cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Insights into the different functions of multiple peptidoglycan recognition proteins in the immune response against bacteria in the mosquito, Armigeres subalbatus.

Peptidoglycan recognition proteins (PGRPs) are a group of proteins that recognize and/or bind to peptidoglycan on the surface of a number of pathogens. To understand the roles of multiple PGRPs in the mosquito Armigeres subalbatus (AsPGRPs), we studied the effects of infection of two bacteria, the gram negative Escherichia coli and the gram positive Micrococcus luteus, on the transcriptional expression of AsPGRPs and RNA interference (RNAi) of AsPGRPs on the immune responses of mosquitoes against the two bacteria. Injection of E. coli or M. luteus into adult mosquitoes both significantly increased the transcription of AsPGRP-S1, but not the other AsPGRPs. A mosquito survival assay using injection of E. coli or M. luteus into AsPGRP double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) injected mosquitoes showed that RNAi of AsPGRPs had different impacts on the survival abilities of mosquitoes, and that AsPGRP-LCs seem to be the most critical ones. Real-time Polymerase Chain Reaction (real-time PCR) analysis indicated that the expression of four antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) was dramatically changed after AsPGRP-LB and AsPGRP-LC RNAi, although AsPGRP-S1 and AsPGRP-LE had slight, but significant, effects, suggesting that the changes in survival abilities were potentially due to the changes in AMP expression after AsPGRP RNAi. In addition, bacterial challenges following AsPGRP-LC RNAi did not induce the expression of AMPs to their normal level as in control experiments. An in vivo assay indicated that AsPGRP-LC RNAi had no significant effects on the phagocytic ability of the hemocytes, suggesting that AsPGRP-LC is not a key factor mediating phagocytosis of bacteria in this mosquito.
Brown's polarization formalism applied to analogous dynamical systems

The usefulness of Brown's polarization formalism as a paradigm for the dynamics of analogous linear systems is demonstrated. By connecting the rotations of the Lorentz group with birefringence and the Lorentz group boosts with dichroism, this formalism has offered closed-form solutions, expressed in the language of the Lorentz group, for the 4 X 4 Mueller matrices of polarization optics. First, we discuss the dynamics of a generic two-state system satisfying a Schrodinger-like differential equation. This equation is cast into a four dimensional form. Next, we show the solution of the latter to be a Lorentz transformation. Then, we analyze several specific examples. The examples include: (1) precession, (2) a magnetic dipole in a magnetic field, (3) a charged particle in an electric field, and (4) time- independent perturbation theory with phenomenological damping. We argue the approach of Brown's formalism provides a convenient conceptual framework to describe the physics and to interpret the measurement results of such systems. In addition, this approach broadens the role of the Lorentz group to areas other than special relativity and electromagnetic scattering.
Effects of calcium on the permeability of isolated adult rat heart cells to sodium

The permeability of rat heart myocytes to Na increases when extracellular Ca (Ca0) is decreased. This increased permeability is reflected in elevated Na/K ratios in nonenergized myocytes and in increased ouabain-sensitive lactate production in anaerobic myocytes supplemented with glucose. Myocytes treated with ethylene glycol bis(beta-aminoethyl ether)N,N'-tetraacetic acid (1 mM) maintain low Na/K ratios, but expend considerable glycolytic ATP in ouabain-sensitive cation cycling. The data suggest that Ca0 bound to the sarcolemma can restrict transmembrane movement of Na via pathways that are not yet defined. The lack of significant net accumulation of Ca argues against the explanation that Ca0 maintains low internal Na levels as a result of Na-Ca exchange. Both the increased uptake of Na and increased utilization of ATP in the absence of Ca0 may be relevant to the phenomenon of "Ca-paradox" in situ.
Outcomes of Peak, Typical, and Variability in Performance of College Football Teams

The purpose of this study was to investigate the typical, peak, and variability in performance of both the offensive and defensive units of college football teams over the course of a season in predicting three objective team-level outcomes (win percentage, fan home game attendance, and bowl game payout). Data were obtained from an archival sports database for 193 Bowl Subdivision college football teams for three separate seasons. When all three types of performance were considered simultaneously, only typical performance significantly predicted win percentage and bowl game payout outcomes, and it explained between 19 % (for bowl game payout) and 49 % (for record) of the variance. All interactions between typical performance and performance variability were non-significant. These null results point to a boundary condition in the relationship between performance variability and outcomes: whether the outcome is subject to evaluator attributional processes (e.g., raises, performance evaluations) or is more objective in nature. Although null, the present results question a sometimes implicit assumption that performance inconsistency is detrimental to organizational functioning. This is one of the first studies to examine outcomes of peak performance, typical performance, and performance variability at the team level. Additionally, most studies examining the outcomes of such performance use subjective outcomes such as performance ratings, whereas this study provides one of the first examinations using objective outcomes such as bowl game payout.
Modulated-alignment dual-axis (MAD) confocal microscopy for deep optical sectioning in tissues

