cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Entry and exit in markov-process models estimated from macro data, with applications to shifts between advertising media

We develop a general methodology to account for entry into and exit from a system modeled as a Markov process estimated using macro aggregate-frequency data. By adding a closure state that does not exist in reality, we straightforwardly account for entities that may come into or go out of existence. When collecting macro data to estimate such a process, we cannot see the closure state explicitly, so it is necessary to posit some value for the number (or proportion) of entities in it. By means of extensive designed simulation experiments, we determine the effect of the size of the closure state on estimate, hypothesis-test, and prediction performance. For best point-estimate performance, results indicate that the size of the closure state should be the smallest that it can be theoretically. An application is presented in a model of advertising media-share shifts over the last twenty years. Here, the real states represent specific advertising media among which a firm allocates its advertising budget, while ...
Lumbopelvic Neuromuscular Training and Injury Rehabilitation: A Systematic Review

Objective:The aim of this systematic review was to assess the evidence for lumbopelvic neuromuscular training (LNMT) in individuals after musculoskeletal (MSK) injury.Data Sources:A literature search of PubMed and EMBASE databases was performed for English studies from January 1990 to March 2012. Se
Procedures for exploring women's childbearing motivations, alleviating childbearing conflicts and enhancing maternal role development.

Procedures used in counseling women during their early childbearing and family formation years are described and discussed. The variety of attitudes and motivations associated with conception and childbearing and pregnancy may generate conflicts in the family and adversely affect the mental health of parent and child. Early recognition of these conflicts can better prepare the parents for childrearing and this can be achieved through specific counseling techniques. Several techniques are described to be used with the mother alone including focused recollections intraself dialogues imaginary diaries and practical training in the maternal role. After childbirth sessions on family development and use of videotape playback of mother-infant interactions can be helpful. These procedures can be of special use in women with particular reproductive-related problems and in studies of childbearing motivations.
Hermite polynomial representation of chromatography elution curves

Abstract Elution curves for aqueous solutions of NaCl and β-lactoglobulin were measured for columns packed with porous polyacrylamide gel or non-porous glass particles. The elution curves were mathematically represented by series of Hermite polynomials in terms of the moments of the chromatographic pulses. Fitting the representation to skewed output pulses provides a criterion for trimming tails on elution curves.
WATER‐HOLDING CAPACITY OF VARIOUS SOURCES OF PLANT FIBER

Published values on the water-holding capacities of various food sources of plant fiber were found to be incorrect. The proper calculation for estimating the water-holding capacity is shown. Corrected values for the water-holding capacity of these foods suggest that on a fresh weight basis, or as consumed, wheat bran is far superior to fruits and vegetables in holding water.
Post-Admission Cognitive Therapy (PACT) for the Prevention of Suicide in Military Personnel With Histories of Trauma Treatment Development and Case Example

To date, no inpatient evidence-based psychotherapeutic interventions have been developed for suicidal individuals with psychological trauma. Therefore, we have adapted, refined, implemented, and pi...
Agrobacterium - and microprojectile - mediated viral DNA delivery into barley microspore-derived cultures.

Anther cultures of barley (Hordeum vulgare L. var. “Igri”) were used as targets for Agrobacterium-mediated DNA transfer and direct DNA uptake by particle bombardment. A wheat dwarf virus construct which can replicate to a high copy number in cereal cells provided a sensitive marker for successful DNA delivery. Although DNA delivery was achieved using both procedures, particle bombardment gave more reproducible and higher levels of infection. The ability to deliver DNA into cereal cells which have a high regeneration capacity may provide a route for stable transformation.
Cia27 is a novel non-MHC arthritis severity locus on rat chromosome 10 syntenic to the rheumatoid arthritis 17q22-q25 locus.

Cia27 is a novel non-MHC arthritis severity locus on rat chromosome 10 syntenic to the rheumatoid arthritis 17q22–q25 locus
Optical Information Processing: Systems, Materials, And Devices

Optical information processing is a title given to a wide range of optical system technologies aimed at providing a solution to the ever-growing need for higher throughput in information processing. A particularly important requirement that often accompanies the general need for increased data pro cessing throughput is that such systems be constrained in their size, complexity, and power requirements. Such constraints are typical of airborne, space-based, and robot systems.
Sebastian syndrome: case report and review of the literature

Macrothromboctyopenias (MTCP) are a heterogeneous group of disorders associated with thrombocytopenia and giant platelets, and may include other clinical or laboratory findings such as hereditary nephritis, sensorineural deafness, leukocyte inclusions, and cataracts. Patients with MTCP may have mild to moderate bleeding symptoms or be completely asymptomatic. The most recently described MTCP is the Sebastian syndrome (SS), which consists of thrombocytopenia with giant platelets and leukocyte inclusions. Only three previous reports about this syndrome have been published. Herein, we report the first African-American family with SS. The propositus is a 4-week-old male born to a mother carrying the diagnosis of chronic idiopathic thrombocytopenia purpura (ITP). His 4-year-old brother also has thrombocytopenia. There is no history of bleeding symptoms in any of the family members. The diagnosis was established by demonstrating thrombocytopenia with giant platelets and leukocyte inclusions on both peripheral smear and by electron microscopy. This report illustrates the importance of obtaining a family history when evaluating thrombocytopenia with special emphasis on a history of thrombocytopenia, renal disease, deafness, and cataracts. It is important to differentiate between MTCP and chronic ITP to avoid the unnecessary diagnostic studies, and, more critically, unneeded and potentially harmful therapy. Am. J. Hematol. 61:62–65, 1999. © 1999 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
A fully decompressed synthetic bacteriophage øX174 genome assembled and archived in yeast.

