cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Severe Little Ice Age drought in the midcontinental United States during the Mississippian abandonment of Cahokia.

Drought has long been suspected as playing an important role in the abandonment of pre-Columbian Native American settlements across the midcontinental United States between 1350 and 1450 CE. However, high-resolution paleoclimatic reconstructions reflecting local effective moisture (the ratio of precipitation to evaporation) that are located in proximity to Mississippi period (1050–1450 CE) population centers are lacking. Here, we present a 1600-year-long decadally resolved oxygen isotope (δ18O) record from Horseshoe Lake (Collinsville, IL), an evaporatively influenced oxbow lake that is centrally located within the largest and mostly densely populated series of Mississippian settlements known as Greater Cahokia. A shift to higher δ18O in the Horseshoe Lake sediment record from 1200 to 1400 CE indicates that strongly evaporative conditions (i.e., low effective moisture) were persistent during the leadup to Cahokia’s abandonment. These results support the hypothesis that climate, and drought specifically, strongly impacted agriculturally based pre-Columbian Native American cultures in the midcontinental US and highlights the susceptibility of this region, presently a global food production center, to hydroclimate extremes.
Real-World Diagnostic Performance of RSNA Consensus Reporting Guidelines for Findings Related to COVID-19 on Chest CT.

This study evaluated the real-world diagnostic performance of Radiological Society of North America COVID-19 consensus reporting guidelines among 2618 chest CT reports from the author's health care...
Attraction of Sitophilus zeamais (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) to Four Host Plants

The maize weevil Sitophilus zeamais (Motschulsky) (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) is an important pest of stored grains, predominantly maize (Zea mays L.), wheat (Triticum L. spp.), rice (Oryza L. spp.), and sorghum (Sorghum bicolor [L.] Moench) (all Poaceae). Weevil infestations occur in the field and weevils are carried to the storage facility after harvest. Infestation also occurs in the grain storage facility. There is no effective field or storage trapping system for control. They are commonly parasitized by Pteromalidae Dalman (Hymenoptera: Chalcidoidea) spp. parasitoids in the Tropics; however, there is no biocontrol use of these Hymenoptera. Therefore, pesticide application and the development of resistant grain are the current control strategies; although, studies have indicated that odors associated with the grain upon which the weevils feed, mate, and oviposit are attractive to the weevil. Host plant produced volatiles and their associations with the maize weevil have not been investigated fully. To better understand the weevil's attraction to crop plants, a study was initiated to investigate the weevil's preference for immature host plants. Weevils that had been reared on 4 types of grain for several generations were presented immature plants of all 4 types of grains in choice tests to determine if they prefer grains of the host plant on which they had been reared. This research demonstrated that immature rice plants have the greatest attraction, and that previous feeding did not influence the weevil's host plant attraction. The isolation of key rice plant semiochemicals will be the focus in the development of an attractant for S. zeamais and may also prove effective for the control of Sitophilus oryzae (L.) (Coleoptera: Curculionidae).
Power Electronics Interfaces and Controls

Power electronic interfaces are introduced, including inverter and its typical control system, three choppers, system integrations of PV, storage units, flywheel, and wind generation. Three-phase inverter plays an essential role in integrating DERs to the AC network, so it is introduced in detail including two types of dq0 transformations, phase lock loop, double loop controller, and PWM generator. For the chopper units, boost chopper, buck chopper, and buck-boost chopper are introduced and analyzed, respectively. Single stage integration and two-stage integration are discussed for connecting the PV to the AC network. Constant current, constant voltage and their combination are introduced to charge battery and supercapacitor. The integration of microturbine is demonstrated with time-domain simulations. The typical vector control is presented for controlled the DFIG.
The functional memory approach to the design of custom computing machines

This dissertation describes a software system and related hardware architecture in which high level language programs are compiled into gate level logic circuitry that is configured specifically to execute the compiled program. A system whose processor can be dynamically reconfigured to suit different applications is known as a custom computing machine (CCM). We have designed a new class of CCMs based on the concept of functional memory (FM), which we construct by connecting field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs) in parallel with conventional random access memory (RAM). FM is used by the processor for computing the (possibly multi-operand) expressions of the high level language program in the combinational logic provided by the FPGAs. When all program expressions are computed in FM, the necessary processor instruction set reduces to a minimal number of moves and jumps. Our functional memory computer (FMC) is a four FPGA FM prototype with a fifth FPGA programmed as the minimal processor. The language we adopted as the high level source language for programming the FMC is a decision-table (DT) variation of standard Pascal. DT programs for a shortest path and two sorting algorithms were translated, executed, and analyzed on the FMC. The second sorting program demonstrated a nondeterministic array selection function. An analysis for the shortest path program showed that memory load/store counts remained comparable for FMC and von Neumann implementations. However, with the FMC, a 35% reduction in total execution steps occurred because all computation steps are performed in parallel on the FMC. The problem of compiling high level DTs to low level FMC object code is more complex than for conventional machines because each single expression in the source program can translate into several tens of lines of FPGA circuit definition code. The Windows based system developed for this purpose includes a compiler that translates source programs into intermediate assembly language modules, and an operating system that invokes system routines for assembling, linking, placing and routing, and loading the FPGA machine level object code into the minimal processor and functional memory.
ECOLOGY : INSECT POLLINATORS SEE THE LIGHT

