cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Kinesin-2 and IFT-A act as a complex promoting nuclear localization of β-catenin during Wnt signalling.

Wnt/Wg-signalling is critical signalling in all metazoans. Recent studies suggest that IFT-A proteins and Kinesin-2 modulate canonical Wnt/Wg-signalling independently of their ciliary role. Whether they function together in Wnt-signalling and their mechanistic role in the pathway remained unresolved. Here we demonstrate that Kinesin-2 and IFT-A proteins act as a complex during Drosophila Wg-signalling, affecting pathway activity in the same manner, interacting genetically and physically, and co-localizing with β-catenin, the mediator of Wnt/Wg-signalling on microtubules. Following pathway activation, Kinesin-2/IFT-A mutant cells exhibit high cytoplasmic β-catenin levels, yet fail to activate Wg-targets. In mutant tissues in both, Drosophila and mouse/MEFs, nuclear localization of β-catenin is markedly reduced. We demonstrate a conserved, motor-domain dependent function of the Kinesin-2/IFT-A complex in promoting nuclear translocation of β-catenin. We show that this is mediated by protecting β-catenin from a conserved cytoplasmic retention process, thus identifying a mechanism for Kinesin-2/IFT-A in Wnt-signalling that is independent of their ciliary role. IFT-A proteins and Kinesin-2 modulate canonical Wnt/Wg-signalling independent of their ciliary role, but how is unclear. Here, the authors show that Kinesin-2 and IFT-A act as a complex to promote nuclear translocation of β-catenin in Drosophila and mouse MEF Wnt signalling independent of its ciliary role.
Wilson's Creek, Pea Ridge and Prairie Grove: A Battlefield Guide, with a Section on the Wire Road

Review of: "Wilson's Creek, Pea Ridge, and Prairie Grove: A Battlefield Guide, with a Section on the Wire Road," by Earl J. Hess, Richard W. Hatcher, III, William Garrett Piston, and William L. Shea.
Witnessing a Disaster: Public Use of Digital Technologies in the 2015 South Indian Floods

Mobile phones and social media can be potent tools for members of the public to circulate news and information during natural disasters. Using in-depth interviews, this study examines the case of a...
USING LINEAR REGRESSION TO ANALYZE ECONOMICS CONTENT MASTERY AND LEARNER’S AUTONOMY TOWARDS ENGLISH WRITING COMPETENCE

English is used widely in education area. It is also used in higher education. Many universities put English in the curriculum. In industrial revolution 4.0., English has an important role. English for Economics is needed to prepare students to master business English and English as an international language. Writing is as the focus of English skill in this study. To support good English writing, Economics content mastery is needed before learning English. Learner’s autonomy in the process of writing is also needed for writing development. In this study, economics content mastery and learner’s autonomy were identified to perceive the effect on the competence in English writing. The method used was multiple linear regressions as there were two independent variables in this study. Closed-ended questionnaire was used as the instrument. The result from linear regression showed that there were partial effects and simultaneous effect of economics content mastery and learner’s autonomy towards English writing competence. It means that H1, H2, and H3 were accepted and Ho was rejected in which there were significant effects among the variables. It can be interpreted that economics content while studying English for Economics and learner’s autonomy in terms of independently learning English writing were significantly needed in order to enhance English writing competence. The practical implication from this study is the students do not only need to learn English, but also learn Economics content and develop independent learning for autonomy learning in the process of English for Economics learning activities. Keywords: Writing Competence, English, Economics Content, Learner’s Autonomy
Impact of the Affordable Care Act on Colorectal Cancer Outcomes: A Systematic Review.

Context The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act increases healthcare access and includes provisions that directly impact access to and cost of evidence-based colorectal cancer screening. The Affordable Care Act's removal of cost sharing for colorectal cancer screening as well as Medicaid expansion have been hypothesized to increase screening and improve other health outcomes. However, since its passage in 2010, there is little consensus on the Affordable Care Act's impact. Evidence acquisition Data from March 2010 to June 2019 were reviewed and 21 relevant studies were identified; 19 studies examined colorectal cancer screening with most finding increased screening rates. Evidence synthesis Eleven studies found significant increases, 5 found nonsignificant increases, 3 found nonsignificant decreases, and 1 study found a significant decrease in colorectal cancer screening. Three studies examined the impact on colorectal cancer incidence and stage of diagnosis, where a significant 2.4% increase in early diagnosis was found in one and a nonsignificant increase in incidence in another. However, survival improved after Medicaid expansion. Conclusions Free preventive colorectal cancer screening and Medicaid expansion because of passage of the Affordable Care Act have been, in general, positively associated with modest improvements in screening rates across the country. Future studies are needed that investigate the longer-term impact of the Affordable Care Act on colorectal cancer morbidity and mortality rates, as screening is only the first step in treatment of cancerous and precancerous lesions, preventing them from progressing. Moreover, more studies examining subpopulations are needed to better assess where gaps in care remain.
Analysis of Transit Users’ Response Behavior in Case of Unplanned Service Disruptions:

Public transit disruption is becoming more common across different transit services, and can have a destructive influence on the resiliency of the transportation system. Even though transit agencie...
Performance of Two Fentanyl Immunoassays against a Liquid Chromatography-Tandem Mass Spectrometry Method.

