cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Tumorigenicity of tsA and wild-type simian virus 40 transformed cells inoculated onto the chicken chorioallantoic membrane

This study compares the tumorigenicity of SV40 primary tumor cell lines, tsA and wild-type SV40-transformed Chinese hamster cells, at two temperatures, 37 degrees C and 40.5 degrees C, inoculated onto the chorioallantoic membrane of the chicken egg. The SV40 primary tumor cell lines varied in their efficiency of takes at 37 degrees C from 78% for the H65-90B tumor line, 73% for the H80-7A and 25% for the H80-4 line. At 40.5 degrees C the H80-4 was unable to form tumors; however, the H80-7A and H80-4 produced 70% and 20% tumors respectively. Histologically, all CAM tumors were fibrosarcomas identical to the transplanted tumors, however, the tumor(s) at 40.5 degrees C were smaller. Chinese hamster wild-type SV40-transformed cells were equally efficient (32%) at tumor production at both temperatures. The tsA-SV40-transformed Chinese hamster cells (A58 and A58-2) induced 34% tumors at 37 degrees C and 9% tumors at 40.5 degrees C. At 37 degrees C these tumors were typical fibrosarcomas; however, the 40.5 degrees C tumors were smaller and less cellular, resembling a more differentiated fibrosarcoma. Therefore, the tsA Chinese hamster transformed cells were less efficient at tumor induction at the non-permissive temperature; however, the primary tumor lines also demonstrated a variability in tumorigenicity (H65-90B and H80-4). Possibly factors other than the temperature-sensitive viral protein (big "T" antigen) may be involved in establishing a tumor on the chicken CAM.
Peers as Modeling and Normative Influences in the Development of Aggression.

An examination of role functions of peers and adult socialization agents (mother, father, and teacher) on two dimensions of aggression-related experiences (modeling and norms) was made. Ss were 108...
Construction of a hydrologic model for estimating Wadi runoff and groundwater recharge in the Eastern Desert, Egypt

We constructed a hydrologic model to estimate the groundwater recharge rate for alluvial aquifers of the Eastern Desert from sporadic precipitation over the Red Sea hills. To estimate initial losses over sub-basins, transmission losses through channel routing, and downstream runoff, we developed an integrated model combining spatial rainfall distribution, an appropriate basin unit hydrograph, and appropriate infiltration parameters. Watersheds and stream networks identified from digital terrain elevation data were verified by comparison with co-registered Landsat thematic mapper scenes and geologic maps. Records of a November 1994 storm event acquired from rain gauges along the Nile River and the Red Sea shore were used to generate a spatial precipitation distribution for the study area. A 2 hour design hyetograph was adopted from rain gauge data for the 1994 flood event. The model was tested against records from the November 1994 flood event at the outlets of the Tarfa and Hammamat watersheds. Groundwater recharge rates were estimated for the alluvial aquifers within the major watersheds of the north Eastern Desert. We estimated that during the 1994 flood event, the ground water recharge through transmission losses ranged from 21 to 31% (Tarfa: 15.8 x 10{sup 6} m{sup 3}; Asyuti: 20 x 10{sup 6}more » m{sup 3}, Qena: 49 x 10{sup 6} m{sup 3}, Hammamat: 59 x10{sup 6} m{sup 3}) of the precipitated volume. The initial losses ranged from 65 to 77%. Only 3-7% of the precipitation reached the watershed outlets. Archival data show that rainfall events of the size of the November 1994 storm or larger occur every 40 months; thus, the annual recharge rates for the Tarfa, Asyuti, Qena, and Hammamat alluvial aquifers are estimated at 4.7 x 10{sup 6} m{sup 3}, 6 x 10{sup 6} m{sup 3}, 14.7 x 10{sup 6} m{sup 3}, and 17.7 x10{sup 6} m{sup 3}, respectively. Implications for the use of these renewable ground waters and similar water resources in other arid areas of Egypt and in neighboring countries are clear.« less
Media perceptions and their impact on Web site quality

The growth of the Internet has created an explosion of sites that seek to provide information and conduct business transactions. The service industry and especially online banking stand to gain from that development. This study, anchored in the marketing, social psychology, media, and information systems literature, investigates how users perceive the Internet’s abilities to conduct banking activities. Results show variation in media perceptions for the same online banking site across various task environments. The results indicate that user perceptions of the Internet medium depend on task complexity and that technology can serve as a mitigating factor to improve media and quality perception.
What You are Feeling and Why: Two Distinct Types of Emotional Clarity.

Individual difference approaches have typically treated emotional clarity (i.e., one’s understanding of one’s own emotions) as a unitary construct. Based on strong theoretical reasons, in this study we explored two related aspects of emotional clarity in a student sample. The first, type awareness, refers to the extent to which people typically can identify and distinguish the types of emotions they experience. The second, source awareness, refers to the extent to which people typically know the causes of their emotions. We psychometrically distinguished self-report items of source and type awareness. Items measuring type awareness were obtained from traditional measures of the construct, clarity of emotions. As no existing measures assess individual differences in source awareness, we developed a set of items with strong face validity. Our results provide initial evidence that one can measure source and type awareness separately.
Refractance Window Dehydration Technology: A Novel Contact Drying Method

