cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Meningioma Transcript Profiles Reveal Deregulated Notch Signaling Pathway

Meningiomas constitute the second most common central nervous system tumor, and yet relatively little is known about the molecular events that are important for the pathogenesis and malignant progression of these tumors. We have used serial analysis of gene expression to compare the transcriptomes of nonneoplastic meninges and meningiomas of all malignancy grades. A novel finding from this screen is the induction of three components of the Notch signaling pathway: the transcription factor, hairy and enhancer of Split1 (HES1) and two members of the Groucho/transducin-like enhancer of Split family of corepressors, TLE2 and TLE3. TLE corepressors interact and modulate the activity of a wide range of transcriptional regulatory systems, one of which is HES1. We have shown that the transcript and protein levels of HES1, the Notch2 and Notch1 receptors and the Jagged1 ligand are induced in meningiomas of all grades, whereas induction of TLE2 and TLE3 occurs specifically in higher-grade meningiomas. Meningioma cell lines express components of the Notch signaling pathway and an inhibitor of this pathway suppresses meningioma cell survival. These results suggest that deregulated expression of the Notch pathway is a critical event in meningioma pathogenesis and that modulation of this and potentially other signaling pathways by TLE corepressors leads to a more malignant phenotype.
Genome-wide compatible SNP intervals and their properties

Intraspecific genomes can be subdivided into blocks with limited diversity. Understanding the distribution and structure of these blocks will help to unravel many biological problems including the identification of genes associated with complex diseases, finding the ancestral origins of a given population, and localizing regions of historical recombination, gene conversion, and homoplasy.We present methods for partitioning a genome into blocks for which there are no apparent recombinations, thus providing parsimonious sets of compatible genome intervals based on the four-gamete test. Our contribution is a thorough analysis of the problem of dividing a genome into compatible intervals, in terms of its computational complexity, and by providing an achievable lower-bound on the minimal number of intervals required to cover an entire data set. In general, such minimal interval partitions are not unique. However, we identify properties that are common to every possible solution. We also define the notion of an interval set that achieves the interval lower-bound, yet maximizes interval overlap. We demonstrate algorithms for partitioning both haplotype data from inbred mice as well as outbred heterozygous genotype data using extensions of the standard four-gamete test. These methods allow our algorithms to be applied to a wide range of genomic data sets.
Order preserving assignments without contiguity

Abstract A variation of the order preserving assignment problem introduced in [8] is studied. The complete linear description of the associated polytope is derived and a polynomial-time separation algorithm for the describing inequalities is presented. A polynomial-time direct combinatorial algorithm based on dynamic programming and a longest path formulation of the problem are also given.
Proofs of the volume averaging theorems for multiphase flow

Abstract Formal rigorous proofs are presented for the volume averaging theorems of multiphase flow. The proofs are the first that are conceptually elementary and yet mathematically rigorous. The proofs rely on distribution theory and regularizations of characteristic functions.
Controlled replication of butterfly wings for achieving tunable photonic properties.

The fine structure of the wing scale of a Morpho Peleides butterfly was examined carefully, and the entire configuration was completely replicated by a uniform Al2O3 coating through a low-temperature ALD process. An inverted structure was achieved by removing the butterfly wing template at high temperature, forming a polycrystalline Al2O3 shell structure with precisely controlled thickness. Other than the copy of the morphology of the structure, the optical property, such as the existence of PBG, was also inherited by the alumina replica. Reflection peaks at the violet/blue range were detected on both original wings and their replica, while a simple alumina coating shifted the reflection peak to longer wavelength because of the change of periodicity and refraction index. The alumina replicas also exhibited similar functional structures as waveguide and beam splitter, which may be used as the building blocks for photonic ICs with high reproducibility and lower fabrication cost compared to traditional litho...
Entanglement and state preparation

When a subset of particles in an entangled state is measured, the state of the subset of unmeasured particles is determined by the outcome of the measurement. This first measurement may be thought of as a state preparation for the remaining particles. This type of measurement is important in quantum computing, quantum information theory and in the preparation of entangled states such as the Greenberger, Horne, and Zeilinger state. In this paper, we examine how the duration of the first measurement effects the state of the unmeasured subsystem. We discuss the case for which the particles are photons, but the theory is sufficiently general that it can be converted to a discussion of any type of particle. The state of the unmeasured subsytem will be a pure or mixed state depending on the nature of the measurement. In the case of quantum teleportation we show that there is an eigenvalue equation which must be satisfied for accurate teleportation. This equation provides a limitation to the states that can be accurately teleported.
The challenge of integration in interdisciplinary education

Focused on an interdisciplinary graduate program in water resources management, this case study illustrates how theory-into-practice integration occurred in a field course and clarified students' expectations that faculty model interdisciplinary ways of knowing.
Proyección de pensión personalizada en Chile: Evaluación de su impacto en la decisión de jubilación

