cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Autonomic arousal in normal, alcoholic, and brain-damaged subjects as measured by the plethysmograph response to cold pressor stimulation.

In order to study the role of central factors in controlling autonomic arousal, hospitalized control, brain-damaged, and alcoholic patients were tested for responsivity to the cold pressor test. During the last 30 sec of a 1 min immersion, half of the Ss were given a motor task consisting of 12 reaction time trials. The dependent variable was the cutaneous vasomotor response measured by a plethysmograph. Hospital controls showed strong rebound tendencies on recovery and well-modulated responses during immersion. The brain-damaged had plethysmograph responses which after immersion showed little or no tendency to recover. Alcoholics manifested intermediate tendencies. Hospital controls who received the motor task during immersion had a reduction in response whereas brain-damaged Ss in the same condition showed increased response. Also noted were two distinctly different plethysmograph response profiles to the cold pressor: vasodilation and vasoconstriction.
Self-Awareness of Judgment Policies of Rapport

Social perceivers are believed to report their perceptions in terms of subjective cues (e.g., warmth, agreeableness, etc.) more than objective cues (e.g., gestures, head nods, etc.). The authors examined perceivers’ awareness of and control over both types of cues when making social judgments. Consistent with past theorizing, Study 1 demonstrated that perceiver judgments were influenced by both types of cues but perceivers were more aware of their subjective cue use. Studies 2 and 3 confirmed this and suggested that perceiver judgment policies changed more when receiving objective cue instructions. Surprisingly, judgment policies (i.e., cue use) did not always improve as a result of these changes. Thus, manipulated changes in judgment policy did not necessarily lead to increased accuracy.
Finite element model of a beam with a piezoceramic patch actuator

Abstract Piezoceramic wafer (patch) actuators have been used for the excitation and control of vibrations of beam and plate-like structures. Precise constitutive modelling of the system is important for accurate computer simulation. In this paper, a finite element model of a beam with a piezopatch actuator adhered to it is presented. Both the beam and the patch actuator are modelled using Timoshenko beam theory. Constraints are introduced to ensure continuity of the axial and transverse displacements at the interface of the two Timoshenko elements. This formulation allows the cross-section of each layer to rotate individually, which increases the accuracy compared to conventional formulations in the literature. The displacement field of the system is presented in a factored matrix form, which is utilized to derive the element mass and stiffness matrices. Theoretical and experimental frequency response functions of a piezopatch and beam system are obtained with the piezopatch electrically open and closed circuited. Better agreement is observed between the presented model and experimental results than is obtained using a Euler–Bernoulli formulation for both layers or Timoshenko theory for only one layer and Euler–Bernoulli theory for the other. The piezoelectric and dielectric behavior of the piezoceramic wafer are included in the element model. An optimized vibration absorber using an electrical resistive-inductive shunt circuit on the piezopatch is also simulated.
Creation, Sin and Its Curse, and the People of God: an Intertextual Reading of Genesis 1-12 and Acts 1-7

This essay offers an intertextual reading of Gen 1-12 and Acts 1-7. Specifically, it considers how three soteriological themes (i.e., creation, sin and its curse, and creation of God's people) play a central role in the narratives of Gen 1-12 and Acts 1-7 and how reading these narratives intertextually can enhance one's appreciation for the evocative power of these themes in Genesis and for their distant echoes in Acts.
Complementary Investigative Techniques for Site Assessment with Low‐Level Contaminants

A remedial investigation (RI) was performed in an area downgradient from an abandoned missile silo at Vandenberg Air Force Base, California, as part of the United States Air Force Installation Restoration Program (IRP). A number of complementary investigative techniques were used to assure a reliable assessment of site contamination. These included the review of aerial photographs, the use of an organic vapor analyzer (OVA) and carbon adsorption/mass spectrometer (MS) method to conduct a soil-gas survey; magnetic and electromagnetic geophysical surveys; bedrock permeability testing; and the chemical analysis of soil, sediment, surface water, and ground water samples. The results from this investigation revealed the presence of an undocumented landfill and a small trichloroethylene plume in ground water at concentrations ranging from 6.7 ppb to 31 ppb. The investigation also identified local ground water flow direction, provided strong evidence of the location of potential sources of contamination, and defined the downgradient extent of ground water contamination. Because the identified contaminants have not as yet reached the environmentally sensitive wetland at the base of the slope below this facility, there is still time to propose remedial alternatives that would serve to protect this environmentally sensitive area.
Thomas Reid's Fundamental Rules of Eloquence.