Refractance Window® (RW) system is a novel drying method for converting liquid foods and other related biomaterials into powders, flakes, or sheets with added value. In this system, purees or juices prepared from fruits, vegetables, or herbs dry in short times, typically 3–5 min, resulting in products with excellent color, vitamin, and antioxidant retention. The RW drying systems are simple and relatively inexpensive when compared with freeze drying, which usually needs large installations to be economical. In RW drying systems thermal energy is transferred from hot water to a film of puree or juice spread thinly on a plastic conveyor belt. These drying systems operate at atmospheric pressure and are used for commercial production of scrambled egg mix, avocado powder, high carotenoid-containing algae, herbal extracts and human nutrition supplements, and food ingredients, as well as dried fruits and vegetables. This article presents the principle of Refractance Window® drying and highlights some results th...
Audiovisual Information Fusion in Human–Computer Interfaces and Intelligent Environments: A Survey

Microphones and cameras have been extensively used to observe and detect human activity and to facilitate natural modes of interaction between humans and intelligent systems. Human brain processes the audio and video modalities, extracting complementary and robust information from them. Intelligent systems with audiovisual sensors should be capable of achieving similar goals. The audiovisual information fusion strategy is a key component in designing such systems. In this paper, we exclusively survey the fusion techniques used in various audiovisual information fusion tasks. The fusion strategy used tends to depend mainly on the model, probabilistic or otherwise, used in the particular task to process sensory information to obtain higher level semantic information. The models themselves are task oriented. In this paper, we describe the fusion strategies and the corresponding models used in audiovisual tasks such as speech recognition, tracking, biometrics, affective state recognition, and meeting scene analysis. We also review the challenges and existing solutions and also unresolved or partially resolved issues in these fields. Specifically, we discuss established and upcoming work in hierarchical fusion strategies and cross-modal learning techniques, identifying these as critical areas of research in the future development of intelligent systems.
Ultrafast holographic recording of snake infrared pit tissue using two-photon induced photopolymerization

Non-cryogenic, high sensitivity infrared detection is one of the fundamental criteria for future sensor technology. To this end, we propose mimicking the natural infrared detection structures found in certain snake pit tissue. We hypothesize that the pit organ behaves like a photonic bandgap in that a regular arrangement of sub-micron micropits removes or traps visible radiation and enhances infrared radiation transmission. In order to simulate the two- and three-dimensional pit surface morphology, we used holographic two-photon induced polymerization (H-TPIP), a new microfabrication technique previously reported by this group. Using the ultrafast H-TPIP procedure, we can write large area biomimetic structures into an optical resin. Due to the quadratic dependence of the absorption probability on the incident radiation intensity, molecular excitation via the simultaneous absorption of two photons has been shown to lead to improved three-dimensional control of photochemical or photophysical processes. Using spatial variations in the incident intensity within a photopolymerizable resin, these structures can be readily fabricated. We report our progress on duplicating the surface morphology of snake infrared pit tissue using H-TPIP.
Temperature Profiles in Thermally Decomposing Pelletized Refuse-Derived Fuel

Abstract The pyrolytic and combustive reactions of thermally decomposing pelletized refuse-derived fuel in air and nitrogren atmospheres is studied through the experimental determination of the temperature profile within cellulose cylinders. The internal temperature history of cellulose cylinders is monitored by use of thermocouples inserted into holes drilled in the cylinder side at different depths and heights. The cylinders are tested by immersion into a preheated furnace at a range of temperatures. The reaction energetics of the decomposition during pyrolysis and combustion processes are recorded by the thermocouple monitors. An endothermic reaction initiated at c. 310 °C is observed. This reaction is followed by a consecutive, exothermic reaction at c. 350 °C in both air and nitrogen atmospheres that raises the cylinder temperature above that of the surrounding chamber.
A geometric view of parametric linear programming

We present a new definition of optimality intervals for the parametric right-hand side linear programming (parametric RHS LP) Problem ź(ź) = min{c t x¦Ax =b + ź¯b,x ź 0}. We then show that an optimality interval consists either of a breakpoint or the open interval between two consecutive breakpoints of the continuous piecewise linear convex function ź(ź). As a consequence, the optimality intervals form a partition of the closed interval {ź; ¦ź(ź)¦ < ź}. Based on these optimality intervals, we also introduce an algorithm for solving the parametric RHS LP problem which requires an LP solver as a subroutine. If a polynomial-time LP solver is used to implement this subroutine, we obtain a substantial improvement on the complexity of those parametric RHS LP instances which exhibit degeneracy. When the number of breakpoints of ź(ź) is polynomial in terms of the size of the parametric problem, we show that the latter can be solved in polynomial time.
A shortened activated partial thromboplastin time predicts the risk of catheter-associated venous thrombosis in cancer patients.

