cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The role of genes with bivalent chromatin in memory CD8 T cells (IRM4P.496)

Genes containing both histone methylation H3K4me3 and H3K27me3 markers at the promoter are so called bivalent genes that have been implicated in stem cell differentiation and function. Our previous study identified several dozen bivalent genes in memory CD8 T cells (central memory, TCM and effector memory, TEM). But the role of bivalent genes in CD8 T cells is not understood. Our current focus is to determine the characteristics and functions of these bivalent genes during CD8 memory T cell activation. We used freshly isolated TCM and TEM from human blood that were stimulated by anti-CD3 plus anti-CD28 in vitro, and analyzed histone methylation and mRNA levels of these bivalent genes in resting and activated CD8 memory T cells. Our preliminary results showed that the bivalent status of most genes was stable but corresponding mRNA change was more detectable. We also identified a few bivalent genes whose status changed to become “monovalent”; either H3K4me3 or H3K27me3 after activation. We plan to determine the functional role of these bivalent genes that are altered after activation, and whether the bivalent histone methylation is present on a single gene allele or on two different alleles by sequential ChIP. Our study will shed new insight into the details of histone methylation on gene loci and the function of these bivalent genes in memory CD8 T cells. “This research was supported entirely by the Intramural Research Program of the NIH, National Institute on Aging “
ESTIMATION OF DAILY AREA-AVERAGE RAINFALL IN CENTRAL FLORIDA USING ARITHMETIC AVERAGING AND KRIGING

Results are compared of using arithmetic averaging and kriging to estimate daily area-average rainfall during the summer 1991 Convection and Precipitation/Electrification Experiment (CaPE) in central Florida, where convective rainstorms often produce rain-fields of high spatial variability. Four kriging methods were applied: ordinary kriging using exponential and spherical semivariograms and universal kriging using linear and quadratic trends. The following results were obtained. First, the differences between daily area-average rainfall estimated by arithmetic averaging and kriging are statistically insignificant when the arithmetic mean is less than 12 mm. Second, for days with daily arithmetic means. Third, kriging estimates for daily area-average rainfall are insensitive to spatial resolution among grid spacing varying from 500 m to 20 km. Fourth, universal kriging with quadratic trends provides the best estimate of daily rainfall at a given location among the four kriging methods. [Key words: area-av...
Supporting Global Virtual Work through Blogs and Micro-blogging

We present findings from a case study of an innovative firm that developed blogging software and successfully leveraged that software for collaborative work in their global virtual firm. Our study shows that use of blogs was effective as it enhanced information sharing across locations to support three enablers of virtual work: shared understanding, integration, and trust. We synthesize five integrative mechanisms used by the firm: (1) aligning use of blogs and distributed work practices from firm inception, (2) utilizing a media ecology to support diverse needs and functions across locations (3) creating hiring practices that appropriately socialized newcomers into blog use and distributed work practices at the firm, (4) supporting continuous tailoring and adaptability of their software for supporting distributed work, and, (5) aligning blog use with firm's product development for continuous innovation. We discuss implications of the study.
Reductions in IκBε and Changes in NF-κB Activity during B Lymphocyte Differentiation

The levels and stability of IκBe have been examined in unstimulated and stimulated splenic B cells and compared with that of IκBα and IκBβ. Primary murine splenic B cells but not T cells were found to contain high levels of IκBe protein, equivalent to levels of the abundant IκBα. Most agents that activate IκBα and IκBβ degradation do not induce rapid degradation of IκBe. Interestingly, however, the levels of IκBe, but not of IκBα or IκBβ, are dramatically reduced upon the stimulation of B cells both in vivo and in vitro. Since IκBe exhibits substrate specificity for NF-κB Rel homodimers, this suggested the possibility that changes in NF-κB-responsive genes might also occur during this transition. Consistent with this hypothesis, we found that a NF-κB reporter construct sensitive to p65/RelA homodimers is activated at the time that IκBe levels decline following B cell stimulation. In IgG + B cell lines, which contain low levels of IκBe, this same reporter construct was inactive, suggesting that the increases in Rel homodimer activity that accompany B cell stimulation are transient. However, there are differences in the level of expression of NF-κB-responsive genes in these IgG + B cell lines compared with their IgM + counterparts. From these data, we conclude that there are transient changes in NF-κB activity due to reductions in IκBe, which might contribute to long-term, persistent changes that accompany B cell differentiation. We propose an important role for IκBe in the differential regulation of nuclear NF-κB activity in stimulated B cells.
A stable single-layer β-sheet without a hydrophobic core

Outer surface protein A from the Lyme disease spirochete Borrelia burgdorferi contains a single-layer (β-sheet connecting the N- and C-terminal globular domains. The central (β-sheet consists largely of polar amino acids and is solvent-exposed on both faces, which so far appears to be unique among known protein structures. We show that the single-layer (β-sheet segment is surprisingly stable (ΔG for hydrogen exchange is ∼8 kcal mol−1 at 45 °C). Possible factors contributing to the stability of the single-layer (β-sheet are discussed based on an analysis of the crystal structure.
Spiritual Care For Jewish Patients Facing A Life Threatening Illness

