cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
US-Based Franchise Systems

Abstract This study assesses both firm and relationship characteristics that may differentiate US-based franchisors that have internationalized operations from those that do not. Multiple discriminant analysis is used and shows that both firm and relationship characteristics are important discriminators. Not surprisingly, international franchise systems are larger and exhibit lower levels of solidarity. A surprising finding, however, is that international systems exhibit lower levels of opportunism, in spite of greater geographic and cultural proximity. Interestingly, a number of firm characteristics (number of domestic units, number of franchised versus company-owned units, firm age, and experience with franchising) and relationship characteristics (flexibility, trust, behavioral transparency, and effectiveness) were not significant discriminators between domestic and international franchisors. Implications of the findings and directions for future research are provided.
Standard enthalpies of formation of some alloys formed between Group IV elements and Group VIII elements, determined by high-temperature direct synthesis calorimetry. I. Alloys of (Ti, Zr, Hf) with (Rh, Pd, Pt)

Abstract The standard enthalpies of formation of thirteen alloys formed between Group IV elements (Ti, Zr, Hf) and Group VIII elements (Co, Ni) in the periodic table have been determined by high-temperature direct synthesis calorimetry at 1477±2 K or at 1374±2 K. The following values of ΔHf0 [in kJ (mol atom)−1] are reported: CoTi, −41.3±0.9; CoZr, −35.8±0.7; CoZr2, −26.4±1.0; Co2Zr, −35.8±0.6; CoHf, −42.8±1.1; Co2Hf, −39.4±0.9; NiTi, −33.1±1.1; Ni3Ti, −42.2±1.2; NiZr, −50.5±1.5; NiZr2, −31.2±0.9; Ni7Zr2, −40.6±0.7; NiHf, −48.3±1.0, Ni7Hf2, −44.1±1.5. The results are compared with earlier data in the literature and with predicted values from the Miedema model.
Cloning and expression of a Xenopus short wavelength cone pigment.

Abstract The short wavelength visual pigment fromXenopusresponsible for vision in the blue/violet portion of the spectrum was characterized by sequence spectroscopic analysis. The amino acid sequence was deduced by sequencing clones isolated by reverse transcription PCR, from retinal cDNA and genomic libraries. The gene contains 5 exons spanning 8.4 kb of genomic DNA and produces an mRNA of 2.4 kb in length. The deduced amino acid sequence predicts a protein of 347 amino acids with 76–78% identity to other short wavelength opsins. The mRNA encoding theXenopusviolet pigment was detected usingin situhybridization in cones, comprising a few percent of the total photoreceptors in the adult retina. TheXenopusviolet opsin cDNA, modified to contain an epitope from the carboxyl terminus of bovine rhodopsin, was expressed in COS1 cells by transient transfection and analysed by UV-visible absorption spectroscopy. The protein expressed in COS1 cells migrated at 34 kD and was glycosylated at a single site in the amino terminus, exhibiting a diffuse pattern on SDS PAGE similar to bovine rhodopsin expressed in COS1 cells. Following incubation with 11-cisretinal, a light-sensitive pigment was formed with the λmax=425±2 nm. A Schiff base linkage between retinal and the violet opsin was demonstrated by acid denaturation.Xenopusviolet opsin was sensitive to hydroxylamine in the dark, reacting with a half-time of 5 min at room temperature. This is the first group S pigment for amphibians. The pigment was expressed and purified from COS1 cells in a form that has permitted for the first time determination of the extinction coefficient, reactivity to hydroxylamine and presence of a Schiff base.
Behavior of conditioned variables in free turbulent shear flows

Recent work on the conservation equations for conditioned mean variables in turbulent shear flows is extended to obtain the evolution equation for the conditioned probability density function of a scalar field φ(\(\underset{\raise0.3em\hbox{$\smash{\scriptscriptstyle\thicksim}$}}{x}\),t) which is distributed intermittently in the flow. The equation is applied to the similarity regime of a two dimensional turbulent wake at 400 diameters down stream, where extensive conditioned moment measurements are available. The asymptotic forms of the density function are found for low and high intermittency regions and they agree with experimental data. In particular a connection is established between the rate of entrainment of scalar-free fluid into the scalar zone and the pdf of the scalar at small positive values of φ. The conditioned mean and variance of the scalar field are deduced and are also shown to be compatable with existing experimental data.
The neurobiology of risk and pre-emptive interventions for anorexia nervosa.

