cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A quest for appropriate software fault models: Case studies on fault detection effectiveness of model-based test generation techniques

Abstract Model-based test generation (MBTG) is becoming an area of active research. These techniques differ in terms of (1) modeling notations used, and (2) the adequacy criteria used for test generation. This paper (1) reviews different classes of MBTG techniques at a conceptual level, and (2) reports results of three case studies comparing various techniques in terms of their fault detection effectiveness. Our results indicate that MBTG technique which employs mutation and explicitly generates state verification sequences has better fault detection effectiveness than those based on boundary values, and predicate coverage criteria for transitions. Instead of a default adequacy criteria, certain techniques allow the user to specify test objectives in addition to the model. Our experience indicates that the task of defining appropriate test objectives is not intuitive. Furthermore, notations provided to describe such test objectives may have inadequate expressive power. We posit the need for a suitable fault modeling notation which also treats domain invariants as first class entities.
Catch share programs in developing countries: A survey of the literature

The literature on catch shares is dominated by analyses of programs in developed countries. To address this research gap, this paper identifies and discusses programs in developing countries. The paper also investigates differences between countries that have and have not implemented programs across a number of relevant dimensions, including governance and resource value, and characterizes the relationship between catch share type (e.g., quota-based or space-based systems) and the species characteristics. The paper identifies programs in about 20 percent of coastal and developing countries and finds that countries with catch shares have higher governance rankings, stronger economies, more valuable fishery export industries, and fewer people employed in fisheries. For example, the average governance effectiveness rank is 38.7 for all coastal and developing countries and 60.8 for countries with quota-based fishing rights. Species managed under quota-based systems are also found to have the potential for strong recruitment externalities. The results support ideas from the fisheries economics literature on the pre-conditions that are more likely to lead to the adoption of a catch share program.
Diagnosis of cervical neoplasia by the nonspecialized colposcopist.

Abstract Forty-five patients with abnormal Papanicolau smears referred to M.D. Anderson Hospital and Tumor Institute underwent colposcopic selected biopsies and endocervical curetting in the regular Gynecologic Clinic, by nonspecialized colposcopists. Thirty-two of these patients had cone biopsies; the other 13 had normal colposcopically directed punch biopsies and normal repeated Papanicolau smears. In none of these patients was the conization specimen more than one histologic degree more significant than the directed biopsies. In 21 patients the histopathology was the same in both specimens. Seven others had severe dysplasia with directed biopsies and foci of carcinoma in situ in the cone, with no residual disease in the hysterectomy specimen. Two patients with carcinoma in situ in the endocervical curetting had microinvasive cancer in the cone biopsy. The need of further investigation was recognized. Even if the numbers are small, these results are comparable with others in the literature, suggesting that this examination may be done by the general gynecologist.
Comparison of two range-based pose estimators for a mobile robot

Pose estimation, or self-location, is a fundamental requirement for a mobile robot which enables it to navigate along a planned path or to position itself within its environment. This paper compares two 2D pose estimation algorithms: one is feature-based, and the other is iconic. Both techniques match range data to a map to calculate x, y, and (theta) (the pose) of the range sensor within its 2D environment. The metrics for the comparison include accuracy, processing time, number of range data points, robustness to errors in the map, sensitivity to the initial rough pose estimate, and environmental models. The feature-based approach is better with respect to processing time and the initial estimate; the iconic method has the advantage with respect to accuracy, the number of data points, and the environment model. For the test environment used in this paper, both methods are robust to errors in the map. A hybrid approach is proposed which combines the two estimators in a way that exploits the advantages of both.© (1993) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Impact of Argumentative Negotiation on Collaborative Engineering

Engineering of complex systems involves multiple disciplinary design teams with diversified skills. The team members must work together to make joint decisions, but are often faced with difficulties when trying to reach agreements. Negotiation has been studied as a method for facilitating information exchange, mutual understanding, and joint decision-making. In our previous work, we introduced an argumentative negotiation model to support collaborative engineering. In this paper, we present an experiment study that was conducted to assess the impact of this negotiation support system on the process and the outcome of collaborative design. The results of the experiment have demonstrated the positive effects of the approach.
Specific secretion of wax by the follicular cells of Drosophila melanogaster

Abstract The follicle cells of Drosophila melanogaster eggs secrete a waxy (hydrophobic) material in the form of lipid vesicles in a special way of secretion. The lipid vesicles maintain their shape after their exit from the epithelial cells, and the accumulation of that material on the extracellular region takes the form of wax plaques creating a hydrophobic layer sealing the oocyte.
Impact of Family History of Diabetes and Ethnicity on β-Cell Function in Obese, Glucose-Tolerant Individuals

