cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
“This Self of All the other Selves:” Part II

In the Principles, James provided a lead with regard to which totality of mental-occurrence instances make up the person's conscious being (one of the common meanings of the word consciousness). That is, this totality may amount to a certain kind of mental occurrence, the kind James called “the self of selves,” “the central active self,” and “the innermost sanctuary of our life” in his chapter “The Consciousness of Self.” The present article pursues the character and nature of “this self of all the other selves” according to James's firsthand account of it. Also, this article provides replies from James's perspective to six objections brought by Stout against James's account of the self of selves. These objections pertain mainly to the latter's dimension of “spontaneity,” or activity.
Molecular mechanisms for the assembly of the T cell receptor-CD3 complex.

The T cell receptor (TCR)–CD3 complex represents on of the most intricate membrane receptor structures since it is built from six distinct chains. This complexity led to a number of different proposals for the arrangement of the receptor subunits, its stoichiometry and the mechanisms responsible for receptor triggering. Early work had demonstrated that basic and acidic transmembrane (TM) residues were involved in the assembly but the molecular arrangement could not be deduced due to the complexity of the receptor. Using a novel method for the isolation of intact radiolabeled protein complexes, we demonstrated that the complex assembled in the ER contains only a single TCRαβ heterodimer and one copy of each of the CD3δe, CD3γe and ζ–ζ signaling dimers. Surprisingly, assembly of each of the three signaling dimers with TCR was dependent on one of the three basic TCR TM residues as well as both acidic residues located in the TM domains of the interacting signaling dimer. Each assembly step thus results in the formation of a three-helix interface in the membrane that involves one basic and two acidic TM residues, and this arrangement effectively shields these ionizable residues at protein–protein interfaces from the lipid. Since proteins whose TM domains have exposed ionizable residues are not stably integrated into the lipid bilayer, assembly based on shielding of ionizable residues permits full equilibration of the receptor into the lipid bilayer and prevents degradation. Assembly, export of intact receptor complexes and degradation of unassembled components thus rely on the same organizing principle.
Triboluminescence with and without Air

Twenty-three triboluminescent organic and inorganic materials were examined for crystal symmetry, differences between photoluminescence and triboluminescence emission spectra, spectroscopic evidence of an electrical discharge, and persistence of activity under liquids; some were also tested under other atmospheres. These experiments indicate that 18 materials were excited by a discharge, by either electron bombardment of the material or secondary excitation by the UV emissions of the surrounding gas. Five are apparently excited without a discharge, probably by the defect recombination characteristic of deformation luminescence.
Rise of robotics in urologic surgery: current status and future directions.

The new millennium has ushered in a new era for surgery, namely robotics. In the year 2000, the US FDA approved the use of the da Vinci® surgical system (Intuitive Surgical, Inc., CA, USA) for limi...
On Utilizing Approximate Modal Shapes to Estimate the Effective Nonlinearity of a Structural Mode

This effort investigates the accuracy of estimating the effective nonlinearity of a given vibration mode using approximate modal shapes. As an example, the problem of approximating the modal effective nonlinearities of a linearly-tapered cantilever beam (along the width) is considered. This example was intentionally selected because the linear eigenvalue problem cannot be solved analytically for the exact eigenfrequencies and actual linear mode shapes of the structure, which permits investigating the influence of approximating the mode shapes on the effective nonlinearity. The nonlinear partial differential equation governing the beam’s motion is first discretized into an infinite set of nonlinear ordinary differential equations. The method of multiple scales is then utilized to obtain an approximate analytical expression for the effective nonlinearity which depends on the assumed mode shapes used in the series discretization. To approximate the mode shapes, three methods were utilized: i) a crude approach which directly utilizes the linear modes of a regular (untapered) cantilever beam to estimate the effective nonlinearity, ii) a finite element approach wherein the structural modes are obtained in ANSYS, then fitted into orthonormal polynomial curves while minimizing the least square error in calculating the eigenfrequencies, and iii) a Rayleigh-Ritz approach which utilizes a set of orthonormal trial basis functions to construct the structural mode shapes as a linear combination of the trial functions used. A comparison among the three methods for eight different taperings reveals that, while the modal frequencies are well-approximated yielding less than 2% deviation among the three methods, there is a huge discrepancy in approximating the nonlinear coefficients including the effective nonlinearity. This leads to the conclusion that convergence of the eigenfrequencies is not sufficient for accurate estimation of the nonlinear parameters.Copyright © 2012 by ASME
Prevalence and risk factors for intraoperative hypotension during craniotomy for traumatic brain injury.

