cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Carbon nanotube-based substrates for modulation of human pluripotent stem cell fate

We investigated the biological response of human pluripotent stem cells (hPSCs) cultured on a carbon nanotube (CNT) array-based substrate with the long term goal to direct hPSC germ layer specification for a wide variety of tissue engineering applications. CNT arrays were fabricated using a chemical vapor deposition system allowing for control over surface roughness and mechanical stiffness. Our results demonstrated that hPSCs readily attach to hydrophilized and extracellular matrix coated CNT arrays. hPSCs cultured as colonies in conditions supporting self-renewal demonstrated the morphology and marker expression of undifferentiated hPSCs. Conditions inducing spontaneous differentiation lead to hPSC commitment to all three embryonic germ layers as assessed by immunostaining and RT-PCR analysis. Strikingly, the physical characteristics of CNT arrays favored mesodermal specification of hPSCs. This is contradictory to the behavior of hPSCs on traditional tissue culture plastic which promotes the development of ectoderm. Altogether, these results demonstrate the potential of CNT arrays to be used in the generation of new platforms that allow for precise control of hPSC differentiation by tuning the characteristics of their physical microenvironment.
Surface Chemistry of Aerosolized Nanoparticles:Thermal Oxidation of Silicon

The kinetics of reaction between silicon nanoparticles and molecular oxygen were studied by tandem differential mobility analysis . Aerosolized silicon nanoparticles were extracted from a low-pressure silane plasma into an atmospheric pressure aerosol flow tube reactor. Particles were initially passed through a differential mobility analyzer that was set to transmit only those particles having mobility diameters of approximately 10 nm. The monodisperse particle streams were mixed with oxygen/nitrogen mixtures of different oxygen volume fractions and allowed to react over a broad temperature range (600−1100 °C) for approximately one second. Particles were size-classified after reaction with a second differential mobility analyzer. The particle mobility diameters increased upon oxidation by up to 1.3 nm, depending on the oxygen volume fraction and the reaction temperature. Oxidation is described by a kinetic model that considers both oxygen diffusion and surface reaction, with diffusion becoming important a...
Video Evaluation of Passage Efficiency of American Shad and Sea Lamprey in a Modified Ice Harbor Fishway

Abstract Movement and behavior of adult American shad Alosa sapidissima and sea lamprey Petromyzon marinus were monitored by closed-circuit video at several locations within a modified Ice Harbor fishway. American shad ascended and descended the fishway exclusively by surface weirs, while sea lampreys used both surface weirs and submerged orifices. Upstream movement of American shad during the day was higher than at night at both lower and middle fishway observation sites. Peak downstream movement of American shad at both locations was associated with decreasing light levels in the evening. Sea lampreys moved primarily at night at the lower and middle fishway sites. Mean daily passage efficiency was low (1% for American shad, –2% for sea lamprey) at the lower fishway surface weir, but passage efficiency at the middle fishway surface weir was moderate (70% for American shad, 35% for sea lamprey) . High water velocity, air entrainment, and turbulence of the modified Ice Harbor fishway design appeared to inh...
The sensitivity of a traffic network

Abstract The sensitivity of a traffic network is defined for investigating the variations of the terminal capacities due to the decreases of the capacities of individual elements (stations and links). The sensitivity of a traffic network of n stations is described by a square matrix of order n, called the sensitivity matrix. The maximum off-diagonal entry in a sensitivity matrix is studied. From this information, a method is established for the design of a traffic network such that by using minimum individual element capacities no terminal capacities decrease beyond the specified tolerance when the expected decreases of the element capacities are given.
Postulates for the Evaluation of Adverse Reactions to Drugs

In most large clinical trials, any unexplained adverse event that occurs during the administration of the study drug is considered to be possibly drug-related. While this approach is effective in identifying the adverse effects of a drug, it does not take into account other, non-drug-related factors that may have caused the event. In very few of these clinical trials has there been an attempt to validate that these events are actually drug-induced; yet, they might still be reported as a side effect in the leaflet insert when the drug is later marketed. When such adverse events are erroneously attributed to drug toxicity, allergy, or idiosyncrasy, it could affect the clinician's decision to use that drug. Some patients may therefore be deprived of a valuable therapeutic tool. Certain postulates should be answered before an adverse effect is considered to be drug-related. It should also be determined whether or not a reaction is due to drug toxicity rather than to allergy or idiosyncrasy. While all adverse events cannot be put to the same stringent tests, under reasonable and safe circumstances, such practices will allow for a more accurate evaluation of a drug and its suspected adverse effects.
Non-Zenoness of a class of differential quasi-variational inequalities