Context: The increased insulin secretion in response to reduced insulin sensitivity (SI) is heritable, but whether the genetic predisposition is restricted to members of high-risk Caucasian families is unknown. Furthermore, the relative importance of insulin resistance and defective β-cell compensation in the increased prevalence of type 2 diabetes (T2DM) in African-American compared with Caucasian individuals is uncertain. Objectives: We tested whether obese individuals with a family history of T2DM have decreased β-cell compensation compared with obese controls without a family history of T2DM. In addition, we compared SI and insulin secretion measures in African-American and Caucasian individuals. Design: SI, acute insulin response to iv glucose (AIRg), maximally potentiated insulin response to arginine (AIRmax), and disposition indexes (DIs) (DI = SI * AIRg; DImax = SI * AIRmax) were compared among nondiabetic Caucasian and African-American individuals with and without a family history of diabetes. Se...
The Ultimate Good: Survival of the Individual and Society:

The purpose of this research was to test Skinner's 1971 hypothesis that the good consists of the survival of the individual and society. Support was found.
Nkx6 proteins specify one zebrafish primary motoneuron subtype by regulating late islet1 expression

The ability of animals to carry out their normal behavioral repertoires requires exquisitely precise matching between specific motoneuron subtypes and the muscles they innervate. However, the molecular mechanisms that regulate motoneuron subtype specification remain unclear. Here, we use individually identified zebrafish primary motoneurons to describe a novel role for Nkx6 and Islet1 proteins in the specification of vertebrate motoneuron subtypes. We show that zebrafish primary motoneurons express two related Nkx6 transcription factors. In the absence of both Nkx6 proteins, the CaP motoneuron subtype develops normally, whereas the MiP motoneuron subtype develops a more interneuron-like morphology. In the absence of Nkx6 function, MiPs exhibit normal early expression of islet1 , which is required for motoneuron formation; however, they fail to maintain islet1 expression. Misexpression of islet1 RNA can compensate for loss of Nkx6 function, providing evidence that Islet1 acts downstream of Nkx6. We suggest that Nkx6 proteins regulate MiP development at least in part by maintaining the islet1 expression that is required both to promote the MiP subtype and to suppress interneuron development.
Commentary on the Appellate Body Report in EC–Bananas III (Article 21.5 ): waiver-thin, or lock, stock, and metric ton?

At first glance, the Appellate Body Report in Bananas III (Article 21.5; Second Recourse) does not seem to be a case for the Guinness Book. The AB upheld most of the Panel's findings, and the EC lost big. This was hardly surprising, given that the contested measure only marginally differed from the measure at issue in the first recourse to a compliance Panel. It is at second sight that this AB Report reveals its interesting facets. We highlight a few remarkable legal and economics aspects, some of a more systemic nature, some offering practical insights: For practitioners, the role of estoppel in WTO litigation, the legal effect of Panel suggestions, and the relevance of Uruguay Round Modalities Papers as interpretative tools may be of interest. Readers more concerned with systemic aspects of the WTO may take interest in the economics of tariff quotas, the inherently discriminatory nature of tariff-quota allocation in the WTO, and the relevance of compliance proceedings for the damage calculation under Article 22.6 of the DSU.
Enhancement of paclitaxel-mediated cytotoxicity in lung cancer cells by 17-allylamino geldanamycin: in vitro and in vivo analysis

Abstract Background . It has previously been demonstrated that 17-allylamino geldanamycin (17-AAG) enhances paclitaxel-mediated cytotoxicity and downregulates vascular endothelial factor expression in non-small cell lung cancer. This project was designed to evaluate the tumoricidal and antiangiogeneic effects of 17-AAG and paclitaxel in H358 non-small cell lung cancer cells grown as xenografts in nude mice. Methods . In vitro cytotoxic drug combination effects were evaluated by (4, 5-dimethylthiazo-2-yl)-2, 5-diphenyl tetrazolium bromide-based proliferation assays. The combinations of 17-AAG and paclitaxel were administered intraperitoneally in nude mice bearing H358 tumor xenografts. Tumor volumes were measured weekly. Tumor expression of erbB2, vascular endothelial cell growth factor, von Willebrand factor (tumor microvasculature), and activated caspase 3 (apoptosis) were determined by immunohistochemistry. Results . Five- to 22-fold enhancement of paclitaxel cytotoxicity was achieved by paclitaxel + 17-AAG combination that was paralleled with marked induction of apoptosis. This combination treatment profoundly suppressed tumor growth and significantly prolonged survival of mice bearing H358 xenografts. Immunohistochemical staining of tumor tissues indicated profound reduction of vascular endothelial cell growth factor expression associated with reduction of microvasculature in tumors treated with 17-AAG. Apoptotic cells were more abundant in tumors treated with 17-AAG + paclitaxel than in those treated with 17-AAG or paclitaxel alone. Conclusions . Concurrent exposure of H358 cells to 17-AAG and paclitaxel resulted in supraadditive growth inhibition effects in vitro and in vivo. Analysis of molecular markers of tumor tissues indicated that therapeutic drug levels could be achieved with this chemotherapy regimen leading to significant biological responses. Moreover, 17-AAG-mediated suppression of vascular endothelial cell growth factor production by tumor cells may contribute to the antitumor effects of this drug combination in vivo.
A study of the interaction of avidin with 2-anilinonaphthalene-6-sulfonic acid as a probe of the biotin binding site

