cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Cooperative negotiation in concurrent engineering design

Design can be modeled as a cooperative multi-agent problem solving task where different agents possess different knowledge and evaluation criteria. These differences may result in inconsistent design decisions and conflicts that have to be resolved during design. The process by which resolution of inconsistencies is achieved in order to arrive at a coherent set of design decisions is negotiation. In this paper, we discuss some of the characteristics of design which make it a very challenging domain for investigating negotiation techniques. We propose a negotiation model that incorporates accessing information in existing designs, communication of design rationale and criticisms of design decisions, as well as design modifications based on constraint relaxation and comparison of utilities. The model captures the dynamic interactions of the cooperating agents during negotiations. We also present representational structures of the expertise of the various agents and a communication protocol that supports multi-agent negotiation.
Influences of sudden changes in discharge and physical stream characteristics on transient storage and nitrate uptake in an urban stream

Changes in the physical structure of urban streams can occur abruptly due to flashy high-flow events and subsequently alter stream processes, including transient storage and nitrate uptake. We examined temporal variability in transient storage and nitrate uptake by exploring the effects of altered physical characteristics resulting from a single high-flow event in three reaches of Spring Creek, an urban stream in Fort Collins, Colorado, USA. Study reaches of varying geomorphic and hydraulic characteristics were chosen to represent distinct geomorphic settings in terms of substrate size, sinuosity, bed slope, and degree of rehabilitation and structural controls. We performed detailed physical characterizations and multiple nutrient injections of Br− and NO3− to estimate transient storage and nitrate uptake in each reach. A comparison of pre-flood and post-flood data indicates that transient storage and nitrate uptake are highly context specific and mediated by interactions between geomorphic setting and flood discharge. In the two reaches that showed significant post-flood increases in transient storage (250% to 350% increases in Fmed200), the pool-riffle reach exhibited a significant increase in uptake velocity, while the channelized reach did not. In contrast, transient storage decreased post-flood in the third reach containing hydraulic structures. These complex responses likely reflect reach-specific differences in hyporheic versus in-channel storage. This study shows that repeat injections are necessary to describe nutrient dynamics because transient storage and nitrate uptake can be highly variable over time (showing changes on the order of 100%) due to variation in discharge and geomorphically influential flow events. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Researching alternative medicine.

In 1992 the US Congress created the Office of Alternative Medicine (OAM), placing it within the NIH, one of the foremost bio-medical research establishments world-wide. The OAM is currently funded to the tune of $40 million per year. Although alternative and unconventional medicine attracts considerable attention (and finances) from the public in Western societies, many within the established medical and research communities are outwardly cynical and dismissive of alternative medical practices. We have asked Wayne B. Jonas. Director of the OAM, to discuss what the OAM hopes to achieve and how it is going about it.
Biosynthesis of Surfactant Protein C (SP-C) SORTING OF SP-C PROPROTEIN INVOLVES HOMOMERIC ASSOCIATION VIA A SIGNAL ANCHOR DOMAIN

Rat surfactant protein C (SP-C) is synthesized as a 194-amino acid propeptide (SP-C-(1–194)) that is directed to the distal secretory pathway and proteolytically processed as an integral membrane protein to yield its mature form. We had shown previously that trafficking of proSP-C is mediated both by a signal anchor domain contained within the mature SP-C sequence and by a targeting domain in the NH2-flanking propeptide. Based on evidence from other integral membrane proteins, we hypothesized that proSP-C targeting is effected by oligomerization of proSP-C monomers. To evaluate this in vitro, cDNA constructs encoding for either wild type proSP-C (pcDNA3/SP-C-(1–194)) or heterologous fusion proteins containing green fluorescent protein (EGFP) linked to SP-C-(1–194) (EGFP/SP-C-(1–194)), to mutant proSP-C lacking the NH2targeting domain (EGFP/SP-C-(24–194)), or to mature SP-C alone (EGFP/SP-C-(24–58)) were produced. In transfected A549 cells, fluorescence microscopy revealed that pcDNA3/SP-C-(1–194) and EGFP/SP-C-(1–194) were each expressed in CD63 (+), EEA1 (−) cytoplasmic vesicles. Expression of EGFP/SP-C-(24–194) or EGFP/SP-C-(24–58) resulted in translocation but retention in early compartments. When co-transfected with pcDNA3/SP-C-(1–194), both EGFP/SP-C-(24–194) and EGFP/SP-C-(24–58) were directed to CD63 (+) vesicles that also contained SP-C-(1–194). In contrast, trafficking of a folding mutant that forms juxtanuclear aggregates, EGFP/SP-CC122/186G, was not corrected by cotransfection with pcDNA3/SP-C-(1–194). Chemical cross-linking studies of transfected cell lysates with bismaleimidohexane produced multimeric forms of both EGFP/SP-C-(1–194) and EGFP/SP-C-(24–58). These results indicate that sorting involves oligomeric association of proSP-C monomers mediated by the mature SP-C domain. Heteromeric assembly allows wild type proSP-C to facilitate trafficking of SP-C mutants with intact transmembrane domains but lacking targeting signals. We speculate that heterotypic oligomerization of wild type with SP-C folding mutants produces a dominant negative thus contributing to the pathology of chronic lung disease associated with patients heterozygous for mutant SP-C alleles.
Abstract 855: Flavokawain A inhibits urinary bladder cancer in UPII-mutant Ha-ras transgenic mouse bladder cancer model

