cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Fetal Alcohol Exposure Alters Mammary Epithelial Cell Subpopulations and Promotes Tumorigenesis.

Background Fetal alcohol exposure (FAE) increases the risk of mammary tumorigenesis in adult offspring; however, the underlying mechanism remains unknown. This study tested the hypothesis that FAE shifts the mammary epithelial cell (MEC) composition toward one that promotes tumorigenesis. Methods Pregnant Friend Virus B NIH Jackson dams bred to MMTV-Wnt1 male mice were given ad libitum access to 5% alcohol in 0.2% saccharin solution from GD9-10 and 10% alcohol in 0.2% saccharin from GD11-GD19 or 0.2% saccharin solution from GD9-GD19. Thoracic and inguinal mammary glands from wild-type (WT) and transgenic (Tg) female offspring were harvested at 5 and 10 weeks of age and dissociated to yield a single cell suspension enriched for MECs for flow cytometry, mammosphere assay, and gene analysis. A subset of Tg offspring was followed for tumor formation. Results WT glands of FAE animals exhibited a decreased basal cell population and increased luminal: basal ratio at 10 weeks of age. qRT-PCR analysis of total MECs found that Hey1 mRNA expression was increased in the WT FAE group at 10 weeks of age. In Tg glands, FAE increased the luminal progenitor cell population at 5 weeks of age but did not alter MEC composition at 10 weeks of age. Tertiary mammosphere-forming efficiency was greater in the WT glands of FAE animals at 10 weeks of age. Tumor latency was decreased in the FAE group. Flow cytometry analysis indicated that FAE females developed tumors with an increased basal cell population. Conclusions These data indicate that FAE can shift MEC subpopulations, increasing the proportion of cells that are potentially vulnerable to transformation and affecting cancer risk.
Neutrophil: Lymphocyte Ratios as a Measure of Chronic Stress in Populations of the Hellbender (Cryptobranchus alleganiensis) across a Habitat Quality Gradient

Amphibians are currently facing widespread population declines, primarily due to the introduction of anthropogenic stressors, which have the potential to alter ecosystem dynamics and elicit long-te...
‘The blue dot thing’: a discourse analysis of learner interlanguage in instructional design

We used audio-recorded interactions from a co-design of early designers working together making a language learning app to map discourse practices onto an operationalisation of an early stage of de...
Detection of SARS-CoV-2 RNA in the corneal epithelium of a patient after recovery from COVID-19

Abstract Purpose To report a case of a patient presenting with unilateral keratouveitis associated with ocular hypertension six weeks after being discharged from the hospital for COVID-19. Ocular specimens were obtained for testing. Observations A 69-year-old African American woman developed poor vision while hospitalized for COVID-19 in April but did not seek ophthalmic care until end of May. She had an edematous cornea, stromal keratitis, and highly elevated intraocular pressure by June. After lack of response to oral valacyclovir, aqueous fluid and swabs of her conjunctiva and limbal epithelium with corneal epithelium anterior to the limbus were sent for real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for herpes simplex virus, herpes zoster virus, and severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). Epithelium from the cornea and limbus was positive for SARS-CoV-2 by PCR; specimens from the other two ocular sites were negative. All specimens were negative for herpes simplex virus and varicella zoster virus. The patient refused further treatment despite intraocular pressure above 50 mm Hg at last follow-up. Conclusions and Importance: Although SARS-CoV-2 and severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus (SARS-CoV) have been detected by PCR in the conjunctiva and tears of patients with acute respiratory infection, presence in corneal tissue has not been described. In addition, no one has studied whether ocular tissues in convalesced patients can harbor viral RNA. Here we describe unilateral keratouveitis in a convalesced patient whose corneal epithelium/limbal tissue was positive for SARS-CoV-2 by PCR. Further investigation is required to determine whether active viral replication or viral remnants account for this result.
Global Prosecutors, Local Victims: Legalism, Clientelism, and Culture at the International Criminal Court

Prosecutors at the International Criminal Court (ICC) have a dual mandate: hold perpetrators accountable and deliver justice to victims. To fulfill these mandates, the Office of the Prosecutor (OTP) must navigate dynamic understandings of justice in disparate post-conflict societies. Yet few empirical studies have investigated how different cultural understandings impact relationships between ICC prosecutors and victims or shape participants’ expectations of international criminal law. Drawing on 298 interviews with atrocity crime victims in Uganda and Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and on 27 interviews with ICC officials, this article reveals how different expectations of international justice generate epistemological and practical conflicts between global prosecutors and local victims. In-depth interviews with ICC victim participants reveal that most victims expect prosecutors to provide non-legal forms of recognition and support, including regular visits to their home communities, dialogue about trial proceedings, and material assistance. In contrast, ICC prosecutors tend to prioritize legal consistency, procedural uniformity, and retributivism. Generally, prosecutors view victims’ extra-judicial requests as outside the proper scope of ICC activities. To resolve such conflicts, this article argues that ICC prosecutors should question legalism and adopt a flexible approach to victim outreach and participation. Moreover, this approach might include forms of material support, which are a proper exercise of the court’s legal obligations under the Rome Statute. Meaningful victim participation calls for international courts to adapt to local expectations when it can be done without compromising institutional integrity, due process, and fair trials.
Post-Mission Disposal (PMD) Validation of FCC's Ka-band NGSO Processing Round Participants