The environment of the biotin binding site on avidin was investigated by determining the fluorescence enhancement of a series of fluorescent probes that are anilinonaphthalene sulfonic acid derivatives. Of the compounds tested, 2-anilinonaphthalene-6-sulfonic acid (2,6-ANS) exhibited the greatest enhancement under the conditions used (which would reflect both molar fluorescence enhancement and binding affinity) and exhibited more than 95% reversal upon addition of biotin. Thus, 2,6-ANS was chosen for more detailed characterization of the interaction with avidin. Only a single class of binding sites for 2,6-ANS was identified; the mean value for the Kd was 203 +/- 16 microM (X +/- 1 S.D.), and the molar ratio of 2,6-ANS binding sites to biotin binding sites was approx. 1. These results provide evidence that the biotin binding site and the 2,6-ANS binding site are at least partially overlapping, but the possibility that the probe binding site is altered by a conformational change induced by biotin binding cannot be excluded. At excitation = 328 nm and emission = 408 nm, the molar fluorescence of the bound probe was 6.8 +/- 1.0 microM-1 and that of the free probe was 0.061 +/- 0.008 microM-1 giving an enhancement ratio (molar fluorescence of bound probe/molar fluorescence of free probe) of 111 +/- 22. Upon binding, the wavelength of maximum fluorescence decreases. These findings also provide evidence that the fluorescence enhancement associated with the interaction of 2,6-ANS and avidin reflects the environment of the biotin binding site. The Kosower's Z factor, an empirical index of apolarity, was 82.1 for the 2,6-ANS binding site on avidin. This value reflects a degree of apolarity that is similar to apolar environments observed for substrate binding sites on several enzymes; although not the dominant factor, this environment may contribute to the strong binding of biotin.
p21CIP1 mediates reciprocal switching between proliferation and invasion during metastasis

Cell proliferation and invasion are critical for malignant progression, yet how these processes relate to each other and whether they regulate one another during metastasis is unknown. We show that invasiveness of breast cancer cells is associated with growth arrest due to p21CIP1 upregulation. Knockdown of p21CIP1 increases cell proliferation and suppresses invasion. Since p21CIP1 acts to inhibit cyclin E during cell-cycle progression, we demonstrated that a constitutively active form of cyclin E had similar effects to p21CIP1 inhibition resulting in enhanced cell growth and suppressed invasiveness. We tested these findings in vivo in the Polyoma middle T mammary tumor model in which p21CIP1 was deleted. p21CIP1 knockout mice exhibited dramatic suppression of metastasis, independent of tumor growth, which was rescued by p21CIP1. Metastasis suppression by p21CIP1 ablation was associated with striking cytoskeletal reorganization leading to a non-invasive and highly proliferative state. Thus, p21CIP1 regulates metastasis by mediating reciprocal switching between invasion and proliferation.
Lipid peroxidation-coupled co-oxygenation of benzo(a)pyrene and benzo(a)pyrene-7,8-dihydrodiol in human term placental microsomes.

Summary The link between lipid peroxidation and benzo( a )pyrene activation was studied in microsomes isolated from human term placenta. Lipid peroxidation was initiated in the presence of NADPH by partially chelated iron. Covalently bound and free metabolites of benzo( a )pyrene or benzo( a )pyrene-7,8-diol were quantitated by radiometry, and/or HPLC. Peroxidative conditions increased the amounts of benzo( a )pyrene-trans- anti -tetrol produced from benzo( a )pyrene-7,8-diol, benzo( a )pyrene-diones from benzo( a )pyrene, and protein bound metabolites from both. A reactive oxo-iron complex is proposed as an ultimate species initiating hydrogen abstraction and lipid peroxidation. It is suggested that partially chelated iron catalyzes co-oxygenation of benzo( a )pyrene and benzo( a )pyrene-7,8-diol by peroxyl radical in placental microsomes. This peroxidative reaction may be crucial for bioactivation of benzo( a )pyrene in human term placenta.
Rebuttal to “Fault-tolerant sliding mode attitude control for flexible spacecraft under loss of actuator effectiveness”

A paper, “Fault-tolerant sliding mode attitude control for flexible spacecraft under loss of actuator effectiveness,” was published in the journal Nonlinear Dynamics. The Lyapunov proof is flawed and does not prove stability for the system. It is also unclear how the simulation results in the paper were obtained using the control law. This rebuttal will demonstrate the flaws in the original paper.
Portable Composition: iTunes University and Networked Pedagogies

Abstract The development of mobile, convergent media networks is altering the context of professional, educational, and everyday communication. This essay examines the incorporation of iTunes University into writing and new media composition instruction, including institutional and technological contexts and faculty and student responses. This examination suggests the value of studying networked composition by following the expanding web of local interactions that link the conventional scene of composition—the student at the computer—with other events, such as college policy decisions, technology design choices, and the multitude of other compositional events behind the media available to students across the Internet. As these mobile networks become more powerful and pervasive, they will have a greater impact on compositional practices and will require a shift in habitual, disciplinary approaches to authorship and to the relationship between the more formal discourses of academics and the informal communications on mobile networks.
West Nile virus disease in children, United States, 1999-2007.

