cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Mechanobiology of shear-induced platelet aggregation leading to occlusive arterial thrombosis: A multiscale in silico analysis

Occlusive thrombosis in arteries causes heart attacks and strokes. The rapid growth of thrombus at elevated shear rates (~10,000 1/s) relies on shear-induced platelet aggregation (SIPA) thought to come about from the entanglement of von Willebrand factor (VWF) molecules. The mechanism for SIPA is not yet understood in terms of cell- and molecule-level dynamics in fast flowing bloodstreams. Towards this end, we develop a multiscale computational model to recreate SIPA in silico, where the suspension dynamics and interactions of individual platelets and VWF multimers are resolved directly. The platelet-VWF interaction via GP1b-A1 bonds is prescribed with intrinsic binding rates theoretically derived and informed by single-molecule measurements. The model is validated against existing microfluidic SIPA experiments, showing good agreement with the in vitro observations in terms of the morphology, traveling distance and capture time of the platelet aggregates. Particularly, the capture of aggregates can occur in a few milliseconds, comparable to the platelet transit time through pathologic arterial stenotic sections and much shorter than the time for shear-induced platelet activation. The multiscale SIPA simulator provides a cross-scale tool for exploring the biophysical mechanisms of SIPA in silico that are difficult to access with single-molecule measurements or micro-/macro-fluidic assays only.
Co-Circularly Polarized Van Atta Array Enabled by Quasi-Monostatic STAR Antennas

A true in-band full-duplex (IBFD) co-circularly polarized (CP) Van Atta array with the active enhancement of the radar cross section (RCS) at 2.45 GHz is demonstrated for the first time. This operation is enabled by a quasi-monostatic simultaneous transmit and receive (STAR) element consisting of two quadrifilar helix antennas (QHAs) counter wound with respect to each other and placed coaxially. Co-CP operation is realized by operating one helix in the forward mode and the other in the backward mode, which increases the isolation between the transmit (Tx) and receive (Rx) layers at the antenna level. To further enhance the isolation, the Van Atta array beamforming network (BFN) is formed from a reduced complexity CP configuration featuring only 90° hybrids and amplification. The concept of operation is verified through measurement of a two-element array and simulated eight-element array with aid from a novel method for the synthesis of Van Atta array performance from conventional range and bench measurements. The effect of mutual coupling in the array is examined along with the role of the phase delay in the BFN.
Non-Invasive Identification of Nutrient Components in Grain

Digital farming is a modern agricultural concept that aims to maximize the crop yield while simultaneously minimizing the environmental impact of farming. Successful implementation of digital farming requires development of sensors to detect and identify diseases and abiotic stresses in plants, as well as to probe the nutrient content of seeds and identify plant varieties. Experimental evidence of the suitability of Raman spectroscopy (RS) for confirmatory diagnostics of plant diseases was previously provided by our team and other research groups. In this study, we investigate the potential use of RS as a label-free, non-invasive and non-destructive analytical technique for the fast and accurate identification of nutrient components in the grains from 15 different rice genotypes. We demonstrate that spectroscopic analysis of intact rice seeds provides the accurate rice variety identification in ~86% of samples. These results suggest that RS can be used for fully automated, fast and accurate identification of seeds nutrient components.
Harnessing the Power of Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells and Gene Editing Technology: Therapeutic Implications in Hematological Malignancies

In vitro modeling of hematological malignancies not only provides insights into the influence of genetic aberrations on cellular and molecular mechanisms involved in disease progression but also aids development and evaluation of therapeutic agents. Owing to their self-renewal and differentiation capacity, induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) have emerged as a potential source of short in supply disease-specific human cells of the hematopoietic lineage. Patient-derived iPSCs can recapitulate the disease severity and spectrum of prognosis dictated by the genetic variation among patients and can be used for drug screening and studying clonal evolution. However, this approach lacks the ability to model the early phases of the disease leading to cancer. The advent of genetic editing technology has promoted the generation of precise isogenic iPSC disease models to address questions regarding the underlying genetic mechanism of disease initiation and progression. In this review, we discuss the use of iPSC disease modeling in hematological diseases, where there is lack of patient sample availability and/or difficulty of engraftment to generate animal models. Furthermore, we describe the power of combining iPSC and precise gene editing to elucidate the underlying mechanism of initiation and progression of various hematological malignancies. Finally, we discuss the power of iPSC disease modeling in developing and testing novel therapies in a high throughput setting.
Lokale Expression und pathophysiologische Rolle von Renin-Angiotensin im Gefäßsystem und im Herzen

