cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Addition at the Molecular Level: Signal Integration in Designed Per–ARNT–Sim Receptor Proteins

Abstract Survival of organisms in dynamic environments requires accurate perception and integration of signals. At the molecular level, signal detection is mediated by signal receptor proteins that largely are of modular composition. Sensor modules, such as the widespread Per–ARNT–Sim (PAS) domains, detect signals and, in response, regulate the biological activity of effector modules. Here, we exploit the modularity of signal receptors to design and engineer synthetic receptors that comprise two PAS sensor domains responsive to different signals, and we use these signals to control the activity of a histidine kinase effector. Designed two-input PAS receptors detected oxygen and blue light in a positive cooperative manner. The extent of the response to the signals was dictated by domain topology: the dominant regulatory effect was exerted by the PAS domain proximal to the effector domain. The presence of one sensor domain modulated the signal response function of the other. Sequence and structural data on natural receptors with tandem PAS domains show that these are predominantly linked by short amphipathic α-helices. Signals from multiple sensor domains could be integrated and propagated to the effector domain as torques. Our results inform the rational design of receptors that integrate multiple signals to modulate cellular behavior.
Doublet separations of forbidden-hyperfine transitions in the EPR of transition-metal complexes

Abstract The details of a procedure to derive the expressions for doublet separations of the hyperfine-forbidden transitions: Δ M = ± 1 Δ m = ± 1, or ± 2 ( M , m are the electronic and nuclear magnetic quantum numbers, respectively) in the EPR spectrum, are described, taking into account third-order perturbation-energies of the spin Hamiltonian H = β e S T · g · B + S T · D · S + S T · A · I + I T · P · I − β n I T · g n · B , wherein the axes of the various tensors g , D , A , P and g n are assumed to be non-coincident. These expressions are useful for estimating the nuclear quadrupole tensor, P , and the nuclear g -tensor, g n , which cannot otherwise be determined, in the first-order of approximation, from the positions of the allowed transitions ( ΔM = ± 1, Δm = 0). The expressions for the doublet separations specifically applicable to Mn 2+ (S = I = 5 2 S and I are, respectively, the electronic and nuclear spins) have been listed for the transitions M = 1 2 − 1 2 : Δm = ± 1, Δm = ± 2 M = ± 3 2 ± 1 2 : Δm = ± 1 and M = ± 5 2 ± 3 2 : Δ m = ± 1; these are compared with those published previously. These expressions have been exploited to estimate the quadrupole parameters Q ′ and Q ″ from the X -band EPR doublet separations observed for Mn 2+ in Cd(CH 3 COO) 2 · 3H 2 O.
The Phytophagous Insect Fauna of the Ragweed, Ambrosia confertiflora , in Southern California

Phytophagous insects representing 6 orders, 33 families, and 88 species are reported as comprising the insect fauna of Ambrosia confertiflora Decandolle (Compositae) in southern California. Most insects found attacking this native ragweed were euryphagous, ectophagous, sap- and foliage-feeding species. About ½ reproduced on this plant. Seventeen (24%) of the 72 associates identified to species were stenophagous, their host apparently confined to the tribe Heliantheae. Twenty-three (32%) of these were minor or major pests of cultivars.
Effects of diflubenzuron on the reproductive success of the bluegill sunfish, Lepomis macrochirus

Exposure to diflubenzuron concentrations of 2.5 μg/L reduced growth of young-of-the-year (Y-O-Y) bluegill by 56 and 86% in replicate enclosures and by 88 and 97% at 30 μg/L. An adult bluegill reproduction study was conducted in six littoral enclosures located in a 2-ha pond near Duluth, Minnesota. Decreased growth of Y-O-Y bluegill resulted from the reduction or elimination of preferred invertebrate prey items by diflubenzuron that led to different and/or less Y-O-Y food consumption. Adult bluegill behavior and spawning, embryo hatching, larval survival until swim-up, and Y-O-Y biomass were also studied. Before the first two diflubenzuron applications, spawning occurred in all enclosures ; following the first application, spawning occurred in both control enclosures and one 30-μg/L enclosure. Successful embryo hatching and larval swim-up occurred in all enclosures prior to the first application, and in one control and one 30-μg/L enclosure following application. The Y-O-Y growth was the most sensitive end point, and Y-O-Y biomass was among the least sensitive end points for bluegill reproductive success. The Y-O-Y bluegills (and potentially other fish species) that are exposed to diflubenzuron concentrations of ≥2.5 μg/L may experience reduced growth, which can result in greater starvation, increased predation, reductions in over-winter survival, and diminished to poor recruitment.
Acquisition, retention and dispersal of soilborne plant pathogenic fungi by fungus gnats and moth flies

