cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Restriction of Nonpermissive RUNX3 Protein Expression in T Lymphocytes by the Kozak Sequence

The transcription factor Runx3 promotes differentiation of naive CD4 + T cells into type-1 effector T (T H 1) cells at the expense of T H 2. T H 1 cells as well as CD8 + T cells express a subset-specific Runx3 transcript from a distal promoter, which is necessary for high protein expression. However, all T cell subsets, including naive CD4 + T cells and T H 2 cells, express a distinct transcript of Runx3 that is derived from a proximal promoter and that produces functional protein in neurons. Therefore, accumulation of RUNX3 protein generated from the proximal transcript needs to be repressed at the posttranscriptional level to preserve CD4 + T cell capability of differentiating into T H 2 cells. In this article, we show that expression of RUNX3 protein from the proximal Runx3 transcript is blocked at the level of translational initiation in T cells. A coding sequence for the proximal Runx3 mRNA is preceded by a nonoptimal context sequence for translational initiation, known as the Kozak sequence, and thus generates protein at low efficiencies and with multiple alternative translational initiations. Editing the endogenous initiation context to an “optimal” Kozak sequence in a human T cell line resulted in enhanced translation of a single RUNX3 protein derived from the proximal transcript. Furthermore, RUNX3 protein represses transcription from the proximal promoter in T cells. These results suggest that nonpermissive expression of RUNX3 protein is restricted at the translational level, and that the repression is further enforced by a transcriptional regulation for maintenance of diverse developmental plasticity of T cells for different effector subsets.
Simulation of finite cavity-backed antenna arrays using an accelerated FE-BI method

In this paper, we propose an efficient simulation technique for the finite cavity-backed antenna arrays. The proposed method is based on the finite element-boundary integral (FE-BI) method accelerated by the adaptive integral method (AIM). The finite element method (FEM) enables the modeling of anisotropic, inhomogeneous materials inside the cavity, while AIM is introduced for the efficient calculation of the time-consuming boundary integrals at the cavity aperture. The coaxial feeds at the bottom of the cavity are modeled accurately using the eigenfunction expansion (EE) method. Numerical examples are presented to show the feasibility and efficiency of the proposed simulation method
CoVisor: a compositional hypervisor for software-defined networks

We present CoVisor, a new kind of network hypervisor that enables, in a single network, the deployment of multiple control applications written in different programming languages and operating on different controller platforms. Unlike past hypervisors, which focused on slicing the network into disjoint parts for separate control by separate entities, CoVisor allows multiple controllers to cooperate on managing the same shared traffic. Consequently, network administrators can use CoVisor to assemble a collection of independently-developed "best of breed" applications--a firewall, a load balancer, a gateway, a router, a traffic monitor--and can apply those applications in combination, or separately, to the desired traffic. CoVisor also abstracts concrete topologies, providing custom virtual topologies in their place, and allows administrators to specify access controls that regulate the packets a given controller may see, modify, monitor, or reroute. The central technical contribution of the work is a new set of efficient algorithms for composing controller policies, for compiling virtual networks into concrete OpenFlow rules, and for efficiently processing controller rule updates. We have built a CoVisor prototype, and shown that it is several orders of magnitude faster than a naive implementation.
Economic Development and Environmental Quality: An Econometric Analysis

THE RELATIONSHIP between economic growth and environmental quality has been a source of great controversy for a very long time. At one extreme has been the view that greater economic activity inevitably leads to environmental degradation and ultimately to possible economic and ecological collapse. At the other extreme is the view that those environmental problems worth solving will be addressed more or less automatically as a consequence of economic growth. The longevity and passion of this debate has, in part, been a reflection of the lack of substantial empirical evidence on how environmental quality changes at different income levels. Compilation of such evidence has been constrained by the absence of data for a large number of countries. While data remain a problem, the situation is much improved and this paper takes a first step at systematic analysis of what data are available (see Appendix I for details). A number of caveats are in order. The data on environmental quality are patchy at best, but are likely to improve over time with better monitoring. Comparability across countries is affected by definitional differences and by inaccuracies and unrepresentative measurement sites. At this stage of knowledge, this paper has the modest objective of opening up the empirical debate using a relatively simple modeling technique applied on a consistent basis to a large number of environmental quality indicators and countries. The relationship between income and the costs and benefits associated with any given level of environmental quality is complex because it operates through a number of different channels, such as preferences, technology, and economic structure. The types of environmental degradation that occur depend on the composition of output, which changes with income. Some income levels are often associated with increases in certain polluting activities such as the development of heavy industry whereas economies with large service sectors may generate less pollution. There is a view that rising incomes imply that the cost of environmental degradation is greater because the wages used to value the opportunity cost of illness or work days lost are higher. This would imply increases in marginal benefits as incomes rise. But the poor are often the most exposed and vulnerable to the health and productivity losses associated with a degraded environment. There are some environmental problems where thresholds like survival are at stake. Here, the willingness to pay to avert damage is close to infinity and the level of per capita income only affects the capacity, not the willingness, to pay. With other environmental issues, most of
Variations on error diffusion: retrospectives and future trends

