cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Myocardium defects and ventricular hypoplasia in mice homozygous null for the Forkhead Box M1 transcription factor.

The Forkhead Box m1 (Foxm1) transcription factor is expressed in cardiomyocytes and cardiac endothelial cells during heart development. In this study, we used a novel Foxm1 −/− mouse line to demonstrate that Foxm1-deletion causes ventricular hypoplasia and diminished DNA replication and mitosis in developing cardiomyocytes. Proliferation defects in Foxm1 −/− hearts were associated with a reduced expression of Cdk1-activator Cdc25B phosphatase and NFATc3 transcription factor, and with abnormal nuclear accumulation of the Cdk-inhibitor p21Cip1 protein. Depletion of Foxm1 levels by siRNA caused altered expression of these genes in cultured HL-1 cardiomyocytes. Endothelial-specific deletion of the Foxm1 fl/fl allele in Tie2-Cre Foxm1 fl/fl embryos did not influence heart development and cardiomyocyte proliferation. Foxm1 protein binds to the −9,259/−9,288-bp region of the endogenous mouse NFATc3 promoter, indicating that Foxm1 is a transcriptional activator of the NFATc3 gene. Foxm1 regulates expression of genes essential for the proliferation of cardiomyocytes during heart development. Developmental Dynamics 236:1000–1013, 2007. © 2007 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
ICG enhanced co-registered diffuse optical tomography and photoacoustic tomography

Chen Xu, Patrick D. Kumavor, Yan Xu, and Quing Zhu Electrical and Computer Engineering Department, Uni versity of Connecticut, 371 Fairfield Road, Unit 2157, Storrs, CT 06269-215 7 Tel: (860) 486-3344; Fax: (860) 486-2447; E-mail: cxu@engr.uconn.edu Abstract: To overcome the intensive light scattering in the b iological tissue, diffuse optical tomography (DOT) in the near infrared range for breast lesion detection usually is combined with other imaging modalities such as ultrasound, X-ray, and M RI, to provide guidance. However, the guided imaging modalities may depend on different c ontrast mechanics compared to the optical contrast in the DOT. As a result, they cant provid e reliable guidance for diffuse optical tomography because some lesions may not be detectab le by a non-optical modality but yet have high optical contrast. An imaging modality which ca n provide the guidance from optical contrast is desirable for DOT. In this paper, we pr esent a system that combines diffuse optical tomography and photoacoustic tomography (PAT), to d etect and characterize the deeply-seated targets embedded in a turbid medium. Photoacoustic tomography utilizes a short-pulsed laser beam to penetrate into tissue diffusively. Upon absorption of the light by the target, photoacoustic waves are generated and used to recon struct, at ultrasound resolution, the optical absorption distribution that reveals optical contra st. The combined system used in the experiment combines a 64-channel photoacoustic syst em with a frequency-domain diffused optical system. To further improve the contrast, th e exogenous contrast agent, indocyanine green (ICG) is used. Our experiment results show th at the combined system can detect a tumor-mimicking phantom up to 2.5 cm in depth and 10 µM i n concentration. Mice experiments also confirmed that the combined system can detect the t umor region and monitor the ICG uptake and washout in the tumor region. This method can po tentially improve the accuracy to detect the small breast lesions or any lesions which are s ensitive to the reference change, such as the lesions located on the chest wall. Keywords: Diffuse optical tomography , Photoacoustic tomography, absorption coefficient, exogenous contrast agent 1. Introduction Diffuse optical tomography (DOT) in the near infrar ed spectrum (NIR) provides a unique approach for functional diagnostic imaging, which can detect endogenous absorbers, such as the tumor hemoglobin concentration and oxygen saturatio n.
Effect of Protein Source and Energy on Milk Composition in Midlactation Dairy Cows

Abstract Thirty multiparous Holsteins and 12 multiparous Jerseys (90±15 d in lactation) were assigned in a 3×2 factorial design. Diets containing 0, 1, or 2kg fish meal at 70 or 75% TDN were fed for 8 wk. Dry matter intake was greater on the high TDN diet. Milk and FCM yields were not different. Percentage of milk fat, percentage of protein, and protein yield decreased with inclusion of fish meal in the diet. In Experiment 2, 30 primiparous Holsteins (106±24 d in lactation) were assigned one of two diets in an incomplete block design for two consecutive 32-d periods. Corn silage-based diets varied in CP and source as follows: 12% CP, soybean meal; 20% CP, soybean meal; 20% CP, fish meal; 20% CP, corn gluten meal; 20% CP, gluten:soybean; and 20% CP, fish meal:soybean. Milk fat and milk lactose percentages and FCM yield (kg) were higher on corn gluten meal (3.13, 5.30, 23.0) than on fish meal (2.11, 5.00, 20.5). Milk protein yield was affected by amount and source of protein. Rumen ammonia and plasma urea were greater on high (13.5, 16.2mg/dl) than on low soybean meal (7.3, 6.4mg/dl). Results indicate protein source may affect milk composition in cows fed corn silage diets.
Chronic compartment syndrome: Diagnosis, management, and outcomes

