cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The small airways in asthma

Airway inflammation is the basis for airway hyper-reactivity that results in the signs and symptoms of asthma. Great strides have been made in the past several decades to target airway inflammation using topical inhaled corticosteroids. In some cases, despite reported improvement in large airways indices on treatment, clinical control of asthma is not attained. Inflammation of the distal airways is now realized as playing a greater role in asthma control, and newer techniques are available to assess the smaller airways. Changes in formulations of inhaled corticosteroids and smaller particle size of medication allows for more effective targeting of the smaller airways.
Eye Tracking Joy Stick

Eye trackers based on the standing potential of the eye have been researched and found to have considerable base line drift and poor accuracy. A technique employing visual feedback and base line drift compensation has been developed that is sufficiently accurate to select menu items on a video display. This technique is analog and of low cost. This system is implemented to replace the joy stick on an personal computer.
The mayor's race: Campaign coverage and the discourse of race in America's three largest cities

In the coverage of recent mayoral campaigns in Chicago, New York and Los Angeles, objective news reporting worked as an ideological force. First, the press viewed the campaigns as horse races driven by the logic of racial strategy, and the urban public as fundamentally constituted by racial and ethnic blocs. Particularly in its fascination with polling, campaign coverage focused on carefully delineating those blocs and obsessively measuring the gaps between them. Second, campaign coverage naturalized this view when it uncritically accepted race and ethnicity as appropriate tools of practical electoral politics. Through its emphasis on strategy, the news implied that mayoral politics is conducted in the most reasonable way‐perhaps, the only way‐possible. Finally, and ironically, campaign coverage was ideological in its persistent disregard of the social issues for which race really does matter. The news constantly asserted that race is the only real issue but rarely reported on why that is and what is to b...
Methodologic approaches for investigating human megakaryocyte development at a molecular level.

Rapid advances in defining the extracellular regulators of megakaryocyte (MK) development have heightened interest in defining the biochemical and molecular mechanisms of action of these cytokines. The recent development of molecular micromethodologies such as in situ hybridization, the polymerase chain reaction, and the use of anti-sense oligodeoxynucleotides now make such studies possible in normal cells. To illustrate the utility of these methods, data gathered using these methods on developing normal human hematopoietic cells and MKs is presented. As might be expected, the results obtained demonstrate that growth factors have complex time and concentration effects on gene expression in morphologically recognizable human MKs. They also suggest that a more complete understanding of normal MK development at the molecular level will soon be possible.
Calling Local/Talking Global: the cosmo-politics of the call-center industry

This article considers dramatic performances of cosmopolitan encounters within the transnational framework of the call-center industry in India. Have the virtual intimacies generated by new media and market technologies ushered in a cosmopolitan connectivity? What utopic gestures do we glimpse from portrayals of cross-cultural contact in the age of the copy? By considering the intersection of consumer fantasy, global capital, and the neoliberal state, this article tracks the affinities between economic globalization and cultural cosmopolitanism.
Evidence that fluoride-stimulated 3[H]-thymidine incorporation in embryonic chick calvarial cell cultures is dependent on the presence of a bone cell mitogen, sensitive to changes in the phosphate concentration, and modulated by systemic skeletal effectors.

In previous studies we have shown that clinically effective concentrations of fluoride (5 to 30 μmol/L) could also have direct effects in vitro on skeletal tissues to increase embryonic chick bone formation and bone cell proliferation (3[H]-thymidine incorporation into DNA). From these observations, we hypothesized that fluoride-stimulated bone formation might be mediated by a direct effect of fluoride to increase bone cell proliferation. The current studies were intended to investigate the mechanism of fluoride-stimulated 3[H]-thymidine incorporation, in chick calvarial cell cultures, by assessing mitogenic interactions between fluoride and inorganic phosphate, bone-derived growth factors, and systemic skeletal effectors. With respect to fluoride-phosphate interactions, the results of our studies indicate that the effect of fluoride was dependent on the phosphate concentration in the medium. Fluoride did not increase 3[H]-thymidine incorporation in BGJb medium containing 1 mmol/L (total) phosphate; but, in 1.6 mmol/L phosphate medium, fluoride caused a dose-dependent increase in 3[H]-thymidine incorporation, between 1 and 20 μmol/L (P<.001). The action of fluoride was also dependent on the presence of a bone cell mitogen. Fluoride increased 3[H]-thymidine incorporation when added to calvarial cell cultures in the cell-conditioned medium, but had no effect in unconditioned (ie, fresh) medium. The action of fluoride could be restored by adding an exogenous growth factor (ie, concentrated cell-conditioned medium, bone-derived growth factors, or a systemic bone cell mitogen) to the unconditioned culture medium, P<.05 for each effector. All of the systemic bone cell mitogens we tested (insulin, IGF-1, PTH, and calcitonin) increased the maximum response to fluoride (P <.05), and, conversely, fluoride increased the maximum response to each of these effectors. The activations were noncompetitive. (1,25-dihydroxy-vitamin D decreased 3[H]-thymidine incorporation, with or without added fluoride.) Finally, our data showed that the activity of fluoride was dependent on the presence of mitogen-responsive osteoprogenitor cells. Using calvarial cell cultures enriched for differentiated osteoblasts and for osteoprogenitor cells, we found an inverse correlation between flouride-stimulated 3[H]-thymidine incorporation and alkaline phosphatase activity per milligram of cell protein (r = −0.88, P < .05). Together, these data demonstrate that fluoride-stimulated 3[H]-thymidine incorporation can be modulated by systemic skeletal effectors, is dependent on the phosphate concentration in the medium, and requires both a bone cell mitogen and mitogen-responsive osteoprogenitor cells. With regard to mechanism, our data indicate that fluoride increases bone cell proliferation by enhancing the activity of bone cell mitogens.
On the Theory of the Low-Temperature Spontaneous Magnetization of Ferromagnetic Metals

