cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Control of nonlinear processes using qualitative reasoning

Abstract The advantages and disadvantages of heterogeneous controllers, composed of multiple simple controllers, for regulating nonlinear processes are studied. These controllers are developed to provide more robustness in the face of sizable disturbances and faults. Qualitative reasoning techniques are applied to reason with incomplete knowledge of the plant and its disturbances. The qualitative algorithm QSIM ( Kuipers, 1986 ) provides the framework for developing and analyzing models at different levels of abstraction, based on the available infonnation. Together with NSIM, which permits the parameters and functions to be bounded, its effectiveness for the construction of stability proofs is demonstrated.
Twin and habit plane microstructures due to the tetragonal to monoclinic transformation of zirconia

We first construct Bain strains for the tetragonal to monoclinic (t → m) transformation of zirconia (ZrO2), and then examine the resulting twin and habit plane microstructures. The (t → m) transformation in zirconia occurs via two paths; transformation along path I has two Bain strains that involve shearing of a rectangular face of the tetragonal unit cell, and shearing of the square base corresponds to path II. The monoclinic variants resulting from each of the three Bain strains can form 12 twins, and four of the twins corresponding to path II are neither of type I nor of type II. Habit planes do not exist for the transformation along path I, whereas transformation along path II has: (± 0.8139, ± 0.3898, − 0.4309)t, (± 0.6489, ± 0.6271, − 0.4309)t, (± 0.7804, ± 0.4530, − 0.4309)t. We predict the exact twin planes observed by Bailey [(1964) Phase transformation at high temperatures in hafnia and zirconia. Proc. Roy. Soc. 279A, 395–412], Bansal and Heuer [(1972) On a martensitic phase transformation in Zirconia ZrO2—I. Metallographic evidence. Acta Metall. 20, 1281–1289] and Buljan et al. [(1976) Optical and X-ray single crystal studies of the monoclinic ↔ tetragonal transition in ZrO2. J. Am. Ceram. Soc. 59, 351–354]; additional twins and habit planes that we predict have not yet been observed.
Synaptinemal complexes in primary spermatocytes of the mouse: the effect of elevated temperature and some observations on the structure of these complexes in control material.

In the present study the “life cycle” of synaptinemal complexes has been ascertained for C57B1 male mice. These complexes appear in stage VIII and disappear in stage IX of the subsequent cycle. In the mouse, pairing of single cores is prompt; after stage X single cores are very rare. The appearance of cores in leptotene in the normal mouse is almost synonymous with pairing. No prolonged or clearly defined stage has been seen in which all the cores are single. Likewise the disappearance of cores with pachytene of stage X is abrupt. It was observed that in heat-treated material the occurrence of cores is depressed. This is true (1) in cores that must have been preformed before the treatment was started — suggesting destruction of cores, (2) in cores formed during the progress of the experiment, and (3) in spermatocytes originating from cells that must have been subjected to heat several cell generations before they were observed. In all cases “asynapsis” is expressed as a depression of the total core number as well as a percent increase in the unpaired cores. The phenomenon of induced asynapsis is suggested to reflect a change in outer hydrogen bonds of the respective chromosomes.
The Conformational Properties of Elongation Factor G and the Mechanism of Translocation

The elongation phase of protein synthesis is promoted by two G proteins, elongation factor Tu (EF-Tu), which delivers aminoacyl tRNAs to the ribosome, and elongation factor G (EF-G), which catalyzes translocation. Crystallographic investigations have revealed that EF-G·GDP resembles the EF-Tu·GTP·(aminoacyl tRNA) complex, and it has been proposed that the translocase function of EF-G is derived from this similarity [Nissen, P., et al. (1995) Science 270, 1464]. However, its significance is uncertain because the affinity of EF-G·GDP for the ribosome is much lower than that of the ternary complex it resembles and because EF-Tu·GDP, the form of EF-Tu that has low ribosome affinity, has a conformation radically different from that of EF-Tu·GTP or EF-Tu in the ternary complex. The small-angle X-ray scattering study described here was undertaken to ascertain if the form of EF-G that has high ribosome affinity, EF-G·GTP, the structure of which is unknown, could be a mimic of EF-Tu·GDP. The data show that nucleot...
Quantitative chemoproteomics for site-specific analysis of protein alkylation by 4-hydroxy-2-nonenal in cells.

Protein alkylation by 4-hydroxy-2-nonenal (HNE), an endogenous lipid derived electrophile, contributes to stress signaling and cellular toxicity. Although previous work has identified protein targets for HNE alkylation, the sequence specificity of alkylation and dynamics in a cellular context remain largely unexplored. We developed a new quantitative chemoproteomic platform, which uses isotopically tagged, photocleavable azido-biotin reagents to selectively capture and quantify the cellular targets labeled by the alkynyl analogue of HNE (aHNE). Our analyses site-specifically identified and quantified 398 aHNE protein alkylation events (386 cysteine sites and 12 histidine sites) in intact cells. This data set expands by at least an order of magnitude the number of such modification sites previously reported. Although adducts formed by Michael addition are thought to be largely irreversible, we found that most aHNE modifications are lost rapidly in situ. Moreover, aHNE adduct turnover occurs only in intact ...
Spelling assistance for compound words

This paper describes a method for providing spelling assistance for Germanic compound words. The technique systematically analyzes an unknown word to determine its components, using a dictionary which associates word components with codes that describe their compounding characteristics. Language-specific morphological transformations are used to take into consideration common intraword elision patterns. Special dictionary entries, heuristic rules, and lexical distance measures are used to provide the best possible replacement compound words. The method is fast and provides spelling assistance and hyphenation support in an interactive environment.
Serum electrophoretic pattern in experimental hypersensitivity.