A consecutive operative series of 100 patients with chronic compartment syndrome involving 233 compart ments is reported. Seven of every eight were athletes, and runners predominated. Exercise-induced symp toms of consistently recurring tightness, aching (in some, sharp pains) in anatomically defined compart ments were pathognomonic. Mean months of symp toms prior to operation was 22; median age was 26 years. Bilaterality occurred in 82. The distribution of compartments was: anterior, 39%; lateral, 12%; and posterior, 48%. Incidental compartment pressures were elevated (x = 23 mmHg). Fasciotomy using local anesthesia was performed on 70 outpatients. At a median of 4.5 months, over 90% were cured or signifi cantly improved in symptoms and/or function. Median time to walking unassisted was 2 days, and to resump tion of conditioned running 21 days. Fasciotomy can be a safe, effective, and economical treatment for chronic compartment syndrome.
The Monetary Base and Institutional Change

Money multiplier research which I have conducted (e.g. – AEJ, 1999; American Economist, 2006) has led me to conclude that institutional changes have rendered monetary base changes virtually irrelevant. Monetary base (MB) changes are now mainly currency changes determined by user demand, and thus, are beyond the control of the Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC). Moreover, changes in the MB have no predictable link to deposit creation. Thus, MB targeting is largely unworkable, and any such targeting would accomplish little in the way of overall monetary control. Changes in currency demand now present an insurmountable problem for those who advocate an MB target. Currency is about 94% of the total MB, and at least one-half of it is estimated to be in foreign hands (Lambert and Stanton, FRB, 2001). Under MB targeting, an unwanted 1% increase in domestic currency demand (now about $7.5B) would decimate reserves by almost 17% (from a current level of about $44B), unless the FOMC ignores the target and offsets the cash drain with defensive open market purchases. Since the advent of sweep accounts in 1994, all of the longrun increases in the MB have been increased currency demand. Sweep accounts have reduced the demand for reserves (from $60.2B in 1994 to $43.9B in 2006) by temporarily moving “idle” M1 balances into savings-type accounts until the funds are needed for transactions (see http://research.stlouisfed.org/aggreg/). As a result, MB changes are now a statistical artifact that mainly reflects changing currency demands. Thus, to advocate an MB target is now equivalent to advocating a target for currency growth. This is a nonsensical target: the domestic currency component is impossible to measure accurately, the significant foreign-held component is Atl Econ J (2008) 36:119–120 DOI 10.1007/s11293-007-9097-3
Stress wave interference effects during fracture of silicon micromachined specimens

We report on unique measurements of multiple microsecond-duration arrest periods during the propagation of high speed (>1 km s−1) cracks in micromachined single-crystal silicon specimens. These events were recorded electronically and in physical features remaining on the fracture plane. Using time-of-flight calculations, we have determined that these arrest patterns are due to the interference of boundary-reflected stress waves with the propagating crack tip. The specimen size, the measurement method, and the low acoustic attenuation in cyrstalline silicon facilitated the observation of these phenomena.
YopJ of Yersinia spp. Is Sufficient To Cause Downregulation of Multiple Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinases in Eukaryotic Cells

Pathogenic Yersinia spp. utilize a plasmid-encoded type III secretion system to deliver a set of Yop effector proteins into eukaryotic cells. Previous studies have shown that the effector YopJ is required for Yersinia to cause downregulation of the mitogen-activated protein (MAP) kinases c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK), p38, and extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) 1 and 2 in infected macrophages. Here we demonstrate that YopJ is sufficient to cause downregulation of multiple MAP kinases in eukaryotic cells. Cellular fractionation experiments confirmed that YopJ is delivered into the cytoplasmic fraction of macrophages by the type III system. Production of YopJ in COS-1 cells by transfection significantly reduced (5- to 10-fold) activation of JNK, p38, and ERK in response to several different stimuli, including serum and tumor necrosis factor alpha. JNK activation mediated by RacV12, an activated mutant of Rac1, was also blocked by YopJ in COS-1 cells, indicating that YopJ acts downstream of this small GTPase to downregulate MAP kinase signaling. Analysis of transfected COS-1 cells by immunofluorescence microscopy revealed that YopJ is recruited from the cytoplasmic compartment to the cell periphery in response to stimuli (e.g., serum) that induce membrane ruffling. These data indicate that YopJ functions as a “MAP kinase toxin” to selectively block nuclear responses that are triggered by Yersinia-host cell interaction.
Formation of heterodimers from three neurotrophins, nerve growth factor, neurotrophin-3, and brain-derived neurotrophic factor.

