cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Expression of DLK1 in hematopoietic cells results in inhibition of differentiation and proliferation

The Delta-like (DLK1) gene is overexpressed in CD34+ cells from myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) patients. DLK1 encodes an EGF-like homeotic transmembrane protein homologous to the notch/delta/serrate family. Although exogenous DLK1 promotes maintenance of murine hematopoietic stem cells, the functional effects of DLK1 overexpression in hematopoietic cells are unknown. We show that ectopically expressed DLK1 significantly inhibits differentiation and proliferation of human promyelocytic HL-60 cells. Unlike preadipocytes, where proteolytic processing of membrane-bound protein and release of a soluble form mediates differentiation inhibition, proteolytic release of the extracellular domain was not required for inhibition of hematopoietic cell differentiation. However, intracellular domain interactions were critical to this DLK1 function. We conclude that DLK1 overexpression in hematopoietic cells has important functional consequences. Our studies identify novel molecular mechanisms and indicate that DLK1 has activity both as a soluble and a transmembrane expressed protein. Our results support further investigation of the role of DLK1 in abnormal hematopoiesis in MDS.
Horticulture and the Maintenance of Social Complexity in Late Woodland Southeastern New England

Macrobotanical data from several southeastern New England sites are reviewed to provide a framework for examining changing social organization during the Late Woodland (ca. a.d. 800–1600). This art...
Coupling between primary production and pelagic consumption in temperate ocean margin pelagic ecosystems

Abstract Three fates potentially consume primary production occurring on ocean margins: portions can be oxidized within the water column, portions can sediment to shelf/slope depots, and portions can be exported to the interior ocean. Zooplankton mediate all three of these processes and thus can alter the pathway and residence time of particulate organic carbon. As part of both US DOE- and NSF-sponsored studies on the Cape Hatteras and South Atlantic Bight (SAB) shelves, the role of microzooplankton in these processes was determined by measuring phytoplankton production and its consumption by microzooplankton. Grazing and growth rates were measured during 46 dilution incubation experiments using chlorophyll a (chl a ) as a proxy for phytoplankton (prey) biomass. Chl a production and grazing were determined for the 14 CO 3 − incubations during two Lagrangian drifter studies lasting several days in March and July 1996. From similar measurements during cross-shelf transects over larger spatial scales, primary production was also calculated for the Hatteras study area using a wavelength-resolved bio-optical model. Primary production during the Lagrangian studies was generally 0.5–1.0 gC/m 2 /d in March and 0.5–2.0 gC/m 2 /d in July. Modeled estimates of primary production for the larger Hatteras study region in March and July averaged 1.8 gC/m 2 /d. Typically, a and its grazing by microzooplankton. In the dilution experiments conducted throughout the SAB and Hatteras shelves, microzooplankton grazed 65% of a production, and 81% of a production. These relationships were temperature-dependent: losses of chl a production in both size fractions to microzooplankton herbivory increased with increasing temperature. Higher grazing rates were found in the 14 CO 3 − -derived estimates of primary production in Cape Hatteras shelf waters. Integrated water column grazing removed 40% and 58% of
Cumulative fatigue damage modeling-crack nucleation and early growth

Abstract Prior research into linear and nonlinear fatigue damage accumulation in metals and alloys is briefly reviewed, and general trends are identified. Nonlinear damage rules offer substantially more accurate, and hence less unconservative, fatigue life predictions than the classical linear damage rule (LDR). Increased accuracy does not require excessive cost of analysis or additional databases. The nonlinear damage curve approach and its double linear damage rule (DLDR) equivalent are models that, at most, require only twice the effort of the classic LDR. These models require no increase in complexity of use, nor do they require additional material property or mission loading information to achieve the improved accuracy. Greatest improvements (factors of 5–10 or more in mission lifetime) accrue when missions include considerable high-cycle fatigue with some severe low-cycle fatigue loadings. Criteria are proposed for judging those severe mission loading circumstances when the classical LDR becomes unacceptably nonconservative.
Taxes and the Location Decision of Manufacturing Establishments

This study examines the impact of local tax differentials on the location of manufacturing firms. The study improves on previous substate location/growth studies in constructing a tax measure that better reflects the tax burden that firms are likely to face. The results of the study indicate that firms tend to avoid counties that have relatively high property tax rates. These findings suggest that tax relief incentives can be an important component of a county's industrial recruitment program.
Permselectivity of the peritoneal membrane.

