cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Development of a serum-free system to study the effect of growth hormone and insulinlike growth factor-I on cultured postembryonic growth plate chondrocytes.

We have developed a serum-free system to culture postembryonic growth plate chondrocytes while maintaining some important phenotypic characteristics of their tissue of origin. This serum-free medium was as effective as medium containing 10% newborn bovine serum (NBS) for recovering the cells from enzymatic isolation. Surface secretory activity of chondrocytes cultured in monolayer, assessed through scanning electron microscopy, was also comparable to cells grown in medium containing serum. The effects of growth hormone (GH) and insulinlike growth factor-I (IGF-I) were also studied using the serum-free medium. GH had no effect on cell density and morphology of the cells compared to the control without the hormone. In contrast, chondrocytes grown in medium containing IGF-I had a marked increase in cell density after 3 days and presented similar morphologic characteristics to cells grown in the presence of NBS. The growth factors required for proliferation of chondrocytes cultured in the serum-free medium are IGF-I and fibroblast growth factor (100 ng/ml, respectively). Addition of ascorbic acid to the serum-free medium (0 to 50 µg/ml) produced a dose-dependant decrease in cell proliferation. This medium should provide a useful tool for studying the effects of different growth factors/hormones in the regulation of longitudinal bone growth and their interactions.
Spontaneous Raman Temperature Sensor

The average temperature of an environment has been measured using the anti-stokes Raman signal backscattered from a multimode fibre. Temperature measurements using less than 1mW of input laser power are accurate to 2°C over the range -200°c to 150°c.
Mapping Cell Adhesion Patterns with a Modified DNA Hairpin

New contrast methods and sample preparation techniques for microscopy have made it possible to collect quantitative data from images while offering a less invasive and more direct experimental approach. Fluorescence, for instance, takes advantage of the versatility of labeling chemistry and spectral properties of probes to provide spatial and temporal resolution in multiple channels of information. Alternatively, a higher power light source can be introduced to a sample to manipulate molecules mechanically through an anchor. However, while fluorescence can be readily adapted to a system of interest, mechanical measurements often require specialized instrumentation and thus lack the versatility offered by fluorescence microscopy. To bring mechanical detection to a more common microscope platform, we need a contrast scheme that combines mechanical sensitivity with fluorescence imaging. Taking advantage of the well characterized chemical, mechanical, and physical properties of DNA, we previously presented the force-fluorescence relationship for a DNA hairpin. Given the low force of unzipping, 18pN, we expect that the hairpin molecule will be sensitive to molecular-scale mechanical changes. We modified this DNA hairpin by adding a cell adhesion peptide, RGD, to its terminus. Accordingly, we hypothesize that the hairpin can be used to detect cell adhesions to a surface coated with the hairpin molecule. Here, we present steps towards a molecular contrast scheme for imaging patterns of cell-surface adhesions as changes in fluorescence intensity.
Interfacing whispering gallery mode microresonators for environmental biosensing

Label-free biosensors that combine high sensitivity and high specificity characteristics have shown tremendous potential for applications in medical diagnostics, and have more recently been extended to the food safety and environmental monitoring arenas. A unique type of label-free, optical biosensor, based on Whispering Gallery Mode microresonators, has tremendous potential to revolutionize biodetection due to its extreme sensitivity. The primary limitation of these biosensors, however, is that they require the addition of biorecognition elements to specifically target a biological species of interest. Therefore, the ability to selectively functionalize the microresonator for a specific target molecule, without degrading device performance, is extremely important, and represents the next step in translating these devices from laboratory to field environments. Here, we demonstrate a variety of straightforward bioconjugation strategies that not only impart specificity to optical microresonators, but also allow for the creation of multi-use platforms for complex environments. Of particular interest is the ability to detect harmful bacteria, insects, and fungi in crop and water systems. The resulting surface chemistries are illustrated with XPS, SEM, and fluorescence and optical microscopy, and the device sensitivity is determined via quantitative microcavity analysis. The ability to minimize non-specific adsorption and target unique molecules in complex environments is demonstrated via ellipsometry and in situ device testing. The resulting devices can be recycled several times without loss of sensitivity. By combining these high sensitivity biosensors with appropriate biochemistries, the resulting platforms can be extended to address broader issues in environmental biosensing that directly impact agriculture.
Afferents to oculomotor nuclei from area 'Y' in Macaca mulatta: An anterograde degeneration study.