Three neurotrophic factors, brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), neurotrophin-3 (NT-3), and nerve growth factor (NGF) form noncovalent homodimers in solution. Since they are highly homologous proteins, it seemed probable that two monomers of these proteins might associate together to form a heterodimer. This was tested by denaturing the two different proteins together in 6 M guanidine HCl and refolding them in phosphate-buffered saline. When the refolded mixture of BDNF and NT-3 was subjected to Mono S cation exchange chromatography, a new peak was observed eluting between NT-3 and BDNF, which accounted for about 30% of the protein used. This new protein species migrated as a single band upon native gel electrophoresis with mobility between that of the NT-3 homodimer and the BDNF homodimer, indicating that a complex had been formed. Sedimentation equilibrium data show that the dissociation constant of this heterodimer is < 3 x 10(-10) M. The heterodimer was stable upon incubation at 37 degrees C in phosphate-buffered saline over 11 days. Having determined that the heterodimer is highly stable, it was subjected to various biological assays. Autophosphorylation assay using TrkB receptor showed that the heterodimer is indistinguishable from the BDNF or NT-3 homodimer in the ability to induce phosphorylation of the receptor. It was also indistinguishable from the homodimers in the neurotrophic activity using chick dorsal root ganglion explant. In the sympathetic neuron survival assay, the heterodimer behaved more similarly to NT-3, whereas in the dopamine uptake assay, it was intermediate between the two homodimers. In addition, the heterodimer was shown to be retrogradely transported in the dorsal root ganglion neurons. A heterodimer between NGF and BDNF is formed but much less effectively than the NT-3.BDNF heterodimer, and it is not stable even at 4 degrees C. These results indicate that BDNF and NT-3 have an intersubunit contact surface for dimerization resembling each other's but different from the contact surface of NGF.
PROGRAMMATIC AHISTORICITY IN SECOND LANGUAGE ACQUISITION THEORY

Second language acquisition theory conventionally represents itself as having been invented ex nihilo in the last decades of the twentieth century. This article investigates the nature of this largely unexamined disciplinary self-concept and questions its validity. I dispute arguments that might be formulated to support the notion that SLA theory has no relevant earlier history, enumerate some of the unfortunate consequences of maintaining this belief, and speculate about benefits to the field that might accrue from abandoning it. Instead of presenting SLA theory as having its origin in the last 20 or 30 years, I suggest that we need to look for ways to identify, investigate, and eventually reconceptualize its true history.
CIGARETTE SMOKING AND HIV: MORE EVIDENCE FOR ACTION

As many as 50–70% of persons infected with HIV are current smokers. Compelling evidence concerning the risks of cigarette smoking to persons living with HIV urges the inclusion of smoking treatment protocols in contemporary models of HIV care. Yet in spite of growing awareness of this problem, persons living with HIV are not being effectively treated for tobacco use. To further an understanding of contributing factors and define directions for evidenced-based intervention, factors associated with smoking behavior among persons living with HIV are examined.
A Gradient-Based Algorithm for Sampling Clock Skew Calibration of SHA-less Pipeline ADCs

This paper presents a gradient-based algorithm for the sampling clock skew calibration of SHA-less pipeline analog-to-digital converters (ADCs). Based on the skew information collected from the output residues of the first pipeline stage, the clock of the sub-ADC is adaptively adjusted to synchronize with that of the sample-and-hold (S/H) in the first pipeline stage. This clock skew calibration technique essentially improves the viability of the SHA-less architecture for pipeline ADCs at high input frequencies. It follows that the power consumption of pipeline ADCs can be substantially reduced by eliminating the dedicated, power-hungry front-end sample-and-hold amplifier (SHA) and remedying the resulting sampling clock skew problem by adaptive calibration.
Inhibition of mitochondrial gene transcription suppresses neurotensin secretion in the human carcinoid cell line BON

Mitochondria, organelles essential for ATP production, play a central role in a number of cellular functions, including the regulation of insulin secretion. Neurotensin (NT), an important regulator...
2005 APSA Teaching and Learning Conference Track Summaries: Track Three: Experiential Learning

Teachers usually turn to experiential education when they are dissatisfied with the so-called traditional classroom. At its worst, conventional teaching dissects the political world into an array of component parts. Sometimes students read the latest scholarship, but the treatment of politics is often either blandly descriptive or too abstract. This type of teaching can rob politics of its pulsing energy, which, ironically, attracted many political scientists into the field. While most political scientists find politics exciting, the norms of the discipline can enervate the importance and drama of politics. Student calls for more “current events” are a frequent response to these academic experiences.
RELATIONSHIP OF APPREHENSION ABOUT WRITING TO PERFORMANCE AS MEASURED BY GRADES IN A COLLEGE COURSE ON COMPOSITION

A questionnaire on the measurement of apprehension about writing was given to 1,257 students enrolled in their first college course in composition. Scores on the questionnaire did not correlate well with a measure of performance, grades in the composition course. A general measure of verbal facility and skills, Composite American College Test scores, correlated well with grades. These findings raise questions about what is measured by the questionnaire and suggest that achievement in writing depends more heavily on verbal skills than on apprehension about writing.
Post-silicon bug detection for variation induced electrical bugs

