cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
What’s new in obstetric antiphospholipid syndrome

Antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) is a rare systemic autoimmune disease, the obstetric features of which include recurrent early miscarriage, fetal death at or beyond 10 weeks of gestation, and early delivery for severe preeclampsia or placental insufficiency. Controversies regarding the specificity of these obstetric clinical features, as well as the laboratory diagnostic criteria, are the subject of current debate and reanalysis. Clinical and laboratory features can be used to stratify women with APS in terms of risk of adverse second and third trimester pregnancy outcomes. Numerous "treatments" have been used in high-risk and refractory patients, but rigorously designed clinical trials are needed. APS is a rare disease that requires innovative investigative approaches to provide credible results.
D-transposition of the great arteries with right-sided pulmonary hypoplasia

Unilateral pulmonary agenesis or aplasia (UPA) in combination with congenital heart defects is rare and has not been reported in connection with transposition of the great arteries. This case demonstrated dextroposition of the fetal heart, and subsequent scans could not clearly visualize the right pulmonary artery. UPA should be considered in the workup and counseling for a family in the setting of fetal heart malposition, as there is a significant clinical impact.
COVID-19 exacerbates unequal food access

Abstract Inequality to food access has always been a serious problem, yet it became even more critical during the COVID-19 pandemic, which exacerbated social inequality and reshaped essential travel. This study provides a holistic view of spatio-temporal changes in food access based on observed travel data for all grocery shopping trips in Columbus, Ohio, during and after the state-wide stay-at-home period. We estimated the decline and recovery patterns of store visits during the pandemic to identify the key socio-economic and built environment determinants of food shopping patterns. The results show a disparity: during the lockdown, store visits to dollar stores declined the least, while visits to big-box stores declined the most and recovered the fastest. Visits to stores in low-income areas experienced smaller changes even during the lockdown period. A higher percentage of low-income customers was associated with lower store visits during the lockdown period. Furthermore, stores with a higher percentage of white customers declined the least and recovered faster during the reopening phase. Our study improves the understanding of the impact of the COVID-19 crisis on food access disparities and business performance. It highlights the role of COVID-19 and similar disruptions on exposing underlying social problems in the US.
Survey of Social Work Educators: Qualifications and Compliance Criteria

Aux Etats-Unis, les facultes et les ecoles qui enseignent les sciences sociales et notamment le travail social doivent respecter les criteres de qualification tels qu'ils ont ete definis par la commission academique en charge (the College Commission of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, SACS). L'objet de cette etude a ete de verifier la conformite de ces standards dans les etablissements d'enseignements secondaire et superieur. Les programmes et les informations concernant les qualifications des enseignants ont ete examines et il en ressort que les programmes de baccalaureat en travail social sont plus en conformite avec les criteres de la SACS que ceux des etablissements superieurs. En general, une stricte conformite de tous les programmes avec les criteres n'a ete constatee que tres rarement
TU-F-CAMPUS-I-01: Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma: Short-Term Repeatability of Apparent Diffusion Coefficient and Intravoxel Incoherent Motion Parameters at 3.0T

Purpose: Many published studies have recently demonstrated the potential value of intravoxel incoherent motion (IVIM) analysis for disease evaluation. However, few have questioned its measurement repeatability/reproducibility when applied. The purpose of this study was to determine the short-term measurement repeatability of apparent diffusion coefficient ADC, true diffusion coefficient D, pseudodiffusion coefficient D* and perfusion fraction f, in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) primary tumors and metastatic nodes. Methods: Ten patients with known HNSCC were examined twice using echo-planar DW-MRI with 12 b values (0 to 800 s/mm2) 1hour to 24 hours apart before radiation treatment. All patients were scanned with the customized radiation treatment immobilization devices to reduce motion artifacts and to improve image registration in repeat scans. Regions of interests were drawn in primary tumor and metastases node in each patient (Fig. 1). ADC and IVIM parameters D, D* and f were calculated by least squares data fitting. Short-term test–retest repeatability of ADC and IVIM parameters were assessed by measuring Bland–Altman limits of agreements (BA-LA). Results: Sixteen HNSCC lesions were assessed in 10 patients. Repeatability of perfusion-sensitive parameters, D* and f, in HNSCC lesions was poor (BA-LA: -144% to 88% and −57% to 96% for D* and f, respectively); a lesser extent was observed for the diffusion-sensitive parameters of ADC and D (BA-LA: −34% to 39% and −37% to 40%, for ADC and D, respectively) (Fig. 2). Conclusion: Poor repeatability of D*/f and good repeatability for ADC/D were observed in HNSCC primary tumors and metastatic nodes. Efforts should be made to improve the measurement repeatability of perfusion-sensitive IVIM parameters.
Reluctant Pluralist: Moore on Negligence

Michael Moore has addressed the meaning and desirability of legal liability for negligence on several occasions. His early writings treat negligence as a consequentialist concept and as an appropriate basis for tort but not criminal liability. But in more recent writings, he is more pluralistic, recognizing that nonconsequentialist considerations play a proper role in tort negligence judgments, and tentatively endorsing negligence liability in criminal law as well. The evolution in his views is welcome. At the same time, neither Moore nor other scholars have yet provided a satisfactory account of this protean legal and moral concept. More attention should be paid to the questions whether negligence is a type of wrongdoing, a type of culpability, or both; and whether negligence differs from recklessness in kind or only in degree.
Passages in modern sculpture

