cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The Color-Vision Circuit in the Medulla of Drosophila

Summary Background Color vision requires comparison between photoreceptors that are sensitive to different wavelengths of light. In Drosophila , this is achieved by the inner photoreceptors (R7 and R8) that contain different rhodopsins. Two types of comparisons can occur in fly color vision: between the R7 (UV sensitive) and R8 (blue- or green sensitive) photoreceptor cells within one ommatidium (unit eye) or between different ommatidia that contain spectrally distinct inner photoreceptors. Photoreceptors project to the optic lobes: R1–R6, which are involved in motion detection, project to the lamina, whereas R7 and R8 reach deeper in the medulla. This paper analyzes the neural network underlying color vision into the medulla. Results We reconstruct the neural network in the medulla, focusing on neurons likely to be involved in processing color vision. We identify the full complement of neurons in the medulla, including second-order neurons that contact both R7 and R8 from a single ommatidium, or contact R7 and/or R8 from different ommatidia. We also examine third-order neurons and local neurons that likely modulate information from second-order neurons. Finally, we present highly specific tools that will allow us to functionally manipulate the network and test both activity and behavior. Conclusions This precise characterization of the medulla circuitry will allow us to understand how color vision is processed in the optic lobe of Drosophila , providing a paradigm for more complex systems in vertebrates.
Discrimination of intensity differences carried on formant transitions varying in extent and duration

Dorman (1974) found that small-intensity differences carried on the initial portions of consonantvowel syllables were not discriminable. Similar differences carried on steady-state vowels and on isolated formant transitions, however, were readily discriminable. He interpreted the difference between the first and latter conditions as a phonetic effect. Yet Pastore, Ahroon, Wolz, Puleo, and Berger (1975) found similar results using sine-wave analogs to Dorman’s stimuli. They concluded that the effect is not phonetic, and that it is attributable to simple backward masking. The present studies observed the discriminability of intensity differences carried on formant transitions varying in extent and duration. Results support the conclusion of Pastore et al. to the extent that the effect is clearly not phonetic. However, these results and others suggest that simple peripheral backward masking is not a likely cause; instead, recognition masking may be involved. Moreover, the finding that phonetic-like processes occur elsewhere in audition does not necessarily impugn the existence of a speech processor; phonemic and phonological processes remain, as yet, unmatched.
Quantized Hall conductance in a two dimensional periodic potential

Abstract The Hall conductance αH of a two dimensional electron gas has been studied in a uniform magnetic field and a periodic potential. The periodic potential splits each Landau level in a nested devil's staircase like subband structure. The Kubo formula is written in the form of a topological invariant which makes apparent the quantization of σH in multiples of e2/h when the Fermi energy lies in a subgap. Explicit expressions for σH in the subgaps have been obtained. For increasing resolution of the nested subband structure σH makes increasingly larger jumps. Also a less rigorous but intuitively appealing explanation of this result is presented. Moreover it is shown how the devil's staircase structure describes phase diagrams of incommensurate monolayers adsorbed on surfaces with two competing periods. During this talk I will report results for the quantized Hall conductance in a two dimensional periodic potential, obtained in collaboration with David Thouless, Mahito Kohmoto, and Peter Nightingale. 1
Getting to Wye

Using the recent Wye Memorandum negotiations between Israelis andPalestinians as a case example, the author applies a framework foranalyzing momentum-building processes previously presented in the July 1998issue of this journal. Focusing on the impact of action-forcing events, heexamines the factors that led the parties to come to the table at Wye andto make the hard choices necessary to reach agreement. The Wye exampleillustrates that action-forcing events can both help to build momentum anderect additional barriers to agreement.
NMR Structure Reveals Novel Interactions between Intrinsically Disordered PEP-19 and Calmodulin

Background: PEP-19 has no known intrinsic activity other than binding predominately to the C-domain of calmodulin (C-CaM), yet it is implicated in numerous cellular processes. We showed that an acidic sequence in PEP-19 is required to greatly increase the rates of Ca2+ binding to C-CaM. Importantly, the acidic sequence is also required for PEP-19 to sensitize HeLa cells to ATP-induced Ca2+ release. Goal: The goal of the current study was to determine the high-resolution NMR solution structure of the PEP-19/apo C-CaM complex.Results: Apo C-CaM adopts a semi-open conformation when bound to PEP-19, with the helices E and F of Ca2+ binding site III showing the greatest change in angle relative to free apo C-CaM. The conformation of Ca2+ binding loop III is similar to that in free apo C-CaM, but loop IV adopts a different conformation with increased conformational exchange when bound to PEP-19. Residues 1-29 in PEP-19 remain disordered when bound to C-CaM, and are thus accessible for potential interactions with other proteins. The IQ motif in PEP-19 adopts a well-defined alpha helix that binds to a hydrophobic groove in apo C-CaM. The C-terminal part of the acidic sequence is alpha helical, but the N-terminal portion (aa 28-36) forms loop and coil structures that are stabilized by interactions between Ile32 and Met34 in PEP-19 and hydrophobic residues in Ca2+ binding site III of C-CaM. This allows acid side chains in PEP-19 to extend toward the solvent to greatly increase negative charge density near site III of C-CaM.Conclusions: The structure suggests that the acidic sequence in PEP-19 modulates Ca2+ binding to site III of C-CaM by direct interactions and/or electrostatic steering of Ca2+, but that allosteric effects increase conformational exchange to modulate Ca2+ binding to site IV.
Recurrent major haemoptysis: Progression to pneumonectomy