Adult fungus gnats and moth flies were experimentally demonstrated to function as potential above-ground vectors for three soilborne plant pathogens: Verticillium dahliae, Fusarium acuminatum and Thielaviopsis basicola. The adult insects externally acquired the conidia of the pathogens after exposure to the cultures as confirmed by scanning electron microscope photography. The intestinal contents and frass deposits of larvae exposed to fungal cultures contained viable fungal propagules. Internally infested larvae developed into internally infested pupae; however, the emerging adults were free of fungal structures. Because of the maintenance of a high level of inoculum on the external body surface and the ability of these adult insects to fly, they can be a significant factor in the dispersal of soilborne fungi in greenhouse agriculture. The rate of dispersal of T. basicola by adult fungus gnats was 1.78 cm 2 h -1 per insect and by adult moth flies was 1.17 cm 2 h -1 per insect. The area over which the pathogen was dispersed by the adult insects increased with the increase in exposure time. The study demonstrated that adult insects are efficient distributors of soilborne plant pathogenic fungal propagules.
Congenital Coronary Arteriopathy and Myocardial Infarctions Occur With Tricuspid Atresia

Sinusoids and coronary arterial fistulae are well described in fetuses and infants with single ventricles. Coronary arteriopathy is well described as a cause of myocardial infarction in adults and in children with familial hypercholesterolemias. To the best of our knowledge, pathologic alterations in coronary arteries (coronary arteriopathy) have only twice before been described as the cause of infarction in neonates. We present the case of a newborn with perinatal myocardial infarctions and death in the setting of extensive coronary arteriopathy and tricuspid atresia. The child had a pulseless arrest immediately after birth. Autopsy showed multiple areas of infarction ranging in age from acute to >10 days old.
Heuristic search and information visualization methods for school redistricting

We describe an application of AI search and information visualization techniques to the problem of school redistricting, in which students are assigned to home schools within a county or school district. This is a multicriteria optimization problem in which competing objectives must be considered, such as school capacity, busing costs, and socioeconomic distribution. Because of the complexity of the decision-making problem, tools are needed to help end users generate, evaluate, and compare alternative school assignment plans. A key goal of our research is to aid users in finding multiple qualitatively different redistricting plans that represent different tradeoffs in the decision space. We present heuristic search methods that can be used to find a set of qualitatively different plans, and give empirical results of these search methods on population data from the school district of Howard County, Maryland. We show the resulting plans using novel visualization methods that we have developed for summarizing and comparing alternative plans.
Classifying adults' and children's faces by sex: computational investigations of subcategorical feature encoding

The faces of both adults and children can be classified accurately by sex, even in the absence of sex-stereotyped social cues such as hair and clothing (Wild et al., 2000). Although much is known from psychological and computational studies about the information that supports sex classification for adults’ faces, children’s faces have been much less studied. The purpose of the present study was to quantify and compare the information available in adults’ versus children’s faces for sex classification and to test alternative theories of how human observers distinguish male and female faces for these different age groups. We implemented four computational/neural network models of this task that differed in terms of the age categories from which the sex classification features were derived. Two of the four strategies replicated the advantage for classifying adults’ faces found in previous work. To determine which of these strategies was a better model of human performance, we compared the performance of the two models with that of human subjects at the level of individual faces. The results suggest that humans judge the sex of adults’ and children’s faces using feature sets derived from the appropriate face age category, rather than applying features derived from another age category or from a combination of age categories. © 2001 Cognitive Science Society, Inc. All rights reserved.
Positioning of quantum dots on metallic nanostructures

The capability to position individual emitters, such as quantum dots, near metallic nanostructures is highly desirable for constructing active optical devices that can manipulate light at the single photon level. The emergence of the field of plasmonics as a means to confine light now introduces a need for high precision and reliability in positioning any source of emission, which has thus far been elusive. Placing an emission source within the influence of plasmonic structures now requires accuracy approaching molecular length scales. In this paper we report the ability to reliably position nanoscale functional objects, specifically quantum dots, with sub-100-nm accuracy, which is several times smaller than the diffraction limit of a quantum dot's emission light. Electron beam lithography-defined masks on metallic surfaces and a series of surface chemical functionalization processes allow the programmed assembly of DNA-linked colloidal quantum dots. The quantum dots are successfully functionalized to areas as small as (100 nm)(2) using the specific binding of thiolated DNA to Au/Ag, and exploiting the streptavidin-biotin interaction. An analysis of the reproducibility of the process for various pattern sizes shows that this technique is potentially scalable to the single quantum dot level with 50 nm accuracy accompanied by a moderate reduction in yield.
A new topology error detection approach for power system state estimation

The convergence property of state estimation is a critical issue for its following security assessment functions in energy management system. This paper studies the convergence property of the commonly used weighted least square (WLS) approach for the variations of load levels and system sizes. A new robust bad data processing approach is presented for the purpose of convergence and robustness in this paper. A comparison of robustness between WLS and the proposed approach has been performed. Numerical tests on IEEE 188 bus system and a real system with 5145 bus have been conducted for illustration of the proposed approach.
STRUCTURAL EQUATION MODELING IN PRACTICE: A REVIEW AND RECOMMENDED TWO-STEP APPROACH

