cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Waveband specific transcriptional control of select genetic pathways in vertebrate skin ( Xiphophorus maculatus )

Evolution occurred exclusively under the full spectrum of sunlight. Conscription of narrow regions of the solar spectrum by specific photoreceptors suggests a common strategy for regulation of genetic pathways. Fluorescent light (FL) does not possess the complexity of the solar spectrum and has only been in service for about 60 years. If vertebrates evolved specific genetic responses regulated by light wavelengths representing the entire solar spectrum, there may be genetic consequences to reducing the spectral complexity of light. We utilized RNA-Seq to assess changes in the transcriptional profiles of Xiphophorus maculatus skin after exposure to FL (“cool white”), or narrow wavelength regions of light between 350 and 600 nm (i.e., 50 nm or 10 nm regions, herein termed “wavebands”). Exposure to each 50 nm waveband identified sets of genes representing discrete pathways that showed waveband specific transcriptional modulation. For example, 350–400 or 450–500 nm waveband exposures resulted in opposite regulation of gene sets marking necrosis and apoptosis (i.e., 350–400 nm; necrosis suppression, apoptosis activation, while 450–500 nm; apoptosis suppression, necrosis activation). Further investigation of specific transcriptional modulation employing successive 10 nm waveband exposures between 500 and 550 nm showed; (a) greater numbers of genes may be transcriptionally modulated after 10 nm exposures, than observed for 50 nm or FL exposures, (b) the 10 nm wavebands induced gene sets showing greater functional specificity than 50 nm or FL exposures, and (c) the genetic effects of FL are primarily due to 30 nm between 500 and 530 nm. Interestingly, many genetic pathways exhibited completely opposite transcriptional effects after different waveband exposures. For example, the epidermal growth factor (EGF) pathway exhibits transcriptional suppression after FL exposure, becomes highly active after 450–500 nm waveband exposure, and again, exhibits strong transcriptional suppression after exposure to the 520–530 nm waveband. Collectively, these results suggest one may manipulate transcription of specific genetic pathways in skin by exposure of the intact animal to specific wavebands of light. In addition, we identify genes transcriptionally modulated in a predictable manner by specific waveband exposures. Such genes, and their regulatory elements, may represent valuable tools for genetic engineering and gene therapy protocols.
Conceptual clustering of structured objects

A summary of this author’s current research on conceptual clustering of structured objects is presented along with some avenues for future investigation.
Introduction to the Biophysics of the Failing Heart

Heart failure is a primary, progressive disorder of cardiac muscle that leads to remodeling of the ventricles. While there has been much focus on the end-stage ventricular phenotype from the clinical standpoint, a better understanding of the molecular mechanisms provides significant insight regarding pathways involved in the preclinical states (the so-called Class I-II HF) where novel interventions may be targeted. Thus chapters in this book emphasize many of the biophysical components of the ventricle and working cardiac myocytes that contribute to molecular mechanisms determining its structure and function. While topics covered in each of the chapters may provide insights into the primary causes of ventricular remodeling, it is important to take into account that many of these processes (metabolic, cytoskeletal, sarcomere, and channel remodeling) are set in motion as a response to a primary stimulus and thus can be compensatory in the primary preclinical stages of disease. As illuminated in the book, it is common that the primary stimulus is biophysical in nature involving altered mechanics and stress–strain properties, for example. The transition from compensatory to pathogenic (or unregulated response) is likely to drive a significant component of the loss of function that defines the later stages of heart failure. Many of these components of cardiovascular structure and function work in concert. Yet in the early stages only subsets of the molecular framework are activated with end-stage disease representing the so-called common endpoint where all compensatory mechanisms have been exhausted. Understanding the relative role and contribution of each of these components/pathways (coupled to their specific pathogenic stimuli) in the early preclinical stages of ventricular remodeling provides both novel biomarkers and indicates new specific avenues of therapeutic intervention with a goal of altering the natural history of the disease process. As described in this book, many of the approaches and basic tools are in-hand to accomplish this understanding.
Folic Acid-Conjugated Cellulose Nanocrystals Show High Folate-Receptor Binding Affinity and Uptake by KB and Breast Cancer Cells

The study evaluates cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) as nanocarriers for targeted, intracellular delivery of molecular agents. CNCs were labeled with fluorescein-5'-isothiocyanate as an imaging agent and conjugated to folic acid (FA) as a targeting ligand. The CNC conjugates were characterized by UV-vis spectroscopy, ζ-potential analysis, dynamic light scattering, and atomic force microscopy. Cellular binding/uptake of the FA-conjugated CNCs by KB and MDA-MB-468 cells was quantified with cellular uptake assays. Internalization of the particles was confirmed by confocal microscopy. Uptake mechanisms were determined by inhibition studies with chlorpromazine and genistein. Binding affinity was qualitatively assessed with a free folate inhibition assay. Both KB and MDA-MB-468 cells exhibited significant and folate-receptor specific binding/uptake of FA-conjugated CNCs. Clathrin-mediated endocytosis was a significant uptake mechanism in both cell types, whereas caveolae-mediated endocytosis only played a significant role in MDA-MB-468 cells. Uptake inhibition of FA-conjugated CNCs by KB cells required high concentrations (>1 mM) of free FA. The observed FR-specific internalization of FA-conjugated CNCs by FR-positive cancer cells and tumors and their remarkable high affinity for the FR demonstrate the great potential of CNCs as novel nanocarriers for imaging agents and chemotherapeutics in the early detection and treatment of cancer.
Primary prevention of cardiovascular disease: 2019 and beyond.

