cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
State Estimation for Cardiac Action Potential Dynamics: A Comparison of Kalman Filter Designs

Various technologies, such as electrocardiography, optical mapping, and patch clamping, have been developed to monitor cardiac electrophysiological behavior in live tissue. One limitation is that none of the available measurement methods is capable of monitoring simultaneously all quantities, such as intracellular ionic concentrations and ion-channel gating states, that may be important contributors to arrhythmia formation. Data assimilation strategies such as Kalman filtering can be used to fill in missing measurements, but to our knowledge, there have been few comparisons of different state estimation algorithms applied to the same cardiac action potential model. To help develop a framework for comparing performances of estimators, we applied two estimation algorithms, an unscented Kalman filter (UKF) and a gain-scheduled Kalman filter (GSKF), to a two-variable Karma model of a cardiac cell. We generated simulated data from the model and compared the abilities of the algorithms to infer the slow variable of the model from measurements of the fast variable and vice versa. The UKF performed well when the process noise variance was low relative to measurement noise, while the opposite was often true for the GSKF, and estimation errors tended to be smaller when the fast variable was chosen as the measurement.
Consistent cross-modal identification of cortical neurons with coupled autoencoders

Consistent identification of neurons in different experimental modalities is a key problem in neuroscience. Although methods to perform multimodal measurements in the same set of single neurons have become available, parsing complex relationships across different modalities to uncover neuronal identity is a growing challenge. Here we present an optimization framework to learn coordinated representations of multimodal data and apply it to a large multimodal dataset profiling mouse cortical interneurons. Our approach reveals strong alignment between transcriptomic and electrophysiological characterizations, enables accurate cross-modal data prediction, and identifies cell types that are consistent across modalities. Aligning multimodal data for cell type research is a challenging problem in neuroscience. Coupled autoencoders, a deep neural network-based methodology, can be used to effectively address this task.
Deposition pressure-induced microstructure control and plasmonic property tuning in hybrid ZnO–AgxAu1−x thin films

Self-assembled oxide–metallic alloy nanopillars as hybrid plasmonic metamaterials (e.g., ZnO–AgxAu1−x) in a thin film form have been grown using a pulsed laser deposition method. The hybrid films were demonstrated to be highly tunable via systematic tuning of the oxygen background pressure during deposition. The pressure effects on morphology and optical properties have been investigated and found to be critical to the overall properties of the hybrid films. Specifically, low background pressure results in the vertically aligned nanocomposite (VAN) form while the high-pressure results in more lateral growth of the nanoalloys. Strong surface plasmon resonance was observed in the UV-vis region and a hyperbolic dielectric function was achieved due to the anisotropic morphology. The oxide–nanoalloy hybrid material grown in this work presents a highly effective approach for tuning the binary nanoalloy morphology and properties through systematic parametric changes, important for their potential applications in integrated photonics and plasmonics such as sensors, energy harvesting devices, and beyond.
An introduction to the special issue on trauma, PTSD, and eating disorders.

To date, a plethora of scientific studies have examined the relationship between psychological trauma or posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and eating disorders (EDs). However, the literature thu...
State Legislation Restricting and Enabling Local Governments in an Era of Preemption

This paper assesses state efforts to both restrict and enable local government discretion by using data from Project Vote Smart's “Key Votes” database. The results show that state legislation, both...
Inherited behavioral patterns as social assets

The preceding chapter described critically important master roles or behavioral patterns by which individuals of a society are integrated into a viable system, presenting a more or less united front to the environment. But the health of a society will be at risk and the biochemical and physiologic precursors of disease will be set in motion unless its members can act out the behavioral demands imposed by these patterns.
Gross functional anatomy: Integumentary system: Chapter 5

Publisher Summary The integument or skin of a fish is the envelope for the body that separates and protects the animal from its environment, but it also provides the means through which most of the contacts with the outer world are made. The integument is continuous with the lining of all the body openings, and also covers the fins. The skin of a fish is a multifunctional organ, and may serve important roles in protection, communication, sensory perception, locomotion, respiration, ion regulation, excretion, and thermal regulation. The most obvious functions of fish integument are protective. For example, mucous secretions help to keep the skin surface free of pathogens by means of constant sloughing and renewal and the presence of antimicrobial substances. Integumentary features can assist a fish during locomotion. The slippery mucus of some fishes has marked friction-reducing properties that enable a fish to move at greater speed with less expenditure of energy. The integument is an important adjunct to the breathing equipment of some fish species. Gas exchange across the skin is known to play a significant role in the respiration of larval fish.
Reconstitution of the mitochondrial oxidation chain from individual components.