Proceedings: AACR 102nd Annual Meeting 2011‐‐ Apr 2‐6, 2011; Orlando, FL Flavokawain A is the predominant chalcone identified from kava extract. We have recently shown that flavokawain A exhibited strong growth inhibitory effects on human bladder cancer cells both in vitro in cell cultures and in vivo in a xenograft mouse model. To examine whether flavokawain A affects specific-stages or course of bladder cancer development, the UPII-mutant Ha-ras transgenic mouse bladder model that mimics human papillary transitional cell carcinoma was used. The homozygous mutant Ha-ras transgenic mice were identified through genotyping using Southern blotting analysis and fed orally with 1g flavokawain A/kg food or 6 g flavokawain A /kg food for 3 or 6 months starting at 6 weeks of age. After treatments, organs are collected and weighted. H&E staining and immunohistochemstry were used to evaluate bladder cancer pathology and expression of biomarkers. All control food- fed male mice died of ureter obstruction and nephrohydrosis within 6 months of treatment, while more than 50% of mice fed with 6g flavokawain A /kg food for 6 months survived beyond the 6 months of treatment. The mean bladder weight in 6g flavokawain /kg food fed male mice also decreased by 66% compared to control treated mice for 3 months. Mouse pathology analysis showed that control mice exhibited poorly differentiated transitional cell carcinoma, while that flavokawain A treated mice presented well differentiated tumors. Compared to the dose of 6g/kg, a 1g/kg dose of flavokawain A is less effective in inhibition of bladder cancer development in this transgenic model. In addition, immunohistochemistry staining of Skp2 revealed that Skp2 oncoprotein expression in urothelium was also significantly decreased in flavorkawain A treatment group compared to control group. Taken together, our results suggest the potential usefulness of flavokawain A in treatment of superficial urinary bladder cancer. Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 102nd Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2011 Apr 2-6; Orlando, FL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2011;71(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 855. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2011-855
Cholecystokinin receptors: presence and axonal flow in the rat vagus nerve.

Abstract Cholecystokinin (CCK) receptors have been detected in the rat vagus nerve. Ligation experiments have revealed a time dependent build up of the receptors at the ligature which is blocked by colchicine. Thus, at least a fraction of the receptors are being transported peripherally, presumably by fast flow. The possible involvement of these vagal CCK receptors with the ability of CCK to induce satiety is discussed.
Electromagnetic decay of glueballs

The magnetic dipole radiative decay of a J/sup P/C = 0/sup - +/ glueball is considered within the MIT bag model. The resultant width, due to gluonic coupling to quarks, is sizable. In addition to eta-eta'-glueball mixing, other contributions are found to be significant. We comment that, for magnetic dipole transitions, the radiative widths of glueballs can be expected to be larger than those of radially excited QQ-bar mesons, due to wave-function-orthogonality effects in the latter case.
Room-temperature two-photon induced luminescence in pure CsI

Abstract Luminescence induced by two-photon excitation in pure CsI single crystals was observed at room temperature. The ultraviolet (UV) emission band was found to be centered around 320 nm with a threshold excitation energy of 5.49 eV. The excitation spectrum near the threshold and the overall fluorescence yield from the two-photon excitation were also measured. It is believed that electrons were excited to the conduction band through a two-photon absorption and then recombined with self- trapped holes to yield the emission.
On-Line Arithmetic: An Overview

We discuss in a tutorial manner the principles and techniques of on-line arithmetic. Several examples of on-line algorithms for the basic operations, the evaluation of vector and matrix expressions, solving linear systems and evaluating polynomials, are used to illustrate the characteristics of on-line arithmetic.
Similar factors occuring in the “ordinary” and the hyperacute form of experimental allergic encephalomyelitis in the rat and the dog☆

Abstract A hyperacute form of EAE was produced in Holtzman albino male rats and in healthy adult mongrel dogs. 1. 1. The incidence of hyperacute symptoms of EAE occured in eighty-three percent of the rats and sixty-three percent of the dogs. 2. 2. In dogs which contracted the disease, plasma corticoids and free fatty acids were increased significantly beginning at the onset of the symptoms ( 7 days after inoculation) and continued to rise during the progress of the disease. There was also noted a marked decrease in the body weight at the same time. 3. 3. Weight growth curves in the rats were slowed after the onset of symptoms. The plasma concentrations of 11-hydroxycorticosteroids showed an increase at the height of the symptoms. No significant difference in free fatty acids was noted. 4. 4. Ergotamine tartrate was administered to rats which had received intraperitoneal inoculations of guinea pig spinal cord homogenate. A dose of 100mg/kg intraperitoneally triweekly reduced the incidence of paralysis and other neurologic signs. 5. 5. When the same experiment was repeated in rats which had received inoculations of dog spinal cord homogenate, these animals failed to contract EAE, and weight curves remained constant in all 4 groups. 6. 6. It appears that a similarity exist between hyperacute EAE and ordinary EAE. Additionally, ergotamine tartrate had some suppressive action in both forms.
A quantitative treatment of particle size distributions in emulsion polymerization