Topic The neurobiology of risk and pre-emptive interventions for anorexia nervosa. Purpose This article is based on a presentation at the March 2012 annual conference of the International Society of Psychiatric Mental Health Nurses. Sources A review of literature and clinical practice experience. Conclusions Advances in genetics and neuroimaging provide evidence of a recognizable phenotype of traits and neuropsychological characteristics that precede symptom onset in children at risk for anorexia nervosa. Early recognition of the phenotype and experiences that can potentiate symptom expression provides the basis for pre-emptive interventions that may avert or delay the onset and reduce symptom severity.
Interplay between O-GlcNAc and acetylation regulates mitochondrial function (756.7)

O-linked N-acetylglucosamine (O-GlcNAc) is a post-translational modification involving an attachment of a single N-acetylglucosamine residue to serine or threonine residues in nuclear and cytoplasmic proteins. The O-GlcNAc modification is processed by O-GlcNAc transferase (OGT), which adds the modification to the protein and O-GlcNAcase (OGA), which removes it. Recent evident links the regulation of mitochondrial function to O-GlcNAcylation. For example, we used a quantitative proteomics screen to determine that an OGT or OGA gain of function altered mitochondrial protein expression including proteins involved in the respiratory chain and TCA cycle. Furthermore, mitochondrial morphology and both cellular respiration and glycolysis were altered in these cells. Potentially, altered O-GlcNAc is changing the levels of mitochondria acetylation. Acetylation is a common post-translational modification that regulates proteins function. The objective of our study is to investigate if O-GlcNAc is regulating the ace...
Is there a need for further trials for the treatment of prolonged seizures

Prolonged seizures are associated with morbidity and mortality of varying degrees. It is important to recognize seizures early, and treat them appropriately. This leads to the best clinical outcome. There has been an emphasis on prompt treatment, but there exists a variety of poorly executed protocols. This review addresses the question of whether additional clinical trials are necessary, not only to answer for what purpose, but also, clearly, to examine the impact additional studies may have. Overall, the acute treatment of epilepsy emergencies in children has markedly improved with availability of out-of-hospital therapies, but additional studies to determine the most efficacious, maximally safe, and best tolerated treatments are needed.
Determination of the distribution of molybdenum oxidation states in reduced Mo/TiO2 catalysts by factor analysis and curve fitting

This study shows that principal component analysis (PCA) in conjunction with iterative target transformation factor analysis (ITTFA) is able to provide an independent estimate of the number, position and, to a certain extent, the shape of spectral components required to describe the Mo 3d envelope as monitored by XPS in reduced Mo/TiO 2 catalysts. Three components were required to reproduce the original data. Abstract components from PCA were transformed through ITTFA into components which have spectroscopic meaning
Central Nervous System Infection Associated With Anaerobic Bacteria in Two Dogs and Two Cats

Central nervous system (CNS) infection caused by anaerobic bacteria (including Bacteroides, Fusobac-terium, Peptostreptococcus, and Eubacterium) was diagnosed in two dogs and two cats. In one dog there was extensive meningomyeloencephalitis, presumably the result of hematogenous spread of bacteria from lung abscesses and bacterial endocarditis. Subdural empyema of unknown origin was found in a second dog and two cats. Clinical signs in all four animals included mental depression and focal neurologic deficits, without fever. (Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine 1988; 2:171–176)
Minimalist cubital tunnel treatment.

OBJECTIVE: The surgical treatment of cubital tunnel syndrome by various techniques is often met with disappointing results. An optimal treatment is not agreed upon. The authors propose a collection of techniques which they believe optimizes outcome and minimizes iatrogenic injuries. METHODS: A combination of a novel skin incision which minimizes scar and iatrogenic cutaneous nerve injury, a technique of in situ decompression, and an atraumatic technique of ensuring complete nerve exploration proximal and distal to the incision is presented; these methods have been in use by the senior author for a number of years. RESULTS: Numerous reports have demonstrated that the success of in situ ulnar nerve release by division of Osborne's fascia is equivalent to the success rates of more invasive operations for the condition of ulnar neuropathy. The authors share this view in the majority of cases of ulnar neuropathy, and they present a technique that can be expanded, if necessary, on the basis of surgical findings, with only a few indications for the greater epicondylectomy or transposition procedures. CONCLUSION: The authors present a means of treating cubital tunnel syndrome. Failure of in situ cubital tunnel release, as with failure of any ulnar procedure, can be attributed to intraoperative ulnar nerve injury, injury to the medial antebrachial cutaneous nerve, inadequate longitudinal exploration and release, scar formation with recurrent com - pression and/or traction, and the possibility that decompression could lead to iatrogenic symptomatic nerve subluxation. The authors discuss the rationale for a minimalist open surgical approach for the treatment of cubital tunnel syndrome, and each of these concerns is addressed.
The existence and stability of solutions of nonlinear operator differential equations

Existence and uniqueness, stability and asymptotic stability of nonlinear operator differential equation
Use of Antiepileptic Drugs in Patients with Chronic Kidney Disease and End Stage Renal Disease

Epilepsy is a disorder with an approximate worldwide prevalence of 1%. Due to complexities of metabolism, protein-binding, renal elimination, and other pharmacokinetic parameters, the dosing of antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) or end stage renal disease (ESRD) deserves special attention. This is a review of the most commonly prescribed AEDs with special focus on their indication, pharmacokinetics, and unique considerations for use in patients with CKD and ESRD. A review of their renal toxicities is also included.
Performance of parallel flow HeII heat exchangers

