cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Teaching in the Global Village: Notes Towards a Religious Studies Rhetoric

The author describes her participation in a religious studies teaching workshop where she was asked to think creatively about the art of teaching, what implications result from changes in the field, and the relationship of religious studies to other fields. General conclusions endorse pedagogies that are dialogic, participatory, and experiential and invite possibilities provided by changes in the field that encourage courses that are more inclusive of marginal voices and attentive to multicultural inflections. In assessing the relationship of religious studies to other fields, the author draws on her interdisciplinary background in religion and literature to apply Aristotelian rhetoric to the interpretation of a short story, thereby providing an actual model of how disciplines can complement each other while also highlighting aspects of the pedagogical and multicultural principles endorsed by the workshop participants. The application of Aristotelian principles of logos, ethos, and pathos becomes for the workshop participants a religious studies rhetoric: a provisional model for how to interpret classroom conduct.
RNase H hydrolysis of the 5′ terminus of the avian sarcoma virus genome during reverse transcription

NUCLEOTIDE sequence analyses of the ends of the avian retro-virus genome 1–6 have confirmed predictions of the terminally redundant nature of the viral RNA7,8. These studies have also provided the basis for several models of retrovirus proviral DNA synthesis, all of which have implicated the RNase H activity associated with viral reverse transcriptase in a functional role in the continued and uninterrupted DNA transcription of the viral RNA genome1–8. According to these models DNA synthesis initiates on the tRNAtrp primer molecule located close to the 5′ end of the viral genome9,10 and transcription proceeds to the terminus. Presumably, at this time a suitable substrate is available for the retrovirus RNase H, which is a processive exoribonuclease requiring an unblocked terminus of the RNA moiety of RNA:DNA hybrids for activity11–13. Release of the terminally repeated nucleotides from the hybrid region of the viral genome would create ‘sticky ends’ with the tRNAtrp-initiated DNA at the 5′ end capable of hybridising to the terminally redundant RNA genomic sequences at the 3′ end of the same or a second 35S RNA subunit. This latter reaction would facilitate uninterrupted transcription from the 5′ to the 3′ end of the viral genome resulting in genome-length DNA transcripts15–20. We have recently obtained evidence indicating that DNA transcripts much longer than the distance between the tRNAtrp primer molecule and the 5′ end of the viral genome and containing nucleotide sequences representing the 3′ region of the viral genome can be synthesised by the reverse transcriptase in vitro21. Thus, it seems that DNA synthesis initiated at the 5′ end of the viral genome continues at the 3′ end in enzymatic reactions in vitro. If the avian sarcoma virus (ASV) reverse transcriptase-associated RNase H activity is required for the continued transcription of the viral genome at the 3′ end as proposed in above models, then release of 5′ terminally-located ribonucleotides should be apparent during DNA synthesis in vitro. We report here that ribonucleotides are indeed released from the viral RNA genome during reverse transcription, and that hydrolysis occurs at a specific site near the 5′ terminus. These studies exemplify the first demonstration of RNase H hydrolysis occurring during reverse transcription of the retro-virus RNA genome in vitro and implicate functional role for this activity during replication of retroviruses.
Regulation of plasma catecholamine responses to stress

Abstract Plasma levels of norepinephrine and epinephrine provide an accurate assessment of the functional state of the sympathetic-adrenal medullary system. In laboratory rats, plasma levels of both catecholamines increase monotonically with increases in stressor intensity. In addition, plasma catecholamine responses are reduced in animals exposed repeatedly to the same stressor (habituation). In contrast, plasma catecholamine responses increase significantly when animals are exposed repeatedly to an intense stressor (sensitization). Finally, plasma catecholamine responses are increased markedly when previously stressed animals are exposed to a novel stressor (dishabituation). Nonassociative processes appear to underlie the adaptive responses of the sympathetic-adrenal medullary system in animals exposed to chronic intermittent stress.
Characterization of ubisemiquinone radical in the cytochrome b−c1 segment of the mitochondrial respiratory chain

Abstract The ubiquinone protein, QP-C, in reduced ubiquinone-cytochrome c reductase (the b − c 1 -III complex) shows a stable ubisemiquinone radical when the enzyme is reduced by succinate in the presence of catalytic amounts of succinate dehydrogenase and QP-S. At room temperature using EPR technique the redox titration of the b − c 1 -III complex in the presence of redox dyes or succinate/fumarate couple reveals that the ubisemiquinone radical has a midpoint potential of approximately +67 mV at pH 8.0. Further analysis yields E 1 of +83 mV and E 2 of +51 mV corresponding to ( QH 2 QH· ) and ( QH· Q ) or other electronated forms, respectively. The equilibrium radical concentration has been found to be affected both by pH and succinate/fumarate couple. At pH 9.0 the radical shows the maximal amplitude and stability. Below pH 7.0, little radical was detected. The electron spin relaxation behavior of ubisemiquinone radical, as examined by microwave power saturation, indicates that the ubisemiquinone radical of QP-C is somewhat isolated from other paramagnetic centers. The effects of phospholipids, QP-S, and other agents on ubisemiquinone radical formation as well as the enzymatic activity of QP-C have been studied in detail.
Comparison of Pooling 11 or 5 Oropharyngeal Swabbings for Detecting Avian Influenza Virus by Real-Time Reverse Transcription–PCR in Broiler Chickens

