cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Design of Cardiopulmonary Assist Devices for Adult and Pediatric Patients: The Contribution of Robert Eberhart

Beginning in 1976 the University of Pittsburgh (UoP), initially through its Department of Surgery and later including the Swanson School of Engineering and McGowan Institute for Regenerative Medicine, has been actively engaged in the design and clinical utilization of cardiopulmonary assist devices for adult and pediatric patients. In launching these initiatives, the focus was on extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) applied primarily to infants with respiratory distress, congenital and/or acquired cardiac disease. A leader in these early days of ECMO was Professor Robert Eberhart, who not only detailed the underlying bio-transport principles or oxygen and carbon dioxide exchange in ECMO devices, but who also participated in the early clinical utilization of ECMO. Professor Eberhart presented his path-finding results on an annual basis at the national meetings of the American Society for Artificial Internal Organs (ASAIO) with publication in Transactions ASAIO [1–3].Copyright © 2013 by ASME
A New Instrument for Measurements in Cardiovascular Surgery

An instrument for performing measurements in cardiac and vascular operations is described. This device is a modification of a vascular clamp that provides an accurate and simple method for making intracardiac measurements. The instrument is constructed to provide easy readout of even extremely small measurements.
Comparison of eigenvalues for a class of two-point boundary value problems

The theory of u 0-positive operators with respect to a cone in a Banach space is applied to a class of two-point boundary value problems for ordinary differential equations. The existence of a smallest positive eigenvalue is established, and then a comparison theorem for smallest positive eigenvalues is obtained.
On n-step MIR and partition inequalities for integer knapsack and single-node capacitated flow sets

Pochet and Wolsey [Y. Pochet, L.A. Wolsey, Integer knapsack and flow covers with divisible coefficients: polyhedra, optimization and separation, Discrete Applied Mathematics 59 (1995) 57-74] introduced partition inequalities for three substructures arising in various mixed integer programs, namely the integer knapsack set with nonnegative divisible/arbitrary coefficients and two forms of single-node capacitated flow set with divisible coefficients. They developed the partition inequalities by proving properties of the optimal solution in optimizing a linear function over these sets. More recently, the author and Fathi [K. Kianfar, Y. Fathi, Generalized mixed integer rounding inequalities: facets for infinite group polyhedra, Mathematical Programming 120 (2009) 313-346] have introduced the n-step mixed integer rounding (MIR) inequalities for the mixed-integer knapsack set with arbitrary coefficients through a generalization of MIR. In this paper, we show that the n-step MIR generates facet-defining inequalities not only for the three sets considered by Pochet and Wolsey but also for their generalization to the case where coefficients are not necessarily divisible. In the case of divisible coefficients, n-step MIR directly generates the partition inequalities for all three sets (and in some cases stronger inequalities for one of the sets). We show that n-step MIR gives facets for the integer knapsack set with arbitrary coefficients that either dominate or are not obtainable by the partition inequalities. Also, using the n-step MIR, we introduce families of facets for the two capacitated flow sets with arbitrary coefficients for the first time. Our results provide a new perspective based on n-step MIR into the polyhedral properties of these three substructures, extend them to the case of arbitrary coefficients, and underscore the power of n-step MIR to easily generate strong valid inequalities.
Methods for increasing estolide yields in a batch reactor

Estolides are formed when the carboxylic acid group of one fatty acid forms an ester link at the site of unsaturation of another fatty acid. These compounds have the potential to be used in a variety of applications, such as lubricants, greases, plastics, inks, cosmetics, and surfactants. By manipulating the reaction equilibrium, yields of 20% estolide in clay-catalyzed estolide reactions have been increased to 30%. Reactions conducted at 180°C, where water was vented out of the reactor at specific times, not only gave dimer-free estolides but also yields up to 30%. Steam has also been used instead of water with similar results. Estolides were quite stable at temperatures up to 250°C, even when they were exposed to air.
The comprehension of idioms

Four experiments will performed to examine how familiar idioms are interpreted. Subjects had to respond as rapidly as possible whether an idiom had the same or different meaning as a phrase which, on half of the trials, was a paraphrase of either the figurative or literal meaning of the idiom. When subjects were instructed to respond on the basis of either figurative or literal meaning, idioms were matched to their literal and figurative paraphrases equally rapidly. When subjects were instructed to respond only on the basis of literal meaning, idiom-phrase pairs that shared a figurative interpretation took longer to reject as different than idiom pairs that shared no interpretation. These results domonstrated that whenever a familiar idiom is comprehended, both its literal and figurative interpretations are made.
Artificial Radioactivity of Tantalum

Radioactivity has been induced in tantalum by slow neutrons, fast neutrons, and fast deuterons. (1) Slow neutron capture leads to ${\mathrm{Ta}}^{182}$ with a lifetime of 97 days. (2) Fast neutron bombardment excites, in addition, an 8.2 hour period with the emission of electrons, $K$ radiation of Ta, and $\ensuremath{\gamma}$-rays. The process responsible for these effects is probably the capture of one neutron with the ejection of two neutrons. The product nucleus, ${\mathrm{Ta}}^{180}$, goes over to ${\mathrm{Hf}}^{180}$ largely by $K$ electron capture; in this process either $\ensuremath{\gamma}$-rays are emitted or by their internal conversion extranuclear electrons ejected. (3) Deuteron bombardment of tantalum leads to a decay curve affected to such an extent by impurities that the tantalum activity can not be observed clearly.
Problems in comparative research: The example of omnivorousness