A strategy is presented to enable optical-sectioning microscopy with improved contrast and imaging depth using low-power (0.5 - 1 mW) diode laser illumination. This technology combines the inherent strengths of focal-modulation microscopy and dual-axis confocal (DAC) microscopy for rejecting out-of-focus and multiply scattered background light in tissues. The DAC architecture is unique in that it utilizes an intersecting pair of illumination and collection beams to improve the spatial-filtering and optical-sectioning performance of confocal microscopy while focal modulation selectively ‘labels’ in-focus signals via amplitude modulation. Simulations indicate that modulating the spatial alignment of dual-axis beams at a frequency f generates signals from the focal volume of the microscope that are modulated at 2f with minimal modulation of background signals, thus providing nearly an order-of-magnitude improvement in optical-sectioning contrast compared to DAC microscopy alone. Experiments show that 2f lock-in detection enhances contrast and imaging depth within scattering phantoms and fresh tissues.
Microstructural parameters and steady-state creep

Specimens of Type 304 stainless steel were prestrained at room temperature and creep tested at high temperature. Results suggest that the truly important microstructural variable during steady-state creep is the dislocation density, and subgrains are relatively unimportant.
Kinematic feasibility guarantees in geometric path planning using history-based transition costs over cell decompositions

The hierarchical decomposition of motion planning tasks into geometric path planning, followed by kinodynamic motion planning is useful for designing efficient algorithms, but it entails the possibility of inconsistency between the two layers of planning. In an earlier paper, we proposed a general framework, based on rectangular cell decompositions, for incorporating information about the kinodynamic behavior of the vehicle in the geometric planning layer itself. In this paper, we use this framework to design a geometric path planning scheme which simultaneously finds an obstacle-free channel of cells from the initial point to the goal, as well as a vehicle state trajectory lying within that channel.
Virtusphere: Walking in a Human Size VR “Hamster Ball”

A major challenge for virtual reality (VR) interfaces is to provide realistic human interactions with the virtual world in more natural ways; one solution is to use a device called the VirtuSphere (VS). The VS provides a mechanism for walking in VR in semi-natural way; however, users have to adapt to walking in a moving platform, having limited visual feedback and integrating motion cues with physical responses. In this study we report on the challenges novice users of this virtual reality locomotion device encounter when performing navigation tasks in a virtual environment in two visual conditions (first-person and third-person viewpoint). We analyzed how performance, simulator sickness, and satisfaction vary under these two viewpoint conditions. We found that motion sickness and balance disturbance were more pronounced for the first-person viewpoint group than for the third-person group. However the first-person viewpoint group performed better and enjoyed the experience more than the third-person view ...
Camera-computer systems for rapid dynamic imaging studies

The extraction of valuable diagnostic information from rapid, dynamic studies performed on a gamma camera requires that the data be recorded for latter analysis. If these data are to be available rapidly and if quantitative analysis is to be performed, it is imperative that a computer be used in conjunction with the gamma camera. This review describes the more important features of a nuclear medicine computer system both from the point of view of hardware and software. The various aspects that cause some limitations to be imposed on the capability of the system in order to carry out fast, dynamic studies are described and some possible solutions are suggested.
Prognostic factors in craniofacial surgery

From 1979 to 1989, 21 patients underwent craniofacial resection for malignancies involving the anterior skull base. Histologic types included 8 squamous cell carcinomas, 3 chondrosarcomas, 2 melanomas, 2 basal cell carcinomas, 2 adenocarcinomas, 2 poorly differentiated carcinomas, 1 malignant schwannoma, and 1 malignant hemangiopericytoma. Survival was 57%, with follow-up of 41 months. A 50% complication rate included osteomyelitis, cerebrospinal fluid rhinorrhea, meningitis, brain abscess, epidural abscess, and syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone. Recurrent disease occurred in 9 patients (41%), the most reliable predictor being dural invasion indicated preoperatively by CT scan or at operation. Patients demonstrating dural involvement (N = 9) had a 22% survival rate, while patients without (N = 12) had a survival rate of 83%. The impact of dural invasion on long-term survival is emphasized. Though complications were frequent, long-term results were favorable.
Quasifree electron attachment to carcinogens

The quasifree electron attachment rate constants kk of recognized carcinogens and noncarcinogens have been measured in nonpolar liquids by a pulse-conductivity technique. In our initial study of the kk in cyclohexane, we reported that the kk of 37 of 42 carcinogens are diffusion controlled, whereas the kk of 30 of 34 noncarcinogens are less than diffusion controlled [Cancer Biochem. Biophys. 5, 103 (1981)]. Since kk is strongly dependent upon the electron mobility uu values of kk of the same carcinogens and noncarcinogens were measured in liquid isooctane [uu (isooctane) = 5.2 as compared to uu (cyclohexane) = 0.22 cm2/V · s at 21°C] to determine the effect of the solvent on the kk-carcinogenicity correlation. In isooctane, the kk of 29 of 35 carcinogens tested are diffusion controlled, and 23 of 27 noncarcinogens are less than diffusion controlled. These results yield a sensitivity and a specificity, which are two criteria used to evaluate screening tests, of 83 and 86%, respectively. In cyclohexane the sensitivity and specificity are both 88%. These results will be compared with the sensitivity and specificity of the Ames test for the same chemicals, and implications of kk-carcinogenicity correlation to designing a carcinogen prescreen test that is based on kk will be discussed.
Workplace performance–PLUS: Empowerment and voice through professional development and democratic processes in health care training