The respiratory chain of mitochondria which catalyzes the oxidation of succinate with molecular oxygen has been reconstituted from individual components. The system depended on the addition of the following components:succinate dehydrogenase, cytochrome b, cytochrome c1, cytochrome c, cytochrome oxidase, Q10, and phospholipids. The rate of oxidation was quite rapid, comparable to that of submitochondrial particles.
Nadiv: An R package to create relatedness matrices for estimating non-additive genetic variances in animal models

Summary 1. The Non-Additive InVerses (nadiv) R software package contains functions to create and use non-additive genetic relationship matrices in the animal model of quantitative genetics. 2. This study discusses the concepts relevant to non-additive genetic effects and introduces the package. 3. nadiv includes functions to create the inverse of the dominance and epistatic relatedness matrices from a pedigree, which are required for estimating these genetic variances in an animal model. The study focuses on three widely used software programs in ecology and in evolutionary biology (ASReml, MCMCglmm and WOMBAT) and how nadiv can be used in conjunction with each. Simple tutorials are provided in the Supporting Information.
Technical note: a device for obtaining time-integrated samples of ruminal fluid.

A device was adapted to allow for time-integrated sampling of fluid from the rumen via a cannula. The sampler consisted of a cup-shaped ceramic filter positioned in the ventral rumen of a cannulated cow and attached to a tube through which fluid entering the filter was removed continuously using a peristaltic pump. Rate of ruminal fluid removal using the device was monitored over two 36-h periods (at 6-h intervals) and was not affected (P > .05) by time, indicating that the system was not susceptible to clogging during this period. Two cows having ad libitum access to a totally mixed ration were used in a split-block design to evaluate the utility of the system for obtaining time-integrated samples of ruminal fluid. Ruminal fluid VFA concentration and pattern in samples collected in two replicated 8-h periods by the time-integrated sampler (at 1-h intervals) were compared with composite samples collected using a conventional suction-strainer device (at 30-min intervals). Each 8-h collection period started 2 h before or 6 h after feeding. Results indicated that total VFA concentration was not affected (P > .05) by the sampling method. Volatile fatty acid patterns were likewise unaffected (P > .05) except that acetate was 2.5% higher (P < .05) in samples collected 2 h before feeding and valerate was 5% higher (P < .05) in samples collected 6 h after feeding by the suction-strainer device. Although significant, these differences were not considered physiologically important. We concluded that use of the ceramic filter improved the sampling of ruminal fluid by simplifying the technique and allowing time-integrated samples to be obtained.
Challenges of the New Information Age Curriculum

AbstractIn relation to an examination and evaluation of the innovative practices and principles of academic computing, a survey study of undergraduate students at a private liberal arts college was conducted to determine their uses and experiences with computers. Student attitudes toward academic computing were also studied. Survey results indicated significant variations in student experiences, competence, orientations, and level of satisfaction using computers. Grouping students by major provided a basis for the analysis of generalized and distinctive results, with business and preprofessional students responding more favorably to existing curricula opportunities in computing than students in the liberal arts and humanities. Viewing the technically focused model of academic computing as selectively inappropriate for student achievement in the liberal arts, alternatively designed curricula incorporating more distinctive and creative applications of information technology are recommended.
The Reform of the Tax Administration in Spain

This chapter deals with the evolution of tax administration in Spain from the initial stages of the democratic process, way back in the second half of the seventies, up to the present time. Given the relevance of the classical interrelation between the tax reform processes and tax administration reforms, we review the main events and milestones in the last three decades. We analyze the influence that institutional, economic, and political factors have had on both the architecture of the tax administration and its organizational behavior. Nevertheless, based on what we have just said, the performance of the Spanish tax administration cannot be satisfactorily assessed without explicit reference to the deep decentralization experienced by the Spanish tax system from the early eighties, and especially since 1994. That is why a considerable part of the chapter is devoted to analyze the role played by the successive reforms of the Autonomous Communities' financing system, and the decisions of the regional governments themselves, in shaping Spain 's tax administration.
Process Materialization Using Templates and Rules to Design Flexible Process Models

The main idea in this paper is to show how flexible processes can be designed by combining generic process templates and business rules. We instantiate a process by applying rules to specific case data, and running a materialization algorithm. The customized process instance is then executed in an existing workflow engine. We present an architecture and also give an algorithm for process materialization. The rules are written in a logic-based language like Prolog. Our focus is on capturing deeper process knowledge and achieving a holistic approach to robust process design that encompasses control flow, resources and data, as well as makes it easier to accommodate changes to business policy.
Cell cycle biology of fibrolamellar hepatocellular carcinoma