A 50-year-old white man with recurrent major haemoptysis is described. The main problem in management was in detecting the aetiology and source of the haemoptysis. Rigid bronchoscopy is essential in the evaluation and treatment of patients with massive haemoptysis, and once the site of bleeding has been established, pulmonary resection offers the best chance of survival. The operation performed is usually lobectomy, although pneumonectomy, as with our patient, may be necessary.
The acquisition of a Pavlovian conditioned response in septally damaged rabbits: Role of a competing response

Enhanced acquisition of a classically conditioned eyelid response was found following septal injury in rabbits. Eye-opening behavior was four times more frequent in the control Ss. This suggests that faster acquisition is a function of fewer competing responses which might interfere with elaboration of the conditioned response.
Fracture of the os calcis

Abstract There has been a voluminous literature on fracture of the os calcis in the last ten years. The results of treatment of this injury have improved, but the results will never be perfect in the hands of anyone, or as a result of the use of any one method. It is a fracture in which a certain amount of bone has been destroyed. It is comminuted in cancellous bone, and the major fragment is attached to a tendon controlled by two of the strongest muscles of the body. The bone must bear weight and be subject to the trauma of weight-bearing. To restore painless function implies perfect mechanical restoration of bone, which frequently is impossible; it also implies a freedom of motion between the os calcis and the astragalus which is practically always limited, regardless of the methods used in reduction and maintenance of reduction. Therefore, ideal results are almost impossible to attain. The future will present better results, however, if careful analysis of each case is made, and if the choice of treatment or combination of treatment is suited to and suitable for the individual case.
Dexamethasone suppresses vascular smooth muscle cell proliferation.

Background. Experimental studies in vivo have demonstrated that dexamethasone inhibits neointimal hyperplasia following arterial injury. The mechanisms of this inhibition have not been clearly defined. Our objective was to test the hypothesis that dexamethasone directly suppresses smooth muscle cell (SMC) proliferation by inhibiting cell cycle progression and the expression of key cell cycle-dependent genes. Methods. Cultured rat aortic SMC were treated with incremental concentrations of dexamethasone and cell number was determined after 72 h. To determine if dexamethasone inhibited cell cycle progression, cells were synchronized, then restimulated to enter the cell cycle, and treated with or without dexamethasone. DNA synthesis was determined 24 h after restimulation by measuring [3H]thymidine incorporation. To define the point of action of dexamethasone in the cell cycle, synchronized SMC were treated with dexamethasone (10−7 M) at various time points after entry into the cell cycle. Flow cytometry and Northern blots were performed to examine cell cycle progression and the expression of smooth muscle cell cycle-dependent genes c-fos, c-myc, and thymidine kinase (TK). Results. Dexamethasone treatment induced a concentration-dependent inhibition of SMC proliferation and DNA synthesis. The cell cycle progression of synchronized SMC from G1 into S phase was inhibited by dexamethasone, even when added as late as 16 h after restimulation. The expression of TK was suppressed by dexamethasone, while c-fos and c-myc were not affected. Conclusions. Dexamethasone inhibits the proliferation of SMC in a concentration-dependent fashion. This inhibition is associated with a block in cell cycle progression late in G1 phase of the cell cycle. Consistent with this finding, dexamethasone does not alter the expression of the early cell cycle-dependent genes c-fos and c-myc, but significantly inhibits the expression of TK, a marker of late G1 phase.
“How Deeply Hypnotized Did I Get?” Predicting Self-Reported Hypnotic Depth from a Phenomenological Assessment Instrument

Procedures for estimating hypnotic depth have been used for more than 70 years. This study predicted self-reported hypnotic depth from the phenomenological and behavioral variables of the Phenomenology of Consciousness Inventory-Hypnotic Assessment Procedure (PCI-HAP). Participants were divided into 2 groups; 1 was used to generate regression equations, and the other group was used for cross-validation. Both imagery vividness during hypnosis (imagoic suggestibility) and the PCI pHGS measure of hypnotic depth (hypnoidal state) accounted for most of the variance in self-reported hypnotic depth. The above results, further supported by correlational and 3-D visual analyses, are consistent with other researchers' observations that ratings of hypnotic depth are a function of: (a) alterations in subjective experience, and (b) the perception of responsiveness to suggestions. The findings are also congruent with J. Holroyd's hypothesis that suggestibility and altered-state effects interact to produce hypnotic effects.
Diphenytoin, riluzole and lidocaine: Three sodium channel blockers, with different mechanisms of action, decrease hippocampal epileptiform activity