Based on the theory of transformative learning (Mezirow, 1980) and critical pedagogy (Freire, 1980), mixed-methods research (Tashakkori & Teddlie, 1998) of a hospital workers' union and training organization addressed the impact of a custom-designed, group-focused, results-driven professional development model with 130 participants. Employees across many job titles participated. Findings reveal substantial content learning, along with the development of empowerment and voice. The purpose of the research was to determine the ways and the extent that worker voice, satisfaction, attitude, communication, and problem solving improved as workers and managers put into practice knowledge and skills learned through the training (Winchester, 2003). The scope of results includes efficiency and skill improvements and qualitative changes intersecting professional and personal realms.
SMRTE inhibits MEF2C transcriptional activation by targeting HDAC4 and 5 to nuclear domains.

The silencing mediator for retinoic acid and thyroid hormone receptors (SMRT) mediates transcriptional repression by recruiting histone deacetylases (HDACs) to the DNA-bound nuclear receptor complex. The full-length SMRT (SMRTe) contains an N-terminal sequence that is highly conserved to the nuclear receptor corepressor N-CoR. To date, little is known about the activity and function of the full-length SMRTe protein, despite extensive studies on separated receptor interaction and transcriptional repression domains. Here we show that SMRTe inhibits MEF2C transcriptional activation by targeting selective HDACs to unique subnuclear domains. Indirect immunofluorescence studies with anti-SMRTe antibody reveal discrete cytoplasmic and nuclear speckles, which contain RARα in an RA-sensitive manner. Formation of the SMRTe nuclear speckles results in recruitment of several class I and class II HDACs to these subnuclear domains in a process depending on HDAC enzymatic activity. Intriguingly, although HDAC4 is located primarily in the cytoplasm, coexpression of SMRTe dramatically translocates HDAC4 from the cytoplasm into the nucleus, where HDAC4 prevents MEF2C from activating muscle differentiation. SMRTe also translocates HDAC5 from diffusive nucleoplasm into discrete nuclear domains. Accordingly, SMRTe synergizes with HDAC4 and 5 to inhibit MEF2C transactivation of target promoter, suggesting that nuclear domain targeting of HDAC4/5 may be important in preventing muscle cell differentiation. These results highlight an unexpected new function of the nuclear receptor corepressor SMRTe for its role in regulating cellular trafficking of nuclear receptor and selective HDACs that may play an important role in regulation of cell growth and differentiation.
Pleasure: a computer program for simple/multiple constrained/unconstrained folding of programmable logic arrays

Programmable logic arrays are important building blocks of VLSI circuits and systems. The problem of optimizing the silicon area and the performances of large logic arrays are addressed. In particular a general method is described for compacting a logic array defined as multiple row and column folding and we address the problem of interconnecting a PLA to the outside circuitry. A constrained optimization problem to achieve minimal silicon area occupation with constrained positions of electrical inputs and outputs is defined. A new computer program, PLEASURE is presented. It implements several algorithms for multiple and/or constrained PLA folding.
Therapeutic strategies for a functional cure of chronic hepatitis B virus infection

Treatment of chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection with the viral DNA polymerase inhibitors or pegylated alpha-interferon has led to a significant retardation in HBV-related disease progression and reduction in mortality related to chronic hepatitis B associated liver decompensation and hepatocellular carcinoma. However, chronic HBV infection remains not cured. The reasons for the failure to eradicate HBV infection by long-term antiviral therapy are not completely understood. However, clinical studies suggest that the intrinsic stability of the nuclear form of viral genome, the covalently closed circular (ccc) DNA, sustained low level viral replication under antiviral therapy and homeostatic proliferation of hepatocytes are the critical virological and pathophysiological factors that affect the persistence and therapeutic outcomes of HBV infection. More importantly, despite potent suppression of HBV replication in livers of the treated patients, the dysfunction of HBV-specific antiviral immunity persists. The inability of the immune system to recognize cells harboring HBV infection and to cure or eliminate cells actively producing virus is the biggest challenge to finding a cure. Unraveling the complex virus-host interactions that lead to persistent infection should facilitate the rational design of antivirals and immunotherapeutics to cure chronic HBV infection.
Concepts of Illness and Disease : Two-Way Communication

Helman, Cecil. Culture, Health and Illness: An Introduction for Health Professionals. Bristol, London, Boston: Wright‐PSG, 1984. xi + 242 pp. including figures, appendix, references, index. $33.00 cloth, $16.50 paper. Hudson, Robert P. Disease and Its Control: The Shaping of Modern Thought. Westport, Connecticut: Greenwood Press, 1983. xvii + 259 pp. including abbreviations of journals, appendix, bibliographic notes, index. $29.95 cloth.
International pilot study teaching of population family planning in schools of nursing.