Abstract Comparison is one of the most powerful tools used in intellectual inquiry, since an observation made repeatedly is given more credence than is a single observation. In disciplines such as sociology and astronomy, that usually rely on observation rather than experimentation, the researcher has no control over any of the variables in play, so special attention must be paid to all the possible sorts of intended and unintended discrepancies between the cases that are being compared. Here we use the line of studies on the link between omnivorous taste and consumption and social status. First, we examine the role of comparative research on omnivorousness taste from its serendipitous discovery and its evolving conceptualization to questions about its passing. Second, we review six problems of conceptualization, operationalization and measurement encountered in comparative research. Third, we point to six sources of erroneous findings that are due to artifacts introduced by the methodology. Fourth, we show the importance of using alternative methods in comparative research. And finally, we explore the possibility that discrepant findings may be due to changes in the socio-cultural world.
Phonon Raman scattering in InSb/In1-xAlxSb strained-layer superlattices.

Raman scattering has been used to study a variety of InSb/In 1-x Al x Sb strained-layer superlattices grown by magnetron sputter epitaxy. The observed frequencies of zone-folded longitudinal acoustic phonons agree well with those calculated using Rytov's theory of acoustic vibrations in layered media. The intensities of these phonons do not coincide with those calculated within the regime of the photoelastic mechanism for light scattering because the exciting light energy is close to resonance with superlattice electronic transitions. The longitudinal optic phonons in In 1-x Al x Sb layers exhibit two-mode behavior and their shift due to the intralayer strain is discussed
Effects of morphine on cyclic AMP levels in the prostate glands of the mouse.

Morphine sulfate (20 mg/kg daily × 5 or 10 days) failed to produce any significant changes in the weights of the testes, liver or sex accessory organs. Injections of morphine for 1, 5 or 10 days caused significant increases in the prostate gland levels of 3H-cAMP (P < 0.01). Levels of 3H-cAMP formed from 3H-adenosine and endogenous cAMP were likewise observed to be elevated when prostate glands were incubated in vitro with varying concentrations of morphine sulfate. When morphine sulfate (10, 20 or 40 mg/kg daily for 1, 5 or 10 days) was injected (s.c.), endogenous cyclic AMP levels were also significantly elevated in the prostate gland. The higher doses of morphine and the longer duration of its administration caused the greatest degree of elevation of endogenous cAMP. These dose regimens exerted little effect upon the liver's ability to metabolize tritiated testosterone.
Rapid spread of the defensive endosymbiont Spiroplasma in Drosophila hydei under high parasitoid wasp pressure.

Maternally transmitted endosymbionts of insects are ubiquitous in nature and play diverse roles in the ecology and evolution of their hosts. To persist in host lineages, many symbionts manipulate host reproduction to their advantage (e.g. cytoplasmic incompatibility and male-killing), or confer fitness benefits to their hosts (e.g. metabolic provisioning and defense against natural enemies). Recent studies suggest that strains of the bacterial genus Spiroplasma protect their host (flies in the genus Drosophila ) against parasitoid attack. The Spiroplasma -conferred protection is partial and flies surviving a wasp attack have reduced adult longevity and fecundity. Therefore, it is unclear whether protection against wasps alone can counter Spiroplasma loss by imperfect maternal transmission and any possible fitness costs to harboring Spiroplasma . To address this question, we conducted a population cage study comparing Spiroplasma frequencies over time (host generations) under conditions of high wasp pressure and no wasp pressure. A dramatic increase of Spiroplasma prevalence was observed under high wasp pressure. In contrast, Spiroplasma prevalence in the absence of wasps did not change significantly over time; a pattern consistent with random drift. Thus, the defensive mechanism may contribute to the high prevalence of Spiroplasma in host populations despite imperfect vertical transmission.
Kinetic and structural effects of mutations of the catalytic amino- terminal proline in 4-oxalocrotonate tautomerase