Abstract Previous studies of HeII heat exchangers have focused on tube-in-shell designs. The present paper examines the properties of a parallel flow HeII heat exchanger formed from two 254 mm lengths of copper channel having nominal rectangular dimensions 2 mm × 4 mm. Heaters positioned at the inlets and outlets of both channels permit the simulation of a variety of physically plausible boundary conditions. An iterative numerical method, based on one-dimensional energy balances in each channel with coupling through a heat transfer term, is presented and agrees well with the experimental results. As with tube-in-shell designs, parallel flow HeII heat exchangers may exhibit unusual temperature profiles.
Mode conversion in the Gulf of Guinea

Linear mode conversion is the partial transfer of wave energy from one wave type (a) to another (b) in a weakly non-uniform background state. For propagation in one dimension (x), the local wavenumber k x j of each wave (j = a,b) varies with x; if these are equal at some x R , the waves are locally in phase, and resonant energy transfer can occur. We model wave propagation in the Gulf of Guinea, where wave a is an equatorially trapped Rossby-gravity (Yanai) wave, and wave b is a coastal Kelvin wave along the (zonal) north coast of the Gulf, both propagating in zonal coordinate x. The coupling of the waves is due to the overlap of their eigenfunctions (normal modes in y, the meridional coordinate). We derive coupled mode equations from a variational principle, and obtain an analytic expression for the wave-energy conversion coefficient, in terms of the wave frequency and the scale length of the thermocline depth.
Integrating a personal and social responsibility program into a Wellness course for urban high school students: assessing implementation and educational outcomes

The present study used a program-evaluation framework and multiple methods to evaluate the implementation and educational outcomes associated with a Teaching for Personal and Social Responsibility (TPSR) program. The 18-lesson program was integrated into a required Wellness course in an inner-city high school in the USA. Individual participants were 122 (57 males and 65 females; ages 14–18) African-American students divided among four co-educational class sections (two treatment and two comparison). Findings indicated the TPSR program goals were effectively delivered, received and enacted by participants in the treatment condition. Descriptive statistical analysis of pre- and post-program educational outcomes indicated students in the treatment condition had more positive gain scores on truancy, tardiness, grades and conduct than peers in a valid comparison condition. It is concluded that TPSR programs can be effectively integrated into the high school curriculum. Further, given robust implementation, it ...
An amino-terminal domain of Mxi1 mediates anti-myc oncogenic activity and interacts with a homolog of the Yeast Transcriptional Repressor SIN3

Abstract Documented interactions among members of the Myc superfamily support a yin-yang model for the regulation of Myc-responsive genes in which transactivation-competent Myc-Max heterodimers are opposed by repressive Mxi1-Max or Mad-Max complexes. Analysis of mouse mxi1 has led to the identification of two mxi1 transcript forms possessing open reading frames that differ in their capacity to encode a short amino-terminal α-helical domain. The presence of this segment dramatically augments the suppressive potential of Mxil and allows for association with a mammalian protein that is structurally homologous to the yeast transcriptional repressor SIN3. These findings provide a mechanistic basis for the antagonistic actions of Mxi1 on Myc activity that appears to be mediated in part through the recruitment of a putative transcriptional repressor.
Indigenous knowledge and the knowledge commons

This paper studies the frameworks used to understand the commons, the knowledge commons, and indigenous knowledge. Discussion of enclosure, participation, rivalrous and non-rivalrous commons reveals that information and knowledge are resources that increase in value through use. The author examines current IK practices, focusing on documentation strategies and the role of the librarian. Studying IK practices in relation to the commons allows shared language to emerge. Challenging the frameworks, discourse and practices of both IK and the commons exposes and strengthens their connections to one another. This provides a platform for stronger advocacy for IK projects and the commons in general.
Writing at the graduate level: What tasks do professors actually require?

Abstract This paper presents a case study of writing tasks in graduate courses at a large, American university. The study investigates writing tasks across the curriculum and draws implications for curriculum design in English for Academic Purposes (EAP). Using actual course syllabi for task analysis, the researchers analyzed 200 course syllabi from 20 academic departments covering a wide range of disciplines. Findings indicate that library research papers and project reports are the most commonly assigned tasks across the curriculum. This study also found that professors in the social sciences, arts, and humanities assign a wider variety of writing assignments and more writing assignments in general than do professors in the sciences, math, and engineering. Finally, while many courses in the sciences, math, and engineering require no writing assignments at all, each of these departments does have at least some courses requiring extended writing.
Sound velocity measurement using transfer function method

The transfer function of a piezoelectric transducer, buffer rod and sample assembly is used to measure the sound velocity of solid materials. From the recorded transfer function, pulse echo patterns at frequencies of the passband of the input signal are reproduced after convoluting with monochromatic RF input signals. The time delay is obtained by performing pulse echo overlap and phase comparison measurements on reproduced signals. Results for a single crystal of MgO along the [100] direction from this study are in good agreement with previous measurements but have the advantage of offline data analysis and fast data acquisition.
The Impact of Tissue Viscoelasticity on the Flow Dynamics of an Anti-HIV Microbicidal Gel: Numerical Simulations

