cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Ribozyme-mediated specific gene replacement of the α1-antitrypsin gene in human hepatoma cells

Abstract Backgroundl Aims: Some of the mutant forms of cellular proteins not only lose their function, but also cause diseases by their toxic effects. One of the challenging tasks in the field of gene therapy will be "gene replacement" accomplished by inhibiting mutant gene expression and providing normal function of the same gene, simultaneously. Although lung involvement in α1-antrypsin (α1-AT) deficiency is caused by the lack of α1-AT function, the liver involvement is due to the accumulation of the mutated α1-AT protein. Therefore, one possible approach to prevent and treat the disease manifestations of α1-AT deficiency is to inhibit the expression of the mutated gene and replace it with normally functioning α1-AT protein in the liver. Methods: For the inhibition of α1-AT gene expression, panels of α1-AT-specific hammerhead ribozymes designed to target different GUC sites in the α1-AT mRNA were evaluated in a human hepatoma cell-line, transduced with retroviral vectors which express ribozymes under the control of a human tRNA promoter. A bi-functional vector was also constructed, which contained a functional α1-AT ribozyme and was combined with a modified α1-AT gene, whose product was engineered to be resistant to the specific α1-AT ribozyme. This construct was transduced into target hepatoma cells. Results: The transduced hepatoma cells showed the effective expression of modified α1-AT, under the conditions where the endogenous α1-AT gene expression was inhibited. Conclusion: This ribozyme-mediated, specific gene replacement is a first step in the gene therapy of α1-AT deficiency.
The C-terminal Domains of Vertebrate CstF-64 and Its Yeast Orthologue Rna15 Form a New Structure Critical for mRNA 3′-End Processing

Yeast Rna15 and its vertebrate orthologue CstF-64 play critical roles in mRNA 3 ′-end processing and in transcription termination downstream of poly(A) sites. These proteins contain N-terminal domains that recognize the poly(A) site, but little is known about their highly conserved C-terminal regions. Here we show by NMR that the C-terminal domains of CstF-64 and Rna15 fold into a three-helix bundle with an uncommon topological arrangement. The structure defines a cluster of evolutionary conserved yet exposed residues we show to be essential for the interaction between Pcf11 and Rna15. Furthermore, we demonstrate that this interaction is critical for the function of Rna15 in 3 ′-end processing but dispensable for transcription termination. The C-terminal domain of the Rna15 homologue Pti1 contains critical sequence alterations within this region that are predicted to prevent Pcf11 interaction, providing an explanation for the distinct functions of these two closely related proteins in the 3 ′-end formation of RNA polymerase II transcripts. These results define the role of the C-terminal half of Rna15 and provide insight into the network of protein/protein interactions responsible for assembly of the 3 ′-end processing apparatus.
Mine-associated wetlands as avian habitat

Surveys for interior wetland birds at mine-associated emergent wetlands on coal surface mines in southern Illinois detected one state threatened and two state endangered species. Breeding by least bittern (Ixobrychus exilis) and common moorhen (Gallinula chloropus) was confirmed. Regional assessment of potential wetland bird habitat south of Illinois Interstate 64 identified a total of 8,109 ha of emergent stable water wetlands; 10% were associated with mining. Mine-associated wetlands with persistent hydrology and large expanses of emergent vegetation provide habitat that could potentially compensate for loss of natural wetlands in Illinois. We encourage identification and management of such areas and reclamation of mine areas to wetlands where possible.
Phylogeny of the Erythrosuchidae (Reptilia: Archosauriformes)

ABSTRACT The Erythrosuchidae are a late Early to early Middle Triassic lineage that represent the first radiation of large terrestrial carnivores within the Archosauriformes. Erythrosuchid monophyly can be established by their possession of a suite of seven shared derived characters. At least five valid genera of erythrosuchids can be recognized. The most plesimorphic of these is Fugusuchus from China, followed by Garjainia from Russia and Erythrosuchus from South Africa. Vjushkovia and Shansisuchus share a later common ancestry. Vjushkovia is represented by two species, V. triplicostata from Russia and V. sinensis from China. Shansisuchus, also from China, is the only erythrosuchid with two fenestrae in the antorbital region. Erythrosuchids had a nearly worldwide distribution, although individual species appear to have restricted geographical ranges. The greatest diversity is in Russia and China but this probably reflects the fact that the most complete continental sequences spanning the stratigraphic ra...
Induction and repression of microsomal drug-metabolizing enzymes by polycyclic hydrocarbons and phenobarbital: Theoretical models