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) defines regulations that ensure satellite communications systems seeking access to the U.S. market will properly implement post-mission disposal (PMD) plans to reduce the risk of creating orbital debris. In March 2020, the FCC initiated a processing round for additional applications and petitions for non-geostationary orbit (NGSO) fixed-satellite service (FSS) operations in the 10.7 - 12.7 GHz, 12.75 - 13.25 GHz, 13.8 - 14.5 GHz, 17.7 - 18.6 GHz, 18.8 - 20.2 GHz, and 27.5 - 30 GHz bands. Ten NGSO FSS communications systems operators (EOS Defense Systems, Kepler Communications, Kuiper, Mangata, New Spectrum Satellite, O3b, OneWeb, SpaceX, Telesat, and Viasat) submitted applications. In Part 25 of the Commission's rules, particularly 47 C.F.R. § 25.114(d)(14), the FCC defines key requirements to limit debris, including guidelines for post-mission disposal and the limitation of accidental explosions. Prior to approving an application for access to the U.S. market, the FCC assesses the compliance of each applicant's system with the Commission's Part 25.114(d)(14) rules. This paper analyzes and validates the PMD and orbital debris mitigation strategies of the ten NGSO FSS communication systems that filed applications in the FCC's March 2020 Processing Round in order to guarantee that adequate plans are in place to prevent the creation of orbital debris, and thus prevent harm to other spacecraft and humans. The methodology includes obtaining relevant information regarding the orbits and operational strategies of the systems from their submitted Technical Narratives and Schedule S reports, and performing PMD analysis validation using NASA's Debris Assessment Software (DAS) to confirm pertinent information such as deorbit duration and required delta-v (Δv) for deorbiting maneuvers. Nine of the ten systems provided statements on their orbital debris mitigation strategies, including identifying the agency or government's orbital debris guidelines with which their system will comply (NASA, UK, Canada, etc.), Several systems under the jurisdiction of foreign administrations, including One Web and 03b, did not provide orbital debris mitigation information as they stated they will follow their administration's orbital debris guidelines rather than the FCC's Part 25 rules pertaining to technical orbital debris showings. Three of the systems (EOS Defense Systems, O3b, Mangata) either stated that they will use a graveyard orbit or expect based on orbital altitude that they will not re-enter, whereas seven systems (Kepler, Kuiper, OneWeb, New Spectrum Satellites, SpaceX, Telesat and Viasat) either stated that they will perform deorbit and re-entry maneuvers or it is expected the spacecraft will naturally deorbit based on the low earth orbit (LEO) configuration. The analysis and validation of the PMD for each system is discussed in detail in this work, with the ultimate goal of aiding the FCC in evaluating the legitimacy of each applicant's approach and maintaining a sustainable space environment for the future.
I Want to Be Ready: Improvised Dance as a Practice of Freedom

This book provides a conceptual framework for understanding the development of improvised dance in late 20th-century America. "I Want To Be Ready" draws on original archival research, careful readings of individual performances, and a thorough knowledge of dance scholarship to offer an understanding of the "freedom" of improvisational dance. While scholars often celebrate the freedom of improvised performances, they are generally focusing on freedom from formal constraints. Drawing on the work of Michel Foucault and Houston Baker, among others, Danielle Goldman argues that this negative idea of freedom elides improvisation's greatest power. Far from representing an escape from the necessities of genre, gender, class, and race, the most skillful improvisations negotiate an ever shifting landscape of constraints. This work will appeal to those interested in dance history and criticism, and also interdisciplinary audiences in the fields of American and cultural studies.
Biologically motivated motion control strategy for non-holonomic mobile robot

In this paper, we propose a simple and robust motion control strategy for non-holonomic mobile robot. The proposed control strategy is biologically motivated in the sense that it mimics the motion control strategies employed by many bugs and insects in nature. The proposed strategy is conceptually simple, inherently stable, and offer satisfactory performance for many practical applications. Furthermore, it overcomes many of the shortcomings (such as lack of provisions for handling actuator dead-band nonlinearity) that exist in traditional motion control strategies in the literature. The effectiveness of the proposed control strategy is verified through computer simulation and real-world implementation on a actual robotic platform.
Algorithms, Visualization, and Mental Models: High School Students' Interactions with a Relative Motion Simulation

Galileo's contemporaries as well as today's students have difficulty understanding relative motion. We hypothesize that the construction of visual models, resolution of these visual models with numeric models, and, in many cases, rejection of commitments such as the belief in one “true” velocity, are necessary for students to form integrated mental models of relative motion events. To investigate students' relative motion problem solving, high school science students were videotaped in classroom and laboratory settings as they performed collaborative predict-observe-explain activities with relative motion computer simulations. Half of the students interacted with simulations that provided animated feedback; the other half received numeric feedback. Learning, as measured by a diagnostic test, occurred following both conditions. There is evidence that many numeric condition students used faulty mechanical algorithms to solve problems, while many animation condition students used mental imagery to solve problems. In this paper, interactions in which student involvement was visual model based will be contrasted with interactions in which involvement was algorithm based. Implications for pedagogy and educational uses of computer simulations will be discussed.
“I’ll Pick You Up By Your Back Brace and Throw You Like a Suitcase”: On Naming Discrimination Against Disability