Coating vaginal or rectal epithelium using microbicidal gels is a promising preventive procedure against HIV and other sexually transmitted infections (STIs). A microbicidal gel is deployed as a delivery vehicle of anti-HIV and other anti-STI agents and it is also used to act as barrier between the pathogens and the biological tissue. The efficacy of a microbicidal gel depends greatly on the extent of the spreading and the amount of the epithelial surfaces covered.Copyright © 2013 by ASME
The effects of dynamic movement on seated reach arcs

The objective of this study was to determine the relationship between movement of the low back and shoulder during a normal seated reach and the reach arc estimation equations found in literature. The method consisted of evaluating individuals who were reaching with their right hands for five chess pawns, which were placed at varying distances. Specifically, the pawns were evenly spaced in a straight line directly in front of each participant's shoulder. This study focused on a group of 32 participants, which included both males and females. For each participant, low back, elbow and two shoulder angles were collected using a PEAK motion capture 6.0 system. Angles were collected in both the sagittal and transverse planes to gain a 3-D perspective. Data were summarised and correlated against maximum reach arc estimates. Results from the data suggest that both the shoulder and low back are engaged much earlier in a person's reach cycle than previously believed. Specifically, the results show low back engagem...
Up-regulation of ret by reserpine in the adult rat adrenal medulla.

Abstract The receptor tyrosine kinase, ret, is activated by glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor, neurturin and related ligands that bind to glycosylphosphatidylinositol-tailed receptors GFRα1–4. Ret expression is developmentally regulated and detectable only at very low levels in adult adrenal medulla. However, mutations of ret that cause constitutive activation or alter signal transduction give rise to adrenal medullary hyperplasia and pheochromocytomas in humans with hereditary multiple endocrine neoplasia (MEN) syndromes 2A and 2B and in animal models. These discordant observations pose the conundrum of how a molecule barely detectable in the adult adrenal can contribute to development of adrenal medullary pathology that typically occurs in adults. We recently reported that depolarization and phorbol esters that activate protein kinase C act synergistically with neurturin to up-regulate ret protein and mRNA expression in adult rat chromaffin cell cultures. Those findings suggested that ret expression in vivo is not static and might be regulated in part by neurally derived signals. We show here that the anti-hypertensive agent reserpine, which is known to cause a reflex increase in trans-synaptic stimulation of chromaffin cells, increases expression of ret mRNA and protein in adult rat adrenal medullary tissue in vivo . Elevated ret protein levels are detectable both by immunoblots and immunohistochemistry, which shows immunoreactive ret in chromaffin cells and neurons after reserpine administration. The finding that ret expression is subject to up-regulation by environmental signals in vivo suggests that epigenetic factors might influence the development of adrenal medullary disease by affecting the expression of ret. It is known that long-term administration of reserpine leads to the development of adrenal medullary hyperplasia and pheochromocytomas in rats. Our findings suggest potential utility of the rat model for studying the roles of ret in the adrenal medulla and the mechanisms of its involvement in MEN 2 and other pheochromocytoma syndromes.
Intelligent Actuator Control in On-Board ISHM Concept

This paper presents a concept of a feedback control for smart actuators that are compatible with NASA's smart sensors, communication protocols, and overall hierarchical system architecture. The smart actuators are needed in order to embed intelligence, self-learning, and self-diagnosis into every actuator that is part of a complex system such as a rocket test facility or a spacecraft. The paper provides an overview of the IEEE 1451 standard and presents the smart actuator architecture and control based on this standard. The control system testbed has been developed including the smart actuators with network capable application processors. The proposed structure allows for intelligent actuator control based on data and metadata gathered by a network of smart sensors.
Heat transfer during fluidized‐bed coating

A fully implicit numerical method for linear parabolic free boundary problems with coupled and integral boundary conditions is described. The partial differential equation and the boundary conditions are time discretized with the method of lines. An auxiliary function is introduced to remove the coupled and integral boundary conditions from the resulting free boundary problem for ordinary differential equations. Once separated boundary conditions are obtained, invariant imbedding is used to solve the free boundary problem numerically. The method is illustrated by solving the heat transfer equations for the fluidized-bed coating of a thin-walled cylinder.
Site Fights: Divisive Facilities and Civil Society in Japan and the West

Site Fights: Divisive Facilities and Civil Society in Japan and the West Daniel P. Aldrich (Department of Political Science, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907, USA. E-mail: daniel.aldrich...
Effects of coaction, expected evaluation, and goal setting on creativity and productivity

Social and contextual factors have been theorized to significantly influence creative performance. This research examined effects of three factors on individual creativity and productivity: coactio...
Post-cesarean analgesia

Summary In the last decade, the number of cesarean deliveries worldwide has risen dramatically. By 2007, the cesarean section rates in the United States has risen over 32%, making it the most common surgical procedure performed in the hospital. Good pain relief is important after cesarean delivery to promote early recovery and allow the mother to care and bond with her newborn. Currently, opioids form the foundation of post-cesarean analgesia, with neuraxial opioids being the most commonly employed technique. In this review, we will look at the different routes of opioid analgesia, as well as explore adjuncts such as wound infiltration and nerve blocks. We will also review the use of oral analgesics and new formulations of drug available on the market.
Improvement of experimental testing and network training conditions with genome-wide microarrays for more accurate predictions of drug gene targets