Context: Fibrolamellar hepatocellular carcinoma (FLHCC) has a better prognosis than conventional hepatocellular carcinoma. Nevertheless, FLHCC has a propensity to recur with limited responsiveness to chemotherapy. Objective: The purpose of this study was to provide insight into the cell cycle biology of FLHCC, as it relates to FLHCC's relatively indolent nature and lack of chemoresponsiveness. Design: In seven cases of FLHCC, we assessed: 1. immunoexpression of protein analytes indicating cell cycle progression including Ki-67 (G1, S, G2 and M phases) and S-phase kinase-associated protein (Skp) 2 along with the mitotic index (MI); 2.immunoreactivity for cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitors of cell cycle progression from G1 to S phase, p27Kip1 and p16INK4. Results: The mean percentage of Ki-67 nuclear positivity in neoplastic hepatocytes ranged from 1.0% to 29.7%. Nuclear Skp2 immunoexpression was not observed in any of the cases. The mitotic index was very low (0-1 mitotic figure / 10 high-power fields). All cases showed moderate to strong nuclear p16INK4 positivity (diffuse in five and focal in two). Contras-tively, the adjacent non-neoplastic hepatocytes expressed only mild (2 cases) to no (3 cases) p16INK4. Conclusion: Our analysis has revealed that cell cycle arrest in FLHCC occurs in G0G1 phase and is associated with overexpression of the cell cycle regulator, p16INK4 in tumoral cell nuclei compared with non-neoplastic hepatocytes. In conjunction with our previous immunohistochemical demonstration of a constitutively activated nuclear factor (NF)-kappaB pathway and stemness characteristics of FLHCC with limited differentiation, this cell cycle arrest elucidates the biology of FLHCC's indolent nature and relative chemoresistance.
QCD radiative decay of the top quark produced in hadron collisions.

The discovery of the top-quark and the analysis of its decay products ia an important test of the standard model. We consider the effects of final-state QCD radiation on the determination of the top-quark mass for {ital t{bar t}} pairs produced at the Superconducting Super Collider, CERN Large Hadron Collider, and Fermilab Tevatron. We also examine the polarization of the {ital W} boson produced from a heavy-top-quark decay. We calculate the rate for gluon bremsstrahlung in the charged-current decay {ital t}{r arrow}{ital bW}{sup +}{ital g} of a heavy top quark. The effect of {ital b} tagging and jet definition on the determination of these observables is discussed.
Prospects for nanostructured multiferroic composite materials

Abstract Magnetoelectric multiferroic materials have the potential to transform a range of applications, including tunable microelectronics and multiphase memories. However, the coexistence of ferromagnetism and ferroelectricity in single-phase materials is quite rare, driving the development of composite multiferroic materials. In these composites, the coupling arises from strain transfer across a shared interface between the ferroelectric and ferromagnetic phase. This viewpoint article highlights recent work as well as future challenges in the synthesis and characterization of nanostructured multiferroic materials.
"Test banding" of the pulmonary artery with a balloon-tipped catheter. Technique for evaluation of pulmonary arteriolar reactivity in children with pulmonary hypertension secondary to ventricular septal defects.

The reactivity of the pulmonary arteriolar bed is determined by "test banding" the pulmonary artery from within. This is accomplished with a double-lumen, balloon-tipped catheter. In the absence of irreversible pulmonary vascular obstructive disease, inflation of the balloon in the pulmonary artery results in a sustained fall in pulmonary artery pressure and a sustained increase in systemic arterial pressure. The technique, performed as an adjunct to the diagnostic catheterization of any patient with significantly elevated pulmonary vascular resistance, is a means of obtaining a preoperative assessment of pulmonary arteriolar reactivity. Three patients in this study were shown to have reactive pulmonary arterioles although they all had pulmonic:systemic flow ratios of 1.3:1 or less and pulmonic:systemic pressure and resistance ratios greater than 0.75, and failed to respond to 100% oxygen inhalation and tolazoline injection.
Personality Characteristics Differentiating Internal and External College Women

Summary The purpose of the study was to determine the extent to which personality characteristics could reliably predict whether young college women would be correctly classified as having internal or external locus of control. Ss were 51 women (25%) classified as having internal locus of control and 64 women (31%) classified as having external locus of control representing the extremes of the population of 205 young college women in a Southern liberal arts college. Instruments used were Rotter's Internal-External Scale and the 16 Personality Factor Questionnaire. The data supported the hypothesis that the personality factors would reliably predict locus of control. A canonical r of .52 was obtained, and 80% of the Ss were correctly classified with relatively more “hits” for the internal women. Ten factors were useful in the best discriminant function with by far the highest standardized weight being that of Factor Q3 (controlled, exacting will power). Internal women had greater will power, were more trus...
Structure and properties of nanocrystalline materials

The present article reviews the current status of research and development on the structure and properties of nanocrystalline materials. Nanocrystalline materials are polycrystalline materials with grain sizes of up to about 100 nm. Because of the extremely small dimensions, a large fraction of the atoms in these materials is located at the grain boundaries, and this confers special attributes. Nanocrystalline materials can be prepared by inert gas-condensation, mechanical alloying, plasma deposition, spray conversion processing, and many other methods. These have been briefly reviewed. A clear picture of the structure of nanocrystalline materials is emerging only now. Whereas the earlier studies reasoned out that the structure of grain boundaries in nanocrystalline materials was quite different from that in coarse-grained materials, recent studies using spectroscopy, high-resolution electron microscopy, and computer simulation techniques showed unambiguously that the structure of the grain boundaries is the same in both nanocrystalline and coarse-grained materials. A critical analysis of this aspect and grain growth is presented. The properties of nanocrystalline materials are very often superior to those of conventional polycrystalline coarse-grained materials. Nanocrystalline materials exhibit increased strength/hardness, enhanced diffusivity, improved ductility/toughness, reduced density, reduced elastic modulus, higher electrical resistivity, increased specific heat, higher thermal expansion coefficient, lower thermal conductivity, and superior soft magnetic properties in comparison to conventional coarse-grained materials. Recent results on these properties, with special emphasis on mechanical properties, have been discussed. New concepts of nanocomposites and nanoglasses are also being investigated with special emphasis on ceramic composites to increase their strength and toughness. Even though no components made of nanocrystalline materials are in use in any application now, there appears to be a great potential for applications in the near future. The extensive investigations in recent years on structure-property correlations in nanocrystalline materials have begun to unravel the complexities of these materials, and paved the way for successful exploitation of the alloy design principles to synthesize better materials than hitherto available.
The fluorescence behaviour of 1-anilino-8-naphthalene sulphonate in phospholipid and natural membranes.