A quantitative analysis is presented for predicting the particle size distributions obtained in emulsion polymerization. The results obtained are compared with experimental data in terms of the particle-size-distribution curves as well as the statistical parameters of the distributions. Comparisons are made for changes in initiator level, surfactant level, water:monomer ratio, and temperature. The manner in which these variables change the distributions and the reasons for these changes are identified. The distribution of radicals among particles of different sizes is seen to be significant. Large particles are expected to contain a greater number of radicals per particle than the smaller ones in the same latex. The effects of such a radical distribution upon the properties of the latex are discussed.
Efficiency of exponential time differencing schemes for nonlinear Schrödinger equations

The nonlinear Schrodinger (NLS) equation and its higher order extension (HONLS equation) are used extensively in modeling various phenomena in nonlinear optics and wave mechanics. Fast and accurate nonlinear numerical techniques are needed for further analysis of these models. In this paper, we compare the efficiency of existing Fourier split-step versus exponential time differencing methods in solving the NLS and HONLS equations. Soliton, Stokes wave, large amplitude multiple mode breather, and N-phase solution initial data are considered. To determine the computational efficiency we determine the minimum CPU time required for a given scheme to achieve a specified accuracy in the solution u(x, t) (when an analytical solution is available for comparison) or in one of the associated invariants of the system. Numerical simulations of both the NLS and HONLS equations show that for the initial data considered, the exponential time differencing scheme is computationally more efficient than the Fourier split-step method. Depending on the error measure used, the exponential scheme can be an order of magnitude more efficient than the split-step method.
The crystal structure of a nonstoichiometric NASICON

The crystal structure of a nonstoichiometric NASICON prepared from a hydrothermally synthesized precursor phase was solved by means of Xray powder and neutron powder diffraction methods. The NASICON phase is monoclinic with unit cell parameters, from Rietveld refinement of the neutron data, of a = 15.6209(8), b = 9.0326(5), c = 9.2172(5)A, ..beta.. = 123.67(1)A, V = 1082.5A/sup 3/. The space group is C2/c with Z = 4. The structure is essentially that proposed earlier by Hong, but the nonstoichiometry results from replacement of part of the Zr/sup 4 +/ by Na/sup +/. Refinement of site occupancies coupled with the requirement of overall charge balance yields the formula Na /sub 2.88/ (Na /sub 0.32/ Zr /sub 1.68/ )Si /sub 1.84/ P /sub 1.16/ O /sub 11.54/ which also agrees well with analytical data. Only 20% of the Na1 sites are occupied, but 80% of the Na3 sites are filled. This structure provides a framework from which to rationalize the many reports in the literature that NASICON can only be prepared with difficulty by high temperature solid state reactions.
Microwave studies of intergranular magnetic flux

Abstract Microwave absorption in high-temperature superconductors is a sensitive indicator of the motion of intergranular magnetic flux with dissipation arising from the nucleation and damped motion of fluxons driven by the microwave current. Modulated microwave absorption signals from granular ceramics show hysteresis arising from the development of forward and reverse critical states. Absorption troughs, seen in the scanned microwave response, have the same origin. In single-crystal YBa2Cu3O7−δ, absorption lines periodic in the magnetic field arise from microwave current-driven nucleation of fluxons in Josephson tunnel junctions at domain boundaries. Similar series have been observed in grains of Nb embedded in epoxy, indicating that microwave current-driven nucleation is a general characteristic of intergranular junctions.
Polymicrobial keratitis: Acanthamoeba and infectious crystalline keratopathy.

Purpose To report the early presentation, cause, and successful medical management of combined Acanthamoeba keratitis (AK) and infectious crystalline keratopathy (ICK). Design Interventional case series. Methods Retrospective review of 111 AK patients diagnosed and managed at the University of Illinois Eye and Ear Infirmary between June 1, 2003 and November 30, 2008 for an additional diagnosis of infectious keratitis. Results Of 5 AK patients with microbiologic evidence of an additional bacterial keratitis during their active AK treatment, concomitant ICK developed in 3 patients. All patients were examined within 3 weeks of their AK diagnosis and were found to have characteristic signs and symptoms consistent with ICK. Bacterial culture results at the time of AK diagnosis were negative in 2 patients, but subsequent culture results were positive for Streptococcus oralis. Initial culture results demonstrated light growth of methicillin-sensitive Staphylococcus aureus in the remaining patient, who had received partial antibiotic treatment. Topical corticosteroids were used before diagnosis in 2 patients and were in use in only 1 patient after AK diagnosis. All infections resolved with medical therapy alone. One patient later required penetrating keratoplasty for visual rehabilitation. Conclusions In patients with AK, ICK can develop early and without either the use of corticosteroids or a preexisting epithelial defect, inconsistent with previously suggested mechanisms and major risk factors for secondary infection. Combined AK and ICK may exhibit increased pathogenicity with the onset of severe, often new, pain and acceleration of localized tissue loss and resultant scarring. Although early recognition and aggressive medical treatment were successful in resolving the combined infections in our cases, Acanthamoeba coinfection, and perhaps endosymbiosis, should be considered in the evaluation and clinical management of AK, especially in those cases progressing atypically. Further research is needed to understand the precise mechanism of the introduction of coinfectious pathogens and their role in the pathogenicity of AK.
Positive Social Support, Negative Social Exchanges, and Suicidal Behavior in College Students.