The global burden of cardiovascular disease morbidity and mortality demands increased awareness of effective prevention strategies by patients, communities and health-care providers. The new 2019 ACC/AHA guidelines provide evidence-based, preventive recommendations for patients without known cardiovascular disease, focusing on risk estimation, a healthy lifestyle and selective indications for pharmacotherapy.
Telomerase reverse transcriptase regulation by TGF-β signaling through adaptor ELF and Smad3 that is independent of c-Myc.

3442 Transforming Growth Factor-β (TGF-β) induced antiproliferative responses is a hallmark of many cancer cells. Smad proteins as intracellular mediators for TGF-β signaling and regulate target gene expression by activating or repressing gene transcription. Smads 2, 3 and 4 inhibit G1/S cell cycle progression mostly by suppression of c-Myc and cyclin-dependent kinases (cdks). Myc amplification, telomere maintenance, and telomerase reverse transcriptase (TERT) reactivation are common features of human foregut cancers, such as hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Emerging evidence indicates that ELF, a Smad3/Smad4 adaptor protein required for TGF-β signaling, is a powerful tumor suppressor [Science, 2005, 310(5745):68-71, Oncogene, 2007, 26(50):7103-10]. Elf+/-, elf+/-/Smad3+/- and elf+/-/Smad4+/-, (but not Smad3-/-) mice dramatically develop foregut cancers, including hepatocellular, pancreatic and gastric cancers. However, the specific role(s) of h-TERT, c-MYC and Elf, and their relation to the TGF-β pathway, in foregut cancer formation are poorly understood. Deletion of ELF results in a dramatic and spontaneous formation of liver and gastrointestinal cancers, with exon 15 mutations in 11% of human HCC and gastric cancer cell lines tested. Elf+/-andelf+/-/Smad3+/- mice develop visceromegaly and multiple GI cancers (70% of mice), spontaneously. This phenotype provides compelling evidence that elf+/-and elf+/-/Smad3+/- mice are a model of the hereditary human cancer syndrome Beckwith-Wiedemann (BWS). Aims: In this study, we investigated the mechanism of role of Elf, Smad3 and c-Myc in regulating human TERT gene expression by TGF-β in HepG2, PLC/PRF/5, SNU 298 cell lines and elf+/-/Smad3+/- mice tumor tissues in vitro and in vivo. Results show that: 1) TheElf+/-/Smad3+/-mice develop visceromegaly and multiple cancers, including metastatic pancreatic, hepatocellular, small bowel lymphomas, adrenocortical carcinomas, renal carcinomas and tumor tissues from elf+/-/Smad3+/- mice show a dramatic decrease of ELF mRNA; 2) TERT and c-Myc are markedly elevated in elf+/-andelf+/-/Smad3+/- mice; Interestingly, TERT levels are far higher than can be accounted for by c-Myc levels in elf+/-andelf+/-/Smad3+/- tumors; 3)Ectopic ELF and Smad3 suppress TERT greater than c-Myc in the absence of TGF-β. 4) Both ELF and Smad3 associate with c-Myc in TGF-β stimulated hepatocytes and suppress TERT. 5)Overexpression of ELF and/or Smad3 decreases hTERT RNA levels in PLC/PRF/5 and SNU 298 human cell lines. Conclusions: Taken together our preliminary data suggest that divergent pathways converge on ELF and Smad3 that then regulate TERT. Inactivation of the TGF-β signaling pathway with TERT activation provides a strong strategy for generating targeted therapeutics at TERT in these lethal human cancers.
For Us, By Us: Resources for Computing Outreach Programs Designed by People of Color

Computer Science outreach programs for Black and Latinx communities are often led by those who are not of the community for which they are building. While there are programs that exist that are being ran by Black and Latinx men and women, they are often conducted in siloes and are not given the resources that other programs are given. This session will serve as a gathering for Black and Latinx BPC program leaders to share resources that could help with operations, funding, and collaboration amongst themselves and other external stakeholders.
Legitimating Prestige through Diversity: How Higher Education Institutions Represent Ethno-Racial Diversity across Levels of Selectivity

Elite higher education institutions work hard to secure diverse classes, and students seek out these institutions in part because they believe that diversity will enhance their own educational expe...
Radiographic anatomy of the foot and ankle-part 2: the greater tarsus.