Este trabajo evalua el impacto del envio del anexo de proyeccion de pensiones personalizada (PPP), que muestra el retorno de postergar la jubilacion 3 anos despues de la edad legal, sobre la decision de jubilacion de los afiliados al sistema de pensiones chileno. Se utiliza una metodologia cuasiexperimental de evaluacion de programas que busca corregir por la endogeneidad del tratamiento, usando como instrumentos informacion geografica, demografica y de numero de oficinas de correos por region. Los resultados muestran que recibir la PPP en una ocasion no tiene efectos significativos sobre la decision de jubilacion. No obstante, cuando se toma en cuenta la intensidad del tratamiento, se encuentra que haber recibido la PPP en dos anos consecutivos, 2005 y 2006, reduce significativamente la probabilidad de jubilar el ano 2011. Por ultimo, los resultados muestran que el efecto del tratamiento es mayor en individuos de mayor ahorro obligatorio.
Work, Family, State and Market: Income Packaging for Older Households

We use the concept of “income packaging” to explore the economic position of older people historically and comparatively. Income packaging focuses on the evolving economic role of the State in occupational pensions, earnings and assets. By contrast, the life course perspective focuses on the relations across generations. While these approaches differ in emphasis, they also overlap and are complementary. The idea of income packaging was first developed by Rein, Rainwater and Schwartz (1986) in a comparative study of three mature welfare states (the United Kingdom, Sweden and the United States) in order to highlight the importance of examining both the source and the level of income and to correct for the neglect of enterprise and the overemphasis on the development of the welfare state. The concept has been used by historians to describe the coping strategy of older people in the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. Drawing on these historical studies, we examine the evolution of incomepackaging among older people over time and across countries.
Energy distribution in the photochemical apparatus of Porphyridium cruentum in state I and state II

Fluorescence of Porphyridium cruentum in state I (cells equilibrated in light absorbed predominantly by Photosystem I) and in state II (cells equilibrated in light absorbed appreciably by Photosystem II) was examined to determine how the distribution of excitation energy was altered in the transitions between state I and state II. Low temperature emission spectra of cells frozen state I and state II confirmed that a larger fraction of the excitation energy is delivered to Photosystem II in state I. Low temperature measurements showed that the yield of energy transfer from Photosystem II to Photosystem I was greater in state II and calculations indicated that the photochemical rate constant for such energy transfer was approximately twice as large in state II. Measurements at low temperature also showed that the cross sections and the spectral properties of the photosystems did not change in the transitions between state I and state II. In agreement with predictions made from the parameters measured at low temperature, the action spectra for oxygen evolution measured at room temperature were found to be the same in state I and state II.
The Invisible Family: Counseling Asian American Substance Abusers and their Families:

The model minority theory, the underuse of mental health services, and cultural values have influenced the substance abuse field into believing that Asian American families are psychologically heal...
Potentiation of phosphodiesterase inhibitor antithrombotic activity with alpha-2 adrenergic blockade

The antithrombotic activity of pelrinone, a phosphodiesterase III inhibitor was examined in a canine model of coronary thrombosis that uses electrical current to injure the coronary endothelium. Ninety percent of vehicle treated animals developed complete coronary occlusion and thrombus mass was 32.0 +/- 5.8 mg. In a group of animals treated with zomepirac, 10 mg/kg i.v., included as a positive control, thrombus mass was decreased to 10.3 +/- 3.3 mg and incidence of occlusion was reduced to 37.5%. Pelrinone, 5.0 mg/kg i.v. decreased the incidence of occlusion to 50%, thrombus mass to 21.3 +/- 8.3 mg and inhibited platelet aggregation to collagen, ADP and arachidonic acid by 80%, 54% and 87% of baseline, respectively. When yohimbine, an alpha 2-adrenergic antagonist, was co-administered (2.0 mg/kg at the beginning of the experiment +0.5 mg/kg halfway through the experiment) with the same dose of pelrinone, thrombus mass was decreased to 1.0 +/- 0.5 mg and none of the animals developed coronary occlusion. Yohimbine administration by itself at 2.0-3.0 mg/kg showed no evidence of antithrombotic activity (thrombus mass = 32.8 +/- 8.0 mg, incidence of occlusion = 100%). This dose of yohimbine inhibited significantly ADP-induced aggregation in the presence of epinephrine. These results demonstrate that, even though this dose of pelrinone elicited near maximal inhibition of platelet aggregation, the concurrent administration of an alpha 2-adrenergic antagonist was able to potentiate markedly the phosphodiesterase inhibitor antithrombotic activity.
Dynamic π−π Stacked Molecular Assemblies Emit from Green to Red Colors

We present a dynamic molecular self-assembly system, driven mostly by π−π molecular orbital interactions. The formation of such self-organized dynamic systems is characterized with absorption, fluorescence, and NMR spectroscopies as well as dynamic light scattering. Our results demonstrate that proper design of molecules can promote self-organization in solution. As a result, we observed distinct red, orange, yellow, and green photoluminescence from different initial concentrations while exciting the system at the same wavelength.
Magnetically Actuated Artificial Cilia as Microfluidic Mixers

The absence of turbulence is a hallmark of fluid flow in the microfluidic regime, and so mixing is difficult to accomplish. Approaches to microfluidic mixing have varied widely, from passive devices which encourage complex flow with various modifications of the channel geometry to active mixers actuated by electric or magnetic fields. An ideal active mixer would be small enough to fit inside the narrowest microfluidic geometries and easily manipulated by external fields. We present here a novel material which is a composite of magnetic nanoparticles and silicone polymer. This material has a high magnetic content (up to 50% wt.) and is homogenous at length scales below 100 nm, making it ideally suited to the fabrication of micro-scale mixing devices. We optimize this material for use in microactuator applications and demonstrate a protocol for fabricating micro-mixers similar in scale to biological cilia (25 microns in length by 1 micron in diameter). A large array of these mixers may be fabricated within the confines of a microfluidics channel and actuated via an external magnetic field from a permanent magnet.
TEMPERATURE CHARACTERISTICS FOR SPEED OF MOVEMENT OF THIOBACTERIA.