Abstract Introduction Hypercoagulability due to high coagulation factor levels resulting from host inflammatory response to cancer contributes to an increased risk of venous thromboembolism (VTE) in cancer patients. Central venous catheters (CVCs) further heighten this risk. Activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT) can be used to broadly screen for elevated levels of relevant coagulation factors. Our objective was to determine if a shortened aPTT ratio (coagulation time of test- to- reference plasma) was a predictor of CVC-associated VTE in cancer patients. Materials and Methods We performed a retrospective case–control study on cancer patients undergoing tunneled CVC insertion at our center from 1999 to 2006 and identified 40 patients who had CVC-associated VTE. VTE was confirmed with color duplex ultrasonography or computed tomography scan. For each case, we obtained 5 controls that had the same cancer diagnosis and were matched on the following factors: age, chemotherapy, hormone therapy (if applicable), tobacco use, TNM staging and year of diagnosis. All patients had aPTT testing within 30 days prior to surgery. We compared aPTT and aPTT ratio between cases and controls using Wilcoxon two sample test. Results aPTT ratio was significantly shorter in patients with CVC-related VTE as compared to controls [0.86 (95% confidence interval (CI) 0.78, 0.94) vs. 0.98 (0.94, 1.01), p = 0.0003]. Mean aPTT was also significantly shorter. [25.6 seconds (95% CI 23.2, 27.9) vs. 28.1 (26.9, 29.3), p = 0.001] aPTT ratios of the controls tended to spread across larger aPTT ratio values whereas those of cases tended to clustered around the mean. Conclusions Cancer patients undergoing catheter placement who develop CVC-associated VTE have a shorter aPTT and aPTT ratio than those who do not develop VTE. aPTT, a simple and inexpensive test might be useful as a predictor of CVC-associated VTE risk in cancer patients.
GaInP/GaP quantum dots: a material for OEIC on silicon substrates

Realization of optoelectronic integrated circuits on silicon substrates has many difficulties, one of which is depositing high quality light-emitting material on the silicon surface. A desirable depositing method from a manufacturing point of view is chemical vapor deposition. Because there are currently no light emitting semiconductor alloys lattice-matched to silicon, epitaxial growth of III-V compound devices on Si has required a lattice constant engineering step such as wafer bonding or thick buffer layer growth. Growth of GaInP/GaP strain-induced quantum dots offers an opportunity to grow single crystal light-emitting devices monolithically on silicon substrates without lattice constant engineering steps, since single crystal GaP can be grown on silicon. In this presentation, progress on MOCVD growth of GaInP/GaP quantum dots and its device applications are reviewed.
Assessment of marginal stability and permeability of an interim restorative endodontic material.

The purpose of this study was to assess the marginal stability and permeability of a new interim restorative endodontic material, Tempit (Centrix Inc., Milford, Conn.), and to compare the findings with the results of two commonly used restorative endodontic materials, Cavit (Premier Dental Products Co., Philadelphia, Pa.) and IRM (Intermediate Restorative Material Capsules, The Caulk Co., Division of Dentsply International Inc., Milford, Del.) This study was performed in several steps. First, the endodontic access cavities were prepared and restored on 80 extracted mandibular molars. The samples were exposed to methylene blue dye solution for 6 days, thermocycled, and sectioned; the dye penetration and diffusion were measured along the margins and into the body of the materials. The second experiment was a special study performed in standardized glass tubes to better evaluate the marginal and body dye penetration into the materials by increasing the length of the fillings. To eliminate the possibility of phygroscopic setting mechanisms of materials, samples were first allowed to set under water before dye was introduced. Cavit and Tempit showed a substantial amount of dye diffusion into the body of the materials. Cavit exhibited the best sealing ability at all times. The marginal and body dye penetration were significantly different for the Tempit material in all experiments than Cavit (p < 0.001). IRM demonstrated the least body penetration of all three materials (p < 0.001) but had a substantial marginal leakage not significantly different from the results of the Tempit material (p = 0.6 and p = 0.1). Preset and postset samples of Cavit and Tempit materials exhibited no significant changes in their behavior with respect to the dye diffusion. On the basis of the findings in this study, Tempit and IRM seem less appropriate as interim endodontic restorations compared with Cavit.
Nutrient starvation promotes condensin loading to maintain rDNA stability

Nutrient starvation or rapamycin treatment, through inhibition of target of rapamycin, causes condensation of ribosomal DNA (rDNA) array and nucleolar contraction in budding yeast. Here we report that under such conditions, condensin is rapidly relocated into the nucleolus and loaded to rDNA tandem repeats, which is required for rDNA condensation. Rpd3-dependent histone deacetylation is necessary and sufficient for condensin's relocalization and loading to rDNA array, suggesting that histone modification plays a regulatory role for condensin targeting. Rapamycin independently, yet coordinately, inhibits rDNA transcription and promotes condensin loading to rDNA array. Unexpectedly, we found that inhibition of rDNA transcription in the absence of condensin loading leads to rDNA instability. Our data suggest that enrichment of condensin prevents rDNA instability during nutrient starvation. Together, these observations unravel a novel role for condensin in the maintenance of regional genomic stability.
Win‐win strategy for the employment of reference graduate assistants in academic libraries

Discusses the application of win‐win mindsets and strategy in the employment of reference graduate assistants in academic libraries. The strategy covers different stages of the employment including recruitment, training and support, and transition. It focuses on the concept of treating graduate assistants as colleagues and involving them in the whole process. Also compares the differences between the employment of reference graduate assistants who are library school students and those who are non‐library school students, and the differences between graduate assistants in libraries and contingency workers in the business world.
Child care choices: Low income mothers in bridgeport, connecticut

This study was undertaken in 1994 in Bridgeport, Connecticut, to determine what child care systems are being utilized by low-income parents. Only twenty-four percent of Bridgeport’s children are enrolled in formal, licensed child care programs. Although prohibitive expense was predicted by providers and administrators of child care and child welfare programs to be the greatest hindrance to obtaining formal, licensed child care by low income parents, results of the study showed that it was parents’ lack of trust of providers that was the main reason for underutilization of child care. However, even though lacking in trust, many mothers informally stated that they would use the publicly-funded Head Start program if it were available to them.
Colonic infiltration with chronic myelomonocytic leukemia.