BACKGROUND. Although West Nile virus (WNV) disease has occurred predominantly among adults in the United States, children are also susceptible. Epidemiological data describing WNV disease in children are limited. METHODS. We described the epidemiological features of WNV disease among children ( RESULTS. Of 1478 pediatric WNV cases reported from 1999 through 2007, 443 (30%) were classified as WNND, 1009 (68%) were classified as West Nile fever, and 26 (2%) were of unknown clinical presentation. Three WNND cases were fatal. The vast majority of reported case subjects (92%) had onset of illness between July and September. Children accounted for only 4% of all of the WNND case subjects reported from 1999 to 2007, with a median annual incidence of 0.07 case subjects per 100 000 children (range: 0.00–0.19 case subjects). In children and younger adults WNND most often manifested as meningitis, in contrast to the predominance of encephalitis among older adults with WNND. The geographic distribution and temporal trends were of pediatric and adult WNND. CONCLUSIONS. The epidemiological characteristics of WNV disease in children are similar to adult case subjects; however, WNND is more likely to manifest as meningitis in children than in older adults. WNV should be considered in the differential diagnosis for pediatric patients presenting with febrile illness, meningitis, encephalitis, or acute flaccid paralysis, particularly during seasonal outbreaks in endemic areas.
Chick chorioallantoic membrane for the study of synergistic effects of hyperthermia and photodynamic therapy

The chick chorioallantoic membrane (CAM) model was used to study synergistic effects of photodynamic therapy (PDT) and hyperthermia (HPT). Since HPT is known, and PDT is believed, to involve a vascular mechanism, the CAM is an ideal medium to study the synergism of these modalities. Moreover, the CAM is a particularly convenient model to manipulate the PDT and HPT parameters and to monitor the modifications of the vasculature: (1) It is possible to view individual blood vessels in the CAM and to examine structural changes in real time. (2) The CAM is a closed system in which HPT can be performed quantitatively and to a selected depth, using different lasers. And (3) variations of surface temperature during PDT + HPT can be readily monitored by noninvasive radiometric techniques. A porphyrin-type photosensitizer solution was applied to areas of the CAM, defined by teflon O-rings placed on the surface. Uptake of the sensitizer into the CAM was determined by monitoring its fluorescence. Excitation light at 405 nm from a spectrofluorometer was directed onto the CAM surface using a bifurcated fiberoptic light guide which also transmitted the fluorescence from the CAM area. The fluorescence-emission spectrum (630-730 nm) and intensity at different times following sensitizer application was measured in vivo. This technique permitted the determination of the uptake dynamics of the sensitizer in the CAM and the establishment of the optimal time for irradiation. After an equilibrium time of 30 minutes, to allow for uptake of sensitizer in the CAM, the area was irradiated with a dual-wavelength system composed of a dye laser at 644 nm (to induce PDT) and a CO2 laser at 10.6 micrometers (to bring about HPT). Damage to the CAM vasculature, due to combined PDT + HPT, was compared to the outcome of the separate modalities. The observed synergistic effect of about 30 was interpreted by invoking various physiological processes. The egg, being a closed in vivo system, lends itself to mathematical modeling of the temporal and spatial temperature profile. The importance of heat dissipation due to diffusion, radiation, and blood perfusion was shown to be small compared to that of heat dissipation due to evaporation of water from the CAM.
In situ SIMS analysis and reactions of surfaces prepared by soft landing of mass-selected cations and anions using an ion trap mass spectrometer.

Mass-selected polyatomic cations and anions, produced by electrosonic spray ionization (ESSI), were deposited onto polycrystalline Au or fluorinated self-assembled monolayer (FSAM) surfaces by soft landing (SL), using a rectilinear ion trap (RIT) mass spectrometer. Protonated and deprotonated molecules, as well as intact cations and anions generated from such molecules as peptides, inorganic catalysts, and fluorescent dyes, were soft-landed onto the surfaces. Analysis of the modified surfaces was performed in situ by Cs+ secondary ion mass spectrometry (SIMS) using the same RIT mass analyzer to characterize the sputtered ions as that used to mass select the primary ions for SL. Soft-landing times as short as 30 s provided surfaces that yielded good quality SIMS spectra. Chemical reactions of the surfaces modified by SL were generated in an attached reaction chamber into which the surface was transferred under vacuum. For example, a surface on which protonated triethanolamine had been soft landed was silylated using vapor-phase chlorotrimethylsilane before being returned still under vacuum to the preparation chamber where SIMS analysis revealed the silyloxy functionalization. SL and vapor-phase reactions are complementary methods of surface modification and in situ surface analysis by SIMS is a simple way to characterize the products produced by either technique.
Calcium-sensitive regulation of actin-myosin interactions in baby hamster kidney (BHK-21) cells

Abstract A fraction has been obtained from baby hamster kidney (BHK-21) cells that will stimulate the actin-moderated ATPase (ATP phosphohydrolase, EC 3.6.1.3) activity of both BHK-21 myosin and gizzard smooth muscle myosin. This activation is associated with the specific phosphorylation of the myosin 20,000-dalton light chain. The BHK-21 myosin light chain kinase preparation contains a major protein of approximately 105,000 molecular weight as determined by sodium dodecyl sulfate gel electrophoresis. Both the actin activation and phosphorylation events require the presence of Ca2+ and the so-called modulator or calcium-dependent regulator protein that has been isolated from smooth muscle, brain, and other tissues. On the basis of these results we propose that this kinase system constitutes a Ca2+-dependent regulatory mechanism for myosin-actin interactions in nonmuscle mammalian cells.
An Assessment of Racial Awareness, Preference, and Self Identity Among White and Adopted Non-White Children.