The catalytic general base, Pro-1, of the enzyme 4-oxalocrotonate tautomerase has been mutated to Gly, Ala, Val, and Leu, residues with aliphatic side chains. The Val mutant was partially (55%) processed by removal of the amino-terminal methionine to yield P1V/M1P2V, while the Leu mutant was not processed and completely retained methionine (M1P2L). The M1P2L mutant lost 2300-fold in kcat with no change in Km, and the residual activity of the unresolvable P1V/M1P2V mixture could be explained by the summation of two activities, one equal to that of M1P2L and the other equal to that of the P1G mutant. The P1G and P1A mutants showed 76- and 58-fold decreases in kcat and much smaller decreases in Km of 4- and 2.8-fold, respectively. The dissociation constant of the substrate analog cis,cis-muconate decreased 1.7-fold in the P1G mutant as determined by NMR titration. 2D 1H-15N HSQC spectra and 3D 1H-15N NOESY HSQC spectra of the 15N-labeled P1G mutant showed no structural differences from the wild-type enzyme except for small changes in backbone 15N and NH chemical shifts at the active site. Both the P1G and P1A mutants showed no change in overall conformation by circular dichroic spectroscopy. Both mutants and the wild-type enzyme generate the S-enantiomer of the product [5-2H]-2-oxo-3-hexenedioate with comparable stereoselectivities indicating a largely intact active site. The P1G and P1A mutants showed 10- and 4-fold decreases, respectively, in catalysis of exchange of the C3 proton of the substrate 2-oxo-1,6-hexanedioate, consistent with the lower basicities of Gly-1 and Ala-1 compared to Pro-1. The pH dependences of kcat/Km for the P1G and P1A mutants revealed pKa values of the general base of 5.3 and 5.9, respectively. NMR titration of the uniformly 15N-labeled P1G mutant showed the pKa of Gly-1 to be < or = 5.6, in agreement with the kinetic data. As with the wild-type enzyme, the active site environments on the P1G and P1A mutants lower the pKa of the general base by at least 2.5 units. It is concluded that the 2 order of magnitude decreases in kcat in the P1G and P1A mutants result from both a decrease in basicity and an increase in flexibility of the general base. The greater 10(3.4)-fold decrease in kcat found with the presence of an additional residue at the amino-terminus is ascribed to either the complete blockage or the drastically altered position of the general base.
On the Rankin–Selberg Method for Functions Not of Rapid Decay on Congruence Subgroups☆

Abstract In this work we apply the Rankin–Selberg method to automorphic forms of congruence subgroups which are not of rapid decay. As an example, we obtain a simple proof of a generalized Maass–Selberg relation.
The effect of inoculum concentration on the development of the nuclear polyhedrosis virus of Autographa californica in TN-368 cells

Abstract A multiplicity of infection (m.o.i.) of 25 or 50 mean tissue culture-infective doses (TCID50) of Autographa californica NPV per cell of a TN-368 cell line initially infected >90% of attached cells whereas an m.o.i. of 1 or 5 TCID50/cell initially infected
The functional architecture of dehydration-anorexia.

The anorexia that accompanies the drinking of hypertonic saline (DE-anorexia) is a critical adaptive behavioral mechanism that helps protect the integrity of fluid compartments during extended periods of cellular dehydration. Feeding is rapidly reinstated once drinking water is made available again. The relative simplicity and reproducibility of these behaviors makes DE-anorexia a very useful model for investigating how the various neural networks that control ingestive behaviors first suppress and then reinstate feeding. We show that DE-anorexia develops primarily because the mechanisms that terminate ongoing meals are upregulated in such a way as to significantly reduce meal size. At the same time however, signals generated by the ensuing negative energy balance appropriately activate neural mechanisms that can increase food intake. But as the output from these two competing processes is integrated, the net result is an increasing reduction of nocturnal food intake, despite the fact that spontaneous meals are initiated with the same frequency as in control animals. Furthermore, hypothalamic NPY injections also stimulate feeding in DE-anorexic animals with the same latency as controls, but again meals are prematurely terminated. Comparing Fos expression patterns across the brain following 2-deoxyglucose administration to control and DE-anorexic animals implicates neurons in the descending part of the parvicellular paraventricular nucleus of the hypothalamus and the lateral hypothalamic areas as key components of the networks that control DE-anorexia. Finally, DE-anorexia generates multiple inhibitory processes to suppress feeding. These are differentially disengaged once drinking water is reinstated.
Incorporation of a time-dependent thermodynamic model and a radiation propagation model into IR 3D synthetic image generation

A model is presented for generation of synthetic images representing what an airborne or satellite thermal infrared imaging sensor would record. The scene and the atmosphere are modeled spectrally with final bandwidth determined by integration over the spectral bandwidth of the sensor (the model will function from 0.25 to 20 μm). The scene is created using a computer-aided-design package to create objects, assign attributes to facets, and assemble the scene. Object temperatures are computed using a thermodynamic model incorporating 24-h worth of meteorological history, as well as pixel specific solar load (i.e., self-shadowing is fully supported). The radiance reaching the sensor is computed using a ray tracer and atmospheric propagation models that vary with wavelength and slant range. Objects can be modeled as specular or diffuse with emissivities (reflectivities) dependent on look angle and wavelength. The resulting images mimic the phenomenology commonly observed by high-resolution thermal infrared sensors to a point where the model can be used as a research tool to evaluate the limitations in our understanding of the thermal infrared imaging process.
A clarification on centrifugal force.