Abstract Epilepsy is a condition affecting 1–2% of the population, characterized by the presence of spontaneous, recurrent seizures. The most common type of acquired epilepsy is temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE). Up to 30% of patients with TLE are refractory to currently available compounds, and there is an urgent need to identify novel targets for therapy. Here, we utilized the in-vitro CA3 burst preparation to examine alterations in network excitability, characterized by changes in interburst interval. Specifically, we show that bath application of three different sodium channel blockers—diphenytoin, riluzole, and lidocaine—slow spontaneous CA3 bursts. This in turn, decreased the epileptiform activity. These compounds work at different sites on voltage-gated sodium channels, but produce a similar network phenotype of decreased excitability. In the case of diphenytoin and riluzole, the change in network activity (i.e., increased interburst intervals) was persistent following drug washout. Lidocaine application, however, only increased the CA3 interburst interval when it was in the bath solution. Thus, its action was not permanent and resulted in returning CA3 bursting to baseline levels. These data demonstrate that the CA3 burst preparation provides a relatively easy and quick platform for identifying compounds that can decrease network excitability, providing the initial screen for further and more complex in-vivo, freely-behaving animal studies.
Surface enhancements accelerate bone bonding to CPC‐coated strain gauges

Calcium phosphate ceramic (CPC)-coated strain gauges have been used for in vivo bone strain measurements for up to 18 weeks, but they require 6 to 9 weeks for sufficient bonding. Osteogenic protein-1 (OP-1), PepTite (a proprietary ligand), calcium sulfate dihydrate (CSD), transforming growth factor beta-1 (TGF-beta1 ), and an endothelial cell layer with and without TGF-beta1 were used as surface enhancements to accelerate bone-to-CPC bonding. Young male Sprague-Dawley rats were implanted with unenhanced and enhanced CPC-coated gauges. Animals were allowed normal activity for 3 weeks and then calcein labeled. Femurs were explanted following euthanasia. A gauge was attached with cyanoacrylate to the opposite femur in the same position as the CPC-coated gauge. Bones were cantilever-loaded to assess strain transfer. They were sectioned and stained with mineralized bone stain (MIBS) and examined with transmitted and ultraviolet light. Mechanical testing indicated increased sensing accuracy for TGF-beta1 and OP-1 enhancements to 105 +/- 14% and 92 +/- 12% versus 52 +/- 44% for the unenhanced gauges. The PepTite and the endothelial-cell-layer-enhanced gauges showed lower sensing accuracy, and histology revealed a vascular layer near CPC particles. TGF-beta1 increased bone formation when used prior to endothelial cell sodding. CSD prevented strain transfer to the femur. TGF-beta1 and OP-1 surface enhancements produced accurate in vivo strain sensing on the rat femur after 3 weeks.
Damage Avoidance Design of Special Truss Girder Frames with Energy Dissipation Devices

Abstract An innovative concept using energy dissipating devices, such as buckling restrained braces (BRB), is proposed for special truss moment frames (STMF). The configuration of the proposed system consists of pins introduced at the ends of the top and bottom chord elements of the special segments. Subsequently, energy dissipating devices are used in the form of diagonal braces inside the special segments. An energy-based design methodology is adopted such that the BRBs are designed to provide sufficient energy dissipation capacity with respect to seismic input energy demand on the structure. This energy-based methodology is demonstrated to be accurate by means of a series of nonlinear time-history analyses. The overall seismic response of the proposed system is contrasted with the conventional STMF in terms of story displacements, interstory drifts, story shears and overturning moments, as well as observed damage to structural elements. The proposed system leads to more predictable seismic response and would potentially allow lighter construction and significant cost savings, due to significantly reduced member forces (up to 50% compared with conventional design). Furthermore, damage to structural elements is largely mitigated, hence allowing damage avoidance design of STMFs.
Screening for Thyroid Disease

Abstract Purpose:To evaluate the usefulness of screening for thyroid dysfunction in various clinical settings. Design:Review and synthesis of the literature. Main Results:Screening in the community...
Catheter Reperfusion to Allow Optimal Coronary Bypass Grafting Following Failed Transluminal Coronary Angioplasty

Abstract At present, intimal dissection, restenosis, or vessel closure occurs in approximately 5 to 10% of patients undergoing percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty. Coronary artery bypass grafting is usually required to remedy this complication and prevent substantial myocardial damage. The results of these revascularization procedures, however, are less satisfactory than those of elective coronary bypass grafting. Hemodynamic instability of the patients and the presence of ongoing myocardial ischemia usually necessitate that the operations be performed on an emergent basis. This report describes a series of 9 patients who had either dissected or restenosed coronary arteries at the time of angioplasty, as well as acute onset of ischemic symptoms. All underwent emergent coronary bypass grafting, but once it became apparent that angioplasty had failed, a specially designed reperfusion catheter was placed across the coronary lesion to reestablish blood flow to the ischemic area of myocardium. This catheter was removed after aortic cross-clamping and delivery of cardioplegic solution. The presence of the catheter thus reduced the ischemic period to the interval from the onset of dissection until the positioning of the catheter across the lesion. In all patients, the catheter temporarily reestablished coronary blood flow to the region of ischemic myocardium, thereby producing resolution of symptoms, and allowed antegrade delivery of cardioplegic solution infused into the aortic root to this area of myocardium. This, in turn, made it possible to perform the subsequent coronary bypass operation as a controlled, optimal revascularization procedure.
Fostering Labor Rights in Developing Countries: An Investors’ Approach to Managing Labor Issues

