cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Vasoactive agonists do not change the caliber of retinal capillaries of the rat.

Abstract The pericytes of the retinal capillaries are considered to be contractile cells, based on indirect evidence. We attempted to detect pericyte contractility directly using a morphometric method following intravitreal injection of vasoconstricting (endothelin-1, norepinephrine) and vasodilating (forskolin, prostaglandin E 1 ) agonists in rats. The technique involved measuring changes in the ratio of the (lumenal perimeter × mean lumenal radius) to the lumenal area ( rP / A ratio, which we defined as "caliber"). Following intravitreal injection of endothelin-1 or norepinephrine there is an ophthalmoscopically visible constriction of the larger retinal arterioles. This constriction is also clearly demonstrable morphometrically ( P = 0.001 for endothelin-1 and P = 0.047 for norepinephrine). However, neither for the vasoconstricting nor for the vasodilating agonists is there evidence of a significant change of the caliber of the capillaries. At least in the retina of the rat, therefore, we have no evidence that the pericytes perform a contractile function that alters flow in the capillaries.
An implicit function based procedure for analyzing maximum likelihood estimates from nonidentically distributed data

A methodology is presented for gaining insight into properties — such as outlier influence, bias, and width of confidence intervals — of maximum likelihood estimates from nonidentically distributed Gaussian data. The methodology is based on an application of the implicit function theorem to derive an approximation to the maximum likelihood estimator. This approximation, unlike the maximum likelihood estimator, is expressed in closed form and thus it can be used in lieu of costly Monte Carlo simulation to study the properties of the maximum likelihood estimator.
North American Elk Bugle Vocalizations: Male and Female Bugle Call Structure and Context

Bugle calls of male North American elk (Cervus elaphus) are common sounds during fall in the Canadian and United States Rocky Mountains. In contrast, bugle calls of female elk are rarely heard. We quantified the acoustic structure of elk bugle calls, which is an essential 1st step to understanding of the function of the call. We also investigated whether motivation‐structural rules apply to these long-distance calls. We measured male elk bugle calls in Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado, during autumn of 1998 and 1999 and we measured female elk bugle calls on 2 Colorado elk ranches (private establishments that raise elk for commercial purposes) during spring of 2001 and 2002. All bugle calls had 3 segments: on-glide, whistle, and off-glide. Male bugle calls were longer in duration than female bugle calls (P , 0.01). Bugle calls emitted in aggressive interactions had 4 or 5 low-frequency formants, resulting in harsher, wider bandwidth bugles (P , 0.001) compared to the tonal calls emitted in nonaggressive contexts, which lacked formants. Thus, elk bugle calls appear to conform to motivation‐structural rules.
Standardized clinical care pathways for major thoracic cases reduce hospital costs

Abstract Background . Standardized clinical care pathways have been developed for postoperative management in an attempt to contain costs in an era of rising health care costs and limited resources. The purpose of this study was to assess the effect of these pathways on length of stay, hospital charges, and outcome for major thoracic surgical procedures. Methods . All anatomic lung (segmentectomy, lobectomy, and pneumonectomy) and partial and complete esophageal resections performed from July 1991 to July 1997 were retrospectively analyzed for length of stay, hospital charges, and outcome. A prospectively developed database was used. Clinical care pathways were introduced in March 1994. Comparisons were made between the procedures performed before (group I) and after (group II) pathway implementation. Common to both pathways are early mobilization and prudent x-ray and laboratory analysis. In addition, the pathway for esophagectomies emphasizes overnight intubation with 24-hour intensive care unit care, and staged diet advancement. The discharge goal was postoperative day 10. For lung resection the emphasis is early postoperative extubation with overnight intensive care unit management. The discharge goal was postoperative day 7. Results . Group I esophagectomies (n = 56) had significantly greater hospital charges compared with group II (n = 96) ($21,977 ± $13,555 versus $17,919 ± $5,321; p p p p p Conclusions . Introduction of standardized clinical pathways has resulted in a marked reduction of length of stay for all major thoracic surgical procedures. Total charges were reduced for both esophagectomies (34%) and lung resections (21%) with continued quality of outcome.
Molecular Dynamics Studies of the Frictional Properties of Hydrocarbon Materials

This essay discusses the importance of friction and wear and the necessity to understand these processes on the atomic level. Because ofthe unique friction and wear characteristics of diamond, molecular dynamics simulations were used to examine the friction and wear properties of diamond. These simulations have complemented available experimental data obtained with an atomic force microscope and that obtained with instruments which yield more macroscopic data. In particular, it was shown that the presence of methane molecules, trapped between diamond (111) surfaces, significantly reduces the calculated friction coefficients in agreement with experiment [Hayward and Field, Proc. Inst. Mech. Eng., IMechE Conf. 1987, 1, 205]. In addition, the limitations of molecular dynamics simulations and possible future directions for this type are research are discussed.
Uranus: microwave images