Electrolytic lesions were placed in the dentate and interpositus nuclei of the monkey M. mulatta and the resulting anterograde degeneration was stained with the Wiitanen or Nauta-Laidlaw techniques. Two of 19 lesions produced preterminal degeneration in the oculomotor nuclei. In both cases the lesions also damaged vestibular area “y” subjacent to the rostral pole of the dentate nucleus. The course and terminal distribution of anterograde degeneration to the oculomotor nuclei was the same in both cases. Degenerating fibers were found in lateral parts of the ipsilateral MLF, and preterminal degeneration was found in the ipsilateral abducens and trochlear nuclei and the dorsal subdivision of the oculomotor nucleus. Degenerating fibers were also traced from the crossed brachium conjunctivum to the contralateral paramedian subdivision of the oculomotor nucleus. These fibers appeared to course in dorsomedial parts of the brachium. Lesions of the dentate and interpositus nuclei which did not damage area “y” produced no anterograde axonal degeneration in the MLF or the oculomotor nerve nuclei. The results are discussed with regard to previous reports of cerebello-oculomotor fibers originating in the dentate and interpositus nuclei. The results suggest that area “y”, rather than the cerebellar nuclei, projects principally to oculomotor neurons that control vertical eye movements.
Victimization and Reporting to the Police: The Role of Negative Emotionality

OBJECTIVE: Current research has suggested that characteristics of the victim (e.g., sex, race, age) and situational factors (e.g., injury, relationship to the offender) influence police reporting. Questions remain as to what other variables influence police reporting as well as the particular motivational mechanisms that move victims, and others, to report victimization incidents. This study introduces negative emotionality to investigate the direct and mediation effects of emotions on police reporting. METHOD: Using data from the British Crime Survey, regression models were used to explore the path from individual and incident characteristics to police reporting. Negative emotionality was introduced into the regression models as a key mediator in this pathway. RESULTS: Negative emotionality significantly increased the chance of police reporting. Negative emotionality also mediated some of the influence of individual and incident characteristics on police reporting. CONCLUSION: The results suggest that emotions are important in determining why some incidents come to the attention of the police. They also reveal that victims who come to the attention of the police are often dealing with a multitude of intense negative emotions. This suggests that programs that focus on victims' emotions, such as restorative justice, may be more successful in meeting the needs of victims than traditional approaches.
Parallelism in quantum chemistry: Hydrogen bond study in DNA base pairs as an example

We present results on the energetics of the hydrogen bridges for the Guanine–Cytosine pair obtained in a DNA fragment consisting of three stacked base pairs in the B-DNA conformation. The wave function computations on the 87 atom system are all-electron ab initio SCF-MO computations obtained with a basis set of 1032 primitive gaussian functions contracted to 315. Even if the results are only preliminary, one can tentatively advance conclusions relative to the molecular field effect of stacked base-pairs on the potential energy surface for a hydrogen bond. These computations have been performed with a modified version of our molecular program, which uses an IBM 4341 host and six to ten attached array processors (FPS-164) in parallel. The strategy to convert the program from sequential to parallel is briefly outlined and comparisons with our parallel system are made with a present-day “vector” super-computer. From these studies, we conclude that if one adopts the “parallel” approach presented and tested here, much larger chemical systems than previously are now amenable to all-electron ab initio computations.
Noninfectious Causes of Immunosuppression in Dogs and Cats

Diseases associated with immunosuppression or immune system deficiency are not common but when present can lead to decreased resistance to infection, debilitation, and other complications of illness. Components of the immune system may be functionally divided into humoral and cellular immunity, with some degree of overlap. Diagnostic evaluation of these immunologic functions is available in specialized research laboratories but not widely available to practitioners. 1 The basic approach to a patient suspected as having immunodeficiency starts with routine laboratory work, including a complete blood count and chemistry profile. More specific testing may involve measurements of antibody concentrations, lymphocyte phenotyping, and lymphocyte function testing. 1 A variety of drugs, toxins, diseases, and procedures such as vaccination and anesthesia have been associated with immunosuppression in dogs and cats. The following information is taken from published scientific literature, with an emphasis on animal studies where available. As the review is not comprehensive, interested readers are encouraged to consult the references and current immunology resources to gain a greater understanding of the effects of these agents on the immune system. NUTRITION The effects of nutrition on the immune system continue to be investigated in human and veterinary medicine. Immune-enhancing, immunomodulating, and immunosuppressive diets, foods, supplements, and nutrients have been suggested, often with little or no clinical evidence. 2
Short cut design methods for reverse osmosis separation with tubular modules

Abstract The basis for obtaining explicit flux expressions in reverse osmosis separations with concentration polarization has been illustrated for tubular modules with turbulent flow. Various analytical equations developed thereby to predict the required number of tubes and the permeate solute concentrations are described and compared with one another as well as with the currently used numerical methods. The utility of such simple design procedures are pointed out. The possibilities and difficulties of adopting these procedures for designing spiral-wound modules have been discussed. The analytical equations can be adopted to “tapered-flow” reverse osmosis without much difficulty.
Prose recall in first-grade children using imagery, pictures, and questions

