cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Behavioral and systems family therapies: A comparison of theoretical assumptions

Abstract Behavioral and family systems theories provide two current approaches to treating distressed families. This paper describes and compares the ways in which both theories conceptualize family problems and explain maintenance and change processes within the family system. Systems and behavioral theories share functional views of problem behaviors and interactive sequences. However, behavioral theory uses more molecular analyses of processes than does systems theory, rendering behavioral concepts more readily operationalizable. Targets and methods of intervention also show some commonalities. The approaches diverge, however, in the locus of intervention (contingency sequences vs system structure), explanations of interaction mechanisms and failure to change, approaches to the maintenance of therapeutic gain, and integration of assessment and treatment goals and methods. Areas of potential integration of the two perspectives are discussed.
Some observations pertaining to the mechanism of metalation of aromatic substrates with alkyllithium reagents

Abstract Metalation of 3,5-diethylanisole with carbon-14 labelled ethyllithium has demonstrated that an adduct of EtLi to the ring is not an intermediate in the process; an alternative radical and radical anion route involving capture of a hydrogen atom by R (from RLi) from is not ruled out by the labelling experiments, but negative CIDNP results did not support the idea of the intermediacy of radical species in the metalation reaction with six different substrates. A number of metalation results were obtained with n-BuLi and t-BuLi in no-polar solvents in the presence and in the absence of N,N,N′,N′-tetramethyl- etlylenediamine (TMEDA) on substrates selected for showing different steric environments in the same molecule. The large majority of the data could be correted with the concept that the steric requirement of the RLi was related to tholigomer size and that the decreasing order of steric requirement was n-BuLi in hydrocarbon > t-BuLi in hydrocarbon > n-BuLi in ether > n-BuLiTMEDA in hydrocarbon. A case of particularly facile dimetalation was observed with a substrate in which the second lithium atom substituted in a methyl group adjacent to the portion of substitution on the ring by the first lithium, e.g., This reaction outcome seemed to correlate with the association of the product of the first metalation with the RLi oligomer which brought the nearby methyl group into close association with the oligomer surface, thus facilitating a second attack with introduction of the lithium atom at thatpoint. Metalation in the presence of TMEDA did not allow this facile dimetalation probably because of the absence of the oligomer in the presence of the chelating amine. Several observations point to heretofore unrealized possibilities for synthetic utility of RLi metalations under certain conditions.
Aquaporin-11 control of testicular fertility markers in Syrian hamsters.

The present study sought novel changes to the hamster testicular transcriptome during modulation of fertility by well-characterized photoperiodic stimuli. Transition from long days (LD, 14 h light/day) to short days (SD, 10 h light/day) triggered testicular regression (61% reduction of testis weight, relative to LD) in SD-sensitive (SD-S) hamsters within 16 weeks. After 22 weeks of SD exposure, a third cohort of hamsters became SD-refractory (SD-R), and exhibited testicular recrudescence (137% testis weight gain, relative to SD-S). Partial interrogation of the testicular transcriptome by annealing-control-primer-modified differential display PCR provided several candidates for regulation of testicular functions. Multiple linear regression modeling indicated the best correlation for aquaporin 11 (Aqp11) with changes in testis weight. Correlations were also strongest for Aqp11 with expression levels of reference cDNAs that control spermatogenesis (Hspa2 and Tnp2), steroidogenesis (Cox2, 3βHsd, and Srebp2), sperm motility (Catsper1, Pgk2, and Tnp2), inflammation (Cox2), and apoptosis (Bax and Bcl2). Moreover, siRNA-mediated knockdown of testicular Aqp11 mRNA and protein reduced Hspa2 and Tnp2 mRNA levels, and it increased 3βHsd mRNA levels. It also reduced mRNA levels for Sept12, which is a testis-specific inducer of spermatogenesis. These results suggest a central role for testicular Aqp11 signaling in the coordinate regulation of crucial components of fertility.
Manipulation of Dispersion Properties of Two-dimensional Photonic Crystal Slab Waveguides by Atomic Layer Deposition

In addition to the growing interest within the semiconductor industry, atomic layer deposition (ALD) has also become an attractive tool to engineer and manipulate with extreme precision the complex dielectric architecture of three-dimensional photonic crystals (PCs). Very recently, we proposed to apply this technique to 2D PC slab waveguides.
Computation and validation of weld pool dimensions and temperature profiles for gamma TiAl

Previous research by the authors has shown that the welding current has a strong effect on the weld properties and microstructures of gamma TiAl. This article presents the results of experimentally measured and theoretically predicted temperature profiles of gas tungsten arc (GTA) welded gamma TiAl for welding currents of 75 and 100 A. The GTA welding model used in this study accounts for the fluid flow in the weld pool as well as conductive, convective, and phase change heat transfer processes in the solid, liquid, and mushy regions of a metal. The computed temperature fields predicted that as the welding current is increased, the maximum temperature reached in the weld pool also increases. Experimental validation of the computed temperature fields was determined by placing thermocouples at three locations on the specimen, to record the temperatures during welding using computer-based data acquisition hardware and software. The agreement between theoretical predictions and measurements was reasonably good, which provided a direct validation of the model.
Genotypic frequencies of phosphoglucose isomerase allozymes in bean rust (Uromyces appendiculatus) populations estimated by densitometry

