cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Preoperative breast size affects reconstruction status following mastectomy.

Much research has been devoted to why women choose not to be reconstructed following mastectomy. The effect of breast size has not been well explored. The authors aimed to assess the relationship between breast size and reconstructive choices. A single-center retrospective review of women undergoing mastectomy between 2011 and 2014 was performed. Demographics, surgical variables, and reconstruction decisions were analyzed using t tests, Mann–Whitney U tests, and chi-squared tests. Significant (P < .05) variables were included in a multivariable logistic regression model. About 610 patients were analyzed. The median mastectomy specimen weight was 572 g (62-5230 g), which did not correlate with BMI (P = .44). Women who underwent reconstruction had lighter mastectomy specimens, averaging 643 vs 848 g (P < .0001). A regression controlling for ethnicity, insurance status, number of comorbidities, age at mastectomy, cancer stage, BMI, specimen weight, and mastectomy laterality was constructed. Lower specimen weight (P = .005), lower cancer stage (P = .008), bilateral mastectomy (P = .042), and younger age at mastectomy (P < .0001) were significantly associated with reconstruction. Women with larger breasts were less likely to be reconstructed regardless of their BMI and comorbidities. Larger breasted women may be considered worse prosthetic reconstruction candidates due to increased complications and suboptimal aesthetic outcomes but may find the increased invasiveness and recovery of autologous reconstruction an unattractive alternative. Furthermore, it is possible that surgeons may be less supportive of breast reconstruction for larger breasted women if there are concerns about safety or the aesthetic quality of the result. In the future, qualitative research must be done to determine why more larger breasted women choose not to be reconstructed as well as develop better ways to increase their reconstructive options.
Induced Resistance to Bean Leaf Beetle (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae) in Soybean

Induced resistance in soybean, Glycine max (L.) Merrill, to the bean leaf beetle, Cerotoma trifurcata (Forster), was investigated in greenhouse experiments using the treatments of mechanical injury...
Molecular dynamics studies of irradiation effects on hydrogen isotope diffusion through nickel crystals and grain boundaries

Experiments indicated that tritium permeation in 316 austenitic stainless steel is enhanced by a factor of ∼2-5 after irradiation as compared to the ex-reactor results. To understand this enhancement, we have performed extensive molecular dynamics simulations to study the effects of both the grain boundary structure (Σ3{111}, Σ5{100} and Σ11{311}) and the nature of point defects (vacancy, interstitial, and Frenkel pair) on hydrogen diffusivities in an exemplar fcc metal (nickel). By deriving diffusivities from mean square displacement, all possible atomic jump paths encountered during real diffusion are realistically sampled. By performing extremely long simulations, the statistical errors typically associated with this method are also significantly reduced. We found that within grains, interstitial defects increase diffusivity whereas vacancies have almost no effects. This mechanism might explain hydrogen permeation enhancements in irradiated materials with coarse grains. The largest increase in hydrogen diffusivity was found at a certain combination of grain boundary and point defect. This suggests that permeability of materials with finer grains can also be enhanced by irradiation depending on whether the grain boundary character is skewed. Our results shed new light on the enhancement of tritium permeation in 316 stainless steels during reactor operations.
Discover the semantic structure of human reference epigenome by differential latent dirichlet allocation

Understanding epigenetic changes across various conditions is a fundamental problem to epigenome annotation. With more high-throughput epigenomic data available, computational methods have been developed to quantify various types of epigenetic modification signals, to compare epigenetic marks between different conditions and to understand the functional consequences of epigenetic changes. However, currently few studies on epigenomes aim to provide a global view of epigenetic changes through large-scale high-throughput data integration. We apply a probabilistic graphical model called differential latent Dirichlet allocation (DLDA) to discover latent epigenetic modification modules (EMMs) from 56 reference epigenomes. We demonstrate the identified EMMs can characterize the global semantic structure of the reference epigenomes. The resulted EMMs show their condition-relevance to the corresponding reference epigenomes. The genes involved in these EMMs show epigenome-relevant functionality. Study of the involved epigenetic modification marks involved in these EMMs reveals the relative activity levels of epigenetic marks in different epigenomes. Clustering gene-epigenetic modification pairs leads to the discovery of more functional epigenetic modification groups.
Responses of migratory species and their pathogens to supplemental feeding

Migratory animals undergo seasonal and often spectacular movements and perform crucial ecosystem services. In response to anthropogenic changes, including food subsidies, some migratory animals are now migrating shorter distances or halting migration altogether and forming resident populations. Recent studies suggest that shifts in migratory behaviour can alter the risk of infection for wildlife. Although migration is commonly assumed to enhance pathogen spread, for many species, migration has the opposite effect of lowering infection risk, if animals escape from habitats where pathogen stages have accumulated or if strenuous journeys cull infected hosts. Here, we summarize responses of migratory species to supplemental feeding and review modelling and empirical work that provides support for mechanisms through which resource-induced changes in migration can alter pathogen transmission. In particular, we focus on the well-studied example of monarch butterflies and their protozoan parasites in North America. We also identify areas for future research, including combining new technologies for tracking animal movements with pathogen surveillance and exploring potential evolutionary responses of hosts and pathogens to changing movement patterns. Given that many migratory animals harbour pathogens of conservation concern and zoonotic potential, studies that document ongoing shifts in migratory behaviour and infection risk are vitally needed.This article is part of the theme issue 'Anthropogenic resource subsidies and host-parasite dynamics in wildlife'.
Minimum drag and heating 0.3-caliber projectile nose geometry:

Understanding the performance of penetrators and aerodynamic bodies of revolution (missiles, rockets, aircraft noses, etc.) requires a close look at the drag and the heat transfer characteristics at a wide range of supersonic flight conditions. This research utilizes computational study and compares the aerothermal loads of supersonic flows around a new penetrator geometry, derived based on the optimization of the nose factor, to those of other common projectile shapes: conical, tangent-ogive, and power series nose geometries. The abundance of research on 0.3-caliber projectile made the choice for this research simple in order to maximize our ability to compare to the existing data. The comparison of our 0.3 caliber cylindrical projectile with other geometries shows that within the range of 500–1500 m/s flight speed the new geometry has the lowest aerodynamic drag, lowest body temperature, and least amount of heating.
"This is a Christian Institution and We Will Tolerate No Jews Here": The Brooklyn Medical Interns Hazings

Anti-Semitic quotas to restrict access to medical school, graduate medical education and hospital privileges were common in the United States from the 1920s to the 1960s. In Brooklyn, New York, medical education prejudice resulted in violence. In 1916 a Jewish intern at Kings County Hospital, Matthew Olstein, was bound and gagged by Christian interns, put on a train at Grand Central Station, and warned that if he returned he would be thrown in the East River. Olstein died in combat in World War I as an Army physician. In 1927 3 Jewish interns at Kings County Hospital were assaulted, bound, dumped in tubs of water and covered in black fluid. Six gentile physicians were charged with assault. Criminal proceedings and public investigations followed. These attacks are the only known episodes of violence associated with American medical education anti-Semitism.
Therapeutic Potential of Small Interfering RNA for Brain Diseases

RNA interference (RNAi) is an evolutionarily conserved mechanism found in all eukaryotes to degrade messenger RNA (mRNA) that has sequence homology to short double-stranded RNA (dsRNA). It is believed that the usual biological function of RNAi is to safeguard the host cells from RNA viruses and transposons, which can endanger the genome. Expression of dsRNA in the host cell signals a cascade of intracellular events that generate small interfering RNA (siRNA) segments that mediate the degradation of complementary mRNA and subsequent failure to express protein. Recently, engineered siRNA has been used to study the normal biological function and significance of a vast number of genes in a variety of cell types, as well as the role of specific genes in disease pathogenesis. Thus, siRNA has therapeutic potential to specifically suppress the expression of proteins associated with disease processes. The exquisite specificity of siRNA-mediated gene suppression provides an opportunity to target genes with single point mutations found in hereditary disorders, genes unique to pathogenic tumor cells in malignancies, and genes that are critical for mediating the pathology of many diseases. The fact that RNAi functions in the cell at the transcription level means that virtually any gene can be targeted for suppression, providing a unique strategy to develop therapeutics for many neurological diseases, many of which have no effective therapies.
Combinatorial Electrochemical Synthesis and Characterization of Tungsten-Molybdenum Mixed Metal Oxides

Automated systems for electrochemical synthesis and high throughput screening of photoelectrochemical materials were developed and used to prepare tungsten-molybdenum mixed metal oxides, WO3-MoO3. Two-dimensional arrays (library) of diverse composition were synthesized by automated cathodic electrodeposition on Ti foil substrate. Electrolytes were prepared by mixing W-peroxo complex and Mo-peroxo complex. The compositions in films were found to strongly depend on the composition of electrolyte, and found to be relatively independent of deposition voltage. The morphology was found to be very homogeneous. The electrodeposited oxides typically showed n-type behavior. Automated measurement of photocurrent by using a scanning photoelectrochemical cell showed that mixed oxides showed higher photocatalytic activity than pure tungsten oxide or pure molybdenum oxide. Photoactitvities of the mixed oxides were strongly dependent on the film composition.
The Consequences of Consumer Ethnocentrism upon Product Perceptions within Emerging Markets: The Case of Mexico: An Abstract

The general acceptance of globalization and free trade across most national governments has led to the massive proliferation of foreign goods across the globe within the past few decades. As a result, the consumer adoption of imported products has been researched extensively as well; however, the majority of the studies have focused on developed countries, leaving less developed and developing countries vastly unexplored when compared to their counterparts. Research has also been found lacking in areas pertaining to the potential disruption that foreign product adoption has on the consumers’ purchase decision process. Key determinants such as consumer ethnocentrism (i.e., CET) and animosity warrant further investigation into how and where these determinants exert the most influence during the purchase decision process. This research seeks to examine the effects of CET upon the attitude formation stage of the process to assess its impact upon consumers’ attitude toward the use of foreign products. This study specifically examines the consequences of CET within Mexico, a country recognized as an emerging market by many reputable sources of international economic information.
Targeting BTK in CLL: Beyond Ibrutinib.