Sunflecks - direct patches of light that penetrate tree canopies and strike the forest floor - can have a huge effect on the microhabitat of the plants, animals and microbes below. A new study indicates that plants that can grow in either sunny or shaded sites may be visited by different insect pollinators, depending on the light intensity: in general, whereas large insects such as flies prefer shaded areas, smaller insects such as bees will preferentially visit plants in sunny spots.
Guest Editorial: Automatic Target Recognition

This PDF file contains the editorial “Guest Editorial: Automatic Target Recognition” for OE Vol. 31 Issue 12
Presumed Consent to Organ Donation: Its Rise and Fall in the United States

As the gap between the need for organ transplants and the supply of organs has increasingly widened, many scholars have urged the adoption of presumed consent to organ donation. Under a presumed consent regime, the state would assume that a person agreed to organ donation after death unless the person (or a family member) had lodged an objection to posthumous organ donation. Such an assumption would reverse existing law - currently, it is generally the case that organ donation requires actual consent from the donor or a family member of the donor. For some forty years in a little-known experiment, the United States tried presumed consent on a limited basis. In many states, when dead persons came under the custody of coroners or medical examiners, those officials could authorize cornea donation - or even organ donation - in the absence of a known objection to the donation by the decedent or a family member. However, in 2006, the Revised Uniform Anatomical Gift Act recommended against presumed consent, and most states have followed the lead of the Revised Act. This article reviews the history of presumed consent in the United States and concludes that presumed consent failed because it could not overcome the major reason why people do not become organ donors after death - the refusal of family members to give consent to donation. To the extent that presumed consent allowed family members to overcome the presumption and withhold consent, it did not address the reasons why family members say no. To the extent that professionals tried to preserve the presumption by bypassing families, they validated fears that doctors will be too quick to take organs from dead persons who would not have wanted their organs removed. The United States' history with presumed consent indicates that other proposed reforms will be needed to address the shortage of organs for transplantation.
Cosmological matter perturbations

We investigate matter density perturbations in models of structure formation with or without causal/acausal source. Under the fluid approximation in the linear theory, we first derive full perturbation equations in flat space with a cosmological constant $\Lambda$. We then use Green-function technique to obtain analytic solutions for matter perturbations in a flat $\Lambda=0$ model. Some incorrect solutions in the literature are corrected here. A simple yet accurate extrapolation scheme is then proposed to obtain solutions in curved or $\Lambda\neq 0$ cosmologies. Some general features of these solutions are revealed. In particular, we analytically prove that the resulting matter density perturbations are independent of the way the causal source was compensated into the background contents of the universe when it was first formed. We also use our Green-function solutions to investigate the compensation mechanism for perturbations with causal seeds, and yield a mathematically and physically explicit formin interpreting it. We found that the compensation scale depends not only on the dynamics of the universe, but also on the properties of the seeds near the horizon scale. It can be accurately located by employing our Green functions.
Using Cognitive Probes in a Telephone Survey Asking Patients about Hospital Based Adverse Effects

Using Cognitive Probes in a Telephone Survey Asking Patients about Hospital Based Adverse Effects
Regular copolyamides, 7. Water absorption in regular copolyoxamides

Water absorption at 93% relative humidity and 25°C was determined for 12 regular aliphatic/aromatic copolyoxamides. The equilibrium water absorption ranges from 7% to 30%, varied with the polymer structure and is highest in polymers with high amide concentration. The water absorption is reversible and seems to consist of a two-step process, rapid absorption of water by polymer followed by a slower second stage as equilibrium is approached. These polymers have low crystallinity and the water absorption does not occur in crystalline regions. All water is bound to the polymer; it may be freed by heating the hydrated polymer above 100°C, but rebinds completely at room temperature.
Youth, Technology, and HIV: Recent Advances and Future Directions

Technology, including mobile technologies and social media, offers powerful tools to reach, engage, and retain youth and young adults in HIV prevention and care interventions both in the USA and globally. In this report, we focus on HIV, technology, and youth, presenting a synthesis of recently published (Jan 2014–May 2015) observational and experimental studies relevant for understanding and intervening on HIV risk, prevention, and care. We present findings from a selection of the 66 relevant citations identified, highlighting studies that demonstrate a novel approach to technology interventions among youth in regard to content, delivery, target population, or public health impact. We discuss current trends globally and in the USA in how youth are using technology, as well as emergent research issues in this field—including the need for new theories for developing technology-based HIV interventions and new metrics of engagement, exposure, and evaluation.
Duplication of single stranded DNA catalyzed by calf thymus DNA polymerase alpha.

