cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Mouse-killing and motor activity: Effects of chronic Δ9-Tetrahydrocannabinol and pilocarpine

Chronic administration of Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) for 5–8 weeks at 4 dose levels (2, 10, 20, 50 mg/kg/day) or of pilocarpine (12.5, 25 mg/kg/day) for 3 weeks induced mouse-killing in 25–70% of previously “non-killer” rats of the Sprague-Dawley strain. The maximum percent of drug-induced mouse-killing depended on the daily dose and housing conditions, 20 mg/kg/day THC and 25 mg/kg/day pilocarpine in single-housed rats being the most effective treatments. Drug-induced mousekilling appeared to be a form of behavioral pathology, differing from the species-specific predatory response, when it first appeared. Concurrent assessment of locomotor and rearing activities showed dose-dependent depressant effects of THC and pilocarpine without evidence for tolerance. Different dose-dependencies and time courses suggest that changes in motor activities are not directly linked to the appearance of the killing behavior.
Productive human capital: Learning, creativity, and eminence

ABSTRACT: Research in anthropology, economics, history, psychology, and sociology suggests that the time, attention, and energy invested by adults in children and youth yields short‐ and long‐term benefits for individuals and nations. Considerable psychological and other evidence shows such benefits on school learning, creative accomplishments, and adult eminence which can be best understood within a theoretical framework of economics. We suggest that multi‐disciplinary research provides the most comprehensive understanding of human capital development; that early incidental and deliberate conditions strongly affect life‐course outcomes; and that adults might dramatically increase their effectiveness in promoting the learning, talent, and adult potential of children and youth.
Analysis of morphological structuring elements generated using adaptive resonance theory

In this paper we consider the formation of morphological templates using adaptive resonance theory. We examine the role of object variability and noise on the clustering of different sized objects as a function of the vigilance parameter. We demonstrate that the fuzzy adaptive resonance theory is robust in the presence of noise but that for poor choice of vigilance there is a proliferation of prototypical categories. We apply the technique to detection of abnormal cells in pap smears.
Abstract P2-05-03: Role of tumor immune environment in tumor initiation and growth rates in mouse mammary tumor models

The role of the tumor immune environment is critical in human breast cancer tumorigenesis and response to therapy: tumors with a Th1 immune activating environment (high cytotoxic CD8+ T cells and low FoxP3 and myeloid derived suppressor cells (MDSC)) show improved response to chemotherapy and improved disease free survival and prognosis, where tumors with a Th2 immune suppressive environment (increased FoxP3, increased MDSC, and decreased CD8 T cells) shows poor response to chemotherapy and worse disease free survival and prognosis. There has not been good correlation with animal models of mammary tumorigenesis and human response to chemotherapy because in mouse models (1) tumor implant models do not show the tumor immune infiltration seen in human tumors (2) xenograph models are not immunocompetent (3) the tumor immune infiltration has not been evaluated the spontaneous mouse mammary models. We evaluated the tumor immune environment in relation to time to tumor development and rate of tumor growth in two commonly used transgenic mouse models: TgMMTV-neu and C3(1)Tag to better define role of the tumor immune environment in tumorigenesis in spontaneous mouse mammary tumor models. Spontaneous tumorigenesis was studied in 80 TgMMTV-neu and 58 C3(1)Tag mice who were observed for tumor development from 6 weeks until tumor ∼1000 mm3. Differences in (1) time to tumor development (2) rate of tumor growth (3) tumor immune environment were evaluated. Between the transgenic mouse models, TgMMTV-neu mice (n = 10) developed tumors later, around 35.0 weeks, and the tumors grew slower with an average growth rate of 47.9 mm3/week than C3(1)Tag mice which developed tumors around 18.2 weeks with an average growth rate of 88.1 (p = 0.006). The tumor infiltration of MDSC inhibitory cells were higher in the C3(1)Tag mice than the TgMMTV-neu mice and approaches significance (17.4% of all lymphocytes in C3(1)Tag and 4.1% in TgMMTV-neu p = 0.08). Furthermore, there are increased CD8+ T cells in TgMMTV-neu mouse tumors than in C3(1)Tag (34.08% CD3+ cells in TgMMTV-neu mice and 22.38% in C3(1)Tag mice, p = 0.07) with similar FoxP3 levels (6.4% in TgMMTV-neu and 10.2% in C3(1)Tag mice p = 0.2) therefore the CD8/FoxP3 ratio in TgMMTV-neu mice is 5.3 where the CD8/FoxP3 ratio in C3(1)Tag mice is 2.2. These data demonstrate that C3(1)Tag mice have more aggressive tumorigenesis than the TgMMTV-neu mice and a more immunosuppressive tumor environment (higher MDSC, lower CD8, and smaller CD8/FoxP3 ratio) supporting the tumor immune environment plays an important role in tumorigenesis. Citation Information: Cancer Res 2013;73(24 Suppl): Abstract nr P2-05-03.
The Columbia River Basalt

The Columbia River Basalt Group (CRBG) is one of the younger continental flood basalt provinces (17.5–6.0 My B.P.). The flows form a high plateau in northwestern USA, covering large parts of the states of Washington, Oregon, and Idaho between the actively rising Cascade Range to the west and the main ranges of the Rocky Mountain system to the east (Fig. 1). Of moderate size (164,000 km2 and an estimated 170,000 km3; Tolan et al., 1987) the CRBG is an order of magnitude smaller than the Karoo or Deccan provinces. The flows are fresh, almost horizontal, and well preserved by a semi-arid climate. Deep canyons, cut by rivers rising in the mountains to the east, provide a plexus of natural cross sections. These geographic advantages, combined with a systematic research effort by many groups over the last fifteen years, have provided a detailed picture of the physical development of the province and of its chemical and isotopic composition.
Fluorous mixture synthesis of (-)-dictyostatin and three stereoisomers.

