cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Chromosome Segregation: Poor Supervision in the Early Stage of Life.

Summary Abnormal chromosome number, or aneuploidy, is common in early mammalian embryos, although the underlying cell biological basis is still incompletely understood. New research reveals that cells often fail to wait for all chromosomes to properly attach to the spindle machinery before segregation, explaining why early embryonic cell cycles are so error-prone.
Plans in Perspective: a Pilot Study of Medical Student Study Strategies in Physiology

Students learn a great deal when they study course material outside of our classrooms, but we have little hard evidence of what they are actually doing during that time and how it varies over the course of the semester. This exploratory pilot study asked first-year medical students to complete study strategy surveys at the beginning and again at the end of a stand-alone physiology course. Responses to these surveys were then grouped into categories, and analyses were completed using above average and below average final grades in the course. The amount of change that occurred in individual student responses between pre-course and post-course surveys was also calculated. Results found that students with above average course grades were more likely to study with other students, make their own resources, and have lower grade expectations coming into the course than their peers with below average outcomes. Results also indicated that changing fewer study strategies may also be correlated with higher grades. Unfortunately, the sample sizes for this study are quite small, and additional data is unavailable locally due to curricular changes. It is hoped that other researchers may be able to further evaluate these ideas.
Exploring novel deformation mechanisms in aluminum–copper alloys using in situ 4D nanomechanical testing

Abstract Even after nearly a century of extensive use of aluminum alloys in structural applications, our understanding of such precipitation-strengthened materials is far from complete. With the advent of next generation advanced characterization techniques, our ability to probe materials in unique ways and at different length scales has established a new paradigm for devising new pathways to alloy design by engineering materials and tailoring specific properties at the nanoscale. Here, we perform in situ nanomechanical testing in conjunction with synchrotron-based hard X-ray nanotomography to capture initiation and evolution of damage in 3D in Al–Cu alloys. Precipitates in these alloys are seen to exhibit unprecedented localized deformation in compression, which is attributed to novel observations of kinking in these brittle second-phase particles, accompanied with the generation of a fine polycrystalline texture in the adjacent matrix. We observe a size-dependent transition in precipitate deformation behavior that has been thoroughly investigated using a comprehensive correlative approach.
Practical Considerations in the Design and Manufacture of Ultra-High Speed Switched Reluctance Machines Over 1 Million rpm

High-speed switched reluctance machines (SRMs) are gaining in popularity recently in both industry and academia. For ultra-high speeds over 1 million rpm, many issues that seem to be trivial or even not realized at regular speeds are actually the key to the final success of the design. In this paper, the practical considerations identified during the design and manufacture of a 1 million rpm SRM are presented. Firstly, various issues in the manufacturing of the shaft and rotor are described in detail. Three prototypes with different features are built, showing the problems and feasibility of the design. Then, the practical design and manufacturing considerations of the whole assembly of a prototype 1 million rpm SRM are presented. These include issues regarding the stator & windings, the bearing housings, face collars, sensor tables, final assembly and alignment. Finally, the expected challenges of estimation and measurement of the torque and losses of the machine at ultra-high speeds are discussed.
Graver le son de l’écriture slam : la voix banlieusarde urbatextuelle dans l’œuvre de Grand Corps Malade

Ce chapitre examine les particularites d’un urbatexte sonore a travers l’analyse de la sonorite et la materialite dans le premier album slam de Grand Corps Malade, Midi 20. Deux mots repetes appara...
Biological Impact of Ozone Depletion at the End-Permian: A modeling study

The end-Permian mass extinction is the most severe known from the fossil record. The most likely cause is massive volcanic activity associated with the formation of the Permo-Triassic Siberian flood basalts. A proposed mechanism for extinction due to this volcanic activity is depletion of stratospheric ozone, leading to increased penetration of biologically damaging Solar ultraviolet-B (UVB) radiation to Earth's surface. Previous work has modeled the atmospheric chemistry effects of volcanic emission at the end-Permian. Here we use those results as input for detailed radiative transfer simulations to investigate changes in surface-level Solar irradiance in the ultraviolet-B, ultraviolet-A and photosynthetically available (visible light) wave bands. We then evaluate the potential biological effects using biological weighting functions. In addition to changes in ozone column density we also include gaseous sulfur dioxide (SO2) and sulfate aerosols. Ours is the first such study to include these factors and we find they have a significant impact on transmission of Solar radiation through the atmosphere. Inclusion of SO2 and aerosols greatly reduces the transmission of radiation across the ultraviolet and visible wavelengths, with subsequent reduction in biological impacts by UVB. We conclude that claims of a UVB mechanism for this extinction are likely overstated.
Full-Field Mechanical and Thermal Strain-Rate Dependence of CFRP Laminates

