cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Development and application of novel immunoassays for eosinophil granule major basic proteins to evaluate eosinophilia and myeloproliferative disorders.

Abstract Background During eosinophil differentiation, the granule eosinophil major basic protein 1 (eMBP1) is synthesized as a 32-kDa precursor form, referred to as proMBP1, which is processed into the 14-kDa mature form of eMBP1. The prevalence of these two forms of MBP1 in most pathological conditions remains unknown. Objective To develop the immunoassays that differentiate mature eMBP1 and proMBP1 and apply them to analyze their levels in biological fluids from patients with eosinophilia and hematologic disorders. Methods We produced a series of monoclonal antibodies and selected pairs capable of discriminating between the two molecular forms of eMBP1. Radioimmunoassay (RIA) was performed to simultaneously quantitate the levels of mature eMBP1 and proMBP1 in secretions from patients with chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) and sera from patients with hypereosinophilic syndrome (HES) and other myeloproliferative disorders. Results The novel immunoassays possessed less than 1% crossreactivity between mature eMBP1 and proMBP1. Mature eMBP1, but not proMBP1, was found in nasal secretions of CRS patients. In contrast, elevated serum levels of mature eMBP1 and proMBP1 were observed in approximately 60% and 90% of HES patients, respectively, with proMBP1 present in greater quantities than mature eMBP1. Patients with several myeloproliferative disorders also showed high serum levels of proMBP1 while mature eMBP1 remained at basal levels. Conclusion The novel immunoassays successfully differentiated mature eMBP1 and proMBP1 in human biological fluids. Further studies addressing the clinical correlates of these assays will help to develop biomarkers to diagnose and monitor patients with eosinophilia and myeloproliferative disorders.
Introductory Matters: The Strange Case of Secular India

In 1992, Sara Suleri opened her now classic study The Rhetoric of English India with the memorable claim that ‘while the representation of otherness has long been acknowledged as one of the most culturally vexing idioms to read, contemporary interpretations of alterity are increasingly victims of their own apprehension of such vexation’. If one of the principal tasks of postcolonial criticism was to question the duality of center and margin, Suleri argues that the almost pietistic commemoration of the ‘Other’ in a spectacular celebration of alterity has done little to dissociate ‘otherness’ from its conceptual reliance on this polarization. Instead, concealing the dangerous collusions that are bred in any exchange between master and victim in the colonial setting, the valourization of otherness has actually consolidated the asymmetrical power relationship between metropolitan and peripheral societies. For Suleri then, rather than valourizing their differences, it is in fact more important to confront the complicities between rulers and ruled, so as to understand that telling the story of the Other involves being forced to encounter the narrative of the self and to ask, always, ‘just how other’ the Other really is (Suleri, 1992, 9). This conceptual terrain, as laid out by Suleri, is vitally important for the investigations in this book, which involve examining precisely such complicities in a context where it might fairly be said that the intellectual and political strength of the narrative of decolonization has collapsed and erstwhile anti-colonial societies have come to increasingly write themselves into empire, rather than oppose or counter it. With Sara Suleri's searching analyses in the background, my book looks into a colonial and postcolonial rhetoric of binarism, considering in particular the polarized relationship between categories like tradition and modernity, self and other, religion and reason and east and west. I strive to articulate how, what Suleri had identified as the shadowy intimacies between such intractable others, have fared with the maturing of the phenomenon of globalization. That is to say, I ask simply: in what ways has the celebrated dissolution of erstwhile dualities like center and margin in a globalized dispensation affected foundational colonial and postcolonial ideas about difference?
Large Mammals Have More Powerful Antibacterial Defenses Than Expected from Their Metabolic Rates

Terrestrial mammals span 7 orders of magnitude in body size, ranging from the 3900 kg African elephant (Loxodonta africana). Although body size has profound effects on the behavior, physiology, ecology, and evolution of animals, how investment in immune defenses changes with body size is unknown. Here, we develop a novel 12-point dilution-curve approach to describe and compare antibacterial capacity against 3 bacterial species among >160 terrestrial species of mammals. We show that antibacterial activity in serum across mammals exhibits isometry, but the serum of large mammals is less hospitable to bacteria than would be predicted by their metabolic rates. Specifically, hypometric metabolic rates would predict that a large species should have disproportionately lower antibacterial capacity than small species, but body size is unrelated to killing capacity across species. Scaling of antibacterial immune defenses provides novel perspectives on the ecology of host-pathogen interactions, and on their co-evolutionary dynamics. These results have direct implications for effectively modeling the evolution of immune defenses and identifying potential reservoir hosts of zoonotic pathogens.
Weight and body composition changes affect resting energy expenditure predictive equations during a 12-month weight-loss intervention.

