objective was to determine whether personality descriptions based on the test w...
Reproductive biology: Bone returns the favour

There are well-established links between the reproductive system, metabolism and skeletal growth. But it comes as a surprise that the skeleton — more specifically, the bone hormone osteocalcin — modulates fertility.
Effect of osmolality on mucociliary transportability and rheology of cystic fibrosis and bronchiectasis sputum.

Objective: Water is the main constituent of mucus, and its concentration is likely to be important in all aspects of mucus function, including ciliary clearance. The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of water content and osmolality of the mucus on mucociliary transportability. Methodology: Rheology and ciliary transportability of 10 sputum samples that had been subjected to various manipulations were measured using a mucus-depleted bovine trachea model. Results: It was shown that addition of sodium chloride 0.2 Osmoles/kg (0.585% weight for weight) increased the transportability by 41% (P < 0.01). Evaporation of the sputum to 50% of its original weight caused a 118% increase in transportability (P < 0.0006), but iso-osmolal removal of 50% of the liquid with filter cards led to a non-significant, 25% increase in transportability. Parallel plate viscoelasticity was approximately doubled in both the evaporated and liquid-depleted samples, but was not changed by the addition of 0.2 Osmoles/kg of sodium chloride. The correlation between the osmolality of sputum and ciliary transportability (r = 0.54, P= 0.005) was better than the correlations between the viscosity (r = 0.21, P= 0.27) or elasticity (r = 0.23, P= 0.23) and ciliary transportability. Conclusions: These results suggest that the osmolality of sputum exerts a greater influence on mucociliary clearance than its viscoelastic properties.
Effects of exercise training on bone remodeling, insulin-like growth factors, and bone mineral density in postmenopausal women with and without hormone replacement therapy.

The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of 12 months of weight bearing and resistance exercise on bone mineral density (BMD) and bone remodeling (bone formation and bone resorption) in 2 groups of postmenopausal women either with or without hormone replacement therapy (HRT). Secondary aims were to characterize the changes in insulin-like growth factors-1 and -2 (IGF-1 and -2) and IGF binding protein 3 (IGFBP3) in response to exercise training. Women who were 3-10 years postmenopausal (aged 40-65 years) were included in the study. Women in the HRT and no HRT groups were randomized into the exercise intervention, resulting in four groups: (1) women not taking HRT, not exercising; (2) those taking HRT, not exercising; (3) those exercising, not taking HRT; and (4) women exercising, taking HRT. The number of subjects per group after 1 year was 27, 21, 25, and 17, respectively. HRT increased BMD at most sites whereas the combination of exercise and HRT produced increases in BMD greater than either treatment alone. Exercise training alone resulted in modest site-specific increases in BMD. Bone remodeling was suppressed in the groups taking HRT regardless of exercise status. The bone remodeling response to exercise training in women not taking HRT was not significantly different from those not exercising. However, the direction of change suggests an elevation in bone remodeling in response to exercise training, a phenomenon usually associated with bone loss. No training-induced differences in IGF-1, IGF-2, IGF-l:IGF-2 (IGF-1 : IGF-2), and IGFBP3 were detected.
Lesch-Nyhan Mutation: Prenatal Detection with Amniotic Fluid Cells

Cells cultured from the amniotic fluid of a 22-week fetus in a heterozygote for the X-linked Lesch-Nyhan mutation, which results in neurological and developmental disorders, lacked sex chromatin and were unable to incorporate hypoxanthine. The diagnosis of a mutant male was confirmed upon birth of enzyme-deficient, hyperuricemic twin boys whose amniotic membrane cells failed to incorporate hypoxanthine.
Scleropodium occidentale (Brachytheciaceae), a new moss species from western North America

Abstract A new species of Scleropodium (Brachytheciaceae) is described from western North America. Initially recognized in a recent molecular phylogenetic study of the genus, Scleropodium occidentale B.E. Carter sp. nov. is very similar in morphology, ecology, and distribution to S. obtusifolium. A morphological investigation of S. obtusifolium and S. occidentale was conducted using 62 specimens assigned to species independently based on analyses of DNA sequences of nuclear ribosomal ITS and the chloroplast trnG region. Morphological differences between the two species are subtle, but include relatively robust and commonly spine-tipped stem and branch leaf costae in S. occidentale versus weaker and without a spine in S. obtusifolium, slightly longer lamina cells in S. obtusifolium than in S. occidentale, and a strangulate capsule in S. occidentale in contrast to the cylindrical capsule in S. obtusifolium. Fieldwork and herbarium study indicate that S. occidentale is common in California and is present in ...
The old man and the sea and the computer