Thomas Reid was familiar with diverse rhetorical theories, but he believed all eloquence displays immutable fundamental rules. This essay examines his philosophy of rhetoric and identifies the principles to which he was committed. These include his classification of knowledge, emphasis on artistic expression, and theory of natural signification.
Therapie der hepatitis C-virus- infektion

Undetectable hepatitis C virus (HCV)-specific RNA in serum six months after the end of treatment is the primary aim of antiviral therapy in patients with chronic hepatitis C. Long-term studies confirmed that viral eradication is durable in more than 95% of cases. The high chronification rate of acute hepatitis C (50 to 80%) justifies therapeutic strategies to prevent a chronic course of the infection. Monotherapy with interferon-alpha for 24 weeks can prevent chronification in more than 90% of patients with acute hepatitis C. Antiviral therapy should be considered in all patients with chronic hepatitis C, who are symptomatic, or have a considerable risk for the development of liver cirrhosis and its sequelae, if they have no contraindication for therapy. Furthermore, treatment should be considered in all patients who carry a substantial risk to infect others. Combination therapy with a pegylated interferon-alpha plus ribavirin is the current standard of care and achieves sustained virologic response rates of 54 to 61%. Patients chronically infected with genotype HCV-1 isolates should be treated for 48 weeks (independent from baseline viral load), while in patients infected with HCV-2 or -3 isolates 24 weeks of treatment are sufficient. Patients without sustained virologic response can still benefit histologically from an interferon-alpha based therapy. Possibly, interferon-alpha also reduces the risk for patients with chronic hepatitis C to develop hepatocellular carcinoma.
Effects of impulsivity on performance of verbal tasks in middle- and lower-class children.

Verbal performance of 30 middle- and lower-class males (ages 9–12 years) was compared on four standard tasks. Analysis of the data indicated class difference in language usage is attributed both to language-speech competence and to impulsivity-reflection in response.
The bovine herpesvirus type 1 envelope protein Us9 acidic domain is crucial for anterograde axonal transport

In this study, we examined the functional role of bovine herpesvirus type 1 (BHV-1) Us9 acidic domain residues 83-90 in the anterograde axonal transport of the virus in calves (natural host), rabbits, and in cultured neurons. A mutant virus strain lacking Us9 residues 83-90 (BHV-1 Us9 Δ83-90) and the rescued virus (BHV-1 Us9 R83-90) replicated efficiently in the nasal and ocular epithelium during primary infection and established latency in the trigeminal ganglia (TG). However, upon reactivation from latency, only the BHV-1 Us9 R83-90 virus was detected in nasal and ocular swabs of animals. In compartmentalized, rabbit primary dorsal root ganglia (DRG) neuron cultures, the Us9-deleted BHV-1, BHV-1 Us9 Δ83-90 and BHV-1 Us9 R83-90 viruses were transported efficiently in the retrograde direction. However, only the BHV-1 Us9 R83-90 virus was transported in an anterograde direction. These studies suggested that the Us9 acidic domain residues located between 83 and 90 were required for axonal anterograde transport.
Reactions of bicyclic cyclopropanes and bicyclic cyclobutanes with dichlorobis(benzonitrile)palladium(II)

Abstract Exo - and end o-9-methylbicyclo[6.1.0]non-4-enes react with dichlorobis(benzonitrile)palladium(II) to produce initially the isomeric dimeric (chlorine bridged) π-complexes, (PdCl 2 - C 10 H 16 ) 2 . The π-complexes rearrange within minutes in solution at room temperature to produce stereospecifically the chlorine bridged dimeric trihapto-σ,π-cyclooctenyl complexes which result from chloropalladation of the external cycopropane carbon—carbon bond, with chlorine bound at the carbon bound to methyl. The chloropalladations also occur during several hours at 75°C in the solid state. The σ,π-cyclooctenyls react with cyanide ion to produce quantitatively 9-methyl- trans -bicyclo[6.1-0]non-4-ene, which hydrocarbon was also independently synthesized. The trans -fusion in the product of cyanide displacement implies an inversion at carbon along the reaction pathway. The relationship of this chemistry to cyclopropane oxymercuration is discussed. The cyclobutane containing hydrocarbon bicyclo[6.2.0] dec-4-ene was incorporated in a π-complex similar to those above. The cyclobutane moiety was found to be inert to chloropalladation under mild to moderate conditions.
Individual SWNT based thermoelectric power chemical sensors

