cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Does This Robot Make Me Look Smart? How the Addition of a Robotic Pet Influences First Impressions

The current study examined whether the addition of either a robotic cat or a robotic dog to the picture of a male or female model, could affect the participants first impressions of the model. The participants were directed to a website and randomly assigned to a picture. Next, they answered a survey related to their perceptions of the model. Individual differences including participant gender, entity type, and response on robot attitudes scale were found. The results indicate that the items around or with us can be particularly important in public and social settings where first impressions can be the only ones a person gets to make.
Physical activity levels and perceived benefits and barriers to physical activity in HIV-infected women living in the deep south of the United States†

ABSTRACTEngaging in regular physical activity (PA) is important in maintaining health and increasing the overall quality of life of people living with HIV (PLWH). The deep south of the USA is known for its high rate of sedentary behavior although data on the activity levels and perceptions of the benefits and barriers to exercise in women living with HIV in the deep south are lacking. Understanding the perceived benefits and barriers to exercise can guide the development of PA interventions. We conducted a cross-sectional study to determine the PA levels and perceived benefits and barriers to exercise associated with both age and depression level in a group of HIV+ women living in the deep south. We recruited a total of 50 participants from a cohort site for the Women’s Interagency HIV Study. Depression was assessed using the Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale (CES-D) and benefits/barriers to exercise were measured using the Exercise Benefits and Barriers Scale (EBBS). We measured PA both...
Impaired Gut-Liver-Brain Axis in Patients with Cirrhosis

Cirrhosis is associated with brain dysfunction known as hepatic encephalopathy (HE). The mechanisms behind HE are unclear although hyperammonemia and systemic inflammation through gut dysbiosis have been proposed. We aimed to define the individual contribution of specific gut bacterial taxa towards astrocytic and neuronal changes in brain function using multi-modal MRI in patients with cirrhosis. 187 subjects (40 controls, 147 cirrhotic; 87 with HE) underwent systemic inflammatory assessment, cognitive testing, stool microbiota analysis and brain MRI analysis. MR spectroscopy (MRS) changes of increased Glutamate/glutamine, reduced myo-inositol and choline are hyperammonemia-associated astrocytic changes, while diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) demonstrates changes in neuronal integrity and edema. Linkages between cognition, MRI parameters and gut microbiota were compared between groups. We found that HE patients had a significantly worse cognitive performance, systemic inflammation, dysbiosis and hyperammonemia compared to controls and cirrhotics without HE. Specific microbial families (autochthonous taxa negatively and Enterobacteriaceae positively) correlated with MR spectroscopy and hyperammonemia-associated astrocytic changes. On the other hand Porphyromonadaceae, were only correlated with neuronal changes on DTI without linkages with ammonia. We conclude that specific gut microbial taxa are related to neuronal and astrocytic consequences of cirrhosis-associated brain dysfunction.
Book review: Programming for Artificial Intelligence: Methods, Tools, and Applications By Wolfgang Kreutzer and Bruce McKenzie (Addison-Wesley, 1991)

Artificial intelligence textbooks present concepts, history and examples, but they do not always have time for lengthy discussions of methods and tools for solving the kinds of programming problems that arise in artificial intelligence. Kreutzer and McKenzie have written a book to fill this gap. Their book aids those who must solve practical problems, by providing three kinds of information for the AI programmer. First, the authors describe some programming languages well-suited for AI problems. Next, they summarize several of the commonly-used approaches to AI problem solving. Finally, they give source code for an AI programming "toolbox."
The Human Long Interspersed Element-1 Retrotransposon: An Emerging Biomarker of Neoplasia

BACKGROUND: A large portion of intronic and intergenic space in our genome consists of repeated sequences. One of the most prevalent is the long interspersed element-1 (LINE-1, L1) mobile DNA. LINE-1 is rightly receiving increasing interest as a cancer biomarker. CONTENT: Intact LINE-1 elements are self-propagating. They code for RNA and proteins that function to make more copies of the genomic element. Our current understanding is that this process is repressed in most normal cells, but that LINE-1 expression is a hallmark of many types of malignancy. Here, we will consider features of cancer cells when cellular defense mechanisms repressing LINE-1 go awry. We will review evidence that genomic LINE-1 methylation, LINE-1–encoded RNAs, and LINE-1 ORF1p (open reading frame 1 protein) may be useful in cancer diagnosis. SUMMARY: The repetitive and variable nature of LINE-1 DNA sequences poses unique challenges to studying them, but recent advances in reagents and next generation sequencing present opportunities to characterize LINE-1 expression and activity in cancers and to identify clinical applications.
The Book of Joshua in Recent Research

Research on the book of Joshua is developing significantly in a variety of different areas. The review summarizes current scholarship in six distinct methodological approaches: (1) textual criticism; (2) composition and literary context; (3) history, archaeology and geography; (4) violence, genocide and conquest; (5) literary and ideological studies; and (6) reception history. The article will conclude with a brief summary of recent collected studies and commentaries on Joshua. The focus of interpretation will be the last ten years supplementing Greenspoon (2005).
Ovarian and uterine morphology and function in Angus and Brahman cows.

