cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Spontaneous occurrence of early region 1A reiteration mutants of type 5 adenovirus in persistently infected human T-lymphocytes.

Abstract Mutants of type 5 adenovirus (Ad5) with reiterated DNA sequences in the E1a region appeared in a human T-lymphocyte cell line, Molt-4, persistently infected with H5sub304, a deletion/substitution mutant that has a wild-type phenotype in viral replication. Endonuclease analyses and DNA sequencing revealed DNA reiteration in each mutant. In the four representative mutants investigated, the DNA reiterations all started within a six-base-pair consensus sequence, G(or C)CTGTG, located in the second exon of the E1a region (at nt 1333, 1367, or 1419). There was not any DNA homology between the breakpoints in the second exon and the inserting sequences (starting at nt 532, 710, or 792). Northern analyses suggested that the reiterated splicing sites of the representative mutants were all used in RNA splicing, and the closest donor and recipient joints were used most frequently. These observations imply that during persistent infection Ad5 underwent spontaneous mutations by sequence-specific breakage and nonhomologous end–end joining recombination events. These E1a reiteration mutants could be propagated in HeLa, A549, and KB cells; they were genetically stable; and they killed CREF cells at a strikingly high frequency. Preliminary observations tend to correlate this CREF cell killing with the accumulation of the early viral proteins and/or viral DNA in the infected cells. This degree of cell damage was not observed in Ad5wt or H5sub304 infection of CREF cells. The observed E1a reiterations provide a model to gain insight into understanding the evolutionary events of some, if not all, adenovirus types during many years of symbiotic, persistent relationship in human tonsils and adenoids and possibly other lymphoid organs.
Study of DNA replication in Drosophila using cell free in vitro system

Using Drosophila early egg extracts we have developed an optimized cell free system to study DNA replication. The efficiency of replication depends on a cold treatment of Drosophila embryos before the extract preparation and a formation of nuclei facilitated by the addition of membrane fractions to the extracts. In vitro DNA replication is ORC and CDC6 dependent, as a removal of these proteins from the extracts abolishes DNA replication. The N-terminal part of Orc1 protein, which is important for non-replicative functions of ORC, is dispensable for the replication in vitro. We also show that the conserved ATPase motif of CDC6 is crucial for the replication. Our studies indicate that a Drosophila cell free system proves to be an extremely useful tool for a functional dissection of the processes and factors involved in DNA replication in metazoans.
Seizure control with clomiphene therapy. A case report.

• Clinical seizures ceased during six months of clomiphene citrate therapy in a 36-year-old man who had hypogonadotropic hypogonadism, reproductive dysfunction, and a 16-year history of regular seizures. Seizures recurred during the month that followed the discontinuation of clomiphene therapy. This apparent antiseizure effect of clomiphene is discussed in terms of three possible mechanisms of action: (1) Clomiphene may benefit seizures by raising serum levels of antiseizure medications. (2) Clomiphene may improve seizures by normalizing serum testosterone levels. (3) Clomiphene may act at a cerebral level to lessen seizures. A controlled investigation of the effects of clomiphene on epilepsy in the setting of reproductive dysfunction is suggested.
Quasi-one-dimensional magnetohydrodynamic flow with heat addition oblique field

Die Gleichungen fur die quasi-eindimensionale Stromung einer idealen, reibungslosen, kompressiblen und elektrisch vollkommen leitenden Flussigkeit unter Warmezufuhr und dem Einfluss eines willkurlichen Magnetfeldes sind in charakteristischer Form dargestellt.
Ambiguity in measurement

This paper gives an overview of the role of ambiguity in measurement and explores analytical methods for exploring its impact. It is argued that certain functional forms are more resilient than others to problems of ambiguity, and that these should be preferred when ambiguity is a serious concern.
Abstract 5576: Rhamnetin inhibits human prostate cancer cell growth through cell-cycle arrest by modulating expression and function of key cell-cycle regulators and survival molecules