Background:Hypotension after traumatic brain injury (TBI) is associated with poor outcomes. However, data on intraoperative hypotension (IH) are scarce and the effect of anesthetic agents on IH is unknown. We examined the prevalence and risk factors for IH, including the effect of anesthetic agents
NAS Panel faults export controls

A study prepared by a top-level panel says that current export controls on militarily sensitive U.S. technology may be “overcorrecting” previous weaknesses in that system, resulting in “a complex and confusing control system” that makes it more difficult for U.S. businesses to compete in international markets. Moreover, this control system has “an increasingly corrosive effect” on U.S. relations with allies. The panel recommended that the United States concentrate more effort on bringing about uniformity in the export control policies of countries belonging to the Coordinating Committee on Multilateral Export Controls (CoCom), i.e., most of the member nations in NATO (the North Atlantic Treaty Organization) and Japan. The 21-member panel was appointed by the Committee on Science, Engineering, and Public Policy (COSEPUP), a joint unit of the National Academy of Sciences (NAS), the National Academy of Engineering (NAE), and the Institute of Medicine (IOM). The panel, composed of administrators, researchers, and former government officials, was chaired by AGU member Lew Allen, Jr., director of the Jet Propulsion Laboratory (Pasadena, Calif.) and former chief of staff of the U.S. Air Force. Their report was supported by NAS funds, by a number of private organizations (including AGU), by the U.S. Departments of Commerce, Defense, Energy, and State, by the National Science Foundation, and by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration.
The historical origins of "ethology" and "comparative psychology."

Summary The connotations of the terms comparative psychology and ethology are traced to the Cuvier-Geoffroy-Saint-Hilaire debates of the early nineteenth century. Their founding as ‘sciences’ as well as their subsequent histories are shown to reflect continuously this polarization of thought between laboratory analysis and naturalistic observation.
Application of in situ silylation for improved, convenient preparation of fluorenylmethoxycarbonyl (Fmoc)-protected phosphinate amino acids.

A convenient and efficient method has been developed for the preparation of 9-fluorenylmethoxycarbonyl (Fmoc)-protected 1-aminoalkylphosphinic acids. Reproducible procedures for the synthesis and purification of free α-amino H-phosphinates are provided. Protection of free amino phosphinates as the N-Fmoc derivative was achieved by in situ trimethylsilylation of aminoalkylphosphinic acids, which then reacted with Fmoc-Cl to provide corresponding products in excellent yields and in high purity after simple extractive isolation. Mechanistic aspects of the silylation are discussed, and the application of the procedure to another class of amino phosphorus acids is presented.
Arthroscopic triangular fibrocartilage complex debridement using radiofrequency probes.

The initial results of using radiofrequency probes for debridement of a torn triangular fibrocartilage complex were studied in 20 patients with a mean age of 44 (range 27–56) years presenting with ulnar-sided wrist pain. On arthroscopic examination, 18 central and two radial triangular fibrocartilage complex tears were identified and debrided to a stable rim using radiofrequency probes. The mean follow-up was 22 (range 9–35) months. Seventeen patients experienced substantial pain relief. In three, the pain was unchanged. The mean flexion extension arc was 132°, pronosupination arc 155° and mean grip strength was 83% of that of the unaffected side. Using the modified Mayo wrist score, there were ten excellent, seven good and three fair results. No perioperative complications occurred. Radiofrequency probes were found to be safe and effective for use in triangular fibrocartilage complex debridement. These results compare favourably with other standard methods of treatment of this problem.
Detection of organ-confined prostate cancer is increased through prostate-specific antigen-based screening.

Objective. —To determine whether prostate-specific antigen (PSA)—based screening alters the proportion of organ-confined prostate cancers detected. Design. —A prospective, nonrandomized, serial PSA-based screening trial (follow-up from 6 to 37 months), and a concurrent comparison group. Setting. —Genera community outpatient screening program based at a university center. Patients. —The study group consisted of 10251 men aged 50 years and older (mean and median age, 63 years; mean and median age of patients who underwent biopsies, 66 years) who presented to a prostate cancer screening program and consented to phlebotomy. The comparison group consisted of 266 concurrently studied private patients in the same age range (mean and median age, 68 years) who were referred for prostatic ultrasonography and biopsy because of an abnormal digital rectal examination (DRE). Main Outcome Measure. —Proportion detected with clinically or pathologically advanced prostate cancer. Results. —The men were divided into three groups: the comparison group, the initial PSA-based screening group, and the serial PSA-based screening group. The proportions of prostate cancers detected that were clinically or pathologically advanced were as follows: comparison group, 57% (27/47); initial PSA-based screening group, 37% (91/244); and serial PSA-based screening group, 29% (37/ 129). Screened patients had a lower proportion of advanced cancers than the comparison group (χ 2 [2]=12.3; P =.002); this advantage was observed principally in patients younger than 70 years. Surgical staging revealed that the cancer was microscopically focal and well differentiated (possibly latent cancer) in 2.5% (1/40) of the nonscreened group, 2.9% (7/244) of the initially screened group, and 7.8% (10/129) of the serially screened group (generalized Fisher's Exact Test, P =.08). Conclusion. —Screening based on PSA identifies some men with prostate cancer who have a significantly increased proportion of organ-confined tumors compared with those detected through evaluation for an abnormal DRE alone. ( JAMA . 1993;270:948-954)
Foreign direct investment and industry demands for trade protection

ABSTRACT Do industries seek trade protection against foreign competition in the form of inward foreign direct investment (FDI)? Some studies argue that the influx of FDI may alter the existing structure of competition and defuse firm-level pressure for trade protection. On the other hand, theories that view FDI as a form of strategic rivalry among firms of different national origins suggest that increasing FDI causes greater industry demands for trade protection. This paper empirically tests these competing claims using data on the initiation of antidumping investigations in the US. Its findings show that FDI increases industry demand for trade protection. This result lends support to arguments emphasizing the competitive challenge FDI poses to domestic firms.
Malignant mixed müllerian tumors of the uterus.