Phosphoglucose isomerase (PGI) is a dimeric enzyme in germinating urediniospores of Uromyces appendiculatus. Three distinct bands occur in heterozygous isolates after starch gel electrophoresis. Transmission densitometry was used to estimate the frequency of the homozygous slow (S), homozygous fast (F), and heterozygous (H) individuals in mixed preparations of urediniospores. Areas under each band peak were transformed to genotypic frequencies by comparison with standard 1:1 (F:S)and 100% H preparations. Estimated genotypic and allelic frequencies in prepared mixtures were linearly related to the actual frequencies. Correspondence of estimated with actual frequencies was high, generally differing by 10% or less. Three of 10 field collections examined were polymorphic for PGI allozymes, and two of these were apparently in Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium.
Blood Cultures: Issues and Controversies

Blood-culture procedures must be designed to overcome the intermittency and low order of magnitude of most bacteremias and fungemias and to inhibit any antimicrobial properties or components of the blood. Among the several variables affecting yields, the volume of blood cultured appears to be most important. It is recommended that at least 10 ml, and preferably 20-30 ml, of blood be obtained for each of two to three separate cultures. More than three separate blood cultures per septic episode is rarely necessary. Other issues involve the systems used for blood culture and the procedures used for their examination.
Ineffectiveness of cholecystokinin in impairing runway performance.

Abstract We compared changes in runway performance by rats for sucrose reward following injections of the synthetic C-terminal octapeptide of cholecystokinin (CCK-8) with those seen after variations in food deprivation and injections of lithium chloride. No effects on running for either 10% or 30% sucrose were found following 0.5 to 4.0 μg/kg of CCK-8, though such doses suppressed 30-min sucrose intake up to 53%. Statistically reliable slowing of running for 10% sucrose was observed on two series of tests after 8.0 μg/kg of CCK-8. Running for 30% sucrose was not significantly affected by this dose. The general ineffectiveness of CCK-8 for producing decrements in running spread contrasts with significantly reduced performance after either reductions in food deprivation (21 h vs 12 and 3 h) or injections of 75 mg/kg lithium chloride. These results suggest that the mode of action of CCK-8 in reducing food intake is different than that produced by changes in hunger or by non-specific interference with motivation by malaise. The finding that CCK-8 can substantially reduce consumption with no apparent changes in appetitive motivation is consistent with the hypothesis that this substance acts only late in the meal to prematurely trigger satiety.
Siloxane-terminated solubilizing side chains: bringing conjugated polymer backbones closer and boosting hole mobilities in thin-film transistors.

We introduce a novel siloxane-terminated solubilizing group and demonstrate its effectiveness as a side chain in an isoindigo-based conjugated polymer. An average hole mobility of 2.00 cm2 V–1 s–1 (with a maximum mobility of 2.48 cm2 V–1 s–1), was obtained from solution-processed thin-film transistors, one of the highest mobilities reported to date. In contrast, the reference polymer with a branched alkyl side chain gave an average hole mobility of 0.30 cm2 V–1 s–1 and a maximum mobility of 0.57 cm2 V–1 s–1. This is largely explained by the polymer packing: our new polymer exhibited a π–π stacking distance of 3.58 A, while the reference polymer showed a distance of 3.76 A.
Bargaining and the observability of contractual commitments via third parties

This paper analyzes a two-stage model of bilateral bargaining where one of the agents has the option to delegate. A first approach is to assume that the contract between the agent and his representative is perfectly observable and can be renegotiated. Commitment effects arise although renegotiation is possible. Then, perfect observability of the contract is weakened to observe it with certain probability. Commitment effects as pure-strategy equilibria exist if this probability is sufficiently close to 1, in contrast to Bagwell's [1995] findings that imperfect observability undermines commitment. Considering the realistic case of the actual agreement between two parties being private information, the commitment value as equilibrium outcome disappears since having closed a renegotiation-proof contract offers costless self-insurance against strategic misunderstandings.
On the level

All Bean Maxwell wants is for the picture on his foyer wall to hang level. With a scrutinizing eye, and an array of tools, he tirelessly pursues this exercise in perfection. But will his dedication to the little details cause him to lose sight of the bigger picture?
Bessel and annular beams for materials processing

Non-Gaussian beam profiles such as Bessel or an- nular beams enable novel approaches to modifying materials through laser-based processing. In this review paper, proper- ties, generation methods and emerging applications for non- conventional beam shapes are discussed, including Bessel, an- nular, and vortex beams. These intensity profiles have important implications in a number of technologically relevant areas includ- ing deep-hole drilling, photopolymerization and nanopatterning, and introduce a new dimension for materials optimization and fundamental studies of laser-matter interactions.
Material Significance of Tangibles for Young Children