The speed of translatory movement of Beggiatoa alba is governed by temperature in such a way that between 5 degrees and 33 degrees the temperature characteristics micro = 16,100 and micro = 8,400 respectively obtain for the temperature ranges 5 degrees to 16.5 degrees and 16.5 degrees to 33 degrees . The "break" at 16 degrees -17 degrees is emphasized by the occurrence of a wider latitude of variation in speed above this temperature. Above 16 degrees the progression of Thiothrix yields micro = 8,300. The possible relation of these values to that previously obtained for similar movement in (photosynthetic) Oscillatoria is commented upon.
Noise-figure limit of fiber-optical parametric amplifiers and wavelength converters: experimental investigation

Recent theoretical work predicts that the quantum-limited noise figure of a χ3-based fiber-optical parametric amplifier operating as a phase-insensitive in-line amplifier or as a wavelength converter exceeds the standard 3-dB limit at high gain. The degradation of the noise figure is caused by the excess noise added by the unavoidable Raman gain and loss occurring at the signal and the converted wavelengths. We present detailed experimental evidence in support of this theory through measurements of the gain and noise-figure spectra for phase-insensitive parametric amplification and wavelength conversion in a continuous-wave amplifier made from 4.4 km of dispersion-shifted fiber. The theory is also extended to include the effect of distributed linear loss on the noise figure of such a long-length parametric amplifier and wavelength converter.
Influence of dispersion method on dissolution rate of digoxin-lactose and hydrocortisone-lactose triturations I

Spreading of digoxin or hydrocortisone over a lactose surface by frictional pressure produced 1:20 triturations with significantly enhanced dissolution rates in simulated gastric fluid. Triturations prepared by simple blending or solvent deposition exhibited slower dissolution rates. These observations may help explain the variations in dissolution rate observed in manufactured tablet and capsule dosage forms of these two drugs.
Galaxy Disruption in a Halo of Dark Matter

The relics of disrupted satellite galaxies have been found around the Milky Way and Andromeda, but direct evidence of a satellite galaxy in the early stages of disruption has remained elusive. We have discovered a dwarf satellite galaxy in the process of being torn apart by gravitational tidal forces as it merges with a larger galaxy's dark matter halo. Our results illustrate the morphological transformation of dwarf galaxies by tidal interaction and the continued buildup of galaxy halos.
Aqueous phase hydrogenolysis of glycerol to 1,2-propanediol without external hydrogen addition

Abstract Facile aqueous phase hydrogenolysis of glycerol to 1,2-propanediol (1,2-PDO), catalyzed by an admixture of 5 wt.% Ru/Al 2 O 3 and 5 wt.% Pt/Al 2 O 3 catalysts in varying amounts, without externally added hydrogen is reported with comprehensive characterization of liquid and gas phase products. The hydrogen generated in situ by aqueous phase reforming of glycerol was used for the conversion of glycerol to 1,2-PDO and other products. The hydrogenolysis reaction may thus be carried out at moderate inert gas pressure and without a need for external hydrogen addition. During 6 h batch runs, it was observed that the 1:1 admixture (w/w) of the Ru and Pt catalysts showed better performance at 493 K [glycerol conversion ( X ) = 50.1%, 1,2-PDO selectivity ( S ) = 47.2%] compared to the individual catalysts [ X = 19.3%, S = 50% with 5% Ru/Al 2 O 3 ; X = 18.1%, S = 37% with 5% Pt/Al 2 O 3 ]. A run for glycerol hydrogenolysis with the admixture catalyst in the presence of added hydrogen (41 bar), at otherwise identical operating conditions, showed lower selectivity to 1,2-PDO (31.9%) compared to the run without added hydrogen (47.2%). With external hydrogen addition, the availability of excess hydrogen (in addition to the in situ hydrogen generation) promotes the transformation of CO and CO 2 to methane and other alkanes, adversely affecting the 1,2-PDO selectivity. Finally, the admixture catalyst showed excellent stability as evidenced by several repeatable runs with the recycled catalyst.
Exchange of oxygen isotopes between water and organic material