Proceedings: AACR 102nd Annual Meeting 2011‐‐ Apr 2‐6, 2011; Orlando, FL Development of effective agents for treatment of prostate cancer has become a national medical priority. Rhamnetin (3,5,3,4-tetrahydroxy-7-methoxyflavone), a natural compound known as O-methylated flavonol, abundantly present in cloves, sweet annie, annual wormwood, green vegetables and orchard grass has shown to possess anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. However, the anticancer properties of rhamnetin have not been fully elucidated. In the present study we demonstrated the molecular mechanism of cell growth inhibition and induction of apoptosis in human prostate carcinoma LNCaP and PC-3 cells by rhamnetin. Treatment of these cells with rhamnetin resulted in a dose (5, 10, 20, 40 microM) and time (24, 48 and 72 h) dependent inhibition of growth, G2-S phase arrest of the cell cycle and DNA fragmentation. This effect was associated with a marked decrease in the protein expression of cyclin D1, D2, and E and their activating partner, cyclin-dependent kinase (cdk) 2, 4, and 6, with concomitant upregulation of WAF1/p21, KIP1/p27, INK4a/p16, and INK4c/p18. Rhamnetin treatment also resulted in alteration in Bax/Bcl2 ratio in favor of apoptosis, which was associated with the release of cytochrome-c and induction of apoptotic protease-activating factor-1 (Apaf-1). This effect was found to result in a significant increase in cleaved fragments of caspase-9, -3, and poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP). Further, rhamnetin treatment resulted in down modulation of XIAP, survivin, and c-Myc protein expressions. Taken together, we concluded that molecular mechanisms during rhamnetin-mediated growth inhibition and induction of apoptosis in both androgen-responsive, LNCaP and androgen-refractory, PC-3 cells was due to modulation in cell-cycle machinery, disruption of mitochondrial function, and inhibition of cell survival machinery. For the first time we provide evidence that rhamnetin acts on potential molecular targets of cell cycle regulation and survival to elicit anticancer effects in prostate cancer cells. Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 102nd Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2011 Apr 2-6; Orlando, FL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2011;71(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 5576. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2011-5576
The Phenomenon of Shear Strain Localization in Dynamic Viscoplasticity

This article addresses shear flow localization during high rates of deformation of thermal viscoplastic materials. An overview of several efforts towards an improved understanding of shear band formation is given. This paper aims at extracting a unified framework towards the analysis of shear band formation for the considered class of deformations. For this purpose, we present a number of rigorous exact solutions for the one-dimensional simple shearing deformation of a general class of thermal viscoplastic material response. These solutions are used as benchmarks for the validation of both analytical and computational procedures. The interactive roles of inertia, rate-sensitivity, heat conduction, perturbation geometry, boundary conditions, thermal softening, strain hardening and constitutive description as regards the initiation and further intensification of flow localization are thoroughly addressed. We also examine the delicate questions concerning the notion of shear localization and the related mathematical characterization, length and time scales as well as the connection between localization and catastrophic failure. 41 refs., 4 figs., 6 tabs.
Immunoglabulin synthesis in tumors of human lymphoid origin serially transplantable in the neonatal syrian hamster

In attempting to relate immunoglobulin production to certain aspects of the neoplastic behavior of human lymphoid cells proliferating in vivo, we have analyzed the immunoglobulin cell products from 21 human tumor lines experimentally maintained in serial transplantation in neonatal hamsters. These lines were established in the neonatal hamster (usually facilitated by treatment with antilymphocyte serum) by direct implantation of cells from the patient, or after an intermediate stage in cell culture. Three lines derived from patients with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (conversion from lymphosarcoma) which also produced leukemic manifestations in the hamster, did not produce immunoglobulins. In all other lines, these being derived from patients with lymphosarcoma (without conversion to leukemia), infectious mononucleosis, Hodgkin's disease and Letterer-siwe's disease, human immunoglobulin components were detected in the serum of the hamster host by immunodiffusion methods. With rare exceptions H-chain was accompanied by L-chain, these components being specific for the tumor line under investigation and without variation as to the class of H-chain and type of L-chain detected throughout observation periods of as little as 3 months or as much as 2 years. One line showed a sequential deletion of both H- and L-chains. In another line an H-chain not usually present was detected for a short time midway in passage.
Electro-optic properties of thiol-ene polymer stabilized ferroelectric liquid crystals

Electro-optic properties of polymer stabilized ferroelectric liquid crystal (PSFLC) systems are examined as a function of varying concentrations of either a linear or crosslinked thiol-ene polymer. The thiol-ene method of polymer stabilization is a drastic change from previous studies designed to avert the problem of polymer phase separation. FLC rise time and tilt angle measurements were used to determine the effects of the polymer network on the optical properties of the system. The addition of monomer impurities to both systems demonstrated a reduction in tilt angle, which translated into decreased switching speeds in both systems prior to polymerization. The crosslinked thiol-ene system showed increased switching times due to the creation of polymer in the interlayer spacing of the FLC, but exhibited minimal increase in the rotational viscosity of the system. In addition, the crosslinked polymer systems resulted in an increase in the liquid crystalline order, which produced an increase in the contrast...
Upper mantle P‐wave velocity structure from PASSCAL teleseismic transects across Idaho, Wyoming and Colorado

[1] Inversion of teleseismic P-time residuals along two linear seismic arrays provides well-resolved inverse images of the upper mantle. Low velocity bodies beneath the Yellowstone Hotspot Track and the Grand Mesa volcanic field in western Colorado are similar in shape and magnitude. In the two places where our transects cross the 1.78 Ga Archean-Proterozoic Cheyenne suture, high velocities are imaged to 150 km. Beneath the Leucite Hills volcanic field in Wyoming a small upper mantle low velocity body is imaged. Whether these anomalies are lithospheric or asthenospheric in origin is poorly constrained, but the consistent high velocities beneath the Cheyenne suture suggest a lithospheric origin. Likewise, the lack of extension beneath the western Colorado volcanic fields suggests that a low-solidus lithosphere is being disturbed by a regional heating event.
Modeling respiratory mechanics in the MCAT and spline-based MCAT phantoms