Resume Un questionnaire concernant l'enseignement du probleme taux de population/planning familial dans les ecoles d'infirmieres a ete distribue a un groupe de monitrices presentes au Congres du Conseil International de Personnel Infirmier, a Mexico en Mai 1973. Les principaux objectifs de l'etude ont ete atteints, bien qu'il y ait eu des difficultes d'organisation qui ont pu engendrer des idees preconcues. On espere que les resultats de cette etude ameneront d'autres personnes a l'aprofondir sur un autre groupe-type, ceci n'etant qu'une recherche preliminaire. Bien que le pourcentage des reponses ait ete bas (57,2%), 102 reponses venant de 50 pays differents ont pu etre analysees. De cellesci, 94,1% ont montre que leurs ecoles enseignaient certains aspects du probleme population/planning familial. L'application pratique dans le secteur clinique etait exceptionnellement basse (42,2%) et seulement quelques ecoles de plus facilitaient l'observation (52,9%). Les programmes courants actuels dans differentes zones ont ete compares avec ce que les repondants pensaient devrait etre enseigne. Les methodes contraceptives dans les deux categories etaient tres quotees. Partout les repondants pensaient qu'il faudrait enseigner davantage. Il semble qu'il y aurait un interet a ajouter le sujet du taux et de l'accroissement de la population qui ne fait pas traditionnellement partie du programme des ecoles d'infirmieres. Les pays dont le taux de croissance de la population est bas semblent donner plus d'importance au sujet en ce qu'il affecte les soins individuels, et moins en ce qui concerne les effets sur l'accroissement de la population. Les programmes des ecoles d'infirmieres situees dans un cadre universitaire semblaient plus complets Les ecoles preparant les infirmieres a avoir un contact direct avec le malade ont des programmes moins complets dans l'ensemble. Les statistiques sur le nombre d'ecoles d'infirmieres ayant un cours special sur le taux de population/planning familial, les sortes de training et l'usage de cours en dehors de l'ecole n'ont pas ete jugees tres utiles. Elles doivent etre etudiees plus en detail. Ces donnees peuvent servir de base utile aux responsables de la preparation des programmes d'etudes et des moniteurs de personnel infirmier.
Primary cervical tracheal monophasic synovial sarcoma confirmed by SYT–SSX gene rearrangement

Objective:To review the existing diagnostic modalities and treatment for primary tracheal synovial sarcoma, and to report a case of primary cervical synovial sarcoma arising in the trachea.Design:Retrospective.Setting:Head and neck surgery unit at a tertiary university centre.Patient:One case of primary cervical tracheal monophasic synovial sarcoma diagnosed by SYT–SSX gene rearrangement.Intervention:This patient underwent surgical resection of the synovial sarcoma, together with tracheal resection and primary anastomosis assisted by laryngeal-releasing manoeuvres, without complication.Main outcome measures:Clinical, radiographical, pathological and surgical information were collected.Result:One year post-operatively, there was no evidence of recurrence.Conclusion:Synovial sarcoma arising in the trachea is very rare. Diagnosis is confirmed by demonstrating the SYT–SSX gene rearrangement. The first-line treatment is surgery.
Humility, lifetime trauma, and change in religious doubt among older adults.

Compared to research on the positive or beneficial effects of religion on health, far fewer studies have been designed to examine the potentially negative aspects of religion. The purpose of this study is to examine a potentially negative part of leading a religious life—religious doubt. More specifically, the current study was designed to assess the relationships among humility, exposure to lifetime trauma, and change in religious doubt over time. Two hypotheses were developed to explore the relationships among these constructs. The first hypothesis predicts that greater exposure to traumatic events at any point in the life course will be associated with greater doubts about religion over time. The second hypothesis proposes that the potentially deleterious effects of exposure to lifetime trauma will be buffered or offset for individuals who are more humble. Findings from a nationwide, longitudinal survey of older adults provide support for both hypotheses. This appears to be the first time that the relationship among humility, lifetime trauma, and change in religious doubt has been evaluated empirically.
The biological role of estrogen receptors α and β in cancer

Abstract The temporal and tissue-specific actions of estrogen are mediated by estrogen receptors α and β. The ERs are steroid hormone receptors that modulate the transcription of target genes when bound to ligand. The activity of these transcription factors is regulated by a variety of factors, including ligand binding, phosphorylation, coregulators, and the effector pathway (ERE, AP1, SP1). The end result of target gene transcription is to modulate physiological processes, such as reproductive organ development and function, bone density, and unfortunately contribute to the growth and development of breast and endometrial cancer. The complex biological effects mediated by ERα and ERβ involve communication between many proteins and signaling pathways. An ultimate goal of current research is to enhance the value of the separate estrogen receptors as targets for therapeutic intervention.
To See A Promised Land: Americans and the Holy Land in the Nineteenth Century