This book contains seven art historical essays by Krauss, which examine major works of 19th and 20th century sculpture. She employs a critical methodology informed by phenomenology, structural linguistics, and psychoanalytic theory, to works produced within a modern context. Emphasis is placed on the topics of space, time, narrative, vitalism, totemism, light, motion, and theatricality. Includes name and subject index. Biographical notes on author. 167 bibl. ref.
Factorization for analog-to-digital matrix multiplication

We present matrix factorization as an enabling technique for analog-to-digital matrix multiplication (AD-MM). We show that factorization in the analog domain increases the total precision of AD-MM in precision-limited analog multiplication, reduces the number of analog-to-digital (A/D) conversions needed for overcomplete matrices, and avoids unneeded computations in the digital domain. Finally, we present a factorization algorithm using alternating convex relaxation.
Striatal GDNF administration increases tyrosine hydroxylase phosphorylation in the rat striatum and substantia nigra

Glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) improves motor dysfunction associated with aging in rats and non-human primates, in animal models of Parkinson's disease, and may improve motoric function in patients with advanced Parkinson's disease. These improvements are associated with increased dopamine function in the nigrostriatal system, but the molecular events associated with this increase are unknown. In these studies, 100 micro g of GDNF was injected into the striatum of normal aged (24-month-old) male Fischer 344 rats. The protein levels and phosphorylation of TH, ERK1/2, and related proteins were determined by blot-immunolabeling of striatum and substantia nigra harvested 30 days after injection. In GDNF-treated rats, TH phosphorylation at Ser31 increased approximately 40% in striatum and approximately 250% in the substantia nigra. In the substantia nigra, there was a significant increase in ERK1 phosphorylation. In striatum, there was a significant increase in ERK2 phosphorylation. Microdialysis studies in striatum showed that both amphetamine- and potassium-evoked dopamine release in GDNF recipients were significantly increased. These data show that GDNF-induced increases in dopamine function are associated with a sustained increase in TH phosphorylation at Ser31, which is greatest in the substantia nigra and maintained for at least one month following a single striatal administration of GDNF. These findings, taken from the nigrostriatal system of normal aged rats, may help explain the long lasting effects of GDNF on dopamine function and prior studies supporting that a major effect of GDNF involves its effects on dopamine storage and somatodendritic release of dopamine in the substantia nigra.
Successful cotransplantation of intact sheets of fetal retina with retinal pigment epithelium.

Author(s): Aramant, RB; Seiler, MJ; Ball, SL | Abstract: PurposeMany retinal diseases, such as macular degeneration, affect both retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) and photoreceptors. Therefore, retinal repair may require transplantation of both tissues together as a cograft.MethodsAs recipients of retina-RPE cografts, 7- to 10-week-old albino Royal College of Surgeons rats that lose their photoreceptors because of a pigment epithelium defect were used. Freshly harvested intact sheets of RPE with neural retina from pigmented normal rat fetuses were gel embedded for protection and transplanted into the subretinal space.ResultsAfter 6 to 7 weeks, with the support of the cografted RPE sheet, transplanted photoreceptors developed fully in organized parallel layers in the subretinal space. Immunohistochemistry for rhodopsin, rod alpha-transducin, and S-antigen and peanut agglutinin labeling for cone interphotoreceptor matrix domains suggested that the photoreceptors in the graft were capable of normal function.ConclusionsFreshly harvested intact sheets of fetal RPE and retina, transplanted together into the subretinal space, can develop a normal morphology. Such transplants have the potential to benefit retinal diseases with dysfunctional RPE and photoreceptors.
Solutions to the New Threats to Academic Freedom

In my commentary on Francesca Minerva's article 'New Threats to Academic Freedom', I agree with her contention that the existence of the Internet has given rise to new and very serious threats to academic freedom. I think that it is crucial that we confront those threats, and find ways to eliminate them, which I believe can be done. The threats in question involve both authors and editors. In the case of authors, I argue that the best solution is not anonymous publication, but publication using pseudonyms, and I describe how that would work. In the case of editors, my proposal is a website that a number of journals would have access to, where papers that editors judge to be clearly worthy of publication, but whose publication seems likely to set off a firestorm of public and media protest, could be published without any indication of the journal that had accepted the paper for publication.
The Role of Hedgehog Signaling in Tumor Induced Bone Disease