Respiratory motion can cause artifacts in myocardial SPECT and computed tomography (CT). The authors incorporate models of respiratory mechanics into the current 4D MCAT and into the next generation spline-based MCAT phantoms. In order to simulate respiratory motion in the current MCAT phantom, the geometric solids for the diaphragm, heart, ribs, and lungs were altered through manipulation of parameters defining them. Affine transformations were applied to the control points defining the same respiratory structures in the spline-based MCAT phantom to simulate respiratory motion. The Non-Uniform Rational B-Spline (NURBS) surfaces for the lungs and body outline were constructed in such a way as to be linked to the surrounding ribs. Expansion and contraction of the thoracic cage then coincided with expansion and contraction of the lungs and body. The changes both phantoms underwent were spline-interpolated over time to create time continuous 4D respiratory models. The authors then used the geometry-based and spline-based MCAT phantoms in an initial simulation study of the effects of respiratory motion on myocardial SPECT. The simulated reconstructed images demonstrated distinct artifacts in the inferior region of the myocardium. It is concluded that both respiratory models can be effective tools for researching effects of respiratory motion.
“JUST WHAT NEEDED TO BE DONE”: The Political Practice of Women Community Workers in Low-Income Neighborhoods

This article offers a reconceptualization of “the political” from the standpoint of women working in and for low-income neighborhoods, with special emphasis on the contradictions between their actions as community workers and their understandings of the political aspects of their work. The author also examines how their gender and race identity influenced their political consciousness and practice. The date are drawn from in-depth interviews with forty-two perdominantly African American and Puerto Rican women from New York City and Philadelphia who were hired in community action programs established by the Economic Opportunity Act of 1964.
Habitat use by early life-history stages of fishes and crustaceans along a changing estuarine landscape: Differences between natural and altered shoreline sites

The recent population explosion along the coastal zoneof the southeast United States and the Gulf of Mexicohas accelerated the development rate of waterfrontproperty, and particularly along the Gulf Coast ofMississippi. We compared use of pristine and alteredshoreline habitat by early life-history stages of fishand crustaceans to assess the potential effects ofthis development. Monthly beam trawls were taken at13 sites along shoreline habitats characterized byJuncus/Spartinamarsh, natural beach, and areasaltered by bulkheads and rubble. A total of 52,068fish (n = 48 taxa) and 288,715 crustaceans (n = 24taxa) were collected during a two year study. The mostabundant fish groups included gobiids, sciaenids,clupeids, and engraulids. Crustaceans, excluding thecopepods, were numerically dominated by mysids, bothcaridean and penaeid shrimps, and crabs (Callinectesspp.). Demersal residents were dominatedby Gobiosoma boscand Palaemonetessp.whereas clupeiformes, sciaenids and penaeid shrimpswere dominant among the nektonic and demersaltransient species. These taxa were least abundantalong stretches of shoreline altered with bulkheads orrubble, and were generally most abundant in shorelinehabitats fringed with Juncus/Spartinagrasses.This general pattern in nekton relative abundanceparallel the low diversity (reciprocal of Simpson'sDominance Index) values adjacent to altered marsh tohigh values adjacent to pristine marsh or beachhabitats, suggesting that habitats adjacent to alteredmarsh sites are less frequently used as nurseryhabitat compared to natural sites. These data supportthe hypothesis that shorelines adjacent to marshhabitat are critical to various life history stages ofecologically- and commercially-important species,illustrate the influence of altering natural marshhabitat on resident/transient nekton, and providequantitative data for resource managers in thecontinued efforts to preserve the complex estuarinemarsh landscape.
Identification of a structural motif that confers specific interaction with the WD40 repeat domain of Arabidopsis COP1

Arabidopsis COP1 is a photomorphogenesis repressor capable of directly interacting with the photomorphogenesis‐promoting factor HY5. This interaction between HY5 and COP1 results in targeted deg radation of HY5 by the 26S proteasome. Here we characterized the WD40 repeat domain‐mediated interactions of COP1 with HY5 and two new proteins. Mutational analysis of those interactive partners revealed a conserved motif responsible for the interaction with the WD40 domain. This novel motif, with the core sequence V‐P‐E/D‐φ‐G (φ = hydrophobic residue) in conjunction with an upstream stretch of 4–5 negatively charged residues, interacts with a defined surface area of the β‐propeller assembly of the COP1 WD40 repeat domain through both hydrophobic and ionic interactions. Several residues in the COP1 WD40 domain that are critical for the interaction with this motif have been revealed. The fact that point mutations either in the COP1 WD40 domain or in the HY5 motif that abolish the interaction between COP1 and HY5 in yeast result in a dramatic reduction of HY5 degradation in transgenic plants validates the biological significance of this defined interaction.
Environmentally regulated algD promoter is responsive to the cAMP receptor protein in Escherichia coli

