cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Critical current limitations in ceramic oxide superconductors

Abstract Weak links between grains of ceramic oxide superconductors limit the measured transport critical current density, Jc, because of both the weak coupling between grains, and the field caused by the measuring current. The weak links have a critical current density, Jw, much less than the intra-grain critical current density Jgrain. Magnetic fields, specifically the field induced by the measuring current, further reduce Jc; a large fraction of the links become resistive at field values, Hhalf (typically 4 to 25 Gauss), which depend only on the magnetic penetration length, λL, and the grain size, L. As a result of these two effects, the measured critical current in a field-limited sample of cross-section A and circumference C is modelled to be Jc = Jw for Jw L > λ J =λ L (J grain J w ) 1 2 , this condition having apparently been achieved in some reported samples.
Intervention based on social cognitive theory: evaluating adolescents' knowledge of OTC pain medications.

Abstract Objective To evaluate the effect of a social cognitive theory (SCT)-based intervention on the constructs of situational perception, behavioral capabilities, outcome expectations, outcome expectancies, and self-efficacy concerning over-the-counter (OTC) pain medications among an adolescent population. Design Pre–posttest control group design. Setting Rural high school in the southeastern United States, between February and March 2011. Participants 203 high school students recruited from 10 classrooms. Intervention Classrooms were randomly assigned to an SCT-based education intervention group or the control group. Pre- and posttest data were collected from each group 2 weeks before and 2 weeks after the intervention was delivered. Main outcome measures Change in the five selected constructs of SCT. Results Compared with the control group, significant improvements at posttest were observed in the intervention group for outcome expectations of OTC pain medications ( P ≤ 0.05) and behavioral capabilities ( P ≤ 0.05). Conclusion The results suggest that lessons based on SCT to improve the outcome expectations that an adolescent population places on the consumption of OTC pain medications may assist in developing the knowledge and skills needed to consume these products properly.
Opportunities and Responsibilities of Agricultural Economists: Colleges of Agriculture

My perspective in this discussion will be to consider primarily how the services of economists can be more widely utilized within our educational network. In this context opportunities and responsibilities for economists in colleges of agriculture arise as the mission to provide the research, education, and training support for the clientele of our land grant college system is accepted. While developing principles and dispensing knowledge, we must recognize that we are about a larger task of stimulating and training leadership for our professions, for agribusiness, and allied fields which are likely to be users of our servicers. In the classroom I sus-
Population Density, Automated External Defibrillator Use, and Survival in Rural Cardiac Arrest

Objective: To determine whether population density is an independent predictor of survival from out-of-hospital cardiac arrest managed by basic life support (BLS) services using automated external defibrillators (AEDs). Methods: A retrospective, observational study in Kentucky of 34 BLS services covering 22 counties during the years 1992 to 1994 who used AEDs to treat patients who had out-of-hospital cardiac arrests. Results: Of 311 patients who had out-of-hospital cardiac arrests, 110 (35%) were defibrillated, 46 (15%) were resuscitated to hospital admission, and 19 (6%) survived to hospital discharge. Univariate predictors for survival to hospital discharge were emergency medical services response interval (from call receipt to ambulance arrival) 100/square mile (sq mi) for the BLS service area (p 100/sq mi was highly significant (OR 9.4, 95% CI: 1.7 to 51.4, p 100/sq mi (p = 0.011). Conclusions: Population density is strongly associated with survival from out-of-hospital cardiac arrest. BLS services within areas with population densities ≤100/sq mi sustained little benefit from the addition of AEDs to their treatment of patients who had out-of-hospital cardiac arrests.
Evaluation of triethylammonium phosphate and formate-acetonitrile mixtures as eluents for high-performance gel permeation chromatography

Trialkylammonium phosphate or formate and more specifically triethyl- ammonium phosphate or formate buffers (pH < 3 )in the presence of 15–30% acetonitrile have been shown to be compatible with the protein analysis column PAC I-125 of Waters Associates for gel permeation of peptides and proteins. A linear relationship between log molecular weight (1,000–44,000) versus retention time is obtained. The effect of salt and organic modifier concentrations as well as temperature and column load was studied using mix of proteins and peptides of varying iso-electric points as well as hydrophobicity. The advantages of that system (beside being already widely used in reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatography) include low ionic strength, UV transparence and compatibility (after elimination of the volatile acetonitrile) with most biological systems. Applications include purification of iodinated trace and natural products and precise molecular weight determination.
Effect of moderate intensity exercise on acute energy intake in normal and overweight females.