A mixture of four stereoisomers whose configurations are encoded by fluorous silyl protecting groups has been prepared and converted over 22 steps to a mixture of protected dictyostatins. Demixing by fluorous HPLC followed by removal of the fluorous protecting groups (detagging) provides dictyostatin and three C6,C7 stereoisomers. Biological evaluation showed that the monoepimers of the natural product retained highly potent activity.
Separation values and their utilization in column characterization

A general discussion of the separation number (TZ) and the effective peak number (EPN) is presented and their meaning and interrelationship is explained with help of a generalized term. The relationship between the separation values and the retention index difference is derived and the choice of the homologous series and peak pair used for column testing is considered. The similarities and dissimilarities between the separation values and the number of theoretical plates and HETP and their respective advantages are discussed. In the second part of the paper, a further improvement in the separation value concept is proposed: the use of separation value vs. retention time plots as well as plots representing the rate of producing the separation values against the carbon number.
Collision resolution algorithm-based heartbeat radio access

This paper proposes a heartbeat radio access protocol for a mobile ad-hoc network based on a random access protocol using a high-throughput and stable single-channel Q-ary free-access collision resolution algorithm12. We provide an analytical derivation of the performance of this free-access collision resolution algorithm in the presence of feedback channel errors that may be present in the mobile radio environment. The maximum stable throughput or capacity is derived for an infinite-population Poisson user model. The average delay-throughput characteristic is also obtained. Simulations were performed to validate the analytical results. Optimum collision resolution algorithm parameters are also derived as the feedback channel error rate is varied.
Cross-disciplinary molecular science education in introductory science courses: an nsdl matdl collection

This paper discusses a digital library designed to help undergraduate students draw connections across disciplines, beginning with introductory discipline-specific science courses (including chemistry, materials science, and biophysics). The collection serves as the basis for a design experiment for interdisciplinary educational libraries and is discussed in terms of the three models proposed by Sumner and Marlino. As a cognitive tool, the library is organized around recurring patterns in molecular science, with one such pattern being developed for this initial design experiment. As a component repository, the library resources support learning of these patterns and how they appear in different disciplines. As a knowledge network, the library integrates design with use and assessment.
Manganese(II) oxidation kinetics on metal oxide surfaces

Abstract The rates of oxidation of Mn(II) by oxygen in the presence of α-FeOOH, γ-FeOOH, silica, and δ-Al2O3 were studied experimentally. These solids enhanced the rate of Mn(II) oxidation over the initial homogeneous solution rate, the order being γ-FeOOH > α-FeOOH > SiO2 > δ-Al2O3. The kinetic data can be partially accounted for by a rate expression of the form − d[ Mn(II) ] dt = k ∗ {〉 SOH }[ Mn 2+ ] [ H + ] 2 ·A·p O 2 , where {〉SOH} is the surface concentration of hydroxyl sites and A is the mass concentration of solids in suspension. The reaction on α-FeOOH and γ-FeOOH is strongly temperature dependent (apparent activation energy ∼100 kJ mole−1) and is not affected by normal laboratory light levels. The oxidation rates on α-FeOOH are lower at higher ionic strengths, and are appreciably influenced by individual ions; Mg2+, Ca2+, silicate, salicylate, phosphate, chloride, and sulfate inhibit the overall oxidation reaction. A surface complex formation model was used to describe the adsorption of Mn2+ to the oxide surfaces. In terms of the surface species (>SO)2Mn, a proposed rate law which partially accounts for observations is − d[ Mn(II) ] dt = k ″ {(〉 SO ) 2 Mn }·A·p O 2 . An alternative formulation which accounts for the observed rates postulates the surface species >SOMnOH.
Effects of substructure on the mechanical properties of Fe-Ni-Co-C alloys

The effect of transformation substructure (lath or twinned plates) and its subsequent modification of carbide distribution during tempering on the mechanical properties was investigated in Fe-Ni-Co alloys with and without 0.1 pct carbon. The morphology and substructure of carbon free and 0.1 pct carbon Fe-Ni-Co martensites do not have a significant effect on fracture toughness. The transformation substructure by itself does not control the deformation mode of these martensites. Based on a previously suggested model on factors affecting the mode of deformation, the need for substructure control to maintain desirable mechanical properties of low alloy high strength steels, is again emphasized.
Single crystals of bacteriophage T7 RNA polymerase

Single crystals of T7 RNA polymerase have been grown to a maximum size of 1.8 x 0.3 x 0.3 mm. The crystals are composed of fully intact T7 RNA polymerase which is enzymatically active upon dissolution. These crystals belong to the monoclinic space group P2(1) and have unit cell parameters a = 114.5 A, b = 139.6 A, c = 125.7 A, and beta = 98.1 degrees. Self-rotation function studies indicate that there are three molecules per asymmetric unit. The crystals diffract to at least 3.0 A resolution. These are the first crystals of a DNA-dependent RNA polymerase suitable for high-resolution X-ray structure determination.
The role of aluminum in the development of hypercalcemia in the rat.