Providing biopsychosocial/spiritual care for patients facing a life threatening illness can be complex, and this complexity can be amplified when a patient identifies as Jewish. A common but incorrect assumption is that a person who identifies him or herself as Jewish abides by the tenets of the Jewish religion. However, many Jews consider themselves Jewish in an ethnic or cultural sense rather than connected to a religion or belief in God. This case report presents an ethnic/cultural Jew with a life threatening illness of advanced lung cancer. Despite evidence of spiritual/existential suffering, this patient declined spiritual care. From an analysis of this case and clinical experience, we suggest exploratory questions that clinicians can use in response to common questions or statements made by such patients. This exploration may lead to a chaplain referral and we highlight interventions that chaplains and clinicians may find helpful as they come alongside Jewish patients.
Persistent abdominal pain

Summary The organic and psychological problems of patients suffering from chronic abdominal pain are described and three case histories of patients who had undergone multiple surgery for their abdominal pain are presented. All three were treated by lumbar sympathetic lysis, resulting in relief of their pain. The possible reasons for this success are discussed.
Topologically knotted Lagrangians in simply connected four-manifolds

Vidussi was the first to construct knotted Lagrangian tori in simply connected four-dimensional manifolds. Fintushel and Stern introduced a second way to detect such knotting. This note demonstrates that similar examples may be distinguished by the fundamental group of the exterior.
Umbilical artery Doppler waveform notching: is it a marker for cord and placental abnormalities?

Objective. To evaluate in a prospective, controlled fashion the prevalence of umbilical artery Doppler waveform notching and its association with cord and placental abnormalities. Methods. During a 6month period, umbilical artery velocity waveforms were prospectively obtained on 1857 pregnancies at greater than 27 weeks’ gestation. All pregnant patients with the presence of a persistent fetal umbilical artery waveform notch formed the study population (cases). Control patients, matched for gestational age, with normal umbilical artery waveforms, were selected for comparison (2 controls per case). After delivery, detailed pathologic examination was performed on all umbilical cords and placentas. Results. The presence of an umbilical artery waveform notch was noted in 29 (1.6%) of 1857 pregnancies. Postnatal placental evaluation showed the presence of an accessory placental lobe in 5 (17%) of 29 cases compared with 1 (1.8%) of 54 controls (P = .018). Overall, the presence of an umbilical artery waveform notch was associated with umbilical cord abnormalities in 21 (72%) of 29 cases compared with 8 (14%) of 54 controls (odds ratio, 15; 95% confidence interval, 4.4‐54.4). Conclusions. Umbilical artery waveform notching appears to be a strong predictor of cord and pla
A fault localized scheme for false report filtering in sensor networks

Sensor networks frequently deploy many tiny and inexpensive devices over large regions to detect events of interest. It can be easy to compromise sensors, enabling attackers to use the keys and other information stored at the sensors to inject false reports, forging fake events. Existing approaches do not localize the impact of such node compromises, so that compromises in one sensing region may compromise other parts of the system. In this paper, we propose two fault localized schemes for false report filtering. In our basic scheme, sensors signal events using one-way hash chains, which allows en-route nodes to verify the authenticity of received reports based on commitments of detecting sensors, but prevents them from forging events. We extend this basic scheme to a collaborative filtering scheme using commitment predistribution, making it more adaptable for mobile sensor networks and high-density sensor networks. Our scheme can also provide localized protection for areas that require special protection. Our security analysis shows that our schemes can offer stronger security protection than existing schemes, and are efficient.
CT Pulmonary Angiography: Using Decision Rules in the Emergency Department.

Abstract Purpose The aim of this study was to assess the appropriateness of utilization and diagnostic yields of CT pulmonary angiography (CTPA), comparing two commonly applied decision rules, the pulmonary embolism (PE) rule-out criteria (PERC) and the modified Wells criteria (mWells), in the emergency department (ED) setting. Methods Institutional review board approval was obtained for this HIPAA-compliant, prospective–cohort, academic single-center study. Six hundred two consecutive adult ED patients undergoing CTPA for suspected PE formed the study population. The outcome was positive or negative for PE by CTPA and at 6-month follow-up. PERC and mWells scores were calculated. A positive PERC score was defined as meeting one or more criteria and a positive mWells score as >4. The percentage of CT pulmonary angiographic examinations that could have been avoided and the diagnostic yield of CTPA using PERC, mWells, and PERC applied to a negative mWells score were calculated. Results The diagnostic yield of CTPA was 10% (61 of 602). By applying PERC, mWells, and PERC to negative mWells score, 17.6% (106 of 602), 45% (273 of 602), and 17.1% (103 of 602) of CT pulmonary angiographic examinations, respectively, could have been avoided. The diagnostic yield in PERC-positive patients was higher than in mWells-positive patients (10% [59 of 602] vs 8% [49 of 602], P P = .004). The diagnostic yield of a negative PERC score applied to a negative mWells score was 1.9% (2 of 103). Conclusions The use of PERC in the ED has the potential to significantly reduce the utilization of CTPA and misses fewer cases of PE compared with mWells, and it is therefore a more efficient decision tool.
The Use of a Circumferentially Nonuniform Stator to Attenuate Harmful Aerodynamic and Mechanical Interactions in an Advanced Mixed Flow Splittered Rotor/Tandem Variable Stator LP Compressor