The aim of the project is to characterize the strain rate dependence of a representative carbon fiber reinforced polymer unidirectional laminate for thermal and mechanical properties. Digital image correlation is used to obtain full-field deformation and thermal effects of CFRP samples at strain rates of 0.001 s−1, 1 s−1, 100 s−1, and 1000 s−1. A combination of hydraulic load frame and split-hopkinson bar tests are used to load samples while optical and IR imaging is used to obtain deformation and thermal footage. Strain rate dependence is known to occur in the clear-cast polymer material, and is not prevalent in the carbon fiber material. Therefore, the strain rate dependence of the CFRP at varying orientations and loading conditions including tension, compression, and shear are of interest. Initial results show strong strain rate dependence in the polymer-dominated 90° orientation and clear-cast specimens.
A RARE CAUSE OF PALPITATIONS: CARDIAC PARAGANGLIOMA OF THE POSTERIOR ATRIOVENTRICULAR GROOVE

Cardiac paraganglioma (PG) is an extremely rare neuroendocrine tumor which can present with vague and atypical symptoms. Precise diagnosis requires a multimodality approach. A 59-year-old female presented with a long-standing history of palpitations. Event monitor noted a predominant sinus rhythm
A Compact Model for Superconductor- Insulator-Superconductor (SIS) Josephson Junctions

We present a Verilog-A based compact model for the superconductor-insulator-superconductor (SIS) Josephson junction. The model can generate both hysteretic and non-hysteretic current-voltage ( I-V ) response for the SIS junctions utilizing the Stewart-McCumber parameter. We calibrate our model with different SIS samples and demonstrate accurate matching between the simulated and experimental results. We implement temperature effect on the energy gap and the critical current of the superconductor to explore the dynamic trends in device characteristics. We calculate the junction inductance and energy as functions of junction current and temperature. We simulate the read/write operations of an SIS junction based cryogenic memory cell to illustrate the usability of our model.
Distributed control system for rapid astronomical transient detection

The Rapid Telescope for Optical Response (RAPTOR) program consists of a network of robotic telescopes dedicated to the search for fast optical transients. The pilot project is composed of three observatories separated by approximately 38 kilometers located near Los Alamos, New Mexico. Each of these observatories is composed of a telescope, mount, enclosure, and weather station, all operating robotically to perform individual or coordinated transient searches. The telescopes employ rapidly slewing mounts capable of slewing a 250 pound load 180 degrees in under 2 seconds with arcsecond precision. Each telescope consists of wide-field cameras for transient detection and a narrow-field camera with greater resolution and sensitivity. The telescopes work together by employing a closed-loop system for transient detection and follow-up. Using the combined data from simultaneous observations, transient alerts are generated and distributed via the Internet. Each RAPTOR telescope also has the capability of rapidly responding to external transient alerts received over the Internet from a variety of ground-based and satellite sources. Each observatory may be controlled directly, remotely, or robotically while providing state-of-health and observational results to the client and the other RAPTOR observatories. We discuss the design and implementation of the spatially distributed RAPTOR system.© (2002) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
What Is Fracking

The term “fracking” originated as drillers’ slang for the process of hydraulic fracturing, which uses pressurized water to create long cracks in the rock underground. These provide high permeability flowpaths that allow oil and gas to flow more easily into a well. A sandy material called proppant is left behind in the cracks to hold them open after pressure is released. Fracking is an engineering process known as “reservoir stimulation,” which seeks to improve the recovery of hydrocarbons from a reservoir rock. Shale and other low permeability rocks are known as “unconventional” reservoirs because stimulation treatments such as fracking are absolutely essential for the economic recovery of hydrocarbons. Fracking on such wells is often performed in stages along a long, horizontal borehole to contact the largest volume of reservoir rock possible. The type of fracking employed on horizontal wells is known as high-volume hydraulic fracturing, although lower volume fracks are often performed on many different types of rocks to improve production.
T and B Lymphocyte Deficiency in Rag1-/- Mice Reduces Retinal Ganglion Cell Loss in Experimental Glaucoma.

Purpose We previously demonstrated that passive transfer of lymphocytes from glaucomatous mice induces retinal ganglion cell (RGC) damage in recipient animals, suggesting a role for immune responses in the multifactorial pathophysiology of glaucoma. Here we evaluate whether absence of an adaptive immune response reduces RGC loss in glaucoma. Methods Elevated intraocular pressure (IOP) was induced in one eye of C57BL/6J (B6) or T- and B-cell-deficient Rag1-/- knockout mice. After 16 weeks RGC density was determined in both the induced and the normotensive contralateral eyes. Data were compared to mice having received injections of "empty" vector (controls). The number of extravascular CD3+ cells in the retinas was determined using FACS. Results Retinas of eyes with elevated IOP contain significantly more extravasated CD3+ cells than control retinas (46.0 vs. 27.1, P = 0.025). After 16 weeks of elevated IOP the average RGC density in B6 mice decreased by 20.7% (P = 1.9 × 10-4). In contrast, RGC loss in Rag1-/- eyes with elevated IOP was significantly lower (10.3%, P = 0.006 vs. B6). RGC loss was also observed in the contralateral eyes of B6 mice, despite the absence of elevated IOP in those eyes (10.1%; P = 0.008). In RAG1-/- loss in the contralateral eyes was minimal (3.1%) and significantly below that detected in B6 (P = 0.02). Conclusions Our findings demonstrate that T Rag1-/- mice are significantly protected from glaucomatous RGC loss. In this model, lymphocyte activity contributes to approximately half of all RGC loss in eyes with elevated IOP and to essentially all loss observed in normotensive contralateral eyes.
La transferencia pragmática a través del contacto lingüístico: Las mesetas entonativas del castellano chileno y el mapudungun como mecanismo de extensión del foco discursivo