Electrical bugs, such as those caused by crosstalk or power droop, are a growing concern due to shrinking noise margins and increasing variability. This paper introduces COBE, an electrical bug modeling technique which can be used to evaluate the effectiveness of validation tests and DfD (design-for-debug) structures for detecting these errors in post-silicon validation. COBE first uses gate-level timing details to identify critical flip-flops in which the error effects of electrical bugs are more likely to be captured. Based on RTL simulation traces, the functional tests and corresponding cycles in which these critical flip-flops incur transitions are then recorded as the potential times and locations of bug activation. These selected "bit-flips" are then analyzed through functional simulation to determine if they are propagated to an observation point for detection. Compared to the commonly employed random bit-flip injection technique, COBE provides a significantly more accurate electrical bug model by taking into account the likelihood of bug activation, in terms of both location and time, for bit-flip injection. COBE is experimentally evaluated on an Alpha 21264 processor RTL model. In our simulation-based experiments, the results show that the relative effectiveness of the tests predicted by COBE correlates very well with the tests' electrical bug detection capability, with a correlation factor of 0.921. This method is much more accurate than the random bit-flip injection technique, which has a correlation factor of 0.482.
A conceptual problem-based learning environment for teaching introductory programming

Our overall objective is to help students develop the foundational capabilities needed to become successful software developers, that will help them learn how to effectively analyze, design, and implement software systems. The main focus of this paper is the development and use of a concept-based learning tool that helps students acquire effective analysis and design skills for the development of object-oriented programs. Concept maps are tools for organizing and representing knowledge; they enable learners to construct, navigate, share, and criticize knowledge models represented as augmented graphical concept maps. Using the concept map-based tool, students can use concept maps of object-oriented programming to help them solve problems.
Functional role of estrogen in pituitary tumor pathogenesis

Pituitary hyperplasia and lactotroph replication are induced by estrogen. The product of the pituitary tumor transforming gene (PTTG) exhibits in vitro and in vivo transforming activity and induces basic bFGF secretion, thereby modulating pituitary angiogenesis and tumor formation. We demonstrated previously that pituitary pttg is induced by estrogen and bFGF, the latter being expressed in a concordant fashion with pttg in experimental and human pituitary adenomas. We now elucidate the role of estrogen in paracrine regulation of pituitary tumorigenesis by PTTG. Coincident with the circulating rat estradiol surge and maximal pituitary proliferation, pituitary pttg mRNA, bFGF, and VEGF expression increased approximately threefold during proestrus and estrus. Osmotic mini-pump coinfusion of estrogen and antiestrogen abrogated estrogen-induced pituitary pttg expression in vivo, suppressed serum PRL concentrations by 88%, and attenuated prolactin-secreting pituitary tumor growth by 41% in rats. Antiestrogen treatment of primary human pituitary tumor cultures reduced PTTG expression approximately 65%. Pituitary pttg, bFGF, and VEGF are cyclically expressed during the rat estrus cycle, concordantly with estrogen levels. Because anti-estrogens reduced PTTG expression in human pituitary tumors in vitro and suppressed experimental tumor growth in vivo, concomitantly with reduced PRL secretion, these results indicate a role for selective antiestrogens in treating pituitary tumors.
Text Understanding Agents and the Semantic Web

We discuss the challenges involved in adapting the OntoSem natural language processing system to the Web. One set of tasks involves processing Web documents, translating their computed meaning representations from the OntoSems native KR language into the Semantic Web language OWL, and publishing the results as Web pages and RSS feeds. Another set of tasks works in reverse — querying the Web for facts needed by OntoSem, translating them from OWL into OntoSems native KR language and importing the results. A central problem underlying both sets of tasks is that of translating knowledge between OntoSems KR language and ontologies and those of the Semantic Web. OntoSem2OWL has been developed as a translation system to support these translations. We describe SemNews, an implemented prototype application that demonstrates the process. It monitors RSS feeds of news stories, applies OntoSem to understand the text, and exports the computed facts back to the Web in OWL.
Depletion of isoeugenol residues from the fillet tissue of AQUI-S™ exposed rainbow trout ( Oncorhynchus mykiss )

Abstract There is a critical need in U.S. public aquaculture and fishery management for an approved sedative that allows for the immediate release of fish after sedation. AQUI-STM is a fish anesthetic/sedative approved for use in several countries and until recently was being developed in the U.S. as a sedative for immediate release of fish after sedation. The U.S. National Toxicology Program reported that isoeugenol (the active ingredient in AQUI-STM) exposed male mice showed clear evidence of carcinogenicity, therefore efforts within the U.S. Department of Interior to develop AQUI-STM as a sedative that allows for immediate release ceased. Despite the ruling, AQUI-STM still has the potential to be approved as an anesthetic with a short withdrawal time. Among the data required to gain approval for use in the U.S. are data describing the composition and depletion of all AQUI-STM residues from fish fillet tissue. A total residue depletion study for AQUI-STM was conducted by exposing market-sized rainbow trout, Oncorhynchus mykiss (mean weight, 502.7 ± 54 g; s.d.) to 8.9 mg/L of 14C-[URL]-isoeugenol for 60 min in 17 °C water. The 14C-[URL]-isoeugenol was mixed with a surfactant resulting in a mixture that mimicked AQUI-STM. Groups of fish (n = 6) were sampled immediately after the exposure (0-h sample group) and at 0.5, 1, 2, and 4 h thereafter. Total isoeugenol-equivalent residue concentrations in the fillet tissue were determined by oxidizing triplicate subsamples of homogenized skin-on fillet tissue from each fish to 14CO2 and enumerating the radioactivity by static liquid scintillation counting. Isoeugenol concentrations in fillet tissue were determined by extracting homogenized fillet tissue with solvents and determining the isoeugenol concentrations in the extracts with high performance liquid chromatography techniques. The mean total isoeugenol-equivalent residue concentrations in the 0, 0.5, 1, 2, and 4-h sample groups were 55.4, 32.0, 19.8, 11.3, and 4.9 µg/g, respectively. The primary chemical residue in fillet tissue from all exposed fish was isoeugenol. The mean isoeugenol concentrations in the 0, 0.5, 1, 2, and 4-h sample groups were 48.9, 26.5, 15.3, 7.2, and 2.2 µg/g, respectively. The percents of the total radioactivity classified as isoeugenol in the 0, 0.5, 1, 2, and 4-h tissue extracts were 95, 73, 73, 64, and 48%, respectively.
Genome-wide analysis of DNA copy-number changes using cDNA microarrays.