SUMMARY. The effect of pooling 11 or 5 oropharyngeal (O/P) swabbings on detecting avian influenza virus (AIV) by real-time reverse transcription (RRT)–PCR was evaluated. The model used for the evaluation was designed to minimize viral load and, thus, assess the effect of the pooling on detection. Two-week-old broiler chickens were inoculated via the intranasal route with the low pathogenicity chicken/Maryland/Minh Ma/04 H7N2 strain or remained uninoculated. On days 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 9, 11, and 14 postinoculation (PI), O/P swabbings were collected from individual infected birds and pooled with either 10 or 4 O/P swabs from uninfected broilers to produce 10 replicate pools of 11 or 5 swabbings, respectively. AIV was readily detected (80%–100%) by RRT-PCR in the pools of 11 and pools of 5 swabbings from days 2 through 5 PI. Detection in pools of both types decreased to similar levels on day 7 (40% for the pools of 11 and 50% for the pools of 5). AIV was not detected on day 9, 11, and 14 PI in pools of either si...
Dimeric gallium oxide and sulfide species stabilized by a sterically encumbered beta-diketiminate ligand.

Reaction of {HC(MeCDippN)2}Ga: with N2O or S8 produces the compounds [{HC(MeCDippN)2}GaE]2 (E = O or S), which are unique examples of gallium oxide and sulfide dimers stabilized by a chelating ligand.
Dense Lagrangian motion estimation with occlusions

We couple occlusion modeling and multi-frame motion estimation to compute dense, temporally extended point trajectories in video with significant occlusions. Our approach combines robust spatial regularization with spatially and temporally global occlusion labeling in a variational, Lagrangian framework with subspace constraints. We track points even through ephemeral occlusions. Experiments demonstrate accuracy superior to the state of the art while tracking more points through more frames.
Sinusoidal temperature treatments in thermal analysis

The use of sinusoidal temperature treatments in various thermal analysis techniques is briefly outlined. A generalized approach is described to cover all the techniques in which this approach is utilized. Using a computer simulation, the effect of a sinusoidal temperature variation on the thermogravimetric (TG) trace is investigated. This indicates under what conditions a modulated differential scanning calorimeter (DSC) temperature program can be operated when using a simultaneous DSC-TG unit. Other aspects of the computer simulation are noted.
Social influences on sexual maturation of female Saguinus oedipus oedipus.

The hypothesis tested was that Saguinus oedipus oedipus females housed with adult males would mature, sexually, at an earlier age than females remaining in their natal family groups. Six females were housed with strange, unrelated males. Five females remained in their natal groups. Blood samples were taken twice weekly, and the plasma was assayed for progesterone. Sexual maturation was operationally defined as that age at which plasma progesterone levels became consistently detectable. Females housing with males did mature at an earlier age than females remaining in their natal groups. In addition, it was noted that the presence or absence of a healthy, reproductive mother in the natal group was not related to the daughter's maturation age. However, whether the natal group, as a whole, inhibited maturation of young females, or an unrelated male accelerated maturation, or both, remains unknown.
Gaucher's disease. An unusual cause of intrathoracic extramedullary hematopoiesis.

A thoracic paravertebral mass in an asymptomatic woman with type 1 Gauchers disease proved to be due to extramedullary hematopoiesis. This is, to our knowledge, the first case of intrathoracic extramedullary hematopoiesis reported with Gauchers disease.
The presence of neutral metalloproteolytic activity and metalloproteinase inhibitors in the interphotoreceptor matrix.

Neutral proteolytic activity, having a pH optimum of about 7, was present in the high molecular weight fraction of bovine interphotoreceptor matrix (IPM) separated by gel filtration on Sephacryl S-500. The enzyme(s) was active toward a number of exogenous substrates, including albumin, Azocoll, and gelatin. However, it was inactive toward a synthetic substrate for bacterial collagenase. Proteolytic activity was proportional to protein; however, the time course of the reaction was nonlinear, suggesting that “activation” of a precursor form might be necessary. Of a number of specific inhibitors tested, those directed toward metalloproteinases (1,10-phenanthrqline>EDTA>EGTA) proved most effective. While activity was also inhibited by sulfhydryl reagents and dithiothreitol, inhibitors specific for cysteine protein-ases were ineffective. Higher specific activity was present in IPM obtained from retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) than from retina.An endogenous proteinase inhibitor(s) was also found in IPM from bo...
Diffusion of Internationalization in Turkish Higher Education