Wahrend das zirkulierende Renin-Angiotensin-System (RAS) bei der kurzfristigen Aufrechterhaltung der kardiovaskularen Homoostase eine wichtige Rolle spielt, weisen neueste Studien darauf hin, das das endogene RAS in Zielgeweben eine Rolle bei der langfristigen kardiovaskularen Regulation spielt. Dieser Artikel konzentriert sich auf die verschiedenen Wirkungen des Angiotensin Converting Enzyme (ACE) im Gewebe und von Angiotensin II (Ang II), seinem aktiven Peptidprodukt. Von Angiotensin II wurde nachgewiesen, das es in glatten Gefasmuskelzellen ein potenter Wachstumsfaktor ist. Je nach den lokalen Gegebenheiten kann die vaskulare Reaktion eine Hypertrophie oder eine Hyperplasie sein. Die molekularen Mechanismen, die bei den Interaktionen von Angiotensin II mit Zellprodukten aus Endothel- oder glatten Muskelzellen beteiligt sind, konnen bei der Modulation der Gefasstruktur bei der Hypertonie und bei einer Gefasschadigung eine wichtige Rolle spielen. Auch gibt es Hinweise dafur, das Angiotensin II bei der Entwicklung einer linksventrikularen Hypertrophie beim Hochdruck eine Rolle spielt. Daruber hinaus kann das kardiale RAS zur Pathophysiologie der Herzinsuffizienz beitragen. Experimentelle und klinische Studien mit ACE-Hemmern deuten darauf hin, das die ACE-Aktivitat im Gewebe bei der Entwicklung der Atherosklerose, bei der kardialen Hypertrophie und beim kardialen Umbau von Bedeutung ist.
Diet components associated with perceived fatigue in breast cancer survivors

Little is known about the contribution of diet components independent of body composition to persistent fatigue in breast cancer survivors. Therefore, our study aim was to determine the associations among dietary intake and fatigue in relation to and independent of adiposity and physical activity (PA) in breast cancer survivors. Baseline data from 42 breast cancer survivors enrolled in a randomised exercise trial were analysed: fatigue (Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy for fatigue), diet components (3-day diet record), body mass index, per cent body fat (dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry) and PA (accelerometer). The mean age was 54 ± 9 years with an average body mass index of 30.5 ± 8.1 kg/m(2). Fatigue was positively associated with % of kcal/day fat intake (r = 0.31, P 25 g/day of fibre (15.7 ± 10.8 versus 6.4 ± 3.7, P < 0.005). No significant associations were noted between fatigue and PA or body composition. Diets high in fibre and low in fat are associated with reduced fatigue in breast cancer survivors. The difference in fatigue for low- versus high-fibre diets exceeded the minimal clinically important difference of three units. Prospective studies evaluating the effect of changing diet on fatigue in breast cancer survivors are warranted.
A New Method for Part-Winding Starting of Polyphase Motors [includes discussion]

Part-winding or "step-starting" of polyphase induction motors for holding down the initial starting current inrush is on the increase. The conventional scheme provides two half-current starting contactors, each with three poles. The motors have dual-voltage 9-lead windings, arranged in two independent Y's, separately connected to the two contactors. The two contactors are closed in sequence with a few seconds' delay between, giving about 60 per cent (%) current on the first step. The delay must be very short, because the accelerating torque on half-winding is usually low, the motor may be noisy, and the rate of heating is high.
Cyclic polysilanes : XII. Photoelectron spectra and bonding in 1,2,3,4-tetra-t-butyltetramethylcyclotetrasilane and related t-butylsilicon compounds☆

Abstract The photoelectron spectra of [(CH 3 ) 3 CSiCH 3 ] 4 (I), (CH 3 ) 3 SiCl (II), (CH 3 ) 3 CSi(CH 3 ) 2 Cl (III) and [(CH 3 ) 3 CSi(CH 3 ) 2 ]2 (IV), have been measured. These compounds show bands assigned to SiC at 9.13 and 9.65 eV for I, 9.77 eV for III and 9.52 eV for IV. Ionizations due to SiSi electrons appear at 8.52 eV for IV and at 7.42, 7.85 and 8.15 eV for I. The SiSi level in IV is destabilized 0.17 eV relative to methylpolysilanes. The extremely low IP 's for I result in part from charge release from the t-butyl groups. However the major cause of the destabilization of the SiSi level is the high degree of strain imposed on the internal Si bonding framework by the t-butyl substituents.
Packet-Based Protocol Efficiency for Aeronautical and Satellite Communications

This paper examines the relation between bit error ratios and the effective link efficiency when transporting data with a packet-based protocol. Relations are developed to quantify the impact of a protocol s packet size and header size relative to the bit error ratio of the underlying link. These relations are examined in the context of radio transmissions that exhibit variable error conditions, such as those used in satellite, aeronautical, and other wireless networks. A comparison of two packet sizing methodologies is presented. From these relations, the true ability of a link to deliver user data, or information, is determined. Relations are developed to calculate the optimal protocol packet size forgiven link error characteristics. These relations could be useful in future research for developing an adaptive protocol layer. They can also be used for sizing protocols in the design of static links, where bit error ratios have small variability.
The direct-conversion resonant switched capacitor architecture with merged multiphase interleaving: Cost and performance comparison

Switched capacitor and resonant switched capacitor topologies have gained interest in recent years for highly integrated (monolithic) DC-DC converters, and more generally for a range of applications that require high density, high efficiency, and low cost. This work presents experimental and theoretical results for a new resonant topology that has architectural similarity to the more common 3-level buck converter. We further outline the prospects of using merged-interleaving to reduce voltage ripple while maximizing the utilization of passive components. We present the results of an experimental prototype that can be configured as a switched capacitor, resonant switched capacitor, or resonant 3-level topology. Importantly, by constraining factors such as total cost of active and passive components, volumetric energy density, and other design factors, we attempt to provide a fair comparison of the respective converter prototypes for applications spanning DC power delivery, and power management for renewable energy applications such as photovoltaics and battery management.
Slope changes for ln (dσdt) and computation of baryon compressibility