ABSTRACT Electrical properties of individual Single-Walled Carbon Nanotube/rope in the configurations of 2-probe resistance, field effect transistor (FET), and thermopower have been measured. It is shown that oxygen adsorption in SWNTs is indeed a physisorption process. The p-type behavior of SWNTs in the ambient is believed to be due to the Fermi level pinning at impurity states of O 2- near the top of the valence band of the tube. Chemisorption processes involving ammonia and nitrous oxide have been explored by studying FET properties. The thermoelectric power of individual ropes of SWNTs is measured and related to the FET properties. Keywords: SWNT, Thermoelectric Power, Oxyg en sensor, Change of resistance 1. INTRODUCTION Chemical Sensors have made a great impact on everyday life. Over the past decade the de velopment of simple, robust, solid state sensors whose operation is based on the transduction of the binding of an analyte at the active surface of the sensor to a measurable signal has been in demand. Most often the measurable signal is the change in electrical properties such as resistance, capacitance or optical properties of the active element. There has been a very strong demand for producing highly sensitive, selective and cost effective sensors. Due to which the research has emphasized on developing new materials for sensing flammable and volatile chemicals, biological agents etc. Single walled carbon nanotubes (SWNTs) are 1d quantum wires which have unique physical and chemical properties for potential applications. Chemical sensors based on these SWNT s have numerous advantages over conventional solid state chemical sensors. These include extreme sensitivity, good selectivity and faster response time. The most important advantage includes using them at room temperature as compar ed to the solid state sensors which only respond at high temperature. The interaction between the nanotube and the molecular gas species can significantly make an impact on the electrical and thermal properties of the SWNTs. There have been studies done on changes in the electrical transport and thermal properties on the bundles of nanotubes [1 - 4] as well as individual nanotube [5 - 7] due to the interaction to the gas molecules. In this paper we discuss the various adsorption/desorption kinetics study of oxygen and other organic vapors using the study of individual SWNT as a 2-probe resistance configuration, Field Effect Transistor (FET) configuration for individual SWNTs and thermoelectric power (TEP) measurement of individual bundles of SWNTs.
The striated urogenital sphincter muscle in the female

Striated muscle associated with the female urethra and vagina constitute a continuous mass which appropriately may be called the urogenital sphincter. Though continuous, the muscle may be separated into two parts--one that surrounds the urethra, and the other surrounding the urethra and vagina. The individual muscle fibers are small and are embedded in connective tissue and infiltrated with smooth muscle which obscures the visibility of the muscle to gross dissection. Developmentally the muscle primordium is laid down around the urogenital sinus and urethra early, and foreshadows the anatomical arrangement that is maintained in the adult with little change. The urogenital sphincter muscle extends from the base of the bladder where it lies within the pelvic cavity and continues through the urogenital hiatus of the pelvic diaphragm to expand around the vagina in the perineum. Additional fibers attach to the ischiopubic rami and constitute a compressor of the urethra. As a result there is no superior fascia of the so-called "urogenital diaphragm" which closes off a deep perineal compartment or forms a floor of the urogenital hiatus.
CYTOLOGICAL STUDIES OF OEDOGONIUM. I. OOSPORE GERMINATION IN O. FOVEOLATUM

D)etails of oospore germiniation, including meiosis, are described and illustrated as they appear in the homothallic Oedogoniumn foveolatum. Unequivocal meiotic division is demonstrated to occutr within 12 hr prior to the liberation of the motile tetrad cells. The development and liberation of the meiotic products are described as are instances of anomalous oospore germination. In some cases, meiosis apparently fails to occur, and a single, diploid germling invariably results. Various factors influencing oospore germination are discussed, including an apparent absolute light re-
Assessing changeability under uncertain exogenous disturbance

This paper introduces metrics derived from application of a Markov decision process to evaluate a design’s changeability. Changeability is known to improve product performance if conscientious early-stage design decisions are matched with structured management of the system in response to exogenous disturbances—shifts which may be environmental, market, technological, and political in nature. Included in the paper is a brief discussion of changeability’s role in ensuring strategic product performance as well as a review of past metrics developed, highlighting the open design challenge to more fully capture the managerial and process dimensions inherent to changeability. The proposed metrics are featured in a case study related to the ballast water system of an ocean-going vessel. The result of such application is greater context for the value changeability offers and an improved understanding of the resources required to manage uncertainty over the product’s life cycle.
Formal and informal institutions in the labor market, with applications to the construction sector in Egypt

Abstract Urban labor markets that are characterized by the absence or ineffectiveness of regulation by legal and bureaucratic institutions can nonetheless be subject to powerful institutional forces based on customary norms, group cohesion, kinship, and social networks. Using insights derived from the New Institutional Economics, this argument is illustrated with three examples from the construction labor market in Egypt, where formal and informal institutions performing similar functions are contrasted. In each case the informal institution is found to be significantly more important in shaping labor market relations.
Differential impairment of person-specific knowledge in a patient with semantic dementia

We report the case of ST, a 61-year-old gentleman of superior intelligence, who presented with a five-year history of slowly progressive word finding difficulty for proper names. MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) showed marked atrophy in the left anterior temporal lobe and SPECT (single photon emission computed tomography) demonstrated hypoperfusion in the left anterior and inferior temporal region. A detailed behavioral analysis of the integrity of his semantic system revealed naming deficits for both proper and common names. ST also showed severe impairments in person-specific semantic knowledge, but preservation of knowledge for famous places and common objects. ST's semantic knowledge deficit for people emerged whether he was tested with the faces or the names of famous individuals. Variables that affect name retrieval, such as familiarity, age of acquisition, and frequency of concept encounter, do not account for the selective impairment of person-specific knowledge evidenced by ST. Qualitative differences between the nature of knowledge representations for people and for common objects may underlie this effect. Disruptions in left temporal regions associated with semantic processing may be sufficient to produce a selective deficit in person-specific knowledge.
Auto-activation of c-JUN Gene by Amino Acid Deprivation of Hepatocellular Carcinoma Cells Reveals a Novel c-JUN-mediated Signaling Pathway