Recent studies suggest that children younger than 8 years old fail to use imagery instructions, resulting in memorial deficits. This inferior recall performance has been ascribed to encoding, storage, and/or retrieval deficiencies. One method recently used to assess the encoding/storage vs. the retrieval effects of imagery instructions on recall is to employ imagery instructions with or without a partial picture during the learning and/or recall phase of the study. The present study employed a 2 (imagery, no-imagery instructions) by 2 (partial picture during story, no partial picture during story) by 2 (partial picture during questioning, no partial picture during questioning) factorial design, with first-grade children as subjects. Recall of items specified in narrative passages was the dependent variable. Recall of narrative prose for 6-year-old children was consistently facilitated by partial pictures during story presentation. Imagery instructions were ineffective in facilitating recall.
Calculated radiation resistance of an elliptical loop antenna with constant current

Approximate formulae for the radiation resistance of small and large loop antennas of elliptical shape are derived by the Poynting vector method based on the assumption of a uniform current distribution on the loop conductor. Some calculations of radiation resistance are presented for loops of different sizes and shapes in order to illustrate the derived results.
Factor analysis of the ESL/EFL Strategy Inventory for Language Learning: Generation 1.5 Korean immigrant college students' language learning strategies

This study explores factors related to the language learning strategies of second language learners, specifically Generation 1.5 Korean immigrant students – the seventh-largest and one of the fastest growing foreign-born groups in the USA. Participants in this study were members of the Korean communities located in Pittsburgh and Philadelphia who completed a self-report instrument (English as a second language/English as a foreign language strategy inventory for language learning (SILL)) that assesses language learning strategies. Since there is currently no consensus regarding how many factors the SILL adequately measures, the data were examined with an exploratory factor analysis technique. Results add to a growing body of evidence suggesting that a single SILL factor best describes the instrument, as the proposed six sub-domain indices demonstrate tenuous construct validity.
Ara‐C syndrome during low‐dose continuous infusion therapy

Four patients with acute nonlymphocytic leukemia developed one or more components of the "ara-C syndrome" including fever, peritonitis, pericarditis, and a maculopapular rash during therapy with continuous infusions of low-dose (20 mg/m2/d) cytosine arabinoside (ara-C). These complications, described with standard and high doses of ara-C, have not been previously noted with low-dose regimens.
Asymmetric Bioreductions of β-Nitro Acrylates as a Route to Chiral β2-Amino Acids

Reductions of β-nitroacrylates by Saccharomyces carlsbergensis old yellow enzyme is the key step in a concise route to optically active β2-amino acids. The enzymatic reductions occur with 87−96% ee, with larger substrates providing greater stereoselectivities. This work extends enantioselective enzymatic alkene reductions to include acyclic systems with weakly coordinating substituents.
Frozen-phonon total-energy determination of structural surface phase transitions: W(001).

The prototypical W(001) structural phase transition is investigated by all-electron, frozen-phonon, total-energy calculations. The strong coupling between surface states and the ${\overline{M}}_{5}$ phonons plays a decisive role in favoring the reconstructed $c(2\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}2)$ structure with a lateral $〈110〉$ zig-zag displacement of 0.18\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.01 \AA{} (in excellent agreement with experiment) and no interlayer relaxation. The transition from the (1 \ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{} 1) into the $c(2\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}2)$ phase proceeds over a very flat region of the energy hypersurface and suppresses the relaxation.
TALKING ABOUT OUR TROUBLES: USING VIDEO-BASED DIALOGUE TO BUILD PRESERVICE TEACHERS' PROFESSIONAL KNOWLEDGE

This study investigates the preservice teacher learning in the context of conversations about their field-based challenges. First, a review of the literature explores studies that highlight the role of evidence-based conversation as a mechanism to approach the inevitable problems faced by teachers in the classroom. The subsequent case study provides an analysis of how a group of preservice teachers approached a colleague's challenge through a structured conversation and used digital videotapes and artifacts to add specificity to their analysis. The study's implications suggest how constructive and critical conversations between prospective teachers can play an important role in their professional development.
Preadolescent Self-Concept Development and Pet Ownership

This exploratory pilot study examined the family dog's reflected appraisal role in perceived self-concept development. Twenty-two male and female preadolescent dog owners participated in the study and completed three instruments. The results revealed a statistically significant relationship between perceived self-concept and five affective dimensions of the preadolescent/dog dyad. The results tentatively suggest that the family dog has a role in reflected appraisal similar to that of the best friend.
Dynamic imaging of mammalian neural tube closure

Neurulation, the process of neural tube formation, is a complex morphogenetic event. In the mammalian embryo, an understanding of the dynamic nature of neurulation has been hampered due to its in utero development. Here we use laser point scanning confocal microscopy of a membrane expressed fluorescent protein to visualize the dynamic cell behaviors comprising neural tube closure in the cultured mouse embryo. In particular, we have focused on the final step wherein the neural folds approach one another and seal to form the closed neural tube. Our unexpected findings reveal a mechanism of closure in the midbrain different from the zipper-like process thought to occur more generally. Individual non-neural ectoderm cells on opposing sides of the neural folds undergo a dramatic change in shape to protrude from the epithelial layer and then form intermediate closure points to "button-up" the folds. Cells from the juxtaposed neural folds extend long and short flexible extensions and form bridges across the physical gap of the closing folds. Thus, the combination of live embryo culture with dynamic imaging provides intriguing insight into the cell biological processes that mold embryonic tissues in mammals.
Extrapunitive and intropunitive anger of HIV caregivers: Nursing implications