Grayscale error diffusion introduces nonlinear distortion (directional artifacts and false textures), linear distortion (sharpening), and additive noise. Since error diffusion is 2-D sigma-delta modulation (Anastassiou, 1989), Kite et al. linearize error diffusion by replacing the thresholding quantizer with a scalar gain plus additive noise. Sharpening is proportional to the scalar gain. Kite et al. derive the sharpness control parameter value in threshold modulation (Eschbach and Knox, 1991) to compensate linear distortion. These unsharpened halftones are particularly useful in perceptually weighted SNR measures. False textures at mid-gray (Fan and Eschbach, 1994) are due to limit cycles, which can be broken up by using a deterministic bit flipping quantizer (Damera-Venkata and Evans, 2001). We review other variations on grayscale error diffusion to reduce false textures in shadow and highlight regions, including green noise halftoning Levien, 1993) and tone-dependent error diffusion (Li and Allebach, 2002). We then discuss color error diffusion in several forms: color plane separable (Kolpatzik and Bouman, 1992); vector quantization (Shaked et al. 1996); green noise extensions (Lau et al. 2000); and matrix-valued error filters (Damera-Venkata and Evans, 2001). We conclude with open research problems.
FATTY CIRRHOSIS IN THE RAT. VII. INFLUENCE OF DIFFERENT LEVELS OF DIETARY FAT ON EARLY DEPOSITION OF FAT IN LIVER.

SummaryLiver fat accumulation was studied in groups of young rats fed one of 3 low protein diets containing, respectively, 5%, 20% and 38% lard. Each diet furnished the same quantity of protein (casein and soy-α-protein). The rapidity and magnitude of fat accumulation was greatest in rats fed the 38% lard diet and least in those receiving the one containing 5% lard. In previous studies the same diets were fed for 15 weeks: the 38% lard diet produced the greatest incidence and the most severe degree of cirrhosis, whereas the group fed the 5% lard diet had the least severe degree of liver damage. The severity of the fatty cirrhosis that ultimately develops in choline deficient rats is chiefly determined by rate and magnitude of fat accumulation in the liver in the first 3 weeks of the experiment.
Assimilating concentration observations for transport and dispersion modeling in a meandering wind field

Assimilating concentration data into an atmospheric transport and dispersion model can provide information to improve downwind concentration forecasts. The forecast model is typically a one-way coupled set of equations: the meteorological equations impact the concentration, but the concentration does not generally affect the meteorological field. Thus, indirect methods of using concentration data to influence the meteorological variables are required. The problem studied here involves a simple wind field forcing Gaussian dispersion. Two methods of assimilating concentration data to infer the wind direction are demonstrated. The first method is Lagrangian in nature and treats the puff as an entity using feature extraction coupled with nudging. The second method is an Eulerian field approach akin to traditional variational approaches, but minimizes the error by using a genetic algorithm (GA) to directly optimize the match between observations and predictions. Both methods show success at inferring the wind field. The GA-variational method, however, is more accurate but requires more computational time. Dynamic assimilation of a continuous release modeled by a Gaussian plume is also demonstrated using the genetic algorithm approach.
Laterality and School Achievement: Interactions between Familial Handedness and Assessed Laterality

179 8- to 12-yr.-old children received hand-preference, eye-preference, dichotic (digits and nonverbal sounds) tests, and the Wide Range Achievement Test. These data and those from previous studies suggest that brain organization for receptive language laterality can be predicted by familial handedness in conjunction with assessed hand-eye preference. A model of optimum functional ear laterality patterns within a given brain organization is advanced. For example, the “typical” pattern of a right-ear (left-hemisphere) advantage for verbal stimuli was associated with high achievement scores only for right-handed individuals with a family history of dextrality.
Relationships between environmental variables and benthic diatom assemblages in California Central Valley streams (USA)

This study examines distributional patterns of benthic diatom assemblages in relation to environmental characteristics in streams and rivers in the California Central Valley ecoregion. Benthic diatoms, water quality, and physical habitat conditions were characterized from 53 randomly selected sites. The stream sites were characterized by low mid-channel canopy cover and high channel substrate embeddedness. The waters at these sites were enriched with minerals and turbidity varied from 1.3 to 185.0 NTU with an average of 13.5 NTU. A total of 249 diatom taxa were identified. Average taxa richness was 41 with a range of 7–76. The assemblages were dominated by Staurosira construens (11%), Epithemia sorex (8%), Cocconeis placentula (7%), and Nitzschia amphibia (6%). Multivariate analyses (cluster analysis, classification tree analysis, and canonical correspondence analysis) all showed that benthic diatom assemblages were mainly affected by channel morphology, in-stream habitat, and riparian conditions. The 1st CCA axis negatively correlated with mean wetted channel width (r = −0.66) and thalweg depth (r = −0.65) (Table 4). The 2nd axis correlated with % coarse substrates (r=0.60). Our results suggest that benthic diatoms can be used for assessing physical habitat alterations in streams.
Behavioral risk factors among Arizonans with epilepsy: Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System 2005/2006.