Mammalian cells respond to protein or amino acid (AA) limitation by activating a number of signaling pathways, collectively referred to as the AA response (AAR), that modulate a range of cellular functions, including transcriptional induction of target genes. This study demonstrates that in hepatocellular carcinoma cells, expression of c-JUN, JUN-B, c-FOS, and FOS-B was induced by the AAR, whereas JUN-D, FRA-1, and FRA-2 were not. Of the four activated FOS/JUN members, c-JUN made the largest contribution to the induction of several known AAR target genes. For several human liver, prostate, and ovarian cell lines, the AAR-induced increase in c-JUN expression was greater in transformed cells compared with nontransformed counterparts, an effect independent of cell growth rate. Thus far, the best characterized AA-responsive genes are all transcriptionally activated by ATF4, but the AAR-dependent induction of c-JUN transcription was ATF4-independent. The increased expression of c-JUN was dependent on ATF2 and on activation of the MEK-ERK and JNK arms of the MAPK signaling pathways. Formation of c-JUN-ATF2-activated heterodimers was increased after AA limitation, and c-JUN or ATF2 knockdown suppressed the induction of c-JUN and other AAR target genes. AA deprivation triggers a feed-forward process that involves phosphorylation of existing c-JUN protein by JNK and subsequent auto-activation of the c-JUN gene by recruitment of c-JUN and ATF2 to two AP-1 sites within the proximal promoter. The results document the novel observation that AP-1 sequences within the c-JUN gene can function as transcriptional amino acid-response elements.
Phase field modeling of liquid jets in low gravity

An axisymmetric phase field model is developed and used to model surface tension forces on liquid jets in microgravity. The previous work in this area is reviewed and a baseline drop tower experiment selected for model comparison. The model is solved numerically with a compact fourth order stencil on an equally spaced axisymmetric grid. After grid convergence studies, a grid is selected and all drop tower tests modeled. Agreement was assessed by comparing predicted and measured free surface rise. Trend wise agreement is good but agreement in magnitude is only fair. Suspected sources of disagreement are the simple turbulence model and the existence of slosh baffles in the experiment that were not included in the model. Parametric investigation was conducted to study the influence of key parameters on the geysers formed by jets in microgravity. Investigation of the contact angle showed the expected trend of increasing contact angle increasing geyser height. Investigation of the tank radius showed some interesting effects and demonstrated the zone of free surface deformation is quite large. Variation of the surface tension with a laminar jet showed clearly the evolution of free surface shape with Weber number. A breakthrough Weber number of 1 was predicted by the variation of the surface tension model which is close to the experimentally measured Weber number of 1.5 found in prior experimental work.
Gene amplification mechanism for the hyperproduction of T4 bacteriophage gene 17 and 18 proteins

Abstract Bacteriophage T4 mutants hyperproducing gene 17 protein (Hp17) have been isolated at high frequency by growing gene 17 amber mutants on ochre suppressor strains of Escherichia coli . Most mutants showed the co-hyperproduction of gene 18 protein, although one anomalous mutant hyperproduced a 60,000 M r partial polypeptide of gene 18. Hybridization of T4 late RNAs to cloned plasmid DNA containing genes 17, 18 or control T4 genes revealed that approximately five times more gene 17 mRNA and two to three times more gene 18 mRNA were synthesized in the Hp17 mutant infections. DNA-DNA hybridizations showed that Hp17 mutant DNA contained two to three times more copies of genes 17 and 18 than wild-type DNA. Southern blot analysis suggested that Hp17 mutants carry a direct tandem repeat of the gene 17–18 region, with variable copy number from one to at least six copies. Hyperproduction of gene 17 and 18 proteins appears therefore to result from gene amplification specific to the gene 17–18 region. In contrast to gene duplications reported in lambda and T4 phage, and numerous cases of gene amplification in bacteria, a similar or identical novel junctional fragment created by the amplification event was observed among 28 independent T4 Hp17 isolates; therefore, the mechanism giving gise to amplified sequences may involve specific sequences in this region of the T4 genome.
297. Safety of Repeat Intracerebral Administration of MV-CEA in Rhesus Macaques in Support of a Phase I/II Clinical Trial for Patients with Recurrent Gliomas