Abstract 1.1. Rabbits were sensitized with bovine plasma albumin and sacrificed fourteen days later, at which time tissues were examined histopathologically. Blood samples were taken before and after sensitization; the sera were examined electrophoretically and for total nitrogen and the presence of antibody. 2.2. Lesions of the type seen in experimental hypersensitiveness were found in a high percentage of the sensitized animals. Electrophoretically, these animals showed decreased albumin and α 1 globulin accompanied by increased γ globulin levels. Only two animals showed measurable antibody production. The total nitrogen was unchanged. 3.3. Another group of rabbits, similarly sensitized, was treated with cortisone. The occurrence of lesions was sharply diminished and all electrophoretic changes were prevented. No effect on antibodies was noted by this technique. 4.4. The possible interrelationship of these findings is discussed.
The conjunction of Cayley digraphs

If G"1 and G"2 are digraphs with vertex sets V"1 and V"2, then the conjunction of G"1 and G"2, denoted G"1 . G"2, is a digraph with vertex set V"1 x V"2 in which there is an arc from (x"1, x"2) to (y"1, y"2) if there is an arc from x"1 to y"1 in G"1 and an arc from x"2 to y"2 in G"2. If Cay(S) and Cay(T) are Cayley digraphs, then Cay(S).Cay(T) = Cay(SxT) as long as the digraph on the left is connected. In this paper we find sufficient conditions for the conjunction of two Cayley digraphs to have a hamiltonian circuit. For certain classes of generating sets S and T, we characterize the cases for which Cay(S) . Cay(T) has a hamiltonian circuit. We also present some basic results on the existence of hamiltonian paths in the conjunction of two Cayley digraphs.
Adductor spasticity in children with cerebral palsy and treatment with botulinum toxin type A: the parents' view of functional outcome

Botulinum toxin type A (BTX-A) has been used successfully to manage spasticity in children with cerebral palsy. Little has been done to evaluate treatment outcome and satisfaction from the patients' and parents' points of view. The aim of this study was to investigate the parents' perceptions of the benefits of BTX-A on movement disorders in children with cerebral palsy. Twenty-six children with adductor spasticity were enrolled into an open-label, prospective study. Patients received intramuscular injections of BTX-A, and assessments of joint mobility (passive range of motion), degree of spasticity (Modified Ashworth Scale) and functional benefit (Gross Motor Function Measure) were made before and 12–18 weeks after treatment. Parents' assessment of treatment outcomes were evaluated using a standardised questionnaire. BTX-A was shown to be effective in reducing muscular hyperactivity and functional limitations. Parents' satisfaction with the treatment outcome was high. For non-ambulatory patients, the reported benefits included facilitation of daily care, ease of positioning and reduction of pain. For patients who were disabled to a lesser extent, improvements in gait and posture included sitting with improved comfort, standing for longer periods of time and/or walking longer distances. The parents' responses supported the impressions of the therapists, demonstrating that BTX-A produced beneficial effects on daily activities, according to both objective measures and parents' observation.
Conductor development for high energy physics-plans and status of the US program

In order to provide a cost effective high field magnet option for the next generation HEP accelerator, higher performance Nb/sub 3/Sn superconductor is required. These requirements have been recognized by the DOE, and a conductor development program has been initiated. The goal is to produce cost-effective conductor with a Jc (noncopper, 12 T, 4.2 K) exceeding 3000 A/mm/sup 2/ and an effective filament size of less than 40 micrometers. Although the Nb/sub 3/Sn conductors manufactured at present have produced Jc values in excess of 2200 A/mm/sup 2/, no conductor being manufactured at present can achieve both the aggressive Jc and effective filament size goals. The first phase of the present program is underway, and is focused on improving the understanding of the factors that control Jc. Samples are being manufactured by industry and are being characterized with respect to Jc and magnetization as a function of composition and heat treatment condition. Using this new knowledge as a base, the program will move into a fabrication scale-up phase where the performance and cost-effectiveness can be demonstrated on production size quantities. The status and accomplishments of this program are reviewed, and the plans for the scale-up program are presented.
Pattern formation in flowing sand

Using digital subtraction radiography, we study the basic modes of a granular material (here sand) flowing through a flat hopper. These modes take the form of density waves whose formation and propagation is controlled by several parameters, including the mass flow rate M and the hopper angle \ensuremath{\theta}. We consider the effect of roughness on pattern formation in this system using mixtures of smooth and faceted sand and show the existence of a bifurcation at a mass fraction of faceted sand X\ensuremath{\approxeq}0.2. Propagating patterns form in faceted sand but not in smooth sand of the same size.
Comparison of the Effects on Dynamic Balance Ability of Warming up in Water Versus on the Ground.