Abstract The exchange of 18 O at concentrations near natural abundance between benzoic acid and water and between algal biomass and water has been followed as a function of time and of pH at 80°C. Exchange proceeds at conveniently measurable rates at pH 1.0. The first-order rate constant for exchange of 18 O between benzoic acid and water under these conditions is (1.4 ± 0.1) · 10 −3 min −1 . An equilibrium isotope effect of 1.72 ± 0.09% favoring partitioning of 18 O into the carboxylic acid is found. The exchange of 18 O between water and oxygen-bearing functional groups in algal biomass does not proceed to completion, with only 30–33% of the oxygen in the insoluble residue being exchangeable. The first-order rate constant for this exchange is (9.3 ± 0.5) · 10 −4 min −1 at 80°C at pH 1.0. If it is assumed that exchange is first order in H + , a half-time of 150 a is calculated for turnover of the exchangeable portion of the oxygen pool at pH 6.0. The existence of a non-exchangeable oxygen pool suggests that isotopic analyses of oxygen in sedimentary organic matter can be of value in the reconstruction of ancient environments and biochemical pathways.
Radar power amplifier circuit and waveform optimization for spectrally confined, reconfigurable radar systems

Increasingly stringent spectral spreading constraints are motivating a paradigm shift in the spectrum engineering of radar systems. Future spectrum requirements will likely dictate narrower spectral masks that will change based on geography. The desire to operate radar systems efficiently with waveforms that will provide desired detection capabilities must mesh with the need to meet spectral mask criteria. To this end, a collaborative research effort between Baylor University and the U.S. Naval Research Laboratory has resulted in the design of reconfigurable circuit and waveform approaches to optimize spectral confinement, power efficiency, and detection capabilities. This paper surveys the joint optimization approach and describes innovations by the authors in circuit and waveform reconfiguration that will be useful in future flexible radar transmitters.
The precision of axon targeting of mouse olfactory sensory neurons requires the BACE1 protease

The β-site amyloid precursor protein cleaving enzyme 1 (BACE1) is necessary to generate the Aβ peptide, which is implicated in Alzheimer's disease pathology. Studies show that the expression of BACE1 and its protease activity are tightly regulated, but the physiological function of BACE1 remains poorly understood. Recently, numerous axon guidance proteins were identified as potential substrates of BACE1. Here, we examined the consequences of loss of BACE1 function in a well-defined in vivo model system of axon guidance, mouse olfactory sensory neurons (OSNs). The BACE1 protein resides predominantly in proximal segment and the termini of OSN axons, and the expression of BACE1 inversely correlates with odor-evoked neural activity. The precision of targeting of OSN axons is disturbed in both BACE1 null and, surprisingly, in BACE1 heterozygous mice. We propose that BACE1 cleavage of axon guidance proteins is essential to maintain the connectivity of OSNs in vivo.
Commissioning spin rotators in RHIC

During the summer of 2002, eight superconducting helical spin rotators were installed into RHIC in order to control the polarization directions independently at the STAR and PHENIX experiments. Without the rotators, the orientation of polarization at the interaction points would only be vertical. With four rotators around each of the two experiments, we can rotate either or both beams from vertical into the horizontal plane through the interaction region and then back to vertical on the other side. This allows independent control for each beam with vertical, longitudinal, or radial polarization at the experiment. In this paper, we present results from the first run using the new spin rotators at PHENIX.
Interpretation of Livermore third-harmonic-generation experiments.

Third-harmonic-generation experiments at the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory were recently reported by Linford et al. [ Appl. Opt.21, 3633 ( 1982)]. Here the theory pertaining to these experiments is discussed in detail. The Livermore results are shown to be in accordance with calculations using the harmonic-generation code mixer, whose predictions of highly efficient frequency tripling were first confirmed experimentally at the University of Rochester using the Type II/Type II polarization-mismatch configuration. The Livermore experiments confirm the advantages of this configuration.
Arsenic levels in urine of forest workers applying silvicides.

Forest tree thinning workers absorb arsenic from silwieides. Much of the chemical appears to be excreted from the body in a short time. There appears to be no evidence of a continuing increase in arsenic levels over a period of more than two months. Persons using these materials should be trained to observe all necessary precautions to minimize their exposure.
Lithium (Z)-Bis(2-ethoxyvinyl)cuprate†

[64823-09-2] C8H14CuLiO2 (MW 212.71) InChI = 1S/2C4H7O.Cu.Li/c2*1-3-5-4-2;;/h2*1,3H,4H2,2H3;;/q;;-1;+1 InChIKey = NXGZSZVQFMMSBN-UHFFFAOYSA-N (a ‘lower order’ cuprate reagent, prepared in situ, which undergoes conjugate addition reactions and substitution reactions2) Solubility: sol THF. Preparative Methods: 1-Ethoxy-2-tributylstannylethylene is prepared by the hydrostannation of Ethoxyacetylene, which is then reacted with 1.1 equiv of n-Butyllithium in THF at −78 °C for 1 h to afford (Z)-2-Ethoxyvinyllithium. To this solution is added 0.5 equiv purified Copper(I) Iodide and 2.0 equiv Dimethyl Sulfide in THF. The mixture is stirred for 1 h, affording lithium bis(2-ethoxyvinyl)cuprate, a red-brown solution.2 Handling, Storage, and Precautions: air- and moisture-sensitive reagent prepared and used in situ. Use in a fume hood.
Some useful tactics to modify, map and mine data from intelligent tutors