Abstract Administration to animals of polycyclic hydrocarbons (e.g. 3-methylcholanthrene) and drugs (e.g. phenobarbital) stimulates many hepatic microsomal mixed-function oxidases and inhibits a few others. Evidence indicating the “induction” of aminoazo dye N -demethylase and other mixed-function oxidases, and “repression” of the dimethylnitrosamine-demethylase by 3-methylcholanthrene (and other polynuclear hydrocarbons) is discussed. The well-known stimulatory effects of 3-methylcholanthrene on several events, both nuclear and cytoplasmic, in protein synthesis, indicate a highly specific and selective role in the differential effects of this hydrocarbon on the synthesis of mixed-function oxidases. Such selectivity could bring about differences in the output of messenger RNA molecules serving as templates for “inducible” and “repressible” enzymes. Alternative theoretical models are proposed to account for the differential effect of “inducers” in enhancing the synthesis of many and repressing the synthesis of some microsomal mixed-function oxidases. The following models are based on transcriptional control : (i) 3-methylcholanthrene is an “inducer” which allosterically combines with and inactivates the “active repressor”, thereby leading to “derepression” in the case of “inducible” enzymes; it acts as “corepressor” and activates the otherwise “inactive repressor” in the case of “repressible” enzymes; (ii) the above model may be extended to “cascade control”: the hydrocarbon inactivates the “active repressor” and, thereby, turns “on” one or more operon(s) which carry the structural genes coding for “inducible” enzymes and also a regulator gene which synthesizes a repressor turning “off” a second group of operon(s) carrying the structural genes coding for “repressible” enzymes; (iii) there is little evidence-if any-at present that hydrocarbons might modulate the regulatory role of histones (by modifying, e.g., acetylation) and thus switch “on” or “off” sets of genes. As an alternative, translational mode of control needs to be considered. 3-Methylcholanthrene may direct, in the case of inducible enzymes, the “right” folding-up of the nascent polypeptide chain and facilitate protein synthesis on the ribosomes. At the template of “repressible” enzymes, the hydrocarbon promotes the “wrong” conformation and, hence, synthesis of enzyme protein on the ribosomes is hindered.
Frequency-Dependent Control of Grain Size in Electroplating Gold for Nanoscale Applications

The influence of frequency on the grain size of pulse plated gold has been investigated. Potential pulses of 3.5 V and galvanic pulses of 1 A/cm 2 were used in two separate experiments for the lateral electrodeposition of gold grains in 50 μm gaps. The circuit model and frequency of operation have been studied by electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. A significant control over the average grain size was achieved between 98.4 and 693.3 nm at frequencies varied from 5 Hz to 1 kHz. Frequency dependency on grain size was also demonstrated on single samples using a frequency scan.
Oscillatory Flow in a Symmetric Bifurcation Airway Model

Flow in a symmetric bifurcation model of analytically known geometry was investigated experimentally under oscillatory flow conditions. The duration of the inspiratory and expiratory phases were set to be equal during the oscillatory period. A two velocity component laser Doppler anemometer was used to interrogate the flow field. Three different flow rates through the bifurcation were investigated. The peak Reynolds numbers, based on peak flow rates, were 700, 1278, and 2077. The Womersley number was set to 4.3 and it was kept at the same value for the three different flow rates. The results suggest that under the conditions studied a quasisteady flow assumption for oscillatory flow is valid for only about 50% of the oscillatory period, or it is limited to represent the oscillatory flow only in the vicinity of peak inspiration and peak expiration. Complex transport phenomena that occur during the transition between the respiratory phases cannot be elucidated and analyzed by quasisteady equivalents.
Critical heat flux from a simulated chip to a confined rectangular impinging jet of dielectric liquid

Abstract Experiments are performed to investigate boiling heat transfer from a smooth 12.7 mm × 12.7 mm heat source to a jet of dielectric Fluorinert FC-72 liquid issued from a thin rectangular orifice into a channel confined between the surfaces of the heat source and the nozzle. General boiling and critical heat flux (CHF) trends are examined with respect to variations in nozzle exit velocity, U = 1−13 m s −1 , nozzle width, W = 0.127−0.508 mm, confinement channel height above the heated surface, H = 0.508−5.08 mm, and subcooling, Δ T sub = 0−40° C . Two regimes of CHF, medium and high velocity, are discovered, and an empirical correlation is developed for the medium velocity regime. The primary difference between the two regimes is a weak dependence of CHF on channel height for medium velocities compared to a stronger dependence for high velocities. It is found that operating in the high velocity regime, especially for the smallest channel height, can result in decreasing CHF with increasing jet velocity due to a stream-wise reduction of liquid subcooling within the channel. A self-contained cooling module consisting of a 3 × 3 array of heat sources confirms the uniformity and predictability of cooling for each of the nine heat sources, proving that the confined jet geometry is well suited for cooling large arrays of high-power-density heat sources such as electronic chips dissipating heat fluxes as high as 250 W cm −2 .
An exploratory factor analysis of the Tail Suspension Test in 12 inbred strains of mice and an F2 intercross.

