cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Multi-Dimensional Measures of Novelty Experiencing, Sensation Seeking, and Ability: Correlational Analysis for Male and Female College Samples

Summary.-The four scales of the Novelty-experiencing Scale and the five scales of the sensation-seeking Scale were administered to male and female college students. With the exception of the general scale of the Sensation-seeking Scale, which correlated substantially with its four remaining scales and one of the Novelty-experiencing scales, the sub-scales generally had only low to moderate rs within each of the scales and between all scales. Significant sex differences were found for five of the sub-scales. Although several of the sub-scales had low but significant correlations with SAT measures, both tests were relatively independent of the ability measures. Earlier measures of sensation and novelty-seeking tendencies (Edwards, 1966; Garlington & Shircona, 1964; Jackson, 1967; Penny & Reinehr, 1966; Zuckerrnan, et al., 1964) treated the construct as a single global entity. For example, in the development of the Sensation-seeking Scale, the authors (Zuckerman, et a/., 1964) were primarily interested in measiuing a general sensationseeking factor. However, Farley (1967) suggested that there were perhaps other dimensions to sensation-seeking. In a factor analysis of the original pool of items, Zuckerman and Link (1968) found four factors for both male and female samples. The latest revision (Zuckerman, 1972) resulted in five scales (fouc new scales and a general sensation-seeking scale made up of the items common to the male and female original scale). The four added scales were Thrill and Adventure Seeking, Experience Seeking, Disinhibition, and Boredom Susceptibility. Pearson (1970) has suggested that novelty-experiencing is multi-dimensional. Following the conceptual-operational strategy proposed by Fiske ( 1966), Pearson analyzed novelty-experiencing into four categories based on the source of stimulation and the type of subjective experience. The four resulting scales of the Novelty-experiencing Scale were: (a) External Sensation: a tendency to like or dislike active, physical participation in "thrilling" activities; (b) Internal Sensation: a tendency to like or dislike the experiencing of unusual dreams, fantasies, or feelings which are internally generated; (c) External Cognitive: a tendency to like or dislike finding out facts, how things work, and learning how to do new things, and (d) Internal Cognitive: a tendency to like or dislike unusual cognitive processes which are focused on explanatory principles and cognitive schemes.
Assessment of Parental Experiential Avoidance in a Clinical Sample of Children with Anxiety Disorders

This investigation seeks to establish the psychometric properties of an adapted measure of experiential avoidance (EA) in the parenting context by assessing its relation to other parenting constructs and psychosocial correlates of child anxiety in a clinical sample. Participants were 154 children (90 female, 64 male) diagnosed with anxiety disorders and their parents (148 mothers, 119 fathers). The newly developed Parental Acceptance and Action Questionnaire (PAAQ) was administered to parents along with self-report measures of adult experiential avoidance, parental psychopathology, affective expression, and parental control behaviors. A subsample of participants, n = 35, were re-administered the PAAQ to assess temporal stability. Factor analysis of the PAAQ yielded a two-factor solution with factors labeled Inaction and Unwillingness. Temporal stability of the PAAQ was found to be moderate, r = .68–.74. Internal consistency was fair across subscales of the PAAQ, α = .64–.65. Correlational analysis of the PAAQ and parent-report measures support the criterion validity of the PAAQ, suggesting that the PAAQ correlates with parent-report measures of parental locus of control, affective expression, and controlling parental behaviors as well as child psychopathology symptoms. Finally, the clinical applicability of the PAAQ is indicated by the PAAQ’s ability to predict a significant amount of variance in parent- and clinician-rated levels of child anxiety and related psychopathology.
A quick, direct method that can differentiate expressed mitochondrial genes from their nuclear pseudogenes

Abstract Direct sequencing of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) following amplification using the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) [1] has found widespread use in population genetic and phylogenetic research over the past few years. Recently, nuclear copies of mitochondrial genes have been reported in diverse eukaryotic species, often confounding such research (reviewed in [2,3]). Under certain circumstances, nuclear pseudogenes can be amplified more efficiently than the intended mtDNA target, even when using as template mtDNA that has been purified by gradient centrifugation [4]. If the transfer of the gene copy to the nucleus happened recently, it can be difficult – if not impossible – to identify the legitimate mitochondrial sequence. Here, we present a simple method that can identify expressed mitochondrial genes, using the cytochrome b gene of the particularly problematical proboscis monkey as an example. Because mtDNA is transcribed and processed into polyadenylated mRNAs [5,6], reverse transcription coupled to PCR can be used to amplify the expressed mitochondrial version. This method produced an unambiguous sequence for the proboscis monkey mitochondrial cytochrome b gene; in contrast, traditional DNA-based PCR methods produced ambiguous sequence, because many nuclear pseudogenes were present. Phylogenetic analysis of the cytochrome b gene suggests that the proboscis monkey groups with the Asian langurs, rather than forming a sister taxon to all Asian and African colobines as was previously suggested [7]. Reverse transcriptase-coupled PCR should be applicable to many other cases of nuclear transfer of mtDNA, including those involving ribosomal genes.
Formation of Source/Drain extension by Antimony implantation for high performance DRAM peripheral transistors

We have investigated properties of Antimony implanted Si such as crystalline defect, dopant distribution, and sheet resistance before and after annealing using TEM, SIMS, and 4-point probe. The sheet resistance of Sb implanted Si shows 35% lower than Arsenic, even though junction depth is 25% shallower. Electrical behaviors of Sorce/Drain extension implanted with Sb show 10% improvement of Ion/Ioff characteristics without degradation of drain-induced barrier lowering compared to the As.
Implementation of Network for the Improvement of Addiction Treatment (NIATx) Processes in Substance Use Disorder Treatment Centers.