Abstract To investigate the osmotic barrier characteristics of the peritoneal membrane during conditions similar to peritoneal dialysis in man, net transperitoneal fluid movement was measured in 20 cats following intraabdominal placement of isotonic saline and hypertonic solutions of NaCl, glucose, raffinose, and inulin. Also, isooncotic solutions of hemoglobin and albumin and two sulfated high-molecular-weight dextrans were investigated. Transperitoneal fluid movement was measured by a volume recovery method. Oncotic pressures of test solutions and plasma were measured by osmometry. Peritoneal osmotic conductances were calculated from the rate of transperitoneal water movement and the difference in osmotic pressures between the test solution and isotonic saline. The average glucose osmotic conductance per unit body surface area was found to be 2.3 ± 0.18 × 10−3 ml · min−1 · mm Hg−1 · m−2, in good agreement with previous reports, and the glucose osmotic reflection coefficient (σ) was estimated to be 0.02. All the osmotic conductances measured could be fitted to a peritoneal equivalent pore radius of approximately 6 nm according to current hydrodynamic theories. The peritoneal membrane filtration coefficient was estimated to be 0.12 ml · min−1 · mm Hg−1 · m−2, of which 0.5–1% was found to be due to transcellular water flow. In conclusion the results of this study indicate that the peritoneum is a highly selective membrane with restrictive properties comparable to those reported for continuous capillary beds.
THE CHILD WHO HAS SEVERE NEUROLOGIC IMPAIRMENT

The formulation of a diagnosis in a child who has neurologic impairment should not (except in extreme circumstances) be made on the basis of a single finding. For example, the presence of delayed milestones, primitive or exaggerated reflexes, abnormal muscle tone, abnormal posture, abnormal neurologic examination, and temporal course should all be used to make the diagnosis of cerebral palsy. Furthermore, because each condition has a spectrum of disabilities from mild to severe involvement, determination of the child's abilities and impairments should be part of the diagnostic process. Because the child lives in a number of different environments, assessment of the child's functional abilities and evaluation of the environments should be made. Finally, evaluations by specialists in physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, psychology, special education, and nutrition may be necessary to complete the child's diagnosis. The ability to examine the child over a period of time (i.e., continuity of care) allows the practitioner to provide a more accurate prognosis for future development. It also enables easier diagnosis of the child when he or she is acutely ill. This also allows a more trusting relationship to develop with the parent and enhances the ability to influence the psychosocial conditions that affect outcomes. Finally, all these children should have care coordination (case management) (i.e., someone who can ensure that they receive the care they need, without duplication) across all settings, including home, school, hospitals, and ambulatory facilities.
Purchasing and supply management sustainability: Drivers and barriers

Abstract While sustainability has garnered a great deal of attention in the popular press, it is not well defined, and little is known about the actual drivers and barriers to adopting environmentally sustainable practices within organizations. This is particularly true with regard to implementation in the purchasing and supply management (P/SM) function. This study reviews the sustainability literature and defines supply management sustainability (SSM) and its components. Additionally, a multi-method approach was utilized consisting of an extensive review of the sustainability literature, a multi-stage Delphi analysis with a panel of twenty-one P/SM executives, and interviews with nineteen additional P/SM executives. The purpose of this study was to identify the drivers and barriers currently facing P/SM sustainability implementation efforts. The results indicated that top management initiatives and government regulations currently drive P/SM sustainability efforts while investments in sustainability and economic uncertainty are a hindrance to these programs.
Bis(phosphino)borates: A New Family of Monoanionic Chelating Phosphine Ligands

The reaction of dimethyldiaryltin reagents Me_(2)SnR_(2) (R ) Ph (1), p-MePh (2), m,m-Me_(2)Ph (3), p-tBuPh (4), p-MeOPh (5), p-CF_(3)Ph (6)) with BCl_(3) provided a high-yielding, simple preparative route to the corresponding diarylchloroboranes R_(2)BCl (R ) Ph (10), p-MePh (11), m,m-Me2Ph (12), p-tBuPh (13), p-MeOPh (14), p-CF_(3)Ph (15)). In some cases, the desired diarylchloroborane was not formed from an appropriate tin reagent Me_(2)SnR_(2) (R ) o-MeOPh (7), o,o-(MeO)_(2)Ph (8), o-CF_(3)Ph (9)). The reaction of lithiated methyldiaryl- or methyldialkylphosphines with diarylchloroboranes or dialkylchloroboranes is discussed. Specifically, several new monoanionic bis(phosphino)borates are detailed: [Ph_(2)B(CH_(2)PPh_(2))_(2)] (25); [(p-MePh)_(2)B(CH_(2)PPh_(2))_(2)] (26); [(p-^(t)BuPh)_(2)B(CH_(2)PPh_(2))_(2)] (27); [(p-MeOPh)_(2)B- (CH_(2)PPh_(2))_(2)] (28); [(p-CF_(3)Ph)_(2)B(CH_(2)PPh_(2))_(2)] (29); [Cy_(2)B(CH_(2)PPh_(2))_(2)] (30); [Ph_(2)B(CH_(2)P{p-^(t)BuPh}_(2))_(2)] (31); [(p-MeOPh)_(2)B- (CH_(2)P{p-^(t)BuPh}_(2))_(2)] (32); [Ph_(2)B(CH_(2)P{p-CF_(3)Ph}_(2))_(2)] (33); [Ph_(2)B(CH_(2)P(BH_(3))(Me)_(2))_(2)] (34); [Ph_(2)B(CH_(2)P(S)(Me)_(2))_(2)] (35); [Ph_(2)B(CH_(2)PiPr_(2))_(2)] (36); [Ph_(2)B(CH_(2)P^(t)Bu_(2))_(2)] (37); [(m,m-Me_(2)Ph)_(2)B(CH_(2)P^(t)Bu_(2))_(2)] (38). The chelation of diarylphosphine derivatives 25-33 and 36 to platinum was examined by generation of a series of platinum dimethyl complexes. The electronic effects of substituted bis(phosphino)borates on the carbonyl stretching frequency of neutral platinum alkyl carbonyl complexes were studied by infrared spectroscopy. Substituents remote from the metal center (i.e. on boron) have minimal effect on the electronic nature of the metal center, whereas substitution close to the metal center (on phosphorus) has a greater effect on the electronic nature of the metal center.
Homology of myosin light chains, troponin-C and parvalbumins deduced from comparison of their amino acid sequences