The purpose of this paper is to investigate how young children associate materiality and meanings and how it can benefit tangible interaction design. To study this, we developed a research prototype, Stampies, that allows playful tangible interactions. Stampies consists of tangible objects made out of different materials (wood, felt, silicone, and plastic) and an iPad drawing application. We describe results from our empirical study involving 19 children aged 4 to 7. The study indicates that children associate materials with meanings through "material essences", feel, and tactile preference. We conclude with design implications for tangible interaction for children.
William Gaddis's Parthian Shot: Social Criticism in the Posthumous Agapēe Agape and The Rush for Second Place

William Gaddis's final novel, Agapēe Agape, and his essay collection The Rush for Second Place reflect his concern about aspects of society that could undo the social order. The author examines the social criticism in Gaddis's work.
Quantum fluctuations of vortices in Josephson-coupled superconductors

The effect of quantum fluctuations of vortices on the low temperature specific heat and reversible magnetization in the mixed state in highly anisotropic layered superconductors is discussed. For reversible magnetization, M, the change of slope in the dependence of M vs ln B, observed in Bi(2:2:1:2) single crystals, is explained. In the mean field approach this slope should be almost B independent. The authors show that for magnetization quantum fluctuations are important at all temperatures except in a narrow region near {Tc}. The specific heat due to the vortex fluctuation contribution is predicted to be linear in T at low T and to increase logarithmically with B.
Cognitive Estimation in Traumatic Brain Injury: Relationships with Measures of Intelligence, Memory, and Affect

Brain injury is associated with a reduced capcity to engage in effective cognitive estimation. The current study utilized two measures of this construct, the Cognitive Estimation Test (CET) and Luria Memory Test (Luria), to investigate the relationships between cognitive estimation and intelligence, memory, and affect in a sample of 30 traumatically brain-injured individuals. Results demonstrated significant correlations between cognitive estimation and tests of intelligence and memory. However, measures of depression and state anxiety were not meaningfully associated with cognitive estimation. The ability to recall stories accounted for the greatest portion of the variance for both the CET and Luria. Specifically, the 30-minute Logical Memory subtest from the Wechsler Memory Scale-Revised accounted for 38% of the variance in the CET, while the Logical Memory 30-minute savings score accounted for 47% of the variance in the Luria. Intellectual and affective variables explained only negligible amounts of variance on cognitive estimation tasks.
Potentiation of ribonuclease cytotoxicity by a poly(amidoamine) dendrimer

Variants of bovine pancreatic ribonuclease (RNase A) engineered to evade the endogenous ribonuclease inhibitor protein (RI) are toxic to human cancer cells. Increasing the basicity of these variants facilitates their entry into the cytosol and thus increases their cytotoxicity. The installation of additional positive charge also has the deleterious consequence of decreasing ribonucleolytic activity or conformational stability. Here, we report that the same benefit can be availed by co-treating cells with a cationic dendrimer. We find that adding the generation 2 poly(amidoamine) dendrimer in trans increases the cytotoxicity of RI-evasive RNase A variants without decreasing their activity or stability. The increased cytotoxicity is not due to increased RI-evasion or cellular internalization, but likely results from improved translocation into the cytosol after endocytosis. These data indicate that co-treatment with highly cationic molecules could enhance the efficacy of ribonucleases as chemotherapeutic agents.
Nursing home placement and the demented patient.

Excerpt To the editor: I applaud the recent article on nursing home placement and the demented patient by Drs. Meier and Cassel (1). It is excellent, timely, and important. The discussion of protec...
Thermoresponsive Poly(α-peptoid)s: Tuning the Cloud Point Temperatures by Composition and Architecture

Random copolymers based on poly(N-ethyl glycine) and poly(N-butyl glycine) have been synthesized by NHC-mediated or primary amine-initiated copolymerization of the corresponding N-substituted N-carboxyanhydride monomers (i.e., Et-NCA and Bu-NCA), respectively. The copolymers are thermally responsive and exhibit reversible phase transitions with tunable cloud point temperature (Tcp) in aqueous solution. The Tcp can be readily tuned in the temperature range 20–60 °C by controlling the copoly(α-peptoid) composition and the architecture (i.e., cyclic vs linear). The copoly(α-peptoid)s are noncytotoxic (similar to poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG), a benchmark biocompatible polymer), suggesting their potential use in biotechnology and biomedicine.
Effect of finasteride on serum levels of androstenedione, testosterone and their 5α-reduced metabolites in men at risk for prostate cancer