Rapid and automated fentanyl screening assays are in need due to the prevalence of fentanyl abuse. In the present study, we evaluated the clinical performance of two FDA-cleared automated fentanyl immunoassays, the Immunalysis SEFRIA fentanyl assay and the ARK fentanyl assay. Liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS-MS) was used as a gold standard. Two groups of urine specimens were tested, including 225 specimens from patients presenting to the emergency department (ED) for whom urine drugs of abuse screens were ordered and 57 specimens from patients in chronic pain management programs. The SEFRIA assay generated higher assay imprecision than ARK assay (intraday CV%, 7.15 vs. 4.7%; interday CV%, 6.6 vs. 5.3%). Clinical sensitivity and specificity for detection of fentanyl exposure were 100 and 96% for the ARK assay and 95 and 80% for the SEFRIA assay. An 'auto-repeating' issue was observed for some validation specimens flagged with high absorbance values (OD > 3.0), generating false repeat results. The frequency of auto-repeating was lower in the ARK assay than SEFRIA (0.7 vs. 15.5%). Auto-repeating occurred for only previously frozen specimens in the ARK assay, but 9% of fresh specimens were also flagged and repeated in the SEFRIA assay. Positive predictive value (PPV) of the ARK assay was 73% in the ED population and 67% in the non-ED populations. The concentrations of fentanyl and norfentanyl were higher in specimens from ED patients than patients from pain management programs. High prevalence of morphine, methamphetamine, benzoylecgonine and 6-MAM was observed in specimens positive for fentanyl in both populations.
A simulated model for fluid and tissue heating during pediatric laser lithotripsy.

Summary Background Laser lithotripsy (LL) is a common modality for treatment of children and adolescents with nephrolithiasis. Recent introduction of higher-powered lasers may result in more efficacious “dusting” of urinary calculi. However, in vivo animal studies and computational simulations have demonstrated rapid and sustained rise of fluid temperatures with LL, possibly resulting in irreversible tissue damage. How fluid and tissue heating during LL vary with pediatric urinary tract development, however, is unknown. We hypothesize that kidneys of younger children will be more susceptible to changes in fluid temperature and therefore tissue damage than those of older children. Methods Computational simulations were developed for LL in children utilizing COMSOL Multiphysics finite-element modeling software. Simulation parameters were varied, including the child's age (3, 8, and 12 years), flow of irrigation fluid (gravity – 5 mL/min or continuous pressure flow – 40 mL/min), treatment location (renal pelvis, ureter, calyx), and power settings (5 W – 40 W). Using a simplified axisymmetric geometry to represent the collecting space, the model accounted for heat transfer via diffusion, convection, perfusion, and heat sourcing as well as tissue properties and blood flow of the urothelium and renal parenchyma. Laminar and heat-induced convection flow were simulated, assuming room-temperature ureteroscopic irrigation. Renal size was varied by age, based on normative values. The maximum fluid temperature after 60 s of simulated LL was captured. Thermal dose was calculated using the t43 equivalence of 240 min as a threshold for tissue damage, as was tissue volume at risk for irreversible cellular damage. Results Simulation with gravity flow irrigation revealed generation of thermal doses sufficient to cause tissue injury for all ages at 20 W and 40 W power settings. Higher temperatures were seen in younger ages across all power settings. Temperature increases were dampened with intermittent laser activity and continuous pressure flow irrigation. Conclusions Smaller renal size is more susceptible to thermal changes induced by LL. However, power settings equal to or greater than 20 W can result in temperatures high enough for tissue damage at any age. Continuous pressure flow and intermittent laser activity may mitigate the potential thermal damage from high power LL. Download : Download high-res image (115KB) Download : Download full-size image Summary Fig. . Max temperature (°C) at 5 mL/min flow in the ureter (A), renal pelvis (B), and renal calyx (C).
Quantitative Assessment of Satellite L-Band Vegetation Optical Depth in the U.S. Corn Belt

Satellite L-band vegetation optical depth (L-VOD) contains new information about terrestrial ecosystems. However, it has not been evaluated against the geophysical variable that it represents, plant water, the mass of liquid water contained within vegetation tissue per ground area. We quantitatively assess the seasonal variation of three L-VOD products at the South Fork Core Validation Site in the Corn Belt state of Iowa where L-VOD is directly proportional to crop plant water. We use three satellite-scale crop plant water estimates: in situ measurements; a normalized difference water index (NDWI) calibrated with in situ measurements; and a crop model. We find that overall the L-VOD satellite products are 0.02-0.09 Np (0.4-1.7 kg · m⁻²) lower than the three estimates. We show that overestimation of L-VOD can be attributed to dynamic soil surface roughness, and hypothesize that crop plant water observations will require the incorporation of this effect into retrieval algorithms.
Developing Human Skin Contains Lymphocytes Demonstrating a Memory Signature.