Ovarian characteristics, daily serum progesterone (P4) and estradiol-17 beta (E2) concentrations (d 7 through 17) and uterine luminal secretory protein components and histological variables were evaluated in parous Bos taurus (Angus, n = 20) and Bos indicus (Brahman, n = 19) cows. Cows were slaughtered on d 17 (estrus = d 0) for measurement of ovarian structures, flushing of uteri and removal of uterine tissue for histological evaluation. Cows were placed into one of three reproductive categories: nonpregnant, remnant (flushings contained remnants of embryonic tissue) or pregnant. For ovarian and uterine variables, there were only a few differences among reproductive categories within breeds. For combined categories, weight of the active ovary (containing the corpus luteum) was similar between breeds, but inactive ovarian (P less than .001) and follicular fluid (P less than .01) weights, stromal weight (P less than .01) and number of follicles less than 5 mm in diameter (P less than .01) for both ovaries combined were greater in Brahman than Angus cows. Corpus luteum weight (P less than .001), luteal P4 content (P less than .08) and number of follicles greater than 5 mm in diameter for both ovaries combined (P less than .05) were greater for Angus than for Brahman cows. Overall, mean serum P4 concentrations were greater in nonpregnant (P less than .05), pregnant (P less than .005) and combined (P less than .025) reproductive categories for Angus than corresponding categories of Brahman cows and mean serum E2 concentrations were greater in remnant (P less than .025) and combined (P less than .05) reproductive categories for Angus than corresponding categories of Brahman cows. Mean total uterine luminal protein was greater (P less than .05) in Angus than in Brahman cows for pregnant (23.4 vs 14.7 mg, respectively) and combined reproductive categories (22.4 vs 16.1 mg, respectively). Using electrophoretic analyses, percentage composition of three uterine specific cathode migrating protein bands and quantitative estimates of proteins with molecular weights (MW, X 10(-3)) of 9, 15.5, 34.2, 41.3, 46.2 and 183.1 were greater (P less than .05 to P less than .001) in uterine flushings from Angus than from Brahman cows. Uterine, myometrial and endometrial thicknesses, number of glands/microscopic field and uterine luminal epithelial cell height variables were generally greater (P less than .05 to P less than .001) in pregnant and combined reproductive categories for Angus than for Brahman cows.
Putting Behavioral Goal-Setting Research Into Practice:

Students with or at risk of emotional and behavioral disorders can benefit from a variety of self-regulation strategies. One such strategy is goal setting, which can be used to improve both academi...
AR Expression in Breast Cancer CTCs Associates with Bone Metastases

Molecular drivers underlying bone metastases in human cancer are not well understood, in part due to constraints in bone tissue sampling. Here, RNA sequencing was performed of circulating tumor cells (CTC) isolated from blood samples of women with metastatic estrogen receptor (ER)+ breast cancer, comparing cases with progression in bone versus visceral organs. Among the activated cellular pathways in CTCs from bone-predominant breast cancer is androgen receptor (AR) signaling. AR gene expression is evident, as is its constitutively active splice variant AR-v7. AR expression within CTCs is correlated with the duration of treatment with aromatase inhibitors, suggesting that it contributes to acquired resistance to endocrine therapy. In an established breast cancer xenograft model, a bone-tropic derivative displays increased AR expression, whose genetic or pharmacologic suppression reduces metastases to bone but not to lungs. Together, these observations identify AR signaling in CTCs from women with bone-predominant ER+ breast cancer, and provide a rationale for testing androgen inhibitors in this subset of patients.Implications: This study highlights a role for the AR in breast cancer bone metastasis, and suggests that therapeutic targeting of the AR may benefit patients with metastatic breast cancer. Mol Cancer Res; 16(4); 720-7. ©2018 AACR.
OR19: FREQUENCY OF HLA-B∗44:03-C∗04:09 N BEARING HAPLOTYPES AND PHENOTYPES IN LEUKEMIA PATIENTS

Aim HLA-C∗04:09 N is characterized by a point deletion at nucleotide position 1095 in exon 7. This mutation results in a frame shift and causes the addition of 32 extra amino acids and the loss of cell surface expression (Balas A., et al. Tissue Antigens 2002;59:95–100). The goal of this study was to determine the frequency of the B∗44:03-C∗04:09 N bearing haplotype in leukemia patients treated at MDACC. Method Patients were typed for both HLA Class I and Class II using PCR-SSOP and PCR-SBT methodologies. The HLA-C∗04:09 N allele was resolved using PCR-SSP method. Results We identified and evaluated 300 consecutive patients with various forms of leukemia treated at our center carrying the HLA-B∗44:03-C∗04:01:01G typing with the inclusion of C∗04:09 N allele (2.2% of the total patient population). Of the 300 B∗44:03-C∗04:01:01G bearing patients, 21 were identified as HLA-C∗04:09 N (7%), which accounted for 0.15% in the entire patient population. Discussion Of the 21 patients bearing HLA-B∗44:03-C∗04:09 N alleles, 9 had haplotype assigned. Five of them (55.6%) carrying the haplotype of HLA-A∗23:01-C∗04:09 N-B∗44:03:01-DRB1∗07:01-DRB4∗01:01-DQB1∗02:02 and 2 others carrying the same haplotype but with different HLA-A alleles (Table 1). The study explored the frequency of HLA-C∗04:09 N in the presence of B∗44:03 in leukemia patients. The identification of this null allele would be important in HLA matching for patients in need of stem cell transplant. Misidentification of a patients null allele could impact graft outcome with a mismatched donor carrying the expressed allele or visa versa.
The internationalization of IFSUL and the relevance of a foreign language for the academic and scientific development of the institution