Observations of Uranus at wavelengths of 2 and 6 centimeters with the Very Large Array were made in 1980 and 1981. The resulting maps of brightness temperature show a subsolar symmetry at 2 centimeters but a near-polar symmetry at 6 centimeters. The 6-centimeter maps show an increase in temperature from equator to pole with some evidence for a warm "ring" surrounding the north pole. The disk-average temperatures (147 +/- 5 K and 230 +/- 6 K at 2 and 6 centimeters, respectively) are distinctly lower than recently reported values; these results suggest that the secular increase in temperature reported during the last 15 years has been reversed. The variations in brightness temperature probably reflect variations in ammonia abundance in the planet's atmosphere, but the mechanism driving these variations is still unclear.
Trigonometric Convex Underestimator for the Base Functions in Fourier Space

A three-parameter (a, b, xs) convex underestimator of the functional form φ(x) = -a sin[k(x-xs)] + b for the function f(x) = α sin(x+s), x ∈ [xL, xU], is presented. The proposed method is deterministic and guarantees the existence of at least one convex underestimator of this functional form. We show that, at small k, the method approaches an asymptotic solution. We show that the maximum separation distance of the underestimator from the minimum of the function grows linearly with the domain size. The method can be applied to trigonometric polynomial functions of arbitrary dimensionality and arbitrary degree. We illustrate the features of the new trigonometric underestimator with numerical examples.
National survey of school psychologists regarding use of dynamic assessment and other nontraditional assessment techniques

A national survey investigating the use of dynamic assessment and other nontraditional assessment techniques among school psychologists (N = 226) was conducted. Results of the survey indicated that 42% of respondents were at least “somewhat familiar” with dynamic assessment. However, of those familiar with dynamic assessment, only 39% reported using the techniques once a year or more. The most frequently endorsed reasons for not using dynamic assessment (if familiar with it) were lack of knowledge and time restraints. Learning disabled students were the population of students most often evaluated using dynamic assessment and the dynamic assessment was most often used to determine processing strengths and weaknesses. The majority of those familiar with dynamic assessment became so through independent reading. Only 10% reported learning about dynamic assessment through course work. In response to questions regarding assessment techniques most often used with minority students the majority of respondents reported using traditional assessment tools including the WISC-III (Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children–Third Edition), BINET IV (Stanford-Binet Intelligence Scale–Fourth Edition), or KABC (Kaufman Assessment Battery for Children). Overall, the results of the survey suggest that although the population is becoming increasingly more diverse and changes in PL94-142 (Public Law 94-142) demand functional assessments, school psychologists continue to rely heavily upon traditional assessment techniques to address referral concerns of all students. This may in large part be due to weaknesses in graduate training programs. © 1999 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
The Effect of Pretreatment on Pd/C Catalysts: I. Adsorption and Absorption Properties

Abstract Pd catalysts were prepared using a high surface area carbon black which was pretreated at 1223 K under H 2 or Ar to remove sulfur contaminants and oxygen-containing functional groups on the surface. One carbon sample was oxidized by HNO 3 to create new oxygen functional groups on its surface. Pd catalysts were prepared using a Pd acetylacetonate precursor and were characterized by H 2 , O 2 , and CO chemisorption, hydrogen titration, X-ray diffraction (XRD) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Well-dispersed catalysts were indicated by the TEM and XRD results; however, chemisorption of ail three gases, especially hydrogen, was substantially suppressed on all catalysts. XRD patterns indicated an expansion of the Pd lattice in these catalysts, which is attributed to the presence of carbon atoms within the Pd lattice. This expansion was accompanied by a decreased ability to form the β-phase hydride compared to bulk Pd and Pd dispersed on oxide supports. However, heats of adsorption for H 2 , O 2 , and CO on these catalysts were reasonably consistent with previously reported values. The suppressed chemisorption and hydride formation is attributed to carbon contamination of the Pd although sulfur contamination of the Pd on the untreated carbon support also occurred. The ability to form hydrides was partially regained after mild O 2 cleaning procedures, but only a limited enhancement in chemisorption was observed. Reduction at 673 K gave normal Pd β-hydride ratios, but chemisorption was still suppressed.
Dynamic and geometric analysis of short time series: a new comparative approach to cell-based biosensors

Abstract This Letter describes two approaches for sensing changes in spiking cells when only a limited amount of spike data is available. The first method detects changes in dynamically constructed local expansion rates, and the other uses spike area distributions. These two methods were tested on time series from cultured neurons. Over-sampled data was generated from experiments on single cells before and after being treated with a small concentration of channel blocker, but relatively few spikes were recorded. In the spontaneously spiking cells, the local expansion rates showed a sensitivity that correlated with the channel concentration level, while the driven cells showed no such correlation. Spike area distributions showed measurable differences between control and treated conditions for both types of spiking, and a much higher degree of sensitivity. Because these methods are based on analysis of short time series analysis, they might provide novel means for cell drug and toxin detection.
Brain parasites and suicide

In a sample of 20 European nations, the prevalence of the brain parasite Toxoplasma gondii was positively associated with national suicide rates for men and women.
Osteoporosis: Impact on the elderly, societal concerns, and the role of radiology