Modifiable risk factors to help improve health outcomes for people with epilepsy in Arizona were identified using the 2005–2006 Arizona Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS). Of 9524 adults who participated in this survey, 125 reported ever being diagnosed with epilepsy (lifetime prevalence = 1.3%, 95% CI = 1.1–1.6%). Individuals with active epilepsy (those who had seizures in the prior 3 months and/or were taking anticonvulsants) had an overall lower quality of life. This likely resulted from a large number of medical comorbidities and poor mental and physical health days. Regression models suggested that for individuals with active epilepsy, physical activity was associated with fewer activity-limited days, whereas for individuals with inactive epilepsy, medical comorbidity was positively associated with activity-limited days. Further research is needed to increase the reliability of the findings.
Mice lacking alpha-synuclein are resistant to mitochondrial toxins

Abstract Abnormalities in the function of α-synuclein are implicated in the pathogenesis of Parkinson's disease (PD). We found that α-synuclein-deficient mice are resistant to MPTP-induced degeneration of dopaminergic neurons. There was dose-dependent protection against loss of both dopamine in the striatum and dopamine transporter (DAT) immunoreactive neurons in the substantia nigra. These effects were not due to alterations in MPTP processing. We found that α-synuclein-deficient mice are also resistant to both malonate and 3-nitropropionic acid (3-NP) neurotoxicity. There was reduced generation of reactive oxygen species in α-synuclein-deficient mice following administration of 3-NP. These findings implicate α-synuclein as a modulator of oxidative damage, which has been implicated in neuronal death produced by MPTP and other mitochondrial toxins.
Analytical expressions of variability in ecosystem structure and function obtained from three-dimensional stochastic vegetation modelling

Whole ecosystem exchange of water, carbon and energy is predominately determined by complex leaf-level processes occurring at individual plants. Interaction between individuals results in a distribution of environmental conditions that drive a variety of nonlinear response functions such as transpiration and photosynthesis. The nonlinearity of biophysical processes requires higher-order statistical descriptions of micro-environment distributions in order to accurately determine the landscape-scale mean functional response. We present a mathematical framework for describing vegetation structure based on the density, dispersion, size distribution and allometry of individuals within a landscape. Using three-dimensional stochastic vegetation modelling, we develop analytic expressions of the second-order statistics of vegetation canopies, namely the mean and variance of leaf area density and leaf area index with height. These expressions also allow for the approximation of the distribution of beam penetration and sunfleck statistics through the canopy as a function of height. Finally, we demonstrate how landscape-scale fluxes are strongly affected by the variability in canopy micro-environments, and how stochastic vegetation modelling improves flux estimates relative to traditional homogeneous canopy models.
Floods of 1935 in the Republican River

[The content of this paper is largely given in Water-Supply Paper 796-B “Flood on Republican and Kansas rivers, May and June 1935” by Robert Follansbee and J. B. Spiegel, published in 1937 by the United States Geological Survey.]
Collision Strengths and Line Strengths for All Transitions among the Levels of the 1s2l2l' Configurations of Li-like Ions

Abstract Collision strengths and electric-dipole line strengths have been calculated for all fine-structure transitions among the levels of the 1 s 2 l 2 l ′ configurations in 19 Li-like ions with nuclear charge number Z in the range 6 ⩽ Z ⩽ 74. From these results the collision strengths and line strengths for transitions between energy terms and their analogs in jj coupling can also be obtained. The collision strength data cover impact-electron energies ⩽3.25 Z 2 Ry or 44.2 Z 2 eV. The effects of configuration mixing, parentage mixing, and intermediate coupling have been included in the calculations. The method used in calculating the collision strengths is a Coulomb-Born-Exchange method well suited for treating many members of an isoelectronic sequence simultaneously. The complete results have been given in terms of fits to simple functions of the impact-electron energy that are readily integrated over a Maxwellian distribution to obtain collision rates.
Math modeling and GA approach to simultaneously make overtime decisions, load cells and sequence products

The problem studied in this paper was inspired from an actual textile company. The problem is more complex than usual scheduling problems in that we need to decide additional capacity requirements at the same time we make scheduling decisions. It is assumed that tardy jobs are lost sales and since this is not desirable, we allow overtime to minimize the number of tardy jobs. However, overtime brings additional costs to a company. Therefore, the overall objective is to maximize profits. We propose both a Mathematical Model and a Genetic Algorithm (GA) approach to solve this problem. We experimented with 20-job, 30-job, 40-job, 50-job, 60-job, 70-job, 80-job and 90-job problems in the paper. Math model was fast in solving 20-job and 30-job problems. GA found optimal solutions with a high frequency in these job categories as well. GA found near optimal solutions for large problems that Math Model could find optimal solution. GA includes some newly proposed mutation operators, dynamic and twin. The proposed twin mutation strategy produced the best results in all problem sizes. Finally, OPL software was run with 2-min restriction for large problems where optimal solutions could not be found due to memory restrictions. In this case, ''Best-so-far'' results obtained from OPL runs outperformed corresponding GA results in all instances. The paper concludes that math model is the preferred solution approach for the problem on hand.
An agenda for public health.