The present study evaluates the effect of an intravenous (i.v.) aluminum infusion on total and ionized calcium. Seven groups of rats were studied, and it was found that the magnitude of hypercalcemia was dose dependent. During a two hour i.v. infusion containing 0.4 mg aluminum per 100 grams of body weight, the total plasma calcium increased from 9.7 +/- 0.2 to 12.7 +/- 0.7 mg/dl (X +/- SE, P less than 0.02) while the ionized calcium decreased from 5.1 +/- 0.12 to 4.05 +/- 0.24 mg/dl (P less than 0.001). The increase in plasma calcium occurred in intact and parathyroidectomized rats, and the hypercalcemia could not be attributed to changes in PTH, arterial pH, plasma protein, or plasma phosphate. In vitro studies indicate that the addition of aluminum to rat plasma results in decreased ionized calcium concentration. Similarly, ultrafilterable calcium declined from 5.4 +/- 0.17 to 4.53 +/- 0.12 mg/dl (P less than 0.001) after the addition of aluminum to rat plasma. In summary, high levels of intravenous aluminum increase total plasma calcium and decrease ionized calcium. As also supported by in vitro data, the most probable mechanism is increased binding of calcium in the plasma which decreases ionized calcium. As a result of the decreased concentration of ionized calcium, movement of bone and interstitial calcium into the vascular space may occur, thus increasing total plasma calcium.
PERSPECTIVE: DARWIN, PROGRESS, AND ECONOMIC PRINCIPLES

Darwin's concept of progress was an economic one, with the accumulation of adaptations having a strong analogy to technological innovations. This interpretation makes it easier to understand his differences with Lamarck and others whose views he considered metaphysically objectionable. It also clarifies his relationship to Malthus and such features of his theory as the episodic nature of evolutionary change. His position is consistent with modern theories of biotic invasions and long-term evolutionary trends. It also accords well with current efforts to produce a synthesis between biology and economics.
Radiowave Scattering from Surface and Subsurface Heterogeneities

Abstract Finite-difference time-domain (FD-TD) techniques allow practical numerical computation of radiowave scattering by a wide range of objects (e.g., rocks) on or in a planetary regolith. Numerical models are evaluated for two-dimensional (2-D) cases in which burial depth D and object size R of a single scatterer vary and for which the separation distance L between two scatterers varies. A buried object typically has a significantly weaker scattering response than the same object resting on the surface, although the strongest response may occur when the scatterer is partially buried. Large objects scatter strongly and in complex ways, but the bounds on solutions appear to be well-defined; this should be useful in predicting aggregate behavior of ensembles of scatterers. The response of closely spaced objects differs significantly from the response of the objects calculated separately, but the coupling decreases rapidly with separation. Two-dimensional wavelength-scale objects ( R ≊ λ 0 ) separated by L ≥ 15 R effectively behave as independent scatterers. Computations in 2-D can be adapted for three- dimensions (3-D); preliminary results are consistent with measured radar backscatter cross sections for the Moon and Venus and with estimates of block population densities on the Moon. The FD-TD code generalizes to 3-D, permitting the set of case studies to be expanded for interpretation of data such as those from Magellan.
Preterm Delivery Among Women in the South Carolina Medicaid High Risk Channeling Project

The purpose of this study was to determine the association of various demographic characteristics, medical risks, and prenatal interven- tions with birth outcomes of women in the South Carolina Medicaid High Risk Channeling Project. The study population consisted of 5,012 mothers who delivered between January 1989 and June 1991; each was matched with her infant. Logistic regression was used to calculate the odds ratios for the independent effects of various maternal factors on gestational age. Analyses of preterm delivery indicated that high-risk African American women were 60 percent more likely to deliver a preterm baby than high-risk White women. The mean gestational age was 37.3 weeks for African American newborns and 38.2 weeks for White newborns. Prenatal nutritional education had a significantly positive association with gesta- tional duration. This study confirms that high-risk African American women are more likely than high-risk White women to experience a preterm delivery. Further research is needed regarding the positive asso- ciation between prenatal nutrition education and the prevention of pre- term deliveries.
A GENIC DISTURBANCE OF MEIOSIS IN ZEA MAYS.