This article reports levels of racial awareness, racial preferences, and racial identities among non-white children (American Negro, Korean, American Indian), who have been adopted by white families, and their white siblings who have been born into those families. The respondents are all children between the ages of three and eight. The basic question addressed in the research is how similar or different are the reactions of these children compared to those of the same sex, age range, and race who have been reared in typical family settings. The major findings are that black children who are reared in the special setting of multi-racial families do not acquire the ambivalence toward their own race that has been reported among all other groups of young black children and that there are no significant differences in the racial attitudes of any of the categories of children.
Transfer Associate Degrees in Historical Context.

The implementation of transfer associate degrees moves America's system of higher education away from long-ingrained, isolated practices and toward greater trust and collaboration among institutions.
Pursuing Near-Zero Response

In most wave phenomena, the interplay between the spatial and temporal features of a wave is influenced by the medium in which the wave propagates. For example, the wavelength λ (a spatial feature) and the frequency f (a temporal feature) of a propagating signal are related via the phase velocity v of the wave in the medium as v = f λ. For electromagnetic waves such as radio, microwave, and optical waves, the phase velocity is determined by the medium's electromagnetic parameters of permittivity e and permeability µ, which is then given as √eμ. When a wave interacts with a structure embedded in a host medium, both these temporal and spatial features play key roles in determining the scattering response of the structure. The recent development of a class of metamaterials in which the electric (e) and magnetic (µ) properties can be tuned by design is providing a platform to engineer optical devices with unconventional properties.
Curing of Epoxy Matrix Composites

Models were developed which describe the curing process of composites constructed from continuous fiber-reinforced, thermosetting resin matrix prepreg materials. On the basis of the models, a computer code was developed, which for flat-plate composites cured by a specific cure cycle, provides the temperature distribution, the degree of cure of the resin, the resin viscosity inside the composite, the void sizes, the temperatures and pressures inside voids, and the residual stress distribution after the cure. In addition, the computer code can be used to determine the amount of resin flow out of the composite and the resin content of the composite and the bleeder.
Angular distribution of cascade x rays following radiative recombination from a beam.

Calculations are carried out for the cross section for x-ray emission by n=2 and 3 states resulting from the radiative recombination onto bare and hydrogenlike ions of titanium and iron from a beam of electrons with energies of several kilo electron volts. The calculation includes the contribution coming from direct recombination and cascades from higher-energy states. The density matrix of the magnetic sublevels is included in the calculation and results are given for the emission at 90\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{} to the direction of the incoming electron beam and its degree of linear polarization. The calculation is carried out relativistically assuming the incoming electrons move in a central potential. The bound states of the heliumlike ions are treated using a configuration-interaction code using basis states derived from a relativistic average-configuration Hartree-Fock code for the calculation of both the radiative-recombination and bound-state transition-matrix elements.
Primary diffuse leptomeningeal gliomatosis mimicking a chronic inflammatory meningitis

Primary diffuse leptomeningeal gliomatosis (PDLG) is a rare, fatal, neoplastic condition of infiltrating glial cells into the meninges without evidence of primary tumor in the brain or spinal cord parenchyma. Primary diffuse leptomeningeal gliomatosis often presents with symptoms and physical findings of chronic inflammatory meningitis and raised intracranial pressure, and lacks specific clinical, radiologic, and diagnostic criteria. We report a case of PDLG diagnosed post-mortem, highlighting the diagnostic difficulty in identifying PDLG as the cause of chronic meningitis, even when a neoplastic etiology is suspected. Because multiple cytologies and even a leptomeningeal biopsy did not reveal the diagnosis ante-mortem, we emphasize the consideration of multi-site or repeat leptomeningeal biopsy when a persistent inflammatory infiltrate is found and neurological symptoms are progressive.
Chromosome Condensation in the Absence of the Non-SMC Subunits of MukBEF

MukBEF is a bacterial SMC (structural maintenance of chromosome) complex required for chromosome partitioning in Escherichia coli. We report that overproduction of MukBEF results in marked chromosome condensation. This condensation is rapid and precedes the effects of overproduction on macromolecular synthesis. Condensed nucleoids are often mispositioned; however, cell viability is only mildly affected. The overproduction of MukB leads to a similar chromosome condensation, even in the absence of MukE and MukF. Thus, the non-SMC subunits of MukBEF play only an auxiliary role in chromosome condensation. MukBEF, however, was often a better condensin than MukB. Furthermore, the chromosome condensation by MukB did not rescue the temperature sensitivity of MukEF-deficient cells, nor did it suppress the high frequency of anucleate cell formation. We infer that the role of MukBEF in stabilizing chromatin architecture is more versatile than its role in controlling chromosome size. We further propose that MukBEF could be directly involved in chromosome segregation.
The influence of amplitude envelope information on resolving lexically ambiguous spoken words