The temperature variation of the low-temperature spontaneous magnetization $\xi$ of a ferromagnetic metal is obtained from assumptions that are consistent with the usual band theory. The second-quantized Hamiltonian for the system is taken to contain electronic energy band terms as well as Coulomb and exchange energy terms. The Green function method is used. It is shown that spin-wave excitations of small wave vector K exist with energies proportional to k$^2$, from which it is deduced that $\zeta = \xi\_0^{\{1-\gamma T \frac{3}{2}\}},$ with $\xi\_0$ dependent on the average number of electrons per band. An analytical expression is found for the constant $\gamma$ which differs from that obtained in the Heisenberg model.
P 247. Incompleteness and harm avoidance in obsessive compulsive disorder: Different response to transcranial magnetic stimulation

Introduction Incompleteness (INC) and Harm Avoidance (HA) are core dimensions of Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD). Conventional treatments are tailored to OCD as an anxiety disorder with a strong HA component. Therefore, reports of poorer outcomes for OCD patients with predominant INC are not surprising (Ecker and Gonner, 2008). Objectives Here we present data on the effect of Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) on INC and HA symptom dimensions in a sample of treatment-resistant OCD subjects. Materials and methods In 18 OCD subjects randomized to 4weeks of low-frequency TMS or sham to the pre-Supplementary Motor Area (pre-SMA), we assessed INC and HA using the Obsessive Compulsive Trait Core Dimensions Questionnaire (OC-TCDQ) and the Not Just Right Experiences-Severity Score (NJRE-SS) at baseline and tested their relationship with changes in the Yale-Brown Obsessive Compulsive Scale (Y-BOCS). Pearson's correlations were conducted with two-sided significance levels (alpha=0.05). Results Treatment with TMS was successful in 6/9 patients with an average improvement in responders of 35% on the Y-BOCS. 2/9 patients responded to sham (Mantovani et al., 2010). In the active group INC correlated positively with Y-BOCS improvements ( r =0.7, p =0.035), while HA showed a negative correlation with changes in Y-BOCS ( r =−0.8, p =0.009). The severity of NJREs showed no significant correlation with clinical improvement. In the sham group correlations of INC and HA components with Y-BOCS were not significant. Conclusion According to our preliminary results, low-frequency TMS to the pre-SMA might be more effective on INC. Considering the assumption that INC experiences primarily impair patients' ability to stop ritualizing, an inhibitory form of TMS directed to the pre-SMA, which has been found to be hyperactive in OCD (Yucel et al., 2007), may normalize a deficient response inhibition characteristic of OCD (de Wit et al., 2012).
Queer Theory in Education

Contents: W.F. Pinar, Introduction. W.G. Tierney, P. Dilley, Constructing Knowledge: Educational Research and Gay and Lesbian Studies. J.T. Sears, A Generational and Theoretical Analysis of Culture and Male (Homo) Sexuality. D. Carlson, Who Am I? Gay Identity and a Democratic Politics of the Self. E. Meiners, Remember When All the Cars Were Fords and All the Lesbians Were Women? Some Notes on Identity, Mobility, and Capital. S. Luhmann, Queering/Querying Pedagogy? Or, Pedagogy Is a Pretty Queer Thing. R. Walcott, Queer Texts and Performativity: Zora, Rap, and Community. N. Rodriquez, (Queer) Youth as Political and Pedagogical. S.R. Steinberg, Appropriating Queerness: Hollywood Sanitation. D. Sumara, B. Davis, Telling Tales of Surprise. W.F. Pinar, Understanding Curriculum as Gender Text: Notes on Reproduction, Resistance, and Male-Male Relations. S. de Castell, M. Bryson, From the Ridiculous to the Sublime: On Finding Oneself in Educational Research. K.G. Honeychurch, Carnal Knowledge: Re-Searching (Through) the Sexual Body. M. Morris, Unresting the Curriculum: Queer Projects, Queer Imaginings. M.A. Doll, Queering the Gaze. A.J. Pitt, Fantasizing Women in the Women's Studies Classroom: Toward a Symptomatic Reading of Negation. D.P. Britzman, On Some Psychical Consequences of AIDS Education. R. Platizky, We Were Already Ticking and Didn't Even Know [It]: Early AIDS Works. W. Haver, Of Mad Men Who Practice Invention to the Brink of Intelligibility. J.L. Miller, Autobiography as a Queer Curriculum Practice.
Replication-Dependent Loss of 5-Hydroxymethylcytosine in Mouse Preimplantation Embryos