To See A Promised Land explores the fascination that Americans historically have had with the land of the Bible. By focusing on the period before World War I, Lester Vogel uncovers the various ways in which Americans (primarily Protestants) typically thought about and knew the Holy Land prior to the land's politicization and embroilment in the conflict between Arab and Jewish national interests. During this period, there were literally hundreds of popular books, pamphlets, and articles about the Holy Land available to American readers. Although most Americans never visited the Middle East, they nevertheless had distinct images of what the land was like through these writings, their churches, and their own reading of the Bible. On the very day of his assassination in 1865, even President Lincoln contemplated a tour of the Holy Land at the end of his term in office. Americans who did travel to the Middle East took with them preconceptions and brought back with them descriptions that, in turn, helped to reshape continually the popular image of the Holy Land. One of the most celebrated journeys to the East was the 1867 "Quaker City Tour," immortalized by Mark Twain in his Innocents Abroad. Vogel suggests that this unique relationship between Americans and a foreign land might be seen as an expression of "geopiety," a term coined by the geographer John Kirtland Wright to describe a certain mixture of place, past, and faith. To See A Promised Land draws upon a wide variety of written accounts-those of American travelers (from Twain to Theodore Roosevelt), missionaries, settlers and colonists, explorers, archaeologists, biblical scholars, and diplomats and officials-in order to shed light on this fascinating aspect of American thought and character.
A function for interleukin 2 in Foxp3-expressing regulatory T cells

Regulatory T cells (T(reg) cells) expressing the forkhead family transcription factor Foxp3 are critical mediators of dominant immune tolerance to self. Most T(reg) cells constitutively express the high-affinity interleukin 2 (IL-2) receptor alpha-chain (CD25); however, the precise function of IL-2 in T(reg) cell biology has remained controversial. To directly assess the effect of IL-2 signaling on T(reg) cell development and function, we analyzed mice containing the Foxp3(gfp) knock-in allele that were genetically deficient in either IL-2 (Il2(-/-)) or CD25 (Il2ra(-/-)). We found that IL-2 signaling was dispensable for the induction of Foxp3 expression in thymocytes from these mice, which indicated that IL-2 signaling does not have a nonredundant function in the development of T(reg) cells. Unexpectedly, Il2(-/-) and Il2ra(-/-) T(reg) cells were fully able to suppress T cell proliferation in vitro. In contrast, Foxp3 was not expressed in thymocytes or peripheral T cells from Il2rg(-/-) mice. Gene expression analysis showed that IL-2 signaling was required for maintenance of the expression of genes involved in the regulation of cell growth and metabolism. Thus, IL-2 signaling seems to be critically required for maintaining the homeostasis and competitive fitness of T(reg) cells in vivo.
A Comprehensive Analytical Model for Wormhole Routing in Multicomputer Systems

An analytical model for obtaining performance measures in multicomputer networks that use wormhole routing is presented. Unlike previous wormhole routing models, the model introduced in this paper is accurate and quite simple. The model is validated through flit-level simulation experiments and is sufficiently general to be extended for several networks, including k-ary n-cubes, and related routing paradigms, such as virtual cut-through, The value of this model is exhibited through its application to current networks to indicate cost-effective augmentations which result in significant performance improvements.
Incorporation of labeled small molecules into rubratoxin.

A sterile glucose-mineral salts broth was inoculated with conidia of Penicillium rubrum P-13 and P-3290. Radiolabeled compounds were added to some cultures, these being incubated quiescently at 28° C for 14 days. Other stationary cultures were grown for 21 days, received labeled compounds, and were then grown for 5 more days. The remaining cultures were inoculated with 72-h-old mycelial pellets, received labeled materials and were incubated with shaking for 60 h. Rubratoxin was resolved by thin-layer chromatography. Labeled [114C]acetate, [1,514C]citrate, [214C]malonate, [114C]glucose, [U14C]glucose or [114C]hexanoate were incorporated into rubratoxins A and B by P. rubrum 3290 and into rubratoxin B by P. rubrum 13. Incorporation of [114C]acetate and [214C]malonate increased when exogenous unlabeled acetate, malonate, pyruvate, or phosphoenol-pyruvate was added. Acetate incorporation was influenced by cultural conditions, attaining maximum amounts in quiescent cultures which received labeled acetate after 21 days of incubation. Acetate incorporation in shake cultures was enhanced by reduced nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH) and by unlabeled exogenous citrate.
A Clear-Box Adaptive System for Flexible Spacecraft Identification and Disturbance Rejection

This paper presents an automatic system for identification and rejection of unknown periodic dis turbances applicable to real-time control of flexible spacecraft. The system adaptively performs system iden tification, monitors and tracks disturbance frequencies if they are present, detects the emergence of new distur bance frequencies, predicts the contribution of each disturbance frequency on the system response, determines which disturbance frequencies should be targeted for cancellation and which should be ignored by taking into account actuator constraints, and synthesizes the necessary feed-forward control for selective disturbance cancellation. No direct measurement of the disturbances is required. New system identification results are extensively used to bring out detailed information about the system dynamics and the disturbance environ ment that is normally hidden or left unused in standard black-box approaches, hence the descriptive term clear-box is used. Intelligent decision-making logic can b...
Reduction of out-of-plane warpage in surface micromachined beams using corrugation