In this article, we provide guidance for substantive researchers on the use of structural equation modeling in practice for theory testing and development. We present a comprehensive, two-step modeling approach that employs a series of nested models and sequential chi-square difference tests. We discuss the comparative advantages of this approach over a one-step approach. Considerations in specification, assessment of fit, and respecification of measurement models using confirmatory factor analysis are reviewed. As background to the two-step approach, the distinction between exploratory and confirmatory analysis, the distinction between complementary approaches for theory testing versus predictive application, and some developments in estimation methods also are discussed.
Modification of Sintering Kinetics by Solute Segregation in Al2O3

The segregation of MgO solute at grain boundaries in Al2O3 controls the grain-growth kinetics during sintering. In the initial stages of sintering where grain growth can be neglected, the MgO solute causes a decreased sintering rate by reducing the surface energy and/or the diffusion coefficient of the rate-determining species. During the later stages of sintering, the segregated solute decreases the grain-growth rate which dominates the sintering kinetics.
ON A GENERAL DISTRIBUTION THEORY FOR A CLASS OF LIKELIHOOD RATIO CRITERIA

Summary In this paper the exact distribution of a statistic with general moment function has been derived in a gamma series and also in a beta series. It is shown that the Box expansion can be obtained from the gamma series by collecting terms of the same order.
Stock Definition and Recruitment: Implications for the U.S. Sea Scallop (Placopecten magellanicus) Fishery from 2003 to 2011

The United States sea scallop management plan applies fishing mortality in a uniform manner, assigning a single value of instantaneous fishing mortality (F) to the entire resource. Applying a single value of fishing mortality assumes the scallop resource is a single population. Dividing the resource into Georges Bank and Mid-Atlantic Bight reveals that each has been either excessively fished or underutilized based on the present definition of optimum yield. The sea scallop resource was highest in 2003 and has declined by about 50,000 metric tons, entirely from the Mid-Atlantic Bight. Abundance and the corresponding harvest levels will likely continue if the resource is a single population and scallops in the closed areas of Georges Bank populate the entire resource. Abundance and the corresponding harvest levels will likely decline if Georges Bank and the Mid-Atlantic Bight are separate populations in that scallops within these areas have a closed lifecycle. The depletion of the large number of small scal...
Plant Defense Guilds

Optimal plant defense should incorporate any mechanisms that influence the feeding behavior of potential pests. From a diverse collection of examples suggesting that the defense of a plant may be improved in the company of specific neighbors, we discuss a framework of operational mechanisms that begin to clarify some aspects of the recognized influence of species diversity on herbivory. Neighbors serve as insectary plants for herbivore predators and parasites, and influence herbivore feeding behavior by repelling, masking, attracting, and decoying. Insectary plants lower the numerical response of herbivores by increasing the efficiency of their predators and parasites. Repellent plants primarily lower functional response by causing the predator to fail to locate or reject its normal prey. Attractant-decoy plants dilute herbivore impact by drawing off herbivores, either increasing or decreasing their numerical and functional response (or either). The concept of gene conservation guilds adds diversionary and delaying tactics to the adaptation-counteradaptation view of plant-herbivore coevolution. The useful life of a given gene for resistance may best be extended by mechanisms that disrupt genetic tracking (specialization) by herbivores. Some plants may remain inedible not because their chemistry or morphology represents an evolutionary impasse, but because they live in an environment that provides acceptable options of variable quality. Feeding environments that provide little or no choice promote specialization by forcing physiological adaptation. Conversely, the evolutionary momentum of specializing herbivores may be lowered by enhancing their susceptibility, either by selection against virulent individuals, or by decreasing the exposure frequency of susceptible genotypes. The latter mechanism of conserving susceptible individuals takes advantage of herbivore behavioral sensitivity to variable plant quality. Direct selection against virulent genotypes requires temporal cycling of the herbivore population between resistant and nonresistant hosts. Both events may occur within defense guilds that provide acceptable feeding options of similar but distinctive quality.
Ability of Sit4p to promote K+ efflux via Nha1p is modulated by Sap155p and Sap185p.

We demonstrate here that SAP155 encodes a negative modulator of K+ efflux in the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Overexpression of SAP155 decreases efflux, whereas deletion increases efflux. In contrast, a homolog of SAP155, called SAP185, encodes a positive modulator of K+ efflux: overexpression of SAP185 increases efflux, whereas deletion decreases efflux. Two other homologs, SAP4 and SAP190, are without effect on K+ homeostasis. Both SAP155 and SAP185 require the presence of SIT4 for function, which encodes a PP2A-like phosphatase important for the G1-S transition through the cell cycle. Overexpression of either the outwardly rectifying K+ channel, Tok1p, or the putative plasma membrane K+/H+ antiporter, Kha1p, increases efflux in both wild-type and sit4Δ strains. However, overexpression of the Na+-K+/H+ antiporter, Nha1p, is without effect in a sit4Δ strain, suggesting that Sit4p signals to Nha1p. In summary, the combined activities of Sap155p and Sap185p appear to control the function of Nha1p in K+ homeostasis via Sit4p.
Effect of plasma protein binding on elimination of bilirubin