Internal process improvements embedded within the Network for Improvement of Addiction Treatment (NIATx) program are promising innovations for improving substance use disorder (SUD) treatment performance, such as engagement and retention. To date, few studies have examined the variables that may increase diffusion and implementation of NIATx innovations. This study investigates organizational characteristics associated with SUD treatment center utilization of NIATx process improvements in a sample of 458 treatment programs. Overall, 19% had utilized NIATx process improvements. After statistically controlling environmental factors, five organizational variables were associated with the likelihood that treatment centers used NIATx processes. Organization size, administrative intensity, membership in a provider association, and participation in National Institute on Drug Abuse’s Clinical Trials Network were positively associated with the odds of utilizing NIATx processes, while the association for the level of slack resources was negative. The findings suggest that policies and related supportive efforts may be required to facilitate diffusion and implementation of NIATx processes to affect SUD treatment center performance and capacity.
Evidence for the Big Five in analyses of familiar English personality adjectives

Studies of the natural language are a prime source of the Big‐Five model, yet the factor analysis of a large, representative, and non‐clustered set of English‐language personality adjectives in a l...
Safe Havens to Abandon Babies, Part III: The Effects

(2002). Safe Havens to Abandon Babies, Part III: The Effects. Adoption Quarterly: Vol. 6, No. 2, pp. 67-76.
The Concentration of Tobramycin in Bronchial Secretions

Fifteen noninfected patients received three consecutive doses of tobramycin (1.7 mg/kg intramuscularly). Serum and bronchial secretions were obtained during bronchoscopy. Microbiologic assay demonstrated that bronchial secretions containing tobramycin produced inappropriately small zone sizes when compared with serum. Also, it was shown that bronchial secretions frequently do achieve therapeutic concentrations of tobramycin at this dosage level and route of administration.
A long-acting buprenorphine delivery system

A subcutaneously implantable buprenorphine delivery system utilizing cholesterol-glyceryltristearate matrix for prolonged release of drug is described. Implantable cylindrical pellets of buprenorphine (cholesterol 36 mg, glyceryltristearate 4 mg, buprenorphine hydrochloride 10 mg), diameter 3 mm, length 6 mm blocked the antinociceptive action (hot plate, 55 degrees C) of 10 mg kg-1 SC challenge dose of morphine in rats for 12 weeks or more (longer periods not evaluated). The cumulative percent release of buprenorphine from the test devices 2, 4, 6, 10 and 12 weeks after implantation was 27.4, 35.9, 37.6, 39.9 and 43.1, respectively. The release of buprenorphine from 10 mg pellets approximated first-order kinetics with half-lives of 0.85 and 50.24 weeks, for alpha and beta phases, respectively. The test devices possess the desirable characteristics of simplicity, biocompatibility, nontoxicity, ease of sterilization with ethylene oxide, small size for ease of insertion and removal, minimal encapsulation by surrounding tissue and an extended period of drug release unaffected by body metabolism. No side effects were seen in implanted rats which fed well and gained weight during entire treatment. Neither deterioration of implant nor any gross anatomic changes at implant site were apparent 12 weeks after pellet implantation.
Continuous quantum feedback of coherent oscillations in a solid-state qubit

We have analyzed theoretically the operation of the Bayesian quantum feedback of a solid-state qubit, designed to maintain perfect coherent oscillations in the qubit for arbitrarily long time. In particular, we have studied the feedback efficiency in presence of dephasing environment and detector nonideality. Also, we have analyzed the effect of qubit parameter deviations and studied the quantum feedback control of an energy-asymmetric qubit.
An amended description of the theropod footprint Bueckeburgichnus maximus Kuhn 1958, and its bearing on the megalosaur tracks debate

The ichnospecies Bueckeburgichnus maximus (Kuhn 1958) is amended and illustrated on the basis of type and topotype material, from the Lower Cretaceous of Germany, showing that previous illustrations were morphologically incorrect and misleading. The track is unequivocally that of a large functionally tridactyl theropod, but can not confidently be attributed to a megalosaurid dinosaur, as suggested by ichnological tradition. Bueckeburgichnus has been compared with theropod tracks from the Upper Jurassic of Portugal labeled as Eutynichnium, Megalosaurus, Megalosauripus and Megalosauropus, but the comparisons are tenuous and compromised by invalid ichnotaxonomic treatment of all four ichnogenera. Megalosaurus must be abandoned as an ichnotaxonomic descriptor. The status of Megalosauripus, Megalosauropus and Eutynichnium is under further investigation but preliminary results suggest that Bueckeburgichnus maximus is distinct from any ichnospecies assigned to these two ichnogenera.
Divalent Metal Ion Triggered Activity of a Synthetic Antimicrobial in Cardiolipin Membranes