Background: Normal radiographic anatomy of the foot and ankle, aside from my previous work, has been addressed only superficially or sparingly in the medical literature. This project correlates detailed radiographic anatomy of the entire adult foot and ankle (two-dimensional) to osteology (three-dimensional). Methods: Each bone's position was determined after meticulous examination and correlation to an articulated skeleton relative to the image receptor and direction of the x-ray beam, with correlation to the radiograph for confirmation. Results: Images of each foot and distal leg bone (“front” and “back” perspectives) are presented alongside a corresponding radiographic image for comparison. The normal gross and radiographic anatomy is correlated and described for each radiographic positioning technique. Conclusions: Foundational knowledge is provided that future researchers can use as a baseline (“normal”) and that students and practitioners can use for comparison when interpreting radiographs and dist...
Dynamic Maintenance and Alterability of Cortical Maps in Adults; Some Implications

Recent studies conducted principally in the somatosensory nervous system of primates have revealed that cortical maps are alterable as a function of experience in adults. The specific nature of this evident dynamism of cortical representations bears a series of important implications for consideration of the significance of features of sensory system organizations. In this report, we shall a) briefly summarize the basic conclusions drawn from these studies on the dynamics of cortical map structure, b) outline by example the results of studies from which these conclusions have been drawn, and c) then specifically consider some implications of these studies for our understanding of the significance of special organizational features of the auditory system.
Emerging Technologies in Breast Cancer Screening and Diagnosis

The role and science of imaging for breast cancer screening and diagnosis are in a state of constant change. Technical advancements, including iterative improvements to preexisting modalities and the development of novel imaging methods, are the underpinning of many of these advances. The expanding body of literature further defines both the applications and limitations of new and established breast imaging technology and informs changes in the role of imaging in the management of breast cancer. Increasingly personalized breast cancer treatment options have increased demand for personalized screening protocols risk analysis for specific patients and populations. These advances are not independent of each other, and they may be considered in four major categories. The first is supplemental screening, to address limitations of traditional mammography, including breast density. The second is personalized risk-based screening and recognizing that different populations require different screening regimens. The third is functional imaging and particularly the ongoing development of applications for intravascular iodinated and gadolinium-based contrast agents to identify high-risk tissue histology. Finally, breast imaging remains at the forefront of artificial intelligence (AI) research and related technologies.
POLÍTICAS PÚBLICAS PARA MAIOR EFICÁCIA E CONFORMIDADE DA ADMINISTRAÇÃO TRIBUTÁRIA ESTADUAL: UM ESTUDO DE CASO

A discussao sobre financas publicas tem se concentrado na analise de despesas, investimentos e receitas. Este trabalho foca nas politicas publicas para melhoria da eficacia e da conformidade tributaria. A metodologia utilizada e o estudo de caso, com pesquisa documental e entrevistas semiestruturadas, sobre a administracao tributaria do estado de Sao Paulo. O referencial teorico inclui modelos de planejamento e avaliacao de politicas publicas; praticas de conformidade fiscal; estrategias de comunicacao; e relacionamento com a sociedade. Os resultados demonstram que Sao Paulo implantou politicas para melhorar a fiscalizacao, diminuir fraudes, desvios e melhorar o relacionamento com os contribuintes. Entre essas politicas, temos servicos informatizados; indicadores de desempenho; e o Programa de Conformidade Tributaria, com uma segmentacao de contribuintes baseada em risco e comportamento de fornecedores, que utiliza incentivos a conformidade. As politicas podem ser replicadas para outros estados, no nivel federal e municipal. Este artigo apresenta desafios, melhorias e oportunidades para pesquisas futuras.
Use of hemagglutinin and neuraminidase amplicon-based high-throughput sequencing with variant analysis to detect co-infection and resolve identical consensus sequences of seasonal influenza in a university setting

Local transmission of seasonal influenza viruses (IVs) can be difficult to resolve. Here, we study if coupling high-throughput sequencing (HTS) of hemagglutinin (HA) and neuraminidase (NA) genes with variant analysis can resolve strains from local transmission that have identical consensus genome. We analyzed 24 samples collected over four days in January 2020 at a large university in the US. We amplified complete hemagglutinin (HA) and neuraminidase (NA) genomic segments followed by Illumina sequencing. We identified consensus complete HA and NA segments using BLASTn and performed variant analysis on strains whose HA and NA segments were 100% similar. Twelve of the 24 samples were PCR positive, and we detected complete HA and/or NA segments by de novo assembly in 83.33% (10/12) of them. Similarity and phylogenetic analysis showed that 70% (7/10) of the strains were distinct while the remaining 30% had identical consensus sequences. These three samples also had IAV and IBV co-infection. However, subsequent variant analysis showed that they had distinct variant profiles. While the IAV HA of one sample had no variant, another had a T663C mutation and another had both C1379T and C1589A. In this study, we showed that HTS coupled with variant analysis of only HA and NA genes can help resolve variants that are closely related. We also provide evidence that during a short time period in the 2019–2020 season, co-infection of IAV and IBV occurred on the university campus and both 2020/2021 and 2021/2022 WHO recommended H1N1 vaccine strains were co-circulating.
Cryoradiolysis of oxygenated cytochrome P450 17A1 with lyase substrates generates expected products

When subjected to γ-irradiation at cryogenic temperatures the oxygenated complexes of Cytochrome P450 17A1 bound with either of the lyase substrates, 17-OH PREG or 17-OH PROG are shown here to generate the corresponding lyase products, dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) and androstenedione (AD) respectively. The current study uses gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC/MS) to document the presence of the initial substrates and products in extracts of the processed samples. A rapid and efficient method for the simultaneous determination of residual substrate and products by GC/MS is described without derivatization of the products. It is also shown that no lyase products were detected for similarly treated control samples containing no nanodisc associated CYP17 enzyme, demonstrating that the product is formed during the enzymatic reaction and not by GC/MS conditions nor the conditions produced by the cryoradiolysis process.
The function of cortical microcircuits: Insights from biomorphic ceramic-based microelectrode arrays

