cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Sensitivity of Disease Management Decision Aids to Temperature Input Errors Associated with Sampling Interval and Out-of-Canopy Sensor Placement

Many plant disease epidemic models, and the disease management decision aids developed from them, are created based on temperature or other weather conditions measured in or above the crop canopy at intervals of 15 or 30 min. Disease management decision aids, however, commonly are implemented based on hourly weather measurements made from sensors sited at a standard placement of 1.5 m above the ground or are estimated from off-site weather measurements. We investigated temperature measurement errors introduced when sampling interval was increased from 15 to 60 min, and when actual in-canopy conditions were represented by temperature measurements collected by standard-placement sensors (1.5 m above the ground, outside the canopy) in each of three crops (grass seed, grape, and hops) and assessed the impact of these errors on outcomes of decision aids for grass stem rust as well as grape and hops powdery mildews. Decreasing time resolution from 15 to 60 min resulted in statistically significant underestimates of daily maximum temperatures and overestimates of daily minimum temperatures that averaged 0.2 to 0.4°C. Sensor location (in-canopy versus standard-placement) also had a statistically significant effect on measured temperature, and this effect was significantly less in grape or hops than in the grass seed crop. Effects of these temperature errors on performance of disease management decision aids were affected by magnitude of the errors as well as the type of decision aid. The grape and hops powdery mildew decision aids used rule-based indices, and the relatively small (±0.8°C) differences in temperature observed between in-canopy and standard placement sensors in these crops resulted in differences in rule outcomes when actual in-canopy temperatures were near a threshold for declaring that a rule had been met. However, there were only minor differences in the management decision (i.e., fungicide application interval). The decision aid for grass stem rust was a simulation model, for which temperature recording errors associated with location of the weather station resulted in incremental (not threshold) effects on the model of pathogen growth and plant infection probability. Simple algorithms were devised to correct the recorded temperatures or the computed infection probability to produce outcomes similar to those resulting from in-canopy temperature measurements. This study illustrates an example of evaluating (and, if necessary, correcting) temperature measurement errors from weather station sensors not located within the crop canopy, and provides an estimate of uncertainty in temperature measurements associated with location and sampling interval of weather station sensors.
Image-guided percutaneous aspiration and gelfoam treatment of petrous apex cholesterol granuloma: a new theory and method for diagnosis and treatment.

Although diagnosis of cholesterol granulomas of the skull base can be straightforward with computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) appearance, treatment is controversial with various skull base approaches described in the literature. This report describes a 35-year-old man who presented with a symptomatic, enlarging cystic lesion in the left petrous apex and clivus that had imaging features of a cholesterol granuloma (cholesterol cyst). Due to a prior history of treated mediastinal germ cell tumor, pathologic confirmation of the lesion was requested. A CT-guided percutaneous aspiration revealed dark used motor oil–like fluid. Continued aspiration yielded a change in the character of the fluid to marrow red. Injection of contrast revealed no communication with cerebrospinal fluid. Gelfoam (Pfizer, New York, New York, USA) was subsequently injected percutaneously into the residual cavity. Histopathology showed no evidence of malignancy and follow-up MRI at 1 month, 3 months, 6 months, and 1 year demonstrated continued decrease in size and signal of the lesion.
Oil pollution along coastal areas of Hong Kong

Abstract The level of total hydrocarbon in three chosen sites in Hong Kong was determined over a period of 8 months, September 1977 to April 1978. The range of hydrocarbon content is 3.67 ppb to 11.98 ppb. The level of hydrocarbon in Pacific Ocean is 0.016 ppb. The oil pollution in Hong Kong shoreline waters is 230–750 times higher than deep ocean water, but the level is not yet hazardous.
How “Significant” is Your Reliability?

(1993). How “Significant” is Your Reliability? Research Quarterly for Exercise and Sport: Vol. 64, No. 3, pp. 352-355.
The Rule of Law as an Institutionalized Wager: Constitutions, Courts and Transformative Social Dynamics in Eastern Europe

Throughout the 1990s Eastern Europe was arguably the region most intensely studied and discussed by the community of scholars interested in the spread of the Rule of Law around the world. There was little doubt at the time that the political and institutional experiments whose ultimate goal was the establishment of democratic constitutional orders in the former Soviet satellites constitute a distinct object of study. This commonsensical view was supported by two kinds of arguments that accentuated the exceptional character of post-communist transformations.
Influence of titanium and nitrogen on hot ductility of C–Mn–Nb–Al steels

AbstractThe influence of small additions of titanium on the hot ductility of C–Mn–Nb–Al steels has been examined. Titanium and nitrogen levels varied in the ranges 0·014–0·045 and 0·004–0·011 wt-%, respectively, so that a wide range of Ti/N ratios could be studied. The tensile specimens were cast and cooled at average cooling rates of 25, 100, and 200 K min-1 to test temperatures in the range 1100–800°C and strained to failure at a strain rate of 2 × 10-3 s-1. It was found that ductility in the titanium containing niobium steels improved with a decrease in the cooling rate, an increase in the size of the titanium containing precipitates, and a decrease in the volume fraction of precipitates. Coarser particles could be obtained by increasing the Ti/N ratio above the stoichiometric ratio for TiN and by testing at higher temperatures. However, ductility was generally poor for these titanium containing steels and it was equally poor when niobium was either present or absent. For steels with ∼0·005 wt-%N ducti...
Identification and molecular characterization of the second Chlamydomonas gun4 mutant, gun4-II.