Abstract Purified calf thymus DNA polymerase alpha is inactive with native DNA as template and shows little activity with denatured DNA. DNA synthesis with denatured DNA as template is greatly stimulated by the addition of a nuclease which initially copurifies with DNA polymerase but is separated from the polymerase on DEAE-cellulose chromatography. A limit digest of nuclease treated native DNA which is then denatured is replicated 80-95%; extensive replication is also obtained with native DNA partially degraded by pancreatic DNase and then denatured. The product of the reaction with calf thymus nuclease-treated DNA as template is double-stranded DNA with a hairpin (looped back) structure.
A longitudinal learning experience to prepare residents for a career in academia

Abstract Purpose A 24-month longitudinal academic learning experience as part of a combined postgraduate year one and postgraduate year two (PGY1/PGY2) pharmacotherapy residencies to prepare residents for an academic career is described. Summary A longitudinal academic learning experience was developed to provide an opportunity for residents to gain valuable experience in teaching, scholarly activity, professional service, and leadership development activities in addition to learning the process of integrating these activities into their daily responsibilities. Teaching experiences include didactic lectures, small-group facilitation, precepting, and course coordination. Residents participate in college and institution committees and are encouraged to become active in professional service through local, regional, and national pharmacy organizations. Peer-review, as well as manuscript development and submission, is also a focus of this experience. Finally, leadership skills are nurtured through readings, discussions, and faculty interviews. The 24-month longitudinal nature of this experience enables repetition and incorporation of feedback to further hone their academic abilities. Conclusion Through the longitudinal academic learning experience, residents are given the opportunity to learn and practice skills vital to success in a clinical faculty position. Benefits of this program extend beyond the residents to preceptors and the institution.
Race as a Moderator of the Prediction of Receipt of Aftercare and Psychiatric Hospitalization

Race proved to be an important moderator variable in the prediction of the receipt of aftercare and psychiatric hospitalization. Only one variable, currently receiving outpatient treatment, predicted receipt of aftercare for both African-Americans and Caucasians. Other predictors for African-Americans were not receiving a substance abuse referral, receiving a mental health referral, and having an appointment. For Caucasians, other predictors were being female, having previous psychiatric admissions, no substance use disorder diagnosis, and not being admitted at index. More previous admissions and recent outpatient treatment predicted hospitalization for both racial groups. Additional predictors for African-Americans were being male, not being accompanied to the psychiatric emergency room (PER) by family, and receiving less intense aftercare. The only other predictor for Caucasians was being accompanied to the PER by the police.
U.S. world chart model coefficients for 1975

The 1975 U.S. World Magnetic Chart Model (AWC/75| will be the basis for the 1975 edition of the World Magnetic Chart series to be published by the U.S. Naval Oceanographic Office. The model consists of a degree 12 spherical harmonic series of 168 internal main-field coefficients and a degree 8 series of 80 secular change coefficients. The coefficients, presented in the accompanying table, are of the Schmidt quasi-normalized type and are to be used with a reference sphere of radius 6371.2 km.
Transcriptional analysis of rat piriform cortex following exposure to the organophosphonate anticholinesterase sarin and induction of seizures

Organophosphorus nerve agents irreversibly inhibit acetylcholinesterase, causing a toxic buildup of acetylcholine at muscarinic and nicotinic receptors. Current medical countermeasures to nerve agent intoxication increase survival if administered within a short period of time following exposure but may not fully prevent neurological damage. Therefore, there is a need to discover drug treatments that are effective when administered after the onset of seizures and secondary responses that lead to brain injury. To determine potential therapeutic targets for such treatments, we analyzed gene expression changes in the rat piriform cortex following sarin (O-isopropyl methylphosphonofluoridate)-induced seizure. Male Sprague-Dawley rats were challenged with 1 × LD50 sarin and subsequently treated with atropine sulfate, 2-pyridine aldoxime methylchloride (2-PAM), and the anticonvulsant diazepam. Control animals received an equivalent volume of vehicle and drug treatments. The piriform cortex, a brain region particularly sensitive to neural damage from sarin-induced seizures, was extracted at 0.25, 1, 3, 6, and 24 h after seizure onset, and total RNA was processed for microarray analysis. Principal component analysis identified sarin-induced seizure occurrence and time point following seizure onset as major sources of variability within the dataset. Based on these variables, the dataset was filtered and analysis of variance was used to determine genes significantly changed in seizing animals at each time point. The calculated p-value and geometric fold change for each probeset identifier were subsequently used for gene ontology analysis to identify canonical pathways, biological functions, and networks of genes significantly affected by sarin-induced seizure over the 24-h time course. A multitude of biological functions and pathways were identified as being significantly altered following sarin-induced seizure. Inflammatory response and signaling pathways associated with inflammation were among the most significantly altered across the five time points examined. This analysis of gene expression changes in the rat brain following sarin-induced seizure and the molecular pathways involved in sarin-induced neurodegeneration will facilitate the identification of potential therapeutic targets for the development of effective neuroprotectants to treat nerve agent exposure.
Prediction of the forming limit diagram on the basis of the damage criterion under non-proportional loading