The Zeno phenomenon of a switched dynamical system refers to the infinite number of mode switches in finite time. The absence of this phenomenon is crucial to the numerical simulation of such a system by time-stepping methods and to the understanding of the behavior of the system trajectory. Extending a previous result for a strongly regular differential variational inequality, this paper establishes that a certain class of non-strongly regular differential variational inequalities is devoid of the Zeno phenomenon. The proof involves many supplemental results that are of independent interest. Specialized to a frictional contact problem with local compliance and polygonal friction laws, this non-Zenoness result is of fundamental significance and the first of its kind.
Enabling distributed command and control with standards-based geospatial collaboration

Large-scale disasters present significant incident management challenges due to their size and complexity. Organizations often introduce distinct Concepts of Operations (CONOPs), resources, and tools. Collecting and disseminating real-time information across all responders and organizations presents a difficult, but urgent, technical problem, exemplified by the responses to the 2010 Deep Water Horizon oil spill and the 2011 9.0 magnitude earthquake and ensuing tsunami in Japan. Web-based application capabilities have matured significantly and can provide a distributed, feature-rich, and standards-based collaboration environment for First Responders. This paper describes the Next-Generation Incident Command System (NICS), formerly the Lincoln Distributed Disaster Response System (LDDRS), an open, non-proprietary, distributed, scalable, web-based situational awareness system for First Responders. NICS is developed by MIT Lincoln Laboratory (MIT LL), in partnership with the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE), under the sponsorship of the Department of Homeland Security Science & Technology Directorate (S&T).
The effect of activity deprivation upon subsequent activity

Eighty naive, male rats were trained on activity wheels and then randomly placed in one of 16 groups formed on the basis of days of activity deprivation (1, 2, 4, and 8) and activity deprivation cage (ADC) sizes of 25-, 50-, 100-, and 200 sq. in. After removal from the ADC, the rats were tested in the activity wheels. An increase in cage size produced a negatively accelerated activity curve, reaching asymptote at the 100 in. cage size. The effects for days were unclear, probably as a result of the complexity of the interaction. Additional investigation of the phenomena is being undertaken.
Narrative From Learning in Reflection to Learning in Performance

This article reviews one current concept of experiential learning, using the work of David Kolb as an exemplar of this genre of learning theory. Working from a relational or social constructionist perspective, the article suggests that there are three problematic assumptions within current experiential learning cycles. First, there is a realist treatment of world and events. Second, a distinct and independent individual is assumed to be able to experience, know and act on this real world. Third, cognition, be it in the form of knowledge, interpretation or perception, is treated as the unproblematic precursor to action. In contrast to these assumptions relational premises invite multiple narratives to replace ‘concrete experience’, social rather than individual action and coordination with others in contrast with adaptation to a real world. These alternative premises form the basis of an alternative, narrative reflective cycle that is argued to offer practical reflective ‘tools’ that would be of benefit, even if the reflector did not share the author’s relational constructionist assumptions.
Exploring U.S. Men's Birth Intentions

While recently there have been renewed interest in women’s childbearing intentions, the authors sought to bring needed research attention to understanding men’s childbearing intentions. Nationally representative data from the 2006–2010 National Survey of Family Growth (NSFG) was used to examine pregnancy intentions and happiness for all births reported by men in the 5 years preceding the interview. We used bivariate statistical tests of associations between intention status, happiness about the pregnancy, and fathers’ demographic characteristics, including joint race/ethnicity and union status subgroups. Multivariate logistic regressions were used to calculate adjusted odds ratios of a birth being intended, estimated separately by father’s union status at birth. Using comparable data and measures from the male and female NSFG surveys, we tested for gender differences intentions and happiness, and examined the sensitivity of our results to potential underreporting of births by men. Nearly four out of ten of births to men were reported as unintended, with significant variation by men’s demographic traits. Non-marital childbearing was more likely to be intended among Hispanic and black men. Sixty-two percent of births received a 10 on the happiness scale. Happiness about the pregnancy varied significantly by intention status. Men were significantly happier than women about the pregnancies, with no significant difference in intention status. Potential underreporting of births by men had little impact on these patterns. This study brings needed focus to men’s childbearing intentions and improves our understanding of the context of their role as fathers. Men need to be included in strategies to prevent unintended pregnancy.
Spinning of a random copolypeptide composed of gamma-benzyl-L-glutamate and L-alanine.

The solution spinning of a random copolypeptide of Y-benzyl-L-glutamate polymerized with L-alanine at a mole ratio of 1 to 4 has been examined. Good fibers were obtained by using dichloroacetic acid and water as solvent and coagulation reagent respectively. The mechanical properties of the fibers are comparable with those of natural fibers.
Malevolent object detection using microwave RFID tags

Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) tags are gaining popularity in sensing applications. Common implementations rely on backscattering digitally encoded sensor data from an RFID tag to a reader. This paper discusses a unique capability of RFID technology to detect objects in a tag's near vicinity by observing trends in the magnitude and phase of backscattered signal, irrespective of the information encoded in the data. Computational results and measurements are presented, and demonstrate how to improve sensitivity for object detection near a tag.
Assisting clients of community mental health centers to secure SSI benefits: A controlled evaluation