Studies show that treatment of men with 5α-reductase inhibitors such as finasteride is effective for the primary prevention of prostate cancer. Although it is known that finasteride treatment suppresses serum levels of dihydrotestosterone (DHT) and its distal metabolite, 5α-androstane-3α,17β-diol glucuronide (3α-diol G), and increases serum testosterone (T) levels, little is known about its effect on other precursors and metabolites of DHT, as well as on the relationship of these androgens to prostate specific antigen (PSA), a marker of prostatic intraepithelial neoplasia. The present study provides new data on the effect of finasteride on precursors and metabolites of DHT. Fifty-three men, ages 57-79 years, with elevated PSA levels (>4ng/ml), were randomized to treatment with finasteride (5mg/day) or observation (controls) for 12 months. Blood samples were obtained at baseline, 1, 3, 6 and 12 months for measurement of PSA, androstenedione (A), T, DHT, 3α-diol G, androsterone glucuronide (ADT G) and DHT sulfate (DHT S) in serum by validated, highly specific radioimmunoassays. Statistical analysis was carried out using mixed model ANOVA and t-tests. In the control group, PSA and androgen levels were unchanged throughout the 12 months of treatment. In the finasteride group, PSA, DHT, DHT S, 3α-diol G and ADT G decreased from baseline to 1 month by 23.2%, 78.7%, 71.0%, 75.7% and 43.0%, respectively. The change in PSA decreased further to 46.1% and 55.1% at 3 and 12 months of treatment, respectively, whereas the decrease in androgens observed at 1 month did not change by more than 6.9% for DHT, DHT S and 3α-diol G in the subsequent months of sampling. However, the decline in ADT G was only 22.2% at month 3, and remained essentially at this level after that time. In contrast, T and A increased significantly from baseline, and the increase in A of approximately 34.5% was about 1.9 times the increase in T (approximately 18.3%). The present data suggest that either 3α-diol G or DHT S may serve as a potential diagnostic marker of intraprostatic 5α-reductase activity during treatment of patients with 5α-reductase inhibitors.
A preliminary analysis of the effects of response cards on student performance and participation in an upper division university course

We evaluated the effects of response cards on student quiz scores and participation in an upper division undergraduate course at a small, private university. Results showed that response cards increased both quiz scores and student participation. In addition, a measure of the social validity of the response-card procedure suggested that students approved of the use of the cards.
Precise control of osteogenesis for craniofacial defect repair: the role of direct osteoprogenitor contact in BMP-2-based bioprinting.

Background: Success with bone morphogenetic protein-2 (BMP-2) has been widely reported in the osseous reconstruction of large calvarial defects. These efforts have required enormous doses of BMP-2 and are not sufficiently refined to facilitate the detail-oriented repair required for intricate craniofacial structures. We have previously shown that inkjet-based bioprinting technologies allow for precisely customized low-dose protein patterns to induce spatially regulated osteogenesis. Here, we investigate the importance of direct contact between bioprinted BMP-2 and the dura mater (a source of osteoprogenitors) in mediating calvarial healing. Methods: Five-millimeter osseous defects were trephinated in mouse parietal bones (N = 8). Circular acellular dermal matrix (ADM) implants were prepared such that 1 semicircle of 1 face per implant was printed with BMP-2 bio-ink. These implants were then placed ink-toward (N = 3) or ink-away (N = 5) from the underlying dura mater. After 4 weeks, osteogenesis was assessed in each of the 4 possible positions (BMP-2-printed area toward dura, BMP-2-printed area away from dura, unprinted area toward dura, and unprinted area away from dura) by faxitron. Results: The BMP-2-printed portion of the ADM generated bone covering an average of 66.5% of its surface area when it was face-down (printed surface directly abutting dura mater). By comparison, the BMP-2-printed portion of the ADM generated bone covering an average of only 21.3% of its surface area when it was face-up (printed surface away from dura). Similarly, the unprinted portion of the ADM generated an average of only 18.6% osseous coverage when face-down and 18.4% when face-up. Conclusions: We have previously shown that inkjet-based bioprinting has the potential to significantly enhance the role of regenerative therapies in craniofacial surgery. This technology affords the precise control of osteogenesis necessary to reconstruct this region’s intricate anatomical architecture. In the present study, we demonstrate that direct apposition of BMP-2-printed ADM to a source of osteoprogenitor cells (in this case dura mater) is necessary for bio-ink-directed osteogenesis to occur. These results have important implications for the design of more complex bioprinted osseous structures.
Age, but not sex, influences the measurement of ejection fraction in elderly patients hospitalized for heart failure.

Abstract Background: Current US and European guidelines recommend that ejection fraction (EF) be measured at least once in patients with congestive heart failure (CHF). However, it is not known how age and sex influence adherence to this recommendation. Methods: We reviewed a national sample of Medicare patients discharged with a principal diagnosis of heart failure and sought to determine the frequency of measurement of EF and the frequency of preserved systolic function (EF > 40%) by age and sex. Results: A total of 2,239 patients were included in this study. EF was known or measured in 59.2% of all admissions. EF was measured less often in women and with increasing age, but using logistic regression only increasing age ( P P =.247) was associated with a lower frequency of EF measurement. Women were more likely than men to have preserved systolic function in all age groups older than age 65 ( P Conclusions: In Medicare patients discharged with a principal diagnosis of heart failure, only 59% have a measurement of EF. Women have EF measured less often than men; this is solely a function of the older age of women. Preserved systolic function increases in both men and women with CHF with increasing age, but women are far more likely than men to have preserved systolic function at all ages.
Physician Participation in Executions: Care Giver or Executioner?