Lymphocytes in barrier tissues play critical roles in host defense and homeostasis. These cells take up residence in tissues during defined developmental windows, when they may demonstrate distinct phenotypes and functions. Here, we utilized mass and flow cytometry to elucidate early features of human skin immunity. Although most conventional αβ T (Tconv) cells in fetal skin have a naive, proliferative phenotype, a subset of CD4+ Tconv and CD8+ cells demonstrate memory-like features and a propensity for interferon (IFN)γ production. Skin regulatory T cells dynamically accumulate over the second trimester in temporal and regional association with hair follicle development. These fetal skin regulatory T cells (Tregs) demonstrate an effector memory phenotype while differing from their adult counterparts in expression of key effector molecules. Thus, we identify features of prenatal skin lymphocytes that may have key implications for understanding antigen and allergen encounters in utero and in infancy.
Headache Disparities in African-Americans in the United States: A Narrative Review.

Abstract Objective The goal of this paper is to give a narrative review of the racial/ethnic disparities in African-Americans (AA) found in headache medicine and provide plausible responses to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS) issued Request for information (RFI); “Soliciting Input on Areas of Health Disparities and Inequities in Neurological Disease and/or Care in the United States (US)” as it relates to AA and headache medicine. Background On March 31, 2020 the NINDS issued a RFI “Soliciting Input on Areas of Health Disparities and Inequities in Neurological Disease and/or Care in the US Across the Lifespan”, RFI-NOT–NS–20-026, with response date ending June 15, 2020. 1 However as of June 13, 2020, a PubMed search with key terms “African American Headache disparities” yielded few results. Methods Multi-database search and literature review. Results/Discussion As of June 13, 2020, a PubMed search with key terms “African American (or Black) Headache disparities” yielded 13 results. Searches of “Migraine Disparities Race” and “Migraine disparities African American” both yielded three results with one non-specific for migraine. In, “Headache disparities race” yielded one result in the PsycINFO database and 23 results in Web of Science database. Key areas of adult headache disparity and/or inequity were health care services for migraine treatment are less utilized, follow-up appointments are terminated more regularly, inaccurate diagnoses are more common, acute migraine attack medications are prescribed less frequently, mistrust and lower quality communication with physicians is reported, mistrust, increased migraine burden, frequency, and severity and risk for progression more associated depression and lower quality of life in AAs compared to non-Hispanic Whites. Literature on race-based disparities is even more scarce in pediatric populations, however it has been shown that white children are significantly more likely to receive neuroimaging than others which may indicate biases in pediatric populations. Potential determinants of these race-based disparities, research strategies and approaches vary and are discussed. Conclusions Race-based disparities exist in headache medicine in the US. Research is needed. Research strategies and approaches currently with limited use in neurology and headache medicine may be warranted and appropriate to address race-based headache disparities. Funding is paramount.
Lateral approach improves surgical access to the superior pole in giant endemic goiters

Background Surgical management of mega-goiters in endemic areas with extreme iodine deficiency presents unique challenges. Based on our initial 5-year experience (2007 to 2011) operating on mega-goiters in Gitwe, Rwanda, Africa, we modified our technique to a lateral approach which affords better exposure of the superior pole vessels and other vital neurovascular structures, thereby improving safety. We describe this lateral approach technique and review outcomes compared to the standard technique. Methods From 2007 to 2019, we have conducted 13 annual surgical missions to low resource setting in Gitwe, Rwanda. Retrospective chart review of surgeries between 2012 and 2019 was performed to study outcomes using standard approach and lateral technique during the same time period. Results Over a period of 8 years (2012 to 2019), out of 192 total cases, lateral approach was used in 35 patients. No patient experienced significant intra-operative blood loss requiring transfusion. One patient had a post-operative hematoma requiring surgical intervention. Vocal cord mobility testing by transcutaneous laryngeal ultrasound was implemented in 2016. Of all patients, incidence of vocal cord weakness was 8.0% (11/137 patients tested) with less than 1/3 of these symptomatic. There was no statistically significant difference in vocal cord weakness noted in the two approaches (3/23 in lateral approach and 8/114 in standard approach) by Fisher's exact test (P=0.34). Conclusions Lateral approach, by affording optimal exposure of the great vessels and the laryngeal nerves, reduces the risk of bleeding and nerve injury. Furthermore, inferiorly based strap muscle flap provides excellent coverage and cosmetic outcome.
Simplifying computational workflows with the Multiscale Atomic Zeolite Simulation Environment (MAZE)

Abstract Zeolites, an important class of 3-dimensional nanoporous materials, have been widely explored for a variety of applications including gas storage, separations, and catalysis. As the properties of these aluminosilicate materials depend on a number of factors (e.g., framework topology, Si/Al ratio, extra-framework cations etc.), detailed experiments (e.g., catalytic properties, adsorption capacities etc.) are often limited to only a handful of materials. Computational methods have played an important role in (1) providing molecular level insights to rationalize experimental observations, and (2) screening large libraries of zeolites to identify promising candidates for experimental synthesis and validation. Different levels of theory and computational chemistry codes are necessary to describe the range of relevant phenomena such as adsorption (e.g., grand canonical Monte Carlo), diffusion (e.g., molecular dynamics), and chemical reactions (e.g., density functional theory). Manipulation of atomic structures, handling of input files, and developing robust workflows becomes quite cumbersome. To mitigate these challenges, we describe the development of the Multiscale Atomic Zeolite Simulation Environment (MAZE) – a Python package that simplifies zeolite-specific calculation workflows by providing a user-friendly interface for systematically manipulating zeolite structures.
Monte Carlo tests of small-world architecture for coarse-grained networks of the United States railroad and highway transportation systems