The article “Spinning a nuclear comeback” (News Focus, 30 March, p. [1782][1]) contains an erroneous statement about centrifugal force. The article states that “centrifugal forces pushed the gas outward, against the spinning wall.” There is, in fact, no force pushing the gas outward. Instead, as covered in Newton's first and second laws, a force is required to prevent the gas from going in a straight line (and thereby accelerating the gas due to its constant change in direction). This force (termed centripetal force) acts inward toward the center of rotation and is provided by contact of the gas with the spinning wall. [1]: /lookup/doi/10.1126/science.315.5820.1782
Ground-state complexes between polar solvents and 1-methylindole: the origin of the stokes' shift in their fluorescence spectra

Abstract In iso-octane solutions containing small concentrations of the polar solvents butanol or ethyl acetate, a ground-state complex between the solute 1-methylindole and the polar solvent is formed. Previous workers aseribed the fluorescence intensity and spectral shifts of 1-methylindole in polar solvents to exciplex formation. However we show that these fluorescence properties are entirely explained in terms of ground-state complexes.
Brust–Schiffrin synthesis of catalytic bipodal PdPt nanoparticles with some mechanistic insights

Brust–Schiffrin reduction of Pd and Pt precursors in the presence of resorcinarene amine surfactant led to the formation of substantially Pt rich, PdPt bimetallic nanoparticles of a V-shape or variants on the V-shape. New insights into this reaction are provided on the basis of reversed Brust–Schiffrin syntheses, DLS, UV-vis, and NMR analysis. Based on our experiments we conclude that the resorcinarene amine surfactant is part of the inverse micelle formed from TOABr and it also selectively complexes with the Pd salts prior to their reduction. Remarkably, the composition of the bipodal nanoparticles could be varied substantially by varying the reaction conditions. These anisotropic Pt rich PdPt bimetallic nanoparticles are expected to play a major role in catalytic and electrocatalytic applications and preliminary evidence shows that they are effective in mediating Suzuki cross-coupling reactions.
Free calcium signals.

The commentary “Calcium signaling: Up, down, up, down…. What's the point?” by James W. Putney Jr. ( Science 's Compass, 9 Jan., [p. 191][1]) incorrectly states that free calcium signals were first seen within living cells just over a decade ago. In fact, they were first “seen” over three
Presidential Transition: The Experience of Two Community College Interim Presidents

The purpose of this case study was to understand the experiences of two community college interim presidents, their characteristics, and how they led institutions following an abrupt presidential departure. There were two fundamental questions framing this study: 1. How do two interim community college presidents lead community colleges during a presidential transition? 2. How is an interim community college president's leadership perceived by faculty and staff during a period of presidential transition? There were two participating institutions in this study. The colleges, given the pseudonyms Urban Community College and Rural Community College District, were distinctly different. Urban Community College is a large community college in an urban setting, and Rural Community College District is a small multicollege district in a rural setting. While these colleges differed in size, they shared a common experience—an abrupt presidential departure. Data collection consisted of one-on-one interviews and a rev...
Attenuation of CD95-induced apoptosis by inorganic mercury: caspase-3 is not a direct target of low levels of Hg2+

Exposure to environmental mercury may be a factor that contributes to idiosyncratic autoimmune disease. Studies have demonstrated that inorganic, ionic mercury (i.e., Hg2+) modulates several lymphocyte signal transduction pathways, which may be a mechanism whereby Hg2+ dysregulates the immune response. The CD95/Fas apoptotic signaling pathway, which is of critical importance in regulating peripheral tolerance, is disrupted by low and environmentally relevant concentrations of Hg2+. Activation of the cysteine protease caspase-3 is a critical component of both CD95-mediated and TNF-alpha-induced apoptosis. The present work demonstrates that Hg2+ selectively disrupts death receptor mediated caspase-3 activation, where CD95-mediated caspase-3 activation is impaired in Hg2+ treated cells; whereas TNF-alpha-induced caspase-3 activation is not. Using the fluorogenic caspase-3 substrate, Ac-DEVD-7-amino-4-methyl coumarin, to measure caspase-3 enzyme activity as well as Western blotting to track processing of the caspase-3 proenzyme, we have considered the potential direct and indirect effects of Hg2+ on caspase-3. At relatively high concentrations and in a cell-free system, Hg2+ is capable of targeting the active site cysteinyl of caspase-3 resulting in enzyme inhibition. However, at more environmentally relevant exposures, Hg2+ does not gain access in appreciable quantities to the intracellular compartment where caspase-3 resides. Collectively, these data establish that Hg2+ impairs CD95-mediated apoptosis by targeting a plasma membrane proximal signaling event. By measuring the cellular Hg2+ content following various exposure conditions, we have determined that a cellular Hg2+ burden of approximately 50 ng/10(6) cells is sufficient to impair CD95-mediated caspase-3 activation. The present study furthers an understanding of the mechanism whereby relatively low and non-cytotoxic concentrations of Hg2+ may disrupt peripheral tolerance leading to sustained autoimmune disease.
The Pluto-Charon system: The escape of charon's primordial atmosphere

Although Charon seems to have lost its atmosphere and surface volatiles, a lack of heating that would be sufficient to generate melting and consequent separation of the lighter and heavier nonvolatiles has probably resulted in the outer layers' retention of the primordial mix of nonvolatiles. Spectroscopically-determined relative abundances for the Charon surface should accordingly be representative of its entire mass, and thereby constitutes the basis of an understanding of Charon's origin. The study of Charon's exposed nonvolatile ices may ascertain whether the Pluto-Charon system condensed out of the solar nebula directly or from a protoplanetary nebula.
Computational functional genomics