Background: Genome-wide microarrays have been useful for predicting chemical-genetic interactions at the gene level. However, interpreting genome-wide microarray results can be overwhelming due to the vast output of gene expression data combined with off-target transcriptional responses many times induced by a drug treatment. This study demonstrates how experimental and computational methods can interact with each other, to arrive at more accurate predictions of drug-induced perturbations. We present a two-stage strategy that links microarray experimental testing and network training conditions to predict gene perturbations for a drug with a known mechanism of action in a well-studied organism. Results: S. cerevisiae cells were treated with the antifungal, fluconazole, and expression profiling was conducted under different biological conditions using Affymetrix genome-wide microarrays. Transcripts were filtered with a formal network-based method, sparse simultaneous equation models and Lasso regression (SSEM-Lasso), under different network training conditions. Gene expression results were evaluated using both gene set and single gene target analyses, and the drug’s transcriptional effects were narrowed first by pathway and then by individual genes. Variables included: (i) Testing conditions – exposure time and concentration and (ii) Network training conditions – training compendium modifications. Two analyses of SSEM-Lasso output – gene set and single gene – were conducted to gain a better understanding of how SSEM-Lasso predicts perturbation targets. Conclusions: This study demonstrates that genome-wide microarrays can be optimized using a two-stage strategy for a more in-depth understanding of how a cell manifests biological reactions to a drug treatment at the transcription level. Additionally, a more detailed understanding of how the statistical model, SSEM-Lasso, propagates perturbations through a network of gene regulatory interactions is achieved.
Coherence Properties of Blackbody Radiation. I. Correlation Tensors of the Classical Field

Expressions are derived for the electromagnetic correlation tensors of blackbody radiation defined on the basis of the theory of the quantized field. Correlation functions of all order are considered, but second-order ones are discussed in detail; it is found that these are identical with those obtained on the basis of semi-classical theory in part I of this investigation. This result illustrates a recent theorem of E.C.G. Sudarshan relating to the equivalence between semiclassical and quantum mechanical description of statistical light beams.
Detection Performance in Clutter with Variable Resolution

Experiments were conducted to determine the influence of background clutter on target detection criteria. The experiment consisted of placing observers in front of displayed images on a TV monitor. Observer ability to detect military targets embedded in simulated natural and manmade background clutter was measured when there was unlimited viewing time. Results were described in terms of detection probability versus target resolution for various signal to clutter ratios (SCR). The experiments were preceded by a search for a meaningful clutter definition. The selected definition was a statistical measure computed by averaging the standard deviation of contiguous scene cells over the whole scene. The cell size was comparable to the target size. Observer test results confirmed the expectation that the resolution required for a given detection probability was a continuum function of the clutter level. At the lower SCRs the resolution required for a high probability of detection was near 6 line pairs per target (LP/TGT), while at the higher SCRs it was found that a resolution of less than 0.25 LP/TGT would yield a high probability of detection. These results are expected to aid in target acquisition performance modeling and to lead to improved specifications for imaging automatic target screeners.
The Role of Magnetic Resonance Imaging in a Division I University Sports Medicine Program.

Objectives:Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) is commonly used for examination of soft tissue and some bony injuries. MRIs are seemingly ordered more commonly and sooner after injury diagnosis in athletes than in the general population. There is no published data or guidelines regarding the use of MRI in this patient population. The purpose of this study was to prospectively document musculoskeletal MRI use and its effect on diagnosis, playing status and treatment of athletes at a division I university sports program. We hypothesized that MRI is commonly used early in the injury course and often has little or no effect on the diagnosis or treatment plan for most injuries.Methods:Data was collected of musculoskeletal MRI use in varsity student athletes for 2 full academic years from 2010-12 at a NCAA Division I institution. Data collected included timing of the injury and physician visit as well as pre and post-MRI diagnosis, playing status and treatment.Results:86 MRI’s were obtained during the 2 years stud...
Hotels׳ responses to online reviews: Managing consumer dissatisfaction

Abstract In this study we investigate the generic structure of hotel responses to customer complaints posted on popular travel website, TripAdvisor. Extending the genre analytic notion of rhetorical moves ( Swales, 1981 , Swales, 2004 ) to this computer-mediated text type, we analyzed 80 hotel replies that were posted in response to online consumer complaints. Our analysis of the responses of 4- and 5-star hotels located in 4 popular urban tourist destinations in China indicates that ten move types are commonly found in this genre, with eight of these appearing in the majority of reviews. These results suggest that online responses from businesses replying to user-generated reviews tend to be highly formulaic and conventionalized, with thanking and apologizing among the most common moves identified. However, we also found considerable variation with respect to how specific hotels were about addressing the problem(s) discussed in the original customer complaint, as well as the extent to which hotel management indicated having taken actions to correct those problems. Finally, our study found that in this set of responses, hotel personnel tended to emphasize a corporate (rather than personal) identity when constructing responses to complaints. The study׳s findings provide insights into some of the ways in which businesses are managing consumer dissatisfaction online.
Pausing of RNA Polymerase II Regulates Mammalian Developmental Potential through Control of Signaling Networks