Novel therapies for patients with recurrent gliomas are urgently needed, given their dismal prognosis,. Oncolytic measles virus strains derived from the Edmonston vaccine lineage are an attractive option for glioma therapy, because of their significant antitumor effect (Phuong et al, 2003). MV-CEA is an Edmonston lineage measles virus strain engineered to express the marker protein carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA), the levels of which can be monitored by a simple blood test and serve as a correlate of viral gene expression. In support of a clinical trial administering MV-CEA intracerebrally to patients with recurrent gliomas, we assessed the neurotoxicity of MV-CEA in five adult male rhesus macaques (Macaca mulatta).The animals were stereotactically administered either vehicle (n=1), 2|[times]|105 (n=2), or 2|[times]|106 (n=2) TCID50 MV-CEA in the right frontal lobe in two injections five days apart. Macaques were intensely monitored through clinical observations for neurotoxic effects, body weights, temperatures, CBC, CEA, clinical chemistries, coagulation, complement levels, immunoglobulin, measles antibody titers, viremia, and shedding (buccal swabs). Additionally, cisterna magna spinal taps were performed on day 9 post first article administration, and samples were analyzed for protein, glucose, cell differential, and presence of MV-CEA. After the first 3 month close follow-up period, the macaques entered a long-term observational period for an additional 9 months. MRIs were performed between 4 and 5 months post administration to assess for subclinical neurotoxicity. At the time of this abstract submission, and with a median follow up of 11 months, macaques have been remarkably tolerant of the treatment. There was no clinical or biochemical evidence of toxicity, including lack of neurological symptoms, fever, or other systemic symptoms and lack of immunosuppression. QRT- PCR analysis of blood, buccal swabs, or CSF was negative for MV- CEA at all time points. Vero cell overlays of CSF cells and supernatant have been negative for measles-related pathology. There was no CEA detection in serum or CSF at any time point. MRIs were negative for imaging abnormalities and showed no signs of encephalitis. Conclusions: Our results support the safety of CNS administration of MV-CEA. A clinical trial in patients with recurrent gliomas is planned to be activated later this year.
Phosphorus: a limiting nutrient for humanity?

Phosphorus is a chemical element that is essential to life because of its role in numerous key molecules, including DNA and RNA; indeed, organisms require large amounts of P to grow rapidly. However, the supply of P from the environment is often limiting to production, including to crops. Thus, large amounts of P are mined annually to produce fertilizer that is applied in support of the ‘Green Revolution.’ However, much of this fertilizer eventually ends up in rivers, lakes and oceans where it causes costly eutrophication. Furthermore, given increasing human population, expanding meat consumption, and proliferating bioenergy pressures, concerns have recently been raised about the long-term geological, economic, and geopolitical viability of mined P for fertilizer production. Together, these issues highlight the non-sustainable nature of current human P use. To achieve P sustainability, farms need to become more efficient in how they use P while society as a whole must develop technologies and practices to recycle P from the food chain. Such large-scale changes will probably require a radical restructuring of the entire food system, highlighting the need for prompt but sustained action.
What is new in the treatment of eosinophilic eosophagitis

In November 2009, in the beautiful city of Venice, Italy, at the first EAACI Pediatric Allergy and Asthma Meeting, I discussed Eosinophilic Esophagitis (EoE) as an emerging disorder. I discussed the diagnosis of the disorder based on histopathologic findings of esophageal eosinophilia of >15 cells per high power field, after 3 months of treatment with a proton pump inhibitors. I discussed several therapeutic modalities that are used in practice, some with good evidence, others without: dietary interventions: elimination diets, six food elimination diet and elemental diets; medical management: topically administered steroids, aerosolized fluticasone or budesonide; and experimental therapies: anti-IL5 and anti-IgE antibodies. Now in 2011, I am pleased to return to the beautiful city of Venice to present at the first EAACI Food Allergy and Anaphylaxis Meeting (FAAM) on exciting new advances in the treatment of EoE. The advances are a translation from the bench to the bedside of much work on the pathogenesis and genetics of EoE. I am also pleased to see, that while reports of EoE had been mostly from the USA and Switzerland, and mostly on pediatric patients, there is ample literature now from several additional European countries and emerging expertise on adult patients. I will be presenting new data on the use of topical budesonide both in pediatrics and adults, the continuing debate on the effect of proton pump inhibitors in differentiating EoE from reflux eosophagitis and in treatment of EoE. Several studies with biologic agents, anti-IL 5 antibodies, mepolizumab and reslizumab, have been completed and yielded interesting data on the disorder, its course and its response to treatment. Finally, I will present data on novel mechanisms of EoE, from mast cell and B cell involvement and local IgE production to a role of IL-13. The recently elucidated role of IL-13 in EoE has resulted in an ongoing clinical trial of anti-IL-13 antibody in patients with EoE. I am looking forward to hearing from you, FAAM attendees on your own experiences with patients with EoE and your innovation in further elucidating the triggers for EoE and the successes of your management.
High-performance communications systems as an enabler of the objective force

ABSTRACT The Army is in the midst of a transformation to design a force to meet the needs of the21st Century. The force will have the capability to rapidly deploy in a brigade size unit.The transformation will require significant changes in the force structure that will implythe need for robust secure communications with much increased bandwidth. The ArmyResearch Laboratory has installed an Atmospheric Laser Optics Testbed to meet thechallenges ofthe Objective Force communications needs. The testbed has a 1 .7-mile freespace path to test and evaluate laser communications systems and imaging systems. Thetestbed became operational in June 2001 . Both traditional radio frequency and opticalcommunications will be required in the future force. The important technology challengeis to find right proportion and architecture for integration of new optical communicationstechnology within the existing and future radio frequency networks. 1. INTRODUCTION The Army is embarked on a transformation from a heavy force to a lighter, moredeployable force to better meet the demands of the 2 1 St
Rat hepatic cholesterol 7α-hydroxylase: Biochemical properties and comparison to constitutive and xenobiotic-inducible cytochrome P-450 enzymes☆