While the Bruton’s tyrosine kinase inhibitor (BTKi) ibrutinib has revolutionized the treatment of chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL), current limitations include off-target toxicities and the development of resistance. In this review, we summarize the emerging data for alternative BTKi. Second-generation BTKi include acalabrutinib, zanubrutinib, and tirabrutinib which offer greater BTK selectivity. While these agents may limit off-target toxicity, they do not overcome common mechanisms of ibrutinib resistance. Reversible BTKi including vecabrutinib and LOXO-305 inhibit BTK in the presence of C481S mutation, and non-selective reversible BTKi, including ARQ-531, may retain activity despite mutations within PLCG2. Early-phase studies are underway to establish the clinical efficacy and toxicity of these agents. A randomized trial of ibrutinib versus acalabrutinib is ongoing, and acalabrutinib may be an option for ibrutinib-intolerant patients. Results from ongoing trials of alternate BTKi will help to define their role in CLL therapy as single agents or in combination therapy.
Mitochondrial Impairment Upregulates MICOS Expression in a Human Microglial Cell Model

Mitochondrial dysfunction and oxidative stress have been implicated as key pathological mechanisms underlying the dopaminergic neurodegenerative process of Parkinson’s disease. The mitochondrial co...
m6A mRNA Methylation Is Essential for Oligodendrocyte Maturation and CNS Myelination.

Summary The molecular mechanisms that govern the maturation of oligodendrocyte lineage cells remain unclear. Emerging studies have shown that N6-methyladenosine (m6A), the most common internal RNA modification of mammalian mRNA, plays a critical role in various developmental processes. Here, we demonstrate that oligodendrocyte lineage progression is accompanied by dynamic changes in m6A modification on numerous transcripts. In vivo conditional inactivation of an essential m6A writer component, METTL14, results in decreased oligodendrocyte numbers and CNS hypomyelination, although oligodendrocyte precursor cell (OPC) numbers are normal. In vitro Mettl14 ablation disrupts postmitotic oligodendrocyte maturation and has distinct effects on OPC and oligodendrocyte transcriptomes. Moreover, the loss of Mettl14 in oligodendrocyte lineage cells causes aberrant splicing of myriad RNA transcripts, including those that encode the essential paranodal component neurofascin 155 (NF155). Together, our findings indicate that dynamic RNA methylation plays an important regulatory role in oligodendrocyte development and CNS myelination.
Efficient nursery sizing for managed languages on multi-core processors with shared caches

In modern programming languages, automatic memory management has become a standard feature for allocating and freeing memory. In this paper, we show that the performance of today’s managed languages can degrade significantly due to cache contention among multiple concurrent applications that share a cache. To address this problem, we propose to change the programs’ memory access patterns by adjusting the nursery size. We propose Dynamic Nursery Allocator (DNA), an online dynamic scheme that automatically adjusts the nursery sizes of multiple managed-language programs running concurrently without any prior knowledge or offline profiling. The experimental results on a native Intel machine show that DNA can significantly improve the system throughput by 16.3% on average and as much as 73% over today’s nursery sizing scheme when four applications run concurrently sharing the last-level cache.
Bright, continuous beams of cold free radicals

We demonstrate a cryogenic buffer gas-cooled molecular beam source capable of producing bright, continuous beams of cold and slow free radicals via laser ablation over durations of up to 60 seconds. The source design uses a closed liquid helium reservoir as a large thermal mass to minimize heating and ensure reproducible beam properties during operation. Under typical conditions, the source produces beams of our test species SrF, containing $5\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}{10}^{12}$ molecules per steradian per second in the $X{\phantom{\rule{0.16em}{0ex}}}^{2}\mathrm{\ensuremath{\Sigma}}(v=0,N=1)$ state with a rotational temperature of 1.0(2) K and a forward velocity of $140\phantom{\rule{0.28em}{0ex}}\mathrm{m}/\mathrm{s}$. The beam properties are robust and unchanged for multiple cell exit geometries, but depend critically on the helium buffer gas flow rate, which must be $\ensuremath{\ge}10$ standard cubic centimeters per minute to produce bright, continuous beams of molecules for an ablation repetition rate of 55 Hz.
Comparison of serum steroidal hormone concentrations in buller steers, riders, and uninterested penmates Investigation of sickness, body weight, feed bunk status, and implant condition during buller occurrence