Background A 75-year-old female presented with a 1 month history of nonbloody diarrhea, associated with abdominal cramping and urgency. Her medical history was notable for chronic myelomonocytic leukemia, diagnosed 6 years previously and managed expectantly by monitoring the patient's complete blood count. Over several months, the patient's symptoms progressed, which resulted in significant weight loss. The patient's course of disease was ultimately complicated by acute disseminated encephalomyelitis and death. Investigations Physical examination, laboratory investigations, stool studies, colonoscopy with biopsies, immunohistochemistry and pathologic review of biopsy specimens. Diagnosis Leukemic colitis Management Management of underlying leukemia with systemic hydroxyurea and topical colonic 5-aminosalicylic acid therapy.
MOLECULAR ANALYSIS OF DECREASED GM-CSF mRNA STABILITY IN NEONATAL VS. ADULT MONONUCLEAR CELLS: ASSOCIATION WITH INCREASED LEVELS OF SPECIFIC AUUUA-BINDING AUF1 PROTEINS AND INCREASED IN VITRO DEGRADATION.

Expression of GM-CSF mRNA is 4-fold lower in activated peripheral blood mononuclear cells (MNC) from newborn (Nb) compared to adult (Ad) (Cairo, et al, Pediatr Res, 30:362, 1991). While the GM-CSF transcription rate is similar in Nb and Ad MNC, transcript half-life is 3-fold less in Nb activated MNC. Inhibiting protein synthesis with 10μg/mL cycloheximide(CHX; 3h) after stimulation with 20ng/mL PMA + ≈2μg/mL PHA (3h) increased GM-CSF mRNA 3-fold in Nb MNC but had only a minimal effect in Ad MNC compared to PMA+PHA. To investigate the involvement of RNA binding proteins, such as the cloned AUF1 factor (Zhang, et al., Mol Cell Biol, 13:7652, 1993) interacting with 8 AUUUA-motifs (AU) in the 3′-untranslated region (8AU), cytoplasmic extracts were prepared from Nb vs. Ad MNC unstimulated or stimulated with PMA+PHA (6h), ±CHX (3h). Electrophoretic mobility shift assays using 32P-labeled 8AU RNA revealed two, RNaseT1-resistant, bound complexes from both Nb and Ad MNC extracts, and competitive assays localized the binding site of both complexes to the region containing 7 of 8 AU-motifs. One of the bound complexes was twice as abundant in Nb than in Ad MNC. Inclusion of AUF1 antiserum revealed a super-shifted complex at 30-fold higher levels in Nb than Ad MNC extracts. A human carcinoma cell line (5637) with extended GM-CSF mRNA half-life also showed very low levels of anti-AUF1 super-shifted complex. Anti-AUF1 immunoblotting showed considerably higher levels of the two smallest of four AUF1 protein species in Nb than in Ad MNC or 5637 extracts. Additionally,in vitro mRNA decay assays found the stability of 32P-8AU to be 85% less in Nb than Ad MNC extracts compared to transcripts lacking AU. These results suggest that destabilization of GM-CSF mRNA in Nb MNC is translation-dependent and that increased levels of specific AU-binding AUF1 species in Nb MNC may target transcripts for increased degradation which could account, in part, for dysregulation of Nb phagocytic immunity.
Structure of the caspase-recruitment domain from a zebrafish guanylate-binding protein.

The caspase-recruitment domain (CARD) mediates homotypic protein–protein interactions that assemble large oligomeric signaling complexes such as the inflammasomes during innate immune responses. Structural studies of the mammalian CARDs demonstrate that their six-helix bundle folds belong to the death-domain superfamily, whereas such studies have not been reported for other organisms. Here, the zebrafish interferon-induced guanylate-binding protein 1 (zIGBP1) was identified that contains an N-terminal GTPase domain and a helical domain typical of the mammalian guanylate-binding proteins, followed by a FIIND domain and a C-terminal CARD similar to the mammalian inflammasome proteins NLRP1 and CARD8. The structure of the zIGBP1 CARD as a fusion with maltose-binding protein was determined at 1.47 A resolution. This revealed a six-helix bundle fold similar to the NLRP1 CARD structure with the bent α1 helix typical of all known CARD structures. The zIGBP1 CARD surface contains a positively charged patch near its α1 and α4 helices and a negatively charged patch near its α2, α3 and α5 helices, which may mediate its interaction with partner domains. Further studies using binding assays and other analyses will be required in order to address the physiological function(s) of this zebrafish protein.
The zwitterionic cell wall teichoic acid of Staphylococcus aureus provokes skin abscesses in mice by a novel CD4+ T-cell-dependent mechanism.