The entire caseloads of three Community Mental Health Centers were screened on variables normally assessed in the SSI application process. These data were then used to classify each individual as Possibly Eligible for SSI benefits, or as Probably Not Eligible. The Possibly Eligible subjects were randomly assigned to either the Experimental condition, in which subjects were helped to apply for SSI, or the Control condition, in which no intervention was provided. Results showed that the Experimental subjects were almost twice as likely to secure SSI benefits as the Control subjects. The usefulness of the screening form was supported in that control subjects were almost five times more likely to be awarded SSI, compared with subjects who had been classified as Probably Not Eligible.
Musculoskeletal complications encountered in the lysosomal storage disorders

The lysosomal storage disorders are a heterogeneous group of inherited metabolic diseases resulting from defects in the degradation or transport of several distinct by-products of cellular turnover. The various subtypes are characterized by multi-systemic involvement; the wide range in patient ages at symptom onset is only partly explained by the underlying mutation(s). Neurodegenerative features and musculoskeletal complications are often seen in the most severe variants, and are features of the disease that have the most significant impact on patients' physical and functional well-being. Until recently, the care of affected individuals relied mainly on palliative or supportive measures. The introduction of therapies directed at correcting the primary defect (i.e., deficient enzyme activity) in several of these disorders has led to modification of the phenotype and natural history or disease course; however, clinical problems arising from brain and bone involvement remain major sources of morbidity. Factors that might influence therapeutic outcome include pre-existing pathology at the time of treatment initiation, drug access to tissues sites of pathology, and – in the case of enzyme therapy – antibody formation. Increasing understanding of the pathogenesis or relevant mechanism(s) of diseases is providing insights into additional therapeutic targets, enabling the potential for optimized patient outcomes with the use of adjunctive or supplemental agents. Physical and occupational therapy remain critical components of a comprehensive approach to patient care.
Prospects for large-format infrared arrays for astronomy

Abstract The recent advent of sensitive infrared array detectors has enabled ground-based astronomers to obtain images of comparable depth at wavelengths from 0.35 to 2.2 μm, thus greatly extending the observational coverage of spectral energy distributions for high redshift objects. Infrared arrays available at the present time have been applied with considerable success, but these detectors still have certain limitations for studies of the universe at high redshifts, one of which is their small field of view on the sky. Over the next few years, however, prospects are good for improving the formats of near-infrared arrays up to 512 × 512 pixels, and achieving excellent low-noise performance. Combined with large aperture telescopes and active optics techniques, infrared arrays will approach the condition of being simultaneously background- and diffraction-limited. The potential for very deep infrared imaging and near-IR spectroscopy of objects at high z is discussed.
SOME FACTORS AFFECTING THE TUMOR-INHIBITORY PROPERTIES OF COMBINATIONS OF AZASERINE AND 6-CHLOROPURINE.

Abstract The prolongation of the survival time of mice bearing sarcoma 180 ascites cells caused by combinations of 6-chloropurine and azaserine appeared to be insensitive to moderate increases in the dosage of azaserine. Maximum effectiveness of the combination of these agents occurred when either simultaneous administration of the two drugs was employed or the 6-chloropurine was given 1 hr after the azaserine; an interval of more than 3 hr caused a marked reduction in the degree of synergism. Therapy could be initiated up to 4 days after tumor implantation with some retention of antitumor properties by the combination. The ability of several purines and purine ribonucleosides to antagonize the chloropurine-induced enhancement of azaserine inhibition of sarcoma 180 was determined: guanosine prevented synergism at all levels of chloropurine tested, while adenosine, inosine, and hypoxanthine antagonized only at the lower levels of chloropurine administered. Adenine did not prevent drug enhancement. The results suggest that drug-induced blocks on the pathway to guanine nucleotides are associated with the synergism exhibited by combinations of 6-chloropurine and azaserine; however, an additional unknown site of blockade appears to be necessary for potential ion.
The moisture effect on the fatigue crack growth of glass particle and fiber reinforced epoxies with strong and weak bonding conditions. Part 1. Macroscopic fatigue crack propagation behavior

Abstract The fatigue crack propagation behavior of glass-filled epoxy composites with three different types of reinforcements was characterized. Moreover, the underlying mechanisms operating in fatigue were identified using da/dN vs. ΔK curves according to the model proposed by other investigators. The effect of moisture was studied. In particular, the role of adhesion promoters in fatigue crack propagation behavior was determined by treating the glass reinforcements with silane-based adhesion promoters. The fatigue crack propagation behavior with moisture exposure was strongly dependent on the surface treatment of the reinforcements and poor matrix–particle adhesion resulted in better fatigue crack propagation resistance. An investigation revealed that the specific toughening mechanism contributing to fatigue crack propagation behavior depended on the type of reinforcement and the surface treatment. Glass spheres treated with n-butyltrimethoxysilane exhibited crack tip shielding mechanisms involving shear yielding whereas short glass fiber treated with aminopropyltrimethoxysilane exhibited contact shielding mechanisms involving fiber bridging and wedging due to asperities generated between fracture surfaces. Interestingly, the type of adhesion promoters had a significant influence on the type of toughening mechanism observed.
Free tissue transfer with distraction osteogenesis is effective for limb salvage of the infected traumatized lower extremity.