The environmentally activated algD promoter of Pseudomonas aeruginosa has been shown to be influenced by DNA supercoiling. It is believed that protein-induced bending or looping is required for this activation. We studied the role of Escherichia coli cAMP-CRP on algD promoter activation in E. coli and show that a functional CRP is required for this activation. We also demonstrate that the algD promoter is sensitive to glucose repression both in E. coli and P. aeruginosa. Deletion of a putative consensus CRP binding sequence upstream of the algD promoter renders the promoter non-responsive to glucose repression. The involvement of cAMP-CRP complex in the activation of the algD promoter in E. coli has been demonstrated directly through binding of a 255 base pair DNA fragment containing the putative consensus CRP binding sequence. Other fragments, upstream or downstream but without any consensus CRP binding sequence, did not show any binding with CRP. A CRP-like analogue, similar to that in Xanthomonas campestris, but capable of activating genes without forming a complex with cAMP, is believed to allow glucose repression in P. aeruginosa.
From genes to networks: in systematic points of view

We present a report of the BIOCOMP'10 - The 2010 International Conference on Bioinformatics & Computational Biology and other related work in the area of systems biology.
Ultrathin-body strained-Si and SiGe heterostructure-on-insulator MOSFETs

The combination of channel mobility-enhancement techniques such as strain engineering with nonclassical MOS device architectures, such as ultrathin-body (UTB) or double-gate structures, offers the promise of maximizing current drive while maintaining the electrostatic control required for aggressive device scaling in future technology nodes. The tradeoff between transport enhancement and OFF-state leakage current is compared experimentally for UTB MOSFETs in two types of materials: 1) strained Si directly on insulator (SSDOI) and 2) strained Si/strained Si/sub 1-z/Ge/sub z/ (z=0.46-0.55)/strained Si heterostructure-on-insulator (HOI). SSDOI of moderate strain level (e.g. /spl sim/ 0.8%) yields high electron-mobility enhancements for all electron densities, while high strain levels (e.g. /spl sim/ 1.6%) are required to obtain hole-mobility enhancements at high inversion charge densities. HOI is demonstrated to have similar electron-mobility characteristics to SSDOI, while hole mobilities are improved and can be maintained at high inversion charge densities. Hole mobility in strained channels with thickness below 10 nm is studied and compared for SSDOI and HOI. As the channel thickness is reduced, mobility decreases, as in unstrained silicon-on-insulator (SOI), though hole-mobility enhancements are demonstrated into the ultrathin-channel regime. Increased OFF-state leakage currents are observed in HOI compared to SSDOI and SOI. For a 4-nm-thick buried SiGe layer, leakage is reduced relative to devices with thicker SiGe channels.
Pressure induced lung injury in a novel in vitro model of the alveolar interface: protective effect of dexamethasone.

Abstract Purpose The lungs of infants born with congenital diaphragmatic hernia suffer from immaturity as well as the short and long term consequences of ventilator-induced lung injury, including chronic lung disease. Antenatal and postnatal steroids are among current strategies promoted to treat premature lungs and limit long term morbidity. Although studied in whole-animal models, insight into ventilator-induced injury at the alveolar-capillary interface as well as the benefits of steroids, remains limited. The present study utilizes a multi-fluidic in vitro model of the alveolar-interface to analyze membrane disruption from compressive aerodynamic forces in dexamethasone-treated cultures. Methods Human alveolar epithelial cell lines, H441 and A549, were cultured in a custom-built chamber under constant aerodynamic shear followed by introduction of pressure stimuli with and without dexamethasone (0.1μM). On-chip bioelectrical measurements were noted to track changes to the cellular surface and live-dead assay to ascertain cellular viability. Results Pressure-exposed alveolar cultures demonstrated a significant drop in TEER that was less prominent with an underlying extracellular-matrix coating. Addition of dexamethasone resulted in increased alveolar layer integrity demonstrated by higher TEER values. Furthermore, dexamethasone-treated cells exhibited faster recovery, and the effects of pressure appeared to be mitigated in both cell types. Conclusion Using a novel in vitro model of the alveolus, we demonstrate a dose–response relationship between pressure application and loss of alveolar layer integrity. This effect appears to be alleviated by dexamethasone and matrix sub-coating.
Antifreeze and ice nucleator proteins in terrestrial arthropods.

▪ Abstract Terrestrial arthropods survive subzero temperatures by becoming either freeze tolerant (survive body fluid freezing) or freeze avoiding (prevent body fluid freezing). Protein ice nucleators (PINs), which limit supercooling and induce freezing, and antifreeze proteins (AFPs), which function to prevent freezing, can have roles in both freeze tolerance and avoidance. Many freeze-tolerant insects produce hemolymph PINs, which induce freezing at high subzero temperatures thereby inhibiting lethal intracellular freezing. Some freeze-tolerant species have AFPs that function as cryoprotectants to prevent freeze damage. Although the mechanism of this cryoprotection is not known, it may involve recrystallization inhibition and perhaps stabilization of the cell membrane. Freeze-avoiding species must prevent inoculative freezing initiated by external ice across the cuticle and extend supercooling abilities. Some insects remove PINs in the winter to promote supercooling, whereas others have selected against...
Self-perceived problem-solving ability, stress appraisal, and coping over time