Abstract The coefficient of baryon compressibility, computed from πp, Kp and pp cross sections at energies up to 30 GeV, is evaluated as 2200, 1800 and 2000 MeV respectively. Requirement that the interaction energy have a minimum predicts the well-known breaks in ln ( d σ d t ) versus t for proton-proton elastic scattering at 90°.
Corneal edema following argon laser iridotomy.

Abstract Laser iridotomy is generally a safe and effective procedure for narrow-angle glaucoma. However, since surgical success with the argon laser depends on a focal thermal effect, a corneal burn is a possible complication. I describe five patients with occludable anterior chamber angles and bilateral corneal guttata who developed uniocular progressive corneal edema with visual loss following argon laser iridotomy. These five patients underwent iridotomy with a total laser energy of 63, 48.5, 7, 25, and 25 J, respectively, and began to lose vision due to corneal edema immediately, and 5, 2, 4, and 2 years later, respectively. Following penetrating keratoplasty with cataract surgery, histopathology of the corneal buttons showed generalized endothelial cell loss in all five. Microstructural findings of guttata and thickened Descemet's membrane implied that prior endothelial dystrophy had predisposed these patients to laser-induced damage. Risk factors for immediate or delayed-onset bullous keratopathy after argon laser iridotomy include prior angle closure, preexisting endothelial guttata, and high laser energy with multiple applications. Recognizing the potential of this complication offers opportunities for preventive strategies.
Squeezing the Most Out of Relational Database Systems

We present compelling experimental evidence of the suitability of FOR compression for many database applications. While there has been some previous and concurrent work on compressing relations, no alternative solution combines the high compression ratios, low over-head, ease of incorporation into an RDBMS, and selective decompression that FOR compression achieves. Overall, we believe that this is a very attractive approach to implementing compression in an RDBMS.
Distinctive Preferences Toward Risk in the Substantive Domain of Sociality

As with standard models of rationality, theorists generally treat prospect theory's demonstration of risk aversion in gains but risk tolerance in losses as domain-general. Yet evolutionary psychology suggests that natural selection has designed a domain specific cognitive architecture—with systems specialized for some substantive domains but not others. Here we address risky choices through that lens asking whether humans' risk responses dispose them to enter social relationships even when doing so is counter to normative rationality and regardless of whether the “enter” versus “not enter” choice is framed as between gains and losses. Laboratory findings in five sites across three countries provide a positive answer to both possibilities. Participants could enter or not enter inherently risky social relationships. They were more willing to enter such relationships than rational choice models would predict and were equally so willing regardless of whether equivalent alternatives were framed as gains and as losses. With the “social context” extracted in otherwise identical games, participants' risk responses were consistent with prospect theory. The present findings suggest the possibility of adaptations designed to facilitate sociality—despite its risks and how those risks are framed.
ArchSPL-MDD: An ADL-Based Model-Driven Strategy for Automatic Variability Management

Model-driven strategies have been used in the development of software product lines (SPLs) to facilitate product customization and to generate the source code of the derived products through variability management. In this context, the architecture description of the SPL is essential to make it clear how the architecture realizes the feature model and to represent both domain and application engineering architectural artifacts. Moreover, it is important to establish the association between the architectural specification and the artifacts involved in the SPL development process towards code generation. In this paper, we present Arch SPL-MDD, a model-driven strategy to support explicit modeling and automatic management of variabilities in SPLs. Arch SPL-MDD is associated to a generic process with systematic activities aimed to generate customized source code from the product configuration. Furthermore, the proposed strategy uses the Light PL-ACME architecture description language to support the architectural specification of the SPL, which is input of model transformations towards automatically generating SPL products. To evaluate the efficiency and applicability of Arch SPL-MDD, we conducted a controlled experiment by using Ginga For All, an SPL for the Ginga digital TV middleware.
Xenopus Embryo: β‐catenin and Dorsal–Ventral Axis Formation

During embryonic development of the amphibian, Xenopus laevis, the dorsal side of the embryo forms approximately opposite the sperm entry point, and the anterior and posterior axes are linked to this through the process of gastrulation. The mechanisms responsible for specification of the dorsal axis include a postfertilization cortical rotation that promotes a dorsal accumulation of β-catenin, and the activation of a cascade of regulatory genes by the complexes of β-catenin and HMG box transcription factors which starts the process of gastrulation. Keywords: Xenopus; embryo; gene expression; axis; β-catenin
Transcriptional analysis of the Pseudomonas aeruginosa genes algR, algB, and algD reveals a hierarchy of alginate gene expression which is modulated by algT.