The green micro-alga Chlamydomonas reinhardtii is an elegant model organism to study oxygenic photosynthesis. Chlorophyll (Chl) and heme are major tetrapyrroles that play an essential role in photosynthesis and respiration. These tetrapyrroles are synthesized via a common branched pathway that involves mainly enzymes, encoded by nuclear genes. One of the enzymes in the pathway is Mg chelatase (MgChel). MgChel catalyzes insertion of Mg 2+ into protoporphyrin IX (PPIX, proto) to form Magnesium-protoporphyrin IX (MgPPIX, Mgproto), the first biosynthetic intermediate in the Chl branch. The GUN4 (genomes uncoupled 4) protein is not essential for the MgChel activity but has been shown to significantly stimulate its activity. We have isolated a light sensitive mutant, 6F14 , by random DNA insertional mutagenesis. 6F14 cannot tolerate light intensities higher than 90-100 μmol photons m -2 s -1 . It shows a light intensity dependent progressive photo-bleaching. 6F14 is incapable of photo-autotrophic growth under light intensity higher than 100 μmol photons m -2 s -1 . PCR based analyses show that in 6F14 the insertion of the plasmid outside the GUN4 locus has resulted in a genetic rearrangement of the GUN4 gene and possible deletions in the genomic region flanking the GUN4 gene. Our gun4 mutant has a Chl content very similar to that in the wild type in the dark and is very sensitive to fluctuations in the light intensity in the environment unlike the earlier identified Chlamydomonas gun4 mutant. Complementation with a functional copy of the GUN4 gene restored light tolerance, Chl biosynthesis and photo-autotrophic growth under high light intensities in 6F14 . 6F14 is the second gun4 mutant to be identified in C. reinhardtii . Additionally, we show that our two gun4 complements over-express the GUN4 protein and show a higher Chl content per cell compared to that in the wild type strain.
Tableau-based model checking in the propositional mu-calculus

This paper describes a procedure, based around the construction of tableau proofs, for determining whether finite-state systems enjoy properties formulated in the propositional mu-calculus. It presents a tableau-based proof system for the logic and proves it sound and complete, and it discusses techniques for the efficient construction of proofs that states enjoy properties expressed in the logic. The approach is the basis of an ongoing implementation of a model checker in the Concurrency Workbench, an automated tool for the analysis of concurrent systems.
Eurocentrism and its Effects: A manifesto from Colombia

This manifesto was first made public in Bogota, Colombia, on 4 January, 2001 with reference to local creativity and self-esteem. It had considerable regional repercussions. The present is a revised and updated version as a contribution to the current debate on Eurocentrism and its effects in the world. We are Colombian exponents of the natural and the social sciences who want to share our concern for certain types of distortions produced when there is not enough attention given to our contacts and scientific exchanges with colleagues from advanced countries. Our points of view are as follows.
Embedding partial idempotent Latin squares

Abstract In this paper it is shown that a finite partial idempotent Latin square can be embedded in a finite idempotent Latin square. Using this result it is then shown that finitely presented idempotent quasi-groups are residually finite and hence Hopfian.
Abstract C144: A locked nucleic acid antisense oligonucleotode against androgen receptor, down‐modulates target mRNA and causes antitumor effects in xenograft models of prostate cancer

Background: Androgen‐deprivation therapies remain the first line treatment for prostate cancer. Despite an excellent initial response, most of these patients will succumb to the castration resistant form of the disease. Interestingly, even in the presence of castration levels of circulating androgens, these tumors are still dependent on a functional androgen receptor (AR). Therefore, inhibition of AR expression, rather than systemic androgen deprivation, may provide a novel strategy for treatment of advanced prostate cancer. We have developed a novel locked nucleic acid (LNA)‐based antisense oligonucleotide (ASO), EZN‐4176, that silence AR and is associated with tumor growth inhibition. Methods: Target mRNA and protein knockdown, growth inhibition, and apoptosis induction effects of EZN‐4176 were evaluated by qRT‐PCR, western blot analysis, ELISA, MTS assay, and caspase3/7 activity assay, respectively, in AR‐positive cancer cell lines (LNCaP, 22RV1) or AR‐negative cell line (PC3) in the presence or absence of lipofection (transfection reagent). In vivo, therapeutic efficacy of EZN‐4176 was evaluated in AR‐positive CWR22 (androgen dependent) and 22Rv1 (castration refractory) tumor models. Results: EZN‐4176 resulted in potent down‐modulation of AR mRNA or protein (IC50 Conclusions: Our data suggest that EZN‐4176 is a potent LNA‐based ASO of AR that causes target down‐modulation and TGI effects in vivo and hence may provide a novel strategy to treat advanced prostate cancer. Citation Information: Mol Cancer Ther 2009;8(12 Suppl):C144.
Occlusal adjustment for treating and preventing temporomandibular disorders