Abstract: Prior studies exploring the contribution of amplitude envelope information to spoken word recognition are mixed with regard to the question of whether amplitude envelope alone, without spectral detail, can aid isolated word recognition. Three experiments show that the amplitude envelope will aid word identification only if two conditions are met: (1) It is not the only information available to the listener and (2) lexical ambiguity is not present. Implications for lexical processing are discussed.
BROKEN SYMMETRY AND DOMAIN STRUCTURE

In Ising-like systems, there is a temperature T*, strictly between zero and the usual critical temperature, above which any region of arbitrary size is completely contained within a domain which prefers energetically to be flipped.
Promotion and characterization of zeolitic catalysts used in the synthesis of hydrocarbons from syngas

Abstract Bifunctional metal-zeolite catalysts cobalt-ZSM-5 and cobalt-thoria-ZSM-5 have been examined for the conversion of synthesis gas (H2/CO = 1) at 280 °C, 21 bar and WHSV = 0.77 g(g cat)−1 h−1 Thoria in amounts as low as 0.4 wt.% added to a cobalt-ZSM-5 with 9.0 wt.% cobalt caused a considerable increase in synthesis gas conversion and selectivity to gasolinerange hydrocarbons. Addition of thoria to the catalyst also resulted in a decrease of the aromatic fraction in the hydrocarbon product. Some Co-ThO2-ZSM-B catalysts provided nearly 65 wt.% selectivity to gasolinerange product that contained 26 vol.% aromatics (alkylbenzenes). The selectivity to gasoline-range product exceeded the limit (48 wt.%) set by Schulz-Flory kinetics. Chemisorption and magnetization studies have been performed to determine metal particle size. Addition of thoria resulted in a decrease of the cobalt particle diameter from about 40 nm to 10 nm and caused an increase in CO/H adsorbed. The action of thoria as a promoter is possibly related to the presence of basic sites on its surface. Infrared studies have demonstrated a relative decrease in the number of Bronsted acid sites in ZSM-5 upon the addition of thoria, thus accounting for the decrease of the aromatic fraction in the liquid hydrocarbon product.
Quality of life after gastric bypass surgery: A cross-sectional study

Objective: Numerous reports document significant weight loss after gastric bypass; however, there is little objective data on postsurgical changes in health-related quality of life (HRQL). Research Methods and Procedures: This study examined HRQL in four groups of patients: presurgery (T1), several weeks postsurgery (T2), 6 months postsurgery (T3), and 1 year postsurgery (T4). Subjects were given three HRQL measures: the short form 36 (SF-36), the Impact of Weight on Quality of Life-Lite Questionnaire (IWQOL-Lite), and the Bariatric Analysis and Reporting Outcome System (BAROS). Subjects also completed the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) and the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale (RSE). Results: There were no significant differences among the groups on demographics or presurgical body mass index. Results showed significant differences between T1 and T2 on several SF-36 and IWQOL-Lite subscales, as well as the RSE and BDI. Significant differences were found on all measures between T2 and T3. Significant differences were found on all subscales of the IWQOL-Lite, but no subscales of the SF-36, the RSE, or the BDI between T3 and T4. Discussion: This study is the first to objectively document these differences in several objective measures of HRQL, depression, and self-esteem after gastric bypass in a large sample. It is notable that many differences are apparent within several weeks after surgery. Furthermore, results indicate that the IWQOL-Lite may be more sensitive than the SF-36 to the changes of quality of life that gastric bypass patients report.
Forming Prediction of Magnesium Alloy Sheets Using a Continuum Damage Mechanics Multistep Inverse Approach

This paper applies multistep inverse approach using a new method to generate the intermediate configurations to analyze the press forming of magnesium alloys. The developed approach considers a final configuration to be formed from a flat blank sheet. It accounts for a series of intermediate configurations that are estimated based on the initial and final configurations as well as tooling conditions using optimization techniques. The approach is based on the concept of minimization of the surface area of the sheet metal subject to the constraints that the punch and die surfaces are not penetrated. Due to the limited formability of magnesium alloys, it is important to realistically estimate the intermediate configurations so that a damage mechanics approach can be explored to predict damage accumulations that can cause rupture of the sheet during forming. Elastic-plastic constitutive laws are used with the modified Hill’s criterion and deformation theory of plasticity to describe the behavior of AZ31 magnesium alloys. Damage is captured by a damage variable that governs the equivalent stress. A damage-plasticity coupled approach is employed for the integration of the constitutive equations. The computed strain increment from two consecutive intermediate configurations is used to predict the resulting damage accumulations during forming.more » The continuum damage mechanics multistep inverse approach is applied to predict forming of AZ31 magnesium alloys.« less
Neurosecretory Cells in the Ganglia of Lepidoptera