While private sector investment plays a key role in fostering sustainable economic development in developing countries, respect for internationally recognized worker rights is also a vital component. The paper presents a methodology to assist investors in large-scale private infrastructure and other industry sector projects to utilize internationally recognized core labor rights and related standards for fostering sound labor management. The methodology involves due diligence or analysis of labor conditions and subsequent supervision and monitoring of performance and promotes the use of best practices to complement existing minimum requirements. Case study examples are presented and challenges in applying the approach are discussed.
Abstract B17: Challenges tracking underserved participants in a longitudinal study

Participant retention is a significant challenge in conducting research in traditionally underserved populations. Many studies experience problems retaining participants, and reasons for loss to follow-up are not routinely reported. Understanding retention is important for understanding bias and potential for generalizability. We examined retention in the context of a longitudinal study of colon cancer screening behaviors and attitudes among adults from medically underserved areas. This survey study followed participants for 12 months and conducted surveys at baseline, 6-months, and 12-months. Participants were recruited from federally qualified health centers in an urban area. Surveys included self-report questions about demographics, health and healthcare, and attitudes and barriers to colon cancer screening. We examine correlates of retention from baseline to the six-month survey. Despite several measures to promote retention, the study experienced substantial attrition by six-months. About four in ten baseline participants did not complete the six-month survey. Few participants actively withdrew from the study; most non-completers were unable to be contacted due to wrong or disconnected telephone numbers, change in mailing address, or loss of contact with the “locator” name they provided. Few demographic characteristics were significantly associated with non completion of the six-month survey. Non-completers were significantly (p In this very socioeconomically disadvantaged population, many participants were lost to follow-up despite collecting multiple contact numbers, alternate contacts, and mailing addresses and the use of giftcards as incentives. Collecting the name of a “locator” contact person was helpful in some cases, but in many cases the locator had their information change and may not have been in consistent or reliable contact with the participant. There were few detectable demographic differences between completers and non completers, but non completers were more likely to report unemployment, lack of health insurance, and lower monthly incomes. Surprisingly, a history of homelessness was not associated with completion. However, as most (>70%) respondents had been homeless at some point, it would have been difficult to detect differences. Conducting longitudinal research in underserved populations is challenging, as many researchers have found. Multiple and novel strategies are likely necessary in many cases in order to maximize retention and protect study findings from resultant biases. Citation Information: Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2011;20(10 Suppl):B17.
Immunoferritin labeling shows de novo synthesis of surface components in buds of a prokaryote belonging to morphotype IV of theBlastocaulis-Planctomyces group

Indirect immunoferritin labeling provided evidence for the de novo synthesis of antigenic cell-surface components of the daughter cell (bud) of a freshwater isolate belonging to morphotype IV of theBlastocaulis-Planctomyces group of budding and nonprosthecately appendaged prokaryotes. The cell surfaces of the buds produced by immunoferritin-labeled mother cells remained unlabeled through development to flagellated swarmers. Double-labeling experiments verified the de novo synthesis of cell-surface antigens over the entire bud, and also showed a labeling pattern indicative of intercalation of newly formed sites on the surface of the mother cell during the later stages of its maturation.
What are We Worth

What are we worth in cash value to the companies we work for? Man's worth to society, to himself, and to the company he works for can be figured in many ways. For this discussion we will be concerned with how much money a particular man, namely a spectrographer, can earn or save his company. This will be a discussion of costs and savings.
A Novel Routing Scheme for ICN

Internet has become as a social infrastructure. The current Internet architecture based on TCP/IP is faced with many challenges. This fact makes the clean slate design of future Internet architecture represented by ICN (Information-Centric Networking) be a hot research topic. In this paper, a novel routing scheme for ICN (Information-Centric Networking) is proposed. On the basis of name-based routing, a process was designed to look for other available interface through which the backtracking-condition-met interest packet will be forwarded, which can reduce the network blocking rate. Moreover, FIB (Forwarding Information Base) of neighbor nodes will be modified when data packets go through a router, which can realize the efficient use of cache. Also, a concept of "popularity" is introduced to improve CS (Content Store) hit rate. The proposed routing scheme is implemented on NSFNET by simulation, and the experimental results have shown that it is feasible and effective.
A discrete dynamic convexized method for VLSI circuit partitioning

In this paper, we consider the circuit partitioning problem, which is a fundamental problem in computer-aided design of very large-scale-integrated circuits. We formulate the problem as an equivalent constrained integer programming problem by constructing an auxiliary function. A global search method, entitled the dynamic convexized method, is developed for the integer programming problem. We modify the Fiduccia–Mattheyses FM algorithm, which is a fundamental partitioning algorithm for the circuit partitioning problem, to minimize the auxiliary function. We show both computationally and theoretically that our method can escape successfully from previous discrete local minimizers by taking increasing values of a parameter. Experimental results on ACM/SIGDA and ISPD98 benchmarks show up to 58% improvements over the well-known FM algorithm in terms of the best cutsize. Furthermore, we integrate the algorithm with the state-of-the-art practical multilevel partitioner MLPart. Experiments on the same set of benchmarks show that the solutions obtained in this way has 3–7% improvements over that of the MLPart.
Assessment Practices in Model Early Childhood Special Education Programs.