The exponential growth of the publicly available data has transformed biology into an information rich science that provides new and interesting applications for the machine learning community. In this article, the author presents some specific examples regarding the possibility of representing biological data in a machine-learning framework as well as the contributions these representations impart to both the prediction and discovery of the biological function. The paper also illustrates the proper feature selection critical to the success of the of a particular computational functional genomics approach.
UPR pathways combine to prevent hepatic steatosis caused by ER stress-mediated suppression of transcriptional master regulators

The unfolded protein response (UPR) is linked to metabolic dysfunction, yet it is not known how endoplasmic reticulum (ER) disruption might influence metabolic pathways. Using a multilayered genetic approach, we find that mice with genetic ablations of either ER stress-sensing pathways (ATF6alpha, eIF2alpha, IRE1alpha) or of ER quality control (p58(IPK)) share a common dysregulated response to ER stress that includes the development of hepatic microvesicular steatosis. Rescue of ER protein processing capacity by the combined action of UPR pathways during stress prevents the suppression of a subset of metabolic transcription factors that regulate lipid homeostasis. This suppression occurs in part by unresolved ER stress perpetuating expression of the transcriptional repressor CHOP. As a consequence, metabolic gene expression networks are directly responsive to ER homeostasis. These results reveal an unanticipated direct link between ER homeostasis and the transcriptional regulation of metabolism, and suggest mechanisms by which ER stress might underlie fatty liver disease.
Transient central retinal artery occlusion after posterior sub-Tenon's anesthesia

Two cases of transient central retinal artery occlusion were observed preoperatively after uneventful sub-Tenon's infusion of local anesthetic for cataract surgery and intraocular lens implantation. In these eyes, the retinal circulation reperfused spontaneously before surgery and there were no visual sequelae. A third case was observed in an eye after strabismus surgery with sub-Tenon's anesthesia. The patient was left with profound visual loss in this eye. The cause of this complication is unknown, but possible factors include mechanical pressure from the bolus of the anesthetic solution or localized vasoconstriction from the anesthetic, producing a decrease in ocular blood flow. Suggestions to avoid this problem include not inserting the cannula too posteriorly, not injecting forcibly against resistance, and using the minimum volume of anesthetic possible.
"Syrup in the Wheels of Progress": The Inefficient Organization of the Philippine Sugar Industry

While the organization of the Philippine sugar industry evolved to promote and balance the short-term interests of planters, millers and traders, it now undermines the industry and threatens the economic fortunes of those who depend upon it. By perpetuating inefficiency and fostering a frenzy of trading that affords inordinate profits for the least productive sector, this structure has become the major obstacle to restoring the Philippines to its former status as one of the world's most efficient and technologically advanced producers of cane sugar. As efficiency falls further behind that of other sugar producing countries, and as industrial consumers become more disgruntled with paying high prices for sugar, the nation risks the collapse of an industry that has already proven vulnerable to intermittent crises. The last time a crisis occurred — in the mid-1980s — planters faced foreclosure, mills stood idle, and workers and their families suffered malnutrition and dislocation, leading commentators to refer to Negros, the nation's premier sugar-growing island, as “Asia's Ethiopia” and a “social volcano”. While conditions have improved since the EDSA Revolution, the structure that has emerged does little to encourage productivity, efficiency and fairness. Since the industry continues to employ 500,000 workers, with as many as three million dependents, a collapse would lead to mass displacement, hunger, and political upheaval.This paper will outline the history of the Philippine sugar industry, examine its current structure, and describe the political and economic forces that sustain it. My first contention is that the institutional organization, rather than government policy, cultural attitudes, or neo-colonial dependency, is fundamentally responsible for the poor performance of the industry in recent decades and, unless major changes are forthcoming, will be mainly responsible for its ultimate demise.
Land use and geospatial aspects in life cycle assessment of renewable energy

Renewable energy systems such as wind, solar and biomass are significantly more land intensive than traditional fossil fuels. Moreover, their environmental implications are highly geographically heterogeneous. Consequently, they present a significant challenge to existing life cycle assessment techniques. Four specific issues are identified in this paper: determining changes in land use due to increased production of renewable energy, characterizing land use impacts, understanding geographic variability in inventory data, and modeling energy distribution effects. This paper reviews the extent of recent research activity in each of these areas as it applies to wind, solar, bioenergy or life cycle assessment in general. Some areas, such as land use needed for distribution of wind or solar energy, have received little or no research activity, despite an increased level of concern in political or policy arenas. This deficiency will be addressed in a new National Science Foundation workshop planned for September 2009 in Boston MA.
Expression and Regulation by Interferon of a Double-Stranded- RNA-Specific Adenosine Deaminase from Human Cells: Evidence for Two Forms of the Deaminase