Background: Salvage of acute and chronic tibial osseocutaneous defects in the lower extremity poses a formidable problem. Although local, distant, and free tissue transfer or bone grafting alone may be adequate for repair of small wounds or osseous defects, large or complicated defects necessitate a different approach. The authors describe their experience with free tissue transfer in combination with distraction osteogenesis for complex composite osteocutaneous defects. Methods: The authors reviewed a consecutive series of 28 patients who underwent treatment over an 8-year period, with follow-up ranging from 1 to 8.5 years. Mean time to flap after injury was 1082 days (range, 6 days to 30 years). Indications for treatment included infected nonunion of the tibia (n = 18), acute traumatic bone loss (n = 5), skin and soft-tissue breakdown that occurred during distraction osteogenesis (n = 4), and exposed bone following previous failed free flap ( n = 1). Results: Free flaps used included the rectus abdominis ( n = 17), latissimus dorsi (n = 5), gracilis (n = 5), and radial forearm (n = 1). Mean length of bone gap was 63 mm (range, 30 to 140 mm), and mean area of wound requiring flap coverage was 219 cm 2 (range, 35 to 400 cm 2 ). Twenty-five patients (89.3 percent) had successful flap coverage and went on to ambulate independently and return to work. The minor complication rate was 42.9 percent. Conclusions: Distraction osteogenesis in combination with free tissue transfer is a powerful technique that allows limb salvage, particularly when local and regional flaps are unavailable or inadequate. For infected nonunion of the tibia, it permits a staged approach that allows underlying osteomyelitis to declare itself and provides vascularized healthy soft-tissue coverage that facilitates repeated operations for the purpose of distraction.
Superordinate and basic category names in discourse: A textual analysis

Recent work on the categorization of objects in scenes and on the acquisition of children's concepts suggests that superordinate concepts represent groups of concept members and the relations among them. In contrast, basic concepts typically represent the characteristics of single objects (e.g., chairs have four legs, a back, and are for sitting on). If language use mirrors conceptual structure, one would expect to find differences in the use of basic and superordinate category names in discourse. In particular, people may use superordinate terms more often to refer to multiple objects rather than individual objects. Basic category terms may be used more often to refer to individual objects. The analysis presented here addressed this hypothesis by examining a large sample of references to superordinates and their basic categories. The proportion of references to single versus multiple objects was calculated for superordinates and their basic categories. Results showed that superordinates were more often u...
Heterosegmental and heterosensory presynaptic inhibition.

DORSAL root potentials (DRPs) described for the first time by Barron and Matthews1 have been the object of intensive investigation during recent years (see ref. 2). In all these studies DRP was evoked by stimulation of hindlimb afferents and recorded on the ipsilateral lumbosacral dorsal root filaments close to the entry zone of the stimulated primary afferents.
Description of multilingual participants who stutter

Abstract Purpose The purpose of this review was to examine the descriptions of multilingual participants provided in stuttering literature to determine how frequently and consistently relevant factors of language profile are reported. Method We conducted a systematic search of published studies that included multilingual participants who stutter and reviewed the level of detail provided regarding language history, function, proficiency, stability, mode, accent, covert speech, and affective factors. Results Twenty-three studies qualified to be included in the systematic review, consisting of 342 different multilingual stuttering participants. Of these 23 studies, the most frequently reported information included language proficiency (70%), history (56%), and function (43%). The specificity of the information used to define these factors was inconsistent. Affect was mentioned in 22% of studies, and language stability, mode, and accent information was included in less than 10% of the studies. Conclusions Results demonstrate that description of multilingual stuttering participants is inadequate and inconsistent. A recommended framework is provided for future studies to facilitate cross-study comparisons and enhance our ability to interpret the manifestation of stuttering in multilingual participants. Educational objectives: The reader will be able to: (a) summarize the current validity of cross-study comparisons in available research of multilingual participants who stutter; (b) describe the range of language factors to be included when providing descriptions of multilingual participants who stutter; (c) discuss the importance of consistency when describing language profiles of multilingual research participants.
Nanomechanical characterization of multilayered thin film structures for digital micromirror devices.