AbstractBased on the theory of damage mechanics, a recently developed anisotropic plastic damage model for the prediction of forming limit diagrams (FLDs) is extended to take into account the effect of rotation of the principal damage coordinates on the deformation and damage behaviour. With the aid of the damage plastic potential, the damage evolution equations are established. A damage criterion for localized necking under arbitrary loading history is proposed. The model is employed to predict the FLDs of AL6111-T4 alloy. The predicted results agree well with those determined experimentally.
From one host to another: tracking vector movements using microsatellite markers

In principle, the solution to stopping the spread of any vectorborne pathogen is a simple one - just stop infected vectors from biting new hosts and the pathogen cannot spread. Importantly, this does not necessarily require killing all vectors, or protecting all hosts. Transmission only occurs when an infected vector moves to a new host, and so knowing how vectors move between hosts in nature and how they choose hosts is crucial to understanding transmission. For example, the infection status of a potential vector or that of a potential host would have a huge influence on pathogen transmission if it affected vector movement or host choice. Remarkably little is known about how vectors move between and choose hosts in nature, in part because of the logistical difficulties of tracking vector movement. This is why the article by Levin and Parker (2014) in this issue of Molecular Ecology is so exciting.
Treatment of a severe handwashing compulsion by systematic desensitization: A case report

Abstract A 26-yr-old woman had a severe and incapacitating handwashing compulsion. She was treated successfully in five sessions of systematic desensitization over a 24-day hospitalization period. Six months later she maintained her improvement.
Optical and magneto-optical properties of RFe2 (R=Gd,Tb,Ho,Lu) and GdCo2

The conductivity tensors of single crystals and polycrystals of $R{\mathrm{Fe}}_{2}$ $(R=\mathrm{Gd},\mathrm{Tb},\mathrm{Ho},\mathrm{Lu})$ and ${\mathrm{GdCo}}_{2}$ were determined in the visible and near UV ranges. The magneto-optical Kerr effect (MOKE) was studied at different temperatures and magnetic fields. The single-crystal data show more features and larger magnitudes in the MOKE spectrum than the polycrystalline data under the same experimental conditions. The theoretical optical conductivity tensors for these compounds were calculated using the tight-binding linear-muffin-tin orbital (TB-LMTO) method in the local spin-density approximation. The agreement between theory and experiment was poor except for ${\mathrm{LuFe}}_{2},$ in which the $4f$ shell is completely closed.
A bio-inspired hemispherical lens based on reflecting superposition compound eye optics

This paper presents the design and fabrication of a 3-dimensional (3-D), hemispherical lens based on reflecting superposition compound eye (RSCE) optics. The configuration of our hemispherical lens, similar to that of natural RSCEs, consists of a large-area array of reflective, high aspect-ratio, micro-square-tubes fabricated on a transparent, flexible and hemispherical polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) membrane via a peeling micro-printing process. The dimensions of the micro-square-tubes are on the order of tens of microns. Unlike ordinary lenses, our RSCE device focuses light based on reflection rather than refraction. The hemispherical RSCE lens was able to focus a collimated and a non-collimated light source, respectively, with a focal length of 1.5 cm. The imaging performance was consistent with theoretic prediction based on the geometric optics model and ray-tracing technique. The device also achieved a wide field of view (FOV) of up to 100°.
Mercury speciation and effects on soil microbial activities.

To study Hg toxicity on soil microbes and their activities, it is necessary to understand its various forms in soils. The objectives of this study were to investigate Hg speciation in four soil types spiked with Hg (300 mg kg−1 soil) and its effects on soil microbial respiration and enzymes (amidohydrolases and phosphatase) activities. An assessment of the chemical forms, amounts, reactions, and mobility of Hg in soils and sediments is of significant importance to improve and maintain soil and environmental health and sustainability. Mercury speciation analysis was investigated under acidic and alkaline conditions using a modified sequential procedure, which differentiates Hg into the four distinct fractions. Soil microbial respiration and enzymes activities were determined under laboratory settings, by incubating the soils at 25°C for 30 days, and then determining the amount of CO2 evolved. Speciation results revealed that the water soluble form was the least, with < 1% of the total Hg in the soil types ...
Exploring and visualizing sea ice chart data using Java-based GIS tools

The sea ice data set complied by the National Ice Center (NIC) contains abundant information about sea ice geographical coverage and changes during the last 30 years. These data have significant scientific value to understand the changing Earth systems. However, given the relatively high temporal frequency and the intrinsic spatial nature of the data, the data set is relatively difficult to use by researchers without sophisticated information technology (IT) skill. In this paper, we report an effort to develop tools to facilitate the exploration, statistical visualization, and analysis of the sea ice data. These user-friendly tools will enable geoscientists with little IT skill to examine different aspects of the data on-line to determine if they should pursue further to acquire the data for more rigorous analyses. Various functions and utilities of these prototype tools are reviewed in this paper.
Compromise: An effective approach for the hierarchical design of structural systems