To circumvent objections that the death penalty was “cruel and unusual punishment” and therefore a violation of the Eighth Amendment to the Constitution, advocates proposed lethal injection and the involvement of physicians to overcome the negative perceptions associated with the death penalty, and to increase public acceptability of the practice. Initiated in 1982, lethal injection is now the primary method of execution in 37 of the 38 states with the death penalty. “To be exact, this method has been used to kill 788 of the 956 men and women who have been executed in the United States since 1976, when the death penalty was reinstated by the Supreme Court.” More recently, of the 191 executions performed in the United States since 2001, 189 have been by lethal injection. This “medicalization” of the death penalty has ignited a debate, by those within the medical profession and by others outside it, about the appropriateness of physicians participating in executions.
Transformations of second order ordinary and partial difierential operators

Liouville type transformations are given for symmetric linear ordinary and partial differential operators of second order. Explicit formulas are given for the coefficients of the transformed operators. As a corollary to the general theory we obtain an “Atkinson form” for certain first order vector partial differential operators. This leads to a generalization of the concept of “ g -unitary” transformations. Applications to oscillation and spectral theories are included.
Discovery of Platelet-Type 12-Human Lipoxygenase Selective Inhibitors by High-Throughput Screening of Structurally Diverse Libraries

Human lipoxygenases (hLO) have been implicated in a variety of diseases and cancers and each hLO isozyme appears to have distinct roles in cellular biology. This fact emphasizes the need for discovering selective hLO inhibitors for both understanding the role of specific lipoxygenases in the cell and developing pharmaceutical therapeutics. To this end, we have modified a known lipoxygenase assay for high-throughput (HTP) screening of both the National Cancer Institute (NCI) and the UC Santa Cruz marine extract library (UCSC-MEL) in search of platelet-type 12-hLO (12-hLO) selective inhibitors. The HTP screen led to the characterization of five novel 12-hLO inhibitors from the NCI repository. One is the potent but non-selective michellamine B, a natural product, anti-viral agent. The other four compounds were selective inhibitors against 12-hLO, with three being synthetic compounds and one being alpha-mangostin, a natural product, caspase-3 pathway inhibitor. In addition, a selective inhibitor was isolated from the UCSC-MEL (neodysidenin), which has a unique chemical scaffold for a hLO inhibitor. Due to the unique structure of neodysidenin, steady-state inhibition kinetics were performed and its mode of inhibition against 12-hLO was determined to be competitive (K(i)=17microM) and selective over reticulocyte 15-hLO-1 (K(i) 15-hLO-1/12-hLO>30).
Performance and effects of land cover type on synthetic surface reflectance data and NDVI estimates for assessment and monitoring of semi-arid rangeland

Abstract Federal land management agencies provide stewardship over much of the rangelands in the arid and semi-arid western United States, but they often lack data of the proper spatiotemporal resolution and extent needed to assess range conditions and monitor trends. Recent advances in the blending of complementary, remotely sensed data could provide public lands managers with the needed information. We applied the Spatial and Temporal Adaptive Reflectance Fusion Model (STARFM) to five Landsat TM and concurrent Terra MODIS scenes, and used pixel-based regression and difference image analyses to evaluate the quality of synthetic reflectance and NDVI products associated with semi-arid rangeland. Predicted red reflectance data consistently demonstrated higher accuracy, less bias, and stronger correlation with observed data than did analogous near-infrared (NIR) data. The accuracy of both bands tended to decline as the lag between base and prediction dates increased; however, mean absolute errors (MAE) were typically ≤10%. The quality of area-wide NDVI estimates was less consistent than either spectral band, although the MAE of estimates predicted using early season base pairs were ≤10% throughout the growing season. Correlation between known and predicted NDVI values and agreement with the 1:1 regression line tended to decline as the prediction lag increased. Further analyses of NDVI predictions, based on a 22 June base pair and stratified by land cover/land use (LCLU), revealed accurate estimates through the growing season; however, inter-class performance varied. This work demonstrates the successful application of the STARFM algorithm to semi-arid rangeland; however, we encourage evaluation of STARFM's performance on a per product basis, stratified by LCLU, with attention given to the influence of base pair selection and the impact of the time lag.
eLearning, Interactive Hypermedia, Neuroscience and Digital Learning Module Creation

This paper explores the possibilities of using the recent findings within the area of Neuroscience for developing effective instructional material in the digital form using the interactive hypermedia components that can be used for effective delivery of eLearning. The different components of eLearning, eLearning infrastructure, Interactive Hypermedia are described. A review of findings from Neuroscience for the brain functions that are deemed relevant for learning process is also provided.
In vitro identification and in silico utilization of interspecies sequence similarities using GeneChip technology.