Gene amplifications and deletions frequently contribute to tumorigenesis. Characterization of these DNA copy-number changes is important for both the basic understanding of cancer and its diagnosis. Comparative genomic hybridization (CGH) was developed to survey DNA copy-number variations across a whole genome1. With CGH, differentially labelled test and reference genomic DNAs are co-hybridized to normal metaphase chromosomes, and fluorescence ratios along the length of chromosomes provide a cytogenetic representation of DNA copynumber variation. CGH, however, has a limited (∼20 Mb) mapping resolution, and higher-resolution techniques, such as fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH), are prohibitively labour-intensive on a genomic scale. Array-based CGH, in which fluorescence ratios at arrayed DNA elements provide a locusby-locus measure of DNA copy-number variation, represents another means of achieving increased mapping resolution2‐4. Published array CGH methods have relied on large genomic clone (for example BAC) array targets and have covered only a small fraction of the human genome. cDNAs representing over 30,000 radiation-hybrid (RH)‐mapped human genes5,6 provide
Determination of Aquifer Parameters Using Regression Analysis

: Transmissivity and storativity of an aquifer are usually determined by analysis of steady or nonsteady pumping test data. The classical methods of nonsteady pumping test analysis are mostly graphical in nature and are, therefore, subject to errors of judgment in curve fitting, interpolating, and reading graphs and charts. A method is described here which does not require construction of graphs or use of charts and tables. The transmissivity and the storativity are calculated using regression analysis of the nonsteady time drawdown field data. The calculations can readily be performed on a hand held calculator. The procedure is described using four examples, and the results are compared with those obtained from graphical techniques. It is shown that the method is a viable alternative to the type curve solution of Theis or Straight line solution of Jacob for nonleaky artesian aquifers. However, the regression method poses problem in the cases of leaky artesian and water table aquifers.
Mirror-image carbohydrates: synthesis of the unnatural enantiomer of a blood group trisaccharide.

Methyl d-glucoside and d-glucose pentaacetate are transformed, respectively, into methyl α-O-glucuronide 3 and hydroxymethyl β-C-glucuronide 9, which undergo decarboxylative elimination efficiently to produce 4-deoxypentenoside 4 and l-glucal 10. These unsaturated pyranosides provide an expeditious entry into mirror-image oligosaccharides, as demonstrated in the synthesis of the unnatural enantiomer of the H-type II blood group determinant trisaccharide (d-Fuc-(α1→2)-l-Gal-(β1→4)-l-GlcNAc-β-OMe). This work illustrates that d-glucose, a common starting material in the synthesis of naturally occurring carbohydrates, can also be used to prepare their mirror-image analogues.
Quotient vertex operators

In this chapter we shall introduce what we call (in full) “quotient relative untwisted vertex operators” associated with a certain abelian subgroup A of L. We use the structure developed in the last chapter to set up analogous structure on certain quotient spaces. A sublattice Lo of L begins to play a role here. This sublattice will be important in later chapters, even in situations where h * = 0 and the relativization process degenerates; the reader interested only in this degenerate case may essentially skip this chapter, except for the definition of Lo.
It Is Time to Include Patients With Brain Tumors in Phase I Trials in Oncology

Traditionally,themajorityofphaseIstudiesofnovelagentsin oncology have excluded patients with primary brain tumors. Although phase I studies are designed to determine optimal dosing, efficacy data are increasingly used to look for a signal in particular tumors. Excluding patients with primary brain tumors from phase I studies results in a significant handicap in the identification of drugs that may be particularly active in these tumor types. In this era of targeted therapies, we suggest that the reasons for excluding these patients are largely obsolete. It is time to reconsider this practice and include patients with brain tumors in phase I trials in oncology. Several reasons are given for the exclusion of patients with brain tumors from phase I trials. First, patients with brain tumors were historically treated with cytochrome P450 enzyme-inducing antiepileptic drugs (EIAEDs), such as phenytoin and carbamazepine, which potentially accelerated hepatic metabolism of the agent under study. Asaresult,aseparatephaseIstudywasoftenrequiredforpatientswith
Application of multiple artificial intelligence techniques for an aircraft carrier landing decision support tool