Abstract The “alkali” light chains of rabbit skeletal muscle myosin have been compared with troponin-C from the same source, and both of these are compared with parvalbumins from pike, hake and carp. The similarities in amino acid sequence indicate that these proteins all evolved from a common ancestor.
Development of K(+) and Na(+) conductances in rodent postnatal semicircular canal type I hair cells.

The rodent vestibular system is immature at birth. During the first postnatal week, vestibular type I and type II hair cells start to acquire their characteristic morphology and afferent innervatio...
Phospholipid composition and metabolism in the embryonic chick lens

Abstract This study compares the phospholipids of lens epithelial cells with those of lens fibers in 6-day-old embryonic chicks, in order to determine whether changes in phospholipid composition or metabolism are associated with lens fiber differentiation. Several differences are apparent. The total amount of phospholipid in an average lens fiber cell is three to four times greater than that in an average epithelial cell. The relative sphingomyelin concentration in the lens fibers (6%) is greater than that in the lens epithelial cells (less than 1%), although the phospholipid compositions are otherwise similar. In 32P incorporation studies, the proportion of radioactivity incorporated into phosphatidic acid is 10 times greater in the lens fibers than in lens epithelial cells; phosphatidylinositol displays a high rate of 32P incorporation in both lens cell populations. The observed differences in phospholipid composition and metabolism may be related to alterations in the plasma membrane associated with the early stages of lens fiber differentiation.
Influence of processing methods and fiber length on physical properties of kenaf fiber reinforced soy based biocomposites

Biocomposites from kenaf fiber and soy based bioplastic were fabricated by extrusion, followed by injection or compression molding. The impact of fiber length and the processing method on the thermal and mechanical properties of the composites were characterized with dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA) and mechanical properties measurements. The morphology was studied with optical and electron microscopy. Compression molded specimens have a similar modulus to injection molded specimens at room temperature, but exhibit a higher heat deflection temperature (HDT) and notched Izod impact strength. The improved HDT and impact strength are derived from an increase in modulus at high temperature and fiber bridging effects, respectively. The modulus, impact strength and HDT of kenaf fiber reinforced soy based biocomposites increase with increases in fiber length, fiber content and fiber orientation. Through microscopy observations, it was found that the fractured fiber length on the impact fracture surface increased with increasing fiber length and fiber content. This indicates that the role of fiber bridging effects is predominant on impact strength of the biocomposites.
PRIME lab AMS performance, upgrades and research applications

Abstract The Purdue Rare Isotope Measurement Laboratory (PRIME Lab) is a dedicated research and service facility for AMS that provides the scientific community with timely, reliable and high quality chemical processing (∼600 samples/year) and AMS measurements (∼3000 samples/year) of 10 Be, 14 C, 26 Al, 36 Cl, 41 Ca and 129 I. The AMS system is based on an upgraded FN (7 MV) tandem accelerator that has recently been modified to improve performance. The precision is 1% for 14 C and it is 3–5% for the other nuclides for radioisotope/stable isotope ratios at the 10 −12 levels. System background for 10 Be, 14 C, 26 Al, 36 Cl and 41 Ca is 1–10×10 −15 while for 129 I the natural abundance limits it to 20×10 −15 . Research is being carried out in Earth, planetary, and biomedical sciences. Geoscience applications include determination of exposure ages of glacial moraines, volcanic eruptions, river terraces, and fault scarps. Burial histories of sand are being determined to decipher the timing of human expansion and climatic history. Environmental applications are tracing the release of radioactivity from nuclear fuel reprocessing plants, water tracing, and neutron dosimetry. The applications using meteoric nuclides are oil field brines, sediment subduction, radiocarbon dating, and groundwater 36 Cl mapping. Radionuclide concentrations are also determined in meteorites and tektites for deciphering space and terrestrial exposure histories.
Evidence of strong phonon-assisted resonant intervalley up-transfer for electrons in type-II GaAs-AlAs Superlattices