A potential flow computer model that can handle blade row interaction problems has been used to analyze the circumferential static pressure distribution at the trailing edge plane of an advanced mixed flow splittered rotor low pressure compressor produced by a downstream tandem stator/strut system. The computer model is based on the Douglas-Neumann formulation and features a powerful automated optimization feature which can define a restagger pattern that will either minimize stator blade-to-blade loading differences or minimize the circumferential static pressure nonuniformity on a preselected axial plane. The latter approach was used presently to design a circumferentially nonuniform stagger angle distribution for the second row of the tandem stator that reduced the circumferential static pressure variation, and consequently its harmonic excitation, on the upstream rotor. Comparison between the predicted static pressure distribution for the baseline case (with uniform stagger angles) and the optimized design showed a dramatic reduction in the circumferential pressure variation. Fourier analyses of the pressure distributions confirmed a substantial decrease in the magnitude of the harmonic index thought to be responsible for the observed severe rotor vibration. The analytical results were confirmed by back-to-back engine tests of the baseline and restaggered tandem stators, where light probe measurements of splitter blade synchronous response showed a proportional decrease in rotor response for the optimized stator configuration. The restagger was implemented quickly and easily using simple modifications to the stator unison ring. With the high splitter blade deflections reduced to an acceptable level, the engine was able to safely accelerate through the former prohibited speed range and continue with the planned test sequence. The restaggered stator design and test effort, from initial problem statement through a successful demonstration test in the gas generator, was accomplished in less than 6 weeks.Copyright © 2005 by ASME
Beyond Therapy and Enhancement: The Alteration of Human Nature

With the rapid progress and considerable promise of nanobiotechnology/neurosciences there is the potential of transforming the very nature of human beings and of how humans can conceive of themselves as rational animals through technological innovations. The interface between humans and machines (neuro-digital interface), can potentially alter what it means to be human, i.e., the very idea of human nature and of normal functioning will be changed. In this paper, I argue that we are potentially on the verge of a paradigm shift in terms of the ends and goals of techno-science and its applications in the biomedical sciences. In particular, the development of brain-computer interfaces could reconceptualize the very notion of what it means to be human. Hence, we should not limit our reflections of applications in terms of therapy and enhancement but also include an examination of applications aiming at the alteration of human nature. To this end I will first delineate the potential paradigm shift and then map out four distinct clusters of concerns in relation to the brain-computer interface. Finally, I argue that our moral and philosophical reflections should follow a procedural model based on managed consensus due to our pluralistic context.
Mitochondrial Insertions into Primate Nuclear Genomes Suggest the Use of numts as a Tool for Phylogeny

Homoplasy-free characters are a valuable and highly desired tool for molecular systematics. Nuclear sequences of mitochondrial origin (numts) are fragments of mitochondrial DNA that have been transferred into the nuclear genome. numts are passively captured into genomes and have no transposition activity, which suggests they may have utility as phylogenetic markers. Here, five fully sequenced primate genomes (human, chimpanzee, orangutan, rhesus macaque, and marmoset) are used to reconstruct the evolutionary dynamics of recent numt accumulation in a phylogenetic context. The status of 367 numt loci is used as categorical data, and a maximum parsimony approach is used to trace numt insertions on different branches of the taxonomically undisputed primate phylogenetic tree. The presence of a given numt in related taxa implies orthologous integration, whereas the absence of a numt indicates the plesiomorphic condition prior to integration. An average rate of 5.65 numts per 1 My is estimated on the tree, but insertion rates vary significantly on different branches. Two instances in which the presence-absence pattern of numts does not agree with the phylogenetic tree were identified. These events may be the result of either lineage sorting or reversal. Using the numts reported here to reconstruct primate phylogeny produces the canonical primate tree topology with high bootstrap support. Moreover, numts identified in gorilla Supercontigs were used to test the human-chimp-gorilla trichotomy, yielding a high level of support for the sister relationship of human and chimpanzee. These analyses suggest that numts are valuable phylogenetic markers that can be used for molecular systematics. It remains to be tested whether numts are useful at deeper phylogenetic levels.
Optical systems for point-of-care diagnostic instrumentation: analysis of imaging performance and cost