Abstract Several studies have shown that human transportation networks exhibit small-world structure, meaning they have high local clustering and are easily traversed. However, some have concluded this without statistical evaluations, and others have compared observed structure to globally random rather than planar models. Here, we use Monte Carlo randomizations to test US transportation infrastructure data for small-worldness. Coarse-grained network models were generated from GIS data wherein nodes represent the 3105 contiguous US counties and weighted edges represent the number of highway or railroad links between counties; thus, we focus on linkage topologies and not geodesic distances. We compared railroad and highway transportation networks with a simple planar network based on county edge-sharing, and with networks that were globally randomized and those that were randomized while preserving their planarity. We conclude that terrestrial transportation networks have small-world architecture, as it is classically defined relative to global randomizations. However, this topological structure is sufficiently explained by the planarity of the graphs, and in fact the topological patterns established by the transportation links actually serve to reduce the amount of small-world structure.
Low-power aspects of different adder topologies

This paper explores different adder topologies for low power solutions. Further, we look at the energy optimization of circuits using transistor sizing technique based on logical effort. The efficiency of the method is verified on representative 16-bit adders, commonly found blocks in general purpose DSP processors. The results are shown and analyzed in the energy-delay space.
QCD and the eta prime Mass: Instantons or Confinement?

We argue that lattice calculations of the $\eta'$ mass in QCD with $N_c=2$ colors performed at non-zero baryon chemical potential can be used to study the mechanism responsible for the mass of the $\eta'$. QCD with two colors is an ideal laboratory because it exhibits confinement, chiral symmetry breaking and a would-be $U(1)_A$ Goldstone boson at all densities. Since the instanton density and the confinement scale vary with density in a very different way, instantons are clearly distinguishable from other possible mechanisms. There is an instanton prediction for the $\eta'$ mass at large density that can be compared to lattice results. The density dependence of the instanton contribution is a simple consequence of the integer topological charge carried by the instanton. We also argue that $N_c=3$ color QCD at finite isospin density can be used in order to study the origin of OZI-violation in the scalar sector.
Complications and Management of Diabetic Vitrectomy

Potential complications after vitrectomy for complications of diabetic retinopathy are numerous and involve all components of the eye and periocular tissues. They also can involve the systemic health
The Juno mission to Jupiter: Lessons from cruise and plans for orbital operations and science return

This paper describes the Juno mission, including its experience during 3+ years of cruise, and focuses on plans for its orbital mission and science return at Jupiter. Previous papers focused on the history of the mission, development, launch, and early cruise, or on spacecraft operations lessons learned.
Dialogues and decisions: moral dilemmas in the workplace

In this exercise, participants explore moral dilemmas in the workplace and use ethical frameworks for decision making to support a particular plan of action. Participants read a scenario, propose courses of action in response to the moral dilemma, and engage in dialogue with others who propose alternative decisions. The exercise format allows individual participants to present and evaluate contradictory arguments. Competition for the most persuasive arguments occurs among individuals within teams of 5 participants and subsequently among all teams. During the dialogues and activities, underlying beliefs, values, and assumptions surface and are linked to ethical theories.
Comparing two procedures for assembling steel fulcra in simple-trunnion bascule bridges

Involving shrink fitting, two procedures for assembling steel fulcra of simple-trunnion bascule bridges are quantitatively compared for the likelihood of fracture during assembly. In assembly procedure called AP1, the trunnion is shrink fitted into a hub, followed by shrink fitting the trunnion-hub assembly into the girder of the bridge. In assembly procedure called AP2, the hub is conducted to find the influence of geometrical parameters such as the radial thickness of the hub radial interference, and various shrink-fitting methods on the design parameter of critical crack length - a measure of likelihood of fracture. For single-staged shrink-fitting methods, for high and low hub radial thickness to hub inner diameter ratio, and where staged shrink-fitting methods are used, for AP2, cooling the trunnion in dry-ice/alcohol and heating the girder, and for AP1, cooling the trunnion-hub assembly into dry-ice/alcohol following by immersion in liquid nitrogen is recommended. For fulcra with high hub radial thickness to hub inner diameter ratio and where staged shrink-fitting methods are used, cooling the components in dry-ice/alcohol and heating the girder is recommended for both AP1 and AP2.
Effect of biotin deficiency on escape and avoidance learning in rats.