Mining data logged by intelligent tutoring systems has the potential to discover information of value to students, teachers, authors, developers, researchers, and the tutors themselves – information that could make education dramatically more efficient, effective, and responsive to individual needs. We factor this discovery process into tactics to modify tutors, map heterogeneous event streams into tabular data sets, and mine them. This model and the tactics identified mark out a roadmap for the emerging area of tutorial data mining, and may provide a useful vocabulary and framework for characterizing past, current, and future work in this area. We illustrate this framework using experiments that tested interventions by an automated reading tutor to help children decode words and comprehend stories.
Challenges in Survey Research and Their Implications for Philanthropic Studies Research

The authors review many of the serious challenges faced by survey researchers whose craft is to design and implement survey research. The challenges differ by mode of data collection (in person, telephone, mail, Web, etc.), and they have strong implications for philanthropy researchers who use survey research. Specialists in survey research have benefited from a number of developments in question and questionnaire design, sampling, cost containment, and handling increasing nonresponse. After reviewing these developments, the authors conclude with a plea to researchers to consult survey research experts at all points in survey design and planning. This will result in better data and research.
Making a vertebrate limb: new players enter from the wings.

What initiates vertebrate limb development and induces limbs to form where they do? For several years the answer to this intriguing question has been framed in terms of a working model that limb induction depends on a dialogue between two members of the Fibroblast Growth Factor (FGF) family of intercellular signaling molecules, FGF8 and FGF10. Now, a recent paper has written roles for signals encoded by WNT genes, the vertebrate relatives of the Drosophila wingless gene, into the script.(1) BioEssays 23:865–868, 2001. © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Aqueous Extraction of Corn Oil After Fermentation in the Dry Grind Ethanol Process

Publisher Summary This chapter explains that the most widely used method for corn oil recovery by dry grind ethanol producers today involves removal from the thin stillage stream after fermentation using processes developed by GreenShift Corporation. The processes are described in six patents (Cantrell and Winsness, 2009, 2011a, b, 2012; Winsness and Cantrell, 2009 and Winsness, 2012). The chapter describes the processes for obtaining corn oil after fermentation in a dry grind ethanol plant. The chemical composition and appearance of the various corn oils can be very different based on the feedstock (corn germ, ground corn, corn fiber, etc.) and extraction process (pressing, hexane extraction, aqueous enzymatic extraction, post-fermentation centrifugation, etc.) used to produce the oil. Also, the levels of various components in corn oils are usually altered when corn oils are processed, customarily using conventional refining, bleaching, and deodorization. Refining, bleaching, and deodorization are performed on most edible oils to improve the flavor and smell and to increase the shelf life. With further research and development, it is likely that post-fermentation corn oil will be used as a feedstock for other types of biofuels, such as “green diesel” and other “drop in” fuels by using hydrotreating and other catalytic processes that are currently being developed. Until other domestic sources of inexpensive oils are developed from algae, jatropha or other sources now in development, inedible post-fermentation corn oil will likely remain one of the most attractive feedstocks for bio-diesel and other bio-fuel producers.
Electron beam instrumentation techniques using coherent radiation

Much progress has been made on coherent radiation research since coherent synchrotron radiation was first observed in 1989. The use of coherent radiation as a bunch length diagnostic tool has been studied by several groups. In this paper, brief introductions to coherent radiation and far-infrared measurement are given, the progress and status of their beam diagnostic application are reviewed, different techniques are described, and their advantages and limitations are discussed.
The Phylogeny of Leucothoë s. l. (Ericaceae: Vaccinioideae) Based on Morphological and Molecular (ndhF, matK, and nrITS) Data

Abstract Leucothoe s. l. has been split into as many as three genera in current taxonomic work involving morphological data. In this paper, phylogenetic relationships within Leucothoe s. l. were examined using DNA sequence data from matK, ndhF, nrITS, and morphological characters. The total combined data indicate that Leucothoe s. l. species are distributed between two clades. Leucothoe racemosa and L. recurva are strongly supported as being sister taxa and are in turn sister to Chamaedaphne calyculata. These two Leucothoe species are deciduous and they exhibit “L. racemosa”-type autumn inflorescences (as does Chamaedaphne). The other six Leucothoe s. l. species (L. axillaris, L. davisiae, L. fontanesiana, L. grayana, L. griffithiana, and L. keiskei) form a strongly supported clade. Leucothoe grayana, a morphologically distinctive taxon, is sister to the other five species in this latter clade. Based on these data, it is proposed that Leucothoe s. l. should be divided into three genera: Eubotryoides (E. g...
TEST PLAN ALLOCATION TO MINIMIZE SYSTEM RELIABILITY ESTIMATION VARIABILITY

A new methodology is presented to allocate testing units to the different components within a system when the system configuration is fixed and there are budgetary constraints limiting the amount of testing. The objective is to allocate additional testing units so that the variance of the system reliability estimate, at the conclusion of testing, will be minimized. Testing at the component-level decreases the variance of the component reliability estimate, which then decreases the system reliability estimate variance. The difficulty is to decide which components to test given the system-level implications of component reliability estimation. The results are enlightening because the components that most directly affect the system reliability estimation variance are often not those components with the highest initial uncertainty. The approach presented here can be applied to any system structure that can be decomposed into a series-parallel or parallel-series system with independent component reliability estimates. It is demonstrated using a series-parallel system as an example. The planned testing is to be allocated and conducted iteratively in distinct sequential testing runs so that the component and system reliability estimates improve as the overall testing progresses. For each run, a nonlinear programming problem must be solved based on the results of all previous runs. The testing allocation process is demonstrated on two examples.
Modeling of daytime HONO vertical gradients during SHARP 2009