Along with Marcus Rhoades, McClintock and George Beadle formed the core of the maize cytogenetics group at Cornell in the late 1920s. In this note, McClintock and Beadle related their finding that the non-viable pollen trait was inherited as a single gene.
Proteomics for the Development of DNA Tolerizing Vaccines to Treat Autoimmune Disease

Autoimmune disease affects 3% of the world population, yet current therapies that globally suppress immune function are inadequate. Tremendous need exists for specific and curative therapies, and we describe a strategy for development of antigen-specific therapies that inactivate pathogenic lymphocytes causing tissue injury. Major barriers to development of antigen-specific therapies for T-cell-mediated autoimmune diseases, such as multiple sclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis, and autoimmune diabetes, include (i) lack of knowledge of the specificity of autoimmune responses, for which proteomic technologies represent powerful tools to identify the self-protein targets of the autoimmune response, and (ii) lack of methods to induce specific immune tolerance, for which DNA tolerizing vaccines represent a promising strategy. We termed our approach Reverse Genomics: use of the proteomics-determined specificity of the autoantibody response to develop and select DNA tolerizing vaccines. Studies performed using animal models for multiple sclerosis and autoimmune diabetes support our Reverse Genomics approach. Through integration of proteomics with specific tolerizing therapies, we are developing a comprehensive approach to treat human autoimmune disease.
Reliability and accuracy of four dental shade-matching devices.

Statement of problem There are several electronic shade-matching instruments available for clinical use, but the reliability and accuracy of these instruments have not been thoroughly investigated. Purpose The purpose of this in vitro study was to evaluate the reliability and accuracy of 4 dental shade-matching instruments in a standardized environment. Material and Methods Four shade-matching devices were tested: SpectroShade, ShadeVision, VITA Easyshade, and ShadeScan. Color measurements were made of 3 commercial shade guides (Vitapan Classical, Vitapan 3D-Master, and Chromascop). Shade tabs were placed in the middle of a gingival matrix (Shofu GUMY) with shade tabs of the same nominal shade from additional shade guides placed on both sides. Measurements were made of the central region of the shade tab positioned inside a black box. For the reliability assessment, each shade tab from each of the 3 shade guide types was measured 10 times. For the accuracy assessment, each shade tab from 10 guides of each of the 3 types evaluated was measured once. Differences in reliability and accuracy were evaluated using the Standard Normal z test (2 sided) (α=.05) with Bonferroni correction. Results Reliability of devices was as follows: ShadeVision, 99.0%; SpectroShade, 96.9%; VITA Easyshade, 96.4%; and ShadeScan, 87.4%. A significant difference in reliability was found between ShadeVision and ShadeScan ( P =.008). All other comparisons showed similar reliability. Accuracy of devices was as follows: VITA Easyshade, 92.6%; ShadeVision, 84.8%; SpectroShade, 80.2%; and ShadeScan, 66.8%. Significant differences in accuracy were found between all device pairs ( P P =.033). Conclusions Most devices had similar high reliability (over 96%), indicating predictable shade values from repeated measurements. However, there was more variability in accuracy among devices (67–93%), and differences in accuracy were seen with most device comparisons. (J Prosthet Dent 2009;101:193–199)
Operation of regenerative Cascade Multicell Converter under fault condition

Reliability and fault tolerant operation are key aspects in high power drives, specially when these drives are used to operate critical loads, as downhill conveyors. This paper presents a solution for the operation under internal fault of high power regenerative cascade multicell converter, which allows to operate temporally in normal conditions or to turn off the equipment in a controlled way. Previous works have shown that it is possible to reduce the effects on the load due to internal faults by modifying the phase- shift between the output voltages. The proposed method uses the additional degree of freedom given by the controlled dc-link voltage of the PWM rectifiers, to increase the operation range, even reaching non-fault operation.
Fluid–structure interaction by the discontinuous‐Galerkin method for large deformations

A discontinuous-Galerkin method for large deformation fluid–structure interaction problems is developed. The fluid–structure interface can be arbitrarily aligned relative to the fluid grid. An Eulerian description is used for the fluid with a Lagrangian description of the solid. Results are presented for several examples that show excellent agreement with immersed/fictitious element methods. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
GABAergic and developmental influences on homosynaptic LTD and depotentiation in rat hippocampus

Low-frequency (1 Hz) stimulation (LFS) was used to elicit long-term depression (LTD) or depotentiation of excitatory transmission of the Schaffer collateral pathway in the CA1 region of the rat hippocampus. Both LTD and depotentiation were found to be homosynaptic and NMDA receptor (NMDAR) dependent. As NMDAR activation can be modulated by the inhibitory GABAergic system, we tested the hypothesis that GABA plays a role in regulating these phenomena. The GABAB antagonist CGP 35348 significantly inhibited LTD, but not depotentiation, in slices from young animals (indicating that the GABAB-mediated contribution was altered following HFS). The ability to express LTD was found to be developmentally dependent, as young animals (16–22 d) consistently expressed LTD, whereas LTD was not expressed in naive slices taken from mature (5–10 weeks) animals. The GABAA antagonist bicuculline did not affect LTD in the young animals, but did enhance LTD expression in slices from mature animals. LFS was also effective in decreasing, or depotentiating, responses that had undergone long-term potentiation (LTP) by high-frequency stimulation (HFS). In contrast to LTD, depotentiation was consistently expressed in slices from both the young and mature groups. Moreover, following an HFS train, LTD (compared to initial baseline response) could be induced in mature slices previously unable to express LTD in the naive state. Thus, the role of GABA in modulating the effects of LFS varied with the prior synaptic activity in the slice as well as with the maturity of the animal. Our results suggest that the influence of both age and prior synaptic activity (i.e., HFS) on LTD induction can be explained by changes in GABAergic systems in young versus mature, and naive versus tetanized slices.
The Arkansas Faculty Retreat

I describe the creation, conduct, and evaluation of a statewide psychology retreat for faculty. The retreat is held at a remote bed-and-breakfast establishment from Friday evening to Saturday noon and features an evening meal, activities, breakfast, and discussion. Three retreats have been held, and a fourth has been scheduled. Participants like the retreat's low cost and luck of invited speakers or formal program. The retreat increases communication among psychology faculty, helps faculty identify and discuss common problems, and benefits students indirectly. Suggestions for planning similar meetings are Gwen.
Peripheral neuropathy related to chemotherapy.