Despite significant progress in cancer treatments, tumor induced bone disease continues to cause significant morbidities. While tumors show distinct mutations and clinical characteristics, they behave similarly once they establish in bone. Tumors can metastasize to bone from distant sites (breast, prostate, lung), directly invade into bone (head and neck) or originate from the bone (melanoma, chondrosarcoma) where they cause pain, fractures, hypercalcemia, and ultimately, poor prognoses and outcomes. Tumors in bone secrete factors (interleukins and parathyroid hormone-related protein) that induce RANKL expression from osteoblasts, causing an increase in osteoclast mediated bone resorption. While the mechanisms involved varies slightly between tumor types, many tumors display an increase in Hedgehog signaling components that lead to increased tumor growth, therapy failure, and metastasis. The work of multiple laboratories has detailed Hh signaling in several tumor types and revealed that tumor establishment in bone can be controlled by both canonical and non-canonical Hh signaling in a cell type specific manner. This review will explore the role of Hh signaling in the modulation of tumor induced bone disease, and will shed insight into possible therapeutic interventions for blocking Hh signaling in these tumors.
Photoelectric Charging of Dust Particles

Laboratory experiments have been performed on the photoelectric charging of dust particles which are either isolated or adjacent to a surface that is also a photoemitter. We find that zinc dust charges to a positive potential of a few volts when isolated in vacuum and that it charges to a negative potential of a few volts when passed by a photoemitting surface. The illumination is an arc lamp emitting wavelengths longer than 200 nm and the emitting surface is a zirconium foil.
Social Support and Disclosure of Abuse: Comparing South Asian, African American, and Hispanic Battered Women.

Sixty-two battered women who had accessed domestic violence services were asked to whom they disclosed the partner abuse, the responses they received, and how supported they felt by kin and nonkin network members. The findings showed that older women and those who had resided in the United States longer were more likely to make disclosures to kin members. Older women, those who had higher levels of perceived social support, and those who reported lower frequency of physical violence were more likely to disclose to nonkin members. The findings suggest that those women experiencing more severe abuse may be the least likely to disclose to others. As a group, the South Asian women were older and more educated, and greater proportions were or had been married to the abuser. In contrast to the other groups, a greater proportion reported having been burned or scalded and fewer reported being sexually coerced. In greater proportions, they disclosed the abuse to brothers and fathers and were advised to stay in their marriages. Service providers working with minority battered women must be knowledgeable of cross-cultural differences in the experience of abuse and disclosure patterns. Culturally appropriate and aggressive outreach within specific ethnic communities may be required to reach battered women in the community. Service providers must consider working with members of women's informal support network to provide both emotional and instrumental support.
Dominant modes of variability in large-scale Birkeland currents

Properties of variability in large-scale Birkeland currents are investigated through empirical orthogonal function (EOF) analysis of 1 week of data from the Active Magnetosphere and Planetary Electrodynamics Response Experiment (AMPERE). Mean distributions and dominant modes of variability are identified for both the Northern and Southern Hemispheres. Differences in the results from the two hemispheres are observed, which are attributed to seasonal differences in conductivity (the study period occurred near solstice). A universal mean and set of dominant modes of variability are obtained through combining the hemispheric results, and it is found that the mean and first three modes of variability (EOFs) account for 38% of the total observed squared magnetic perturbations (δB2) from both hemispheres. The mean distribution represents a standard Region 1/Region 2 (R1/R2) morphology of currents and EOF 1 captures the strengthening/weakening of the average distribution and is well correlated with the north-south component of the interplanetary magnetic field (IMF). EOF 2 captures a mixture of effects including the expansion/contraction and rotation of the (R1/R2) currents; this mode correlates only weakly with possible external driving parameters. EOF 3 captures changes in the morphology of the currents in the dayside cusp region and is well correlated with the dawn-dusk component of the IMF. The higher-order EOFs capture more complex, smaller-scale variations in the Birkeland currents and appear generally uncorrelated with external driving parameters. The results of the EOF analysis described here are used for describing error covariance in a data assimilation procedure utilizing AMPERE data, as described in a companion paper.
Tracking sparse signal sequences from nonlinear/non-Gaussian measurements and applications in illumination-motion tracking

In this work, we develop algorithms for tracking time sequences of sparse spatial signals with slowly changing sparsity patterns, and other unknown states, from a sequence of nonlinear observations corrupted by (possibly) non-Gaussian noise. A key example of the above problem occurs in tracking moving objects across spatially varying illumination changes, where motion is the small dimensional state while the illumination image is the sparse spatial signal satisfying the slow-sparsity-pattern-change property.
Temporal and Spatial Differences in Crop Yields of a Mature Silver Maple Alley Cropping System

Although alley cropping practices improve ecosystem services, they can reduce crop yields, especially at the tree-crop interface and progressively at increasing distances from that interface with time. The objective of this study was to evaluate temporal and spatial yield differences in a no-till corn (Zea mays L.)–soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] rotation in a mature (11–19 yr) silver maple (Acer saccharinum L.) alley cropping system in the claypan region of the temperate climatic zone. Silver maple saplings were planted in 20 m wide rows at 3.6 m spacing between trees in 1990. Crop yields were measured at 3.3, 6.7, and 10 m distances from the tree row from 2001 to 2008. Corn yields in 2002, 2004, 2006, and 2008 and soybean yields in 2001, 2003, 2005, and 2007 were determined using a small plot combine and analyzed in a split-plot in space and time design. Corn yield was 86 and 24% lower at 3.3 and 6.7 m compared to 10 m. The greatest reductions were recorded in 2006 when the site recorded the greatest yields. Late planting may have affected the corn yield despite 156% of the normal rain in 2008. Soybean yield was 77 and 24% lower at 3.3 and 6.7 m, respectively, compared to yield at 10 m. Soybean yields declined over time at all three measured distances. A reduction of competition and selection of drought and shade tolerant crops may help increase productivity while providing ecosystem services of the perennial tree rows.
Microbiota activation and regulation of innate and adaptive immunity