Abstract This study examined the effects of self-perceived problem-solving ability on the stress and coping processes as theorized by Lazarus and Folkman (1984) . Using a prospective design, 141 undergraduates completed questionnaires in 2-week intervals that measured recent stressful encounters, the cognitive appraisal of each particular event, and subsequent coping strategies. Self-perceived problem-solving ability was measured at Time 1. It was predicted that self-perceived effective problem solvers would consistently see less threat (primary appraisal), perceive more options for coping (secondary appraisal), and use more problem-focused and less emotion-foucsed coping strategies than self-perceived ineffective problem solvers. Results of separate 2 × 2 repeated-measures MANOVAs supported predictions regarding problem solving and coping, but not those regarding cognitive appraisal. These findings are discussed in regard to theoretical notions of self-perceived problem-solving ability and transactional models of stress appraisal and coping.
Using evidence-based practice to create a venous access team: the Venous Access Task Force of the Children's Hospital of Denver.

Abstract The following article is an example of evidence-based practice applied to an institutional Quality Improvement (QI) project. QI originated in the 1980s and is best associated with the work of W. Deming (1986). It is also known as Continuous Quality Improvement, because a major principle of this approach is constant improvement of services or products. This improvement process contains other critical components: scientific method, employee participation and teamwork, accountable leadership, appropriate training and ongoing education, and client focus (Demming, 1986). QI has been globally successful and has helped transform American industry, including health care services. The following clinically based project illustrates the application of QI concepts and evidence-based practice to enhance outcomes. Copyright 2002, Elsevier Science (USA). All rights reserved.
Alcohol dependence and depression: advance practice nurse interventions.

Purpose: To identify alcohol dependence, depression, and their comorbidity as common health problems in the United States. To emphasize advance practice nurse (APN) interventions including screening, treatment, and outcome evaluations for individuals and their families suffering with alcohol dependence and depression. Data sources: Scientific literature on alcohol dependence, depression, and their comorbidity as well as general systems theory. Conclusions: APNs have the opportunity to successfully intervene with individuals and their family with alcohol dependence, depression, and their comorbidity. These complex health conditions need to be screened for, treated, and evaluated to ensure positive outcomes for the individual and their family system. Implications for practice: APNs are in an excellent position to intervene at every contact with the individual and family with alcohol dependence and depression. Interventions aimed at the individual and family system are detailed in order to assist the individual and family to optimal health.
The Mobile Revolution and The Handheld Librarian

The blossoming trend of gearing library services and collections to mobile devices has recently grown from an emerging concept to a high profile and central focus in our profession. The recent Hand...
Approximation of interfacial properties in multiphase porous medium systems

We investigate the estimation of interfacial areas, curvatures, and common curve lengths in multiphase porous medium systems. Algorithms are developed to obtain estimates of these quantities based upon a variety of potential data sources and estimation approaches. The accuracy of the derived approximations are evaluated as a function of the data type and resolution of the data. The methods advanced improve upon standard approaches now in use and show excellent accuracy at resolutions on the order of five lattice points per minimum radius of curvature of the object being resolved. Finally, we suggest a promising class of extensions that could lead to further improvements in the accuracy of such methods.
Use of Network Centrality Measures to Explain Individual Levels of Herbal Remedy Cultural Competence among the Yucatec Maya in Tabi, Mexico

Common herbal remedy knowledge varies and is transmitted among individuals who are connected through a social network. Thus, social relationships have the potential to account for some of the variation in knowledge. Cultural consensus analysis (CCA) and social network analysis (SNA) were used together to study the association between intracultural variation in botanical remedy knowledge and social relationships in Tabi, Yucatan, Mexico. CCA, a theory of culture as agreement, was used to assess the competence of individuals in a domain of herbal remedies by measuring individual competence scores within that domain. There was a weak but positive association between these competence scores and network centrality scores. This association disappeared when age was included in the model. People in Tabi, who have higher competence in herbal remedies tend to be older and more centrally located in the herbal remedy inquiry network. The larger implication of the application of CCA and SNA for understanding the acquisition and transmission of cultural knowledge is also explored.
Population-level consumption by Atlantic coastal striped bass and the influence of population recovery upon prey communities

The potential impact of increasing striped bass, Morone saxatilis (Walbaum), populations on prey biomass under two different spatial scales: a broad perspective involving Atlantic coast-wide populations and a finer-scale analysis within the Hudson River, was modelled. Coast-wide striped bass consumption ranged from 17 900 t (1982) to 147 900 t (1995). This level of consumption is equivalent of up to 57% of US menhaden landings over this period. Assuming 10% of diets comprise alosids, Hudson River striped bass ate 26.4–140.7 t of alosids annually from 1985 to 1994 – exceeding the estimated age-0 alosid biomass in the river in 1990 (15.3 t). Analysis of possible management actions to reduce predatory demand was conducted. However, to achieve a 30% reduction in predatory demand would require movement towards historical overfishing conditions. Thus, it may not be possible to manage for high striped bass population levels and high levels of other species upon which they feed due to the competing demands for those species as prey and commercial or recreational resources.
‘Fire Cannot Harm It’: Mediation, Temptation and the Charismatic Power of the Qur'an