The cornerstone to evidence-based health care is the systematic review, a process that involves identifying, judging, and summarizing evidence on a particular clinical question. An excellent article appeared in the April issue of the Journal of the American Dental Association, devoted entirely to describing how systematic reviews are conducted and identifying some systematic reviews that have been performed in dentistry. It is a worthwhile read for every dentist, and it explains why systematic reviews are more useful and valuable than traditional reviews. Some goals of systematic reviews are:
Indirect testing of eyewitness memory: The (non)effect of misinformation

Misleading postevent information seems to alter memory for a previously witnessed event. But is memory for the original event “erased,” or merely rendered inaccessible? In the present study, subjects were shown slides depicting a robbery. Afterwards, the subjects read a narrative containing misinformation about some details presented in the slides. Memory was then assessed both directly (with a conventional recognition test) and indirectly (with a lexical decision task). The misinformation did impair performance on the recognition test, but not on the lexical decision task. That is, decision latencies were shorter for words naming items seen in the original presentation, in comparison with baseline words; misinformation had no impact on this reaction time advantage.
Mechanism of recognition of the 5′ splice site in self-splicing group I introns

Group I introns include many mitochondrial ribosomal RNA and messenger RNA introns and the nuclear rRNA introns of Tetrahymena and Physarum. The splicing of precursor RNAs containing these introns is a two-step reaction. Cleavage at the 5' splice site precedes cleavage at the 3' splice site, the latter cleavage being coupled with exon ligation. Following the first cleavage, the 5' exon must somehow be held in place for ligation. We have now tested the reactivity of two self-splicing group I RNAs, the Tetrahymena pre-rRNA and the intron 1 portion of the Neurospora mitochondrial cytochrome b (cob) pre-mRNA, in the intermolecular exon ligation reaction (splicing in trans) described by Inoue et al. The different sequence specificity of the reactions supports the idea that the nucleotides immediately upstream from the 5' splice site are base-paired to an internal, 5' exon-binding site, in agreement with RNA structure models proposed by Davies and co-workers and others. The internal binding site is proposed to be involved in the formation of a structure that specifies the 5' splice site and, following the first step of splicing, to hold the 5' exon in place for exon ligation.
Aerosols and contact insecticides as alternatives to methyl bromide in flour mills, food production facilities, and food warehouses

The fumigant methyl bromide (MB) is being phased out of production and usage to control stored-product insects in flour and rice mills, as well as feed and food production plants, in the United States and other developed countries throughout the world. A phase-out schedule has also been established for undeveloped counties under a delayed timeline compared to the one established for developed countries. Whole-plant alternatives to MB treatment, such as the fumigant sulfuryl fluoride and heat, can be used in place of MB, but they have some limitations as well, which will be briefly discussed in this review. Hence, residual surface treatments with contact insecticides and insect growth regulators and aerosol applications are receiving increased attention for incorporation into management programs that historically relied on MB fumigations. This review will focus on recent research with contact insecticides and aerosols for controlling stored-product insects in structures and how they can be viewed as options for control to alleviate concerns regarding the phase-out and reduced availability of MB for structural fumigations. A brief discussion of emerging pest species or groups, and how they can be controlled with surface treatments and aerosols, is also included in the review.
The context problematic, behavioral economics and the transactional view: an introduction to 'John Dewey and economic theory'

Are there empirical anomalies upon which Dewey's theory of action sheds better light than existing neoclassical and heterodox approaches? This introduction answers in the affirmative. They are the set of anomalies highlighted by behavioral economics. These anomalies stress the centrality of context. Neoclassical theorists react to the 'context problematic' by claiming that context, after all, is part of either the constraint set or the preference set. Dewey and his collaborator, Bentley, called such standard rationality theories 'interactional.' On the other hand, heterodox economists and mainstream sociologists and anthropologists appropriate the 'context problematic' to buttress their normative views on how constraints such as culture, norms, and budgets mold preferences after their image. Dewey and Bentley called such normative theories 'self-actional.' Both neoclassical theorists and their critics fail to see that context cannot be reduced to the constraint set, preference set, or set of norms. In con...
Large-conductance voltage- and Ca2+-activated K+ channels regulate human detrusor smooth muscle function

The large-conductance voltage- and Ca2+-activated K+ (BK) channel is expressed in many smooth muscle types, but its role in human detrusor smooth muscle (DSM) is unclear. With a multidisciplinary a...
Assessment of indices of preload and volume responsiveness

Purpose of reviewTo summarize the relevant peer-reviewed publications over the past year that addressed issues of when to give (or not give) fluid to the critically ill patient.Recent findingsClinical data from several studies underscore the inability of measures of ventricular filling to assess eit
A specific substance P antagonist attenuates non-cholinergic electrically induced contractures of the guinea pig isolated ileum