Abstract The digital micromirror device (DMD), used for digital projection displays, comprises a surface-micromachined array of up to 2.07 million aluminum micromirrors (14 μm square and 15 μm pitch), which switch forward and backward thousands of times per second using electrostatic attraction. The nanomechanical properties of the thin-film structures used are important to the performance of the DMD. In this paper, the nanomechanical characterization of the single and multilayered thin film structures, which are of interest in DMDs, is carried out. The hardness, Young's modulus and scratch resistance of TiN/Si, SiO2/Si, Al alloy/Si, TiN/Al alloy/Si and SiO2/TiN/Al alloy/Si thin-film structures were measured using nanoindentation and nanoscratch techniques, respectively. The residual (internal) stresses developed during the thin film growth were estimated by measuring the radius of curvature of the sample before and after deposition. To better understand the nanomechanical properties of these thin film materials, the surface and interface analysis of the samples were conducted using X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The nanomechanical properties of these materials are analyzed and the impact of these properties on micromirror performance is discussed.
Teacher Gender A Predictor of Special Education Referral

Crossbreak analysis shows that when teachers consider students with high levels of problem behavior for special education referral, male teachers are much more likely than females to decide not to refer.
Measuring the height of the fishing line and its effect on shrimp catch and bycatch in an ocean shrimp (Pandalus jordani) trawl

Abstract The relationship between fishing line height (FLH), shrimp catch and bycatch in a semi-pelagic ocean shrimp ( Pandalus jordani ) trawl was investigated using a newly developed recording inclinometer. The inclinometer was effective at measuring FLH and indicating trawl performance deficits. FLH was determined to be stable during a haul and also between hauls within a given footrope and groundline configuration. FLH was readily adjusted with simple modifications to the footrope “dropper” chains. Inclinometer data showed that FLH can be unequal between double-rigged nets of identical configuration. Shrimp catch and the bycatch of flatfish and juvenile rockfish varied inversely with FLH, suggesting FLH can be adjusted to equalize the catch of shrimp, flatfish and juvenile rockfish between two double-rigged shrimp nets.
Registration Based Lung Mechanical Analysis of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) Using A Supervised Machine Learning Framework

Rationale and Objectives This study evaluated the performance of computed tomography (CT)-derived biomechanical based features of lung function and the presence and severity of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). It performed well when compared to CT-derived density and textural features of lung function and the presence and severity of COPD. Materials and Methods A total of 162 subjects (Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease [GOLD] stages 0–4 and nonsmokers) subjects with CT scan performed at total lung capacity or expiration to functional residual capacity were evaluated. CT-derived biomechanical, density, and textural feature sets were compared to forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV 1 )%, FEV 1 /forced vital capacity, and total St. George's respiratory questionnaire scores. The ability of these feature sets to assess the presence and severity of COPD was also evaluated. Optimal features are selected by linear forward feature selection and the classification is done using k nearest neighbor learning algorithm. Results The proposed biomechanical features showed good correlations with the pulmonary function tests and health status metrics. In COPD versus non-COPD classification, biomechanical feature set achieved an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.85 performing well in comparison to density (AUC = 0.83) and texture (AUC = 0.89) feature sets. Classifying the subjects into the severity of GOLD stage using biomechanical features (AUC = 0.81) performed better than the density- and texture-based feature sets, AUC = 0.76 and 0.73, respectively. The biomechanical features performed better alone than in combination with the other two feature sets. Conclusion This study shows the effectiveness of CT-derived biomechanical measures in the assessment of airflow obstruction and quality of life in subjects with COPD. CT-derived biomechanical features performed well in assessing the presence and severity of COPD.
Evaluation of CMIP3 and CMIP5 Wind Stress Climatology Using Satellite Measurements and Atmospheric Reanalysis Products

AbstractWind stress measurements from the Quick Scatterometer (QuikSCAT) satellite and two atmospheric reanalysis products are used to evaluate the annual mean and seasonal cycle of wind stress simulated by phases 3 and 5 of the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project (CMIP3 and CMIP5). The ensemble CMIP3 and CMIP5 wind stresses are very similar to each other. Generally speaking, there is no significant improvement of CMIP5 over CMIP3. The CMIP ensemble–average zonal wind stress has eastward biases at midlatitude westerly wind regions (30°–50°N and 30°–50°S, with CMIP being too strong by as much as 55%), westward biases in subtropical–tropical easterly wind regions (15°–25°N and 15°–25°S), and westward biases at high-latitude regions (poleward of 55°S and 55°N). These biases correspond to too strong anticyclonic (cyclonic) wind stress curl over the subtropical (subpolar) ocean gyres, which would strengthen these gyres and influence oceanic meridional heat transport. In the equatorial zone, significant biase...
Behavioral observations reflected on consultation requests from primary medical-surgical services: are they predictive of delirium diagnosis and outcomes?