Preparar estudantes para o processo constante de internacionalizacao da Educacao e uma tarefa muitas vezes complexa, uma vez que tanto as tecnologias quanto as praticas de ensino estao em continua mudanca, tornando-se elas cada vez mais globais e menos unicas a um povo, a uma unica cultura. Uma instituicao que antes delimitava e realizava suas pesquisas em seu proprio pais, agora, no seculo XXI, precisa estabelecer relacoes e buscar parcerias de Instituicoes de Ensino Superior (IES) nacionais e internacionais para a elaboracao, execucao e coleta de dados de pesquisa. O objetivo deste trabalho, por conta desta realidade, e apresentar um estudo sobre o Instituto Federal de Educacao, Ciencia e Tecnologia Sul-riograndense – IFSUL, uma instituicao que nao tem medido esforcos e tem estado em um constante movimento para que a internacionalizacao se estabeleca de forma proficua. Sao analisadas a atuacao do IFSUL em projetos do Governo Federal e a capacitacao tanto linguistica como pedagogica dos professores para com seus alunos, na medida em que avalia tambem as iniciativas tomadas pela Instituicao ante o cenario global. As iniciativas abordadas pela Instituicao para a ocorrencia da internacionalizacao sao averiguadas pelos principios apontados por Green (2005), bem como sao trazidas sugestoes pertinentes sobre o que poderia ser feito para que o trabalho constante sobre o referido tema seja cada vez mais satisfatorio.
In vitro single-unit recordings reveal increased peripheral nerve conduction velocity by focused pulsed ultrasound

Ultrasound that is widely used in medical diagnosis has drawn growing interests as a noninvasive means of neuromodulation. Focused pulsed ultrasound (FPUS) effectively modulates neural encoding and transmission in the peripheral nervous system (PNS) with unclear mechanism of action, which is further confounded by contradictory experimental outcomes from recordings of compound action potentials (CAP). To address that, we developed a novel in vitro set up to achieve simultaneous single-unit recordings from individual mouse sciatic nerve axon and systematically studied the neuromodulation effects of FPUS on individual axon. Unlike previous CAP recordings, our single-unit recordings afford superior spatial and temporal resolution to reveal the subtle but consistent effects of ultrasonic neuromodulation. Our results indicate that, 1) FPUS did not evoke action potentials directly in mouse sciatic nerve at all the tested intensities (spatial peak temporal average intensity, ISPTA of 0.91 to 28.2 W/cm2); 2) FPUS increases the nerve conduction velocity (CV) in both fast-conducting A- and slow-conducting C- type axons with effects more pronounced at increased stimulus duration and intensity; and 3) effects of increased CV is reversible and cannot be attributed to the change of local temperature. Our results support existing theories of non-thermal mechanisms underlying ultrasonic neuromodulation with low-intensity FPUS, including NICE, flexoelectricity, and solition models. This work also provides a solid experimental basis to further advance our mechanistic understandings of ultrasonic neuromodulation in the PNS.
Conflicts Between Standards-Based and Postmodernist Evaluations: Toward Rapprochement

Postmodernism is a body of thinking about evaluation that is skeptical of present views, practices, and results of evaluations and their abilities to deliver dependable, useful answers to evaluation questions. This article disagrees with these positions and claims that there exists a substantial foundation from which to continue to professionalize evaluation services and employ them to meet societal needs. Standards-based evaluations, however, must be open to criticism, seek improvements, and be representative of diverse groups concerned with education and evaluation. The Joint Committee on Standards for Educational Evaluation provides a mechanism for these important functions of standards-based evaluations to be realized. The Joint Committee is a resource for postmodern thinkers to improve present evaluation concepts and practices. There are many commonalties between postmodern and standards-based perspectives including the role of value and bias, social context, political context, mixed methods, and the need for improvement. Standards also have several unique features including the establishment of widely shared principles, the development of professionalism, and the ability to reach closure and make decisions. Given these differences, ten questions are responded to from a standards-based perspective keyed to the concerns of postmodernists.
Commentary: Apprendi and Plea Bargaining

Apprendi and Plea Bargaining addresses the impact of Apprendi (Apprendi v. New Jersey, 120 S.Ct. 2348) on the plea bargaining process in both federal and state court. This short piece responds to the arguments of Bibas, 110 Yale.L.J. 1097, who maintains that Apprendi leaves defendants worse off than they were before the decision. King & Klein demonstrate why and how Apprendi will increase safeguards available to the accused, even for those defendants who plead guilty. The piece collects many of the recent cases applying the Apprendi decision and includes a discussion of the practical effect of Apprendi in cases under the United States Sentencing Guidelines.
Teaching engineering at a research university: problems and possibilities

I have taught chemical engineering for the past 34 years. I entered the profession in 1969 with the standard training in pedagogy that most professors receive----none----and by default proceeded to do unto my students as had been done unto me. I prepared my lecture notes and transcribed them onto the board for the students to copy, sometimes asked questions, occasionally got answers from a few of the more fearless students, and gave tests on which the class average hovered around the low sixties with some grades below 20.
A Novel Program for Philosophers to Study Computer Science

Reports on college programs that offered philosophy students courses in computer education.
Tasimelteon for treating non-24-h sleep-wake rhythm disorder.