Se ha aseverado que fuera de unos prestamos lexicos, el mapudungun ha tenido poca influencia linguistica en el castellano chileno (p.ej. Alonso 1953). Pese a ello, estudios recientes (p. ej. Sadowsky 2013) indican que el mapudungun puede haber influido en el espanol chileno de manera mas extensa de lo que anteriormente se ha afirmado. La presente investigacion analiza un contorno entonativo con forma de meseta anteriormente documentado en Rogers (2013). Se determino que el mapudungun cuenta con contornos parecidos y que el comportamiento prosodico, sintactico y pragmatico de estos se asemeja mucho al de los del castellano chileno. Se propone que, en ambas lenguas, estos contornos funcionan como un mecanismo de extension del foco discursivo y que el mapudungun aporto esta estrategia pragmatica a la fonologia entonativa del espanol chileno.
Management of ventral hernia defect during enterocutaneous fistula takedown: practice patterns and short-term outcomes from the Abdominal Core Health Quality Collaborative

An enterocutaneous fistula (ECF) with an associated large hernia defect poses a significant challenge for the reconstructive surgeon. We aim to describe operative details and 30-day outcomes of elective hernia repair with an ECF when performed by surgeons participating in the Abdominal Core Health Quality Collaborative (ACHQC). Patients undergoing concomitant hernia and ECF elective repair were identified within the ACHQC. Outcomes of interest were operative details and 30-day rates of surgical site infections (SSI), surgical site occurrences requiring procedural intervention (SSOPI), medical complications, and mortality. 170 patients were identified (mean age 60 years, 52.4% females, mean BMI 32.3 kg/m2). 106 patients (62%) had small-bowel ECFs, mostly managed with resection without diversion. 30 patients (18%) had colonic ECFs, which were managed with resection without diversion (14%) or resection with diversion (6%). 100 (59%) had a prior mesh in place, which was removed in 90% of patients. Hernias measured 14 cm ± 7 in width, and 68 (40%) had a myofascial release performed (41 TARs). Mesh was placed in 115 cases (68%), 72% as a sublay, and more frequently of biologic (44%) or permanent synthetic (34%) material. 30-day SSI was 18% (37% superficial, 40% deep), and 30-day SSOPI was 21%. 19 patients (11%) were re-operated: 8 (8%) due to a wound complication and 4 (2%) due to a missed enterotomy. Two infected meshes were removed, one biologic and one synthetic. Surgeons participating in the ACHQC predominantly resect ECFs and repair the associated hernias with sublay mesh with or without a myofascial release. Morbidity remains high, most closely related to wound complications, as such, concomitant definitive repairs should be entertained with caution.
Linking Student Outcomes to School Administrator Discretion in the Implementation of Teacher Observations

Purpose: Many studies have explored school administrator discretion in the implementation of teacher evaluation and observation systems. However, we are unaware of any studies that quantitatively l...
Does Mindful Decision-Making Matter? A Study of Legislators' Decision-Making

The foundation of our society depends on proper legislative leadership, making well-deliberated decisions and tough choices on policy on behalf of its citizens. This presentation explores if mindfulness influences legislative policymaking and legislative effectiveness. It considers the role of gender and mindful decision-making. Gender affects judgment through the style, ethics, and values of legislators and, in turn, the policymaking process. The goal of this presentation is to explore the use of mindfulness by state legislators and whether mindful decision-making improves the quality and effectiveness of legislative decision-making. Additionally, we will examine whether there is a difference in gender of mindful legislative decision-making. This presentation is a qualitative study with 31 state legislators of various backgrounds, tenure, and leadership roles within their party. This research found that mindful legislative decision-making has a significant impact on legislative deliberation and policy votes. Furthermore, we discovered that mindful decision-making increases effectiveness and confidence in the legislators’ policy decisions and that women use mindful decision-making at a higher rate than men.
High-operating temperature MWIR photon detectors based on Type II InAs/GaSb superlattice

Recent efforts have been paid to elevate the operating temperature of Type II superlattice Mid Infrared photon detectors. Using M-structure superlattice, novel device architectures have been developed, resulting in significant improvement of the device performances. In this paper, we will compare different photodetector architectures and discuss the optimization scheme which leads to almost one order of magnitude of improvement to the electrical performance. At 150K, single element detectors exhibit a quantum efficiency above 50%, and a specific detectivity of 1.05x1012 cm.Hz1/2/W. BLIP operation with a 300K background and 2π FOV can be reached with an operating temperature up to 180K. High quality focal plane arrays were demonstrated with a noise equivalent temperature difference (NEDT) of 11mK up to 120K. Human body imaging is achieved at 150K with NEDT of 150mK.
High power laser delivery using anti-resonant hollow core fiber

