cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Palin/Pathos/Peter Griffin: Political Video Remix and Composition Pedagogy

Abstract Political video remix has emerged as an important form of civic action, especially during the recent 2008 election season. Seeking to explore the ways in which political video remix can be integrated into rhetorically-based writing classes, we present three qualitative case studies of students’ composing of video remixes in a fall 2008 course on “Political Rhetoric and New Media.” Drawing on interview data and analyses of student work, we argue that political video remix assignments can potentially 1) enable students to compose activist texts for wide public audiences, 2) heighten students’ understanding and application of key rhetorical concepts, 3) offer an opportunity for students and teachers to explore the delivery and circulation of digital texts, 4) highlight the important roles that parody and popular culture references can play in activist rhetoric, and 5) encourage students and teachers to question the conventional privileging of “originality” in composition classrooms. We also analyze how students’ composing of remixes is influenced by the activist, technological, and popular culture literacies they bring to the classroom.
Body Composition: Research and Clinical Advances—1993 A.S.P.E.N. Research Workshop

The 1993 ASPEN Research Workshop examined research and clinical advances in the study of human body composition. The workshop had two themes: (1) compartments of the body and their measurement, and (2) clinical applications of body composition measurements. There were 12 speakers of varied backgrounds who gave short lectures followed by panel discussions. Speakers explored the validity and potential uses of new body composition methodologies, including dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry, multiple frequency bioimpedance analysis, computerized axial tomography, magnetic resonance imaging, nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, neutron inelastic scattering, and gamma-ray resonance. The application of these methods to chronically and acutely ill hospitalized patients was described. The study of body composition is an emerging distinct research area within the broad study of human biology. This conference provided an overview of important new advances in the study of human body composition.
Renewing Nazi-era provenance research efforts: case studies and recommendations

This article advances our understanding of current approaches to Nazi-era provenance research in American museums by examining four active provenance programs with different structures, priorities, and funding sources. Interviews with key personnel and a close examination of internal and publicly accessible documents reveal that active Nazi-era provenance research programs share core characteristics such as supportive leadership, team-based practice, and a willingness to shape programs around particular resources and circumstances. Using these core characteristics as a model for renewed Nazi-era provenance research efforts in all museums with covered objects, the author recommends that museum leaders pursue new ways to address Nazi-era provenance research needs; that museums delegate certain Nazi-era provenance research and documentation tasks to a team of qualified, non-curatorial personnel; that Nazi-era provenance researchers establish a formal professional network to facilitate training and collaborat...
Tumor Metabolism and Perfusion in Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma: Pretreatment Multimodality Imaging With 1H Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy, Dynamic Contrast-Enhanced MRI, and [18F]FDG-PET

Purpose To correlate proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy ( 1 H-MRS), dynamic contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (DCE-MRI), and 18 F-labeled fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography ([ 18 F]FDG PET) of nodal metastases in patients with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) for assessment of tumor biology. Additionally, pretreatment multimodality imaging was evaluated for its efficacy in predicting short-term response to treatment. Methods and Materials Metastatic neck nodes were imaged with 1 H-MRS, DCE-MRI, and [ 18 F]FDG PET in 16 patients with newly diagnosed HNSCC, before treatment. Short-term patient radiological response was evaluated at 3 to 4 months. Correlations among 1 H-MRS (choline concentration relative to water [Cho/W]), DCE-MRI (volume transfer constant [ K trans ]; volume fraction of the extravascular extracellular space [ v e ]; and redistribution rate constant [ k ep ]), and [ 18 F]FDG PET (standard uptake value [SUV] and total lesion glycolysis [TLG]) were calculated using nonparametric Spearman rank correlation. To predict short-term responses, logistic regression analysis was performed. Results A significant positive correlation was found between Cho/W and TLG (ρ = 0.599; p = 0.031). Cho/W correlated negatively with heterogeneity measures of standard deviation std( v e ) (ρ = −0.691; p = 0.004) and std( k ep ) (ρ = −0.704; p = 0.003). Maximum SUV (SUVmax) values correlated strongly with MRI tumor volume (ρ = 0.643; p = 0.007). Logistic regression indicated that std( K trans ) and SUVmean were significant predictors of short-term response ( p Conclusion Pretreatment multimodality imaging using 1 H-MRS, DCE-MRI, and [ 18 F]FDG PET is feasible in HNSCC patients with nodal metastases. Additionally, combined DCE-MRI and [ 18 F]FDG PET parameters were predictive of short-term response to treatment.
Mapping QTLs for Drought Tolerance at Seedling Stage in Rice Using Doubled Haploid Population

QTLs for drought tolerance at the rice seedling stage were analyzed using a doubled haploid (DH) population consisted of 251 lines from the cross between a japonica parent Maybelle and an indica parent Baiyeqiu. A genetic linkage map with 226 SSR marker loci was constructed. Single-locus analysis following composite interval mapping (CIM) detected a total of five QTLs located on five different chromosomes of rice. Four QTLs were also detected following two-locus analysis, resolving two pairs of epistatic QTLs (E-QTLs) with positive and additive genetic effects. The results indicated that the alleles from the parent Baiyeqiu contributed DH population to improve drought tolerance at the seedling stage.
Confirmatory analysis of simultaneous, sequential, and achievement factors on the K-ABC at 11 age levels ranging from 212 to 1212 years

Abstract The K-ABC is a recently published measure of children's intelligence based on a theoretical model of information processing. Exploratory factor analyses conducted during the scale's development supported the underlying theoretical model of sequential, simultaneous, and achievement factors. Confirmatory analysis using a Joreskog method was carried out in the present investigation and completely supported the two-factor processing model. When the achievement measures were included, the two mental processing factors again clearly emerged, along with a third factor defined by the achievement scale subtests, but they did not fit an independent three-factor model.
Determination of Key Flavor Components in Methylene Chloride Extracts from Processed Grapefruit Juice.