Studies in humans and rats have shown pronounced intersubject variation in the elimination of the coumarin anticoagulants dicumarol and warfarin (1–4). Detailed investigations in rats revealed that this intersubject variation may be associated with large differences in the distribution of these drugs in the body (3, 4).
The ilio‐sacral articulation in frogs: form and function

The amphibian order Anura (frogs) is a major group whose origin appears related to the transformation of its locomotor system for saltation. However, the ilio-sacral articulation, a uniquely specialized part of the frog locomotor morphology, remains largely unstudied. Preliminary work reveals significant differences in the morphology of the ilio-sacral articulation among extant frogs and suggests that differences in types of articulation are correlated with different directional movements at the joint, with specific locomotor modes, and wim phylogenetic groupings. SUMMARY The morphology of the ilio-sacral articulation in frogs is correlated with different patterns of mobility at the joint and different locomotor behaviors. Overlain on diese basic differences in articulation among frogs is variation in other aspects of pelvic and vertebral morphology as well: muscle origin and insertion, urostyle fused or free, length and angle of the ilia, length of transverse processes of the pre-sacral vertebrae, and die articulation pattern of die presacral vertebrae. Obviously, the role of these additional morphologies must be established and integrated with the data on articular morphology before die form-function complex is completely understood. This paper is the first step towards that end, and work on other aspects of pelvic and vertebral morphology is underway.
Neurotrophins in the developing and regenerating visual system

The neurotrophins NGF, BDNF, NT-3 and NT-4 have a wide range of effects in the development and regeneration of neural circuits in the visual system of vertebrates. This review focuses on the localization and functions of neurotrophins in the retina, lateral geniculate nucleus, suprachiasmatic nucleus, superior colliculus/optic tectum, and isthmic nuclei. Research of the past 20 years has shown that neurotrophins and their receptors are localized in numerous visual centers from the retina to the visual cortex, and that neurotrophins influence proliferation, neurite outgrowth and survival of cells in the visual system in vitro and in vivo. A relationship between electrical activity and neurotrophic functions has been established in several visual centers in the CNS, and neurotrophins have been implicated in synaptic plasticity in the visual cortex. Besides functions of neurotrophins as retrograde, target-derived trophic factors, recent data indicate that neurotrophins may have anterograde, afferent as well as local, paracrine actions in the retina, optic nerve and the visual cortex. Some neurotrophins appear to regulate proliferation and survival of glial cells in the optic pathways. Neurotrophins increase the survival of retinal ganglion cells after axotomy or ischemia and they promote the regeneration of retinal ganglion cell axons in some vertebrates. Neurotrophins also rescue photoreceptors from degeneration. These findings implicate the neurotrophins not only as important regulators during development, but also as potential therapeutic agents in degenerative retinal diseases and after optic nerve injury.
Rhythmic electrographic discharges during deep hypothermic circulatory arrest.

Abstract Objective The main objective of this study is to examine the prevalence and timing of rhythmic electrographic discharges and periodic sharp transients during aortic arch repair surgeries using DHCA as detected by continuous intraoperative encephalogram (EEG) and correlate it with outcome. Methods Electronic medical records and the intraoperative EEGs of 32 patients who underwent aortic arch reconstruction with DHCA were reviewed. Preoperative patient characteristics, intraoperative data, and postoperative outcomes were examined. EEGs were graded based on the frequency of sharp transients (grade 0–2) and/or the presence of rhythmic electrographic discharges (grade 3). Results Periodic sharp transients were seen in 30/32 cases. Grade 1 and grade 2 activations were more prominent during cooling at nasopharyngeal temperature of 23.9 ± 4.01 °C (mean ± SDV). Rhythmic electrographic discharges occurred in seven patients and were exclusively seen during cooling at nasopharyngeal temperatures below 28 °C except in one case during rewarming at nasopharyngeal temperatures of 22 °C. No patient with rhythmic discharges developed postoperative clinical neurologic deficit or seizures. Conclusions Periodic sharp transients occurred in almost all cases during induction of deep hypothermia. This activity was not associated with postoperative neurologic deficit. Significance Clinical neurophysiologists, technicians and surgeons need to be aware that low amplitude periodic sharp transients and rhythmic electrographic discharges are common during DHCA, yet have no apparent clinical significance.
Regulatory T cell memory