Eventually there are also written accounts by people who read the finished work in typescript.' It was then published in Life magazine the first week of September 1952. These details seem clear and straightforward, and no one has ever questioned them. But for years I have been convinced that Hemingway wrote the novel much earlier, in 1935 or 1936, put it away, then dusted it off in 1951 and claimed to be in the process of writing it. There is a great deal of circumstantial evidence which points to that conclusion;2 but I had better admit that my conviction is so strong, "intuitive," and personal I would hold it even if there weren't any such evidence at all. In the summer of 1970 I was discussing the date of the novel with an undergraduate English major. Usually after a few minutes I get a glassy stare or some other sign of polite stupefaction. But this student was also what they call around Dartmouth a "computer jock," and he said, "Prof, why don't you try to get the computer to date The Old Man and the Sea for you?" At the time I didn't know anything about the computer except that it is down the street in an air-conditioned building with the only Coca-Cola machine on campus that works. Nevertheless I took the student's suggestion. I did so entirely out of playfulness and idle curiosity. If the computer contradicted my own conclusion, so much the worse for the computer. If it confirmed my conclusion, I would be only mildly gratified. And if the results. were inconclusive that is just what I expected. The actual results, which many people find remarkable, I discuss at the end of the article.
Neural embedding of stress reactivity

A report in this issue of Nature Neuroscience demonstrates that stress in infancy leading to altered cortisol levels in childhood culminates in vulnerability to dysregulated affect in adolescent girls by biasing the functional dynamics of core neural regions mediating the generation and regulation of emotional responsiveness.
Clearance of Morphine in Postoperative Infants During Intravenous Infusion: The Influence of Age and Surgery

We analyzed morphine clearance values in infants receiving the drug by continuous IV infusion for analgesia after surgery, because we found lower steady-state morphine concentrations than we expected from our previous studies. Infants received morphine after a loading dose of 0.05 mg/kg and continuous infusion calculated to reach a steady-state concentration of 20 ng/mL. Blood was sampled twice on Postoperative Day 1 at times separated by at least 2 h, and morphine and morphine-6-glucuronide (M-6-G) concentrations were determined by high-performance liquid chromatography. Clearance of morphine was calculated as infusion rate divided by the steady-state morphine concentration. Morphine given to 26 infants by continuous IV infusion after major noncardiac surgery has rapidly increasing clearance values, from a median value of 9.2 mL * mine1 * kg -’ in infants l-7 days old, 25.3 in infants 31-90 days old, and 31.0 in infants 91-180 days old to 48.9 in infants 180-380 days old. Adult clearance values are reached by 1 mo of age, more quickly than in infants of the same age previously studied who received morphine after cardiac surgeries. M-6-G was measured in all infants. The ratio of M-6-G to morphine concentrations was 1.9-2.1 in these infants, which is lower than ratios reported in older infants or adults by others, but higher than those reported in newborns. Infants with normal cardiovascular systems undergoing surgery clear morphine more efficiently than infants of the same age undergoing cardiac surgery. Implications: Morphine removal from the body is slow in newborns but increases to reach adult values in the first months of life. Calculating the clearance of morphine from blood samples drawn during continuous IV infusions after surgery shows that this maturation occurs more quickly in infants undergoing noncardiac surgery (by l-3 mo of age) than in those receiving morphine after cardiac surgery (by 6-12 mo of age). (Anesth Analg 1998;86:958-63)
The Hellgrammite-Crayfish Bait Fishery of the New River and Its Tributaries, West Virginia

Abstract The bait fishery for hellgrammites Corydalus cornutus and for the crayfish Orconectes sanbornii sanbornii, O. virilis, and Cambarus sciotensis on the New River and its tributaries, West Virginia, includes commercial and angler harvests with a combined retail value of US$134,000 in 1983. Approximately 50 licensed bait dealers collected 10,812 dozen crayfish and 52,762 dozen hellgrammites, worth $2,000 per licensee in retail sales. New River anglers collected 5,640 dozen crayfish and 9,153 dozen hellgrammites in 1983. The overall commercial and recreational harvest exceeded 78,000 dozen organisms, 79% of which were hellgrammites. Most of the crayfish (70%) were bought and used locally. Only a small portion of hellgrammites (22%) were used locally; the remainder presumably supplied the statewide hellgrammite market. The commercial fishery is highly integrated, with most persons harvesting bait and selling directly to anglers. The hellgrammite–crayfish bait fishery is a “cottage industry” based on lo...
On set systems with a threshold property

For n, k and t such that 1 < t < k < n, a set F of subsets of [n] has the (k, t)-threshold property if every k-subset of [n] contains at least t sets from F and every (k - 1)-subset of [n] contains less than t sets from F. The minimal number of sets in a set system with this property is denoted by m(n, k, t). In this paper we determine m(n, 4, 3) exactly for n sufficiently large, and we show that m(n, k, 2) is asymptotically equal to the generalized Turan number T k-1 (n, k, 2).
Factors Affecting the Anisotropic and Dynamic Scattering Characteristics of an Ester Mixture