The relative correlation of 52 aroma and 5 taste components in commercial not-from-concentrate grapefruit juices with flavor panel preference was determined. Methylene chloride extracts of juice were analyzed using GC/MS with a DB-5 column. Nonvolatiles determined included limonin and naringin by HPLC, °Brix, total acids, and °Brix/acid ratio. Juice samples were classified into low, medium, or high categories, based on average taste panel preference scores (nine-point hedonic scale). Principal component analysis demonstrated that highest quality juices were tightly clustered. Discriminant analysis indicated that 82% of the samples could be identified in the correct preference category using only myrcene, β-caryophyllene, linalool, nootkatone, and °Brix. Nootkatone alone was not strongly associated with preference scores. The most preferred juices were strongly associated with low myrcene, low linalool, and intermediate levels of β-caryophyllene. Keywords: Flavor; grapefruit juice; principal component anal...
Defining bioterrorism preparedness for nurses: concept analysis

Aim. This paper reports a concept analysis to define the concept of nursing bioterrorism preparedness. Background. Nursing bioterrorism preparedness is necessary, yet no theoretical or operational definition exists. The concept is often misinterpreted as being synonymous with organizational preparedness or confused with the bioterrorism preparedness needs of other professions, such as medicine. There is no standardized definition of the concept that is specific to the profession of nursing. Methods. A concept analysis was conducted using a systematic literature review; the Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature, Psych Info and Medline databases for years 1966–2005 were used. One hundred and eighteen references were identified, 41 of which were deemed relevant. Data from the 41 relevant articles were analysed and synthesized to develop a theoretical definition, defining attributes, antecedents, consequences and related concepts. Findings. Nursing bioterrorism preparedness is the continual process of nurses becoming better prepared to recognize and respond to a bioterrorism attack. Nurses, regardless of their level of education, areas of expertise or practice settings must participate in at least one educational session and one exercise each year to meet the minimum requirements of engaging in the bioterrorism preparedness process. The antecedents are acceptance and readiness to change. Defining attributes include gaining knowledge, planning, practising response behaviours and evaluating knowledge level and content of response plan. Consequences include recognition of an event and implementation of appropriate response actions. Conclusion. Nursing bioterrorism preparedness is essential. To assess nurses’ level of preparedness, a definition is needed of what bioterrorism preparedness means to the profession. The theoretical definition developed in this paper needs to be further refined and operationalized.
Direct Radioimmunoassay for Determination of Betamethasone 17-Benzoate

AbstractA direct radioimmunoassay for the determination of betamethasone 17-benzoate (I) in serum was developed. In this assay, a highly specific antibody is used to bind the 125I-labeled antigen. Polyethylene glycol is used for the separation of the free from bound antigen. A blocking agent (ANS) was used to inhibit binding of the steroid onto serum proteins. The minimum detectable concentration was 15 pg/ml. The intra and inter assay coefficients of variation were 7.4% and 10.2%, respectively. This assay required 0.1 ml of serum and it did not require extraction or chromatographic separation of the steroid.
Geochemistry of soil contamination from lead smelters near Eureka Nevada

Eureka, Nevada, was once a boom-mining town with peak production of Pb, Ag, and Au between the 1870s and 1890s. Most of the ores from the area were processed in two smelters located at the north and south edges of the town. Smelter effluent was exhausted in the vicinity of the smelter furnaces with little regard to potential health concerns. For this study, 186 soil samples from sites in the area surrounding Eureka were analysed for 43 elements. Factor analysis and element plots identified 16 smelter-related elements: Ag, As, Bi, Cd, Cu, Hg, In, Mo, Pb, S, Sb, Sn, Te, Tl, W, and Zn. Eight other elements (Ba, Be, Co, Cr, Mn, Ni, U, and V), whose distributions are controlled by the chemical composition of the underlying substrate material, were also evaluated. Of these 24 elements, only six (As, Cd, Pb, Tl, Sb, and Mn) had concentrations that exceeded U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) estimated residential soil screening levels considered to represent possible health risks. For some analysed elements (In, S, Te, and W) no screening levels have been established. Whether these elements, or any of the others determined, constitute a health risk in the local population is not known. Supplementary Material: Analyses for 43 elements in 186 soil samples are available at www.geolsoc.org.uk/SUP18673
The Nutrition of the Newborn Dairy Calf. II. Effect of Dietary Tryptophan on the Urinary Excretion of Niacin and its Metabolites by Young Dairy Calves