Abstract The substance P (SP) analog d -Pro 2 , d -Tryp 7,9 -SP attenuated in a dose-dependent fashion non-cholinergic excitatory responses of the guinea pig ileum to the exogenous administration of SP, but did not affect the atropine-resistant contractures produced by serotonin (1 μM), histamine (1 μM), bradykinin(0.01 μM) or prostaglandin F 2α (10 μM). Pretreatment with d -Pro 2 , d -Tryp 7,9 -SP also significanly reduced the magnitude of the non-cholinergic contracture evoked by field stimulation at 20 Hz. These results that enteric SP-containing neurons can function in an efferent motor capacity to bring about non-cholinergic excitation of the longitudinal muscle layer of the guinea pig small bowel.
The structure of a neutralized virus: canine parvovirus complexed with neutralizing antibody fragment

Abstract Background Members of the Parvovirus genus cause a variety of diseases in mammals, including humans. One of the major defences against viral infection is the presence of neutralizing antibodies that prevent virus particles from infecting target cells. The mechanism of neutralization is not well understood. We therefore studied the structure of canine parvovirus (CPV) complexed with the Fab fragment of a neutralizing antibody, A3B10, using image reconstruction of electron micrographs of vitrified samples, together with the already known structure of CPV from X-ray crystallographic data. Results The structure of the complex of CPV with Fab A3B10 has been determined to 23 a resolution. The known CPV atomic structure was subtracted from the electron density of the complex, and the difference map was used to fit the atomic coordinates of a known Fab fragment, HyHEL-5. The long axis of each Fab molecule is oriented in a near radial direction, inclined away from the two-fold axes. The viral epitope consists of 14 amino acid residues found in loops 1, 2 and 3 on the capsid surface, which include previously identified escape mutations. Conclusions The mode of Fab binding suggests that the A3B10 neutralizing antibody cannot bind bivalently to the capsid across the two-fold axes, consistent with the observation that whole A3B10 antibody readily precipitates CPV. Since Fab A3B10 can also neutralize the virus, mechanisms of neutralization such as interference with cell attachment, cell entry, or uncoating, must be operative.
Rates of Evolution

Darwin thought evolution is slow. Evolution is slow on long time scales, but the fundamental process works on a generation-to-generation scale, not long time scales. Phenotypic variation is geometric normal, with normality reflecting its underlying polygenic source; ln transformation is part of the measurement process. The natural rate unit is the haldane, particularly H0, representing change in standard deviations per generation on a timescale of one generation. When appropriately sampled, rates calculated on longer scales can be projected to a generational timescale. Empirical studies are reviewed concerning: (a) rates of polygenic mutation, (b) rates of response to human versus natural disturbance; and (c) rates of change in a classic study of punctuated equilibrium. Rate studies commonly find phenotypic change on the order of H0 = 0.1 to 0.3 standard deviations per generation. This is fast by any standard. Darwin was wrong on rates, but more right than we knew on natural selection.
A convergent algorithm for finding a minimum norm real matrix perturbation that reduces the rank of a general complex matrix

The problem of computing a real matrix perturbation having a minimum norm which causes a general complex matrix to drop rank is examined. Given the state model describing a linear time-invariant system, the norm of this matrix perturbation helps to determine the robustness of several system properties with respect to real parameter variations. The norm of such a perturbation is known to be a discontinuous function in the space of complex matrices. Aspects of the continuity of the problem are reviewed, and a convergent algorithm is presented. The algorithm computes a sequence of real matrix perturbations. A cluster point of this sequence of matrix perturbations satisfies the necessary condition for being a minimum norm, rank-reducing perturbation for some matrix that is arbitrarily close to the given complex matrix. >
Robust system multiangulation using subspace methods

Sensor location information is a prerequisite to the utility of most sensor networks. In this paper we present a robust and low-complexity algorithm to self-localize and orient sensors in a network based on angle-of-arrival (AOA) information. The proposed non-iterative subspace-based method is robust to missing and noisy measurements and works for cases when sensor orientations are either known or unknown. We show that the computational complexity of the algorithm is O (mn2), where m is the number of measurements and n is the total number of sensors. Simulation results demonstrate that the error of the proposed subspace algorithm is only marginally greater than an iterative maximum-likelihood estimator (MLE), while the computational complexity is two orders of magnitude less. Additionally, the iterative MLE is prone to converge to local maxima in the likelihood function without accurate initialization. We illustrate that the proposed subspace method can be used to initialize the MLE and obtain near-Cramer-Rao performance for sensor localization. Finally, the scalability of the subspace algorithm is illustrated by demonstrating how clusters within a large network may be individually localized and then merged.
A double-element broad-band liquid crystal tunable filter-factors affecting contrast ratio

A double-element broad-band liquid crystal tunable filter consisting of a high-order quartz wave plate in series with a very-low-order electrooptically tunable liquid crystal phase plate and placed between crossed polarizers is described. A possible application for such a device is protection against intrusive laser radiation. The advantage of this double-element filter over a single-element low-order LC filter is that it increases the wavelength resolution of the device, which, when operated in the protect mode, allows continued sensing of the scene. Experimental and theoretical studies were made of the contrast ratios obtainable with such a filter. >
Difference frequency generation by optical mixing of two dye lasers in proustite