Abstract Various factors affecting the anisotropic and dynamic scattering (DS) characteristics of a 3-component eutectic mixture of phenyl benzoates are investigated in detail. The effects of dopant, surface alignment, signal, cell thickness, and temperature are studied. Different dopant structures give conductivity anisotropy values in the 1.01 to 1.60 range and this has the largest effect on the DS threshold voltage at room temperature. However, cell thickness also changed the threshold slightly and has a large effect on the magnitude of the scattering obtained above threshold. Thinner cells give higher DS levels, higher multiplexing capabilities, and greater offangle scattering. The optical density of scattering increases linearly with the reciprocal of cell thickness. At elevated temperatures the conductivity anisotropy, viscosity and elastic constant values all decrease. However, with the increasing temperature the DS threshold voltage decreases, indicating that changes in viscosity and elastic const...
Preatherosclerotic aortic lesions in cystic fibrosis.

Patients with cystic fibrosis have fat malabsorption, providing an experimental model for evaluation ofthe hypothesis that a low-fat intake may prevent atherosclerosis. We studied the frequency and extent of aortic precursor lesions (fatty streaks, early fibromusculoelastic lesions, late fibromusculoelastic lesions) found at autopsy in this disease as well as in other patients with debilitating disorders but with no apparent impairment of fat absorption. Fatty streaks were less common in the cystic fibrosis group, as were the late fibromusculoelastic lesions. There was no significant difference in the frequency, length, or thickness of the early fibromusculoelastic lesions. The findings suggest that fat may be responsible for progression but not initiation of the fibromusculoelastic precursor lesions, and support the concept that early restriction of dietary fat may prevent, delay, or otherwise modify ahterosclerosis in the adult.
Spermiogenesis in the teleost Gambusia affinis with particular reference to the role played by microtubules.

During nuclear elongation in spermatids of Gambusia affinis, a deep fossa is formed at the base of the nucleus in which the centriolar complex and proximal portion of the flagellum reside. To stabilize the positional relationship between the nucleus and centriolar complex, while nuclear morphogenesis is taking place, a series of microtubules develop which emanate from the centriolar complex and extend to the nuclear envelope lining the fossa. Buttressing microtubules also develop within the nuclear fossa which both originate and insert along the nuclear envelope. These appear to stabilize nuclear shape prior to the time when chromatin condensation has proceeded to the stage where it could lend structural stability to nuclear form. Microtubules develop only after specific nuclear morphogenic events have taken place. It is therefore concluded that the spermatid nucleus is capable of “self-assembly” involving microtubules in a supportive role in addition to stabilizing the nuclear-flagellar relationship in G. affinis. The pattern of nuclear fossa-associated microtubules in G. affinis is significantly different from that observed in other poeciliid teleosts indicating a degree of species specificity with regard to both the timing of appearance and total number of microtubules.
Flare Stars and Solar Bursts: High Resolution in time and Frequency

Coronal loops on the Sun and nearby stars are investigated using observations at 20 cm wavelength with high resolution in time and frequency. Observations of the dwarf M star AD Leonis with high time resolution using the Arecibo Observatory have resulted in the discovery of a quasi-periodic train of circularly polarized spikes with a mean periodicity of 32 ± 5 ms and a total duration of 150 ms. The individual spikes had rise times of ≤ 5 ms, leading to an upper limit to the linear size L ≤ 1.5 × 108 cm for the spike emitter. This size is only 0.005 of the estimated radius of AD Leonis. Provided that the emitter is symmetric, it has a brightness temperature of T B ≥ 1016 K, suggesting a coherent burst mechanism such as an electron-cyclotron maser. Coronal oscillations might modulate the maser output, producing the quasi-periodic spikes. Observations at closely spaced wavelengths, or high frequency resolution, using the Very Large Array have revealed narrow-band structure Δv/v ≤ 0.01) in solar bursts and in the slowly-varying radiation of the dwarf M star YZ Canis Minoris. The narrow-band emission cannot be explained by continuum emission processes, but it might be attributed to electron—cyclotron maser radiation. Maser action at the second or first harmonic of the gyrofrequency implies magnetic field strengths of 250 and 500 G, respectively. Thus, observations with high resolution in time and frequency suggest coherent processes in the coronae of the Sun and dwarf M stars. The scientific potential of these discoveries may be best fulfilled by the construction of a solar-stellar synthesis radiotelescope.
Pt-modified molybdenum carbide for the hydrogen evolution reaction: From model surfaces to powder electrocatalysts