Abstract Objective: Risk for suicide is often higher among college students, compared to same-age noncollegiate peers, and may be exacerbated by quality of social support and interactions. The authors examined the independent contributions of positive social support and negative social exchanges to suicide ideation and attempts in college students. Participants: Participants were 439 volunteer undergraduate students, who were primarily female (71%). Methods: Cross-sectional, survey design. Participants completed measures assessing positive social support, including emotional, informational, and tangible support; negative social exchanges; and suicidal behavior, including ideation and attempts. Results: Positive social support, particularly tangible support, and negative social exchanges were significantly predictive of greater suicidal behavior. Conclusions: Practical manifestations of support may buffer against suicide risk for college students, whereas conflict-based interactions may contribute to incre...
Effects of exposure to dietary nickel and zinc upon experimental allergic encephalomyelitis in SWXJ mice

Certain trace metals are known to have immunomodulatory properties in vitro. We report the effects of dietary supplementation with either nickel (0.6 g/kg nickel sulfate, dry weight) or zinc (0.6 g/kg zinc sulfate, dry weight) upon incidence and severity of experimental allergic encephalomyelitis (EAE) in SWXJ mice. Two hundred one animals were bred in our vivarium, then allocated successively to control, zinc supplemented, or nickel supplemented diets prior to EAE induction. There was no significant difference between EAE incidence or severity in the zinc supplemented animals compared with controls, but nickel supplemented animals showed a significant reduction of EAE incidence (P < 0.0001) and severity (P < 0.002). © 1996 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Role of matrix metalloproteinases in skeletal muscle: migration, differentiation, regeneration and fibrosis.

Matrix metalloproteases (MMPs) are key regulatory molecules in the formation, remodeling, and degradation of extracellular matrix (ECM) components in both physiological and pathological processes in many tissues. In skeletal muscle, MMPs play an important role in the homeostasis and maintenance of myofiber functional integrity by breaking down ECM and regulating skeletal muscle cell migration, differentiation and regeneration. Skeletal muscle satellite cells, a group of quiescent stem cells located between the basement membrane and the plasmalemma of myofibers, are responsible for lifelong maintenance and repairing, which can be activated and as a result migrate underneath the basement membrane to promote regeneration at the injured site. MMPs are able to degrade ECM components, thereby facilitating satellite cell migration and differentiation. This current review will focus on the critical roles of MMPs in skeletal muscle injury and repair, which include satellite cell activation with migration and diffe...
A context for belief revision: forward chaining-normal nonmonotomic rule systems

Abstract A number of nonmonotonic reasoning formalisms have been introduced to model the set of beliefs of an agent. These include the extensions of a default logic, the stable models of a general logic program, and the extensions of a truth maintenance system among others. In [13] and [16], the authors introduced nonmonotomic rule systems as a nonlogical generalization of all essential features of such formulisms so that theorems applying to all could be proven once and for all. In this paper, we extend Rieter's normal default theories, which have a number of the nice properties which make them a desirable context for belief revision, to the setting of nonmonotonic rule systems. Reiter defined a default theory to be normal if all the rules of the default theory satisfied a simple syntatic condition. However, this simple syntatic condition has no obvious analogue in the setting of nonmonotonic rule systems. Nevertheless, an analysis of the proofs of the main results on normal default theories reveals that the proofs do not rely on the particular syntactic form of the rules but rather on the fact that all rules have a certain consistency property. This led us to extend the notion of normal default theories with respect to a general consistency property. This extended notion of normal default theories, which we call Forward Chaining normal (FC-normal), is easily lifted to nonmonotomic rule systems and hence applies to general logic programs and truth maintenance
Stability of pole solutions for planar propagating flames: I. exact eigenvalues and eigenfunctions

It is well known that the nonlinear PDE describing the dynamics of a hydrodynamically unstable planar flame front admits exact pole solutions as equilibrium states. Such a solution corresponds to a steadily propagating cusp-like structure commonly observed in experiments. In this work we investigate the linear stability of these equilibrium states---the steady coalescent pole solutions. In previous similar studies, either a truncated linear system was numerically solved for the eigenvalues or the initial value problem for the linearized PDE was numerically integrated in order to examine the evolution of initially small disturbances in time. In contrast, our results are based on the exact analytical expressions for the eigenvalues and corresponding eigenfunctions. In this paper we derive the expressions for the eigenvalues and eigenfunctions. Their properties and the implication on the stability of pole solutions is discussed in a paper which will appear later.
Observation of an Unusual Molecular Switching Device. The Position of One 1,2-Dimethylimidazole Switched "On" or "Off" the Rotation of the Other 1,2-Dimethylimidazole in cis,cis,cis-Ru(II)Cl(2)(Me(2)SO)(2)(1,2-dimethylimidazole)(2).