This paper describes some aspects of a recently completed project that improves the landing signal officer's (LSO) decision making when guiding the landing of aircraft on aircraft carriers. The decision support aids were developed using multiple artificial intelligence (AI) techniques. The project developed pilot trending and flight prediction techniques as well as optimized the LSO's user interface via the application of decision-centered design methodologies from cognitive psychology. SHAI determined the significant aircraft approach parameters and developed a neuro-fuzzy system for plane trajectory prediction. SHAI also developed pilot trending techniques and software using case-based reasoning and fuzzy logic. In addition, in conjunction with many LSOs, we determined the best display options and most appropriate display logic for the information produced by the pilot trending module, and designed and implemented the resulting LSO interface. This paper concentrates on two particular areas of AI application, that is, the data fusion portion of the pilot trending system, and plane trajectory prediction.
Normal and induced synthesis of δ‐aminolevulinic acid synthetase in developing chick liver

δ-Aminolevulinic acid synthetase activity in embryonic chick liver is not detectable until just before hatching when it surges to more than four times the adult level (12 moles ALA/g liver/h) which is reached in the first week after hatching. An injection of 3, 5-dicarbethoxy-1, 4-dihydrocollidine into the egg results in a massive increase in the activity of the enzyme—up to 40 times the adult level. In addition, the enzyme can also be induced in embryonic chick liver by hypoxia.
Targeting Two Coagulation Cascade Proteases with a Bivalent Aptamer Yields a Potent and Antidote-Controllable Anticoagulant

Potent and rapid-onset anticoagulation is required for several clinical settings, including cardiopulmonary bypass surgery. In addition, because anticoagulation is associated with increased bleeding following surgery, the ability to rapidly reverse such robust anticoagulation is also important. Previously, we observed that no single aptamer was as potent as heparin for anticoagulating blood. However, we discovered that combinations of two aptamers were as potent as heparin. Herein, we sought to combine two individual anticoagulant aptamers into a single bivalent RNA molecule in an effort to generate a single molecule that retained the potent anticoagulant activity of the combination of individual aptamers. We created four bivalent aptamers that can inhibit Factor X/Xa and prothrombin/thrombin and anticoagulate plasma, as well as the combination of individual aptamers. Detailed characterization of the shortest bivalent aptamer indicates that each aptamer retains full binding and functional activity when pr...
Immune response to recombinant Escherichia coli Iss protein in poultry.

Abstract Colibacillosis accounts for significant losses to the poultry industry, and control efforts are hampered by limited understanding of the mechanisms used by avian pathogenic Escherichia coli (APEC) to cause disease. We have found that the presence of the increased serum survival gene (iss) is strongly associated with APEC but not with commensal E. coli, making iss, and the protein it encodes (Iss), candidate targets of colibacillosis control procedures. To assess the potential of Iss to elicit a protective response in chickens against APEC challenge, Iss fusion proteins were produced and administered subcutaneously to four groups of 2-wk-old specific-pathogen-free leghorn chickens. At 4 wk postimmunization, birds were challenged with APEC from serogroups O2 and O78 via intramuscular injection. At 2 wk postchallenge, birds were necropsied, and lesions consistent with colibacillosis were scored. Also, sera were collected from the birds pre- and postimmunization, and antibody titers to Iss were deter...
Card-Contingent Discounts As Sources Of Customer Satisfaction And Dissatisfaction: An Exploratory Inquiry

The reported exploratory study was undertaken to illuminate the effects of card-contingent discounts (CCDs) on customer satisfaction and dissatisfaction. CCDs are price reductions on certain items that are given only to customers who present a card issued by the seller. Results from our survey of 953 grocery store patrons indicate that shoppers tend to frame CCDs as price reductions to which they are entitled; denying discounts is judged unfair. Typical customers are content, rather than delighted, when CCDs are granted and are disappointed or annoyed when CCDs are withheld. CCDs, therefore, seem more likely to engender dissatisfaction than enhance satisfaction.
Usage of the $\bar{\tau} \tau$ or T Anti-t Decay Mode to Distinguish an Intermediate Mass Higgs Boson From a Technipion

Abstract A technipion and an elementary Higgs particle with a mass greater than about 10 GeV can always be distinguished by a 10–20% accuracy measurement of the full sequential decay correlation function I(E1, E2, cos ψ12) = S + γCPD in the Higgs/technipion rest frame for a decay mode such as τ τ with τ ± → l ± ν ν or t t with t → bμ+ν, t → b μ − ν , where E1,2 are the charged lepton energies and ψ12 is the angle between the charged lepton momenta. For the charged leptons back-to-back, in the extreme relativistic scaling limit D/S ≅ 21% for E1 = E2 ≅ (Emax/2), whereas for MH = 70 GeV already D/S ≅ 19% so the scaling limit is rapidly reached. If for the t t mode the b jets′ momenta are also measured, then a correlation function in t quark rest frames′ helicity angles and energies can be used instead to determine γCP but from a much smaller number of events. This procedure is possible because the standard ν ν correlation function is symmetric in the azimuthal angle φ ν ν , so cos φ ν ν and the helicity polar angles θν and θ ν of the missing and antineutrino are measurable in spite of a two-fold kinematic ambiguity in the t and t momenta directions. If the top quark has a mass mt ≥ 100 GeV, the t t mode with t → bW+, t → b W − can be used to determine γCP by measuring the two b jets′ momenta.
DNA repair in species with extreme lifespan differences