Mixed mullerian tumors of the uterus had an average yearly incidence rate of 0.99 per 100,000 women 20 years old and older in Jefferson County, Kentucky, between 1953 and 1969. The rate was significantly higher in Negroes than in Caucasians. Follow-up was obtained on all 48 patients. The survival rate on 39 patients followed for 5 years was 20.5%, although one survivor has metastatic disease 15 years following primary treatment. Twenty patients had only homologous elements (carcinosarcoma), while 28 had heterologous elements (mixed mesodermal tumor). There was no statistically significant difference in survival between the two groups, and clinicopathologic features were similar other than the presence of heterologous elements.
Dopeable styrenic foams used in inertial fusion targets

Low density polymer foams have been an integral part of targets used in Inertial Confinement Fusion (ICF) experiments. In order to accomplish this the formulation of the High Internal Phase Emulsion (HIPE) foam had to be optimized. Along with a change in density and the incorporation of fillers into a foam, there is also a change in the pore size and the distribution of pore sizes. The emulsion technique used to produce these foams is amenable to modification providing foams with a wide range of densities, 15 mg/cm3 to 500 mg/cm3, and metal loadings up to 90 percent by weight. A qualitative distribution of pore size can be seen visually with scanning electron microscopy (SEM). At low metal loadings SEM did not observe the submicron metal particles. The distribution of these particles in the foam matrix was seen with near-infrared imaging.
Isotactic polypropylene foams crystallized from compressed propane solutions

Crystallization of isotactic polypropylene (iPP) from homogeneous solution in supercritical propane yields open-cell foams of high surface area (120–150 m2/g). Their morphology usually consists of microspheres with a dense core and a porous periphery of radiating fibrils. Pore radii covering the mesopore range (2–50 nm), making their largest contribution at 10–20 nm, were calculated from nitrogen adsorption isotherms. Surface areas of the correct order of magnitude are obtained by assuming that gas adsorption takes place on the surfaces of lamellar crystals. Crystallization of iPP from n-butane and n-heptane generates foams of lower mesoporosity and smaller surface area. These more “liquid-like” solvents do not allow the formation of an open network of mesopores or they promote its collapse upon their removal. © 1998 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J Polym Sci B: Polym Phys 36: 617–627, 1998
Structural Constraints: Further Evidence from Apparent Motion in Depth

The three-dimensional (3-D) apparent motion of lines, outline triangles, and light points was studied in four experiments. The stimulus sequences were beginning and end patterns of 3-D motions of a...
Adhesion and Removal of Fine Particles on Surfaces

Particles on surfaces containing microelectronic circuits interfere with the circuit operation thus reducing product yield. Adhesion of particles to such surface as well as to other surfaces in production environments needs to be understood so that effective ways for preventing deposition and cleaning contaminated surfaces may be devised. Adhesive forces result from molecular and electrostatic interaction and are influenced by the surrounding medium and the composition. The magnitude of adhesive forces relative to the particle mass increases significantly for micrometer-and submicrometer-sized particles, and their removal is therefore difficult. Experimental techniques for adhesion measurement are marginal, and new developments are urgently needed. Considerable new research is needed to develop new cleaning media and techniques.
RECEIVER OPERATING CHARACTERISTIC CURVE ANALYSIS OF THE UTILITY OF THORACIC RADIOGRAPHS FOR THE DIAGNOSIS OF FELINE CARDIAC DISEASE

The results of a retrospective study in which 90 sets of feline thoracic radiographs were examined by six readers were evaluated with the aid of receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis. There were 51 sets of radiographs of 45 normal cats and 39 sets of radiographs of 33 cats with cardiac disease. The readers were asked to classify each set of radiographs as normal or abnormal, with respect to cardiac disease, into one of five diagnostic cholces that reflected reader confidence. The method of generating an ROC curve is discussed. There was no significant difference in the accuracy of interpretation between the five experienced readers. The mean accuracy of this group was 91%. However, inspection of the individual ROC curves demonstrated a fundamental difference in underlying reader bias (i.e., over-or underreading). As expected, the experienced readers were statistically more accurate than an inexperienced reader. ROC curve methodology has potential applications in veterinary medicine not only for assessing observer performance and reader bias, but also for comparing tests and in clinical decision making.
Clinical applications of chemiluminescence