Administrators in institutions of higher education in Turkey are discussing the innovative concept of internationalization—a term historically associated with specific international programs and student exchanges. Today, it has a broader meaning related to strategic initiatives for global effectiveness. This article summarizes the findings of a comparative case study of the diffusion of internationalization at two universities located in Ankara, Turkey, using triangulated data gathering techniques; it also suggests a synthesized definition of internationalization (often confused with globalization and carries a negative connotation for some) based on the work of leading researchers of internationalization with an emphasis on the need for international interdependence, which institutions of higher learning in Turkey need to remain relevant in today’s global context.
Broadening the Debate about War: The Inclusion of Foreign Critics in Media Coverage and Its Potential Impact on US Public Opinion†

In the US context, scholars have demonstrated that public support for military intervention is influenced by the elite debate as presented in the national news media and that the volume of elite criticism reported is largely determined by opposition in Congress. Because the media “index” the debate among officials in Washington, a lively and comprehensive airing of the pros and cons of a military intervention often depends upon Congressional leaders taking an oppositional stance. But sometimes, American reporters will incorporate a surge of foreign leaders' critical views, even when Congressional leaders support administration policy or when they choose to remain silent due to strategic considerations. The question addressed by this article is whether such departures from traditional indexing behavior—which bring foreign views into media coverage in a significant manner—can be predicted based on the circumstances and journalists' incentives. The article also explores whether high-visibility opposition by credible foreign leaders, in particular United Nations officials and European allies, can substitute for partisan cues from domestic leaders and invigorate a national debate in a manner that influences public opinion.
Patched acts catalytically to suppress the activity of Smoothened

Mutations affecting the transmembrane proteins Patched (Ptc) or Smoothened (Smo) that trigger ligand-independent activity of the Hedgehog (Hh) signalling pathway are associated with human tumours such as basal cell carcinoma (BCC) and medulloblastoma. Despite extensive genetic studies demonstrating the importance of these receptor components in embryonic patterning and cancer, the mechanism by which Ptc regulates Smo is not understood. Here we report that Ptc and Smo are not significantly associated within Hh-responsive cells. Furthermore, we show that free Ptc (unbound by Hh) acts sub-stoichiometrically to suppress Smo activity and thus is critical in specifying the level of pathway activity. Patched is a twelve-transmembrane protein with homology to bacterial proton-driven transmembrane molecular transporters; we demonstrate that the function of Ptc is impaired by alterations of residues that are conserved in and required for function of these bacterial transporters. These results suggest that the Ptc tumour suppressor functions normally as a transmembrane molecular transporter, which acts indirectly to inhibit Smo activity, possibly through changes in distribution or concentration of a small molecule.
Resonance Raman characterization of heme Fe(IV)=O groups of intermediates of yeast cytochrome C peroxidase and lactoperoxidase

Abstract Resonance Raman Fe(IV)=O stretching vibrations of intermediates of cytochrome c peroxidase and lactoperoxidase are identified on the basis of 18 O-induced frequency shifts. For cytochrome c peroxidase compounds ES a broad Fe(IV)=O peak centered at 753 cm −1 is identified by an 18 O-shift to 725 cm −1 . For lactoperoxidase compound II, a broad feature at 745 cm −1 , identified by spectral subtraction, undergoes an 18 O-induced shift to 712 cm −1 . Previous ferryl heme protein Fe(IV)=O frequencies have been found in the range from 770 to 800 cm −1 . The present Fe(IV)=O frequencies are thus the lowest Fe(IV)=O frequencies reported to date for ferryl (compound II type) heme enzyme intermediates and imply stronger hydrogen bond donation from distal amino acids to the oxo-ferryl group than for previously reported peroxidases. Concomitant with the lowered frequencies is a considerably higher Fe(IV)=O oxygen exchange efficiency with solvent water than previously observed for horseradish peroxidase compound II.
PLANNING AND FORECASTING WITH ROBUST DYNAMIC MODELS

This paper deals with a defuzzification technique for dynamic models formulated with linguistic variables. The theorem of representation is applied in order to obtain a family of crisp models. This technique is particularly suitable for dynamic linear programming models, where the coefficients are fuzzy sets or fuzzy numbers.
Thigh pain in a 73-year-old man.

A 73-year-old man with hemophilia was referred for evaluation of acute on chronic left hip and thigh pain. The patient had mild chronic discomfort in his proximal left thigh for several years, and although no prior records were available, he reported an MRI was performed 7 years earlier for evaluation of his pain and a soft tissue mass was identified. He did not recall any specific treatment given at that time. One month before his current presentation, he awoke with acute pain in his thigh, although he had no history of injury. His pain was exacerbated with weight-bearing and improved with rest. He was evaluated by his local physician, and the radiographs showed a bone abnormality with loss of lateral cortical bone in his femur. He was instructed to walk with crutches and was referred for further evaluation and treatment. His medical history revealed Type A hemophilia and a left TKA 23 years earlier that required perioperative clotting factor products. Physical examination revealed a soft tissue fullness in the proximal left thigh that was tender to palpation and a well-healed anterior left knee incision from his TKA. The skin was normal and range of motion in his lower extremity was satisfactory. The patient was intact from a neurovascular standpoint, but he had weakness and pain associated with left knee extension. Imaging studies were performed and included radiographs, MRI, and CT of the femur. The radiograph of the chest was unremarkable. Based on clinical history, physical examination, and imaging studies, what is the differential diagnosis?
Flicker adaptation in the peripheral retina