The human host has coevolved with the collective of bacteria species, termed microbiota, in a complex fashion that affects both innate and adaptive immunity. Differential regulation of regulatory T-cell and effector T-cell responses are a direct result of specific microbial species present within the gut, and this relationship is subject to dysregulation during inflammation and disease. The microbiota varies widely between individuals and has a profound effect on how one reacts to various environmental stimuli, particularly if a person is genetically predisposed to an immune-mediated inflammatory disorder such as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), including Crohn's disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC). Approximately, half of all CD patients have elevated antibodies to CBir1, a microbiota flagellin common to mice and humans, demonstrating flagellins as immunodominant antigens in the intestines. This review focuses on the use of flagellins as probes to study microbiota-specific responses in the context of health and disease as well as probes of innate and adaptive responses employed by the host to deal with the overwhelming bacterial presence of the microbiota.
Logical construction of software

The authors contend that it is both possible and necessary to clearly demark and explicitly define the transition between the software design and software implementation phases of the software life cycle. The output of the software design phase is defined to be a logical design of software, and the logical design can be described explicitly if the software is viewed as a system of data sets and data transforms. Logical Construction of Software (LCS) is a software design methodology that guides the designer in defining and describing these software components and their relationships. The methodology is illustrated via a practical application.
Patents and performance in the Japanese pharmaceutical industry: An institution-based view

In this paper we analyze the strategic response of Japanese pharmaceutical firms to increased competitive pressure. During the 1980’s and 1990’s entry barriers were lifted and markets deregulated. As a consequence transaction structures moved from a relationship based mode towards a market based mode where competition is based on research excellence and new and innovative products. Using panel data of a sample of Japanese pharmaceutical companies, this paper discusses the effect of international patents as an indicator of research capabilities on subsequent corporate performance measured as profits on total assets. Our empirical result suggests that a firm’s patent stock is unrelated or even negatively correlated to its profitability.
SU‐EE‐A3‐03: Comparison of CBCT and Electromagnetic Transponders for Prostate Localization

Purpose: In prostate cancerradiotherapy, it is unknown how large the PTV margins must be to account for the isocenter correction tolerance and intrafraction motion. The risk of geographic miss can be minimized by the placement of fiducial markers in the prostate gland for daily pretreatment localization and adjustment of patient position if necessary. In this study, we assess the magnitude of interfraction and intrafraction isocenter displacement using implanted electromangnetic transponders, and validate the accuracy of interfraction localization using cone beam CT.Method and Materials: Fifteen supine prostate IMRT patients with three implanted transponders each were studied. Initial daily localization was based on three laser and skin marks. Daily localization error distribution was determined from offsets between the initial setup position and that determined by Calypso. Post setup with the Calypso system, isocenter localization was immediately independently verified by imaging the radio‐opaque transponders using an integrated cone beam CTimaging system. Both localization techniques produced lateral, longitudinal, and vertical target offsets from machine isocenter. Organ motion or patient movement during treatment was continuously monitored by the Calypso system at a 4‐mm threshold. Results: The mean interfraction displacement (± SD) in cm in the lateral, vertical, and longitudinal directions were −0.2 ± 0.6, 1.8 ± 1.3, and 0.3 ± 0.9, respectively. After any necessary isocenter corrections, the mean isocenter placement error relative to the cone beam CT (± SD) in cm in the lateral, vertical, and longitudinal directions were 0.0 ± 0.1, 0.1 ± 0.2, and 0.0 ± 0.1, respectively. Conclusion: Compared with use of skin marks, electromagnetic isocenter repositioning provides an increased degree of isocenter localization. Good agreement was observed between cone beam CT isocenter localization and electromagnetic repositioning. However, the electromagnetic technique, with real time continuous tracking, has the added advantage of threshold‐based intervention with no additional radiation dose.
Primary bone lymphoma: a set of unique problems in management

Primary bone lymphoma (PBL) is a rare malignancy of the bones. The absence of prospective clinical studies poses a treatment challenge. The therapeutic modalities have been mostly extrapolated from...
Ruthenium-Centered Heteroarm Stars by a Modular Coordination Approach: Effect of Polymer Composition on Rates of Chelation