Abstract. Nitrous acid (HONO) acts as a major precursor of the hydroxyl radical (OH) in the urban atmospheric boundary layer in the morning and throughout the day. Despite its importance, HONO formation mechanisms are not yet completely understood. It is generally accepted that conversion of NO 2 on surfaces in the presence of water is responsible for the formation of HONO in the nocturnal boundary layer, although the type of surface on which the mechanism occurs is still under debate. Recent observations of higher than expected daytime HONO concentrations in both urban and rural areas indicate the presence of unknown daytime HONO source(s). Various formation pathways in the gas phase, and on aerosol and ground surfaces have been proposed to explain the presence of daytime HONO. However, it is unclear which mechanism dominates and, in the cases of heterogeneous mechanisms, on which surfaces they occur. Vertical concentration profiles of HONO and its precursors can help in identifying the dominant HONO formation pathways. In this study, daytime HONO and NO 2 vertical profiles, measured in three different height intervals (20–70, 70–130, and 130–300 m) in Houston, TX, during the 2009 Study of Houston Atmospheric Radical Precursors (SHARP) are analyzed using a one-dimensional (1-D) chemistry and transport model. Model results with various HONO formation pathways suggested in the literature are compared to the the daytime HONO and HONO/NO 2 ratios observed during SHARP. The best agreement of HONO and HONO/NO 2 ratios between model and observations is achieved by including both a photolytic source of HONO at the ground and on the aerosol. Model sensitivity studies show that the observed diurnal variations of the HONO/NO 2 ratio are not reproduced by the model if there is only a photolytic HONO source on aerosol or in the gas phase from NO 2 * + H 2 O. Further analysis of the formation and loss pathways of HONO shows a vertical dependence of HONO chemistry during the day. Photolytic HONO formation at the ground is the major formation pathway in the lowest 20 m, while a combination of gas-phase, photolytic formation on aerosol, and vertical transport is responsible for daytime HONO between 200–300 m a.g.l. HONO removal is dominated by vertical transport below 20 m and photolysis between 200–300 m a.g.l.
Small peptide functionalized thiol-ene hydrogels as culture substrates for understanding valvular interstitial cell activation and de novo tissue deposition.

Abstract A thiol–ene polymerization platform was used to synthesize peptide functionalized poly(ethylene glycol) hydrogels, which were initially characterized and compared to theoretical predictions of Young’s modulus via a theoretical crosslinking density equation presented herein. After thorough characterization, this material system’s utility for answering specific biological hypotheses was demonstrated with the culture and observation of aortic valvular interstitial cells (VICs). Specifically, these materials were used to better understand the role of substrate elasticity and biochemical functionality on VIC α-smooth muscle (αSMA) expression and secretory properties (i.e. de novo extracellular matrix (ECM)). The Young’s moduli of the hydrogels varied from 28 kPa (activating, 90% myofibroblasts) to 4 kPa (non-activating, 15% myofibroblast), and the biochemical functionality was tailored by incorporating three small adhesive peptide sequences, RGDS, VGVAPG and P15. To promote VIC adhesion, a basal [RGDS] of 0.8 mM was used in all formulations, while the [VGVAPG] or [P15] were varied to be lower than, equal to or higher than 0.8 mM. The substrates with 1.2 mM VGVAPG and all gels with P15 led to significantly higher αSMA expression for both stiff and soft substrates, as compared to 0.8 mM RGDS alone. Importantly, all gel conditions αSMA expression were significantly lower than tissue culture poly(styrene) (TCPS; ∼4- to 10-fold difference). The ECM produced decreased significantly as the total integrin-binding peptide concentration increased, but was significantly higher than that produced on TCPS. This easily tailored material system provides a useful culture platform to improve the fundamental understanding of VIC biology through isolating specific biological cues and observing VIC function.
Special Topics in Cryogenics

In the preceding discussion, the emphasis has been on bulk helium properties and systems operating in the temperature range above 1 K. However, there are numerous other topics in cyrogenics which do not fall in this general context but still have considerable relevance to the general subject of helium cryogenics. In the present chapter, four topics outside the main focus of this book are reviewed. These topics include (1) thermal insulation systems, (2) the behavior of liquid 3He at very low temperatures, (3) helium adsorption, and (4) the practical aspects of magnetic refrigeration. The review of these subjects is not all-inclusive but rather represents a few areas of potential interest to the general subject of low-temperature phenomena important to the useful application of helium cryogenics.
Polymorphism of malate dehydrogenase in cytoplasmic and mitochondrial fractions of Blastomyces dermatitidis

Malate dehydrogenase isozymes were studied in cell-free extract (crude extract), cytoplasmic, and mitochondrial fractions of yeast and mycelial phases of Blastomyces dermatitidis. All 3 fractions were subjected to disc electrophoresis on polyacrylamide gels. Different molecular forms of malate dehydrogenase were clearly demonstrated in both cytoplasmic and mitochondrial fractions of the yeast phase. The isozyme patterns in the yeast and the mycelial phases were different in number of bands.
Anti-Parallel Circuit of Resistive Cu/TaOx/Pt Switches