Abstract To explore the genetic dimensions of the stress response in rodents, we tested 12 inbred strains of mice and an F2 intercross (n=745) on the Tail Suspension Test (TST) and the Tail Suspension-Induced Hyperthermia (TSIH) paradigm. These selected 12 strains provide a representative sampling of the genetic heterogeneity of mousedom. An F2 intercross was derived from NMRI and 129S6 strains, which differ in their responses on the TST. Both inbred strains and F2 mice underwent a standardized protocol of automated TST with two sessions: (1) baseline and (2) imipramine TST. The duration of immobility and the body temperature after TST were recorded. The inbred strains were also tested in the Light–Dark Transition (LDT) test and in the Open Field Test (OFT), measuring the distance traveled, vertical movements, and center time as independent variables. The F2 mice were measured for core temperature after TST (TSIH). High intercorrelations among strain means were found for the LDT and OFT measures. Principal components analysis extracted four factors: “exploratory fear,” body weight, imipramine response on immobility, and “stress reactivity.” These dimensions were largely confirmed in the F2 population with one additional factor: imipramine response on TSIH. The results support a distinction between “stress reactivity” as measured by the TST and “exploratory fear” behavior as measured by the LDT and OFT.
Expression and stability of c-sis mRNA in human glioblastoma cells

The production of platelet-derived growth factor like (PDGF-like) material by glioblastomas may be involved in the conversion of normal cells to tumor cells. In an investigation of this problem, we have examined some of the properties of the platelet-derived growth factor B-chain mRNA (c-sis mRNA) by a sensitive and quantitative RNA-RNA solution hybridization method. In 5 out of 8 human glioblastoma cell lines, c-sis mRNA was present, and in the line with the highest level, there were approximately 4-10 molecules per cell. The half-lives of the c-sis mRNA in two glioblastoma cell lines were 2.6 and 3.4 h, while in human umbilical vein endothelial (HUVE) and bladder carcinoma (T24) cells they were 1.6 and 2.5 h, respectively. Inhibiting protein synthesis produced no significant alteration of the c-sis mRNA half-lives in the glioblastoma or HUVE cells. The A-U-rich sequence at the 3' end of the c-sis mRNA therefore does not appear to affect the mRNA stability in the presence of cycloheximide as it does in other transcripts. The similarity of the c-sis mRNA half-lives in normal and tumor cells suggests that regulation of stability of c-sis mRNA is not a major factor in tumorigenesis in the glioblastoma cell lines examined.
Particle scattering studies on foreign ions in superionic conductors

Abstract The effects of foreign ions on the structures and properties of superionic conductors are being investigated. This paper reports Rutherford backscattering, nuclear reaction analysis, and channeling studies on beta alumina crystals doped with Mn by ion implantation and with Li and Mg from melts. Implantation disorders the beta alumina surface. On heating, the surface crystallizes, and Mn diffuses into Al sites. The melt-doped compositions are accounted for by Mg substitution in the spinel layer and by Li in the conduction plane. Particle scattering has been used to profile sodium and impurities in beta alumina ceramics and F disorder in lead fluoride.
Measuring instructed language learners’ IC development: Discrepancies between assessment models by Byram and Bennett

Abstract Researchers and foreign language (FL) educators alike have investigated changes in learners’ intercultural competence (IC) in response to pedagogical interventions aimed at preparing learners for cross-cultural encounters. Byram's (1997) multimodal IC model and Bennett's (1993) developmental model of intercultural sensitivity (DMIS) are predominant IC assessment models in the field of FL education. This paper reports empirical evidence that reveals discrepancies between these two models drawing from the findings of a larger study that employed both theoretical lenses to investigate culture learning in a computer-mediated environment. Specifically, the study investigated changes in the way 13 U.S. French language learners talked about French people and culture in online classroom discussions in response to virtual instruction about French cultural practices at two levels: (1) at the individual level—with Byram's IC model in three case studies and (2) at the group level—with Bennett's DMIS. A post hoc comparison of the findings revealed assessment discrepancies between the models—empirical evidence revealing contradictions both between and within the models. These discrepancies are reported and the merits of each model within the research design are discussed. The aim of this paper is to empower readers with an understanding of IC research instruments and assessment tools commonly used to measure IC development in FL education and to inform methodological decisions of future research.
Further studies on the steroid inhibition of adrenal protein synthesis.

Steroids have been reported to inhibit radioactive amino acid incorporation into rat adrenal protein in vitro. To study the possibility that this effect might be due to an inhibition of amino acid transport, testosterone was incubated with rat adrenal quarters and amino acid transport was measured. There was a 15% inhibition of 14C-alpha amino isobutyric acid transport but no inhibition of 14C-cycloleucine transport. When testosterone was incubated with adrenal homogenates, there was a 50% inhibition of radioactive amino acid incorporation into protein, which suggested that this steroid effect was not primarily due to an inhibition of amino acid transport. In a further study of the mechanism by which these steroids inhibit adrenal protein synthesis, it was found that the incorporation of 14C-orotic acid into RNA was inhibited by testosterone and corticosterone but not by aldosterone. (Endocrinology 83: 18, 1968)
Ian Macneil and relational contract theory: evidence of impact

Purpose – This paper seeks to describe the work of Ian Macneil, a legal scholar advocating the use of relational contract theory and behavioral norms to evaluate exchange relations in business. The aim is to show through bibliometric and comparative analyses that Macneil has influenced management scholarship and dialogue about relational contract theory to an extent not recognized by management scholars. Design/methodology/approach – Evidence of impact is evaluated through a bibliometric analysis of primary and secondary citations. This is followed by a comparison of Macneil's theory with four theories – integrated social contract theory, stakeholder theory, transaction cost theory, and rational choice theory. Findings – Results indicate that Macneil has had a substantial impact on researchers working in different business disciplines, from marketing to economics and management. Bibliometric analysis reveals that his work is widely cited, suggesting that Macneil's contribution extends beyond legal scholar...
Acute Respiratory Infections in Day Care