We demonstrate that interface optical phonons can efficiently pump electrons from the quasi-X states to the quasi-/spl Gamma/ states in short-period type-II GaAs-AlAs superlattices. As a result, peculiar behaviors on these superlattices have been observed. First, photoluminescence intensity for the quasi-direct transition drastically increases as the temperature or pump power increases. Second, the dependence of the integrated photoluminescence intensity on the pump power exhibits a square power law.
Effect of synthetic pheromone on gypsy moth (Lepidoptera: Lymantriidae) trap catch and mating success beyond treated areas

Racemic disparlure sprayed at doses of 37 to 75 g/ha (AI) for mating disruption of gypsy moths, Lymantria dispar (L.), interfered with male moth search behavior outside of treated plots. Counts of feral male moths in pheromone-baited traps and the number of recaptured laboratory-reared moths gradually increased with increasing distance from treated areas. In most cases this effect was observed up to 250 m from treated plots. However, in one location it extended to 600 m along a narrow valley. The proportion of tethered females that mated during 1-d exposure increased gradually with increasing distance from treated plots. The relationship between male moth capture rates in pheromone traps and mating success of tethered females near treated plots was the same as the one observed in previous studies in pheromone-free areas.
The Next Generation of Computer-Assisted Advising and Beyond

In a recent NACADA Journal “Advisor's Toolbox” article, Tukey (1994) explained ways in which personal computer software could be used to automate the process of calculating grade-point averages. Building on this particular example of computer-assisted advising, the present article introduces the next generation of computer-based grade-point average calculation programs and expands the definition of computer-assisted advising by examining additional examples of interactive, student-centered, computer-based advising programs.
Tunable Microfluidic Devices for Dynamically Controlling Sub-Cellular Environments

Microfluidic devices with the versatility of precisely controlling the immediate micro-environment of a single cell or a small population of cells have resulted in a paradigm shift in studying cellular development, local sub-cellular cell signaling, and ligand-activated dynamic cellular responses. In this paper, we report the development of multi-layered PDMS microfluidic devices that are dynamically tunable to provide on-demand, different spatio-temporally regulated micro-environments to in-vitro cultures of primary cells, like neurons and myotubes. The cell culture chamber was made in PDMS by exclusion-molding from a SU-8 master. The pneumatic actuator channel was molded separately, aligned and plasma-bonded on top of the cell-culture chamber. The roof of the cell-chamber contained elastomeric actuators designed to generate a dynamically-addressable, isolated compartment within the chamber. The separation of fluidic micro-domains was characterized with dyes. This tunable device can be used to (a) co-culture spatially separated cell populations, (b) dynamically separate axonal and somal compartments of a neuron, and (c) focally incubate sub-cellular regions of myotubes with extra-cellular biomolecules and ligands. We demonstrate time-lapse imaging and simulated models using the finite-element method, to show the dynamic tuning of the microfluidic channels, in the absence as well as in the presence of cells.
Defining transient and persistent seed banks in species with pronounced seasonal dormancy and germination patterns

The most often used time-line for distinguishing a transient seed bank from a persistent seed bank is one calendar year. Thus, species whose seeds live in or on the soil for ,1 year have a transient seed bank, whereas those whose seeds live for $1 year have a persistent seed bank. However, dormancy cycling of seeds buried in soil has not been given due consideration in these models. When dormancy cycling is considered, it is shown that seeds of both autumn-germinators and spring-germinators are in the dormant state when they are 1 year old. Thus, unless the seeds live until at least the second germination season (i.e. usually 16–18 months following dispersal), they are, in effect, part of a transient seed bank, having lived through only one germination season. We propose that for seeds of such species to be considered part of a short-term persistent seed bank, they should remain viable and germinable until at least the second germination season, and to be part of a long-term persistent seed bank, until at least the sixth germination season. Our definitions are applicable to seeds with physiological, physical or morphophysiological dormancy, which often require .1 year after maturity to come out of dormancy in nature. We discuss modifications of the seedling emergence method for detection of a soil seed bank, so that they correspond to our definitions of seed-bank strategies.
Selective injection of a left coronary artery arising anomalously from the posterior aortic sinus

Six cases of anomalous origin of the left main coronary artery arising from the posterior or noncoronary aortic sinus have been previously found at autopsy by nonselective aortic sinus injection and only once by selective injection. The seventh known case of this anomaly is demonstrated by selective injection that also reveals distal severe coronary artery disease. © 1993 Wlley-Liss, Inc
Efficacy and safety profile of the carotenoid trans sodium crocetinate administered to rabbits following multiple infarct ischemic strokes: a combination therapy study with tissue plasminogen activator.