Although global erasure of DNA methylation has been observed in zygotes and primordial germ cells, the responsible enzyme(s) have been elusive. The demonstration that members of the Tet (ten eleven translocation) family of proteins are capable of catalyzing conversion of 5-methylcytosine (5mC) of DNA to 5-hydroxymethylcytosine (5hmC) raises the possibility that Tet proteins may participate in this process. Indeed, recent studies have implicated the involvement of Tet3 in the conversion of 5mC to 5hmC in zygotes. This result, combined with the demonstration that Tet proteins can further oxidize 5hmC to 5-carboxylcytosine followed by excision by thymine-DNA glycosylase, raises the possibility that active demethylation may take place in a process that involves Tet3-mediated oxidation followed by base excision repair. We demonstrated by immunostaining of mitotic chromosome spreads of preimplantation embryos that the 5hmC associated with the paternal genome in zygotes is gradually lost during preimplantation development. Our study suggests that, although the conversion of 5mC to 5hmC in zygotes is an enzyme-catalyzed process, loss of 5hmC during preimplantation appears to be a DNA replication-dependent passive process.
Unified Time Service for virtualized Teleimmersive environments

3D Teleimmersive (TI) environments have gained significant attention as they show promising results for a wide number of applications. These environments are usually distributed and multi platform which makes performance analysis and monitoring difficult. We present a Unified Time Service (UTS) and its measurement framework for evaluating components in terms of their reflected QoS (e.g. delay). Then we utilize UTS to analyze the delay introduced by the virtualized rendezvous points (RP) in the H-MEDIA TI system. We find that the delay overhead heavily depends on frame sizes of the 3D video streams.
Segregation and linkage analysis of α-N-acetyl-D-glucosaminidase (NAG) levels in a black family

Alpha-N-acetyl-D-glucosaminidase (NAG) activities were evaluated on serum samples from 67 persons in a large black family. These data were analyzed in conjunction with those from 126 previously tested unrelated blacks [Vance et al, 1980]. After loge transformation, admixture analysis indicated a significantly better fit (P less than .01) of a mixture of 2 normal distributions for NAG activity versus a single normal distribution. Segregation analysis using the transmission probability model of Elston and Stewart [1971] demonstrated that a genetic model fits the data better than the random "environmental" model. Thus, the existence of a major gene is suggested in the family, although the possibility of polygenic or other familial effects cannot be ruled out. These results confirm the existence of a polymorphism for NAG reported earlier in a series of White half-sib twin families [Vance et al, 1980]. However, the estimates of the means of the three genotypes (AA, AA', A'A') appear to differ in the two racial groups. Thus, the data suggest either a racial polygenic effect and/or different alleles segregating in the two populations. In fact, thermal stability data [Vance et al, 1981a] suggest that at least two alleles are structurally distinct. Linkage analysis of the pedigree with 20 marker loci gave no clear indication of linkage. A lod score of 1.44 was found at 0 recombination with orosomucoid (ORM).
“Make-or-buy” in movies: Integration and ex-post renegotiation

Abstract In this paper, I investigate the determinants of the boundaries of the firm in the movie industry using a new data set from the Spanish movie industry. These data document movie contractual renegotiation and allow me to construct a direct measure of contractual complexity for each movie. Linking this measure to the movie ownership structure, I find that movies renegotiated ex-post more often are more likely to be distributed ex-ante by integrated distributors and more likely to show in distributor-owned theaters. This is consistent with transaction cost economics theories of integration.
A High Time Resolution Polarimeter for Laser Analysis

High time resolution polarimeter for laser analysis, beam intensity after passing through analyzers measured by photomultipliers
Production of extracellular enzymes by thermomonospora curvata during growth on protein-extracted lucerne fibres

After extraction of food protein from lucerne, the residual fibre was used as a carbon and energy source by the thermophilic actinomycete, Thermomonospora curvata. Induction of catabolic exoenzymes during growth for 7 d on the fibre at 53°C in a mineral salts minimal medium was compared with that on a variety of other inductive substrates. A fibre concentration of 1.5% (w/v) was optimal for total protein secretion. The fibre was a poor substrate for amylase production due to lack of inducer rather than to catabolite repression by soluble sugars released during degradation. β-Glucosidase release during growth on the fibre was about 10 times that observed in cultures grown on cellobiose or cellulose, but production of other cellulolytic enzymes was about one-half that produced on cellulose. Pectinolytic activity (measured as polygalacturonate lyase) was equal to that produced on pectin. Cells grown on the fibre released about eight times as much proteinase as those grown on cellulose, but proteolytic activity was transient and decreased rapidly during later growth. Xylanase appeared to be co-ordinately induced with cellulolytic enzymes; comparable maximal activities, observed during growth on either the fibre or cellulose, were three times that produced on xylan or xylose.
A simple technic for maintaining patency of arterial monitoring cannulas.