What word is there for discrimination practiced against disability? In the following essay, I will explore—through personal narrative—incidents of discrimination in the academic, non-academic, and reader-text environments. Then I will discuss the various meanings of the word ableist and the importance of placing a name for discrimination against disability in the public domain.
Objectivity: Philosophical Aspects

There are two main kinds of philosophical questions about objectivity: metaphysical and epistemological. Metaphysical objectivity concerns the extent to which the existence and character of some class of entities depends on the states of mind of persons (i.e., their knowledge, judgment, belief, perception, or response). Epistemological objectivity concerns the extent to which we are capable of achieving knowledge about those things that are metaphysically objective. Many philosophers working in the Anglo-American traditions also worry about semantic objectivity, that is, about whether or not the propositions in some realm of discourse (physics, psychology, ethics, etc.) can be evaluated in terms of their truth or falsity. For a discourse to be semantically objective, and for the statements in the discourse to be true, then the things referred to by the terms of that discourse (e.g. quarks, desires, justice, etc.) must be metaphysically objective.
Complex Employment Issues in Elder Care

While lawyers often associate estate planning with aging parents, there are, in fact, a host of employment law issues related to elder care that can leave one's head spinning. This article addresses obligations that arise under California law when you or your family members hire caregivers. When hiring a caregiver — either at home or when additional individual care is needed in a facility such as assisted living — you must comply with a complex patchwork of laws and regulations governing wages and working conditions.
Power series/MOM solution to EM scattering by electrically large PEC objects

In this work, we present a new method of moments solution procedure to obtain induced currents on a large conducting body due to a plane wave incidence. The procedure involves dividing the total number of basis functions into a small number of groups thereby casting the moment matrix into a collection of submatrices representing self and mutual interaction between the groups. Next, the procedure involves eliminating the interaction of two immediate neighbors on any selected group. This process results in a strong block diagonal moment matrix plus zeros in the blocks residing on either side of the diagonal block. The new matrix can be inverted using power series approach and accurate solution can be efficiently obtained. The present approach is simple, efficient, and retains all the advantages of conventional method of moments scheme.
Transformation in mycosis fungoides: The role of methotrexate

Large cell transformation in patients with mycosis fungoides (MF) has been well reported in the literature. Although the risk factors have not been clearly elucidated, advanced stage seems to be associated with a higher incidence of transformation. Because MF is a rare disorder, little is known about the influence of other factors such as immunosuppressive therapy in the occurrence of transformation. We questioned the role of methotrexate (MTX) in the transformation of MF to large cell lymphoma (LCL). We identified all patients with MF who were registered in our cutaneous lymphoma database. Transformation was defined by the presence of large cells exceeding 25% of the infiltrate in at least one skin biopsy. In one patient, we followed the histologic, immunophenotypic, and genotypic changes taking place as transformation occurred. A total of 134 patients with MF were identified. Of 21 patients who received MTX, 3 transformed, and of the 113 patients in the non-MTX group, only 2 transformed. The incidence of transformation in the patients who received MTX was significantly higher than in those who did not receive the drug (14.3% vs. 1.8%;p = 0.03). This significance was maintained, even after controlling for stage and sex. For one patient who transformed, we demonstrated an identical dominant T-cell clone in all skin specimens, including the large cell lymphoma. Our results demonstrate a significant association between MTX exposure and transformation to LCL in patients with MF. In light of the small sample size, short followup of patients, and the inherent tendency of mycosis fungoides to transform, the role for MTX in transformation is unproven and needs to be confirmed in a multicenter study.
Probing Self-Assembly by NMR

One of the major challenges in supramolecular chemistry [1] is the characterization of the (super)structural properties of the (supra)molecular species resulting from self-assembly [2,3] processes. Although the stereoelectronic properties of the supramolecular synthons are responsible for determining the geometries of the final self-assembled (super)strucures, in most instances the experimental conditions (e.g., solvent, temperature, pressure, and stoichiometry) play a dominant role. As a result, the prediction of the geometries of supramolecular entities is difficult and, more often than not, impossible even by means of computational methods [4]. Experimental techniques that are able to establish the (super)structural properties of (supra)molecular species unequivocably are much in demand. X-Ray crystallography has played a major role in determining the superstructures of supermolecules and supramolecular arrays, as well as the structures of large and complex molecular assemblies, in the solid state [5]. The characterization of self-assembled monolayers at the air/water interface — and on solid supports — has been achieved employing sophisticated microscopic techniques e.g., Brewster angle microscopy [6], scanning and transmission electron microscopies (SEM and TEM) [7], atomic force microscopy (AFM) [8] and scanning tunneling microscopy (STM) [9]}. The combination of absorption and emission spectroscopies [10], along with electrochemical techniques [11], has permitted the characterization of self-assembled products in solution. Chromatographic methods e.g., high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) [12] and gel permeation chromatography (GPC) [13]}, often coupled with mass spectrometric techniques e.g., fast atom bombardment and liquid secondary ion mass spectrometries (FABMS and LSIMS) [14], electrospray mass spectrometry (ESMS) [15], and matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization time-of-flight mass spectometry (MALDI-TOF-MS) [16]}, are becoming more and more powerful analytical methods for the characterization of (supra)molecular species.
Don't manage your strategic acquisitions like stock portfolios!