The 5386 nucleotide bacteriophage oX174 genome has a complicated architecture that encodes 11 gene products via overlapping protein coding sequences spanning multiple reading frames. We designed a 6302 nucleotide synthetic surrogate, oX174.1, that fully separates all primary phage protein coding sequences along with cognate translation control elements. To specify oX174.1f, a decompressed genome the same length as wild type, we truncated the gene F coding sequence. We synthesized DNA encoding fragments of oX174.1f and used a combination of in vitro- and yeast-based assembly to produce yeast vectors encoding natural or designer bacteriophage genomes. We isolated clonal preparations of yeast plasmid DNA and transfected E. coli C strains. We recovered viable oX174 particles containing the oX174.1f genome from E. coli C strains that independently express full-length gene F. We expect that yeast can serve as a genomic ‘drydock’ within which to maintain and manipulate clonal lineages of other obligate lytic phage.
Secondary conditions and women with physical disabilities: a descriptive study.

Abstract Coyle CP, Santiago MC, Shank JW, Ma GX, Boyd R. Secondary conditions and women with physical disabilities: a descriptive study. Arch Phys Med Rehabil 2000;81:1380-7. Objective: To examine secondary conditions and their relationship to life satisfaction in women with physical disabilities. Design: Survey research. Setting: Metropolitan Philadelphia. Participants: Women aged 18 to 65 years with self-reported functional limitations associated with neurologic, neuromuscular, brain, sensory, arthritic, spinal cord, orthopedic, or other chronic conditions. Main Outcome Measures: Secondary conditions, health status, functional status, and life satisfaction. Results: In the past year, an average of 12 ± 6.1 (SD) secondary conditions were experienced. Fatigue, mobility, physical deconditioning, spasticity, and joint pain were reported most frequently, followed by depression, chronic pain, access problems, weight problems, and isolation. In comparing women with multiple sclerosis (MS) and those with other disabling conditions, women with MS had higher secondary conditions problem index (SCPI) scores for bladder, bowel, and sexual dysfunction than women in the mixed disability group. Other secondary conditions with the highest SCPI scores remained similar. Self-reported emotional health status and SCPI scores were the only significant predictors of life satisfaction. Conclusion: Secondary conditions influence health status and quality of life for women with physical disabilities. Despite differences among disability groups in terms of the type of secondary conditions, common secondary conditions experienced by most women may be amenable to non–disability-specific health promotion programs. © 2000 by the American Congress of Rehabilitation Medicine and the American Academy of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation
Association of plasma levels of F11 receptor/junctional adhesion molecule-A (F11R/JAM-A) with human atherosclerosis.

Objectives The purpose of this study was to determine the association of the F11 receptor (F11R) with human vascular disease. Background A molecule identified as critical for platelet adhesion to a cytokine-inflamed endothelial surface in vitro is F11R. The F11R is known to be expressed in platelets and endothelium and reported recently to be overexpressed in atherosclerotic plaques. Methods A novel enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was developed for the measurement of soluble F11R in human plasma. The F11R levels, along with a number of other biomarkers, were measured in 389 male patients with known or suspected coronary artery disease (CAD) undergoing coronary angiography at a Veterans Administration Medical Center. Results Patients with normal or nonobstructive disease (CAD angiographic score of 0), mild-to-moderate disease (score of 1 to 3), and severe disease (score of 4 to 6) had median F11R plasma levels of 38.6 pg/ml (mean 260 ± 509.6 pg/ml), 45.2 pg/ml (mean 395.3 ± 752.7 pg/ml), and 105.8 pg/ml (mean 629 ± 831.7 pg/ml), respectively (p = 0.03). By multivariate analysis, the variables independently associated with CAD score were age, hyperlipidemia, chronic renal insufficiency, left ventricular function, and plasma F11R levels. The F11R was the only biomarker that was independently associated with CAD score. Consistent with the previously reported effects of tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha on F11R expression in cultured endothelial cells, F11R levels correlated strongly with plasma TNF-alpha levels (r = 0.84; p Conclusions Plasma F11R is independently associated with the presence and severity of angiographically defined CAD. By virtue of its strong correlation to plasma TNF-alpha, F11R may be an important mediator of the effects of inflammation on the vessel wall. Strategies that block F11R may represent a novel approach to the treatment of human atherosclerosis.
Low Speed Design and Analysis of Wing/Winglet Combinations Including Viscous Effects