Abstract The purpose of this study is to determine the impact of moderate intensity exercise on acute post-exercise energy intake (EI) in normal and overweight females. Twelve normal weight (BMI 25) inactive women (mean age 35±8) participated in a 2-day experimental study. On the exercise day, participants were asked to walk on a treadmill at 60% maximum heart rate for 1 h. After the exercise, participants selected and ate food at a university cafeteria. Post-exercise EI was compared to a non-exercise day. A single mixed model repeated 2×2 ANOVA was used to determine the impact of exercise on post-exercise EI. The overweight women consumed significantly more ( p p
Submillimeter heterodyne remote sensing of upper atmospheric gases

Technology now becoming available for submillimeter heterodyne remote sensing of upper atmospheric gases is discussed. The general features of microwave limb sounding are reviewed, and the UARS Microwave Limb Sounder, a NASA mission dedicated to the comprehensive and integrated study of earth's upper atmosphere, is briefly described. The EOS Microwave Limb Sounder is briefly examined, showing its expected measurement capability for various gases.
133Cs NMR and XPS investigation of cesium adsorbed on clay minerals and related phases

{sup 133}Cs MAS NMR and Cs XPS were used to study the adsorption of Cs on kaolinite, montmorillonite, corundum, and gibbsite from 0.1 N and 0.01 N CsCl solutions. XPS spectra for all samples except gibbiste contain strong signals associated with Cs 3d{sub 3/2} and 3d{sub 5/2} photopeaks. This result indicates that minerals without exchangeable cation sites have a tendency to sorb Cs on surfaces and along grain boundaries, although less than 1 mol% Cs is observed on these surfaces. Multiple surface or interlayer sites for Cs cannot be resolved from the individual Cs XPS peaks. The {sup 133}Cs NMR data, combined with TEM/XRD data for kaolinite show the following: (1) For montmorillonite, most of the Cs is adsorbed in the interlayers and at room humidity is motionally averaged among two or more sites at room temperature. (2) The spectra for kaolinite are similar to those of montomorillonite, and the tightly bonded Cs in our sample appears to be in expandable interlayers which exits as mixed layers with kaolinite and not as discrete smectite. (3) The Cs environments in both montmorillonite and kaolinite are sensitive to humidity. (4) For kaolinite the {sup 133}Cs chemical shift changes at low temperature andmore » 100% humidity, indicating that the interlayer charge of its expandable layers is very small. (5) No {sup 133}Cs NMR signal could be detected for gibbsite or corundum. {sup 133}Cs NMR may be a useful probe of the presence and characteristics of expandable layers in kaolinite. 62 refs., 14 figs.« less
The Effects of Task Characteristics on Covariation Assessment: The Impact of Accountability and Judgment Frame

Abstract The impact of personal accountability and judgment frame on strategies for assessing covariation between two binary variables was examined in two experiments. Using a task designed to discriminate between the use of four different strategies varying in degree of sophistication it was found that subjects accountable to an audience with unknown views displayed use of more complex strategies than subjects who were not accountable. In addition, contrary to a recent attribution model (Cheng & Novick, 1992), subjects were less likely to use the conditional probability rule when the judgment question was framed in terms of causality rather than covariation, and covariation judgments did not always parallel causality judgments.
Digital Computer Equipment for an Advanced Bombing, Navigation and Missile Guidance Subsystem for the B-70 Air Vehicle

Transistorized, high-speed, general-purpose digital computing equipment has been designed as the primary airborne real-time calculating element for the advanced bombing, navigation, and missile guidance subsystem intended for use in the B-70 air vehicle. Because of the critical nature of this application, reliability, maintainability, and flexibility requirements received the utmost consideration in every design phase. Maximum reliability was achieved primarily through the use of a powerful, versatile, parallel main computer section supported by a minimal serial, emergency computer. A new approach to fault location enhances computer maintainability and permits in-flight repair, while flexibility is achieved by means of unique, high-speed input-output processing equipment.
Mitochondria: Dynamic Organelles in Disease, Aging, and Development

Mitochondria are the primary energy-generating system in most eukaryotic cells. Additionally, they participate in intermediary metabolism, calcium signaling, and apoptosis. Given these well-established functions, it might be expected that mitochondrial dysfunction would give rise to a simple and predictable set of defects in all tissues. However, mitochondrial dysfunction has pleiotropic effects in multicellular organisms. Clearly, much about the basic biology of mitochondria remains to be understood. Here we discuss recent work that suggests that the dynamics (fusion and fission) of these organelles is important in development and disease.
A small region of the beta-adrenergic receptor is selectively involved in its rapid regulation.

Plasma membrane receptors that couple to guanine nucleotide-binding regulatory proteins (G proteins) undergo a variety of rapid (minutes) and longer term (hours) regulatory processes induced by ligands. For the beta 2-adrenergic receptor (beta 2AR), the rapid processes include functional desensitization, mediated by phosphorylation of the receptor by the cAMP-dependent protein kinase and the beta-adrenergic receptor kinase, as well as a loss of hydrophilic ligand binding proposed to represent sequestration of receptors into a cellular compartment distinct from the plasma membrane. The slower processes include beta 2AR down-regulation (i.e., a decrease in the total cellular complement of receptors). It is not yet known whether beta 2AR phosphorylation and/or sequestration are prerequisites for down-regulation of the receptor. Like other G protein-coupled receptors, the beta 2AR molecule spans the plasma membrane seven times, and the cytoplasmic carboxyl-terminal domain has been proposed to contain molecular determinants for each of these regulatory processes. We replaced four serine and threonine residues located within a 10-amino acid segment of this domain of beta 2AR and thereby prevented agonist-promoted phosphorylation, sequestration, and rapid desensitization of the adenylyl cyclase response. In contrast, these mutations did not affect functional coupling to the stimulatory G protein Gs or long-term down-regulation. These findings thus define a small, hitherto unappreciated region of the receptor molecule that may selectively subserve its rapid regulation. In addition, with the demonstration that beta 2AR does not have to be phosphorylated or sequestered in order to enter the down-regulation pathway, the results suggest that the classical receptor endocytosis model may not be appropriate for beta 2AR regulation.
Inhibitory Role of Ser-425 of the α1 2.2 Subunit in the Enhancement of Cav 2.2 Currents by Phorbol-12-myristate, 13-Acetate