OBJECTIVE Mathematical equations that predict resting energy expenditure (REE) are widely used to derive calorie prescriptions during weight-loss interventions. Although such equations are known to introduce group- and individual-level error into REE prediction, their validity has largely been assessed in weight-stable populations. Therefore, this study sought to characterize how weight change affects the validity of commonly used REE predictive models throughout a 12-month weight-loss intervention. METHODS Changes in predictive error of four models (Mifflin-St-Jeor, Harris-Benedict, Owen, and World Health Organization/Food and Agriculture) were assessed at 1-, 6-, and 12-month time points in adults (n = 66, 76% female, aged 18-55 years, BMI = 27-45 kg/m2 ) enrolled in a randomized clinical weight-loss trial. RESULTS All equations experienced significant negative shifts in bias (measured - predicted REE) toward overprediction from baseline to 1 month (p < 0.05). Three equations showed reversal of bias in the positive direction (toward underprediction) from baseline to 12 months (p < 0.05). Early changes in bias were correlated with decreased fat-free mass (p ≤ 0.01). CONCLUSIONS Changes in body composition and mass during a 12-month weight-loss intervention significantly affected REE predictive error in adults with overweight and obesity. Weight history should be considered when using mathematical models to predict REE during periods of weight fluctuation.
Domain Sparsification of Discrete Distributions using Entropic Independence.

We present a framework for speeding up the time it takes to sample from discrete distributions $\mu$ defined over subsets of size $k$ of a ground set of $n$ elements, in the regime $k\ll n$. We show that having estimates of marginals $\mathbb{P}_{S\sim \mu}[i\in S]$, the task of sampling from $\mu$ can be reduced to sampling from distributions $\nu$ supported on size $k$ subsets of a ground set of only $n^{1-\alpha}\cdot \operatorname{poly}(k)$ elements. Here, $1/\alpha\in [1, k]$ is the parameter of entropic independence for $\mu$. Further, the sparsified distributions $\nu$ are obtained by applying a sparse (mostly $0$) external field to $\mu$, an operation that often retains algorithmic tractability of sampling from $\nu$. This phenomenon, which we dub domain sparsification, allows us to pay a one-time cost of estimating the marginals of $\mu$, and in return reduce the amortized cost needed to produce many samples from the distribution $\mu$, as is often needed in upstream tasks such as counting and inference. For a wide range of distributions where $\alpha=\Omega(1)$, our result reduces the domain size, and as a corollary, the cost-per-sample, by a $\operatorname{poly}(n)$ factor. Examples include monomers in a monomer-dimer system, non-symmetric determinantal point processes, and partition-constrained Strongly Rayleigh measures. Our work significantly extends the reach of prior work of Anari and Derezinski who obtained domain sparsification for distributions with a log-concave generating polynomial (corresponding to $\alpha=1$). As a corollary of our new analysis techniques, we also obtain a less stringent requirement on the accuracy of marginal estimates even for the case of log-concave polynomials; roughly speaking, we show that constant-factor approximation is enough for domain sparsification, improving over $O(1/k)$ relative error established in prior work.
Watching Children Watch Television

The national pastime of American children is watching television. They spend perhaps 20% of their waking hours in front of TV sets, cumulatively more time than they spend in school (Lyle & Hoffman, 1972a, b). Although there has been some research interest in the social and cognitive impact of television (cf. Liebert, Neale, & Davidson, 1973; Stein & Friedrich, 1975), there have been few studies on the nature and development of TV viewing itself. There has been little information on how children watch, why they watch, or what they watch.
Role of Ferredoxin in the Synthesis of α-Ketobutyrate from Propionyl Coenzyme A and Carbon Dioxide by Enzymes from Photosynthetic and Nonphotosynthetic Bacteria

Abstract Evidence is presented for a new carboxylation reaction, designated the α-ketobutyrate synthase reaction, which involves a ferredoxin-dependent reductive carboxylation of propionyl coenzyme A to α-ketobutyrate. The new enzyme appears to be a separate protein not associated with pyruvate or α-ketoglutarate synthase. α-Ketobutyrate synthase was found in cell-free preparations from the photosynthetic bacterium Chromatium, and from the anaerobic nonphotosynthetic bacteria, Clostridium pasteurianum and Desulfovibrio desulfuricans. The new enzyme was present in Chromatium cells grown autotrophically on CO2 or on media supplemented with malate or propionate, and its formation was unrelated to the carbon source used for growth. α-Ketobutyrate synthase provides a new mechanism for the reductive assimilation of propionate and CO2. An analysis of cellular products formed by Chromatium cells grown with 14C-propionate indicates that α-ketobutyrate synthase supplies, independently of threonine and threonine dehydratase, α-ketobutyrate needed in the biosynthesis of isoleucine and α-aminobutyrate.
Play, pictures, and repetition: Mediators in aural prose learning

This study assessed the effects of imposed (picture) and induced (play) imagery on the aural language comprehension of kindergarten children. Eighty children were randomly assigned to two treatment and two control conditions. A one-way analysis of variance indicated no significant differences in recall. It was concluded that further study of mediating conditions was needed across a wide range of skills, abilities, and individual differences.
Using Computer Technology to Enhance Agricultural Economics Teaching