The purpose of this qualitative study was to investigate the anger of individuals who have provided direct patient care to loved ones who are living with or who have died from AIDS. The sample consisted of eight individuals who are currently involved in an AIDS service organization in northeast Tennessee. Data were collected using semistructured taped interviews. At the beginning of the study, two group interviews were conducted. Subsequently, each of the participants was interviewed privately. Extrapunitive and intropunitive anger were predominant themes in each of the interviews. Participants also reported ways of coping with their anger. Nurses can suggest these strategies to other caregivers who are experiencing anger. Recommendations for additional nursing interventions are offered.
Generation of 7,8-dihydroxy-9,10-epoxy-7,8,9,10-tetrahydrobenzo[a]pyrene by murine splenic macrophages.

Abstract Studies have demonstrated that macrophages are the cell types which metabolize benzo[ a ]pyrene (B[ a ]P) within the murine spleen. B and T cells, polymorphonuclear cells, or the splenic capsule did not produce amounts of B[ a ]P metabolites above those of background. Exposure of mice to B[ a ]P, a known inducer of isozymes of cytochrome P450, resulted in an increase in the amounts of some B[ a ]P metabolites generated by macrophages. Evaluation of the in vitro plaque-forming-cell response to several T-cell and macrophage-dependent antigens following in vivo exposure to B[ a ]P indicated that the macrophage is the cell type responsible for B[ a ]P-induced immunosuppression. While suggestive, the reported data have not definitively established that an enriched splenic macrophage population can generate 7,8-dihydroxy-9,10-epoxy-7,8,9,10-tetrahydro-B[ a ]P (BPDE) from B[ a ]P-7,8-dihydroxy-7,8-dihydrodiol (B[ a ]P-7,8-diol). These data are critical to our hypothesis that the splenic cell type(s) which from BPDE will be the primary target cell responsible for B[ a ]P-induced immunosuppression. The first objective was to determine if splenic macrophages could generate BPDE. Enriched (80–90% purity) populations of macrophages were incubated with [ 3 H]B[ a ]P for 24 hr. BPDE generated was quantitated by analysis of the cis - and trans -tetrol hydrolysis products of BPDE via HPLC procedures. Splenic macrophages generated BPDE from B[ a ]P. The cis syn was the predominate tetrol detected. Exposure of mice to B[ a ]P increased the amounts of the trans-anti -tetrols 2.2-fold, the trans-syn -tetrols 2.0-fold, the cis-anti -tetrols 1.8-fold, and the cis-syn -tetrols 2.6-fold above those formed by macrophages of vehicle-exposed mice. Both cytochrome P450- and peroxyl radical-dependent pathways are known to oxidize B[ a ]P-7,8-diol to BPDE. Since macrophages were found to generate BPDE, the second objective was to investigate which enzymatic pathway was responsible for its formation. The B[ a ]P-(+)-7,8-diol isomer has been shown to produce different specific BPDE isomers via the cytochrome P450 and peroxyl radical pathways. Macrophage populations were incubated with [ 3 H]B[ a ]P-(+)-7,8-diol for 24 hr and the contribution of the cytochrome P450 and peroxyl radical pathways to BPDE formation determined by detection of syn -BPDE-hydrolysis and anti -BPDE-hydrolysis products, respectively. Based on the ratio of anti/syn BPDE-derived tetrol products, the results demonstrate that splenic macrophages can generate the BPDE by both a cytochrome P450-dependent and -independent (peroxyl radical) pathway. Macrophages are the cells which metabolize B[ a ]P within the murine spleen and may be the cell type responsible for B[ a ]P-induced suppression of humoral immune responses.
Prosthetic metals have a variable necrotic threshold in human fibroblasts: an in vitro study.

The generation of metal particles from prosthetic joints has been an evolving problem in orthopedics. Numerous factors have been involved including cells, metals, and responding cytokines, but determining roles of these factors or cascades of factors has been elusive. This laboratory has published threshold levels for commercially pure titanium (CpTi), which led to cell necrosis, but noted that cell viability differed among donor patients. To compliment the previous work we examined two other metals, Tantalum (Ta) and cobalt-chrome (CoCr), while making comparative measurements in these different donor patients. Retrieved human fibroblasts (superior medial plica) were cultured in a standard manner and exposed to various dosages of the three metals. Cell counts and interleukin (IL) 6 were used as dependent variables within a three-way analysis of variance. The data show that fibroblast necrosis was significantly affected by both type and mass of metal, with each metal having a distinct threshold (CpTi most necrotic, followed by Ta and CoCr). The cell counts and IL-6 at control levels varied significantly among all three donors. However, the response to the metals and dosages did not differ among tissue donors. Thus, although each patient had a different starting value for cell counts and IL-6, they responded to the metal particles in the same proportionate manner.
Hog liver squalene synthetase: the partial purification of the particulate enzyme and kinetic analysis of the reaction.