Examination of assessment practices in 54 model programs for early education of handicapped children revealed extreme variability. Only 19 tests were used by at least five programs; only one device was used by over half of the responding programs. Most tests were listed as being used for more than one purpose, but some tests appeared to be used more exclusively than others for a particular purpose. Although the technical adequacy, in terms of norms, validit, and reliability, was reportedly an important factor influencing selection and continued use of tests, analysis of the 19 most commonly used devices revealed that only three were technically adequate. Other methods of assessment also were examined. Implications for model practice are discussed.
Simple explanation of the electron-hole pair creation energy puzzle in germanium

Abstract Electron backscattering is shown to represent a critical element in the assessment of radiation-ionization energies, ϵ, reported for germanium; at room temperature Ge has an intrinsic ϵ of about 2.80 eV, which accords with indications derived from earlier α-particle irradiations.
Glycosaminoglycans in the vitreous and acqueous humors of the teleost

Abstract 1. 1. Glycosaminoglycans were isolated from vitreous and aqueous humors of the trout using a purification technique of cetyl pyridinium chloride complexing followed by analysis of hexuronic acid. 2. 2. Aqueous humor contains 0·017 ± 0·003 mg/ml and vitreous humor 0·011 ± 0·001 mg/ml hexuronic acid. 3. 3. High concentrations of soluble protein normally present in teleost ocular fluids result in incorrent estimates of hexuronic acid. 4. 4. Treatment of ocular tumors with hyaluronidase significantly reduces the glycosaminoglycan content.
Nasojejunal feedings in low-birth-weight infants.

Continuous nasojejunal and intermittent nasogastric feedings were compared in a controlled prospective study in 21 low-birth-weight infants. The groups were comparable in regard to period of gestation, birth weight, head circumference, and clinical findings. Cumulative weight gain, caloric and fluid intake, percent weight lost, blood chemistry values, and complications were used in evaluating the two groups. Upon completion of the 21-day study, N/J infants were found to have had statistically better weight gain, caloric intake, and fluid intake (p=0.05–0.001) during the early part of the study. Weight loss was less in the N/J group (p
The Trans-Uranium Elements

BEFORE 1940, chemistry did not know of any element with atomic number greater than 92 (uranium). In spite of occasional claims to the contrary scattered throughout the literature, there still is no good evidence that such elements exist in Nature, except perhaps for minute amounts formed from uranium by neutrons of various origin. This finds its explanation in their instability, since their radioactive half-lives are now known to be small compared to geological times. The last seven years have seen the first positive identification of four trans-uranium elements, of atomic numbers 93, 94, 95 and 96, all discovered as a result of their synthesis by transmutation reactions starting with uranium as the primary material.
Predicted Effects of a Pause in D1 and D2 Medium Spiny Neurons during Feeding

A reduction in nucleus accumbens (NAc) activity is associated with an increase in feeding under several experimental conditions. In the late 1990s, Kelley et al. reported that sated rats ate “voraciously” when an AMPA antagonist or GABAA agonist was infused into the NAc shell, an effect specific
Spin glassiness, ferromagnetism, and their coexistence in a Au-Fe alloy

Magnetization measurements were made on the alloy ${\mathrm{Au}}_{85}$${\mathrm{Fe}}_{15}$ quenched from two different annealing temperatures (${T}_{A}=275 \mathrm{and} 200$\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}C). In both conditions, the alloy is ferromagnetic from ${T}_{c}$ (\ensuremath{\sim}95 and \ensuremath{\sim}105 K, respectively) down to ${T}_{\mathrm{fg}}\ensuremath{\approx}30$ K, where it transforms to a reentrant spin-glass-like state, as evidenced by its irreversible time-dependent magnetic properties. However, the time-independent magnetizations ($M$) measured in various fixed fields applied during cooling (${H}_{\mathrm{cool}}$) reveal a significant thermodynamic difference between the reentrant states in the two cases. For ${T}_{A}=275$\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}C, the $M({H}_{\mathrm{cool}})$ isotherms below ${T}_{\mathrm{fg}}$ have a finite initial slope, as in a normal spin glass, whereas for ${T}_{A}=200$\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}C, the corresponding isotherms exhibit a spontaneous ferromagnetic moment, indicating that the state is mixed. In the magnetic phase diagram with ${T}_{A}^{\ensuremath{-}1}$ as abscissa, the boundary line between the mixed and nonmixed spin-glass-like states lies well away from the multicritical point, in apparent disagreement with theoretical expectation. The magnetization behavior near ${T}_{\mathrm{fg}}$ suggests that the transition from reentrant state to ferromagnetism is continuous and that some spin-glass order persists into the ferromagnetic state.
Anatomical basis of a congenital hearing impairment: Basilar papilla dysplasia in the Belgian Waterslager canary