Currently, the power handling capability of optical fibers is primarily limited by glass damage thresholds and induced nonlinearities, including stimulated Brillouin scattering and stimulated Raman scattering. In order to mitigate unwanted nonlinear effects, a majority of high power delivery fibers have increased core sizes, which are generally used near the threshold of multimode operation. Under high power, thermal changes lead to transverse mode instabilities which degrade the overall beam quality. We have been investigating hollow core fibers based on the anti-resonant effect (ARHCF) due to their excellent guiding properties, such as low loss, large core sizes, wide transmission windows, and significantly increased optical nonlinearity and damage thresholds. Anti-resonant HCFs have significantly simpler designs compared to other microstructured fibers, namely photonic bandgap fibers, which leads to more flexibility and less complex fabrication. An ARHCF design was optimized in Comsol Multiphysics for single mode operation, low propagation loss, and low bending loss. The ARHCF was fabricated at the University of Central Florida. Initial testing has shown that power handling up to 170 W input, 0.7 GW/cm2 at the fiber facet is possible with no damage to the fiber.
Mechanisms of VPS35-mediated neurodegeneration in Parkinson's disease

Abstract Parkinson's disease is a sporadic and common neurodegenerative movement disorder resulting from the complex interplay between genetic risk, aging and environmental exposure. Familial forms of PD account for ~ 10% of cases and are known to result from the inheritance of mutations in at least 15 genes. Mutations in the vacuolar protein sorting 35 ortholog (VPS35) gene cause late-onset, autosomal dominant familial PD. VPS35 is a key suunit of the pentameric retromer complex that plays a role in the retrograde sorting and recycling of transmembrane cargo proteins from endosomes to the plasma membrane and trans-Golgi network. A single heterozygous Asp620Asn (D620N) mutation in VPS35 has been identified in multiple families that segregates with PD, and a number of experimental cellular and animal models have been developed to understand its pathogenic effects. At the molecular level, the D620N mutation has been shown to impair the interaction of VPS35 with the WASH complex, that plays an accessory function in retromer-dependent sorting. In addition, the D620N mutation has been linked to the abnormal sorting of retromer cargo, including CI-M6PR, AMPA receptor subunits, MUL1, LAMP2a and ATG9A, as well as to LRRK2 hyperactivation. At the cellular level, data support an impact of D620N VPS35 on mitochondrial function, the autophagy-lysosomal pathway, Wnt signaling and neurotransmission via altered endosomal sorting. The relevance of abnormal retromer sorting and cellular pathways to PD-related neurodegenerative phenotypes induced by D620N VPS35 in rodent models is not yet clear. There is also uncertainty regarding the mechanism-of-action of the D620N mutation and whether it manifests pathogenic effects in animal models and PD through a gain-of-function and/or a partial dominant-negative mechanism. Here, we discuss the emerging molecular and cellular mechanisms underlying PD induced by familial VPS35 mutations, going from structure to cellular function to neuropathology. We further discuss studies linking reduced retromer function to other neurodegenerative diseases and potential therapeutic strategies to normalize retromer function to mitigate disease.
Cell cycle-dependent chromatin dynamics at replication origins

Origins of DNA replication are specified by the ordered recruitment of replication factors in a cell cycle dependent manner. The assembly of the pre-replicative complex in G1 and the pre-initiation complex prior to activation in S-phase are well characterized; however, the interplay between the assembly of these complexes and the local chromatin environment is less well understood. To investigate the dynamic changes in chromatin organization at and surrounding replication origins, we used micrococcal nuclease (MNase) to generate genome-wide chromatin occupancy profiles of nucleosomes, transcription factors and replication proteins through consecutive cell cycles in Saccharomyces cerevisiae. During each G1 phase of two consecutive cell cycles, we observed the downstream repositioning of the origin-proximal +1 nucleosome and an increase in protected DNA fragments spanning the ARS consensus sequence (ACS) indicative of pre-RC assembly. We also found that the strongest correlation between the chromatin occupancy at the ACS and origin efficiency occurred in early S-phase consistent with the rate limiting formation of the Cdc45-Mcm2-7-GINS (CMG) complex being a determinant of origin activity. Finally, we observed nucleosome disruption and disorganization emanating from replication origins and traveling with the elongating replication forks across the genome in S-phase, likely reflecting the disassembly and assembly of chromatin ahead of and behind the replication fork, respectively. These results provide insights into cell cycle-regulated chromatin dynamics and how they relate to the regulation of origin activity.
Introduction to Paper and Commentaries on the Delphi Technique

Rowe and Wright's paper "The Delphi Technique as a Forecasting Tool" was initially reviewed by four authors in the area of judgmental forecasting.
Juvenile Hormones and Juvenoids : Modeling Biological Effects and Environmental Fate