Bipyridine end- and center-functionalized polymer chains, bpyA and bpyA2, respectively, were chelated to Ru(II) centers to form Ru(bpyAn)2Cl2 complexes 1−6 where A = polystyrene (PS), n = 1 (1), n = 2 (2); A = poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA), n = 1 (3), n = 2 (4); A = poly(e-caprolactone) (PCL), n = 2 (5); and A = poly(ethylene glycol) PEG, n = 2 (6). Intermediates 1 and 5 were subsequently reacted with a second type of bpy macroligand to generate [Ru(bpyAn)2(bpyB2)]2+ heteroarm star copolymers for the following combinations: An,B = PCL2,PS (7), PCL2,PEG (8), PS,PLA (9), where PLA = poly(lactic acid), and PS,PEG (10). Rates of chelation were affected by macroligand composition, molecular weight, and architecture and paralleled the solubility parameter series for PCL, PLA, PMMA, PS, and PEG in dimethoxyethane (DME). Rates decreased with increasing Mn and were lower for bpyA2 relative to end-functionalized bpyA of comparable molecular weights within each compositional class.
The Uncommon Reactivity of Dihapto-Coordinated Nitrile, Ketone, and Alkene Ligands When Bound to a Powerful π-Base

A series of complexes of the form TpM(NO)(L‘)(η2-L) are prepared (where L is a nitrile, ketone, or alkene, M = W or Mo, L‘ = PMe3, MeIm, Tp = hydridotris(pyrazolyl)borate). These complexes are subjected to various electrophiles (e.g., alkyl halides, Bronsted acids) to systematically probe the ability of the π-basic transition metal to affect the reactivity of the dihapto-coordinated ligand. Alkylation is observed at the heteroatom of the ketone and the nitrile, but depending on the reagent, alkylation of the nitrosyl ligand or addition to the complexed π-bond also occurs. The structures of several nitrilium complexes and a rare example of an η2-acetonium complex are also reported.
Giardia lamblia Infection of Suckling Mice

Axenically cultured Giardia lamblia trophozoites (2 x 10(5)) were inoculated by gavage into suckling mice. All mice three, seven, and 14 days old became infected, with the peak trophozoite count in the small bowel of 5.3 +/- 1.1 x 10(6) occurring seven days after inoculation of three-day-old mice. In addition to infecting each of 65 challenged mice, G. lamblia was able to complete its life cycle by encysting and, as cysts, to infect previously unchallenged animals. Control mice given culture medium alone, mice challenged with trophozoites when older than 14 days of age, and mothers of infected mice did not become infected. There was no difference in body weight between infected mice and control mice, nor were histopathologic changes in the small bowel noted at the time of peak infection. Infection was cleared in all mice by 17-21 days. Thus, axenically cultured G. lamblia trophozoites are capable of infecting and completing their life cycle in suckling mice. The susceptibility of mice to infection is remarkably age specific, and the infection is apparently without adverse effects on the murine host.
AN ORDER DEGREE ALTERNATOR FOR ARBITRARY TOPOLOGIES

An alternator is an arbitrary set of interacting processes that satisfies three conditions. First, if a process executes its critical section, then no neighbor of that process can execute its critical section at the same state. Second, along any infinite sequence of system states, each process will execute its critical section, an infinite number of times. Third, along any maximally concurrent computation, the alternator will stabilize to a sequence of states in which the processes will execute their critical sections in alternation. A principal reason for interest in alternators is their ability to transform systems correct under serial execution semantics to systems that are correct under concurrent execution semantics. An earlier alternator for arbitrary topology required 2q states where q is the dependency graph circumference and after stabilization would wait 2q steps between critical section executions. In a synchronous environment, this alternator requires only 2d+1 states where d is the degree of the graph of process dependencies for the system and after stabilization will require a wait of 2d+1 steps between critical section executions. In an asynchronous environment, the synchronization properties of this alternator must be supplemented with an asynchronous unison algorithm. The asynchronous unison algorithm requires expansion of the required number of states to dt, where t is the longest chordless cycle in the dependency graph; however, the required wait between critical section executions remains O(d).
A natural motif approach to protein design: a synthetic leucine zipper peptide mimics the biological function of the platelet factor 4 protein

The design of smaller functional mimics of large proteins has long been an important challenge. In this study we use the natural leucine zipper as a structural template to design a 31-residue peptide analog that mimics the function of the larger platelet factor 4 (PF4) protein. The heparin binding activity of PF4 has been introduced into an unrelated leucine zipper sequence only by virtue of incorporating four lysines of PF4. Circular dichroism and binding experiments have shown that the designed leucine zipper peptide adopts a stable helical conformation and shows significant PF4-like heparin binding activity. These results strongly suggest that the lysine residues play an important role in the binding of PF4 to heparin. The de novo generation of the PF4 function in a designed leucine zipper peptide demonstrates that the leucine zipper motif is a useful scaffold for the design of functional peptides and proteins.
Boson stars in the Brans-Dicke gravitational theories.