Abstract This work explores the opportunity to substantially reduce the cost of hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) electrocatalysts by supporting one monolayer (ML) of platinum (Pt) on low-cost molybdenum carbide (Mo 2 C) substrate. These efforts were primarily directed towards scaling a thin-film catalyst to high surface area particles. Electrochemical experiments investigated single-phase Mo 2 C thin films modified by different coverages of Pt for the HER. The ML Pt–Mo 2 C thin film showed Pt-like HER activity while displaying excellent stability under HER conditions. The promising results on thin films were then extended to more practical powder catalysts. Samples of various Pt loadings on Mo 2 C powders were synthesized using the co-impregnation method and were evaluated for HER activity. The ability to successfully link electrochemical activity on thin films and powder catalysts was thus demonstrated.
The stress intensity factor due to normal impact loading of the faces of a crack

Abstract The plane strain problem of a half-plane crack in an unbounded elastic solid is considered. The faces of the crack are subjected to suddenly applied, equal but opposite concentrated normal forces which tend to separate the crack faces. The elastic wave propagation problem, which contains a characteristic length, is solved exactly by linear superposition over a fundamental solution arising from a particular problem in the dynamic theory of elastic dislocations. Attention is focused on the time-dependent stress intensity factor. For an applied load with step function time dependence, the stress intensity factor is negative from the time the first wave arrives at the crack tip until the arrival of the Rayleigh wave. At that instant, it takes on its appropriate static value, which is thereafter maintained. Generalizations are discussed for spatially distributed and/or time-varying normal impact loads.
A Manual Information Retrieval System

A manual information retrieval system which is applicable to a library or bibliography of a few thousands of documents is described. It was designed for an engineering research program and has been used successfully on several relatively small research programs in the past few years. The system uses a Royal-McBee Keysort (KS-3718) card as the medium of information storage. The coding system is described in detail. The ``keyword'' concept is discussed and an example is given.
Legal Grounds and Prospects for Public Participation in Climate Protection Projects - Polish Experience

The aim of this study is to answer the question which legal instruments enable the Poles to involve in issues concerning development (and later implementation) of the public policy on the climate change. Taking into account the mistrust towards the governmental authorities, as well as the underdevelopment of the Polish civic society, I assume that the level of the public participation in climate protection projects is low. The blame for this state of affairs is also to be put on the weakness of the legal instruments for the public participation in climate protection.
Biosafety of Flavonoids in Rats: Effects on Copper and Zinc Homeostasis and Interaction with Low-Level Pesticide Exposure

Two 30-day experiments (36 male Sprague–Dawley rats each) were conducted to determine effect of administering flavonoid mixture (FM) with concomitant exposure to a pesticide mixture (PM) or FM at varied levels on changes in concentrations of zinc and copper in tissues. In experiment 1, PM = chlorpyrifos, endosulfan, and thiram at 25% LD50 was dissolved in soybean (SB) oil and gavage-fed 0.1 mL 5 days/week; FM in SB oil was mixed in AIN-93M diet at 1.0 and 5.0 mM/kg diet and fed ad libitum. The groups were Control (CON), PM, FM1, FM5, PM+FM1, and PM+FM5. In experiment 2, FM in 1% polyethylene glycol was gavage-fed (0.5 mL/5 days/week), at increasing levels(mg/kg body weight); the groups were CON, FM5, FM25, FM50, FM100, and FM200. In experiment 1, PM plus FM increased tissue Cu as compared to the CON by: plasma, 16–37%; liver, 9–20%; kidney, 13–41%; small intestinal mucosa (IM), 41%; and small intestines (SI), 77%. In experiment 2, FM fed at higher levels decreased tissue Cu by: plasma, 22–36%; liver, 23%; kidney, 24–44%; IM, 17–26%; and SI, 58% and 77%, as compared to respective CON. Kidney zinc increased at higher concentrations of FM by 14–34%. These results indicate that flavonoids can modify copper homeostasis depending on whether they are fed in the diet or by gavage.
Acoustic analyses of two recovered cases of foreign accent syndrome

Recently, a growing number of studies have been published involving phonetic and acoustic analyses on the rare motor-speech disorder known as Foreign Accent Syndrome (FAS). These studies have relied on pre- and post-trauma speech samples to investigate the acoustic and phonetic properties of individual cases of FAS speech. This study presents detailed acoustic analyses of the speech characteristics of two new cases of FAS using identical pre- and post-recovery speech samples, thus affording a new level of control in the study of Foreign Accent Syndrome. Participants include a 48-year-old female who began speaking with an “Eastern European” accent following a traumatic brain injury, and a 45-year-old male who presented with a “British” accent following a subcortical cerebral vascular accident (CVA). The acoustic analysis was based on 18 real words comprised of the stop consonants /p/, /t/, /k/; /b/, /d/, /g/ combined with the peripheral vowels /i/, /a/ and /u/ and ending in a voiceless stop. Computer-based...
Fragmentation Phenomena with the Use of the Stabilized Retinal Image