Abstract Trans sodium crocetinate (TSC) is a synthetic small-molecule antioxidant that has the ability to enhance oxygen diffusion to hypoxic tissue. Because TSC is a promising drug candidate to treat acute ischemic stroke (AIS), we tested the hypothesis that TSC may be neuroprotective following cerebral ischemia using a rabbit small clot embolic stroke model (RSCEM) using clinical rating scores as the endpoint. TSC or saline was administered IV following the injection of small blood clots into the brain vasculature. Behavior was measured 24 h following embolization in order to calculate the effective stroke dose (P 50 ) that produces neurological deficits in 50% of the rabbits. A treatment is considered beneficial if it significantly increases the P 50 compared to control. TSC (0.25 mg/kg) given 5 or 60 min following embolization significantly ( p 50 values by 104% and 181%; but not when given 3 h post-embolization (48% increase, p > 0.05). tPA (3.3 mg/kg) produced a significant increase in P 50 when given 1, but not 3 h following embolization. In combination studies, when TSC was administered 1 h and tPA was given either 1 or 3 h following embolization, the group P 50 values were increased by 291% and 140%, respectively. In addition, TSC plus tPA administered 3 h following embolization significantly ( p 50 value by 90%. There were no significant effects ( p > 0.05) of either TSC alone or TSC administered in combination with tPA on intracerebral hemorrhage incidence. This study suggests that TSC may be used for the treatment of AIS either alone or when administered before or concomitant with tPA to improve clinical rating scores with a therapeutic window for TSC therapy up to 3 h in rabbits. Moreover, it appears that TSC can be administered with tPA, since the combination did not result in any significant change in intracerebral hemorrhage incidence.
Radar imaging of concrete specimens for non-destructive testing

Abstract In this paper, the use of radar for non-destructive testing (NDT) of concrete is examined through radar measurements of laboratory size concrete specimens. In the measurements, the emphasis is given to the determination of the specimen thicknesses at three different microwave frequency ranges: 2 ∼ 3.4 GHz (S band), 3.4 ∼ 5.8 GHz (S/C band), and 8 ∼ 12 GHz (X band). The effect of different center frequency and bandwidth on measuring concrete thickness has been investigated. A signal processing algorithm implemented to obtain one-dimensional imagery of the specimens is briefly discussed.
Null Effects of Facial Asymmetry on Intrafacial Speechreading Performance in Men and Women

Speechreading is the understanding of speech through the perception of facial and bodily movements, especially the lips, in concert with the auditory signal. There has been no published research on intrafacial diFferences in speechreading even though the left side of the face is more expressive and right-handed viewers tend to watch the left side more. We assessed intrafacial difFerences in speechreading performance by giving viewers a left-left-(LL) or rightright-(RR)-side composite of a speaker with moderate facial asymmetry, under the hypothesis that performance differences in speechreading would more likely occur for a face whose two sides are noticeably different. The speaker's hcial asymmetry was judged as moderate in three separate ratings of faculty members within the department oE speech communication. Twenty-four university students ranging in age from 20 to 29 years participated; the 12 men and 12 women were right-handed with no prior exposure to the stimulus materials and with normal hearing and vision. Speechreading performance was measured with a professionally prepared videotape of the head and shoulders of a male speaker saying sentences from three Central Institute for the Deaf Everyday Sentences Lists (I), a conventional speechreading test with 50 key words per list. Speechreading performance is expressed as a percentage of the number of key words correct. The videotape of the speaker underwent special-effects editing to create three test conditions: the original face, a LL-side face, and a RR-side face. Each subject viewed the three faces in one sitting and wrote down the sentences the speaker was saying without sound from the three randomly ordered lists on a television moniror six feet away. Mean scores on the three tasks ranged from 21.8% to 29.2% with an analysis of variance showing no significant differences among conditions or between genders (F2,2j = 1.5, p> .05). Apparently intrafacial dzferences do not affect speechreading performance, even for a face with moderate facial asymmetry. This lack of significance suggests that in many faces speechreading cues are preserved equally well on both sides.
Lipopolysaccharide-Derived Serotype Polysaccharides from Neisseria meningitidis Group B

Three immunologically distinct types of polysaccharides have been isolated by diethylaminoethyl (DEAE) chromatography from the lipopolysaccharide extracts of group B Neisseria meningitidis. All types contain a set of common determinants, as well as distinct ones; all of these determinants are detectable by either immunodiffusion or enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The polysaccharides elute from a Sepharose 4B column in the range of 2-3 x 10(5) daltons and have isoelectric points from 4.2 to 4.3. Their antigenicity is destroyed by oxidation but is unaffected by neuraminidase, lysozyme, or trypsin. One type of polysaccharide cross-reacts with the Gc2 polysaccharide of Neisseria gonorrhoeae in immunodiffusion systems. Chemical analysis indicates that these polysaccharides contain hexoses, hexosamines, 2-keto-3-deoxyoctonate, ethanolamine, and heptose; analysis of amino acids indicates protein contents of less than 0.05%. In contrast to the lipopolysaccharide from which they are derived, these polysaccharides contain no lipid A and less than 0.5% fatty acids. All three types are precipitated by wheat germ agglutinin but not by concanavalin A or fucose-binding protein. Specific inhibition of this precipitation can be achieved with N-acetyl glucosamine. These antigens may be the bases of a lipopolysaccharide-derived typing system for group B N. meningitidis.
Identity without form: abstract representations of letters.