Abstract Strains of Pseudomonas aeruginosa which colonize and infect the lungs of cystic fibrosis patients have a mucoid colony morphology due to the overproduction of the exopolysaccharide alginate. The response regulators AlgB and AlgR are required for the transcription of algD, a tightly regulated gene encoding GDP-mannose dehydrogenase, which is critical for P. aeruginosa alginate biosynthesis. Previous studies indicated that mutations in the algT gene of mucoid FRD1 P. aeruginosa result in nonmucoid derivatives. However, the specific role for algT in alginate gene regulation has not been elucidated. In this study, transcription of algB, algD, and algR was characterized by gene fusion and primer extension analysis. Expression of algR and algD was abolished in P. aeruginosa strains containing algT::Tn501 insertions because of lack of transcription initiation at the algR and algD promoters. An algR mutation was constructed in FRD1, and this resulted in the loss of alginate production and a dramatic decrease in algD transcription. RNA and gene fusion analysis revealed that algB is not required for algR expression, nor is algR necessary for transcription of algB. Thus, with the exception of a requirement for AlgT, the AlgB and AlgR pathways appear to be independent of each other. In gel band mobility shift assays, a protein(s) present in extracts from mucoid and algB and algR mutant P. aeruginosa strains formed a specific complex with algD sequences located immediately upstream of the start of transcription. No binding to these sequences was observed when extracts from algT mutant strains were examined. A model proposed suggests that a hierarchy of alginate gene expression exists in which AlgT is required for transcription of the response regulators algB and algR, which in turn are necessary for algD expression. AlgT or a protein under algT control also binds to sequences located within the algD promoter.
Impaired olfaction in mice lacking aquaporin-4 water channels

Aquaporin-4 (AQP4) is a water-selective transport protein expressed in glial cells throughout the central nervous system. AQP4 deletion in mice produces alterations in several neuroexcitation phenomena, including hearing, vision, epilepsy, and cortical spreading depression. Here, we report defective olfaction and electroolfactogram responses in AQP4-null mice. Immunofluorescence indicated strong AQP4 expression in supportive cells of the nasal olfactory epithelium. The olfactory epithelium in AQP4-null mice had identical appearance, but did not express AQP4, and had approximately 12-fold reduced osmotic water permeability. Behavioral analysis showed greatly impaired olfaction in AQP4-null mice, with latency times of 17 +/- 0.7 vs. 55 +/- 5 s in wild-type vs. AQP4-null mice in a buried food pellet test, which was confirmed using an olfactory maze test. Electroolfactogram voltage responses to multiple odorants were reduced in AQP4-null mice, with maximal responses to triethylamine of 0.80 +/- 0.07 vs. 0.28 +/- 0.03 mV. Similar olfaction and electroolfactogram defects were found in outbred (CD1) and inbred (C57/bl6) mouse genetic backgrounds. Our results establish AQP4 as a novel determinant of olfaction, the deficiency of which probably impairs extracellular space K(+) buffering in the olfactory epithelium.
Salt stress alters A/T-rich DNA-binding factor interactions within the phosphoenolpyruvate carboxylase promoter from Mesembryanthemum crystallinum

The common ice plant, Mesembryanthemum crystallinum, shifts from C3 to crassulacean acid metabolism (CAM) photosynthesis in response to osmotic stress. The expression of a number of genes encoding enzymes involved in the CAM pathway increases as a result of increased transcription rates. To begin to investigate the mechanisms responsible for the transcriptional activation, we have characterized the 5′ control region of a specific isoform of phosphoenolpyruvate carboxylase gene (Ppc1) that plays a key role in CAM. We have determined the nucleotide sequence of the 5′ flanking region of this gene. Ppc1 contains a long 5′-leader sequence with the transcriptional start site located 332/333 nucleotides 5′ of the translational initiation codon. Multiple DNA interactions with nuclear factors are detectable within the 5′-flanking region of Ppc1. We have used copper orthophenanthroline footprinting to demonstrate that one particularly abundant factor (designated PCAT-1) binds the Ppc1 promoter at two distinct A/T-rich sites located −128 to −158 and −187 to −205 bp upstream of the transcriptional start site. These binding sites share a loose consensus motif having the sequence AARTAAC(T/A)A(G/T)TTTY. Gel retardation competition experiments with oligonucleotides containing these A/T-rich binding sites suggest that both sites bind the same factor, but with different affinities. Fractionation of crude nuclear extracts by heparin-agarose chromatography indicates that PCAT-1 is more prevalent in extracts prepared from salt-stressed leaf tissue. Additional binding activities that interact with the PCAT-1 binding sites have been detected that either increase or decrease in abundance or binding affinity in response to salt stress.
The classification of CM and CR chondrites using bulk H, C and N abundances and isotopic compositions