Differences in DNA repair capacity have been hypothesized to underlie the great range of maximum lifespans among mammals. However, measurements of individual DNA repair activities in cells and animals have not substantiated such a relationship because utilization of repair pathways among animals--depending on habitats, anatomical characteristics, and life styles--varies greatly between mammalian species. Recent advances in high-throughput genomics, in combination with increased knowledge of the genetic pathways involved in genome maintenance, now enable a comprehensive comparison of DNA repair transcriptomes in animal species with extreme lifespan differences. Here we compare transcriptomes of liver, an organ with high oxidative metabolism and abundant spontaneous DNA damage, from humans, naked mole rats, and mice, with maximum lifespans of ~120, 30, and 3 years, respectively, with a focus on genes involved in DNA repair. The results show that the longer-lived species, human and naked mole rat, share higher expression of DNA repair genes, including core genes in several DNA repair pathways. A more systematic approach of signaling pathway analysis indicates statistically significant upregulation of several DNA repair signaling pathways in human and naked mole rat compared with mouse. The results of this present work indicate, for the first time, that DNA repair is upregulated in a major metabolic organ in long-lived humans and naked mole rats compared with short-lived mice. These results strongly suggest that DNA repair can be considered a genuine longevity assurance system.
The Antigen of Bacillus Anthracis

It having been shown in previous articles1 that the antigens of many bacteria and cells consist of pure fats, it seemed advisable to inquire whether a spore-bearing organism such as B. anthracis would yield a similar antigen. For this purpose there was selected a laboratory strain of anthrax bacillus, and a strain sent me from the Hygienic Laboratory at Washington. These strains were pure, the one a meager, the other an abundant, spore producer, and were easily raised in virulence for guinea-pigs and rabbits. While the method of isolation of fatty antigens has been given before, it will be briefly summarized.
Visualizing Nanoparticle Dissolution by Imaging Mass Spectrometry

We demonstrate the ability to visualize nanoparticle dissolution while simultaneously providing chemical signatures that differentiate between citrate-capped silver nanoparticles (AgNPs), AgNPs forced into dissolution via exposure to UV radiation, silver nitrate (AgNO3), and AgNO3/citrate deposited from aqueous solutions and suspensions. We utilize recently developed inkjet printing (IJP) protocols to deposit the different solutions/suspensions as NP aggregates and soluble species, which separate onto surfaces in situ, and collect mass spectral imaging data via time-of-flight secondary ion mass spectrometry (TOF-SIMS). Resulting 2D Ag+ chemical images provide the ability to distinguish between the different Ag-containing starting materials and, when coupled with mass spectral peak ratios, provide information-rich data sets for quick and reproducible visualization of NP-based aqueous constituents. When compared to other measurements aimed at studying NP dissolution, the IJP-TOF-SIMS approach offers valuabl...
Chapter 5 – The Hyaluronan Receptor: CD44

CD44 serves a critical role linking one of the most ubiquitous extracellular macromolecule, hyaluronan, with the cell surface and intracellular network. CD44 participates in the binding of hyaluronan; pericellular matrix assembly; hyaluronan internalization; cell migration and adhesion; tumor invasion and metastasis; signal transduction; and regulating apoptosis; serving as a coreceptor and docking protein for matrix metalloproteinases, and lymphocyte homing. CD44 is a type I single-pass transmembrane glycoprotein consisting of four functional domains. The distal extracellular domain, representing the aminoterminal portion of the protein, is the region primarily responsible for the binding of hyaluronan. It consists of 100 amino acids brought together by three critical cysteine disulfide cross-links. This region bears strong homology to the hyaluronan binding domain of cartilage link protein and thus, is often termed the link module. The next domain is the membrane-proximal, extracellular domain or “stalk” region of CD44. It is within this region that amino acid extensions due to alternative splicing are incorporated. In other words, extensions within this region give rise to many of the variant isoforms of CD44. The wide range of cellular functions purportedly mediated by CD44 can be separated into two general categories. The first category constitutes functions related to CD44 as a hyaluronan receptor and, the second constitutes functions that are seemingly independent of receptor–ligand interactions. The most well-characterized functions relating to CD44 as a hyaluronan receptor include mediating: the locomotion or adherence of a cell to a hyaluronan-rich extracellular matrix; the retention of a hyaluronan-rich matrix to the cell surface; the endocytosis of hyaluronan and associated bound molecules; and signal transduction due to changes in hyaluronan occupancy including the coordination of hyaluronan-mediated events associated with apoptosis.
Hydrogen peroxide scavenger, catalase, alleviates ion transport dysfunction in murine colitis.