Boson stars consist of a system of self-gravitating scalar fields which form a macroscopic quantum state and are a possible dark matter candidate. In this paper, we address the existence of boson stars in Brans-Dicke gravity. We show that solutions to the equations of motion of a boson star in Brans-Dicke gravity exist for different values of the coupling constant $\ensuremath{\Lambda}=\frac{\ensuremath{\lambda}{M}_{\mathrm{Pl}}^{2}}{4\ensuremath{\pi}{m}^{2}}$, where $\ensuremath{\lambda}$ is the quartic coupling, and $m$ the mass of the boson field. We find that there is only a small decrease of a few percent in the mass of these objects when compared to similar solutions based on general relativity. We also consider solutions in the limit as $\ensuremath{\Lambda}\ensuremath{\rightarrow}\ensuremath{\infty}$.
Bernini's Memorial to Maria Raggi

The article on Bernini's memorial to Maria Raggi, in S. Maria sopra Minerva in Rome, presents a summary of the nun's life (1552–1600), and facts about the men who, according to the inscription, were responsible for the memorial. This information, combined with documentary evidence, suggests a revised dating of the monument. A papier-mâche version and a preparatory drawing are discussed; both are shown to relate to the legend of Maria Raggi. Finally, the memorial is compared, on stylistic and iconographic levels, with other works, mainly by Bernini.
The ballistic range - Its role and future in aerothermodynamic testing

Aerothermodynamic testing requirements for future missions are reviewed, and the ballistic range testing capabilities necessary to meet these requirements are outlined. The four issues of velocity, chemical scaling, cost analysis of ballistics facilities is presented. It is concluded that modern instrumentation and a launcher of 5 to 10 cm diameter can meet the requirements and be cost effective. Finally, recommendations for upgrading existing facilities and instrumentation to meet the needed ballistic range test capability in a cost efficient manner are presented.
Endocrine studies in testicular tumor patients with and without gynecomastia. A report of 45 cases

Prolactin (PRL), human placental lactogen (hPL), the beta-subunit of human chorionic gonadotropin (betahCG), testosterone (T), estrone (E1), and estradiol (E2) were measured in blood samples from 45 patients with testicular tumors, 27 of whom had gynecomastia at some stage of their disease. Forty-two of the 45 patients had at least one abnormal hormone level. The most common abnormality was that of plasma estrone: it was elevated in 32 out of 42 (76%) patients in whom it was measured, suggesting a useful role for E1 as a testicular tumor marker. Prognosis was notably worse in patients with embryonal carcinoma, teratocarcinoma, and choriocarcinoma, in those with gynecomastia and, particularly, galactorrhea. Such patients also had the highest incidence of hormonal abnormalities as well as the most extreme absolute values. Hormonal mechanisms were implicated in the development of gynecomastia and galactorrhea. Prolactin, betahCG, E1, and E2 levels in all permutations correlated significantly among patients with gynecomastia, but not among those without, while estrogen to testosterone ratios were elevated in patients with galactorrhea.
Prey capture in mantids: Prothoracic tibial flexion reflex

Abstract We describe a prothoracic leg tibial flexion reflex (PTFR) of the praying mantis Tenodera aridifolia sinensis which is initiated by tactile stimulation of the movable spines of the ventro-medial border of the femur. This flexion reflex may be responsible for the continuous grasping of a captured prey by the mantid.
Activation of Extrasynaptic NMDARs at Individual Parallel Fiber–Molecular Layer Interneuron Synapses in Cerebellum

NMDA receptors (NMDARs) expressed by cerebellar molecular layer interneurons (MLIs) are not activated by single exocytotic events but can respond to glutamate spillover following coactivation of adjacent parallel fibers (PFs), indicating that NMDARs are perisynaptic. Several types of synaptic plasticity rely on these receptors but whether they are activated at isolated synapses is not known. Using a combination of electrophysiological and optical recording techniques in acute slices of rat cerebellum, along with modeling, we find that repetitive activation of single PF–MLI synapses can activate NMDARs in MLIs. High-frequency stimulation, multivesicular release (MVR), or asynchronous release can each activate NMDARs. Frequency facilitation was found at all PF–MLI synapses but, while some showed robust MVR with increased release probability, most were limited to univesicular release. Together, these results reveal a functional diversity of PF synapses, which use different mechanisms to activate NMDARs.
Hypothalamic paraventricular nucleus lesions produce overeating and obesity in the rat

Abstract It has recently been demonstrated that chronic noradrenergic stimulation of the hypothalamic paraventricular nucleus (PVN) or wire knife cuts in the vicinity of the PVN cause hyperphagia and increased body weight. The present study investigates in rats the impact of electrolytic lesions within and around the PVN, on food intake, water intake, and daily body weight gain. Small lesions essentially restricted to the PVN are found to produce overeating and increased body weight, in both female and male rats maintained on either lab chow pellets or high fat mash. This effect appears to be strongest with lesions which damage the caudal aspect of the PVN. Destruction of tissue dorsal, ventral, or rostral to the PVN has no effect, or a suppressive effect, on food intake and body weight. With one exception, larger lesions, which extend beyond the borders of the nucleus, produce no greater response than lesions restricted to the PVN. The exception is a very large lesion which simultaneously damages the PVN and the ventromedial hypothalamic region (in the vicinity of the ventromedial nucleus) and which is somewhat more effective than PVN lesions in causing hyperphagia and obesity.
GENERATION OF A HOT, DENSE PLASMA BY A COLLECTIVE BEAM-PLASMA INTERACTION,

S>Plasma was produced using a pulsed electron beam. The plasma was generated primarily by energetic plasma electrons receiving energy from strong oscillations resulting from interactions between the electron beam and the plasma. These oscillations use part of the beam's d-c kinetic energy to produce and heat a plasma. (L.N.N.)
Chlamydia trachomatis YtgA is an iron-binding periplasmic protein induced by iron restriction