K. DAKSHINAMURTI2Department of Psychology, Franklin and Marshall College and ResearchInstitute, St. Joseph Hospital, Lancaster, PennsylvaniaABSTRACT The effect of biotin deficiency on the ability of Sprague-Dawley ratsto acquire conditioned avoidance and escape reactions was investigated. Avoidancelearning was impaired with both 5.0-second and 2.0-second intervals between conditional and unconditional stimuli. Escape learning was not affected, suggesting thatthe defect in avoidance learning was not due to motor impairment. Behavioral andbiochemical evidence suggests that effects of the deficiency on the central nervoussystem may be expected.
MST Neurons Respond to Optic Flow and Translational Movement

Duffy, Charles J. MST neurons respond to optic flow and translational movement. J. Neurophysiol. 80: 1816–1827, 1998. We recorded the responses of 189 medial superior temporal area (MST) neurons by...
SGLT2 Inhibitors May Predispose to Ketoacidosis

Context: Sodium glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors are antidiabetic drugs that increase urinary excretion of glucose, thereby improving glycemic control and promoting weight loss. Since approval of the first-in-class drug in 2013, data have emerged suggesting that these drugs increase the risk of diabetic ketoacidosis. In May 2015, the Food and Drug Administration issued a warning that SGLT2 inhibitors may lead to ketoacidosis. Evidence Acquisition: Using PubMed and Google, we conducted Boolean searches including terms related to ketone bodies or ketoacidosis with terms for SGLT2 inhibitors or phlorizin. Priority was assigned to publications that shed light on molecular mechanisms whereby SGLT2 inhibitors could affect ketone body metabolism. Evidence Synthesis: SGLT2 inhibitors trigger multiple mechanisms that could predispose to diabetic ketoacidosis. When SGLT2 inhibitors are combined with insulin, it is often necessary to decrease the insulin dose to avoid hypoglycemia. The lower dose of insuli...
Repeated Cocaine Modifies the Mechanism by which Amphetamine Releases Dopamine

This study determined whether daily cocaine administration initiates a calcium requirement for the increase in extracellular dopamine produced by psychostimulants. The increase in extracellular dopamine induced by perfusion of amphetamine through a microdialysis probe in the nucleus accumbens shell was enhanced in cocaine- relative to saline-pretreated rats. The augmented portion of the amphetamine-induced increase in nucleus accumbens dopamine was abolished by the coperfusion of L- or N-type calcium channel blockers. Inhibition of calcium/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II (CaM-KII) also prevented the augmented increase in dopamine by amphetamine, whereas inhibition of vesicular exocytosis by botulinum toxin B was ineffective. When the concentration of extracellular dopamine in the nucleus accumbens was elevated by blocking the plasmallemal dopamine transporter with GBR-12909, the augmented increase in extracellular dopamine in rats sensitized to repeated cocaine was blocked by a CaM-KII inhibitor. Pretreatment with botulinum toxin B prevented the increase in extracellular dopamine by GBR-12909 in both cocaine-pretreated and control rats. Taken together, these results demonstrate that the psychostimulant-induced enhanced increase in extracellular dopamine in the nucleus accumbens shell of cocaine-pretreated rats arises from the induction of calcium- and CaM-KII-dependent mechanisms.
Regional, Habitat, and Human Development Influences on Coastal Wetland and Beach Fish Assemblages in Green Bay, Lake Michigan

Abstract High levels of coastal wetland degradation, limited knowledge of fishes that utilize these habitats, and the potentially high ecological importance of coastal wetlands in Great Lakes ecosystems all provided an impetus to characterize fish assemblages associated with coastal wetland and other littoral habitats in Green Bay, Lake Michigan. From May to September 1990 and 1991, I sampled 24 coastal wetland and beach sites spanning Green Bay. Half the sites represented habitats modified by physical alterations, such as dikes and landfills, to allow documentation of the effect of human modifications along the shoreline. A total of 41,867 primarily immature fishes, representing 20 families and 54 species, was captured. Species richness and total fish abundance were highest in undeveloped wetland habitats and in the lower bay, which was typified by warmwater, turbidity-tolerant fishes. The upper bay had a more cool and clearwater assemblage. Undeveloped wetlands were characterized by the presence of several important commercial and sport fishes. Sites adjacent to human development had fewer fish and fish species. They were characterized by a more disturbance-tolerant assemblage. The high biodiversity and large numbers of ecologically and economically important fishes associated with wetlands lend increased significance to maintaining and restoring these habitats in the Great Lakes.
Organellar dysfunction in the pathogenesis of pancreatitis.

