cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Is it stress? The role of stress related systems in chronic food restriction-induced augmentation of heroin seeking in the rat

Drug addiction is a chronic disease characterized by recurring episodes of abstinence and relapse. The precise mechanisms underlying this pattern are yet to be elucidated, but stress is thought to be a major factor in relapse. Recently, we reported that rats under withdrawal and exposed to a mild chronic stressor, prolonged food restriction, show increased heroin seeking compared to sated controls. Previous studies demonstrated a critical role for corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF) and corticosterone, hormones involved in the stress response, in acute food deprivation-induced reinstatement of extinguished drug seeking. However, the role of CRF and corticosterone in chronic food restriction-induced augmentation of drug seeking remains unknown. Here, male Long-Evans rats were trained to self-administer heroin for 10 days in operant conditioning chambers. Rats were then removed from the training chambers, and subjected to 14 days of unrestricted (sated rats) or a mildly restricted (FDR rats) access to food, which maintained their body weight (BW) at 90% of their baseline weight. On day 14, different groups of rats were administered a selective CRF1 receptor antagonist (R121919; 0.0, 20.0 mg/kg; s.c.), a non-selective CRF receptor antagonist (α-helical CRF; 0.0, 10.0, 25.0 μg/rat; i.c.v.) or a glucocorticoid receptor antagonist (RU486; 0.0, 30.0 mg/kg; i.p.), and underwent a 1 h drug seeking test under extinction conditions. An additional group of rats was tested following adrenalectomy. All FDR rats showed a statistically significant increase in heroin seeking compared to the sated rats. No statistically significant effects for treatment with α-helical CRF, R121919, RU486 or adrenalectomy were observed. These findings suggest that stress may not be a critical factor in the augmentation of heroin seeking in food-restricted rats.
IMMUNOTHERAPY FOR AUSTRALIA-ANTIGEN-ASSOCIATED HEPATOMA

Abstract Hepatomas in the Americas and Europe account for only 1-2% of malignant tumours, but in parts of Africa and Asia they may account for up to 30% of all malignancies diagnosed. It has been postulated that viral hepatitis associated with Australia (Au) antigen can progress through post-necrotic cirrhosis to the development of hepatoma. Since Au antigen may be found in up to 60% of hepatomas in Africa and Asia, it is suggested that whole-blood exchange transfusions from donors with known antibodies to Au antigen could be used as cellular and humoral immunotherapy in those hepatoma patients with Au antigenaemia. Exchange-transfusion therapy would not only be a form of immunotherapy, it would also reduce the immunosuppressive effect of circulating α-fetoprotein.
Temporal and Spatial Analysis of Sin Nombre Virus Quasispecies in Naturally Infected Rodents

Sin Nombre virus (SNV) is thought to establish a persistent infection in its natural reservoir, the deer mouse ( Peromyscus maniculatus ), despite a strong host immune response. SNV-specific neutralizing antibodies were routinely detected in deer mice which maintained virus RNA in the blood and lungs. To determine whether viral diversity played a role in SNV persistence and immune escape in deer mice, we measured the prevalence of virus quasispecies in infected rodents over time in a natural setting. Mark-recapture studies provided serial blood samples from naturally infected deer mice, which were sequentially analyzed for SNV diversity. Viral RNA was detected over a period of months in these rodents in the presence of circulating antibodies specific for SNV. Nucleotide and amino acid substitutions were observed in viral clones from all time points analyzed, including changes in the immunodominant domain of glycoprotein 1 and the 3′ small segment noncoding region of the genome. Viral RNA was also detected in seven different organs of sacrificed deer mice. Analysis of organ-specific viral clones revealed major disparities in the level of viral diversity between organs, specifically between the spleen (high diversity) and the lung and liver (low diversity). These results demonstrate the ability of SNV to mutate and generate quasispecies in vivo, which may have implications for viral persistence and possible escape from the host immune system.
Analogous memory utilization-a necessary characteristic for large, adaptive neural net

When confronted with new knowledge structured in a familiar way humans often rely on analogy to make a one-to-one correspondence to the familiar structure. The author notes that efficient adaptive neural nets also have that characteristic. In fact, the absence of analogous memory utilization from a system will be obvious because the resulting uncontrolled redundancy will quickly fill new memory with an exponential explosion of redundant information. The resulting decrease in performance is rapid and dramatic. A discussion is presented of why proper use of available memory will produce analogous memory utilization automatically. >
Aortic valvular regurgitation: prevalence and clinical characteristics in a predominantly obese adult population not taking anorexigens.