This paper examines debates concerning the theological status of the material Qur'anic codex (muṣḥaf), by focusing on a range of interpretations of a widely circulated ḥadīth which states ‘if the Qur'an were written on a hide, fire would not harm it’. This particular saying appears as a flashpoint in a series of on-going debates, which begin during the third/ninth century, concerning the otherworldly status of the Qur'an. By exploring the broader implications of these debates, as they inflect Ḥanbalī, Muʿtazilī, Imāmī, Ashʿarī and Māturīdī theological positions, this paper demonstrates how broad disputes over the eternality and inimitability of the Qur'an impacted on the status of scripture as a material object. Thus, while the physical Qur'anic codex became a sanctified object of veneration, the exact nature of its charismatic power remained contested.
A Characterization of Consistent Digital Line Segments in ℤ2

Our concern is the digitalization of line segments in ℤ2 as considered by Chun et al. [5] and Christ et al. [4]. The key property that differentiates the research of Chun et al. and Christ et al. from other research in digital line segment construction is that the intersection of any two segments must be connected. Such a system of segments is called a consistent digital line segments system (CDS). Chun et al. give a construction for all segments in ℤ d that share a common endpoint (called consistent digital rays (CDR)) that has asymptotically optimal Hausdorff distance, and Christ et al. give a complete CDS in ℤ2 with optimal Hausdorff distance. Christ et al. also give a characterization of CDRs in ℤ2, and they leave open the question on how to characterize CDSes in ℤ2. In this paper, we answer one of the most important open question regarding CDSes in ℤ2 by giving the characterization asked for by Christ et al. We obtain the characterization by giving a set of necessary and sufficient conditions that a CDS must satisfy.
Model for Flow Augmentation Analysis—An Overview

Improved management practices are vitally needed. One powerful management tool is systems analysis, by which mathematical optimization techniques are employed to effect rational tradeoffs between competing demands for water use. Systems analysis, before it can be employed comprehensively, demands a knowledge of the functional value of irrigation, flood control, municipal water supply, and so on. Little is known of the economic implications of low flow augmentation, one of the important water-use categories. Beginning with the premise that the value of low flow augmentation is measured by sewage treatment costs avoided, a hydrologic flow simulator and a water quality linear programming model were interfaced to develop a procedure for determining a lower bound on the value of augmentation. This generalized approach can be applied by others to their specific water pollution control situations.
Why Lawyers Should Care about Sustainable Development

This essay aims to persuade the U.S. environmental law profession that sustainable development is important to them, in their various roles as advocates, counselors, and citizens. Sustainable development is increasingly important to their clients, businesses, causes, or communities. As federal, state, and local governments move to sustainable development, they will need the guidance of the legal profession in the fundamental law reform that is required, including not only better environmental statutes but also the widespread adoption of new legal instruments such as economic tools, tax laws, property laws, and land use and planning authorities. Corporations will need the service of counsel to embrace the new, more comprehensive system of regulation, incentives, and contracts, including implications for compliance and liability, as well as opportunities for profit. Citizen organizations will need the best possible lawyering to ensure that implementation protects the public interest. Environmental lawyers should also care because sustainable development is important to the future of America. Sustainable development is squarely within the U.S. national interest, as traditionally defined â014 in our economic interest, in our social interest, in our security interest. The United States is by far the world's largest consumer of energy and materials, and the world's largest polluter, so it is impossible to achieve sustainable development on a global basis without U.S. participation in a broad international effort, including implementation across American society. In turn, U.S. economic health depends on foreign resources and foreign markets, including, importantly, those in the poorer countries. Given the threat to our nation and our planet, however, sustainable development may require more than participation by attorneys; it may imply a new professional duty.
Enhancing tissue engineered tendon repair by optimizing in vitro culture conditions.

This dissertation describes experiments designed to test aspects of the governing hypothesis that “tissue-engineered constructs containing mesenchymal stem cells can be used in models of tendon injury to improve repair biomechanics and structure”. As part of a team, I tested the working hypothesis that “optimizing the culture conditions enhances the construct stiffness and the repair biomechanics”. The first two studies were designed to identify the appropriate cell-to-collagen ratio and the construct length. I first determined that increasing cell-to-collagen ratio increases the contraction kinetics of the construct such that high ratios result in premature failure of the constructs. Increasing collagen concentration level was also more effective in controlling contraction kinetics than decreasing cell density. The importance of collagen scaffold led to my next study in which I was able to create stiffer and more aligned constructs by increasing the length of the construct in accordance with St. Venant’s principle. These results also suggested that the structure of the construct and its biomechanical properties are positively correlated. As one strategy to further improve the biomechanical properties of these constructs, I then studied the effect of mechanical stimulation on the biomechanical properties of cell-gel and cell-sponge constructs. Results from this study indicated that the response of MSCs to mechanical stimulus is scaffold material specific. I next examined the relative importance of scaffold material, construct length and mechanical stimulation in a multi-factorial experiment. As a result of the synergistic effects of these factors, longer, stimulated cell-sponge constructs showed a significantly higher in vitro linear stiffness compared to the other 7 combinations studied.
Eukaryotic antisense ahead of its time.