Summary A simple technic of continuous small-volume flushing of an arterial monitoring system is described. Patency of radial artery cannulas and undampened arterial wave forms are easily maintained for periods exceeding ten days.
Three-Dimensional Study of a Modern Flood-Tidal Delta in South Carolina: ABSTRACT

A three-dimensional study of a modern flood-tidal delta in South Carolina was conducted using historical charts and photographs, geomorphic and sedimentologic process measurements, and shallow seismic profiling. Results suggest that the flood-tidal delta developed in response to shoreline erosion of the Santee River delta since the river was dammed and diverted in the first half of this century. The Santee flood-tidal delta complex consists of a transgressive sequence topped with tidal delta deposits 1 to 1.5 m thick. The clean, coarse to medium-grained sand of the flood-tidal delta is underlain by tidal flat, tidal channel fill, and bay-fill sediments. Beneath that lies estuarine-lower delta plain deposits. The relationship of peak ebb and flood currents to the depth of flow and the degree of shielding by topographic highs exerts control over bed-form orientation and distribution. Ebb-oriented bed forms dominate the tidal delta surface, but preferential preservation favors flood-oriented bed forms owing to higher hydraulic energy on the ebb shield and flood ramp, and by protection from ebb currents provided in the lee of the ebb shield. Textural and mineralogic evidence indicates that littoral-derived sediments are being deposited in the North Santee channel. Seismic and stratigraphic data indicate the maximum volume of clean sand in the flood-tidal delta is between 387,000 and 500,000 m3. Surface mapping suggests that the North Santee flood-tidal delta will continue to transgress the adjacent tidal flat, weld onto nearby Cane Island, and be capped by salt marsh if undisturbed by rediversion of the Santee. The flood-tidal delta would apper in End_Page 582------------------------------ the stratigraphic column as a thin sheet sand with local variation in internal physical and biogenic sedimentary structures. Overall bed-form orientation would be slightly flood dominant, and the flood-tidal delta sands would be sealed on top and bottom with fine-grained, organic-rich sediments. Modern flood-tidal deltas are excellent sources for beach nourishment projects and, given sufficient burial, ancient flood-tidal deltas could make good petroleum reservoirs. End_of_Article - Last_Page 583------------
The posterior deltoid to triceps transfer: a clinical and biomechanical assessment

Transfer of the posterior deltoid muscle to the triceps insertion for elbow extension provides improved function in patients with C5 and C6 level tetraplegia. We have modified the surgical technique using the tibialis anterior tendon as a graft. The length-tension characteristics and available amplitude of the posterior deltoid muscle were determined with intraoperative electrical stimulation. The excursion of the posterior deltoid muscle was 7.31 cm with a standard deviation of 1.23 cm. Postoperative mean torque measurements of elbow extension power were 36.4 kg cm with a standard deviation of 15 kg cm. All patients had maximal strength between 90° and 120° of elbow flexion. Length-tension curves for the posterior deltoid muscle showed a large range of effective strength and helped confirm optimum tension of the posterior deltoid muscle and proper shoulder and elbow positions at surgery. Clinical results in 10 patients were excellent.
Creep and stress-rupture of Nafion® membranes under controlled environment

Abstract Nafion® as a polymer shows time-dependent behavior including creep and relaxation. Application of this material in automotive fuel cells and targeted lifetimes require consideration of time-dependent failure of Nafion® in fuel cell design. In this work, creep tests for Nafion® were conducted in a controlled environment at different hydrations and temperatures. Stress-rupture curves for Nafion® were obtained for different hydrations (RH = 5%, 50% and 90%) at room temperature and also for two different temperatures (25 °C & 80 °C) at 50% relative humidity. Time-dependent failure was observed for all these conditions regardless of temperature and hydration level (state of water in Nafion®). Ionic forces created by cross linkings (by introducing water to membrane) do not seem to prevent disentanglements of the chains since there is no change in rate of time-dependent failure results. A time-hydration/temperature equivalence method (Sherby–Dorn) is suggested as a method to use short-term test data to estimate rupture times for other conditions.
Preventing the autophagic survival response by inhibition of calpain enhances the cytotoxic activity of bortezomib in vitro and in vivo

Purpose Bortezomib, a first-generation proteasome inhibitor, induces an endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress response, which ultimately leads to dysregulation of intracellular Ca2+ and apoptotic cell death. This study investigated the role of the Ca2+-dependent enzyme, calpain, in bortezomib cytotoxicity. A novel therapeutic combination was evaluated in which HIV protease inhibitors were used to block calpain activity and enhance bortezomib cytotoxicity in myeloma cells in vitro and in vivo.
Adoptive Parents and Identity Development for Chinese Children

Summary In 1991, the People's Republic of China passed an Adoption Law that legalized the adoption of abandoned female infants. The majority of adopted parents were from the United States, which caused a major impact on parental childrearing practices. The lack of birth information forced these adoptive parents to prepare for questions concerning the shaping of identity development and formation. Research has documented the Chinese policy changes, parents' initial adjustment to bonding, and problems with special needs. But little attention has been paid thus far to identity development. This qualitative study examines the anticipated concerns and projected strategies in addressing the lack of birth information and identity development. The study found parents focusing on creating a birth heritage, instilling pride in Chinese culture, nurturing American backgrounds, addressing the orphan identity, and coping with special needs. Practice implications for theory building, practice innovations, and new resear...
Inheritance of Blood Ring, an Early Embryonic Failure in the Turkey

Abstract Blood ring describes an early embryonic failure that has been observed in a subline of Wrolstad Medium White turkeys. The condition can be detected by candling at approximately 96 h of incubation when shell pigmentation is minimal. The condition, macroscopically visible as early as 66 h, is characterized by the presence of uncoalesced blood islands, an erythrocyte-engorged sinus terminalis, and the absence of an extra-embryonic circulatory system. The sex ratio of progeny from the mating of heterozygous parents did not deviate from a 1:1 ratio and no blood ring embryos resulted from the matings of heterozygous males and normal females. The disorder is inherited as an autosomal recessive trait and appears to be similar to a condition observed in both normal-sized and dwarf (dw) Single Comb White Leghorn chickens. The symbol blr is suggested for the gene.
Prenatal development of spontaneous and evoked activity in the rat (Rattus norvegicus albinus).