Technological advancements in the manufacturing, design and use of biomorphic ceramic-based multi-electrode arrays have made it possible to study the function of the brain’s microcircuits. Here we examine the literature on the fabrication, composition, design and use of biomorphic Microelectrode Arrays (MEAs) that were instrumental in understanding the function of cortical microcircuits. Recent findings highlight the importance of such MEAs for the study of cortical modularity from a broad range of perspectives such as electrophysiology, in vivo electrochemistry, optogenetics, and neuroprosthetics. In particular, biomorphic MEAs are a crucial milestone in the advancement of cortical modularity and have been used to simultaneously record neural activity from supra- and infra-granular layers along in adjacent cortical minicolumns. We have strived to develop MEAs that: (1) can be mass produced such that other laboratories can easily utilize the same recording technology, (2) are designed to be biomorphic to study multiple brain regions and neurotransmitters in various in vivo systems, (3) control online signal flow through multiple minicolumns and layers, and (4) can be used in the future in neuroprosthetics for patients with neurological and psychiatric disorders.
RESEARCH PARADIGMS FOR STUDYING DYNAMIC DECISION BEHAVIOR

This paper reviews experimental approaches to dynamic decision behavior like, e.g., Toda’s fungus eater game, Edwards’ extension of SEU theory into dynamic decision making, storage control problems, the multistage betting game, and optional stopping problems. The respective merits and shortcomings of these approaches are discussed as well as some general problems of research on dynamic decision making.
Bidirectional Regulation of DARPP-32 Phosphorylation by Dopamine

Dopamine has been shown to stimulate phosphorylation of DARPP-32, a phosphoprotein highly enriched in medium-sized spiny neurons of the neostriatum. Here, we investigated the contribution of D1-like and D2-like dopamine receptors in the regulation of DARPP-32 phosphorylation in mouse striatal slices. D1-like and D2-like receptors had opposing effects on the state of DARPP-32 phosphorylation. The D1 receptor agonist SKF82526 increased DARPP-32 phosphorylation. In contrast, the D2 receptor agonist quinpirole decreased basal as well as D1 agonist-, forskolin-, and 8-bromo-cAMP-stimulated phosphorylation of DARPP-32. The ability of quinpirole to decrease D1-stimulated DARPP-32 phosphorylation was calcium-dependent and was blocked by the calcineurin inhibitor cyclosporin A, suggesting that the D2 effect involved an increase in intracellular calcium and activation of calcineurin. In support of this interpretation, Ca2+-free/EGTA medium induced a greater than 60-fold increase in DARPP-32 phosphorylation and abolished the ability of quinpirole to dephosphorylate DARPP-32. The antipsychotic drug raclopride, a selective D2 receptor antagonist, increased phosphorylation of DARPP-32 under basal conditions and in D2 agonist-treated slices. The results of this study demonstrate that dopamine exerts a bidirectional control on the state of phosphorylation of DARPP-32.
Cloning and characterization of the Saccharomyces cerevisiae gene encoding NAD-dependent 5,10-methylenetetrahydrofolate dehydrogenase.

Saccharomyces cerevisiae possess a monofunctional, cytoplasmic NAD-dependent 5,10-methylenetetrahydrofolate (THF) dehydrogenase that converts 5,10-methylene-THF to 5,10-methenyl-THF (Barlowe, C. K., and Appling, D.R. (1990) Biochemistry 29, 7089-7094). We have now isolated the gene encoding this enzyme from a yeast genomic library using oligonucleotide probes based on internal peptide sequences from the purified protein. Nucleotide sequence analysis reveals a 320-amino acid open reading frame that contains both of the internal peptide sequences. The predicted molecular weight (36,236) is consistent with the estimated size (33,000-38,000) of the purified protein. Disruption of the chromosomal copy of the gene resulted in loss of NAD-dependent 5,10-methylene-THF dehydrogenase activity and led to a purine requirement in certain genetic backgrounds, confirming a role for this enzyme in the oxidation of cytoplasmic one-carbon units. A single gene was mapped to chromosome XI by hybridization to a yeast chromosomal blot. We propose MTD1 as the name for this gene. Northern analysis of total yeast RNA revealed a single transcript of approximately 1,100 nucleotides. Multiple transcription initiation sites were identified between 58 and 83 base pairs upstream of the start of translation. The amino acid sequences derived from the nucleic acid sequences of seven other methylene-THF dehydrogenases cloned to date have been found to be highly homologous. Although the predicted amino acid sequence of the yeast NAD-dependent enzyme shows slight homology to the other sequences, it appears to be only distantly related to the other 5,10-methylene-THF dehydrogenases.
Sub-parts-per-billion nitrate method: use of an N2O-producing denitrifier to convert NO3+ or 15NO3− to N2O