The tenure of C. Everett Koop as Surgeon General of the United States Public Health Service will surely provide paradox for American public health history. Following a distinguished career as a noted pediatric surgeon, his confirmation to the office of Surgeon General in I982 was hotly contested. Yet during his service as Surgeon General, many original opponents of his nomination (including the American Public Health Association) have become his supporters, while some ardent former admirers are now bitter adversaries. Nearly all would agree upon the powerful influence he continues to have on our lives and our times. Dr. Koop has maximized the symbolic authority of the Surgeon General's office in a manner, to a degree, and in directions unanticipated by his defenders and detractors alike. Through a fortuitous conjunction of his own substantial leadership qualities with the extraordinary health challenges of our day has come a dramatic and lasting impact upon our society and the health of our people. Dr. Koop is more popularly known to the American public than any Surgeon General in our history. He has made himself readily available and open to the print and electronic media, and pursued a heavy schedule of personal appearances across the country. His bearded patriarchal countenance, his resplendent white uniform, his serious demeanor, his gift for language, his agile interview skills-all have combined to make for a notably conspicuous and impressive figure, naturally compatible
Arabinogalactan proteins in plant sexual reproduction

Arabinogalactan proteins (AGPs) are a class of plant extracellular-matrix proteins believed to participate in a broad range of processes involving the plant cell surface. They are extremely abundant in female reproductive tissues and in pollen tubes, the haploid male structures that traverse the diploid female reproductive tissues to deliver sperms to the egg cells. The prevalence of AGPs in reproductive tissues has led to speculations that they play significant functional roles ranging from serving as nutrient resources to cell-cell recognition in plant reproduction. Recent research from several laboratories demonstrated functional participation by AGPs in reproductive processes and began to examine the mechanisms underlying these functional roles. An overview of these recent studies will be discussed with a historical perspective as well as with a view towards future studies in establishing the significance of AGPs that, as a class, they have prominent roles in plant sexual reproduction in multiple and diverse ways.
Characteristics and stability of a new cytoplasmic-nuclear male-sterile source in pearl millet

In 3 yr, male-sterile plants with A 1 cytoplasm averaged 0.91 fertile revertant events per 1000 inflorescences, while no fertile revertants were observed for plants with A m cytoplasm. The number of fertile revertants for A 1 cytoplasm increased with age of seed fro 1 to 3 yr. Seeds stored at 24 o C produced plants with significantly more fertile revertants than seeds stored at 5 or −5 o C. Differences in seed germination and vigor of seedlings with A 1 and A m cytoplasms were nonsignificant or of little practical significance. The new cytoplasm, desiganted A 4 , is different from A 1 , A 2 and A 3 cytoplasms based on fertility of hybrids, morphological characters, and stability
Absence epilepsy in children: the role of EEG in monitoring response to treatment

We report the use of repeat electroencephalography (EEG) in the management of 69 patients with childhood-onset absence epilepsy (CAE). Electro-clinical absences were demonstrated in seven children who were felt clinically to have persisting absences. In three of the remaining 62 patients who were thought to be seizure-free, repeat EEG showed electro-clinical absences; revision of AEDs in these three children resulted in clinical and EEG control. EEG is a useful adjunct to the (usual) subjective monitoring of the response to treatment, and should be repeated routinely in all patients with CAE.
High-efficiency rapidly programmable optical interconnections

An array of optical Fredkin gates implemented by optically controlled waveguide couplers is shown to constitute a very efficient and versatile optical interconnection network with parallel addressing capabilities. The characteristics of the array are analyzed using linear algebra to indicate interconnect programming procedures. In terms of SNR this network is estimated to be comparable with previously proposed architectures. However, from many other aspects (light transmission efficiency, number of switching elements, speed, and fault tolerance) it has significant advantages.
Spin dynamics of Gd at high temperatures

The magnetic excitation spectra of Gd were measured by neutron inelastic scattering over the entire Brillouin zone in the direction at temperatures from 250 to 850 K (/ital T//sub /ital c//=293 K). The data were fitted to a damped-harmonic-oscillator form for the spectral weight function and were placed on an absolute cross-section basis. Wave-vector-dependent susceptibilities were obtained by integration over energy. They clearly show the presence of static spin correlations even at /ital T/=850 K. At /ital T/greater than or equal to/ital T//sub /ital c// we observe a crossover from spin-diffusive motion at small /ital q/ to spin-wave behavior at large /ital q/. The wave vector /ital q//sub /ital c// at which this crossover occurs is determined by the ratio of the damping parameter to the second moment, , of the frequency distribution. Surprisingly, remains independent of temperature above /ital T//sub /ital c//, and the temperature dependence of /ital q//sub /ital c// is therefore determined by a gradual change in the damping. This results in a very weak /ital q//sub /ital c//-versus-/ital T/ dependence, which is not consistent with a magnetic short-range-order interpretation for the existence of spin waves above /ital T//sub /ital c//.
Assessing indirect effects of oil in the presence of natural variation: The problem of reproductive failure in South Polar Skuas during the Bahia Paraiso oil spill