With strict fixation, a flickering light spot smaller than 3 deg presented to the peripheral retina will rapidly appear to lose contrast and stop flickering within 35 s, before fading away completely. The time required for this adaptation to occur decreases with: decreasing depth of modulation (97-9%); decreasing stimulus diameter (2 deg-7 min arc); increasing retinal eccentricity (20-50 deg); and increasing flicker frequency (1-7 Hz). Interestingly, the effect does not depend upon the regularity of the flickering stimulus, and it occurs twice as fast for stimuli presented to the temporal retina as for stimuli presented to the nasal retina. When changes in retinal eccentricity are compensated for by taking into account the cortical magnification factor, the time needed for perceived flicker to disappear remains constant at all eccentricities. With dichoptic stimulation interocular transfer is about 35%, suggesting a cortical contribution to flicker adaptation. The results indicate that the visual system adapts rather easily to peripheral flickering stimuli. Similarities as well as differences to motion adaptation are discussed.
Forensic typing of short tandem repeat markers on the X and Y chromosomes

Short tandem repeat (STR) markers are the cornerstone of forensic identity and kinship testing. Markers located on the X and the Y chromosome can complement those found on the autosomes, which are commonly used in laboratories today. The distinctive inheritance pattern of the sex chromosomes affords advantages to the investigation of family pedigrees required by mass disaster victim identification or missing persons cases, as well as mixed samples typically recovered in sexual assault crimes. This review aims to provide an overview of how X and Y STR markers are currently being used in forensic laboratories, including the applications which target their use, the markers and multiplexes facilitating recovery of this genetic information, and the tools available to interpret the resulting data. Emerging research topics are considered as well as issues requiring further study for both marker systems.
Issues in the conceptualization and measurement of events data

This paper discusses (1) the nature of the behavioral and actor variables, including four “ actor‐relationship “ models (unilateral and parallel actions, joint and sequential interactions) employed in events data studies, and (2) the categorization and measurement of events data. Several issues are treated relatively extensively, including the occasional incongruity between the type of variable or actor‐interaction model posited by the events data researcher and the limiting features of the available data, the nature of the dimensionality underlying some events data collections, similarities and differences between the “categorization” and “scaling” approaches to the measurement of events data, and the importance of coding various contextual features of events.
Catastrophe optics of spheroidal drops and generalized rainbows

Abstract Deformation of a liquid drop into a spheroid can produce bright far-field scattering patterns that are not present for a sphere of the same liquid. As reviewed here, these patterns may be analyzed using the methods of catastrophe optics. The enhancements are typically associated with a merging of more than two rays and are therefore a generalization of the rainbow. The patterns may be useful for computational benchmarks and a novel calculation shows that the enhancement of the irradiance may be significant in comparison with ordinary rainbow scattering for ka as small as 50. A related enhancement in the scattering by tilted cylinders is also reviewed.
Corrections to the Effective Mass Theory of Shallow Impurity States in Si and Ge

The correct potential in the effective mass equation for shallow impurity states should be the difference of the potential of an impurity ion in the solid and that of an atom of the semiconductor host crystal. In the present paper such a difference potential is constructed for the centralcell region of Column III acceptors in Ge, by making use of analytic approxiamations to the respective potentials, and considered as a perturbation to the shielded Coulomb potential of the original theory. Using first-order perturbation theory and approximate envelope hole wave functions, obtained by several workers from variational solutions of the original effective mass equation, corrections are computed to the energies of holes in their ground states. The role of strain and dielectric corrections, among others, as sources of the remaining discrepancies between experimental and theoretical values is discussed and possible approaches for further improvement within effective mass theory is indicated.
Electron-density-dependent variation of the relative strength of the dual polar optical modes in Al x Ga 1-x As as detected by Raman scattering

The Raman signal in ${\mathrm{Al}}_{x}{\mathrm{Ga}}_{1\ensuremath{-}x}\mathrm{As}$ has been determined via an ensemble Monte Carlo simulation. We find that the relative scattering of the AlAs-type phonons has an electron density dependence, which has been confirmed experimentally. These results explain the experimental differences seen in the literature. Raman scattering samples the lower momentum flank of the phonon distribution; these phonons arise from contributions by high-energy electrons. As the electron density increases, more electrons occupy these higher-energy states. Only when these higher-energy states are sufficiently occupied does the Raman scattering become a true measure of the ``average'' scattering in the system.
Can false memories spontaneously recover

Can false memories that were suppressed at one time spontaneously recover at a later time? Fuzzy trace theory and activation-monitoring theory predict that false memories in the Deese, Roediger, and McDermott (DRM) procedure become substantially reduced as list learning progresses because participants employ a memory-editing process. It follows that if the editing process is rendered less effective, false memories should spontaneously recover. We found that after DRM lists were well learned and false recognition to critical words was substantially reduced by multiple study-test trials, those false memories spontaneously recovered when participants were either rushed or delayed on a retest. We attributed the reduction in false recognition over trials to a memory-editing process that suppresses false recognition as participants gradually learn which words were in the lists and which words, though similar, were not. Rushing or delaying the participants on a retest made it more difficult for them to edit their memory, and false memories spontaneously returned.
Synthesis and evaluation of HEMA-free glass-ionomer cements for dental applications.