Recent investigations into the anatomy of the inner ear of Belgian Waterslager canaries (BWC) have demonstrated myriad malformations associated with dysgenesis of the pars inferior of the otocyst. In those studies, the surface anatomy of BWC's basilar papilla and sacculus was examined utilizing scanning electron microscopy. In the present investigation, we utilized both light microscopy and transmission electron microscopy to describe the cross sectional anatomical pathology of the BWC's basilar papilla. Examination of the BWC's organ of Corti revealed numerous dysmorphologies: 1) hair cells from the tall hair cell region appeared broad and stunted, with deformed cuticular plates, abnormal stereocilia, and recognizable microvilli; 2) quantitative analysis of these hair cells revealed disproportionately large nuclei and abnormally short stereocilia; 3) hair cells from the short hair cell region of the papilla were absent, replaced by a population of large cells with electron-lucent cytoplasm; and 4) the tectorial membrane in the BWC papilla was narrow, covering only the area where the deformed tall hair cells were found. The malformations appeared to be more severe at the apex and midsection of the basilar papilla than at the base. These observations allow us to suggest a hypothesis to account for the distinct anatomofunctional hearing deficit observed in these birds. In addition, they further support our hypothesis that the inner ear of BWC is afflicted by a disorder similar to Scheibe's dysplasia, the most common inner ear defect associated with congenital hearing loss in humans.
Instability of the Three-Dimensional Distorted Stratospheric Polar Vortex at the Onset of the Sudden Warming

Abstract The instability characteristics of three-dimensional flows typical of the Northern Hemisphere winter stratosphere and mesosphere are examined in a multi-level spherical quasi-geostrophic model. The basic-state distorted polar night jets are obtained from a numerical simulation of the sudden warming in a nonlinear spectral model. The instability is studied at days 10 (Flow I) and 15 (Flow II), prior to the onset of the model sudden warming, in addition, a parameter study is carried out in which the basic state zonal flow, static stability, wave amplitude, Rayleigh friction and Newtonian cooling are changed. It is found that the zonally averaged jets are stable in the presence of Rayleigh friction and Newtonian cooling. However, the three-dimensional distorted flows are unstable and the fastest growing modes have growth rates between 0.0664 and 0.144 day−1 (doubling times between 10.44 and 4.80 days). In the presence of damping, the disturbance streamfunctions for Flows I and II have largest amplit...
Arabidopsis PECTIN METHYLESTERASEs Contribute to Immunity against Pseudomonas syringae

Pectins, major components of dicot cell walls, are synthesized in a heavily methylesterified form in the Golgi and are partially deesterified by pectin methylesterases (PMEs) upon export to the cell wall. PME activity is important for the virulence of the necrotrophic fungal pathogen Botrytis cinerea. Here, the roles of Arabidopsis PMEs in pattern-triggered immunity and immune responses to the necrotrophic fungus Alternaria brassicicola and the bacterial hemibiotroph Pseudomonas syringae pv maculicola ES4326 (Pma ES4326) were studied. Plant PME activity increased during pattern-triggered immunity and after inoculation with either pathogen. The increase of PME activity in response to pathogen treatment was concomitant with a decrease in pectin methylesterification. The pathogen-induced PME activity did not require salicylic acid or ethylene signaling, but was dependent on jasmonic acid signaling. In the case of induction by A. brassicicola, the ethylene response factor, but not the MYC2 branch of jasmonic acid signaling, contributed to induction of PME activity, whereas in the case of induction by Pma ES4326, both branches contributed. There are 66 PME genes in Arabidopsis, suggesting extensive genetic redundancy. Nevertheless, selected pme single, double, triple and quadruple mutants allowed significantly more growth of Pma ES4326 than wild-type plants, indicating a role of PMEs in resistance to this pathogen. No decreases in total PME activity were detected in these pme mutants, suggesting that the determinant of immunity is not total PME activity; rather, it is some specific effect of PMEs such as changes in the pattern of pectin methylesterification.
Analyzing leases with the after-tax cost of debt

Abstract A generalized expression of the net advantage of leasing (NAL) is used to assess the implications of discounting incremental cash flows at the firm's before-tax cost of debt and the firm's after-tax cost of debt, respectively. If no personal tax biases are assumed, then the before-tax cost of debt should be used to compute NAL. If the before-tax cost of debt is the correct discount rate, then any change in the firm's borrowing level brought about by the decision to lease rather than purchase will alter the computed NAL by the amount of the present value of the tax savings on interest payments. Thus using the before-tax cost of debt is consistent with basic MM valuation theory. Using the after-tax cost of debt, in contrast, implies that any associated change in the firm's borrowing level is irrelevant for purposes of computing NAL. Sufficient conditions are specified for the after-tax cost of the debt to be the correct discount rate for lease versus purchase analysis. Finally, lease analysis in a MM world is compared to lease analysis in a Miller tax world. For the special case of a 100% leverage ratio, the specification of NAL is the same in both worlds. Use of the after-tax cost of debt is correct in a Miller world and is a good approximation in an MM world provided the cash flows are predominantly debt financed.
Fine-needle aspiration of thyroid nodules: past, present, and future.

Objective: To present a review of the traditional and more recent techniques and applications of thyroid fine-needle aspiration biopsy. Methods: We describe the cytologic features and differential diagnoses of various thyroid lesions, outline recommendations for diagnostic categories, and discuss new techniques that have shown some promise in the diagnosis of thyroid nodule fine-needle aspiration specimens. Results: Fine-needle aspiration biopsy of the thyroid has proved to be an excellent diagnostic tool in the initial management of thyroid nodules. Numerous studies have shown its high sensitivity and specificity in diagnosing malignant tumors of the thyroid, especially papillary thyroid carcinoma. As with other diagnostic tests, however, its effectiveness is highly dependent on the expertise of the operator performing the procedure and the adequacy of the specimen for interpretation of the cytomorphologic features. On-site evaluation of thyroid specimens promotes adequate specimen sampling and reduces t...
Optical properties of an antiferromagnetic ordered TP-violating phase.