Abstract This article reviews the clinical applications of chemiluminescence in routine testing and surveys the diverse applications of chemiluminescence in clinical research. In routine clinical testing, chemiluminescent labels (acridinium ester, acridinium sulfonamide) and detection reactions for peroxidase and alkaline phosphatase enzyme labels (luminol and adamantyl 1,2-dioxetane-based reactions, respectively) are widely used in immunoassay and nucleic acid probe assays (e.g. hybridization protection assay, Hybrid Capture® assay). In clinical research the sensitivity, dynamic range and diversity of chemiluminescent assays has led to a vast range of applications, notably in protein and nucleic acid blotting, microarray-based assays, monitoring reactive oxygen species, and as detection reactions for substances separated by HPLC, capillary electrophoresis (CE), and flow-injection analysis.
Psychopharmacologic strategies for the prevention of suicidal behavior in bipolar patients

Abstract Current pharmacological strategies for the prevention of the suicide behavior in bipolar patients are reviewed. Additionally, these studies are discussed in the context of a stress–diathesis model, to explore whether this model explains the empirical fact that some drugs appear to have antisuicidal properties while others do not. A review of the relevant literature suggests that lithium and serotonin enhancing antidepressants reduce suicidal behavior in bipolar patients. A stress–diathesis model explains the differential effect of such medications compared to other antidepressants or mood stabilizers by proposing additional effects of these medications on the diathesis for suicidal behavior. This effect may be mediated by augmentation of serotonergic function, which is linked to suicidal behavior. Serotonergic enhancing drugs therefore can potentially reduce suicidal behavior.
Developing a Typology of Perceived Communication Challenges Experienced by Frontline Employees During Organizational Change

This study sought to develop a typology of communication challenges perceived by frontline employees during the implementation of organizational change. A sample of midlevel managers (N = 166) self-reported 486 challenges they perceived encountering while implementing a new customer service program at a national textbook retailer. These perceived impediments were inductively analyzed into a five-tiered typology including (a) resistance from external stakeholders, (b) a lack of resources and decision-making authority, (c) personal management issues, (d) competing changes, and (e) staff resistance.
Control System for a 4,500-Horsepower Gas-Turbine Electric Locomotive

This paper is concerned with the control equipment of the 4,500-horsepower Alco-GE gas-turbine electric locomotive. It includes a description of the control apparatus and functions, and outlines problems encountered in its application. Control systems relative to this new type of prime mover are dealt with in particular.
A framework for the human resources role in managing culture in mergers and acquisitions

Scholars, business people, and change agents agree that culture matters in eventual merger and acquisition (M&A) success. Researchers have generated many insights and practitioners have developed many interventions regarding culture in M&A. Managing culture, however, is often a low priority when executives are consumed with the deal's financial and strategic aspects. The authors propose a framework for how Human Resources (HR) can work with business partners in managing acculturation in M&A. They first examine the relationship between cultural differences and M&A outcomes, how culture manifests itself in combinations, and the causes and stages of culture clash. They then highlight the value of a clear “cultural endstate” in M&A and apply classic change management theory to identify actions that unfreeze current cultural mind-sets, move people toward the desired endstate, and refreeze the desired culture. Their framework specifies HR actions for four distinct cultural endstates—pluralism (in which the partner companies coexist), integration (in which the partners blend current cultures together), assimilation (in which one company absorbs the other), and transformation (in which the partner companies abandon key elements of their current cultures and adopt new values and norms). © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Prevalence, clinical aspects, and natural history of IgM MGUS.

Background: Waldenstrom macroglobulinemia (WM) and chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) are related B-cell cancers that share several clinical and biological features. Both WM and CLL have associated precursor conditions: monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS) of immunoglobulin M (IgM) type and monoclonal B-cell lymphocytosis (MBL), respectively. Recently, a case of MBL with an IgM MGUS was reported, suggesting a close biological relationship between these entities. While much is known about MGUS overall, investigations of IgM MGUS specifically have been fragmentary. Methods: In this article, we review data on the prevalence, clinical aspects and natural history of IgM MGUS, and focus on identifying gaps in our understanding of the complex relationships among B-cell malignancies and their precursors. Results: There appears to be marked heterogeneity in the prevalence of IgM MGUS across populations. However, studies have varied in definition, design, laboratory methods, and endpoints. IgM MGUS differs from non-IgM MGUS in certain respects, including prevalence across racial groups, rate of progression, and pattern of malignant outcomes. There are limited data regarding the coincident occurrence of IgM MGUS and MBL. Conclusions: Future studies incorporating both protein electrophoresis and flow cytometry are needed to define the underlying spectrum and causes of precursor development, risk factors for progression, and markers that distinguish low- and high-risk precursor patients. Published 2010 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
English Football and Its Hong Kong Television Audience