Abstract Objective. The objective of this study was to synthesize and characterize amino acid acrylate and methacrylate derivatives, use them to formulate light-cured glass–ionomer cements (LCGICs), and evaluate their mechanical strengths. Materials and methods. Acrylate and methacrylate derivatives of six amino acids were synthesized and characterized using FT-IR and 1HNMR spectroscopy. The LCGICs were formulated using a newly synthesized polymer having pendant methacrylate groups (in other words, a methacryloyl derived polymer or MDP), amino acid derivatives, water, and Fuji II LC glass. Compressive strength of the cements and viscosities of the resin liquids were used as screening tools in order to determine the optimal formulation. The specimens were conditioned in distilled water at 37 °C for 24 h prior to testing. Results. The measured compressive strengths (MPa) of the cements were found to depend on the amino acid derivative used: acryloyl aspartic acid (268.5)>methacryloyl beta-alanine (259.1)=methacryloyl glutamic acid (254.5)=acryloyl beta-alanine (251.9)>acryloyl glutamic acid (238.8)>methacryloyl aspartic acid (210.9). Methacryloyl beta-alanine (MBA) was selected for further formulations due to its relatively low solution viscosity and high compressive strength. Effects of MDP content and power/liquid (P/L) ratio were significant. The formulation with a liquid composition of 50/25/25 (MDP/MBA/water) and P/L ratio of 2.7/1 was found to give optimal properties and handling of all the formulations studied. Conclusions. A novel HEMA-free LCGIC system based on amino acid derivatives has been developed. This system may eliminate potential cytotoxicity in current LCGICs caused by leached 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate (HEMA). The optimal MBA-modified cements were 20% higher in compressive strength, 70% higher in diametral tensile strength (DTS) and 93% higher in flexure strength (FS), as compared to Fuji II LC cement.
Role of aminotransferase IlvE in production of branched-chain fatty acids by Lactococcus lactis subsp. lactis.

The objective of this study was to determine the role of a lactococcal branched-chain amino acid aminotransferase gene, ilvE, in the production of branched-chain fatty acids. Lactococcus lactis subsp. lactis LM0230 and an ilvE deletion mutant, JLS450, produced branched-chain fatty acids from amino and α-keto acids at levels above α-keto acid spontaneous degradation and the fatty acids' flavor thresholds. The deletion mutant produced the same amounts of branched-chain fatty acids from precursor amino acids as did the parent. This was not the case, however, for the production of branched-chain fatty acids from the corresponding precursor α-keto acids. The deletion mutant produced a set of fatty acids different from that produced by the parent. We concluded from these observations that ilvE plays a role in the specific type of fatty acids produced but has little influence on the total amount of fatty acids produced by lactococci.
The Etiology of Dengue. An Attempt to Produce the Disease in the Rhesus Monkey by the Inoculation of Defibrinated Blood

It is our purpose somewhat briefly to report experimental work done by us at the United States Marine Hospital, Savannah, Ga., during October and November, 1913, on the attempted transmission of dengue fever to the rhesus monkey by the inoculation of fresh defibrinated blood drawn from cases of the disease, which at that time was epidemic in the city. Dengue is a disease of special interest to the public health officer on account of its close resemblance epidemiologically and clinically to yellow fever. To the investigator it also offers an inviting field, since the present status of its etiology is such that it apparently offers results of real worth for the expenditure of some time, money and energy. From a review of the subject it would seem safe to assert that dengue is an infectious disease, but is not contagious, that the specific organism is found in the peripheral blood-stream of patients suffering from the disease (at least on the third and fourth days), that the virus is filterable, that no micro-organism of etiological significance has been found in the blood either by staining or by cultural methods, and that the disease is possibly transmitted by the mosquito (Culex fatigans and Stegomyia calopus). We could find no record in the literature that the disease had been reproduced in animals, and no record of any attempt to reproduce it in the monkey or in the higher
Beyond the Planck–Benzinger thermal work function: New insights into the role of molecular switches in biology†