A more sensitive analytical method for NO 3 − was developed based on the conversion of NO 3 − to N 2 O by a denitrifier that could not reduce N 2 O further. The improved detectability resulted from the high sensitivity of the 63 Ni electron capture gas chromatographic detector for N 2 O and the purification of the nitrogen afforded by the transformation of the N to a gaseous product with a low atmospheric background. The selected denitrifier quantitatively converted NO 3 − to N 2 O within 10 min. The optimum measurement range was from 0.5 to 50 ppb (50 μg/liter) of NO 3 − N, and the detection limit was 0.2 ppb of N. The values measured by the denitrifier method compared well with those measured by the high-pressure liquid chromatographic UV method above 2 ppb of N, which is the detection limit of the latter method. It should be possible to analyze all types of samples for nitrate, except those with inhibiting substances, by this method. To illustrate the use of the denitrifier method, NO 3 − concentrations of 3 − N were measured in distilled and deionized purified water samples and in anaerobic lake water samples, but were not detected at the surface of the sediment. The denitrifier method was also used to measure the atom% of 15 N in NO 3 − . This method avoids the incomplete reduction and contamination of the NO 3 − -N by the NH 4 + and N 2 pools which can occur by the conventional method of 15 NO 3 − analysis. N 2 O-producing denitrifier strains were also used to measure the apparent K m values for NO 3 − use by these organisms. Analysis of N 2 O production by use of a progress curve yielded K m values of 1.7 and 1.8 μM NO 3 − for the two denitrifier strains studied.
Heading South but Looking North: Globalization and Law Reform in Latin America

Throughout Latin America, law reform is in the air. After decades of neglect, its legal systems are experiencing substantial if not drastic processes of reform and transformation. The administration of justice in particular has been singled out as inefficient, if not corrupt, inaccessible to most, unable or unwilling to respond to human rights abuses, and largely irrelevant to the needs of modern economies. These reform processes respond to global and domestic actors and pressures. On the surface, both share the goal of helping to cement good governance, including the rule of law , throughout Latin Ame rica. This apparent goal consensus, however, can be broken down into two different orientations which reveal not only agreement but also overlapping and sometimes conflicting goals:
Sorghum Biomass Yield Trial for Ethanol Production

Introduction This research project is part of the sorghum breeding program for biofuel use at ISU, which has the ultimate goal of releasing sorghum lines/germplasm for public use. The program was initiated in September 2008, and in 2010 the first set of experimental biomass hybrids were tested. The objectives of this research project were: 1. to determine biomass yield potential of different sorghum types: grain vs. forage vs. photoperiod sensitive (non-flowering) hybrids. 2. to determine biomass yield of experimental sorghum hybrids generated in the sorghum breeding program, as lignocellulosic feedstock for ethanol production, and compare them with commercial hybrids. 3. to test the effect of plant height on biomass yield.
Development and Validation of a Finite Element Model of the Superior Glenoid Labrum

Pathology of the superior glenoid labrum is a common source of musculoskeletal pain and disability. One of the proposed mechanisms of injury to the labrum is superior humeral head migration, which can be seen with rotator cuff insufficiency. Due to the size, anatomical location, and complex composition of the labrum, laboratory experiments have many methodological difficulties. The purpose of this study was to develop and validate a finite element model of the glenoid labrum. The model developed includes the glenoid labrum, glenoid cartilage, glenoid bone, and the humeral head cartilage. Labral displacements derived from the finite element model were compared to those measured during a controlled validation experiment simulating superior humeral head translations of 1, 2, and 3 mm. The results of the finite element model compared well to experimental measurements, falling within one standard deviation of the experimental data in most cases. The model predicted maximum average strains in the superior labrum of 7.9, 10.1, and 11.9%, for 1, 2, and 3 mm of humeral translation, respectively. The correspondence between the finite element model and the validation experiment supports the use of this model to better understand the pathomechanics of the superior labrum.
The International Community's Claim to Rights in Brazilian Amazonia

The ‘internationalization’ of Brazil's rainforest raises political and philosophical questions about the nature of rights and duties to preserve natural resources. The international community, part...
A closed-form analysis of perimeter member behavior in a steel building frame subject to fire

Abstract This paper outlines a closed-form methodology that can be used to predict the increase in demand experienced by the perimeter columns that are part of a fire-exposed steel building frame. The two-dimensional elevation-view subassembly considered for this study includes a two-storey length of the perimeter column and the floor beam framing into the column in the direction perpendicular to the building’s exterior. When heated, this beam will expand and induce bending moment and lateral deflection in the column as well as increased axial force in the beam itself. Our proposed approach has two primary components: (1) a material model that approximates nonlinearity and considers temperature effects, and (2) a mechanical model that represents the perimeter column and beam interaction. These models are used to develop a simplified closed-form solution for beam axial force and perimeter column bending moment that may be used as part of a performance-based design for fire exposure. The simplified model solutions are compared to the results of a more complex and detailed multi-story finite element analysis model. A comparison of these results shows that the simplified model results give good estimations of structural behavior.
Causes of Mortality Among American College Students: A Pilot Study

This pilot study from self-selected institutions of higher education provides an estimate of the causes and rates of mortality among college students between the ages of 18 and 24 years old. One hundred fifty-seven 4-year colleges participated in an online survey of student deaths during one academic year. A total of 254 deaths were reported. The mortality rates (per 100,000) were as follows: total accidental injuries, 10.80; suicide, 6.17; cancer, 1.94; and homicide, 0.53. Within the accident and injury category, alcohol-related vehicular deaths (per 100,000) were 3.37 and alcohol-related nontraffic injuries were 1.49. Men had significantly higher rates of suicide (10.46) than women (2.34). Suggestions for future research and implications of these findings are discussed.
Secret Sharing Scheme: Vector Space Secret Sharing and F Function