One of the key elements in point-of-care (POC) diagnostic test instrumentation is the optical system required for signal detection and/or imaging. Many tests which use fluorescence, absorbance, or colorimetric optical signals are under development for management of infectious diseases in resource limited settings, where the overall size and cost of the device is of critical importance. At present, high-performance lenses are expensive to fabricate and difficult to obtain commercially, presenting barriers for developers of in vitro POC tests or microscopic image-based diagnostics. We recently described a compact "hybrid" objective lens incorporating both glass and plastic optical elements, with a numerical aperture of 1.0 and field-of-view of 250 μm. This design concept may potentially enable mass-production of high-performance, low-cost optical systems which can be easily incorporated in the readout path of existing and emerging POC diagnostic assays. In this paper, we evaluate the biological imaging performance of these lens systems in three broad POC diagnostic application areas; (1) bright field microscopy of histopathology slides, (2) cytologic examination of blood smears, and (3) immunofluorescence imaging. We also break down the fabrication costs and draw comparisons with other miniature optical systems. The hybrid lenses provided images with quality comparable to conventional microscopy, enabling examination of neoplastic pathology and infectious parasites including malaria and cryptosporidium. We describe how these components can be produced at below $10 per unit in full-scale production quantities, making these systems well suited for use within POC diagnostic instrumentation.
Sociodemographic risj factors to intellectual and academic functioning in children with diabetes

Abstract The present study examined the independent and joint contributions of Ethnicity and SES to intellectual and academic functioning in children with diabetes. Although previous research has documented several disease-related risk factors to cognitive functioning in children with diabetes (e.g., age of onset, severe hypoglycemia), there is little research examining sociodemographic risk factors, such as ethnicity and SES. Subjects were carefully matched for SES level and appropriate ethnic control groups were included. Black children with diabetes had poorer math and reading skills and more limited factual knowledge than Black controls and White children with diabetes. Intelligence served as a moderator of reading problems, but not math problems, which were related more to disease-related factors. These findings indicate that Black children with diabetes, regardless of social class, are at greater risk for intellectual deficits and learning problems than either White children with diabetes or children without diabetes.
A method for continuous pulp measurement

Abstract The torque required to rotate an impeller at fixed speed in a highly turbulent fully baffled mixer is proportional to pulp density and independent of pulp apparent viscosity. Tank design and operating conditions can prevent particle sedimentation. The device described has been used to estimate pulp density over a specific gravity range 0.8 to over 1.5 ± 0.015.
Which spinal cutaneous nociceptive neurons are inhibited by intravenous lidocaine in the rat

Background and Aims: Intravenous lidocaine (IVL) produces analgesia in multiple painful disorders. The neurophysiological effects of IVL are not well defined, but studies in visceral nociceptive systems have shown that IVL has differential effects on subgroups of spinal neurons. The present study determined whether a similar differential effect of IVL occurs in spinal neurons excited by noxious cutaneous stimuli. Methods: In decerebrate, cervical spinal cord-transected rats, the lumbosacral spinal cord was exposed by a laminectomy. Single-unit recordings were made of dorsal horn neurons excited by noxious cutaneous stimuli. Each neuron9s response to noxious (pinch) and nonnoxious (brush) cutaneous stimuli were determined and the effect of a counterirritation stimulus (noxious skin pinch presented in the upper body) on spontaneous activity quantified. In a subset of neurons, sequential doses of IVL were administered, and responses of each neuron to repeated 50°C heating of the hindpaw/tail were determined. Results: IVL dose-dependently inhibited neurons excited by heating of the hindpaw/tail. IVL produced significantly greater inhibition of both spontaneous and heat-evoked activity in neurons that did not show counterirritation effects when compared with those neurons that did show counterirritation effects. Standard classification of neurons as wide-dynamic range or nociceptive-specific was less predictive of the IVL effect. Conclusions: IVL had differential inhibitory effects on 2 spinal cutaneous nociceptive neuron populations. Other drugs could also have differential effects on sensory pathways, suggesting a mechanism whereby certain drugs differentially affect different types of pain.
VH1/BRL2 receptor‐like kinase interacts with vascular‐specific adaptor proteins VIT and VIK to influence leaf venation

VH1/BRL2 is a receptor-like kinase of the BRI1 family with a role in vascular development. In developing Arabidopsis leaves it is expressed first in ground cells and then becomes restricted to provascular and procambial cells as venation forms. We isolated proteins interacting with the activated (phosphorylated) cytoplasmic domain of VH1/BRL2, and found that most belong to three processes: proteasome activity, vesicle traffic and intracellular signal transduction. Two adaptor proteins are included that we named VIT [VH1-interacting tetratricopeptide repeat (TPR)-containing protein] and VIK (VH1-interacting kinase), which are co-expressed in the same cells as VH1/BRL2 at two distinct time points in vein differentiation. Mutation of either adaptor or of VH1 results in vein pattern defects and in alterations in response to auxin and brassinosteroids. We propose that these two adaptors facilitate the diversification and amplification of a ligand signal perceived by VH1/BRL2 in multiple downstream pathways affecting venation.
Impact of Student Ethnicity and Primary Childhood Language on Communication Skill Assessment in a Clinical Performance Examination

Background Clinical performance examinations (CPX) with standardized patients (SPs) have become a preferred method to assess communication skills in US medical schools. Little is known about how trainees’ backgrounds impact CPX performance.
Activation of purified 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-CoA reductase by phospholipids