Osteoporosis has recently become a concern in both the medical and lay communities. Osteoporosis may be defined as a decrease in bone mass with maintenance of normal bone composition. The increase in bone fragility results in an increased incidence of fractures. The disease most commonly affects postmenopausal women, particularly Caucasians. It is estimated that 1.2 million fractures per year can be attributed to osteoporosis. These fractures cost the health care system approximately $18.1 billion per year. Given the magnitude of the health and attendant financial problems, osteoporosis deserves the attention of clinicians and researchers. This article will deal with the pathophysiologic processes, techniques for bone mineral determination, therapeutic regimens and the advisability of mass screening. The relationship between bone mineral content and fracture risk has not been clearly defined. If every American woman between the ages of 40 and 54 years were given a single bone mineral screening examination, the cost would be approximately $187.5 million/year. At this price and in the absence of accepted treatment programs, it does not seem prudent for radiologists or other physicians to recommend expensive mass screening.
Tumor necrosis factor receptor fragment attenuates interferon-γ-induced non-REM sleep in rabbits

Abstract Although the somnogenic actions of interferon-α (IFNα) and IFNβ have been reported, the sleep effects of IFNγ remained unknown. Thus, we investigated the effects of intracerebroventricular injection of human IFNγ on sleep in rabbits. IFNγ dose-dependently increased nonrapid eye movement sleep (NREMS), electroencephalographic slow wave activity and brain temperature (Tbr). These effects were markedly attenuated after the heat treatment of IFNγ. IFNγ suppressed rapid eye movement sleep if given during the light period, but not if given at dark onset. Although a tumor necrosis factor receptor fragment did not affect any sleep parameters when given at dark onset, it significantly attenuated IFNγ-induced NREMS and Tbr. These data suggest that IFNγ may be involved in the sleep responses during infection. Further, IFNγ may have a synergistic interaction with intrinsic TNFα in the brain.
Development and Testing of a Methane/Oxygen Catalytic Microtube Ignition System for Rocket Propulsion

This study sought to develop a catalytic ignition advanced torch system with a unique catalyst microtube design that could serve as a low energy alternative or redundant system for the ignition of methane and oxygen rockets. Development and testing of iterations of hardware was carried out to create a system that could operate at altitude and produce a torch. A unique design was created that initiated ignition via the catalyst and then propagated into external staged ignition. This system was able to meet the goals of operating across a range of atmospheric and altitude conditions with power inputs on the order of 20 to 30 watts with chamber pressures and mass flow rates typical of comparable ignition systems for a 100 Ibf engine.
Spectrophotometry of Saturn and its rings from 60 to 180 microns

Comparisons of Saturn observations at far-IR and submillimeter wavelengths, obtained during the earth's March 1980 passage through the plane of Saturn's rings, with spectroscopic observations obtained at an earlier time when the ring plane tilt angle was 21.8 deg, allow a separation of disk and ring contributions to the flux observed in this wavelength range. It is noted that the observed disk emission at 60-180 microns corresponds to a brightness temperature of 104 + or 2 K, and that the brightness temperature of the rings drops 20 K in the 60-80 micron range. An improved estimate of total Saturnian surface brightness is derived which corresponds to an effective temperature of 96.1 + or - 1.6 K.
An Output Feedback Based Adaptive Robust Fault Tolerant Control Scheme for a Class of Nonlinear Systems

In this paper we present an output feedback based Adaptive Robust Fault Tolerant Control (ARFTC) strategy to solve the problem of output tracking in presence of actuator failures, disturbances and modeling uncertainties for a class of nonlinear systems. The class of faults addressed here include stuck actuators, actuator loss of efficiency or a combination of the two. We assume no a priori information regarding the instant of failure, failure pattern or fault size. The ARFTC combines the robustness of sliding mode controllers with the online learning capabilities of adaptive control to accommodate sudden changes in system parameters due to actuator faults. Comparative simulation studies are carried out on a nonlinear hypersonic aircraft model, which shows the effectiveness of the proposed scheme over back-stepping based robust adaptive fault-tolerant control.Copyright © 2009 by ASME
Use of allylic triflones for allylation of C-H bonds

Abstract Allytic triflones react with THF and cyclohexane and related molecules to undergo a trifluoromethyl radical mediated C-H functionalization reaction. Due to polar effects, the reactions benefit from the presence of electron-withdrawing group at the 2-position of the allylic triflones.
Accessory ossicles at the lateral malleolus: a review of the incidence

The incidence of accessory ossicles at the ankles has been assessed in 231 children. The appearances of the lateral malleolar accessory ossicle is presented, together with a review of the literature. The potential medico-legal implications are discussed.
Time-Resolved Enthalpy and Volume Changes for Co-Photorelease from Indoleamine 2,3-Dioxygenase

Indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase (IDO) is a heme protein catalyzing the first and rate limiting step in the metabolism of L-tryptophan via the kynurenine pathway. The enzyme is responsible for the insertion of dioxygen into the indole ring generating l-formyl-kynurenine. However, the mechanisms underlying ligand binding and the resulting protein conformational changes leading to the reaction products are not well understood. Photoacoustic calorimetry was utilized to probe conformational dynamics associated with CO photo-release from the ferrous form of IDO in the presence and absence of L-tryptophan. At pH 7.7 three kinetic phases are resolved in the absence of L-tryptophan: a fast phase occurring on the timescale of the instrument response (<50ns) corresponding to an endothermic process (30 kcal mol−1) with a volume expansion of 11mL mol−1, an approximately 500ns exothermic volume expansion (−43 kcal mol−1) of approximately 7mL mol−1 and a 1.4μs endothermic (96 kcal mol−1) volume expansion of ∼6mL mol−1. Ionic strength data indicate large contributions to the observed enthalpy and volume changes arising from electrostriction. The observed rates differ in the presence of L-tryptophan; the lifetime of the 500ns phase decreases to ∼200ns and the lifetime of the 1.4μs phase increases 2.7μs whose thermodynamic and volumetric parameters are also sensitive to ionic strength. The results are compared to CO-photolysis from myoglobin and other heme proteins. On the basis of the data, a number of models for ligand migration are proposed.
Compact snapshot birefringent imaging Fourier transform spectrometer