The design and analysis of winglets is presented from an aerodynamic point of view. The winglets considered are small fences placed upward at the tip of the wing to improve the wing efficiency by decreasing the induced drag for a given lift. Viscous corrections are accounted for by using a two-dimensional viscous polar, with the assumption that at design conditions the flow is fully attached. The comparison of the inviscid and viscous designs indicates that viscosity has little effect on the optimum geometry. In the presence of viscous drag, the winglets produce a small thrust; due to viscosity, the overall efficiency gain is decreased. The effect of a small yaw angle on a wing equipped with such optimal winglets indicates that, even in the presence of viscous effects, they provide weathercock stability.
C‐(1‐Chloroethyl) N‐Cyclohexyl Nitrone

[37898-42-3] C9H16ClNO (MW 189.69) InChI = 1S/C9H16ClNO/c1-8(10)7-11(12)9-5-3-2-4-6-9/h7-9H,2-6H2,1H3 InChIKey = HTOPNYMGDPNMOC-UHFFFAOYSA-N (nitrone precursor of N-cyclohexyl-N-1-propenylnitrosonium cation, i.e. N-alkyl-N-vinylnitrosonium cations1) Alternate Names: α-(1-chloroethyl) N-cyclohexyl nitrone; α-chloro-N-cyclohexylpropanaldonitrone; N-(2-chloropropylidene-N-cyclohexylamine N-oxide. Physical Data: mp 73–75 °C. Solubility: sol ether, ethanol, dichloromethane, 1,2-dichloroethane, liquid sulfur dioxide. Form Supplied in: not commercially available. Preparative Methods: by condensation of freshly distilled 2-chloropropanal and N-cyclohexylhydroxylamine in anhydrous ether and dichloromethane in the presence of magnesium sulfate at 0 °C.2a Recrystallization is from a mixture of ether and pentane. N-Cyclohexylhydroxylamine hydrochloride is commercially available and the free base is easily liberated. The simpler aldonitrones, C-chloromethyl N-cyclohexyl and N-tert-butyl nitrones, are made by chlorination of the appropriate C-methyl N-alkyl nitrone with N-chlorosuccinimide in carbon tetrachloride at 0 °C.2a Handling, Storage, and Precautions: may be stored in a freezer under argon, but it slowly becomes yellow on standing at room temperature. For best results it should be used shortly after preparation.
Quinol Oxidase Encoded by cyoABCD in Rhizobium etli CFN42 is Regulated by ActSR and is Crucial for Growth at Low pH or Low Iron Conditions

Rhizobium etli aerobically respires with several terminal oxidases. The quinol oxidase (Cyo) encoded by cyoABCD is needed for efficient adaptation to low oxygen conditions and cyo transcription is upregulated at low oxygen. This study sought to determine how transcription of the cyo operon is regulated. The 5′ sequence upstream of cyo was analysed in silico and revealed putative binding sites for ActR of the ActSR two-component regulatory system. The expression of cyo was decreased in an actSR mutant regardless of the oxygen condition. As ActSR is known to be important for growth under low pH in another rhizobial species, the effect of growth medium pH on cyo expression was tested. As the pH of the media was incrementally decreased, cyo expression gradually increased in the WT, eventually reaching ∼10-fold higher levels at low pH (4.8) compared with neutral pH (7.0) conditions. This upregulation of cyo under decreasing pH conditions was eliminated in the actSR mutant. Both the actSR and cyo mutants had severe growth defects at low pH (4.8). Lastly, the actSR and cyo mutants had severe growth defects when grown in media treated with an iron chelator. Under these conditions, cyo was upregulated in the WT, whereas cyo was not induced in the actSR mutant. Altogether, the results indicated cyo expression is largely dependent on the ActSR two-component system. This study also demonstrated additional physiological roles for Cyo in R. etli CFN42, in which it is the preferred oxidase for growth under acidic and low iron conditions.
A Comparison of Enzymatic and Lime Treatments for Extraction of Alcohol Soluble Solids from Citrus Peel

Digestion of citrus wastes by pectolytic and cellulolytic enzymes was compared to the currently employed lime method of solubilizing solids from citrus peel. Maximal soluble solids removed from the pressed peel occurred after 6 hr incubation at 45°C with a pectinase concentration of 1.0 PGu/g peel mixture. Decreasing the particle size of the peel caused a 4 - 10% increase in solids removal after enzyme treatment. Addition of cellulase enzyme (20 CEu/g peel mixture) to pectinase enzyme (1.0 PGu/g peel mixture) removed an additional 15% soluble solids from peel. Glucose, fructose, arabinose, and xylose were the major sugars extracted from enzymetreated peel, while sucrose was the major sugar in lime-treated peel samples. Organic acids (citric, malic, and quinic) were present at higher concentrations in lime-treated peel extracts than in enzymetreated peel extracts.
From contingencies to network-level phenomena: multilevel analysis of activity and actors in heterogeneous networked learning environments

Learning in social settings is a complex phenomenon that involves multiple processes at individual and collective levels of agency. Thus, a richer understanding of learning in socio-technical networks will be furthered by analytic methods that can move between and coordinate analyses of individual, small group and network level phenomena. This paper outlines Traces, an analytic framework designed to address these and other needs, and gives examples of the framework's practical utility using data from the Tapped In educator professional network. The Traces framework identifies observable contingencies between events and uses these to build more abstract models of interaction and ties represented as graphs. Applications are illustrated to identification of sessions and key participants in the sessions, relations between sessions as mediated by participants, and longer-term participant roles.
Revision of the Mexican Checkered Beetle Genus Dologenitus Opitz (Coleoptera: Cleridae: Clerinae)