Abstract Mid-infrared radiation tunable from 5.82-7.25 μ has been generated as the difference frequency between the outputs of two independent dye lasers mixed in a proustite crystal set at the phase matching angle. Dual dye laser optical mixing is compared to previous mixing schemes, and is shown to have certain advantages over ruby laser-dye laser mixing and optical parametric oscillator signal-idler mixing in proustite. An extension of the tuning range for ruby-dye mixing to 6.47 μ is also reported.
Highly correlated particle densities and idempotent one-densities†

The problem of determining idempotent one-densities which integrate to the exact or to a highly correlated particle density is considered. A method for obtaining the minimum energy idempotent one-density integrating to a given correlated particle density within a finite basis is described. The implications of this are twofold. First, Hartree–Fock accuracy can be exceeded in describing the electron density with an idempotent one-density; this is particularly relevant to the problem of constructing orbitals from experimental x-ray scattering data. Second, electron densities from analytic CI or MCSCF wave functions can be made available in a form as compact as the Hartree–Fock density by reporting the orbitals which define the correlated density via an idempotent one-density. A numerical example of the new method is given in which an accurate correlated density for He is “fitted” by an idempotent one-density represented in a finite (near Hartree–Fock) basis. Considering the deficiencies of the basis for this purpose, a technique is suggested for constructing basis sets optimized for prediction of one-electron properties rather than for energy.
Vapor-phase deposition of monofunctional alkoxysilanes for sub-nanometer-level biointerfacing on silicon oxide surfaces

Improving the performance and lowering the analyte detection limits of optical and electronic biosensors is essential for advancing wide ranging applications in diagnostics and drug discovery. Most sensing methods require direct linkage of a recognition element and a sensor, which is commonly accomplished through an organic monolayer interface. Alkoxyorganosilanes are typically used to prepare sensor surfaces on dielectric oxides. However, many silanes lead to roughened or thick interfaces that degrade device sensitivity. Here, controlled vapor phase deposition of monoalkoxysilanes is found to lead to monolayers resistant to elevated temperatures and extreme pH conditions. The formation of high density, subnanometer monolayers is demonstrated by ellipsometry, XPS, and AFM. The uniform attachment of these monofunctional silanes to such biosensing platforms as microarrays, field effect devices, and the formation of surface enhanced Raman spectroscopy substrates is demonstrated. The advantages of using this silane deposition protocol for the above technologies are also discussed.
Respiratory Patterns in Fruit of Pineapple, Ananas comosus, Detached at Different Stages of Development

The postharvest respiratory drifts for six stages of development of pineapple fruit (Ananas comosus cv. Cayenne) ranging from dry flower to senescence are presented. Based upon these data, pineapple is a non-climacteric fruit. Pineapple does produce ethylene gas hut when levels ranging from 0.01 to 1000 μl/l were applied to stage 4 fruits (fruit just at the start of ripening) no respiration or chemical changes were induced which could he interpreted as affecting the ripening processes. A decrease in the oxygen concentration (to 2.5 per cent) resulted in a decrease in the respiration rate. An increased carbon dioxide concentration (up to 10 per cent) had not detectable effect on the respiration rate.
Appropriateness of equilibrium assumptions for determining metal distribution and transport in bacteria-bearing porous media

The fate and transport of strongly-sorbed contaminants in aquifers is tied to the mobility of the surfaces to which they are adsorbed. Mobileparticulates,includingmineralcolloids,naturalorganicmatter,ormicrobes,canenhancethemobilityofcontaminantsthatwould otherwise be adsorbed to stationary surfaces. In this study, we compare numerical transport simulations of systems involving dissolved metals and microbial suspensions with previously published experimental results. The transport simulations utilize a finite difference solute transport scheme, a colloid attachment term, and a Newton–Raphson chemical speciation solver assuming thermodynamic equilibrium in the metal distribution between solution, mobile surfaces, and stationary surfaces. While model predictions of metal breakthrough are of mixed quality, adjustment of model equilibrium constants is adequate to provide accurate fits to observed breakthrough curves. Therefore, the idealized behaviors apparent in experimental breakthrough curves indicate metal transport under equilibrium sorption conditions, and hence the assumption of chemical equilibrium used in the model is appropriate. Since flow rates in the column experiments are fast compared to most flow rates in aquifers, we conclude that the kinetics of metal redistribution are fast enough that an assumption of chemical equilibrium would be appropriate for modeling coupled solute–colloid transport in pore environments where water flow is controlled by advective transport under water velocity conditions typical for most aquifers. © 2007 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
A Speculation on V-spin

A specific example is exhibited to show that it is necessary to assume complete pair production of VO particles in order to understand their copious production versus slow decay in isolation. This argument can ·be extended to V 2 ° as well as V l 0. - It also applies to the heavy" ,r-fragments" recently observed, which do not seem to be compatible with the pair production hypothesis. The idea of v-spin provides a convenient though not necessarily correct vehicle for the discussion.
Dopamine D2/D3 receptors modulate cocaine’s reinforcing and discriminative stimulus effects in rhesus monkeys