The design and implementation of a compact multiple-image Fourier transform spectrometer (FTS) is presented. Based on the multiple-image FTS originally developed by A. Hirai, the presented device offers significant advantages over his original implementation. Namely, its birefringent nature results in a common-path interferometer which makes the spectrometer insensitive to vibration. Furthermore, it enables the potential of making the instrument ultra-compact, thereby improving the portability of the sensor. The theory of the birefringent FTS is provided, followed by details of its specific embodiment. A laboratory proof of concept of the sensor, designed and developed at the Optical Detection Lab, is also presented. Spectral measurements of laboratory sources are provided, including measurements of light-emitting diodes and gas-discharge lamps. These spectra are verified against a calibrated Ocean Optics USB2000 spectrometer. Other data were collected outdoors, demonstrating the sensor's ability to resolve spectral signatures in standard outdoor lighting and environmental conditions.
Oxidation-induced biquadratic coupling in Co/Fe/MgO/Fe(001)

We investigate the interlayer exchange coupling in Co/Fe/MgO/Fe(001) via molecular-beam epitaxy synthesis and magneto-optic Kerr effect measurements across wedged samples. By independently varying the oxygen contents of the MgO film and the Fe/MgO interface, the biquadratic coupling is found to be correlated with the interfacial oxidation. Furthermore, the temperature dependence indicates that the biquadratic coupling originates from indirect exchange interactions with magnetic impurities in the MgO spacer.
Osteoprotegerin Inhibits Vascular Calcification Without Affecting Atherosclerosis in ldlr(−/−) Mice

Background— The role of osteoprotegerin in vascular disease is unclear. Recent observational studies show that serum osteoprotegerin levels are associated with the severity and progression of coronary artery disease, atherosclerosis, and vascular calcification in patients. However, genetic and treatment studies in mice suggest that osteoprotegerin may protect against vascular calcification. Methods and Results— To test whether osteoprotegerin induces or prevents vascular disease, we treated atherogenic diet–fed ldlr(−/−) mice with recombinant osteoprotegerin (Fc-OPG) or vehicle for 5 months. Vehicle-treated mice developed significant, progressive atherosclerosis with increased plasma osteoprotegerin levels, consistent with observational studies, and ≈15% of these atherosclerotic lesions developed calcified cartilage-like metaplasia. Treatment with Fc-OPG significantly reduced the calcified lesion area without affecting atherosclerotic lesion size or number, vascular cytokines, or plasma cholesterol levels...
CARDIOVASCULAR EFFECTS OF AIRWAY SUCTIONING IN INFANTS WITH H.M.D. ON ASSISTED VENTILATION

EKG and beat to beat heart rate (HR) were recorded during endotracheal suctioning in 10 premature infants with severe HMD receiving assisted ventilation. Birth weight and gestational age ranged from 750-2000 Gms and 24-36 weeks. Studies were carried out at a mean age of 12 days. Each infant was studied 4 times during suction of the airway. Two procedures were preceded by 30 sec. of bagging with increased ambient oxygen. Each record was analyzed for changes in EKG, baseline HR (BLHR), magnitude of peak drop in HR (PM), time of baseline to peak drop (BL-PD) and time of peak drop to baseline (PD-BL). In addition to more profound HR drop, the duration of brady-cardia was significantly prolonged in all instances when oxygenation did not precede suctioning. Severe sinus bradycardia or sinus arrest were observed in 5 patients only when suctioned without prior oxygenation. These findings suggest that prior oxygenation prevents severe cardiac arrhythmias associated with hypoxia-inducing procedures commonly used during intensive neonatal care.
Relationships between In Situ and Roller-Integrated Compaction Measurements for Granular Soils

To evaluate compaction meter value and machine drive power roller-integrated compaction technologies, a field study was conducted with 30-m test strips using five granular materials. The test strips were compacted using a prototype CS-533E vibratory smooth drum roller and tested for various compaction parameters using in situ test methods (e.g., nuclear moisture density, dynamic cone penetrometer, plate load tests, etc.). To characterize the roller machine-ground interaction, soil testing focused on measuring soil compaction parameters of the compaction layer, to a depth not exceeding 300 mm . The experimental testing of five test strips provided roller data and in situ measurements for several stages of compaction that were used in performing statistical regression analyses. The relationships between data from the roller-integrated compaction technologies were investigated with special consideration for the relative variation that was observed for each measurement system. Statistical averaging mitigated ...
Effect of chlorinated benzenes on the metabolism of foreign organic compounds.