Here we show that bulk H, C and N elemental and isotopic analyses can be used to classify CM and CR chondrites. These meteorites in both groups form well-defined trends in plots of H content vs. δD and C/H vs. δD, and these trends appear to primarily reflect varying degrees of aqueous alteration. The subset of samples with evidence for thermal alteration plot well away from these trends. In CMs, both bulk H and N isotopic compositions, in particular, strongly correlate with petrologic indicators of the degree of alteration and have been used to classify 54 unheated or weakly heated meteorites on a scale of 2–3. However, extrapolation of the trends based on this scale to type 3.0 predicts relatively high water contents, and the schemes cannot be used to classify altered meteorite belonging to other chondrite groups. Here we propose a different classification scheme based on the degree of hydration (wt.% H in water and OH) of a meteorite that can be determined straightforwardly from a meteorite’s bulk H and C contents. Our estimates of the extent of hydration in CMs correlate well with petrologic estimates of the extent of hydration and with the previously determined phyllosilicate abundances. This is not the case for the CRs, which we suggest is due to cryptic alteration of some CRs at low temperatures.
Strain rate dependent analysis of a polymer matrix composite utilizing a micromechanics approach

A research program is in progress to develop strain rate dependent deformation and failure models for the analysis of polymer matrix composites subject to high strain rate impact loads. The Ramaswamy–Stouffer viscoplastic constitutive equations for metals have been modified to model the strain rate dependent inelastic deformation of ductile polymers, including hydrostatic stress effects. These equations have been incorporated into a mechanics of materials based micromechanics model that was developed to analyze uniaxial composites at various fiber orientation angles. The Hashin failure criteria have been implemented into the micromechanics to predict ply failure strengths. The deformation response and ply failure strengths for the representative composite AS4/PEEK have been successfully predicted for a variety of fiber orientations and strain rates.
Television and presidentialism: Australian and U.S. legislative elections compared

The argument is commonly made that television has changed the character of parliamentary elections. Its ever more central role in election campaigns outside the United States is held to have “presidentialized” parliamentary elections because it is a medium that projects personalities more effectively than ideas or policies. A comparison of the electoral roles of the Australian prime minister and the U.S. president indicates that both leaders are held personally accountable for government performance. However, such “presidentialism” appears to have little to do with television in Australia or in the United States. Television‐dependent citizens in both countries are less susceptible to the campaign appeals of chief executives than the rest of the voting public. Both leaders, but especially the president, do have an electoral impact. Counter to expectations, however, this impact makes itself felt in both cases among those voters who are not dependent on television for their political information and cues. Pa...
Average Seasonal Phytomass: A Temporally Independent Index of Herbaceous Plant Dominance

Diversity, similarity and dominance in plant communities are usually assessed from data collected at a single date. Herbaceous species have differing periods of growth, making phytomass or cover-weighted indices of diversity, similarity or dominance highly dependent on the timing of data collection. A new way of mathematically expressing residence time is presented. Average seasonal phytomass values can be used to better express dominance throughout a growing season. A similar approach could be used for cover or any other dynamic property of plant growth. These values could then be used in dominance-weighted indices of community similarity and diversity.
CRITERIA FOR SELECTION OF TYPES OF TUMOURS FOR RADIOTHERAPY WITH UNCONVENTIONAL RADIATION.

Abstract Consideration has been given to a number of criteria for the selection of appropriate types of tumors for randomized clinical trials to test the efficacy of fast neutron radiotherapy. On the basis of these criteria, a broad spectrum of human neoplasms has been assessed as unsuitable, doubtful, or suitable for selection. It appears that the numbers of tumors considered suitable, and the limited numbers of cases of such tumors available, may seriously hamper and restrict the establishment of fast neutron clinical trials.
Accurate, in vivo NIR measurement of skeletal muscle oxygenation through fat

Noninvasive near infrared (NIR) spectroscopic measurement of muscle oxygenation requires the penetration of light through overlying skin and fat layers. We have previously demonstrated a dual-light source design and orthogonalization algorithm that corrects for inference from skin absorption and fat scattering. To achieve accurate muscle oxygen saturation (SmO 2 ) measurement, one must select the appropriate source-detector distance (SD) to completely penetrate the fat layer. Methods: Six healthy subjects were supine for 15min to normalize tissue oxygenation across the body. NIR spectra were collected from the calf, shoulder, lower and upper thigh muscles with long SD distances of 30mm, 35mm, 40mm and 45mm. Spectral preprocessing with the short SD (3mm) spectrum preceded SmO 2 calculation with a Taylor series expansion method. Three-way ANOVA was used to compare SmO 2 values over varying fat thickness, subjects and SD distances. Results: Overlying fat layers varied in thickness from 4.9mm to 19.6mm across all subjects. SmO 2 measured at the four locations were comparable for each subject (p=0.133), regardless of fat thickness and SD distance. SmO 2 (mean±std dev) measured at calf, shoulder, low and high thigh were 62±3%, 59±8%, 61±2%, 61±4% respectively for SD distance of 30mm. In these subjects no significant influence of SD was observed (p=0.948). Conclusions: The results indicate that for our sensor design a 30mm SD is sufficient to penetrate through a 19mm fat layer and that orthogonalization with short SD effectively removed spectral interference from fat to result in a reproducible determination of SmO 2 .
Lexicon size and its relation to foot preference in the African grey parrot (Psittacus erithacus)