In his paper "English Football and Its Hong Kong Television Audience," Victor Fan applies Gilles Deleuze and Felix Guattari's thought in their Kafka. Pour une litterature mineure to map the relationship between the English Premier League of football (soccer) and its Hong Kong television audience/spectatorship. Fan first introduces the background of the English Premier League in relation to its increasing subjugation under Thatcherite and post-Thatcherite consumerist economy. He then examines how the Premier League as televised image transforms the game to hyperreality. Fan argues that these are conditions under which the subaltern would appropriate the hyper-sign as an individuated mental screen, which, in turn, triggers the process of becominganimal. This allows the subaltern to form a contiguous relationship with the exaggerated diabolical power, rewrites the codes of signification, and claims, finally, ownership to her/his own virtual game and virtual desire. Fan proposes that this process leads to the dismantling of the major game to the nth degree and a true deterritorialization of all forms perceived. Victor Fan, "English Football and Its Hong Kong Television Audience" page 2 of 13 CLCWeb: Comparative Literature and Culture 8.1 (2006):
Viscous beads on vertical fibre

The dynamics of a thick layer of viscous liquid flowing down a thin vertical fibre is investigated. Three qualitatively different regimes of the interfacial patterns in the form of beads were observed experimentally. Two typical regimes at relatively small flow rate are described reasonably well by the creeping-flow model equation proposed here.
Sex differences in the effects of testosterone and its metabolites on vasopressin messenger RNA levels in the bed nucleus of the stria terminalis of rats

Male rats have about two times as many steroid-responsive vasopressin-immunoreactive (AVP-ir) neurons in the bed nucleus of the stria terminalis (BST) as female rats. This sex difference does not depend on differences in circulating hormone levels, since it persists in males and females that are treated with similar levels of testosterone. To analyze the cellular basis of this sex difference, we compared the effects of testosterone and its metabolites on AVP mRNA expression in the BST of males and females that were gonadectomized at 3 months of age. When rats received implants of Silastic tubing filled with testosterone, males had more cells that were labeled for AVP mRNA and more labeling per cell than females. When, in a second experiment, rats received implants of either empty tubing, or tubing with dihydrotestosterone (DHT), estradiol (E), or E plus DHT, hardly any labeled cells were found in rats with empty implants. E treatment significantly stimulated AVP mRNA expression in both sexes, but significantly more so in males, which had more cells that were labeled for AVP mRNA and more labeling per cell than females. DHT treatment by itself did not stimulate AVP mRNA expression, but when given in combination with E, it significantly increased the number of cells over that of animals treated with E alone. This increase was seen in males only. However, in both sexes, it increased the labeling per cell over that of animals treated with E only, but more so in males than in females. These data suggest that in addition to a sex difference in the number of cells that produce AVP there is also a sex difference in estrogen as well as androgen responsiveness in individual AVP-producing cells in the BST.
Demand for International Reserves: Corrections for Serial Correlation and Heteroscedasticity

(1987). Demand for International Reserves: Corrections for Serial Correlation and Heteroscedasticity. Applied Economics: Vol. 19, No. 5, pp. 609-618.
The ER and cell calcium

Calcium is one of the most versatile messengers in biological systems, translating developmental andenvironmental cues into cellular responses. The endoplasmic reticulum (ER) constitutes one of themost important calcium holding organelles in higher eukaryotes. Upon stimulation, calcium is released fromthe ER into the cytosol where it may trigger downstream effectors. However, the release of calciummay also affect internal ER functions, such as protein folding and secretion. It is therefore importantnot only to view cytosolic calcium signals as isolated events, but also in context to the organellar calciumstatus. In animals, the calcium levels of the ER can be sensed by other calcium resources, such as theplasma membrane, which may allow calcium uptake or release depending on the overall demand in the cell.In this chapter we have tried to convey the diverse aspects of calcium and its potential impact on differentER processes, and organellar communications, in plants.
In situ polarization modulation—Fourier transform infrared spectroelectrochemistry of phenazine and phenothiazine dye films at polycrystalline gold electrodes

Abstract Polarization modulation—Fourier transform infrared (PM-FT ir ) spectra were obtained in situ for polymer films of neutral red and thionine, and for a film of leucomethylene blue generated on a gold electrode as a function of potential. The spectra of the polymer films revealed that the aromatic rings lie mostly parallel to the electrode surface in both the reduced and oxidized forms. In contrast, the spectrum of the adsorbed leuco methylene blue film indicated that most of the molecules within the film are oriented perpendicular to the gold surface.
Steroid-Dependent Up-Regulation of Adipose Leptin Secretion In Vitro During Pregnancy in Mice

Circulating leptin levels are elevated during the later stages of pregnancy in mammals, suggesting that maternal leptin may play a role in maintenance of pregnancy and/or preparation for parturition and lactation. The regulation and source of circulating leptin during pregnancy remains undetermined, but leptin mRNA levels increase in adipose tissue during this time in some species. Considerable controversy exists whether placenta is also a leptin-secreting tissue during pregnancy. Here, we directly demonstrate that leptin secretion rates from mouse adipose tissue in vitro are decreased during early pregnancy and up-regulated during late pregnancy and lactation. Changes in leptin secretion rates in vitro paralleled those of circulating leptin in vivo during gestation. Subcutaneous implants of estradiol or corticosterone into lactating mice for 48 h stimulated adipose leptin secretion rates in vitro to the level of that in pregnant mice. However, corticosterone, but not estradiol, increased leptin secretion when added to isolated adipose tissue in vitro. Placentae obtained at two stages of pregnancy did not secrete leptin in vitro, either when acutely isolated or when dissociated into cells for long-term cultures. Placental tissue (or cells) secreted progesterone, however, demonstrating placental viability. We conclude that hyperleptinemia during late pregnancy in mice primarily results from corticosterone-dependent up-regulation of leptin secretion from adipose tissue, and that the placenta does not contribute to leptin secretion. The initial decrease in leptin secretory rates from adipose tissue during early pregnancy may facilitate energy storage for the subsequent, increased metabolic demands of later pregnancy and lactation.
Protein-tyrosine Phosphatase (PTP) Wedge Domain Peptides A NOVEL APPROACH FOR INHIBITION OF PTP FUNCTION AND AUGMENTATION OF PROTEIN-TYROSINE KINASE FUNCTION