The article presents a commentary on the paper ‘Extending Modern Portfolio Theory into the Domain of Corporate Diversification: Does it Apply?,' by Michael Lubatkin and Sayan Chatterjee. The portfolio approach contends that by diversifying into different and disparate industries, the troubles faced by one division of a firm can be balanced by the good fortune of another. The author notes that the research supports the view that diversification strategy can affect a firm's risk, but not in the manner consistent with financial theory.
Effects of Terrestrial Buffer Zones on Amphibians on Golf Courses

A major cause of amphibian declines worldwide is habitat destruction or alteration. Public green spaces, such as golf courses and parks, could serve as safe havens to curb the effects of habitat loss if managed in ways to bolster local amphibian communities. We reared larval Blanchard's cricket frogs (Acris blanchardi) and green frogs (Rana clamitans) in golf course ponds with and without 1 m terrestrial buffer zones, and released marked cricket frog metamorphs at the golf course ponds they were reared in. Larval survival of both species was affected by the presence of a buffer zone, with increased survival for cricket frogs and decreased survival for green frogs when reared in ponds with buffer zones. No marked cricket frog juveniles were recovered at any golf course pond in the following year, suggesting that most animals died or migrated. In a separate study, we released cricket frogs in a terrestrial pen and allowed them to choose between mown and unmown grass. Cricket frogs had a greater probability of using unmown versus mown grass. Our results suggest that incorporating buffer zones around ponds can offer suitable habitat for some amphibian species and can improve the quality of the aquatic environment for some sensitive local amphibians.
An Improved High-Resolution Discretization Scheme for Volume-of-Fluid CFD Simulations

A new high-resolution spatial discretization scheme for use with the interface capturing volume-of-fluid (VOF) method is presented and applied to several test cases. The new scheme is shown to preserve the volume fraction discontinuity within a single computational control volume (CV), without the need to explicitly reconstruct the interface within CVs near the interface. The method is based on maximization of the volume fraction gradient in the region of the interface, while stability is preserved by maintaining net upwind biasing of the face flux prescription in each CV. In addition, the scheme employs face limiting to satisfy physical boundedness criteria at finite-volume control surfaces (faces) and prevent variable overshoot. The method has been developed for use with unstructured, anisotropic, and/or inhomogeneous meshes that are often used for simulation of geometrically complex flowfields. This paper presents the implementation of the new discretization scheme into a steady-state solver in order to isolate the spatial discretization from the time integration technique. The new scheme is validated for steady-state two-phase flow using several demonstration test cases, and is shown to preserve the phase interface almost exactly, with essentially zero dissipative or dispersive error in the volume fraction solution. Results are compared to existing 2nd order and high-resolution interface capturing (HRIC) schemes, and shown to be superior in all cases.© 2007 ASME
O-Phenyl Carbamate and Phenyl Urea Thiiranes as Selective Matrix Metalloproteinase-2 Inhibitors that Cross the Blood-Brain Barrier

Brain metastasis occurs in 20–40% of cancer patients. Treatment is mostly palliative, and the inability of most drugs to penetrate the brain presents one of the greatest challenges in the development of therapeutics for brain metastasis. Matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2) plays important roles in invasion and vascularization of the central nervous system and represents a potential target for treatment of brain metastasis. Carbonate, O-phenyl carbamate, urea, and N-phenyl carbamate derivatives of SB-3CT, a selective and potent gelatinase inhibitor, were synthesized and evaluated. The O-phenyl carbamate and urea variants were selective and potent inhibitors of MMP-2. Carbamate 5b was metabolized to the potent gelatinase inhibitor 2, which was present at therapeutic concentrations in the brain. In contrast, phenyl urea 6b crossed the blood–brain barrier, however, higher doses would result in therapeutic brain concentrations. Carbamate 5b and urea 6b show potential for intervention of MMP-2-dependent diseases...
Interleukin 10 and TNFα synergistically enhance the expression of the G protein-coupled formylpeptide receptor 2 in microglia

Abstract Microglia are important participants in inflammatory responses in the central nervous system. We previously observed that tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNFα) induces the expression of the formylpeptide receptor mFPR2 on microglial cells. This chemoattractant receptor mediates microglial cell chemotaxis in response to a variety of peptides, including amyloid β peptide (Aβ42), a major pathogenic factor in Alzheimer’s disease (AD). In search for agents that regulate microglial activation, we unexpectedly found that IL-10 enhanced the expression of mFPR2 on TNFα-activated microglia. This was associated with a markedly increased microglial chemotaxis to Aβ42 and its endocytosis via mFPR2. Mechanistic studies revealed that the synergistic effect of IL-10 on TNFα-induction of mFPR2 in microglia was dependent on activation of p38 MAPK. Our results suggest that IL-10 may affect the pathogenic process of AD by up-regulating mFPR2 and thus favoring the recognition and internalization of Aβ42 by activated microglial cells.
Preparation and Reactions of Base-Free Bis(1,3-di-tert-butylcyclopentadienyl)titanium, Cp′2Ti, and Related Compounds