A 16-year, longitudinal study of acute respiratory infections was conducted in a day care center. The incidence of infections peaked in the second six months of life (10 per child per year) and declined thereafter. Fewer than 10% of infections involved the lower respiratory tract. The isolation of respiratory viruses was associated closely with illnesses, and viruses appeared to be the most important causes of respiratory infections. Haemophilus influenzae type b was isolated infrequently and caused no invasive disease. Nontypable H. influenzae and Streptococcus pneumoniae were isolated frequently but were not associated epidemiologically with illnesses. Group A streptococci were isolated with moderate frequency but were not a major problem. Although the data presented are an inadequate basis for firm conclusions, they suggest that the incidence of acute respiratory infections during the first year of life is higher among children in day care centers than among those cared for at home but that the incidence in later years is perhaps lower for children who enter day care as infants and remain in day care through the preschool years. Acute respiratory infections are the most frequent and universal illnesses suffered by children, irrespective of attendance at a day care facility. It is commonly believed by day care providers, medical personnel, and parents that children in day care have more frequent acute respiratory infections than do children who are cared for at home. In spite of the importance of acute respiratory infections in day care settings, only one study involving comprehensive observations over a long period has been reported [1]. This review updates the latter report by summariz
The effect of ‘make’ or ‘buy’ on the timing of capacity investment by manufacturers in new markets

We analyse the manufacturer’s decision in the timing of capacity investment when there are two retailers in the new market: an incumbent retailer who either makes the product in house or buys the product from the manufacturer and an entrant retailer who must purchase the product from the manufacturer. We find that the unit production costs of the manufacturer and the incumbent retailer, the demand uncertainty and the incumbent retailer’s decision of ‘make-in-house’ and ‘buy’ are the main factors to affect the timing of capacity investment.
Historical note on height and parental consumption decisions

Abstract With fertility a measure of the relative price between the quality versus quantity of children trade-off, parental consumption decisions allocating nutritional resources between generations are important in the income-height relationship. This paper uses data from nine European nations to explore this hypothesis.
An efficient synthesis of 3′-fluoro-3′-deoxythymidene (FLT)

Abstract A synthetic route which permits the regioselective introduction of fluoride into an FLT precursor under mild conditions and the subsequent conversion of that intermediate into FLT is reported.
HYPOCRITE BROTHER, HYPOCRITE SISTER: EXCHANGING GENDERS IN LES FLEURS DU MAL

Construction de l'alterite sexuelle dans la relation auteur-lecteur et la persona poetique chez Baudelaire.
Radiology–Pathology Conference: sclerosing hemangioma of the lung

Sclerosing hemangioma (SH) is a relatively rare, benign neoplasm of the lung. Although there are relatively characteristic imaging findings, biopsy remains the definitive diagnostic test. We report the radiology and pathology of a patient with a SH, with emphasis on the computed tomographic and (18)F-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography findings, and review the literature on this unusual tumor.
Colonic absorption of acetylsalicylic acid in the rat

Abstract o 1. 1. Aspirin is absorbed in the colon by passive diffusion to a significant degree in spite of the alkaline pH of the colonic lumen. 2. 2. Aspirin absorption by the colon is enhanced by increasing the hydrogen ion concentration. 3. 3. Butyric acid, by markedly reducing the absorption rate of aspirin, may be partially responsible for the unpredictable absorption of rectally administered aspirin. 4. 4. The addition of glycerol to aspirin preparations does not hinder the absorption of aspirin by the colon.
Effect of Introduction of Urea on Feeding Behavior of Holstein Heifers

Abstract Effects of introduction of urea upon feeding behavior were studied in dairy heifers that never had been exposed to urea. Twelve dairy heifers (158±40kg) exhibited no significant aversion or preference in 20 two-choice preference tests with tap water versus tap water adulterated with urea (1 to 64×10 -2 M). Ammonia intoxication was avoided by limiting liquid volumes offered so that urea intake would not exceed .35 g/kg body weight during the 30-min test period. In single stimulus preference tests with five pairs of heifers (156±24kg), animals fed urea versus soy protein diet during the daily 6-h test period did not decrease consumption until day 3 of exposure. Heifers provided with urea diet spent as much time feeding, but eating rate was decreased. They remained averse to urea diet after we fed soy protein diet for 4 days. We postulate the decreased consumption of urea diets fed below toxic amounts is not due to taste and/or odor per se but probably results from association of the flavor of urea diets with a malaise produced by ammonia.
Trastuzumab and Vinorelbine as First-Line Therapy for HER2-Overexpressing Metastatic Breast Cancer: Multicenter Phase II Trial With Clinical Outcomes, Analysis of Serum Tumor Markers as Predictive Factors, and Cardiac Surveillance Algorithm