BACKGROUND We recently reported the prevalence of aortic regurgitation (AR) by Doppler echocardiography (echo) in obese subjects to be higher than in some previous reports. OBJECTIVE To describe the prevalence of AR in an obese population not taking anorexigens as a function of demographic characteristics, cardiovascular risk factors, and other potential predictors. METHODS In 539 adult subjects, cardiovascular status was evaluated by medical history, physical examination, and Doppler echocardiograms performed according to a standardized imaging protocol. Echocardiographic readers were blinded as to each subject's medical and medication histories. Associations of AR with demographic and comorbid factors were examined. RESULTS Subjects had a mean (+/- SD) body mass index (BMI) of 35 +/- 7 kg/m2, and were predominantly white (87.6%), females (74%), with a mean age of 47 +/- 12 years. AR by Food and Drug Administration criteria (> or =mild) was present in 4.1% of the subjects. Covariates significantly associated with AR were increasing age (P < 0.001), presence of a history of hypertension (P = 0.001), left ventricular (LV) internal dimensions (P < 0.005), and tricuspid and mitral regurgitation grade (P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS Clinical and Doppler echo evaluation of a large, predominantly obese, adult population revealed that AR was more prevalent than in some previous reports and was highly correlated with increased age, presence of a history of hypertension, LV internal dimensions, tricuspid and mitral regurgitation.
Human MSH2 Binds to Trinucleotide Repeat DNA Structures Associated with Neurodegenerative Diseases

The expansion of trinucleotide repeat sequences is associated with several neurodegenerative diseases. The mechanism of this expansion is unknown but may involve slipped-strand structures where adjacent rather than perfect complementary sequences of a trinucleotide repeat become paired. Here, we have studied the interaction of the human mismatch repair protein MSH2 with slipped-strand structures formed from a triplet repeat sequence in order to address the possible role of MSH2 in trinucleotide expansion. Genomic clones of the myotonic dystrophy locus containing disease-relevant lengths of (CTG)n·(CAG)n triplet repeats were examined. We have constructed two types of slipped-strand structures by annealing complementary strands of DNA containing: (i) equal numbers of trinucleotide repeats (homoduplex slipped structures or S-DNA) or (ii) different numbers of repeats (heteroduplex slipped intermediates or SI-DNA). SI-DNAs having an excess of either CTG or CAG repeats were structurally distinct and could be separated electrophoretically and studied individually. Using a band-shift assay, the MSH2 was shown to bind to both S-DNA and SI-DNA in a structure-specific manner. The affinity of MSH2 increased with the length of the repeat sequence. Furthermore, MSH2 bound preferentially to looped-out CAG repeat sequences, implicating a strand asymmetry in MSH2 recognition. Our results are consistent with the idea that MSH2 may participate in trinucleotide repeat expansion via its role in repair and/ or recombination.
In-band spectrum sensing in cognitive radio networks: energy detection or feature detection?

In a cognitive radio network (CRN), in-band spectrum sensing is essential for the protection of legacy spectrum users, with which the presence of primary users (PUs) can be detected promptly, allowing secondary users (SUs) to vacate the channels immediately. For in-band sensing, it is important to meet the detectability requirements, such as the maximum allowed latency of detection (e.g., 2 seconds in IEEE 802.22) and the probability of mis-detection and false-alarm. In this paper, we propose an effcient periodic in-band sensing algorithm that optimizes sensing-frequency and sensing-time by minimizing sensing overhead while meeting the detectability requirements. The proposed scheme determines the better of energy or feature detection that incurs less sensing overhead at each SNR level, and derives the threshold aRSSthreshold on the average received signal strength (RSS) of a primary signal below which feature detection is preferred. We showed that energy detection under lognormal shadowing could still perform well at the average SNR
A new method for structure recognition in unsubtracted digital angiograms

Existing methods for automatically finding arteries in coronary angiograms rely on preprocessing. The authors develop a structure recognition system which is not sensitive to variations in image quality. This system utilizes a probabilistic contextual segmentation technique which performs image segmentation without preprocessing. This approach, the deformable template matcher, combines prior knowledge of the arterial tree, encoded as mathematical templates, with a stochastic deformation process described by a hidden Markov model. An introduction to the technique is presented along with recent enhancements of the structure recognition system. >
Host-Microbe Interaction in the Gastrointestinal Tract

In order for an infection to occur, the target organ must come in contact with sufficient microbes, the microbe must possess specific virulence factors, these virulence factors must be expressed, and the defenses of the organ system must be overcome. This dynamic process, which is ongoing in all living entities, can be described by the following relationship: [formula: see text] The establishment of infection first occurs in a particular organ. This phenomenon is known as tissue trophism and the association of microbes with organ systems governs the practice of clinical microbiology and infectious disease. With some microbes (e.g., Giardia, Cryptosporidium) the interaction with the particular organ is so specific that infections are almost always confined to one site; with others (e.g., Salmonella, enterovirus) the microbe has the potential to become systemic. When attempting to establish health risk assessment from microbes by contact with food and drinking water, one must therefore consider that the gastrointestinal tract is a complex organ system with a variety of specific host defense mechanisms. It is only when the microbe has particular virulence factors for sites in gastrointestinal tract, and the specific host defense mechanisms in the gastrointestinal tract are breached, that infection of this organ system occurs. Therefore, the general terms "immunosuppression" or "immunocompromise" are meaningless unless the specific immune defect is known. A description of the microbial virulence factors active against the gastrointestinal tract and the defense mechanisms of this organ system are reviewed to provide a biological basis health risk assessment and future food and drinking water regulations.
A scale for the comparison of the sexual attitudes of adolescents and their parents.