Abstract 3-Hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-CoA reductase (HMG-CoA reductase), the enzyme that catalyzes the rate-limiting step in cholesterol biosynthesis, has been purified by two previously reported procedures. Enzyme purified by the method of Heller R. and Shrewsbury M. ((1976) J. Biol. Chem. 251, 3815–3822) shows up to 3-fold enhancement of activity by various types of lipid dispersions while the enzyme purified by the procedure of Tormanen et al. ((1976) Biochem. Biophys. Res. Commun. 68, 754–762) shows no activation. These results suggest that interaction with microsomal membrane lipids may be important in determining the activity of this enzyme. Analysis of bound lipid showed that enzyme prepared by the procedure of Tormanen contained at last 50 times as much phospholipid on a weight basis as enzyme prepared by Heller and Shrewsbury. Analysis of both preparations by gel-electrophoresis indicates that enzyme activities of the two comigrate, but in neither case does activity coincide with the major protein species.
Single cell responses of the Douglas-fir beetle,Dendroctonus pseudotsugae hopkins (Coleoptera: Scolytidae), to pheromones and host odors.

Olfactory perception of pheromones and host odors byDendroctonus pseudotsugae males and females was investigated through single cell recordings. Responses of 71 cells (35 cells in males; 36 cells in females) were recorded to 1 μg of 10 pheromones and three host terpenes. The olfactory cells were classified into four types based on sensitivity and specificity for the various odors: (1) 3,2-MCHone (3-methyl-2-cyclohexenone) cells; (2) 3,2-MCHol (3-methyl-2-cyclohexenol) cells; (3) frontalin cells; and (4) synergist cells. 3,2-MCHone and 3,2-MCHol cells in both males and females were the most sensitive and specific of all cells recorded with a threshold ca. 0.001–0.01 μg on filter paper. Frontalin cells were less specialized than the two aforementioned cell types and had a somewhat higher threshold of ca. 0.01 μg. A larger percentage of these three cell types were recorded in males than in females. The synergist cells had the highest threshold of all recorded cell types and were the least specific. Each of these cells was most responsive to eithercis-verbenol,trans-verbenol, 1,2-MCHol, verbenone, α-pinene, or limonene; however, responses could be elicited by stimulation with other pheromones or host terpenes at higher dosages. Instances of inhibition of nerve impulse activity from spontaneously active cells were observed during 3,2-MCHol and 3,2-MCHone stimulation, thus suggesting multifunctional effects for these compounds. The results help explain the role of chemicals in host selection, aggregation, and colonization behavior of the beetle and further elucidate hypotheses put forth in an earlier electroantennogram study.
Do I smell pot? A trial of an alternative paradigm of olfactory cue-reactance to marijuana

Marijuana, the most commonly used illicit drug among college students, remains the most cited reason for entering treatment for substance abuse and dependency (Johnston, L.D., O’Malley, P.M., Bachman, J.G., & Schulenberg, J.E. (2009). Monitoring the future: National survey results on drug use, 1975–2008. Volume II: College students and adults aged 19–50. Bethesda, MD: National Institute on Drug Abuse). Current models now include craving as a potential indicator of drug problems (Goldstein, R.Z., & Volkow, N.D. (2002). Drug addiction and its underlying neurobiological basis: Neuroimaging evidence for the involvement of the frontal cortex. American Journal of Psychiatry, 159, 1642–1652). Memory-expectancy and cue-reactance manipulations are increasingly common in the study of craving. Such manipulations rely on the use of relevant cues to prime thoughts associated with the substance of interest. Nevertheless, manipulations involving marijuana primes remain limited; most only using visual and over-stereotype...
Spectroscopy with the echelle

Abstract The echelle is a type of dispersing element intermediate in properties between the blazed plane diffraction grating and the reflection etalon of Michelson and Williams . Echelle spectrographs have now been produced in six forms which for many spectroscopic problems give advantages in speed, compactness, and stigmatic properties, and compete effectively with much larger instruments in resolving power and dispersion. An echelle is crossed with a small high-speed stigmatic prism or grating spectrograph for the production of cyclic spectra, giving the equivalent of a large concave grating instrument. A special advantage of the echelle spectrograph lies in its free spectral range, which is sufficient to reveal hyperfine structures and Zeeman patterns effectively without overlapping. Echelles are now produced by the Bausch and Lomb Optical Company by three methods, involving respectively ruling in deep aluminium layers on glass as with ordinary gratings, cutting laps in metal with a fairly precise tool room dividing engine and using these to grind into an optical flat the desired set of flat-faced grooves with appropriate procedures to average out periodic errors, and replicating in plastic of either ruled or lapped echelles. It has been found that wavelength precision of about one part in five million, intermediate between that given by the usual large concave gratings and that given by the reflection echelon or etalon, is obtainable with echelles.
Universal equilibrium currents in the quantum Hall fluid.