Abstract Objective We studied 405 patients evaluated by the Psychosomatics Service to investigate whether the behavioral description as reflected on consultation request from primary medical–surgical teams could be utilized to predict the final clinical diagnosis of delirium. We explored whether outcomes differed in patient with delirium with different consultation requests. Methods Patients with delirium (n=114) were divided into subtypes based on consultation requests for the management for cognitive dysfunction [altered mental status (AMS), n=46], for agitation or behavior disturbance (BEH, n=26), for depression (DEP, n=18), and for all other reasons (MISC, n=33). Adjusted multivariate regression models were used to examine group differences. Results Consult requests for AMS had a high likelihood ratio (LR+=14.22) and requests for BEH had moderately high likelihood ratio (LR+=4.79) of receiving a diagnosis of delirium. The DEP group (n=18) tended to be younger and had higher 30-day readmission rates. The BEH group (n=26) had more comorbid systemic medical conditions, higher rate of being discharged to home, and lower mortality rate. Delirium subtypes did not show any significant difference in clinical outcomes. Conclusion Behavioral observations on consultation requests as formulated by primary medical–surgical teams may be useful in the classification of patients with delirium. Whether the behavioral observations on the request may be used to predict delirium outcomes deserves further research.
The ghosts in the machine: DNA methylation and the mystery of differentiation

Methylation regulates DNA by altering chromatin and limiting accessibility of transcription factors and RNA polymerase. In this way, DNA methylation controls gene expression and plays a role in ES cell regulation, tissue differentiation and the development of the organism. In abnormal circumstances methylation can also induce diseases and promote cancer progression. Chromatin remodeling proteins such as the SNF2 family member Lsh regulates genome-wide cytosine methylation patterns during mammalian development. Lsh promotes methylation by targeting and repressing repeat sequences that are imbedded in heterochromatin. Lsh also regulates cytosine methylation at unique loci. Alterations in histone modifications (such as H3K4me3, histone acetylation, H3K27me3 and H2Aub) can be associated with DNA methylation changes making Lsh-mediated cytosine methylation part of a larger epigenetic network defining gene expression and cellular differentiation during development. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled: Chromatin in time and space.
INPUT ENHANCEMENT: FROM THEORY AND RESEARCH TO THE CLASSROOM

Input Enhancement: From Theory and Research to the Classroom. Wynne Wong. New York: McGraw-Hill, 2005. Pp. xx + 130. $43.44 paper.This new title in the McGraw-Hill Second language professional series is a highly readable book written primarily for in-service and would-be teachers of second and foreign languages (L2) who have never studied SLA. The book addresses one of the fundamental concepts of current SLA research—input—in the context of its relationship to grammar instruction. It introduces readers to instructional techniques that help L2 learners pay attention to grammatical form while providing them with the input that they need for successful acquisition of their L2s. These techniques are called input enhancement techniques—specifically, input flood, textual enhancement, structured input, and grammar consciousness-raising tasks, which are explained in chapters 4, 5, 6, and 7 of the book, respectively. This main part of the book is preceded by a historical overview of grammar instruction in chapter 1, a brief discussion of SLA research and its relation to classroom teaching in chapter 2, and a concise explanation focused on the concepts of input and input enhancement as used in the field of SLA in chapter 3. Chapter 8 is a concluding chapter in which the author gives caveats, suggestions, and advice for using the input enhancement techniques introduced in the book.
Altered Death Receptor Signaling Promotes Epithelial-to-Mesenchymal Transition and Acquired Chemoresistance

Altered death receptor signaling and resistance to subsequent apoptosis is an important clinical resistance mechanism. Here, we investigated the role of death receptor resistance in breast cancer progression. Resistance of the estrogen receptor alpha (ER)-positive, chemosensitive MCF7 breast cancer cell line to tumor necrosis factor (TNF) was associated with loss of ER expression and a multi-drug resistant phenotype. Changes in three major pathways were involved in this transition to a multidrug resistance phenotype: ER, Death Receptor and epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT). Resistant cells exhibited altered ER signaling, resulting in decreased ER target gene expression. The death receptor pathway was significantly altered, blocking extrinsic apoptosis and increasing NF-kappaB survival signaling. TNF resistance promoted EMT changes, resulting in a more aggressive phenotype. This first report identifying specific mechanisms underlying acquired resistance to TNF could lead to a better understanding of the progression of breast cancer in response to chemotherapy treatment.
RAPID ENRICHMENT OF PRESYNAPTIC PROTEIN IN BOUTONS UNDERGOING CLASSICAL CONDITIONING IS MEDIATED BY BRAIN-DERIVED NEUROTROPHIC FACTOR