Juvenile Hormones and Juvenoids: A Historical Survey James Devillers Future Perspectives for Research on the Biosynthesis of Juvenile Hormones and Related Sesquiterpenoids in Arthropod Endocrinology and Ecotoxicology Jerome H.L. Hui, William G. Bendena, and Stephen S. Tobe Morph-Specific JH Titer Regulation in Wing-Polymorphic Gryllus Crickets: Proximate Mechanisms Underlying Adaptive Genetic Modification of JH Regulation Anthony J. Zera Soldier-Specific Organ Developments Induced by a Juvenile Hormone Analog in a Nasute Termite Kouhei Toga and Kiyoto Maekawa Roles of Juvenile Hormone Analog Methoprene in Gene Transcription Xiao-Fan Zhao Modeling Resistance to Juvenile Hormone Analogs: Linking Evolution, Ecology, and Management David W. Crowder, Peter C. Ellsworth, Steven E. Naranjo, Bruce E. Tabashnik, and Yves Carriere Population Dynamics Models for Assessing the Endocrine Disruption Potential of Juvenile Hormone Analogues on Nontarget Species James Devillers and Hugo Devillers SAR and QSAR Modeling of Juvenile Hormone Mimics James Devillers Using CoMFA and CoMSIA as Tools in a 3D QSAR Analysis of Juvenile Hormone Agonist Action in Drosophila Robert Farkas and Maja Polakovicova Predicting Highly Potent Juvenile Hormone Esterase Inhibitors from 2D QSAR Modeling James Devillers, Annick Doucet-Panaye, and Jean-Pierre Doucet Receptor-Guided Structure-Activity Modeling of Inhibitors of Juvenile Hormone Epoxide Hydrolases Julio Caballero Structural Studies of Juvenile Hormone-Binding Proteins Agnieszka J. Pietrzyk, Mariusz Jaskolski, and Grzegorz Bujacz In Silico Stereoelectronic Profile and Pharmacophore Similarity Analysis of Juvenile Hormone, Juvenile Hormone Mimics (IGRs), and Insect Repellents May Aid Discovery and Design of Novel Arthropod Repellents Apurba K. Bhattacharjee Use of Multicriteria Analysis for Selecting Candidate Insecticides for Vector Control James Devillers, Laurent Lagadic, Ohri Yamada, Frederic Darriet, Robert Delorme, Xavier Deparis, Jean-Philippe Jaeg, Christophe Lagneau, Bruno Lapied, Francoise Quiniou, and Andre Yebakima
Emission and absorption of phonons in silicon

We examine in detail the rates of phonon emission and absorption in silicon at several values for the applied electric field. The effect of the field on the electron distribution is obtained from full-band Monte Carlo simulation for bulk silicon. The electron distributions are used to numerically compute the phonon rates and learn about their behavior at high fields. The concept of electron temperature is used to understand the relationship between field and heat emission, and it is found that longitudinal acoustic (LA) phonon emission increases at high fields. Optical absorption is found to be small, while optical phonon emission stays constant across a wide range of electron temperatures. Strong emission of LA phonons at high field can be used to enable heat-conscious design of future silicon devices. (© 2008 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Exact dynamic non-linear susceptibilities of finite correlated models

Abstract Diagrammatic valence bond theory is extended to obtain dynamic non-linear susceptibilities of finite Pariser-Parr-Pople (PPP) or other quantum cell models whose correlated ground state |G > is known. Sums over excited states in the dipole approximation are avoided by directly solving inhomogeneous linear equations for corrections to |G >. Exact χ (3) coefficients are found for third-harmonic generation in polyenes with six or fewer double bonds.
Estimation of Directional Surface Wave Spectra from a Towed Research Catamaran

Abstract During the High-Resolution Remote Sensing Main Experiment (1993), wave height was estimated from a moving catamaran using pitch-rate and roll-rate sensors, a three-axis accelerometer, and a capacitive wave wire. The wave spectrum in the frequency band ranging roughly from 0.08 to 0.3 Hz was verified by independent buoy measurements. To estimate the directional frequency spectrum from a wave-wire array, the Data-Adaptive Spectral Estimator is extended to include the Doppler shifting effects of a moving platform. The method is applied to data obtained from a fixed platform during the Riso Air–Sea Experiment (1994) and to data obtained from a moving platform during the Coastal Ocean Processes Experiment (1995). Both results show that the propagation direction of the peak wind waves compares well with the measured wind direction. When swells and local wind waves are not aligned, the method can resolve the difference of propagation directions. Using the fixed platform data a numerical test is conducte...
DISRUPTION OF MESECTODERMAL LINEAGES BY TEMPORAL MISEXPRESSION OF THE DROSOPHILA POU-DOMAIN TRANSCRIPTION FACTOR, DRIFTER

Among the first cells to differentiate in the Drosophila ventral nerve cord, the mesectodermal (midline) lineage gives rise to a discrete set of neurons and glia previously demonstrated to play an important role in the organization of the developing nervous system. The relative simplicity of the midline has allowed the elucidation of many aspects of initial lineage commitment and subsequent differentiation. Based upon its mesectodermal expression pattern and loss-of-function phenotype, we have proposed a key role for the Drosophila POU-domain transcription factor, drifter (dfr), in mesectodermal lineage development. In this study, we have examined the developmental consequences of dfr misexpression using transgenic lines expressing wild-type Drifter protein under control of the heat-inducible hsp70 promoter. Induction of ubiquitous DFR protein during a restricted period of embryogenesis causes a defective axonal phenotype characterized by failure of commissure formation. Based on examination of cell-specific markers for mesectodermal cells, these defects appear to be the result of a suppression of single-minded expression resulting in the disruption of mesectodermal lineage designation and differentiation. The observed temporally restricted sensitivity to DFR expression suggests possible interactions between DFR protein and other stage-specific mesectodermal regulatory factors present before or after a defined mesectodermal developmental event. © 1996 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Effects of erythropoietin on the bone microenvironment