Abstract To study footedness in parrots, an international survey of parrot owners was conducted. Responses were obtained from 524 individuals, including 70 owners of African Grey parrots (all animals ≥10 months old). All respondents were given a 10-item questionnaire and a standard method for testing foot preference in their pets, and they were asked to count the number of separate words in their pets' lexicons of human speech sounds. Right-footed African Grey's (N=36) had significantly larger lexicons than left-footed African Grey's (N=34; P=0.01). This difference could not be accounted for by group differences in training efforts or socialization/housing with conspecifics. A non-significant trend in the same direction was found in a comparison sample of Amazon parrots, although these genera are less adept than African Greys at learning human speech sounds. Other investigators have provided convincing evidence of lateralization, in the avian brain, for the analysis and memory of differing types of stimuli. In addition, there appears to be preferential left hypserstriatal activation for long-term memory consolidation. Our results suggest a relationship between lateral asymmetry for motor preference and asymmetric CNS mediation of a `higher cognitive' function (i.e. the categorization and long-term mnestic processing of human speech sounds).
The response of growth and circadian rhythm to cycle length and photoperiod

The growth of bean plants (Phaseolus vulgaris L., cv Red Kidney) is inhibited by cycle lengths of 36 and 48 hours. Maximal inhibition occurs when the length of the light period is equal to or shorter than 3/6 of the cycle length. The inhibition does not occur when the photofraction is 5/6 or longer. The rhythmic leaf movement in beans can be entrained to a 30-hour cycle with a photofraction of 3/6 or less. No entrainment occurs to 36-or 48-hour cycles, but such cycles with photofraction of 3/6 or less cause an irregular course of the rhythm. When the photofraction is 5/6 or greater, the leaf movement proceeds as in continuous light, independent of cycle length. In continuous light the rhythm persists for at least 12 days. The parallel response of growth and circadian rhythm to cycle length and photoperiod suggests that a circadian oscillation is involved in the growth process. It further indicates that the response of these phenomena to cycle length and photoperiod involves the same basic timing mechanism.
Load rating of prestressed concrete girder bridges : Comparative analysis of load factor rating and load and resistance factor rating

In light of the adoption of the load and resistance factor design (LRFD) philosophy by the AASHTO Subcommittee on Bridges and Structures, research efforts are under way to facilitate the transition from load factor rating (LFR) to load and resistance factor rating (LRFR) in New Mexico. Five prestressed concrete girder bridges, courtesy of the New Mexico bridge inventory, were rated with the BRASS-GIRDER and BRASS-GIRDER (LRFD) structural software. The objectives for this study were to evaluate and verify the BRASS (bridge rating and analysis of structural systems) software, to identify the source of dissension between LFR and LRFR rating factors, and to examine any trends in the rating factors as affected by bridge geometry. The comparison of LFR and LRFR focused on both flexure and shear for the strength limit state. The LRFR method generally yielded lower rating factors for flexure, with the longer-span bridges demonstrating a larger deviation between LFR and LRFR. The live load effects were identified as the major factor contributing to the difference in flexure ratings; the dead load effects and flexural resistance had little effect. The LRFR rating factors for shear also were generally lower than those produced by LFR. The discrepancy in the shear ratings was caused by both the live load effects and shear resistance. The dead load effects contributed little to the variation in LFR and LRFR rating factors for shear. Overall, the shear ratings controlled over those based on flexure.
Aesthetic outcomes in breast conservation therapy.

Background: Since the National Surgical Adjuvant Breast and Bowel Project B06 (NSABP-B06) trial demonstrated equivalent survival outcomes between patients with breast cancer undergoing modified radical mastectomy versus lumpectomy and radiation, an increasing number of patients are seeking breast conservation therapy. Traditionally, only patients who have undergone total mastectomy have been referred for reconstruction. Objective: The purpose of the study was to determine the number of dissatisfied patients treated with breast conservation therapy who have suboptimal cosmesis and should be referred for reconstruction. Methods: After obtaining approval from the Institutional Review Board and patient consent, patients identified as more than 1 year posttreatment from breast conservation therapy (1999–2004) were interviewed and photographed. Data were gathered by use of a questionnaire that included patient aesthetic score, patient satisfaction, and change in body image. Photographs were shown to a surgical oncologist, a general surgeon, and a plastic surgeon for a physician aesthetic score. Results: Thirteen of 46 patients (28.3%) were dissatisfied with their cosmetic result. Women who were dissatisfied with their cosmetic result were more likely to have a negative change in their body image when compared with patients who were satisfied with their cosmetic result (46.2 % vs 6.1%, P = .02). Additionally, dissatisfied patients were more likely to rate their cosmetic result as poor (15.4 % vs 0%, P = .007) and were more likely to consider reconstruction (46.2% vs 9.1%, P = .01) when compared with satisfied patients. Risk factors to predict dissatisfaction in our patient population included age younger than 52 years and the resection of tumor from the upper inner quadrant. Conclusions: Twenty-eight percent of patients in this study were dissatisfied with their cosmetic result. Furthermore, a large portion of these patients would consider reconstruction if it were offered. Although this study only identified a few broad risk factors for suboptimal cosmetic outcome, it confirms our hypothesis that many patients who have undergone breast conservation therapy should be referred for plastic surgery consultation.
So far from Miami: Afro-Cuban Encounters with Mexicans in the US Southwest