Subjects viewed single letters and orthographically regular pseudowords in a tachistoscope at threshold duration. The pseudowords were either all of one case (upper or lower) or they were of mixed case. Letter identity (“A”) and case judgments were required for one letter on each trial. It was found that letter identity was often reported correctly when case was reported incorrectly, even for letters whose upper- and lowercase forms are physically dissimilar (e.g., G-g). This “case effect” was stronger for letters in pseudowords than for letters presented alone. It held across different type fonts, and it occurred even when the upper-and lowercase letters were of different sizes (gEaT) and when the instructions to the subjects stressed the greater importance of case reports over identity reports. The results are consistent with the view that letter identification is an automatic process, the product of which is an abstract representation containing no information about physical form.
Obasanjo Presidential Library: to be or not to be?

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to provide an overview of the planned project to create the first presidential library in Africa, the Obasanjo Presidential Library.Design/methodology/approach – Focusing on public concerns and criticisms in the media, the obstacles that may prevent the Obasanjo Presidential Library from being completed are enumerated.Findings – While the Obasanjo Presidential Library is intended to record the President's activities, foster democracy and promote good governance, the methods used to raise fund to date have been controversial. There is widespread criticism of the donations raised for the library project, even though most people see the library as a worthy project to pursue.Originality/value – Provides an example of how even the most worthy project may be headed for failure if not handled properly. The general support for the presidential library may not be enough to see it to completion due to the controversial methods used to secure funds for the project.
SU-E-T-59: 3-D Dosimetric Assessment for a Proton Pencil Beam by Optical CT Scanning of Plastic Radiochromic Dosimeters

Purpose: Proton pencil beam scanning can provide precise and efficient treatment delivery for both conventional and intensity modulated proton therapy (IMPT) techniques. It is challenging to measure the 3‐D dose distribution of a pencil beam (1 – 1.5 cm diameter) because of its small field size as well as the complexity of dose changes in various directions. This study is the first investigation in characterizing the dosimetry of a single proton pencil beam using PRESAGE radiochromic dosimeters and an optical CT scanner. Methods: In this study, cylindrical PRESAGE dosimeters and an optical CT scanner were used to implement dose distribution measurements for proton pencil beams at Massachusetts General Hospital. Two different dosimeter formulations, with different physical density and atomic number, were used for measurements for proton pencil beams, with energies between 93 MeV and 110 MeV. Optical density dose response was studied by irradiating the dosimeters to various known doses (up to 9 Gy). PDD distributions were studied for proton pencil beams, as well as unmodulated and modulated scattered beams. Results: PRESAGE has a linear dose response from 0 up to 8 Gy for all proton energies studied. The physical density of PRESAGE was used to scale the depth of PRESAGE measurement to depth of water. For pencil beams, normalized at surface, the dose at the Bragg peak is underestimated by 15–20% due to LET effects. The spread of a proton pencil beam as a function of depth can be observed. Measured PDDs were compared with that in water for both modulated (SOBP) and unmodulated scattered beams. Some LET effects are observed. Conclusion: The findings from this study suggest that it is feasible to use PRESAGE dosimeter for proton pencil beam dosimetry study. Future studies will be focused on the responses of various PRESAGE formulations in proton pencil beams.
Protein Complexes in Bacteria

Large-scale analyses of protein complexes have recently become available for Escherichia coli and Mycoplasma pneumoniae, yielding 443 and 116 heteromultimeric soluble protein complexes, respectively. We have coupled the results of these mass spectrometry-characterized protein complexes with the 285 “gold standard” protein complexes identified by EcoCyc. A comparison with databases of gene orthology, conservation, and essentiality identified proteins conserved or lost in complexes of other species. For instance, of 285 “gold standard” protein complexes in E. coli, less than 10% are fully conserved among a set of 7 distantly-related bacterial “model” species. Complex conservation follows one of three models: well-conserved complexes, complexes with a conserved core, and complexes with partial conservation but no conserved core. Expanding the comparison to 894 distinct bacterial genomes illustrates fractional conservation and the limits of co-conservation among components of protein complexes: just 14 out of 285 model protein complexes are perfectly conserved across 95% of the genomes used, yet we predict more than 180 may be partially conserved across at least half of the genomes. No clear relationship between gene essentiality and protein complex conservation is observed, as even poorly conserved complexes contain a significant number of essential proteins. Finally, we identify 183 complexes containing well-conserved components and uncharacterized proteins which will be interesting targets for future experimental studies.
Toll and Toll-9 in Drosophila innate immune response.