Summary Five g. of tryptophan were fed daily for 3 days to each of two dairy calves that had been maintained from birth on a whole milk diet. The amount of urinary excretion of nicotinic acid and its derivatives and tryptophan was determined on 24-hour samples and compared with similar data obtained previous to and following the tryptophan feeding. Tryptophan feeding resulted in a three- to four-fold increase in the excretion of total free and combined nicotinic acid. There was little change in the excretion of free nicotinic acid and N 1 -methylnicotinamide. The major portion of the increase was in the non-methylated products. The data indicate that N 1 -methylnicotinamide was not the main metabolic product excreted by calves. The urinary excretion of tryptophan accounted for only 1 to 1.5 per cent of the intake. Increase in dietary tryptophan results in increased urinary excretion of total nicotinic acid, indicating that tryptophan serves as a precursor of niacin in the young calf as in other mammals thus far studied.
DOPPLER ECHOCARDIOGRAPHIC DETECTION OF ABNORMAL DIASTOLIC FILLING IN FETUSES WITH DUCTAL CONSTRICTION. |[dagger]| 158

To assess ventricular diastolic function in fetuses with constriction of ductus arteriosus (DA), 43 fetuses of women receiving indomethacin (100-150 mg/day) were examined with Doppler echocardiography. Ductal constriction was defined as maximal systolic velocity > 140 cm/sec and diastolic flow velocity >30 cm/sec. The constriction DA occurred in 21 fetuses (mean systolic velocity 191±42 cm/sec, mean diastolic velocity 60±34 cm/sec). The other 22 fetuses served as a comparison group. The variables measured were peak velocity during early diastole (E), peak velocity during atrial contraction (A), the ratio of velocity ratio (E/A ratio). The mitral E, A, and E/A ratio in fetuses with ductal constriction showed no significant difference from those in fetuses without ductal constriction. In fetuses with ductal constriction, the tricuspid A increased significantly and E/A ratio decreased significantly compared with those in fetuses without ductal constriction (57±9 vs 50±7 cm/sec, p=0.007, and 0.57±0.10 vs 0.63±0.07, p=0.03, respectively) without changes in E. Serial studies were available in 9 fetuses with ductal constriction during indomethacin administration and after with-drawal for a mean of 24 hours. Both systolic and diastolic ductal flow velocities in all fetuses returned to normal range after discontinuation of indomethacin and the tricuspid A decreased significantly without any significant change in E after discontinuation of indomethacin (Figure).Conclusion: Our study shows that ductal constriction acutely changes Doppler patterns of right ventricular diastolic filling in the human fetus.
Solar-proton polar-cap intensity structures as a test of magnetic field models

Abstract The entry of energetic solar protons to the polar caps offers an interesting way to test models of the geomagnetic field. In this brief report, we present a comparison between SAMPEX observations of solar-particle intensity structure during a polar cap traversal with numerical trajectory calculations using the IGRF + T96 field model.
Age, Growth, and Mortality of Yellowmouth Grouper from the Southeastern United States

AbstractThe Yellowmouth Grouper Mycteroperca interstitialis is a member of the snapper–grouper complex that is managed by the South Atlantic Fishery Management Council. There is little published life history information—specifically age–growth parameters—for use in assessing the resource. We sampled Yellowmouth Grouper from the fisheries along the southeastern U.S. coast from 1980 to 2012 (n = 391), determining ages by counting opaque zones on sectioned sagittal otoliths. Opaque zones were annular, forming in May–August with a peak in May and June. Yellowmouth Grouper age ranged from 3 to 31 years, and the largest fish was 859 mm FL. Body size relationships were as follows: whole weight W (g) = (8.89×10−6)(FL, mm)3.07 (n = 339; r2 = 0.96); W (g) = (1.13×10−5)(TL, mm)3.01 (n = 165; r2 = 0.96); and TL (mm) = 10.09 + [1.05×(FL, mm)] (n = 162; r2 = 0.98). The von Bertalanffy growth equation for Yellowmouth Grouper was Lt (length at age t) = 755[1 − e−0.14(t + 1.42)] when the model included an adjustment for m...
Comparative susceptibility of representative Great Lakes fish species to the North American viral hemorrhagic septicemia virus Sublineage IVb

The present study compared the susceptibility of representative Laurentian Great Lakes fish species to the emerging viral hemorrhagic septicemia virus (VHSV) Genotype IVb. The median lethal dose of infection by intraperitoneal injection (IP-LD 50 ) was obtained from fish that were experimentally infected with the MI03 index strain of VHSV-IVb. Fish were injected at doses ranging from 7 × 10 7 to 7 × 10 -2 plaque-forming units (pfu) and maintained at 12 ± 1°C. The infection trials identified species of high, medium, and low susceptibility based on the IP-LD 50 values. Pathogenicity of VHSV-IVb was highest in largemouth bass Micropterus salmoides, which resulted in an IP-LD 50 of 1.5 x 10 2 pfu, while also demonstrating the clinical diathesis of VHSV-infected fish. The virus was moderately pathogenic in yellow perch Perca flavescens (IP-LD 50 of 2.5 × 10 5 pfu), but also showed the classical signs of VHSV infection. Salmonids were the least susceptible to VHSV-IVb with IP-LD 50 values of no less than 1.4 × 10 6 pfu; however, in fish that succumbed to infection, characteristic VHSV lesions were observed. Histopathologic alterations were most profound in gill, skin, muscle, gonads, and liver of largemouth bass and yellow perch, while in salmonids, hemorrhages in the swimbladder and/or degenerative changes in the liver were the most common lesions noticed. VHSV was isolated from infected fish, and its identity was confirmed by the reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction. These results highlight the variations among fish species susceptibility to this emerging strain of VHSV and offer insights into the potential impact of VHSV-IVb on the Laurentian Great Lakes fish community.
Improved sensitivity of a histamine sensor using an engineered methylamine dehydrogenase.