ABSTRACT The clerine checkered beetle genus Dologenitus Opitz, new replacement name for Poecilochroa Chevrolat, 1876 (Insecta: Coleoptera: Cleridae), a junior primary homonym of Poecilochroa Westring, 1874 (Arachnida: Araneae: Gnaphosidae), is proposed and described to include Clerus cyanipennis Klug, Clerus nigrocinctus Klug, and Enoclerus paludatus (Vaurie). The new genus is based on four synapotypic characters that distinguish these beetles from other New World clerines and establish the monophyletic status of the genus. The characters are: stout dorsal setae particularly notable on the elytral disc; females with a dagger-like ovipositor; absence of an interspicular plate; and the female reproductive system without a saccular bursa copulatrix. Lectotypes are designated for D. cyanipennis (Klug), and Eurycranus pulchellus Wolcott and Placopterus obscuripes Pic are considered its junior synonyms. Clerus retrocinctus Corporaal and Clerus latefasciatus Wolcott are synonymized with D. nigrocinctus (Klug). D...
Identification of ultrastructural changes in liver allografts of patients experiencing primary nonfunction.

Abstract Background Primary nonfunction (PNF) after liver transplantation is fatal without timely retransplantation. PNF has been associated with many risk factors, but the etiology remains unknown in most cases. Using electron microscopy, we examined the hepatic ultrastructure of donor allografts in patients experiencing PNF and compared the findings with a well-matched group of other donor allografts. Materials and Methods Archival paraffin-embedded pre- and post-reperfusion donor liver biopsies were examined by electron microscopy in 10 patients with PNF and in 10 controls, matched by donor age ± 5 years, gender, cold ischemic time ± 1 hour, and donor cause of death. Mitochondria, endoplasmic reticulum, sinusoidal endothelial cells, and the glycogen content of the cells were assessed. The donors’ serum peak transaminases, bilirubin and sodium levels, as well as the recipient age and serum creatinine were compared. Results There were no significant differences in recipient age at the time of transplantation, peak recipient serum creatinine, donor peak serum transaminase, sodium or bilirubin levels. In all cases, the endoplasmic reticulum and sinusoidal endothelial cells were ultrastructurally normal. Hepatocytes had variable degrees of glycogen pooling. Hepatic steatosis and intramitochondrial inclusions cells were present in 5/10 PNF compared to 0/10 controls patients on preperfusion liver biopsy (P = .17). Conclusion Liver allografts from patients suffering from PNF can have mitochondrial ultrastructural changes on preperfusion biopsies.
Developing trust in virtual teams

A research project with distributed electronic teams was conducted to examine how virtual temporary teams quickly develop and maintain trust relationships with people that they hardly know, and may never meet again, with the goal of producing interdependent work. The authors collected data from 14 teams of students from three different universities with the aim of providing a theoretical and empirical explanation of what temporary, distributed teams do to produce trust as a foundation for cooperative work. The results suggest that high levels of trust were maintained in teams that engaged in continuous and frequent interaction, were more efficient in moving through the phases of the project, focused on the work content of their projects, and achieved sufficient amounts of social penetration during the first part of the project to increase their work effectiveness throughout its conclusion. The implications of trust in virtual teams are discussed.
Corrosion of polycrystalline ZnSe by alternating high voltage in a saline solution

Prolonged exposure of chemical vapor deposited, polycrystalline ZnSe to high ac voltages in the presence of a 1 molal NaCl solution induces severe mechanical damage. The damage takes the form of defects which originate at the surface and grow intergranularly into the bulk with a bush-like morphology. Neither exposure to the salt solution in the absence of the high voltage nor low voltage dc electrolytic exposure produces the defects. The damage may be associated with an intergranular hydride phase or grain boundary impurity segregations present or formed during the environmental exposure.
Common-case computation: a high-level energy and performance optimization technique

This paper proposes a novel circuit design methodology, called common-case computation (CCC)-based design, and new design automation algorithms for optimizing energy consumption and performance. The proposed techniques are applicable in conjunction with any high-level design methodology, where a structural register-transfer level (RTL) description and its corresponding scheduled behavioral (cycle-accurate functional) description are available. It is a well-known fact that in behavioral descriptions of hardware circuits (and also in software programs), a small set of computations often account for most of the computational complexity. However, in the hardware implementations (structural RTL or lower level), the common cases and the remaining computations are typically treated alike. This paper shows that identifying and exploiting common cases during the design process can lead to implementations that are much more efficient in terms of energy consumption and performance.
An evaluation of transducer design and algorithm performance for two dimensional phase aberration correction

In vivo measurements of phase aberration profiles in the breast are used to investigate the geometric requirements for phased arrays to be used in adaptive imaging. Simulation studies are then described which compare the performance of several proposed techniques for phase aberration correction. The results describe the impact of noise, dead elements and other factors on the performance of these systems. >
A Service Engineering Approach to a Mobile Parking Guidance System in uHealthcare