The use of the compromise decision support problem in hierarchical design of structural systems is described. The mathematical template that supports the underlying precepts of hierarchical design in the context of the decision support problem technique is presented. A structural example that demonstrates the efficacy of the approach is included.
Histochemistry of creatine phosphokinase

Abstract In a preliminary experiment, brief formaldehyde fixation of rat myocardium permitted preservation of creatine phosphokinase (CPK) activity and fine structure. Electrophoresis of the homogenate of the fresh and fixed myocardium demonstrated mitochondrial and three non-mitochondrial CPK isoenzymes. An osmiophilic tetrazolium salt and ferricyanide were used for the electron microscopic demonstration of CPK. With tetrazolium, the reaction products were localized near the inner mitochondrial membrane in the intermembranous space of mitochondria, but the reaction was noted on the matrix side of the membranes with ferricyanide. Reaction was also present in the sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) of the skeletal muscle. Both heart and skeletal muscle showed diffuse background cytoplasmic reaction. The heat-sensitive brain-type isoenzyme of CPK was present in the extramitochondrial sarcoplasm of the heart muscle. CPK activity was demonstrated in isolated heart mitochondria and skeletal muscle SR. Myocardial degeneration was produced in the rat myocardium by injection of isoproterenol. Two to 4 h after the injection there was an extensive histochemical reduction of CPK activity in the myocardium. Twelve to 24 h after injection, most of the areas with initially reduced CPK reaction recovered the enzyme activity and only the subendocardial layer underwent necrosis without recovery of the CPK activity. The maximal rate of increase in serum CPK activity coincided with the most extensive depletion of the myocardium CPK. Mitochondrial isoenzyme did contribute to elevation of serum CPK and appeared to remain in the injured myocardial cells.
Laboratory Simulation of VOC Entry into Residence Basements from Soil Gas

Pollutants in groundwater can be a source of exposure to residents of houses overlying contaminated aquifers. Volatile compounds may migrate through soil gas and enter below-grade basements under n...
High Throughput Screening of Aptamers For Human Thrombin and Factor IXa

The traditional method for discovery of DNA/RNA aptamers is in vitro evolution (SELEX), where multiple cycles of partitioning and amplification enrich aptamer candidates from a pool containing randomized segments of length, m. Previous to our work the consensus sequence for alpha-thrombin aptamers (ThbA) was found via five rounds of SELEX in a DNA pool with m=60, while factor IXa aptamers (FIXaA) were discovered in an RNA library of m=40 after 8 rounds. We isolated the same ThbA, FIXaA and a novel carbohydrate aptamer (CA) to validate our new method, High Throughput Screening of Aptamers. HTSA uses a single partitioning step, PCR, and counts survivors by massively parallel sequencing. We found the minimal ThbA in a library of DNA hairpins loops (m=15) containing 56,000 copies of each of the 1.1 billion possible sequences. We distinguished two sequence motifs well above the background. The ThbA motif contains the consensus (counted 46,000 times) and dozens of related sequences. The leading candidate in the CA family (29,000 counts) is a novel aptamer that binds glucose (Kd=1,400 nM) and alpha-methyl mannoside (Kd=500 nM). A known FIXaA was counted 52,000 times from a library of RNA hairpins (m=16 with 14,000 copies of each sequence). HTSA simplifies and shortens the discovery process, exhaustively searches the space of sequences within a library, simplifies characterization of the core binding domain, reduces the quantity of the target required, eliminates cycling artifacts, allows multiplexing of targets, and requires no complex automation.
Trace element distribution in the soils above deeply weathered pegmatites, Virginia, U.S.A.: implications for exploration

Abstract Chemical partitioning data are of fundamental interest to exploration geochemists. This paper is one of the few studies which has investigated the relative proportions of the rare elements in various soil extracts. The dispersion of trace elements from weathering pegmatites in Powhatan Country, Virginia, was found to be restricted to the immediate vicinity of the pegmatites. A sequential extraction procedure was used to measure the distribution of Be, La, Nb, Sn, U, Li, and Ni,among the following fractions of the B soil horizons: exchangeable, Fe and Mn oxyhydroxide, residual, and aqua regia digestion. The elements Sn, Be, Li, and U were found to be associated with soils over the complex Herbb No. 2 pegmatite, whereas La and Ni were generally associated with the background soils. A geochemical exploration model was developed using stepwise discriminant function analysis to determine the combination of elements and soil extracts that best differentiates between complex pegmatitic, simple pegmatitic, and background soils. Log-transformed aqua regia extract concentrations of Sn, La, U, and Li were the most effective variables when used to separate complex pegmatitic from simple pegmatitic soils.
Effects of feeding ethyl-dihomo-γ-linolenate on rabbit renomedullary lipid composition and prostaglandin production in vitro