Abstract Chlorobenzene, 1,4-dichlorobenzene, 1-bromo-4-chlorobenzene, 1,2,4-trichlorobenzene, and hexachlorobenzene were administered po for 14 days to adult male rats. All but chlorobenzene decreased hexobarbital sleeping times immediately and/or 14 days following treatment. Cytochrome c reductase, cytochrome P-450, EPN detoxification, glucuronyltransferase, benzypyrene hydroxylase, and azoreductase were increased to varying degrees by the administration for 14 days of these four chlorinated benzenes at doses from 10 to 40 mg/kg/day. Administration of 1,4-dichlorobenzene or 1,2,4-trichlorobenzene for 90 days at these doses resulted in increases in EPN detoxification, benzpyrene hydroxylase and azoreductase. The former two were still elevated 30 days after cessation of the administration of the compounds. 1,2,4-Trichlorobenzene was found to be a more potent inducer with cytochrome c reductase and cytochrome P-450 also being elevated and remaining so through the 30-day recovery period. It is concluded that even simple chlorinated benzenes can induce the metabolism of foreign organic compounds.
Toxicity of sediment-associated PAHs to an estuarine copepod: Effects on survival, feeding, reproduction and behavior

Abstract The toxicities of sediment-associated phenanthrene, fluoranthene and diesel fuel to the estuarine copepod Schizopera knabeni Lang were investigated. The 4-d LC 50 was lowest for diesel fuel (194 μg/dry g), followed by phenanthrene (473 μg/dry g) and fluoranthene (> 2,100 μg/dry g). Sublethal effects on grazing rate were assessed in 30 h exposures using 14 C-labeled microalgae. Feeding was inhibited at concentrations well below the 96 h LC 50 values (50% decrease at concentrations ranging from 48 to 94 μg/dry g), probably due to the narcotizing effect of PAH. PAH effects on offspring production were examined by exposing individual copulating pairs to sediment treatments for 14 d. No significant effect on clutch size was observed; however, PAHs decreased nauplii and copepodite production at sublethal sediment concentrations (50% decrease at concentrations ranging from 38 to 64 μg/dry g). Schizopera knabeni actively detected and avoided PAH-amended sediment, as determined in preference/avoidance experiments. Although mortality only occurs at exceedingly high concentrations, PAH sublethal effects will likely reduce fitness and alter S. knabeni distribution and abundance in heavily contaminated sites.
Flap noise measurements for STOL configurations using external upper surface blowing

Screening tests of upper surface blowing on externally blown flaps configurations were conducted. Noise and turning effectiveness data were obtained with small-scale, engine-over-the-wing models. One large model was tested to determine scale effects. Nozzle types included circular, slot, D-shaped, and multilobed. Tests were made with and without flow attachment devices. For STOL applications the particular multilobed mixer and the D-shaped nozzles tested were found to offer little or no noise advantage over the round convergent nozzle. High aspect ratio slot nozzles provided the quietest configurations. In general, upper surface blowing was quieter than lower surface blowing for equivalent EBF models.
Thermodynamics of the Hydrophobicity in Crystallization of Insulin

For insight into the solvent structure around protein molecules and its role in phase transformations, we investigate the thermodynamics of crystallization of the rhombohedral form of porcine insulin crystals. We determine the temperature dependence of the solubility at varying concentration of the co-solvent acetone, Cac=0%, 5%, 10%, 15%, and 20%, and find that, as a rule, the solubility of insulin increases as temperature increases. The enthalpy of crystallization, undergoes a stepwise shift from approximately -20 kJ mol(-1) at Cac=0%, 5%, and 10% to approximately -55 kJ mol(-1) at Cac=15% and 20%. The entropy change upon crystallization is approximately 35 J mol(-1) K(-1) for the first three acetone concentrations, and drops to approximately -110 J mol(-1) K(-1) at Cac=15% and 20%. DeltaS degrees cryst>0 indicates release of solvent, mostly water, molecules structured around the hydrophobic patches on the insulin molecules' surface in the solution. As Cac increases to 15% and above, unstructured acetone molecules apparently displace the waters and their contribution to DeltaS degrees cryst is minimal. This shifts DeltaS degrees cryst to a negative value close to the value expected for tying up of one insulin molecule from the solution. The accompanying increase in DeltaH degrees cryst suggests that the water structured around the hydrophobic surface moieties has a minimal enthalpy effect, likely due to the small size of these moieties. These findings provide values of the parameters needed to better control insulin crystallization, elucidate the role of organic additives in the crystallization of proteins, and help us to understand the thermodynamics of the hydrophobicity of protein molecules and other large molecules.
Analysis of expressed sequence tags and alternative splicing genes in sacred lotus (Nelumbo nucifera Gaertn.)