Abstract Hog liver squalene synthetase has been partially purified, without solubilization, by sonication of microsomes and subsequent gel filtration of the sonicated protein. A decrease in microsomal fragment size and an increase in soluble protein were observed as sonication time and power increased. The specific activity of squalene synthetase in the microsomal subfragments increased as the smaller particles and enzymatically inactive soluble protein were produced by sonication. Kinetic analysis with sonicated microsomal protein suspensions indicates that the reaction mechanism for the formation of squalene from farnesyl pyrophosphate is ping-pong. An irreversible step separates the addition of the first from the addition of the second molecule of farnesyl pyrophosphate to the enzyme. Another irreversible step separates the addition of farnesyl pyrophosphate from the addition of reduced nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate to the enzyme. From the results of kinetic analyses a partial scheme is proposed for the order of binding of substrates and release of products from the enzyme forms of squalene synthetase.
Role of Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor (EGF-R) Activation in the Control of Epithelial Cell Maturation in the Developing Lung • 297

In the fetal lung EGF-R activation stimulates the development of surfactant production via fibroblast-type II cell communication. EGF-R expression during fetal lung maturation is cell specific and developmentally regulated. Fetal rat lung fibroblasts but not type II cells exhibit a gestational increase in EGF-R that peaks at the time of maximum cell-cell communication stimulating surfactant synthesis. We hypothesize that cell specific EGF-R activation is important for the development of fibroblast-type II cell communication leading to surfactant production. We transducted immature rat lung fibroblasts (fetal days 17 and 19) which inherently express low (D17) and moderate (D19) levels of EGF-R activity, using retroviral constructs expressing wild type EGF-R (WT) or mutant EGF-R (MUT, lacking the intracellular signaling domain). Transduction efficiency was measured by specific EGF-R binding, which increased between 4- (D19) and 47-fold (D17) in transducted cells compared to controls. Fibroblast conditioned medium (FCM) was collected from transducted cells with or without EGF pretreatment, and its ability to stimulate choline incorporation into disaturated phosphatidylcholine (DSPC) studied in MLE12 cells (mouse lung epithelial cell line expressing surfactant). Choline incorporation into DSPC was stimulated by FCM obtained from D19 control cells treated with EGF (138±12%) and from both D17 and D19 fibroblasts transducted with WT EGF-R, but not by FCM from cells transducted with MUT EGF-R (Table shows% stimulation from control, mean±SEM). However, EGF-R activation with EGF downregulated this stimulatory effect (Table). These data show that increased EGF-R expression in fetal lung fibroblasts activates fibroblast-epithelial cell communication stimulating surfactant synthesis. Immature fibroblasts with low EGF-R levels may possess intact intracellular signal transduction pathways which can be utilized by the ectopically expressed WT EGF-R. Lack of stimulation with MUT EGF-R indicates a receptor mediated mechanism. EGF treatment of transducted cells may cause EGF-R downregulation and loss of signal transduction stimulating cell-cell communication. We conclude that EGF-R regulates development of cell-cell communication in fetal lung maturation.
Theta dependence, sign problems and topological interference

In a Euclidean path integral formulation of gauge theory and quantum mechanics, the $\ensuremath{\theta}$-term induces a sign problem, and relatedly, a complex phase for the fugacity of topological defects; whereas in Minkowskian formulation, it induces a topological (geometric) phase multiplying ordinary path-amplitudes. In an $SU(2)$ Yang-Mills theory which admits a semi-classical limit, we show that the complex fugacity generates interference between Euclidean path histories, i.e., monopole-instanton events, and radically alters the vacuum structure. At $\ensuremath{\theta}=0$, a mass gap is due to the monopole-instanton plasma, and the theory has a unique vacuum. At $\ensuremath{\theta}=\ensuremath{\pi}$, the monopole induced mass gap vanishes, despite the fact that monopole density is independent of $\ensuremath{\theta}$, due to destructive topological interference. The theory has two options: to remain gapless or to be gapped with a two-fold degenerate vacua. We show the latter is realized by the magnetic bion mechanism, and the two-vacua are realization of spontaneous $CP$-breaking. The effect of the $\ensuremath{\theta}$-term in the circle-compactified gauge theory is a generalization of Aharonov-Bohm effect, and the geometric (Berry) phase. As $\ensuremath{\theta}$ varies from 0 to $\ensuremath{\pi}$, the gauge theory interpolates between even- and odd-integer spin quantum anti-ferromagnets on two spatial dimensional bi-partite lattices, which have ground state degeneracies one and two, respectively, as it is in gauge theory at $\ensuremath{\theta}=0$ and $\ensuremath{\theta}=\ensuremath{\pi}$.
Shopping behaviour and satisfaction outcomes