Purpose: Trastuzumab-based therapy improves survival for women with human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2)–positive advanced breast cancer. We conducted a multicenter phase II study to evaluate the efficacy and safety of trastuzumab combined with vinorelbine, and to assess cardiac surveillance algorithms and tumor markers as prognostic tools. Patients and Methods: Patients with HER2-positive (immunohistochemistry [IHC] 3+-positive or fluorescence in situ hybridization [FISH]-positive) metastatic breast cancer received first-line chemotherapy with trastuzumab and vinorelbine to determine response rate. Eligibility criteria were measurable disease and baseline ejection fraction ≥ 50%. Serial testing for HER2 extracellular domain (ECD) was performed. Results: Fifty-four women from 17 participating centers were entered onto the study. The overall response rate was 68% (95% confidence interval, 54% to 80%). Response rates were not affected by method of HER2 status determination (FISH v IHC) or by prio...
Effects of a 21st-Century Curriculum on Students’ Information Technology and Transition Skills

A pretest—posttest control group experimental design was used to evaluate the effectiveness of EnvisionIT, a 10-unit web-based curriculum designed to teach secondary students information technology (IT) skills in the context of transition-planning activities. Fifteen high schools were stratified by socioeconomic status and randomly assigned to the EnvisionIT experimental condition or a control condition in which students received traditional instruction. Pre- and posttest data for 287 students—119 (41%) of whom had disabilities—were analyzed using hierarchical linear modeling. Findings indicated that students in the experimental group made significantly greater gains in IT literacy than students in the control group. Students in the experimental group also showed greater gains in several transition skills, including goal setting, knowledge of how to find jobs, and information about college. Results support the conclusion that the EnvisionIT curriculum produces improvements in students’ acquisition of the ...
Effect of Immune Reconstitution on the Incidence of HIV-Related Hodgkin Lymphoma

Background The incidence of Hodgkin lymphoma (HL) has increased since introduction of combined antiretroviral therapy (cART). While HIV-related HL is highly associated with EBV, the causes underlying the rising incidence remain unclear. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of immune reconstitution on HL incidence among a cohort of HIV-infected male veterans ever receiving cART.
Impact of Purposeful Sessional Endings on Both the Group and the Practitioner

ABSTRACT This article distinguishes between typical and purposeful session endings and addresses the concept of the group life-cycle as it applies to the single session. It reports on a study with 18 student volunteers to test the conceptual framework of purposeful endings. Aspects of the study that are highlighted include educating students to use purposeful endings in their practice settings, their usefulness for individuals and groups, member reactions, difficulties encountered in conducting endings and the roles of the practitioner. Overall, students found the sessional endings to be a positive addition to their group practice skills in a variety of settings and with diverse client populations.
Innovative coconut-opening in a semi free-ranging rhesus monkey (Macaca mulatta): A case report on behavioral propensities.

The present case report provides a description of the emergence of an innovative, highly beneficial foraging behavior in a single rhesus monkey (Macaca mulatta) on the island of Cayo Santiago, Puerto Rico. Selectively choosing the island’s cement dock and nearby surrounding rocky terrain, our focal subject (ID: 84 J) opens coconuts using two types of underhand tosses: (1) a rolling motion to move it, and (2) a throwing motion up in the air to crack the shell. We discuss this innovative behavior in light of species-specific behavioral propensities.
A moving hinge solution for axisymmetric crushing of tubes

Abstract In this paper the Alexander problem of an axisymmetric crushing of circular tubes is reconsidered with the objective of giving a more adequate description of the kinematics of the plastic collapse process. It is assumed that a single fold is formed by a suitably chosen set of extending and contracting hinge circles. The hinges move with respect to the shell material leaving behind a smooth double curvature surface. Closed form solutions were obtained for the instantaneous and mean crushing force, the effective crush distance and the length of the local folding wave. The present solution features a stiffening phase of the tube resistance which follows the softening phase during the formation of each buckle. A comparison with the existing theoretical analyses and experimental results is also shown.
INTERNALIZATION AND MARKET QUALITY: AN EMPIRICAL INVESTIGATION

We explore the relation between market quality and internalization through a pre- and postenactment analysis of the implementation of the Toronto Stock Exchange (TSE) Price Improvement Rule on October 26, 1998. We find that the rule revision is accompanied by falls in the bid–ask spread and the variance of the pricing error and by rising internalization rates. This study informs proponents of market concentration, brokers, dealers, exchange administrators, and market regulators that a judicious regime of regulated internalization may be associated with superior market effectiveness.
System Identification, Design, and Implementation of Amplitude Feedback Control on a Nonlinear Parametric MEM Resonator for Trace Nerve Agent Sensing