FOR many years the investigators of metamorphosis in the Lepidoptera have maintained that the source of the moulting hormone is the brain rather than the corpora allata, which Wigglesworth1formerly considered to be the organs producing the secretion in the bug, Rhodnius. Recently, however, Wigglesworth2 has produced evidence which suggests that an area in the pars intercerebralis of the supraaephageal ganglion of Rhodnius is responsible for the production of the moulting hormone. As he points out, Hanstrom3 had already described modified nerve cells in this same region which are considered, on morphological grounds, to be probably secretory in function. Neurosecretory cells have been described in several other insects, but it has been reported that, in spite of careful search, no such cells could be found in the brain of the moth larvae (Ephestia kuehniella) studied by Schrader4.
Sustainability knowledge and behaviors of apparel and textile undergraduates

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to analyze changes in undergraduate student knowledge of issues of sustainability relevant to the apparel and textiles industry. Assessment occurred prior to and upon completion of a course that addressed topics specific to the global production and distribution of apparel and textile goods. The study also examined modifications in students' reported apparel purchasing behaviors.Design/methodology/approach – Participants included those in their third, fourth or fifth year of undergraduate education in the apparel and textile discipline at a higher education institution located in the Midwestern USA. All participants were enrolled in a course focused on globalization and the apparel and textile industry. Measures used to assess students' knowledge of social and environmental sustainability issues related to the industry and their apparel purchasing behavior were included in the research instrument.Findings – Pre and post comparisons revealed significant changes in stu...
Abstract 1277: Utilizing uterine cancer models to study malignant transformation driven by Lkb1 loss.

The serine-threonine kinase LKB1 is an upstream component of the AMPK-mTOR pathway and regulates cell survival and growth. Inherited germline mutations in LKB1 predispose women to endocervical malignancies whereas somatic mutations in LKB1 promote cervical cancer progression. Our lab has shown that tissue specific knockout of Lkb1 in the endometrial epithelium of mice facilitates growth of highly invasive, lethal tumors that are well differentiated and retain structural polarity. Additionally, stable shRNA mediated knockdown of LKB1 in human immortalized endocervical cells drives anchorage-independent growth. To investigate potential pathways involved in LKB1 mediated oncogenic transformation, we have employed a microarray based approach comparing hits from human immortalized endocervical cell lines and mouse tissue to identify specific genes that are differentially regulated when LKB1 function is absent. Preliminary data suggests that pro-angiogenic and inflammatory mediators are upregulated in LKB1 deficient cells. We are currently assessing the overall contribution of these factors to growth and invasiveness in our model systems and the mechanisms by which Lkb1 loss facilitates their activation. These pathways can be potential therapeutic targets in other cancers characterized by Lkb1 loss of function mutations. Citation Format: Christopher G. Pena, Yuji Nakada, Diego Castrillon. Utilizing uterine cancer models to study malignant transformation driven by Lkb1 loss. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 104th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2013 Apr 6-10; Washington, DC. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2013;73(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 1277. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2013-1277
Regulation of Ceramide Synthase by Casein Kinase 2-dependent Phosphorylation in Saccharomyces cerevisiae

Complex sphingolipids are important components of eukaryotic cell membranes and, together with their biosynthetic precursors, including sphingoid long chain bases and ceramides, have important signaling functions crucial for cell growth and survival. Ceramides are produced at the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) membrane by a multicomponent enzyme complex termed ceramide synthase (CerS). In budding yeast, this complex is composed of two catalytic subunits, Lac1 and Lag1, as well as an essential regulatory subunit, Lip1. Proper formation of ceramides by CerS has been shown previously to require the Cka2 subunit of casein kinase 2 (CK2), a ubiquitous enzyme with multiple cellular functions, but the precise mechanism involved has remained unidentified. Here we present evidence that Lac1 and Lag1 are direct targets for CK2 and that phosphorylation at conserved positions within the C-terminal cytoplasmic domain of each protein is required for optimal CerS activity. Our data suggest that phosphorylation of Lac1 and Lag1 is important for proper localization and distribution of CerS within the ER membrane and that phosphorylation of these sites is functionally linked to the COP I-dependent C-terminal dilysine ER retrieval pathway. Together, our data identify CK2 as an important regulator of sphingolipid metabolism, and additionally, because both ceramides and CK2 have been implicated in the regulation of cancer, our findings may lead to an enhanced understanding of their relationship in health and disease.
The Geology of Vermiculite Occurrences

Vermiculite occurrences can be divided into two major categories, those having macro-scopic and those having microscopic or clay vermiculite. This paper is concerned with the former. The macroscopic type of vermiculite deposits can be subdivided into four categories based on the host rock: (1) ultramafic and mafic; (2) gneiss and schist; (3) carbonate rocks; and (4) granitic rocks. Field and laboratory evidence strongly suggests that most and possibly all macroscopic-type vermiculite deposits formed by the action of supergene solutions on biotite and phlogopite. Vermiculite in mixed-layer association with biotite, phlogopite, and chlorite is likewise believed to be of supergene origin.
Center of mass movement and energy transfer during walking in children with cerebral palsy.