Liveweight; rectal temperature (on days one and 3); implant condition; feed bunk condition; and serum hormone concentrations of trenbolone, trenbolone acetate, testosterone, progesterone, and estradiol 17? (on days one and 3) were measured in rider steers (n=17), buller steers (n=6) and control steers (n=18) at the time of bulling activity. Day one was considered the day of initial bulling activity. Liveweight at the time of bulling did not differ between groups (p=0.99), nor did rectal temperature at the time of bulling or the rectal temperature on day 3 post-bulling (p=0.93, p=0.80). There was a significant relationship between liveweight at the time of bulling activity and day one rectal temperature (p=0.002); however, the relationship between liveweight at the time of bulling and day 3 rectal temperature was not significant (p=0.31). The condition of growth hormone implants at the time of bulling did not differ between groups (p=0.27). Day one serum estradiol 17? concentration was significantly different between groups (p=0.05). The four steers that had detected (and quantified) levels of estradiol 17? on day one were riders; on the other hand, one buller and one control steer had detected (not quantified) levels of estradiol 17? on day one. The available data suggest that rider steers may have elevated levels of estradiol 17? as compared to bullers and non-involved penmates at the time of bulling activity. Furthermore, the results of this study suggest that the rider steer should be scrutinized as closely as the buller steer in future studies.
The decision to homeschool: potential factors influencing reactive homeschooling practice

While a controversial practice internationally, homeschooling is not uncommon in the United States’ educational system. Although myriad reasons exist for choosing to homeschool one’s children, a fr...
Histopathologic features of inverse psoriasis.

Background Inverse psoriasis represents a less commonly described form of psoriasis in intertriginous areas. The pathologic findings of inverse psoriasis are typically grouped in with those of plaque psoriasis, as the histopathological features specific to inverse psoriasis have not received significant investigation. Methods A single institution, retrospective cohort study was performed to review biopsy slides for psoriasis occurring in typical intertriginous areas. Patient's charts were reviewed and only those where the clinical diagnosis of inverse psoriasis was also favored were included. Results 12 patients met inclusion criteria - 58% male and 42% female, 18-86 years of age. Classic features of psoriasis such as hypogranulosis, confluent parakeratosis, and thinning of the suprapapillary plate were seen in 100%. Regular psoriasiform acanthosis and dilated tortuous dermal vessels were seen in 92%. Neutrophils were present in the scale in 83% and in the dermis in 100%. Features considered atypical for psoriasis included spongiosis in 83%, eosinophils in 67%, and focal serum in the scale in 42%. Conclusions While inverse psoriasis commonly exhibits features considered to be classic for psoriasis, it is not unusual for inverse psoriasis to show features considered atypical for plaque psoriasis such as dermal eosinophils, epidermal spongiosis, and focal serum in the scale. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
Multi-scale modeling of phase explosion in high fluence nanosecond laser ablation and clarification of ablation depth prediction criterion

Abstract When phase explosion occurs, accurate prediction of the ablation behavior in the high energy nanosecond laser ablation process still remains a difficult challenge. In this paper, nanosecond laser ablation of aluminum and copper with phase explosion is investigated through a multi-scale model and experimental verification. The melt ejection behavior during phase explosion is successfully predicted by combined molecular dynamics (MD) and smoothed particle hydrodynamics (SPH) simulations and validated against the experiments. The commonly adopted 0.9 T c (critical temperature) criterion for phase explosion boundary is also assessed with the prediction of the ablation depth for both aluminum and copper, and it is found that the 0.9 T c criterion does not always work. The multi-scale model developed in this work is shown to have better capability in predicting the ablation behavior when phase explosion is involved.
On the Tax Classification of Day Stock Traders as Investors or Traders

The paper develops an analytical model that can be used to guide courts in the tax classification of day stock traders as investors or traders. Present tax laws do not clearly distinguish between a trader and an investor yet each classification has different tax consequences. Accordingly, the issue has been left to the judicial system to arbitrate between the Internal Revenue Service and taxpayers. The judicial system has developed its classification guidelines. However, some of the judicial classification guidelines are arbitrary and somewhat confusing. The analytical model developed herein can be used to streamline some of the judicial guidelines.
The GLAST Gamma-Ray Telescope Mission

The Gamma‐ray Large Area Space Telescope, GLAST, is an orbital mission under construction to measure the cosmic gamma‐ray flux in the energy range 20 MeV to >300 GeV, with supporting measurements for gamma‐ray bursts from 10 keV to 25 MeV. With its launch in 2007, GLAST will open a new and important window on a wide variety of high energy phenomena, including black holes and active galactic nuclei; gamma‐ray bursts; the origin of cosmic rays and supernova remnants; and searches for hypothetical new phenomena such as supersymmetric dark‐matter annihilations, Lorentz‐invariance violation, and exotic relics from the Big Bang. In addition to a short review of the science opportunities, this talk will describe the high‐energy gamma‐ray telescope and its components and review the mission status.
The Nightside of Venus

Our neighboring planet Venus has been scrutinized for 35 years by ground-based telescopes and an armada of spacecraft, but many mysteries remain regarding the chemistry and dynamics of its atmosphere. In his Perspective, Crisp highlights the report by Slanger et al. , who have observed atomic oxygen airglow at visible wavelengths from the nightside of Venus. The new observations should help unravel the unusual oxygen chemistry and dynamics of the upper atmosphere of Venus.
Host Defense Mechanisms Against Herpes Simplex Virus I. Control of Infection In Vitro by Sensitized Spleen Cells and Antibody