The paper describes a service engineering modeling of the integration of a parking guidance system (PGS) services with an electronic health record (EHR) system. The integrated system provides services for two groups of healthcare users: (1) patients who need urgent care, and (2) healthcare providers who perform emergency operations. By entering a zip code and basic patient data, the system would return the three 120 most optimal urgent care providers, from which the user could choose and submit essential patient data to; the system would then return 3 progressive levels of navigation information: (1) from home to hospital, (2) at hospitalpsilas parking facility, and (3) inside hospital; furthermore, the system would reserve a parking space and complete registration prior to the patientpsilas arrival. For healthcare providers, the system could be used to reserve a parking space in advance, or to obtain a parking space, along with the latest patientpsilas medical data at the parking facility. To provide truly ubiquitous healthcare (uHealthcare) services, the system must be available to mobile devices; hence, the server has been implemented as a Web service server, and a mobile Web service client, along with its desktop counterpart, is part of the integrated system. Lastly, this integrated system also addresses various security issues regarding the transmission of patientpsilas medical record data, which includes the privacy, integrity, and confidentiality of the data, along with the authentication and authorizations of the requestor.
Designing High Performance Systems-on-Chip [Wednesday keynote address]

Summary form only given, as follows. Experience state-of-the art design through the eyes of two experts that help shape these advanced chips! In this unique dual-keynote, the design process at two leading companies will be discussed. The speakers will cover key challenges, engineering decisions and design methodologies to achieve top performance and turn-around time. The presentations describe where EDA meets practice under the most advanced nodes, so will be of key interest to both designers and EDA professionals alike.
Particle sizing with a laser transmittance photometer and the Mie theory

A new method is proposed for nondestructively sizing particles in suspension with a special transmittance photometer. Its axial photocell has a controllable acceptance angle, γ. Extinction, E(\gamma) = \log_{10} transmittance-1of a suspension is measured with several γ-values. The results are used to calculate the ratio E(\gamma)/E(0) , the fraction of the total light scattered at angles larger than γ. For three γ-values, this ratio is interpreted in terms of particle size with the Mie equations for scattering or the equivalent. Tests with calibrated latex spheres (diameter 0.2-6.0 \mu m) indicate the method to be reasonably accurate. Its advantages are convenience, simplicity of the apparatus and procedure, and the fact that it can nondestructively monitor ongoing processes which alter structure, i.e., in live biological cells or large components thereof.
Aircraft Loss of Control Causal Factors and Mitigation Challenges

Loss of control is the leading cause of jet fatalities worldwide. Aside from their frequency of occurrence, accidents resulting from loss of aircraft control seize the public s attention by yielding a large number of fatalities in a single event. In response to the rising threat to aviation safety, the NASA Aviation Safety Program has conducted a study of the loss of control problem. This study gathered four types of information pertaining to loss of control accidents: (1) statistical data; (2) individual accident reports that cite loss of control as a contributing factor; (3) previous meta-analyses of loss of control accidents; and (4) inputs solicited from aircraft manufacturers, air carriers, researchers, and other industry stakeholders. Using these information resources, the study team identified the causal factors that were cited in the greatest number of loss of control accidents, and which were emphasized most by industry stakeholders. This report describes the study approach, the key causal factors for aircraft loss of control, and recommended mitigation strategies to make near-term impacts, mid-term impacts, and Next Generation Air Transportation System impacts on the loss of control accident statistics
The Relationship of Strategic Planning to Financial Performance

The relationship between financial performance and characteristics of corporate planning systems was investigated/Planning systems that combined an external focus with a long-term perspective were found to be associated with superior 10-year total return to stockholders. A lagged relationship between such systems and 4-year average annual returns to investors also was identified.
A comparison of American and international prototypes of successful managers

In the present study, similarities and differences between prototypes of successful managers were examined across four cultural groups: Americans, Europeans, Asians, and Latin Americans. Managers from the hospitality industry (N = 366) used an 84–item attribute inventory to rate a successful middle manager. In addition, Americans' stereotypes of ethnic managers were compared with prototypes held by managers from those ethnic cultures. Specifically, American managers' perceptions of Asian and Hispanic managers were compared against Asian and Hispanic/Latin American managers' prototypes. A high level of correspondence in prototype characteristics was found across the four cultural groups. In addition, American-defined ethnic manager stereotypes also contained profiles similar to cultural prototypes. However, important differences were also detected on many managerial characteristics. Implications of the findings for cross-cultural congruence and areas for future research are discussed.
Membrane translocation of TRPC6 channels and endothelial migration are regulated by calmodulin and PI3 kinase activation.