Zwitterionic polysaccharide (ZPS) components of the bacterial cell envelope have been shown to exert a major histocompatibility complex (MHC) II-dependent activation of CD4+ T cells, which in turn can modulate the outcome and progression of infections in animal models. We investigated the impact of zwitterionic cell wall teichoic acid (WTA) produced by Staphylococcus aureus on the development of skin abscesses in a mouse model. We also compared the relative biological activities of WTA and capsular polysaccharide (CP), important S. aureus pathogenicity factors, in abscess formation. Expression of both WTA and CP markedly affected the ability of S. aureus to induce skin abscess formation in mice. Purified wild-type zwitterionic WTA was more active in inducing abscess formation than negatively charged mutant WTA or purified CP8. To assess the ability of purified native WTA to stimulate T cell proliferation in vitro, we co-cultivated WTA with human T-cells and antigen presenting cells in the presence and absence of various inhibitors of MHC-II presentation. Wild-type WTA induced T cell proliferation to a significantly greater extent than negatively charged WTA. T cell activation was dependent on the presentation of WTA on MHC II, since inhibitors of MHC II-dependent presentation and antibodies to MHC II significantly reduced T cell proliferation. T cells activated in vitro with wild-type WTA, but not negatively charged WTA, induced abscess formation when injected subcutaneously into wild-type mice. CD4−/− mice similarly injected with WTA failed to develop abscesses. Our results demonstrate that the zwitterionic WTA of S. aureus induces CD4+ T-cell proliferation in an MHCII-dependent manner, which in turn modulates abscess formation in a mouse skin infection model. An understanding of this novel T cell-dependent host response to staphylococcal abscess formation may lead to the development of new strategies to combat S. aureus skin and soft tissue infections.
Application of automated topography focus corrections for volume manufacturing

This work describes the implementation and performance of AGILE focus corrections for advanced photo lithography in volume production as well as advanced development in IBM's 300mm facility. In particular, a logic hierarchy that manages the air gage sub-system corrections to optimize tool productivity while sampling with sufficient frequency to ensure focus accuracy for stable production processes is described. The information reviewed includes: General AGILE implementation approaches; Sample focus correction contours for critical 45nm, 32nm, and 22nm applications; An outline of the IBM Advanced Process Control (APC) logic and system(s) that manage the focus correction sets; Long term, historical focus correction data for stable 45nm processes as well as development stage 32nm processes; Practical issues encountered and possible enhancements to the methodology.
Oxidation of octane and cyclohexane using a new porous substrate, Ti-MMM-1

Ti-MMM-1 (MMM ¼ microporous mesoporous material), a mixed-phase material containing both micro- and mesopores, has been synthesized by a unique process involving the addition of organic templates for mesoporous and microporous phases at staggered times and the temperature manipulation of a single reaction mixture. Powder X-ray diffraction indicates that the material contains both MCM-41 and MFI structures. N2 physisorption measurements show a lower surface area and pore volume as compared to purely mesoporous materials and indicate that the mesopores are larger than in the parent MCM-41. IR indicates that the mixed-phase material contains framework Ti species and contains more atomic order within its walls than Ti-doped MCM-41. Finally, Ti-MMM-1 is used for the catalytic oxidation of cyclohexane and n-octane. Interestingly, Ti-MMM-1 is more selective for these processes than either TiMCM-41 or TS-1 (Ti-MFI). 2002 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.
Permutation methods in relative risk regression models

In this paper, we develop a weighted permutation (WP) method to construct confidence intervals for regression parameters in relative risk regression models. The WP method is a generalized permutation approach. It constructs a resampled history which mimics the observed history for individuals under study. Inference procedures are based on studentized score statistics that are insensitive to the forms of the relative risk function. This makes the WP method appealing in the general framework of the relative risk regression model. First-order accuracy of the WP method is established using counting process approach with a partial likelihood filtration. A simulation study indicates that the method typically improves accuracy over asymptotic confidence intervals.
SOLUTION STRUCTURE OF THE CONSERVED 16 S-LIKE RIBOSOMAL RNA UGAA TETRALOOP

Abstract The solution structure of the highly conserved UGAA tetraloop found at the 3′ end of eukaryotic 16 S-like ribosomal RNA has been solved by nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy in the form of the 12 nucleotide hairpin 5′-GGUG[UGAA]CACC. The UGAA tetraloop displays a novel fold. The backbone turn occurs between the G and the third A in the loop, with the U and G in a 5′ stack and the As in a 3′ stacking arrangement. The loop is closed by a U-A mismatch in which the O2, 2′OH, and O4′ groups of the U are within hydrogen bonding distance of the amino group of the A. The tetraloop does not make a uridine-turn, even though its sequence is identical to a U-turn found within the anticodon loop of tRNAPhe. The hydrogen bonding pattern in the tetraloop provides insight into the function of base modifications found in vivo within this portion of 16 S-like rRNA.
Population Growth and Technological Change: One Million B.C. to 1990

The nonrivalry of technology as modeled in the endogenous growth literature implies that high population spurs technological change. This paper constructs and empirically tests a model of long-run world population growth combining this implication with the Malthusian assumption that technology limits population. The model predicts that over most of history the growth rate of population will be proportional to its level. Empirical tests support this prediction and show that historically among societies with no possibility for technological contact those with larger initial populations have had faster technological change and population growth. (EXCERPT)
Preclinical regulatory validation of an engineered diaphragmatic tendon made with amniotic mesenchymal stem cells.