Methylamine dehydrogenase (MADH) may be immobilized in a polypyrrole (PPy) film on an electrode surface and used as an amperometric sensor for the determination of histamine. Using site-directed mutagenesis, phenylalanine 55 on the α subunit of MADH was converted to alanine. This αF55A MADH exhibits a 400-fold lower Km value for histamine than does native MADH when assayed in solution. An αF55A MADH−PPy sensor was constructed, and its properties were compared to that of the native MADH−PPy sensor. The αF55A MADH immobilized on the electrode exhibited Michaelis−Menten behavior in response to varied concentrations of histamine with an ∼3-fold lower Km value than that exhibited by the immobilized native MADH. The detection limit for the native MADH−PPy sensor was ∼20 μM while the αF55A MADH−PPy sensor exhibited a detection limit of ∼5 μM, a 4-fold increase compared to the native MADH−PPy sensor. This work highlights the potential value of using site-directed mutagenesis to engineer enzymes to alter and impro...
Clique-sums, tree-decompositions and compactness

Abstract We develop a technique for extending excluded minor theorems to infinite graphs, and in particular we answer a question of Neil Robertson.
Investigation of thermally activated deformation in amorphous PMMA and Zr-Cu-Al bulk metallic glasses with broadband nanoindentation creep

The development of nanoindentation test systems with high data collection speeds has made possible a novel type of indentation creep test: broadband nanoindentation creep (BNC). Using the high density of data points generated and analysis techniques that can model the instantaneous projected indent area at all times during a constant-load indentation experiment, BNC can reveal materials properties across a range of strain rates spanning up to five decades (10−4–10 s−1). BNC experiments aimed at measuring activation parameters for plasticity were conducted on three systems: two Zr-based bulk metallic glasses and poly-(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA). The results give insight into the operation of the deformation mechanisms present in the test materials, including the dependence of the deformation rate on the hydrostatic component of the stress for PMMA and the form of the activation energy function for the metallic glasses.
A redescription of Schulzinema miroljbovi Krastin, 1937 (Nematoda: Strongyloidea)

A redescription of Schulzinema miroljubovi, a parasite of the Asian cervid, Cervus nippon hortulorum, is presented, including the first description of the female and a new interpretation of the hook-like internal corona radiata that relates this nematode to Agriostomum Railliet, 1902, a strongyloid nematode parasite of Asian and African bovids. Schulzinema and Agriostomum share the characteristics of medium-sized body thickest at the level of the oesophageal bulb, a thick-walled buccal capsule, hook-like elements of an internal corona radiata, a thin sclerotized buccal collar surrounding the buccal capsule, a large oesophageal funnel with three teeth, a short dorsal gutter, a large club-shaped oesophagus with a thick cuticular lining, cephalic papillae that are not completely fused, spicules with striated alae and copulatory bursa and J-shaped ovejectors of the Chabertia type. Schulzinema differs from Agriostomum in its anteriorly directed oral opening, a symmetrical buccal capsule, the presence of an external corona radiata, and the presence of dorsal and ventral cervical cuticular inflations. Schulzinema provides a link between the Chabertiinae and Agriostomum which until recently was believed to belong to the Ancylostomatoidea. ac]19830624
Is One Dimension Enough? A Response to Simonton's Varieties of (Scientific) Creativity (2009).

We admire Simonton's valiant attempt to bring all of creativity under a single dimension. We offer a view that is sometimes complementary and sometimes distinct from Simonton's model: Our own multidimensional amusement park theoretical model, which tries to inte- grate domain-specific and domain-general points of view. We eagerly await future research on Simonton's model and are curious of how his hard-soft dimension can be included into the creativity pantheon. Dean Simonton's (2009, this issue) article is a fresh example of the almost magical way he can take large quantities of data and turn them into interesting, challenging, and often controversial hypotheses. In this article, Simonton focuses his lens on one possible dimension of the variability found in creativity when looked at across all possible domains, from biology to biography, medicine to manga, journalism to jazz. He offers a unique way of thinking about all of creativity that is an analog of the hard-soft characterization often applied to the various sciences. What we would like to do in this commentary is pull back the camera and view the same general issues from a slightly different perspec- tive, with the goal of providing a framework from which to evaluate Simonton's argument. Simonton notes that the question of domain specificity/gen- erality is a key issue in creativity theory, and his argument seems to come down squarely on the side of domain specificity. Fo- cusing on the creative person rather than the creative process, he argues that the dispositions of creative thinkers in every field he surveys are distinctly different. However, domain specificity is messy—it would certainly be easier if there were ''a generic
Complete Heterogeneous Self-Reconfiguration: Deadlock Avoidance Using Hole-Free Assemblies