The remarkable capacity for pluripotency and self-renewal in embryonic stem cells (ESCs) requires a finely tuned transcriptional circuitry wherein the pathways and genes that initiate differentiation are suppressed, but poised to respond rapidly to developmental signals. To elucidate transcriptional control in mouse ESCs in the naive, ground state, we defined the distribution of engaged RNA polymerase II (Pol II) at high resolution. We find that promoter-proximal pausing of Pol II is most enriched at genes regulating cell cycle and signal transduction and not, as expected, at developmental or bivalent genes. Accordingly, ablation of the primary pause-inducing factor NELF does not increase expression of lineage markers, but instead causes proliferation defects, embryonic lethality, and dysregulation of ESC signaling pathways. Indeed, ESCs lacking NELF have dramatically attenuated FGF/ERK activity, rendering them resistant to differentiation. This work thus uncovers a key role for NELF-mediated pausing in establishing the responsiveness of stem cells to developmental cues.
Ratings of perceived exertion in individuals with varying fitness levels during walking and running.

It was the purpose of this investigation to: 1) compare the ratings of perceived exertion (RPEs) in high and low fit individuals when walking and running at comparable exercise intensities and 2) to determine if ventilation (VE) provides a central signal for RPEs. Nine high fit and nine low fit male subjects completed two exercise bouts on a treadmill, one uphill walking and the other level running. Workloads for each bout were set at 90% of each subject's ventilatory threshold (VT) as determined from a graded exercise test. Oxygen consumption (Vo2), heart rate (HR), and VE were all similar between the walk and run trials for the low fit subjects (P greater than 0.05). HR were found to be significantly greater during the walk trial vs. the run trial (P less than 0.05) for the high fit subjects, whereas, VE was significantly greater during the run trial. Oxygen consumption was similar for the high fit subjects during both trials (P greater than 0.05). During the walk and run trials, central (12.1 +/- 1.6 vs. 11.4 +/- 1.5), local (14.0 +/- 1.3 vs. 13.9 +/- 1.1) and overall (12.8 +/- 1.2 vs. 12.4 +/- 1.4) RPEs were not found to be significantly different for the low fit group (P greater than 0.05). In contrast, during the walk vs. the run trial there was a significant increase in central (10.7 +/- 2.0 vs. 9.2 +/- 1.9), local (11.5 +/- 2.0 vs. 9.8 +/- 1.8) and overall (11.2 +/- 2.4 vs. 9.6 +/- 2.3) RPEs for the high fit group (P less than 0.05).
Issues with high-resolution Godunov methods for radiation hydrodynamics

Abstract Two issues in the development of high-resolution Godunov methods for radiation hydrodynamics are discussed. First, an analysis of the Riemann problem is given. Second, it is shown that a large class of commonly used high-resolution methods are unable to obtain the equilibrium diffusion limit. The analysis points to several possible fixes.
Equine Influenza Virus

For decades the horse has been viewed as an isolated or "dead-end" host for influenza A viruses, with equine influenza virus being considered as relatively stable genetically. Although equine influenza viruses are genetically more stable than those of human lineage, they are by no means in evolutionary stasis. Moreover, recent transmission of equine-lineage influenza viruses to dogs also challenges the horse's status as a dead-end host. This article reviews recent developments in the epidemiology and evolution of equine influenza virus. In addition, the clinical presentation of equine influenza infection, diagnostic techniques, and vaccine recommendations are briefly summarized.
TRANSIENT RESPONSE OF ONE-DIMENSIONAL DISTRIBUTED SYSTEMS: A CLOSED FORM EIGENFUNCTION EXPANSION REALIZATION

Abstract The exact and closed form transient response of general one-dimensional distributed dynamic systems subject to arbitrary external, initial and boundary disturbances is determined. Non-self-adjoint operators characterizing damping, gyroscopic and circulatory effects, and eigenvalue-dependent boundary conditions are considered. Through introduction of augmented operators, a closed form modal expansion of the displacement and internal forces of the distributed system is derived. The eigenfunction expansion is realized in a spatial state formulation, which systematically yields exact eigensolutions, eigenfunction normalization coefficients and modal co-ordinates. The proposed method is illustrated on a cantilever beam with end mass, viscous damper and spring.
Determination of antiviral efficacy against lymphotropic herpesviruses utilizing flow cytometry.