Introduction: Non-24-h sleep-wake rhythm disorder (non-24) is observed in approximately half of totally blind individuals, a condition caused by their circadian pacemaker in the suprachiasmatic nuc...
What can sociologists of globalization and development learn from Nicos Poulantzas

Several decades ago scholars studying the state, political economy, and power relations were obliged to engage with the ideas of Nicos Poulantzas. Today, his ideas are hard to find in most sociolog...
Regulation of Insulin-Like Growth Factor 2 by Oocyte-Secreted Factors in Primary Human Granulosa Cells.

CONTEXT Human granulosa cells (hGCs) produce and respond to insulin-like growth factor 2 (IGF2) but whether the oocyte participates in IGF2 regulation in humans is unknown. OBJECTIVE To determine the role of oocyte-secreted factors (OSFs) such as growth differentiation factor 9 (GDF9) and bone morphogenetic protein 15 (BMP15) in IGF2 production by hGCs. DESIGN Primary human cumulus GCs in culture. SETTING University infertility center. PATIENTS OR OTHER PARTICIPANTS GCs of women undergoing in vitro fertilization. INTERVENTION(S) Cells treated with GDF9 and BMP15 in the presence of vehicle, follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), dibutyryl cyclic-AMP (dbcAMP), or mothers against decapentaplegic homolog (SMAD) inhibitors. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S) Quantification of mRNA, protein, promoter activity, and DNA methylation. RESULTS FSH stimulation of IGF2 (protein and mRNA) was significantly potentiated by the GDF9 and BMP15 (G+B) combination (P < 0.0001) in a concentration-dependent manner showing a maximal effect at 5 ng/mL each. However, GDF9 or BMP15 alone or in combination (G+B) have no effect on IGF2 in the absence of FSH. FSH stimulated IGF2 promoter 3 activity, but G+B had no effect on promoter activity. G+B potentiated IGF2 stimulation by cAMP. SMAD3 inhibitors inhibited G+B enhancement of IGF2 stimulation by FSH (P < 0.05) but had no effect on FSH induction. Moreover, inhibition of insulin-like growth factor receptor partially blocked G+B potentiation of FSH actions (P < 0.009). CONCLUSIONS For the first time, we show that the oocyte actively participates in the regulation of IGF2 expression in hGCs, an effect that is mediated by the specific combination of G+B via SMAD2/3, which in turn target mechanisms downstream of the FSH receptor.
The effects of a phthalate metabolite mixture on antral follicle growth and sex steroid synthesis in mice.

Abstract Phthalates are used as solvents and plasticizers in a wide variety of consumer products. Most people are exposed to phthalates as parent compounds through ingestion, inhalation, and dermal contact. However, these parent compounds are quickly metabolized to more active compounds in several tissues. Although studies indicate that phthalate metabolites reach the ovary, little is known about whether they are ovarian toxicants. Thus, this study tested the hypothesis that phthalate metabolites influence the expression of genes involved in sex steroid synthesis, cell cycle regulation, cell death, oxidative stress, and key receptors, as well as production of sex steroid hormones by mouse antral follicles. The selected metabolite mixture consisted of 36.7% monoethyl phthalate (MEP), 19.4% mono(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (MEHP), 15.3% monobutyl phthalate (MBP), 10.2% monoisobutyl phthalate (MiBP), 10.2% monoisononyl phthalate (MiNP), and 8.2% monobenzyl phthalate (MBzP). Antral follicles from adult CD-1 mice were cultured for 96 h with vehicle control (DMSO) or metabolite mixture (0.065–325 μg/mL). Growth of follicles in culture was monitored every 24 h. Total RNA was isolated after 24 and 96 h and used for gene expression analysis. Media were collected and subjected to hormone analysis. Exposure to the phthalate mixture inhibited follicle growth, decreased expression of steroidogenic enzymes, and altered the levels of sex steroids relative to control. The mixture, primarily at the two highest doses, also altered expression of cell cycle regulators, apoptotic factors, oxidative stress genes, and some receptors. Collectively, these data suggest that mixtures of phthalate metabolites can directly impact follicle health.
Using phosphoproteomics data to understand cellular signaling: a comprehensive guide to bioinformatics resources