Voltage-gated calcium channels (Cav) 2.2 currents are potentiated by phorbol-12-myristate, 13-acetate (PMA), whereas Cav 2.3 currents are increased by both PMA and acetyl-β-methylcholine (MCh). MCh-selective sites were identified in the α1 2.3 subunit, whereas the identified PMA sites responded to both PMA and MCh (Kamatchi, G. L., Franke, R., Lynch, C., III, and Sando, J. J. (2004) J. Biol. Chem. 279, 4102–4109; Fang, H., Franke, R., Patanavanich, S., Lalvani, A., Powell, N. K., Sando, J. J., and Kamatchi, G. L. (2005) J. Biol. Chem. 280, 23559–23565). The hypothesis that PMA sites in the α1 2.2 subunit are homologous to the PMA-responsive sites in α1 2.3 subunit was tested with Ser/Thr → Ala mutations in the α1 2.2 subunit. WT α1 2.2 or mutants were expressed in Xenopus oocytes in combination with β1b and α2/δ subunits. Inward current (IBa) was recorded using Ba2+ as the charge carrier. T422A, S1757A, S2108A, or S2132A decreased the PMA response. In contrast, S425A increased the response to PMA, and thus, it was considered an inhibitory site. Replacement of each of the identified stimulatory Ser/Thr sites with Asp increased the basal current and decreased the PMA-induced enhancement, consistent with regulation by phosphorylation at these sites. Multiple mutant combinations showed (i) greater inhibition than that caused by the single Ala mutations; (ii) that enhancement observed when Thr-422 and Ser-2108 are available may be inhibited by the presence of Ser-425; and (iii) that the combination of Thr-422, Ser-2108, and either Ser-1757 or Ser-2132 can provide a greater response to PMA when Ser-425 is replaced with Ala. The homologous sites inα1 2.2 andα1 2.3 subunits seem to be functionally different. The existence of an inhibitory phosphorylation site in the I-II linker seems to be unique to the α1 2.2 subunit.
Does control of the environment enhance the perception of control

It has been proposed that control over the environment increases the perception of control, thereby enhancing motivation. Revesman and Perlmuter (1981) found that when subjects were permitted to choose response terms to be learned on a paired-associate task, decision latencies were faster if the announcement of the desired option caused the screen upon which materials were printed to go blank. On the basis of the results of the present experiment, it was concluded that control of the environment does result in faster decision latencies, but that this effect occurs despite a decrease in the perception of control.
Fuse selection criteria for safety applications

This paper introduces several criteria to consider when choosing a fuse for safety purposes, including phase angle and input impedance. Experiments show that the exact same fuse may display different damage patterns, or lack thereof, when subjected to different phase angles and input impedances at the same voltage level. Therefore, it is of general interest to have fuse selection criteria and test methodologies that prevent fuse failures.
Film diffusion effects in nylon 6,6 polymerization

An unsteady reaction–diffusion model has been developed to represent the polymerization of a nylon 6,6 prepolymer in a stationary film. A realistic kinetic and equilibrium description is incorporated by the use of apparent rate and equilibrium constants that are composition dependent. The model is suitable for evaluating the effect(s) of changes in throughput (film thickness), temperature, and catalyst activity on the performance of an idealized film reactor. The model is characterized by a single dimensionless parameter, the Thiele modulus. The composition-dependent kinetic constants are important for accurate prediction of molecular weight evolution in the film. Below a threshold value of the Thiele modulus, molecular weight generation is reaction-controlled, while above another threshold value it is diffusion-controlled.
The ToRCH complex-perinatal infections associated with toxoplasma and rubella, cytomegol- and herpes simplex viruses

The ToRCH complex-perinatal infections associated with toxoplasma and rubella, cytomegol- and herpes simplex viruses
Effect of Repeated Freeze-Thaw Cycles on Survival of Bull Spermatozoa

Summary To gain certain information relative to the nature of injury suffered by bull spermatozoa when they are frozen and thawed, the following assumption was evaluated: Immobilization is the sole deleterious consequence of freeze-thawing and its rate is controlled by simple probability relations. Observed per cent motility of spermatozoa in the same sample population exposed to five repeated cycles of freeze-thawing was compared with the predicted (calculated) values for each cycle based upon probability relations. Statistical analysis of results with 78 samples revealed that survival was not controlled by simple probability. Weakening of cells, a deleterious effect other than immobilization, and selection of resistant cells by survival were suggested as other possible factors. Additional experiments confirmed the suggestion that some spermatozoa, although motile after freeze-thawing, are injured or weakened, as shown by their diminished resistance to storage as well as rapid cooling above the freezing temperature. The weakening was shown to occur during freeze-thawing and not as a consequence either of subsequent contact with an extender which had been adversely altered–as by effects of freeze-thawing on its constituents–or by a harmful substance produced in it by spermatozoa killed or immobilized during freeze-thawing.
Prostate Cancer: radium-223: A New Treatment Option for Bone-Metastatic CRPC