Sensitized mouse spleen cells decrease the spread of herpes simplex virus infection in cell culture lines derived from human and murine tissues. These washed, sensitized cells act alone and additively in combination with antibody to diminish the ability of single virus-infected cells to spread infection to contiguous cells. This control of infection is not species specific, unlike interferon, and appears to be distinct from the effect of antibody. Lymphotoxin was not detected in this lymphocyte-mediated response. This control of herpes simplex virus infection in vitro by sensitized lymphoid cells is immunologically specific; spleen cells from donor animals immunized with a heterotypic virus do not cause herpesvirus plaque size reduction. The ratio of spleen cells from immunized animals to target monolayer cells needed to produce this effect is > 4:1. Plaque size reduction of herpes simplex virus by spleen cells requires intact, immune, non-glass-adhering lymphoid cells.
Circumventing Drug Interactions

There are myriad opportunities for drug interactions involving antimicrobial agents. The potential for drug interactions encountered in clinical practice continues to grow as the number of different antimicrobial classes expands, the number of specific agents within these drug classes increases, and antimicrobial drug regimens become more complex (e.g., treatment of mycobacterial infection and human immunodeficiency virus [HIV] disease). In addition, antimicrobials are commonly used in certain patient populations (e.g., critically ill, geriatric, and HIV-infected patients) where many drugs of various classes are being used and the potential for drug interactions therefore increases as a function of the number and types of drugs present. Many interactions are of minimal clinical importance and often ignored. However, other interactions are associated with substantial risk of adverse pharmacokinetic or pharmacodynamic interactions, resulting in decreased therapeutic efficacy, increased incidence of drug toxicities, and potential for increased antimicrobial resistance. Thus the ability to prevent or minimize adverse drug interactions is of vital importance in optimizing the appropriate and effective use of antimicrobials and enhancing patient outcome.
Decision time and movement time as a function of response complexity in retarded persons.

The decision time (reaction time [RT]) and movement time of retarded persons as a function of the amplitude and precision of a discrete movement in both simple and choice RT paradigms was examined. The results showed that RT for retarded persons was considerably longer and more variable than for nonretarded persons. Movement difficulty only elevated RT with both populations in the choice RT paradigm, and the RT regression coefficient for the retarded subjects was considerably greater than that for the the nonretarded group. Retarded subjects' movement time was significantly slower than that of the nonretarded subjects. Movement difficulty elevated movement time for both populations, as defined by Fitts's (1954) law. The slope of the movement-time regression coefficients was significantly higher for retarded persons and did not change across 5 days of practice. These findings suggest that information-processing differences in motor skills between populations can be attributed to response parameters. Language: en
A Review of “Materializing Exile: Materialize Culture and Embodied Experience Among Karenni Refugees in Thailand”: (Studies in Forced Migration: Vol. 27). Sandra Dudley. New York, NY: Berghahn Books, 2010, 188 pp.

A 15-year engagement of close relationships is grist for Sandra Dudley's new book, Materializing Exile: Materialize Culture And Embodied Experience Among Karenni Refugees In Thailand. Her observati...
Zinc‐Binding Domain Junín Virus Arenavirus Envelope Glycoprotein

Arenaviruses are endemic in rodent populations, and several arenavirus species can be transmitted to humans and cause life-threatening hemorrhagic fevers. Entry of arenaviruses into the host cells is mediated by the viral envelope glycoprotein, GPC. Unlike other viral envelope glycoproteins, mature GPC contains a cleaved stable signal peptide (SSP) in addition to the canonical receptor-binding (G1) and transmembrane fusion (G2) subunits. SSP is essential for GPC function and is retained in the complex primarily through interaction with a cytoplasmic zinc-binding domain (ZBD) in G2. The structure of the ZBD from one arenavirus species, Junin, is currently available. The ZBD displays a novel fold and contains two bound zinc ions that are coordinated by four and three residues. The zinc ion that is coordinated by three residues mediates the interaction with the SSP subunit, accepting an invariant cysteine from the cytoplasmic C-terminal tail of SSP as the fourth ligand. 3D Structure Keywords: zinc-binding domain; Junin virus; arenavirus; envelope glycoprotein
Predicción del riesgo de Enfermedad Cardiovascular en la mujer: ¿Qué papel tienen los nuevos biomarcadores?