Abstract Significance: Acute pancreatitis is an inflammatory disease of exocrine pancreas that carries considerable morbidity and mortality; its pathophysiology remains poorly understood. During the past decade, new insights have been gained into signaling pathways and molecules that mediate the inflammatory response of pancreatitis and death of acinar cells (the main exocrine pancreas cell type). By contrast, much less is known about the acinar cell organellar damage in pancreatitis and how it contributes to the disease pathogenesis. Recent Advances: This review summarizes recent findings from our group, obtained on experimental in vivo and ex vivo models, which reveal disordering of key cellular organelles, namely, mitochondria, autophagosomes, and lysosomes, in pancreatitis. Our results indicate a critical role for mitochondrial permeabilization in determining the balance between apoptosis and necrosis in pancreatitis, and thus the disease severity. We further investigate how the mitochondrial dysfunct...
State, Capital, and Rural Society: Anthropological Perspectives on Political Economy In Mexico and the Andes

State, Capital, and Rural Society: Anthropological Perspectives on Political Economy In Mexico and the Andes. Benjamin S. Orlove. Michael W. Foley and Thomas F. Love. editors. Boulder: Westvlew Press, 1998. 350 pp. $29.95 (cloth). ISBN 0-8133-7625-4.
THE ALPINE FLORA OF THE WHITE MOUNTAINS, CALIFORNIA

Abstract The alpine zone of the White Mountains of California, defined as non-forested areas above 3500 m, includes 163 native species of vascular plants in an area of 106 km2. No invasive species have become well established. Nearly two-thirds of the native species occur in just seven families, led by the Asteraceae with 30 species. Six genera have five or more species, led by Carex with 14 species. Life forms of the flora are heavily dominated by broad-leaved herbaceous perennials (53%), followed in importance by graminoid perennials (22%) and mats and cushions (11%). Woody shrubs, chamaephytes (low subshrubs), and annuals are relatively few in number, and those species present are generally more characteristic of lower elevation communities. Fellfields form the characteristic habitat for 41% of the flora, while moist meadows and open slopes habitats characterize 24 and 22% of the flora, respectively. Only 31% of the flora is restricted in the White Mountains to the alpine zone, while nearly a third of ...
Classical Representations of Qubit Channels

A set of qubit channels has a classical representation when it is isomorphic to the convex closure of a group of classical channels. We prove that there are five such groups, each being either a subgroup of the alternating group on four letters, or a subgroup of the symmetric group on three letters.
Feeding induced by intracranial and intravenously administered 2-deoxy-D-glucose

Intracranial injections of 2-deoxy-D-glucose (2DG) given to free-feeding rabbits induced eating when injected in sites located within the lateral hypothalamic area but not within the ventromedial nucleus. However, greater increases were obtained by the administration of systemic injections of the same agent in greater amounts. Electrolytic lesions of the lateral hypothalamic area did not suppress the facilitatory effects of systemic injections of 2DG on eating in these animals. These results suggest that peripheral glucose receptors may be more important than central glucoreceptors in controlling hunger.
Effects of methylphenidate on the fixed-ratio performance of mentally retarded children.

The effects of methylphenidate on the lever-pressing of 12 mentally retarded children maintained under fixed-ratio 5, 10 and 20 schedules of food delivery were examined. For five children, methylphenidate at oral doses of 0.3, 0.7 and 1.0 mg/kg produced generally dose-dependent decreases in response rates, whereas for the other seven children the two lower doses increased response rates while the highest dose decreased responding. The differential effects of methylphenidate across participants could not be attributed to differences in control response rates or demographic factors. However, each child whose rate of fixed-ratio responding was increased by methylphenidate also demonstrated a therapeutic response to the drug.
Unfolding the entropy power inequality

We insert an interesting quantity involving rearrangements in between the two sides of the entropy power inequality, thereby refining it.
Molecular Identification of the Economically Important Invasive Citrus Root Weevil Diaprepes abbreviatus (Coleoptera: Curculionidae)

The article reports on the study that identifies the economical importance of citrus root weevil Diaprepes abbreviatus (D. abbreviatus). It develops a sensitive barcoding technique based on the polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-amplification and sequencing of the mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase I (COI) gene to use in identification of eggs, larvae and adults of the citrus root weevil, D. abbreviatus. It shows that the molecular tool provides accurate species identification for management and quarantine decisions of the pest.
Examination of the sooting tendency of three-ring aromatic hydrocarbons and their saturated counterparts

Hydrotreating of a 1:1 blend of coal-derived refined chemical oil (RCO), with petroleum-derived light cycle oil (LCO), has been identified as a strategy for the production of an advanced coal-based jet fuel, JP-900. The conversion of the jet fuel section of a conventional refinery for the production of coal-based JP-900 would impact the quantity and quality of the other refinery products, such as diesel. The physical and chemical properties of refinery streams may be perturbed by the introduction of coal components into the refinery, including the sooting tendency. A coal-derived diesel cut was chemically analyzed via gas chromatography−mass spectrometry (GC−MS). The results showed that two- and three-ring aromatics and their hydrogenated derivatives comprised the bulk of the cut. Phenanthrene and its hydrogenated derivatives were chosen as representative compounds of this cut. Existing sooting tendency correlations and soot formation indicators in the literature apply to some two-ring aromatic compounds,...
An Interim Economic Solution to Internet Congestion

The current Internet pricing structure and practice of taking traffic on a first-come, first-served basis encourages overuse of the Internet. Users ignore the delay costs they impose on others during periods of congestion, which are increasingly a problem due to the popularity of high-intensity applications such as audio and image. This article describes a system that prioritizes traffic on the Internet and raises revenue for expansion by allowing users to pay to overcome the effects of congestion.
An analysis of the rotational structure in the C1Π-X1Σ+ system of GaF