One member of a prototypical class of antimicrobial oligomers was used to study pore formation in cardiolipin-rich membranes. Both vesicle dye-leakage assays and small-angle X-ray scattering were used to study bilayer remodeling. The results indicate that the presence of negative intrinsic curvature lipids is essential for pore formation by this class of molecules: In Gram-positive bacteria, cardiolipin and divalent metal cations like Ca(2+) and Mg(2+) are needed. This is consistent with the role of phosphatidylethanolamine (PE) lipid in Gram-negative bacteria, where antimicrobial activity is dependent on the negative intrinsic curvature of PE rather than a specific interaction with PE.
Fusing human and machine skills for remote robotic operations

The question of how computer assists can improve teleoperator trajectory tracking during both free and force-constrained motions is addressed. Computer graphics techniques which enable the human operator to both visualize and predict detailed 3D trajectories in real-time are reported. Man-machine interactive control procedures for better management of manipulator contact forces and positioning are also described. It is found that collectively, these novel advanced teleoperations techniques both enhance system performance and significantly reduce control problems long associated with teleoperations under time delay. Ongoing robotic simulations of the 1984 space shuttle Solar Maximum EVA Repair Mission are briefly described.
Performance of a Computerized Protocol for Trauma Shock Resuscitation

Background A computerized protocol was developed and used to standardize bedside clinician decision making for resuscitation of shock due to severe trauma during the first day in the intensive care unit (ICU) at a metropolitan Level I trauma center. We report overall performance of a computerized protocol for resuscitation of shock due to severe trauma, incorporating two options for resuscitation monitoring and intervention intensity, according to: (1) duration of use and (2) acceptance of computerized protocol-generated instructions.
Tailoring the Structure of Thin Film Nanocomposite Membranes to Achieve Seawater RO Membrane Performance

Herein we report on the formation and characterization of pure polyamide thin film composite (TFC) and zeolite−polyamide thin film nanocomposite (TFN) reverse osmosis (RO) membranes. Four different...
Genomic insights of protein arginine methyltransferase Hmt1 binding reveals novel regulatory functions

Protein arginine methylation is a post-translational modification involved in important biological processes such as transcription and RNA processing. This modification is catalyzed by both type I and II protein arginine methyltransferases (PRMTs). One of the most conserved type I PRMTs is PRMT1, the homolog of which is Hmt1 in Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Hmt1 has been shown to play a role in various gene expression steps, such as promoting the dynamics of messenger ribonucleoprotein particle (mRNP) biogenesis, pre-mRNA splicing, and silencing of chromatin. To determine the full extent of Hmt1’s involvement during gene expression, we carried out a genome-wide location analysis for Hmt1. A comprehensive genome-wide binding profile for Hmt1 was obtained by ChIP-chip using NimbleGen high-resolution tiling microarrays. Of the approximately 1000 Hmt1-binding sites found, the majority fall within or proximal to an ORF. Different occupancy patterns of Hmt1 across genes with different transcriptional rates were found. Interestingly, Hmt1 occupancy is found at a number of other genomic features such as tRNA and snoRNA genes, thereby implicating a regulatory role in the biogenesis of these non-coding RNAs. RNA hybridization analysis shows that Hmt1 loss-of-function mutants display higher steady-state tRNA abundance relative to the wild-type. Co-immunoprecipitation studies demonstrate that Hmt1 interacts with the TFIIIB component Bdp1, suggesting a mechanism for Hmt1 in modulating RNA Pol III transcription to regulate tRNA production. The genome-wide binding profile of Hmt1 reveals multiple potential new roles for Hmt1 in the control of eukaryotic gene expression, especially in the realm of non-coding RNAs. The data obtained here will provide an important blueprint for future mechanistic studies on the described occupancy relationship for genomic features bound by Hmt1.
Theoretical Auger spectra of selected doubly excited Li-like ions

Abstract Auger electron energies, Auger transition rates, lifetimes, and nonradiative branching ratios of doubly excited Li-like Ne, Si, Ca, Ar, Ti, Cr, Fe, and Ni atoms have been calculated using the intermediate coupling scheme and the multi-configuration Hartree- Fock-Slater atomic model.
George C. Marshall and the Moscow CFM meeting of 1947

(1997). George C. Marshall and the Moscow CFM meeting of 1947. Diplomacy & Statecraft: Vol. 8, No. 2, pp. 97-124.
EFFECTS OF CHRONIC NICOTINE ADMINISTRATION ON THE DENERVATED RAT ADRENAL MEDULLA