The equilibrium current distribution in a quantum Hall fluid that is subjected to a slowly varying confining potential is shown to generally consist of strips or channels of current, which alternate in direction, and which have universal integrated strengths. A measurement of these currents would yield direct independent measurements of the proper quasiparticle and quasihole energies in the fractional quantum Hall states.
Importance Sampling, Large Deviations, and Differential Games

A standard heuristic in the area of importance sampling is that the changes of measure used to prove large deviation lower bounds give good performance when used for importance sampling. Recent wor...
Mano size, stable carbon isotope ratios, and macrobotanical remains as multiple lines of evidence of maize dependence in the American Southwest

While the level of agricultural dependence affects many aspects of human adaptation, estimating levels of dependence on maize through traditional archaeological techniques is problematic. Here we compare various measurements of manos (e.g., grinding surface area), macrobotanical evidence of maize use, and human collagen stable carbon isotope values from six regions of the American Southwest, encompassing 16 phases, as a means of assessing the power and limits of each approach for considering agricultural dependence. The analysis of each data class is considered separately, taking into account formation processes and arguments linking data and inferences. Correlations among the three data classes suggest that mano area and maize ubiquity can be considered ordinal measures of agricultural dependence, but Southwestern stable carbon isotope data have the analytical potential only to discriminate between little or no maize use and substantial maize use. The formation processes and linking arguments associated with each method must be considered when multiple lines of evidence are integrated in order to make sound behavioral inferences. Our results suggest that there were at least three patterns in the adoption of farming in the Southwest: early substantial use followed by continuous increasing maize dependence, initial intensive dependence with little change in later periods, and a long period of minor use followed by substantial dependence.
Phylogenetic systematics of basal perissodactyls

ABSTRACT The relationships among basal perissodactyls and among those taxa historically included in “Hyracotherium” are complicated. These taxa are morphologically similar, possessing few of the character states that diagnose the crown groups. To understand better these relationships, cladistic techniques were used to generate a matrix of 41 taxa and 125 characters including five non-perissodactyl outgroup taxa, representative basal tapiroids, brontotheres, chalicotheres, palaeotheres, and equids. A maximum parsimony analysis of this matrix using PAUP 3.0s generated two most parsimonious trees (length 627, CI 0.32). This analysis supports a monophyletic perissodactyl clade composed of the Tapiromorpha and the Hippomorpha. The tapiromorph clade consists of a number of basal “tapiroids”, a paraphyletic “isectolophid” group, the ceratomorphs (tapirs and rhinoceroses and extinct relatives), and the ancylopods (chalicotheres and relatives). The basal tapiromorphs are distributed holarctically, indicating diver...
Industrial medicine and acute musculoskeletal rehabilitation. 3. Cumulative trauma disorders of the upper limb in computer users.

Abstract This self-directed learning module highlights various cumulative trauma disorders of the upper limb that may be seen in computer users. The biomechanics and ergonomics of computer users are addressed in relationship to specific neurologic and musculoskeletal conditions within the neck and upper limbs. In addition to a general overview of these conditions, a case presentation is used to show the evaluation and treatment of a computer user who has carpal tunnel syndrome and concomitant de Quervain tenosynovitis. Overall Article Objectives: (a) To review the important anatomic and ergonomic basis for upper limb cumulative trauma disorders in computer users and (b) to provide an example of evaluation and treatment.
Autism: the micro-movement perspective.

The current assessment of behaviors in the inventories to diagnose autism spectrum disorders (ASD) focus on observation and discrete categorizations. Behaviors require movements, yet measurements of physical movements are seldom included. Their inclusion however, could provide an objective characterization of behavior to help unveil interactions between the peripheral and the central nervous systems. Such interactions are critical for the development and maintenance of spontaneous autonomy, self-regulation and voluntary control. At present, current approaches cannot deal with the heterogeneous, dynamic and stochastic nature of development. Accordingly, they leave no avenues for real-time or longitudinal assessments of change in a coping system continuously adapting and developing compensatory mechanisms. We offer a new unifying statistical framework to reveal re-afferent kinesthetic features of the individual with ASD. The new methodology is based on the non-stationary stochastic patterns of minute fluctuations (micro-movements) inherent to our natural actions. Such patterns of behavioral variability provide re-entrant sensory feedback contributing to the autonomous regulation and coordination of the motor output. From an early age, this feedback supports centrally driven volitional control and fluid, flexible transitions between intentional and spontaneous behaviors. We show that in ASD there is a disruption in the maturation of this form of proprioception. Despite this disturbance, each individual has unique adaptive compensatory capabilities that we can unveil and exploit to evoke faster and more accurate decisions. Measuring the kinesthetic re-afference in tandem with stimuli variations we can detect changes in their micro-movements indicative of a more predictive and reliable kinesthetic percept. Our methods address the heterogeneity of ASD with a personalized approach grounded in the inherent sensory-motor abilities that the individual has already developed.
Cleavage of Bax Enhances Its Cell Death Function