Abstract Cytochrome P-450Ch7α (cholesterol 7α-hydroxylase) catalyzes the first and rate-limiting step in the conversion of cholesterol to bile acids in mammalian liver. The properties of this cytochrome P-450 (P-450) form were studied in rat hepatic microsomal preparations in comparison to those of several well characterized constitutive and xenobiotic-inducible rat hepatic P-450s. Administration of the bile acid-sequestering resin cholestyramine [4% ( w w ) in the diet] to male or female rats maintained on a reverse light cycle led to a 10- to 15-fold induction of P-450Ch7α activity relative to untreated, standard light cycle controls. By contrast, the levels of four hepatic steroid hormone hydroxylating P-450 enzymes, designated 2a, 2c, 3, and PB-4 [Waxman, D. J. (1984) J. Biol. Chem.259, 15481–15490] , were not significantly affected by cholestyramine treatment. Antibody inhibition experiments established that P-450Ch7α is immunochemically distinct from nine other rat hepatic P-450s, including P-450 3, a highly regio- and stereoselective steroid hormone 7α-hydroxylase. P-450Ch7α was shown to be selectively inactivated by micromolar concentrations of the disulfide-containing reagents disulfiram (Antabuse®) and 2,2′-dithiopyridine. This inactivation was readily reversed upon incubation with 2-mercaptoethylamine, suggesting the presence of a highly reactive thiol group at the active site of P-450Ch7α. These findings demonstrate that P-450Ch7α corresponds to a unique P-450 enzyme exhibiting inductive, biochemical, immunochemical, and regulatory properties distinct from those of nine well-characterized rat hepatic P-450 forms.
The onset of flares at the meter wavelengths.

The onset of most flares at the meter wavelengths consists of type III bursts and their variants. These bursts usually occur during the explosive phase of flare events and in close association with similar impulsive bursts at other wavelengths. Pre-burst brightenings, corresponding to the preexplosive-phase heating observed at microwave and shorter wavelengths, have so far not been reported from observations with the Culgoora meterwave heliograph. At the same time, if substantial pre-heating occurred in the coronal source regions of meterwave radiation, then, on theoretical grounds, significant, but not spectacular, pre-burst brightenings would be expected at short meter wavelengths. A search for such pre-burst brightenings will become possible when the Culgoora heliograph begins to operate in a new mode which will allow all incoming data (rather than selected segments, as at present) to be kept for further analysis.
An index of relative displacement risk to hurricanes

Indicator and index-building activities have become commonplace for assessing and estimating social, environmental, and economic strengths and vulnerabilities of communities, regions and even countries. In the context of disasters, much of the empirical research has focused on identifying places and populations that are vulnerable to catastrophic hurricane and flood disasters. However, there have not been parallel efforts to capture measures for displacement risk. This article seeks to fill this gap by focusing on (1) a preliminary conceptualization of displacement risk; (2) a set of related indicators and measures at various scales, including indicators tapping policy capacity and commitment; and (3) development of an operational displacement risk index (DRI) and results for a snapshot year of 2007. The study area, 158 counties in the United States, was the coastal portion (an area two counties “deep”) of eight states. Findings suggest that the mean levels of DRI scores were much higher for coastal counties. Clusters of the highest DRI scores are particularly evident for coastal counties of Florida, especially the South Florida counties of Miami Dade, Monroe, Palm Beach, and Broward. Florida also scores high in terms of the top ten most vulnerable counties (i.e., 7 of the top 10) as well as exposure to hurricanes (i.e., 6 of the top 10 counties with the highest probability of hurricane strikes). Despite the limitations explained in the paper, we hope that the creation of the DRI has helped to fill a gap in knowledge and will lead to higher level theoretical and research discussions on the population displacement phenomenon, its determinants and planning and policy interventions.
Microarray Technologies – An Overview