Resistive switches are being explored as a candidate for ultra-dense memory as well as logic circuits. The advantages of the resistive switches include high switching speed and excellent scaling potential. Here, we report for the first time the switching behavior of anti-parallel connected resistive switches (APS), which is a composite device exhibiting bi-directional switching properties. Under the opposite voltage biases, the two anti-parallel cells are alternatively set and reset, rendering the APS switched in both directions. For appropriate ON resistance values and set and reset voltages the two anti-parallel switches can be both set in conductive states. An APS device can be realized in a single switch by two coexisting Cu and oxygen vacancy nanofilaments which are formed and ruptured under opposite voltage polarities. The described APS behavior is of interest to logic applications and in neural networks.
273 THE EFFECTS OF LACTOFERRIN ON THE ANTIMICROBIAL ACTIVITY OF PASTEURIZED HUMAN MILK.

Human milk provides both nutritional and immunologic benefits for the infant. Pasteurized human milk (PHM) is available commercially, but pasteurization has been reported to decrease the milk9s antimicrobial properties. Lactoferrin (Lf) is a major human milk protein with antimicrobial activity that is dependent on its iron binding capabilities. This protein has been isolated and purified but never added to PHM. The major aim of this study was to evaluate the addition of Lf in PHM and study its in vitro effects against 3 major organisms in the NBICU, E. coli, E. sakazakii, and group B streptococcus. Human milk samples were collected from mothers with infants in NBICU between the 7th and 112th postpartum day. All lactating mothers were healthy and were on no medications except vitamins with iron. All samples were frozen and used within 4 weeks. Pasteurization was by the Holder method of heating the milk to 62.5°C for 30 minutes. Lf was obtained from recombinant human Lf (Ventria Bioscience, Sacramento, CA). Two Lfs were tested: one with no iron and another that was > 50% saturated with iron (Lf/Fe). 1.1 mg/mL of each Lf were added to the PHM. Bacterial growth of the 3 organisms was analyzed by inoculating 1 mL of 107 bacteria into the milk samples and counting the number of colony-forming units after 3.5 hours of incubation at 37°C. Analyses of variance with the Bonferroni post test were used to analyze the data. Our study shows that human milk has higher antimicrobial activity against these 3 major organisms than pasteurized human milk. Human milk that has been pasteurized loses this antimicrobial activity, but the addition of lactoferrin with no iron can restore pasteurized human milk antimicrobial activity.
Development and evaluation of two subunit vaccine candidates containing antigens of hepatitis E virus, rotavirus, and astrovirus

Hepatitis E virus (HEV), rotavirus (RV), and astrovirus (AstV) are important pathogens that transmit through a common fecal-oral route, causing hepatitis (HEV) and gastroenteritis (RV and AstV) respectively in humans. In this study, we developed and evaluated two subunit vaccine candidates that consisted of the same protruding or spike protein antigens of the three viruses in two formats, a fusion of the three antigens into one molecule (fused vaccine) vs. a mixture of the three free antigens together (mixed vaccine). Both vaccines were easily made via E. coli expression system. Mouse immunization experiments showed that the fused vaccine elicited significantly higher antibody responses against the three viral antigens than those induced by the mixed vaccine. In addition, the mouse post-immune antisera of the fused vaccine revealed significantly higher neutralizing titers against HEV infection in cell culture, as well as significantly higher 50% blocking titers (BT50) against RV VP8-HBGA receptor interactions than those of the post-immune antisera after immunization of the mixed vaccine. Thus, the fused vaccine is a promising trivalent vaccine candidate against HEV, RV, and AstV, which is worth for further development.
The Immunologic Status of the Newborn

It has been established that the fetus, at least after a certain gestational age, makes a definite and distinctive contribution to the immunoglobulin pool found at birth, and it is therefore possible to use a single neonatal determination of IgM as a nonspecific indicator of infection in utero. Follow-up study of infants with abnormal elevations permits a large number of those with congenital infections to be identified and treated.
A Measurement-based Study of the Skype Peer-to-Peer VoIP Performance.

It has been increasingly popular to build voice-over-IP (VoIP) applications based on peer-to-peer (P2P) networks in the Internet. However, many such VoIP applications free-ride the network bandwidth of Internet Service Providers (ISPs). Thus their success may come at a cost to ISPs, especially those on the edge of the Internet. In this paper, we study the VoIP quality of Skype, a popular P2P-based VoIP application. Specifically, using large-scale end-toend measurements, we first conduct a systematic analysis of Skype supernode network. We then investigate the impacts of the access capacity constraint and the AS policy constraint on the VoIP quality of Skype. We show that even when free-riding is no longer possible for only 20% of supernodes that are located in stub ISPs, the overall VoIP quality of Skype degrades significantly, and a large percentage of VoIP sessions will have unacceptable quality. This result clearly demonstrates the potential danger of building VoIP applications based on P2P networks without taking into account operational models of the Internet. We also study using time diversity in traffic patterns to reduce the impacts of the preceding
IMDAF Cascade Approach toward the Synthesis of the Alkaloid (±)-Minfiensine

The total synthesis of the Strychnos alkaloid (±)-minfiensine was achieved via an intramolecular amidofuran Diels–Alder cycloaddition/rearrangement followed by an iminium ion/cyclization cascade sequence. This domino process provides for a rapid access to the unique 1,2,3,4-tetrahydro-9a,4a-iminoethanocarbazole core structure found in the alkaloid minfiensine (2). In this paper, the full account of our synthetic study is described, highlighting the successful application of the cascade sequence to form the A/B/C/D rings of (±)-minfiensine (2) in high yield. A palladium-catalyzed enolate coupling reaction was then used to furnish the final E ring and complete the total synthesis of (±)-minfiensine (2).
Decreased expression and function of Vbeta6+ and Vbeta14+ T cells is associated with decreased Th1 cytokine production in mice with plasma cell tumors.