AbstractShopping behaviour is an increasingly important area of research as firms seek to understand customer motivations and their purchase behaviour further. Despite the interest in shopping behaviour, it remains to be understood how these behaviours are related to satisfaction-related outcomes. A contribution to the academic literature as well as to managerial practice is made by identifying the relationship between three types of shopping behaviour: expectation congruence, satisfaction, and positive word-of-mouth communications. Specifically, the research examines if shoppers who engage in various types of shopping behaviour have the expectations of their shopping experience met, and whether this results in customer satisfaction and loyalty to that store. The research is based on a sample of 308 Wal-Mart and Target customers. The analysis of the data was performed with path modelling where the hypothesised model was supported and shown to have predictive relevance. In addition, significant moderating ...
Who Needs a Publisher or a Retailer or a Marketer

Today, engineering and media cultures do indeed combine in entertainment computing productions. A shared culture has emerged. All day long, team members at all levels make judgments that are both inherently technical and creative. Technology largely enabled this cultural shift from the early 1990s to today, with the analog media formats all becoming digital and the space for interactivity now being explored. All this shows that what seem to be unassailable, even logical, barriers between cultures in the present do change over time. Technology typically sparks these changes, and those who perceive them can seize such opportunities. Just as remembering how compartmentalized engineering and art cultures once were is difficult, today it is hard to imagine the next big decompartmentalization: the coming cultural shift in which individual creators, the engineers and artists who actually build digital content, will be more intertwined in the realm of business and the monetization of their work.
Canine Ehrlichiosis (tropical canine pancytopenia): A review

Abstract Tropical canine pancytopenia (TCP), a disease of dogs caused by the rickettsial agent, Ehrlichia canis , is being recognized with increased frequency in many parts of the world. The brown dog tick, Rhipicephalus sanguineus , is an efficient vector of E. canis and transstadial transmission occurs. Infections persist and are characterized by rising antibody titers and hypergammaglobulinemia. Dogs cleared of infection with tetracycline are fully susceptible to reinfection with the homologous strain of E. canis and often develop severe disease. Experimental infections in beagle and German shepherd dogs have shown that severity of disease is related to the breed of dog. German shepherd dogs often develop a severe hemorrhagic syndrome 60 or more days following infection. Recent studies have shown that bone marrow hypoplasia is important in the pathogenesis of severe chronic TCP. Differences in response to infection may reflect underlying immunological defects, particularly in the cell-mediated system.
Lipid raft microdomains and neurotransmitter signalling

Lipid rafts — specialized plasma membrane microdomains that are thought to regulate various signalling events — are the focus of intensive research into their roles in the nervous system. Here, Rasenick and colleagues review the evidence for their involvement in regulating neurotransmitter signalling. Lipid rafts are specialized structures on the plasma membrane that have an altered lipid composition as well as links to the cytoskeleton. It has been proposed that these structures are membrane domains in which neurotransmitter signalling might occur through a clustering of receptors and components of receptor-activated signalling cascades. The localization of these proteins in lipid rafts, which is affected by the cytoskeleton, also influences the potency and efficacy of neurotransmitter receptors and transporters. The effect of lipid rafts on neurotransmitter signalling has also been implicated in neurological and psychiatric diseases.
Determination of Asphalt Binder Creep Compliance Using Depth-Sensing Indentation

Asphalt binders are common construction materials, however due to time- and temperature- dependence, their mechanical properties are often difficult to characterize. Several standard tests methods exist to describe their complex behavior. This paper presents an exploratory feasibility study of a flat-tip indentation testing to analyze the linear viscoelastic properties of asphalt binders. Depth-sensing indentation testing has been extensively used to characterize the properties of many engineering materials, however the applications to asphalt binders are very limited. This paper presents a simple solution for the creep compliance in tension derived for flat-tipped indenter. This solution was verified with the Finite Element Analysis and then applied to the experimental results from the indentation testing performed on one typical unmodified asphalt binder. The testing was conducted at three different low temperatures and under three different creep load levels to verity the linearity of the response, and to evaluate the robustness and applicability of the indentation method. Furthermore, the creep compliance functions determined from the indentation testing were compared with a more traditional 3-point bending experiments. The results show that there is a non-uniform discrepancy between the two testing methods, most likely due to nonlinear behavior of the asphalt binder at higher temperatures and micro-damage of the binder samples at lower temperatures. Other possible sources of error between indentation and 3-point bending are problems determining the initial tip-specimen contact surface and possible tip-specimen adhesion. It is concluded that flat-tipped indentation at low temperatures should be performed at lower load levels to avoid excessive stress concentrations that leads to micro-damage and nonlinear response of asphalt binders. Alternatively, asphalt binders at low temperatures could be evaluated using different indenter geometries, such as spherical or pyramidal, using corresponding parameter interpretation procedures.
Three-Dimensional Finite Element Analysis of Elastic-Plastic Layered Media Under Thermomechanical Surface Loading