Pritchard's contact lens method of fixing a stimulus object with respect to the retina allows considerable latitude in the variation of stimuli and is the technique adopted in the present series of studies (Pritchard, 1961) .' The method employs a tight-fitting contact lens with a stalk to which is attached a collimator assembly on which different stimulus targets are mounted. The assembly consists of an aluminum tube, a magnifying lens, stimulus target, and light source, mounted by a ball and socket joint to the stalk carried on a scleral contact lens that is cight fitting enough to be responsive to small eye movements. Stimulus targets can be slipped in and out of a slit in the assembly while the lens and the aaached assembly are worn by S. In the present experiments, stimulus targets were made by photographing India ink drawings using microfile film. The targets placed in the assembly were on 5-mm. circular cutouts of the negative, were 1 mm. in maximum dimension, and were seen as if located at infinity, making possible clear viewing of the target with a relaxed eye. All the targets appeared within a central 2" visual field and were seen as illuminated white contours on a black background. Vision was monocular, with the other eye occluded. Ss lay on a bed in a darkened, sound-proofed room. Testing sessions lasted about 45 min. Approximately 3 wk. of adaptation to the contact lens and assembly preceded experimentation with the two Ss whose data are reported. The method of report required Ss to press a key in keeping with appearance of phenomena specified by E, e.g., "any fragmentation at all," "complete disappearance," etc. The response phenomena selected for quantification were tot& disappearance of a figure, and appearance and disappearance of its parts. Measurements were made in 1- or 2-min.
Economic and Social Implications of Regulating Alcohol Availability in Grocery Stores

The availability of alcoholic beverages in grocery stores varies across the United States due to state-level regulations. Recently there have been a number of controversial legislative proposals to expand the distribution of certain alcoholic beverages, most notably wine. Our econometric results show that, holding constant the total quantity of alcohol consumed, a higher share of wine correlates with lower traffic fatality rates, while the opposite is true for beer. These findings suggest that arguments against the wider distribution of wine as an approach to reduce social problems may not be fully justified.
c-FLIP knockdown induces ligand-independent DR5-, FADD-, caspase-8-, and caspase-9-dependent apoptosis in breast cancer cells.

Cellular-FLICE inhibitory protein (c-FLIP) is an inhibitor of apoptosis downstream of the death receptors Fas, DR4, and DR5, and is expressed as long (c-FLIPL) and short (c-FLIPS) splice forms. We found that the knockdown of c-FLIP using small interfering RNA (siRNA) triggered ligand-independent caspase-8- and -9-dependent spontaneous apoptosis and decreased the proliferation of MCF-7 breast cancer cells. Further analysis revealed that an apoptotic inhibitory complex (AIC) comprised of DR5, FADD, caspase-8, and c-FLIPL exists in MCF-7 cells, and the absence of c-FLIPL from this complex induces DR5- and FADD-mediated caspase-8 activation in the death inducing signaling complex (DISC). c-FLIPS was not detected in the AIC, and using splice form-specific siRNAs we showed that c-FLIPL but not c-FLIPS is required to prevent spontaneous death signaling in MCF-7 cells. These results clearly show that c-FLIPL prevents ligand-independent death signaling and provides direct support for studying c-FLIP as a relevant therapeutic target for breast cancers.
The evolution of Duquesne University's project for a human science psychology

(1996). The evolution of Duquesne University's project for a human science psychology. The Humanistic Psychologist: Vol. 24, No. 1, pp. 79-94.
WOAH: an obstacle avoidance technique for high speed path following

This paper presents WOAH, a method for real-time mobile robot path following and obstacle avoidance. WOAH provides reactive speed and turn instructions based on obstacle information sensed by a laser range finder. Unlike many previous techniques, this method allows a robot to move quickly past obstacles that are not directly in its path, avoiding slowdowns in path following encountered by previous obstacle avoidance techniques.
Reaction of nitrite with human fetal oxyhemoglobin: a model simulation study with implications for blood flow regulation in sickle cell disease (SCD).