Inhibition of protein-tyrosine phosphatases (PTPs) counterbalancing protein-tyrosine kinases (PTKs) offers a strategy for augmenting PTK actions. Conservation of PTP catalytic sites limits development of specific PTP inhibitors. A number of receptor PTPs, including the leukocyte common antigen-related (LAR) receptor and PTPμ, contain a wedge-shaped helix-loop-helix located near the first catalytic domain. Helix-loop-helix domains in other proteins demonstrate homophilic binding and inhibit function; therefore, we tested the hypothesis that LAR wedge domain peptides would exhibit homophilic binding, bind to LAR, and inhibit LAR function. Fluorescent beads coated with LAR or PTPμ wedge peptides demonstrated PTP-specific homophilic binding, and LAR wedge peptide-coated beads precipitated LAR protein. Administration of LAR wedge Tat peptide to PC12 cells resulted in increased proliferation, decreased cell death, increased neurite outgrowth, and augmented Trk PTK-mediated responses to nerve growth factor (NGF), a phenotype matching that found in PC12 cells with reduced LAR levels. PTPμ wedge Tat peptide had no effect on PC12 cells but blocked the PTPμ-dependent phenotype of neurite outgrowth of retinal ganglion neurons on a PTPμ substrate, whereas LAR wedge peptide had no effect. The survival- and neurite-promoting effect of the LAR wedge peptide was blocked by the Trk inhibitor K252a, and reciprocal co-immunoprecipitation demonstrated LAR/TrkA association. The addition of LAR wedge peptide inhibited LAR co-immunoprecipitation with TrkA, augmented NGF-induced activation of TrkA, ERK, and AKT, and in the absence of exogenous NGF, induced activation of TrkA, ERK, and AKT. PTP wedge domain peptides provide a unique PTP inhibition strategy and offer a novel approach for augmenting PTK function.
Position and sequence requirements for poly(A) length regulation by the poly(A) limiting element.

The poly(A)-limiting element (PLE) is a cis-acting sequence that acts to limit poly(A) tail length on pre-mRNA to ,20 nt. Functional PLEs are present in a number of genes, underscoring the generality of this control mechanism. The current study sought to define further the position requirements for poly(A) length regulation and the core sequence that comprises a PLE. Increasing the spacing between the PLE and the upstream 39 splice site or between the PLE and the downstream AAUAAA had no effect on poly(A) length control. However, moving the PLE from the terminal exon to either an upstream exon or intron eliminated poly(A) length control. Poly(A) length control was further evaluated using a battery of constructs in which the PLE was maintained in the terminal exon, but where upstream introns were either deleted, modified, or replaced with a polypyrimidine tract. Poly(A) length control was retained in all cases, indicating that the key feature is the presence of the PLE in the terminal exon. A battery of mutations demonstrated the importance of the 59 pyrimidine-rich portion of the element. Finally, UV crosslinking experiments identified an ;62-kDa protein in Hela nuclear extract that binds to a wild-type 23-nt PLE RNA oligonucleotides but not to a mutated nonfunctional form of the element.
Fe II level populations in a hollow cathode discharge

Abstract Relative populations of 232 excited levels of the Fe+ ion have been measured in a hollow cathode discharge in neon and in argon. The population distribution shows that thermal charge exchange between noble gas ions and ground level Fe atoms is responsible for most of the excited Fe+ population. the cross section for thermal charge exchange is enhanced when the excited Fe+ final level has the same 3d6(5D) core configuration as the initial Fe atom ground level.
Atomic data from the Iron Project - XXXVII. Electron impact excitation collision strengths and rate coefficients for Fe VI

Collision strengths and maxwellian-averaged rate coecients have been calculated for 8771 non- vanishing transitions among 140 ne structure levels, dom- inated by the congurations 3d 5 ,3 d 4 4s, and 3d 4 4p in Fe IV. Collision strengths are calculated using the R- matrix method with a 49 term close-coupling target ex- pansion for electron energies up to 15 rydbergs. Rate co- ecients are tabulated for a wide range of temperatures in which Fe IV is abundant in plasma sources. A brief dis- cussion of the calculations and sample results are given. The present rates for Fe IV are expected to nd applica- tions in spectral diagnostics of a variety of astrophysical sources.
Improved classifier for computer-aided polyp detection in CT colonography by nonlinear dimensionality reduction.