Abstract 1 The effects of chronic nicotine administration (1 or 10 mg/kg, s.c., twice daily) were studied in intact and denervated rat adrenal glands to determine the relative roles of central input and direct actions on catecholamines. 2 Catecholamine depletion was obtained in the intact glands from 1-7 days of treatment with 10 mg/kg, with recovery by 14 days of treatment; catecholamines were not decreased in denervated adrenal glands. 3 Catecholamine depletion was accompanied by a decline in functional storage vesicles (determined by [3H]-adrenaline uptake per gland) in the intact side, while no change was seen in the denervated side; the proportion of newly synthesized vesicles increased markedly during 1-7 days of treatment with 10 mg/kg in the intact side, while a much smaller increase of shorter duration was seen in the denervated adrenal gland. 4 Chronic nicotine administration at either dose level induced tyrosine hydroxylase in both intact and denervated glands, but the increase occurred more slowly in the denervated glands. 5 Dopamine beta-hydroxylase levels increased similarly in both sides during treatment with nicotine (10 mg/kg). 6 These studies suggest that although long-term adrenal denervation eliminates the catecholamine depletion caused by chronic administration of nicotine, the mechanisms for induction of catecholamine synthesizing enzymes are still capable of responding to the drug.
Characterization of K Opioid Receptors in Neurosecretosomes from Bovine Posterior Pituitary

The binding properties of opioid receptors on isolated nerve terminals (neurosecretosomes) from bovine posterior pituitaries were characterized. Both [3H]etorphine and [3H]ethylketocyclazocine ([3H]EKC) showed high-affinity binding with complex binding isotherms, consistent with the presence of multiple classes of binding sites. [D-Ala2,D-Leu5]enkephalin showed no specific binding and failed to displace [3H]etorphine at high concentrations, indicating the absence of mu, delta, or benzomorphan (kappa 2) sites. Mathematical modelling of the data suggested the presence of three classes of binding sites. The first was of high affinity with Kd values of 0.9 and 2.0 nM for etorphine and EKC, respectively. The second class of sites appeared to bind etorphine with a KD of 150 nM, and EKC with extremely low affinity (unmeasurable binding). The third class of sites was characterized by KD values of 7 and 2 microM for etorphine and EKC, respectively. These results indicate that the nerve terminals of bovine posterior pituitary contain opioid binding sites of the kappa type. Furthermore, these binding sites appear heterogeneous, consisting of at least two and possibly more subtypes or states.
Graphene electrodes enhance performance for microliter scale microbial fuel cells

Recently, microliter-scale microbial fuel cells (μMFCs) have garnered significant interest as effective energy harvesters for low power biological and electronic systems. Although researchers have attained high current densities and columbic efficiencies from such fuel cells, low power outputs and working potentials caused by the use of Au/Cr electrodes have limited the implementation of μMFCs in practical applications. To overcome these limitations, here we present a graphene-based μMFC (G-MFC) that utilizes laser synthesized graphene electrodes to generate open circuit potentials (OCPs) of 0.8 ± 0.05 V and power densities of 1820 ± 10 W/m3. Furthermore, the G-MFC produces a maximum power output of 364 μW. The stack-able and low cost design of our G-MFC allows for a wide range of applications and also serves as a platform for repeatable electrode and substrate based testing. These results suggest that our G-MFC methodology could offer an effective route to achieve viable energy harvesters for low power systems.
TOTAL ALLOPLASTIC REPLACEMENT OF THE URINARY BLADDER

Bladder cancer is the second most common malignancy of the genitourinary tract. In 1992, the estimated incidence of bladder cancer in the United States was 50,000 cases. Cystectomy and urinary diversion were the preferred methods of treatment. Currently, these patients undergo various types of intestinal urinary diversion. These procedures represent a significant advancement over bilateral ureterostomies; however, many problems are associated with their use and they are among the topics discussed in this article.
Effects of 2-stage and total versus fenceline weaning on the physiology and performance of beef steers123

Forty-eight steer calves (initial BW = 314 ± 21 kg), housed on pasture with their dams, were used to document changes in growth performance and various physiological measures when fitted with (YD) or without (ND) an antisuckling device for 7 d and weaned (d 0) by fenceline (FS) or total separation (TS). All steers were weighed and bled on d − 7, − 4, 0, 3, 7, 14, and 35. On d 7 the FS group was moved to a pasture lot distant from their dams and adjoining the TS group. Weight gain was similar (P = 0.74) between ND and YD steers between d − 7 and 0. The YD-FS steers lost weight (P = 0.01) by d 3 compared with the YD-TS steers, and from d 14 to 35 the YD-TS steers were heavier (P = 0.02) than the YD-FS steers. Hematocrit (HCT) increased (P = 0.04) in YD but not ND steers by d − 4 and was similar between treatments thereafter. Before weaning, treatment had no effect on neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio, plasma cortisol, haptoglobin, ceruloplasmin, or serum interferon-γ (IFN-γ) concentrations. Plasma haptoglobin and ceruloplasmin increased (P < 0.01) in all steers from d − 7 to − 4. Upon weaning, d 3 ceruloplasmin was greater (P < 0.05) in FS vs. TS steers, d 7 plasma cortisol was greater (P < 0.05) in YD-FS vs. YD-TS steers, and d 14 IFN-γ was greater (P < 0.05) in TS vs. FS steers. Lymphocyte percentage tended (P < 0.10) to be lower for YD vs. ND steers on d 0 to 7 regardless of method of separation, resulting in an overall greater (P < 0.05) mean neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio for the YD steers. Use of a preweaning anti-suckling device marginally altered growth performance and physiology in beef steers postweaning.
Understanding the information content in MIS management tools