Some cis,cis,cis-RuX2(Me2SO)2(1,2-Me2Im)L complexes [L = 1,2-Me2Im (1,2-dimethylimidazole) or Me3Bzm (1,5,6-trimethylbenzimidazole), X = Cl or Br, and Me2SO = S-bonded DMSO] have been synthesized and their rotamers studied in CDCl3. From 2D NMR data, cis,cis,cis-RuCl2(Me2SO)2(1,2-Me2Im)(Me3Bzm) has 1,2-Me2Im in position “a” (cis to both Me2SO's and cis to “b”) and Me3Bzm in position “b” (trans to one Me2SO and cis to the other). There are two stable atropisomers [head-to-tail (HT, 84%) and head-to-head (HH, 16%), defining the aromatic H of Ru−N−C−H as head for both ligands]. Me3Bzm has the same orientation in both atropisomers. In this orientation, the unfavorable interligand steric interactions of Me3Bzm with the Me2SO and 1,2-Me2Im ligands appear to be countered by favorable electrostatic attraction between the δ+ N2CH moiety of Me3Bzm and the δ− cis Cl ligands. The 1,2-Me2Im lacks a δ+ N2CH group, and its orientation is dominated by steric effects of the 2-Me group. The NMR spectrum of cis,cis,cis-RuCl...
A rating system for potential exotic bird and mammal pests

Abstract Natural areas, natural resources, and agricultural production systems have been damaged by introduced species, and are jeopardized by future invasions. A rating system was developed to prioritize research and control efforts for preventing species invasions and eradicating established exotic pests. Four rating criteria were the species potential (1) to be introduced; (2) to establish; (3) to cause damage; and (4) to be controlled. Each species was rated independently for each criterion, and these ratings summed to provide a total score. The rating system was developed with 24 exotic bird and mammal species with well-known invasion and pest histories. We then rated the 14 bird and mammal species on the California Department of Food and Agriculture most unwanted exotic species list, and 10 other species. The rating system provided surprising objectivity for assessing the threat of species invasion and pest status. Of the 14 ‘most unwanted species’, four were rated as a low threat, and 13 of the 34 other rated species were recommended for this list. Certainly, this list should be lengthened. A quick-response apparatus was also developed to provide information on perceived exotic species threats. It consisted of a data base of expert contacts and citations on exotic pest species damage, biology, ecology, and control technology.
4 CHARACTERIZATION OF LENTIVIRAL SHORT-HAIRPIN RNA EXPRESSION VECTORS CONTAINING SINGLE OR MULTIPLE BOVINE POLYMERASE III PROMOTERS

Lentiviral vectors have become an important and efficient molecular biology tool to integrate foreign DNA into target genomes. These vectors have been previously used in our laboratory to make cloned transgenic fetuses expressing short-hairpin RNAs (shRNAs) targeting the caprine prion mRNA (Golding et al. 2006 Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 103, 5285-5290) and bovine myostatin mRNA. Specially designed shRNAs have a robust ability to decrease protein expression by initiating a mRNA destruction pathway or by translational inhibition. However, initial experiments targeting foot and mouth (FMDV) viral RNA have indicated that polymerase (Pol) II promoters may be unable to produce enough mature shRNA particles to significantly knock down viral replication in vitro. The goal of this research project was to identify and utilize bovine Pol III promoters to express shRNAs in lentiviral vectors and to express multiple unique shRNAs from a single lentiviral vector using different Pol III promoters. This goal is particularly important to the successful reduction of FMDV replication in a cell, as it limits random mutations from escaping the shRNA-mediated viral genome destruction. The 3 bovine Pol III promoters we selected were 7sk, U6-2, and H1. They were individually amplified from the same genomic DNA preparation. The promoters were inserted immediately upstream of our shRNA expression sequence, resulting in lentiviral vectors designated GT-b7sk, GT-bU6-2, and GT-bH1.To confirm that the promoters were functional, a luciferase reporter assay was performed in HEK 293T cells, where each vector expressed either a shRNA targeting luciferase (luc) or a non-specific shRNA.All promoters expressing luc shRNA resulted in significant reduction of luciferase activity between 68 and 80% compared with non-targeting controls. In addition, there was no significant difference between Pol III promoters when analyzing reduced luciferase activity. In the second phase of the study, we developed 7 unique combinations of 2 or 3 Pol III shRNA expression cassettes to test individual shRNA function with one shRNA designed to target luciferase and the others non-targeting. In multiple Pol III expression constructs, the U6-2 and 7sk promoters resulted in the greatest reduction of luciferase activity at 89 and 95%, respectively. In addition, luciferase activity was reduced to the greatest extent when the luc shRNA was expressed from the second (82%) or third (87%) Pol III cassette. Overall, bovine Pol III-based promoters are effective at expressing shRNAs from a lentiviral vector. In addition, multiple Pol III shRNA expression cassettes can be inserted into a single lentiviral vector and still achieve significant reduction of target protein. These vectors will be used to create transgenic cattle and pigs that express multiple shRNAs targeting the FMDV genome with hopes of creating animals that are resistant to FMDV.
Salivary Gland Homeostasis Is Maintained through Acinar Cell Self-Duplication