Corrugation is proposed as a means of reducing the out-of-plane warpage in surface micromachined beams that result from an asymmetric vertical stress profile. Corrugation increases beam bending stiffness without increasing film thickness, making the beam more immune to intrinsic vertical stress gradients without requiring longer film deposition times, increased beam mass, or careful stress optimization. The technique was tested using a dual-thickness metal surface micromachining process with a photoresist sacrificial layer. Several corrugation patterns and geometries were tested, and the best performing pattern was implemented on a MEMS actuator array. The off-state to on-state capacitance delta of the array improved from 0.24 to 0.7pF and the beam curvature decreased from 180 to 50 nm compared with an uncorrugated array. Other device performance parameters, such as 30 V pull-in voltage and 5 billion cycle switching lifetime, were unaffected.
Direct Parenting Methods to Facilitate the Social Functioning of Children with Cerebral Palsy

Studies with typically developing children have supported the efficacy of parents’ direct efforts to facilitate social development. In this study, it was hypothesized that use of direct parenting methods would be associated with aspects of social functioning of children with cerebral palsy. Study participants were 60 children with cerebral palsy, ages 5–12 (M = 8.75; SD = 1.82), 62.3% male and their parents or guardians. Direct parenting methods were assessed with a modified empirically validated survey strategy. In contrast with findings from the typically developing population, there were no significant associations between direct parenting methods and children’s social functioning. Findings suggest the need to develop alternative models of multidimensional influences on social development of children with cerebral palsy.
Effect of procarbazine treatment of mice on α-glycerolphosphate dehydrogenase activity and frequency of selected abnormalities in sperm

The in situ activity of mitochondrial alpha-glycerol phosphate dehydrogenase (alpha-GPD) as well as 2 specific sperm abnormalities [headless and disorganization of the mitochondria assembly (PL-type)] have been studied in sperm from mice treated with single doses of procarbazine (100, 200, 400, 600 and 800 mg/kg) at intervals up to 55 days after treatment. The frequency of sperm without active alpha-GPD and the frequency of the morphology variants increased with increasing dose of procarbazine. The variance in the level of alpha-GPD among sperm with active enzyme and the variance between animals also increased with increasing dose. The lowest effective dose was 200 mg/kg and there were no observable effects 85 days after treatment.
Serious Emotional Disturbance and Social Maladjustment: A Critical Examination of Four Schools of Thought

Issues related to inclusion of youths with social maladjustment (SM) in the category of serious emotional disturbance (SED) are examined. Differing views advocated in professional literature are conceptualized into four schools of thought: (1) The exclusion perspective conceptualizes SM as behavior disorders and advocates for exclusion from special education services; (2) The delinquence perspective defines SM as delinquent behaviors and excludes virtually all students exhibiting these behaviors from services; (3) The irrelevance perspective advocates for inclusion of youths with SM if they also satisfy the criteria for SED; and (4) The inclusion perspective promotes a broadening of the SED definition to include youths with SM/behavior disorders. Identification and evaluation of these perspectives can enhance communication and lead to more effective services for youths with emotional and behavioral needs. Suggestions to improve communication across these differing perspectives are presented.
Response: the role of RUNX1 isoforms in hematopoietic commitment of human pluripotent stem cells

We reported in Ran et al that ectopic expression of RUNX1a, a naturally occurring isoform of RUNX1 that contains a DNA binding domain but lacks both transactivation and inhibitory domains of RUNX1b/c ([Figure 1][1]), enhanced the production of CD34+CD45+ hematopoietic stem/progenitor cells (HSPCs)
Structural biology: How opioid drugs bind to receptors

The search for safe, non-addictive versions of morphine and other opioid drugs has just received a boost with the solving of the crystal structures of the receptors to which the drugs bind. See Articles p.321 & p.327 , Letters p.395 & p.400 Four papers in this issue of Nature present the long-awaited high-resolution crystal structures of the four known opioid receptors in ligand-bound conformations. These G-protein-coupled receptors are the targets of a broad range of drugs, including painkillers, antidepressants, anti-anxiety agents and anti-addiction medications. Brian Kobilka’s group reports the crystal structure of the µ-opioid receptor bound to a morphinan antagonist and the δ-opioid receptor bound to naltrindole. Raymond Stevens’ group reports on the κ-opioid receptor bound to the selective antagonist JDTic, and the nociceptin/orphanin FQ receptor bound to a peptide mimetic. In an associated News and Views, Marta Filizola and Lakshmi Devi discuss the implications of these landmark papers for research on the mechanisms underlying receptor function and drug development.
Courseware: student learning via FOSS field trips

Many faculty members understand the potential for computing students to learn via participation in Free and Open Source Software (FOSS) projects. However, there are few resources for introducing students (and faculty members) to FOSS projects. This tip presents several "FOSS field trip" assignments that allow students to explore and learn about FOSS projects.
Optimal routing in networks with flow-controlled virtual channels