[Purpose] This research was designed to find out how the so-called “dynamic balance” is affected by doing different types of warm up exercises. In particular, the research is focused on the difference in the effect on dynamic Balance of warming up in water versus on the ground. [Subjects and Methods] Twenty healthy adults were the subjects of this study, with 10 people assigned each to two groups, one warming up in water and another warming up on the ground. The dynamic balance was measured for all subjects before the warming up. The group warming up on the ground conducted active stretching on the ground, and the group warming up in water conducted stretching in water by using water as resistance. [Results] The results indicate that warming up in water has a more powerful effect on a subject’s dynamic balance than warming up on the ground. [Conclusion] The group warming up in water, who made use of the viscosity and flow of the water, showed better balance than the group warming up on the ground. Warming up in water, which entails an element of resistance, should be implemented in warm-up routines in the future.
Experiences with self-organizing, decentralized grids using the grid appliance

"Give a man a fish, feed him for a day. Teach a man to fish, feed him for a lifetime" -- Lau Tzu Large-scale grid computing projects such as TeraGrid and Open Science Grid provide researchers vast amounts of compute resources but with requirements that could limit access, results delayed due to potentially long job queues, and environments and policies that might affect a user's work flow. In many scenarios and in particular with the advent of Infrastructure-as-a-Service (IaaS) cloud computing, individual users and communities can benefit from less restrictive, dynamic systems that include a combination of local resources and on-demand resources provisioned by one or more IaaS provider. These types of scenarios benefit from flexibility in deploying resources, remote access, and environment configuration.In this paper, we address how small groups can dynamically create, join, and manage grid infrastructures with low administrative overhead. Our work distinguishes itself from other projects with similar objects by enabling a combination of decentralized system organization and user access for job submission in addition to a web 2.0 interfaces for managing grid membership and automate certificate management. These components contribute to the design of the "Grid Appliance," an implementation of a wide area overlay network of virtual workstations (WOW), which has developed over the past six years into a mature system with several deployments and many users. In addition to an architectural description, this paper contains lessons learned during the development and deployment of "Grid Appliance" systems and a case study backed by quantitative analysis that verifies the utility of our approach.
Proteomic Studies of Syk-Interacting Proteins Using a Novel Amine-Specific Isotope Tag and GFP Nanotrap

Green fluorescent protein (GFP) and variants have become powerful tools to study protein localization, interactions, and dynamics. We present here a mass spectrometry-based proteomics strategy to examine protein–protein interactions using anti-GFP single-chain antibody VHH in a combination with a novel stable isotopic labeling reagent, isotope tag on amino groups (iTAG). We demonstrate that the single-chain VHH (GFP nanotrap) allows us to identify interacting partners of the Syk protein-tyrosine kinase bearing a GFP epitope tag with high efficiency and high specificity. Interacting proteins identified include CrkL, BLNK, α- and β-tubulin, Csk, RanBP5 and DJ-1. The iTAG reagents were prepared with simple procedures and characterized with high accuracy in the determination of peptides in model peptide mixtures and as well as in complex mixture. Applications of the iTAG method and GFP nanotrap to an analysis of the nucleocytoplasmic trafficking of Syk led to the identification of location-specific associations between Syk and multiple proteins. While the results reveal that the new quantitative proteomic strategy is generally applicable to integrate protein interaction data with subcellular localization, extra caution should be taken in evaluating the results obtained by such affinity purification strategies as many interactions appear to occur following cell lysis.
A Proteomic Analysis of Ataxia Telangiectasia-mutated (ATM)/ATM-Rad3-related (ATR) Substrates Identifies the Ubiquitin-Proteasome System as a Regulator for DNA Damage Checkpoints

ATM (ataxia telangiectasia-mutated) and ATR (ATM-Rad3-related) are proximal checkpoint kinases that regulate DNA damage response (DDR). Identification and characterization of ATM/ATR substrates hold the keys for the understanding of DDR. Few techniques are available to identify protein kinase substrates. Here, we screened for potential ATM/ATR substrates using phospho-specific antibodies against known ATM/ATR substrates. We identified proteins cross-reacting to phospho-specific antibodies in response to DNA damage by mass spectrometry. We validated a subset of the candidate substrates to be phosphorylated in an ATM/ATR-dependent manner in vivo. Combining with a functional checkpoint screen, we identified proteins that belong to the ubiquitin-proteasome system (UPS) to be required in mammalian DNA damage checkpoint control, particularly the G1 cell cycle checkpoint, thus revealing protein ubiquitylation as an important regulatory mechanism downstream of ATM/ATR activation for checkpoint control.
Aberrations Of Optical Systems With Large Tilts And Decentrations