Computers are becoming an affordable and effective tool for assisting with classroom instruction. This paper describes experiences utilizing a hypermedia presentation system for a farm management course. Some advantages as well as drawbacks and issues associated with using microcomputer-controlled hypermedia in the classroom are presented. Hopefully, readers will find some assistance in planning the design and implementation of such techniques for their own classes.
Counting Satisfiable k-CNF Formulas

We use basic combinatorial techniques to count the number of satisfiable boolean formulas given in conjunctive normal form. The intention is to provide information about the relative frequency of boolean functions with respect to statements of a given size. This in turn will provide information about algorithms attempting to decide problems such as satisfiability and validity. The method we use is an explicit counting of those formulas that are satisfiable. We count the number for any boolean function over v variables, k literals per clause and c clauses. First, we describe a correspondence between the syntax of propositions to the semantics of functions using a system of equations. Then we show how to solve such a system.
Utah State University: Watershed Sciences Graduate Student Introduction Course

Utah State University Department of Watershed Sciences runs an introductory course for all incoming graduate students (15 in Fall 2012) immediately prior to each Fall semester. The course is an intense, five day introduction to the fundamental concepts of Watershed Science, as well as the people of the Department of Watershed Science and the techniques they use in research. The course begins with one day focused on water quality and wetlands at Cutler Reservoir in Logan, Utah, then one and a half days focusing on collection of fish, remotely sensed data, and topographic surveys in the Logan River watershed, followed by one and a half days discussing landscape organization and evolution and making field observations in the Grand Teton egion. We use AMK Ranch for lectures, discussions, group dinners, sleeping quarters, and as a central base for Teton area activities, including rafting on the Snake River (photos above).
A centrifugation technique for preparing medium-free resinous mounts of Feulgen-stained pollen tubes.

Air-dried pollen of Tradescantia paludosa and a colchicine doubled Allium ascalonium-fistulosum interspecific hybrid was sown in culture tubes on an inorganic salt-lactose liquid medium containing 0.02% colchicine. After a 16–20 hr incubation at 22 C, pollen tubes were harvested by centrifugation for 3–5 min at 1100–1400 rev/min and fixed with acetic-alcohol (1:3). Feulgen staining was carried out in the culture tubes with fluid changes made after the centrifugation following each step. Single drops of the final pollen-45% acetic acid suspension were flattened under silicone-treated coverglasses which were removed by the quick freeze technique prior to counterstaining with fast green, dehydration, and mounting in Diaphane or Canada balsam. Medium-free, Feulgen-stained, resin-mounted preparations of well-dispersed pollen tubes with arrested metaphases were obtained.
Angle-resolved optical metrology using multi-technique nested uncertainties

This paper introduces recent advances in scatterfield microscopy using improved normalization and fitting procedures. Reduced measurement uncertainties are obtained through the use of more accurate normalization procedures in combination with better parametric fitting algorithms. A new approach to embed atomic force microscopy (AFM) or other reference metrology measurements directly into the uncertainty analysis and library-fitting process is used to reduce parametric uncertainties. We present both simulation results and experimental data demonstrating this new method, which is based on Bayesian analysis as applied to library-based regression. We develop the statistical methods to implement this approach of nested uncertainty analysis and give several examples that demonstrate reduced uncertainties in the final combined measurements. The approach is also demonstrated in a combined reference metrology application using multiple independent measurement methods.
Stress Facilitates Acquisition of the Classically Conditioned Eyeblink Response at Both Long and Short Interstimulus Intervals

Abstract Exposure to inescapable stress facilitates acquisition of the classically conditioned eyeblink response in freely moving rats. Here, we determined whether facilitated acquisition of the eyeblink conditioned response (CR) depended on the interstimulus interval (ISI). Rats were either stressed (40 2-mA tailshocks delivered over a single 1-h session) or served as nonstressed controls. Paired training was accomplished with a 300-, 500-, 700-, or 1200-ms ISI. Separate groups of stressed and nonstressed rats were exposed to explicitly unpaired stimuli. Consistent with eyeblink conditioning using humans or rabbits as subjects, acquisition depended on the ISI; a “U-shaped” curve was described for nonstressed rats. Acquisition was fastest at the 700-ms ISI; the order was 700 > 500 > 300 > 1200 ms. The unconditioned response decreased with training. Except for the 700-ms ISI, exposure to stress facilitated acquisition. Exposure to stress did not affect the amplitude of the unconditioned response. Facilitated acquisition of the eyeblink CR after exposure to inescapable stressors is independent of nonassociative changes in reactivity to the conditioned stimulus or unconditioned stimulus.
Commentary: The 2001 anthrax attacks: implications for the medical community and beyond.