Abstract Purpose Under a Food and Drug Administration directive, we examined definite long-term safety and efficacy aspects of an engineered diaphragmatic tendon graft as a regulatory prerequisite for clinical trials. Methods Newborn lambs (N = 27) underwent partial diaphragmatic replacement with a Teflon patch, a composite acellular bioprosthesis, or the same bioprosthesis seeded with autologous amniotic mesenchymal stem cells processed under Good Manufacturing Practice guidelines. Multiple safety and efficacy analyses were performed at different time points up to 14 months of age (ovine adulthood). Results There was no mortality. None of the blood tests or full body autopsy specimens showed any abnormality. There was a significantly higher failure rate in animals that received an acellular bioprosthetic graft vs an engineered graft, with no significant differences between Teflon and acellular bioprosthetic implants. Tensile strength and total collagen levels were significantly higher in engineered grafts than in acellular bioprosthetic grafts. On histology, lysozyme and myeloperoxidase stainings were unremarkable in all grafts. Conclusions Diaphragmatic repair with a clinically viable autologous tendon engineered with amniotic mesenchymal stem cells leads to improved outcomes when compared with an equivalent acellular bioprosthesis, with no local or systemic adverse effects. Clinical trials of engineered diaphragmatic repair appear practicable within regulatory guidelines.
The synthesis and the mass and nuclear magnetic resonance spectra of side chain isomers of cholesta-5,22-dien-3β-ol and cholesta-5,22,24-trien-3β-ol

Abstract The previously unknown 22- cis -cholesta-5,22-dien-3β-ol, 22- cis and 22- trans isomers of cholesta-5,22,24-trien-3β-ol, 20- iso -22- trans -cholesta-5,22,24-trien-3β-ol, 22,24- trans , trans -26-homocholesta-5,22,24-trien-3β-ol, and the known 22- trans -dehydrocholesterol were synthesized. Their infrared, mass and nuclear magnetic resonance spectra are presented. These compounds undergo fragmentation processes that are governed primarily by the site of the unsaturation and not by their stereochemistry. However, the C-methyl resonances in the nuclear magnetic resonance spectra are influenced by their chemical environment.
Mass spectra of aryl substituted oxazolidones

The mass spectra of several 4,5-disubstituted-2-oxazolidones and several related N-methyl derivatives have been determined. Fragmentation has been found to be a function of three factors: (1) the size of the alkyl function at C-5, (2) the location of the aryl substituent, and (3) replacement of NH by NCH3. In particular, aryl or bulky alkyl groups substituted at C-5 result in protonated aldehyde derived from hydrogen rearrangement from nitrogen. With other substituents, the most intense ions are nitrogen containing fragments. In the latter case the fragmentation pathway has been elucidated with the aid of metastable peaks observed using defocusing techniques.
Systemic acute-phase reactants, C-reactive protein and haptoglobin, in adult periodontitis.

Capture ELISAs with biotinylated monospecific antibodies were developed to detect both C-reactive protein (CRP) and haptoglobin (Hp) in serum of adult periodontitis (AP) patients and normal subjects. Each acute-phase reactant was significantly increased in serum from AP patients with CRP at 9.12 +/- 1.61 mg/l versus 2.17 +/- 0.41 mg/l (P < 0.001) and Hp at 3.68 +/- 0.37 g/l versus 1.12 +/- 0.78 g/l (P < 0.001). Assessment of clinical characteristics of the patients' periodontal disease indicated that CRP and Hp levels were significantly increased in patients with the most frequent disease active episodes (P < 0.02 and P < 0.001, respectively). Longitudinal examination of the Hp levels showed a significant decrease following scaling and root planing (3.68 versus 2.38 g/l; P < 0.01). After a 2-year administration of 50 mg/b.i.d. Flurbiprofen (a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug), significantly decreased Hp levels were noted (P < 0.005). CRP levels declined by 35-40% after 1-2 years of treatment with the drug (P < 0.05). The findings indicated that localized infections resulting in increased inflammation and tissue loss in the periodontium elicit systemic host changes manifest by increases in two acute-phase reactants. The conclusions are that either these molecules are formed locally and distributed to the serum, or these presumably localized infections impact upon the systemic components of the host protective responses.
Formal treatment of certificate revocation under communal access control

The conventional approach to distributed access control (AC) tends to be server-centric. Under this approach, each server establishes its own policy regarding the use of its resources and services by its clients. The choice of this policy, and its implementation, are generally considered the prerogative of each individual server. This approach to access control may be appropriate for many current client-server applications, where the server is an autonomous agent, in complete charge of its resources. It is not suitable for the growing class of applications where a group of servers, and sometimes their clients, belong to a single enterprise, and are subject to the enterprise-wide policy governing them all. One may not be able to entrust such an enterprise-wide policy to the individual servers, for two reasons: first, it is hard to ensure that an heterogeneous set of servers implement exactly the same policy. Second, as demonstrate, an AC policy can have aspects that cannot, in principle, be implemented by servers alone. As argued in a previous paper (Minsky, 2000), what is needed in this situation is a concept of communal policy that governs the interaction between the members of a distributed community of agents involved in some common activity along with a mechanism that provides for the explicit formulation of such policies, and for their scalable enforcement. We focus on the communal treatment of expiration and revocation of the digital certificates used for the authentication of the identity and roles of members of the community.
Research on Ethics and Integrity in Governance: A Review and Assessment