Abstract Numerous studies have suggested that dopamine (DA) D 2 and D 3 receptors are involved in the behavioral effects of cocaine. The present experiments evaluated the reinforcing and cocaine-like discriminative stimulus effects of several D 2 /D 3 agonists in rhesus monkeys. In the first experiment, animals ( n =4) were trained to self-administer 0.03 mg/kg/inj cocaine under a fixed-interval (FI) 5-min schedule. When substituted for cocaine, the D 2 /D 3 agonist quinpirole (0.003–0.03 mg/kg/inj) functioned as a reinforcer in all monkeys. In two cocaine-naive monkeys trained to respond under an FI 3-min schedule of food presentation, quinpirole maintained low rates of responding in one subject, while at the highest dose (0.03 mg/kg/inj) it functioned as a reinforcer in the second monkey. In this animal, increased activity was observed at this dose, which may have contributed to the overall rate of responding. In the second experiment, monkeys ( n =4) were trained to discriminate cocaine from saline using a two-lever, food-reinforced, drug discrimination procedure. The D 2 /D 3 agonists quinpirole, (±)-7-OH-DPAT, and R-(+)-7-OH-DPAT fully substituted for cocaine. However, the time-course of substitution differed between quinpirole, which substituted for cocaine 10 min after administration, and (±)- and R-(+)-7-OH-DPAT, which required 60-min pretreatments. The behavioral potencies, as determined from ED 50 values, correlated with previously reported in vitro binding affinity and functional activity at the D 3 receptor [R-(+)-7-OH-DPAT>(±)-7-OH-DPAT>quinpirole]. These results further indicate that direct-acting D 2 /D 3 agonists can function as reinforcers and produce cocaine-like discriminative stimulus effects, and support the idea that D 3 receptors should continue to be a valuable target for future behavioral studies evaluating cocaine’s mechanisms of action.
Loss of mouse Ikbkap, a subunit of elongator, leads to transcriptional deficits and embryonic lethality that can be rescued by human IKBKAP.

Familial dysautonomia (FD), a devastating hereditary sensory and autonomic neuropathy, results from an intronic mutation in the IKBKAP gene that disrupts normal mRNA splicing and leads to tissue-specific reduction of IKBKAP protein (IKAP) in the nervous system. To better understand the roles of IKAP in vivo, an Ikbkap knockout mouse model was created. Results from our study show that ablating Ikbkap leads to embryonic lethality, with no homozygous Ikbkap knockout (Ikbkap−/−) embryos surviving beyond 12.5 days postcoitum. Morphological analyses of the Ikbkap−/− conceptus at different stages revealed abnormalities in both the visceral yolk sac and the embryo, including stunted extraembryonic blood vessel formation, delayed entry into midgastrulation, disoriented dorsal primitive neural alignment, and failure to establish the embryonic vascular system. Further, we demonstrate downregulation of several genes that are important for neurulation and vascular development in the Ikbkap−/− embryos and show that this correlates with a defect in transcriptional elongation-coupled histone acetylation. Finally, we show that the embryonic lethality resulting from Ikbkap ablation can be rescued by a human IKBKAP transgene. For the first time, we demonstrate that IKAP is crucial for both vascular and neural development during embryogenesis and that protein function is conserved between mouse and human.
Discovering the Higgs Boson in new physics events using jet substructure.

We demonstrate that the Higgs boson can be discovered at the large hadron collider in new physics events using boosted kinematics, b-tagging and jet substructure. This method superbly identifies the lightest Higgs boson in the minimal supersymmetric standard model. Two case studies are considered where Higgs is produced in association with superpartners that decay to a light gravitino, however generalizations to other spectra and models is anticipated. In some circumstances, discovery of the lightest Higgs is possible before conventional search strategies uncover convincing evidence.
Understanding the Elusive Mechanism of Action of TCF7L2 in Metabolism

Common intronic variation within the gene encoding transcription factor 7-like 2 ( TCF7L2 ) is now considered to be definitively associated with type 2 diabetes (T2D). Since our first report of this association in 2006 (1), independent investigators have readily replicated this finding in all the main ethnic groups; in addition, from the first genome-wide association study (GWAS) of T2D in Caucasians (2) onwards, the strongest association has been consistently with the TCF7L2 locus. Indeed, a meta-analysis of published studies worldwide as early as 2007 estimated a pooled odds ratio of 1.46 (with an impressive P = 5.4 × 10−140) (3), making it one of the most statistically significant genetic findings in T2D to date. Despite knowing that this association has been beyond doubt for over 6 years, the mechanism through which TCF7L2 exerts its effect on T2D is still very unclear, thus making the work by Kaminska et al. (4) in this current issue of Diabetes so timely. TCF7L2 is a high-mobility group box-containing transcription factor and operates at the last key stage of the canonical Wnt signaling transduction cascade, regulating the expression of a set of target genes. Moreover, tissue-specific isoforms have been reported (5,6), with the transcript being heavily alternatively spliced at the 3′ terminus, …
The zebrafish young mutation acts non-cell-autonomously to uncouple differentiation from specification for all retinal cells.