Abstract The gas-phase absorption spectrum of the C1Π-X1Σ+ transition of GaF has been photographed at sufficiently high resolution to obtain rotational structure. Rotational assignments for nine bands of 69GaF and for nine bands of 71GaF have been made using ground state constants from microwave data. Finally, a single set of molecular constants for the upper state has been obtained by merging the results of the multiple determinations of rotational constants from the present studies.
Computer-based interventions for college drinking: a qualitative review

E-interventions, or electronically based interventions, have become increasingly popular in recent years. College alcohol use has been one area in which such interventions have been implemented and evaluated. The purpose of this paper is to review the seventeen randomized controlled trials that have been published as of August 2007. These studies compared the effectiveness of e-interventions with other commonly used techniques, reading materials, and assessment-only control conditions. Overall, findings provide some support for such programs, especially in comparison with assessment-only control conditions. In addition, possible moderators (e.g. baseline drinking patterns) and mediators (e.g. corrected drinking norms) have emerged. Limitations and areas for future research are discussed.
Some Modern Aspects of Ultracentrifugation

Abstract Shortly after the ultracentrifuge was developed, it was realized that molecular-weight distributions (MWDs) of polymers could be obtained from sedimentation equilibrium experiments. Although numerous attempts have been made to obtain MWDs from sedimentation equilibrium experiments, the results were not very satisfactory, and most MWDs were obtained from sedimentation velocity experiments. Only recently have some satisfactory methods been developed for sedimentation equilibrium experiments. These methods were restricted to ideal, dilute solutions and to ultracentrifuge cells with sector-shaped centerpieces. Both of these restrictions can now be removed. Methods for correcting for nonideal behavior are shown. Procedures for obtaining MWDs from sector—or nonsector—shaped centerpieces are shown. These procedures are illustrated with real examples, and a comparison between MWDs obtained by sedimentation velocity, sedimentation equilibrium, and gel permeation chromatography experiments is shown. Self-a...
A neural network-based intelligent metasearch engine

Abstract Determining the relevancy of web pages to a query term is basic to the working of any search engine. In this paper we present a neural network based algorithm to classify the relevancy of search results on a metasearch engine. The fast learning neural network technology used by us enables the metasearch engine to handle a query term in a reasonably short time and return the search results with high accuracy.
An Investigation of Relationships Between Level of Alcohol Use Impairment and Personality Characteristics

Abstract This study sought to determine the relationships between levels of alcohol use impairment and personality characteristics. Subjects were 166 persons selected because of known or suspected alcohol use patterns. Subjects were administered the Alcohol Use Inventory and Personality Research Form. Six alcohol use groups were determined by the raw scores of the Alcohol Use Inventory. Multiple discriminant analysis was used to evaluate personality differences among the groups. It appears that at least 2 personality variables distinguish different drinking patterns. The variables of Aggression and Play (a composite variable of Affiliation, Order, and Play) appear to be indicative of alcohol use patterns and may provide a measurement of proclivity to them.
The reversible inhibition of steroid-induced sexual behavior by intracranial cycloheximide☆

Abstract Cycloheximide(Cyclo), an inhibitor of protein synthesis by a direct action on protein synthesis at the ribosomal level, was used to reversibly inhibit estrogen-induced sexual receptivity. Cyclo (100 μg per rat) was infused into the preoptic area(POA) of ovariectomized rats at varying times before, simultaneously with, and after 3 μg of subcutaneous estradiol benzoate (EB). All animals received 0.5 mg progesterone (P) 36 hr after EB, and were tested for sexual receptivity 4–6 hr after P. The females were placed with stud males and a lordosis quotient was computed for each female (lordosis quotient = number of lordosis responses/20 mounts by the male × 100). Females receiving Cyclo 6 hr before, simultaneously with, or 12 hr after EB showed significantly lower levels of sexual receptivity when compared to females receiving Cyclo 36 hr before and 18 and 24 hr after EB. When those animals that showed low levels of sexual behavior after Cyclo infusion were reprimed with EB and P 7 days later and presented with a male they showed high levels of sexual receptivity. Thus, the effect of Cyclo was reversible. Only Cyclo infusions into the POA (bilateral) and third ventricle were effective in suppressing sexual behavior. Caudate nucleus, lateral ventricle, and unilateral POA infusions were without effect. The data presented are in agreement with earlier work that utilized actinomycin D to inhibit steroid-induced sexual behavior. Cyclo was found to be less toxic than actinomycin D. All of the available evidence is consistent with the hypothesis that estrogen stimulates RNA and/or protein synthesis in its facilitation of sexual behavior in the female rat.
BARTTER'S SYNDROME (BS) INDUCED BY MILK-FREE SOY ISOLATE INFANT FORMULA (NEO-MULLSOY)