Abstract In this paper, we present a novel approach for heterogeneous self-reconfiguration of a modular robot comprised of heterogeneous cubic modules. We allow an arbitrary number of modules and module classes and show that the proposed self-reconfiguration algorithm can guarantee completion of heterogeneous self-reconfigurations by avoiding so-called hole obstructions. We introduce a hole-detection algorithm to avoid creating holes in connected sets of modules (furthermore called configuration) and an assignment resolution algorithm that prevents deadlocks. Using these algorithms, we show that this approach yields provably successful reconfiguration sequences from any heterogeneous initial configuration to any heterogeneous target configuration as long as the initial and the target configuration are hole and enclosure-free.
Atomic iron transitions in the multiphoton ionization spectra of iron carbonyl and ferrocene near 300 nm

Abstract Atomic iron lines in the multiphoton ionization spectra (MPI) of ferrocene and iron carbonyl have been observed, showing that dissociation, preceding ionization, occurs under moderate laser excitation conditions.
Membrane localization and function of Vav3 in T cells depend on its association with the adapter SLP-76.

The Vav family of guanine exchange factors plays a critical role in lymphocyte proliferation, cytoskeletal reorganization, and gene transcription upon immunoreceptor engagement. Although the role of Vav1 in T cells is well documented, the role of Vav3 is less clear. We investigated the subcellular localization of Vav3 during T cell activation. We report here that phosphorylation of Vav3 on tyrosine residue Tyr173 is not required for T cell receptor (TCR)-induced Vav3 membrane translocation or immunological synapse (IS) recruitment, but mutation of this residue enhanced TCR-induced nuclear factor of activated T cells (NFAT) activation. However, Vav3 mutants either containing an Src homology 2 (SH2)-disabled point mutation (R697L) or lacking its SH3-SH2-SH3 domains were unable to bind SLP-76 did not translocate to the membrane or to the IS and furthermore failed to activate NFAT. Importantly, the membrane translocation of Vav3 was abrogated in Lck, ZAP-70, LAT, and SLP-76-deficient T cells, where Vav3 binding to SLP-76 was disrupted. Finally, we confirmed and underlined the critical role of Vav3 in NFAT activation by knocking down Vav3 expression in Vav1-deficient T cells. Altogether, our data show that TCR-induced association of Vav3 with SLP-76 is required for its membrane/IS localization and function.
False-positive artifacts of tracer strategies distort autonomic connectivity maps

The widespread use of new axonal transport tracing techniques in the ANS has resulted in substantially revised and amended descriptions of ANS organization. The present review suggests, however, that at least some of the results on which proposed revisions of ANS anatomy have been based have incorporated artifacts and therefore should be cautiously interpreted. The peripheral nervous system and viscera are composed in part of connective and endothelial tissues that are porous or 'leaky' to solutes with appropriate chemical characteristics, including the major tracer compounds. As a result, several extra-axonal routes for redistribution of label from the application site into other tissues are present. These include (1) diffusion through tissue membranes to enter directly adjacent tissues and (2) leakage into extracellular fluids within the body cavity, vasculature, lymphatics, exocrine ducts, or organ lumens to migrate to more distant tissues. As a consequence of the extreme sensitivity of the methods used, such redistribution of even minute amounts of label can produce false positives. Review of autonomic neuroanatomy suggests additional mechanisms, including tracer uptake by fibers of passage, can produce artifactual staining. Based on these surveys of tissue composition, tracer characteristics and sources of artifact, experimental controls and criteria for identifying and avoiding labeling artifacts are described. Since no single procedure is foolproof for ANS experimentation, the routine application of multiple controls, particularly ones which restrict or prevent tracer diffusion, are needed.
Comparison of erythroid progenitor cell growth in vitro in polycythemia vera and chronic myelogenous leukemia: only polycythemia vera has endogenous colonies.

Abstract The ability of erythroid cultures to distinguish among myeloproliferative disorders was examined. We studied 14 patients with polycythemia vera (PV), 11 with chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML), four with non-PV erythrocytosis, two with agnogenic myeloid metaplasia, as well as three normal fetuses and >25 normal adults. Endogenous, i.e. grew without added erythropoietin, bone marrow CFU-E-derived colonies were observed in all but one PV patient. However, endogenous blood BFU-E-derived bursts were observed in only eight of 14 PV patients. Endogenous erythroid colonies were not seen in cultures from any normal adults or fetuses, or patients with CML, erythrocytosis, or myeloid metaplasia. In PV, relative HbF synthesis was always greater in cultures without erythropoietin, while in cultures from all other patients relative HbF synthesis was similar to that observed in cultures from normal individuals. We conclude that PV and CML are distinguishable in culture since CML patients do not have endogenous growth. Most important, endogenous bone marrow CFU-E-derived colonies are the only consistently unique observation in patients with PV, and endogenous CFU-E- and BFU-E-derived colonies and bursts are not uniformly observed in PV blood cultures. In-vitro studies of erythropoiesis to confirm the diagnosis of PV, therefore, require marrow when endogenous colonies and bursts are absent from blood cultures.
Conjugation to the cell-penetrating peptide TAT potentiates the photodynamic effect of carboxytetramethylrhodamine.