Objectives To review the evidence base for prevention and intervention of chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (PN). Data Sources Medical and nursing literature. Conclusion Many small studies that reported positive findings have either not been validated in large prospective, randomized controlled trials (RCT), or have not been further studied. Prevention strategies based on RCTs include the use of xaliproden to reduce the incidence of grade 3 PN in patients receiving oxaliplatin-based regimens, and dose reduction or interruption until recovery. There are gaps in the literature of nurse-sensitive outcome studies for nursing assessment and intervention Implications for Nursing Practice Nurses need to be knowledgeable about the evidence, or lack of it, on strategies to prevent and manage chemotherapy-induced PN. Nurses also need to measure the effectiveness of interventions for PN, such as exercise, patient teaching about self-care strategies, and develop and/or participate in well-designed intervention studies regarding the prevention and management of PN.
Forest impact estimated with NOAA AVHRR and Landsat TM data related to an empirical hurricane wind-field distribution

Abstract An empirical model was used to relate forest type and hurricane-impact distribution with wind speed and duration to explain the variation of hurricane damage among forest types along the Atchafalaya River basin of coastal Louisiana. Forest-type distribution was derived from Landsat Thematic Mapper image data, hurricane-impact distribution from a suite of transformed advanced very high resolution radiometer images, and wind speed and duration from a wind-field model. The empirical model explained 73%, 84%, and 87% of the impact variances for open, hardwood, and cypress–tupelo forests, respectively. These results showed that the estimated impact for each forest type was highly related to the duration and speed of extreme winds associated with Hurricane Andrew in 1992. The wind-field model projected that the highest wind speeds were in the southern basin, dominated by cypress–tupelo and open forests, while lower wind speeds were in the northern basin, dominated by hardwood forests. This evidence could explain why, on average, the impact to cypress–tupelos was more severe than to hardwoods, even though cypress–tupelos are less susceptible to wind damage. Further, examination of the relative importance of wind speed in explaining the impact severity to each forest type showed that the impact to hardwood forests was mainly related to tropical-depression to tropical-storm force wind speeds. Impacts to cypress–tupelo and open forests (a mixture of willows and cypress–tupelo) were broadly related to tropical-storm force wind speeds and by wind speeds near and somewhat in excess of hurricane force. Decoupling the importance of duration from speed in explaining the impact severity to the forests could not be fully realized. Most evidence, however, hinted that impact severity was positively related to higher durations at critical wind speeds. Wind-speed intervals, which were important in explaining the impact severity on hardwoods, showed that higher durations, but not the highest wind speeds, were concentrated in the northern basin, dominated by hardwoods. The extreme impacts associated with the cypress–tupelo forests in the southeast corner of the basin intersected the highest durations as well as the highest wind speeds.
A New Protocol to Mitigate the Unheard RTS/CTS Problem in Networks with Switched Beam Antennas

Wireless networks with the capability for directional transmissions using switched beam antennas have increasingly been used to increase the coverage area of nodes as well as to improve spatial reuse. This paper is concerned with the unheard RTS/CTS problem that arises due to the use of directional transmissions. The problem occurs because a node, while beam-formed in one direction, cannot hear the RTS/CTS messages that arrive on another direction with information pertaining to channel reservation. A node, therefore, transmits when it should defer, leading to unnecessary collisions and degraded performance. In this paper, we propose a new MAC protocol that uses a combination of three features to combat the problem: fragmentation of packets, the use of a tone signal to alert potential collision-causing nodes during ongoing transmission, and the use of a pause period when transmission is likely to lead to a collision. As opposed to other work on this problem, our protocol does not assume separate data and control channels. We present simulation results showing that our protocol can reduce the number of retransmissions of data packets due to the unheard RTS/CTS problem by as much as 86%, thus improving the delay and throughput characteristics of the network.
Contrasting linkage disequilibrium as a multilocus family-based association test.

Linkage disequilibrium (LD) of genetic loci is routinely estimated and graphically illustrated in genetic association studies. It has been suggested that the information in LD is also useful for association mapping and genetic association can be detected by comparing LD patterns between cases and controls. Here, we extend this idea to analyze case-parents data by comparing LD patterns between transmitted and nontransmitted genotypes. We provide the condition when contrasting LD is valid for testing gene-gene interactions. A permutation procedure is given to assess statistical significance. One advantage of our proposed methods is that haplotype information is not required. Thus, the implementation of our methods is straightforward and the resulted tests are free from potential bias caused by assumptions made to estimate haplotypes in silico. Since our test statistics use pairwise LD measurements, they are less affected by missing data than many other multilocus methods. With simulated data, we demonstrate that examining LD patterns of case-parents data is a useful multilocus association mapping strategy and it complements existing association mapping methods. The application of our methods to a Crohn's disease data set shows that our methods can detect multilocus association that might be missed by other association methods. Our permutation procedure can also be modified to allow multiple offspring from a family to be analyzed. Genet. Epidemiol. 2011. © 2011 Wiley-Liss, Inc. 35: 487-498, 2011
Control of cell division in the cornea of rats II. Age-dependent effects of dexamethasone upon circadian mitotic activity.