It has been well established that blood and bone share a unique, regulatory relationship with one another, though the specifics of this relationship still remain unanswered. Erythropoietin (Epo) is known primarily for its role as a hematopoietic hormone. However, after the discovery of Epo receptor outside the hematopoietic tissues, Epo has been avidly studied for its possible nonhematopoietic effects. It has been proposed that Epo interacts with bone both directly, by activating bone marrow stromal cells, and indirectly, through signaling pathways on hematopoietic stem cells. Yet, the role of Epo in regulating skeletal maintenance and regeneration remains controversial. Here, we review the current state of knowledge pertaining to the effects of Epo on the skeleton.
Outcomes of women with metachronous breast and ovarian carcinomas

Abstract Introduction. Women with a history of breast cancer have a significantly increased risk of developing a second primary ovarian cancer and vice versa. We proposed to determine the characteristics and outcomes of women diagnosed with metachronous breast and ovarian cancer. Methods. Patients were identified from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results program database between 1988 and 2001. Kaplan–Meier and Cox proportional hazards regression tests were used to determine survival outcomes. Results. Of 704 women, 526 developed breast cancer then ovarian cancer (B–O) and 178 developed ovarian cancer then breast cancer (O–B). The mean age at diagnosis of the first cancer in the B–O versus O–B group was 60.3 versus 58.9 years, respectively ( P = 0.23). Twenty-five percent of women in the B–O group had stage I–II ovarian cancer versus 63% in the O–B group ( P P = 0.13). Women in the B–O group had more high grade of ovarian cancer compared to those in the O–B group ( P P = 0.42). Conclusions. In the largest series to date, we found that women diagnosed with ovarian cancer first had significantly more early stage and lower grade ovarian cancers with better survival compared to those with breast cancer followed by ovarian cancer. Since half of the women had their second cancer beyond 5 years, continued surveillance of these high risk patients is recommended.
The purse-string reduction mammaplasty: a variation of the marconi technique to minimize inframammary scars

Fourteen patients underwent an inferior pedicle breast reduction modified to significantly reduce the transverse inframammary scar. The technique is described and its results and limitations are discussed. We believe this technique provides the benefits inherent in an inferior pedicle procedure while avoiding the sometimes objectionable inframammary scar, especially for breasts in which the resection is less than 600 g.
Microwave spectroscopy of the carbon chain radical C11H

Abstract The pure rotational spectrum of the carbon chain radical C 11 H has been observed in a pulsed supersonic molecular beam with a Fourier transform microwave spectrometer. Twelve rotational transitions in the frequency range 6–12 GHz, all split by lambda-type doubling and with resolved hyperfine structure in the lowest transitions, were assigned to C 11 H in its 2 Π electronic ground state. Detection of this highly unsaturated reactive carbon chain establishes that linear radicals containing up to 11 carbon atoms are stable isomers. The density of C 11 H in our molecular jet is probably sufficiently high for detection of the electronic transitions of this radical by standard laser spectroscopic techniques.
An Evaluation of Hepatotoxicity and Nephrotoxicity of Liposomal Amphotericin B (L-AMB)

Hepatic and renal functions are important considerations when selecting antifungal therapy. This investigation of liposomal amphotericin B (L-AMB) was conducted to determine the incidence and factors associated with the development of hepatotoxicity and nephrotoxicity. A retrospective chart review was conducted of 100 consecutive patients receiving L-AMB at doses of 1, 3, and 5 mg/kg. Hepatotoxicity was defined as an increase of bilirubin greater than 1.5 mg/dl or AST and ALT greater than three times the normal range. Nephrotoxicity was defined as an increase in serum creatinine of 0.5 mg/dl or an increase of 50% from baseline. Patients were included if they were 18 years of age or older. Patients were excluded if they had developed hepatic or renal dysfunction prior to L-AMB administration. Seventy-five patients were included based upon the predefined inclusion/exclusion criteria. Twenty-one percent (16/75) developed hepatotoxicity based upon the predefined criteria. There were no additive correlates for this adverse effect. Overall, 56% (42/75) of patients developed nephrotoxicity. Seventy-four percent (31/42) were exposed to IV contrast, and 90% (38/42) were receiving nephrotoxins concurrently. Age, cumulative dose, concomitant nephrotoxins, and IV contrast exposure were associated with increased nephrotoxicity (p < 0.001). The development of hepatotoxicity was observed; however, no correlates (age, dose escalation, or cumulative dose) were significantly associated with its occurrence. Overall nephrotoxicity with L-AMB was common and often multifactorial. Lipid amphotericin B products are associated with lower rates of nephrotoxicity than conventional amphotericin; however, in this analysis, L-AMB was associated with a high incidence of nephrotoxicity.
Binary Join Trees for Computing Marginals in the Shenoy-Shafer Architecture

Abstract We describe a data structure called binary join trees that is useful in computing multiple marginals efficiently in the Shenoy-Shafer architecture. We define binary join trees, describe their utility, and describe a procedure for constructing them.
Myogenic specification of somites is mediated by diffusible factors.