The confluence of biotechnology, computer sciences and the completion of genome sequencing efforts for several organisms have led to revolutionary changes in biomedical research. Genomics and informatics are playing increasingly important roles as discovery tools in the basic biological sciences and as diagnostic and rational therapeutic aids in the clinical arena. In recent years, the synthesis or fabrication of high-density arrays of specified DNA sequences comprising all known genes of an organism on a single glass slide or ‘chip’ have gained popularity. Labeled RNA or DNA targets (such as messenger RNAs (mRNAs) obtained from cells, tissues or organisms under different conditions) can be analyzed by hybridization on DNA [1-4]. This technology allows several types of questions to be asked on a qualitatively different scale than has been previously possible and will have a dramatic impact on the pace of discovery in the field of molecular medicine and drug discovery. The drug discovery process seeks to develop a biological or chemical entity that, when administered to a patient, will improve the disease symptomatology or actually treat the underlying pathophysiological basis of the particular disease state. A target is the biological entity, usually a gene, mRNA or protein, with which a pharmaceutical is designed to interact. The completion of the human genome sequence has defined the genomic relationships between drug targets. In addition, sequencing of pathogenic lower organisms has uncovered a host of novel microbial targets. Gene expression profiling has been a mainstay molecular biological approach for many years. The availability of complete genome sequence information along with improved technology has created a situation where these techniques can be applied in a much broader manner, thereby facilitating profiling of large sections of the transcriptome. The University of California San Diego Extension, Bioscience Microarray Technologies – An Overview meeting, March 13–15, 2002 provided an important forum for reviewing advances and future trends in this field (see Box 1).
Iterative Bayesian Model Averaging: a method for the application of survival analysis to high-dimensional microarray data

Microarray technology is increasingly used to identify potential biomarkers for cancer prognostics and diagnostics. Previously, we have developed the iterative Bayesian Model Averaging (BMA) algorithm for use in classification. Here, we extend the iterative BMA algorithm for application to survival analysis on high-dimensional microarray data. The main goal in applying survival analysis to microarray data is to determine a highly predictive model of patients' time to event (such as death, relapse, or metastasis) using a small number of selected genes. Our multivariate procedure combines the effectiveness of multiple contending models by calculating the weighted average of their posterior probability distributions. Our results demonstrate that our iterative BMA algorithm for survival analysis achieves high prediction accuracy while consistently selecting a small and cost-effective number of predictor genes. We applied the iterative BMA algorithm to two cancer datasets: breast cancer and diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) data. On the breast cancer data, the algorithm selected a total of 15 predictor genes across 84 contending models from the training data. The maximum likelihood estimates of the selected genes and the posterior probabilities of the selected models from the training data were used to divide patients in the test (or validation) dataset into high- and low-risk categories. Using the genes and models determined from the training data, we assigned patients from the test data into highly distinct risk groups (as indicated by a p-value of 7.26e-05 from the log-rank test). Moreover, we achieved comparable results using only the 5 top selected genes with 100% posterior probabilities. On the DLBCL data, our iterative BMA procedure selected a total of 25 genes across 3 contending models from the training data. Once again, we assigned the patients in the validation set to significantly distinct risk groups (p-value = 0.00139). The strength of the iterative BMA algorithm for survival analysis lies in its ability to account for model uncertainty. The results from this study demonstrate that our procedure selects a small number of genes while eclipsing other methods in predictive performance, making it a highly accurate and cost-effective prognostic tool in the clinical setting.
From Reproduction to Reproducibility: Creativity and Technics in Benjamin and Arendt

The origin of [modern] technology lies at a point where, by an unconscious ruse, human beings first began to distance themselves from nature. It lies, in other words, in play. Walter Benjamin, “The...
Microwave-based alkali pretreatment of switchgrass and coastal bermudagrass for bioethanol production

Switchgrass and coastal bermudagrass are promising lignocellulosic feedstocks for bioethanol production. However, pretreatment of lignocelluloses is required to improve production of fermentable sugars from enzymatic hydrolysis. Microwave-based alkali pretreatment of switchgrass and coastal bermudagrass was investigated in this study. Pretreatments were carried out by immersing the biomass in dilute alkali reagents and exposing the slurry to microwave radiation at 250 W for residence times ranging from 5 to 20 min. Simons' stain method was used to quantify changes in biomass porosity as a result of the pretreatment. Pretreatments were evaluated based on yields of total reducing sugars, glucose, and xylose. An evaluation of different alkalis identified sodium hydroxide as the most effective alkali reagent for microwave-based pretreatment of switchgrass and coastal bermudagrass. 82% glucose and 63% xylose yields were achieved for switchgrass and 87% glucose and 59% xylose yields were achieved for coastal bermudagrass following enzymatic hydrolysis of biomass pretreated under optimal conditions. Dielectric properties for dilute sodium hydroxide solutions were measured and compared with solid losses, lignin reduction, and reducing sugar levels in hydrolyzates. Results indicate that dielectric loss tangent of alkali solutions is a potential indicator of the severity of microwave-based pretreatments.
How IRBs view and make decisions about social risks.