The titanium(III) metallocene derivatives [1,3-(Me3C)2C5H3]2TiX, Cp′2TiX, X = Cl, Me, H, OH, are prepared and shown to be monomeric with a d1 electron configuration by solid state magnetic susceptibility studies over the temperature range 5–300 K. Reduction of the chloride by potassium amalgam in an argon atmosphere yields the base-free titanocene Cp′2Ti, which is a spin triplet over the temperature range 5–300 K. In contrast, reduction in a nitrogen atmosphere gives the dimetal metallocene Cp′2Ti(N2)TiCp′2, which shows a singlet–triplet equilibrium over the temperature range 5–300 K, which can be modeled by Heisenberg coupling with −2J = 210 cm−1. The base-free titanocene reacts reversibly with H2 or C2H4 to give Cp′2TiH2 and Cp′2Ti(C2H4), respectively. Both adducts are characterized by X-ray crystallography. The base-free titanocene reacts irreversibly with PhC≡CPh or N2O to give Cp′2Ti(PhC≡CPh) and Cp′4Ti2(μ-O), which are characterized by X-ray crystallography. In contrast Cp′2Ti(C2H4) reacts with N2O ...
Ozone injury to Pinus strobus

In a study of the ozone-induced needle blight of eastern white pine in central New York, acute injuries naturally induced on field trees during a year of relatively low ozone concentrations (1 966) were compared with injuries induced during a year of higher concentrations (1967). Injuries were more frequent and severe and were associated with higher mean ozone concentrations in 1967 than in 1966. Characteristic symptoms were induced on foliage of pine branches exposed to controlled doses of ozone as low as 7 ± 1 pphm for four hours or 3 ± 1 pphm for 48 hours. Such doses were equalled or exceeded two and four times, respectively, in the field during the 1 967 season. Ozone sensitivity of pine needle tissue was increased by fumigation in atmospheres containing water mist. High concentrations of ozone (40-60 pphm) caused general injury of foliage of both ozone-susceptible and resistant trees; the symptoms were unlike those found in the field or caused by fumigation with low concentrations of ozone.
Properties of Defect Modes in One‐Dimensional Optically Induced Photonic Lattices

In this article, localized defect modes in one-dimensional optically induced photonic lattices are studied comprehensively. First, the origin of these defect modes is investigated analytically in the weak-defect limit by perturbation methods. It is shown that in an attractive defect where the lattice light intensity at the defect site is higher than that of nearby sites, a defect mode bifurcates from the left edge of every Bloch band; while in a repulsive defect, a defect mode bifurcates from the right edge of every Bloch band. When the defect is not weak, defect modes are examined by numerical methods. It is shown that in a repulsive defect, the strongest confinement of defect modes arises when the lattice light intensity at the defect site is nonzero rather than zero. In addition, as the potential strength increases, defect modes disappear from lower bandgaps and appear in higher bandgaps. In an attractive defect, however, defect modes persist in every bandgap as the potential strength increases. Using a piecewise-constant potential model, defect modes are calculated analytically for a general defect. The analytical results qualitatively explain the main features in numerical results.
Characteristics of frequently cited articles in mental retardation

The purpose of this article was to identify and characterize prominent journal publications in the field of mental retardation from 1976 to 1985. Based on the frequency of citations in the Social Science Citation Index, 24 prominent articles were identified. Prominent (i.e., frequently cited) articles were compared with randomly selected articles on a number of characteristics (e.g., funding source, research, design, statistical method). Implications related to the characteristics and quality of articles that influence the mental retardation field were discussed.
An evaluation of the spectral noise distribution in analytical flames

Abstract The spectral distribution of noises (total, shot and flicker) in a variety of flames has been measured using a computer-controlled spectrometer system. Emission spectra and fluorescence spectra (excited by an Eimac xenon arc lamp) are presented for air/acetylene, nitrous oxide/acetylene, nitrous oxide/propane, air/hydrogen, and an iso-octane liquid fuel flame. Conclusions concerning the predominant type of noise and its cause in each flame are discussed as well as the implications for the analytical flame spectroscopist.
Efficiency of energy delivery systems: II. Estimating energy costs of capital equipment

Procedures are developed and summarized that allow the calculation of the energy required to manufacture and install capital equipment, such as the material needed for a coalfired power plant. Three methods are available, each with certain strengths and weaknessess The first uses both literature value and national manufacturing statistics, the second uses a previously developed technique that disaggregates energy use according to how much each industry buys from all other industries, and the third technique is based on the average national relation between energy use and dollar flow. The most important differences between estimates of energy use by the different techniques relates to the inclusion or exclusion of labor and indirect expenditures rather than to differences in the data bases of the three techniques.
Connexin 26 as a cause of hereditary hearing loss.