SummaryData are presented here which verify that immature rats exhibit no cir-cadian fluctuation of mitoses in the corneal epithelium prior to the third week of life. These data indicate that dexamethasone administration induces age-dependent alterations in the circadian mitotic pattern of the corneal epithelium. Nine day old animals still revealed no rhythmic component in circadian mitotic activity after dexamethasone treatment. Eleven-, 12- and 13-day old animals treated with dexamethasone exhibited circadian cycles which looked qualitatively like the circadian rhythm of the 15-day old animal. Fifteen-day old animals responded with a synchrony of mitotic activity at 0700 hr and a generalized decrease in mitotic activity. The possible dependence of these responses upon existing circadian mitotic activity and maturation of the central nervous system and/or the glucocorticoid target tissue is discussed.
The Image Curve of the Coupler of a Special Spherical Four Bar Linkage

Courbe image du mouvement de l'element de couplage d'un mecanisme spherique special a 4 barres
Psychosocial factors associated with stigma in adults with epilepsy

Living Well with Epilepsy II called for further attention to stigma and its impact on people with epilepsy. In response, the South Carolina Health Outcomes Project on Epilepsy (SC HOPE) is examining the relationship between socioeconomic status, epilepsy severity, health care utilization, and quality of life in persons diagnosed with epilepsy. The current analysis quantifies perceived stigma reported by adults with epilepsy in relation to demographic, seizure-related, health, and psychosocial factors. It was found that reported levels of stigma were associated with interactions of seizure worry and employment status, self-efficacy and social support, and quality care and age at seizure onset. This information may be used to target and develop evidence-based interventions for adults with epilepsy at high risk for perceived stigma, as well as to inform epilepsy research in self-management.
Pathophysiology of chronic nitric oxide synthase inhibition-induced fetal growth restriction in the rat.

Objective. To evaluate the pathophysiology of chronic nitric oxide synthase (NOS) inhibition-induced fetal growth restriction (FGR) in the rat. Methods. Timed-pregnant rats received L-NAME (2.5 mg/kg/h) with or without endothelin (ET-1) receptor A (ETA) antagonist from day 14 to 21 of gestation. In separate groups, ETA antagonist and/or L-NAME were discontinued on day 18. On day 21 fetal and placental weights, and maternal and fetal plasma nitrate/nitrite (NOx) were determined. Results. L-NAME led to FGR, and decreased maternal and fetal NOx. Maternal NOx was further decreased when ETA antagonist was co-administered with L-NAME. ETA antagonism along with L-NAME did not impact fetal growth. Discontinuation of L‐NAME on day 18 resulted in normal fetal and placental growth at day 21 and an increase of maternal NOx. Simultaneous cessation of both NOS inhibition and ETA antagonism on day 18 produced FGR at day 21, whereas continuation of ETA antagonism after discontinuation of L-NAME resulted in normal fetal g...
CMOS RF circuits for integrated wireless systems

There is increasing interest in the use of CMOS circuits for highly integrated high frequency wireless telecommunications systems. This paper presents the results of on-going work into the development of a cell library that includes many of the circuit elements required for the high frequency sub-system of a communications integrated circuit. The cells were fabricated using standard CMOS processes and measurement results are presented. No post processing was used with the circuits described.
Deletion of the miR-143/145 Cluster Leads to Hydronephrosis in Mice

Obstructive nephropathy, the leading cause of kidney failure in children, can be anatomic or functional. The underlying causes of functional hydronephrosis are not well understood. miRNAs, which are small noncoding RNAs, regulate gene expression at the post-transcriptional level. We found that miR-145-5p, a member of the miR-143/145 cluster that is highly expressed in smooth muscle cells of the renal vasculature, was present in the pelvicalyceal system and the ureter. To evaluate whether the miR-143/145 cluster is involved in urinary tract function we performed morphologic, functional, and gene expression studies in mice carrying a whole-body deletion of miR-143/145. miR-143/145–deficient mice developed hydronephrosis, characterized by severe papillary atrophy and dilatation of the pelvicalyceal system without obvious physical obstruction. Moreover, mutant mice showed abnormal ureteral peristalsis. The number of ureter contractions was significantly higher in miR-143/145–deficient mice. Peristalsis was replaced by incomplete, short, and more frequent contractions that failed to completely propagate in a proximal-distal direction. Microarray analysis showed 108 differentially expressed genes in ureters of miR-143/145–deficient mice. Ninety genes were up-regulated and 18 genes were down-regulated, including genes with potential regulatory roles in smooth muscle contraction and extracellular matrix-receptor interaction. We show that miR-143/145 are important for the normal peristalsis of the ureter and report an association between the expression of these miRNAs and hydronephrosis.
Locoregional recurrence rates and prognostic factors for failure in node-negative patients treated with mastectomy: implications for postmastectomy radiation.