This article reviews and assesses the research on ethics and integrity in governance published in American journals in 1999-2004 and also focuses on research on this subject in other nations and cultures. It follows upon an earlier article in this journal in which the author reviewed the research published before 1999. As the study demonstrates, research on ethics and integrity in governance has grown from a cottage industry into a robust and flourishing enterprise in the United States and abroad.
PRODUCTIVITY AND TRADE DURING THE SOFTWOOD LUMBER DISPUTE

The gap in total factor productivity in sawmills and wood preservation between the US and Canada generally increased from 1958 to 2005. The present paper examines the effects of the various phases of the softwood lumber dispute, including relatively free trade, Canadian export taxes, and low and high countervailing duties, on this productivity gap. Exogenous control variables include US housing demand, the exchange rate, softwood lumber prices, and ratios of capital and nonproduction labor to labor. The effects of phases of the dispute on US imports from Canada are also examined.
Singular Value Decomposition Hardware for MIMO: State of the Art and Custom Design

This paper presents a custom hardware design for computing Singular Value Decomposition (SVD) of the radio communication channel characteristic matrix. The custom hard-ware was implemented to reduce the SVD computing time. The pipeline hardware developed is suitable for computing the SVD of a sequence of 2 × 2 complex-value matrices used in MIMO-OFDM standards, such as the IEEE 802.11n. The hardware developed achieves an optimum pipeline rate which equaled the maximum hardware clock rate. The proposed architecture provides performance gains over standard software libraries, such as the ZGESVD function of Linear Algebra Package (LAPACK) library, when running on standard processors.
BOK and NOXA Are Essential Mediators of p53-dependent Apoptosis

Cellular stress leads to DNA damage and activation of the intrinsic apoptotic pathway in which translocation of mitochondrial cytochrome c to the cytosol plays a critical role. Previous studies have suggested alternative mechanisms responsible for this process. We examined initiation mechanisms of the intrinsic apoptotic pathway using human neuroblastoma and breast cancer cells. Results indicated that translocation of cytochrome c does not require prior activation of caspases but rather depends on activation of specific BCL-2 family members, depending upon the type of death signal. Thus, DNA damage-induced apoptosis requires new protein synthesis, accumulation of p53 tumor suppressor protein, and p53-dependent induction of BOK and NOXA genes, while a role for BAX in this pathway is not essential. In contrast, apoptosis induced by staurosporine does not require protein synthesis but is characterized by translocation of BAX. Based on these findings, we propose a model of the intrinsic apoptotic cascade induced by DNA damage where proapoptotic BOK substitutes for a function of BAX.
Adenosine signaling promotes hematopoietic stem and progenitor cell emergence

Hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) emerge from aortic endothelium via the endothelial-to-hematopoietic transition (EHT). The molecular mechanisms that initiate and regulate EHT remain poorly understood. Here, we show that adenosine signaling regulates hematopoietic stem and progenitor cell (HSPC) development in zebrafish embryos. The adenosine receptor A2b is expressed in the vascular endothelium before HSPC emergence. Elevated adenosine levels increased runx1+/cmyb+ HSPCs in the dorsal aorta, whereas blocking the adenosine pathway decreased HSPCs. Knockdown of A2b adenosine receptor disrupted scl+ hemogenic vascular endothelium and the subsequent EHT process. A2b adenosine receptor activation induced CXCL8 via cAMP–protein kinase A (PKA) and mediated hematopoiesis. We further show that adenosine increased multipotent progenitors in a mouse embryonic stem cell colony-forming assay and in embryonic day 10.5 aorta-gonad-mesonephros explants. Our results demonstrate that adenosine signaling plays an evolutionary conserved role in the first steps of HSPC formation in vertebrates.
Comparison of Buyers' Job Content in Large and Small Retail Firms

The purpose of this study was to compare the job content of apparel buyers in large and small retail companies. Data were collected from 100 department store buyers and 153 independent specialty store buyers in four merchandise categories: women's, men's, and children's apparel and other apparel and accessories. The Position Analysis Questionnaire was used to describe the buyer's job content with regard to 64 worker-oriented job elements. Bonferroni paired comparison t-tests were used to adjust for a Type I error. Results tended to confirm general perceptions that large store buyers (LSBs) were more quantitative, assertive, skillful in negotiations, and time conscious than were small store buyers (SSBs). SSBs appeared to be more consumer, community, and hands-on oriented than LSBs. Similarities in job content elements or universal components were also found Buyers in both sizes of organizations found the following job elements to be important or frequently used: judging quality, estimating quantity, makin...
Parathyroidectomy in the elderly: analysis of 7313 patients.