Abstract Epstein–Barr virus (EBV), human herpesvirus type 6 (HHV-6), and human herpesvirus type 8 (HHV-8) comprise a group of lymphotropic herpesviruses which are responsible for a wide range of diseases, including lymphoproliferative disorders and tumors. We have developed several flow cytometric assay (FACS) systems to evaluate antiviral efficacy against EBV, HHV-6 and HHV-8. Assays using either EBV or HHV-8, members of the gammaherpesvirus subfamily, have shown that while EBV responds well to acyclovir (ACV), HHV-8 was most sensitive to cidofovir (CDV). Since HHV-6 strains are divided into two sub-groups, A and B, we evaluated antiviral efficacy for strains from each group. The group A strain, HHV-6 GS , was inhibited by foscarnet (PFA), CDV and ganciclovir (GCV) in both Sup-T1 and HSB-2 cell lines. HHV-6 Z-29 , a representative group B virus, was inhibited by GCV and CDV but not by PFA. Our findings indicate that flow cytometry can be utilized to efficiently evaluate new antiviral agents against lymphotropic herpesviruses and that the results are comparable to those obtained by other methods such as immunofluorescence.
Recovering History, Constructing Race: The Indian, Black, and White Roots of Mexican Americans

Recovering History, Constructing Race: The Indian, Black, and White Roots of Mexican Americans. Martha Menchaca. Austin: University of Texas Press, 2001. xi. 375 pp., maps, photographs, notes, bibliography, index.
Structure−Activity Relationships of 1-Alkyl-5-(3,4-dichlorophenyl)- 5-{2-[(3-substituted)-1-azetidinyl]ethyl}-2-piperidones. 1. Selective Antagonists of the Neurokinin-2 Receptor

The design, synthesis, and pharmacological evaluation of a novel class of neurokinin-2 (NK2) antagonists 1-alkyl-5-(3,4-dichlorophenyl)-5-[2-[(3-substituted)-1-azetidinyl]ethyl]-2-piperidones (5-44) are described. These compounds are formally derived from 2 by incorporating the metabolically vulnerable N-methylamide function into a more stable six-membered ring lactam 4, resulting in increased stability in human liver microsome (HLM) preparations relative to 2 (T1/2(HLM) of 30 min vs 120 min) and high potency in both RPA (pA2 = 8.9) and human bladder smooth muscle (pK(b) = 8.9) functional assays. In addition, NK2 antagonist 33 (IC50 = 4 nM) showed excellent selectivity over both the related human neurokinin receptors h-NK1 (IC50 = 7.9 microM) and h-NK3 (IC50 = 1.8 microM) in radioligand binding studies.
Empty Names, Fictional Names, Mythical Names

John Stuart Mill (1843) thought that proper names denote individuals and do not connote attributes. Contemporary Millians agree, in spirit. We hold that the semantic content of a proper name is simply its referent. We also think that the semantic content of a declarative sentence is a Russellian structured proposition whose constituents are the semantic contents of the sentence’s constituents. 1 This proposition is what the sentence semantically expresses. Therefore, we think that sentences containing proper names semantically express singular propositions, which are propositions having individuals as constituents. For instance, the sentence ‘George W. Bush is human’ semantically expresses a proposition that has Bush himself as a constituent. Call this theory Millianism. 2 Many philosophers initially find Millianism quite appealing, but find it much less so after considering its many apparent problems. Among these problems are those raised by non-referring names, which are sometimes (tendentiously) called empty names. 3 Plausible examples of empty names include certain names from fiction, such as ‘Sherlock Holmes’, which I shall call fictional names, and certain names from myth and false scientific theory, such as ‘Pegasus’ and ‘Vulcan’, which I shall call mythical names. 4 I have defended Millianism from objections concerning empty names in previous work (Braun [1993]). In this paper, I shall re-present those objections, along with some new ones. I shall then describe my previous Millian theory of empty names, and my previous replies to the objections, and consider whether the theory or replies need revision. I shall next consider whether fictional and mythical names are really empty. I shall argue that at least some utterances of mythical names are.
Potential consequences and problems with wildlife contraceptives

This presentation reviews multiple wildlife health considerations associated with contraception of wildlife, at the level of both the individual animal and wildlife population. Review of the literature demonstrates that many contraceptives studied in the past have had potential adverse effects characterized as follows: harmful effects on pregnant animals, inhibition of parturition or dystocia, changes in ovarian structure or function, changes in sex ratio, changes in lactation or mammary glands, impact on fertility of young, changes in testicular structure or function, changes in secondary sex characteristics, changes in bodyweight, changes in behaviour, changes in annual breeding season, other physiologic and pathologic changes, abscesses or inflammatory reactions, toxicity, interference with diagnostic tests and ecological alterations. Concern is expressed that the use of immunocontraception could create genetic changes in the target population that would influence disease resistance. The use of infectious agents as vectors to deliver immunocontraceptives was not considered wise animal health management because the product will be a new reproductive disease that could be difficult to contain within the target population. Criteria that need to be fulfilled for the safe use of contraceptives in wildlife are offered.
Assimilative modeling of equatorial plasma depletions observed by C/NOFS

[1] Using electric field measurements as inputs, the assimilative physics-based ionospheric model (PBMOD) successfully reproduced density depletions observed at early morning local times during four consecutive orbits of the Communication/Navigation Outage Forecasting System (C/NOFS) satellite on 17 June 2008. However, the PBMOD running with plasma drift data from empirical models as inputs predicted neither plasma depletions nor irregularities on this day. Coincident over flights of a large depletion by C/NOFS and the DMSP-F17 satellite allow estimates of its longitudinal and latitudinal scale sizes. The satellite-based estimates are shown to be in reasonable agreement with PBMOD predictions. The model's reproduction of observed temporal and spatial distributions of plasma depletions suggests that our assimilative technique can be used to enhance space-weather forecasts.
Rapid prototyping for fabrication of GHz-THz bandgap structures