Members of the Bcl-2 family of proteins are key regulators of apoptosis. Some of these proteins undergo posttranslational modification, such as phosphorylation or proteolysis, that serves to alter their function. Caspases are known to cleave Bid, a proapoptotic family member, as well as Bcl-2 and Bcl-X(L), two prosurvival family members, which activate their cytotoxic activity resulting in the release of cytochrome c from mitochondria. Previously we showed that Bax was cleaved by calpain rather than by caspases from full-length 21 kDa to generate a cleavage fragment of 18 kDa. Since cleavage of Bid serves to activate its cytotoxic activity, we wanted to determine if the p18 form of Bax exhibited increased cytotoxicity compared to p21 Bax. Using a transient transfection system in human embryonic kidney 293T cells we show that the p18 form of Bax displays a more potent ability to induce cell death. The pancaspase inhibitor Z-VAD-fmk completely blocked apoptosis induced by p21 Bax but only partially inhibited apoptosis induced by p18 Bax. Cyclosporin A, an inhibitor of the mitochondrial permeability transition (PT) pore, had no effect on Bax-mediated apoptosis of 293T cells suggesting that apoptosis was independent of the PT. Thus cleavage of p21 Bax during apoptosis to the p18 form may serve to increase the intrinsic cytotoxic properties of this proapoptotic molecule and enhance its cell death function at the mitochondria.
The Teaching of Inquiry-based Science in Elementary Classrooms: A Bi-national Comparative Reflection of US and Lithuanian Practices

This paper offers a comparative reflection on how two nations, the U.S. and Lithuania, are implementing inquiry-based science in elementary classrooms. The qualitative study explored how fourth grade teachers in Southern California and in Lithuania employed effective inquiry-based strategies in their classrooms. A teacher’s use of questioning strategies to guide critical thinking and the role of inquiry-based pedagogy plays in promoting student engagement were commonalities in both countries. “Exercise moments”, resource conservation, and “voyeuristic investigations” were noted in Lithuanian inquiry practices while pacing guides and standards coverage were prevalent issues in US inquiry practices.
Ethics in american companies: A managerial perspective

This study investigated several issues with 1498 managers nationwide regarding, for example, how ethical they felt their organizations were and whether their personal principles must be compromised for the organization's sake. In addition their decision criteria for two scenarios involving ethical implications were articulated.
Virtual reality classroom as an constructivist approach

This paper presents a new virtual environment (YE) which employs a dynamic 3-D model of the classroom. It is based on powerful scientific visualization techniques and can be used as an effective aide in online virtual teaching. The learners enters the virtual model of the classroom as an avatar, navigate through it, zooms in or out as he or she wishes, changes his or her view point and perspective in the virtual world. The virtual reality classroom allows for a learning experience, and facilitates the mental construction of three-dimensional space, where objects are varied and different, but share common features. This paper will also illustrate a YE environment in the form of a classroom developed to deliver any lecture module the instructor wants to teach. The proposed application replicates the classroom environment and enhances the learning through real-time interaction between students and instructor.
Note on the Pt and Hg mass-197 isomers

Abstract The decays of Pt197, Pt197m, Hg197 and Hg197m into the levels of 79Au197 have been examined with use of semiconductor detector spectrometers. Gamma-ray spectra were recorded with lithium drifted germanium detectors, and internal conversion coefficients were measured with an electron-gamma spectrometer employing both silicon and germanium detectors. These conversion coefficients were determined: the 191 keV transition in Au197 following Pt197 decay, eK = 0.69±0.07, K/L = 5.2±0.6; the 346 keV transition in Pt197m, eK = 3.9±0.4, K/L = 1.8±0.2. The 191 keV transition is interpreted as having multipolarity M1+(≈28%) E2, and the 346 keV transition is M4. Details of the decay schemes are discussed. From the observed decay patterns of Pt197 and Pt197m, spin assignments 1 2 − and 13 2 + are made for these isomers, respectively. The spin of the 268 keV level in Au197 is interpreted as 3 2 + , consistent with the “core-excitation” interpretation of these levels by Braunstein and de-Shalit. The reported existence of a level in Au197 at 155 keV was not confirmed, and a reported weak 407 keV radiation from the decay of Hg197m was not observed. The absolute transition probability of the 202 keV E2 radiation connecting the 279 keV ( 5 2 + ) nd 77 keV ( 1 2 + ) states is discussed, within the framework of the de-Shalit model and also that of Kisslinger and Sorensen.
The effects of group size on the structure of interaction in problem‐solving groups

An experiment was conducted to determine whether differences in group size affect the distributional and sequential structure of interaction in discussion groups. It was reasoned that larger groups, having greater ambiguity regarding the responsibilities for responding to communications, should experience less interaction structure than smaller groups. Results showed smaller groups to have greater sequential structure than larger groups, although the predicted differences in distributional structure due to size were not found.
Does a photodetector always measure the rate of arrival of photons

It is pointed out that in many cases the response of a photodetector depends on the angle of the incident light beam in a way that is different from the transmissivity of the photosensitive surface. The detector therefore does not directly measure the rate of arrival of photons under all circumstances. As an illustration, some experimental measurements of the angular response of a silicon photodiode are presented.
Growth Retardation in Young Mice Treated with dl-Methadone