Radium-223 is an emitter of high-energy α particles that binds selectively to areas of high bone turnover. In a recently published phase III trial, it prolonged overall survival of patients with symptomatic, castration-resistant prostate cancer with bone metastases and, as a result, has gained FDA approval for this indication.
Single Crystal Nanowire Vertical Surround-Gate Field-Effect Transistor

Harnessing the potential of single crystal inorganic nanowires for practical advanced nanoscale applications requires not only reproducible synthesis of highly regular one-dimensional (1D) nanowire arrays directly on device platforms but also elegant device integration which retains structural integrity of the nanowires while significantly reducing or eliminating complex critical processing steps. Here we demonstrate a unique, direct, and bottom-up integration of a semiconductor 1D nanowire, using zinc oxide (ZnO) as an example, to obtain a vertical surround-gate field-effect transistor (VSG-FET). The vertical device structure and bottom-up integration reduce process complexity, compared to conventional top-down approaches. More significantly, scaling of the vertical channel length is lithographically independent and decoupled from the device packing density. A bottom electrical contact to the nanowire is uniquely provided by a heavily doped underlying lattice-match substrate. Based on the nanowire-integrated platform, both n- and p-channel VSG-FETs are fabricated. The vertical device architecture has the potential for use in tera-level ultrahigh-density nanoscale memory and logic devices.
Ar II branching ratios between 200 and 230 nm

Abstract We report Ar II branching ratio measurements in the wavelength range of 200–230 nm. The present results are compared to other experimentally determined Ar II branching ratios covering the same wavelength range. The purpose of this work is to help establish a reference set of Ar II branching ratios for radiometric calibration of spectrometers in the deep UV.
Research on Reverse Logistics management under E-commerce environment

The development of electronic commerce is so fast in recent years. As its great advantage gradual appears, the construction of Electronic commerce and Reverse Logistics is more and more concerned by the business circles. The integration of the two has become an important means for enterprises to reduce constant enhance competitiveness. This article discusses the Characteristics of Reverse Logistics under E-commerce environment and is important for enterprise development. Finally, it is proposed the corresponding reverse logistics management strategy under the electronic commerce environment.
Synthesis and characterization of metal nanostructures with hollow interiors

A general approach involved template-engaged displacement reaction has been demonstrated to prepare metal nanostructures with hollow interiors by reacting solutions of appropriate salts with solid metal nanostructures. For example, silver nanostructures with various morphologies including triangular plates, cubes, spheres, rods and wires have been used as templates to react with an aqueous chloroauric acid solution. The reaction led to the formation of hollow nanostructures with shapes similar to that of silver templates. The void space, wall thickness, and crystalline structure of these hollow structures were determined with the silver templates, which were converted into soluble species during the displacement reaction. Elemental analysis and electron microscopic studies indicated that these hollow structures were made of gold/silver alloys. The capability and feasibility of this method have also been demonstrated by preparing nanotubes made of different metals (e.g., gold/silver, palladium/silver, and platinum/silver alloys). The hollow nanostructures of gold/silver alloys exhibited significantly different surface plasmonic properties from their solid counterparts. For instance, the extinction peaks of the nanoshells of gold/silver alloy with roughly spherical shape were considerably red-shifted as compared to solid colloids of silver or gold having approximately the same dimensions. The high extinction coefficient in the red and near infrared regimes should make these nanoshells particularly useful as components in fabricating plasmonic devices and labels in probing the desired biomolecules.
Twenty years of RNA and mRNA decay.

Happy 20th anniversary RNA journal! It is hard to believe it has already been two decades since the inception of the journal. I still remember the excitement within the RNA community upon hearing that the RNA Society would have its own journal. Over the years, RNA has proven itself as a major venue for disseminating quality research on RNA biology and a noteworthy contributor to the recognition of the significance of RNA research and the RNA field in general. Progress in the past 20 years has been remarkable in establishing the significance of post-transcriptional control and has fueled the realization that regulated gene expression does not end following synthesis of a pre-mRNA. For example, two decades ago, microRNAs were still in their infancy and more generally thought of as an anomaly while RNA interference and the plethora of subsequently described noncoding RNAs, had not yet been reported and likely had not yet even been envisioned. The realization that much of these transcripts could be regulatory RNAs has redefined the RNA landscape. The tremendous potential unleashed by these endogenous or exogenous small RNAs has opened a whole new frontier to enable functional dissection of gene expression not previously possible in mammalian cells. Moreover, uncovering the amazing ability of prokaryotes to use an elaborate RNA-based innate immune response encoded within the Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats (CRISPR) has arguably provided one of the most revolutionary means to alter and assess eukaryotic gene expression. One underlying principle common to all RNAs is that they are not around forever. They all have distinct half-lives and are ultimately degraded. The fact that the overwhelming majority of our genome is transcribed into RNAs of unknown functions, all of which must ultimately be degraded, illustrates the significant role that RNA turnover plays in normal cellular homeostasis. Much of our current knowledge of RNA turnover is focused on the degradation of mRNAs. A brief flashback to the mid-'90s, current status and future direction of mRNA decay research follows below.
Property Rights and Network Order: The Case of Irrigation Works in the Western Himalayas