Current dogma suggests that salivary gland homeostasis is stem cell dependent. However, the extent of stem cell contribution to salivary gland maintenance has not been determined. We investigated acinar cell replacement during homeostasis, growth, and regeneration, using an inducible CreER(T2) expressed under the control of the Mist1 gene locus. Genetic labeling, followed by a chase period, showed that acinar cell replacement is not driven by the differentiation of unlabeled stem cells. Analysis using R26(Brainbow2.1) reporter revealed continued proliferation and clonal expansion of terminally differentiated acinar cells in all major salivary glands. Induced injury also demonstrated the regenerative potential of pre-labeled acinar cells. Our results support a revised model for salivary gland homeostasis based predominantly on self-duplication of acinar cells, rather than on differentiation of stem cells. The proliferative capacity of differentiated acinar cells may prove critical in the implementation of cell-based strategies to restore the salivary glands.
The Identification of Prx1 Transcription Regulatory Domains Provides a Mechanism for Unequal Compensation by thePrx1 and Prx2 Loci

Transcription regulatory domains of the Prx1a and Prx1b homeoproteins were analyzed in transient transfection assays using artificial promoters as well as an established downstream target promoter (tenascin-c). Activation and repression domains were detected in their common amino end. In the carboxyl end of Prx1a an activation domain and an inhibition/masking region (OAR domain) were detected. The Prx1b isoform, generated by alternative splicing, does not contain these carboxyl activation or inhibition domains. Instead, the data demonstrate that the carboxyl tail of Prx1b contains a potent repressor region. This difference in the carboxyl tail accounts for a 45-fold difference observed in transcription regulatory activity between Prx1a and Prx1b. The data also support the likelihood that this difference between Prx1a and Prx1b is higher in the presence of still undetermined cofactors. DNA binding affinities of Prx1a, Prx1b, and a series of truncation mutants were also examined. The carboxyl tail of Prx1a, which inhibited transcription activation in the transfection assays, also inhibited DNA binding. These differences in biochemical function between Prx1a and Prx1b, as well as the recently described activities of Prx2, provide a mechanism for the unequal compensation between the Prx1 and Prx2 loci.
Transgender Avant La Lettre? An Introduction

This introduction to a collection of essays by Adrienne Harris, Gregory Tentler, and Laurence Hegarty briefly highlights the main theme explored: central aspects of Forrest Bess's work and their relations with his personal struggles and with the artistic discourse that provided him with points of reference and audiences during the 1940s through the 1960s.
Characterization of bone PG II cDNA and its relationship to PG II mRNA from other connective tissues

Two cDNA clones encoding the small proteoglycan II (PG II) of bone were isolated from a lambda gt11 expression library. These clones expressed recombinant protein which was cross-reactive with polyclonal and monoclonal antisera to PG II molecules from several connective tissues. The longest clone, lambda Pg 20 was studied in detail. The clone was shown to encode PG II by hybrid selected translation and immunoprecipitation. Northern analysis showed two species of the PG II message of approximately 1.4 and 1.8 kb. Substantial amounts of PG II message were found in bone, tendon, articular cartilage, skin, smooth muscle and cornea. Trace amounts of message were also detected in liver and brain. Radiolabeled bovine PG II cDNA hybridized to RNA from several other species including the human, rat and chicken. The level of PG II mRNA in chick embryonic fibroblasts was sensitive to transformation by Rous sarcoma virus.
Defining the caspase-containing apoptotic machinery contributing to cornification in human epidermal equivalents.

: Whether terminal differentiation/stratum corneum formation of keratinocytes (KCs) represents a form of programmed cell death, utilizing mediators of classical apoptosis, is unclear. Apoptosis, an evolutionarily conserved death process, is comprised of extrinsic and intrinsic pathways, which converge using caspase 3. To define upstream and downstream caspases involved in terminal differentiation, we utilized human epidermal equivalents (EEs). Using submerged cultures comprised of human KCs, EEs were sequentially analyzed before and after being raised to an air/liquid (A/L) interface at 3–24 h intervals. At each time point, EEs were analyzed morphologically and for specific enzyme activity to distinguish different initiator (caspases 1, 2, 8, 9) and effector caspases (3, 6, 7). Terminal differentiation began at 6–8 h, as defined by stratum corneum with loricirin expression and completed at 18–24 h producing an epidermis resembling normal skin. Enzyme activity for caspases 1, 2, 3, 6, 7, 8, and 9 (but not 4, 5) was enhanced (>two-fold nmol/mg/h) at 3–6 h compared with submerged cultures. Processing of caspase 14 occurred at 18 h, and cleaved caspase 14 was increased at 24 h. Activated caspase 3-positive and terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated nick end labeling-positive KCs were identified in EEs at 3–6 h corresponding to initiation sites of terminal differentiation. Addition of caspase inhibitors reduced levels of involucrin and loricrin in EEs raised to an A/L interface. We conclude caspases function as important death effectors strategically positioned at intersection of intrinsic and extrinsic pathways in KCs undergoing stratum corneum formation.
New instruments to calibrate atmospheric transmission