In this paper, we develop and experimentally verify a novel amplitude feedback control scheme on a silicon microbeam for real-time sensing of parts-per-trillion (ppt) nerve agent concentrations. Utilizing the nonlinear dynamics resulting from parametric excitation of the microbeam for sensing at atmospheric pressure has demonstrated superior performance compared with conventional linear forced sensing. The microbeam is coated with a molecularly imprinted polymer that selectively adsorbs dimethyl methylphosphonate (DMMP) a precursor to G-series nerve agents including sarin. When the molecules attach to the microbeam and increase its mass, the amplitude response described by the nonlinear dynamics shifts in frequency. In tracking this frequency shift, information about the mass load, and, therefore, the nerve agent concentration, can be extracted. Previous sensing schemes have successfully applied this concept while relying on experimentally designed controllers. This paper features a model-based approach starting with the nonlinear dynamics and system parameter identification. After linearization, a control designed with the Glover–McFarlane $\mathcal {H}_\infty $ loop-shaping procedure robustly stabilizes the system. The control scheme is implemented on a LabView field-programmable gate array. Water vapor and trace DMMP real-time experiments at atmospheric pressure demonstrate the control’s functionality. A limit of detection of 13.3 ppt DMMP molecules in nitrogen is established. [2014-0330]
Heparin-binding EGF-like growth factor preserves crypt cell proliferation and decreases bacterial translocation after intestinal ischemia/reperfusion injury

Abstract Background/Purpose: Heparin-binding epidermal growth factor (EGF)–like growth factor (HB-EGF), a known mitogenic, chemotactic, and cytoprotective growth factor for epithelial cells, was examined to see whether it could protect intestinal barrier function and decrease bacterial translocation (BT) after ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury. Methods: In vitro, tight junctional integrity of intestinal epithelial cells (IEC-6) cells was evaluated by measuring transepithelial electric resistance (TEER), and monolayer permeability was evaluated by translocation of Escherichia coli C25. In vivo, crypt cell proliferation was assessed by 5-bromodeoxyuridine incorporation with calculation of a proliferative index (PI), and BT was evaluated by culture of mesenteric lymph nodes. Results: In vitro, anoxia damaged tight junctional integrity and increased permeability of IEC-6 cell monolayers, events that were reversed completely by treatment of the cells with HB-EGF. Twenty-four hours after I/R injury in vivo, crypt cell proliferation index (PI) decreased significantly from 35.6 ± 4.5 to 17.8 ± 3.4. Administration of HB-EGF preserved crypt cell activity with PI of 34.9 ± 4.1, similar to that of normal ileum. None of the normal or sham-operated animals showed BT, whereas BT occurred in 87.5% of I/R-injured rats. In animals exposed to I/R but treated with HB-EGF, BT was decreased significantly to 12.5%. Conclusion: HB-EGF preserves proliferation of crypt cells, maintains integrity of epithelial cells, and subsequently decreases enteric BT after I/R injury. J Pediatr Surg 37:1081-1087. Copyright 2002, Elsevier Science (USA). All rights reserved.
The mechanism of faulting in clay experiments

Abstract In a series of experiments a nearly homogeneous strain-rate field was maintained in a body of soft clay paste, deformed continuously and slowly. The strain rate is of the general type, with all three principal strain rates different. In both elongation and compression four families of faults develop in the clay, none of which contain a principal axis of strain, and all of which form small angles with the plane containing the absolutely smallest and the intermediate principal axes of the strain. The array of all four fault-plane families has orthorhombic symmetry, the three mirror planes coinciding with the principal planes of strain. Measurements of the stress show nearly homogeneous stress fields with principal axes of stress parallel to those of the strain, and with the principal stresses proportional to the principal strain rates at any given time. The stresses grow with increasing total strain, at first rapidly, then more slowly, without a corresponding increase in strain rate i.e., the clay strain-hardens. The attitudes of the fault planes, and the directions of slip on them, do not agree with the Coulomb theory of fracture. However, the orientation of the fault planes can be explained if five assumptions about the mechanism of clay deformation are made: 1. (1) The clay is deformed exclusively by slip along fault planes. 2. (2) Moving faults interfere with the mobility of other faults. 3. (3) The magnitude of this interference is independent of the rate of slip, but dependent on the orientation of the mutually interfering faults and of their slip directions. 4. (4) Friction and viscous drag on the fault planes also offer resistance to slip, the former independently of the rate of slip and the latter rate-dependent. 5. (5) The deformation which occurs is one that maximizes the rate of work for the given stress. If these assumptions are accepted, a number of related phenomena also find an explanation. They are: fault patterns in clay experiments with plane-strain rates, or with different ductilities of clay due to different water contents, and the appearance of additional fault systems in late stages of the experiments with general strains. The properties of clay which lead to faulting not explicable by the Coulomb theory can be expected to exist also in a variety of geologic bodies. Therefore the clay experiments serve as model experiments for geologic bodies and the hypothesis of the interference of slip planes can be applied to them.
Biomarkers for Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia Progression

Despite the fact that almost all men will develop symptoms associated with benign prostatic hyperplasia within their lifetimes, no molecular markers for the disease or its likelihood to progress have been established. A marker of this type could be used to stratify patients into subpopulations as well as to identify individuals whose disease is most likely to progress. Several molecular biomarkers have high potential to fulfill these needs, although none is currently approved for the clinical setting. The future does look promising as research to find novel biologic biomarkers is progressing while existing markers are optimized and validated for clinical use.
Just Pretend: Participation in Symbolic Talk by Children with Histories of Early Corrective Heart Surgery.