We developed a 14-item Attitudes Toward Sexuality Scale (ATSS) to compare the sexual attitudes of early, middle, and late adolescents and their parents. One hundred forty-one adolescents between the ages of 12 and 20 and their parents completed a questionnaire consisting of the ATSS and demographic information. The Cronbach alpha reliability coefficient for the adolescents was .75, and for the parents it was .84. A principal components analysis revealed four major dimensions of the scale: a large General factor, Legality/Morality, Alternative Modes of Sexual Expression, and Individual Rights. The correlation pattern between the ATSS and subscales of the Sex Knowledge and Attitudes Test, as well as with certain demographic variables, supports the construct validity of the ATSS. This is, therefore, a scale which may be used for research in which the sexual attitudes of adults and adolescents of various ages are to be measured and compared.
Assorted Mutations in the Envelope Gene of Simian Immunodeficiency Virus Lead to Loss of Neutralization Resistance against Antibodies Representing a Broad Spectrum of Specificities

Simian immunodeficiency virus (SIV) of macaques isolate SIVmac239 is highly resistant to neutralization by polyclonal antisera or monoclonal antibodies, a property that it shares with most primary isolates of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1). This resistance is important for the ability of the virus to persist at high levels in vivo. To explore the physical features of the viral envelope complex that contribute to the neutralization-resistant phenotype, we examined a panel of SIVmac239 derivatives for sensitivity to neutralization by a large collection of monoclonal antibodies (MAbs). These MAbs recognize both linear and conformational epitopes throughout the viral envelope proteins. The variant viruses included three derivatives of SIVmac239 with substitutions in specific N-linked glycosylation sites of gp120 and a fourth variant that lacked the 100 amino acids that encompass the V1 and V2 loops. Also included in this study was SIVmac316, a variant of SIVmac239 with distributed mutations in env that confer significantly increased replicative capacity in tissue macrophages. These viruses were chosen to represent a broad range of neutralization sensitivities based on susceptibility to pooled, SIV-positive plasma. All three of these very different kinds of mutations (amino acid substitutions, elimination of N-glycan attachment sites, and a 100-amino-acid deletion spanning variable loops V1 and V2) dramatically increased sensitivity to neutralization by MAbs from multiple competition groups. Thus, the mutations did not simply expose localized epitopes but rather conferred global increases in neutralization sensitivity. The removal of specific N-glycan attachment sites from V1 and V2 led to increased sensitivity to neutralization by antibodies recognizing epitopes from both within and outside of the V1-V2 sequence. Surprisingly, while most of the mutations that gave rise to increased sensitivity were located in the N-terminal half of gp120 (surface subunit [SU]), the greatest increases in sensitivity were to MAbs recognizing the C-terminal half of gp120 or the ectodomain of gp41 (transmembrane subunit [TM]). This reagent set and information should now be useful for defining the physical, structural, thermodynamic, and kinetic factors that influence relative sensitivity to antibody-mediated neutralization.
Microarray analysis of Akt1 activation in transgenic mouse hearts reveals transcript expression profiles associated with compensatory hypertrophy and failure

To investigate molecular mechanisms involved in the development of cardiac hypertrophy and heart failure, we developed a tetracycline-regulated transgenic system to conditionally switch a constitutively active form of the Akt1 protein kinase on or off in the adult heart. Short-term activation (2 wk) of Akt1 resulted in completely reversible hypertrophy with maintained contractility. In contrast, chronic Akt1 activation (6 wk) induced extensive cardiac hypertrophy, severe contractile dysfunction, and massive interstitial fibrosis. The focus of this study was to create a transcript expression profile of the heart as it undergoes reversible Akt1-mediated hypertrophy and during the transition from compensated hypertrophy to heart failure. Heart tissue was analyzed before transgene induction, 2 wk after transgene induction, 2 wk of transgene induction followed by 2 days of repression, 6 wk after transgene induction, and 6 wk of transgene induction followed by 2 wk of repression. Acute overexpression of Akt1 (2 wk) leads to changes in the expression of 826 transcripts relative to noninduced hearts, whereas chronic induction (6 wk) led to changes in the expression of 1,611, of which 65% represented transcripts that were regulated during the pathological phase of heart growth. Another set of genes identified was uniquely regulated during heart regression but not growth, indicating that nonoverlapping transcription programs participate in the processes of cardiac hypertrophy and atrophy. These data define the gene regulatory programs downstream of Akt that control heart size and contribute to the transition from compensatory hypertrophy to heart failure.
Management of medically refractory prolactinoma