The simultaneous effects of mechanical and thermal surface loadings on the deformation of layered media were analyzed with the finite element method. A three-dimensional model of an elastic sphere sliding over an elastic-plastic layered medium was developed and validated by comparing finite element results with analytical and numerical solutions for the stresses and temperature distribution at the surface of an elastic homogeneous half-space. The evolution of deformation in the layered medium due to thermomechanical surface loading is interpreted in light of the dependence of temperature, von Mixes equivalent stress, first principal stress, and equivalent plastic strain on the layer thickness, Peclet number, and sliding distance. The propensity for plastic flow and microcracking in the layered medium is discussed in terms of the thickness and thermal properties of the layer, sliding speed, medium compliance, and normal load. It is shown that frictional shear traction and thermal loading promote stress intensification and plasticity, especially in the case of relatively thin layers exhibiting low thermal conductivity.
The History of Leeching and Hirudin

Leeching is an art dating back at least to ancient Egypt. It reached its zenith in the late 18th and early 19th centuries. The antithrombotic quality of leech saliva was first noted by Haycraft in 188
Planetary Rover Mobility Control

Exploration of the planets has been a long standing mission of the Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL). With the Presidentially appointed "National Commission on Space" proposing the eventual colonization and exploitation of the planets as a national policy, the idea of using a planetary rover to explore Mars is gaining interest. Plans are presented here for a potential Mars sample return mission. Major emphasis is placed on the application of work currently being done in Computer Aided Remote Driving and Navigation Fusion technologies at JPL.
Strategies to Remain Current with the Medical Education Field

Educators in health professions education should know about current issues and emerging trends related to their roles and the field at large. This knowledge informs scholarly work and helps identify best practices to adopt, pitfalls to avoid, and role models to emulate. The literature and expert opinion suggest a four-stage approach for educators to maintain their knowledge of best practices: PLAN, PULL, PUSH, and PLAY. This paper proposes strategies to show how a deliberate approach, supported with technology, may make the overwhelming task of staying up-to-date in the ever-changing field of medical education more manageable and personally rewarding.
Glass-encapsulant interface characterization following temperature and humidity exposure

The ability to optimize and consistently control the properties of the polymer-glass interface in thin film PV laminates in an important aspect of module reliability. Using variable rate peel delamination methods developed to isolate the encapsulant/glass interface, ion migration and interfacial chemistry have been studied following temperature and humidity exposure. In this presentation we will review quantitative AFM (Atomic Force Microscopy) and XPS (X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy) analyses linking failure modes with interfacial chemistry.
A novel U-shaped magnetic shield for perpendicular MRAM

We have developed a U-shaped magnetic shield for packaging perpendicular magnetoresistive random access memories (MRAMs) and have determined that a non-oriented silicon steel is best suited for this shield in terms of fabrication and magnetic properties. Use of this shield material suppressed magnetic flux saturation for an external magnetic field of up to 300[Oe], which exceeds the target of 250[Oe]. A magnetic source can thus be placed as close as 1 cm to a shielded MRAM. An MRAM chip is packaged by separating the shield into two parts and then mounting the lower part, the chip, and the upper part in sequence. If the gap between the parts is 20[μm] and the permeability of the gap is 30, the target performance is still achieved. This shield is thus promising for high-speed, low-power MRAMs.
Real Time Floating Point Computing-A Philosophy For Implementations

The exact definition of floating point computation has always varied from one computer to another and from one implementation to another. However, three points are common to almost all systems in use today: 1) representation of numbers by a multiplier and an exponent, with fixed integer base, 2) restriction of multiplier magnitude range (l/b,l) for uniqueness, 3) unique representation of zero. To implement the four operations, addition, subtraction, multiplication and division, for floating point, whether in hardware or in software, a worst case time can be identified which, for addition and subtraction, is often much larger than the average expected execution time, and which must be provided for in a real time system. An examination of the loss in accuracy associated with approximations which reduce these worst case times has led to a re-examination of an old idea, unnormalized floating point arithmetic, in the light of availability of modern hardware. We find that a system something like unnormalized floating point arithmetic is just right for most signal processing applications.© (1978) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Potential Applications of MicroRNAs in Cancer Diagnosis, Prognosis, and Treatment

Early studies have established that microRNAs (miRNAs) are widely deregulated in cancer and play a critical role in cancer pathogenesis. Recent research efforts are directed now towards translating these basic discoveries into novel tests or treatments that could improve the diagnosis and outcome of cancer patients. In this review, we will summarize the potential applications of miRNAs for cancer diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment. In addition, we will discuss current pitfalls and future directions.
Chromosomal changes in aggressive breast cancers with basal-like features