Presynaptic structural modifications are thought to accompany activity-dependent synaptic plasticity and learning. This may involve the conversion of nonfunctional synapses into active ones or the generation of entirely new synapses. Here, using an in vitro neural analog of classical conditioning, we investigated presynaptic structural changes restricted to auditory nerve synapses that convey the conditioned stimulus (CS) by tract tracing using fluorescent tracers combined with immunostaining for the synaptic vesicle-associated protein synaptophysin. The results show that the size of presynaptic auditory boutons increased and the area and fluorescence intensity of punctate staining for synaptophysin were enhanced after conditioning. This occurred only for auditory nerve boutons apposed to the dendrites but not the somata of abducens motor neurons. Conditioning increased the percentage of boutons that were immunopositive for synaptophysin and enhanced the number of synaptophysin puncta they contained. Pretreatment with antibodies against brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) inhibited these conditioning-induced structural changes. There was also a net increase in the number of boutons apposed to abducens motor neurons after conditioning or BDNF treatment. These data indicate that the rapid enrichment of presynaptic boutons with proteins required for neurotransmitter recycling and release occurs during classical conditioning and that these processes are mediated by BDNF.
A model curriculum for a liberal arts degree in computer science

This report proposes developing a rigorous undergraduate curriculum for a B.A.-degree program in computer science. The curriculum is intended as a model not only for high-quality undergraduate colleges and universities, but also for larger universities with strong computer science programs in a liberal arts setting.
Computational Fluid Dynamics Analysis of Turbulent Flow Within a Mechanical Seal Chamber

Turbulent flow inside the seal chamber of a pump operating at high Reynolds number is investigated. The K-e turbulence model posed in cylindrical coordinates was applied for this purpose. Simulations are performed using the fractional approach method. The results of the computer code are verified by using the FLUENT and by comparing to published results for turbulent Taylor Couette flow. Numerical results of four cases including two rotational speeds with four flush rates are reported. Significant difference between the laminar and the turbulence flow in the seal chamber is predicted. The behavior of the turbulent flows with very high Reynolds number was also investigated. The physical and practical implications of the results are discussed.
Can Therapy Dogs Improve Pain and Satisfaction After Total Joint Arthroplasty? A Randomized Controlled Trial

Background The use of animals to augment traditional medical therapies was reported as early as the 9th century but to our knowledge has not been studied in an orthopaedic patient population. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the role of animal-assisted therapy using therapy dogs in the postoperative recovery of patients after THA and TKA.
Predictors of 14-year changes in the total cholesterol to high-density lipoprotein cholesterol ratio in men.

Abstract Background Although the ratio of total to high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (TC/HDL) is a powerful predictor of cardiovascular disease (CVD), few studies have investigated which factors are associated with changes in this ratio over time. We examined predictors of a change in TC/HDL ratio over a period of 14 years among 4451 men free of CVD from the Physicians' Health Study. Methods Baseline and updated physician characteristics and CVD risk factors were included in multivariate linear and logistic regression models to determine factors associated with a change in the TC/HDL ratio or of having a ratio of ≥5 on follow-up. Results After a mean follow-up of 14 years, mean total cholesterol decreased by 7 mg/dL, HDL increased by 1 mg/dL, and the ratio decreased by 0.37. In multivariate logistic analyses, physicians were more likely to have a TC/HDL ratio of ≥5 at follow-up if they maintained a weight of ≥25 kg/m 2 (OR, 1.69 [1.35 – 2.12]), gained weight (OR, 2.01 [1.55 – 2.62]), or became inactive (OR, 1.43 [1.11 – 1.83]). However, older physicians and those who consumed alcohol or received treatment for hyperlipidemia were more likely to have a ratio of Conclusions Although pharmacologic treatment for hyperlipidemia had the greatest favorable impact on the ratio over time, our data also show that maintaining an ideal weight and exercise have beneficial effects. We therefore advocate a renewed fervor for raising public awareness of the benefits of healthy lifestyle behaviors and pharmacologic treatments that are associated with long-term maintenance of favorable cholesterol levels.
Social structures for the enhancement of scientific information in urban policy-making and management

Abstract The inability of municipal governments to exploit available information resources is viewed as a significant contributor to urban crisis. Often information problems may be attributed to ‘information overload’, but one type information, scientific information, is less commonly available to urban administrators. The problems associated with acquiring and using scientific information are reviewed and possible remedies to those problems are discussed. A tentative model of scientific information use by urban administrators is advanced and suggestions are provided for redesigning organizations and reallocating resources so as to enhance the flow of scientific information in urban administration.
Finite element modeling of thermal fatigue and damage of solder joints in a ceramic ball grid array package

A nonlinear finite element model is presented for analyzing the cyclic and thermal fatigue loading and for viscoplastic damage characterization of the lead-tin (Pb-Sn) solder joints in a ceramic ball grid array (CBGA) surface mount package. An approach using a Δ ∈ eq in -modified Coffin-Manson equation is proposed to estimate the fatigue life of the solder joints. The Δ ∈ eq in represents a saturated equivalent inelastic strain range as determined by the finite element model. The present study shows that the predictied fatigue life and the associated damage mechanism of the solder joint agree reasonably well with the test data for the 18,25, and 32 mm CBGA packages run at a cyclic temperature load of 0°C/100°C with a frequency of 1.5 cycles per hour. Analysis also shows that a preferred failure site is expected to occur in and around the Pb37-Sn63 solder attachment of the solder joint. A time-dependent (creep induced) damage mechanism is found to be more pronounced than the time-independent (plastic deformation) mechanism.
An extended Born-Von Karman scheme for the diamond structure