Memory for antigen is a defining feature of adaptive immunity. Antigen-specific lymphocyte populations show an increase in number and function after antigen encounter and more rapidly re-expand upon subsequent antigen exposure. Studies of immune memory have primarily focused on effector B cells and T cells with microbial specificity, using prime-challenge models of infection. However, recent work has also identified persistently expanded populations of antigen-specific regulatory T cells that protect against aberrant immune responses. In this Review, we consider the parallels between memory effector T cells and memory regulatory T cells, along with the functional implications of regulatory memory in autoimmunity, antimicrobial host defence and maternal-fetal tolerance. In addition, we discuss emerging evidence for regulatory T cell memory in humans and key unanswered questions in this rapidly evolving field.
Post-Islamist Transformations in Morocco

This article explores the continuities and ruptures of modern Islamic social movements starting with the reformist salafiyya of Egypt, North Africa, and the Levant, moving through the Islamic political activism of the Muslim Brotherhood along with its various affiliated political parties in the Middle East and North Africa ( MENA ), and finally the radical Jihadist militant groups calling for armed insurgency in parts of the MENA as well as globally. After an extensive overview of the varied movements within Salafism in its global context, I will hone in on its articulation in Morocco, its relations with other Islamist movements, as well as with the Moroccan monarchical authoritarian system. I argue that in the wake of post-Islamist adopting of human rights discourse and notions of pluralism in the workings of the Justice and Development Party ( PJD ) government, the Salafi trend is also undertaking a transformation in Morocco. Placed in its historical and social contexts, however, I show that this trend has never been static and continues to change in relation to competing and collaborating Islamist trends as well as toward the Moroccan government.
A risk-based approach to optimal clustering under random labeled point processes

Typically, optimization in clustering is relative to a heuristic metric, rather than relative to a definition of error with respect to a probabilistic model to make clustering rigorously predictive. To address this, we develop a general risk- based formulation for clustering that parallels classical Bayes decision theory for classification, transforming clustering from a subjective activity to an objective operation. We develop a general analytic procedure to find an optimal clustering operator, called a Bayes clusterer, which corresponds to the Bayes classifier in classification theory. In particular, we address Gaussian models, and discuss fundamental limits of performance in clustering.
Asymptotic controllability

It is shown that controllability of a linear system is essentially determined by the controllability of its limiting form. When the limit is time invariant, an especially simple controllability criterion emerges. Procedures for stabilizing a system based solely on the soultions to the limiting differential equations are also presented.
Multifunctional Resistive-Heating and Color-Changing Monofilaments Produced by a Single-Step Coaxial Melt-Spinning Process

Multifunctional coaxial monofilaments were successfully produced by melt-spinning several polymer composites in a single-step. The external layer of the monofilaments was a thermochromic composite having a color-transition at 40 °C (above the ambient temperature) in order to avoid control interferences by the external temperature. The core layer of the monofilaments was a conductive polymer nanocomposite whose resistive heating properties were used to control the monofilament’s temperature and therefore its color using electrical current. The careful selection of the materials and adequate formulation allowed to obtain a trilayer structure with enhanced compatibility between the layers. The mechanical properties of the monofilaments were improved by a solid-state stretching step while also decreasing their diameter. A 64 cm2 prototype fabric was woven to characterize the resistive-heating and color-changing properties of the monofilaments. Exceptional thermal output levels were reached, with a temperature...
EVOLUTIONARY ASSOCIATIONS OF BROOD PARASITIC FINCHES (VIDUA) AND THEIR HOST SPECIES: ANALYSES OF MITOCHONDRIAL DNA RESTRICTION SITES.

The species-specific associations of the African brood parasitic finches Vidua with their estrildid finch host species may have originated by cospeciation with the host species or by later colonizations of new hosts. Predictions of these alternative models were tested in two species groups of brood parasites (indigobirds, paradise whydahs) and their hosts. Phylogenetic analyses suggested that the brood parasites and their hosts did not speciate in parallel. The parasitic indigobirds share mitochondrial haplotypes with each other, and species limits in both indigobirds and paradise whydahs do not correspond with their gene trees. Different parasite species within a region are more closely related to each other than any is to parasites that are associated with its same host species in other regions of Africa. There is little genetic difference between parasite species Di,j < 0.001 in the indigobirds, Di,j = 0.01 in the whydahs). Genetic distances Di,j between the parasite species are less than the genetic distances between their corresponding host species in all parasite-host comparisons, and average only 7.2% as large in the indigobirds as in their hosts and 42% as large in the paradise whydahs as in their hosts. A phylogenetic model that allows ancestral haplotype polymorphisms to be retained in descendant species was compared to a constraint model of species monophyly requiring all but the one ancestral haplotype to be independently derived within each species. The constraint model increases the length of the indigobird tree by 50% over that of the model of retained ancestral polymorphisms; the difference is statistically significant. Both phylogenetic and distance analyses indicate that the brood parasites have become associated with their host species through host switches and independent colonizations of the hosts, rather than through parallel cospeciation with them. The molecular genetic results are supported by recent discoveries of additional host species that are associated with the indigobirds in the field and by variation in the species-specific song behaviors of the brood parasites.
Discussion On Financjal Management in State-owned Institufions

This paper explored the various problems existed in Financial Management of state-owned Instituntions, and discussed how to regulate the financial department, save financing capitals, improve the operation quality.And finally, the paper proposed some detailed suggestions countermeasures.
Prolactin-secreting pituitary adenomas in women. II. Menstrual function, pituitary reserves, and prolactin production following microsurgical removal.