Mass spectrometry-based phosphoproteomics is becoming an essential methodology for the study of global cellular signaling. Numerous bioinformatics resources are available to facilitate the translation of phosphopeptide identification and quantification results into novel biological and clinical insights, a critical step in phosphoproteomics data analysis. These resources include knowledge bases of kinases and phosphatases, phosphorylation sites, kinase inhibitors, and sequence variants affecting kinase function, and bioinformatics tools that can predict phosphorylation sites in addition to the kinase that phosphorylates them, infer kinase activity, and predict the effect of mutations on kinase signaling. However, these resources exist in silos and it is challenging to select among multiple resources with similar functions. Therefore, we put together a comprehensive collection of resources related to phosphoproteomics data interpretation, compared the use of tools with similar functions, and assessed the usability from the standpoint of typical biologists or clinicians. Overall, tools could be improved by standardization of enzyme names, flexibility of data input and output format, consistent maintenance, and detailed manuals.
Major Decision: The Impact of Major Switching on Academic Outcomes in Community Colleges

A third of the 2- and 4-year undergraduates beginning college in 2011–2012 changed their major in the first 3 years of enrollment. Yet, few studies have examined the effects of major switching on student outcomes, particularly in community colleges. Major switching can delay or impede college completion through excess credit accumulation, or it can increase the probability of completion due to a better academic match. Using state administrative data and propensity score matching, we find that major switching increases certificate completion rates but moderately decreases the probability of bachelor’s degree completion in community colleges for students who started with a declared major. We suggest that instead of discouraging major switching, institutions should integrate switching into program planning. Policies like common course-sequencing, cross-discipline introductory courses and flexible application of credits can allow students to revise their interests and goals without losing much time, credits, or tuition dollars.
CHIPS: A Snakemake pipeline for quality control and reproducible processing of chromatin profiling data

Abstract Motivation The chromatin profile measured by ATAC-seq, ChlP-seq, or DNase-seq experiments can identify genomic regions critical in regulating gene expression and provide insights on biological processes such as diseases and development. However, quality control and processing chromatin profiling data involve many steps, and different bioinformatics tools are used at each step. It can be challenging to manage the analysis. Results We developed a Snakemake pipeline called CHIPS (CHromatin enrichment Processor) to streamline the processing of ChIP-seq, ATAC-seq, and DNase-seq data. The pipeline supports single- and paired-end data and is flexible to start with FASTQ or BAM files. It includes basic steps such as read trimming, mapping, and peak calling. In addition, it calculates quality control metrics such as contamination profiles, PCR bottleneck coefficient, the fraction of reads in peaks, percentage of peaks overlapping with the union of public DNaseI hypersensitivity sites, and conservation profile of the peaks. For downstream analysis, it carries out peak annotations, motif finding, and regulatory potential calculation for all genes. The pipeline ensures that the processing is robust and reproducible. Availability CHIPS is available at https://bitbucket.org/plumbers/cidc_chips/src/master/ Contact mtang@ds.dfci.harvard.edu: henry_long@dfci.harvard.edu
Asymptotic Expansions for the Congestion Period for the M/M/∞ Queue

We consider the M/M/∞ queue with arrival rate λ, service rate μ and traffic intensity ρeλ/μ. We analyze the first passage distribution of the time the number of customers N(t) reaches the level c, starting from N(0)em>c. If mec+1 we refer to this time period as the congestion period above the level c. We give detailed asymptotic expansions for the distribution of this first passage time for ρ→∞, various ranges of m and c, and several different time scales. Numerical studies back up the asymptotic results.
Communication Style Affects Physiological Response in Simulated Cancer Risk Reduction Interactions

Provider communication styles in health encounters have links to patient health outcomes. The Social Cognitive Processing Model (SCPM) is a framework to understand how communication facilitating processing may produce different outcomes than communication directing patient behavior. The purpose of this study was to elucidate the linkages between communication behaviors and patient outcomes. Participants engaged in simulated health care interviews with either a facilitative or directive provider. Heart rate (HR), skin conductance level (SCL), communication, and participant self-report measures were analyzed. Compared with those communicating with directive providers, participants communicating with facilitative providers were more satisfied and had lower HR and SCL, indicating lowered stress response. Consistent with SCPM, findings have implications for improved processing, which may impact patient outcomes.
Studies on the prevention of mumps.

THE development of satisfactory procedures for the propagation of mumps virus in the chick embryo has brought within reach the possibility of immunization against the disease. Before discussing the various approaches to prevention of mumps, it is well to define clearly the need for such vaccines and who should be vaccinated. Mumps on the whole is a childhood disease and usually mild when restricted to the salivary glands. In the adult the disease may be more severe, particularly on account of socalled complications such as the involvement of the reproductive glands in the male. In view of this experience vaccination of children should be attempted only if (a) a prolonged immunity can be attained or (b) if certain other clinical conditions in the child render an attack of mumps undesirable at a particular time. In the latter case as well as in adults vaccination may he considered of value even if only a short term immunity can be induced. Vaccines appear desirable for susceptible parents, for instance, who have been exposed by their children, for hospital staffs in contact with mumps patients, and for college students or military personnel, where outbreaks of the disease may interrupt the normal course of training. A second point to be considered concerns the question of susceptibility. It has been well established, particularly since the advent of specific immunologic procedures, that mumps virus causes overt disease in about two thirds of human beings; in the other third the infection remains inapparent but nevertheless induces permanent immunity.
Towards Self-Powered Cameras