Chlamydia trachomatis is a Gram-negative obligate intracellular bacterium that is the causative agent of common sexually transmitted diseases and the leading cause of preventable blindness worldwide. It has been observed that YtgA (CT067) is very immunogenic in patients with chlamydial genital infections. Homology analyses suggested that YtgA is a soluble periplasmic protein and a component of an ATP-binding cassette (ABC) transport system for metals such as iron. Since little is known about iron transport in C. trachomatis, biochemical assays were used to determine the potential role of YtgA in iron acquisition. 59Fe binding and competition studies revealed that YtgA preferentially binds iron over nickel, zinc or manganese. Western blot and densitometry techniques showed that YtgA concentrations specifically increased 3–5-fold in C. trachomatis, when cultured under iron-starvation conditions rather than under general stress conditions, such as exposure to penicillin. Finally, immuno-transmission electron microscopy provided evidence that YtgA is more concentrated in C. trachomatis during iron restriction, supporting a possible role for YtgA as a component of an ABC transporter.
IRIS: Interferometric Reflectance Imaging Sensor – Multiplexed Assays and Single Virus Detection

We apply basic principles of optical interference to biological sensing demonstrating label-free protein and DNA micro-arrays, and single virus detection with size discrimination capability. IRIS shows promise for high-sensitivity viral diagnostics at the point-of-care.
Local inhibitor of the crayfish telson-flexor motor giant neurons: morphology and physiology.

1. The motor circuits that control telson flexion in the crayfish (Procambarus clarkii) include a curiously arranged subcircuit: a premotor ‘command’ neuron excites a motor neuron via a trisynaptic pathway, but also inhibits (and prevents firing of) the motor neuron via a shorter latency pathway (Kramer et al. 1981a). The premotor and motor neurons in this circuit have been previously identified (Kramer et al. 1981a; Dumont and Wine 1985a, b; see Fig. 1). We have now identified a local interneuron that inhibits the motor neurons. 2. The cell we studied is called the ‘C’ cell because of its distinctive structure (Figs. 2, 3). A single pair of bilaterally homologous C-cells was found in the last (6th) abdominal ganglion. The C-cells are invariably dye coupled to one another following injections of lucifer yellow into either one of them, and are frequently dye coupled to smaller axons in the 2nd, 3rd, and 6th nerves. In addition, some of the extensive branches of the C-cell extend out into the 6th nerve, where they are in close proximity to the axons of the motor neurons they inhibit (Fig. 3). 3. Two kinds of evidence established that the C-cell directly inhibits the motor neurons. First, when simultaneous recordings were made from the C-cell and the motor neurons, spikes in the C-cell, no matter how evoked, were invariably followed, within 1.5 ms, by depolarizing IPSPs in the motor neuron (Fig. 6). Second, when the C-cell was hyperpolarized so that it could not fire, that same IPSP in the motor neuron was abolished (Fig. 6). 4. The inhibitory pathway to the motor neurons must be fired at short latency in order to prevent firing caused by the trisynaptic excitatory input (Fig. 1). The C-cells were fired at short latency (<3 ms) by impulses in either of the escape command cells (Fig. 4), and at even shorter latency by impulses in the Segmental Giant of the 6th ganglion (SG6) (Fig. 5). It has been established elsewhere that the SGs are a major output pathway of the escape command cells; our results suggest that they may be the pathway for commandevoked firing of the C-cell. 5. The C-cells are also excited by two descending, non-giant, flexion premotor neurons, called I2 and I3 (Fig. 5). The EPSPs from a single I2 or I3 impulse were subthreshold, but temporal and spatial summation of EPSPs from the non-giant pathway sometimes fired the C-cells. 6. The IPSP produced by a single C-cell impulse was only a small proportion (<15%) of the total IPSP produced by command cell firing. However, each motor neuron received IPSPs from both C-cells, and the C-cells typically fired multiple spikes. The remainder of the compound IPSP produced by the command cells consisted of summated IPSPs from other inhibitory interneurons, including interganglionic ones (Dumont and Wine 1985a, b). 7. The identification of a major local inhibitory neuron should help in the interpretation of the functional significance of this unusual subcircuit.
The “Problem” of ‘Liza Jane in Charles Chesnutt's THE WIFE OF HIS YOUTH

Charles Chesnutt's short story “The Wife of His Youth” appears to be a tale of reckoning and redemption for a man who, about to embark on a promising future, must first come to terms with his past....
The Dynamics of Informational Cascades: The Monday Demonstrations in Leipzig, East Germany, 1989–91

This article analyzes the dynamics of turnout and the political impact of five cycles of protest, consisting of forty-two mass demonstrations that occurred on Mondays in Leipzig over the period 1989–91. These demonstrations are interpreted as an informational cascade that publicly revealed some of the previously hidden information about the malign nature of the East German communist regime. Once this information became publicly available, the viability of the regime was undermined. The Monday demonstrations subsequently died a slow death as their informational role declined.
CP violation from slepton oscillations at the LHC and NLC