Abstract A population-wide mortality of South Polar Skua chicks occurred during a small diesel-oil spill at Palmer Station, Antarctica in 1989. It was hypothesized that sublethal oiling of adult South Polar Skuas temporarily disrupted parental guarding of chicks. Unattended chicks were preyed on by other skuas, and all known chicks within the local population were lost. Subsequently, other researchers have proposed that this reproductive failure was unrelated to the presence of oil. Natural variation producing food shortages or storms in critical periods occasionally may result in reproductive failure among seabirds. Here, evidence for these alternative hypotheses is examined. This controversy illuminates the general problem of determining the effects of an oil spill on natural populations, whose numbers and reproductive success vary both in time and space.
SAT1 and glioblastoma multiforme: Disarming the resistance

Glioblastoma multiforme is the most common and most detrimental form of brain tumor, with a current survival time of as little as 14 months. We have recently identified a novel mechanism of therapeutic resistance based on overexpression of the polyamine catabolic enzyme spermidine/spermine N1-acetyltransferase, which promotes DNA repair via chromatin modification.
Correlation techniques for scan parameter selection in synchronous luminescence spectroscopy

Abstract Correlation techniques are applied to synchronous luminescence spectroscopy for parameter optimization. The synchronous process is mathematically similar to the correlation definition with each correlation point representing the integration of a synchronous spectrum at a selected wavelength interval. Room temperature fluorescence, low temperature fluorescence and low temperature phosphorescence examples are included, demonstrating the utility of correlation techniques in synchronous luminescence spectroscopy.
Corrigendum to "Conditional Aurora A deficiency differentially affects early mouse embryo patterning" [Dev. Biol. 371 (2012) 77-85]

Corrigendum to ‘‘Conditional Aurora A deficiency differentially affects early mouse embryo patterning’’ [Dev. Biol. 371 (2012) 77–85] Yeonsoo Yoon , Dale O. Cowley , Judith Gallant , Stephen N. Jones , Terry Van Dyke , Jaime A. Rivera-Perez a,n a Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA 01655, USA b Department of Genetics and Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
Associations between Academic Performance of Division 1 College Athletes and Their Perceptions of the Effects of Anabolic Steroids

Data on the relationship between academic performance (grade point average) of college athletes and their perceptions of the effects of anabolic steroids on their sport and their performance were collected from Division 1 athletes (N = 1,638) representing 12 varsity sports chosen from five universities nationwide. The response rate was 74%. Analysis yielded differences between athletes with high and low GPAs in perceptions of the effects of anabolic steroids. The lower the GPA, the less likely the athletes were to believe that anabolic steroids are a threat to health, are a problem in their sport, and are addictive. Also, they were more likely to believe that anabolic steroids enhance performance.
Characterization of formulation parameters affecting low molecular weight drug release from in situ forming drug delivery systems

In situ forming implants (ISFI) have shown promise in delivering adjuvant chemotherapy following minimally invasive cancer therapies such as thermal ablation of tumors. Although ISFI systems have been thoroughly investigated for delivery of high molecular weight (Mw) therapeutics, little research has been conducted to optimize their design for delivery of low Mw drugs. This study examined the effect of varying the formulation components on the low Mw drug release profile from a ISFI consisting of poly(D,L-lactide-co-glycolide) (PLGA), fluorescein (model drug), and excipient dissolved in 1-methyl-2-pyrrolidinone (NMP). Effects of varying PLGA Mw, excipient concentration, and drug loading were studied. Additionally, solubility studies were conducted to determine the critical water concentration required for phase inversion. Results demonstrated that PLGA Mw was the most significant factor in modulating low Mw drug release from the ISFI systems. ISFI formulations comprised of a low Mw (16 kDa) PLGA showed a significantly (p < 0.05) lower burst release (after 24 h), 28.2 +/- 0.5%, compared with higher Mw PLGA (60 kDa), 55.1 +/- 3.1%. Critical water concentration studies also demonstrated that formulations with lower Mw PLGA had increased solubility in water and may thus require more time to phase invert and release the drug.
Improving informed consent: suggestions from parents of children with leukemia.