Feeding the ethyl ester of dihomo-γ-linolenic acid for 25 days to rabbits resulted in increased PGE1 (20to30-fold) and PGE2 (1.5-fold) output by a hormone responsive, in vitro, renal papilla preparation. The relative amount of PGE1 increased from <5% of PGE2 in controls to 25–35% of PGE2 in the papillae of 20∶3ω6-supplemented animals. During the study renomedullary triglycerides in the 20∶3ω6-supplemented animals increased 2.8-fold compared to animals fed an equal amount of a control fatty acid mixture, and in addition to a marked enrichment in 20∶3ω6, also contained increased proportions of 20∶4ω6 and longer chain polyenes. The increase in triglyceride content found in the renal medulla was not seen in the renal cortex or liver. There was no increase in renomedullary phospholipid content during the study, and phopholipids of treated animals contained increased proportions of 20∶3ω6 and 20∶4ω6, but not longer chain polyenes. The results indicate that enriching the prostaglandin precursor pool by feeding 20∶3ω6 can alter the type and amount of prostaglandin released by the renal papilla, at least in vitro. Also, the selective changes in amount and long chain polyene content of renomedullary triglycerides during the study suggest some special functions for this lipid class in prostaglandin precursor metabolism. *** DIRECT SUPPORT *** A00M6131 00010
Regulatory Factor Interactions and Somatic Silencing of the Germ Cell-specific ALF Gene

Germ cell-specific genes are active in oocytes and spermatocytes but are silent in all other cell types. To understand the basis for this seemingly simple pattern of regulation, we characterized factors that recognize the promoter-proximal region of the germ cell-specific TFIIA alpha/beta-like factor (ALF) gene. Two of the protein-DNA complexes formed with liver extracts (C4 and C5) are due to the zinc finger proteins Sp1 and Sp3, respectively, whereas another complex (C6) is due to the transcription factor RFX1. Two additional complexes (C1 and C3) are due to the multivalent zinc finger protein CTCF, a factor that plays a role in gene silencing and chromatin insulation. An investigation of CTCF binding revealed a recognition site of only 17 bp that overlaps with the Sp1/Sp3 site. This site is predictive of other genomic CTCF sites and can be aligned to create a functional consensus. Studies on the activity of the ALF promoter in somatic 293 cells revealed mutations that result in increased reporter activity. In addition, RNAi-mediated down-regulation of CTCF is associated with activation of the endogenous ALF gene, and both CTCF and Sp3 repress the promoter in transient transfection assays. Overall, the results suggest a role for several factors, including the multivalent zinc finger chromatin insulator protein CTCF, in mediating somatic repression of the ALF gene. Release of such repression, perhaps in conjunction with other members of the CTCF, RFX, and Sp1 families of transcription factors, could be an important aspect of germ cell gene activation.
Effects of Post-exposure Description and Imaging on Subsequent Face Recognition Performance:

After viewing a crime, witnesses are frequently asked by police investigators to give a verbal description of the perpetrator. At a later time, witnesses may be asked to try to recognize the perpetrator in a lineup or a mugfile. The purpose of this research was to determine whether performance on a later recognition test is influenced by an earlier verbal description test of the target. Participants viewed six target faces, and after each, performed one of four post-exposure activities. Two were verbal description tasks. The descriptor checklist task had participants indicate, using a list of potential adjectives, those descriptors that best described the most recently seen face. The descriptor generate task had participants recall descriptors that best described the most recently seen face. Both description tasks were accomplished using a questionnaire that was identical except for the presence or absence of specific adjectives. Other participants were instructed to image the target face or they performe...
A comparative study of the conformational properties of Escherichia coli-derived rat intestinal and liver fatty acid binding proteins☆

Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy has been used to examine the conformation in aqueous solution of Escherichia coli-expressed rat intestinal and liver fatty-acid binding proteins (I-FABP and L-FABP, respectively). While I-FABP is known from X-ray analysis to have a predominantly beta-structure with 10 antiparallel beta-strands forming two orthogonal sheets that surround the ligand binding pocket, no structural data are available for L-FABP. As expected for homologous proteins with related functions, the secondary structures of I-FABP and L-FABP are very similar. In both proteins, the conformation-sensitive amide-I band shows the maximum absorption at around 1630 cm-1, proving that beta-sheet is the major structural element. However, there are three critical differences between I-FABP and L-FABP; (i), a different solvent accessibility of the protein backbone; (ii), a different pH sensitivity and (iii), a different thermostability, with L-FABP being thermally more stable than I-FABP. These results suggest that, in spite of having a similar overall conformation, the architecture of these proteins is stabilized by slightly different interactions. Such dissimilarities, well-paralleled by fatty-acid binding studies, may provide a structural basis for their functional diversification.
Predicting Radon Testing Among University Employees