AIMS AND BACKGROUND We have found that polyclonally stimulated T cells from mice bearing ascitic plasma cell tumors demonstrate specific decreases in Th1 cytokine production. In this study we investigated whether loss of Th1 responses in the plasma cell tumor system was associated with alterations in the Vbeta T cell receptor repertoire. METHODS We examined the cell surface expression of specific Vbeta expressing splenic CD4+ or CD8+ T cells from normal and tumor bearing mice using direct three-color flowcytometry. In order to determine the Th phenotype of Vbeta expressing T cells, we enriched for Vbeta6, Vbeta14 or Vbeta8.1,8.2 cells, polyclonally stimulated them and measured the levels of the sytokines interleukin-4 (IL-4), IL-2 and interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma). RESULTS We find there is a statistically significant decrease in the frequency of Vbeta6+ and Vbeta14+ CD8+ T cells in mice bearing a plasma cell tumor (B53) as compared to normal (p<0.05). Stimulated Vbeta6+ and Vbeta14+ T cells exhibit an exclusively Th1 phenotype. Stimulated Vbeta6+ and Vbeta14+ T cells from B53 mice are deficient in production of the Th1 cytokines. In contrast, stimulated Vbeta8.1,8.2+ T cells, which are not altered in B53 mice, reveal a Th2 phenotype. CONCLUSIONS The significance of this study is our demonstration that decreased expression and function of Vbeta6+ and Vbeta14+ T cells may be, at least in part, responsible for the decrease in the production of IL-2 and/or IFN-gamma observed in hosts with tumors.
Taking Stock of Bystander Programmes

Situations of sexual violence involve three key components: the presence of a vulnerable victim, a motivated perpetrator and often third parties (bystanders). Bystanders are witnesses we become aware of what is unfolding and who step in to do something about it, or who alternatively actively or passively facilitate the perpetrator’s behaviour, or do nothing about it (Schwartz et al., 2001; also note the application of this conceptualisation to the prevention of technology-facilitated sexual violence, Henry & Powell, this volume). Third parties frequently witness sexual assaults. For example, Planty (2002) found that someone in addition to the perpetrator and victim was present in nearly one-third of sexual assaults. Who are these bystanders? What predicts their choices to intervene proactively (or not) in situations of sexual violence? And what role do they have in preventing sexual violence?
Application of VAC Therapy in Burn Injury

One of the great frustrations in burn care is the phenomenon of burn wound progression. In this process, the depth of burn worsens in the first few days after injury even with optimal medical care. Jackson [1, 2] explained this phenomenon with three zones of injury (Fig. 4.1). By this paradigm, the zone of coagulation in the center of the wound is the deepest and consists of a zone of nonviable tissue. The outermost zone, the zone of hyperemia, is a superficial injury much like a first degree burn and will go on to heal uneventfully almost regardless of the treatment provided. Between these two zones is the zone of stasis. In this zone, the tissue is severely metabolically compromised due to poor blood flow (stasis) leading to progressive tissue damage and ultimate burn wound progression. The etiology of this phenomenon is multifactorial and involves cytokines, free radicals, clotting cascade, and other factors involved with tissue damage and the inflammatory response that leads to progressive loss of blood flow and more tissue ischemia [3–6]. While infection will hasten this process, it is not a requirement for burn wound progression.
Integral equation boundary layer problems

The solutions to certain types of integral equation are found by a method whose motivation is essentially that of the boundary layer technique as applied to differential equations. Both the homogeneous and non-homogeneous problems are treated and the latter is exemplified by the solution of a problem taken from a viscosity measuring experiment.
Effect of supplementation on performance and reproduction of lactating beef cows grazing lush spring pasture

ABSTRACT Our objectives were to use 230 Angus × Simmental beef cows in a 2-yr experiment to determine the effects of supplementation on cow BW and BCS, first-service AI conception rate, and blood metabolites (nonesterified fatty acids, BHBA, and BUN). Cows (110 in yr 1 and 120 in yr 2) were randomly assigned to 1 of 2 treatments: control or supplement (SUPP). There were 3 replicates per treatment each year, and both treatments grazed clover–tall fescue pasture in early spring. The supplement contained 45% ground corncobs, 45% soybean hulls, and 10% dry molasses (DM basis), and 1.81 kg/cow per d was offered to cows fed SUPP starting 10 d before breeding. Forage samples were collected as groups were rotated to new pastures. Throughout the grazing season, forage CP decreased (P