I. The characteristics of prenatal spontaneous activity of rat fetuses of 16 through 20 days of gestation, and the development of responses to cutaneous stimulation are discussed and tabulated. In early fetuses of 16 and 17 days, only few activity bursts occur between long intervals of inactivity. The frequency of activity bursts increases greatly at day 18 and attains a peak at this stage, whereupon it declines to a lower level from day 19 through term. 2. Qualitatively, the movements appear to be unintegrated. Three types of activity have been distinguished: Total, generalized or mass movements, when all parts that are capable of movements participate; regional when only one body region such as the head and forelimbs are in motion, and local movements of single parts. In the earliest stage, only head and forelimb movements are observed. There is a gradual extension of motility in rostro-caudal and proximodistal direction, but there are exceptions to this rule. The movements in the rat fetus seem to be more smooth compared with those of the chick embryo where the movements are more jerky. 3. Our recordings show that no clear, or one-to-one correlation exists between fetal activity and uterine contractions. Amnion contractions do not occur in the rat fetus. 4. The first evoked responses in the rat fetus are interpreted as an incipient total or regional pattern. In later stages of development, discrete, low-amplitude unintegrated local responses are identifiable. At 17 and 18 days the local responses are frequently combined with regional and total mass body movements, but by day 19, total movements are less frequently elicited, and the local responses are more complex, resembling mature and fully integrated action patterns. The conclusion is made that in the rat fetus local complex patterns are built up from less complex units. 5. Spontaneous motility in other mammalian embryos and the origin of integrated specialized local action patterns are discussed in relation to the development of the structure and organization of the spinal cord.
Airway cholinergic responsiveness in rabbits in relation to antigen sensitization and challenge

The development of bronchial hyperresponsiveness to cholinergic agents in relation to antigen sensitization and repeated antigen challenge was investigated in a rabbit model. Rabbits immunized to produce preferentially specific IgE antibodies had a modest enhancement of their bronchoconstrictive response (measured as an increase in pulmonary resistance) to aerosolized methacholine compared to sham-immunized and unimmunized controls. A further enhancement was observed subsequent to a series of seven antigen challenges given transtracheally, such that the geometric mean dose of methacholine required to increase pulmonary resistance by 100% (PD 100 RL) was 89 cumulative breath units (CBU) compared to 372 CBU for sham-immunized controls and 871 CBU for unimmunized controls (p < 0.05 for ANOVA). Although methacholine also decreased dynamic compliance, the changes were not different among the three groups. Isolated intrapulmonary bronchi from the three groups did not differ in log concentration of methacholine yielding a half-maximal contraction (log EC50). The range of EC50 values was 15-fold compared to a 90-fold range of PD100 RL. In vivo cholinergic responsiveness of the pupillary muscle did not correlate with bronchial responsiveness. Thus, pulmonary antigen challenge of IgE-producing rabbits produced a marked increase in bronchial responsiveness which did not correlate with in-vitro bronchial responsiveness or with in vivo pupillary responsiveness.
Nature or neoliberalism? Two views on science and the persistence of environmental controversies

Why is the growth of scientific research on environmental issues often accompanied by the exacerbation, rather than the abatement, of political dispute? This paper compares two answers to this question. The first theory explains persistent controversy as a symptom of the richness of nature. The second theory explains persistent controversy as a symptom of neoliberal or free market ideology. The two theories recommend opposite courses of action for making policy progress. To illustrate this debate, the last section sketches a brief case study of air pollution from natural gas drilling.
Tri-layered vascular grafts composed of polycaprolactone, elastin, collagen, and silk: Optimization of graft properties.

Abstract The purpose of this study was to create seamless, acellular, small diameter bioresorbable arterial grafts that attempt to mimic the extracellular matrix and mechanical properties of native artery using synthetic and natural polymers. Silk fibroin, collagen, elastin, and polycaprolactone (PCL) were electrospun to create a tri-layered structure for evaluation. Dynamic compliance testing of the electrospun grafts ranged from 0.4–2.5%/100 mmHg, where saphenous vein (1.5%/100 mmHg) falls within this range. Increasing PCL content caused a gradual decrease in medial layer compliance, while changes in PCL, elastin, and silk content in the adventitial layer had varying affects. Mathematical modeling was used to further characterize these results. Burst strength results ranged from 1614–3500 mmHg, where some exceeded the capacity of the pressure regulator. Four week degradation studies demonstrated no significant changes in compliance or burst strength, indicating that these grafts could withstand the initial physiological conditions without risk of degradation. Overall, we were able to manufacture a multi-layered graft that architecturally mimics the native vascular wall and mechanically matches the gold standard of vessel replacement, saphenous vein.
Using journal writing in a graduate science education course to promote constructivist pedagogy