This article suggests that failure to address the uncertainty and equivocality that exist during the development and implementation of a new management information system is a major reason why projects fail. Uncertainty and equivocality occur naturally at different intensities in the various stages of the systems development life cycle. They can also be introduced into the situation based on the level of technology of the new system. Specific management tools that can be effective for reducing uncertainty, resolving equivocality, or both, are presented and evaluated according to the capability of each for eliminating such conditions. General guidelines concerning application of the framework are provided for managers.
Farmers' Choice of Fixed and Adjustable Interest Rate Loans

A discrete stochastic programming model of a midwestern crop-hog farm was used to investigate farmers' fixed-rate/adjustable-rate loan decision. Results show it is optimal for farmers to pay up to 1.5 percentage points above adjustable interest rates to use some fixed-rate debt. Below a one-point premium all fixed-rate debt is chosen. Above 1.5 points all adjustable rate debt is chosen except for more risk-averse farmers, who choose all adjustable rate debt at 2.25 points or more. The feasibility of using financial options to hedge interest rates was investigated and found to be prohibitively expensive.
Measurement of Photo-Induced Refractive Index Change in As 0.42-x-y Ge x Sb y S 0.58 Bulks Induced by Fs Near IR Laser Exposure

Fs MR exposure has been used to induce refractive index change in bulks in the As0.42-x-yGexSbyS0.58 system. Photo- induced Deltan has been investigated as a function of laser dose by measuring diffraction efficiency of buried gratings.
Protective Efficacy and Safety of Brucella melitensis 16MΔmucR against Intraperitoneal and Aerosol Challenge in BALB/c Mice

Brucellosis is a zoonosis of nearly worldwide distribution. Vaccination against this pathogen is an important control strategy to prevent the disease. Currently licensed vaccine strains used in animals are unacceptable for human use due to undesirable side effects and modest protection. Substantial progress has been made during the past 10 years toward the development of improved vaccines for brucellosis. In part, this has been achieved by the identification and characterization of live attenuated mutants that are safer in the host but still can stimulate an adequate immune response. In the present study, the identification and characterization of the mucR mutant (BMEI 1364) as a vaccine candidate for brucellosis was conducted. BALB/c mice were vaccinated intraperitoneally at a dose of 105 CFU with the mutant to evaluate safety and protective efficacy against intraperitoneal and aerosol challenge. All animals vaccinated with the vaccine candidate demonstrated a statistically significant degree of protection against both intraperitoneal and aerosol challenge. Safety was revealed by the absence of Brucella associated pathological changes, including splenomegaly, hepatomegaly, or granulomatous disease. These results suggest that the 16MΔmucR vaccine is safe, elicits a strong protective immunity, and should be considered as a promising vaccine candidate for human use.
Social Support: Methodological Issues in Design and Measurement

Despite plentiful evidence of a link between social support and adaptation to stress, we still know virtually nothing about why this connection exists. This paper is designed to help the researcher plan a study that offers the optimal test of any given explanation. We assume that the research is founded on a conceptual model of the association between stress, support, and strain. The specificity of such a model will depend upon what has been established from existing knowledge. The paper focuses on key issues in measurement, design, and analysis. A fundamental problem in measurement of social support is how to select from a host of possible strategies. The measurement section introduces important considerations that should govern that choice. The design section alerts the reader to sources of bias that commonly constrain the inferences that can be drawn from social support research. It also addresses the thorny problem of timing measurement to capture a process that transpires over time. The analysis section illustrates how structural equations can be used to model specific social support effects and discusses the circumstances that would make inclusion of additional variables advisable. Finally, we consider the limitations of relying exclusively on quantitative data and illustrate ways in which qualitative research can be used to develop unique information about the role of social support in circumventing the effects of stress.
Applying robust structure from motion to markerless augmented reality

We demonstrate a complete system for markerless augmented reality using robust structure from motion. The proposed system includes two main components. The first is a means of learning the appearance of complex 3D objects and augmenting them with virtual annotations. Its output is database of recognizable landmarks along with 3D descriptions of accompanying virtual objects. The second component uses this data to recognize the previously learned landmarks, recover camera pose, and render the associated virtual content. Both components make use of the recently developed subtrack optimization algorithm for structure from motion, which we demonstrate to be a useful tool for both learning the structure of objects and tracking camera pose after recognition. The complete system is demonstrated on several complex real-world examples.
Antiproliferative Activity of G-rich Oligonucleotides Correlates with Protein Binding *

Oligonucleotides have been extensively studied as antisense or antigene agents that can potentially modulate the expression of specific genes. These strategies rely on sequence-specific hybridization of the oligonucleotide to mRNA or genomic DNA. Recently, it has become clear that oligonucleotides often have biological activities that cannot be attributed to their sequence-specific interactions with nucleic acids. Here we describe a series of guanosine-rich phosphodiester oligodeoxynucleotides that strongly inhibit proliferation in a number of human tumor cell lines. The presence of G-quartets in the active oligonucleotides is demonstrated using an UV melting technique. We show that G-rich oligonucleotides bind to a specific cellular protein and that the biological activity of the oligonucleotides correlates with binding to this protein. The G-rich oligonucleotide-binding protein was detected in both nuclear and cytoplasmic extracts and in proteins derived from the plasma membrane of cells. We present strong evidence that this protein is nucleolin, a multifunctional phosphoprotein whose levels are related to the rate of cell proliferation. Our results indicate that binding of G-rich oligonucleotides to nucleolin may be responsible for their non-sequence-specific effects. Furthermore, these oligonucleotides represent a new class of potentially therapeutic agents with a novel mechanism of action.
Conditional expression of human acid β-glucosidase improves the visceral phenotype in a Gaucher disease mouse model