Computer-aided detection (CAD) has been shown to be feasible for polyp detection on computed tomography(CT) scans. After initial detection, the dataset of colonic polyp candidates has large-scale and high dimensional characteristics. In this article, we propose a nonlinear dimensionality reduction method based on diffusion map and locally linear embedding (DMLLE) for large-scale datasets. By selecting partial data as landmarks, we first map these points into a low dimensional embedding space using the diffusion map. The embedded landmarks can be viewed as a skeleton of whole data in the low dimensional space. Then by using the locally linear embedding algorithm, nonlandmark samples are mapped into the same low dimensional space according to their nearest landmark samples. The local geometry is preserved in both the original high dimensional space and the embedding space. In addition, DMLLE provides a faithful representation of the original high dimensional data at coarse and fine scales. Thus, it can capture the intrinsic distance relationship between samples and reduce the influence of noisy features, two aspects that are crucial to achieving high classifier performance. We applied the proposed DMLLE method to a colonic polyp dataset of 175 269 polyp candidates with 155 features. Visual inspection shows that true polyps with similar shapes are mapped to close vicinity in the low dimensional space. We compared the performance of a support vector machine (SVM) classifier in the low dimensional embedding space with that in the original high dimensional space, SVM with principal component analysis dimensionality reduction and SVM committee using feature selection technology. Free-response receiver operating characteristic analysis shows that by using our DMLLE dimensionality reduction method, SVM achieves higher sensitivity with a lower false positive rate compared with other methods. For 6 – 9 mm polyps (193 true polyps contained in test set), when the number of false positives per patient is 9, SVM with DMLLE improves the average sensitivity from 70% to 83% compared with that of an SVM committee classifier which is a state-of-the-art method for colonic polyp detection ( p 0.001 ) .
Electrophysiologic identification and monitoring of the external branch of superior laryngeal nerve during thyroidectomy.

Objective The aim of the study is to examine the correlation between weight, gender, and race with external branch of superior laryngeal nerve (EBSLN) visualization. Furthermore, we compared normative EBSLN neural-monitoring values to those of the recurrent laryngeal nerve (RLN). Study Design Retrospective study. Setting North American tertiary academic hospital. Subjects and Methods A retrospective, institutional review board-approved review was carried out on patients undergoing thyroid surgery by a single surgeon over 3.5 years. Preoperative and postoperative laryngoscopy was done on all patients in accordance with recently published American Academy of Otolaryngology voice optimization at thyroidectomy guidelines, and patients' clinical and operative relevant data were collected. Results A total of 447 nerves were at risk in 371 thyroidectomy patients. Of these nerves at risk, 237 (53.02%) were visualized and stimulated. The average amplitude and latency for the EBSLN were significantly lower when compared to the amplitude and the latency of RLN stimulation (P < 0.0001, P < 0.0001, respectively). There was no gender or racial disparity. Out of our study population, the EBSLN was identified in 64.56% in nonobese patients, whereas it was only 40.00% in obese patients (P < 0.001). Additionally, of the 56 patients in whom the EBSLN was visualized on one side and who further underwent bilateral neck exploration, 41 (73%) had visualization of the nerve on the contralateral side as well. Conclusion EBSLN is less likely to be visualized in obese patients; however, there was no gender or racial disparity. Stimulation of EBSLN was felt to be a useful adjunct during superior pole dissection to assure the nerve integrity. Level of Evidence 4. Laryngoscope, 125:1996–2000, 2015
GENERAL SELECTION FOR SPECIFIC DNA-BINDING ACTIVITIES

We present a general strategy for the selection of bacterial clones that express DNA-binding activities corresponding to particular DNA recognition sites. The selection uses a "challenge phage" vector, P22 Kn9 arc-amH1605, into which is substituted a synthetic DNA-binding site for a site that controls transcription of the P22 antirepressor (ant) gene. Constitutive synthesis of antirepressor channels a challenge phage into lytic development and efficiently kills an infected host, unless the substituted site is bound by a specific protein; in this case, the challenge phage prefers lysogenic development, and the host survives and acquires an antibiotic-resistance phenotype. Infections with challenge phages carrying the E. coli Lac operator, phage λOL1 operator, or synthetic, "idealized" E. coli Trp and Tn10 Tet operators select clones that express each of the corresponding binding activities. The use of challenge phage vectors may be extended to select clones that express eukaryotic DNA-binding activities.
Spray rendering: Visualization using smart particles

We propose a new framework for doing scientific visualization. The basis for this framework is a combination of particle systems and behavioral animation. Here, particles are not only affected by the field that they are in, but can also exhibit different programmed behaviors. An intuitive delivery system, based on virtual cans of spray paint, is also described to introduce the smart particles into the data set. Hence the name spray rendering. Using this metaphor, different types of spray paint are used to highlight different features in the data set. Spray rendering offers several advantages over existing methods: (1) it generalizes the current techniques of surface, volume and flow visualization under one coherent framework; (2) it works with regular and irregular grids as well as sparse and dense data sets; (3) it allows selective progressive refinement; (4) it is modular, extensible and provides scientists with the flexibility for exploring relationships in their data sets in natural and artistic ways. >
Strong Purifying Selection at Genes Escaping X Chromosome Inactivation