Resistance to dopamine agonists is defined here as failure to normalize prolactin levels and failure to decrease macroprolactinoma size by ≥50 %. Failure to normalize prolactin levels is found in about 25 % of patients treated with bromocriptine and 10-15 % of those treated with cabergoline. Failure to achieve at least a 50 % reduction in tumor size occurs in about one-third of those treated with bromocriptine and 10-15 % of those treated with cabergoline. Treatment approaches for patients resistant to dopamine agonists include changing to another dopamine agonist and increasing the dose of the drug as long as there is continued response to the dose increases and no adverse effects with higher doses. Transsphenoidal surgery is also an option. Clomiphene, gonadotropins, and GnRH can be used if fertility is desired. For those not desiring fertility, estrogen replacement may be used unless there is a macroadenoma, in which case control of tumor growth is also an issue and dopamine agonists are generally necessary. In many patients modest or even no reduction in tumor size may be acceptable as long as there is not tumor growth. Hormone replacement [estrogen or testosterone] may cause a decrease in efficacy of the dopamine agonist. Reduction of endogenous estrogen, use of selective estrogen receptor modulators, and aromatase inhibitors are potential experimental approaches. Temozolomide may be useful as a last resort for aggressive, invasive tumors refractory to other medical and ablative therapies.
Obesity and survival on dialysis

Several factors associated with greater cardiovascular mortality in the general population may show a paradoxical relationship in patients on dialysis therapy. This dialysis-risk paradox has been reported for high blood pressure, serum lipid levels, and body mass, but the finding is more consistent and persuasive for obesity. This article examines the literature on the association between body mass and dialysis survival and considers the possible mechanistic and clinical implications.
Sexual agglutination factors from the yeast pichia amethionina

Pichia amethionina is a heterothallic yeast isolated from necrotic cactus tissue. Haploid cells of opposite mating type, designated alpha and alpha, agglutinate strongly when mixed. The agglutination factors of the two cell types have been solubilized from the cell walls by beta-glucanase digestion and then partially purified by affinity adsorption to the opposite cell type and by gel filtration. From alpha-cells was obtained a large, heat-stable glycoprotein with the ability to agglutinate alpha-cells. This alpha-agglutinin was inactivated by mercaptoethanol, probably because the recognition sites are linked to the glycoprotein core by disulfide bonds. Digestion of alpha-cells with beta-glucanase released a large heat-labile glycoprotein that did not agglutinate alpha-cells but did inhibit agglutination of alpha-cells by alpha-agglutinin. Subtilisin digestion of this alpha-factor released a carbohydrate-free protein of 27,000 daltons that retained the biological activity of the factor. These agglutination factors are sex- and species-specific and are not found on the surface of heterozygous diploid cells.
Differences in the anti-basement membrane zone antibodies in ocular and pseudo-ocular cicatricial pemphigoid.

Purpose. Ocular cicatricial pemphigoid (OCP) is a chronic autoimmune cicatrizing disease which affects the conjunctiva and other squamous epithelium, resulting in a scarring process. A similar process, limited only to the conjunctiva, observed in some patients using eye drops for the treatment of glaucoma, is called pseudo-ocular cicatricial pemphigoid (P-OCP). Im-munofluorescence studies demonstrate deposition of immuno-globulins and complement components in the basement membrane zone (BMZ) of the conjunctiva and an anti-basement membrane zone antibody in the serum of patients. A striking association between OCP and MHC class II gene DQBl*0301 has been observed. The purpose of this study was to determine some of the differences in the binding of OCP and P-OCP sera to different lysate in an immunoblot assay, in an attempt to partially characterize the OCP and P-OCP antigens. Furthermore, we wanted to determine if the MHC class II gene association of P-OCP is similar to that of OCP.Methods. We studied sera...
SUMO-mediated inhibition of glucocorticoid receptor synergistic activity depends on stable assembly at the promoter but not on DAXX.

Multiple transcription factors, including members of the nuclear receptor family, harbor one or more copies of a short regulatory motif that limits synergistic transactivation in a context-dependent manner. These synergy control (SC) motifs exert their effects by serving as sites for posttranslational modification by small ubiquitin-like modifier (SUMO) proteins. By analyzing the requirements for both synergy control and SUMOylation in the glucocorticoid receptor (GR), we find that an intact ligand-binding domain and an engaged DNA- binding domain dimerization interface are necessary for effective synergy control. However, these features, which promote stable assembly of GR-DNA complexes, are required downstream of SUMOylation because their disruption or deletion does not interfere with SUMO modification. Remarkably, in the absence of these features, sensitivity to the effects of SUMOylation can be restored simply by stabilization of DNA interactions through a heterologous DNA binding domain. The data ind...
Time-correlation functions and spectral densities from modified moments

Modified moments provide coefficients in expansions for time-autocorrelation functions (TAF's) and for their spectral densities. The expansions for TAF's are very generally convergent; the expansions for their spectral densities converge when these densities satisfy sufficient continuity or smoothness conditions. Whenever a partial sum to the density is non-negative, the corresponding partial sum to the TAF necessarily lies between the rigorous bounds recently obtained by Platz and Gordon. The accuracy of these expansions is illustrated by an application to the harmonic solid model considered by Platz and Gordon. The expansion for the TAF is consistently one or two orders of magnitude more accurate than the bounds obtained from the same number of moments and accurately represents the TAF to substantially longer times than do the bounds.
Foraging and growth responses of stream-dwelling fishes to inter-annual variation in a pulsed resource subsidy