Children with histories of early corrective heart surgery (ECHS) are at risk for language, cognitive, and motor delays. This study examined parent–child play in 30 4-year-old children with ECHS and 30 typically developing children. Children were compared on basic language measures and on proportions of symbolic and nonsymbolic talk. Children with ECHS focused on concrete “here-and-now” talk and produced less symbolic talk than normative children. Only a third of the children with ECHS were able to produce story episodes. These findings reflect the ECHS children's relatively immature participation in joint pretense and their overreliance on earlier acquired strategies for pretend play. This style of participation may result from difficulty coordinating more complex social intentions with appropriate language forms.
Challenges for Low-power Embedded SOC's

Low power is one of the most important metrics in the embedded SOC's design. Many techniques and technologies for low-power design are developed and applied in the practical design projects. One of the difficulties in low-power design is the definition of power consumption. The power consumption of the LSI varies according to the operating function and data values. Current low-power techniques are focusing to reduce the power consumption using the characteristics of LSI behaviors. Some low-power techniques only supply the hardware features of low power and require the software control using these low-power features. This means that the system level approach including hardware features and software control is very important in low-power design. The final goal of low-power LSI is not the smallest power consumption of LSI but the long battery life, the low-cost cooling equipment, the small body, etc. of the embedded systems. Many low-power techniques, which are used in the practical SOC's like SH-mobile application processors for mobile phones will be discussed. And new challenges for low-power solution in system level will be also discussed.
Optimizing a virtualized data center

Many data centers extensively use virtual machines (VMs), which provide the flexibility to move workload among physical servers. VMs can be placed to maximize application performance, power efficiency, or even fault tolerance. However, VMs are typically repositioned without considering network topology, congestion, or traffic routes.In this demo, we show a system, Virtue, which enables the comparison of different algorithms for VM placement and network routing at the scale of an entire data center. Our goal is to understand how placement and routing affect overall application performance by varying the types and mix of workloads, network topologies, and compute resources; these parameters will be available for demo attendees to explore.
Constructivist Pedagogy and Symbolism: Vico, Cassirer, Piaget, Bateson

Constructivism is at the heart of a pedagogical philosophy going back to Vico, whose view of the interrelationship of the arts and sciences sought to reconstitute the classical paideia. The Vichian idea that human beings can only know the truth of what they themselves have made has theoretical and practical consequences for Vico's pedagogy and view of the university. Vico's ideas on education are extended in the modern period by such thinkers as Cassirer, Piaget and Bateson. At the basis of Cassirer's pedagogical philosophy is his theory of the symbol, the symbol being a universal and transcendent modality in culture. The result of this unifying theory is that symbolism, which is pervasive across the disciplines, provides a moral and ethical means for integrating communication about teaching. Cassirer's thought is compatible with Piaget's, which emphasizes the pluralism of experience and the role of dynamic learning in the construction of meaningful order. Piaget's constructivism assumes that an operation...
Integration of Metabolic and Gene Regulatory Networks Modulates the C. elegans Dietary Response

Expression profiles are tailored according to dietary input. However, the networks that control dietary responses remain largely uncharacterized. Here, we combine forward and reverse genetic screens to delineate a network of 184 genes that affect the C. elegans dietary response to Comamonas DA1877 bacteria. We find that perturbation of a mitochondrial network composed of enzymes involved in amino acid metabolism and the TCA cycle affects the dietary response. In humans, mutations in the corresponding genes cause inborn diseases of amino acid metabolism, most of which are treated by dietary intervention. We identify several transcription factors (TFs) that mediate the changes in gene expression upon metabolic network perturbations. Altogether, our findings unveil a transcriptional response system that is poised to sense dietary cues and metabolic imbalances, illustrating extensive communication between metabolic networks in the mitochondria and gene regulatory networks in the nucleus.
Water Quality in Walnut Creek Watershed: Setting and Farming Practices

Nonpoint-source pollution has been linked to agricultural practices; however, there is a need for quantitative information describing the effect of specific farming practices on ground and surface water quality. Lack of information at the watershed scale limits our ability to make decisions about the effect of potential changes in either farming practices or landscape management that would enhance water quality. A multidisciplinary study was designed to evaluate the effect of farming practices on subsurface drainage, surface runoff, stream discharge, groundwater, volatilization, and soil processes that influence water quality. Walnut Creek watershed is a 5130-ha intensively cropped area in central Iowa on the Des Moines Lobe landform region. Soils within the watershed are in the Clarion-Nicollet-Webster (Typic Hapludoll-Aquic Hapludoll-Typic Haplaquoll) soil association, and the underlying surficial material is glacial till. Land use is predominantly corn (Zea mays L.)-soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] rotation. Fertilizer use, herbicide application, tillage practices, and crop selection were obtained through surveys of each field operator. Atrazine [6-chloro-N-ethyl-N'-(1-methylethyl)-1,3,5-triazine-2,4-diamine], cyanazine [2-[ 4-chloro-6-(ethylamino)-1,3,5-triazin-2-yl amino]-2-methylpropanenitrile], EPTC [S-ethyl dipropyl carbamothioate], and metolachlor [2-chloro-N-(2-ethyl-6-methylphenyl)-N-(2-methoxy-1-methylethyl)acetamide] are the primary herbicides used within the watershed at rates similar to those for the state. Nitrogen fertilizer was applied as anhydrous ammonia on 60% of the corn fields at an average rate of 153 kg ha -1 for the 1991-1994 period, but the frequency of corn fields receiving <112 kg ha -1 has increased.
Imaging of Trauma in a Pregnant Patient