The Planck-Benzinger methodology provides a means of determining the innate temperature-invariant enthalpy, ΔH°(T0), thermal agitation energy, or the heat capacity integrals ∫ΔCp°(T)dT, and allows precise determination of 〈TCp〉, 〈Th〉, 〈Ts〉, and 〈Tm〉. It is a method for evaluating [ΔH − ΔH°(T0)], the heat of reaction for biologic molecules at room temperature, and provides for a better understanding of cooperative thermodynamic compensation. The Planck-Benzinger methodology demonstrates that macromolecular interactions will always exhibit a negative value of the Gibbs free energy change at a well-defined temperature. It can be used for determination of the thermodynamic molecular switch, where there is a change of sign in ΔCp°(T)reaction which determines the behavior patterns of the Gibbs free energy change. All interacting biologic systems that we have thus far examined using the Planck-Benzinger approach point to the universality of this thermodynamic switch. © 2002 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Quantum Chem, 2002
Experimental study on the response of graded corrugated steel armor to shock loading

Shock loading experiments on graded, corrugated steel sandwich panels were conducted using a shock tube apparatus in combination with high speed digital photography and pressure sensors. Various combinations of multilayer corrugation cores were experimentally evaluated in order to understand the effects of gradation on the shock response of the corrugated panels. The results show that a gradual, linearly graded corrugation, from the thinnest corrugation on the front face to thickest corrugation on the back face, mitigates back face deflection of the panel the most, especially when normalized due to areal density. This arrangement leads to a novel sequential collapse mode that helps in the absorption of blast energy and thus reducing back face deflection.
Resistance to Irreversible EGF Receptor Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitors through a Multistep Mechanism Involving the IGF1R Pathway

The clinical efficacy of EGF receptor (EGFR) kinase inhibitors gefitinib and erlotinib is limited by the development of drug resistance. The most common mechanism of drug resistance is the secondary EGFR T790M mutation. Strategies to overcome EGFR T790M-mediated drug resistance include the use of mutant selective EGFR inhibitors, including WZ4002, or the use of high concentrations of irreversible quinazoline EGFR inhibitors such as PF299804. In the current study, we develop drug-resistant versions of the EGFR-mutant PC9 cell line, which reproducibly develops EGFR T790M as a mechanism of drug resistance to gefitinib. Neither PF299804-resistant nor WZ4002-resistant clones of PC9 harbor EGFR T790M. Instead, they have shown activated insulin-like growth factor receptor (IGF1R) signaling as a result of loss of expression of IGFBP3 with the IGF1R inhibitor, BMS 536924, restoring EGFR inhibitor sensitivity. Intriguingly, prolonged exposure to either PF299804 or WZ4002 results in the emergence of a more drug-resistant subclone that exhibits ERK activation. A MEK inhibitor, CI-1040, partially restores sensitivity to the EGFR/IGF1R inhibitor combination. Moreover, an IGF1R or MEK inhibitor used in combination with either PF299804 or WZ4002 completely prevents the emergence of drug-resistant clones in this model system. Our studies suggest that more effective means of inhibiting EGFR T790M will prevent the emergence of this common drug resistance mechanism in EGFR-mutant non-small cell lung cancer. However, multiple drug resistance mechanisms can still emerge. Preventing the emergence of drug resistance, by targeting pathways that become activated in resistant cancers, may be a more effective clinical strategy.
BEHAVIORAL BIOASSAY FOR EXPERIMENTALLY INDUCED UREMIC ENDOTOXEMIA IN RATS.

Five groups of male rats were trained to a criterion of correct responses in a T-maze. Each group of animals was then subjected to one of five techniques for production of acute renal failure: nephrectomy, sham operation, methemoglobin-sodium ferrocyanide-injection leading to nonazotemia, methemoglobin-sodium ferrocyanide-injection resulting in azotemia, and saline injection. All animals were given trials in the maze spaced at 6-hr. intervals Response latencies and error scores suggested behavioral changes for the injected-azotemic animals and the nephrectomized animals. Qualitative as well as quantitative behavioral differences emerged as a function of the method utilized to produce acute renal failure.
Construction of a reaction coordinate and a microkinetic model for ethylene epoxidation on silver from DFT calculations and surface science experiments

Density functional theory (DFT) calculations have been used to investigate a possible reaction coordinate for the epoxidation of ethylene on silver. These studies have been motivated by recent advances in the understanding of the mechanisms of olefin epoxidation. We find various surface intermediates and transition states along the reaction coordinate with structures, binding energies, and vibrational frequencies that are in good agreement with experimental results. We also discuss the uniqueness of silver in providing an optimal environment for highly selective ethylene epoxidation. It was concluded that ethylene reacts with adsorbed oxygen to form a surface intermediate, identified as a surface oxametallacycle. This intermediate reacts through a transition state to form gas-phase ethylene oxide. The kinetic and thermodynamic parameters obtained in these studies are used to formulate a simple microkinetic model. The microkinetic model is used to estimate parameters needed for the formulation of a rate law. The resulting rate law agrees very well with observations from macroscopic measurements of ethylene epoxidation rates under steady-state conditions.
Presentation of the Mineralogical Society of America Dana Medal for 2008 to Thomas Armbruster