Purpose: Postmastectomy radiation therapy (PMRT) reduces locoregional recurrence (LRR) of breast cancer. Survival appears improved in patients at higher risk for LRR. This study addresses whether subsets of node-negative patients with sufficiently high risk of LRR might benefit from PMRT. Methods: Retrospective analysis of a cohort of 877 cases of node-negative breast cancer treated with mastectomy, without adjuvant radiation, from 1980 to 2000. Results: Median follow-up was 100 months. Ten-year cumulative incidence of LRR as first event was 6.0%. Size greater than 2 cm, margin less than 2 mm, premenopausal status, and lymphovascular invasion (LVI) were independently significant prognostic factors. Ten-year LRR was 1.2% for those with 0 risk factors, 10.0% for those with 1 risk factor, 17.9% for those with 2 risk factors, and 40.6% for those with 3 risk factors. The chest wall was the site of failure in 80% of patients. Conclusion: Postmastectomy radiation therapy has not been recommended for node-negative patients because the LRR rate is low in that population overall. This study suggests, however, that node-negative patients with multiple risk factors, including close margins, T2 or larger tumors, premenopausal status, and LVI, are at higher risk for LRR and might benefit from PMRT. Because the chest wall is the most common site of failure, treating the chest wall alone in these patients to minimize toxicity is reasonable.
The Song of Songs and the Testament of Solomon: Solomon's Love Poetry and Christian Magic

A widespread early Christian tradition regarded Solomon as the great exorcist and magician of antiquity, the forerunner of the exorcistic activity of Jesus, and the genius of later Christian magic and divination. In time, this tradition (henceforth the “Solomon magus ” tradition) would become increasingly syncretistic and would yield the numerous grimoires and claviculae of the Middle Ages, but in the early centuries of Christianity, the tradition produced texts which were more or less haggadic, that is, engaged in the exegesis of canonical materials and rooted in earlier Jewish interpretive traditions. Modern students of the documents of this tradition have long perceived its debt to the Old Testament, particularly to the portrait of Solomon in 1 Kgs 5:9–14 (4:29–34), a text which both traditional Christian and modern critical interpreters have subsequently explained in nonmagical terms. While Solomon's magical identity is widely recognized to be inspired by the biblical description of his greatness, little is known about how readers in the Solomon magus tradition interpreted the canonical books of traditional Solomonic authorship —the Song of Songs, Proverbs, Ecclesiastes and the Wisdom of Solomon.
Using distance estimates in heuristic search

This paper explores the use of an oft-ignored information source in heuristic search: a search-distance-to-go estimate. Operators frequently have different costs and cost-to-go is not the same as search-distance-to-go. We evaluate two previous proposals: dynamically weighted A* and A*. We present a revision to dynamically weighted A* that improves its performance substantially in domains where the search does not progress uniformly towards solutions, and particularly in certain temporal planning problems. We show how to incorporate distance estimates into weighted A* and improve its performance in several domains. Both approaches lead to dramatic performance increases in popular benchmark domains.
Study of the Dependence of E2 Energies on Sample Chemistry

: Specimens that charge under electron beam irradiation in the scanning electron microscope (SEM) can be stabilized by choosing the beam energy to be such a value that the sum of the secondary and backscatter electron yields is unity, as this establishes a dynamic charge balance. We show here that for pure elements, the energies E1 and E2, for which charge balance occurs, are related directly to the atomic number of the material. Although generally there is no comparable relation for compounds, we also show that for polymers, the E2 energy is related both to the ratio of the number of valence electrons to molecular weight and to the electronegativity of the monomer units that form the polymer.
Anodes for Direct Oxidation of Dry Hydrocarbons in a Solid-Oxide Fuel Cell

The manufacture of fuel cells that can operate directly on various hydrocarbon fuels, without the need for reforming, has the potential of greatly speeding the application of fuel cells for transportation and distributed-power applications. This paper will briefly review the literature in this area and describe recent developments in solid-oxide fuel cells (SOFCs) that demonstrate that direct-oxidation fuel cells are possible with Cu-based anodes. A new method for synthesizing thin-electrolyte, anode-supported cells is described that is based on tape casting with graphite pore formers (see Figure), followed by impregnation with aqueous solutions of Cu(NO3)2 and Ce(NO3)3. The performance of model SOFCs for direct conversion of n-butane and methane is shown. Finally, future developments that are needed for this technology to be commercialized are discussed.
A Predictable AMO-Like Pattern in the GFDL Fully Coupled Ensemble Initialization and Decadal Forecasting System