Not until the anthrax attacks in 2001 had bioterrorism in the United States ever been known to cause any deaths. That fall, perhaps a halfdozen letters, each containing between 1 and 2 grams of powdered anthrax spores, were sent through the mail. Although the 11 people who contracted cutaneous anthrax survived, 5 of the 11 with the more dangerous inhalation form of the disease died. The experience moved fears and expectations about a deliberate germ assault from theory to reality. The event upset many pre-2001 assumptions and has left a trail of continuing uncertainties. But it also provided a body of knowledge that, if properly used, can help protect the population against future bioattacks. Anthrax: Rare But Deadly The anthrax bacterium exists in two forms. In spore form, it is a tiny shell-like kernel that is extraordinarily durable and may lie dormant for centuries under the soil. But if brought to the surface and ingested, inhaled, or introduced through an opening in the skin, spores may cause infection. Thus grazing animals including cattle, sheep, and goats, might become infected as they stir up an area of soil containing anthrax spores. Under normal conditions, humans are rarely exposed to the bacterium, although inhalation of a few thousand
Stochastic properties of the gravitational N-body problem

Abstract The paper summarized the results of a numerical investigation of the exponential orbit instability and “violent relaxation” in gravitating systems.
Disfluent speech associated with brain damage

Abstract The frequency and type of disfluencies in the spontaneous speech of 15 people with Broca's aphasia and right hemiplegia was studied. Two aged-matched control groups (15 nonaphasic stroke patients with left hemiplegia and 15 normals) were also studied. The frequency of disfluencies in the speech of aphasics was three times greater than that in the speech of either control group. However, most of the disfluencies uttered by aphasics were of the types commonly found in speech of normals.
Hydrology's efforts toward the cyberfrontier

As part of its ‘cyberinfrastructure’ initiative, the U.S. National Science Foundation is supporting the Hydrologic Information System (HIS) project of the Consortium of Universities for the Advancement of Hydrologic Sciences, Inc. (CUAHSI). Cyberinfrastructure is the use of high-speed telecommunications to integrate networks of computers and provide advanced data access and computational resources beyond what an individual scientist would normally have available. The integration of multiple data sets—which can have inconsistent metadata styles over a wide variety of spatial and time scales—into formats that can be easily used by researchers with varied software and operating system preferences is a challenging task. No such information system presently exists, and a central task of the HIS program is to design and develop this system.
UV-light microscope: improvements in optical imaging for a secondary ion mass spectrometer

A large radius secondary ion mass spectrometer (SIMS) has been used for in situ stable isotope analyses of geological samples at the scale of 1–10 μm. However, the original reflected light microscope of the CAMECA IMS 1280 SIMS had an optical resolution of ∼3.5 μm, which made it difficult to accurately position the analytical beam on the sample at the μm scale. We modified the optical microscope to use ultraviolet (UV) light illumination and UV compatible optical components, keeping the same mechanical design inside the vacuum chamber. The optical resolution was improved to 1.3 μm with the UV-light microscope system. In addition, we wrote Badgerscope©, a LabVIEW based software for sample imaging, which greatly enhanced the accuracy of positioning and efficiency of instrument operation. These improvements can be adapted to other micro-beam instruments where complex optical paths may be imposed by instrument design.
In Situ Synthesis of Tetradentate Dye for Construction of Three-Dimensional Homochiral Phosphor

Three-dimensional assembly of enantiopure d-camphoric acid and in situ synthesized tetradentate 1,2,4,5-tetra(4-pyridyl)benzene (TPB) ligand with tetrahedral Zn2+ leads to a new homochiral four-connected luminescent material from which the novel TPB ligand can be isolated in the hydrated crystalline form.
Abstract 571: Prevention of breast cancer by delaying promotion and progression

A full term pregnancy early in life reduces the risk of breast cancer in women. A similar phenomenon is also observed in rats and mice. Short-term treatment with pregnancy levels of estradiol is also highly effective in preventing mammary carcinogenesis. In the current study our objective was to determine whether short-term treatment with pregnancy levels of estradiol conferred protection against mammary carcinogenesis by blocking initiation or promotion. Rats were injected with N-methyl-N-nitrosourea at 7 weeks of age and treated with 20 µg, 100 µg, 200 µg or 30 mg of estradiol in silastic capsules for 3-weeks. The experiments were terminated 9 months post carcinogen treatment. Mammary gland wholemounts were prepared at termination and examined for the presence of latent microscopic mammary cancers. Short-term treatment with pregnancy levels of estradiol drastically reduced the incidence of overt mammary cancers. 100 µg, 200 µg and 30 mg doses of estradiol resulted in levels of estradiol equivalent to pregnancy level and were effective in preventing overt mammary cancer incidence compared to control or 20 µg estradiol treatment which did not result in pregnancy levels of estradiol in the circulation. Although a significant reduction of overt cancers was observed in the pregnancy levels of estradiol treated groups, there was no difference in the incidence of microscopic mammary cancers between the estradiol treated and the controls. Proliferation of microscopic mammary cancers was examined using immunohistochemistry for cyclin D1 expression. Proliferation in the microscopic mammary cancers of the protected groups was significantly lower (∼ 2-3 fold) than the microscopic mammary cancers in the unprotected groups. These findings clearly demonstrate that short-term treatment with pregnancy levels of estradiol confers protection against mammary cancer development by blocking promotion and progression of carcinogen initiated cells. Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 103rd Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2012 Mar 31-Apr 4; Chicago, IL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2012;72(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 571. doi:1538-7445.AM2012-571
A computational approach for studying domains of attraction for non-linear systems