Resumen es: La prediccion del riesgo integra las normativas estadounidenses actuales para la enfermedad cardiovascular (ECV) en las mujeres. Aunque existen actualmen...
Excitation transfer through open quantum networks: Three basic mechanisms

A variety of open quantum networks are currently under intense examination to model energy transport in photosynthetic systems. Here, we study the coherent transfer of a quantum excitation over a network incoherently coupled with a structured and small environment that effectively models the photosynthetic reaction center. Our goal is to distill a few basic, possibly universal, mechanisms or effects that are featured in simple energy-transfer models. In particular, we identify three different phenomena: the congestion effect, the asymptotic unitarity, and the staircase effects. We begin with few-site models, in which these effects can be fully understood, and then proceed to study more complex networks similar to those employed to model energy transfer in light-harvesting complexes.
Response of Bushy-Tailed Woodrats (Neotoma cinerea) to Late Quaternary Climatic Change in the Colorado Plateau

Abstract Temperature profoundly influences the physiology and life history characteristics of organisms, particularly in terms of body size. Because so many critical parameters scale with body mass, long-term temperature fluctuations can have dramatic impacts. We examined the response of a small mammalian herbivore, the bushy-tailed woodrat ( Neotoma cinerea ), to temperature change from 20,000 yr B.P. to present, at five sites within the Colorado Plateau. Our investigations focused on the relationship between temperature, plant composition and abundance, and woodrat size. Body size was estimated by measuring fossil fecal pellets, a technique validated in earlier work. We found significant and highly covariable patterns in body mass over the five locations, suggesting that responses to temperature fluctuations during the late Quaternary have been very similar. Although woodrat mass and the occurrence of several plant species in the fossil record were significantly correlated, in virtually all instances changes in woodrat size preceded changes in vegetational composition. These results may be due to the greater sensitivity of woodrats to temperature, or to the shorter generation times of woodrats as compared to most plants. An alternative hypothesis is that winter temperatures increased before summer ones. Woodrats are highly sensitive to warmer winters, whereas little response would be expected from forest/woodland plants growing at their lower limits. Our work suggests that woodrat size is a precise paleothermometer, yielding information about temperature variation over relatively short-term temporal and regional scales.
Assessment of correction methods for the band-gap problem and for finite-size effects in supercell defect calculations: Case studies for ZnO and GaAs

Contemporary theories of defects and impurities in semiconductors rely to a large extent on supercell calculations within density-functional theory using the approximate local-density approximation (LDA) or generalized gradient approximation (GGA) functionals. Such calculations are, however, affected by considerable uncertainties associated with: (i) the ``band-gap problem,'' which occurs not only in the Kohn-Sham single-particle energies but also in the quasiparticle gap (LDA or GGA) calculated from total-energy differences, and (ii) supercell finite-size effects. In the case of the oxygen vacancy in ZnO, uncertainties (i) and (ii) have led to a large spread in the theoretical predictions, with some calculations suggesting negligible vacancy concentrations, even under Zn-rich conditions, and others predicting high concentrations. Here, we critically assess (i) the different methodologies to correct the band-gap problem. We discuss approaches based on the extrapolation of perturbations which open the band gap, and the self-consistent band-gap correction employing the $\text{LDA}+U$ method for $d$ and $s$ states simultaneously. From the comparison of the results of different gap-correction, including also recent results from other literature, we conclude that to date there is no universal scheme for band gap correction in general defect systems. Therefore, we turn instead to classification of different types of defect behavior to provide guidelines on how the physically correct situation in an LDA defect calculation can be recovered. (ii) Supercell finite-size effects: We performed test calculations in large supercells of up to 1728 atoms, resolving a long-standing debate pertaining to image charge corrections for charged defects. We show that once finite-size effects not related to electrostatic interactions are eliminated, the analytic form of the image charge correction as proposed by Makov and Payne leads to size-independent defect formation energies, thus allowing the calculation of well-converged energies in fairly small supercells. We find that the delocalized contribution to the defect charge (i.e., the defect-induced change of the charge distribution) is dominated by the dielectric screening response of the host, which leads to an unexpected effective $1/L$ scaling of the image charge energy, despite the nominal $1/{L}^{3}$ scaling of the third-order term. Based on this analysis, we suggest that a simple scaling of the first order term by a constant factor (approximately 2/3) yields a simple but accurate image-charge correction for common supercell geometries. Finally, we discuss the theoretical controversy pertaining to the formation energy of the O vacancy in ZnO in light of the assessment of different methodologies in the present work, and we review the present experimental situation on the topic.
The appropriateness of teacher self‐disclosure: a comparative study of China and the USA

The present study was designed to examine pre‐service teachers’ attitudes towards teacher self‐disclosure in Chinese and US classroom teaching. The participants of this study included 126 Chinese pre‐service teachers and 180 US pre‐service teachers. Results showed statistically significant differences between the two groups in their attitudes towards five dimensions of teacher self‐disclosure: common topics, uncommon topics, common purposes, uncommon purposes and consideration of students. The discussion focuses on the underlying reasons for the differences and the implications for cross‐cultural education.
The arrested gravel front: stable gravel-sand transitions in rivers Part 2: General numerical solution