Abstract Specification of myogenesis in early chicken somites and segmental plate was studied using transfilter explant cultures to determine if myogenic specification by axial structures is mediated by cell-cell contact. Formation of muscle fibers that express myosin heavy chain was assessed in somites transfilter from neural tube and notochord. Either the neural tube or the notochord from early chick embryos (ED 2) induces myogenesis in unspecified somites (Hamburger and Hamilton (HH) stages 11-14) when these tissues are separated by a 0.2- or a 0.05-μm pore filter. The ventral neural tube is found to be a strong inducer of myogenesis, while the dorsal neural tube is found to have low inducing activity. The reduced myogenic inducing activity of the dorsal neural tube is associated with an activity that inhibits myogenic differentiation in specified somites, somites containing cells already committed to myogenesis. Only 6-8 hr of transfilter exposure to neural tube is required to initiate somite myogenesis that is sustained in the absence of neural tube. Other tissues such as specified somites, heart, or ectoderm from the same aged embryo do not induce myogenesis in unspecified somites. Removal of the prospective floor plate of the caudal neural plate at HH stage 8 or 9 does not eliminate the inducing activity of the neurectoderm on unspecified somites (HH stage 11-14). Recombination of somites with neural tube or spinal cord from progressively older embryos (ED 4-20) showed myogenesis inducing activity at all ages, though the activity waned as development proceeded. Paraxial mesoderm need not segment into somites to respond to the inducing activity of the neural tube. We conclude that induction of myogenesis in somites does not require cell-cell contact between either the neural tube or the notochord and therefore induction is mediated by diffusible factor(s); that the inducing activity is localized principally to the notochord and ventral half of the neural tube, but not necessarily to the floor plate; that the myogenic response is specific to neural tube and notochord; and that the dorsal neural tube weakly induces myogenesis and contains an activity that inhibits myogenic cells from differentiating.
Range and Correlation

St~mmary.-The correlation between the mean and SD of reaction time data for 270 mental retardates was estimated by computing the coefficient for thirds and fifths of the groups and combining those with the r to z technique. The estimates obtained varied from .45 to 38. The effect was demonstrated to be due to restriction of the range of values which occurred when the distribution was ordered in terms of either the mean or SD values. It is well known that restriction of the range of values affects the size of the coefficient of correlation (Guilford, 1965, p. 299). While cognizance of this effect is most often taken in the design of 'studies or in rest validation procedures, it may not be neglected in the analysis of data. As will be detailed below, the effect can be covert and produce extremely misleading results. Our interest in the matter arose during the analysis of RT data obtained from a group of 270 mental retardates. The mean and SD were computed for each S.' By inspection it was obvious that there was a correlation between the cwo measures which appeared to be more marked in the extremes than in the center of the distribution. It was decided to compute the correlation for each third of the distribution separately and then combine them through use of Fisher's z-coefficient method (Guilford, 1965, p. 307) to obtain the overall or group coefficient. Because of the limitations of the remote-access computer program, the over-all coefficient .could not be computed directly. When introduced into the computer storage, the data were ordered in terms of the magnitude of the means. The results of the first computation are shown in the first column of Table 1. The differences in the coefficients were nor as great as had been anticipated from inspection
The Women's Health Initiative: Hormone Therapy and Calcium/Vitamin D supplementation trials.

The Women’s Health Initiative (WHI) was a large and complex study focused on strategies for the prevention and control of common chronic diseases of postmenopausal women. The WHI included 3 randomized controlled trials: the Hormone Therapy (HT) Trials, the Diet Modification Trial, and the Calcium/Vitamin D (CaD) Trial. Conjugated equine estrogen with or without a progestin significantly decreased hip, clinical vertebral, and all fractures. Once the intervention was stopped, the fracture benefit dissipated. However, estrogen plus progestin was associated with more risks than benefits and use of hormone therapy solely for the prevention of osteoporosis is not recommended. The CaD trial found no overall benefit for fracture reduction except in adherent women and women taking supplements for 5 or more years. Overall, the common practice of taking calcium and vitamin D supplementation with possible benefits on hip and positive evidence on bone mineral density and few risks is reasonable.
Young Adults' Attitudes Toward Polygamous Marriage as a Function of Gender, Attitudes Toward Same-Sex Marriage, and Other Sociopersonality Constructs

U.S. citizens are overwhelmingly opposed to the legalization of polygamous marriage, but specific reasons for this opposition remain unclear. In this study we examined young adults' (n = 814) attitudes toward polygamous marriage as a function of myriad variables. Particular attention was given to the presumed association between attitudes toward same-sex marriage and polygamous marriage. Results indicated that, overall, young adults' attitudes toward polygamous marriage were neutral. Also, attitudes toward same-sex marriage significantly correlated with attitudes toward polygamous marriage. However, not all pro–same-sex marriage participants were pro-polygamous marriage. Moreover, opposition to same-sex marriage, (female) gender, higher levels of authoritarianism, and endorsement of traditional family values conjointly and individually predicted opposition to polygamous marriage. Implications of the findings are discussed, particularly in the context of U.S. discourse over the legalization of same-sex mar...
The Value of Formative Investment in Organizational Federations