Abstract The determination of the domains of attraction of equilibrium states and of periodic solutions plays an important role in delineating the global behavior of non-linear dynamical systems. In this paper, we propose a computational scheme of backward mappings for obtaining the global domains of attraction. The approach is based on the Lyapunov stability theory and extends a method proposed by C.S. Hsu for discrete time systems. The method consists of an iterative procedure to be applied to asymptotically stable equilibrium states and stable periodic solutions and converges to the total domain of attraction of the given solution. The computational scheme proposed here is applicable to both time-invariant and periodic, continuous-time dynamical systems as well as discrete-time dynamical systems. In the paper the mathematical basis for the approach and the computational algorithm are described. The usefulness of the method is illustrated by applying it to different classes of dynamical systems. The study indicates that the method is efficient in analyzing the global behavior of multidimensional systems, both time-invariant and time varying.
A prospective analysis of the potential risk associated with inhalation of aflatoxin-contaminated grain dusts

Abstract In the USA aflatoxin contamination of certain agricultural crops such as peanuts, corn and cottonseed continues to pose a problem, especially in the south-eastern states where climatic conditions are conducive to fungal growth. Analysis of airborne dust samples generated from contaminated corn in an agricultural setting has revealed the presence of respirable particles containing aflatoxins. Since aflatoxins are among the most potent of carcinogens, exposure by any route poses a potential hazard. Unfortunately, an adequate assessment of the health hazard resulting from inhalation exposure to aflatoxin-contaminated grain dust is currently impossible, due to the almost total lack of data regarding this route of exposure. However, a prospective analysis of the potential risk has been performed using information concerning (1) the absorption and carcinogenic effects of another potent carcinogen, benzo[a]pyrene, when adsorbed onto respirable particles, (2) the metabolic capability of cultured human bronchus towards aflatoxins, (3) the irritant nature of respired organic dusts and (4) potential modifying factors known to influence carcinogenic outcome. Suggestions are made regarding the types of information that are still needed in order to adequately assess the risk associated with inhalation of aflatoxin-contaminated grain dust.
A new microtechnique in ultraviolet analysis

A technique of using capillary tubes as sample holders to expose solutions under filtered ultraviolet light has been devised and the procedure used is described.
Intergenerational ties across borders: Grandparenting narratives by expatriate retirees in Mexico

Abstract A thematic narrative analysis was applied to transcripts and notes derived from depth interviews with 46 expatriate retirees living at the Lake Chapala Riviera in Jalisco, Mexico. The analysis generated seven themes about grandparenting and relationships with geographically distant grandchildren. Five positive themes identified were a) attachment to and love for grandchildren, b) geographic distance has benefits, c) communication technologies mitigate the separation, d) the retirement migration decision is reversible, and e) children and grandchildren are likely to relocate. Two negative themes were a) diminishment of the relationship because of loss of common interests and b) a total rupture of the relationship. Also revealed is a suggestion that the presence of great-grandchildren reduces the relevance of the grandparent–grandchild relationship. The findings of the narrative analysis are consolidated into an analytically constructed master-proposition that relates the findings more theoretically to identities of expatriate grandparent retirees.
Effect of split application of phosphorus on the growth ofAzolla and low land rice

TheAzolla pinnata (Vietnam) inoculated in rice field 10 days after transplanting (DAT) at a rate of 500 kg ha−1 fresh biomass along with phosphorus fertilizer application produced a mat on the water surface at 30 DAT. The three split application of phosphorus as 4.4, 2.2 and 2.2 kg P ha−1 applied at 10, 15 and 20 DAT, respectively produced 67% more biomass and 57% more Nitrogen inAzolla than those obtained by applying 8.8 kg P ha−1 at 10 DAT. Whereas, the two splits of phosphorus as 6.6 and 2.2 kg and 4.4 and 4.4 kg P ha−1 applied 10 and 15 DAT, respectively produced 20 and 33% more biomass and 14 and 27% more Nitrogen only.
Anaerobic metabolism in freely diving painted turtles (Chrysemys picta)