Pulsed resource subsidies generate ephemeral fluxes of nutrients and energy among ecosystems. The effects of pulsed subsidies should depend on the magnitude of the pulse, the in situ productivity of the recipient system, and the ability of consumers to capitalize on the resources, yet empirical data on these relationships are limited. We assessed the ecological consequences of variation in resource pulse magnitude, as represented by anadromous salmon returns, for the foraging and growth responses of two species of stream-dwelling salmonids in two streams that vary in productivity in southwestern Alaska. Over 11 years and across a greater than 10-fold variation in sockeye salmon (Oncorhynchus nerka) density, both rainbow trout (O. mykiss) and Arctic grayling (Thymallus arcticus) exhibited a relatively similar, but mechanistically different, non-linear saturating growth response to increasing salmon density. This growth response was driven by both an increase in consumption of salmon eggs and also a decrease in dietary overlap between the two species. However, the relative change in growth from low to high salmon densities was different between streams and depended on in situ stream productivity. In low salmon density years the growth of resident consumers fell 46–68% relative to high years in the low productivity stream, but only by 26–34% in the high productivity stream. Our study provides strong evidence that understanding of both the foraging ecology of consumers and the in situ productivity of recipient ecosystems, which together regulate the ecological consequences of variation in resource subsidies, is required for successful implementation of ecosystem-based management in systems dependent on pulsed resource subsidies.
The Empty Chair Is Not So Empty: Ghosts and the Performance of Memory in Post-Katrina New Orleans

The empty chairs found in photographs taken in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina are unfillable voids. This major natural disaster transforms the everyday object of the chair, magnified by the medium of photography, into an extraordinary place full of potentiality for the performance of memory, for haunting, and for ghosts.
Sandwich assay for mixed-sequence recognition of double-stranded DNA: Invader-based detection of targets specific to foodborne pathogens

A 96-well plate sandwich assay based on Invader capture/signalling probes is used to recognize 28-mer mixed-sequence dsDNA targets specific to Salmonella enterica, Campylobacter jejuni, Escherichia coli. Targets are detected down to 20-55 pM concentration with excellent binding specificity.
Semantics and capital market efficiency: Testing the market's reaction to the naming of stock distributions as splits or dividends

Abstract The AICPA and NYSE urge corporations to avoid the term “stock dividend” and use the term “stock split” when referring to large common stock distributions. Theoretically these large distributions do not convey any economic value to the stockholders. Therefore a rule was considered necessary so as not to mislead them as to the actual nature of the distributions. The purpose of this study is to examine security price reactions to the differential naming of these distributions. The results strongly suggest that security returns are not differentially affected by naming a large common stock distribution a stock dividend rather than a stock split. That is, the capital market appears to be semantically efficient between terminologies.
RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN SHRUBS AND FOODS IN MOUNTAIN PLOVER HABITAT IN PARK COUNTY, COLORADO

Abstract We explored habitat use in terms of vegetation structure and potential forage availability for mountain plovers (Charadrius montanus) in Park County, Colorado. We quantified the percentage cover of bare ground, percentage cover of shrubs (Chrysothamnus viscidiflorus), linear distance to nearest shrub, arthropod biomass, and grasshopper density for 102 plots of 1,963 m2, 51 of which were occupied by plovers and 51 of which were selected randomly within previously-classified potential habitat. We modeled the probability of habitat use by plovers based on these measurements. We further subdivided the occupied plots to model probability of habitat use by adults with broods as compared with use by pre-nesting and post-nesting adults. Percentage of bare ground and probability of habitat use for adults with broods were related inversely, but not so for adults without broods. Grasshopper density was positively related to probability of habitat use by adults without broods, whereas proximity to nearest sh...
Against Border Patrols

This essay offers a rationale for declining the shaming term "scientism." It addresses recent work by philosophers such as Susan Haack and Simon Blackburn. It also contrasts the "foul" that enthusiasts who favor the term "scientism" with the "foul" of reductionism, and finds the latter more weighty. It argues that we must be vigilant about the latter but not about the former.
Continuous Laboratory Culture of Monochamus carolinensis (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae) with Notes on Larval Development

I describe procedures for maintaining a laboratory culture of Monochamus carolinensis (Olivier) in pine logs. In 1983, 1,583 adult beetles were reared from Scotch and jack pine logs. Beetle development varied little between the two pine hosts. Mean time from egg to adult emergence was 48.9 days and ranged from 33 to 94 days. Within-log mortality was 84.71%.
A New Model of Intracellular Communication Based on Coherent, High-Frequency Vibrations in Biomolecules

Chemistry has been the ruling paradigm for understanding the communication network that integrates a living cell. However, biochemistry alone is insufficient to explain how widely-separated biomolecules locate and move toward one another with accuracy and speed. We propose a new model wherein cytoplasmic motion is vibrationally-directed due to a community of oscillating biomolecules. DNA vibrations have been predicted in the 2-GHz range, thus we used high-frequency laser-Doppler vibrometry to test the hypothesis that resonance-driven molecular motion would be detectable as picometer surface displacements in live onion epidermal cells and fish eggs but would be absent in dead cells. Although, no surface vibrations were detected under these conditions, we discuss implications for the vibrational model of intracellular communication and suggest future experiments.
Penetration and Metabolism of Thiobisformamidines by Southwestern Corn Borer Larvae