In the middle of the 19th century, as part of their governance of the Punjab region, the British surveyed existing property rights in Kangra District (now an administrative unit in Himachal Pradesh). The British included in this survey the recording of irrigation rights. This research explores the relationships between these British-recorded irrigation rights and the contemporary organization and operations of a local irrigation network (kuhl). Also explored are two examples of involvement by the state irrigation agency in attempts to improve these local irrigation systems. The research concludes that the irrigation rights documented in the British era provide much of the social glue required for operating and sustaining these small hydraulic works. The irrigation agency's attention to these important irrigation rights influences its success in providing assistance to the traditional kuhls.
Differences between appetitive and aversive reinforcement on reorientation in a spatial working memory task

Tasks using appetitive reinforcers show that following disorientation rats use the shape of an arena to reorient, and cannot distinguish two geometrically similar corners to obtain a reward, despite the presence of a prominent visual cue that provides information to differentiate the two corners. Other studies show that disorientation impairs performance on certain appetitive, but not aversive, tasks. This study evaluated whether rats would make similar geometric errors in a working memory task that used aversive reinforcement. We hypothesized that in a task that used aversive reinforcement rats that were initially disoriented would not reorient by arena shape and thus make similar geometric errors. Tests were performed in a rectangular arena having one polarizing cue. In the appetitive condition water consumption was the reward. The aversive condition was a water maze task with reinforcement provided by escape to a hidden platform. In the aversive condition rats returned to the reinforced corner significantly more often than in the dry condition, and did not favor the diagonally opposite corner. Results show that rats can use cues besides arena shape to reorient in an aversive reinforcement condition. These findings may also reflect different strategies, with an escape/homing strategy in the wet condition and a foraging strategy in the dry condition.
Emergence of falsified kinetics as a consequence of multi-particle interactions in dense-phase comminution processes

Abstract Particle breakage during dense-phase comminution processes is significantly affected by mechanical multi-particle interactions, which are neglected in traditional discrete linear population model (DL-PBM). A discrete non-linear PBM (DNL-PBM) has been recently proposed to account for multi-particle interactions; however, the inverse problem, i.e., the estimation of the model parameters, has not been addressed. In this paper, a method for the estimation of DNL-PBM parameters is presented with a purpose of determining the consequences of neglecting multi-particle interactions in the traditional DL-PBM. The model parameters were obtained from a constrained, non-linear, least-squares minimization of the residuals between comminution data and discrete PBM prediction. Comminution data exhibiting multi-particle interactions were obtained from a DNL-PBM simulation followed by addition of 0%, 10%, and 20% random error. A comprehensive statistical analysis of the goodness of fit and certainty of the parameters was performed to discriminate the models. Using the estimated parameters, predictive capability of both models was further assessed by comparing their prediction with additional computer-generated data obtained with a different feed particle size distribution. The parameter estimation method was shown to be highly accurate and robust. DNL-PBM can predict the influence of different feed conditions better than DL-PBM when multi-particle interactions are significant. This study has demonstrated that neglecting multi-particle interactions in dense-phase comminution processes via the use of DL-PBM can lead to falsified kinetics with erroneous breakage functions.
ASXL1 mutations identify a high-risk subgroup of older patients with primary cytogenetically normal AML within the ELN Favorable genetic category

The associations of mutations in the enhancer of trithorax and polycomb family gene ASXL1 with pretreatment patient characteristics, outcomes, and gene-/microRNA-expression profiles in primary cytogenetically normal acute myeloid leukemia (CN-AML) are unknown. We analyzed 423 adult patients for ASXL1 mutations, other prognostic gene mutations, and gene-/microRNA-expression profiles. ASXL1 mutations were 5 times more common in older (≥ 60 years) patients (16.2%) than those younger than 60 years (3.2%; P < .001). Among older patients, ASXL1 mutations associated with wild-type NPM1 (P < .001), absence of FLT3-internal tandem duplications (P = .002), mutated CEBPA (P = .01), and with inferior complete remission (CR) rate (P = .04), disease-free survival (DFS; P = .03), overall survival (OS; P = .006), and event-free survival (EFS; P = .002). Within the European LeukemiaNet (ELN) genetic categories of older CN-AML, ASXL1 mutations associated with inferior CR rate (P = .02), OS (P < .001), and EFS (P < .001) among ELN Favorable, but not among ELN Intermediate-I patients. Multivariable analyses confirmed associations of ASXL1 mutations with unfavorable CR rate (P = .03), DFS (P < .001), OS (P < .001), and EFS (P < .001) among ELN Favorable patients. We identified an ASXL1 mutation-associated gene-expression signature, but no microRNA-expression signature. This first study of ASXL1 mutations in primary CN-AML demonstrates that ASXL1mutated older patients, particularly within the ELN Favorable group, have unfavorable outcomes and may be candidates for experimental treatment approaches.
Preparing Students for Engineering Design & Practice