Public goods theories highlight an incentive system that rewards ‘free riding’ on the contributions of early contributors toward collective actions. However, because such theories focus on creation of the good, they may underestimate returns that accrue to early contributors subsequent to the good's realization. The concept of formative investment is introduced here to describe the extent to which organizations help to create public goods such as interorganizational linkages like participatory federations. Data from the CEOs of 48 organizations involved in a participatory federation were used to assess how an organization's level of formative investment is related to later patterns of dependency and interaction among federation members. Findings suggest that from a long-term perspective, and for goods that involve communication and interaction, the incentive structure may not be so favorable for free riders. To the extent that organizations with high formative investment have the capability to envision the future and communicate that vision to potential federation partners, they may be able to both reduce free riding and secure for themselves advantageous positions in the subsequent network of relations.
On a partition analog of the Cauchy-Davenport theorem

Let G be a finite abelian group, and let n be a positive integer. From the Cauchy-Davenport Theorem it follows that if G is a cyclic group of prime order, then any collection of n subsets A_1,A_2,\ldots,A_n of G satisfies \bigg|\sum_{i=1}^n A_i\bigg| \ge \min \bigg\{|G|,\,\sum_{i=1}^n |A_i|-n+1\bigg\}. M.~Kneser generalized the Cauchy--Davenport Theorem for any abelian group. In this paper, we prove a sequence-partition analog of the Cauchy--Davenport Theorem along the lines of Kneser's Theorem. A particular case of our theorem was proved by J.~E. Olson in the context of the Erdos--Ginzburg--Ziv Theorem.
An experimental study of flash evaporation from liquid pools

Abstract The objective of this study is, based on experiments, to improve the understanding of flash evaporation from pools, and to develop empirical correlations of the total quantity of vapor released and the rate of vapor generation (both in non-dimensional form) as a function of the primary nondimensional parameters which govern the process: the Jakob number (Ja p ), Prandtl number (Pr), a dimensionless hydrostatic head (Δp/H), and the salt concentration (C). The work was done in the range of parameters characteristic to desalination plants and to open-cycle ocean-thermal energy conversion. Experiments were performed with fresh water and with saline water (3.5% NaCl concentration), for initial temperatures from 25°C – 80°C, flash-down temperature differences from 0.5°C – 10°C, and pool depths of 6.5″ (165 mm), 12″ (305 mm) and 18″ (457 mm). The prediction of flashed mass as a function of the nondimensional parameters is accurate to within 7.5%. A new time scale τ = (σ/Δp) 2 /α 1 , (where σ = surface tension, α 1 = thermal diffusivity of the liquid, and Δp = pressure difference between the liquid and the vapor space) was employed. The expressions for the rate of flashed steam using this time scale show a scatter of ± 68%. The asymptotic value of the flashed mass increases with Jakob number, increases slightly with pool depth, and decreases with increasing liquid Prandtl number. The comparisons show very good agreement with the experimental values, but underpredict the data obtained from other experiments.
Institutional Ownership and Corporate Social Performance: The Moderating Effects of Investment Horizon, Activism, and Coordination

Scandals at Enron and WorldCom have thrust debates concerning corporate governance and corporate social performance (CSP) to the forefront of the minds of shareholders, managers, and public policy makers. Relying on the theory of stakeholder salience, the authors suggest that institutional owners’ investment horizons, as well as the frequency and coordination of institutional owners’ activism, moderate the institutional ownership -CSP relationship. Data collected in 1995 and 2000 from the Fortune 500 firms show that long-term institutional ownership is positively associated with CSP and that the frequency and coordination of activism interact with long-term institutional holdings to positively affect CSP 3 years later.
Fault-tolerant control systems design via subdivision of parameter region

This paper presents a linear matrix inequality (LMI) approach to solve the fault-tolerant control (FTC) problem of actuator faults. The range of actuator faults is considered as a parameter region and subdivided into several subregions to achieve a certain desired performance specification. Based on the integral quadratic constraint (IQC) approach, a passive fault-tolerant controller for the whole fault region and multiple fault-tolerant controllers for each fault subregion are designed for guaranteeing stability and improving performance of the FTC system, respectively. According to the estimation of parameters by FDI process, the corresponding subregion controller is chosen for the stability and optimal performance of closed-loop systems when the fault occurs. The case of incorrect estimation is also considered by comparing the performance index between the switched controller and the passive fault-tolerant controller. The proposed design technique is finally evaluated in the light of a simulation example.
INCIDENCE OF HIV‐RELATED DEATHS IN THE UNITED STATES: SEASONALITY AND TREND

This paper examines possible short-term patterns and distortions in the incidence of deaths with AIDS in the United States using methods previously applied to incidence of AIDS diagnoses. The variation in death counts by calendar month models fairly well as a seasonal pattern consistent with seasonal variation in deaths from all causes. In addition three apparently non-biological short-term effects in AIDS incidence--a workday effect a jump between December and January and a spike in June--are not apparent in death incidence and analysis of death counts in subgroups does not show any strong evidence for non-biological influences on time of death. Deseasonalized death incidence shows a steady increase over time. Because death incidence is not subject to definition change and is apparently less susceptible to other non-biological influences than AIDS incidence it may have value for monitoring the HIV epidemic. (EXCERPT)