Let P = {P1, P2, ..., Pn} be set of participants and Γ = {Bi|Bi ⊂ P, 1 ≤ i ≤ k} be access structure. Vector space secret sharing realizing access structure Γ requires existence of function φ : P → (Zp)d, where p is a prime number and d ≥ 2 is an integer, satisfying the following condition (1, 0, 0, ..., 0) = ;⇔ B ∈ Γ = {B1, B2,..., Bk}. There is no known algorithm to construct such a function φ in general. Constructions are mainly done by trial and error. In this paper, we developed a polynomial algorithm to construct a φ function for certain type of access structures. Some examples are given to illustrate the algorithms.
Vitamin K-dependent carboxylation of the carboxylase

Vitamin K-dependent (VKD) proteins require modification by the VKD-γ-glutamyl carboxylase, an enzyme that converts clusters of glus to glas in a reaction that requires vitamin K hydroquinone, for their activity. We have discovered that the carboxylase also carboxylates itself in a reaction dependent on vitamin K. When pure human recombinant carboxylase was incubated in vitro with 14CO2 and then analyzed after SDS/PAGE, a radiolabeled band corresponding to the size of the carboxylase was observed. Subsequent gla analysis of in vitro-modified carboxylase by base hydrolysis and HPLC showed that all of the radioactivity could be attributed to gla residues. Quantitation of gla, asp, and glu residues indicated 3 mol gla/mol carboxylase. Radiolabeled gla was acid-labile, confirming its identity, and was not observed if vitamin K was not included in the in vitro reaction. Carboxylase carboxylation also was detected in baculovirus(carboxylase)-infected insect cells but not in mock-infected insect cells, which do not express endogenous VKD proteins or carboxylase. Finally, we showed that the carboxylase was carboxylated in vivo. Carboxylase was purified from recombinant carboxylase BHK cells cultured in the presence or absence of vitamin K and analyzed for gla residues. Carboxylation of the carboxylase only was observed with carboxylase isolated from BHK cells cultured in vitamin K, and 3 mol gla/mol carboxylase were detected. Analyses of carboxylase and factor IX carboxylation in vitro suggest a possible role for carboxylase carboxylation in factor IX turnover, and in vivo studies suggest a potential role in carboxylase stability. The discovery of carboxylase carboxylation has broad implications for the mechanism of VKD protein carboxylation and Warfarin-based anti-coagulant therapies that need to be considered both retrospectively and in the future.
Polarization of an amplifying medium and of cosmic OH radiation

Abstract A theory of the polarization of amplified radiation for the full Doppler width is considered. A method for coupling the polarization of the oppositely directed traveling waves of an amplifying cloud through emission of polarized spontaneous radiation by atoms aligned or polarized by saturating radiation is suggested.
Detection and location of pipe damage by artificial-neural-net-processed moire error maps

A novel automated inspection technique to recognize, locate, and quantify damage is developed. This technique is based on two already existing technologies: video moire metrology and artificial neural networks. Contour maps generated by video moire techniques provide an accurate description of surface structure that can then be automated by means of neutral networks. Artificial neural networks offer an attractive solution to the automated interpretation problem because they can generalize from the learned samples and provide an intelligent response for similar patterns having missing or noisy data. Two dimensional video moire images of pipes with dents of different depths, at several rotations, were used to train a multilayer feedforward neural network by the backpropagation algorithm. The backpropagation network is trained to recognize and classify the video moire images according to the dent's depth. Once trained, the network outputs give an indication of the probability that a dent has been found, a depth estimate, and the axial location of the center of the dent. This inspection technique has been demonstrated to be a powerful tool for the automatic location and quantification of structural damage, as illustrated using dented pipes.
Excitation rate coefficient measurements of Cu XIII and Cu XVII ions

The absolute excitation rate coefficients for Cu XIII and Cu XVII optically allowed transitions have been measured using the Texas Experimental Tokamak (TEXT) tokamak. Cu is injected by the laser-ablation method at a time when the plasma has attained steady-state temperature and density profiles. The absolute intensities of the magnetic-dipole-forbidden transitions within the Cu XIII 3s/sup 2/3p/sup 5/ and the Cu XVII 3s/sup 2/3p ground configurations are measured. The intensities of optically allowed vacuum-ultraviolet lines within the 3p/sup 4/3d-3p/sup 5/ transition array of Cu XIII and within the 3d-3p transition array of Cu XVII are measured with a 2.2-m grazing incidence spectrometer. This instrument is radiometrically calibrated in situ by using the branching-ratio technique. The absolute excitation rate coefficients are deduced from these measurements, assuming coronal equilibrium, optically thin line emission, and statistical population within the ground configuration. The experimental rate coefficients for these transition arrays are found to be 2.84 x 10/sup -8/ cm/sup 3/ s/sup -1/ for Cu XIII at an electron temperature of 127 eV and 3.5 x 10/sup -8/ cm/sup 3/ s/sup -1/ for Cu XVII at an electron temperature of 240 eV. These results are in good agreement with excitation rate coefficients computed in amore » distorted-wave approximation.« less
Source materials for zeolite synthesis