A prospective study of 46 women with prolactin-secreting pituitary adenomas and amenorrhea and/or galactorrhea was performed to determine the influence of the selective transsphenoidal removal of these tumars on pituitary and reproductive function. This procedure was effective in restoring menstrual function in 34 of 41 women and in eliminating lactation in 30 of 40 women. Tumor size and preoperative serum prolactin concentrations were the most important factors in predicting the postoperative disappearance of symptoms. Normal menstrual function returned in 33 of 34 women with tumors 2 cm. Similarly, galactorrhea disappeared in 29 of 34 women with tumors
Office evaluation of the infertile couple.

SUMMARY An office setting is perfectly adequate for the initial outpatient management of the infertile couple. The preliminary history, physical findings, and laboratory data may be obtained within a reasonable period of time, usually 3 to 4 months, allowing for the 72 to 74 day duration of the spermatogenic cycle with an additional 12 to 20 days for transport of sperm through the genital duct system. The cost to the patient will vary according to the number of visits necessary, the lab data obtained, and the complexity of the problem. In my practice, the initial consultation; three semen samples; FSH, LH, testosterone, complete blood count, blood urea nitrogen, and creatinine determinations; and the follow-up evaluation to review the data usually cost the patients $250. If hospitalization is required for scrotal exploration, testicular biopsy, or spermatic vein ligation, an additional cost of $900 to $2000 is average for hospital and physician costs in our community. An additional 6 to 12 weeks usually elapses after diagnosis of the problem is established and therapy is begun. The results of therapy (pregnancy) usually average an additional 6 to 8 months; if pregnancy is not achieved within 12 months after therapy is begun, we usually recommend that the couple consider other alternatives such as artificial donor insemination and/or adoption. The following flow sheet provides the urologist with a checklist and guidelines for the assessment and successful treatment of the infertile couple.
Current Source Density Analysis of Ongoing Neural Activity: Theory and Application

Current source density (CSD) is the second spatial derivative of the local field potential (LFP). CSD analysis has been used extensively to localize the pattern of transmembrane current flow in neuronal ensembles. For brain responses to repeated external stimulation, the LFP data are epoched and averaged across an ensemble of trials, from which the CSD profile is then derived. For spontaneous brain activity, however, the lack of an external triggering event makes ensemble average difficult, hampering the investigation of such important cognitive functions as anticipatory attention and working memory. In this chapter, we describe a new method called phase realigned averaging technique (PRAT), which can overcome this difficulty and achieve CSD profiles on a frequency-by-frequency basis. The method is first validated on simulation examples and then applied to LFP recordings from a monkey performing an intermodal selective attention task.
The growth of private higher education in North Africa: a comparative analysis of Morocco and Tunisia

ABSTRACTThis article examines the growth of private higher education (PHE) in two North African nations: Morocco and Tunisia. It draws on interviews with policy-makers and university officials to understand similarities and differences in the nations’ experiences with PHE. It argues that both nations’ official embrace of privatization was in part because PHE was packaged as part of World Bank loans and supported by local entrepreneurs who viewed PHE a lucrative market. Yet, it also finds that the commitment to universal and free university enrollment and strong support for public higher education, a legacy of French colonial rule in both nations, has, thus far, resulted in low demand for PHE and has also led to stalled implementation of PHE policies. Secondly, the article points to the importance of initial models of private universities in each nation as important in explaining differences in the status of PHE in each nation.
An Assemblable, Multi-Angle Fluorescence and Ellipsometric Microscope

We introduce a multi-functional microscope for research laboratories that have significant cost and space limitations. The microscope pivots around the sample, operating in upright, inverted, side-on and oblique geometries. At these geometries it is able to perform bright-field, fluorescence and qualitative ellipsometric imaging. It is the first single instrument in the literature to be able to perform all of these functionalities. The system can be assembled by two undergraduate students from a provided manual in less than a day, from off-the-shelf and 3D printed components, which together cost approximately $16k at 2016 market prices. We include a highly specified assembly manual, a summary of design methodologies, and all associated 3D-printing files in hopes that the utility of the design outlives the current component market. This open design approach prepares readers to customize the instrument to specific needs and applications. We also discuss how to select household LEDs as low-cost light sources for fluorescence microscopy. We demonstrate the utility of the microscope in varied geometries and functionalities, with particular emphasis on studying hydrated, solid-supported lipid films and wet biological samples.
Except-Africa: Remaking Development, Rethinking Power

(2000). Except-Africa: Remaking Development, Rethinking Power. Journal of Economic Issues: Vol. 34, No. 1, pp. 229-232.
Gamma Ray Bursts