Abstract Bennett BC, Abel MF, Wolovick A, Franklin T, Allaire PE, Kerrigan DC. Center of mass movement and energy transfer during walking in children with cerebral palsy. Objective To gain insight into the mechanical inefficiencies of gait patterns used by children with spastic diplegia by analysis of center of mass (COM) movement and energy recovery. Design Prospective study using between-group measures to analyze differences between children with cerebral palsy (CP) and age-matched controls without CP. Setting Assessments were performed in a gait laboratory. Participants Fifteen children with spastic diplegia and 6 age-matched controls without CP with a mean age of 9.7 years. Interventions Not applicable. Main Outcome Measures Gait data assessed included temporal-distance factors, COM vertical excursion, work done on the COM, and the percentage of energy transferred and relative phase between the potential and kinetic energy. Results Children with CP had a 33% smaller energy recovery factor than the controls ( P P P P Conclusions Compared with the age-matched controls without CP, the children with CP were mechanically less efficient in their gait. Interventions that promote heel contact and roll over and greater knee stability to better utilize the kinetic energy of push-off could improve walking efficiency.
METABIOTIC GROWTH OF AND TOXIN FORMATION BY CLOSTRIDIUM BOTULINUM

Strains of Clostridium botulinum types A, B and F were grown aerobically in metabiotic association with several aerobic and facultative microorganisms. In unbuffered media Enterococcus faecalis and Pediococcus cerevisiae produced enough acid to prevent toxin formation by C. botulinum but in buffered media toxin was formed. Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus subtilis, Yersinia enterocolitica, strains of Serratia, Pseudomonas, Alcaligenes and 35 unidentified strains from mechanically deboned chicken homogenate produced conditions favorable for toxin production under aerobic conditions. The metabiotes did not inhibit spore formation nor did toxin production correlate with the appearance of spores.
Decomposition of 3-connected graphs

Cunningham and Edmonds [4[ have proved that a 2-connected graphG has a unique minimal decomposition into graphs, each of which is either 3-connected, a bond or a polygon. They define the notion of a good split, and first prove thatG has a unique minimal decomposition into graphs, none of which has a good split, and second prove that the graphs that do not have a good split are precisely 3-connected graphs, bonds and polygons. This paper provides an analogue of the first result above for 3-connected graphs, and an analogue of the second for minimally 3-connected graphs. Following the basic strategy of Cunningham and Edmonds, an appropriate notion of good split is defined. The first main result is that ifG is a 3-connected graph, thenG has a unique minimal decomposition into graphs, none of which has a good split. The second main result is that the minimally 3-connected graphs that do not have a good split are precisely cyclically 4-connected graphs, twirls (K3,n for somen≥3) and wheels. From this it is shown that ifG is a minimally 3-connected graph, thenG has a unique minimal decomposition into graphs, each of which is either cyclically 4-connected, a twirl or a wheel.
The Catalytic and Protein-Protein Interaction Domains Are Required for APM1 Function

Aminopeptidase M1 (APM1) is essential for embryonic, vegetative, and reproductive development in Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana). Here, we show that, like mammalian M1 proteases, APM1 appears to have distinct enzymatic and protein-protein interaction domains and functions as a homodimer. Arabidopsis seedlings treated with ezetimibe, an inhibitor of M1 protein-protein interactions, mimicked a subset of apm1 phenotypes distinct from those resulting from treatment with PAQ-22, an inhibitor of M1 catalytic activity, suggesting that the APM1 catalytic and interaction domains can function independently. apm1-1 knockdown mutants transformed with catalytically inactive APM1 did not prevent seedling lethality. However, apm1-2 has a functional enzymatic domain but lacks the carboxyl (C) terminus, and transformation with catalytically inactive APM1 rescued the mutant. Overexpression of human insulin-responsive aminopeptidase/oxytocinase rescued all apm1 phenotypes, suggesting that the catalytic activity was sufficient to compensate for loss of APM1 function, while overexpression of catalytically inactive insulin-responsive aminopeptidase/oxytocinase only rescued apm1-2. Increased catalytic activity alone is not sufficient to compensate for loss of APM1 function, as overexpression of another Arabidopsis M1 family member lacking an extended C terminus did not rescue apm1-1. The protein interactions facilitating enzymatic activity appear to be dependent on the C terminus of APM1, as transformation with an open reading frame containing an internal deletion of a portion of the C terminus or a point mutation in a dileucine motif did not rescue the mutant. These results suggest that both the catalytic and interaction domains are necessary for APM1 function but that APM1 function and dimerization do not require these domains to be present in the same linear molecule.
Molecular weights of hydra and planarian ribosomal RNA

Abstract The molecular weights of ribosomal RNA isolated from two primitive metazoans. Hydra littoralis , a coelenterate, and Dugesia dorotocephala , a platyhelminth worm, were measured by gel electrophoresis. The molecular weights obtained for RNA derived from the large subunits were 1.44 × 10 6 and 1.42 × 10 6 respectively which resemble that of more complex metazcans rather than protozoans. RNA from the small subunits yielded values of 0.70 × 10 6 and 0.79 × 10 6 respectively. While 0.70 × 10 6 is a typical molecular weight for small subunit RNA, 0.79 × 10 6 represents the largest small subunit ribosomal RNA known for a metazoan.