Many rivers have an abrupt transition from gravel-bed to sand-bed morphology. In many cases the point of transition is neither prograding nor retrograding, but is rather arrested in place. Two mechanisms are hypothesized as responsible for stabilizing the gravel-sand transition, basin subsidence (or alternatively base level rise) and abrasion of gravel. The companion paper offers a simplified analytical solution for the long profile of a river with such a transition. This treatment allows for direct insight into the relation between the morphology and the controlling mechanisms at the expense of several gross approximations. The present paper offers a rigorous complete numerical solution which takes such facts as the streamwise sorting of heterogeneous gravel into consideration.
RELIABILITY AND VARIATION OF JUDGMENTS MADE ON SELECTED BIPOLAR ADJECTIVE SCALES

7 adults rated 20 preschool children on 40 bipolar adjective scales often used in the study of person perception. Interrater reliability coefficients are presented for these ratings. Also presented is the dispersion of ratings on each of the scales. This information may be useful for those developing studies in this area.
Effect of the methionine analogs, ethionine and norleucine, on DNA synthesis in Escherichia coli 15T.

Abstract The effect of the methionine analogs, norleucine and ethionine, was studied in a mutant of Escherichia coli 15T − which requires thymine, arginine, tryptophan and methionine. There is a twofold increase in the total DNA content of the culture when either ethionine or norleucine is substituted for methionine. About half of this DNA is lost subsequently if glucose is the carbon source in the medium, whereas none is lost if either aspartate or succinate is the carbon source. No particular region of the bacterial chromosome is lost, such as the region synthesized after amino acid starvation or the portion made immediately after transfer to medium containing the methionine analog. Radioactive and density label experiments show that DNA cannot be replicated past the point on the chromosome first synthesized in the presence of ethionine. However, addition of methionine will allow replication of about 30% more of the DNA synthesized in the presence of the methionine analogs. It can be demonstrated that addition of methionine to the medium will result in the methylation of DNA synthesized previously in the presence of either methionine analog. It is hypothesized that non-methylated DNA cannot be used as a template for further DNA synthesis.
Multitextual analysis in the service of peace : Local people and peacekeeping

The authors explore the use of personal narratives as a method for the study of conflict and peace, selecting as a site for interpretation the militarily and ethnically divided island of Cyprus. The international community has made a considerable investment in peacekeeping operations, but the many active sites of these operations can only be understood in terms of the multiple, intersecting, and often contending accounts of both the truth and the reality of the local circumstances, including the accounts of local citizens. This article presents an illustration of how personal narratives and official narratives derived from the Greek Cypriot side of the conflict combine to create a cohesive, culturally shared narrative. The ultimate goal of the research project is to write the many different voices, or “texts” that surround the ethnic dividing line in Cyprus, especially those that deviate from the dominant narratives in the service of elusive peace.
On the analytical expression of the ionization cross section for atom-atom collisions and on the ion-electron recombination in dense neutral gases

Calculation of ionization cross section for atom to atom collisions and ion and electron recombination in dense neutral gases
The common C-terminal sequences of substance P and neurokinin A contact the same region of the NK-1 receptor

Although neurokinin A (NKA), a tachykinin peptide with sequence homology to substance P (SP), is a weak competitor of radiolabeled SP binding to the NK-1 receptor (NK-1R), more recent direct binding studies using radiolabeled NKA have demonstrated an unexpected high-affinity interaction with this receptor. To document the site of interaction between NKA and the NK-1R, we have used a photoreactive analogue of NKA containing p-benzoyl-L-phenylalanine (Bpa) substituted in position 7 of the peptide. Peptide mapping studies of the receptor photolabeled by 125I-iodohistidyl1-Bpa7NKA have established that the site of photoinsertion is located within a segment of the receptor extending from residues 178 to 190 (VVCMIEWPEHPNR). We have previously shown that 125I-BH-Bpa8SP, a photoreactive analogue of SP, covalently attaches to M181 within this same receptor sequence. Importantly, both of these peptides (125I-iodohistidyl1-Bpa7NKA and 125I-BH-Bpa8SP) have the photoreactive amino acid in an equivalent position within the conserved tachykinin carboxyl-terminal tail. In this report, we also show that site-directed mutagenesis of M181 to A181 in the NK-1R results in a complete loss of photolabeling of both peptides to this receptor site, indicating that the equivalent position of SP and NKA, when bound to the NK-1R, contact the same residue.
Adenosine in myocardial perfusion imaging using positron emission tomography

Because of its unique ability to demonstrate the metabolic consequences of myocardial ischemia, positron emission tomography (PET) is extremely valuable in assessing myocardial viability. PET imaging can identify the myocardial segments that are likely to improve after revascularization and may be more sensitive and specific for the detection of coronary artery disease compared with thallium perfusion imaging. Adenosine has several advantages over dipyridamole as a pharmacologic stress agent for use with PET. It produces maximal vasodilation in a significantly greater percentage of patients, is a more potent coronary vasodilator, and its very short half-life may be ideal for use with the very short half-life radioactive tracers used in PET. When combined with metabolic studies, adenosine may be useful for the assessment of patients who received thrombolytic therapy for an acute myocardial infarction.
The Effects of UV Radiation in the Marine Environment