Background Cell-penetrating peptides (CPPs) can transport macromolecular cargos into live cells. However, the cellular delivery efficiency of these reagents is often suboptimal because CPP-cargo conjugates typically remain trapped inside endosomes. Interestingly, irradiation of fluorescently labeled CPPs with light increases the release of the peptide and its cargos into the cytosol. However, the mechanism of this phenomenon is not clear. Here we investigate the molecular basis of the photo-induced endosomolytic activity of the prototypical CPPs TAT labeled to the fluorophore 5(6)-carboxytetramethylrhodamine (TMR). Methodology/Principal Findings We report that TMR-TAT acts as a photosensitizer that can destroy membranes. TMR-TAT escapes from endosomes after exposure to moderate light doses. However, this is also accompanied by loss of plasma membrane integrity, membrane blebbing, and cell-death. In addition, the peptide causes the destruction of cells when applied extracellularly and also triggers the photohemolysis of red blood cells. These photolytic and photocytotoxic effects were inhibited by hydrophobic singlet oxygen quenchers but not by hydrophilic quenchers. Conclusions/Significance Together, these results suggest that TAT can convert an innocuous fluorophore such as TMR into a potent photolytic agent. This effect involves the targeting of the fluorophore to cellular membranes and the production of singlet oxygen within the hydrophobic environment of the membranes. Our findings may be relevant for the design of reagents with photo-induced endosomolytic activity. The photocytotoxicity exhibited by TMR-TAT also suggests that CPP-chromophore conjugates could aid the development of novel Photodynamic Therapy agents.
Ultrafast Electron Transfer from Ru Polypyridyl Complexes to Nb2O5 Nanoporous Thin Films

Electron transfer (ET) dynamics from Ru(dcbpy)2(X)2 (dcbpy = 4,4‘-dicarboxy-2,2‘-bipyridine; X2 = 2SCN-, 2CN-, and dcbpy; referenced as RuN3, Ru505, and Ru470) to Nb2O5 nanoporous thin films are investigated by using ultrafast IR spectroscopy. For all three dyes, the injection dynamics following 400 nm excitation are shown to be biphasic, consisting of a significant ultrafast component (<100 fs) and slower component(s) ranging from 300 ps to about 1 ns. Comparing RuN3 to Ru505 to Ru470 (in order of less negative excited-state oxidation potentials), the amplitude of the fast component diminishes (from ∼37% in RuN3 to 25% in Ru470) and the rate of slow injection decreases. The dependence of injection kinetics on the crystallinity of Nb2O5 films is also investigated. The fast component amplitude is found to be similar for amorphous and crystalline films while the slow injection rate is an order of magnitude slower for the crystalline film. The injection dynamics to Nb2O5 are compared with earlier investigati...
Insemination factors related to timed AI in cattle

Six-day-old bovine ova/embryos were recovered non-surgically and used as biomonitors to evaluate time of artificial insemination. These embryos/ova provided information regarding fertilization status and embryo quality, as well as quantitative and qualitative data regarding associated accessory sperm. Both sperm access to the ovum (addressed by accessory sperm) and fertilization status/embryo quality were important in addressing pregnancy rate for specific intervals from the onset of estrus to insemination. Based on these biomonitors, early insemination failed to achieve optimum pregnancy rate due to inadequate access of sperm to the ovum (i.e., low fertilization rate, manifested by low accessory sperm numbers). However, embryo quality was high in early inseminations, which favors pregnancy. Late insemination failed to achieve optimum pregnancy rate (due to reduced embryo quality), however, sperm access to the ovum was highest. Thus, the selection of an insemination time to achieve optimum pregnancy rate appeared to be a compromise between the two extreme intervals. For timed-AI programs, consideration of the time of ovulation (and its variability) becomes important, in addition to conventional considerations, such as semen handling, site of insemination, and bull selection.
Vitamin K and the biosynthesis of the glycoprotein prothrombin

Abstract Vitamin K1 administration to vitamin K deficient rats did not increase the incorporation of labeled amino acids into electrophoretically pure active prothrombin, but did increase markedly the incorporation of labeled glucosamine and labeled mannose into prothrombin. Another protein absorbable on BaSO4, but which increases in vitamin K deficiency (or with warfarin treatment), showed very much less effect of vitamin K1 treatment on carbohydrate incorporation. It appears that the site of action of vitamin K in prothrombin formation is at the point of carbohydrate attachment to the waiting polypeptide chain.
Control of sliding-isolated buildings using dynamic linearization

Abstract The method of dynamic linearization is presented for the control of seismic-excited buildings isolated by a fractional-type base sliding system. The dynamic behaviour of the building equipped with a base sliding isolation system is highly nonlinear. The method of dynamic linearization is to synthesize the control vector such that the response of the building matches that of a spicified template system, where the dynamic behaviour of the template system is well known. Applications of the method of dynamic linearization to a sliding-isolated building require only a few sensors for the entire control system, making the control method very easy for practical implementation. A shaking table experimental program was conducted to demonstrate the validity of the control method presented. For the shaking table tests, a three-storey 1 4 - scaled building model is mounted on a base mat supported by four frictional bearings. Numerical simulation results under ideal control environments indicate that the performance of the dynamic linearization method is remarkable. However, experimental results show a moderate degradation of the control performance due to noise pollution and system time delays. It is observed that control of sliding-isolated buildings is quite sensitive to a system time delay.
Rotordynamic Force Coefficients for a New Damper Seal Design