Four thiobisformamidine insecticides-acaricides differed in their rates of penetration when applied topically to larvae of Diatraea grandiosella (Dyar). The most rapid penetration was manifested by U-50476 ( N, N ″-thiobis-[ N -methyl- N ′-2-chloro- p -tolylformamidine]) and U-44193 ( N, N ″-thiobis-[ N -methyl- N ′-2,4-xylylformamidine]), the two compounds with methyl in the 4-position of the two aryl moieties, with times for 50% disappearance of external radiocarbon of 45 and 75 min, respectively. Slowest penetration was observed with U-46506 ( N, N ″-thiobis-[ N -methyl- N ′-4-chloro- o -tolylformamidine)) and U-54074 ( N, N ″-thiobis-[ N -methyl- N ′-2,4-dichlorophenylformamidine]), the two formamidines with chlorine in the 4-position, with half times of 240 and 260 min, respectively. Metabolism was rapid with all four compounds; percentages of recovered radiocarbon as parent formamidine at 120 min postinjection were 2.7 for U-54076, 3.9 for U-46506, 5.1 for U-54074, and 14.8 for U-44193. Major paths for thiobisformamidine degradation involved cleavage to their respective N ′-aryl- N -methylformamidine, 2,4-disubstituted formanilide, and 2,4-disubstituted aniline; substituted benzoic acid metabolites also were formed in some cases.
Dibasic Staining of Large Epoxy Tissue Sections and Applications to Surgical Pathology

A variety of normal and pathologic aldehyde-fixed osmium postfixed human tissues were prepared as large sections embedded in Spurr epoxy. They were stained with a sequential basic fuchsin--methylene blue stain which gives "hematoxylin- and eosin-like" staining and additionally functions as several special stains. This technic also allows for electron microscopy directly on the embedded tissue. The histologic and cytologic preservation and overall staining was superior to tissue embedded in glycol methacrylate. The methods and technics presented in this article have important applications in diagnostic surgical pathology and histology in general.
Immune mechanisms on secretory surfaces.

Immunoglobulins of all five classes are present in external secretions. The predominant one is secretory IgA, a unique form different from serum IgA. Among other differences, secretory IgA contains an interesting glycoprotein, “secretory component.” Secretory IgA antibody apparently is locally produced, but some other immunoglobulins in external secretions seemingly reach the lumina of secretory organs by diffusion. Other known or possible components of mucosal immune mechanisms are cellular immunity, the lysozyme-complement-immunoglobulin system, and interferon.
Research and realization of performance testing tool of web application

The performance guidelines such as the response time and the rate of failed connection are the key factors to determine the quality of a web application.To calculate these performance guidelines quickly,show result to users with visual way and reduce the cost of testing tools,a performance testing tool ASTD aiming at web application is developed.ASTD provides many functions such as testing plan management,testing plan execution and testing report producing.Based on simulating users' behavior,an E-government system developed for Fang Shan is tested by the ASTD.By analyzing the test results,the bottlenecks of the system are found and the performance of this system is optimized.
Mentoring Profession Part III: From Classroom to Bedside

Although the majority of medical students receive formal education in professionalism and ethics in their undergraduate medical curriculum, many feel inadequately prepared when moral, ethical, or professional conflicts occur in the practice environment. Many medical schools across the US have begun to evolve their curriculum to address the importance of ethics and profession in all aspects of medical education. This includes extending ethical and professional development to both students and faculty to address shortfalls in professionalism in the educational environment. Effective mentoring remains the foundation of success for these endeavors. Intellect, skill, and the humanistic components of the medical profession all determine the impact a physician may have on the health and welfare of patients. Medical education cannot underestimate the importance of both structured curriculum and mentoring relationships on the development of the ethical foundation and professional demeanor of future physicians.
Pancreas Development and Regeneration

Abstract The pancreas is composed of two main cell types: exocrine cells and endocrine cells, both of which are derived from the endodermal germ layer. It is currently unclear if there exists a multipotent progenitor cell within the embryonic pancreas that is capable of giving rise to both exocrine and endocrine cell lineages. Progenitor cells for both the exocrine and endocrine cells reside within the embryonic pancreatic ductal epithelium. Many transcription factors have been identified that are critical for pancreas formation and the differentiation of the endocrine cell populations. However, less is known about the genes that control exocrine cell fate and differentiation. The β-cell mass has the capacity to expand and contract throughout the life of the organism in response to changing metabolic demands. In adults, the majority of new insulin-producing β-cells come from the proliferation of pre-existing β-cells, although, under some conditions (e.g., pancreatic injury, obesity), β-cell neogenesis may occur from cells that are located within the ductal epithelium. There are currently no good protocols for generating mature, glucose-responsive insulin-producing β-cells in vitro from embryonic stem (ES) or iPS cells. Pancreatic progenitor cells generated in vitro from ES or iPS cells can differentiate into mature, glucose-responsice β-cells when transplanted in vivo . Thus, as yet unidentified in vivo factors promote terminal differentiation of β-cells from stem cell sources.
Direct Broadcast Satellites