Lynne Maquat reminds us that almost 20 years before the discovery of microRNAs, an antisense regulatory RNA was identified in embryonic chick muscle cells.
Fluid Injection Effects on Acoustics of a Supersonic Jet at Various Mach Numbers

The effect of fluidic injection on a convergent-divergent supersonic jet operating at design and imperfectly expanded conditions was investigated. The nozzle had flow contours simulating those of tactical military jet engines and twelve pairs of fluidic injectors were incorporated into the nozzle lip. The effect of fluidic injection was studied at the design Mach number of 1.56, under-expanded, and over-expanded conditions. Extensive far-field acoustic measurements were conducted to determine the optimum injection momentum ratios and the effect on imperfectly expanded jets. SPIV was used to resolve three velocity components and compute the mean and turbulent flow field. Modification of the turbulence distribution was related to the acoustic results. At all conditions, increasing the injector momentum flux ratio resulted in greater reduction of OASPL. At over-expanded conditions, OASPL of 4 dB and 3 dB were observed at forward and downstream angles, respectively. At nozzle design conditions, up to 15 dB reduction in BBSN was observed in the narrowband spectra. OASPL reduction of up to 3.5 dB and 2 dB was achieved at the upstream and sideline angles, respectively. A study of the number of injection points determined that optimum noise reduction could be achieved with less injection points. The interaction of the fluidic injectors with the shock structure was the main noise reduction mechanism observed. Shear layer spreading rate was increased, but peak turbulence levels were effectively the same downstream.
Plant regeneration from undeveloped ovules and embryogenic calli of Citrus: Embryo production, germination, and plant survival

Embryogenic cultures were initiated from undeveloped ovules of several polyembryonic Citrus species on a basal medium supplemented with either malt extract, 2,4-D alone, or 2,4-D in combination with BA or daminozide. Primary embryos of all responsive cultivars were harvested directly from ovule cultures; secondary embryo harvests were made from ‘Handin’ orange ovule cultures and long-term embryogenic callus. Differences were observed among cultivars and treatments in percentage of responsive ovules and total number of embryos produced. The most effective treatment for embryo production varied among cultivars. Embryo germination and plant establishment frequencies were determined for this plant regeneration system. Differences among cultivars with respect to regenerate survival percentage were minimal. Plant regeneration via secondary or long-term callus-derived embryos was as efficient as from primary embryos. Critical factors influencing plant production and survival were the production of normal viable embryos, balanced germination, and successful acclimatization to the external environment.
Long-Term Broiler Performance with Bambermycins and Bambermycins Plus Roxarsone

Bambermycins and bambermycins plus roxarsone were fed to broilers in ten consecutive experiments to determine if response (measured by body weight and feed efficiency) was continuous over a long term. Bambermycins was added at 1.1 ppm (1 to 44 days) and 2.2 ppm (45 to 51 days) to both test rations. In addition, one test ration contained roxarsone (3-nitro-4-hydroxyphenylarsonic acid) at 50 ppm (1 to 44 days). Each experiment was conducted with 1,080 commercial broiler cross-run chickens. Broilers fed bambermycins and bambermycins plus roxarsone were heavier (P less than .05) than controls in every experiment. Bambermycins plus roxarsone treated broilers were heavier (P less than .05) than bambermycins treated broilers in 2 out of 10 experiments. Broilers fed bambermycins converted feed more efficiently (P less than .05) than controls in 6 of 10 experiments and were more efficient (P less than .05) than bambermycins plus roxarsone fed broilers in 1 of 10 experiments. Bambermycins plus roxarsone treated broilers were more efficient (P less than .05) than controls in 5 of 10 experiments. These findings indicate that over a long term bambermycins and bambermycins plus roxarsone consistently and significantly (P less than .05) increased broiler body weights over controls, although the addition of roxarsone was not always effective in increasing body weights or improving feed efficiency over bambermycins fed alone.
Three-Dimensional Alternatives to Lithic Illustration

Although alternatives have become available, pen and ink drawings of stone tools dominate archaeological publications. Despite the existence of a conventional illustration framework, the work produced by illustrators can be inconsistent and hinges on skill level and time commitment. Discussions going back to the 1880s critically question the use of illustrations for the purpose of scientific publication. Alternatives, such as laser scanning and photogrammetric modeling, are now available for displaying lithics. These alternatives can remove the subjectivity involved in artistic rendering, creating replicable results, regardless of who is collecting the data. In addition to creating more regularized and objective representations, there are a significant number of analytical and other benefits to adopting novel imaging techniques to depict stone tools in publications. A set of three-dimensional (3D) models are presented here to demonstrate the capabilities of laser scanning and, potentially, photogrammetric modeling as replacements for lithic illustration.
Ignition and flame propagation process with rotating hot jets in a simulated wave engine test cell