A 6,474-nucleotide human cDNA clone designated K88, which encodes double-stranded RNA (dsRNA)-specific adenosine deaminase, was isolated in a screen for interferon (IFN)-regulated cDNAs. Northern (RNA) blot analysis revealed that the K88 cDNA hybridized to a single major transcript of approximately 6.7 kb in human cells which was increased about fivefold by IFN treatment. Polyclonal antisera prepared against K88 cDNA products expressed in Escherichia coli as glutathione S-transferase (GST) fusion proteins recognized two proteins by Western (immunoblot) analysis. An IFN-induced 150-kDa protein and a constitutively expressed 110-kDa protein whose level was not altered by IFN treatment were detected in human amnion U and neuroblastoma SH-SY5Y cell lines. Only the 150-kDa protein was detected in mouse fibroblasts with antiserum raised against the recombinant human protein; the mouse 150-kDa protein was IFN inducible. Immunofluorescence microscopy and cell fractionation analyses showed that the 110-kDa protein was exclusively nuclear, whereas the 150-kDa protein was present in both the cytoplasm and nucleus of human cells. The amino acid sequence deduced from the K88 cDNA includes three copies of the highly conserved R motif commonly found in dsRNA-binding proteins. Both the 150-kDa and the 110-kDa proteins prepared from human nuclear extracts bound to double-stranded but not to single-stranded RNA affinity columns. Furthermore, E. coli-expressed GST-K88 fusion proteins that included the R motif possessed dsRNA-binding activity. Extracts prepared either from K88 cDNA-transfected cells or from IFN-treated cells contained increased dsRNA-specific adenosine deaminase enzyme activity. These results establish that K88 encodes an IFN-inducible dsRNA-specific adenosine deaminase and suggest that at least two forms of dsRNA-specific adenosine deaminase occur in human cells.
Charity and chilliness

This article discusses the five contributions to the special issue on Roger Silverstone’s work, focusing specifically on the interplay between Judeo-Christian and Stoic themes.
Sexual Socialization in Lesbian‐Parent Families: An Exploratory Analysis

Few studies have examined the sexual socialization of children within lesbian-parent families, despite evidence that these children may experience benefits in this regard. Qualitative interviews were conducted with 10 partnered, lesbian mothers to explore what and how participants taught their children about sexuality-related issues. Themes related to what participants taught their children about these topics included diverse notions of sexual orientation and reproduction. Themes related to how participants taught these concepts included tag-teaming with their partners (i.e., participants shared with their partners the task of teaching their children about sexuality-related issues), although differences in how the partners carried out this task were identified. This study demonstrated a diversity of experiences of lesbian-parent families, often seemingly in relation to family contextual factors (e.g., how children were conceived), and has potential implications for family researchers, practitioners, and, perhaps, all parents.
Defect-dependent elasticity: Nanoindentation as a probe of stress state

Nanoindentation studies reveal that the measured elastic properties of materials can be strongly dependent upon their stress-state and defect structure. Using an interfacial force microscope (IFM), the measured elastic response of 100 nm thick Au films was found to be strongly correlated with the films' stress state and thermal history. Indentation elasticity was also found to vary in close proximity to grain boundaries in thin films and near surface steps on single crystal surfaces. Molecular dynamics simulations suggest that these results cannot be explained by elasticity due only to bond stretching. Instead, the measured elastic properties appear to be a combination of bond and defect compliance representing a composite modulus. We propose that stress concentration arising from the structure of grains, voids and grain boundaries is the source of an additional compliance which is sensitive to the stress state and thermal history of a material. The elastic properties of thin metallic films appear to reflect the collective elastic response of the grains, voids and grain boundaries. These results demonstrate that nanoindentation can be useful as a highly localized probe of stress-state and defect structures.
Sorghum as a Trap Crop for Nezara viridula L. (Heteroptera: Pentatomidae) in Cotton in the Southern United States

The southern green stink bug, Nezara viridula L., may disperse from alternate host plants, especially corn, Zea mays L., and peanuts, Arachis hypogaea L., into cotton, Gossypium hirsutum L. Trap crops may be useful to intercept dispersing stink bugs. Therefore, the ability of sorghum, Sorghum bicolor L. Moench, to trap N. viridula adults in cotton was studied for 3 yr. The 2002 experiment was designed to compare the ability of small plots of sorghum and cotton to trap N. viridula along the interface, or common boundary, of a corn and cotton field. In the 2003 experiment, cotton fields with sorghum and cotton plots planted along the interface of a corn–cotton farmscape were compared with cotton fields without these interface plots. In both experiments, N. viridula adults strongly preferred sorghum to cotton, and marking studies revealed that most N. viridula adults that dispersed into sorghum remained in sorghum instead of moving into cotton. Overall, percent parasitism of N. viridula adults by T. pennipes was higher in sorghum trap crop plots than in interface cotton control plots. In 2003, density of N. viridula adults was lower in cotton fields adjoining sorghum trap crop plots than in control cotton fields. Furthermore, economic threshold for N. viridula was not reached along the interface of the corn–cotton farmscape in any cotton field with sorghum plots. In contrast, economic threshold was reached in 61.5% of the control cotton fields. In the third season, a full-scale field experiment was conducted to determine the effectiveness of sorghum, planted in a strip along the length of the interface of a peanut–cotton farmscape, as a trap crop in cotton. Before the test, each cotton field was partitioned into eight side-edge and three interior block locations. Each field had four sides with side A occurring along the interface of the field. Edge 1 was 0–3.66 m from the outside edge of the field, and edge 2 was 3.66–7.31 m from the outside edge of the field. In control cotton fields, density of N. viridula adults was much higher in the interface side in edge one than in any other side-edge location, strongly indicating that N. viridula adults dispersed from peanuts into these cotton fields. Control cotton fields had higher numbers of N. viridula adults in the interface side in edge one compared with cotton fields with sorghum trap crops. Overall, in 2004, control cotton fields were treated with insecticides for control of N. viridula 1.4 times, whereas cotton fields with sorghum trap crops were treated for control of this stink bug only 0.2 times. These results show that sorghum can serve as a trap crop for N. viridula adults in cotton fields.
Neurosarcoidosis presenting as a large suprasellar mass:Magnetic resonance imaging findings