Sacred lotus, Nelumbo nucifera (Gaertn.), a basal eudicot of agricultural, medicinal, cultural, and religious importance, is an understudied species at the molecular level. Expressed sequence tags (ESTs) are particularly useful for gene identification, genome annotation and alternative splicing (AS) study. We generated 626,137 reads by 454 pyrosequencing of a cDNA library, which was constructed from mRNA collected from 7 different tissues of sacred lotus. The reads were assembled into 16,349 non-redundant EST contigs with an average length of 715 bp. Aligning ESTs to sacred lotus genome revealed the internal exons and introns had an average size of 140 and 2,005 bp, respectively. The average intron length in the sacred lotus is much larger than most sequenced plant genomes. We also identified 174 AS events involving 161 genes. Classification of the AS events showed that 62.6% of the AS events were retained introns, 8.0% were alternative acceptor sites, 7.5% were alternative donor sites, 4.0% were skipped exons, and 17.8% had “complex events” which had more than one basic event. Comparison of AS genes in sacred lotus, rice and Arabidopsis identified 7 commonly conserved genes between lotus and rice and 9 between sacred lotus and Arabidopsis. A gene encoding a 40S ribosomal protein was commonly conserved in all three species. These AS events and annotated ESTs are available through the Plant Alternative Splicing Database website (http://proteomics.ysu.edu/altsplice/plant/).
Laterality in quadrupedal and bipedal prosimians: Reach and whole-body turn in the mouse lemur (Microcebus murinus) and the galago (Galago moholi).

Lateral preferences in food reaching and whole-body turning were assessed in 24 prosimian primates: 16 galagos (Galago moholi) and 8 mouse lemurs (Microcebus murinus). Reach and turn preference in the galago were examined using a single testing procedure; separate procedures were used to evaluate reach and turn preferences in the mouse lemur. The motoric requirements for both species were 1) reach into a Plexiglas container with a single hand for a food item and 2) execution of a whole-body rotation about the long axis of the body. Twenty-three of the subjects tested had a reach preference (15 right, 8 left preferent) and 22 a turn preference (1 right and 21 left preferent). No correlation between the direction of reach and turn preference was found for either species; however an association between right reach preference and female gender was found for the galagos. A species difference in the strength of lateralization was found, with the more bipedal species, the galago, more strongly lateralized in both measures. This result supports the hypothesis that the assumption of upright posture was an important factor in the phylogenetic development of primate lateralization.
Amending China's Insider Trading Prohibition - An Immodest Proposal

Presented in China in conjunction with the proposed amendment of the People's Republic of China (PRC) Securities Law 2006, this paper critiques the form and application of the PRC's current insider trading prohibition and its misconceived fealty to Rule 10b-5-limiting U.S. Supreme Court-derived doctrines of fiduciary duty and misappropriation, and urges that China's amended statute and enforcement system look to the broader doctrinal formulations employed in the United Kingdom and the European Union, ironically already used by China's securities regulator pursuant to internal (and likely illegal) administrative "guidance" norms.
The relative importance of T cell subsets in immunity and immunopathology of airborne Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection in mice.

Wild-type (WT) and targeted-mutant mice incapable of making αβ T cells, γδ T cells, class I major histocompatibility complex (MHC), class II MHC, interferon (IFN)-γ, or inducible nitric oxide synthase (NOS2), were infected with Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) by aerosol, and monitored over time for their ability to (a) control infection, (b) develop histopathology at sites of infection, and (c) survive. WT mice acquired the ability to control and to hold infection at a stationary level from day 20 on. This was associated with the development of a macrophage-dominated alveolitis at sites of infection, with increased synthesis of IFN-γ and NOS2 mRNA, and with an median survival time (MST) of 258.5 d. In the absence of αβ T cells, Mtb grew progressively and rapidly to induce a necrotic, neutrophil-dominated lung pathology that killed mice with an MST of 48 d. In the absence of CD4-mediated immunity (class II−/− mice), progressive bacterial growth continued in the lungs and in other organs beyond day 20, resulting in an MST of 77 d. By contrast, in the absence of CD8 T cell–mediated immunity, lung infection was controlled at a 1 log higher stationary level that induced a similar histopathologic response to that of WT mice, and resulted in an MST of 232 d.
On an estimation in a portfolio and consumption model

In this paper, we consider the estimation of a continuous-time single-agent consumption and portfolio decision problem with subsistence consumption, bankruptcy and general HARA utility functions. It is assumed that the drift parameter for the price of the risky asset is unknown. A recursive family of estimators for this unknown parameter is defined and is shown to converge almost surely to the true value of the parameter. The rate of convergence in a sample path sense is given for a strongly consistent, recursive estimator. >
THE RESPIRATORY RATE OF THE SCIATIC NERVE OF THE FROG IN REST AND ACTIVITY

1. With the indicator method of Haas, the rates of carbon dioxide production have been measured in the case of the sciatic nerve, various parts of the brain, and the sartorius muscle of the frog. The rate of respiration of the sciatic nerve is from 10 to 30 per cent of that of the other tissues, varying somewhat with the individual. 2. Stimulation of the sciatic nerve with induction shocks sufficient to induce tetanus of the muscle does not increase the output of carbon dioxide from the sciatic nerve, even if continued as long as 30 minutes. Sartorius muscle used as a control showed a marked increase in carbon dioxide production upon relaxation after contraction resulting from such stimulation. 3. These facts indicate that the nerve impulse does not depend upon processes leading to the production of carbon dioxide.
A Model Based Testing Technique to Test Web Applications Using Statecharts

In this paper, we discuss a model based software testing method for testing of the Web applications using StateCharts. To this end, we briefly describe the test coverage technique, editorial tools for drawing StateCharts, modeling concurrency in Web applications, and test metrics. A simple Web application has been used to show the feasibility of our approach.
Nonthoracotomy implantable defibrillator lead extraction: results and comparison with extraction of pacemaker leads.