Newborn mice injected daily for 6 weeks with dl- methadone in dosages of 2 to 8 milligrams per kilogram grew significantly more slowly than their saline-treated littermates. Litters given d- methadone, 4 milligrams per kilogram, grew normally. Concomitant treatment with naloxone, 10 milligrams per kilogram, prevented growth inhibition. A weight deficit persisted in mice observed 6 weeks after cessation of methadone treatment.
Calorimetric Study of Alcohol and Nitrile Adsorption Complexes in H-ZSM-5

Differential heats of adsorption have been measured for a series of alcohols, a series of nitriles, water, and diethyl ether in H-ZSM-5 and silicalite. Higher differential heats in H-ZSM-5 demonstrated that most of the adsorbates had a significant affinity for the Bronsted sites, and the affinity increased with the gas-phase proton affinity of the adsorbate. For the nitriles and diethyl ether, the differential heats were approximately constant up to a coverage of 1/site, after which values fell to the level on silicalite. The heat of formation of the 1:1, stoichiometric adsorption complexes increased with the proton affinity with a slope of 0.37. Heats of formation of stoichiometric adsorption complexes were difficult to identify for water and the alcohols since the differential heats did not fall at a coverage of 1/site. This is evidence for adsorbate clusters, the result of alcohols being both hydrogen-bond acceptors and donors. The implications of these results for understanding zeolite acidity and aci...
Using luminescent nanoparticles as staining probes for Affymetrix GeneChips.

Microarray technology provides efficient access to genetic information using miniaturized, high-density arrays of DNA probes. We investigated the application of luminescent nanoparticles as probes for Affymetrix GeneChips detection without the need for signal amplification. Our goal is to investigate the feasibility of using luminescent nanoparticles as probes in a commercial microarray system without changing its configurations. With the present imaging modality and existing optical excitation and detection systems of the Affymetrix GeneChips, our early results indicate that nanoparticles not only can be used for GeneChip labeling but also are superior to the traditional fluorescent protein streptavidin-phycoerythrin (SAPE). The advantage of the particles lies in a simplified staining procedure, higher photobleaching threshold, and enhanced luminescence signal. The nanoparticles can be used for detection of low-abundance targets without any amplification step. A concentration detection limit of 50 fM has...
From Cultural Third-Worldism to the Literary World-System

In his article "From Cultural Third-Worldism to the Literary World-System" Jernej Habjan links the debate on Franco Moretti's distant reading to the debate on Fredric Jameson's "third world culture." In and around this debate, Aijaz Ahmad both critiqued close reading and rejected Jameson's "Third-Worldism." What Jameson's and Ahmad's interventions into literary theory meant at the end of the real-socialist alternative and what Moretti's meant at the end of the US-American alternative to real-socialism, a synoptic reading of all three interventions might help achieve at the end of what seemed the European alternative to the US-American alternative
Talbot-Lau effect for atomic de Broglie waves manipulated with light

We have demonstrated the Talbot-Lau effect for atomic de Broglie waves in the time domain. This effect is based on Fresnel diffraction of matter waves from an incoherent source. In the experiment, de Broglie waves of atoms in a particular internal state have been manipulated and the resulting density directly imaged by resonant optical fields. These experiments allow us to probe the quantum dynamics of the atomic center of mass. We have also used this effect to create patterns in the density of the atoms with period as small as $1∕10$ of the optical wavelength, demonstrating the potential application of this technique for atom nanofabrication.
Effects of thermal exposure on immunophenotyping combined with in situ PCR, measured by flow cytometry.

BACKGROUND The combination of in situ PCR and cell phenotyping by antibody labeling (ISPCR/Flow) allows for the identification of cell subsets carrying a particular genetic sequence. ISPCR utilizes thermal cycling for genetic amplification, which can reduce the effectiveness of surface antibody labeling. This study explored and characterized the effects of thermal exposure on antibody labeling using CD4 and CD45. METHODS Single temperature incubations and thermal cycling exposures were performed on leukocytes labeled with either direct antibody conjugates or with biotinylated antibodies and PE-streptavidin. RESULTS Fluorescence emission decreased above 70 degrees ( )C when cells were stained with directly conjugated antibodies or a biotinylated antibody and PE-streptavidin prior to high heat exposure. If counter stained with PE-streptavidin after heat, fluorochrome fluorescence was detectable. We tested a second CD4 clone, that provided poor results under similar labeling conditions, suggesting the combination of fixation and heat may have an epitope specific effect for the same cellular antigen. CONCLUSIONS Immunophenotyping can be combined with ISPCR, but each antibody must be tested to determine its efficacy. The denaturation of protein above 70 degrees C appears to be the main reason for loss of fluorescence. The best procedure is to first stain cells with a biotinylated antibody to an epitope that survives fixation and thermocycling. The cells are then subjected to the desired PCR procedure. Finally they are stained with a fluorochrome conjugated streptavidin.
Introduction to the share economy

Abstract This paper introduces the major ideas in Martin Weitzman's The Share Economy. It notes that a “share” economy is one in which the marginal cost of labor is less than the average cost of labor; moreover, this condition can be induced by sharing revenues or profits. According to share theory, such contracts will lead firms to create more vacancies and thereby lower the average unemployment rate. Weitzman proposes to induce more share arrangements by giving a tax preference to share-type income.