In 1995, the American Society of Civil Engineers sponsored an Education Conference to recommend changes for the Civil Engineering educational program. In addition, various other studies, such as that conducted by the American Society for Engineering Education (ASEE), investigated methods to strengthen undergraduate education. The present investigation of Lamar University students and alumni suggests that both practicing engineers and undergraduate/graduate students perceive that 2 design considerations or constraints presently have been and should be incorporated into the engineering design sequence at a high level. They include Engineering Codes and Standards, and Manufacturability (Constructability). In contrast, both students groups and practitioners rate two other design constraints: Social Ramifications, and Political Factors, at a relatively lower score. The foregoing design constraints are among those that have been adopted by the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET) as criteria that should be considered in the major design experience or course in order to satisfy the requirements of an accredited engineering degree.
Gas film formation time and gas film life time during electrochemical discharge phenomenon

The formation of a gas film around an electrode is at the origin of the electrochemical discharges in aqueous solutions and in molten salts. The study of the electrochemical discharge phenomenon from the current signal point of view is conducted to identify the gas film formations and the following discharges. This is performed using the wavelet analysis as a denoising tool with the discrete Meyer wavelet as base function. The proposed algorithm allows to measure experimentally the gas film life time and its necessary building time prior to each series of discharges. The accuracy of the algorithm is evaluated using generated signals and its application to real data is demonstrated. From the experimental data, it is concluded that the gas film is more stable at high terminal voltages whereas its formation time decreases with it. Electrochemical and thermal interpretations for the measured statistics are proposed.
Regulation of IκB Kinase Complex by Phosphorylation of γ-Binding Domain of IκB Kinase β by Polo-like Kinase 1

IκB kinase (IKK) complex is a key regulator of NF-κB pathways. Signal-induced interaction of the IKKγ (NEMO) subunit with the C-terminal IKKγ/NEMO-binding domain (γBD) of IKKβ is an essential interaction for IKK regulation. Underlying regulatory mechanism(s) of this interaction are not known. Phosphorylation of γBD has been suggested to play a regulatory role for IKK activation. However, a kinase that phosphorylates γBD has not been identified. In this study, we used a C-terminal fragment of IKKβ as substrate and purified Polo-like kinase 1 (Plk1) from HeLa cell extracts by standard chromatography as a γBD kinase. Plk1 phosphorylates serines 733, 740, and 750 in the γBD of IKKβ in vitro. Phosphorylating γBD with Plk1 decreased its affinity for IKKγ in pulldown assay. We generated phosphoantibodies against serine 740 and showed that γBD is phosphorylated in vivo. Expressing a constitutively active Plk1 in mammalian cells reduced tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-induced IKK activation, resulting in decreased phosphorylation of endogenous IκBα and reduced NF-κB activation. To activate endogenous Plk1, cells were treated with nocodazole, which reduced TNF-induced IKK activation, and increased the phosphorylation of γBD. Knocking down Plk1 in mammalian cells restored TNF-induced IKK activation in nocodazole-treated cells. Activation of Plk1 inhibited TNF-induced expression of cyclin D1. In cells in which Plk1 was knocked down, TNFα increased expression of cyclin D1 and the proportion of cells in the S phase of the cell cycle. Taken together, this study shows that phosphorylation regulates the interaction of γBD of IKKβ with IKKγ and therefore plays a critical role for IKK activation. Moreover, we identify Plk1 as a γBD kinase, which negatively regulates TNF-induced IKK activation and cyclin D1 expression, thereby affecting cell cycle regulation. Untimely activation of cyclin D1 by TNFα can provide a potential mechanism for an involvement of TNFα in inflammation-induced cancer.
Brownian coagulation in a submicron aerosol: Comparison of experiment with theory☆

Abstract This is an experimental study of the coagulation of a dibutyl phthalate aerosol consisting of a narrow distribution of submicron spheres. The aerosol is in Poiseuille flow. Light-scattering data are obtained early in the life history of the aerosol and again after it has undergone coagulation. The size distribution of the initial aerosol is obtained by inversion of the light-scattering data, and the size distribution is calculated at later times by numerical solution of Smoluchowski's integrodifferential equation adapted to the Poiseuille flow. The new distribution is then used to calculate light-scattering results which are compared with the experimental data. The results are in agreement with Smoluchowski's theory of Brownian coagulation.
Salicylate trapping of .OH as a tool for studying post-ischemic oxidative injury in the isolated rat heart.