The journal writing activity was an opportunity for Tom and his classmates to personalize a constructivist vision of teaching and learning, a step Gallagher’s (1993) teachers identified as the beginning of their transition to a constructivist practice. The efficacy of the journal writing activity may be attributed to its capacity to engage students in metacognitive thinking. That is, the students had an opportunity to think about their ideas rather than merely with them (Kuhn, Amsel, & O’Loughlin, 1988). Indeed, various researchers have associated metacognition with cognitive development, meaningful learning, and conceptual change (e.g., Champagne, Gunstone, & Klopfer, 1985; Kuhn et al., 1988; Pintrich, Marx, & Boyle, 1993).
DXS28 (C7) maps centromeric to DXS68 (L1-4) and DXS67 (B24) by deletion analysis.

Abstract Complex glycerol kinase deficiency (CGKD) is a contiguous gene syndrome consisting of glycerol kinase deficiency together with Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD), congenital adrenal hypoplasia, and/or Ȧland Island eye disease. Deletion mapping of genomic DNA from patients with CGKD was carried out and allowed definitive ordering of loci DXS28 (C7), DXS68 (L1-4), and DXS67 (B24). Most reports have placed DXS68 centromeric to DXS28 and DXS67 on the basis of the initial mapping of the Iowa patient 3, but others have presented evidence consistent with the placement of DXS28 telomeric to DXS68 and DXS67. Through the use of DNA from CGKD patients with a variety of genomic deletions, this controversy is resolved and the order Xcen…DMD-DXS28-DXS68-DXS67…pter is definitively demonstrated.
Binding and pKa Modulation of a Polycyclic Substrate Analogue in a Type II Polyketide Acyl Carrier Protein

Type II polyketide synthases are biosynthetic enzymatic pathways responsible for the production of complex aromatic natural products with important biological activities. In these systems, biosynthetic intermediates are covalently bound to a small acyl carrier protein that associates with the synthase enzymes and delivers the bound intermediate to each active site. In the closely related fatty acid synthases of bacteria and plants, the acyl carrier protein acts to sequester and protect attached intermediates within its helices. Here we investigate the type II polyketide synthase acyl carrier protein from the actinorhodin biosynthetic pathway and demonstrate its ability to internalize the tricyclic, polar molecule emodic acid. Elucidating the interaction of acyl carrier proteins with bound analogues resembling late-stage intermediates in the actinorhodin pathway could prove valuable in efforts to engineer these systems toward rational design and biosynthesis of novel compounds.
A note on the formation of Debye potential well in current-carrying plasmas

The field of a test charge at rest in a plasma is known to be shielded via the collective interaction between the test charge and the particles of the plasma. In a thermal equilibrium plasma, the shielded potential has a spatial variation of the Debye form exp (— r)/r. In this note we will show that, in a collisionless current-carrying plasma, the potential profile along the radial direction parallel to the current changes from the Debye form to a potential well form, and causes a reversal of the ele ctric field of the test charge. The formation of the Debye potential well is attributed to the resonant interaction between the particles and the waves stationary in the test charge frame when the net flux of charged particles is different from zero. This is the same type of resonant interaction which leads to the well-known Landau damping (Landau 1946).
Flexible and stable solution-processed organic field-effect transistors

Abstract Highly stable, solution-processed, small molecule-polymer blend organic field-effect transistors (OFETs) with a top-gate geometry were demonstrated on a flexible polyethersulfone (PES) substrate. The top-gate dielectric was a bi-layer comprised of CYTOP and a high-k Al2O3 layer grown by atomic layer deposition (ALD). A solution processed 6,13-bis(triisopropylsilylethynyl) pentacene (TIPS-pentacene) and poly(triarylamine) (PTAA) blend was used as the organic semiconductor. TIPS-pentacene and PTAA blend OFETs with the CYTOP/Al2O3 bi-layer top gate dielectric showed an averaged saturation mobility value of 0.24 ± 0.08 cm2/Vs at operation voltages below 8 V. A constant direct-current bias stress test was carried out to examine their operational stability for 2 h. Under bias stress, neither significant change in mobility nor shift in the threshold voltage has been observed in these OFETs. To evaluate the real potential of these OFETs towards the development of circuit components commonly used in electronic applications, a resistive-load inverter was implemented by connecting an OFET to an external load resistor. Excellent stability of the transistor led to electrically stable inverters with negligible variations of the voltage transfer characteristics before and after bias stress. After the operational stability test, these OFETs were exposed to air and then were subjected to bending experiments. Even after exposure to air for 4 months and bending for 30 min, no significant changes in performance were observed in either a single transistor device or in a resistive-load inverter.
Identity for the Wave-Function Renormalization Constant

An identity for the wave-function renormalization constant $Z$, known to work in quantum mechanics, is generalized to field theory. The result is $\frac{\ensuremath{\partial}m}{\ensuremath{\partial}{m}_{0}}=Z(1+\frac{\ensuremath{\partial}\ensuremath{\Sigma}}{\ensuremath{\partial}{m}_{0}})$, where $m$ and ${m}_{0}$ are the physical and bare masses, respectively, and $\ensuremath{\Sigma}$ is the self-energy correction to the fermion propagator. Since $Z=0$ for a composite particle, it follows that a necessary condition for compositeness is $\frac{\ensuremath{\partial}m}{\ensuremath{\partial}{m}_{0}}=0$.
A comment on the origin of the fourth fold in the mantle of the Quahog,Mercenaria mercenaria