This study examines the experiences of Afro-Cuban immigrants in non-traditional settlement sites in the Southwest. Drawing on 45 interviews with Afro-Cubans in Austin, Texas and Albuquerque, New Mexico, we explore how our respondents position themselves relative to the local Mexican-origin population. Specifically, we focus on the implications of “Hispanic” identity in these cities as a category that is heavily tied to Mexican origin, “brownness,” and the suspicion of illegality. As Afro-Cubans, our respondents face a different racialization process than many non-black Latino immigrants, in that their blackness marks them as outside the bounds of regional constructions of Hispanic identity. Furthermore, the absence of significant numbers of Afro-origin immigrants creates an immediate association with citizenship that accompanies blackness in these locales. Our respondents recognize that they are assigned very different identities than the Mexican immigrants who work alongside them. Moreover, as they articulate identities in a US context, many of our respondents look to Miami Cubans as an example of their anticipated trajectory. Contrasting their perceptions of the success of Miami Cubans with the problems they perceive in the local Mexican-origin community, our respondents further distance themselves from a stigmatized Hispanic identity.
IS consultants and the change agent role

Markus and Benjamin (1996) proposed a change agentry model that identifies three change agent roles for the information system (IS) specialist: the traditional, the facilitator, and the advocator. This study explores these roles for IS consultants who are engaged as independent contractors by small businesses. Presented here is a field study of twenty-five cases to test these three roles. In general, the results of the study suggest that IS consultants' view themselves as change agents and can identify a role that they prefer to follow. Key relationships emerged between the change agent role selected by an IS consultant for an engagement and the quality of the IS implementation. A main finding indicates that the advocator role model is most effective when resistance to change is encountered. The study concludes with suggestions to help IS consultants improve their effectiveness as change agents, such as acquiring the broader type of skills to adopt an advocator role and attaining the flexibility to follow different change agent roles.
The meaning of cancer pain

Pain is a common symptom in cancer and one experienced both by patients and family caregivers. A neglected area of pain management is enhancing the individual's ability to derive the meaning from pain and suffering associated with illness. Because pain is often a metaphor for impending death, the meaning derived from pain may contribute to the ultimate meaning of death for the individual. This article provides case examples and analysis of the search for meaning in cancer pain.
Creating a Healthy Workplace Culture Using an Appreciative Inquiry 4-D Cycle

This study describes the second year of an ongoing partnership between an urban drug court (UDC) and a research university with very high research activity. The purpose of the second year of our study was to engage an appreciative inquiry (AI) Learning Team in all stages of the AI 4-D Cycle to discover the positive core of their work history and work relationships to create a healthy UDC workplace culture. Nine purposively selected participants were engaged in all four stages of the AI 4-D Cycle. There were four findings. Participants (a) developed a strong sense of personal and collective empowerment; (b) created a compelling vision for healthy workplace culture; (c) created a blueprint to achieve their vision of a healthy workplace culture; and (d) generated important action steps to implement a healthy workplace culture. The application to practice of using an AI 4-D Cycle provides managers in both private and public organizations with strategies to create healthy workplace cultures.
The second course in computer programming: Some principles and consequences

In recent years a number of colleges and universities have modified their introductory computer science curriculum. These schools have concluded that algorithm development and computer programming are sufficiently difficult to require a two semester sequence. This change even appears in the working report of the ACM Committee on Curriculum in Computer Sciences [1].Unlike the first course in computer science, there does not appear to be a general consensus on the aims, objectives, and course outline on this second course. The purpose of this paper is to present the author's view of the need for and purpose of this second course and some consequences of these. This view is based on five years experience developing and teaching this course at two universities.
Pain as a Complication of HIV Disease

Pain as a symptom is common to many pathologic conditions. At its most elementary level, it is a signal from peripheral nerves with specialized receptors that there is a change in the local environment, such as pressure, pH, temperature, or some other noxious stimulus, that can be detrimental to function. Pain is particularly prevalent in patients with HIV infection. The assessment, evaluation, and treatment of pain should be an integral part of comprehensive patient care.
An error analysis of least-squares finite element method of velocity-pressure-vorticity formulation for Stokes problem

A theoretical proof of the optimal rate of convergence for the least-squares method is developed for the Stokes problem based on the velocity-pressure-vorticity formula. The 2D Stokes problem is analyzed to define the product space and its inner product, and the a priori estimates are derived to give the finite-element approximation. The least-squares method is found to converge at the optimal rate for equal-order interpolation.
Synergistic integration of agent technologies for military simulation

To perform large-scale coordination in real-world environments requires that many individually complex technologies come together to form integrated solutions. We present an application where several key technologies are integrated into a unified system via a multiagent infrastructure. We show how the synergistic behavior among heterogeneous technologies results in a significant improvement over the performance of the individual technologies acting alone. Critical extensions were required to the language describing required behavior to allow the pieces to work together. Initial experimental results show system performance on a task of coordinating a military convoy in an adversarial environment was significantly improved when all technologies worked together. However, experiments with a human user in the loop showed that significant advances must still be made before such systems can be fielded in the real-world.
Hypoglycaemic and insulinotropic effects of a novel oral antidiabetic agent, (-)-N-(trans-4-isopropylcyclohexane- carbonyl)-D-phenylalanine (A-4166)