Publisher Summary This chapter explores the source materials for zeolite synthesis. The chemistry of zeolite synthesis is subject to perturbations caused by impurities present in the source materials. Such contaminants may remain insoluble during the crystallization and cause undesired species to nucleate. Depending on the zeolite to be synthesized and the appHcation intended for the product, less pure source materials are frequently employed, in order to reduce the cost. Clearly, when commercially available solutions of chemicals are employed, such as aqueous NaOH, H2F2, or silicate, the water content of the solution has to be taken into account when the composition of the reaction mixture is established. Most other source materials contain more or less water, while the water content of fume silica may be only 3 wt.%, that of aluminum nitrate, A1(N03)3-9H20, is about 43 wt.%. Sodium aluminate is subject to formation of aluminum oxide hydrates upon exposure to atmospheric carbon dioxide or just upon storage. It is not a widely used chemical, and, when obtained from a chemical supplier, is frequently aged to an extent that makes it unsuitable for zeolite synthesis. Zeolites of still lower aluminum content can be prepared with fume silica as the silica source.
Co-integration of GaAs MESFET and Si CMOS circuits

Co-integration of GaAs MESFET and Si CMOS circuits is demonstrated using GaAs-on-Si epitaxial growth on prefabricated Si wafers. This is thought to be the first report of circuit-level integration of the two types of devices in a coplanar structure. A 2- mu m gate Si CMOS ring oscillator has shown a minimum delay of 570 ps/gate, whereas on the same wafer a 1- mu m gate GaAs MESFET buffered-FET-logic (BFL) ring oscillator has a minimum delay of only 70 ps/gate. A composite ring oscillator consisting of Si CMOS invertors and GaAs MESFET invertors connected in a ring has been successfully fabricated. >
Stretched vortices in a compressible fluid

Abstract Stretched vortices in a compressible fluid are considered. A modified Burgers vortex model is considered for which the flow associated with the vortex is perpendicular to the plane of uniform straining flow, a situation that is well suited to modeling a mixing-layer flow or a jet flow.
Isomorphism in 3-person games

We prove that two 3-person games with empty core are isomorphic if and only if they areS-equivalent, and up to isomorphism, there are 21 essential 3-person games with nonempty core.
Uptake of glutamine antimetabolites 6-diazo-5-oxo-L-norleucine (DON) and acivicin in sensitive and resistant tumor cell lines

The uptake system for 6-diazo-5-oxo-L-norleucine (DON) was studied in mouse P388 leukemia cells. The DON transport system was found to resemble that of another glutamine antimetabolite, Acivicin, in its strong temperature dependence, utilization of the "L" transport system, inhibition by glutamine but not by glutamate, potent inhibition by p-chloromercuribenzene sulfonate, Na+, and only minimal inhibition by various energy poisons. A Km of approximately 70 microM and a Vmax of 3.4 nmoles/10(6) cells/min was calculated for this cell line. The accumulated DON was not metabolized by P388 cells and moderate efflux occurred at 37 degrees C. The DON transport characteristics of a DON-resistant P388 cell line (100 times ID50 of parent line) were similar to those of the DON-sensitive parent line, indicating that altered drug transport may not be involved in development of resistance to this antimetabolite. The finding that an Acivicin-resistant subline of P388 cells which exhibited good transport of DON showed negligible transport of Acivicin suggests different modes of resistance towards the two glutamine antimetabolites.
Comparison of the reaction progress of calcineurin with Mn2+ and Mg2+.

Activation of calcineurin by Mn2+ and Mg2+ was compared using a heavy atom isotope analogue of the substrate p-nitrophenyl phosphate (pNPP). Heavy atom isotope effects were measured for Mg2+ activa...
Reduction of Error by Matching Subjects in the Two-Group Experimental Design.

McNemar’s discussion of error reduction in a mixed two-group design fails to provide an algebraic presentation of this error reduction. This manuscript presents not only the algebraic development of the error term but shows that under certain conditions mixing may increase experimental error.
Biocontrol efficacy and other characteristics of protoplast fusants between Trichoderma koningii and T. virens

Several Trichoderma virens (syn. Gliocladium virens) strains have good biocontrol activity against Rhizoctonia solani on cotton but lack some of the commercially desirable characteristics found in other Trichoderma species. In an attempt to combine these desirable characteristics, we used a highly effective biocontrol strain of T. virens in protoplast fusions with a strain of T. koningii, which had good storage qualities, but little biocontrol efficacy. All fusants were morphologically similar to one of the parental species. However, when compared to the morphologically similar T. koningii parent, two fusants showed significantly better biocontrol activity against R. solani on cotton. In addition, one T. virens-like fusant gave significantly less control than the T. virens parent. Fusants also differed from the morphologically similar parent in the production of secondary metabolites. One fusant was obtained which maintained biocontrol activity during storage for up to a year.
Using Social Networking for Online Role-Plays to Develop Students' Argumentative Strategies.