In both insects and mammals, members of the Toll receptor family play important roles in the initial events leading to the activation of immunity genes. The prototypic Toll in Drosophila appears to be activated by a host protein ligand after microbial stimulation. The cellular events and the biological response after Toll activation, however, require further investigation. We used transgenic Drosophila strains expressing NF-κB and Toll proteins to investigate innate immune response in whole larvae and dissected larval fat bodies. Substantial activation of antimicrobial peptide genes was observed after septic injury. To circumvent the contribution of injury-induced response, we used dissected larval fat bodies to show that commercially available microbial compounds were able to alter the cellular distribution of Toll. The results also demonstrate that complex cellular events, including receptor trafficking, likely take place after stimulation of the larval immune tissue. By genome-wide expression analysis,...
Azithromycin for the Treatment of Gastroparesis

OBJECTIVETo evaluate the use of azithromycin for the treatment of gastroparesis.DATA SOURCESLiterature was accessed through PubMed/MEDLINE and Web of Science (both 1966-October 2012) using the terms gastroparesis, diabetic gastroparesis, and azithromycin. Literature was limited to English-language publications. In addition, references from publications identified were reviewed.STUDY SELECTION AND DATA EXTRACTIONAll articles published in English identified from the data sources were evaluated.DATA SYNTHESISThe treatment of gastroparesis depends on the severity of the symptoms, but generally includes dietary modifications, prokinetic medications, and antiemetics. The initial treatment for gastroparesis is a prokinetic agent, and because erythromycin has the greatest effect on gastric emptying, it is often used. Limitations to erythromycin include adverse reactions (nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain), QTc interval prolongation, CYP3A-associated drug interactions, and tachyphylaxis. Azithromycin, another m...
Elevated Interleukin-10-to-Interleukin-12 Ratio in Feline Immunodeficiency Virus-Infected Cats Predicts Loss of Type 1 Immunity to Toxoplasma gondii

Similar to human immunodeficiency virus, feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) induces immunodeficiency and enhanced susceptibility to secondary pathogens. To explore cytokine alterations in lentivirus immunodeficiency, constitutive mRNA expression was measured in lymph nodes of healthy and FIV-infected cats before and after challenge with Toxoplasma gondii. Cytokine mRNA expression was similar in control and FIV-infected cats during the first 10 weeks after infection. At 16 weeks, interferon (IFN)-gamma, tumor necrosis factor-alpha, and interleukin (IL)-10 mRNA were increased in FIV-infected cats. Challenge with T. gondii induced an increase in IL-2, IFN-gamma, and IL-12 in the lymph nodes of control cats, whereas IFN-gamma and IL-10 but not IL-2 or IL-12 increased in the lymph nodes of FIV-T. gondii coinfected cats. These results indicate that FIV immunodeficiency may derive from a failure to generate an IL-12-dependent type 1 response and that an elevated level of IL-10 mRNA expression is a predictor of lentivirus immunodeficiency.
Cardiovascular effects of intravaginal misoprostol in the mid trimester of pregnancy.

Abstract Objective: Our aim was to evaluate the cardiovascular effects of high-dose intravaginal misoprostol administration by means of transthoracic electrical bioimpedance monitoring. Study Design: Healthy women undergoing mid trimester pregnancy interruption with intravaginal misoprostol were eligible for this prospective observational study. Baseline blood pressure was obtained for 1 hour and transthoracic electrical bioimpedance monitoring was performed before misoprostol administration, 600 μg vaginally. Posttreatment assessments were made every 15 minutes for a total of 4 hours, with patients in a left lateral recumbent position. Heart rate, mean arterial pressure, cardiac index, stroke index, systemic vascular resistance index, and end-diastolic volume index were determined. Measurements were averaged for 30-minute intervals and reported as mean ± SD. Statistical analyses included the paired t test and repeated-measures analysis of variance. Results: Nine women consented to have transthoracic electrical bioimpedance monitoring, and no statistically significant changes in any of the measured cardiac parameters for the 4-hour monitoring interval were noted. Direct comparisons between the pretreatment and 2-hour posttreatment intervals (reported time peak of blood misoprostol levels) also revealed no significant differences in the cardiovascular index values. Conclusion: High-dose intravaginal misoprostol in the mid trimester does not alter maternal cardiac function as measured by transthoracic electrical bioimpedance. (Am J Obstet Gynecol 2000;183:1100-2.)
Gradient-Based Aggregation in Forest of Sensors (GrAFS)

In several sensing applications the parameter being sensed exhibits a high spatial correlation. For example, if the temperature of a region is being monitored, there are distinct hot and cold spots. The area close to the hot spots is usually warmer than average, with a temperature gradient between the hot and cold spots. We exploit this correlation of sensor data to form a forest of logical trees, with the trees collectively spanning all the sensor nodes. The root of a tree corresponds to a sensor reporting the local peak value. The tree nodes represent the value gradient: each node's sensed value is smaller than that of its parent, and greater than that of its children. GrAFS provides a mechanism to maintain some information at the local peaks and the sink. Using this information the sink can answer several queries either directly, or by probing the region of the sensor field that holds the answer. Thus, queries can be answered in a time and/or bandwidth efficient manner. The GrAFS approach to data aggregation can easily adapt to changes in the spatial distribution of sensed values, and also cope with message losses and sensor node failures. Implementation on MICA2 motes and simulation experiments conducted using TinyOS quantify the performance of GrAFS.
Response‐dependence theory and empirical claims for the social sciences