The degree to which painted turtles (Chrysemys picta) rely on anaerobic metabolism during unrestrained, voluntary dives was estimated by measuring the total body lactate content of turtles in the lab and in outdoor pools in summer and in winter. Experiments with forcibly submerged animals were carried out for comparative purposes. Summer turtles diving voluntarily in an aquarium at 25°C during a 5-day experiment did not accumulate lactate (x = 20 mg%). When turtles in water at 25°C were threatened and prodded but not restrained or forcibly immersed, their total body lactate content increased fourfold in 60 min. Animals forcibly submerged for 2 days at 25°C exhibited total body lactate levels up to 300 mg%. Summer turtles diving undisturbed in outdoor pools had lactate levels which were low (x = 10 mg%) and which were correlated with water temperature, but not with time of day, intensity of activity in the hour prior to sampling, or the time interval since the last breath. Winter turtles forcibly submerged in an aquarium at 5°C did not exhibit a total body lactate level of 300 mg% until 2 weeks had elapsed. Winter animals diving undisturbed in an outdoor tank had lactate levels (up to 558 mg%) unrelated to time of day, water temperature (x = 3.7°C), or ice thickness, but highly correlated with the duration of their hibernation (up to 67 days). These results are consistent with the hypothesis that painted turtles in nature rely on anaerobiosis when forced by a predator to remain submerged and during hibernation but not during routine diving at moderate temperatures.
Computational Growth and Remodeling Model for Evolving Tissue Engineered Vascular Grafts in the Venous Circulation

The field of vascular tissue engineering continues to advance rapidly, yet there is a pressing need to understand better the time course of polymer degradation and the sequence of cell-mediated matrix deposition and organization. Mounting evidence suggests that cells respond to mechanical perturbations through a process of growth and remodeling (G&R) to establish, maintain, and restore a preferred state of homeostatic stress. Previous computational models utilizing G&R approaches have captured arterial responses to diverse changes in mechanical loading [1, 8, 9]. Recently, a G&R framework was also introduced to account for the kinetics of polymer degradation as well as synthesis and degradation of neotissue constituents [5]. Niklason et al. demonstrated that models of G&R can predict both evolving tissue composition and mechanical behavior after extended periods of in vitro culture of polymer-based tissue-engineered vascular grafts (TEVGs), thus providing insights into the timecourse of neotissue formation and polymer removal. Moreover, they suggest that models of G&R can be powerful tools for the future refinement and optimization of scaffold designs. Nevertheless, such computational models have not yet been developed for examining the formation of neotissue following the implantation of a polymeric TEVG in vivo.Copyright © 2013 by ASME
Simulation of Czochralski melt flows using parallel adaptive finite element procedures

Simulation of steady-state and transient melt flows in a Czochralski (CZ) crystal growth process is performed. To this end, a new three-dimensional finite element scheme is developed, that is based on a Galerkin least-squares (GLS) space - time variational formulation, with capabilities which include general unstructured mesh generation, automatic adaptive mesh refinement and coarsening, and parallel implementation with automatic load-balancing. Numerical results are obtained for flows in silicon and indium phosphide (InP) melts, with or without a viscous encapsulant, in crucibles with a flat or curved bottom. The effects of natural convection due to buoyancy, forced convection due to crystal and crucible rotations, and their combination, are considered.
The Press as Agents of Nationalism in the Queen’s Golden Jubilee: How British Newspapers Celebrated a Media Event

The press coverage in anticipation of and during Queen Elizabeth II’s Golden Jubilee celebrations in Britain in June 2002 illustrates Dayan and Katz’s theory that the media frequently adopt a ‘priestly’ role when it comes to media events. In the months leading up to the Jubilee, the press speculated about whether the celebrations would fail. When it became clear that the Jubilee had been an overwhelming success, the press heralded the occasion as evidence of Britain’s continued strength and national unity. The coverage of the Jubilee as a whole illustrates the role of the press in promoting and celebrating nationalism through this civic ritual.
Foxo: in command of T lymphocyte homeostasis and tolerance

The forkhead box O (Foxo) family of transcription factors consists of the mammalian orthologs of the Caenorhabditis elegans longevity protein Daf-16, and has an evolutionarily conserved function in the regulation of nutrient sensing and stress responses. Recent studies have shown that Foxo proteins control expression of immune system-specific genes such as Il7ra in naive T cells and Foxp3 in regulatory T cells, which are crucial regulators of T cell homeostasis and tolerance. These findings reveal that the ancient Foxo pathway has been co-opted to regulate highly specialized T cell activities. The Foxo pathway probably enables a diverse and self-tolerant population of T cells in the steady state, which is an important prerequisite for the establishment of a functional adaptive immune system.
The Role of ATP in Mechanically Stimulated Rapid Closure of the Venus's Flytrap

When the midribs of untreated traps of Dionaea muscipula are frozen in liquid nitrogen after rapid closure, they contain significantly less ATP than those frozen before closure. Exogenous ATP causes a significant increase in the rate of mechanically stimulated trap closure. Illuminated traps close faster than those kept in the dark. The traps of plants placed in 100% O 2 close much faster than do air controls, while 100% CO 2 inhibits closure. It is concluded that ATP is probably the native source of potential energy for contraction of the trap9s midrib, and that if the endogenous ATP titer is increased by oxidative phosphorylation or an exogenous source, the trap will close faster.
Medium Modifications of Light Vector Mesons in Photoproduction Reactions at Jlab