Abstract Nitrite can react in parallel with adult oxy- and deoxy-hemoglobin (HbA), resulting in oxidative denitrosylation of nitrosyl-hemoglobin and rapid dissociation of nitric oxide. Here, simulation studies are presented using a new model to analyze data in the literature comparing the reaction of nitrite with isolated human oxy-HbA, oxy-fetal hemoglobin (oxy-HbF) and oxy-Hb Bart's (a γ-chain tetramer). The results show that the kinetic constant at the rate-limiting step is 25-fold larger for the reaction of human oxy-HbF, and 63-fold larger for oxy-Hb Bart's both compared to oxy-HbA. This analysis suggests that red cells containing oxy-HbF (F-cells) should have accelerated oxidative denitrosylation. Thus, high levels of HbF present or induced in individuals homozygous for sickle cell disease may serve two functions: (a) the classical function, to directly inhibit polymerization of deoxy sickle hemoglobin, and (b) a novel function, enhanced vasodilation.
A simple model of stress intensity range threshold and crack closure stress

Abstract The cyclic stress intensity threshold (Δ K TH ) below which cracks will not propagate varies with length for short cracks. A model is proposed which relates Δ K TH to the crack closure stress arising from fracture surface roughness. This is used to predict a variation in Δ K TH with crack length for surface cracks in Ti 6Al-2Sn-4Zn-6Mo alloy, based upon measured values of crack opening displacement arising from roughness. The predicted variation in Δ K TH with crack length is found to be similar to that obtained from the empirical model of Δ K TH proposed by El Haddad et al.[5]. The application of the new model to estimate the value of crack closure stress arising from crack tip plasticity for short surface cracks is also discussed.
Synaptic transmission without calcium.

Abstract Rods turn light into a signal that is transmitted across electrical synapses made with neighboring rods and chemical synapses made with horizontal and bipolar cells. Several currents traversing a rod's inner-segment membrane modify the signal and influence synaptic transmission. One, a voltage-activated calcium current, has two functions: 1) it makes an important contribution to controlling the membrane potential during darkness, and 2) it probably regulates the exocytosis of synaptic vesicles. When the two functions are explored, a paradox develops. This can be seen if I describe each function in turn.
CT based three-dimensional measurement of orbit and eye anthropometry.

PURPOSE. To measure eye and orbit anthropometric variation within the normal population by using CT images and to determine the effects of age and sex on eye and orbit anthropometry. Quantification of eye and orbit anthropometric variation within the normal population and between persons of different age and sex is important in the prediction and prevention of eye injury. METHODS. A systematic method was developed to align head CT images three dimensionally and to measure ocular and orbital parameters in 39 subjects. Twenty-four measurements were collected along the orbital rim, to quantify the orbital aperture. Protrusions of the brow and the eye were measured, along with relative distances, to describe location of the eye within the orbit. RESULTS. The orbit widened with age, and significant relations were identified between orbital aperture and eye location measurements, both of which varied significantly between the sexes. CONCLUSIONS. The comprehensive set of measurements collected in this study provides three-dimensional information on orbit geometry, as well as placement of the eye within the orbit. These measurements and the methodology used will contribute to the development of finite element models of the orbit and eye for computational modeling purposes and may be useful in the design of eye protection equipment. (Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci. 2010;51:4892‐4897) DOI:10.1167/ iovs.10-5503
Therapeutic potential of CD8+ cytotoxic T lymphocytes in SLE

Recent evidence supports the idea that following a break in tolerance, CD8 cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTL) may be an important but unrecognized mechanism for limiting expansion of autoreactive B cells. Failure of this mechanism could allow persistence of CD4 T cell driven polyclonal B cell activation resulting in clinical lupus. Although CD8 CTL failure may occur early in disease, work in mice supports the concept that therapeutic CTL enhancement may be both practical and beneficial in lupus. Devising such therapy for humans will first require an understanding of the in vivo mechanisms critical in CTL expansion and down regulation, particularly in the lupus setting which may differ from CTL generation in other clinical settings (e.g. tumors, infections).
The role of photochemistry in Titan’s atmospheric chemistry

Experimental studies were performed to simulate the action of long wavelength solar UV light on Titans atmosphere. The experiments were carried out in a photochemical flow reactor using a mixture of gases representative of Titans atmosphere at 70� north latitude (Titans north pole) in the winter. The solid analog of Titans haze formed has optical properties comparable to that determined for Titans haze from modeling Voyager 1 data. Since the optical properties of the haze analogs formed by discharge reactions also have optical properties similar to Titans haze. It was concluded that the variation in light absorption with wavelength of the haze in the UV–vis spectral region does not vary sufficiently to discriminate between different haze analogs. The C/N ratio of the haze analog prepared by UV radiation is in the 15–20 range while that formed by the action of magnetospheric electrons is in the 2–5 range. The infrared spectrum of the haze analog has absorption bands attributed to CH3 ,C H 2 ,C @CC„N, C@C and possibly N–H groups. The UV spectrum is consistent with the presence of double bonds and conjugated double bonds. No polycyclic aromatic compounds were detected. The volatile photoproducts mainly consist of saturated, olefinic and acetylenic hydrocarbons along with much smaller amounts of benzene and substituted benzenes. Among these volatiles hydrogen cyanide is probably the most abundant nitrogen containing with much less acetonitrile, and trace amounts of acrylonitrile. Some of these volatiles will condense on haze particles at the temperatures and pressures on Titan. The comparison of the volatiles formed by UV radiations are compared with those formed by three different discharges. � 2005 COSPAR. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
Formation and characterization of vesicles from day-10 horse conceptuses.