A computer program has been developed to analytically describe the first and third order properties of systems with large tilts and decentrations. The program describes the imagery through analytic formulae, in both the pupil and field variables, rather than by interpretation of ray trace data at sample points in the field. The first order properties of both the image and the pupil are described in terms of tilt, decentration, magnification, keystone distortion, and anamorphic distortion parameters. In computing these parameters, it is important to take into account the transferred components of the parameters, which are due to the first-order properties of the previous surfaces. The third order properties are computed by representing the surface aberration contributions as vector fields and summing them vectorially. The third order properties are described in terms of a coma field with a node displaced from the center of the image, a binodal astigmatism field, a trinodal distortion field, and a focal surface that is curved and displaced from the Gaussian image in both the transverse and longitudinal directions. The program is applied to several systems, and the results are compared to ray trace data. The interaction between large first order aberrations of intermediate images and pupils, and the third order properties of the image is discussed. Applications of the vector aberration field technique toward an automated design procedure are considered.
Wheat Gene Expression is Differentially Affected by a Virulent Russian Wheat Aphid Biotype

An improved understanding of the complex interactions between plants and aphids is emerging. Recognition of aphid feeding in plant tissues involves production of several defense response signaling pathways and downstream production of defense and detoxification compounds. Feeding by Russian wheat aphid, Diuraphis noxia (Kurdjumov), a serious pest of cereal crops worldwide, induces foliar deformity and chlorophyll loss during compatible wheat-D. noxia interactions. Experiments described here revealed significant differences in level and pattern of gene expression in defense response signaling and metabolic pathways between compatible and incompatible D. noxia-wheat interactions. The jasmonate (JA)-signaling genes LOX, AOS, and AOC were significantly more upregulated (~3- to 7 fold) in incompatible interactions than in compatible interactions (~2.5 to 3.5 fold) as early as 1 h post D. noxia infestation (hpi). Cellulose synthase, responsible for strengthening plant cell walls via cellulose production, was also more upregulated in incompatible interactions (4 to 7 fold) than in compatible interactions (1 to 3.5 fold). In contrast, glycolysis and citric acid cycle genes were significantly downregulated (~1.5 to 2 fold) in incompatible interactions and upregulated or less downregulated in compatible interactions from 6 to 72 hpi. Differences in expression of JA-signaling genes between feeding site tissues and non-feeding site tissues suggest that D. noxia defense response signals in wheat are restricted primarily to aphid feeding sites in the initial 6 hpi. This is the first report of differential upregulation of plant genes at 1 hpi in incompatible interactions involving aphid herbivory. Early wheat plant defense responses in incompatible D. noxia interactions at 1, 3, and 6 hpi appear to be important aspects of D. noxia resistance in wheat.
The Festival of Progress: The Globalizing World-System and the Transformation of the Caracas Carnival

While the carnival in Latin America functions as a form of popular entertainment, it can also be viewed as having other roles. Robert Lavenda examines the Caracas carnival as an event which is atonce symptomatic of the social reality that surrounds it and able to bring about change within Venezuelan society. As popular culture, the carnival has been an important mediator in directing this society toward the modern capitalist worJd-system. Lavenda traces how, under the leadership o f Antonio Guzman Blanco, Venezuela took a major step in the second half of the nineteenth certury towards becoming a modern country. Under Guzman's and other modernizers' influence the old carnival, which had been characterized as a wild and rowdy small-group activity, was transformed to bring it into line with contemporary European models, that is, a highly organized and closely monitored mass celebration. The author discusses how the new power relationships that had developed in the city were reflected by the composition of the carnival's governing board. By setting up a series of oppositions between the South American and European versions of the carnival, Caracas' ruling elite hoped to orient the masses away from the former values and towards the latter.
Cognitive Metrics Profiling

Cognitive Metrics Profiling promises a new approach to minimizing the cognitive workload of interactive systems. By metering high-fidelity computational cognitive models of embodied cognition, Cognitive Metrics Profiles provide a theory-based prediction of the transient changes in workload demanded by dynamic task environments. Although establishing the reliability and validity of this new approach will not be trivial, our profiles stand on the shoulders of the ACT-R architecture of cognition. More than 30-yrs of research have gone into the ACT line of theories. Over the last decade, hundreds of researchers have used ACT-R to build and test models of human cognition. Hence, although many of the details of the architecture are certainly incomplete, much of ACT-R is approximately correct. We expect that the predictions of a Cognitive Metrics Profile based on ACT-R will provide a better estimate of cognitive workload than the estimates used in current human factors practice.
Integrated experimental and model-based analysis reveals the spatial aspects of EGFR activation dynamics.

The epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) belongs to the ErbB family of receptor tyrosine kinases, and controls a diverse set of cellular responses relevant to development and tumorigenesis. ErbB activation is a complex process involving receptor–ligand binding, receptor dimerization, phosphorylation, and trafficking (internalization, recycling and degradation), which together dictate the spatio-temporal distribution of active receptors within the cell. The ability to predict this distribution, and elucidation of the factors regulating it, would help to establish a mechanistic link between ErbB expression levels and the cellular response. Towards this end, we constructed mathematical models to determine the contributions of receptor dimerization and phosphorylation to EGFR activation, and to examine the dependence of these processes on sub-cellular location. We collected experimental datasets for EGFR activation dynamics in human mammary epithelial cells, with the specific goal of model parameterization, and used the data to estimate parameters for several alternate models. Model-based analysis indicated that: (1) signal termination via receptor dephosphorylation in late endosomes, prior to degradation, is an important component of the response, (2) less than 40% of the receptors in the cell are phosphorylated at any given time, even at saturating ligand doses, and (3) receptor phosphorylation kinetics at the cell surface and early endosomes are comparable. We validated the last finding by measuring the EGFR dephosphorylation rates at various times following ligand addition both in whole cells and in endosomes using ELISAs and fluorescent imaging. Overall, our results provide important information on how EGFR phosphorylation levels are regulated within cells. This study demonstrates that an iterative cycle of experiments and modeling can be used to gain mechanistic insight regarding complex cell signaling networks.
A neuroectoderm-associated ganglioside participates in fibronectin receptor-mediated adhesion of germinal cells to fibronectin.

Abstract Previous studies with a rat neural cell line have shown that the D1.1 ganglioside, an O-acetylated derivative of GD 3 , is involved in cellular adhesion to fibronectin. In vivo , D1.1 is present on germinal cells of the developing rat central nervous system, but not on postmitotic cells that migrate away from the germinal zones. These observations suggest that D1.1 could participate in adhesive interactions within germinal zones and that the loss of D1.1 could be involved in the decision to begin migration. In support of this hypothesis, immunofluorescence histochemistry shows that both fibronectin and fibronectin receptor are colocalized with D1.1 in the ventricular zones of the embryonic rat brain and in the external granule cell layer of the postnatal cerebellum. Dishes coated with monoclonal antibody against D1.1 were used to isolate D1.1-positive germinal cells from Embryonic Day 14 cerebrum and from Postnatal Day 6 cerebellum. These cells are able to adhere to fibronectin-coated dishes by a mechanism that is inhibitable by a synthetic hexapeptide containing the arg-gly-asp cell recognition sequence of fibronectin. Adhesion is also partially inhibited by antibody against fibronectin receptor and is slowed by anti-D1.1 antibody, implicating both the receptor and the ganglioside in the adhesion process. During 3 days in culture these D1.1-positive, fibronectin receptor-positive cells exhibit a neuronal phenotype, as judged by morphology and staining with tetanus toxin. This further confirms the neuroepithelial origin of the cells. The cells do not synthesize detectable amounts of fibronectin, thus leaving unidentified the source of the fibronectin seen in the germinal zones in tissue sections. Immunoprecipitation experiments show that the fibronectin receptors present on these cells are heterodimers. Under nonreducing conditions, the immunoprecipitates contain an α-subunit of 150–160 kDa and a β-subunit of 115–125 kDa.
A domain of the readthrough protein of barley yellow dwarf virus (NY-RPV isolate) is essential for aphid transmission

Luteoviruses are obligately transmitted by aphids and contain two capsid proteins, the coat protein (CP) coded for by open reading frame (ORF) 3, and the readthrough protein (RTP), produced by readthrough of the amber termination codon of ORF 3 into the contiguous ORF 5. Previous studies have suggested that it is the RTP that determines transmissibility and vector specificity. To investigate which capsid protein or protein part contains determinants for the transmission of the NY-RPV isolate of barley yellow dwarf virus (BYDV) by its vectorRhopalosiphum padi, we produced three fusion proteins by expressing NY-RPV cDNA inE. coli. These respectively represented the CP alone (P3), a region of the RTP immediately following the amber termination codon (P5a), and the remainder of the RTP (P5b). Polyclonal antisera raised against the P3, P5a and P5b proteins each gave distinctive reactions against purified NY-RPV on Western blots. Also, in ELISA tests, antisera raised against all three fusion proteins detected purified intact virions. When mixed with purified virions and fed toR. padi through Parafilm membranes, immunoglobulins (Igs) from antisera raised against P3 and P5b had no effect on transmission, whereas Ig from antiserum against P5a interfered with transmission. P5a antiserum Ig had no effect on the transmission of the P-PAV isolate of BYDV byR. padi. The results demonstrate that while neither the CP itself nor the terminal region of the RTP are key determinants for transmission, a specific domain in the central part of the RTP is an important determinant in the transmission of NY-RPV byR. padi, though apparently not of P-PAV.
The effect of DDT feeding on gluconeogenesis in isolated hepatocytes from starved rats.