The objective of the following work was to determine frequency-dependent rotordynamic force coefficients for a new annular gas damper seal design. Both rotating and nonrotating experimental tests are presented for inlet pressures at 1000 psig (69 bar), a frequency excitation range of 20-300 Hz, and rotor speeds up to 15,200 rpm. Two different testing methods were used for determining coefficients: (1) dynamic pressure response method and (2) mechanical impedance method. The dynamic pressure method required the measurement of internal seal cavity pressure modulations in combination with the vibratory motion, whereas the mechanical impedance method used the measurement of external shaker forces, accelerations, and motion of the mechanical system. In addition to the new fully partitioned damper seal (FPDS) tests, the same experiments were conducted for a conventional pocket damper seal (PDS) design. Results of the frequency-dependent force coefficients and the internal seal dynamics for the two different gas damper seals are compared. The conclusions of the tests show that the FPDS design possesses significantly more positive direct damping and direct stiffness compared to the conventional PDS. The experiments also show the measurement of same-sign cross-coupled (cross-axis) stiffness coefficients for both seals, which indicate that the seals do not produce a destabilizing influence on rotor-bearing systems.
Aerobic Circuit Exercise Training: Effect on Adolescents With Well-Controlled Insulin-Dependent Diabetes Mellitus

Abstract Objectives: To test the safety and effects of exercise conditioning on cardiorespiratory fitness, body composition, muscle strength, glucose regulation, and lipid/cholesterol levels. Subjects: Ten male adolescents with insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (IDDM) and 10 adolescent nondiabetic (ND) subjects. Design: Pretest, posttest intervention trial with control group. Setting: University-based human performance laboratory. Intervention: Mixed endurance and calisthenic/strength activities performed at a rapid pace three times weekly for 12 weeks. Results: Only one subject with IDDM experienced hypoglycemia after a single exercise session. Both subject groups improved their cardiorespiratory endurance ( p p p p p 1c of IDDM subjects was reduced by .96 percentage point ( p 1c benefitted subjects exhibiting poor preconditioning glycemic control. Low-density lipoprotein cholesterol was decreased in subjects with IDDM ( p Conclusion: Adolescents with IDDM undergoing aerobic circuit training improve their cardiorespiratory endurance, muscle strength, lipid profile, and glucose regulation. Aerobic circuit training is safe for properly trained and monitored adolescent diabetics.
RF compensated probes for high-density discharges

A Langmuir probe for the study of high-density RF discharges has been developed and tested in a helicon discharge in which the RF potential ( approximately=100 V) is much larger than the electron temperature ( approximately=4 eV). Carbon probe tips are used to minimize erosion by ion sputtering. Miniature RF chokes located close to the probe tip present RF impedances of 150 k Omega at the operating frequency of 27.12 MHz and 300 k Omega at the first harmonic at 54.24 MHz. It is further necessary to drive the probe tip to follow the RF fluctuations by coupling it to a larger floating electrode. We have been able to measure Te values as low as 3.4 eV in argon plasmas of 1013 cm-3 density; these temperatures are 1.6 eV lower than ones measured by probes with chokes alone, and 2.3 eV lower than measured by uncompensated probes.
A research agenda to reduce risk in new product development through knowledge management: a practitioner perspective

Abstract Successful new product development (NPD) requires effective strategies for reducing risk. Knowledge management systems (KMS) have the potential to aid in risk reduction, e.g. by gathering and processing relevant information and encapsulated knowledge from a variety of internal and external sources. The potential benefits of KMS, however, have not been fully realized, and may actually introduce new risks. This paper presents a practioner view of the desired characteristics of tools to support NPD and suggests a research agenda for the use of knowledge-based tools from the perspective of balancing benefits and risks.
Thermal bending stresses on beam cross-sections

Abstract This paper presents the bending thermal stress distribution on simply connected beam cross-sections under a temperature distribution linear in the spanwise direction. In solving the theory of elasticity equations, an Airy stress function is introduced in the formulation of a finite element solution for stresses. A rectangular beam cross-section is used for example calculations. It is observed that for wide beams, the maximum bending stress differs by 20% from that obtained from the approximate strength of materials theory.
Neurochemical and metabolic consequences of elevated cerebrospinal fluid quinolinic acid concentrations in rat brain.

Abstract Quinolinic acid (QUIN) is an endogenous excitatory amino acid , which is elevated in brain tissues or cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) in several acute and chronic inflammatory central nervous system (CNS) diseases. The functional significance of this elevation is unknown but speculations of excitotoxicity have been raised. We have begun to address the pathologic consequences of elevated CSF QUIN by studying the effects of intracerebroventricular (icv) administration of QUIN on regional choline acetyltransferase (ChAT) activity, somatostatin content and glucose metabolism in the rat brain. QUIN (12 and 60 nmol) icv administration once a day for 7 days (total dose; 84 and 420 nmol, respectively) had minimal effect on somatostatin content and no effect on ChAT activity. In contrast, following continuous icv infusion of QUIN for 14 days using an osmotic minipump (480 nmol), ChAT activity dropped in the hippocampus and the striatum and somatostatin content was reduced in the frontal cortex , hippocampus, striatum and amygdala . Moreover, following the QUIN infusion, glucose utilization decreased in the basal nucleus of Meynert, frontal cortex, and portions of the basal ganglia and the limbic system . These results indicate that subchronic icv infusion of QUIN to rats results in selective regional neurochemical and metabolic changes distributed throughout the CNS. These results suggest target brain areas and transmitter systems which may be associated with neurologic syndromes characterized by elevated CSF QUIN levels.
Hypothalamic-pituitary-testicular axis function in endurance-trained males.