The decadal predictability of sea surface temperature (SST) and 2-m air temperature (T2m) in the Geophysical Fluid Dynamics Laboratory (GFDL) decadal hindcasts, which are part of the Fifth Coupled Model Intercomparison Project experiments, has been investigated using an average predictability time (APT) analysis. Comparison of retrospective forecasts initialized using the GFDL Ensemble Coupled Data Assimilation system with uninitialized historical forcing simulations using the same model allows identification of the internal multidecadal pattern (IMP) for SST and T2m. The IMP of SST is characterized by an interhemisphere dipole, with warm anomalies centered in the North Atlantic subpolar gyre region and North Pacific subpolar gyre region, and cold anomalies centered in the Antarctic Circumpolar Current region. The IMP of T2m is characterized by a general bipolar seesaw, with warm anomalies centered in Greenland and cold anomalies centered in Antarctica. The retrospective prediction skill of the initialized system, verified against independent observational datasets, indicates that the IMP of SST may be predictable up to 4 (10) yr lead time at 95% (90%) significance level, and the IMP of T2m may be predictable up to 2 (10) yr at the 95% (90%) significance level. The initialization of multidecadal variations of northward oceanic heat transport in the North Atlantic significantly improves the predictive skill of the IMP. The dominant roles of oceanic internaldynamicsin decadalpredictionare furtherelucidated byfixed-forcing experimentsin which radiative forcing is returned abruptly to 1961 values. These results point toward the possibility of meaningful decadal climateoutlooksusingdynamicalcoupledmodelsiftheyareappropriatelyinitializedfromasustainedclimate observing system.
Axial free-electron laser interaction between an annular electron beam and an axisymmetric TM mode

Free-electron lasers (FEL's) operating with helical wiggler fields and axial guide fields are subject to orbit instability which causes additional particle loss as saturation is reached, A new type of FEL interaction possible between an annular electron beam and a TM/sub 0m/ mode is described here. This interaction is between the axial electron motion and an RF mode that is radially "wiggled" a in periodically rippled waveguide. The net transverse force integrated over a wiggle period on each of the particles in this type of device can be made to vanish by choosing the proper waveguide radius. The resulting particle orbits are more stable than those in conventional FEL's with helical wiggler fields. >
Methamphetamine and Viagra Use: Relationship to Sexual Risk Behaviors

Recent studies show that Viagra and methamphetamine use are associated with unprotected anal intercourse among men who have sex with men (MSM). In Long Beach, California, we have reported on an association between Viagra use and the use of amphetamines during sex. The current research investigated the use of both Viagra and amphetamine in men in Long Beach, California. Data on 1,839 men recruited into HIV prevention and testing programs were collected using the Risk Behavior Assessment. A generalized logit model was constructed comparing ever having used both amphetamine and Viagra together and separately, as compared to never having used either (referent). Men who used both methamphetamine and Viagra showed a significantly higher prevalence of hepatitis B, syphilis, and HIV compared to those who used only one or neither drug. Of the 1,794 complete cases, 11.1% (199/1794) had used both amphetamine and Viagra. Of 20 potential risk and protective factors for use of amphetamine and Viagra, 12 were significant predictors: ever used gamma-hydroxybutyrate (GHB), ever used cocaine, ever used ecstasy, being infected with HIV, race = White compared to other, ever having hepatitis B, ever using crack, ever given money to have sex, living in a hotel, ever been in drug treatment, and ever using heroin. The protective factor was being heterosexual. Viagra use was associated with insertive, and methamphetamine was associated with receptive, anal intercourse. GHB use appears to play a more important role than previously thought.
Modeling of nonlinear systems from input-output data

This paper reviews a procedure for obtaining a sequence of state-affine discrete-time realizations whose input-output behavior matches a set of empirical input-output records in the least squares sense. First the input-output behavior is approximated by orthogonal polynomials. Then, state-affine partial realizations are obtained from the associated generalized Hankel matrix.
A Model Syllabus for Death and Dying Courses.

Abstract Death and dying courses have recently experienced very rapid proliferation. Such exuberant growth suggests the value of a pause to examine the strengths and the weaknesses of such courses. Our aim should be to try to minimize weaknesses, and to attempt to consolidate and to develop strengths. The present article seeks to contribute to an ongoing dialog on this subject by outlining a model syllabus for a broad-scale, introductory course on death and dying.
Prototype design and experimental results for an Intruder Detection Swarming Network

The 2007 paper entitled ldquoSwarming Network for Intruder Detectionrdquo described the concept for an intruder detection and tracking sensor network that exhibits swarming behavior. The network is based on simple signals and cueing with no data protocols as a means to minimize cost and complexity. Further, a means to detect an intruder via measuring the blockage by the intruder of randomly placed illumination signals was also described. Preliminary calculations indicated the potential for high probability of detection and low probability of false alarm. This paper describes the results of further investigation, including preliminary design to better estimate affordability and scalability, and analysis and experiments to explore the assumptions of the tone-based signaling approach. Results to date build confidence that the concept is realizable.
The Impact of Liking of Wine and Food Items on Perceptions of Wine–Food Pairing

This study assesses the impact of the liking level of specific wines and foods on wine–food match perceptions. The findings assist in understanding the complex relationship between wine–food combinations and perceptions of liking when consumed together. Generally, the significant differences in match level in this 2 × 2 design followed traditional perceptions matches and mismatches. This provides empirical support for these relationships across a diverse group of respondents in terms of objective wine–food knowledge and involvement. Three of the four wine–food combinations had positive direct relationships among wine liking, food liking, or both on the liking level of the wine–food combination when tasted together.