Theoretical calculations predict the modification of properties of vector mesons, such as a shift in their masses and/or broadening of their widths in dense nuclear matter. These effects can be related to partial restoration of chiral symmetry at high density or temperature. The light vector mesons (ρ, ω, and ϕ) were photo-produced on 2H, C, Ti, Fe, and Pb targets at the Thomas Jefferson National Laboratory using the CEBAF Large Acceptance Spectrometer (CLAS). The data were taken with a beam of tagged photons with energies up to 4 GeV. The properties of the ρ vector meson at normal nuclear densities and zero temperature,were investigated via their rare leptonic decay to e+e-. This decay channel is preferred over hadronic modes in order to eliminate final state interactions in the nuclear matter. A combinatorial background was subtracted from the invariant mass spectra using a well-established event-mixing technique. The ρ meson mass spectrum was extracted after the ω and ϕ signals were removed in a nearly model-independent way. The rho meson mass distributions were extracted for each of the targets. Comparisons were made between the ρ mass spectra from the heavy targets (A > 2) with the mass spectrum extracted from the deuterium target. With respect to the ρ-meson mass, we obtain a small shift compatible with zero. Also, we measure widths consistent with standard nuclear many-body effects such as collisional broadening and Fermi motion. In this experiment, due to the long lifetimes and momenta greater than 0.8 GeV, the ω and ϕ mesons have a high probability of decaying outside the nucleus in their vacuum state. However, their in-medium widths can be accessed through their absorption inside the nucleus. Preliminary results on the ratios of the nuclear transparencies of the ω and ϕ mesons as a function of the number of target nucleons A, have been obtained and indicate a substantial widening in the medium.
Errors-in-variables and the Box-Cox transformation

The Box-Cox family of power transformations is widely used as a means for obtaining an approximate Gaussian distribution. In a regression setting, in which Y (or transformed Y) is regressed on a set of independent variables, the independent variables are usually assumed to be measured exactly, i.e., with no measurement error. In this paper we investigate the effect of measurement error in the independent variables (also known as errors-in-variables) on parameter estimation for the Box and Cox family of transformations (J. Roy. Statist. Soc. Ser. B 26, 1964). Ignoring measurement error in the independent variables causes biased parameter estimation in general. This conclusion is supported by analytical arguments and the results of simulation experiments.
Families Reading Together: Connecting Literature and Life

Abstract The purposes of this qualitative study were to investigate the ways children's books were shared in the context of daily family life and how young children responded to books. Participants were 11 families and 12 children, age 14 months to 5 and a half years. Data collection included parent reading journals and interviews. Families were asked to maintain their customary reading routines and to record book titles, dates of reading, children's verbal responses to books, and book-related activities. Analysis of the data revealed that multiple books were shared regularly on a daily basis, particularly at naptime and bedtime, to entertain, explain events, and extend enjoyment. Children's responses to books fell into the following categories: literary language, concept acquisition, book-related dramatic play, affective associations, and book-related activities.
Consequences of Differential Diagnostic Criteria on Identification Rates of Children with Emotional or Behavioral Disorders

What constitutes an appropriate diagnostic workup for children with emotional or behavioral disorders (EBD) varies in both school and clinic settings. Current definitions of EBD suggest that a symp...
SOME CONSEQUENCES OF MANIPULATING TESTING PROCEDURES IN A COURSE USING A PERSONALIZED SYSTEM OF INSTRUCTION

Summary.-The number of text alternatives in a Personalized System of Instruction were increased from two to three for text modules, and from one to two for film and tape modules. In addition, all tests were standardized at 10 items. Findings were that many students used the first text exam as a study guide; the film and tape data were comparable to previous years. Course implications were discussed. During the last eight years we have developed and evaluated a modularized/ individualized multimedia educational psychology course, following standard research and development procedures (Langer, 1977; Borg, et al., 1970). The program, which utilizes commercially available materials, meets all criteria generally accepted for Personalized System of Instruction (PSI) courses, including testing for mastery, organization by unit/module, pacing of the student, and tutoring (Johnson & Ruskin, 1977). On occasion, with 200 students, tutoring is sacrificed to maintain feedback on our module tests. Our Evaluation Center is open daily to permit testing upon immediate completion of a module (Langer, 1977). The course currently includes 52 text, 19 film, and 8 lecture/tape modules, covering 14 content areas. Modules are organized within each content area into instructional sequences. The sequences differ both as to theoretical orientation as well as presentation mode. The course is divided into required and optional content, with the latter contributing to higher grades. In accordance with generally accepted practice the modules are tightly structured and have detailed study and learning management guides (Johnson & Ruskin, 1977). Our module testing procedures are described in detail below. The basic module structure has remained rather consistent despite significant changes in content and media, a factor which in our estimation has led to stability in students' performance (Langer, 1979). However, our testing procedures have been researched only in terms of
An alcohol dehydrogenase ribozyme