Connexin 26 (Cx26) is an inner ear protein that forms part of the potassium recycling pathway used to maintain the osmotic balance essential for normal auditory function. Mutations in the GJB2 gene...
Deployable Aeroshell Flexible Thermal Protection System Testing

Deployable aeroshells offer the promise of achieving larger aeroshell surface areas for entry vehicles than otherwise attainable without deployment. With the larger surface area comes the ability to decelerate high-mass entry vehicles at relatively low ballistic coefficients. However, for an aeroshell to perform even at the low ballistic coefficients attainable with deployable aeroshells, a flexible thermal protection system (TPS) is required that is capable of surviving reasonably high heat flux and durable enough to survive the rigors of construction handling, high density packing, deployment, aerodynamic loading and aerothermal heating. The Program for the Advancement of Inflatable Decelerators for Atmospheric Entry (PAIDAE) is tasked with developing the technologies required to increase the technology readiness level (TRL) of inflatable deployable aeroshells, and one of several of the technologies PAIDAE is developing for use on inflatable aeroshells is flexible TPS. Several flexible TPS layups were designed, based on commercially available materials, and tested in NASA Langley Research Center's 8 Foot High Temperature Tunnel (8ft HTT). The TPS layups were designed for, and tested at three different conditions that are representative of conditions seen in entry simulation analyses of inflatable aeroshell concepts. Two conditions were produced in a single run with a sting-mounted dual wedge test fixture. The dual wedge test fixture had one row of sample mounting locations (forward) at about half the running length of the top surface of the wedge. At about two thirds of the running length of the wedge, a second test surface drafted up at five degrees relative to the first test surface established the remaining running length of the wedge test fixture. A second row of sample mounting locations (aft) was positioned in the middle of the running length of the second test surface. Once the desired flow conditions were established in the test section the dual wedge test fixture, oriented at 5 degrees angle of attack down, was injected into the flow. In this configuration the aft sample mounting location was subjected to roughly twice the heat flux and surface pressure of the forward mounting location. The tunnel was run at two different conditions for the test series: 1) 'Low Pressure', and 2) 'High Pressure'. At 'Low Pressure' conditions the TPS layups were tested at 6W/cm2 and 11W/cm2 while at 'High Pressure' conditions the TPS layups were tested at 11W/cm2 and 20W/cm2. This paper details the test configuration of the TPS samples in the 8Ft HTT, the sample holder assembly, TPS sample layup construction, sample instrumentation, results from this testing, as well as lessons learned.
High temperature integrated ultrasonic shear wave probes

Integrated ultrasonic shear wave probes have been fabricated using steel substrates through a paint-on method with the use of mode conversion from longitudinal to shear waves. The probe can be operated up to 150°C. A probe simultaneously generating and receiving both longitudinal and shear waves is also demonstrated.
Synergism of basic fibroblast growth factor and interleukin-1β to induce articular cartilage-degradation in the rabbit

Interleukin-1β (IL-1) and basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) synergistically induce proteasesin vitro. To investigate this synergyin vivo, we injected IL-1 and bFGF alone and in combination into the lapine knee. Three days later, we compared the glycosaminoglcan (GAG) content of tibial cartilage of cytokinetreated and contralateral control-knees. IL-1 caused significant increases of granulocytes and GAG in the synovial fluid but minor cartilage-GAG losses of 11, 11 & 16% at 5kU, 10 kU and 100 kU IL-1/knee, respectively. bFGF at 2 and 10 μg/knee caused no changes. 10 μg bFGF in combination with 10 kU IL-1 induced a 33% GAG loss (p<0.01) that lasted 21 days. IL-1/bFGF induced cartilage degradation may be useful to 1) evaluate agents which modulated proteoglycan catabolism and 2) assess factors that accelerate cartilage-repair.
Correlation of 2-chlorobiphenyl dechlorination by Fe/Pd with iron corrosion at different pH.

The rate of 2-chlorobiphenyl dechlorination by palladized iron (Fe/Pd) decreased with increasing pH until pH > 12.5. Iron corrosion potential (Ec) and current (jc), obtained from polarization curves of a rotating disk electrode of iron, followed the Tafel equation at pH ≤ 5.5 and pH ≥ 9.5. The pH dependence of the dechlorination rate constant (k1) suggests four pH regimes. In the low pH regime (3−5.5), |Ec| and jc decreased with increasing pH and k1 was linearly correlated to |Ec| and jc0.5. The correlation between k1 and jc0.5 indicates direct involvement of active hydrogen species (on the Pd surface) in PCB dechlorination. In the mid pH regime (5.5−9.5), no significant effect of pH was evident on the values of k1, jc, and Ec, a combined result of limiting anodic oxidation of iron to an intermediate product (iron hydroxide) and a proton-independent overall reaction. Both |Ec| and jc increased significantly as pH increased from 9.5 to 14. A clear trough of the k1 values in solutions of pH between 12 and 1...
Differential extraction of estradiol- and tamoxifen-receptor complexes from hypothalamic cell nuclei