When Mal so ended the first theory review on gamma-ray bursts (GRBs), I was on the other side of the world, practicing my fractions. But had he spoken these same words at the end of the fifth Huntsville GRB meeting in October 1999, his favorite model (though not his reasoning) would have been instantly recognized by all present as a very plausible and popular contender for GRBs. His dark horse is still easily identified with soft gamma repeaters — Plus ca change, plus que ca reste le meme. What happened roughly in between the two events is the topic of this tale. We shall see how the field emerged out of the mutual distrust of the Cold War adversaries in the 1960s, and was finally resolved by a determined effort of just about the entire membership of the United Nations in the late 1990s. Its progress, of course, was in fits and starts, interwoven with stagnation and frustration.
Muscle Attenuation Is Associated With Newly Developed Hypertension in Men of African Ancestry.

Increased ectopic adipose tissue infiltration in skeletal muscle is associated with insulin resistance and diabetes mellitus. We evaluated whether change in skeletal muscle adiposity predicts subsequent development of hypertension in men of African ancestry, a population sample understudied in previous studies. In the Tobago Health Study, a prospective longitudinal study among men of African ancestry (age range 40–91 years), calf intermuscular adipose tissue, and skeletal muscle attenuation were measured with computed tomography. Hypertension was defined as a systolic blood pressure ≥140 mm Hg, or a diastolic blood pressure ≥90 mm Hg, or receiving antihypertensive medications. Logistic regression was performed with adjustment for age, insulin resistance, baseline and 6-year change in body mass index, baseline and 6-year change in waist circumference, and other potential confounding factors. Among 746 normotensive men at baseline, 321 (43%) developed hypertension during the mean 6.2 years of follow-up. Decreased skeletal muscle attenuation was associated with newly developed hypertension after adjustment for baseline and 6-year change of body mass index (odds ratio [95% confidence interval] per SD, 1.3 [1.0–1.6]) or baseline and 6-year change of waist circumference (odds ratio [95% confidence interval] per SD, 1.3 [1.0–1.6]). No association was observed between increased intermuscular adipose tissue and hypertension. Our novel findings show that decreased muscle attenuation is associated with newly developed hypertension among men of African ancestry, independent of general and central adiposity and insulin resistance. Further studies are needed to adjust for inflammation, visceral and other ectopic adipose tissue depots, and to confirm our findings in other population samples.
PROGNOSTIC IMPACT OF PREMATURE ATRIAL COMPLEXES IN THE GENERAL POPULATION: A META-ANALYSIS OF OBSERVATIONAL STUDIES

Background: Premature Atrial Complexes (PACs) are frequently observed on routine ECG's and holter monitors. However, their prognostic significance in healthy individuals is not fully elucidated. We performed this Meta-Analysis to assess the impact of PACs on cardiovascular outcomes. Methods:
Critique [of a.k.a. Pablo: Mexican American Images for Television by Norman L. Friedman]

Norman Friedman9s analysis of the short-lived sitcom, a.k.a. Pablo , raises many issues about the role of television in social life and the limited access of minorities to representation on television and to the decision-making processes of television programming. As his content analysis implicitly shows, the “situations” and the comedy of this sitcom were defined, set in motion, and revolved around various positions of Mexican Americans in relation to white culture and society. Pablo9s Mexican jokes and flagrant stereotypical traits allowed him access to the world of show business and at the same time disturbed the self-perceptions and cultural pride of his family; his sister9s liberal activitism [activism] and feminism was placed in opposition to more conservative views of how to progress in America and awareness of the constraints of mainstream white society. The program thus positioned the Rivera family along several axes which showcased the heterogeneity of Mexican Americans as it addressed the socially constructed conventions of cultural stereotypes.
Modulation of PSII Photodamage in the Green Alga Dunaliella salina

The process of oxygenic photosynthesis entails damage to a functional component in the D1 reaction center protein of photosystem II (PSII) [1, 2]. This photo-oxidative damage irreversibly alters the photochemical reaction center chlorophyll (Chl), inhibits the PSII charge separation reaction and stops photosynthesis [3, 4]. Chloroplasts recover from such irreversible photodamage through a multistep enzymatic repair process which involves a selective degradation of the inactive D1 protein, and de novo biosynthesis and integration of a nascent D1 in the PSII holocomplex [5–7]. Photodamage occurs at all light intensities and the repair mechanism operates continuously under ambient plant growth conditions, thus constituting an in vivo PSII damage and repair cycle [8]. When the chloroplast repair process cannot keep up with the rate of photodamage [9], inactive PSII accumulate in the thylakoid membrane. In consequence, the light-saturated rate and the quantum yield of photosynthesis are diminished. This condition is known as photoinhibition of photosynthesis [10]. This paper summarizes some of the biological and physical parameters that modulate the rate of photodamage under in vivo conditions.
Library Journal Publishing