Embryos from mutagenized zebrafish were screened for disruptions in retinal lamination to identify factors involved in vertebrate retinal cell specification and differentiation. Two alleles of a recessive mutation, young, were isolated in which final differentiation and normal lamination of retinal cells were blocked. Early aspects of retinogenesis including the specification of cells along the inner optic cup as retinal tissue, polarity of the retinal neuroepithelium, and confinement of cell divisions to the apical pigmented epithelial boarder were normal in young mutants. BrdU incorporation experiments showed that the initiation and pattern of cell cycle withdrawal across the retina was comparable to wild-type siblings; however, this process took longer in the mutant. Analysis of early markers for cell type differentiation revealed that each of the major classes of retinal neurons, as well as non-neural Muller glial cells, are specified in young embryos. However, the retinal cells fail to elaborate morphological specializations, and analysis of late cell-type-specific markers suggests that the retinal cells were inhibited from fully differentiating. Other regions of the nervous system showed no obvious defects in young mutants. Mosaic analysis demonstrated that the young mutation acts non-cell-autonomously within the retina, as final morphological and molecular differentiation was rescued when genetically mutant cells were transplanted into wild-type hosts. Conversely, differentiation was prevented in wild-type cells when placed in young mutant retinas. Mosaic experiments also suggest that young functions at or near the cell surface and is not freely diffusible. We conclude that the young mutation disrupts the post-specification development of all retinal neurons and glia cells.
Has the Gender Divide Become Unbridgeable? The Implications for Social Equality

Each generation renegotiates the relationship between the sexes. We are now in the midst of a wholesale transformation. The large scale movement of married women into the workforce has fundamentally altered the bargaining position of men and women. Sex is less closely linked to reproduction; marriage is no longer a compulsory aspect of childrearing; men and women are more independent of each other; and the terms on which they are willing to enter into and stay in intimate relationships are negotiable. Most of the commentary either celebrates the greater freedom from repressive sexual mores, or decries the increased family instability and the negative effects on children. Scholars are only just beginning to chart the emergence of a new, and still evolving, set of understandings for intimate relationships and the implications of the new mores for class, race and gender inequality.This article argues that the parameters of the new sexual mores are now in place. As with most social transformations, the new mores most prominently address the circumstances of the middle class, and play out unevenly for everyone else. These understandings, which are a pragmatic response to the interests of the middle class, aggravate class, race, and gender inequality. They do so because they undermine traditional working class reproductive strategies without the realistic possibility that the new mores can become universal. The changing economic position of women has enhanced the earning capacity of working class women just as it has middle women. This has occurred, however, without making working class women as economically self-sufficient as middle class women and without a corresponding transformation in the behavior of working class men. The result has lessened the effectiveness of strategies that compelled fathers and mothers to stay together. The well-documented national increase in family instability correlates inversely with income, education, and race: the worse off the parents in socio-economic terms, the more likely their children are to experience single parent families. Ninety percent of the children in high income families live with two parents compared with twenty percent of those in the lowest income groups. This paper concludes that the statistics are a predictable consequence of the overall changes in the nature of sexual and reproductive understandings.
Leadership Styles and Gender Role: Internalization among Female Managers in the United States

The purpose of this study was to examine whether the level of gender role internalization influences female leadership style. A quantitative online survey was developed that included Bass’s Multifactor Leadership Questionnaire (1985) and the Gender Role Socialization Scale (1999), developed at the University of Toronto by Dr. Brenda Toner and her colleagues. One hundred respondents were recruited from Financial Women International, a professional business association of women, and LinkendIn, an online networking community for business professionals. Only respondents who were female and in management positions in the United States qualified for the study. Results indicated that there was no strong correlation between gender role internalization and leadership style in females.
IQ change within three years of radiation therapy in pediatric brain tumor patients treated with proton beam radiation therapy versus photon radiation therapy.

10009 Background: Radiation therapy (RT), an essential treatment for pediatric brain tumors, increases the risk of cognitive impairment. Advanced RT techniques reduce the volume of normal tissues r...
Effect of lactation upon thyroid secretion rate in the rat.

Summary1) Thyroid hormone secretion rate (TSR) was determined in lactating and non-lactating rats by administration of graded levels of L-thyroxine and measuring by radioiodine technics, subsequent suppression of thyroidal I131 output. 2) The average TSR of 2.2 μg/100 g L-thyroxine for lactating rats during the period of intense lactation (8–14 days postpartum) was significantly greater than the average of 1.3 μg/100 g for non-lactating rats of the same strain, age and weight range. These data are in accord with the concept that a hyperthyroid state is generally desirable for optimal milk secretion.
Pharmacotherapeutic Options for the Treatment of Patients with Obesity

Objective:To assess the safety and efficacy of FDA-approved and in-development antiobesity agents.Data Sources:Literature was accessed through MEDLINE (1950-current) and EMBASE using the terms anti...
Effect of cold, adrenocorticotropic and thyroid hormones on urinary excretion of pentose in the rat.