We report an RNA molecule that exhibits activity analogous to that of alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH). Directed in vitro evolution was used to enrich nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+)-dependent redox-active RNAs from a combinatorial pool. The most active ribozyme in the population forms a compact pseudoknotted structure and oxidizes an alcohol seven orders of magnitude faster than the estimated spontaneous rate. Moreover, this ADH RNA was coupled with a redox relay between NADH and flavin adenine dinucleotide to give a NAD+-regeneration system. Our demonstration of the redox ability of RNA adds support to an RNA-based metabolic system in ancient life.
Renal-cell carcinoma Unusual occurrence in four members of one family

Abstract Renal cell carcinoma developed in 4 members of one family, a mother and three sons. In 2 members of the family bilateral renal tumors were present. Unusual features included similar age of incidence among siblings and a radiologic appearance suggestive of polycystic kidney disease. Close similarity to other series suggests a separate entity of renal tumors.
Parent behavior training: Effects on the non-compliance of a deaf child☆

Abstract The present study examined the effects of a parent-centered behavioral training program on the non-compliance of a deaf child. The program, which was designed to alter general parent-child interactions, involved initially teaching the mother reinforcement skills for desirable behavior and, subsequently, a time out procedure for deviant behavior. The results indicated that a general behavioral program could be rapidly learned by a mother and applied to the special problems of a deaf child. Changes occurred in both the child's compliance and in the mother's behavior and attitudes toward the child.
DISTRIBUTION OF DIURNAL ACID METABOLISM IN THE GENUS ISOETES

Previous studies have revealed a crassulacean acid metabolism-like pathway in the submerged aquatic Isoetes howellii (Isoetaceae). A survey of 11 other species in this largely aquatic genus showed all had diurnal fluctuations in titratable acidity and malic acid concentration. The magnitude of the diurnal fluctuation in titratable acidity varied from 119 (,eq g-1 fresh weight) for I. bolanderi to 44 for I. engelmanni. Although these species were grown under similar conditions in a greenhouse, it is questionable whether or not any significance can be attached to observed species specific differences in magnitude of diurnal acid fluctuation. This is suggested by a single species comparison of plants in the field with greenhouse grown plants which indicated nearly as much variation in magnitude of acid fluctuations as observed across all species in the greenhouse. Much of this variation may be due to seasonal differences. Substrate appears to have very little effect on magnitude of acid fluctuations. Since this survey covered most of the range of the latitudinal, elevational, habitat, and morphological variation in the genus, it is likely that diurnal acid metabolism will prove to be common in the genus Isoetes. RECENT EVIDENCE has been presented that the submerged aquatic Isoetes howellii Engelmann (Isoetaceae) has a diurnal acidification/deacidification cycle similar to crassulacean acid metabolism (CAM) (Keeley, 1981a). At night, submerged leaves of I. howellii fix CO2 into malic acid and this product accumulates overnight. The malic acid is broken down during the day resulting in a diurnal fluctuation of
Diastolic heart failure and left ventricular diastolic dysfunction: What we know, and what we don't know!

Diastolic heart failure is a common form of congestive heart failure that is responsible for significant morbidity and mortality. In contrast to heart failure caused by systolic left ventricular dysfunction, diastolic heart failure is harder to diagnose and less likely to be accepted as a diagnosis. In addition, treatment strategies are much less defined than those for heart failure caused by systolic dysfunction.
Audit committee financial expertise, corporate governance, and the voluntary switch from auditor-provided to non-auditor-provided tax services☆

Abstract A prime objective of the SOX is to safeguard auditor independence. We investigate the relation between audit committee quality, corporate governance, and audit committees' decision to switch from permissible auditor-provided tax services. We find that firms with more independent boards, audit committees with greater accounting financial expertise, higher stock ownership by directors and institutions, that separate the CEO and Chairman of the board positions, and with higher tax to audit fee ratios are more likely to switch to a non-auditor provider. Further, we document that firms are more likely to switch prior to issuing equity. We find no evidence that broad financial expertise on audit committees is related to the switch decision, suggesting that the SEC's initial narrow definition of expertise is more consistent with the objective of the SOX. Overall, our results suggest that accounting financial expertise and strong corporate governance contribute to enhanced audit committee monitoring of auditor independence.
Continuous-flow, resistive-particle counting☆

Abstract An apparatus has been designed to allow continuous operation of resistive particle counters. It consists of an injection jet directed at the counting or sensing orifice. Particle-containing electrolyte is pumped through this jet in excess of the volume actually sucked through the sensing orifice. The latter therefore only detects and analyses the particles contained in the injected solution and not in the bulk electrolyte in the external vessel. The apparatus is completed by a simple overflow in the external vessel to act as a drain for excess pumped solution. The basic principle on which continuous-flow counting depends is that electrical connection between internal and external electrodes is maintained at all times, even though the sensing orifice only sucks in the injected material. Performance in measuring erythrocyte and platelet numbers and size was very comparable to that with static, resistive-particle counting.