The use of salicylate as a chemical trap for .OH represents a simple and convenient alternative to the use of spin trapping techniques to study oxidative injury in isolated perfused organs. In these systems, salicylate is included in the perfusion buffer at concentrations ranging from 0.1 to 2 mM depending on the detection apparatus employed. In our studies, we have used a coulometric detector, which has a theoretical efficiency of 100% as compared to 1-5% for the standard glassy carbon electrode. We have been able to generate reproducible results by inclusion of only 100 microM salicylate, a concentration demonstrated not to affect pre- or post-ischemic cardiac function. In initial studies, we observed an increase in perfusate 2,5-dihydroxybenzoic acid consistent with an early post-ischemic burst of .OH, not unlike that reported using spin trapping techniques. Since then we and others have used this technique to examine possible relationships between .OH formation and treatments that alter post-ischemic cardiac functional recovery. For example, preischemic loading of hearts with copper results in increases in post-ischemic dysfunction and LDH release that were associated with an increase in 2,5-dihydroxybenzoate and by inference, .OH formation. Alternatively, we have reported that the nitroxide spin label, TEMPO, reputed to be a superoxide dismutase mimetic, decreased post-ischemic arrhythmias and 2,5-dihydroxybenzoate formation. Most recently, we have observed that preischemic loading of hearts with zinc-bis-histidinate results in improved post-ischemic cardiac function and decreased LDH release; changes that were associated with decreased 2,5-dihydroxybenzoate formation. These studies indicate that under certain conditions, salicylate is a valuable alternative to spin trapping techniques to probe the role of .OH in cardiac oxidative injury, particularly when applied to the isolated perfused heart preparation.
Reflecting on learner intent

Of all the factors that affect student learning, a student's desire to learn may be among the most significant. The quality of one's effort to learn and the persistence and striving a student exerts are determined by the student's aim and commitment to fully achieve the desired learning in a specific situation. This is learner intent. Students involved in this study had no difficulty speaking about their intent; in fact, their intent seems to be either predetermined habitually or situationally determined. In either case, reflective reasoning--thinking about one's learning effort and the quality of that learning--can be a catalyst in the formation of worthy intent. Without exception, all participants in this study regarded learning as a worthy endeavor. Still, students often lost their desire to learn when faced with deadlines and other conflicting intentions. When this happened, students tended to justify their decision. The quality of one's intent may depend on the source of one's reasoning. If learner i...
Dynamic relaxation approach with periodic boundary conditions in determining the 3-D woven textile micro-geometry

Abstract A dynamic digital element approach, utilizing a dynamic relaxation procedure, is developed to determine 3-D woven textile micro-geometries. Three yarn/tow structures, including plain yarn, twisted yarn, and twisted tow, are generated by the digital element mesh. An explicit algorithm with a periodic boundary condition is employed to calculate nodal forces, accelerations, velocities, and displacements within the unit cell. Because the majority of the computing time is consumed to detect contacts between fibers, an efficient contact search algorithm is proposed. In addition, a multi-level dynamic relaxation procedure is implemented to further reduce computer time. The yarn-level fabric micro-geometry is also generated in a format that can be read by commercial finite element software. The micro-geometries derived from numerical simulations are compared to the microscopic images of actual fabrics. Good agreement is found between numerical results and experimental results.
Stimulation of pontine reticular formation in monkeys with strabismus.

PURPOSE Saccade disconjugacy in strabismus could result from any of a number of factors, including abnormalities of eye muscles, the plant, motoneurons, near response cells, or atypical tuning of neurons in saccade-related areas of the brain. This study was designed to investigate the possibility that saccade disconjugacy in strabismus is associated with abnormalities in paramedian pontine reticular formation (PPRF). METHODS We applied microstimulation to 22 sites in PPRF and 20 sites in abducens nucleus in three rhesus macaque monkeys (one normal, one esotrope, and one exotrope). RESULTS When mean velocity was compared between the two eyes, a slight difference was found for 1/5 sites in the normal animal. Significant differences were found for 5/6 sites in an esotrope and 10/11 sites in an exotrope. For five sites in the strabismic monkeys, the directions of evoked movements differed by more than 40° between the two eyes. When stimulation was applied to abducens nucleus (20 sites), the ipsilateral eye moved faster for 4/6 sites in the normal animal and all nine sites in the esotrope. For the exotrope, however, the left eye always moved faster, even for three sites on the right side. For the strabismic animals, stimulation of abducens nucleus often caused a different eye to move faster than stimulation of PPRF. CONCLUSIONS These data suggest that PPRF is organized at least partly monocularly in strabismus and that disconjugate saccades are at least partly a consequence of unbalanced saccadic commands being sent to the two eyes.
Paraphyly of Homoptera and Auchenorrhyncha inferred from 18S rDNA nucleotide sequences