Abstract Evidence is presented that the angular distribution of 1-anilino-8-naphthalene sulphonate (ANS) molecules in phospholipid bilayers is anisotropic, the absorption vectors being distributed between 30° and 90° to the normal to the bilayer plane. They are apparently also undergoing rapid oscillations of amplitude 55°. This behaviour is discussed with reference to fluorescence changes in natural membranes. The relative insensitivity of these and other fluorescence parameters to lipid type is discussed as a means of identifying ANS in a lipid bilayer environment.
Constitutively tyrosine phosphorylated p52 Shc in breast cancer cells: correlation with ErbB2 and p66 Shc expression

Breast cancer cell lines display a wide variety of growth factor receptors, and considerable evidence implicates signaling from these receptors, especially ErbB2, in the important early stages of this disease, contributing to malignant progression. If this is true, then we would hypothesize that a useful prognostic indicator would be the level of activity of a second messenger protein used in common by these receptors. One such second messenger is the Shc adapter protein, which is activated when tyrosine phosphorylated by receptors. Therefore, one prediction from the hypothesis is that the level of tyrosine-phosphorylated Shc (PY-Shc) in breast cancer cell lines would correlate with total receptor tyrosine kinase activity. To begin to test this prediction, we examined Shc tyrosine phosphorylation in a diverse group of breast cancer cell lines that display varied levels of ErbB2. Using Shc immunoprecipitation and anti-phosphotyrosine immunoblotting analysis, we found a strong correlation between the level of ErbB2 overexpression (r = 0.91, p < 0.0002) and PY-ErbB2 levels (r = 0.89, p = 0.0005) compared with the level of tyrosine phosphorylation of the p52 and p46 Shc isoforms. Consistent with Shc tyrosine phosphorylation being driven by ErbB2, an ErbB2-specific tyrosine kinase inhibitor markedly reduced Shc tyrosine phosphorylation. Unexpectedly, although all cell lines had comparable total amounts of p52 and p46 Shc, the amount of an inhibitory Shc isoform, p66, was inversely related to the level of ErbB2 expression (r = -0.86, p = 0.0013). This suggests that reduced p66 Shc expression may play a role in ErbB2-positive breast cancer. In summary, these data are consistent with our prediction that the cellular level of PY-Shc would correlate with the levels of activated ErbB2 displayed by cell lines derived from breast cancers.
Sirolimus-based immunosuppressive therapy in liver transplant recipient with tacrolimus-related chronic renal insufficiency.

Abstract Background While providing potent immunosuppression for liver transplant recipients, calcineurin inhibitors (CNI) exhibit nephrotoxicity as a major side effect. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the safety and efficacy of conversion from CNI to sirolimus (SRL) among liver transplant recipients with CNI-induced chronic nephrotoxicity. Methods Between January 2004 and June 2005, we performed conversion in 16 recipients after a median period of 8.5 months after liver transplantation. The indication for conversion was CNI-related nephrotoxicity with a serum creatinine (sCr) value >132.6 umol/L. Renal function was measured before and after conversion to SRL. Clinical and laboratory data related to the clinical course of the patients were recorded to investigate the safety and efficacy of conversion. Results Sixteen patients were converted to SRL after developing nephrotoxicity. Their renal function improved gradually after conversion. The levels of sCr decreased significantly within the first 30 days (164.1 ± 12.48 μmol/L to 130.1 ± 5.573 μmol/L), and over the next 60 days after conversion (97.86 ± 11.69 μmol/L to 90.7 ± 8.95 μmol/L) (P Conclusions SRL is a safe, effective replacement agent as primary immunosuppressive therapy following withdrawal of CNIs in liver transplant recipients with CNI-induced chronic nephrotoxicity.
THE STATE OF THE SUBJECT: A GUINEAN EDUCATOR'S ODYSSEY IN THE POSTCOLONIAL FOREST, 1960–2001