OBJECTIVE. The objective of this study was to report suggestions for improving the informed consent process from the perspective of parents of children with leukemia. METHODS. Recommendations for improving informed consent were elicited from 140 parents of children who had been offered participation in a randomized clinical trial for the treatment of their acute leukemia. Four different methods and data collection time points were used with this group of parents, including open-ended, in-person interviews within 72 hours after the informed consent conference; follow-up telephone interviews 6 months after diagnosis; focus groups during year 3 of the project; and a parent advisory group on informed consent meeting in year 4. RESULTS. The most frequently cited suggestions for improving informed consent during the interviews and focus groups related to giving parents more time to make their decision, the amount and type of information provided, organization of the consent conference, communication style, and providing additional materials. During the parent advisory group on informed consent meeting, parents developed specific guidelines for organization of the information that is presented during the consent process that include 7 major components: timing, sequence, checklist, checking for understanding, anticipatory guidance, segue into randomized clinical trial discussion with historical perspective, and choice. CONCLUSIONS. Through the incorporation of parental perspectives that provide an authentic stakeholder voice, our research represents a true partnership approach to improving the consent process. Parents provided practical advice for improving informed consent that can be applied to most adult and pediatric patient populations.
Interfacial properties of dilute polymer solutions

Abstract The linearly elastic dumbbell is used to model dilute polymer solutions with an interface which preferentially attracts or repels the polymer. Expressions are derived for the three-dimensional solution properties near the surface, such as the number density of dumbbells and stress, and also the two-dimensional properties which can be assigned to the surface, such as adsorption, surface tension, and surface rheological properties. A relationship is found between surface equilibrium properties and surface rheological properties, suggesting a method to predict the dynamic properties of the surface solely from measurements of equilibrium surface tension. The surface rheological properties are anisotropic, indicating that for most shearing flows a single surface viscosity is insufficient to describe the flow. In thin films a stabilization mechanism occurs when single polymer molecules straddle the film. This could retard the draining of thinning films.
Clinical characteristics of mild autism in adults.

GLANCE AT the history of medicine reveals that the most serious forms of major diseases are usually described first. These “classic cases” form the templates by which diagnosticians initially evaluated their patients; so it has been with autism. Kanner’s’ classic cases provided templates for the National Society for Autistic Children (NSAC),’ DSM-III, and DSM-III-R definitions of autism. Because they were based on severe cases, they included the onset of observable symptoms before age 30 months (NSAC and DSM-III) and during early childhood (DSM-III-R) as a diagnostic criteria. This ensured, by definition, that only cases with symptoms severe enough to be noted during infancy or early childhood would be diagnosed. The diagnostic dilemma posed by patients with only a few, mild- or late-appearing symptoms is exemplified by the current resurgence of interest in Asperger’s syndrome and siblings of autistic patients who are labeled as having cognitive/social dysfunction, severe social dysfunction and isolation, cognitive dysfunction, and pervasive developmental disability NOS (PDD-NOS, DSM).‘-lx Whether these patients have mild autism or a separate disease is being studied throughout the world. Pending the dis
Toxicity of chlorinated benzenes to fathead minnows (Pimephales promelas).

The toxicities of several chlorinated benzene compounds to fathead minnows (Pimephales promelas) were determined. Chronic toxicities were estimated from 32–33 day embryo through early juvenile development exposures. The ranges between the highest no observable effect concentration (NOEC) and lowest observed effect concentration (LOEC) were 1,000–2,300, 570–1,000, and 240–410 μg/L for 1,3-dichlorobenzene (1,3-DCB), 1,4-dichlorobenzene (1,4-DCB), and 1,2,3,4-tetrachlorobenzene (1,2,3,4-TCB), respectively. Pentachlorobenzene (Penta-CB) and hexachlorobenzene (HCB) were non-toxic at the highest concentrations of 55 and 4.8 μg/L (near water saturation), respectively, that could be maintained in the test chambers. The tissue concentrations associated with the NOEC and LOEC for 1,3-DCB, 1,4-DCB and 1,2,3,4,-TCB were 120–160, 70–100, and 640–1,100 μg of chemical per gram of fish tissue (wet weight), respectively. The mean Penta-CB and HCB tissue concentration obtained at the NOEC of 55 and 4.8 μg/L were 390 and 97 μg/g, respectively. Mean bioconcentration factors obtained in these tests were 97, 110, 2,400, 8,400 and 22,000 for 1,3-DCB, 1,4-DCB, 1,2,3,4-TCB, Penta-CB and HCB, respectively. At a Penta-CB concentration of 130 μg/L (near water saturation) in a six day exposure conducted in the reservoir of the chemical saturating apparatus and control, juvenile fathead minnow behavior was affected and lipid content was reduced when compared to the control. Ninety-six hr LC50 values, obtained with juvenile fish, for 1,3-DCB, 1,4-DCB, and 1,2,3,4-TCB were 7,800, 4,200, and 1,100 (μg/L, respectively.
Host range of avian influenza virus in free-living birds