Mr. President, members of the society, friends and colleagues: It is with great satisfaction and pleasure that I present Thomas Armbruster as this year’s recipient of the Dana medal of the Mineralogical Society of America. Thomas fits neatly into the prestigious row of names who received this medal before him. But in one respect he is unique: It is the first time that the Dana medal is awarded to a scientist outside the United States of America. And it fulfills my Swiss heart with special joy to see this happening to somebody who is perfectly passable as a bone fide Swiss, although he grew up a few hundred meters outside Switzerland in the picturesque city of Konstanz at the border of Lake Constance. The other reason, why many people think of Thomas as a Swiss, is of course the fact that he lives and works at the University of Berne, first as lecturer, than as professor for mineralogical crystallography. However, Armbruster’s path from Germany to Bern was a little longer than just crossing the Rhine. After his military duties, part of which were done in the state of Texas, Thomas undertook his undergraduate studies in chemistry and mineralogy at the University of Mainz. His Ph.D. thesis was completed in the record time of two years under the …
Illicit drug use in young adults and subsequent decline in general health: the Coronary Artery Risk Development in Young Adults (CARDIA) Study.

Background The long-term health consequences of drug use among healthy young adults in the general population are not well described. We assessed whether drug use predicted decline in general self-rated health (GSRH) in a community-based cohort, healthy at baseline.
Effect of Wave Length of Light on Growth and Reproduction in Japanese Quail (Coturnix coturnix japonica)

Abstract LITERATURE on the effect of wave length (visible spectrum) on growth and reproduction in the fowl is limited and contradictory. Benoit and Ott (1944) found that gonadal development in the duck responded chiefly to the red wave lengths. Scott and Payne (1937) reported that subjecting immature turkeys to white light or the long wave lengths of red induced sexual maturity months in advance of the breeding season. In contrast to the above results, age at sexual maturity in the chicken is hastened by short wave lengths (blue and green), according to reports by Lauber (1965), Harrison et al. (1966), and McGinnis (1967). Donovan et al. (1965) reported an increase in production of gonadotropins by chickens receiving blue light. The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of different wave lengths of visible light, of known filtering characteristics, on growth and reproduction in the Japanese quail (Coturnix coturnix japonica)…
Semantic Web Services: An Unfulfilled Promise

Work on realizing semantic Web services has yet to take a holistic perspective. To regain the proper focus, architecture designers must reverse engineer service requirements and adjust the infrastructure accordingly.
Sense codons are found in specific contexts

Abstract The sequence environment of codons in structural genes has been investigated statistically, using computer methods. A set of Escherichia coli genes with abundant products was compared with a set having low gene product levels, in order to detect potential differences associated with expression. The results show striking non-randomness in the nucleotides occurring near codons. These effects are, unexpectedly, very much larger and more homogeneous among the genes with rare products. The intensity of effects in weakly expressed genes suggests that such non-random sequence environments decrease expression. In the weakly expressed set of genes, the 5′ neighbor of a codon, and all positions of the 3′ neighbor codon are biased. In the highly expressed genes, the first nucleotide of the next codon is a uniquely affected site. The distribution of non-randomness in weakly expressed genes suggests that sequence bias is primarily due to a constraint acting directly on the secondary or tertiary structure of the codon/anticodon. In highly expressed genes, the observed bias suggests an interaction between the codon/anticodon and a site outside the codon/anticodon. Much of the tendency to non-random near-neighbor sequences in weakly expressed genes can be ascribed to a correlation between nearby nucleotides and the wobble nucleotide of the codon, despite the fact that selection of such correlations will alter the amino acid sequence. The favored pattern, in genes expressed at low level, is R YYR or Y RRY. R indicates purine, Y indicates pyrimidine; the space is the boundary between codons. It seems likely that this preference for nearby sequences is the physical basis of the genetic context effect. Under this assumption such sequence biases will affect expression. On this basis, we predict new sites for contextual mutations which decrease expression, and suggest strategy for the design of messages having optimal translational activity.
Insertion of fine-wire electrodes does not alter EMG patterns in normal adults

Abstract Dynamic electromyography (EMG) utilizes either surface or fine-wire intramuscular electrodes to collect data on muscle activity. The question arises whether or not insertion of fine-wire electrodes alters the patterns they are intended to reflect. This study was designed to evaluate the affect of fine-wire electrode insertion on muscle activity during gait in normal adults without muscle tone abnormalities by comparing ensemble-averaged surface EMG patterns and variance ratios (VR) before and after fine-wire electrode insertion. Pearson's correlation coefficients (r) and variance ratios (VR) were determined to assess the degree of similarity between pre- and post-insertion surface EMG patterns and the degree of repeatability of the muscle activity respectively. The ensemble-averaged signals reflect a high degree of pattern similarity as evidenced by high r values (usually greater than 0.90). Pre- and post-insertion VRs are similar. The low mean VRs indicate reasonable reproducibility for both pre- and post-insertion. We concluded that fine-wire electrodes had no significant affect on muscle activity during gait as measured by surface EMG signals under our conditions in normal adults.
Viral hepatitis and HIV coinfection