To achieve dosage balance of X-linked genes between mammalian males and females, one female X chromosome becomes inactivated. However, approximately 15% of genes on this inactivated chromosome escape X chromosome inactivation (XCI). Here, using a chromosome-wide analysis of primate X-linked orthologs, we test a hypothesis that such genes evolve under a unique selective pressure. We find that escape genes are subject to stronger purifying selection than inactivated genes and that positive selection does not significantly affect the evolution of these genes. The strength of selection does not differ between escape genes with similar versus different expression levels in males versus females. Intriguingly, escape genes possessing Y homologs evolve under the strongest purifying selection. We also found evidence of stronger conservation in gene expression levels in escape than inactivated genes. We hypothesize that divergence in function and expression between X and Y gametologs is driving such strong purifying selection for escape genes.
Mutational Study of the Amino-terminal Domain of Human Tissue Inhibitor of Metalloproteinases 1 (TIMP-1) Locates an Inhibitory Region for Matrix Metalloproteinases*

Abstract A bacterial expression system for the inhibitory N-terminal domain of human tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases 1 (N-TIMP-1) (Huang, W., Suzuki, K., Nagase, H., Arumugam, S., Van Doren, S. R., and Brew, K. (1996) FEBS Lett. 384, 155–161) has been used to produce 20 single- and double-site mutants that probe the roles of different residues in its inhibitory action on metalloproteinases. Mutations that produce the largest increases in theK i for a C-terminally truncated form of stromelysin 1, MMP-3(ΔC), but do not disturb the conformation involve substitutions of residues that are located in a ridge that is centered around the disulfide bond between Cys1 and Cys70. Specific residues that have a large influence on activity include Cys1, Thr2, Met66, Val69, and Cys70. Of the mutations introduced, the greatest functional disturbances, reflected inK i increases of 2–4 orders of magnitude, are generated by changes that disrupt the Cys1–Cys70 disulfide bond and by substitution of Ala for Thr2. Most mutations that perturb the interaction with MMP-3 have parallel effects on the affinity of N-TIMP-1 for MMP-1 (interstitial collagenase) and MMP-2 (gelatinase A). However, the Thr2 to Ala mutation produces an inhibitor that is 17-fold more effective against MMP-3 than MMP-1, suggesting that it is feasible to engineer TIMP-1 variants that are more specifically targeted to selected matrix metalloproteinases. The reactive site identified by these studies is a structurally constrained but elongated region of TIMP that can fit the matrix metalloproteinase substrate-binding site.
Neuronal Nicotinic Receptor β2 and β4 Subunits Confer Large Differences in Agonist Binding Affinity

We used equilibrium binding analysis to characterize the agonist binding properties of six different rat neuronal nicotinic receptor subunit combinations expressed in Xenopus laevisoocytes. The α4β2 receptor bound [3H]cytisine with aKdapp of 0.74 ± 0.14 nm. The rank order ofKiapp values of additional nicotinic ligands, determined in competition assays, was cytisine
Oil disposal: options and legal requirements. A short overview

The normal processes used to manage oil involve its maintenance. The maintenance processes used, including filtration and regeneration, are being looked at by the UK Environment Agency as activities that potentially could need a waste management licence or an exemption from waste management licensing. Here, the author presents a short overview of the options and legal requirements for waste oil disposal.
Reading Comprehension Interventions for Middle School Students With Learning Disabilities A Synthesis of 30 Years of Research

The authors conducted a synthesis of studies of reading comprehension interventions for middle school students (Grades 6-8) identified with a learning disability. They identified 12 studies between 1979 and 2009 with treatment and comparison designs and 2 single-participant studies. Findings from the studies indicate large effect sizes for researcher-developed comprehension measures. Few studies (n = 4) reported standardized measures of reading comprehension, which indicated medium effect sizes. The majority of study treatments (n = 13) utilized strategy instruction related to main idea or summarization.
Immigration Effects on Homicide Offending For Total and Race/Ethnicity-Disaggregated Populations (White, Black, and Latino)

Sociological studies of crime have rarely examined the effects of immigration on aggregate patterns of violent offending, and particularly few studies have examined this relationship across multiple racial/ethnic populations. The current study extends research on immigration and crime by examining this relationship across total and race/ ethnicity-disaggregated populations (i.e., White, Black, and Latino) and for homicide offending (rather than homicide victimization) using 1999-2001 arrest data drawn from 328 census places in California. Findings reveal that immigrant concentration has trivial (nonsignificant) effects on overall homicides and Latino homicides, but slightly reduces White and Black homicide offending, net of controls. Implications of these findings are as follows: (a) Immigration does not have violence-generating effects but instead appears to have violence-neutral or perhaps some violence-reducing effects on homicide offending, and (b) This small or null effect is fairly consistent across racial/ ethnic populations.