The effects of feeding DDT on liver gluconeogenesis were studied in isolated hepatocytes. Rats were fed 1000 ppm o,p′ -DDT for 2 weeks and starved for 48 hr. Food intake and weight gain were not affected by DDT feeding. Gluconeogenic rates were similar in hepatocytes from rats fed control and DDT diet when 10 m m glycerol, 10m m alanine, and 10 m m fructose were used as substrates. Gluconeogenesis from 10 m m lactate-pyruvate (9:1) and 10 m m lactate was decreased in hepatocytes from rats fed DDT. Stimulation of gluconeogenesis from 10 m m lactate-pyruvate by 2 m m butyrate was similar in hepatocytes from rats fed control and DDT diet; however, the absolute rates of gluconeogenesis from lactate-pyruvate plus butyrate were significantly decreased in hepatocytes from DDT-fed animals compared to controls. The activity of pyruvate carboxylase and intact mitochondrial CO 2 fixation was not different in livers from DDT and control fed animals. Phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase activity was statistically lower in livers from rats fed DDT but this decrease was not sufficient to account for the decreased rate of gluconeogenesis. Ketogenic rates were similar in hepatocytes from DDT and control fed rats in the absence or presence of 2 m m oleate or 2 m m oleate plus 10 m m lactate-pyruvate. The redox state was more oxidized in the mitochondria of hepatocytes from DDT fed animals as assessed by the β -hydroxybutyrate/acetoacetate ratio. It was concluded from this study that DDT feeding inhibits gluconeogenesis from lactate between pyruvate and phosphoenolpyruvate.
Clinical Competency Levels of Fourth-Year Dental Students as Determined by Board Examiners and Faculty Members

A study was conducted to evaluate the validity of the dental licensure examination: the academic rank of fourth-year students at two schools was compared with their performance in the North East Regional Board clinical examination and results were correlated.
The crossover from two dimensions to one dimension in granular electronic materials.

Granular conductors1 are solids comprising densely packed nanoparticles, and have electrical properties that are determined by the size, composition and packing of the composite nanoparticles. The ability to control these properties in two- and three-dimensional granular conductors has made such systems appropriate for use as prototypes for investigating new physics1,2,3,4. However, the fabrication of strictly one-dimensional granular conductors remains challenging. Here, we describe a method for the assembly of nanoparticles into granular solids that can be tuned continuously from two to one dimension, and establish how electron transport evolves between these limits. We find that the energy barriers to transport increase in the one-dimensional limit, in both the variable-range-hopping (low-voltage) and sequential-tunnelling (high-voltage) regimes. Furthermore, in the sequential-tunnelling regime we find an unexpected relationship between the temperature and the voltage at which the conductance becomes appreciable — a relationship that appears peculiar to one-dimensional systems. These results are explained by extrapolating existing granular conductor theories to one dimension. A method for the assembly of nanoparticles into granular solids that can be continuously tuned from two dimensions to one dimension is reported. The energy barriers to electron transport in such solids increase in the one-dimensional limit, and an unexpected dependence of the electronic properties on temperature is also observed.
Effects of shampoo and water washing on hair cortisol concentrations

Background Measurement of cortisol in hair is an emerging biomarker for chronic stress in human and nonhuman primates. Currently unknown, however, is the extent of potential cortisol loss from hair that has been repeatedly exposed to shampoo and/or water.
Comparison of the Discrete-Ordinates Method and the Finite-Volume Method for Steady-State and Ultrafast Radiative Transfer Analysis in Cylindrical Coordinates

The time-dependent equation of radiative transfer is solved for an axisymmetric cylindrical medium using both the discrete-ordinates method and the finite-volume method. Steady and transient flux profiles are determined for absorbing and scattering media. Results for each solution method are compared and shown for various grid numbers, scattering albedos, and optical thicknesses. A comparison of computational time and memory usage between the methods is presented. It is found that the finite-volume method uses more memory and has a longer convergence time than the discrete-ordinates method for all cases, due to the difference in angular treatment.
Regulation of mouse trophoblast giant cell nucleus development in hatched mouse blastocysts by cyclic cytidine 3',5'-monophosphate (cCMP).

The dibutyryl analog of cCMP enlarged the nuclei of trophoblast gian cells and promoted blastocyst development. The result suggests that cCMP has a trophic effect on embryonic development, specifically by altering the size of the trophoblast cell nucleus but does not enhance trophoblast cell proliferation processes.
The Curriculum-Faculty-Reinforcement Alignment and Its Effect on Learning Retention of Core Marketing Concepts of Marketing Capstone Students

Curriculum-Faculty-Reinforcement (CFR) alignment is an alignment between fundamental marketing concepts that are integral to the mastery of knowledge expected of our marketing graduates, their perceived importance by the faculty, and their level of reinforcement throughout core marketing courses required to obtain a marketing degree. This research examines the learning effect of this alignment on Capstone students' long-term knowledge retention of concepts initially taught in a Principles of Marketing course. The results reveal that marketing concepts with high rather than moderate or low CFR alignment result in better long-term retention. We also conclude that an agreement among marketing faculty on the marketing concepts deemed important for graduates to master does not guarantee adequate reinforcement of such concepts in the classroom. Implications for how CFR alignment can be assessed and facilitate improvements in the marketing curriculum are discussed.
Body mass index and colon cancer in a national sample of adult US men and women.