The hypothalamic-pituitary-testicular (H-P-T) axis was evaluated in groups of endurance-trained (TRG) and untrained (UNT) males. Each group was subjected to: 1) a 4-h resting hormonal profile [testosterone (T), free-testosterone (FT), estradiol (E2), luteinizing hormone (LH), prolactin (PRL), and cortisol (C)], 2) a dopamine antagonist (DA; 10 micrograms.kg-1 body weight) challenge to the pituitary-testes, and 3) a gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH; 120 micrograms.kg-1 body weight) challenge to the pituitary-testes. Compared to UNT, the TRG resting T (4.8 +/- 0.7 vs 7.1 +/- 1.2 ng.ml-1, p = 0.05) and PRL (3.3 +/- 1.4 vs 7.0 +/- 2.3 ng.ml-1, p = 0.09) were lower while LH was elevated (15.0 +/- 1.8 vs 11.8 +/- 1.5 mIU.ml-1, p = 0.06). The DA challenge produced a greater integrated PRL response in the TRG (2962.7 +/- 265.1 ng +/- ml-1.min) than in the UNT (1735.3 +/- 282.0 ng.ml-1.min; p = 0.01). No significant changes were observed in T following the DA-induced PRL rise. The TRG had a blunted LH response (817.2 +/- 111.6 mIU.ml-1.min) following the GnRH injection as compared to the UNT (1493.7 +/- 213.4 mIU.ml-1.min; P less than 0.02). T levels were significantly (p less than 0.03) increased in both groups by the LH rise after the GnRH challenge (TRG = 9.9 +/- 5.0%; UNT = 8.6 +/- 9.9%, respectively), but no significant between group differences were observed. Results suggest endurance training produces an enhanced PRL and attenuated LH release by the pituitary.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Tuning the exciton g factor in single InAs/InP quantum dots

Photoluminescence data from single self-assembled InAs/InP quantum dots in magnetic fields up to 7 T are presented. Exciton $g$ factors are obtained for dots of varying height, corresponding to ground-state emission energies ranging from 780 to 1100 meV. A monotonic increase in the $g$ factor from $\ensuremath{-}2$ to $+1.2$ is observed as the dot height decreases. The trend is well reproduced by $s{p}^{3}$ tight-binding calculations, which show that the hole $g$ factor is sensitive to confinement effects through orbital angular-momentum mixing between the light-hole and heavy-hole valence bands. We demonstrate tunability of the exciton $g$ factor by manipulating the quantum dot dimensions using pyramidal InP nanotemplates.
Human recombinant interferon alpha inhibits naloxone binding to rat brain membranes.

Abstract Regulation of certain central nervous system (CNS) functions by the immune system may involve interferons (IFNs) acting through opioid receptors. Human recombinant interferon alpha (hrIFNα), as well as natural IFNα, have been reported to modulate a variety of physiological CNS functions both in vivo and in vitro . If the mechanism is via opioid receptors then IFNα should inhibit the binding of certain opioid radioligands to brain membranes. This study reports the inhibitory effect of hrIFNα on the binding of 3 H-naloxone to rat brain membranes in vitro . The inhibitory effect at 37°C is hrIFNα concentration dependent over the range of 500 to 6000 antiviral units per ml (U/ml) with 500 μg of membrane protein. The presence of NaCl (100mM) increases specific binding of naloxone and attenuates the inhibitory effect of hrIFNα. The inhibitory effect of hrIFNα is sensitive to temperature with maximum inhibition observed at 37°C, and less as incubation temperature is reduced. These data suggest that IFNα may modulate certain physiologic functions via opioid pathways in the brain.
Usefulness of serial serum carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) determinations during anticancer therapy or long-term followup of gastrointestinal carcinoma

Repeated determinations of serum CEA levels in untreated advanced gastrointestinal cancer patients with initially elevated values showed day to day variations of ±35%. If there was no intervening chemotherapy, all such patients who were followed over long term showed progressively increasing CEA levels. With chemotherapy there was a general correlation between changes in serum CEA levels and clinically measured changes in tumor mass. Among patients who showed objective improvement, 75% had reduction in serum CEA levels (> 35%) and 87% had either reduced or unchanged levels. Among those who showed objective progression, 65% had increases in serum CEA levels (> 35%) and 80% had either increased or unchanged levels. Paradoxical reductions in CEA levels were observed in some patients approaching terminal status. Among 80 patients being followed with serial CEA determinations after potentially curative resections of large bowel cancer and normal postoperative CEA levels, 6 have again showed clinical evidence of malignant disease and in 5 of these there was concurrent elevation of serum CEA. Serial serum CEA determinations appear to have some value for following the course of gastrointestinal cancer patients after surgery or chemotherapy, but these determinations must be interpreted in the context of the over-all clinical picture.