The objectives of this research were 1) to determine if cellular vesicles could be formed from Day-10 horse conceptuses similar to trophoblastic vesicles reported for other domestic species and 2) to characterize various aspects of their development in vitro and their ability to withstand the freeze-thaw process. Twenty-five conceptuses were recovered from lighthorse mares on Day 10 after ovulation. After two washes in 0.05% trypsin, each conceptus was placed in 0.25% trypsin until the capsule thinned. Mechanical dispersion with a glass pipette resulted in a combination of individual cells and cell clumps. When cultured in vitro, all preparations exhibited both partially and completely formed vesicles within 24 h. Cellular monolayers also developed within the first 24 h of culture and were predominant by 96 h. Within 13 to 20 d, all monolayers developed dense areas of cells that eventually released from the cell matrix and aggregated to form vesicles. Progesterone and total estrogen concentrations in media samples were lower (P < 0.05) for conceptuses that had required long trypsinization periods for dispersion. Pregnant mare serum gonadotropin was not detectable in any samples. Vesicles cultured in nontreated tissue culture flasks.doubled in size within 24 h but did not increase further by 48 h. Of 234 vesicles frozen after 48 h of culture, the postthaw viability, as measured by the ability to return to prefreeze characteristics, was 34, 21 and 11% after 24, 96 and 168 h in culture, respectively. We conclude that vesicles can be formed by enzymatic dispersion of Day-10 horse conceptuses. However, monolayers were the predominant result of both the initial dispersions and the long-term culture of vesicles. Vesicles showed a limited ability to grow in vitro.
Spectroscopic studies of nucleic acid additions during seed-mediated growth of gold nanoparticles

The effect of adding nucleic acids to gold seeds during the growth stage of either nanospheres or nanorods was investigated using UV–Vis spectroscopy to reveal any oligonucleotide base or structure-specific effects on nanoparticle growth kinetics or plasmonic signatures. Spectral data indicate that the presence of DNA duplexes during seed aging drastically accelerated nanosphere growth while the addition of single-stranded polyadenine at any point during seed aging induces nanosphere aggregation. For seeds added to a gold nanorod growth solution, single-stranded polythymine induces a modest blue shift in the longitudinal peak wave length. Moreover, a particular sequence comprised of 50% thymine bases was found to induce a faster, more dramatic blue shift in the longitudinal peak wave length compared to any of the homopolymer incubation cases. Monomeric forms of the nucleic acids, however, do not yield discernable spectral differences in any of the gold suspensions studied.
Patient Compliance during 24-Hour Dual pH Probe Monitoring for Extraesophageal Reflux

Objective. During ambulatory 24-hour dual pH probe monitoring for suspected extraesophageal reflux (EER), patients are responsible for indicating relevant study events. Study interpretation relies on patient accuracy and compliance to test instructions. This study sought to explore patient compliance during pH probe monitoring and evaluated the utility of a Post-Evaluation Questionnaire as a clinical tool. Participants and Methods. Participants were prospectively studied during 24-hour dual pH probe monitoring. Participants used both a food diary and monitor settings to indicate relevant study events. Following pH testing, participants completed a Post-Evaluation Questionnaire regarding test experiences. Results. Eighty-two participants completed the study. Means and standard deviations were calculated for individual responses on the Post-Evaluation Questionnaire. Means indicate high participant accuracy for study events, and adherence to typical activities and diet over the testing period. Factor analysis was performed on the Post-Evaluation Questionnaire items and identified two factors: “typical experiences” and “times forgot.” Cronbach's alpha demonstrated acceptable reliability levels for questions related to “typical experiences,” but poor reliability for “times forgot” questions. Conclusions. Assessment of participant compliance during pH probe testing can quickly and easily be completed through a Post-Evaluation Questionnaire. Participant compliance can be assessed for improved study interpretation.
Measuring immigration stress of first-generation female Korean immigrants in California: psychometric evaluation of Demand of Immigration Scale

Objectives. Immigration involves challenges and distress, which affect health and well-being of immigrants. Koreans are a recent, fast-growing, but understudied group of immigrants in the USA, and no study has established or evaluated any immigration stress measure among this population. This study explores psychometric properties of Korean-translated Demands of Immigration (DI) Scale among first-generation female Korean immigrants in California. Analyses included evaluation of factor structure, reliability, validity, and descriptive statistics of subscales. Design. A surname-driven sampling strategy was applied to randomly select a representative sample of adult female Korean immigrants in California. Telephone interviews were conducted by trained bilingual interviewers. Study sample included 555 first-generation female Korean immigrants who were interviewed in Korean language. The 22-item DI Scale was used to assess immigration stress in the study sample. Results. Exploratory factor analysis suggested s...
Antibacterial properties of additives used in injection immunotherapy.