We propose a simple pixel design, where the pixel's photodiode can be used to not only measure the incident light level, but also to convert the incident light into electrical energy. A sensor architecture is proposed where, during each image capture cycle, the pixels are used first to record and read out the image and then used to harvest energy and charge the sensors' power supply. We have conducted several experiments using off-the-shelf discrete components to validate the practical feasibility of our approach. We first developed a single pixel based on our design and used it to physically scan images of scenes. Next, we developed a fully self-powered camera that produces 30x40 images. The camera uses a supercap rather than an external source as its power supply. For a scene that is around 300 lux in brightness, the voltage across the supercap remains well above the minimum needed for the camera to indefinitely produce an image per second. For scenarios where scene brightness may vary dramatically, we present an adaptive algorithm that adjusts the framerate of the camera based on the voltage of the supercap and the brightness of the scene. Finally, we analyze the light gathering and harvesting properties of our design and explain why we believe it could lead to a fully self-powered solid-state image sensor that produces a useful resolution and framerate.
Patents, Ethics, Human Life Forms

Introduction Exploitation and Monopoly of Cloned DNA Sequences Anticipated Benefits of Transgenesis Reservations Concerning Transgenesis Defense of Human Germ Line Intervention Autonomy and Patent Claims Against Parents and Children Distributive Justice and Patent Claims on Extracorporeal Compounds Product Patents on Human DNA Sequences Isolation-Purification Rationale for DNA Product Patents Unpatentability of Nature and DNA Patents What Should Suffice for a Biotechnology Product Patent? Adverse Welfare Effects of DNA Patents Alternative Incentives for Biotechnological Innovation Measures for Holding onto the Availability of Product Patents Categorical Prohibitions Compulsory Publication of DNA Sequence Data to Thwart Patents Subsidies Exclusive FDA Approval for a Term of Years Human Methods Patent Ancillary Mechanisms Compulsory Licensing Expert Guidance Implications of Patents in the Clinic Introduction of Human Substances Outside the Germ Line Human Germ Line Intervention Consistency of Policy for Plants and Animals Keywords: patents; ethics
Surface-layer fluxes in stable conditions

Micrometeorological tower data from the Microfronts experiment are analyzed. Scale-dependencies of the flux and flux sampling error are combined to automatically determine Reynolds turbulence cut-off time scales for computing fluxes from time series. The computed downward heat flux at the 3 m height averaged over nine nights with 7.3 hours each night is 20% greater than the downward heat flux computed at the 10 m height. In contrast, there is only a 1.2% difference between 3 m and 10 m heat fluxes averaged over daytime periods, and there is less than a 2% difference between 3 m and 10 m momentum fluxes whether averaged over nighttime or daytime periods. Stability functions, φM(z/L) and φH(z/L) are extended to z/L up to 10, where z is the observational height and L is the Obukhov length. For 0.01 < z/L < 1 the estimated φ functions generally agree with Businger-Dyer formulations, though the φH estimates include more scatter compared to the φM estimates. For 1 < z/L < 10, the flux intermittency increases, the flux Richardson number exceeds 0.2, and the number of flux samples decreases. Nonetheless the estimates of the stability function φM based on 3-m fluxes are closer to the formula proposed by Beljaars and Holtslag in 1991 while the φM functions based on 10-m fluxes appears to be closer to the formula proposed by Businger et al. in 1971. The stability function φH levels off at z/L = 0.5.
The programmers’ collective: fostering participatory culture by making music videos in a high school Scratch coding workshop

We highlight ways to support interest-driven creation of digital media in Scratch, a visual-based programming language and community, within a high school programming workshop. We describe a collaborative approach, the programmers’ collective, that builds on social models found in do-it-yourself and open source communities, but with scaffolding structures that support students’ learning. We analyze the work of a class of high school student collectives engaged in programming music videos as part of a collaborative challenge in the online Scratch community. Our multi-level analysis focused on students’ learning specific programming concepts, effects of collaborative and task design on learning, and their personal reflections on collaboration and media creation. We address how these overlapping collaborative experiences point to the value of “nested collectives,” or multiple levels of designed-for collaboration. We also highlight a needed shift from a focus on computation to computational participation, hig...
2nd-Order Balancing and 2nd-Order Model Reduction

Model reduction of 2nd-order form systems is considered where a 2nd-order form reduced model is required. The focus is on reduction methods that employ or mimic Moore's balance and truncate. First, we examine 2nd-order form model reduction by conversion to 1st-order form. Then, a direct 2nd-order balancing method is presented and, based on this, a 2nd-order form balance and truncate model reduction method is given. We illustrate results ad compare methods on three examples.
A differential summing amplifier for analog VLSI systems

We have designed, fabricated and tested an analog VLSI version of a differential summing amplifier that is based on the differential difference amplifier. This is a four-input amplifier with twelve minimal-sized transistors that covers an area that is 120 times less than previous differential difference amplifier designs, which makes it ideally suited for smart-pixel focal-plane arrays or analog neural networks that require high-density analog components of minimal size. The circuit has been tested and compared to larger versions using a chip fabricated through MOSIS using the AMI 1.5 /spl mu/m two metal layer, double-poly analog process in a 2.2 mm/spl times/2.2 mm tiny chip padframe. The experimental results show that its operation is favorable with the larger versions for use in open-loop mode, as a voltage follower, or output level-shifter.
Societal Reaction And The Physically Disabled: Bringing The Impariment Back In*