Lipid oxidation products, including lysophosphatidylcholine (lysoPC), activate canonical transient receptor potential 6 (TRPC6) channels leading to inhibition of endothelial cell (EC) migration in vitro and delayed EC healing of arterial injuries in vivo. The precise mechanism through which lysoPC activates TRPC6 channels is not known, but calmodulin (CaM) contributes to the regulation of TRPC channels. Using site-directed mutagenesis, cDNAs were generated in which Tyr99 or Tyr138 of CaM was replaced with Phe, generating mutant CaM, Phe99-CaM, or Phe138-CaM, respectively. In ECs transiently transfected with pcDNA3.1-myc-His-Phe99-CaM, but not in ECs transfected with pcDNA3.1-myc-His-Phe138-CaM, the lysoPC-induced TRPC6-CaM dissociation and TRPC6 externalization was disrupted. Also, the lysoPC-induced increase in intracellular calcium concentration was inhibited in ECs transiently transfected with pcDNA3.1-myc-His-Phe99-CaM. Blocking phosphorylation of CaM at Tyr99 also reduced CaM association with the p85 subunit and subsequent activation of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K). This prevented the increase in phosphatidylinositol (3,4,5)-trisphosphate (PIP3) and the translocation of TRPC6 to the cell membrane and reduced the inhibition of EC migration by lysoPC. These findings suggest that lysoPC induces CaM phosphorylation at Tyr99 by a Src family kinase and that phosphorylated CaM activates PI3K to produce PIP3, which promotes TRPC6 translocation to the cell membrane.
Analysis of Reading Comprehension Data

One direct route to examining the strengths and weaknesses of alternative models of measurement is to watch them in actual head-to-head competition. In truth, we are not looking for a single winner but rather for a demonstration of how each model might address the several problems inherent in a relatively large-scale investigation of student performance. Towards this end we searched for a well-documented achievement test dataset with a substantive sample size, to which, either as a whole or in part, we could apply the S-P, Rasch, 3-parameter and Generalizability analyses. The task in this chapter is to explain, briefly, the outcomes and interpretations generated by each model.
Evidence supporting a critical contribution of intrinsically disordered regions to the biochemical behavior of full-length human HP1γ

HP1γ, a non-histone chromatin protein, has elicited significant attention because of its role in gene silencing, elongation, splicing, DNA repair, cell growth, differentiation, and many other cancer-associated processes, including therapy resistance. These characteristics make it an ideal target for developing small drugs for both mechanistic experimentation and potential therapies. While high-resolution structures of the two globular regions of HP1γ, the chromo- and chromoshadow domains, have been solved, little is currently known about the conformational behavior of the full-length protein. Consequently, in the current study, we use threading, homology-based molecular modeling, molecular mechanics calculations, and molecular dynamics simulations to develop models that allow us to infer properties of full-length HP1γ at an atomic resolution level. HP1γ appears as an elongated molecule in which three Intrinsically Disordered Regions (IDRs, 1, 2, and 3) endow this protein with dynamic flexibility, intermolecular recognition properties, and the ability to integrate signals from various intracellular pathways. Our modeling also suggests that the dynamic flexibility imparted to HP1γ by the three IDRs is important for linking nucleosomes with PXVXL motif-containing proteins, in a chromatin environment. The importance of the IDRs in intermolecular recognition is illustrated by the building and study of both IDR2 HP1γ-importin-α and IDR1 and IDR2 HP1γ-DNA complexes. The ability of the three IDRs for integrating cell signals is demonstrated by combined linear motif analyses and molecular dynamics simulations showing that posttranslational modifications can generate a histone mimetic sequence within the IDR2 of HP1γ, which when bound by the chromodomain can lead to an autoinhibited state. Combined, these data underscore the importance of IDRs 1, 2, and 3 in defining the structural and dynamic properties of HP1γ, discoveries that have both mechanistic and potentially biomedical relevance.
Early detection of response to therapy: Reduction of binding of the anti-GD2 antibody ch14.18 to SH-SY5Y neuroblastoma cells precedes retinoic acid effects on cell growth

1097 Objectives It has previously been shown that GD2 can be used as a target for radioimmunodetection of neuroblastoma. Chemotherapeutics such as retinoic acid (RA) change the cellular expression levels of proteins and other molecules, detection of which by imaging could give an indication of sensitivity to therapy. This study tested the hypothesis that: Retinoic acid therapy of neuroblastoma cells modulates expression levels of GD2 as detected by radiolabeled antibody. Methods SH-SY5Y human neuroblastoma cells were grown for up to 8 d in medium containing either all trans-retinoic acid (ATRA) or 13-cis-retinoic acid (13-cis-RA, both at 10 µM). RA-treated and control cells were then incubated with the [Cu-64]-labeled anti-GD2 antibody ch14.18 for 1 h, washed, and the Cu-64 bound to the cells was measured. Cellular protein was measured by UV absorbance following solubilisation in 1 M NaOH. Results After 2 d of RA therapy, the decrease in anti-GD2 antibody binding (ng of antibody binding per mg of cellular protein) was significant compared with controls, and was even greater after 4 d (see table). However, the effect of therapy on cell growth did not become significant until 6 d. Conclusions These in vitro data indicate that changes in cellular expression of GD2 preceded changes in cell growth, suggesting that imaging with [Cu-64]-labeled ch14.18 could be used to monitor response to RA therapy in vivo. Using changes in GD2 expression as a biomarker of response would improve treatment outcome by informing individual patient treatment. Research Support Society for Pediatric Radiology Seed Grant Award (to JLJD)
Production of Σ + K + by π + − p Interactions at 1111, 1206, and 1265 MeV c