Abstract To determine covariates of radon testing behavior, we surveyed by mail a random sample of all Boston University employees (N = 915) six to nine months after they had been informed of the availability of radon testing services through the University's medical center. The response rate was 58%. Analysis suggests blue collar workers were underrepresented within the response rate. Slightly more than half of the respondents (51%) were men. The majority (69%) were under the age of 45. Twenty-seven percent of the respondents (N = 143) had tested their homes for radon. Bivariate analysis revealed important differences between radon testers and nontesters. Testers were 12 times more likely to be home owners than renters (p = 0.00), and were more knowledgeable about radon's characteristics and testing procedures (p = 0.00). Testers were more likely to view radon as a serious problem (p = 0.00), to consider radon testing efficacious (p = 0.00), and to consider themselves susceptible to exposure (p = 0.00). ...
The neurocircuitry of addiction: Implications for treatment

Abstract Drug addiction is a chronic, relapsing disorder characterized by a compulsion to seek and take drugs, loss of control in limiting intake, and emergence of a negative emotional state in the absence of drug. Allostatic changes in reward function that lead to excessive drug intake provide a heuristic framework to identify the neurobiological and neuroadaptive mechanisms involved in the development of drug addiction. The brain reward system implicated in the development of addiction is comprised of key elements of the extended amygdala basal forebrain macrostructure and its connections. Neuropharmacological studies in animal models of addiction associated with excessive drug intake have provided evidence for the dysregulation of specific neurochemical mechanisms within the extended amygdala (opioid peptides, γ-aminobutyric acid, glutamate, and dopamine). There also is recruitment of brain stress systems (corticotropin-releasing factor and norepinephrine) and dysregulation of brain anti-stress systems (neuropeptide Y), contributing to the negative motivational state associated with drug abstinence. The changes in the reward and stress systems are hypothesized to maintain hedonic stability in an allostatic state—as opposed to a homeostatic state—and as such, convey the vulnerability for the development of dependence and relapse. The compromised brain reward and stress systems provide additional motivation for drug-seeking derived from the negative reinforcement of acute withdrawal, and are hypothesized to contribute to the allostatic state of protracted abstinence that augments other forms of ‘craving’ induced by environmental events. The allostatic state of protracted abstinence is an important target for developing novel behavioral and pharmacological therapies for drug addiction.
Endotoxin-induced, neutrophil-mediated endothelial cytotoxicity is enhanced by T-lymphocytes.

Abstract The role of T-lymphocytes (T cells) and interferon-γ (IFN-γ) in the pathogenesis of sepsis-induced microvascular endothelial injury remains unclear. We sought to determine whether the syngeneic coculture of human T cells in the presence of LPS promoted subsequent neutrophil (PMN)-mediated endothelial cytotoxicity. Syngeneic T cells were cocultured with 51 Cr-loaded human adipose microvascular endothelial cell (HAMVEC) monolayers in the absence and presence of LPS. Subsequent PMN-mediated HAMVEC cytotoxicity (measured as percent specific 51 Cr release) was absent in cultures that contained T cells but no LPS and was significantly increased when T cells were cocultured in the presence of LPS. This was true both following addition of unstimulated PMNs (−0.8 ± 3.0% vs 4.9 ± 4.7% for T cells alone vs T cells plus LPS, respectively) and PMNs stimulated with f-Met–Leu–Phe (−0.4 ± 3.1% vs 10.7 ± 3.0% for T cells alone vs T cells plus LPS, respectively). Increased cytotoxicity was associated with increased expression of the endothelial adhesion molecules ICAM-1 and VCAM-1. Control experiments failed to demonstrate cytotoxicity when HAMVEC were cultured in the presence of IFN-γ alone, LPS alone, or T cells without LPS. It appears that there is a necessary requirement of both LPS and (presumably activated) T cells or their products (other than IFN-γ) for enhanced PMN-mediated endothelial cytotoxicity. This phenomenon may also be mediated by increased expression of endothelial adhesion molecules that promote subsequent PMN adhesion.
An empirical bayes approach to monitoring water quality

The level of faecal coliform bacteria in a water body is commonly monitored by multiple tube fermentation experiments. In many cases, interest centres on detecting the exceedance of a standard. This paper describes an empirical Bayes approach to estimating standard exceedance probability from multiple tube fermentation experiments. An example is given.
Formal training in vaccine safety to address parental concerns not routinely conducted in U.S. pediatric residency programs