Evolutionary affiliations of eighteen families of Hemiptera (s.l.) are inferred using molecular phylogenetic analysis of nucleotide (nt) sequences of 18S rDNAs. Exemplar taxa include: Archaeorrhyncha (=Fulgoromorpha): flatid, issid, dictyopharid, cixiid and delphacid; Prosorrhyncha (=Heteropterodea): Peloridiomorpha (=Coleorhyncha) -peloridiid, Heteroptera gerrid, lygaeid and mirid; Clypeorrhyncha [=extant (monophyletic) cicadomorphs]: cicadid, cercopoids (cercopid, aphrophorid), membracid and cicadellids (deltocephaline and cicadelline); and Sternorrhyncha: psyllid, aleyrodid, diaspidid and aphid. Analysed sequences encompass a region beginning ≅550 nucleotides (nts) from the 5'-end to ≅200 nts upstream from the 3'-end of the gene [≅1150 base pairs (bp) in euhemipteran to >1400 bp in sternorrhynchan taxa]. Maximum parsimony and bootstrap analyses (PAUP) identify four principal hemipteran clades, Stenorrhyncha, Clypeorrhyncha, Archaeorrhyncha and Prosorrhyncha. These lineages are identified by synapomorphies distributed throughout the gene. Sternorrhyncha is a sister group to all other Hemiptera (i.e. Euhemiptera sensu Zrzavy), rendering Homoptera paraphyletic. Within Euhemiptera, clades Clypeorrhyncha, Archaeorrhyncha, Prosorrhyncha and Heteroptera are supported by one, three, two and three synapomorphic sites, respectively. There is equitable parsimonious inference for Archaeorrhyncha as the sister group to Prosorrhyncha (Neoherriiptera sensu Sorensen et al.) or Clypeorrhyncha, in either case rendering Auchenorrhyncha paraphyletic. Neohemiptera is supported by one synapomorphy. Within Clypeorrhyncha, clade cicada + cercopoids is the sister group of the clade cicadellids + membracid (Membracoidea sensu Dietrich & Deitz). Among archaeorrhynchans, clade delphacid + cixiid is the sister group of the clade dictyopharid + flatid + issid. Within Prosorrhyncha, the peloridiid is sister to the Heteroptera. Within Heteroptera, gerrid is the sister group of the clade mirid + lygaeid (Panheteroptera sensu Schuh). Based on secondary structure of synonymous 18S rRNA, two synapomorphies each of Sternorrhyncha, Prosorrhyncha and Heteroptera are compensatory substitutions on stem substructures. All other synapomorphies identifying major lineages of Hemiptera are noncompensatory substitutions on either bulges or stems. Short basal internodal distances suggest radiation of hemipteran lineages at the suborder level occurred rapidly. Morphological, palaeoentomological and eco-evolutionary factors supporting the 18S rDNA-based phylogenetic tree are discussed.
O-GlcNAc transferase regulates mitotic chromatin dynamics

Mitosis must faithfully divide the genome such that each progeny inherits the same genetic material. DNA condensation is crucial in ensuring that chromosomes are correctly attached to the mitotic spindle for segregation, preventing DNA breaks or constrictions from the contractile ring. Histones form an octameric complex of basic proteins important in regulating DNA organization and accessibility. Histone post-translational modifications are altered during mitosis, although the roles of these post-translational modifications remain poorly characterized. Here, we report that N-acetylglucosamine (O-GlcNAc) transferase (OGT), the enzyme catalyzing the addition of O-GlcNAc moieties to nuclear and cytoplasmic proteins at serine and threonine residues, regulates some aspects of mitotic chromatin dynamics. OGT protein amounts decrease during M phase. Modest overexpression of OGT alters mitotic histone post-translational modifications at Lys-9, Ser-10, Arg-17, and Lys-27 of histone H3. Overexpression of OGT also prevents mitotic phosphorylation of coactivator-associated arginine methyltransferase 1 (CARM1) and prevents its correct cellular localization during mitosis. Moreover, OGT overexpression results in an increase in abnormal chromosomal bridge formation. Together, these results show that regulating the amount of OGT during mitosis is important in ensuring correct chromosomal segregation during mitosis.
Biotic and Abiotic Influences on Corticosteroid Hormone Rhythms in Channel Catfish

Abstract Plasma-corticosteroid concentrations in resting channel catfish Ictalurus punctatus held at 21 C varied only slightly during a 24-hour period; further, increases in hormone concentrations induced by confinement stress were independent of time of day and photoperiod. Temperature strongly affected both resting corticosteroid concentrations and the dynamics of hormone secretion when fish were stressed. Resting concentrations were greatest in fish acclimated to 5 and 10 C (25–29 ng/ml), sharply lower in fish held at 15, 20, or 21 C (5–9 ng/ml), and intermediate in fish maintained at 25, 30, or 35 C (12–13 ng/ml). Hormone concentrations increased when fish were stressed by confinement. Corticosteroid concentrations hardly changed in fish held at 5 or 10 C, but increased markedly in fish at higher temperatures; in addition the response was more delayed at the lower temperatures.
A multifaceted approach to maximize erectile function and vascular health.

Objective To review the role of various factors influencing vascular nitric oxide (NO) and cyclic GMP, and consequently, erectile function and vascular health. Method(s) Pertinent publications are reviewed. Result(s) Daily moderate exercise stimulates vascular NO production. Maintenance of normal body weight and waist/hip ratio allows NO stimulation by insulin. Decreased intake of fat, sugar, and simple carbohydrates rapidly converted to sugar reduces the adverse effects of fatty acids and sugar on endothelial NO production. Omega-3 fatty acids stimulate endothelial NO release. Antioxidants boost NO production and prevent NO breakdown. Folic acid, calcium, vitamin C, and vitamin E support the biochemical pathways leading to NO release. Cessation of smoking and avoidance of excessive alcohol preserve normal endothelial function. Moderate use of alcohol and certain proprietary supplements may favorably influence erectile and vascular function. Treatment of any remaining testosterone deficit will both increase erectile function and reduce any associated metabolic syndrome. After production of NO and cyclic GMP are improved, use of phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitors should result in greater success in treating remaining erectile dysfunction. Recent studies have also suggested positive effects of phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitors on vascular function. Conclusion(s) A multifaceted approach will maximize both erectile function and vascular health.