Changing atmospheric transmission accounts for the largest systematic errors limiting photometric measurement precision and accuracy for ground-based telescopes. While considerable resources have been devoted to correcting the effects of the atmosphere on image resolution, the effects on precision photometry have largely been ignored. To correct for the transmission of the atmosphere requires direct measurements of the wavelength-dependent transmission in the same direction and time that the supported photometric telescope is acquiring its data. We describe a multi-wavelength lidar, the Facility Lidar for Astronomical Measurement of Extinction (FLAME) that observes the stable upper stratosphere, and the Astronomical Extinction Spectrophotometer (AESoP), a spectrophotometer that creates and maintains NIST absolute standard stars. The combination of these two instruments enables high photometric precision of both the stellar spectra and atmospheric transmission. The throughput of both FLAME and AESoP are calibrated to NIST radiometric standards. This inexpensive and replicable instrument suite provides the lidar-determined monochromatic transmission of Earth’s atmosphere at visible and near-infrared wavelengths to better than 0.25% per airmass and the wavelength-dependent transparency to better than 1% uncertainty per minute. These atmospheric data are merged to create a metadata stream that allows throughput corrections from data acquired at the time of the scientific observations to be applied to broadband and spectrophotometric scientific data. This new technique replaces the classical use of nightly mean atmospheric extinction coefficients, which invoke a stationary and plane-parallel atmosphere and ultimately limit ground-based all-sky photometry to 1% - 2% precision.
HAEMOGLOBIN, ERYTHROCYTES AND SERUM IRON VALUES IN NORMAL CHILDREN 3‐6 YEARS OF AGE

Summary Blood values including serum iron and transferrin were measured in 147 healthy children 3-6 years of age. An iron supplement given to 122 children showed no significant changes in the mean values of the total material in haemoglobin (13.7-13.7 g/100 ml), V.P.R.C. (40-40 ml/100 ml), R.B.C. (4.93-4.67 mill/μl), MCHC (34.1-34.5 g/100 ml), serum iron (122 -106 μg/100 ml) and TIBC (410-397 μg/ 100 ml). These values are therefore considered as normal values for the age group in question. No iron deficiency with or without anaemia was observed.
Preferential synthesis of yeast mitochondrial DNA in the absence of protein synthesis

Abstract Under normal growth conditions, mitochondrial DNA comprises 5 to 15% of the total yeast cell DNA. However, mitochondrial DNA is the major DNA species synthesized in Saccharomyces cerevisiae when protein synthesis is inhibited by cycloheximide, amino acid starvation or by using temperature-sensitive mutants. This DNA is synthesized for four to six hours after the cessation of protein synthesis; during this period, the relative amount of mitochondrial DNA doubles and can be labeled to contain 90% of the total DNA radioactivity. Similar effects were observed in a cytoplasmic petite yeast strain when protein synthesis was inhibited by cycloheximide.
New pachymeter to measure corneal thickness.

Measurement of the corneal thickness is of clinical importance in several conditions, including keratoconus when periodic deter­ minations of the apical thickness is a practi­ cal method of establishing the degree of thin­ ning of the corneal tissues. In cases of cor­ neal edema it serves to correlate the loss of vision and the edematous condition of the cornea. The thickness of the cornea should also be established in eyes affected with bullous keratopathy to determine if it exceeds 1.2 mm, in which case the prognosis is fa­ vorable for either a keratoplasty or a prosthokeratoplasty. To this end, we have developed a new pa­ chymeter* which makes possible the determi­ nation of the thickness of a clear cornea with an accuracy of within .02 mm. A totally opaque cornea cannot be measured. The calibration of this new pachymeter is based on a refraction index of 1.376, the same as that of the normal cornea. This rep­ resents an entirely new approach. A search of the literature has revealed no other model of pachymeter calibrated on the normal cor­ neal refraction index of 1.376. Gunnar von Bahr, basing his pachymeter on principles similar to those used by Blix to construct his ophthalmometer, mounted two planes of plate glass, one in front of the con­ densing lens and the other in front of the microscope of the slit lamp. When these
Delayed tumour appearance and absence of regression in nude mice infected with murine sarcoma virus.