Ultraviolet radiation (UV) is a ubiquitous component of sunlight. Anyone who has ever been sunburned can readily attest to the biological hazards of over-exposure. While the role of UV in human health has been studied extensively, much less is known about UV effects on marine organisms. We have recognized for a long time, even prior to ozone depletion, that UV causes debilitating and lethal responses. However, relatively few studies were conducted prior to the 1990s under conditions that are comparable to the intensities and wavelengths of UV present in sunlight. Only in the last two decades of the 20th century did growing awareness and acceptance of long-term trends in stratospheric ozone depletion initiate serious concern about the possible ramifications of increased UV in the marine environment. Since then, investigations of the ecological impacts of UV have received increasing attention, funding, and research.
Generalized BCS calculations for the 2 s − 1 d shell with realistic interactions

Based on the Hartree-Fock calculations reported earlier, the ground-state properties of N = Z even-even nuclei in the 2s-1d shell are investigated within the generalized BCS approach employing T = 1, T = 0, and T = 1 + T = 0 pairing correlations and the modified Yale and supersoft core potentials. Comparisons are made with similar less sophisticated calculations reported earlier for the same nuclei using the Yale potential.
Synthesis of Thiol-Derivatized Europium Porphyrinic Triple-Decker Sandwich Complexes for Multibit Molecular Information Storage

The storage of multiple bits of information at the molecular level requires molecules with a large number of distinct oxidation states. Lanthanide triple-decker sandwich molecules employing porphyrins and phthalocyanines afford four cationic states and are very attractive for molecular information storage applications. Five triple-decker building blocks have been prepared of the type (phthalocyanine)Eu(phthalocyanine)Eu(porphyrin), each bearing one iodo, one ethyne, or one iodo and one ethyne group attached to the porphyrin unit. Two triple-decker building blocks with different oxidation potentials were derivatized with an S-acetylthiophenyl unit for attachment to an electroactive surface. To explore the preparation of arrays comprised of triple deckers, which may lead to the storage of a larger number of bits, two types of dyads of triple deckers were prepared. An ethyne-linked dyad of triple deckers bearing one S-acetylthiophenyl unit was prepared via repetitive Sonogashira couplings, and a butadiyne-li...
Brassinosteroid Signal Transduction: A Mix of Conservation and Novelty

Brassinosteroids (BRs) are a unique class of plant steroids that are structurally similar to animal steroid hormones and play important roles in plant growth and development. Unlike the animal steroids, which bind to classical intracellular steroid receptors that directly modulate gene activities after translocation into the nucleus, the plant steroids rely on transmembrane receptor kinases to activate a phosphorylation cascade to regulate gene expression. Recent genetic and biochemical studies have identified several critical BR signaling components and revealed a striking mechanistic similarity between the plant steroid signaling pathway and several well-studied animal signaling cascades involving a receptor kinase and glycogen synthase kinase 3 (GSK3). A working model for BR signal transduction proposes that BR initiates its signaling pathway by promoting heterodimerization of two transmembrane receptor-like kinases at the cell surface, leading to inhibition of a GSK3 kinase and subsequent stabilization and nuclear accumulation of two GSK3 substrates that regulate BR-responsive genes. Such a simple model provides a framework for continued investigation of molecular mechanism(s) of plant steroid signaling.
Political Theory and Feminist Social Criticism

1. Silent voices and everyday critics: problems in political theory, solutions from Third World feminist social criticism 2. Why do we need a Third World feminist theory of social criticism? 3. Method: skeptical scrutiny, guiding criteria, and deliberative inquiry in concert 4. Roles: social criticism and self-criticism 5. Qualifications: everyday critics, multi-sited critics, and multiple critics 6. Third World feminist social criticism as feminist democratic theory.
Acute bronchiolitis: a study of 207 cases.

Acute bronchiolitis is an important clinical syndrome seen in infants and young children. It is most common in infants between the ages of two and seven months.The disease is characterized by recur...
Monte Carlo Calculations of the Optical Coupling between Bismuth Germanate Crystals and Photomultiplier Tubes

The high density and atomic number of bismuth germanate (Bi4Ge3O12 or BGO) make it a very useful detector for positron emission tomography. Modern tomograph designs use large numbers of small, closely-packed crystals for high spatial resolution and high sensitivity. However, the low light output, the high refractive index (n=2.15), and the need for accurate timing make it important to optimize the transfer of light to the photomultiplier tube (PMT). We describe the results of a Monte Carlo computer program developed to study the effect of crystal shape, reflector type, and the refractive index of the PMT window on coupling efficiency. The program simulates total internal, external, and Fresnel reflection as well as internal absorption and scattering by bubbles. We show that when internal trapping in clear, polished BGO crystals is reduced by (a) suitable crystal shaping, (b) a PMT window with a high refractive index, or (c) non-absorbing vacuum bubbles, it is possible to transfer more than 60% of the scintillation light to the PMT. This transfer is greatly reduced by internal absorption.