The reaction ${\ensuremath{\pi}}^{+}+p\ensuremath{\rightarrow}{\ensuremath{\Sigma}}^{+}+{K}^{+}$ has been studied at incident pion momenta of 1111, 1206, and $1265 \frac{\mathrm{MeV}}{c}$ in the Lawrence Radiation Laboratory 72-in. liquid-hydrogen bubble chamber. The cross section for this process was found to be 144\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}10 \ensuremath{\mu}b at $1111 \frac{\mathrm{MeV}}{c}$, 214\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}15 \ensuremath{\mu}b at $1206 \frac{\mathrm{MeV}}{c}$, and 278\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}20 \ensuremath{\mu}b at $1265 \frac{\mathrm{MeV}}{c}$. The measured value of the mean lifetime of the ${\ensuremath{\Sigma}}^{+}$ was (0.76\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.03)\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}${10}^{\ensuremath{-}10}$ sec. Decay asymmetries gave values of ${\ensuremath{\alpha}}^{+}\overline{P}$ of -0.16\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.15, 0.05\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.14, and 0.30\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.14, and values of ${\ensuremath{\alpha}}^{0}\overline{P}$ of 0.50\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.13, 0.37\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.13, and 0.68\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.12 at 1111, 1206, and $1265 \frac{\mathrm{MeV}}{c}$, respectively. The angular distribution of the ${\ensuremath{\Sigma}}^{+}$ hyperons and ${\ensuremath{\alpha}}^{0}P$ as a function of the ${\ensuremath{\Sigma}}^{+}$ production angle are presented at each of the three momenta, along with the results of partial-wave analyses based on these distributions.
A METHOD TO INTERFACE AUTO-GENERATED CODE INTO AN OBJECT-ORIENTED SIMULATION FRAMEWORK

Sophisticated computer-based tool packages allow control system researchers to develop and analyze complex control systems from their desktops. Tools such as Matrix X and Matlab are capable of producing autogenerated code of control system diagrams as an output option. Validation requirements are greatly reduced when the auto-generated code can be directly installed into an engineering simulation program.
Antagonistic effects of lycopene on the reduced colony-forming capacity of mice bone marrow hematopoietic stem cells caused by benzene

Objective To explore the effects of benzene on the colony-forming capacity of mice bone marrow(BM) hematopoietic stem cells(HSC) in vitro and on the genetic damage of hprt gene,and to observe antagonistic effects of lycopene.Methods Mice were randomly divided into 4 groups(benzene group,lycopene group,combined group and saline group),2 weeks after the exposure,the level of MDA was assayed and hprt gene mutation frequencies were tested by semi-solid cultures with 6-TG incorporation.In vitro colony-forming capacity(CFC) of HSC was tested by defined semi-solid culture medium.Results The level of MDA in benzene group was significantly higher than those of the saline group and the lycopene group(P0.05),while the level of MDA in combined group was significantly reduced.The frequency of hprt gene was not affected by benzene in HSC.Compared with the saline group,multi-lineage CFC counts and total CFC counts in benzene group were significantly reduced(P0.05).CFC counts in the combined group were significantly higher than those in benzene group(39.20±19.36 vs 19.07±10.15,P0.05).Conclusion Benzene could damage the CFC of bone marrow HSC,which could be antagonised by lycopene.
System-Z+: a formalism for reasoning with variable-strength defaults

We develop a formalism for reasoning with defaults that are expressed with different levels of firmness. Necessary and sufficient conditions for consistency are established, and a unique ranking of the rules is found, called Z+, which renders models as normal as possible subject to the consistency conditions. We provide the necessary machinery for testing consistency, computing the Z+ ranking and drawing the set of plausible conclusions it entails.
Calibration of Radiometric Data for Relativity and Solar Plasma During a Solar Conjunction

The round trip propagation time of a radio signal passing close to the Sun is affected by the charged particle environment of the solar plasma and the increased path length associated with the curvature of space predicted by general relativity. It has been difficult to separate estimates of the individual contributions to the signal delay. In January 1997, the Near Earth Asteroid Rendezvous (NEAR) spacecraft passed through a deep solar conjunction. For a month before and after conjunction, the spacecraft was pointed at the Sun and attitude operations were suspended. Since the NEAR spacecraft is equipped with two way X-band Doppler and range and the spacecraft attitude was favorable, a high precision spacecraft ephemeris was obtained. Data from the solar conjunction period of the NEAR mission is used to solve explicitly for the total electron content of the solar plasma along the signal path by using the signal delay in the range data to calibrate the signal advance in the Doppler data. The result is a precise estimate of the general relativity delay, and of the total electron content along the signal path, which can be used to improve models of the plasma emanating from the Sun. The general relativity parameter y is determined to less than 0.5 percent, which is competitive with the most accurate current verifications of general relativity.
Mercury and Neurodegeneration

Abstract Mercury (Hg) is a naturally occurring, nonessential metal that humans encounter through diet, industry, and natural health products. Hg has wide-reaching effects on the nervous system and is accepted as a neurotoxicant that promotes neurodegeneration and causes neurodevelopmental abnormalities. This chapter discusses sources of Hg exposure, metabolism and dietary interactions, and the biochemical mechanisms through which Hg interferes with neurological function and development.
An Introduction to Kant's Ethics: The Formula of Legislation for a Moral Community