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) such as hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) contribute to epithelial damage and ion transport dysfunction (key events in inflammatory diarrhea) in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). The aim of this study was to identify if H2O2 mediates suppression of colonic ion transport function in the murine dextran sulfate sodium (DSS) colitis model by using the H2O2 degrading enzyme, catalase. Colitis was induced by administering DSS (4%) in drinking water for 5 days followed by 3 days on normal H2O. Mice were administered either pegylated-catalase or saline at day -1, 0 and +1 of DSS treatment. Ion transport responses to the Ca2+-dependent agonist, carbachol (CCh), or the cAMP-dependent agonist, forskolin, were measured across distal colonic mucosa mounted in Ussing chambers. Parameters of DSS-induced inflammation (loss in body weight, decreased colon length, altered stool consistency), were only partially alleviated by catalase while histology was only minimally improved. However, catalase significantly reversed the DSS-induced reduction in baseline ion transport as well as colonic Isc responses to CCh. However, ion transport responses to forskolin were not significantly restored. Catalase also reduced activation of ERK MAP kinase in the setting of colitis, and increased expression of the Na+-K+-2Cl- cotransporter, NKCC1, consistent with restoration of ion transport function. Ex vivo treatment of inflamed colonic mucosae with catalase also partially restored ion transport function. Therefore, catalase partially prevents, and rescues, the loss of ion transport properties in DSS colitis even in the setting of unresolved tissue inflammation. These findings indicate a prominent role for ROS in ion transport dysfunction in colitis and may suggest novel strategies for the treatment of inflammatory diarrhea. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
An energy-efficient 32-bit RISC processor for sensor platform in 90nm technology

Due to limited life-time of battery, the energy constrained system for sensor platform has drawn a strong interest for ultra-low power research in recent years. In this paper, an energy efficient 32-bit RISC processor is discussed. The design is targeted for branch and data intensive computations. The design includes both architectural and circuit techniques to optimize energy consumption. An advance branch technique is introduced to reduce stalls in branch intensive application, which in turn decreases energy wastage due to incorrect branch decision. Architectural innovation also includes low power data memory access policy. On the circuit front, energy consumption is minimized by scaling down the supply voltage near to threshold. The 24Kb memory incorporates subthreshold 6T SRAM cell to ensure read stability at subthreshold voltage down to 0:18V. The design consumes 562pJ/instruction at optimal core and memory supply 0:5V and 0:33V respectively, for operating frequency 650KHz in 90nm technology.
Purification and Characterization of Soybean DNA-Dependent RNA Polymerases and the Modulation of Their Activities During Development

Following the report of Roeder and Rutter, (1, 2) describing multiple forms of RNA polymerase in animal cells, studies on the structure and function of the eukaryotic RNA polymerases have progressed rapidly. Three major classes of nuclear RNA polymerase have been described: I or A, II or B, and III or C (1–5). The nomenclature used throughout this paper is that adopted from Roeder and Rutter (1) which is derived from the elution pattern of the RNA polymerases from DEAE Sephadex. Each class has distinguishing characteristics (i.e., sensitivity to the fungal toxin, a-amanitin, elution patterns from cation and anion exchange resins, salt optima, and template preferences) as well as distinct subunit structures (5–9). In addition, each of the three classes can be subdivided into 2 or 3 species which are resolved by gel electrophoresis under both denaturing and nondenaturing conditions (7–9).
Fusion transcriptome profiling provides insights into alveolar rhabdomyosarcoma

Gene fusions and fusion products were thought to be unique features of neoplasia. However, more and more studies have identified fusion RNAs in normal physiology. Through RNA sequencing of 27 human noncancer tissues, a large number of fusion RNAs were found. By analyzing fusion transcriptome, we observed close clusterings between samples of same or similar tissues, supporting the feasibility of using fusion RNA profiling to reveal connections between biological samples. To put the concept into use, we selected alveolar rhabdomyosarcoma (ARMS), a myogenic pediatric cancer whose exact cell of origin is not clear. PAX3-FOXO1 (paired box gene 3 fused with forkhead box O1) fusion RNA, which is considered a hallmark of ARMS, was recently found during normal muscle cell differentiation. We performed and analyzed RNA sequencing from various time points during myogenesis and uncovered many chimeric fusion RNAs. Interestingly, we found that the fusion RNA profile of RH30, an ARMS cell line, is most similar to the myogenesis time point when PAX3-FOXO1 is expressed. In contrast, full transcriptome clustering analysis failed to uncover this connection. Strikingly, all of the 18 chimeric RNAs in RH30 cells could be detected at the same myogenic time point(s). In addition, the seven chimeric RNAs that follow the exact transient expression pattern as PAX3-FOXO1 are specific to rhabdomyosarcoma cells. Further testing with clinical samples also confirmed their specificity to rhabdomyosarcoma. These results provide further support for the link between at least some ARMSs and the PAX3-FOXO1-expressing myogenic cells and demonstrate that fusion RNA profiling can be used to investigate the etiology of fusion-gene-associated cancers.