Recent research on twentieth-century Africa has been marked by a surge of interest in autobiographical narrative. While this development is generally praiseworthy, the knowledge it has produced has been uneven, in temporal as well as spatial terms. This article channels the current interest in personal experience and narrative to a place and time where resonances of the ‘common’ voice have been rather weak: the Republic of Guinea, across the final decades of the twentieth century. Foregrounding the autobiographical reflections of a local teacher in the country's southeastern forest region, it forges new perspectives on political subjectivity in Guinea's understudied provinces.
Are Individual Differences Germane to the Acceptance of New Information Technologies

Persuading users to adopt new information technologies persists as an important problem confronting those responsible for implementing new information systems. In order to better understand and manage the process of new technology adoption, several theoretical models have been proposed, of which the technology acceptance model (TAM) has gained considerable support. Beliefs and attitudes represent significant constructs in TAM. A parallel research stream suggests that individual difference factors are important in information technology acceptance but does not explicate the process by which acceptance is influenced. The objective of this paper is to clarify this process by proposing a theoretical model wherein the relationship between individual differences and IT acceptance is hypothesized to be mediated by the constructs of the technology acceptance model. In essence then, these factors are viewed as influencing an individual's beliefs about an information technology innovation; this relationship is further supported by drawing upon extensive research in learning. The theoretical model was tested in an empirical study of 230 users of an information technology innovation. Results confirm the basic structure of the model, including the mediating role of beliefs. Results also identify several individual difference variables that have significant effects on TAM's beliefs. Theoretical contributions and practical implications that follow are discussed.
Chandra ACIS-S Observations of Three Quasars with Low-Redshift Damped Lyα Absorption: Constraints on the Cosmic Neutral Gas-Phase Metallicity at Redshift z 0.4

Chandra X-Ray Observatory ACIS-S spectra of three quasars that lie behind three foreground damped Lyα (DLA) absorbers are analyzed in order to attempt to determine the amount of photoelectric absorption due to metals present in their X-ray spectra. These absorbers are the three largest neutral hydrogen column density absorption-line systems known at low redshift (0.313 ≤ zabs ≤ 0.524). They have H I column densities that lie in the range 3 × 1021 NH I 5 × 1021 atoms cm-2. At these redshifts the amount of photoelectric absorption at X-ray energies is primarily an indicator of the oxygen abundance. Since the column densities of these systems are so high, one would expect accurate metallicity measurements of them to yield a robust estimate of the column density-weighted cosmic neutral gas-phase metallicity at z ≈ 0.4. We consider cases in which the DLA gas has solar element abundance ratios and ones with the α group element abundance ratios enhanced. For the adopted assumptions, the column density-weighted cosmic neutral gas-phase metallicity of the nonenhanced elements (e.g., Zn) at z ≈ 0.4 likely lies in the range ≈0.04-0.38 Z☉.
Lattice Dynamics and Second-Order Raman Spectrum of NaF

The second-order Raman spectrum of NaF has been measured using an argon laser source. For a light beam incident along the [010] direction, polarized along the [001] direction, and viewed along the [100] direction, the scattered radiation is almost completely polarized. It is shown theoretically that it is possible to account for the polarization and the detailed shape of the observed spectrum within the experimental resolution using a Raman polarizability tensor whose second derivatives with respect to nuclear displacements depend only on the positions of first neighbors in the crystal, provided one uses the phonon frequencies derived from a deformation dipole model that includes second-neighbor ${F}^{\ensuremath{-}}\ensuremath{-}{F}^{\ensuremath{-}}$ interactions. By assuming that the polarizability is affected only by central displacements of the nearest neighbors, the number of independent polarizability derivatives is reduced from eight to three. This assumption also gives a vanishing depolarized intensity in agreement with the experimental results. The second-order difference spectra have also been evaluated, and are found to be much more sensitive to the relative magnitudes of the various polarizability derivatives.
Infection in the transplanted and native lung after single lung transplantation

Objective To analyze a single-center experience with infectious complications of single lung transplantation (SLT) with special emphasis on risk factors for infection in the transplanted and native lung. Design Consecutive case series. Setting University teaching hospital. Patients Fifteen consecutive SLT recipients (mean age, 43 years; 9 men and 6 women). Mean follow-up was 337 days. Results Fifteen patients had 24 infectious episodes (1.6 per patient) of which 83 percent were life-threatening, 79 percent involved the lung, airway, or pleural space, and 79 percent occurred in the first 4 months after transplantation. Despite this high infectious morbidity, there were no infectious deaths. The most important infections were bacterial pneumonia (n = 10), cytomegalovirus (CMV) pneumonia (n = 5), and bronchial anastomotic infections (n=3). Significant risk factors for bacterial pneumonia were a diagnosis of primary or secondary pulmonary hypertension (p Conclusion The frequency, complexity, and morbidity of infections after SLT were great, but most infections were manageable and good outcomes were achieved. A pretransplant diagnosis of pulmonary hypertension or posttransplant occurrence of bronchial stenosis or dehiscence were associated with a higher rate of bacterial pneumonia. The underlying disease in the native lung may predispose to infection at that site.
Reversible chemoselective tagging and functionalization of methionine containing peptides