Based on histological similarity between the fourth fold and other sections of the mantle edge ofMercenaria mercenaria and on gross observations, it is determined that the fourth fold probably arises in one of three ways: (a) from a split in the typical inner muscular fold, (b) as a folding-over of the inner surface of the mantle margin, or (c) from a combination of the inner surface of the mantle margin and the inner surface of the third mantle fold. It is believed that the third alternative is the most probable.
Development and preliminary evaluation of a cone penetrometer-based method forin situ determination of volatile organic compounds in groundwater

We report the development of an in situ method for quantitatively determining complex mixtures of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) at low levels in groundwater formations. The method is based on the use of a novel in situ groundwater collection and sample purging device that is integrated into a cone penetrometer testing (CPT) push rod. This device, the QVAC (quantitative volatiles analysis for cone penetrometry), is used for quantitatively measuring complex mixtures of VOCs in groundwater at regulatory levels. A breadboard prototype QVAC probe made of stainless steel was tested in the laboratory to identify the optimal design parameters for a CPT-scale version. A full-scale prototype QVAC probe was integrated within a CPT push rod, with the use of miniature valves and a conductivity-based level sensor to accurately sample and purge a 5.0-ml groundwater sample. Following transfer of the VOCs through thermostated stainless-steel tubing to the sorbent trap at the surface, on-line thermal desorption/gas chromatography with mass spectrometric detection is performed. We report the design of the probe, optimization of the operational protocol, and the results of laboratory and initial field testing in which the precision, carryover, and calibration sensitivity were examined. © 1997 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Isolation of Human Umbilical Vein Endothelial Cells (HUVEC)

Angiogenesis is a complex multi-step process, where in response to angiogenic stimuli, new vessels are created from the existing vasculature. These steps include: degradation of the basement membrane, proliferation and migration (sprouting) of endothelial cells (EC) into the extracellular matrix, alignment of EC into cords, lumen formation, anastomosis, and formation of a new basement membrane. Many in vitro assays have been developed to study this process, but most only mimic certain stages of angiogenesis, and morphologically the vessels often do not resemble vessels in vivo. Here we demonstrate an optimized in vitro angiogenesis assay that utilizes human umbilical vein EC and fibroblasts. This model recapitulates all of the key early stages of angiogenesis, and importantly the vessels display patent intercellular lumens surrounded by polarized EC. Vessels can be easily observed by phase-contrast and time-lapse microscopy, and recovered in pure form for downstream applications.
Information Transferral within a Distributed Data Base Via a Generalised Mapping Language

This paper investigates some of the problems encountered in the management of a data base that is logically distributed. The term logical distribution is used to connote a situation wherein users in various locales are responsible for creation and maintenance of their own portions of a data base, but a user in one locale can access data maintained by a user in another locale. An example of this situation is drawn from the realm of water quality management. A generalised mapping language is proposed as a mechanism for information transferral within a distributed data base, and a general data structure for supporting the mapping function is illustrated. The presented method accommodates a variety of user views, is independent of whether the data base is geographically distributed or centralised, furnishes a straightforward security mechanism and provides a basis for treating the contingency of uninformed or non-programming users.
Ryanodine Receptor Type 1 (RyR1) Mutations C4958S and C4961S Reveal Excitation-coupled Calcium Entry (ECCE) Is Independent of Sarcoplasmic Reticulum Store Depletion *

Bi-directional signaling between ryanodine receptor type 1 (RyR1) and dihydropyridine receptor (DHPR) in skeletal muscle serves as a prominent example of conformational coupling. Evidence for a physiological mechanism that upon depolarization of myotubes tightly couples three calcium channels, DHPR, RyR1, and a Ca2+ entry channel with SOCC-like properties, has recently been presented (Cherednichenko, G., Hurne, A. M., Fessenden, J. D., Lee, E. H., Allen, P. D., Beam, K. G., and Pessah, I. N. (2004) Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. U. S. A. 101, 15793-15798). This form of conformational coupling, termed excitation-coupled calcium entry (ECCE) is triggered by the α1s-DHPR voltage sensor and is highly dependent on RyR1 conformation. In this report, we substitute RyR1 cysteines 4958 or 4961 within the TXCFICG motif, common to all ER/SR Ca2+ channels, with serine. When expressed in skeletal myotubes, C4958S- and C4961S-RyR1 properly target and restore L-type current via the DHPR. However, these mutants do not respond to RyR activators and do not support skeletal type EC coupling. Nonetheless, depolarization of cells expressing C4958S- or C4961S-RyR1 triggers calcium entry via ECCE that resembles that for wild-type RyR1, except for substantially slowed inactivation and deactivation kinetics. ECCE in these cells is completely independent of store depletion, displays a cation selectivity of Ca2+>Sr2+∼Ba2+, and is fully inhibited by SKF-96365 or 2-APB. Mutation of other non-CXXC motif cysteines within the RyR1 transmembrane assembly (C3635S, C4876S, and C4882S) did not replicate the phenotype observed with C4958S- and C4961S-RyR1. This study demonstrates the essential role of Cys4958 and Cys4961 within an invariant CXXC motif for stabilizing conformations of RyR1 that influence both its function as a release channel and its interaction with ECCE channels.
Recombination and the concerted evolution of the murine MHC

Abstract The concerted evolution of the murine major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I multigene family has resulted in the diversification as well as homogenezation of its member genes. Micro-recombinations between class I genes have resulted in the extreme diversification of the H-2 genes. Different regions of the MHC have drastically expanded and contracted due to unequal crossovers.
Neighborhood influences and child development: a prospective study of substance abusers' offspring.