1. (-)-N-(trans-4-isopropylcyclohexanecarbonyl)-D-phenylalanine (A-4166), a novel oral hypoglycaemic agent is a non-sulphonylurea insulin secretagogue. 2. We investigated the insulin-releasing action and hypoglycaemic effect of A-4166 compared to sulphonylureas in vitro and in vivo. 3. A-4166 stimulated insulin secretion from rat freshly isolated pancreatic islets at concentrations from 3 x 10(-6) M to 3 x 10(-4) M in the presence of 2.8 mM glucose. There was no obvious difference in glucose dependency between the insulinotropic effect of A-4166 and that of glibenclamide, and no additive or synergistic effect was observed between these two drugs. 4. A-4166 displaced [3H]-glibenclamide bound to intact HIT-T15 cells in a concentration-dependent manner. The Ki value was 4.34 +/- 0.04 x 10(7) M, and the displacement potency of A-4166 was between that of glibenclamide and tolbutamide, being similar to that of gliclazide. 5. Inf fasted beagle dogs, A-4166 showed a dose-dependent hypoglycaemic effect after oral administration over the range 1 to 10 mg kg-1. The hypoglycaemic action of A-4166 showed an earlier onset and a shorter duration than that of sulphonylureas. 6. Simultaneous measurement of plasma insulin levels revealed that the hypoglycaemic effect of A-4166 was caused by a rapid-onset and brief burst of insulin secretion. 7. The pharmacokinetic profile of A-4166 was consistent with the changes of the blood glucose and plasma insulin levels. 8. Although the in vitro insulin-releasing effect of A-4166 was similar to that of sulphonylureas, its hypoglycaemic effect was more rapid and shorter-lasting, associated with rapid absorption and clearance. Thus, A-4166 may be useful in suppressing postprandial hyperglycaemia in patients with non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus.
The Utilization of the Anomalous Intensity Enhancement of the Amide I Couplet for Probing the Formation of Peptide Fibrils in Solution

Knowledge of the architecture of amyloid-like fibrils is necessary for understanding the mechanism of fibril formation. Some amyloid fibrils give rise to an intensity-enhanced amide I couplet in their VCD spectra [Ma et al. J. Am. Chem. Soc.2007, 129, 12364 and Measey et al. J. Am. Chem. Soc. 2009, 131, 18218]. An understanding of the structural basis for this enhancement would facilitate the use of VCD spectroscopy for the structural characterization of amyloid fibrils. To this end we developed a simplified model, which describes amide I modes in the fibrillar stacking of -sheets by a three-dimensional lattice of transition dipole moments. The lattice contains 2 dipoles per strand and variable numbers of sheets and strands per sheet. Thus, we showed that the VCD intensity enhancement requires either helically twisted sheets with parallel oriented strands or a special antiparallel arrangements of adjacent sheets with antiparallel strand orientation in a fibril, in which the strands in one sheet are rotated around their axes by 180o compared with a canonical antiparallel orientation. The sign of the VCD signal of amyloid-like fibrils can be used to distinguish between right and left handed helical twists of parallel oriented -sheets. We compare the results of our simulation to experimental spectra of GNNQQNY, a fragment of the yeast prion protein Sup35, and an alanine-rich peptide, AKY8. For the latter, we use IR, VCD and polarized Raman spectroscopy as well as atomic force microscopy to probe and analyze the nucleation phase as well as the fibril formation phase. Our results demonstrate the advantages of using vibrational spectroscopy to probe the kinetics of peptide and protein aggregation as well as the chirality of the resulting supramolecular structure.
Ece1 and Tbx1 define distinct pathways to aortic arch morphogenesis

Pharyngeal arch artery (PAA) remodeling defects account for several cases of congenital heart disease. Mutations in the Endothelin-1 genetic pathway or Tbx1, a candidate gene for DiGeorge syndrome, cause similar aortic arch defects. Previous research suggests that Tbx1 may trigger diffusible signals from the pharyngeal arches to support the growth of the PAAs that contribute to the mature aortic arch. The demonstration of genetic interaction between Tbx1 and Fgf8 pointed to FGF signaling as a possible candidate. Because Fgf8 interacts with Endothelin-1 signaling and because Endothelin-1 signaling interacts with neural crest-derived cells in the pharyngeal apparatus, we hypothesized that Tbx1 and Endothelin-1 signaling may contribute to the same pathway required for aortic arch morphogenesis. Therefore, we have analyzed mice mutated for the endothelin converting enzyme (Ece1) or Tbx1 genes and compound mutants. Results show that the two genes have different roles in the remodeling of the PAAs and do not interact. We propose that Tbx1 is required for the formation and early growth and remodeling of the PAAs, whereas Ece1 is necessary for regression of the cranial arch arteries and growth of the most caudal arch arteries. The latter function is likely related to the known role of the Endothelin-1 pathway in neural crest function. Developmental Dynamics 228:95–104, 2003. © 2003 Wiley-Liss, Inc.