Reagents were developed to allow chemoselective tagging of methionine residues in peptides and polypeptides, subsequent bioorthogonal functionalization of the tags, and cleavage of the tags when desired. This methodology can be used for triggered release of therapeutic peptides, or release of tagged protein digests from affinity columns.
Lack of a consistent relationship between demethylation of the CD44 promoter and CD44 expression

Methylation of the CD44 promoter at one or more CpG dinucleotides has been proposed as being important in the control of CD44 expression. In vitro methylation of all CpGs occurring between bases -1 to -1374 upstream of the position of translation initiation repressed the promoter activity of mouse CD44 4.5- to 12-fold in transient transfection experiments. Assaying the methylation of these 29 CpGs by genomic sequencing using differential base modification by sodium bisulfite indicated that a cluster of three CpGs immediately upstream of the position of translation initiation was heavily methylated in the mouse CD44-negative T-cell lymphoma AKR1. All 19 CpGs between bases -4 and -447, including the cluster heavily methylated in AKR1, were demethylated in the CD44-positive T-cell lymphoma BW5147, while CpGs further upstream showed no change in methylation pattern. The cluster of heavily methylated CpGs remained methylated, however, when CD44 was activated by transient transfection of c-jun into an AKR1 subline expressing polyoma large-T or by treatment of this subline with sodium butyrate, and no significant demethylation of other CpGs was observed. It is concluded, therefore, that no consistent demethylation event in the promoter-containing region encompassing the 1374 base pairs upstream of the position of CD44 translation initiation is required for CD44 expression.
Nonlinear optical matrix multiplier

We propose and demonstrate a novel method which utilizes nonlinear optical techniques to implement parallel optical matrix-matrix multiplication. Such a matrix-matrix multiplier is capable of handling large matrices such as those with 1000 X 1000 elements. The principle of operation and experimental results are presented.
HIV-1 A-rich RNA loop mimics the tRNA anticodon structure

Interaction of HIV-1 genomic RNA and human tRNA Lys 3 initiates viral reverse transcription. An adenosine-rich (A-rich) loop in HIV RNA mediates complex formation between tRNA and viral RNA. We have determined the structure of an A-rich loop oligonucleotide using nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. The loop structure is stabilized by a non-canonical G–A pair and a U-turn motif, which leads to stacking of the conserved adenosines. The structure has similarity to the tRNA anticodon structure, and suggests possible mechanisms for its role in initiation of reverse transcription.
Endothelial Cell Migration in Patient-Specific Models of Intracranial Aneurysm

Effects of wall shear stress on atherosclerotic disease are widely studied, but its effects on intracranial aneurysms are less clear. In vitro studies have demonstrated that endothelial cells (EC) go through morphological changes under abnormal wall shear stress, and these studies have also shown that abnormal wall shear stresses lead to a non-uniform EC distributions [1, 2]. Since endothelial cells play a critical role in mechanotransduction, a sub-optimal distribution of EC may affect remodeling of vessel wall.Copyright © 2010 by ASME
Examining how advocacy groups build relationships on the Internet

In 2006, the Animal Enterprise Terrorism Act (AETA) became American law after brief Congressional discussions despite the public outcries from animal rights organizations. The AETA made it a federal terrorist crime to harm any animal enterprise financially, which could include legal forms of protests and boycotts. Members of the “Stop AETA” coalition failed to draw attention to the legislation. The relationship management theory of public relations provides a framework to determine how well the coalition members developed relationships with like-minded individuals and the media. Results from a content analysis of the coalition members' Web sites revealed that nonprofit organizations and citizen-advocacy groups attempted to develop relationships through a variety of strategies, including making the visit a positive experience, being open and transparent in their advocacy efforts, and providing access to coalition leaders. The results suggest that the coalition was unable to generate much news coverage for the issue because coalition members did not sufficiently reach out to cultivate relationships with journalists. Specific suggestions are provided for future advocacy groups to use the Internet to develop and cultivate relationships with key stakeholder groups. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Serum Metal Levels and Bearing Surfaces in Total Hip Arthroplasty

This study evaluates steady-state serum metal levels in patients with 4 different combinations of fixation modalities, materials, and bearing couples. Forty patients with a minimum of 5 years of follow-up and with well-functioning primary total hip arthroplasty were recruited to have serum metal levels measured. Serum chromium and cobalt levels in the metal-on-metal cohort were significantly higher (P < .05) than the other 3 cohorts. The noncemented ceramic-polyethylene cohort had significantly lower (P < .05) serum chromium levels compared to cemented and noncemented metal-polyethylene cohorts and significantly higher serum titanium levels compared to the cemented metal-polyethylene cohort which had no titanium-containing implants. Debris generated at the metal head/neck modular junction likely accounts for the significantly lower serum chromium concentration in ceramic-polyethylene bearing couples.
A role for the central histaminergic system in the leptin-mediated increase in cardiovascular dynamics