Bartter's syndrome is characterized by hypokalemic metabolic alkalosis, hyperreninemia, aldosteronism, normotension and hyperplasia of the juxtaglomerular apparatus (JGA). A retrospective analysis of four infants, ages 5 to 8 months (6± 1.2 m.) who were fed milk free soy isolate formula (N) for 5± 1.2 months was undertaken. All the patients sought medical attention for failure to thrive (FTT) and all of them had signs and symptoms undistinguishable of BS, namely severe metabolic acidosis (pH 7.62± 0.6), HCO3 40 ± 3 (BE + 17 ± 3), Hypochloremia (Cl 72 ± 9 mEq/l Hypokalemia (K 2.8 + 0.3 mEq/l.) Hypercalcemia was observed in 2 patients. One patient had microscopic hematuria; 3 patients had renin levels in excess of 300 ng/ml/hr associated with high aldosterone levels in the presence of normotension. Initial urinary electrolytes showed continuous moderate K and Na, with minimal chloride loss. Formula change and intravenous NaCl lead to rapid correction of abnormal laboratory results. The severe metabolic abnormalities observed in these infants cannot be explained solely by the low chloride levels in this formula, nor the high renin and aldosterone or the microscopic hematuria. Prostaglandin-like substances, or precursors of them should be taken into consideratin. Prospective studies of this occurrence may help to develop an animal model to further understanding of BS.
Cost-effectiveness of hepatitis B virus immunization

To the Editor. —Dr Margolis and colleagues 1 seek to determine the most cost-effective way to protect a single birth cohort from HBV over the course of their lives. They answer the question: "What is the best strategy to reduce hepatitis B infections 30 years from now?" But they do not fully address the problem: "What is the best strategy to fight hepatitis B infections among all ages today?" The answer to the latter problem certainly includes both universal infant and adolescent immunization, as Margolis et al suggest in their discussion. But equally important is a third strategy: renewed emphasis on vaccinating older adolescents and adults who have risk factors for imminent HBV infection. Such risk factors include a history of more than two sexual partners in the last 6 months, a recent sexually transmitted disease (STD), or intravenous drug use. 2 Aggressive strategies for finding and vaccinating these high-risk
1/ƒ noise in HgCdTe MISFETs

Abstract Low frequency 1/ƒ noise was measured at 77 K on MISFETs fabricated on HgCdTe with band gaps ranging from 0.11 to 0.35 eV. Measurements taken in the linear regime at low drain source biases were compared to mobility and number fluctuation theories for 1/ƒ noise. Saturation regime measurements are explained in terms of the number fluctuation model, and are related to device geometry.
Observations of the Early Stages of the Pitting Corrosion of Aluminum

The initial stages of pitting of aluminum, under constant applied current in at 65°C, have been studied using millisecond current pulses and pit size distributions measured with scanning electron microscopy. Comparison of the faradaic current with the total pit area determined from SEM indicated that metal dissolution from pits is at a constant apparent current density of about 6 A/cm2. However, the pit sizes at early times show that the equivalent current density of initial pit growth is over 100 A/cm2. Comparison of pit volumes to charge passed confirmed that initial growth was unaccompanied by faradaic charge. However, for foils which had not been pretreated by immersion in at 25°C, an equivalent charge was passed during early pit growth. Implications of these observations for pit initiation mechanisms are discussed.
Breakdown voltage of planar silicon junctions

Abstract It is shown that the breakdown voltage of silicon diodes fabricated by the “planar” process is lower than that of corresponding geometrically plane diodes because of the increased electric field intensity in the curved portion of “planar” junctions. Measured breakdown voltages of “planar” silicon diodes are shown to follow Armstrong's theory for cylindrical step p-n junctions over a wide range of variables indicating the absence of significant surface effects on breakdown voltages.
c-Jun NH2-terminal kinase mediates leptin-stimulated androgen-independent prostate cancer cell proliferation via signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 and Akt

Abstract Obesity is associated with advanced prostate cancer. Here we demonstrate that in mouse prostate cancer TRAMP-C1 cells epididymal fat extracts from high-fat diet-fed obese mice stimulate androgen-independent cell growth more significantly than those from low-fat diet-fed lean mice or genetically obese leptin-deficient ob / ob mice in correlation with leptin concentrations. This result suggests that obesity promotes androgen-independent prostate cancer cell growth via adipose leptin. We have reported that added leptin stimulates androgen-independent prostate cancer cell proliferation through c-Jun NH 2 -terminal kinase (JNK). As with JNK, signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) and Akt are implicated in androgen-independent prostate cancer. In this study, we identify novel interaction of these three molecules in leptin-stimulated androgen-independent cell proliferation. Leptin activates JNK, STAT3 and Akt in a biphasic manner with a similar time-course. Pharmacological JNK inhibition suppresses leptin-stimulated DNA binding activity, as well as Ser-727 phosphorylation, of STAT3. Since JNK upregulates STAT3 activity via Ser-727 phosphorylation, JNK mediates leptin-stimulated STAT3 activation through Ser-727 phosphorylation. Moreover, JNK inhibition impairs leptin-stimulated Ser-473 phosphorylation of Akt that is required for its activation. Thus, JNK is involved in leptin-stimulated Akt activation. These findings together indicate that JNK mediates leptin-stimulated androgen-independent prostate cancer cell proliferation via STAT3 and Akt.