Social networking sites may include argumentative writing about particular issues in which participants adopt competing perspective and discourses on those issues. This study examined roles and dis...
Modified kappa-epsilon Turbulence Model for Calculating Hot Jet Mean Flows and Noise

The κ-e model has no provision to include the effect of the presence of a large-density gradient when used to compute the mean flow and noise of very hot jets. As a result, the model is found to give good predictions only when the jet is cold or moderately hot. Stability consideration indicates that a large density difference across a shear layer would generate strong spatial Kelvin-Helmholtz instabilities. Such instabilities would, invariably, lead to intense mixing in the jet shear layer. This, in turn, gives rise to an increase in turbulence intensity and jet spreading rate. A modification to the κ-e model is proposed to mimic these effects
Study of Composite Joint Strength With Carbon Nanotube Reinforcement

Strengthening of composite joints is a topic of recent research. The benefits of using locally applied carbon nanotubes to reinforce a carbon fiber composite joint were studied. The effect of carbon nanotubes on enhancing the fracture toughness and joint interface strength was investigated by performing Mode I and Mode II fracture with and without carbon nanotubes applied locally at the joint interface. During the study, the image correlation technique was used to examine the fracture mechanisms altered by the introduction of carbon nanotubes. The experimental study showed that carbon nanotubes increased the fracture toughness of the composite interface significantly, especially for the Mode II fracture, with altering the fracture mechanism.
Cisplatin-associated cortical blindness

Abstract Recently, J. J. Berman and M. P. Mann (Cancer 45, 764–766 (1980))documented transient cortical blindness and seizures in a 30-year-old man with testicular carcinoma during treatment with cisplatin in combination with vinblastine and bleomycin. Numerous publications have reported the gastrointestinal, renal, audiologic, and hematologic side effects of cisplatin. Cortical blindness occurs when the cerebral cortex is injured sufficiently to interrupt vision. Because cisplatin alone or in combination with other agents is being used much more frequently in patients with gynecologic malignancies (J. T. Thigpen, H. Shingleton, H. D. Homesley, P. DiSaia, L. Lagasse, and J. Blessing, in Cisplatin current status and new developments (A. W. Prestayko, S. T. Crooke, and S. K. Carter, Eds.), Academic Press, New York, 1980), a patient with cervical cancer developing cortical blindness after single agent therapy with cisplatin is reported.
Delineating paternalism in pediatric care.

Paternalism in the medical care of children is appropriate and ethically justifiable. However, dilemmatic disagreement by paternalistic agents as to which clinical choice is in the child's best interest may occur because of the underlying conflict between two rival standards for the moral value of life: longevity versus quality. Neither standard is unreasonable. Either could be the basis for choice of medical care by the parents or by the pediatrician. Having the child choose between options disputed by his parents and the pediatrician is unlikely to resolve their conflict. Exercise of informed consent by the adolescent requires agreement by his parents to relinquish their paternalistic veto. The probable best-interest choice by the child when he has matured could be reasonably made from either standard. Therefore, the longevity/quality of life question ought not ordinarily to be foreclosed by paternalistic authority which opts for one standard to the exclusion of the other. Medical interventions, paternalistically determined, are justified in the face of deteriorating quality, but only as long as the interventions themselves do not cause deterioration. Application of this limitation of paternalism to the zone of agreement between the rival life standards is made to clinical case examples. Multiple extrinsic criteria may measure the quality of life. Three quality factors, sensation of pain, capacity to communicate and physical functioning are considered. The extent of the zone of agreement between the two life standards varies because quality of life is a relative good, contingent both upon which extrinsic criteria are selected to assess it and upon the priorities which are set among these criteria.
Gang membership and violent victimization

Extant gang research supports an enhancement effect of membership on delinquency; that is, while delinquent youths may be attracted to gangs, it is also true that gang membership increases delinquency among youths and that while delinquency levels decrease after gang membership, they do not decrease to nongang levels. In this paper, we build on this research, examining the relationship between youth gang membership and violent victimization in a general sample of adolescents. We find that gang member victimization rates are higher than nongang member rates, not only during membership, but before and after as well. Thus an enhancement model of gang membership appears to best fit both offending and victimization rates. This effect of gang affiliation on victimization goes beyond gang members' involvement in violent offending; violence and gang status equate with cumulative disadvantage in terms of violent victimization. Additionally, contrary to gang youths' perceptions, gangs appear to offer no protective ...
A Dynamic Material Parameter Estimation Procedure for Soft Tissue Using a Poroelastic Finite Element Model

A three-dimensional finite element model for a poroelastic medium has been coupled with a least squares parameter estimation method for the purpose of assessing material properties based on intradiscal displacement and reactive forces. Parameter optimization may be based on either load or displacement control experiments. In this paper we present the basis of the finite element model and the parameter estimation process. The method is then applied to a test problem and the computational behavior is discussed. Sequential optimization on different parameter groups was found to have superior convergence properties. Some guidelines for choosing the starting parameter values for optimization were deduced by considering the form of the objective function. For load control experiments, in which displacement data is used for the optimization, the starting values for the elastic modulus should be lower in magnitude than an "anticipated" modulus. The permeability starting values should be higher than an anticipated permeability. For displacement control experiments, the reverse is true. The optimization scheme was also tested on data with random variations.