We study, semiquantitatively, the optical properties of phases that violate time-reversal symmetry (T) and parity (P). We assume that the TP-violating order parameters have alternating signs in different planes. The rotation angle of linearly polarized light upon reflection is found to be of order ${10}^{\mathrm{\ensuremath{-}}5}$--${10}^{\mathrm{\ensuremath{-}}4}$. We also find that the transmission experiments are unable to probe the antiferromagnetic ordered TP-violating order parameter.
Nanostructured Ultrathin Films of Alternating Sexithiophenes and Electropolymerizable Polycarbazole Precursor Layers Investigated by Electrochemical Surface Plasmon Resonance (EC-SPR) Spectroscopy

Nanostructured ultrathin films of linear and dendrimeric cationic sexithiophenes, 6TNL and 6TND, respectively, alternated with anionic polycarbazole precursor, poly(2-(N-carbazolyl) ethyl methacrylate-co-methacrylic acid) or PCEMMA32, were successfully fabricated using the layer-by-layer self-assembly deposition technique. The two electro-optically active oligomers exhibited distinct optical properties and aggregation behavior in solution and films as studied by UV−vis and fluorescence spectroscopy. The stepwise increase of the 6TNL/PCEMMA32 and 6TND/PCEMMA32 layers was confirmed by UV−vis spectroscopy and in situ surface plasmon resonance (SPR) spectroscopy. The intralayer electrochemical polymerization and cross-linking behavior of the carbazole functionalized PCEMMA32 layers were then investigated using cyclic voltammetry (CV) and electrochemical surface plasmon resonance (EC-SPR) spectroscopy. The increase in current with each cycle confirmed intralayer cross-linking followed by the doping−dedoping pr...
Correct Voting in the 2008 U.S. Presidential Nominating Elections

Criticisms of the system by which the American political parties select their candidates focus on issues of representativeness—how choices are dominated by relatively small numbers of ideologically extreme primary voters, or how residents of small states voting early in the process have disproportionate influence. This paper adds a different concern, albeit one that still addresses representativeness. How well do primary and caucus voters represent their own values and interests with their vote choices? Lau and Redlawsk’s notion of “correct voting” is applied to the 2008 U.S. nominating contests. Four reasons to expect levels of correct voting to be lower in caucus and primary elections than in general election campaigns are discussed. Results suggest that voters in U.S. nominating contests do much worse than voters in general election campaigns, often barely doing better than chance in selecting the candidate who best represents their own values and priorities. Discussion focuses on institutional reforms that should improve citizens’ ability to make correct voting choices in caucuses and primaries.
Distributed semistable LQR control for discrete-time dynamically coupled systems☆

Abstract A distributed linear-quadratic-regulator (LQR) semistability theory for discrete-time systems is developed for designing optimal semistable controllers for discrete-time coupled systems. Unlike the standard LQR control problem, a unique feature of the proposed optimal control problem is that the closed-loop generalized discrete-time semistable Lyapunov equation can admit multiple solutions. Necessary and sufficient conditions for the existence of solutions to the generalized discrete-time semistable Lyapunov equation are derived and an optimization-based design framework for distributed optimal controllers is presented.
Effect of Thymectomy at Birth on Spermatogenesis in the Albino Rat.

SummaryTwenty-five male albino rats from 11 litters were thymectomized at birth. These were sacrificed at the ages of 33, 37, or 38 days. Testes and seminal vesicles were compared with 21 unoperated or sham-operated littermate controls. The results indicate that complete thymectomy of newborn rats neither hastens nor retards spermatogenesis, hormone output or growth of the testis.
A deterministic model for N2 fixation at stn. ALOHA in the subtropical North Pacific Ocean

Abstract Marine N 2 fixation by diazotrophic microorganisms is a key process in biogeochemical cycling and yields an important input of new nitrogen into the tropical and subtropical surface ocean. However, it is only poorly accounted for in current numerical models. We present a simple biological model that explicitly includes N 2 fixation by diazotrophic phytoplankton. The model employs a mechanistic parameterization of N 2 fixation based on physiological responses of Trichodesmium to physical conditions of the environment. The model is conceived to allow shifts in nitrogen versus phosphorus control of the plankton community by resolving the biogeochemical cycles of both elements. Typical N : P ratios were assigned to the different functional groups to capture variations in the N : P stoichiometries of inorganic and organic matter pools. The biological model was coupled to a 1D physical model of the upper ocean. A simulation was performed at stn. ALOHA (22°45′N, 158°W) in the subtropical North Pacific Ocean, where intense blooms of Trichodesmium occurred during the last decade. The model captures essential features of the biological system including the vertical structure and seasonal course of chlorophyll, the seasonal cycle and interannual differences in diazotrophic biomass, the mean vertical particle flux, and an oscillation in the relative importance of nitrogen versus phosphorus. We regard this model as a step towards a mechanistic tool to assess the magnitude of marine N 2 fixation and to explore hypotheses on its effect on carbon sequestration from the atmosphere.
Mode Evolution of Asymmetric Rotors Assembled to Flexible Bearings and Housing