According to the societal reaction perspective, the reactions of the nondisabled are the key to understanding the physically disabled. Consequently, stigmatization has been emphasized in explaining the often awkward and inhibited encounters between the disabled and the nondisabled. Stigmatization, though, cannot fully explain interaction between the disabled and the nondisabled. Through a qualitative analysis of encounters between the deaf and the hearing, 1 demonstrate that disabilities are also disruptive when they cause the assumptions and routine practices which usually successfully maintain interaction to become problematic. Coping strategies are attempts to compensate for those assumptions and practices which have failed. The reactions of the nondisabled are important in understanding the physically disabled, but in more complex ways than the societal reaction perspective has so far suggested.
Thrombin mutant W215A/E217A treatment improves neurological outcome and attenuates central nervous system damage in experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a neuroinflammatory disease characterized by demyelination and axonal damage of the central nervous system. The pathogenesis of MS has also been linked to vascular inflammation and local activation of the coagulation system, resulting in perivascular fibrin deposition. Treatment of experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE), a model of human MS, with antithrombotic and antiinflammatory activated protein C (APC) reduces disease severity. Since recombinant APC (Drotecogin alfa), originally approved for the treatment of severe sepsis, is not available for human MS studies, we tested the hypothesis that pharmacologic activation of endogenous protein C could likewise improve the outcome of EAE. Mice were immunized with murine myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein (MOG) peptides and at the onset of EAE symptoms, were treated every other day with either WE thrombin (25 μg/kg; i.v.), a selective recombinant protein C activator thrombin analog, or saline control. Mice were monitored for changes in disease score until euthanized for ex vivo analysis of inflammation. Administration of WE thrombin significantly ameliorated clinical severity of EAE, reduced inflammatory cell infiltration and demyelination, suppressed the activation of macrophages comprising the CD11b + population and reduced accumulation of fibrin (ogen) in the spinal cord. These data suggest that symptomatic MS may respond to a treatment strategy that involves temporal pharmacological enhancement of endogenous APC generation.
A Computational Study of Interfacial Stress Distribution in Unidirectional Composites and Its Use in Prediction of Brittle Failure

A computational investigation has been conducted to examine the effect of key microstructural and material parameters, namely the minimum inter-fiber spacing (δ) and the fiber/matrix stiffness ratio (Ef /Em ), on the interfacial stress distributions in unidirectional composites subjected to transverse uniaxial tensile load. Representative Volume Elements (RVE’s) containing 144 fibers are constructed using a Monte-Carlo (MC) algorithm, imitating random composite structures. The boundary element method is then used to solve the multi-region elasticity problem on these microstructures. We pay particular attention to the statistics of the distribution of the maximum interfacial stresses computed on each fiber; these are found to follow a Weibull distribution, whose specific shape depends on both microstructural and material parameters. Following the weakest-link theory of Batdorf and Crose [1], we derive a statistical formula for the prediction of brittle failure of composite structures caused by interfacial failure. The limitations and possible extensions to the proposed approach are discussed as well.Copyright © 2003 by ASME
The nonrandom selection of don't knows in binary and ordinal responses: Corrections with the bivariate probit model with sample selection

On social surveysdon't knows are a common answer to attitudinal questions, which often have binary or ordinal response categories.Don't knows can be nonrandomly selected according to certain demographic or socioeconomic characteristics of the respondent. To model the sample selection and correct for its bias, this paper discusses two types of bivariate models —binary-probit and the ordinal probit model with sample selection. The difference between parameter estimates and predicted probabilities from the analysis modelling the sample selection bias ofdon't knows and those from the analysis not modellingdon't knows is emphasized. Two empirical examples using the 1989 General Social Survey data demonstrate the necessity to correct for the bias in the nonrandom selection ofdon't knows for binary and ordinal attitudinal response variables. A replication of the analyses using the 1990 and 1991 General Social Survey data helps demonstrate the reliability of the sample selection bias ofdon't knows.
A comparative analysis of extracellular fluid volume of several tissues as determined by six different markers

Abstract The uptake and distribution of 6 different extracellular markers were analyzed in ten tissues of the rat. The saccharides, 3 H-mannitol, 3 H-raffinose, 3 H-inulin, and 14 C-inulin, reached a steady-state distribution in all tissues within ≈15 min after intraperitoneal injection; 22 Na and 36 Cl followed similar kinetics in all tissues except the choroid plexuses and the thyroid, which required > 1 hr to obtain a steady-state plateau. In most tissues, the steady-state spaces of 3 H-raffinose, 3 H-inulin, and 14 C-inulin (60 min) were not significantly different; however, the 3 H-mannitol, 22 Na and 36 Cl spaces were on average 45, 54, and 79%, respectively, greater than the 3 H-inulin space.
Isospectral potentials from modified factorization