Genomic approaches in large animal models (canine, ovine etc) are challenging due to insufficient genomic information for these species and the lack of availability of corresponding microarray platforms. To address this problem, we speculated that conserved interspecies genetic sequences can be experimentally detected by cross-species hybridization. The Affymetrix platform probe redundancy offers flexibility in selecting individual probes with high sequence similarities between related species for gene expression analysis. Gene expression profiles of 40 canine samples were generated using the human HG-U133A GeneChip (U133A). Due to interspecies genetic differences, only 14 ± 2% of canine transcripts were detected by U133A probe sets whereas profiling of 40 human samples detected 49 ± 6% of human transcripts. However, when these probe sets were deconstructed into individual probes and examined performance of each probe, we found that 47% of human probes were able to find their targets in canine tissues and generate a detectable hybridization signal. Therefore, we restricted gene expression analysis to these probes and observed the 60% increase in the number of identified canine transcripts. These results were validated by comparison of transcripts identified by our restricted analysis of cross-species hybridization with transcripts identified by hybridization of total lung canine mRNA to new Affymetrix Canine GeneChip®. The experimental identification and restriction of gene expression analysis to probes with detectable hybridization signal drastically increases transcript detection of canine-human hybridization suggesting the possibility of broad utilization of cross-hybridizations of related species using GeneChip technology.
Hematology of Camelids

Interpretation of camelid hematology results is similar to that of other mammals. Obtaining accurate results and using appropriate reference intervals can be a bit problematic, particularly when evaluating the erythron. Camelid erythrocytes vary from other mammals in that they are small, flat, and elliptical. This variation makes data obtained from samples collected from these species prone to error when using some automated instruments. Normal and abnormal findings in camelid blood are reviewed as well as how to ensure accurate results.
A Scale-Discriminating Vorticity Budget for a Mesoscale Vortex in a Midlatitude, Continental Mesoscale Convective System

Abstract The authors employ data from the NOAA Wind Profiler Network to present a scale-discriminating vorticity budget for a mesoscale convective vortex (MCV) that was generated by a mesoscale convective system (MCS) in Oklahoma and Kansas on 1 August 1996. A spatial bandpass filter was used to divide observed wind into mesoscale and synoptic components. Then the authors sought sources and sinks of vorticity in those two components over 9 h of the MCV's lifetime. The vorticity budget reveals that both the mesoscale and synoptic winds supplied significant vorticity to the MCV. The vortex's origin could not be proved, but data weakly suggest that tilting may have been mostly responsible. Convergence of absolute vorticity by the mesoscale wind was the reason the MCV grew deeper and stronger as the MCS weakened. Finally, tilting of synoptic and mesoscale vorticity by gradients in mesoscale vertical motion was responsible for a secondary deepening of the MCV as the MCS dissipated. The budget suggests that, if...
Bidirectional Transport along Microtubules

Active transport by microtubule motors has a plethora of crucial roles in eukaryotic cells. Organelles often move bidirectionally, employing both plus-end and minus-end directed motors. Bidirectional motion is widespread and may allow dynamic regulation, error correction and the establishment of polarized organelle distributions. Emerging evidence suggests that motors for both directions are simultaneously present on cellular 'cargo', but that their activity is coordinated so that when plus-end motors are active, minus-end motors are not, and vice versa. Both the dynein cofactor dynactin and the Klarsicht (Klar) protein appear to be important for such coordination. The direction of net transport depends on the balance between plus-end directed and minus-end directed motion. In several model systems, factors crucial for setting this balance have now been identified, setting the stage for a molecular dissection of the underlying regulatory mechanisms. These analyses will likely provide insight into motor cooperation in general.
Large-scale isentropic mixing properties of the Antarctic polar vortex from analyzed winds

Winds derived from analyzed geopotential height fields are used to study quasi-horizontal mixing by the large-scale flow in the lower stratosphere during austral spring. This is the period when the Antarctic ozone hole appears and disappears. Trajectories are computed for large ensembles of particles initially inside and outside the main polar vortex. Mixing and transport are diagnosed through estimates of finite time Lyapunov exponents and Lagrangian dispersion statistics of the tracer trajectories. At 450 K and above prior to the vortex breakdown: Lyapunov exponents are a factor of 2 smaller inside the vortex than outside; diffusion coefficients are an order of magnitude smaller inside than outside the vortex; and the trajectories reveal little exchange of air across the vortex boundary. At lower levels (425 and 400 K) mixing is greater, and there is substantial exchange of air across the vortex boundary. In some years there are large wave events that expel small amounts of vortex air into the mid-latitudes. At the end of the spring season during the vortex breakdown there is rapid mixing of air across the vortex boundary, which is evident in the mixing diagnostics and the tracer trajectories.
Allergen-induced airway disease is mouse strain dependent