Extraction of pacemaker leads has been demonstrated to be successful and safe in experienced hands using current tools. Whether application of such techniques and tools yield similar results among patients undergoing extraction of nonthoracotomy implantable defibrillator leads is unknown. This report describes a retrospective analysis of indications, techniques used, and outcome of patients who had a single ventricular nonthoracotomy implantable defibrillator lead extracted at The Cleveland Clinic Foundation. Results were compared to a matched population of patients undergoing extraction of ventricular pacemaker leads from a national registry and to the experience with pacemaker lead extraction at The Cleveland Clinic Foundation. Successful complete extraction of ventricular nonthoracotomy implantable defibrillator leads, in the absence of major complications, was achieved in 96.9% of attempts to extract leads from 161 patients. Clinical success was achieved in 98.1% of patients. Failure occurred in three patients. Two patients had major complications, including one death. The most common indication for extraction was infection (46.6%), followed by lead failure (34.2%). Procedure (140.8 vs 171.2 minutes, P < 0.01) and fluoroscopy (9.9 vs 11.0 minutes, P < 0.01) times compared favorably with those obtained from the pacemaker lead extraction database. Use of LASER did not influence the safety of the procedure or fluoroscopy times. Extraction of ventricular nonthoracotomy implantable defibrillator leads using currently available tools is a complex but effective procedure. In experienced hands, excellent success rates should be achieved with a low incidence of complications. (PACE 2003; 26:1944–1950)
The Romance of Race: Incest, Miscegenation, and Multiculturalism in the United States, 1880–1930. By Jolie A. Sheffer. (New Brunswick, NJ: Rutgers University Press, 2013. Pp. 240. $24.95.)

Many mainstream Americans grudgingly concede that racial and ethnic minorities are entitled to equal rights in politics, education, employment, and residency but still draw the line where marriage,...
Closed fractures complicated by peripheral nerve injury.

Closed fractures may be complicated by associated peripheral nerve injury. However, because clinical information is limited, determining the best course of treatment is difficult. Most patients with closed fractures have a local nerve injury without nerve division; their prognosis for recovery is favorable. In the acute setting, immediate surgery is usually unwarranted because of the difficulty in accurately defining the severity and extent of nerve injury. When debridement of an open fracture or repair is not required, peripheral nerve injuries are best observed and the extremity treated with splinting and exercise to prevent loss of joint motion. Patients who fail to demonstrate signs of recovery at 6 months, either clinically or with electrodiagnostic testing, should undergo exploration to maximize the likelihood for return of function. When, during exploration, the nerve is in continuity, intraoperative measurement of nerve action potentials should be done. Measuring nerve action potentials will determine whether nerve grafting, local neurolysis, or excision of the injured segment, accompanied by primary repair, is the most appropriate treatment.
Predictors of the Timing of Natural Menopause in the Multiethnic Cohort Study

The timing of natural menopause has implications for several health endpoints; in particular, it is a risk factor for breast cancer. The authors investigated factors influencing the timing of natural menopause among 95,704 women with a mean age of 59.7 years (10th-90th percentile range, 47.0-71.0) in five racial/ethnic groups in the Multiethnic Cohort Study, including non-Latina Whites, Japanese Americans, African Americans, Native Hawai'ians, and Latinas. The authors investigated whether race/ethnicity and several lifestyle and reproductive characteristics were associated with the timing of natural menopause. Race/ethnicity was a significant independent predictor of the timing of natural menopause. Other factors, including smoking, age at menarche, parity, and body mass index, did not significantly alter the race/ethnicity-specific hazard ratios. Relative to non-Latina Whites, natural menopause occurred earlier among Latinas (US-born Latinas: hazard ratio (HR) = 1.10, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.07, 1.14; non-US-born Latinas: HR = 1.25, 95% CI: 1.21, 1.30) and later among Japanese Americans (HR = 0.93, 95% CI: 0.90, 0.95). These results support the hypothesis that the timing of natural menopause is driven by a combination of genetic, reproductive, and lifestyle factors.
Sexual Orientation and Bullying Among Adolescents in the Growing Up Today Study

Abstract Purpose To examine the relationship between sexual orientation and past-year reports of bullying victimization and perpetration in a large sample of American youth. Methods Survey data from 7,559 adolescents aged 14–22 who responded to the 2001 wave questionnaire of the Growing Up Today Study were examined cross-sectionally. Multivariable generalized estimating equations regression was performed using the modified Poisson method. We examined associations between sexual orientation and past-year bully victimization and perpetration with heterosexuals as the referent group, stratifying by gender and controlling for age, race/ethnicity, and weight status. Results Compared to heterosexual males, mostly heterosexual males (risk ratio [RR]: 1.45; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.13, 1.86) and gay males (RR 1.98; CI: 1.39, 2.82) were more likely to report being bullied. Similarly, mostly heterosexual females (RR: 1.72, 95% CI: 1.45, 2.03), bisexual females (RR: 1.63, 95% CI: 1.14, 2.31), and lesbians (RR: 3.36, 95% CI: 1.76, 6.41) were more likely to report being bullied than were heterosexual females. Gay males (RR: 0.34, 95% CI: 0.14, 0.84) were much less likely to report bullying others than were heterosexual males. Mostly heterosexual females (RR: 1.70, 95% CI: 1.42, 2.04) and bisexual females (RR: 2.41, 95% CI: 1.80, 3.24) were more likely to report bullying others than heterosexual females. No lesbian participants reported bullying others. Conclusions There are significant differences in reports of bullying victimization and perpetration between heterosexual and sexual minority youth. Clinicians should inquire about sexual orientation and bullying, and coordinate care for youth who may need additional support.
Dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate and insulin resistance in patients with polycystic ovary syndrome