The evidence supporting obesity as a risk factor for colon cancer remains inconclusive, especially among women. The author studied the association between obesity and colon cancer in a nationally representative cohort of men and women aged 25-74 years who participated in the First National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey from 1971 to 1975 and were subsequently followed up through 1992. Among the 13,420 persons included in the analytic sample, 222 incident cases of colon cancer were identified. Height and weight were measured during the baseline examination. Compared with participants whose body mass index was less than 22 kg/m2, the hazard ratios were 1.79 (95% confidence interval (CI): 0.87, 3.71), 1.86 (95% CI: 0.86, 4.03), 2.47 (95% CI: 1.14, 5.32), 3.72 (95% CI: 1.68, 8.22), and 2.79 (95% CI: 1.22, 6.35) for participants with a body mass index of 22- or = 30 kg/m2, respectively. The hazard ratios were similar for men and women. Subscapular skinfold thickness, but not triceps skinfold thickness, was positively associated with colon cancer incidence among men but not women, after adjustment for body mass index and other possible confounders. These results strongly support the hypothesis that excess body weight is a risk factor for colon cancer among both men and women.
Understanding Gender-based Violence: Evidence from Kilimanjaro Assessment of Rombo and Moshi Rural

This paper presents findings from an empirical study on the prevalence and beliefs surrounding gender-based violence (GBV) in the Kilimanjaro region. The analysis and ensuing discussion is the result of a representative sample of adults (n=384) surveyed in two districts, Rombo and Moshi Rural, in Kilimanjaro, Tanzania. In contrast to previous research of a similar nature, which has focused primarily on the frequency of violence, this study devotes significant attention discerning the level of social acceptability among its victims and perpetrators situated in a legal and cultural framework. I find that alcohol consumption and the number of deceased children within a household have a direct correlation to incidences of GBV while an individual’s level of education and degree of financial independence are inversely related to rates of violence. The influence of bride price and polygamy is inconclusive. Finally, I find that although a portion of the population believes women should have decision-making capabilities, patriarchal institutions and a culture that relegates women as inferior have a significant impact on individual attitudes among men and women to preserve the status quo. These results suggest a greater need to promote a culture of egalitarianism in a sensitive and relevant manner.
The N haplotype of the murine beta-glucuronidase gene is altered in both its systemic regulation and its response to androgen induction.

A new haplotype of the β-glucuronidase gene complex, [Gus]N, has been characterized following its transfer from the PAC/Cr strain to the standard strain C57BL/6J. TheN haplotype contains a novel structural gene allele which encodes an allozyme differing from all previously characterized allozymes in both size and charge. Altered systemic regulation is exhibited by the [Gus]N haplotype. Multiple tissues contain levels of GUS protein that are 60±15% those found in the standardB haplotype. The regulatory mechanism for reduction is complex, involving tissue-specific changes in both enzyme synthesis and enzyme turnover. The changes in GUS protein synthesis do not result from changes in GUS mRNA levels. Instead, the amount of mature enzyme formed per mRNA molecule, or translational yield, is altered. These regulatory changes parallel those seen in other systemic regulatory variants of GUS which are also altered in translational yield. A commonality of mechanism among systemic regulatory variants of this gene is suggested. TheN haplotype is also exceptional in the nature of its response to androgenic induction in kidney proximal tubule epithelial cells. The time course for GUS induction consists of a lag period followed by a progressive increase in mRNA, rate of enzyme synthesis, and enzyme activity. For the [Gus]N haplotype the lag is of an exceptionally short duration and the plateau is of a greater magnitude than for any haplotype previously described.
Osteocyte Apoptosis Is Induced by Weightlessness in Mice and Precedes Osteoclast Recruitment and Bone Loss

Mechanical stimulation of cultured osteocytic cells attenuates their apoptosis. We report here that, conversely, reduced mechanical forces in the murine model of unloading by tail suspension increases the prevalence of osteocyte apoptosis, followed by bone resorption and loss of mineral and strength. Introduction: Mechanical loading is critical for the maintenance of bone mass; weightlessness, as with reduced physical activity in old age, bed rest, or space flight, invariably leads to bone loss. However, the cellular and molecular mechanisms responsible for these phenomena are poorly understood. Based on our earlier findings that physiologic levels of mechanical strain prevent apoptosis of osteocytic cells in vitro, we examined here whether, conversely, reduced mechanical forces increase the prevalence of osteocyte apoptosis in vivo and whether this event is linked to bone loss. Materials and Methods: Swiss Webster mice or OG2-11β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 2 (OG2-11β-HSD2) transgenic mice and wildtype littermates were tail-suspended or kept under ambulatory conditions. Static and dynamic histomorphometry and osteocyte and osteoblast apoptosis by in situ end-labeling (ISEL) were assessed in lumbar vertebra; spinal BMD was measured by DXA; and bone strength was measured by vertebral compression. Results: We show that within 3 days of tail suspension, mice exhibited an increased incidence of osteocyte apoptosis in both trabecular and cortical bone. This change was followed 2 weeks later by increased osteoclast number and cortical porosity, reduced trabecular and cortical width, and decreased spinal BMD and vertebral strength. Importantly, whereas in ambulatory animals, apoptotic osteocytes were randomly distributed, in unloaded mice, apoptotic osteocytes were preferentially sequestered in endosteal cortical bone—the site that was subsequently resorbed. The effect of unloading on osteocyte apoptosis and bone resorption was reproduced in transgenic mice in which osteocytes are refractory to glucocorticoid action, indicating that stress-induced hypercortisolemia cannot account for these effects. Conclusions: We conclude that diminished mechanical forces eliminate signals that maintain osteocyte viability, thereby leading to apoptosis. Dying osteocytes in turn become the beacons for osteoclast recruitment to the vicinity and the resulting increase in bone resorption and bone loss.
Investigating Students’ Understanding of the Dissolving Process