The reversibility and regression of histological and biochemical findings in a mouse model of Gaucher disease (4L/PS-NA) was evaluated using a liver-enriched activator protein promoter control of a tetracycline-controlled transcriptional activation-responsive human acid beta-glucosidase (hGCase) transgenic system. 4L/PS-NA has the acid beta-glucosidase (GCase) V394L/V394L (4L) point mutation combined with hypomorphic ( approximately 6% wild-type) expression of the mouse prosaposin transgene (PS-NA). The hGCase/4L/PS-NA had exclusive liver expression of hGCase controlled by doxycycline (DOX). In the absence of DOX, hGCase was secreted from liver at levels of approximately 120 microg/ml serum with only approximately 8% of full activity, following exposure to pH 7.4 in serum. The hGCase activity and protein were detected in cells of the liver (massive), lung, and spleen, but not the brain. The visceral tissue storage cells and glucosylceramide (GC) accumulation in hGCase/4L/PS-NA were decreased from that in 4L/PS-NA mice. Turning off hGCase expression with dietary DOX led to reaccumulation of storage cells and of GC in liver, lung, and spleen, and macrophage activation in those tissues. This study demonstrates that conditionally expressed hGCase supplemented the existing mutant mouse GCase to control visceral substrate accumulation in vivo.
Pressure-induced shift and broadening of 1510–1540-nm acetylene wavelength calibration lines

We have measured the pressure-induced shift for 15 lines of the ν1+ν3 rotational–vibrational band of acetylene 12C2H2. These lines are useful as wavelength references in the 1510–1540-nm region. We find that the pressure shift varies from +0.008(2) pm/kPa for line R1 to +0.043(2) pm/kPa for line R27, with many of the lines exhibiting a shift near +0.017 pm/kPa (or, equivalently, +2.3×10-3 pm/Torr or -0.29 MHz/Torr). In addition, we have measured the pressure broadening of these lines and find that it also varies with line number and is typically ∼0.7 pm/kPa (∼12 MHz/Torr). We also evaluate the line sensitivity to temperature changes and electromagnetic fields.
The Impact of Human Rights INGO Shaming on Humanitarian Interventions

Do transnational human rights organizations (HROs) influence foreign military intervention onset? We argue that the greater international exposure of human suffering through HRO “naming and shaming” activities starts a process of mobilization and opinion change in the international community that ultimately increases the likelihood of humanitarian military intervention. This is a special corollary to the supposed “CNN Effect” in foreign policy; we argue that information from HROs can influence foreign policy decisions. We test the empirical implication of the argument on a sample of all non-Western countries from 1990 to 2005. The results suggest that HRO shaming makes humanitarian intervention more likely even after controlling for several other covariates of intervention decisions. HRO activities appear to have a significant impact on the likelihood of military missions by IGOs as well as interventions led by third-party states.
Effects of anisotropy and boundary plates on the critical values of a porous medium heated from below

Abstract We present a linear stability analysis of Horton–Rogers–Lapwood convection in an anisotropic porous medium bounded by finite-property plates of infinite horizontal extent. Critical values for the onset of convection are obtained using a continuation method. These values are compared with experimental data. The effects of plate diffusivity, plate diffusivity, plate thickness, and anisotropy in the diffusivity and permeability of the porous medium on these critical values are explored. We find that the predicted critical values from our stability analysis agree favorably with available precision experimental measurements.
Phosphorylation and Polyubiquitination of Transforming Growth Factor β-Activated Kinase 1 Are Necessary for Activation of NF-κB by the Kaposi's Sarcoma-Associated Herpesvirus G Protein-Coupled Receptor

Kaposi's sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (KSHV) G protein-coupled receptor (vGPCR) protein has been shown to induce several signaling pathways leading to the modulation of host gene expression. The hijacking of these pathways facilitates the viral life cycle and leads to tumorigenesis. In the present work, we show that transforming growth factor β (TGF-β)-activated kinase 1 (TAK1) is an important player in NF-κB activation induced by vGPCR. We observed that the expression of an inactive TAK1 kinase mutant (TAK1M) reduces vGPCR-induced NF-κB nuclear translocation and transcriptional activity. Consequently, the expression of several NF-κB target genes normally induced by vGPCR was blocked by TAK1M expression, including interleukin 8 (IL-8), Gro1, IκBα, COX-2, cIAP2, and Bcl2 genes. Similar results were obtained after downregulation of TAK1 by small interfering RNA (siRNA) technology. The expression of vGPCR recruited TAK1 to the plasma membrane, and vGPCR interacts with TAK1. vGPCR expression also induced TAK1 phosphorylation and lysine 63-linked polyubiquitination, the two markers of the kinase's activation. Finally, inhibition of TAK1 by celastrol inhibited vGPCR-induced NF-κB activation, indicating this natural compound could be used as a potential therapeutic drug against KSHV malignancies involving vGPCR.
Trade, Sensitivity and Feedbacks: Interregional Impacts of the US-Canada Free Trade Agreement