Background The elderly are the fastest growing subset of the U.S. population, and suffer most from primary hyperparathyroidism. This is the first multi-institutional study to characterize 30-d outcomes in elderly patients undergoing parathyroidectomy. Materials and Methods Patients who underwent parathyroidectomy for primary hyperparathyroidism in ACS-NSQIP, 2005-8, were stratified into age groups: 45–64, 65–79, and ≥80 y. Independent patient variables included gender, race, inpatient/outpatient type, anesthesia, ASA classification, functional status, and presence/absence of >30 conditions. Outcomes included overall/system-specific complications, return to the OR, operating times, LOS, 30-d mortality. Patients 65–79 and ≥80 y were compared with younger ones using multivariable linear and logistic regression. Results A total of 7313 patients were identified: 77.8% women, 77.2% White, and 95.6% underwent first-time parathyroidectomy. Patients 65–79 and ≥ 80y were more likely to have inpatient parathyroidectomies compared with younger patients (42.4%, 46.8% versus 36.0%) and higher ASA classification (42.4%, 59.8% versus 24.2%, all P versus 89.8%, P versus 1.3%, P versus 0.3%, P versus 6.5%, P versus P P Conclusions Elderly patients sustain more morbidity following parathyroidectomy. Advanced age may be an independent risk factor worth considering in surgical decision-making.
Synthesis of higher alcohols on copper catalysts supported on alkali-promoted basic oxides

Abstract K–Cu y Mg 5 CeO x and Cs–Cu/ZnO/Al 2 O 3 are selective catalysts for the synthesis of alcohols from an H 2 /CO mixture at relatively low pressures and temperatures. CO 2 produced in higher alcohol synthesis and water–gas shift (WGS) reactions reversibly inhibits the formation of methanol and higher alcohols by increasing oxygen coverages on Cu surfaces and by titrating basic sites required for aldol-type chain growth steps. Inhibition effects are weaker on catalysts with high Cu-site densities. On these catalysts, the abundance of Cu sites allows reactants to reach methanol synthesis equilibrium and maintain a sufficient number of Cu surface atoms for bifunctional condensation steps, even in the presence of CO 2 . The addition of Pd to K–Cu 0.5 Mg 5 CeO x weakens CO 2 inhibition effects, because Pd remains metallic and retains its hydrogenation activity during CO hydrogenation. Basic sites on Mg 5 CeO x are stronger than on ZnO/Al 2 O 3 and they are more efficiently covered by CO 2 during alcohol synthesis. K and Cs block acid sites that form dimethylether and hydrocarbons. Alcohol addition studies show that chain growth occurs predominantly by aldol-type addition of methanol-derived C 1 species to ethanol and higher alcohols, following the rules of base-catalyzed aldol condensations. The initial C–C bond formation required for ethanol synthesis, however, proceeds directly from CO, at least on K–Cu y Mg 5 CeO x catalysts. A detailed kinetic analysis shows that chain growth probabilities are very similar on K–Cu y Mg 5 CeO x and Cs–Cu/ZnO/Al 2 O 3 catalysts. The growth probabilities of C 1 chains to ethanol and of iso -C 4 chains to higher alcohols are much lower than for other chain growth steps.
REDUCING CHILD INJURY: EVALUATION OF INTERVENTIONS TARGETING CHILDREN AND THE ADULTS WHO SUPERVISE THEM

Background Unintentional injury is a leading cause of paediatric mortality worldwide. Behavioural strategies hold promise for prevention. Although behavioural strategies targeting children--primarily by changing children's behaviours or decisions--are logical, strategies targeting adult supervision of children also show promise. Aims/Objectives/Purpose Discuss behavioural research evaluating two child injury prevention strategies targeting children--safety with pet dogs and pedestrian safety--plus two strategies targeting adult supervisors--safety on preschool playgrounds and safety at swimming pools. Methods Four studies, each using experimental pre-post designs, will be presented. Two studies included control groups. Multi-informant strategies (observational, behavioural, self-report) assessed child and adult behaviour pre- and post-intervention. Results/Outcome All interventions showed promise. For example, The Blue Dog software, to teach children ages 3-6 about safety with pet dogs, yielded improved recognition of dangerous activities with dogs (F=4.17, p Significance/Contribution to the Field Human behaviour is difficult to change, so behavioural interventionists must be creative, thorough, and persistent. Changing children's behaviours can prove difficult given developmental limitations of children's thinking and behaviour patterns. Adult behaviour may be more amenable to change, but is notoriously challenging given the power of long-standing behavioural habits. These data reinforce the promise of behavioural interventions to reduce paediatric injuries, as well as the challenges our field faces to develop creative, effective interventions targeting the multiple factors relevant to reducing child injury risk. This is an abstract of a presentation at Safety 2012, the 11th World Conference on Injury Prevention and Safety Promotion, 1-4 October 2012, Michael Fowler Center, Wellington, New Zealand. Full text does not seem to be available for this abstract.
Model-based estimation of flexibility and optionability in an integrated real options framework

Uncertainties can be managed through real options that provide a decision maker the right, but not the obligation, to exercise actions at a later time. In previous work [1] we introduced an integrated real options framework (IRF) that distinguishes among option mechanism and type. The mechanism is the enabler of the option, while the type refers to the flexibility provided by the option. The idea behind IRF is to use models of a system or enterprise as a coupled dependency structure matrix (C-DSM) in order to identify and value enablers and types of flexibility. In this paper, we first show how the distinction among mechanisms and types of options leads to the identification of some new “ilities”, such as optionability, that are relevant to the options identification problem. Second, we show that the semantics of a traditional dependency model does not allow for the representation and estimation of flexibility and optionability. Therefore, we extend the C-DSM model to a logical C-DSM that is capable of representing logical relations among dependencies. Finally, we present metrics for estimating flexibility and optionability from the logical C-DSM model. We discuss the results of applying these metrics to identify mechanisms and options in purchasing a swarm of uninhabited air vehicles.