Abstract Objective To determine if U.S. pediatric residency programs provide formal training in vaccine safety to address parental vaccine concerns. Methods An electronic survey was mailed to all members of the Association of Pediatric Program Directors (APPD) to assess (1) if U.S. pediatric residency programs were providing formal vaccine safety training, (2) the content and format of the training if provided, and (3) interest in a training module for programs without training. Two follow-up surveys were mailed at 2 week intervals. Responses to the survey were collected at 4 weeks following the last mailing and analyzed. Logistic regression was used to assess the impact of program size on the likelihood of vaccine safety training. Pearson's chi square was used to compare programs with and without formal vaccine safety training in 5 U.S. regions. Results The survey was sent to 199 APPD members; 92 completed the survey (response rate 46.2%). Thirty-eight respondents (41%) had formal training in vaccine safety for pediatric residents at their programs; 54 (59%) did not. Of those that did not, the majority (81.5%) were interested in formal vaccine safety training for their residents. Of all respondents, 78% agreed that training in vaccine safety was a high priority for resident education. Thirty-five percent of all respondents agreed that local parental attitudes about vaccines influenced the likelihood of formal vaccine safety training. Conclusion Most pediatric residency programs surveyed do not include formal training on vaccine safety; yet, such training is supported by pediatric residency program directors as a priority for pediatric residents.
Hedge Fund Return-Based Style Estimation: A Review on Comparison Hedge Fund Indices

The data dependency of empirical financial research is of common concern to both academics and practitioners. This is especially true for hedge funds since no one single commonly accepted database exists and since many of the databases may hold different sets of reporting managers. Each database uses current reporting managers as the basis for the construction of hedge fund indices and these index returns reflect the characteristics of the funds reporting to the relevant database. However, unlike historical returns derived from current databases, historical returns from most major hedge fund indices do not contain backfill or survivor bias. At the same time, performance characteristics may differ between indices since each index is constructed based on a different set of rules (e.g., equal weighted, asset weighted, etc.). In this analysis we conduct a series of empirical tests, similar to those previously conducted in academic studies. In this analysis we use only those hedge fund indices which reflect the average returns of the entire set of reporting managers; that is, the indices representing overall industry returns. Results indicate that return based style analyses, often used as a basis for hedge fund analysis, are impacted both by the period of analysis as well as the hedge fund index used. Moreover, results indicate that the addition of variables beyond those designed to capture underlying equity, interest rate, and credit risk have little impact on explanatory power of these hedge fund universe indices beyond a very low level of statistical significance.
Impaired anticipatory control of force sharing patterns during whole-hand grasping in Parkinson’s disease

We examined the coordination of multi-digit grasping forces as they developed during object grasping and lifting. Ten subjects with Parkinson’s disease (PD; OFF and ON medication) and ten healthy age-matched control subjects lifted a manipulandum that measured normal forces at each digit and the manipulandum’s position. The center of mass (CM) was changed from trial to trial in either a predictable (blocked) or unpredictable (random) order. All subjects modulated individual fingertip forces to counterbalance forces exerted by the thumb and minimize object tilt after lift-off. However, subjects with PD OFF exhibited an impaired ability to use anticipatory mechanisms resulting in less differentiated scaling of individual finger forces to the object CM location. Remarkably, these between-group differences in force modulation dissipated as subjects reached peak grip forces during object lift, although these occurred significantly later in subjects with PD OFF than controls and PD ON. Analysis of the tilt of the object during lift revealed all subjects had similar deviations of the object from the vertical, the direction of which depended on CM location. Thus these findings in subjects with PD indicate that: (a) PD-induced impairments in anticipatory force mechanisms appear to be greatly increased in multi-digit grasping as opposed to previous reports from two-digit grasping; (b) inaccurate scaling of fingertip force amplitude and sharing patterns before object lift is recovered during object lift; (c) the implementation of appropriate force amplitude and sharing among the digits during the lift occurs significantly later than for controls; (d) medication improves the temporal recovery of multi-digit force coordination. These results are discussed within the framework of PD-related deficits in sensorimotor integration and control of multi-degrees of freedom movement.
Pentalogy of Cantrell with a single-ventricle cardiac defect: collaborative management of a complex disease.

We present a case of ectopia cordis with a complex single-ventricle congenital heart defect in association with pentalogy of Cantrell. Management by a skilled multidisciplinary team was critical for patient survival. Early fetal diagnosis and the use of advanced imaging techniques allowed adequate time for planning and identified critical anatomic details. Preserving the heart’s natural covering, performing cardiac surgery without cardiopulmonary bypass, and using catheter intervention decreased the risk to the patient. Complete coverage of the defect was achieved using skin generated with tissue expanders. This case illustrates the importance of collaboration when caring for infants with critical, high-risk disease and highlights the increased potential for survival with complex ectopia cordis in the current medical era.
The Dielectric Constants of Argon and Neon

The heterodyne beat method has been used to measure at room temperatures the dielectric constants of argon and neon relative to air. The value for air is assumed to be 1.000589 and the values found for argon and neon are 1.000574 and 1.000148 respectively, for normal temperature and pressure. Simultaneous refractive index measurements agree with previous determinations and indicate that the gases contain no appreciable impurities. An oscillator employing a shield grid tube is described for which the frequency is very little affected by changes in the various battery voltages.