T he first formula commands us to act autonomously, on maxims fit to serve as the formal structure of a moral world. The second formula commands us to to recognize that all persons have objective value and so are obligatory “matter.” Kant called the third formula the most comprehensive variation of the Categorical Imperative, combining both the matter and the form of our moral life (431, 436): “Every rational being must act as if by his maxims he were at all times a legislative member of the universal kingdom of ends” (438; see 431, 434). THE ROLE OF THE THIRD FORMULA The third formula presents us with a moral vision of our final and comprehensive collective destiny, thereby satisfying our rational need for an ultimate goal. It is our nature as reasoning beings, Kant wrote, to seek ultimate answers. Partial or tentative answers will not do, for we seek explanations that are comprehensive as well as final. He summarized our quest for finalities by asking three questions. The first was, What can I know? and his answer (in his Critique of Pure Reason ) was that what we can know is limited to what we can learn through experience, through our senses. The second question was, What ought I to do? and the answer, as we have seen, was, “Fulfill your moral vocation, by adopting and acting on the Law of Autonomy.” The third question was, If I do what I ought to do, what may I then hope? Kant addressed this question most fully in his Religion within the Limits of Reason Alone .
Constitutional Disorders: Whole Exome and Whole Genome Sequencing

Due to relatively recent technological breakthroughs, genomic sequencing, including (whole) exome and (whole) genome sequencing, are becoming more frequently used tools in the general practice of clinical medicine. The study of and the care for patients with constitutional disorders has been especially heavily impacted by the recent revolution in genomic sequencing methodologies. Genomic sequencing now allows the discovery of many new etiologies of genomic disease and the more rapid identification of causes in individuals affected by diverse genetic conditions. This chapter will discuss clinical applications of genomic sequencing as they apply to constitutional disorders. These discussions will include general techniques and strategies aimed at maximizing yield from genomic data sets, including potential pitfalls that frequently arise. This chapter will additionally describe many of the positive effects, as well as some of the more challenging consequences of the rapidly increasing prevalence of genomic sequencing.
Molecular Epidemiology of Ascaris Infection Among Pigs in Iowa

Ascaris is a large roundworm parasite that infects humans and pigs throughout the world. Molecular markers have been used to study parasite transmission in Ascaris-endemic and -nonendemic regions of the world. In the United States, ascariasis still persists in commercial swine and has been designated a neglected disease of poverty in humans. However, relatively few data are available for evaluation of zoonotic transmission. In the present study, we obtained adult worms from abattoirs and characterized each worm on the basis of the gene encoding nuclear internal transcribed sequence (ITS) and mitochondrial cox1 Restriction fragment-length polymorphism analysis of ITS revealed swine, human, and hybrid genotypes. cox1 sequences were compared to all complete sequences available in GenBank, and haplotype analysis demonstrated 92 haplotypes worldwide. Sequences from the parasites in this study represented 10 haplotypes, including 6 new haplotypes that have not been previously described. Our results indicate that anthropozoonotic transmission has occurred in the past, resulting in the presence of human genotypes in pigs and supporting further investigation of zoonotic Ascaris transmission in the United States.
From the Cover: Volatile Anesthetics Transiently Disrupt Neuronal Development in Neonatal Rats.

Abstract Volatile anesthetics can cause neuronal and glial toxicity in the developing mammalian brain, as well as long-term defects in learning and memory. The goals of this study were to compare anesthetics using a clinically relevant exposure paradigm, and to assess the anesthetic effects on hippocampal development and behavior. Our hypothesis was that volatile anesthetics disrupt hippocampal development, causing neurobehavioral defects later in life. Bromodeoxyuridine (BrdU) was administered to rats on postnatal day (P)1, and the rats were exposed to volatile anesthetics (isoflurane, sevoflurane, or desflurane) for 2 h on P2. On days P7 and P14, the BrdU-labeled cells were quantified in the hippocampal dentate gyrus using immunohistochemical assays and fluorescent microscopy. Caspase-3 positive cells were quantified on P2 to evaluate apoptosis. The remaining animals underwent behavioral testing at ages 6 weeks and 6 months, using the Morris Water Maze. Significantly fewer BrdU-positive cells were detected in the hippocampal dentate gyrus in both isoflurane and desflurane-treated animals compared with controls at P7, but there were no changes in cell numbers after sevoflurane exposure. Cell counts for all three anesthetics compared with controls were equivalent at P14. Isoflurane or desflurane exposure yielded slight differences in the behavioral tests at 6 weeks, but no differences at 6 months post-exposure. We conclude that a single 2-h exposure at P2 to either isoflurane or desflurane causes a transient disruption of hippocampal neuronal development with no significant detectable long-term effects on learning and memory, whereas the same exposure to sevoflurane has no effects.
Numerical analysis of flame instabilities in narrow channels: Laminar premixed methane/air combustion

Premixed flames propagating within small channels show complex combustion phenomena that differ from flame propagation at conventional scales. Available experimental and numerical studies have docu...