In 1945, Arthur C. Clarke foresaw television (and radio) broadcasting as the primary use of a 24-hour satellite. In 1954, John R. Pierce saw communications satellites as providing transoceanic telephony. Comsat and Intelsat were formed to provide an international telephone service and perhaps some incidental television distribution. By 1965, when ABC television filed with the FCC for a television distribution satellite permit, it was clear that there was a market for television distribution over land areas. As discussed in Chapter 7, it took some time for the Domsats (domestic satellites) to actually enter service. By 1976, RCA Americom (RCA American Communications—operators of RCA Satcom satellites) was probably earning more from television distribution than from telephony. The distribution of network television programming was a good business, but business boomed when dozens of cable networks joined the four broadcast networks. The lower satellite distribution charges—compared to AT&T—made distributing the programming of a new network much cheaper. The new cable networks made Domsats profitable and the new Domsats made new cable networks possible. Comsat had missed the Domsat and satellite television distribution boom in the late 1970s and had lost considerable sums on SBS—perhaps a new market was opening up.
“Is it Our Job to Teach them to Read or to Act Appropriately?”: Teachers’ and Staff's Perceptions of an Alternative School

This study examines the strengths and weaknesses of an alternative school for at-risk youth in an urban area in the United States. The data are based on in-depth, semistructured interviews with the school's 23 full-time employees. The data reveal that according to the teachers and staff of the alternative school, there are three main strengths of the school: developing positive teacher–student relationships, providing powerful pedagogy, and establishing a supportive environment; and three main weaknesses: responding inconsistently to behavior problems, creating poor transitions to adulthood, and producing a physically dangerous school environment. The findings of this study suggest a “culture of care” exists at the expense of consistent discipline—resulting in a “culture of danger.” The findings are presented and discussed, and subsequent program and policy recommendations are made in an effort to better understand the strengths and weaknesses of an alternative school and to contribute to the effectiveness schooling for at-risk youth.
Oceanic Impetus for Convective Onset of the Madden–Julian Oscillation in the Western Indian Ocean

AbstractA theory for intraseasonal atmosphere–ocean–atmosphere feedback is supported whereby oceanic equatorial Rossby waves are partly forced in the eastern Indian Ocean by the Madden–Julian oscillation (MJO), reemerge in the western Indian Ocean ~70 days later, and force large-scale convergence in the atmospheric boundary layer that precedes MJO deep convection. Downwelling equatorial Rossby waves permit high sea surface temperature (SST) and enhance meridional and zonal SST gradients that generate convergent circulations in the atmospheric boundary layer. The magnitude of the SST and SST gradient increases are 0.25°C and 1.5°C Mm−1 (1 megameter is equal to 1000 km), respectively. The atmospheric circulations driven by the SST gradient are estimated to be responsible for up to 45% of the intraseasonal boundary layer convergence observed in the western Indian Ocean. The SST-induced boundary layer convergence maximizes 3–4 days prior to the convective maximum and is hypothesized to serve as a trigger for ...
On self-selection biases in online product reviews

Online product reviews help consumers infer product quality, and the mean (average) rating is often used as a proxy for product quality. However, two self-selection biases, acquisition bias (mostly consumers with a favorable predisposition acquire a product and hence write a product review) and underreporting bias (consumers with extreme, either positive or negative, ratings are more likely to write reviews than consumers with moderate product ratings), render the mean rating a biased estimator of product quality, and they result in the well-known J-shaped (positively skewed, asymmetric, bimodal) distribution of online product reviews. To better understand the nature and consequences of these two self-selection biases, we analytically model and empirically investigate how these two biases originate from consumers' purchasing and reviewing decisions, how these decisions shape the distribution of online product reviews over time, and how they affect the firm's product pricing strategy. Our empirical results reveal that consumers do realize both self-selection biases and attempt to correct for them by using other distributional parameters of online reviews, besides the mean rating. However, consumers cannot fully account for these two self-selection biases because of bounded rationality. We also find that firms can strategically respond to these self-selection biases by adjusting their prices. Still, since consumers cannot fully correct for these two self-selection biases, product demand, the firm's profit, and consumer surplus may all suffer from the two self-selection biases. This paper has implications for consumers to leverage online product reviews to infer true product quality, for commercial websites to improve the design of their online product review systems, and for product manufacturers to predict the success of their products.
Self-reported use of nutrition labels to make food choices is associated with healthier dietary behaviours in adolescents.