Packet switching networks with flow-controlled virtual channels are naturally modeled as queueing networks with closed chains. Available network design and analysis techniques, however, are mostly based upon an open-chain queueing network model. In this paper, we first examine the traffic conditions under which an open-chain model accurately predicts the mean end-to-end delays of a closed-chain model having the same chain throughputs. We next consider the problem of optimally routing a small amount of incremental traffic corresponding to the addition of a new virtual channel (with a window size of one) to a network. We model the new virtual channel as a closed chain. Existing flows in the network are modeled as open chains. An optimal routing algorithm is then presented. The algorithm solves a constrained optimization problem that is a compromise between problems of unconstrained individual-optimization and unconstrained network-optimization.
Multi-sensory user interface for virtual reality based computer aided design system

In this thesis, a human-computer interaction approach for the generation of geometric shapes via multi-sensory user interface of a Virtual Reality (VR) based System is presented. Through the use of VR devices, geometric design can be more effectively inputted into the Computer-Aided Design (CAD) system in a natural and physically intuitive way. The focus of this research is on determining a set of efficient interaction approach by using the combinations of auditory, tactile, and visual sensory modalities to accomplish typical CAD tasks. In order to evaluate the efficiency of the proposed interaction approaches, prototypical VR-CAD systems are implemented as part of this research. A series of interface tests were performed on the prototypical systems to determine the relative efficiency of the interaction approaches. Interface test results indicate that auditory input, voice commands, are effective in operation activations such as rotating viewpoint, creating/deleting entities in the virtual environment. The tactile input, hand actions/motions, are found to be highly efficient for navigation, entity selection, complex 3D manipulations of entities and dynamically changing entity's dimension in the VR-CAD system. It is also determined that building simple geometry shapes containing canonical forms, such as blocks, cylinders, spheres, etc, using VR interface results in a speedup of 1.5 to 2.0 times over the traditional interface. For more complex shapes, the speedup factor is about 3 to 4 times. This indicates that there are greater benefits when designing complex geometry shapes than design simpler shapes in a VR CAD system. The contribution of this research lies on setting a new paradigm for multi-sensory input output interaction approaches of a VR based CAD system to provide an easy-to-use and effective tool for product shape design.
The African American consumer revisited: brand loyalty, word‐of‐mouth and the effects of the black experience

Purpose – The intent of this article is to explore whether there is a difference between African Americans and non African‐Americans in the use of word‐of‐mouth and brand loyalty in response to the purchase of durable goods (automobiles). Additionally, this article looks to explore preference for “black‐owned” goods and services and feelings about purchasing goods from firms that once had ties to slavery.Design/methodology/approach – This article utilizes survey data obtained from over 800 respondents with analysis performed using regression analysis.Findings – This study shows no significant difference in brand loyalty and word‐of‐mouth between African Americans and non African‐Americans and no significant preference for black owned goods and services. Additionally it was found that while a majority of African American consumers believe that most American firms have ties to slavery, this does not act as a factor in the purchase decision.Practical implications – This article can help firms plan their mark...
Professional Development in Early Childhood Intervention: Where We Stand on the Silver Anniversary of PL 99-457

>> We describe historical foundations of professional development (PD) in early childhood intervention (ECI) and where we stand on the silver anniversary of PL 99-457. To advance its scientific basis, we assert that it is important to define what is meant by PD; identify structural and process features of PD hypothesized to be effective for supporting improvements in intervention quality and effectiveness; specify theories of action or change related to how specific features of PD are assumed to affect practitioner behaviors and, in turn, child or family outcomes; and conduct experimental studies that provide evidence to support or refute specified theories of action. We describe progress being made in each of these areas and discuss several challenges and future directions related to advancing the scientific basis of PD in ECI.
Estrogen Receptor-α Knockout Mice Exhibit Resistance to the Developmental Effects of Neonatal Diethylstilbestrol Exposure on the Female Reproductive Tract

Abstract Data indicate that estrogen-dependent and -independent pathways are involved in the teratogenic/carcinogenic syndrome that follows developmental exposure to 17β-estradiol or diethylstilbestrol (DES), a synthetic estrogen. However, the exact role and extent to which each pathway contributes to the resulting pathology remain unknown. We employed the αERKO mouse, which lacks estrogen receptor-α (ERα), to discern the role of ERα and estrogen signaling in mediating the effects of neonatal DES exposure. The αERKO provides the potential to expose DES actions mediated by the second known ER, ERβ, and those that are ER-independent. Wild-type and αERKO females were treated with vehicle or DES (2 μg/pup/day for Days 1–5) and terminated after 5 days and 2, 4, 8, 12, and 20 months for biochemical and histomorphological analyses. Assays for uterine expression of the genes Hoxa10, Hoxa11, and Wnt7a shortly after treatment indicated significant decreases in DES-treated wild-type but no effect in the αERKO. In contrast, the DES effect on uterine expression of Wnt4 and Wnt5a was preserved in both genotypes, suggesting a developmental role for ERβ. Adult αERKO mice exhibited complete resistance to the chronic effects of neonatal DES exposure exhibited in treated wild-type animals, including atrophy, decreased weight, smooth muscle disorganization, and epithelial squamous metaplasia in the uterus; proliferative lesions of the oviduct; and persistent vaginal cornification. Therefore, the lack of DES effects on gene expression and tissue differentiation in the αERKO provides unequivocal evidence of an obligatory role for ERα in mediating the detrimental actions of neonatal DES exposure in the murine reproductive tract.
Freedom of Memory v . Copyright Law: The American Première of Caste