Persons at high risk for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection are also likely to be at risk for other infectious pathogens, including hepatitis B virus (HBV) or hepatitis C virus (HCV). These are bloodborne pathogens transmitted through similar routes; for example, via injection drug use (IDU), sexual contact, or from mother to child during pregnancy or birth. In some settings, the prevalence of coinfection with HBV and/or HCV is high. In the context of effective antiretroviral therapy (ART), liver disease has emerged as a major cause of morbidity and mortality in HIV-infected persons. Further, coinfection with viral hepatitis may complicate the delivery of ART by increasing the risk of drug-related hepatoxicity and impacting the selection of specific agents (e.g., those dually active against HIV and HBV). Expert guidelines developed in the United States and Europe recommend screening of all HIV-infected persons for infection with HCV and HBV and appropriate management of those found to be chronically infected. Treatment strategies for HBV infection include the use of nucleos(t)ide analogues with or without anti-HIV activity and/or peginterferon alfa (PegIFN) whereas HCV treatment is limited to the combination of PegIFN and ribavirin (RBV). Current approaches to management of HIV-infected persons coinfected with HBV or HCV are discussed in this review.
Modelling dynamics of plasmid-gene mediated antimicrobial resistance in enteric bacteria using stochastic differential equations

The ubiquitous commensal bacteria harbour genes of antimicrobial resistance (AMR), often on conjugative plasmids. Antimicrobial use in food animals subjects their enteric commensals to antimicrobial pressure. A fraction of enteric Escherichia coli in cattle exhibit plasmid-gene mediated AMR to a third-generation cephalosporin ceftiofur. We adapted stochastic differential equations with diffusion approximation (a compartmental stochastic mathematical model) to research the sources and roles of stochasticity in the resistance dynamics, both during parenteral antimicrobial therapy and in its absence. The results demonstrated that demographic stochasticity among enteric E. coli in the occurrence of relevant events was important for the AMR dynamics only when bacterial numbers were depressed during therapy. However, stochasticity in the parameters of enteric E. coli ecology, whether externally or intrinsically driven, contributed to a wider distribution of the resistant E. coli fraction, both during therapy and in its absence, with stochasticities in individual parameters interacting in their contribution.
An in vitro and in vivo validation of a novel monitor for intracuff pressure in cuffed endotracheal tubes

Summary Background The clinical practice of pediatric anesthesiology has changed with increasing use of cuffed endotracheal tubes (cETTs) in infants and children. To limit the risk of tracheal mucosal damage, regular monitoring of intracuff pressure (CP) is necessary. This study evaluates the efficacy and accuracy of a novel syringe device that provides a digital readout of the CP. Methods The study was conducted in two phases. In phase 1, an in vitro study, cETTs of sizes 4.0, 5.0, and 6.0 mm ID were placed into polyvinylchloride tubing of appropriate sizes. The cuffs were then inflated, and the CP was measured simultaneously using the syringe device and a manometer. In phase 2, an in vivo study on 200 pediatric patients, the syringe device and the manometer were simultaneously attached to the pilot balloon to measure the CP following endotracheal intubation. Statistical analysis included linear regression analysis and Bland–Altman comparison. Results Linear regression analysis of the in vitro study demonstrated an R2 value of 0.9989. Bias and precision were −1.92 ± 0.62 with 95% level of agreement (LOA) ranging from −3.13 to −0.72. For the in vivo study, the linear regression analysis demonstrated an R2 value of 0.9943. The bias and precision were −0.53 ± 0.68 with 95% LOA ranging from −1.86 to 0.81. Conclusion The study has demonstrated clinically acceptable correlation between the CPs obtained from the standard manometer and the syringe device both in vitro and in vivo. This device is a simple, reliable, portable, and affordable method to monitor CP.
Pain reactivity and kinesthetic aftereffect.

The previously reported relationship between reaction to suprathreshold pain and kinesthetic aftereffect was substantiated, the pain being induced by exposure of the hand to cold air. Three groups ...
4E × 2 Instructional Model: Uniting Three Learning Constructs to Improve Praxis in Science and Mathematics Classrooms

After decades of research endorsing inquiry-based learning, at best only moderate success has been noted in creating effective systemic implementation in K-12 classrooms. Thus, teachers need to be better equipped in how to bring this transformation to their own classrooms. Changing beliefs and overcoming external obstacles encourages the use of inquiry, but a clear, yet dynamic, instructional model is also needed for teachers to see the potential of inquiry-based instruction. The proposed 4E × 2 (read “4E by 2”) Instructional Model provides such a model for learning that links strong conceptual understanding of content with inquiry learning experiences. The 4E × 2 Model integrates what we know and understand about inquiry-based teaching and learning with effective assessment and metacognitive reflection. These three constructs, formative assessment, inquiry instructional models, and metacognitive reflection, are foundational to the Model. A synthesis of research tied to these three constructs provides the justification of both the need for and the value of such a model. An argument for the formation of the 4E × 2 Instructional Model is made based on the coherence and the resulting synergy that occurs when these three learning constructs are united.