Using high-resolution oligonucleotide comparative genomic hybridization arrays, we evaluated chromosomal copy number changes in a series of 16 breast cancers, selected on the basis of highly similar pathologic and molecular features characteristic of the "basal-like" phenotype. Each of these cancers showed numerous gains and losses, reflecting multiple chromosomal rearrangements during the development of these high-grade cancers. Chromosomal losses were particularly prevalent on chromosomal arms 5q, 8p, 9q, 12q, 17p, 19p, and Xq, and gains were commonly seen on chromosomal arms 1q, 8q, and 17q. The regions of high-level amplification (copy number change more than eightfold) on 4q12, 8q23.3, 19p12, and 19q13.2 were particularly remarkable. These regions included candidate oncogenes cKIT, JUND, and AKT2, and immunohistochemistry confirmed that these particular genes were highly expressed in the cancers harboring the specific amplifications. Each of these amplifications was observed only in individual cases, however, and no particular chromosomal alteration appeared to generally characterize this group of cancers. Thus, genomic changes among breast cancers with basal-like features appear to be very heterogeneous. Distinct high-level amplifications may provide new targets for treating some of these cancers, but copy number changes do not reveal a distinctive genomic fingerprint for this proposed class of breast cancers.
Effects of taurine on the phosphorylation of specific proteins in subcellular fractions of the rat retina.

The effects of 20 mM taurine on the phosphorylation of specific proteins in mitochondrial and rod outer segment subcellular fractions of the rat retina were measured. A band of protein with an apparent molecular wieght of ∼ 20K was consistently inhibited by taurine. Densitometry measurements performed on gel electrophoresis autoradiograms from the mitochondrial fraction demonstrated a 42.7±8.3% decrease due to taurine (20 mM) in the area corresponding to radioactivity from the ∼ 20K phosphoprotein. However, only a 21.2±9.0% decrease was observed due to taurine in the rod outer segment preparation. These data suggest that taurine is exerting its primary effect on the phosphorylation of the ∼ 20K molecular weight protein in the mitochondria of the retina. In addition, calmodulin and phorbol ester had no effect on the phosphorylation of the ∼ 20K molecular weight protein.
Relationship intention of South African banking and life insurance customers

The effect of increasing competition, globalization and tough economic conditions has led to changes in how banking and life insurance firms operate. This has resulted in banking and life insurance firms focusing on retaining and building long-term relationships with their existing customer base by implementing a relationship marketing strategy. However, not all customers are willing to invest in building long-term relationships. Therefore, firms need to identify and target those customers who intend to support long-term relationships with the firm, that is those with a high relationship intention. The objective of this research was to investigate South African banking and life insurance customers’ relationship intention by determining the constructs constituting relationship intention and to determine whether differences exist between high and low-relationship intention customers for the identified relationship intention constructs. A non-probability, convenience sample was used to gather data from 401 respondents, with 202 from banking and 199 from life insurance customers. The results identified five constructs constituting relationship intention for the sample of respondents and indicated that high- and low-relationship intention respondents see four of the five constructs differently.
Epidemiology, clinical manifestations, and outcomes of Scedosporium infections among solid organ transplant recipients.

Background Few studies of Scedosporium infections following solid organ transplantation have been performed in the era of induction immunosuppression and widespread antifungal prophylaxis. Methods We performed a single-center, retrospective study of transplant recipients from 2000 through 2010 who had a positive Scedosporium culture. Results Among 27 patients, 67% (n = 18) and 33% (n = 9) were infected with Scedosporium apiospermum and Scedosporium prolificans, respectively. A total of 67% received induction immunosuppression and 74% received prior antifungal therapy. Isolates were broadly resistant to antifungals. Of these patients, 59% (n = 16) were colonized by Scedosporium, and 41% (n = 11) had disease (scedosporiosis). No significant clinical differences were seen between species. Colonization occurred exclusively in the lungs of lung transplant recipients (LTR). Scedosporiosis followed lung transplantation in 55%, and other organ transplants (multivisceral [18%]; and heart, liver, small intestine [9% each]) in 45%. Scedosporiosis was preceded by colonization in 36%. Diseases included pneumonia (64%), mediastinitis (18%), and fungemia/disseminated infections (18%). The 6-month outcomes were death in 55%, progression in 18%, stability in 9%, and resolution in 18%. Patients who died had earlier onset scedosporiosis post transplant (median: 80.5 vs. 1388 days; P = 0.04), and were more likely to have mediastinitis or disseminated infections than pneumonia (100% vs. 29%; P = 0.06). The 3 patients who developed scedosporiosis >1 year post transplant survived. All patients who survived were treated with a voriconazole-containing regimen. Conclusions LTR were most susceptible to Scedosporium colonization and scedosporiosis, particularly within the lungs. Death was common with scedosporiosis in the first year after all types of organ transplants, consistent with profound immunosuppression and antifungal resistance, but not encountered thereafter.