Trauma is the number one nonobstetric cause of maternal death. This chapter presents the latest consensus from the literature on the best approach to radiographic imaging of these patients. The central issues of discussion include the rationale and protocols for screening for pregnancy in trauma setting; the effects of radiation and its risks to the fetus; obtaining informed consent; how to estimate fetal dose; and the role of ultrasound, computed tomography, and magnetic resonance imaging, including the intravenous contrast agents used for the assessment of abdominal trauma. The team approach to the management of these patients is also highlighted.
Exploring the small movie profitability puzzle

Movie industry sources and academics claim that film production is a risky business in which revenues and profits accrue to a few successful releases, most of which happen to be big-budget productions. At the same time, Hollywood produces hundreds of low-budget movies annually that seemingly have low chances of success from the outset. This is the paradox that the current research seeks to explore. We hypothesize how key elements of small films' business strategy serve to help low-budget film ventures to achieve profitability. We then draw on rich data assembled specifically for this research to explore the hypothesized cost-side and revenue-side inputs and also to compare the profitability of low-budget and big-budget film ventures. Contrary to the prevailing wisdom, we find that, on average, both big-budget and low-budget films generate a profit, when all major sources of revenue and cost are considered.
Staining Bacteria and Yeasts with Acid Dyes

Various acid dyes prove satisfactory for the routine staining of bacteria. Those used are acid fuchsin, anilin blue w. s., fast acid blue R, fast green FCF, light green, orseilline BB, erythrosin, phloxine and rose bengal. Acid fuchsin, fast green, anilin blue, and orseilline are especially recommended. Phenolic solutions of the dyes, acidified with acetic acid, with the addition of ferric chloride to those containing acid fuchsin, anilin blue, fast green or light green, are used. Procedures are given in detail for staining or demonstrating vegetative cells, resting and germinating spores, capsules, sheaths and glycogen in bacteria; germinating and conjugating spores of yeast; and for counterstaining after acid fast or Gram staining. The principal advantages of using acid dyes are better differentiation, and less tendency for slime amd debris to take the dye.
Three-building and typical city multiple-building simulations

This paper summarizes research conducted in FY 2004 under High Performance Computing Modernization Program (HPCMP) DoD Challenge Project C-83 "Evaluation and Retrofit for Blast Protection in Urban Terrain." The ERDC is continuing the development of improved models for predicting the blast environment for high-explosive detonations in urban terrain. This is an integrated experimental analytical program, where high performance computing (HPC) simulations are used to assist in designing experiments. The experiments are used to validate the numerical simulations, and the validated numerical simulations are used to help in understanding the phenomenology associated with blast in urban terrain. The experimental and numerical research are used to develop engineering models that can be used to quickly predict effects of adjacent structures on the blast load on a structure of interest. The primary focus of the FY 04 research was the simulation of a blast environment for a collection of three buildings and the extension of the simulations to include a typical multibuilding environment. This report summarizes the comparison of a three-building simulation with a companion experiment. Numerical simulations are then used to study the effects of five buildings and a typical city configuration of multiple buildings.
Calculation of resonant structure of a double photoionization

Abstract Using many-body perturbation theory, we give the first calculation for the resonance structure into the double photoionization continuum in the 2s → 3p resonance region in neutral sodium. This resonance structure results from the interference between the one step direct double photoionization continuum and the resonant Auger process. The coupled equation method has been improved to calculate this interference by the summation of specific classes of diagrams of perturbation theory to infinite order. We find that the dominant contribution to resonance comes from a super-Coster-Kronig decay. Theoretical results are in good agreement with experiment.
Resilient, Undercontrolled, and Overcontrolled Personality Prototypes Among Persons With Spinal Cord Injury

A sample of 199 persons with spinal cord injury (SCI) were assessed on Big Five personality dimensions using the NEO Five-Factor Inventory (NEO-FFI; Costa & McCrae, 1992) at admission to an inpatient medical rehabilitation program. A cluster analysis of the baseline NEO-FFI yielded 3 cluster prototypes that resemble resilient, undercontrolled, and overcontrolled prototypes identified in many previous studies of children and adult community samples. Compared with normative samples, this sample had significantly fewer resilient prototypes and significantly more overcontrolled and undercontrolled prototypes. Undercontrolled individuals were the modal prototype. The resilient and undercontrolled types were better adjusted than the overcontrolled types, showing lower levels of depression at admission and higher acceptance of disability at discharge. The resilient type at admission predicted the most effective reports of social problem-solving abilities at discharge and the overcontrolled type the least. We discuss the implications of these results for assessment and interventions in rehabilitation settings.