In this 2-year prospective study, psychopathology and competence among drug abusers’ offspring were examined in relation to characteristics of their neighborhoods. The sample consisted of 77 children of cocaine and opioid addicts with a mean age of 12.3 years at baseline and 14.2 years at follow-up. Outcomes examined included psychiatric diagnoses, dimensional symptom indices, and aspects of everyday behavioral competence. Links involving neighborhood variables varied by gender, wherein boys reflected greater deterioration than girls when neighborhoods had high crime rates and high proportions of low-income households. Conversely, girls appeared to benefit more than boys from the presence of professional adults in the community. Overall, neighborhood indicators accounted for more variability in changes in child adjustment over time than did indices of maternal psychopathology. Findings are discussed in terms of developmental changes in the salience of exosystemic and familial forces, and implications for interventions are outlined.
The Role of Specialized Information Centers in Toxicological Information Systems

(1969). The Role of Specialized Information Centers in Toxicological Information Systems. Clinical Toxicology: Vol. 2, No. 1, pp. 105-109.
An improved method for tetrachoricr

From the ratio of the cross-products of a fourfold table, with the application of two tabled corrections, tetrachoricr's can be estimated with a mean discrepancy of less than .005 even when splits vary greatly from the medians. The necessary calculations can be handled by slide rule and the correction tables used without interpolation.
Catalytic partial oxidation of CH4 over Ni-substituted barium hexaaluminate catalysts

Abstract Ba0.75NiyAl12−yO19−δ (y = 0.2, 0.4, 0.6, 0.8 and 1.0) catalysts were tested for the partial oxidation of CH4 at temperatures between 200 and 900 °C. Temperature programmed reaction results indicate that light-off for the partial oxidation reaction occurred between 665 and 687 °C for all catalysts. Isothermal runs performed at 900 °C on the catalysts showed stable reaction product concentrations, consistent with equilibrium. Post-reaction analysis of the used catalysts showed that there are two distinct zones in the catalyst bed. In a short leading edge of the bed, the apparently complete consumption of oxygen leads to a catalyst which XANES analysis shows is primarily Ni-substituted into the hexaaluminate phase. In the downstream portion of the bed, Ni is shown to be present as metallic Ni. This corresponds to a reaction sequence in which the oxidation of CH4 proceeds at the inlet until all oxygen is reacted, followed by the reaction of CO2 and H2O with unreacted CH4, and its derivatives, to produce the final syngas mixture. From the change in the unit-cell dimensions with Ni substitution, there is a clear indication that Ni2+, which has a larger ionic radius than aluminum, substitutes for Al3+ in the hexaaluminate lattice in the synthesis process, and there is no restructuring of the bulk hexaaluminate phase after the Ni is removed from the lattice.
Chorionic gonadotropin administration in domestic cats causes an abnormal endocrine environment that disrupts oviductal embryo transport

Abstract Fecal steroid analysis was used to investigate relationships between endocrine parameters and embryo characteristics in domestic cats subjected to chorionic gonadotropin stimulation and artificial insemination (AI). In Study 1, normal endocrine patterns were assessed in 12 cycling domestic queens. Fecal estradiol (E) patterns established an anovulatory cycle length of 18.3 ± 0.4 d with estrus lasting 6.3 ± 0.3 d. Eight females (67%) exhibited at least one spontaneous ovulation based on sustained increases in fecal progestagens (P). In Study 2, queens were mated during natural estrus (NE, n = 5) or subjected to exogenous i.m. gonadotropin stimulation, 100 IU eCG followed by 75 IU hCG 80 h later, (GS, n = 5). Compared with NE queens, fecal E concentrations were higher (P
Control of Cutting Force for Creep-Feed Grinding Processes Using a Multi-Level Fuzzy Controller

In this paper, a multi-level fuzzy control (MLFC) technique is developed and implemented for a creep-feed grinding process. The grinding force is maintained at the maximum allowable level under varying depth of cut, so that the highest metal removal rate is achieved with a good workpiece surface quality. The control rules are generated heuristically without any analytical model of the grinding process. Based on the real-time force measurement, the control parameters are adapted automatically within a stable range. A National Instrument real-time control computer is implemented in an open architecture control system for the grinding machine. Experimental results show that the cycle time has been reduced by up to 25% over those without force control and by 10-20% compared with the conventional fuzzy logic controller, which indicates its effectiveness in improving the productivity of actual manufacturing processes. The effect of grinding wheel wear is also considered in the creep-feed grinding process, where the grinding force/power can be maintained around the specified value by the proposed MLFC controller as the wheel dulls gradually.