A laboratory investigation of rotating hot-jet ignition of a premixed cell has explored the ignition requirements. The effects of jet tangential velocity, equivalence ratio, injection pressure and jet geometry are studied for the hot-jet ignition of propane/air mixtures in a simulated wave engine test cell. The experiments were performed in an elongated test cell with 4x4 cm square cross section and 40.6 cm long, filled initially with equivalence ratios of 1.16, 1.34 and 1.5 propane-air mixture at atmospheric pressure and room temperature. Qualitative information was obtained from combustion and flame visualization experiments using video and high speed 16 mm film recordings. Pressure traces from both the prechamber and the main chamber together with video recordings of flame propagation enabled documentation of a number of distinct features of the combustion. The critical vortex whose Damkoehler number controls the ignition is identified from video images. A simple physical model and vortex Damkoehler number are proposed to explain the observations. The issues regarding the stationary hot jet ignition and flame propagation will be addressed in an upcoming paper.
La Crosse Encephalitis A Persistent Arboviral Threat in North Carolina

Mosquito-borne diseases remain a significant cause of economic, social, and health burdens in North Carolina. Although recently overshadowed by emerging threats such as chikungunya virus and Zika virus, La Crosse virus and other endemic arboviruses remain persistent environmental health hazards. Indeed, La Crosse virus, West Nile virus, and Eastern equine encephalitis virus accounted for more than 98% of the reported human arboviral diseases acquired in North Carolina in the past decade. Arbovirus infection is increasingly prevalent in Western North Carolina, with La Crosse encephalitis being endemic in this area. While infections are often asymptomatic and seldom fatal, the long-term neurologic sequelae of La Crosse encephalitis represent a significant burden.
To be a Fan is to be Happier: Using the Eudaimonic Spectator Questionnaire to Measure Eudaimonic Motivations in Spanish Fans

Many studies have linked audiovisual entertainment to hedonia. Recently, also to eudaimonic happiness. The Eudaimonic Spectator Questionnaire is proposed as a new tool to explore eudaimonic motivations that are linked to the consumption of audiovisual entertainment. The new questionnaire groups these eudaimonic motivations into two factors: the cultivation of cognitive–intellectual growth and social–emotional growth. Once the consistency and reliability of the questionnaire was tested, we observed statistically significant differences between fans and non-fan spectators; these differences were observed in both factors. The results indicated that being a fan is associated with the cultivation of human virtues and character strengths.
A probabilistic analysis of prepositional STRIPS planning

Abstract I present a probabilistic analysis of prepositional STRIPS planning. The analysis considers two assumptions. One is that each possible precondition (likewise postcondition) of an operator is selected independently of other pre- and postconditions. The other is that each operator has a fixed number of preconditions (likewise postconditions). Under both assumptions, I derive bounds for when it is highly likely that a planning instance can be efficiently solved, either by finding a plan or proving that no plan exists. Roughly, if planning instances under either assumption have n propositions (ground atoms) and g goals, and the number of operators is less than an O( n In g ) bound, then a simple, efficient algorithm can prove that no plan exists for most instances. If the number of operators is greater than an Ω( n In g ) bound, then a simple, efficient algorithm can find a plan for most instances. The two bounds differ by a factor that is exponential in the number of pre- and postconditions. A similar result holds for plan modification, i.e., solving a planning instance that is close to another planning instance with a known plan. Thus it appears that prepositional STRIPS planning, a PSPACE-complete problem, exhibits a easy-hard-easy pattern as the number of available operators increases with a narrow range of hard problems. An empirical study demonstrates this pattern for particular parameter values. Because prepositional STRIPS planning is PSPACE-complete, this extends previous phase transition analyses, which have focused on NP-complete problems. Also, the analysis shows that surprisingly simple algorithms can solve a large subset of the planning problem.
The Relationship Between Baseline Volume in Temporal Areas and Post-Treatment Naming Accuracy in Primary Progressive Aphasia.

ABSTRACTBackground: Structural imaging has not been used previously to predict the effect of treatment in primary progressive aphasia (PPA).Aims: This study examined relationships between baseline brain volume and the effects of phonological and orthographic treatments for anomia in PPA. It was predicted that lower baseline volume would be associated with lower post-treatment naming accuracy for treated items and smaller generalisation effects.Methods & Procedures: Twenty-one individuals with PPA participated. The treatment stimuli consisted of nouns that were consistently named correctly at baseline (Prophylaxis items) and/or nouns that were consistently named incorrectly at baseline (Remediation items). All 21 participants had Prophylaxis items, while 10 participants had Remediation items. Naming accuracy for Untrained and Trained items (Exemplar set 1) was measured. In addition, stimulus generalisation was examined by having participants name an alternative exemplar of each Untrained and Trained item (...