Objective The study aimed to examine nutrition label use and dietary behaviours among ethnically diverse middle- and high-school students, in Texas, USA. Design The School Physical Activity and Nutrition (SPAN) survey is a cross-sectional statewide study using a self-administered questionnaire to assess nutrition and physical activity behaviours. Height and weight measurements were used to determine BMI. Multivariable logistic regression was used to determine associations between nutrition label use and dietary behaviours, with gender, grade, ethnicity, BMI, parent education, socio-economic status and nutrition knowledge as covariates. Setting Participants from 283 schools, weighted to represent Texas youth. Subjects SPAN 2009–2011 included 6716 8th and 11th graders (3465 girls and 3251 boys). The study population consisted of 39·83 % White/Other, 14·61 % African-American and 45·56 % Hispanic adolescents; with a mean age of 14·9 years, and 61·95 % at a healthy weight, 15·71 % having overweight and 22·34 % having obesity. Results Adolescents who did not use nutrition labels had 1·69 times greater odds of consuming ≥1 sugary beverages/d (P<0·05). Adolescents who used nutrition labels had 2·13 times greater odds of consuming ≥1 fruits and vegetables/d (P<0·05). Adolescents who used nutrition labels had significantly higher healthy eating scores than those who did not (P<0·001). For every 1-point increase in nutrition knowledge, adolescents had 1·22 greater odds of using nutrition labels. Conclusions Nutrition label use is associated with healthier dietary behaviours in adolescents. Intervention strategies for youth should include efforts to teach adolescents to use labels to make healthy food choices.
Molecular Considerations in Cell Transplant Imaging

Cell transplantation, similar to organ transplantation, has the ability to provide dynamic treatments to patients that can keep pace with the demands of their lives, yet most cell transplantation therapies do not succeed in treating the patient. Transplant imaging has been developed to explore why cell transplantation can fail as a therapy. However, to date, transplant imaging has primarily focused on potential issues at the cellular level, assessing the number and/or location of transplanted cells present after administration. Lack of survival and migration data are only two of the reasons why cell transplantation can fail as a therapy. Imaging the molecular environment can interrogate the other limitations of candidate therapies: misdirected differentiation, unstable phenotype, reduced functionality, and non-ideal cellular interactions. Detecting these unintended outcomes faster using molecular imaging strategies will allow clinicians to make therapeutic adjustments before failure occurs. More informative imaging strategies will also permit tailoring cell transplants into more robust, patient-specific therapies for personalized medicine.
Cross-Section Atlas

Even though intramedullary lengthening nails have eliminated external skeletal fixators and their transcutaneous implants for many indications, the percutaneous nature of the nailing procedure, including minimally invasive osteotomy, and locking and blocking screw insertions, continues to place certain neurovascular structures at risk. We have, therefore, included a cross-section atlas modified from the senior author’s 1981 Complications of External Skeletal Fixation: Causes, Prevention and Treatment to help surgeons avoid nerve and vessel injury during limb elongation operations with intramedullary nails.
Transformational leadership and radical innovation: mediation of social capital and participation

Research drawing on upper echelons theory has supported the important role of top managers in encouraging organizational innovation. However, no research to date has studied the top-down mechanisms...
The effect of sexual maturity and egg production on skeletal muscle (pectoralis major and gastrocnemius) protein turnover in broiler breeder pure lines.

Abstract A study was conducted to evaluate the effect of sexual maturity on pectoralis major and gastrocnemius muscle protein turnover in broiler breeder pure lines. Protein turnover in skeletal muscle tissue was determined in 4 broiler breeder pure lines (Line A, Line B, Line C and Line D) at 22, 27, 33, 37, 44, and 50 wk of age. A completely randomized design with a factorial arrangement 4 × 6 (4 lines and 6 time periods (ages)) was used. There were 5 replicates per line/time and each hen represented a replicate. Five hens/line at each age were given an intravenous flooding-dose of 15 N-phenylalanine (150 mM, 40 atom percent excess (APE) at a dose of 10 mL/kg. After 10 min, birds were euthanized using CO2 asphyxiation and the breast and leg muscle excised and snap frozen in liquid nitrogen for protein turnover analysis. Excreta was collected from each breeder for 3-methyl histidine (3-MH) analysis. There was a significant age effect for the breast muscle fractional synthesis rate (FSR), but no main effects (age and line) for leg muscle FSR. The FSR in breast muscle tissue decreased in hens from wk 22 (first egg) to wk 33 (peak egg production). There was a significant age effect on fractional breakdown rate (FBR) in breast and leg muscle. The FBR in breast muscle increased in hens from wk 22 to wk 33 and remained high through wk 37. Breast muscle FBR significantly decreased in hens from wk 37 to wk 50. The FBR in leg muscle tissue increased in hens from wk 33 to wk 37 and then decreased at wk 50. No line effect was seen for FSR or FBR. There is a large increase in skeletal muscle FBR during the transition for the pullet to sexual maturity with increases in skeletal muscle FBR in the breast and leg muscle through peak egg production. Protein turnover in skeletal muscle tissue is believed to be a source of nutrients for egg production.
A stochastic model for density-dependent microwave Snow- and Graupel scattering coefficients of the NOAA JCSDA community radiative transfer model

Abstract A structural model is developed for the single-scattering properties of snow and graupel particles with a strongly heterogeneous morphology and an arbitrary variable mass density. This effort is aimed to provide a mechanism to consider particle mass density variation in the microwave scattering coefficients implemented in the Community Radiative Transfer Model (CRTM). The stochastic model applies a bicontinuous random medium algorithm to a simple base shape and uses the Finite-Difference-Time-Domain (FDTD) method to compute the single-scattering properties of the resulting complex morphology.