We present unusual magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings in a case of neurosarcoidosis. MRI revealed a large solitary suprasellar mass which resembled a neoplasm. The lesion was isointense and hyperintense on T1-weighted images, hypointense on T2-weighted images, and intensely homogeneously enhancing. Biopsy revealed a polymorphous inflammatory lesion with giant cells, which extended from the hypothalamus, consistent with neurosarcoidosis. The diagnosis of neurosarcoidosis should be considered in patients presenting with large midline tumor-like suprasellar mass lesions.
Evozierte Potenziale (EP)

Eine Reizung von Sinneszellen fuhrt in den zugehorigen Nervenfasern zu einer Erregung, die uber die entsprechende Sinnesbahn zur Hirnrinde fortgeleitet wird. Jede Sinneserregung ruft somit in der modalitatsspezifischen primaren Groshirnrinde ein Antwortpotenzial hervor, das als evoziertes Potenzial bezeichnet wird. In Abhangigkeit von der Reizart werden visuell, akustisch und somatosensibel evozierte Potenziale (VEP, AEP, SEP) unterschieden. Im Gegensatz zur zentripetalen Impulsleitung in den optischen, akustischen und sensiblen Leitungsbahnen erfolgt bei den motorisch evozierten Potenzialen nach Magnetstimulation (MEP) eine zentrifugale Ausbreitung der Erregung. Durch Magnetstimulation im Bereich der motorischen Rinde werden kortikospinale (bzw. kortikobulbare) Neurone aktiviert, wobei die Erregung uber die Pyramidenbahn zu den motorischen Vorderhornzellen und von dort zum jeweiligen Zielmuskel weitergeleitet wird.
Manipulating Citizens: How Political Campaigns’ Use of Behavioral Social Science Harms Democracy

AbstractCritical theorists in the mid-twentieth century argued that behavioral social science by its nature conceptualizes knowledge as the power to predict and control. As such, rather than serving as a source of enlightenment or emancipation, social science risked functioning as a tool for dominating and manipulating the public. The power of this criticism, however, was undermined by the behavioral revolution’s initial failure to produce theories that offered much prognostic power. Recent methodological and technological developments in the social sciences have begun to generate an impressive ability to predict human behavior, especially when combined with new innovations in marketing and computer science. Disturbingly, political campaigns and interest groups, especially in the US, appropriate this new knowledge to try to alter the beliefs and behaviors of voters. This development bodes ill for US democracy and other liberal democracies where the use of these techniques is likely to increase. It turns c...
Hiobsgeschichten Übersetzungen und Umschriften von Martin Luther bis Martin Buber

Bei der Suche nach einem Darstellungsraum fur die Shoa spielte kein anderer Text der hebraischen Bibel fur die deutschen Juden ebenso wie fur jiddischsprachige Schriftsteller eine solche Rolle wie die Geschichte von Hiob. Gleichzeitig zeigt ein Vergleich von Ubersetzungen dieser Geschichte, wie stark judische Tradition und Uberlieferung in christlich gepragten Ubertragungen verschwanden.
Pressure Monitoring Using Hybrid fs/ps Rotational CARS

We investigate the feasibility of gas-phase pressure measurements at kHz-rates using fs/ps rotational CARS. Femtosecond pump and Stokes pulses impulsively prepare a rotational Raman coherence, which is then probed by a high-energy 6-ps pulse introduced at a time delay from the Raman preparation. Rotational CARS spectra were recorded in N2 contained in a room-temperature gas cell for pressures from 0.1 to 3 atm and probe delays ranging from 10-330 ps. Using published self-broadened collisional linewidth data for N2, both the spectrally integrated coherence decay rate and the spectrally resolved decay were investigated as means for detecting pressure. Shot-averaged and single-laser-shot spectra were interrogated for pressure and the accuracy and precision as a function of probe delay and cell pressure are discussed. Single-shot measurement accuracies were within 0.1 to 6.5% when compared to a transducer values, while the precision was generally between 1% and 6% of measured pressure for probe delays of 200 ps or more, and better than 2% as the delay approached 300 ps. A byproduct of the pressure measurement is an independent but simultaneous measurement of the gas temperature.
A Multiscale Pressure-Volume Model of Celebrospinal Fluid Dynamics: Application to Hydrocephalus

Hydrocephalus is a brain disease characterized by abnormalities in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) circulation. The treatment is surgical in nature and continues to suffer of poor outcomes. The first mathematical model for studying the CSF pressure-volume relationship in hydrocephalus was proposed by Marmarou in the 1970s. However, the model fails to fully capture the complex CSF dynamics controlled by CSF-brain tissue interactions. In this paper we use fractional calculus to introduce multiscaling effects in Marmarou’s model. We solve our fractional order non-linear differential equation analytically using a modified Adomian decomposition method.Copyright © 2013 by ASME
Influence of Preculture Variables on Microspore Embryo Production in Brassica napus ssp. oleifera cv. Duplo