SummaryLow temperatures and thyroid administration increased significantly the urinary excretion of pentose in rats. ACTH administration had a preventive effect upon the increased pentosuria due to cold.
Making Cancer Health Text on the Internet Easier to Read for Deaf People Who Use American Sign Language

People with relatively limited English language proficiency find the Internet's cancer and health information difficult to access and understand. The presence of unfamiliar words and complex grammar make this particularly difficult for Deaf people. Unfortunately, current technology does not support low-cost, accurate translations of online materials into American Sign Language. However, current technology is relatively more advanced in allowing text simplification, while retaining content. This research team developed a two-step approach for simplifying cancer and other health text. They then tested the approach, using a crossover design with a sample of 36 deaf and 38 hearing college students. Results indicated that hearing college students did well on both the original and simplified text versions. Deaf college students' comprehension, in contrast, significantly benefitted from the simplified text. This two-step translation process offers a strategy that may improve the accessibility of Internet information for Deaf, as well as other low-literacy individuals.
Clinical pathway for moderate to severe acute bacterial skin and skin structure infections from a US perspective: a roundtable discussion

This article was written with the aim to establish a consensus clinical pathway for long-acting lipoglycopeptide antibiotics such as oritavancin (Orbactiv®) and dalbavancin (Dalvance®) for the treatment of acute bacterial skin and skin structure infections (ABSSSI). Seven infectious diseases pharmacy specialists from a variety of facilities across the United States (US) participated in a roundtable discussion to consider the use of newer single-dose long-acting lipoglycopeptides, and integrate them into clinical pathways for ABSSSI. They identified two ways of treating with these drugs: first, to facilitate discharge from the hospital by switching from initial therapy (e.g., with intravenous (IV) vancomycin) and second, to avoid hospital admission altogether, since the product can be administered in several outpatient settings of care including the emergency department (ED), observation unit (OU) or outpatient infusion center. The participants used existing literature on classification and treatment of ABSSSI and their experience in the clinical setting as bases for their discussion and came to a consensus on the considerations for patient inclusion and exclusion as well as a pathway for outpatient treatment with long-acting lipoglycopeptides. As a result of the discussion, we concluded that the current treatment paradigm for ABSSSI is ripe for re-evaluation and reconfiguration in order to more closely align with the changing healthcare landscape. Hospital stakeholders are constantly searching for new strategies that can improve quality of care while simultaneously reducing overall expenses. The availability of single-dose long-acting lipoglycopeptides is an opportunity to opt for lower-cost outpatient treatment of appropriate ABSSSI patients. This article proposes the inclusion and exclusion considerations, along with a consensus treatment pathway, that could provide a solid foundation for facilities to construct and adapt their own effective clinical pathways for ABSSSI.
Plasma Lycopene Is Associated with Pizza and Pasta Consumption in Middle-Aged and Older African American and White Adults in the Southeastern USA in a Cross-Sectional Study.

Background The role of dietary lycopene in chronic disease prevention is not well known. Methods This study examined intake of lycopene and other antioxidants from lycopene-rich foods (e.g., pizza and pasta) simultaneously with plasma levels of lycopene and other antioxidants in a representative cross-sectional sample (187 Blacks, 182 Whites, 40–79 years old) from the Southern Community Cohort Study (SCCS). The SCCS is an ongoing study conducted in populations at high risk for chronic diseases living in Southeastern United States. Dietary intake was assessed using a validated food frequency questionnaire (FFQ), and plasma levels of lycopene and other antioxidants were measured at baseline (2002–2005). The participants were classified into tertiles according to consumption of pizza and pasta food groups. Results Lycopene dietary intake and plasma lycopene concentrations were significantly higher in the highest (tertile 3) compared to tertiles 1 and 2 (both P < 0.01). Total energy intake ranged from 1964.3 ± 117.1 kcal/day (tertile 1) to 3277.7 ± 115.8 kcal/day (tertile 3) (P<0.0001). After adjusting for age and energy intake, total dietary fat, saturated fatty acids, trans-fatty acids, and sodium intakes were significantly higher in tertile 3 than tertiles 2 and 1 (all P <0.01). Vitamin C intake was significantly lower in tertile 3 than tertiles 1 and 2 (P = 0.003). Except for γ-tocopherol being higher in tertile 3 than tertiles 1 and 2 (P = 0.015), the plasma concentrations of antioxidants were lower in tertile 3 than tertiles 1 and 2 (β-carotene, α-carotene, lutein and zeaxanthin, all P<0.05). Conclusions In the SCCS population, pizza and pasta were the main sources of dietary lycopene and their intake was associated with plasma lycopene concentration. Diets with frequent pizza and pasta consumption were high in energy, saturated fatty acids, trans-fatty acids, sodium and low in other antioxidants. Future studies of lycopene as a protective dietary factor against chronic disease should consider the overall nutritional quality of lycopene-containing foods.