Most analyses of the impacts of existing and proposed free trade agreements have focused on the impacts measured at the national level. Given the significant differences in the composition of industry across states within nations, concern has been raised about the possibility of there being differences in impacts of free trade at the sub-national level. However, the states’ economies of the United States do not function in isolation; there is substantial inter-state trading in goods and services and a complex pattern of flows of funds of various kinds (investments, taxes, transfers, pensions, dividends and so forth). As a result, international trading relationships between one state and a foreign country will have the capacity to create a complex set of ripple or multiplier effects on the rest of the United States. The basic nature of the interregional relationships are presented graphically for a four-region version of the interregional computable general equilibrium model in an attempt to reveal the subtle nature of the linkages and feedback effects.
Meeting the ‘multi-’ requirements in organic agriculture research: Successes, challenges and recommendations for multifunctional, multidisciplinary, participatory projects

Organic farming is one of the fastest growing agricultural sectors worldwide, and funds to support research and extension activities that address the needs of organic producers are becoming more widely available in the USA. Solutions to problems in ecologically complex systems, such as organic farming systems often exceed the expertise of individual investigators or single disciplines. Further, the complex nature of ecological and social interactions within systems-based agricultural research requires not only more emphasis on information exchange but also synthesis between multidisciplinary teams of academic researchers and organic farmers. Accordingly, federal grant agencies that support organic agriculture research increasingly require that projects encompass multiple academic disciplines, multiple functions (research, outreach, education), and the participation of stakeholders for the ultimate purpose of the integration of knowledge. Many researchers, educators and administrators at land grant universities (LGUs) remain inexperienced in multidisciplinary, multifunctional and participatory research. Using post-completion project interviews of the project investigators on an organic transition project, we identified eight factors that affected the integration of knowledge from a farmer advisory board and the conduct of our multidisciplinary, participatory organic transition project. The first five factors include shared values, balance in technical competence, institutional capacity for research, team capacity for problem solving and institutional resistance. The research team also identified three other factors that evoked confusion and divergence during the project, and include the ambiguity of power and control of knowledge, the proposed experimental plan and terms of team engagement. We considered participatory elements of the project according to Biggs’ linear typology of participation, but found more appropriate Neef and Neubert's position that a linear scale of participatory approach is an inadequate framework for helping agricultural scientists to decide on whether and in which phases they want to, can and should incorporate participatory elements into their research projects. From these findings, we conclude with critical issues for academic research and extension teams to consider during the development and before conduct of these types of projects. We also offer recommendations for LGUs and other research institutions, and funding organizations, to facilitate multidisciplinary, multifunctional, participatory research.
Some important issues in the design of infrared imaging seeker with high performance

In recent years,precision guided weapons play more and more important role in modern war.Both home and abroad have attached more and more importance to the development and applications of infrared imaging guidance technology.With the increasing of the complexity of mission and environment,precision guided weapons make more strict demands for infrared imaging seeker.The demands include high detection sensitivity,large dynamic range,better target recognition capability,better anti-countermeasure capability and better environment adaptability. To implement the strict demands of weapon system,several important issues should be considered in the design of infrared imaging seeker with high performance,such as the mission,object,and environment of infrared imaging guided missile.Furthermore,the tradeoff design,the optimized application of IRFPA and ATR in complicated environment should be concerned.
Research on Repeated Breakdown Process of Disconnector Contact Gap During Very Fast Transient Overvoltage Test of Overall Switching Process of Disconnector in 252 kV GIS

To research the phenomena of repeated breakdown of contact gap of the disconnector in 252 kV gas insulted switchgear(GIS) thoroughly when the disconnector is used to switch on/off no-load short bus and to implement accurate simulation of very fast transient overvoltage(VFTO) during the whole switching process of the disconnector, a test platform for 252 kV GIS is constructed to perform experimental research on repeated breakdown process of the disconnector contact gap and its influencing factors. Through synchronously measuring the gap voltage and the length of contact clearance, the statistic relationship between the breakdown voltage of contact gap and the length of contact clearance during the switching on/off of the disconnector is obtained. Statistical results show that the relationship between contact gap breakdown voltages and the lengths of contact clearance during the switching on/off process basically agrees with the breakdown voltages of corresponding lengths under power frequency voltage, and there exists the polarity effect. The space charge produced by every time of gap discharge promotes the occurrence of follow-up breakdown, and the more violent the first time of discharge is, the more obvious this trend will be. The attenuation time constant of residual voltage at load side is about 160 min, so the attenuation of residual voltage in the intermittence between the repeated breakdownscan not be taken into account in the simulation. Under the same restoring voltage of the contact gap the residual voltage at the load side does not obviously influence the electric field distribution in the gap. Based on above-mentioned research results, a VFTO simulation model of the whole switching on/off process of the disconnector is built, and the simulation results basically coincide with the measured results.
CORRELATION OF ION-CLUSTER STRUCTURE WITH BULK VISCOSITY AND DENSITY OF TiO_2-BEARING MOLTEN SLAG