We investigated the development of airway hyperreactivity (AHR) and inflammation in the lungs of nine genetically diverse inbred strains of mice [129/SvIm, A/J, BALB/cJ, BTBR+(T)/tf/tf, CAST/Ei, C3H/HeJ, C57BL/6J, DBA/2J, and FVB/NJ] after sensitization and challenge with ovalbumin (OVA). At 24, 48, and 72 h post-OVA exposure, the severity of AHR and eosinophilic inflammation of the mouse strains ranged from relatively unresponsive to responsive. The severity of the airway eosinophilia of some strains did not clearly correlate with the development of AHR. The temporal presence of T helper type 2 cytokines in lung lavage fluid also varied markedly among the strains. The levels of IL-4 and IL-13 were generally increased in the strains with the highest airway eosinophilia at 24 and 72 h postexposure, respectively; the levels of IL-5 were significantly increased in most of the strains with airway inflammation over the 72-h time period. The differences of physiological and biological responses among the inbred mouse strains after OVA sensitization and challenge support the hypothesis that genetic factors contribute, in part, to the development of allergen-induced airway disease.
The Cpx Stress Response System Potentiates the Fitness and Virulence of Uropathogenic Escherichia coli

Strains of uropathogenic Escherichia coli (UPEC) are the primary cause of urinary tract infections, representing one of the most widespread and successful groups of pathogens on the planet. To colonize and persist within the urinary tract, UPEC must be able to sense and respond appropriately to environmental stresses, many of which can compromise the bacterial envelope. The Cpx two-component envelope stress response system is comprised of the inner membrane histidine kinase CpxA, the cytosolic response regulator CpxR, and the periplasmic auxiliary factor CpxP. Here, by using deletion mutants along with mouse and zebrafish infection models, we show that the Cpx system is critical to the fitness and virulence of two reference UPEC strains, the cystitis isolate UTI89 and the urosepsis isolate CFT073. Specifically, deletion of the cpxRA operon impaired the ability of UTI89 to colonize the murine bladder and greatly reduced the virulence of CFT073 during both systemic and localized infections within zebrafish embryos. These defects coincided with diminished host cell invasion by UTI89 and increased sensitivity of both strains to complement-mediated killing and the aminoglycoside antibiotic amikacin. Results obtained with the cpxP deletion mutants were more complicated, indicating variable strain-dependent and niche-specific requirements for this well-conserved auxiliary factor.
A reconfigurable VLSI array for reliability and yield enhancement

The fault-tolerance scheme consists of two phases: testing and locating faults (fault diagnosis), and reconfiguration. The first phase uses an online error-detection technique that achieves a compromise between the space and time redundancy approaches. This technique reduces the rollback time considerably and is capable of detecting permanent as well as transient faults. Reconfiguration consists of mapping the function of the faulty processor element onto an adjacent nonfaulty neighbor, which is achieved by using a global control responsible for changing the states of the switches in the interconnection network. Backtracking is introduced into the algorithm for maximizing the processor utilization, at the same time keeping the complexity of the interconnection network as simple as possible. A reliability analysis of this scheme using a Markov model and a comparison with some previous schemes are given. >
Response of thermalized ribbons to pulling and bending

Motivated by recent free-standing graphene experiments, we show how thermal fluctuations affect the mechanical properties of microscopically thin solid ribbons, which can be many thousand times wider than their atomic thickness. A renormalization group analysis of flexural phonons reveals that elongated ribbons behave like highly anisotropic polymers, where the two dimensional nature of ribbons is reflected in nontrivial power law scalings of the persistence length and effective bending and twisting rigidities with the ribbon width. With a coarse-grained transfer matrix approach, we then examine the nonlinear response of thermalized ribbons to pulling and bending forces over a wide spectrum of temperatures, forces, and ribbon lengths.
Vasopressin-independent alterations in renal water excretion in quadriplegia

Postural effects on water excretion are known to be increased in patients with cervical spinal cord injury and may result in marked impairment of the ability to excrete a water load, especially in erect posture. Both vasopressin-dependent and vasopressin-independent mechanisms have been implicated. To assess the roles of these mechanisms and further identify the factors involved in the renal response to erect posture, sustained water loading studies were performed on 11 quadriplegic subjects and 9 healthy control subjects, supine and erect (sitting). Renal blood flow was assessed by p-aminohippurate clearance (CPAH) measurements in 7 quadriplegic and 5 control subjects. During maximal water diuresis, plasma vasopressin concentrations were reduced to unquantifiable levels in all subjects. Osmolar clearance, free water clearance (CH2O), and distal delivery of filtrate (DDF) were all lower in quadriplegic than in control subjects, supine and erect. The relationship between CH2O and DDF was the same in quadriplegic as in control subjects and was not altered by change in posture in either group. Creatinine clearance and CPAH were lower in erect than in supine posture in quadriplegic subjects but not in control subjects. We conclude that impairment of water excretion in stable normonatremic quadriplegic subjects can be attributed primarily to vasopressin-independent mechanisms involving reduced filtrate delivery to diluting segments of the renal tubules rather than to resistance to normal suppression of vasopressin release.
The Environment and a Two-Billion Dollar Property