Michigan Publishing is the hub of scholarly publishing at the University of Michigan and is a part of the University Library, publishing scholarly and educational materials in a range of formats for wide dissemination and permanent preservation. Michigan Publishing provides publishing services to the University of Michigan community and beyond and advocates for the broadest possible access to scholarship everywhere. Michigan Publishing provides an affordable, efficient publishing solution for important journals in niche markets for publishing partners who are interested in broad, open dissemination and access of scholarly content. While there is an emphasis on open access, Michigan Publishing publishes subscription-based journals with a strong mission alignment.
Examining Differences in affect displayed during preschoolers’ non-medical pretend play and medical pretend play

ABSTRACTMedical play is a play that involves medical themes and is used to familiarize children with the medical world. Few studies have examined medical play outside of the hospital or the affect ...
Dysregulated bile acid synthesis and dysbiosis are implicated in Western diet–induced systemic inflammation, microglial activation, and reduced neuroplasticity

The goal of this study was to identify the intrinsic links that explain the effect of a Western diet (WD) on cognitive dysfunction. Specific pathogen-free, wild-type mice were fed either a control diet (CD) or a high-fat, high-sucrose WD after weaning and were euthanized at 10 mo of age to study the pathways that affect cognitive health. The results showed that long-term WD intake reduced hippocampal synaptic plasticity and the level of brain-derived neurotrophic factor mRNA in the brain and isolated microglia. A WD also activated ERK1/2 and reduced postsynaptic density-95 in the brain, suggesting postsynaptic damage. Moreover, WD-fed mice had increased inflammatory signaling in the brain, ileum, liver, adipose tissue, and spleen, which was accompanied by microglia activation. In the brain, as well as in the digestive tract, a WD reduced signaling regulated by retinoic acid and bile acids (BAs), whose receptors form heterodimers to control metabolism and inflammation. Furthermore, a WD intake caused dysbiosis and dysregulated BA synthesis with reduced endogenous ligands for BA receptors, i.e., farnesoid X receptor and G-protein-coupled bile acid receptor in the liver and brain. Together, dysregulated BA synthesis and dysbiosis were accompanied by systemic inflammation, microglial activation, and reduced neuroplasticity induced by WD.-Jena, P. K., Sheng, L., Di Lucente, J., Jin, L.-W., Maezawa, I., Wan, Y.-J. Y. Dysregulated bile acid synthesis and dysbiosis are implicated in Western diet-induced systemic inflammation, microglial activation, and reduced neuroplasticity.
Framing the Inquiry into Emerging Research Directions in Social Entrepreneurship

This chapter is an introduction and overview of the volume, Emerging Research Directions in Social Entrepreneurship. Over the last 10 years, there has been increased interest in social entrepreneurship, which focuses entrepreneurial attention on the launch and growth of businesses that address social problems and social needs. While some limited theory and research exists, for the most part it has been lacking in providing sufficient answers regarding the mix and sequence of factors within a social entrepreneurship program that are likely to bring about the greatest impact. This volume answers such questions as: how do we study and measure the impact of social entrepreneurship efforts? If the mission of social entrepreneurship is to add value in the form of large-scale, transformational benefit to people who are physically, financially, or otherwise unable to solve their own problems, how can social entrepreneurship researchers define and measure success? The first part of this book looks at the essential qualities of social entrepreneurs. What is the identity of a social entrepreneur? The next section investigates the wider impact of social entrepreneurship. How social entrepreneurial organizations create value and impact the various environments in which they operate. Entrepreneurs, social entrepreneurship scholars, and funders are all discussed. Finally, this book looks at the global impact of social entrepreneurship.
Well-Differentiated Liposarcoma Localized to the Thyroid Gland

Liposarcoma of the thyroid gland is a pathology that is rarely encountered in clinical practice, given the paucity of these cases. For the same reason, a definite treatment protocol has not been established for these cases. We present a case of a 49-year-old man who presented with a thyroid mass that was found to be a well-differentiated liposarcoma and was treated surgically with no adjuvant therapy other than close surveillance with clinical examination and MRI scans. On his most recent clinical visit, 9 months after surgery, there was no clinical or radiologic evidence of recurrence and the patient is doing well with good speech and swallow functions and no new symptoms. We also summarize all the cases of this rare pathology presented thus far to the best of our knowledge.
Microbiology of a duneland ecosystem in southern New Mexico, U.S.A.

Soil bacterial populations from under mesquite (Prosopis glandulosa (L. Bens.) M. C. Johnst.) canopies and interdune areas in a coppice duneland of southern New Mexico were compared. Bacterial numbers were higher in soils under mesquite than in the interdunes. Amylolytic and proteolytic bacteria made up a greater percentage of the total bacteria in interdune soils. Sporeformers made up a significant portion of the bacteria isolated from under mesquite but were not isolated from interdune soils. Bacterial populations in the dunelands show patterns of distribution that are similar to those found for nitrogen and other nutrients and may result from the influence of mesquite on the surrounding soils.