Background: Previous studies have reviewed the safety of preparing and administering allergy injection immunotherapy in a physician's office, and showed no evidence of infectious complications. The current study examines the antimicrobial properties of the common additives used in preparation of multidose immunotherapy vials. Methods: Vials were prepared with varying concentrations of glycerin (0-25%), phenol (0-0.4%) and combinations of glycerin with phenol. A standard inoculum of Staphylococcus aureus was introduced in each vial and incubated. Optical densities were measured and colony counts were performed at 24 and 48 hours. Follow-up broth microdilution assays were performed using varying inocula of bacteria and the highest concentrations of additives to determine the number of bacteria for which these solutions were bacteriostatic and/or bactericidal. Optical densities were measured and colony counts were performed as in the vial assays. Results: All vials with varying dilutions of glycerin, phenol, and their combination showed bacterial growth with the standard inoculum of Staphylococcus aureus. Visible turbidity and optical density were inversely related to additive concentration. Follow-up microdilution assays with differing concentrations of bacteria demonstrated bactericidal activity with inocula of 1×103 colony forming units (CFU) of Staphylococcus aureus at clinically used concentrations of glycerin and phenol. Conclusion: Higher concentrations of additives show better inhibition of bacterial growth. Solutions containing glycerin showed superior bactericidal activity than those containing only phenol. At concentrations of additives used in preparing allergy immunotherapy vials, antibacterial effects were observed with inoculation of 1×103 CFU or less of Staphylococcus aureus. © 2011 ARS-AAOA, LLC.
Concordance in parents' and childcare providers' reports of child behaviors

Two specific questions were addressed in this investigation: [1] Are there differences between parents and daycare providers in their ratings of children's behaviors that may be related to stress, and [2] do daycare providers that have the children on a full‐time basis rate the children's behavior more similarly to parents' ratings than providers that have the children on a part‐time basis? The sample was comprised of the mother and head childcare teacher for a total of 28 children, aged 32‐65 months [M = 44.2 months]. Initial demographic data were collected, and the child's mother and primary teacher each completed identical questionnaires, rating the child's recent behavior along 26 dimensions. Mothers reported significantly higher overall stress ratings than did childcare providers; a pattern which was significant for a number of individual items, as well. Contrary to what was expected, mothers' and teachers' overall mean ratings were not significantly different for children who attended on a part‐time...
Taxol Biosynthesis: Tyrocidine Synthetase A Catalyzes the Production of Phenylisoserinyl CoA and Other Amino Phenylpropanoyl Thioesters

In Taxus plants the biosynthesis of the pharmaceutical paclitaxel includes the transfer of β-amino phenylpropanoyls from coenzyme A to the diterpenoid baccatin III by an acyl CoA-dependent acyltransferase. Several enzymes on the pathway are known, yet a few remain unidentified, including the putative ligase that biosynthesizes key β-amino phenylpropanoyl CoAs. The multienzyme, nonribosomal peptide synthetase that produces tyrocidines contains a tridomain starter module tyrocidine synthetase A that normally activates (S)-α-Phe to an adenylate anhydride in the adenylation domain. The Phe moiety is then thioesterified by the pendent pantetheine of the adjacent thiolation domain. Herein, the adenylation domain was found to function as a CoA ligase, making α-, β-phenylalanyl, and phenylisoserinyl CoA. The latter two are substrates of a phenylpropanoyltransferase on the biosynthetic pathway of the antimitotic paclitaxel.
The Tradition of Sociology at Fisk University

The existing sociological literature includes a dearth of inquiries into the establishment and development of sociology at predominately Black institutions. This exclusion may tacitly imply to neophyte, intermediary and senior sociologists that these academic units did not offer any substantive contributions to sociology during its formative years in this nation. The primary objective of this endeavor is to examine the establishment and development of the Fisk University Department of Sociology in such a manner that could, at a minimum, extend the current literature on sociology at predominately Black institutions and, at best, produce findings that place the contributions of this unit within the cannon of significant contributors to the discipline.