The central nervous system (CNS) histaminergic neurons have been shown to regulate feeding behavior and are a target of leptin in the brain. The present study aimed to examine the involvement of the histaminergic system in the leptin-mediated regulation of cardiovascular dynamics. We investigated the cardiovascular responses to the CNS administration of histamine, leptin and alpha-melanocyte stimulating hormone (alpha-MSH) both in the presence and absence of the histamine H1 antagonist, chlorpheniramine. The intracerebroventricular (i.c.v.) administration of histamine resulted in an immediate increase in both mean arterial pressure (MAP) and heart rate (HR) and vasoconstricted the iliac, renal and superior mesenteric vessels. The i.c.v. pretreatment with chlorpheniramine attenuated the histamine-induced increase in MAP, HR and decreased vascular conductance. The i.c.v. administration of leptin increased MAP and HR and decreased vascular conductance. The i.c.v. pretreatment with chlorpheniramine decreased the leptin-induced increase in MAP and the leptin-mediated iliac vasoconstriction. The i.c.v. administration of alpha-MSH also increased MAP, HR and decreased vascular conductance. However, pretreatment with chlorpheniramine did not influence the central alpha-MSH-mediated increase in MAP, HR and decreased vascular conductance. These results indicate that the central histaminergic system mediated by H1 receptors have a role in the central signaling pathway and is involved in leptin's regulation of cardiovascular dynamics. It appears that leptin directly or indirectly stimulates histaminergic neurons that lead to increased cardiovascular activity.
Initiation of transcription by bacteriophage T4-modified RNA polymerase independently of host sigma factor.

Abstract After infection of Escherichia coli with bacteriophage T4 a series of modifications of RNA polymerase takes place including the association of several small polypeptides. We isolated RNA polymerase from cells abortively infected with a series of T4 mutants which arrest phage development at different stages and found that different sets of associated proteins are present in RNA polymerase in each case. The patterns of associated polypeptides seem to correlate with DNA content in the infected cells, suggesting that some of them can be involved both in DNA replication and in the transcription apparatus. One of the modified forms of RNA polymerase contains stoichiometric amounts of a protein with Mr = 25,000 (25K protein), which remains associated with the core enzyme after the removal of sigma factor by chromatography on phosphocellulose. The 25K protein was purified to homogeneity and its effect on transcription selectivity was analyzed in an in vitro system using fragments of T4 DNA as templates. The 25K protein exists in two functional forms which direct core RNA polymerase to utilize two different types of transcription start sites (class I and class II promoters). Both activities do not require host sigma factor. The two forms of 25K protein seem to compete with each other for the core enzyme. The isolated 25K protein can form stable dimers, suggesting that its two activities are associated with the dimeric and monomeric forms. Class I (but not class II) promoters can also be utilized in response to the host sigma factor. An hypothesis is proposed that T4-induced 25K protein serves as a new specificity factor with respect to class II sites and as a substitute for the host sigma with respect to the class I sites.
Comparison of Endothelial Cell Density in Diabetics and a Control Population

We compared the endothelial cell density of 96 corneas from 52 diabetics with proliferative diabetic retinopathy with 61 corneas from 32 normal subjects by specular microscopy. Although the regression curve of the diabetic group was steeper, we found no statistically significant difference in endothelial cell density between the two groups.
Prototype Partitioning Based on Requirement Flexibility

Prototype partitioning is an often-overlooked step in the product development process that has great potential for improving project success. This paper discusses the importance of applying a systematic prototype partitioning strategy to a product development project. Quite often, prototypes are chosen based on historical reasons, with the premise that requirements are rigid and inflexible. Alternatively, a method is proposed here for prescribing a partitioning strategy that is tailored to the specific characteristics of a project and is based upon the three components of requirement flexibility: cost, schedule, and performance. By considering the realistic flexibility in these requirements, strategic prototyping decisions may be made to promote the success of a development project. Three product development applications illustrate the proposed method: the Black & Decker SnakeLight™, a senior-level design project at the United State Air Force Academy, and the product development of a new umbrella concept based on compliant components.© 2004 ASME
Electron drift mobility in amorphous semiconductor multilayer superlattices

Abstract The drift mobility μ was measured in multilayer films consisting of alternating layers of an amorphous semiconductor and an insulator. The multilayer films contained up to 180 double layers with periods ranging from 48 A to 180 A. Plasma deposited hydrogenated amorphous silicon and silicon nitride were used for the semiconducting and insulating layers, respectively. We used the traveling wave technique in which the film to be measured is placed in the fringe electric field produced by a surface acoustic Rayleigh wave. The theory for the dc acousto-electric voltage drop V ae measured in the film plane was extended to multilayered films. V ae yields μ as well as the sign of the dominant charge carriers.
Method of Pyloric Reconstruction and Impact Upon Delayed Gastric Emptying and Hospital Stay After Pylorus-Preserving Pancreaticoduodenectomy