Playgoers needed no special incentive to attend the opening of T. W. Robertson's Caste at the Broadway Theatre in New York on 5 August 1867. The same author's Ours had been the hit of the previous New York season, and the enthusiastic reception of his latest domestic comedy in London heralded its American appearance. A few days before the premiere, however, Broadway manager Barney Williams received an unwelcome piece of extra publicity: a temporary injunction against the forthcoming production had been granted by the New York Supreme Court to Lester Wallack, actor-manager of the renowned Wallack's Theatre. Although the essential facts of the subsequent hearing have been accurately preserved in Odell's Annals , the case deserves to be reopened and examined more carefully. To contemporary observers, the proceedings revealed the court's inability and unwillingness to protect the work of a respected English dramatist. Yet events following the judge's decision ultimately won for Robertson and Wallack the vindication denied by the court, and the case is now remarkable as a judicial ‘last stand’ against the legitimate rights of foreign authors.
Command and Data Handling Flight Software test framework: A Radiation Belt Storm Probes practice

During the Radiation Belt Storm Probes (RBSP) mission, a test framework was developed by the Embedded Applications Group in the Space Department at the Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory (APL). The test framework is implemented for verification of the Command and Data Handling (C&DH) Flight Software. The RBSP C&DH Flight Software consists of applications developed for use with Goddard Space Flight Center's core Flight Executive (cFE) architecture. The test framework's initial concept originated with tests developed for verification of the Autonomy rules that execute with the Autonomy Engine application of the RBSP C&DH Flight Software. The test framework was adopted and expanded for system and requirements verification of the RBSP C&DH Flight Software.
An overview of the Turkish dairy sector

The livestock sector and dairy subsector have great importance for Turkey, in terms of both nutrition and economy. The share of the livestock sector in the total agricultural production value has varied between 25% and 30% in the last three decades. Raw milk production is characterized by small-scale farms, with an average of three heads of dairy cattle per farm. Turkey s dairy industry was established and developed by the State with the opening of the Turkish Dairy Industry Institution (TSEK) in 1963 as a state-owned enterprise (SOE). TSEK facilitated modernization of the sector, created a dairy market and played a role in stabilizing the consumer and producer prices. In 1995, a liberalization movement in the agricultural sector started in Turkey and the TSEK enterprises were privatized. After privatization, producer prices decreased between 11.51% and 18.45% and consumer prices of dairy products increased in general. Today, the dairy processing sector has a dual structure that on one hand comprises many small- and medium-sized enterprises, while on the other features seven large holding companies that hold the largest market share (CR4 71). This study aims to show that the restructuring of the agricultural SOEs in the first place resulted in undesirable impacts, and thus that the planning and implementation of the privatization of the state enterprises in the dairy sector should be taken as a strategy in the medium term, using the experiences of other developing countries.
The Creation And Implementation Of A Formal Faculty Orientation And Training Program In Higher Education

This document provides an overview of a faculty training and orientation program used for adjunct faculty at the H. Wayne Huizenga School of Business and Entrepreneurship at Nova Southeastern University. The model includes components for assessing, hiring, orienting, and providing initial training for a diverse cadre of part time faculty in many distant locations. The authors make suggestions as to how this model can be used to provide long-term success in orientation and training, including an argument for appropriate rewards for both new hires and the full time faculty involved in their training.
Computing human image annotation

An image annotation is the explanatory or descriptive information about the pixel data of an image that is generated by a human (or machine) observer. An image markup is the graphical symbols placed over the image to depict an annotation. In the majority of current, clinical and research imaging practice, markup is captured in proprietary formats and annotations are referenced only in free text radiology reports. This makes these annotations difficult to query, retrieve and compute upon, hampering their integration into other data mining and analysis efforts. This paper describes the National Cancer Institute’s Cancer Biomedical Informatics Grid’s (caBIG) Annotation and Image Markup (AIM) project, focusing on how to use AIM to query for annotations. The AIM project delivers an information model for image annotation and markup. The model uses controlled terminologies for important concepts. All of the classes and attributes of the model have been harmonized with the other models and common data elements in use at the National Cancer Institute. The project also delivers XML schemata necessary to instantiate AIMs in XML as well as a software application for translating AIM XML into DICOM S/R and HL7 CDA. Large collections of AIM annotations can be built and then queried as Grid or Web services. Using the tools of the AIM project, image annotations and their markup can be captured and stored in human and machine readable formats. This enables the inclusion of human image observation and inference as part of larger data mining and analysis activities.