Recent advances in rapid prototyping technologies have resulted in build-resolutions that are now on the scales required for direct fabrication of photonic structures in the gigahertz (GHz) and terahertz (THz) regimes. To demonstrate this capability, we have fabricated several structures with 3D bandgaps in these spectral regions. Characterization of the transmission properties of these structures confirms the build accuracy of this fabrication method. The result is a rapid and inexpensive fabrication technique that can be utilized to create a variety of interesting photonic structures in the GHz and THz. We present the results of our characterization experiments and discuss our current efforts in extending the technique to fabrication of other structure types.
Cholesterol metabolism in gnotobiotic gerbils.

Germfree gerbils were associated with a murine-derived hexaflora which produced only minor changes in the primary bile acid pattern of rats. These hexaflora-associated gerbils had relatively small ceca (4% of body weight) and reproduced well. Although serum cholesterol levels of both conventional and hexaflora-associated gerbils increased in response to dietary cholesterol, the hexaflora-associated gerbil showed a greater elevation in serum cholesterol than the conventional gerbil when maintained on a diet containing 0.1% cholesterol. This increase in serum cholesterol manifested itself almost totally in the very low density lipoprotein and low density lipoprotein fractions. The fecal bile acids of the hexaflora-associated gerbil were largely deconjugated, but very little further modification of either cholic or chenodeoxycholic acid had taken place. The data suggest that in the absence of elements of the intestinal microflora that can express a bile acid-modifying potential, and particularly a 7-α-dehydroxylating capacity, catabolism of cholesterol to bile acids is reduced, and cholesterol accumulates in the very low density and low density serum lipoprotein fractions.
Chronic progressive CNS histoplasmosis presenting in childhood: response to fluconazole therapy.

Abstract An 18-year-old Hispanic female developed symptoms of a Histoplasma capsulatum infection at 912 years of age. Initial problems of ataxia and hydrocephalus were followed by seizures and a cranial nerve palsy which developed over several years. T 1 -weighted cranial magnetic resonance imaging studies revealed numerous high-signal lesions; subsequently, signs of multisystem dissemination developed. Treatment included ventriculoperitoneal shunting, corticosteroids, amphotericin B, and a new antifungal agent, fluconazole, which was responsible for marked improvement.
"One China, One Taiwan": An Analysis of the Democratic Progressive Party's China Policy

At the largest opposition party in Taiwan, the Democratic Progressive Party's (DPP) influence on Taipei's future approach to cross-Strait relations can not be ignored. This study aims to systematically examine the DPP's China policy and its implications for future cross-Strait relations. It concludes that, without altering the fundamental principle of "one China, one Taiwan," the DPP has moderated its outright calling for Taiwan's de jure, when the governing Nationalist (KMT) has been more articulate in claiming a distinct Taiwanese identity separate from China. The apparent consensual understanding reached between the KMT and the DPP on the issue of Taiwan's status in essence denies both the option of "immediate reunification" with China and the option of "immediate (de jure) independence" for Taiwan. It implies that in the near future Taiwan's current cross-Strait policy is unlikely to change without a dramatic reshuffling in the domestic political landscape.
Theoretical applications of biofeedback hand temperature training to prepared (Lamaze) childbirth training.

Early investigations of the control of various autonomic physiological functions employed Pavlovian conditioning. Investigators have observed that the operant control of these physiologicat responses was facilitated if S was provided with feedback concerning the particular physiological activity to be controlled (e.g., Miller, 1969). These techniques, applied to facilitate autonomic training in humans (Shapiro & Schwara, 1972), may present biological information, i.e., heart rate, temperature, to the trainee via visual and/or auditory displays. This method provides the trainee an objective record of his or her internal physiological state and allows the person to gain a high degree of voluntary control over what was involuntary activity. The psychoprophylactic childbirth method, promulgated in Western Europe in the 1950s by Lamaze (1970), includes both psychological reconditioning and physical preparation. This approach educates the expectant mother both in the physiological aspects of labor as well as in the psychological aspects of pain control. These techniques include: ( 1 ) respiratory control, ( 2 ) inducing a visual focal point (concentrating attention on one object to the exclusion of others), and ( 3 ) husband-coached relaxation under the rubric of Pavlovian conditioning. It is our contention that a more efficient means of facilitating relaxation training in preparation for and during labor could be effected through coadunation of biofeedback training and prepared (Lamaze) childbirth training. One of the most important aspects of the Lamaze method is the visual focal point in the field; the visual display (meter) of the hand temperature unit would provide a meaningful focal point on which a patient could concentrate. It might also be used as a more expedient way of inducing deep muscular relaxation than might possibly be attained during conventional Lamaze training. Work in our laboratory indicates that significant temperature increases are associated with deep relaxation while decreases in temperature are associated with decreased relaxation. This hypothesis is presently being investigated using biofeedback hand-temperature training.