This paper is to study how vibration modes of a stationary asymmetric rotor evolve when it is assembled to a flexible housing via multiple bearing supports. Prior to the assembly, vibration modes of the rotor are classified as “balanced modes” and “unbalanced modes.” Balanced modes are those modes whose natural frequencies and mode shapes remain unchanged after the rotor is assembled to the housing via bearings. Otherwise, the vibration modes are classified as “unbalanced modes.” In this paper, we first develop two mathematical criteria to identify balanced modes. For the first criteria, the rotor is subjected to fixed boundary conditions at the bearings prior to assembly. In this case, a vibration mode will be a balanced mode if the reactions at the fixed boundary vanish. For the second criterion, the rotor is subjected to free boundary conditions (including the bearing points) prior to assembly. In this case, a vibration mode will be a balanced mode if the bearing locations are nodal points of the vibration mode. These mathematical criteria are then applied to a rotor consisting of a rigid hub supporting a flexible structure, which appears in many practical applications. For balanced modes, the criteria lead to a conclusion that surface integrals of modal forces and moments at the flexible-rigid rotor interface will vanish. Moreover, these surface integrals can be conveniently calculated using finite element methods. To validate the mathematical criteria, modal testing was conducted on a disk with 4 pairs of brackets mounted on a rigid spindle, a ball-bearing spindle and a fluid-dynamic bearing spindle.Copyright © 2009 by ASME
The small intestinal epithelia of beef steers differentially express sugar transporter messenger ribonucleic acid in response to abomasal versus ruminal infusion of starch hydrolysate.

In mammals, the absorption of mono- saccharides from small intestinal lumen involves at least 3 sugar transporters (SugT): sodium-dependent glucose transporter 1 (SGLT1; gene SLC5A1) transports glucose and galactose, whereas glucose transporter (GLUT) 5 (GLUT5; gene SLC2A5) transports fructose, across the apical membrane of enterocytes. In contrast, GLUT2 (gene SLC2A2) transports all of these sugars across basolateral and apical membranes. To compare the dis- tribution patterns and sensitivity with nutritional regu- lation of these 3 SugT mRNA in beef cattle small intes- tinal tissue, 18 ruminally and abomasally catheterized Angus steers (BW ≈ 260 kg) were assigned to water (control), ruminal cornstarch (partially hydrolyzed by α-amylase; SH), or abomasal SH infusion treatments (n = 6) and fed an alfalfa-cube-based diet at 1.3 × NEm requirement. The SH infusions amounted to 20% of ME intake. After 14- or 16-d of infusion, steers were killed; duodenal, jejunal, and ileal epithelia harvested; and total RNA extracted. The relative amount of SugT mRNA in epithelia was determined using real-time re- verse transcription-PCR quantification methods. Basal expression of GLUT2 and SGLT1 mRNA was greater (P < 0.09) by jejunal than by duodenal or ileal epi- thelia, whereas basal content of GLUT5 mRNA was greater (P ≤ 0.02) by jejunal and duodenal than by ileal epithelia. The content of GLUT5 mRNA in small intestinal epithelia was not affected (P ≥ 0.16) by ei- ther SH infusion treatment. In contrast, GLUT2 and SGLT1 mRNA content in the ileal epithelium was in- creased (P ≤ 0.05) by 6.5- and 1.3-fold, respectively, after abomasal SH infusion. Duodenal SGLT1 mRNA content also was increased (P = 0.07) by 64% after ruminal SH infusion. These results demonstrate that the ileum of beef cattle small intestine adapts to an in- creased luminal supply of glucose by increasing SGLT1 and GLUT2 mRNA content, whereas increased ruminal SH supply results in duodenal upregulation of SGLT1 mRNA content. These adaptive responses of GLUT2 and SGLT1 mRNA to abomasal or ruminal SH infusion suggest that beef cattle can adapt to increase their car- bohydrate assimilation through small intestinal epithe- lia, assuming that altered SugT mRNA contents reflect the altered transport functional capacities.
Biochemical evaluation of a 108-member deglycobleomycin library: viability of a selection strategy for identifying bleomycin analogues with altered properties.

The bleomycins (BLMs) are clinically used glycopeptide antitumor antibiotics that have been shown to mediate the sequence-selective oxidative damage of both DNA and RNA. Previously, we described the solid-phase synthesis of a library of 108 unique analogues of deglycoBLM A6, a congener that cleaves DNA analogously to BLM itself. Each member of the library was assayed for its ability to effect single- and double-strand nicking of duplex DNA, sequence-selective DNA cleavage, and RNA cleavage in the presence and absence of a metal ion cofactor. All of the analogues tested were found to mediate concentration-dependent plasmid DNA relaxation to some extent, and a number exhibited double-strand cleavage with an efficiency comparable to or greater than deglycoBLM A6. Further, some analogues having altered linker and metal-binding domains mediated altered sequence-selective cleavage, and a few were found to cleave a tRNA3Lys transcript both in the presence and in the absence of a metal cofactor. The results provi...