In a previous study, the authors identified several student misconceptions regarding the process of dissolving ionic compounds in water. The present study used multiple-choice questions whose distractors were derived from these misconceptions to assess students’ understanding of the dissolving process at the symbolic and particulate levels. The symbolic-level questions were based on balanced equations, and the particulate-level questions used multiple-choice questions involving dynamic animations or static pictures. This paper analyzes students’ responses to these questions to look for associations among four variables—Answer (the correct answer and three misconceptions), Representation (symbolic or particulate question), Visualization (static or animated pictures), and Representation Order (symbolic questions before or after the particulate questions). The results indicate that the correct answer and the acid–base misconception were more popular than the ion-pair or subscript error misconceptions, the ion-pair misconception was more popular for the particulate questions than the symbolic questions, and that participants were more likely to select the correct answer when viewing static particulate questions compared to animated particulate questions, especially if the particulate questions are seen first. These results suggest that the animated motion of dissolving these compounds in water may be distracting for students.
Pressure Ionization, Resonances, and the Continuity of Bound and Free States

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses several techniques and addresses several questions concerning the continuous evolution of bound eigenstates into free states under the influence of increasing pressure. As bound states move into the continuum, they evolve into low-energy scattering resonances; these shape resonances occur only at high densities where there is strong screening of the atomic potential. Electrons which occupy resonance states are neither strictly localized nor totally free. For short times the resonance electrons are trapped by the centrifugal barrier; over longer times they escape to large distance. Pressure ionization, resonances, and the continuity principle are linked because the scattering resonances interpolate smoothly between localized bound states and freely moving continuum states. Many plasma properties, including equations of state, electrical conductivity, bremsstrahlung emission, and x-ray opacities are strongly affected by resonances. Even the meaning of the plasma ionization state is clarified by understanding the physical character of resonance states. The continuity theorem implies that there is no discontinuous boundary between low- and high-density behaviors.
Short-term Effects of First-prey Type and Number on Survival and Growth of Intensively Cultured Spotted Seatrout, Cynoscion nebulosus (Sciaenidae), Larvae

Five test diets – 20, 10 rotifers/mL/d, 5 rotifers/mL/d + 3 nauplii/mL/d, 5 and 8 nauplii/mL/d – were used to examine the effect of Acartia tonsa nauplii and a small strain of rotifers on survival, myotome height, notochord length, and condition (myotome height/notochord length) of spotted seatrout, Cynoscion nebulosus, larvae through 6-d posthatch (PH). Diet did not affect survival. Larvae fed 5 and 8 nauplii/mL or 5 rotifers + 3 nauplii were longer, taller, and in better condition than larvae fed either 10 or 20 rotifers/mL. The condition of larvae fed diets with nauplii declined after Day 5 which suggests a shortage of prey in those diets after Day 4 or 5. Although copepod nauplii offer substantial short-term benefits in the culture of spotted seatrout, further study is required to determine the number of nauplii and/or rotifers necessary in the diet beyond Day 4 and to assess the long-term impact of the different diets.
Exponential stability of impulsive systems with application to uncertain sampled-data systems

We establish exponential stability of nonlinear time-varying impulsive systems by employing Lyapunov functions with discontinuity at the impulse times. Our stability conditions have the property that when specialized to linear impulsive systems, the stability tests can be formulated as Linear Matrix Inequalities (LMIs). Then we consider LTI uncertain sampled-data systems in which there are two sources of uncertainty: the values of the process parameters can be unknown while satisfying a polytopic condition and the sampling intervals can be uncertain and variable. We model such systems as linear impulsive systems and we apply our theorem to the analysis and state-feedback stabilization. We find a positive constant which determines an upper bound on the sampling intervals for which the stability of the closed loop is guaranteed. The control design LMIs also provide controller gains that can be used to stabilize the process. We also consider sampled-data systems with constant sampling intervals and provide results that are less conservative than the ones obtained for variable sampling intervals.
Cytokine Production in First Trimester Chorionic Villi: Detection of mRNAs and Protein Products in Situ

Abstract Growth factor cytokines must play important roles in placental growth and differentiation. We used cDNA-mRNA in situ hybridization to examine whether human first trimester chorionic villi could produce these substances locally. IL-1β and IL-4 mRNA was found in both trophoblast layers, whereas CSF-1 and TNFα were found mostly in syncytiotrophoblast with much less localization to cytotrophoblast areas. IFN-γ message was exclusively found in the cytotrophoblast. Immunohistochemical analysis confirmed that cytokines are produced by placental tissue, and the patterns of expression correlated well with the data obtained by in situ hybridization. These data are discussed regarding possible roles of cytokines in regulation of MHC antigen expression by trophoblasts and immunomodulation of decidual lymphocytes.