Abstract These experiments compared nuclear estradiol- and tamoxifen-receptor complexes from brain by measuring the ability of a series of ionic agents and DNA intercalators to release estrogen receptors from hypothalamic cell nuclei following in vivo administration of the agonist or antagonist. Over the concentration ranges tested, intercalators released 50–80% of the total estrogen receptors from hypothalamic cell nuclei in a concentration-independent fashion whereas extraction of nuclear receptors by the ionic agents was concentration dependent. In general, brain cell nuclear estrogen receptors were extracted more easily by both ionic agents and intercalators following injections of tamoxifen than of estradiol. It was also found that the polyanion heparin releases a small population of nuclear estrogen receptors that are not extracted by 0.5 M KCl, suggesting the existence of KCl-resistant chromatin acceptor sites in hypothalamic nuclei. These data support the hypothesis that estrogen agonists and antagonists prompote different conformational changes when they bind neural estrogen receptors, resulting in the formation of ligand-receptor complexes with different biological activity.
Measuring relative development level of stock markets: Capacity and effort of countries

Abstract One of the important determinants of economic development is the existence of an effective financial system. Despite widespread need for financial services, the range and depth of financial markets, including stock markets, vary significantly across countries. One question in the literature is how to measure the development level of stock markets across countries for appropriate policy formations. This paper suggests capacity and effort measures of stock market capitalization, which consider country characteristics, as diagnostic tool to assess the gap between the actual level of stock market capitalization and the capacity of countries. It involves a panel study of 104 developing and developed countries for the period of 1990–2012. The analysis can deliver broad guidance for public reforms in countries with various levels of market capitalization. Cross-country comparisons with measures considering country characteristics can give a better idea on the state of financial systems. Consequently, countries can be more accurately categorized based on different problems such as unsustainable expansions or shallow financial markets.
Observation of h/e Aharonov-Bohm oscillations in normal-metal rings.

Magnetoresistance oscillations periodic with respect to the flux $\frac{h}{e}$ have been observed in submicron-diameter Au rings, along with weaker $\frac{h}{2e}$ oscillations. The $\frac{h}{e}$ oscillations persist to very large magnetic fields. The background structure in the magnetoresistance was not symmetric about zero field. The temperature dependence of both the amplitude of the oscillations and the background are consistent with the recent theory by Stone.
LIZARDS INCAPACITATE ANTS WITH MUCUS

![Figure][1] Ants don't make very good meals. They're tiny, not all that nutritious and many have evolved an array of morphological, chemical and behavioral adaptations to make predators pay. Horned lizards ( Phrynosoma spp.) are unique in that their diet consists almost entirely of the
Seroprevalence of herpes simplex virus type 2 and characteristics associated with undiagnosed infection: New York City, 2004.

Background Herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2) infection is associated with substantial morbidity and increased risk for human immunodeficiency virus acquisition. We describe HSV-2 seroprevalence in adult New Yorkers, and examine the relationship between select characteristics, infection, and diagnosis. Methods HSV-2 seroprevalence and risk factors were measured using the 2004 New York City Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, a population-based cross-sectional survey of adults. HSV-2 seroprevalence and corresponding 95% confidence intervals were computed for select characteristics. Associations between proposed risk factors and HSV-2 infection and diagnosis were estimated using unadjusted and adjusted odds ratios. Results Nearly 28% of adults were infected with HSV-2; 88.4% of HSV-2 positive persons were undiagnosed. Black women had the highest seroprevalence (59.7%) of any sex or race/ethnicity group. Women, non-Hispanic blacks, and Hispanics (vs. non-Hispanic whites), and men who have sex with men were at greater odds of HSV-2 infection. Among HSV-2 infected individuals, non-Hispanic blacks (vs. non-Hispanic whites), uncircumcised men, and those with no routine place of care were less likely to be diagnosed. Conclusions HSV-2 is highly prevalent and largely undiagnosed in New York City; seroprevalence varies by subgroup. Targeted HSV-2 screening, counseling and treatment may help reduce transmission of HSV-2 and human immunodeficiency virus.
A Computer Data Base for Overview of Ground Water Pollution Investigations

A vast amount of managerial information is needed to efficiently conduct and monitor concurrent investigations of ground water pollution sites. The New Jersey Geological Survey has developed a computer data base to summarize these data and provide a template for their systematic collection. A series of computer programs access the data base and produce a variety of reports. These reports greatly simplify the review of ground water pollution case loads, geographical distribution and allocation of resources. The accuracy and usefulness of the reports are directly related to the timeliness of the information in the data base. Descriptions of the input data and the output reports show the utility of this method for information storage and retrieval. These programs could easily be adapted to other situations requiring similar types of data. Copies of the programs are available from the author.
All strictures are not alike: laparoscopic removal of nonadjustable Silastic bands after banded Roux-en-Y gastric bypass.