Land management must consider the environment in depth, in cooperation with the public, to ensure maximum benefit to man and nature. Surface and subsurface ownership must be known. Ownership maps, supplemented with subject overlays or companion maps, or both, are basic tools. The surveyor and the photogrammetrist must supply the base maps for the subject specialists. Climate, flora, fauna, water, topography, soils, geology, land use and local economy must be considered. Each of these items may not receive the same degree of consideration, ultimately. But only when all data have been assembled and analyzed can long and short range plans be developed. Plans should not be considered final, much less implemented, until the public has been involved in their review, and participated in the harmonization of differences.
Fluorescent Nanosensor for Drug Discovery

There is a pressing need for developing new anti-HIV agents due to the emergence of drug-resistant HIV mutants, side effects of existing drugs, and the mutation of the virus. High-throughput screening (HTS) has been proven as a powerful technique for the discovery of new anti-HIV drugs. The utilization of high-content screening (HCS) requires development of nanosensor that is suitable for HCS. We developed fluorescence imaging-based nanosensor for screening of inhibitors against activity of HIV-1 protease. We explored using AcGFP1 (a fluorescent mutant of the wild-type green fluorescent protein) and mCherry (a mutant of red fluorescent protein), as two fluorophores for Forster resonance energy transfer (FRET) microscopy imaging measurement of HIV-1 protease activity within living cells. Both in vitro and in vivo studies revealed that the novel molecular probes exhibit significant enhancement of FRET signals. The probe developed in this study enables HCS of new anti-HIV agents.
POSITIVE PREDICTIVE VALUE OF ECG SCREENING BY SEATTLE CRITERIA IN COLLEGIATE ATHLETES

Pre-participation electrocardiographic (ECG) screening is a very sensitive approach to detecting abnormalities conferring risk for sudden cardiac death. Because training alters the ECG, athlete-specific criteria such as the Seattle criteria have been developed to reduce the false discovery rate.
Experimental and Numerical Evaluation of Geometric Modifications in Gas Turbine Blade Cooling Channel

Cooling channels are essential components of the modern gas turbine engines. Enhanced cooling techniques are allowing for increase in firing temperatures and thereby improving power and efficiency. Air bled from the compressor is passed through serpentine passages within the blade to take away the heat and keep the blade under operating temperatures. Heat transfer in the channel can be improved by increasing the turbulence in the coolant flow. U-Bends in the serpentine channels cause secondary flow and Coriolis effects. Apart from this, the channel walls are impregnated with turbulators such as ribs, pins and dimples. These turbulators cause flow disturbance near the wall improving the heat transfer. Designing the cooling system requires detailed understanding of the flow patterns in the channel. Numerical techniques help understand the flow in detail providing 3-dimensional velocity profiles and other parameters. Experimental data helps validate the numerical models and improves the reliability of the numerical results. In this research, experiments were performed to determine the Nusselt number distribution in a cooling channel and numerical simulations were performed to compare and predict the heat transfer in other channels.
EXPERIMENTAL STUDIES OF PLEIOTROPY AND EPISTASIS IN ESCHERICHIA COLI. II. COMPENSATION FOR MALADAPTIVE EFFECTS ASSOCIATED WITH RESISTANCE TO VIRUS T4.

Mutations in Escherichia coli that confer resistance to virus T4 also have maladaptive effects that reduce competitive fitness. After resistant populations had evolved for 400 generations in the absence of T4, their fitness approached that of sensitive populations allowed to evolve under identical conditions. However, the resistant populations had not reverted to sensitivity. Instead, this convergence in fitness resulted from genetic changes that compensated for maladaptive pleiotropic effects of the resistance mutations. An allele selected in an evolving resistant population reduced the competitive disadvantage associated with resistance by almost half. Interestingly, this allele was also beneficial in sensitive populations, although its fitness advantage was only about one-fifth as great as it was in the resistant population. These results run counter to a commonly held view that trade-offs between components of fitness should become more pronounced as populations approach their "selective equilibria." If a trade-off derives from some limiting energetic or material currency, then it is likely to become more pronounced as a population becomes more finely adapted. If a trade-off derives from the disruption of genetic integration, then it is likely to be diminished with further adaptation.
Formation of Agglutinins in Response to Routine Inoculation of Typhoid Vaccine.

The universality of inoculation of typhoid vaccine has rendered the Widal reaction perhaps even more unreliable for diagnosis than it has been in the past. For this reason a further study of the agglutinin response to typhoid vaccine would be of value in helping to interpret this diagnostic test.Broesamlen1 states that 74% of 482 healthy persons whom he followed showed positive agglutination after typhoid vaccine, and that 41% were still positive at the end of 2 years. Fennel2 studied 30 individuals and came to the conclusion that previous vaccination repressed agglutination formation and that there was no relation between the local and systemic reaction and the agglutinin formation. It is interesting to note that the present study fails to confirm the conclusions of either of these workers.Opportunity was afforded by the routine inoculation of the class in bacteriology against typhoid fever to study the formation of agglutinins in a group of 95 healthy young adults.Samples of blood were taken from each s...
Surfactants in the management of rhinopathologies.

BackgroundSurfactants are a class of amphiphilic surface active compounds that show several unique physical properties at liquid–liquid or liquid–solid surface interfaces including the ability to i...