The effect of four preculture variables on microspore embryo induction and growth were examined: (1) the source of the bud selected for culture (apical or axillary inflorescence; (2) the method of harvest (single harvest of whole inflorescence or sequential harvest of individual buds; (3) the length of the bud (2, 3 or 4 mm); and (4) the application of a 4 °C pretreatment to the bud after harvest. Microscopic and macroscopic analysis of every anther used for culture permitted an assessment of the following parameters: (1) the percentage of induced buds; (2) the number of induced anthers per induced bud; (3) the number of productive buds (with macroscopic embryos) as a percentage of the induced buds; (4) the degree of induction per induced anther (an estimate of the number of microspores in which initial embryogenic divisions had commenced); and (5) embryoid survival (the number of embryos as a proportion of the degree of induction). The product of parameters 1 and 2 gave the number of induced anthers and all five parameters were components of the final yield — the number of embryos produced per bud cultured. It was found that the maximum number of induced buds (67-0 per cent) occurred with 2 mm sequentially harvested non-pretreated buds. Overall, the values decreased with increasing bud length and were lower for pretreated and axillary buds. In contrast, the two other estimates of induction - number of induced anthers per induced bud and degree of induction per induced anther — both had maximum values from 3 mm sequentially harvested, pretreated buds from apical inflorescences. The highest final yield of embryos per cultured bud (44-9) was found with 2 mm non-pretreated buds taken from a single harvest of the apical inflorescence. The study therefore confirmed that the different components of the final embryo yield are differentially affected by the four preculture variables tested. These variables must be controlled if reproducible results are to be achieved.
Personalized Clinical Trials in Hepatocellular Carcinoma Based on Biomarker Selection.

Background: Since the approval of sorafenib there have been numerous failures of new agents in Phase III studies for treatment of advanced hepatocellular carcinom
Diabetes and the Motivated Patient: Understanding Perlocutionary Effect in Health Communication

Health care providers (HCP) understand the importance of keeping patients motivated but may be unaware how their words may have unintended negative effects upon their patient's lives. People with diabetes report being told by their HCP that they are "cured" or that they are praised for strides made in weight loss and/or lowered blood glucose, and interpret these messages in unexpected ways. For this paper, we focus upon one case to illustrate the depth and nuance of the patient-provider communication as it emerged within a larger interview-based ethnographic study. Audio-recorded interviews and transcriptions were analyzed discursively. Discourse analysis reveals the ways ideology affects how the patient responds to HCP's utterances and how this affects diabetes self-care. Findings indicate significant perlocutionary effects upon health outcomes, varying both positively and/or negatively. This study points to the importance of carefully considering the power of words and whenever possible knowing the patient's ideological orientation to their world. HCPs should be explicit and deliberate with their communication. Sensitization to the various ways patients hear and react to messages in a clinical setting may lead to improved health outcomes, especially for those with chronic health conditions such as diabetes mellitus.
Leveraging Bitcoin Blockchain Technology to Modernize Security Perfection Under the Uniform Commercial Code

The states of the United States operate parallel registration systems under the rules of the Uniform Commercial Code to provide notice of existing security interests in collateral to lenders. The current system is primarily a paper-based system more suited to the 19th than the 21st century. While the states have implemented varying degrees of computerization and modernization, dealing with fifty separate registration databases has made it difficult for banks and their attorneys to automate their processes, leading to errors and loss. The system could be modernized by storing the records for all 50 states in a single shared database with external electronic access. In this paper, we propose an implementation of a distributed, replicated database utilizing a variation on the Bitcoin blockchain for data storage and validation.
Acute Otitis Media - The Long and the Short of It.

Acute otitis media is the second most common reason for a child to visit his or her primary care physician and the most common reason for prescribing an antibiotic agent to a child.1 Over the past 40 years, substantial progress has been made in understanding the epidemiology, bacteriology, risk factors, and natural history of acute otitis media.2 The introduction of pneumococcal vaccines, the 7-valent vaccine (PCV7) in 2000 and the 13-valent vaccine (PCV13) in 2010, has resulted in a decrease in the incidence of acute otitis media attributable to the pneumococcal vaccine serotypes.3 Despite this decrease, acute otitis media remains . . .
Ensuring the Catholicity of the Church’s Schools: The University of San Francisco Responds to the Challenge

The most successful graduate program for the training and formation of Catholic school administrators is without a doubt the Institute for Catholic Educational Leadership (ICEL) at the University of San Francisco. This article describes the history and current structure of the ICEL program and provides a replicable model for other Catholic colleges and universities with the institutional commitment to offer graduate degree programs for Catholic school leaders.
Disrupting the Culture of Silence: Confronting Gender Inequality and Making Change in Higher Education by Kristine De Welde and Andi Stepnick

Kristine De Welde and Andi Stepnick’s (2015) edited text, Disrupting the Culture of Silence: Confronting Gender Inequality and Making Change in Higher Education, is an ambitious volume that explore...