Objective To test the hypothesis that increasing DHEAS levels is associated with improved insulin resistance in patients with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Design Cross-sectional cohort analysis. Setting Academic medical center. Patient(s) Three hundred fifty-two women with PCOS. Intervention(s) Patients presenting for evaluation of symptoms related to androgen excess were evaluated physically and biochemically through laboratory analysis. Main Outcome Measure(s) Circulating DHEAS, total T, free T, sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG), and 17-hydroxyprogesterone (17-OHP) levels, and calculated homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR). Result(s) Bivariate analysis indicated that all parameters were associated with HOMA-IR, except 17-OHP and age, and confirmed a negative correlation between DHEAS and HOMA-IR. Multivariate analysis indicated that increases in DHEAS, SHBG, 17-OHP, and age were associated with decreasing HOMA-IR, whereas increases in free T, body mass index (BMI), and waist-to-hip ratio (WHR) were associated with increasing HOMA-IR. In decreasing order of importance, the following variables predicted insulin resistance: BMI > WHR > age > DHEAS > free T > SHBG > 17-OHP. Conclusion(s) DHEAS is negatively correlated to insulin resistance in patients with PCOS, and in our model ranked just behind other well-established predictors including BMI, WHR, and age. Whether this is due to a direct beneficial effect on insulin action by adrenal androgens such as DHEA, or whether DHEAS simply reflects the circulating levels of hyperinsulinemia, remains to be determined.
Stochastic leadtimes in continuous‐time inventory models

This paper shows that one of the fundamental results of inventory theory is valid under conditions much broader than those treated previously. The result characterizes the distributions of inventory level and inventory position in the standard, continuous-time model with backorders, and leads to the relatively easy calculation of key performance measures. We treat both fixed and random leadtimes, and we examine both stationary and limiting distributions under different assumptions. We consider demand processes described by several general classes of compound-counting processes and a variety of order policies. For the stochastic-leadtime case we provide the first explicit proof of the result, assuming the leadtimes are generated according to a specific, but plausible, scenario.
A field method of determining NH4/+ and NO3/- uptake kinetics in intact roots: Effects of CO2 enrichment on trees and crop species

Models describing plant and ecosystem N cycles require an accurate assessment of root physiological uptake capacity for NH 4 + and NO 3 - under field conditions. Traditionally, rates of ion uptake in field-grown plants are determined by using excised root segments incubated for a short period in an assay solution containing N either as a radioactive or stable isotope tracer (e.g., 36C103 as a NH 4 + analogue, 14CH3NH3 as an NO3 − analogue or 15NH4 + and 15NO 3 - ). Although reliable, this method has several drawbacks. For example, in addition to radioactive safety issues, purchase and analysis of radioactive and stable isotopes is relatively expensive and can be a major limitation. More importantly, because excision effectively interrupts exchange of compounds between root and shoot (e.g., carbohydrate supply to root and N transport to shoot), the assay must be conducted quickly to avoid such complications. Here we present a novel field method for simultaneous measurements of NH 4 + and NO 3 - uptake kinetics in intact root systems. The application of this method is demonstrated using two tree species; red maple (Acer rubrum) and sugar maple (Acer saccharum) and two crop species soybean (Glycine max) and sorghum (Sorghum bicolor). Plants were grown in open-top chambers at either ambient or elevated levels of atmospheric CO2 at two separate US national sites involved in CO2 research. Absolute values of net uptake rates and the kinetic parameters determined by our method were found to be in agreement with the literature reports. Roots of the crop species exhibited a greater uptake capacity for both N forms relative to tree species. Elevated CO2 did not significantly affect kinetics of N uptake in species tested except in red maple where it increased root uptake capacity, V max for NH 4 + . The application, reliability, advantages and disadvantages of the method are discussed in detail.
Ideal duobinary generating filter for optically amplified systems

We develop a simple analytical model of an ideal duobinary generating low-pass filter. The model provides important physical insight into the design of optically amplified duobinary systems. We verify the theory with experimental data at 10 Gb/s
Combining Communication and Coordination toward Articulation of Collaborative Activities

In this paper, we present a proposal for the articulation of collaborative activities based on communication and coordination representation models. Articulation is essential in any kind of collaboration and involves pre- articulation of the tasks, their management, and post-articulation. For the representation of pre- and post-articulation phases, conversation cliches (communication) are used. For the coordination phase, a model separating the tasks and their interdependencies is used. The articulation schema, which is especially suited to e-business applications, is then applied to a business-web example.