Isolation of avian influenza virus (AIV) has been reported from 12 orders and 88 species of free-living birds. Most isolations are reported from species in the orders Anseriformes and Charadriiformes and it is recognized that species in Anseriformes represent important reservoirs of AIV. Morbidity and mortality among free-living birds attributable to AIV infection are rare, but differences in prevalence of AIV occur within and between avian species. Seasonal variation has been reported from free-living and sentinel ducks with peak AIV infection occurring in late summer and early fall. Prevalence of AIV is age-related, with highest isolation rates reported from juvenile birds. Differences in susceptibility to AIV infection among species have been demonstrated under experimental conditions. The dynamics and epidemiology of species-related variation in populations of free-living birds require further study.
Continuum models for irregular phase boundary motion in shape-memory tensile bars

We consider quasi-static displacement-controlled loading through one stress cycle of a shape-memory tensile bar modeled as a one-dimensional, two-phase elastic solid. Our objective is to explore the effect on the associated hysteresis loop of various qualitatively different types of kinetic relations, bearing in mind certain features of such loops that have been observed experimentally. We show that when the model involves a kinetic relation that is ‘unstable’ in a definite sense, ‘stick-slip’ motion of the interface between phases and serration of the accompanying stress-elongation curve are both predicted at slow elongation rates. We also show that a ‘nonhomogeneous’ kinetic relation intended to model the effect of micro-obstacles on interface motion also leads to irregular interface motion and a serrated stress-elongation curve, in this case at all elongation rates.
Meridian circulation in differentially rotating stars

We formulate the first order theory of meridian circulation in radiative zones of approximate chemical homogeneity so as to allow calculation of circulation velocities in a star subject to an arbitrary axially symmetric angular velocity ω(r, θ). The calculation includes circulation due to perturbations in the nuclear burning rate. The formalism agrees with previous calculations relevant to special cases, and assumes maximum simplicity for rotation on cylinders. We find two types of steady state configurations: (1) rotation according to a special class of distributions ω(r, θ) which drive no currents, and (2) rotation according to arbitrary ω(r, θ), but with a correction to the molecular weight μ such that the net circulation velocity is zero. We find that a small μ gradient can quench the circulation in many cases. In particular, we conclude that a large differential rotation in the Sun might have escaped disruption by meridian currents, for a μ stratification of a few parts in 103.
Translational and rotational dynamics of collagen in dilute solution

The translational and rotational dynamics, including the translational−rotational coupling, of collagen in an aqueous 0.25 mg/mL solution of 0.1 N HCl were studied by polarized dynamic light scatte...
Effects of intramammary endotoxin infusion on milking-induced oxytocin release

Abstract One overt sign of clinical coliform mastitis in dairy cows is the failure to eject milk normally or to "milk out" the udder. The effect, if any, of coliform mastitis on oxytocin release is unknown. Therefore, the objective of this study was to determine the effect of endotoxin mastitis on milking-induced release of oxytocin in lactating cows. Fifteen multiparous pregnant lactating Holstein cows were divided into three groups of 5 cows each. Cows in group 1 served as controls and received an intramammary infusion of sterile physiological saline. Cows in groups 2 and 3 received intramammary infusions of 12.5 and 25 μ g of Escherichia coli endotoxin, respectively. Serum concentrations of oxytocin were measured by radioimmunoassay before, during, and after milkings commencing at 6 and 12h after treatment. Rectal temperatures and milk SCC were monitored to follow the course of inflammation and to verify the biological activity of infused endotoxin. Endotoxin resulted in a 1.5- to 2-fold increase in milking-induced oxytocin release compared with that of control treatments. The effect was most prominent during the first 6h after infusion and coincided with the peak pyretic response. This study shows that endotoxin-induced mastitis potentiates, rather than inhibits, milking-induced oxytocin release.
The salmonid myostatin gene family: a novel model for investigating mechanisms that influence duplicate gene fate

Most fishes possess two paralogs for myostatin, a muscle growth inhibitor, while salmonids are presumed to have four: mstn1a, mstn1b, mstn2a and mstn2b, a pseudogene. The mechanisms responsible for preserving these duplicates as well as the depth of mstn2b nonfunctionalization within the family remain unknown. We therefore characterized several genomic clones in order to better define species and gene phylogenies. Gene organization and sequence conservation was particularly evident among paralog groupings and within salmonid subfamilies. All mstn2b sequences included in-frame stop codons, confirming its nonfunctionalization across taxa, although the indels and polymorphisms responsible often differed. For example, the specific indels within the Onchorhynchus tshawytscha and O. nerka genes were remarkably similar and differed equally from other mstn2b orthologs. A phylogenetic analysis weakly established a mstn2b clade including only these species, which coupled with a shared 51 base pair deletion might suggest a history involving hybridization or a shared phylogenetic history. Furthermore, mstn2 introns all lacked conserved splice site motifs, suggesting that the tissue-specific processing of mstn2a transcripts, but not those of mstn2b, is due to alternative cis regulation and is likely a common feature in salmonids. It also suggests that limited transcript processing may have contributed to mstn2b nonfunctionalization. Previous studies revealed divergence within gene promoters while the current studies provide evidence for relaxed or positive selection in some coding sequence lineages. These results together suggest that the salmonid myostatin gene family is a novel resource for investigating mechanisms that regulate duplicate gene fate as paralog specific differences in gene expression, transcript processing and protein structure are all suggestive of active divergence.
Advancing Global Capacity for Engineering Education Research (AGCEER): Relating Research to Practice, Policy, and Industry