Whether and How IRBs Assess social risks remains unclear, with little empirical investigation. I contacted leaders of 60 IRBs, and interviewed IRB leaders from 34 (response rate = 55%) and additionally, 12 members and administrators. IRBs struggle to assess and balance social risks and benefits, and vary in whether, how, and how much to do so, and how to balance these against individual risks/benefits. Risks to a group affect individuals within it. Hence, social risks can include indirect individual risks, raising ambiguities. Dilemmas emerge: e.g., how much responsibility researchers and IRBs have for addressing broader health inequities. These data, the first to examine how IRBs make decisions about social risks, reveal how IRBs face critical challenges, dilemmas, and ambiguities.
Work in progress — Does learning about research affect the graduate degree aspirations of STEM undergraduates? A path analysis

Path analysis techniques were employed to test a multi-stage causal model positing the influence of perceived learning gains on graduate degree aspirations among STEM undergraduates in structured undergraduate research experience (SURE) programs. Survey responses from 108 students enrolled in 4 SUREs at 3 major research universities were analyzed. Results suggest that research self-efficacy mediated, or served as an explanatory variable for, the effect of perceived learning gains in three areas on graduate degree aspirations. Other results suggest the value-added impact of SUREs on aspirations for graduate study. Findings lend support to the role of self-efficacy as explained in existing theory.
Beyond project finance

Abstract Project finance is a very limited tool, not a universal solution. Governments and developers can make the process less costly by focusing on ways to reduce major risks, and on developing local capital markets. And prospectors should not ignore the overlooked area of electricity distribution.
Sediment transport in Washington and Norfolk submarine canyons

Abstract A sediment study suggests that Washington and Norfolk canyons off the Mid-Atlantic States are not inactive, but have served periodically since the Late Pleistocene as conduits of sediment originating on the adjacent shelf and upper slope. Large quantities of sand occur in the canyon heads as thin beds and laminae, and on the continental slope as mixtures of sand (to >40% ), silt and clay that are extensively reworked by burrowing organisms. Sandy turbidites occur in the canyons on the rise. Basinward dispersal, from the outer shelf and uppermost slope, is recorded by heavy mineral suites and bioclastic components, primarily foraminifera of shallow marine origin, in the lower slope and upper continental rise canyon cores. The down-axis movement of material, presumably episodic, in the Holocene to recent results from offshelf spillover into canyon heads, failure on the steep walls bordering canyons on the slope, and resuspension by bottom currents.
CONTRIBUTIONS OF RURAL SOCIOLOGY RESEARCH AND EVALUATION TO EXTENSION DEVELOPMENT IN THE UNITED STATES

ummary Contributions of Rural Sociology Research and Evaluation to Extension Development in the United States The development of rural sociology in the United States as a scientific discipline corresponds in time to the development of extension work (advisory services). An understanding of the characteristics of the extension services among the states and of changes made over time facilitates understanding the contributions of rural sociology to extension development in the United States. The institutional setting in which rural sociology has developed also helps to explain the contributions which the discipline has made to extension. Five categories of sociological contributions to extension may be identified. In the broadest sense, sociology contributes ‘understanding’ to extension about problems, situations requiring policy decisions, and about extension itself. In the narrowest sense, sociology may contribute a single item of data or a specific methodological technique which may be utilized for extension purposes. The five categories of contributions are: (i) understanding of basic concepts relevant to extension, such as adoption and diffusion of new farm ideas and practices, social action, leadership, locality groups, and informal groups; (2) techniques - developed by sociological research - which may be applied by extension, such as locality group identification and delineation techniques and the sociometric technique for locating informal groups and their leaders; (3) understanding of general problem situations about which broad policy decisions must be made for the extension system; (4) understanding of specific problem situations about which operating or procedural decisions must be made; and (5) research on the extension system itself, along with evaluation of the extension organization, program, methods, and results. Included in the last category is sociological research and evaluation of basic experimental approaches or programs undertaken by extension. Illustrations of these contributions are cited. The direction of changes made by extension has created increased need for sociological knowledge.
Arylhydroxamic acid N,O-acyltransferase. Apparent suicide inactivation by carcinogenic N-arylhydroxamic acids

Abstract Carcinogenic arylhydroxamic acids (N-hydroxy-2-acetylamino-fluorene, N-hydroxy-4-acetylaminobiphenyl, and trans -N-hydroxy-4-acetyl-aminostilbene) are irreversible inhibitors of rat and hamster hepatic N,O-acyltransferase. The kinetic characteristics of this inhibition are consistent with suicide inactivation of the enzyme. This finding appears to be the first example of carcinogens serving as suicide substrates for an enzyme system which is responsible for their bioactivation.
Massively Parallel Mesoscopic Simulations of Gas Permeability of Thin Films Composed of Carbon Nanotubes

A mesoscopic computational model for simulation of gas flow through carbon nanotube (CNT) films is developed. The model is implemented in a parallel computational code enabling massively parallel dynamic simulations of CNT materials at length scales relevant to experimental studies. Self-diffusivity of Ar within CNT films with 9% volume fraction of the nanotubes and the effective diffusivity of Ar through the films are calculated for two different structures of the films: a continuous network of CNT bundles and a layered arrangement of dispersed individual CNTs. The results of the simulations suggest a moderate structural sensitivity of the gas diffusivity, with about 3–4.5 times lower values of self-diffusivity predicted for films with dispersed CNTs, and a smaller difference in the values of the effective diffusivity that are found to be on the order of 10–6 m2s–1 for both film structures.