An approach was made to correlate the proposed model of ion--cluster structure and structural parameter of TiO_2--bearing pentary system of molten slag with properties. Re- sults showed that an increase of ions with 4--coordination number in molten slag makes the in- crease of bulk viscosity and the decrease of density, while that with 6-coordination number is contrary. The structural parameter proposed is so fairly interrelated to the properties of slag, that it may be available for the prediction about properties. In comparison with ions of 4-coordination number, Ti is more effective than Al and Si.
Urethral Reconstruction Using the Carbon Dioxide Laser: An Experimental Evaluation

Abstract In an effort to test the efficacy of the carbon dioxide laser in urethral reconstruction, patch graft urethroplasty was carried out comparing laser repair to microsurgical repair. The male Sprague Dawley rat was used as the model An oval defect was created in the ventral urethra in 65 animals and repaired with a full thickness preputial skin graft using conventional microsurgical repair, laser assisted microsurgical repair, or laser repair with a protein solder. The success rate, defined as the number of animals surviving without complications at the end of 21 days, was 50, 20, and 65% respectively. In conclusion, laser assisted repair using the protein solder was significantly better than microsurgical repair (p
Approximation algorithms for wireless opportunistic spectrum scheduling in cognitive radio networks

Given a set of communication links in cognitive radio networks, assume that the underlying channel state information along each link is unknown; however, we can estimate it by exploiting the feedbacks and evolutions of channel states. Assume time is divided into time-slots. Under the protocol interference model, the opportunistic spectrum scheduling problem aims to select interference-free links to transmit at each time-slot to maximize the average throughput over the long time horizon. Existing works on the opportunistic spectrum scheduling problem cannot satisfyingly address the wireless interference constraints. We apply the framework of restless multi-armed bandit and develop approximation algorithms for the problem with stochastic identical links and nonidentical links respectively. Based on the updated estimations of channel states, the proposed algorithms keep refining future link scheduling decisions. We also obtain approximation bounds of these two proposed algorithms.
Embracing Complexity and Uncertainty

Geographers can meaningfully and uniquely contribute to problem solving and assist vulnerable populations in making informed decisions. Contemporary environmental and social problems are complex an...
Regulation of HBEGF by Micro-RNA for Survival of Developing Human Trophoblast Cells.

Introduction The growth factor HBEGF is upregulated post-transcriptionally in the low O2 environment of the human placenta during the first 10 weeks of pregnancy. We have examined the possible roles of HBEGF turnover and micro-RNA (miRNA) in its regulation by O2 in human first trimester trophoblast. Methods HTR-8/SVneo trophoblast cells were cultured at 2% or 20% O2. The cells were transfected with a dual luciferase reporter construct (psiCHECK-2) containing no insert (control), the HBEGF 3’ untranslated region (3’UTR), or sub-regions of the 3’UTR, as well as with siRNA for DGCR8. RNA was extracted from trophoblast cells cultured at 2% O2 for 0–4 h for next-generation sequencing. HBEGF was quantified by ELISA. HBEGF, DGCR8, and β–actin were examined by western blotting. Results Protein turnover studies, using 10 μg/ml cyclohexamide, 1 μg/ml lactocystin, or 100 μg/ml MG132, demonstrated faster HBEGF degradation at 20% O2 than 2% O2, mediated by the proteasome. However, proteasome inhibition failed to initiate HBEGF accumulation at 20% O2. Reporter assays, comparing to empty vector, demonstrated that the intact HBEGF 3’ UTR inhibited expression (0.26), while fragments containing only its flanking regions increased reporter activity (3.15; 3.43). No differential expression of miRNAs was found in trophoblast cells cultured at 2% and 20% O2. Nevertheless, HBEGF upregulation at 2% O2 was blocked when the miRNA-processing protein DGCR8 was silenced, suggesting a role for miRNA. Conclusion Our findings suggest involvement of flanking regions of the 3’UTR in activating HBEGF protein synthesis in response to 2% O2, possibly through a miRNA-mediated mechanism.
Eculizumab and Belatacept for De Novo Atypical Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome Associated With CFHR3-CFHR1 Deletion in a Kidney Transplant Recipient: A Case Report.

Abstract Background Atypical hemolytic uremic syndrome (aHUS) is associated with significant morbidity and mortality and occurs due to genetic or acquired abnormalities that result in the dysregulation of the alternative complement pathway. Case Report We report a case of post-living kidney transplantation de novo aHUS in a setting of heterozygous deletion in the complement factor H-related protein (CFHR)3-CFHR1 gene. The aHUS episode was possibly triggered by antibody-mediated rejection or tacrolimus. The patient responded well to eculizumab and substituting belatacept for tacrolimus. Her serum creatinine level was stable at 1.5 mg/dL after 2.5 years of follow-up. Conclusion This case highlights the success of using a strategy that combines eculizumab and belatacept, as an alternative to calcineurin inhibitors, in treating aHUS in a patient with heterozygous deletion in the CFHR3-CFHR1 gene.