Factorization of quantum-mechanical potentials has a long history extending back to the earliest days of the subject. In the present article, the nonuniqueness of the factorization is exploited to derive new isospectral nonsingular potentials. Many one-parameter families of potentials can be generated from known potentials using a factorization that involves superpotentials defined in terms of excited states of a potential. For these cases an operator representation is available. If ladder operators are known for the original potential, then a straightforward procedure exists for defining such operators for its isospectral partners. The generality of the method is illustrated with a number of examples which may have many possible applications in atomic and molecular physics.
The regulation of glucose transporter (GLUT1) expression by the RNA binding protein HuR

HuR is a ligand for nuclear mRNAs containing adenylate-uridylate-rich (ARE) elements in the 3'-untranslated region. Once bound to the mRNA, HuR is recognized by adapter proteins that then facilitate nuclear export of the complex. In the cytosol, HuR is thought to function to control stability and translation of its ligand message. We have previously demonstrated that HuR is constitutively expressed in the 3T3-L1 cells and shuttles from the nucleus to the cytosol, but remains predominantly nuclear in the preadipocytes and that as the cells differentiate, there is a marked increase in the proportion of HuR in the cytosol at any time. The GLUT1 glucose transporter is also expressed in both preadipocytes and adipocytes and in vitro RNA gel shifts indicate the mRNA is a ligand for HuR. However, HuR complexes containing the GLUT1 mRNA can only be isolated from the terminally differentiated adipocytes. Moreover, position analysis of the GLUT1 mRNA and HuR protein in polysome profiles demonstrates a shift to the most dense region of the gradient for both message and protein with adipocyte differentiation. Consistent with a regulatory role in the control of GLUT1 expression, siRNA-mediated decrease in HuR protein resulted in a decreased expression of GLUT1 protein. These data suggest that HuR contributes to the metabolic function of the adipocyte through mediation of post-transcriptional regulatory events.
Role of Renal Nerves in Afferent Arteriolar Reactivity in Angiotensin-Induced Hypertension

The objective of this study was to determine the contribution of renal nerves to the enhanced afferent arteriolar reactivity observed in angiotensin II (Ang II)-induced hypertension. Uninephrectomized Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into four groups: sham rats, renal-denervated rats, Ang II-infused (at 40 ng/min for 13 days) rats, and Ang II-infused+renal-denervated rats. With the use of an implanted arterial catheter, mean arterial pressure (MAP) was monitored in conscious rats. Ang II infusion resulted in a progressive increase in MAP from 98±1 (day 0) to 166±7 mm Hg (day 13). This increase in MAP was attenuated in denervated rats and averaged 136±3 mm Hg on day 13. Kidneys were harvested on day 13 for microcirculatory experiments or measurement of intrarenal Ang II levels. Basal afferent arteriolar diameter was similar in all groups, and group averages ranged from 19.6 to 20.7 μm. Chronic Ang II infusion increased intrarenal Ang II levels. Renal denervation did not alter this effect. Increasing perfusion pressure from 100 to 160 mm Hg reduced afferent arteriolar diameter significantly by 11.2±0.6% in the sham group and by a similar degree in the remaining three groups. Superfusion with Ang II (10 nmol/L) reduced afferent arteriolar diameter by 34.3±2.0% in the sham group. This response was enhanced in Ang II-infused (62.3±3.4%) but not in renal-denervated or Ang II-infused+renal-denervated rats. Additionally, the enhanced afferent arteriolar reactivity to Ang II was not influenced by adrenergic receptor blockade. The afferent arteriolar response to norepinephrine was enhanced in renal-denervated, Ang II-infused, and Ang II-infused+renal-denervated rats compared with sham controls. Administration of the calcium ionophore A23187 decreased afferent arteriolar diameter similarly in all four groups. These results indicate that renal nerves contribute to the development of hypertension and to the enhanced afferent arteriolar responsiveness to Ang II elicited by chronic Ang II infusion.
Shock-induced changes in the sodiumpotassium adenosine triphosphatase enzyme system in dog hearts

Abstract The effects of endotoxic shock on the partial reaction of the (Na + + K + )-ATPase enzyme system, K + -activated para -nitrophenylphosphatase (K + -PNPPase), and on ouabain binding were studied in isolated adult dog heart myocytes. Results obtained 4 hr after endotoxin administration showed that the kinetic parameters of K + -PNPPase such as V max and K m for K + activation, and V max , S 0.5 , and the Hill coefficient for Mg 2+ and para -nitrophenylphosphate saturation were not altered. However, the sensitivity of K + -PNPPase to ouabain inhibition was decreased markedly; the I 50 value for ouabain inhibition was increased from the control value of 0.39 μ M to 2.2 μ M in endotoxic shock. Results obtained from ouabain binding studies indicated that the K d for high-affinity binding was increased by 36% with no change in the K d for low-affinity binding and no change in the total number of binding sites. The average affinity for ouabain binding at low fractional occupancy of receptor sites was markedly decreased. The effect of ouabain on K + -PNPPase activity was changed from inhibition to activation when less than 32% of the receptor sites were occupied. These data indicate that 4 hr after endotoxin administration, the total number of ouabain receptor sites and the dephosphorylation process of the enzyme cycle were not altered, but the coordination of the ouabain receptor subunit and the catalytic subunit of the enzyme system was impaired. Based on these results, it is concluded that the therapeutic value of cardiac glycosides as a means of improving myocardial contractility during endotoxic shock should be reevaluated.