: The analysis here is an attempt to show how the current epistemological theory of response-dependence (R-D) may be relevant to understanding putative ontological claims of the empirical social sciences. To this end I argue that the constitutive features of human response, central to R-D theory, can be made explicit for social science. I conclude that for the empirical social sciences the implication of combining R-D and certain forms of statistical analyses leads to the possibility of an events-based ontology.
On The Capacity of Immediately-Decodable Coding Schemes for Wireless Stored-Video Broadcast with Hard Deadline Constraints

Multimedia streaming applications have stringent Quality-of-Service (QoS) requirements. Typically, each packet is associated with a packet delivery deadline. This work models and considers streaming broadcast of stored video over the downlink of a single cell. We first generalize the existing class of immediately-decodable network coding (IDNC) schemes to take into account the deadline constraints. The performance analysis of IDNC schemes are significantly complicated by the packet deadline constraints (from the application layer) and the immediate-decodability requirement (from the network layer). Despite this difficulty, we prove that for independent channels, the IDNC schemes are asymptotically throughput-optimal subject to the deadline constraints when there are no more than three users and when the video file size is sufficiently large. The deadline-constrained throughput gain of IDNC schemes over non-coding scheme is also explicitly quantified. Numerical results show that IDNC schemes strictly outperform the non-coding scheme not only in the asymptotic regime of large files but also for small files. Our results show that the IDNC schemes do not suffer from the substantial decoding delay that is inherent to existing generation-based network coding protocols.
Take off in the long jump-angular momentum considerations.

Abstract The angular momentum produced at take off in the long jump was studied throught the use of cinematography and strain gauge technology. The resulting force and positional data from the best performance of several trials by each of eight intercollegiate and interscholastic long jumpers performing several trials was integrated to obtain angular momentum values. The results indicate that a forward rotation about a transverse axis through the center of mass occurred for all jumpers. In addition a high mean angular momentum value of 72.2 ft-lb-sec was caused by a dominance of braking force at foot plant. Estimates of possible error indicate a high sensitivity to positional data and possible errors of one-third of the obtained value with normally obtainable data.
Stream processing of XPath queries with predicates

We consider the problem of evaluating large numbers of XPath filters, each with many predicates, on a stream of XML documents. The solution we propose is to lazily construct a single deterministic pushdown automata, called the XPush Machine from the given XPath fllters. We describe a number of optimization techniques to make the lazy XPush machine more efficient, both in terms of space and time. The combination of these optimizations results in high, sustained throughput. For example, if the total number of atomic predicates in the filters is up to 200000, then the throughput is at least 0.5 MB/sec: it increases to 4.5 MB/sec when each fllter contains a single predicate.
New Course in Communist Poland

A N ASSET GAINED by the Polish people as a result of losing their minorities because of World War II, and of great importance with reference to attitudes of the population, was that of national homogeneity.1 This is perhaps the main reason why the communists have been forced to proceed at such a slow pace in their Sovietization of that country. The Poles are overwhelmingly opposed to communism although, for reasons which will be discussed, they have no choice but to support the present government. There also have been indications that the numerically small communist party of Poland is not completely reliable, despite its outward acknowledgement of Moscow hegemony. Communist control over Poland in early 1958 was virtually absolute but not yet fully open and acknowledged, because the historically conditioned attitudes of the people continue to influence the tempo at which the communist program can be implemented. Although three officially recognized political groups exist, two of these have very little influence in comparison with the third, the United Polish Workers' Party (PZPR Polska Zjednoczona Partia Robotnicza), whose openly proclaimed goal is the transformation of the present people's democracy into a socialist state. Manipulation of the electoral process, an alert police system, and total control over the press and radio were used between 1949 and 1956 to create an outward impression of popular support and to represent manifestations of discontent and opposition as resulting from the activities of hostile capitalist agents.2 Overt resistance seemed impossible and, barring withdrawal of Soviet troops, the
Capital Budgeting in a Multidivisional Firm

The purpose of this paper is to study capital budgeting in a setting where emphasis is on control over project selection. We construct a model of a multidivisional firm in which there are no constraints on investment and all projects have a positive net present value. Nevertheless, we show that it is optimal for the center to use relative project ranking in determining which projects are to be funded.
A hierarchical block-based modeling methodology for SoC in GENESYS

System-on-a-chip (SoC) designs promise to play a dominant role in the future of gigascale integrated (GSI) systems. Existing chip modeling tools based on technology parameters for projecting physical performance are ill suited for projecting the performance of SoC designs. A new modeling methodology for heterogeneous SoCs has been developed for a technology based simulation tool (GENESYS). The hierarchical block modeling methodology mimics the structure of a SoC design by partitioning the chip into blocks as is typical of megacell based design methodologies. The new model allows for exploration of the impact of technology choices on SoC performance for a wide variety of designs. An example SoC is simulated showing improved accuracy of the heterogeneous compared to the homogeneous model. A percentage error of 18.6% for the die size calculation in the homogeneous model is reduced to 3% with the heterogeneous modeling. In addition, the scaling characteristics of the example SoC are shown for the ITRS technology generations. Results show that the same design implemented in 35 nm technology could achieve a factor of 6 increase in clock frequency while operating at less than 1 W on a 5 mm/sup 2/ die.