Preservation of the pylorus at the time of pancreaticoduodenectomy has been associated with equal oncological outcomes when compared to the classical Whipple operation. Multiple studies have demonstrated that pylorus-preserving pancreaticoduodenectomy (PPPD) has equal or superior outcomes regarding quality of life when compared with the traditional Whipple operation, but many studies have suggested a higher incidence of delayed gastric emptying (DGE). DGE prolongs hospital stay, and its association with PPPD has hampered its adoption by many pancreatic surgery centers. We describe a novel surgical technique for the prevention of delayed gastric emptying following pylorus-preserving pancreaticoduodenectomy. The technique of pyloric dilatation appears to decrease the incidence of delayed gastric emptying and facilitates earlier hospital discharge, when compared with standard pylorus preserving pancreaticoduodenectomy.
Romanomermis culicivorax: Morphological evidence of transcuticular uptake

Abstract The body surface of the parasitic stages of Romanomermis culicivorax (Mermithidae: Nematoda) is composed of three membranes overlying a layer of hypodermal cells. In all three membranes, there are pores ranging from 70–110 A in diameter. The pores are large enough for the passage of ferritin particles and thus would allow passage of all nutrients required for growth. The gradient for this passage is probably established by the underlying hypodermal cells, whose microvilli also take up ferritin particles. These morphological features indicate a possible transport system for the uptake of nutrients by R. culicivorax . It is probable that other mermithid nematodes have similar systems.
Experiments in contact control

The implementation, experimentation, and application of contact control schemes for a 7-DOF Robotics Research arm is presented. Three types of control schemes are presented: compliance cntrol, force control, and dual-mode control. This presentation is concluded with the application of the proposed schemes to perform a contact-based eddy-current inspection task.
Traumatic asphyxia: an indicator of significant pulmonary injury.

Abstract Traumatic asphyxia has often been described as a rare syndrome with little prognostic significance. In the authors' series, however, all cases secondary to deceleration injury or compression of the anterior thorax were associated with puimonary injury. The signs of venous congestion of the face and anterior thorax are not always recognized in the emergency department where they should be most cinically evident. Increased awareness of this syndrome by emergency physicians will result in better reporting and understanding of its clinical implications.
Combined cesarean delivery and repair of acute ascending and aortic arch dissection at 32 weeks of pregnancy.

n a r AHEALTHY 35-YEAR-OLD gravida 2 para 1 woman at 32 3 weeks’ gestational age was admitted to an outside ospital for an acute onset of chest pain that began that day at er baby shower. Owing to an episode of transient hypoxemia, he was worked up for pulmonary embolism. Computed tomoraphic examination was negative for pulmonary embolism but id show a Stanford type-A dissection. Before this admission, he pregnancy was uneventful and included a normal transthoacic echocardiogram (echocardiography was performed owing o a history suggestive of connective tissue disease). The paient was transferred to the authors’ institution, where an emerency cesarean section was performed, and a healthy male nfant was delivered. The infant’s birth was followed by immediate aortic repair nd aortic valve resuspension. Postoperatively, the patient and er newborn infant underwent genetic testing that was diagostic for Marfan syndrome. This case report discusses the anagement of aortic dissection in pregnancy and Marfan yndrome.
Inelastic Dynamic Response of Curtainwall Systems to Blast Loading

Blast-resistant curtainwall systems require laminated glass that is adequately adhered to the mullions to develop the membrane capacity of the glass, as well as mullions that are capable of transferring the collected forces to the structural slabs. Dynamic inelastic analyses are required to determine the response of curtainwalls to highly impulsive blast loading. The most economical way to minimize the hazard to occupants is to allow the glass to undergo large deformations prior to dismemberment and fragmentation. Curtainwall performance is often evaluated using a sequence of single-degree-of-freedom (SDOF) analyses. The glass is represented as an SDOF to determine the reaction forces, which are then applied to SDOF analyses of the mullions. These individual calculations represent the dynamic inelastic response of the glass and mullions, but often neglect their interaction and phasing. As a result, SDOF methods tend to overpredict the response of the curtainwall components, resulting in an uneconomical design. Dynamic inelastic finite element analyses that account for the interaction of the glass and mullions and accurately represent the potential failure mechanisms provide the most accurate evaluation, leading to the most economical design for blast-resistant curtainwall systems. In addition to material nonlinearities, the finite element analyses also account for geometric stiffening of the components, therefore producing more accurate anchorage forces to be developed at the slabs.
Canonical Transformation for an Electron-Positron Field Coupled to a Time-Independent Electromagnetic Field. II

A prescription for constructing well-defined field operators from a single particle operator is given in a form in which electrons and positrons appear in a symmetric way. Such a prescription removes certain trivial infinities arising from the conventional "hole" theory approach. The canonical transformation derived in a previous paper is used to calculate the vacuum expectation values of various operators to the second order in electron charge. It is shown that, despite the fact that the scattering operator does not exist when the electromagnetic field is constant in time, one obtains the usual results for current and charge densities. In addition, the striking result is proved that for certain purely electrostatic fields the expectation values of the number operator are finite but that when a magnetostatic field is also present the expectation values are infinite.