Abstract Background The concept of a nonadjustable Silastic band (NASB) has been used to promote surgically induced weight loss for >30 years. Vertical banded Roux-en- Y gastric bypass is an example. Some patients develop serious, band-related complications requiring treatment. Narrowing at the NASB will lead to refractory nausea, vomiting, regurgitation, and, even, malnutrition, requiring revision of their bariatric operation. We report on the evaluation, diagnosis, and laparoscopic treatment of proximal obstructive symptoms secondary to a NASB. Methods From February 2005 to January 2009, we retrospectively reviewed the preoperative and perioperative data for 6 patients who had presented with proximal obstructive symptoms after undergoing banded Roux-en- Y gastric bypass. Results The mean interval from primary NASB placement to surgery was 58 months (range 25–110). The mean duration of symptoms was 29 months (range 8–70). All patients presented with multiple symptoms, but all had nausea, vomiting, regurgitation, and dysphagia to liquids and solids. The patients had undergone multiple upper endoscopies (mean 4, range 3–6) and dilations (mean 1.3, range 1–2) without relief of their symptoms. All patients underwent successful laparoscopic removal of the NASB. Their mean hospital stay was 1 day (range 0–2). No operative or postoperative complications occurred. The reflux and obstructive symptoms had resolved immediately postoperatively in all patients. Conclusion Patients with a NASB in place can experience proximal obstructive symptoms. Endoscopy is deceptive in judging the stomal size, because the endoscope can be pushed through the band area. Moreover, endoscopic dilation will offer no benefit in most patients with symptomatic banded Roux-en- Y gastric bypass. Laparoscopic removal of the NASB is safe, relieves the symptoms immediately, and can be applied to patients who have undergone both open and laparoscopic Silastic banded bariatric procedures.
Streptococci-human papilloma virus interaction with ethanol exposure leads to keratinocyte damage.

Purpose Ethanol, human papilloma virus (HPV), and poor oral hygiene are risk factors that have been attributed to oral carcinogenesis. Streptococci sp and HPV infections are common in the head and neck, often associated with sexual activity. Although HPV is linked to head and neck squamous cell carcinoma, it is unclear whether there is a similar role for Streptococci sp. This cell study examines whether Streptococci sp and HPV-16 with exposure to ethyl alcohol (ETOH) can act as cofactors in the malignant transformation of oral keratinocytes. Materials and Methods ETOH (0.1%-20% vol/vol) was used to investigate Streptococci sp attachment with immortalized E6-expressing HPV/HOK-16B cells, human oral buccal keratinocytes, and foreskin keratinocytes. Streptococci sp ( Streptococci mutans [LT11]) and various strains of acetaldehyde (AA) producer and nonproducer Streptococcus salivarius (110-1, 109-2, 101-7, and 107-1) and a lactic acid producer bacterium, Lactobacillus rhamnosus (24-1 and 25-2), were examined for interactions with keratinocytes by use of a green dye (percent of cells with colonies after 24 hours). Carcinogens, AA, malondialdehyde, DNA damage, and proliferation (5′-bromo-2-deoxyuridine) among keratinocytes were also quantified. Results AA and malondialdehyde production from permissible Streptococci sp significantly increased with attachment to keratinocytes, whereas L rhamnosus did not significantly attach to keratinocytes. This attachment was associated with enhanced levels of AA adduct formation, proliferation (5′-bromo-2-deoxyuridine incorporation), and enhanced migration through integrin-coated basement membrane by HPV oral keratinocytes, which are characteristics of a malignant phenotype. Conclusions These cell studies suggest that oral Streptococci sp and HPV (HPV-16) cooperate to transform oral keratinocytes after low-level ETOH (1%) exposure. These results appear to suggest a significant clinical interaction, but further validation is warranted.
TMJ Concepts/Techmedica custom-made TMJ total joint prosthesis: 5-year follow-up study

This prospective study evaluated the 5 to 8 year subjective and objective results of 42 consecutive patients who had TMJ reconstruction using the TMJ Concepts/Techmedica custom made total joint prosthesis. Criteria for use of the prosthesis included the following TMJ conditions: (1) multiply operated, (2) previous alloplastic implants, (3) osteoarthritis, (4) inflammatory or resorptive arthritis, (5) connective tissue or autoimmune disease, (6) ankylosis, and (7) absent or deformed structures. Thirty-eight of 42 patients (90%) with 69 TMJs reconstructed using the TMJ Concepts/Techmedica total joint prosthesis had appropriate data for inclusion in the study. The average age at surgery was 36 years and average follow-up was 73.5 months. The entire group and three subgroups were objectively evaluated for incisal opening, lateral excursions, and occlusal stability, while subjectively assessed for pain and jaw function. Paired t-test and comparison analyses were used to assess outcomes. For the group of 38 patients, there was statistically significant improvement in incisal opening (P=0.001), jaw function (P=0.001), and pain level (P=0.0001). Lateral excursion movements significantly decreased (P=0.04). The occlusion remained stable in all cases. Complications occurred in six patients. Comparison analysis of the three groups demonstrated significantly better outcomes for patients with fewer previous TMJ surgeries and without exposure to Proplast-Teflon or Silastic TMJ implants. This study demonstrated that the TMJ Concepts/Techmedica total joint prosthesis is a viable technique for TMJ reconstruction as a primary procedure and for patients with previous multiple TMJ surgeries and mutilated anatomy of the TMJ.
AN APTITUDE TEST FOR PREDICTING SUCCESS IN A FIRST COURSE IN STATISTICS

Abstract Steps in the development of an aptitude test for the prediction of success in a first course in statistics are described in this paper, with stress placed upon actual success as the criterion of validity in selecting test items. A brief description of techniques, as well as a few typical items, is presented. * Presented at a joint meeting of the Biometrics Society, Eastern North American Region, and the American Statistical Association at Boston, December 28, 1951.