Background We report on the results of a joint initiative between the European Journal of Engineering Education and Journal of Engineering Education titled Advancing Global Capacity for Engineering Education Research (AGCEER). More specifically, we present findings from a series of moderated interactive sessions held at international engineering education conferences between July 2007 and December 2008, where participants were asked to discuss the current state and future trajectory of engineering education research. Purpose (Hypothesis) How did AGCEER session attendees describe: (1) the relationship between engineering education research and educational practice, policy considerations, and industry, and (2) important stakeholders, mechanisms/strategies, and challenges for relating research to practice, policy, and industry? Design/Method Thematic analysis was used to categorize and understand the textual data of report back transcripts and note pages from ten AGCEER sessions involving 300 participants on six continents. An open coding procedure was used to capture issues raised in each of the sessions on the relation of research to practice, policy, and industry. Results We observed frequent discussion and widespread consensus among AGCEER participants about the need to relate engineering education research to the practice of engineering teaching. Discussions about relating research to policy and industry remain formative, but appear to be gaining traction. Conclusions We propose a cyclic model to better conceptualize how engineering education research can be strategically related to practice, profession, and industry across diverse local and global contexts.
An analysis of park-and-ride provision at light rail stations across the US

Abstract Whether to provide a park-and-ride facility is a key decision for transit agencies when they are planning for a new or expanded rail system. We seek to better understand the reasons behind park-and-ride provision by estimating a logit model that predicts the presence of parking at a set of new light rail stations across the US. In terms of station area attributes, this model demonstrates a relatively predictable pattern, with parking facilities more frequently occurring in lower density environments where land is cheap and available. After controlling for station attributes, certain transit operators exhibit a greater propensity to provide park-and-ride facilities (e.g., those that serve multiple jurisdictions, have large service areas, and rely heavily on local funding). Further, parking provision also varies based on the characteristics of the municipality in which the station is located. Stations within municipalities that use mayor-council forms of government, for example, are more likely to include parking.
Daytime rest behavior of the Welsh pony (Equus caballus) mare and foal

Abstract Upright and recumbent rest of 15 Welsh pony foals and their mothers was studied over a 2 year period. During their first week of life, the foals spent 32% of the time in recumbent rest. Subsequently, the percentage of time spent in recumbent rest decreased, but was still greater than for the foal's mother by Week 21, when the foals spent 6.5% of their time in recumbent rest. Adults spent little time in recumbent rest. Foals rested upright only 3.5% of the time during their first week of life. Mares rested upright more than foals did to Week 13, at which time peak values for time spent in upright rest occurred for both mares (32.5%) and foals (23%). Subsequently, mares and foals spent equal, but decreasing, amounts of time resting upright. The total time spent resting by the foals decreased gradually, and was characterized by a transition from recumbent rest to upright rest. Foals were more likely to be resting, either recumbent or upright, if their mother was resting upright. During the late spring, summer, and early autumn, mares and foals were most likely to be resting upright between 09:00 and 17:00 h.
DEVELOPMENT AND STABILITY OF INTERMEDIATE MOISTURE CHEESE ANALOGS FROM ISOLATED SOYBEAN PROTEINS

Intermediate moisture cheese analogs (IMCA), based on soy beans, were fabricated by the blending method from an aqueous emulsion containing primarily soybean protein isolate, casein, hydrogenated vegetable oil, decaglycerol decaoleate, glycerol, salt and sorbitol. Potassium sorbate was used as a mycostatic agent. Water activity of different IMC A preparations was controlled at levels of 0.83 to 0.91; and pH at 5.0, 5.5 and 6.5. Organoleptic properties, mechanical properties and microbial stability were tested. The IMCA product with a aw of 0.87 and pH of 5.7 was the most acceptable, with a shelf life of about 3 months.
NGSPE: A pipeline for end-to-end analysis of DNA sequencing data and comparison between different platforms

We present NGSPE, a pipeline for variation discovery and genotyping of pair-ended Illumina next generation sequencing (NGS) data (http://ngspeanalysis.sourceforge.net/). This pipeline not only describes a set of sequential analytical steps, such as short reads alignment, genotype calling and functional variation annotation that can be conducted using open-source software tools, but also provides users a set of scripts to install the dependent software and resources and implement the pipeline on their data. A sample summary report including the concordance rate between data generated by this pipeline and different resources as well as the comparison between replication samples of two commercial platforms from Illumina and Complete Genomics is also provided. Furthermore, some of the mutations identified by the pipeline were verified using Sanger sequencing.