Abstract An extended Born-Von Karman scheme is proposed for the lattice dynamics of the diamond structure. The advantages of the proposed scheme are demonstrated by analyzing the experimental dispersion curves and elastic constants of germanium.
Stochastic Motion Under G-Framework: I. Nelson Stochastic Derivatives

In this article we take the initial step in the study of kinematics of stochastic motion under the sublinear expectation approach, (the so called G-framework). We compute, in this article, the stochastic forward/backward derivatives/drifts of some G-diffusion processes, and calculate the current and osmotic velocities. While the G-framework that we use creates a few technical difficulties, it also rewards us with nice extensions of results corresponding to the linear expectation case.
Early onset prosthetic valve endocarditis: the Cleveland Clinic Experience 1992–1997

Abstract Background . We reviewed all cases of early onset prosthetic valve endocarditis (EO-PVE) occurring less than 12 months after valve operation among 7,043 patients undergoing heart valve replacements or repairs at The Cleveland Clinic between 1992 and 1997. Methods . Cases were defined by the Duke criteria and identified through prospective surveillance. Results . Seventy-seven cases of EO-PVE were identified (1 per 100 procedures), and during the study period the incidence of EO-PVE decreased from 1.5% (1992 to 1994) to 0.7% (1995 to 1997) ( p p p Staphylococcus aureus (10%), and enterococci (8%). Patients undergoing combined surgical and medical treatment of EO-PVE had a significantly higher 30-day, 2-year, and 3-year survival than medically treated patients, although patients judged to be too ill to survive surgery accounted for two-thirds of the patients treated medically. Conclusions . There is a 1% incidence rate of EO-PVE among patients undergoing valve operations at our institution, usually caused by coagulase-negative staphylococci, and combined surgical and medical treatment is associated with improved survival compared with medical treatment alone.
SAIS-OPT: On the characterization and optimization of the SA-IS algorithm for suffix array construction

The suffix array and Burrows-Wheeler Transform are critical index structures in next generation sequence analysis. The construction of such index structures for mammalian-sized genomes can take thousands of seconds (i.e. tens of minutes). Its construction is complicated by computational overheads that coming from irregular or complex memory-access patterns. This paper rigorously characterizes the execution profile of the SA-IS algorithm in order to guide its optimization. The resulting optimized SA-IS, which we refer to as sais-opt, outperforms previous implementations of SA-IS as well as "best in practice" algorithms, when applied to large DNA strings.
Transforming the Internet Public Library into the ipl2 Virtual Learning Laboratory

The ipl2: Information You Can Trust Website was launched in January 2010. This article describes the merger of the Internet Public Library (IPL) and the Librarians' Internet Index that resulted in the ipl2, the transformation of the IPL into a virtual learning laboratory through an Institute for Museum and Library Services grant, and the ipl2 Institute on the Future of Reference and the Future of LIS Education, which was funded through the grant. The ipl2 staff, faculty, students, and volunteers continue to offer an important public service, including a digital collection and a question answering service within an educational and research environment.
Cyclic vomiting syndrome: A common, underrecognized disorder

AbstractPurpose:To increase recognition and present symptom assessment strategies for treating cyclic vomiting syndrome (CVS).Data sources:Clinical experience, a range of pediatric, gastroenterological, emergency medicine research, survey, and literature review reports on CVS.Conclusions:Improved ef
Modeling, analysis, simulation, scheduling, and control of semiconductor manufacturing systems: A Petri net approach

This paper presents a Petri net approach to modeling, analysis, simulation, scheduling, and control of semiconductor manufacturing systems. These systems can be characterized as discrete event systems that exhibit sequential, concurrent, and conflicting relations among the events and operations. Their evolution is dynamic over time. The system complexity is tremendous owing to the complex semiconductor manufacturing processes and test procedures. A formal approach such as Petri nets enables one to describe such complex discrete event systems precisely and thus allows one to perform both qualitative and quantitative analysis, scheduling and discrete-event control of them. This paper also serves as a tutorial paper. It briefly reviews applications of Petri nets in semiconductor manufacturing automation. It then introduces definitions and concepts of Petri nets. It proceeds with a discussion of basic Petri net modules in system modeling, a modeling method and a practical system's modeling example. Next, the paper presents their properties and their implications in manufacturing systems, as well as their analysis methods. Timed Petri nets are introduced for system simulation, performance evaluation, and scheduling purposes. An application-oriented case study is presented. Finally, the paper concludes with the active research areas in applying Petri nets to design of semiconductor manufacturing systems.