Abstract In supersymmetric theories the charged sleptons of different generations may oscillate amongst themselves while they decay. In the case of three generation oscillations, superpartner production at the LHC and NLC may lead to an observable CP-violating signal N ( e + μ − ) − N ( μ + e − ). This signal is proportional to a CP-violating invariant of the slepton mass matrix, J , which is not constrained by searches for the electric dipole moment of the electron. The sensitivity of the LHC and NLC to this signal is highly dependent on superpartner masses, but J may be probed to a level of 10 −3 . Observation of the CP-violating signal would imply a definite structure for the slepton mass matrices and have strong implications for models of flavor and SUSY breaking.
Control of Apoptosis by Asymmetric Cell Division

Asymmetric cell division and apoptosis (programmed cell death) are two fundamental processes that are important for the development and function of multicellular organisms. We have found that the processes of asymmetric cell division and apoptosis can be functionally linked. Specifically, we show that asymmetric cell division in the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans is mediated by a pathway involving three genes, dnj-11 MIDA1, ces-2 HLF, and ces-1 Snail, that directly control the enzymatic machinery responsible for apoptosis. Interestingly, the MIDA1-like protein GlsA of the alga Volvox carteri, as well as the Snail-related proteins Snail, Escargot, and Worniu of Drosophila melanogaster, have previously been implicated in asymmetric cell division. Therefore, C. elegans dnj-11 MIDA1, ces-2 HLF, and ces-1 Snail may be components of a pathway involved in asymmetric cell division that is conserved throughout the plant and animal kingdoms. Furthermore, based on our results, we propose that this pathway directly controls the apoptotic fate in C. elegans, and possibly other animals as well.
A facile separation of terminal and replicative deoxynucleotidyl transferases of Walker-256 carcinosarcoma

Abstract 1. Two distinct deoxynucleotidyl transferases (EC 2.7.7.7) have been isolated from Walker 256 carcinosarcoma cells prepared in 0.25 M sucrose. 2. The transferase found in the cytoplasmic fraction of the cells disrupted in 2.3 M sucrose had properties similar to those reported for terminal deoxynucleotide transferases; notibly only a single deoxynucleoside triphosphate was required for enzyme activity. 3. The transferase extracted with 0.14 M NaCl from the nuclear preparation had replicative deoxynucleotide transferase activity since all 4 deoxynucleoside triphosphates were required for maximum activity. 4. Evidence is presented which indicates that the 2 transferases were obtained relatively free from contamination by the other.
Hereditary Striatonigral and Cerebello-Olivary Degeneration of the Kerry Blue Terrier. II. Ultrastructural Lesions in the Caudate Nucleus and Cerebellar Cortex

The character and progression of ultrastructural lesions in the caudate nucleus and cerebellar cortex were studied in four Kerry Blue Terriers afflicted with a hereditary neurodegenerative disease. In the caudate nucleus, the initial lesion was mitochondrial hypertrophy in dendrites of intrinsic neurons. Degeneration of these neurons became widespread while axons of passage and terminal boutons were spared. During the final stages, there was severe disruption of the neuropil with loss of both neurons and glia. A narrow zone bordering the lateral ventricles, however, remained unaffected. In the cerebellar cortex, the lesions involved principally Purkinje cells and progressed through a pattern of degeneration comparable to that involving intrinsic neurons of the caudate nucleus. In the later stages, there was astroglial scarring of the molecular layer. In contrast to the caudate nucleus, there was no disruption of the neuropil with loss of structure in the cerebellum. The fact that progression of lesions during the early stages of the disease in both the caudate nucleus and cerebellar cortex was similar suggested a common mechanism for the neurodegeneration .
Early Mobilization in Critically Ill Patients: Patients' Mobilization Level Depends on Health Care Provider's Profession

Objective To evaluate whether the level of mobilization achieved and the barriers for progressing to the next mobilization level differ between nurses and physical therapists. Design Prospective, observational study. Setting Twenty-bed surgical intensive care unit (SICU) of the Massachusetts General Hospital. Participants Sixty-three critically ill patients. Methods Physical therapists and nurses performed 179 mobilization therapies with 63 patients. Outcome Measurement Mobilization was defined as the process of enhancing mobility in the SICU, including bed mobility, edge of bed activities, transfers out of bed to a chair, and gait training; the mobilization level was measured on the SICU optimal mobilization scale, a 5-point (0-4) numerical rating scale. Results Patients' level of mobilization achieved by physical therapists was significantly higher compared with that achieved by nurses (2.3 ± 1.2 mean ± SD versus 1.2 ± 1.2, respectively P P = .03) and renal replacement therapy (12% versus 1%, P = .03) were barriers rated higher by nurses, whereas neurologic impairment was rated higher by physical therapists providers (18% versus 38%, P = .002). No mobilization-associated adverse events were observed in this study. Conclusions This study showed that physical therapists mobilize their critically ill patients to higher levels compared with nurses. Nurse and physical therapists identify different barriers for mobilization. Routine involvement of physical therapists in directing mobilization treatment may promote early mobilization of critically ill patients.