THE murine sarcoma virus (MSV) rapidly induces local tumours in mice1,2. The subsequent regression of such tumours in adult mice has been shown to be immunological in nature1,2. Young animals1,2 as well as animals immunosuppressed by X irradiation3, cortisol4, cyclophosphamide5, antilymphocyte serum6 or thymectomy2,7 have increased frequency of progressively growing tumours. The immunological nature of these phenomena was also demonstrated by the transfer of resistance to tumour growth with cells3 or serum2,5,8 from animals that had regressing tumours. The in vitro testing of lymphoid cells from mice with regressing tumours has indicated that both thymus-dependent (T)9 and non-T lymphocytes10 are generated as effector cells in this system.
Postnatal growth of the mammalian lung: Influence of low and high oxygen tensions☆

Abstract Development of alveoli in the mammalian lung, being predominantly a postnatal process, is potentially susceptible to modification by environmental conditions. The influence of altered ambient O2 pressures on lung growth and compartmentalization has been studied quantitatively in month-old rats. Animals were exposed for 15 days to 10.4%, 18.3%, or 45.8% O2 at sea level atmospheric pressure. Exposure to low O2 slowed somatic growth, but did not affect lung development relative to body weight. Rats exposed to high O2 grew more rapidly than the air-exposed controls, but suffered marked inhibition of pulmonary development. Whether this effect is specific for O2, and what longterm consequences derive from early interference with lung growth by exposure to high O2 concentrations, are at present unknown.
Sensorimotor Development and the Use of Prelinguistic Performatives

Thirty-two children participated in a study designed to determine the effects of sensorimotor training on proto-declarative and proto-imperative performative behavior. The children were randomly as...
Language as Power: A Linguistic Critique of U.S. ENGLISH

Legislating restrictive language laws is not a new phenomenon; however, in the U.S., our history of such macrolevel language planning has been limited and relatively uninformed by language policy and planning research concerning the role that language legislation plays in any society. The current agenda of an organization called U.S. ENGLISH, promoting the legislation of English as the official language of the U.S., deserves the attention of all language teaching professionals as not only a thought-provoking example of hegemonic language planning, but one which, if approved, will affect our professional lives as well as the balance of power in the country. History indicates that restricting language rights can be divisive and can lead to segregationist tendencies in a society. At the same time, such legislation rarely results in a unified society speaking solely the mandated language(s). This article presents a critical documentary analysis of the complex issues at stake in the debate on the role of language legislation in the U.S.
L ∞ -error estimates for mixed methods for elliptic partial differential equations

$L^\infty $-error estimates of optimal order are derived for the solution of a semilinear second-order elliptic problem by mixed methods using Raviart–Thomas elements. Estimates are also obtained for the associated vector function approximated in the mixed method, and for its divergence. All the estimates are valid even with the lowest indexed mixed finite elements.
Generation of flattop focusing with second order full Poincaré beams

In this paper, the generation of two-dimensional flattop focusing with second order full Poincare beams under low numerical aperture focusing condition is proposed and experimentally demonstrated by using a liquid crystal spatial light modulator (SLM). Different input beam sizes can be accommodated by conveniently rotating the half-wave plate and adjusting the working distance. Furthermore, the quantization of the phase pattern loaded onto the SLM has been theoretically and experimentally studied, which potentially may lead to the fabrication of a compact versatile flattop beam shaper. High quality flattop profiles with steep edge roll-off can be obtained with this technique.
Reaction and adsorption energetics of CN+O→OCN on nickel

Abstract The reaction energetics of O+CN→OCN on Ni(100) are studied using an ab initio embedding theory. The Ni(100) surface is modeled as a three-layer, 30-atom cluster with the Ni atoms fixed at bulk lattice sites. Adsorption geometries of CN and OCN, both N-bonded and O-bonded in an end-on geometry with the molecular axis perpendicular to the surface and in a side-on geometry, are considered in the present study. Our calculations show that the molecular axis of OCN is normal to the surface and that the most stable adsorption site is the fourfold one with adsorption energies of 103 kcal mol−1 for the N-bonded OCN and 87 kcal mol−1 for the O-bonded OCN, respectively. The bridge and atop sites are about 3 and 10 kcal mol−1 less stable. The adsorption energy for the side-on bonded OCN with the molecular axis parallel to the surface is 84 kcal mol−1. The present calculations also show that CN is able to bind to the surface either via the carbon, or the nitrogen, or in a side-on geometry with very small differences in total energy, ≤2 kcal mol−1. It was found that CN is nearly free to rotate to other geometries over very small energy barriers, ≤2 kcal mol−1. With O coadsorbed at a fourfold site, the adsorption of CN at the next nearest bridge or on-top sites is energetically more favorable than adsorption at the adjacent fourfold site, and the C–N bond is perpendicular to the surface. The reaction of O+CN→OCN on Ni(100) has an energy barrier via the Langmuir–Hinshelwood mechanism, but no energy barrier via the Eley–Rideal process. The formation of surface OCN is due to the formation of a C–O bond by the interaction between the adsorbed O and the C atom of cyanide.
Is there an increased suspension stability of the erythrocytes in allergic disease

Abstract The data presented in this study seem to support the idea of an increased suspension stability of the erythrocytes in allergic disease. The sedimentation rates of all patients with allergic disease used in this study are all slower than the theoretical mean of the range, 2 mm. to 12 mm. in one hour, generally accepted for normals, nor do they spread over this range. It seems probable that the accepted normal range has been established from studies which did not exclude allergic individuals. The probability that this is true receives support by Vaughan's 10 recent report that upward of 10 per cent of the population develop major allergic manifestations and approximately an additional 50 per cent give a history of minor episodic allergic manifestations in the past. Further investigation of normal rates is needed, with care to exclude those individuals with major and minor allergies in the personal history as well as those who have close relatives so affected.