cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Germ Cell Nuclear Factor (GCNF/RTR) Regulates Transcription of Gonadotropin-Regulated Testicular RNA Helicase (GRTH/DDX25) in Testicular Germ Cells—The Androgen Connection

Gonadotropin-regulated testicular RNA helicase (GRTH) (GRTH/DDX25), is a testis-specific protein essential for completion of spermatogenesis. Transgenic mice carrying 5'-flanking regions of the GRTH gene/green fluorescence protein (GFP) reporter revealed a region (-6.4/-3.6 kb) which directs its expression in germ cells (GCs) via androgen action. This study identifies a functional cis-binding element on the GRTH gene for GC nuclear factor (GCNF) (GCNF/RTR) required to regulate GRTH gene expression in postmeiotic testis GCs and explore the action of androgen on GCNF and GRTH transcription/expression. GCNF expression decreased in mice testis upon flutamide (androgen receptor antagonist) treatment, indicating the presence of an androgen/GCNF network to direct GRTH expression in GC. Binding studies and chromatin immunoprecipitation demonstrated specific association of GCNF to a consensus half-site (-5270/-5252) of the GRTH gene in both round spermatids and spermatocytes, which was abolished by flutamide treatment in round spermatids. Moreover, flutamide treatment of wild-type mice caused selective reduction of GCNF and GRTH in round spermatids. GCNF knock-down in seminiferous tubules from GRTH-transgenic mice (dark zone, round spermatid rich) caused decreased GFP expression. Exposure of tubules to flutamide caused decrease in GCNF and GFP expression, whereas androgen exposure induced significant increase. Our studies provide evidence for actions of androgen on GCNF cell-specific regulation of GRTH expression in GC. GRTH associates with GCNF mRNA, its absence caused increase on GCNF expression and mRNA stability indicative of a negative autocrine regulation of GCNF by GRTH. These in vivo/in vitro models link androgen actions to GC through GCNF, as regulated transfactor that controls transcription/expression of GRTH.
A potential role for colony-stimulating factor 1 in the genesis of the early endometriotic lesion

Objective To investigate the role(s) of colony-stimulating factor 1 (CSF-1) on the development of early endometriosis in a murine model by comparing rate of lesion formation in mice [1] homozygous for a CSF-1 mutation versus syngeneic controls and [2] after treatment with imatinib, a commercially available tyrosine kinase inhibitor that alters interaction(s) between CSF-1 and its receptor, c-fms . Design Prospective, placebo-controlled animal study. Setting Academic medical center. Animals Six- to 8-week old female FVB, wild-type C57BL/6, and CSF-1 op/op mice. Intervention(s) Endometrial tissue from donor mice was used to induce endometriosis in murine recipients. In some experiments, mice homozygous for a CSF-1 mutation (CSF-1 op/op) were donors or recipients. In other experiments, donor and/or recipient mice received imatinib. Main Outcome Measure(s) Histologic confirmation of endometriosis, rate of lesion formation. Result(s) By 40 hours, recipient mice developed a mean of 7.2 ± 0.9 endometriotic lesions that had invaded host surfaces, and mesothelial cells had proliferated over the entire surface of the implants. The CSF-1 op/op mice developed significantly fewer (mean 0.9 ± 0.3) endometriotic lesions versus syngeneic controls. Imatinib treatment resulted in significantly fewer lesions when compared with sham-treated controls. Conclusion(s) Colony-stimulating factor 1 has a role in establishing early endometriotic lesions. Agents targeting CSF-1 or its actions have therapeutic potential for treating endometriosis.
Hippo tips the TGF-β scale in favor of pluripotency

How TGF-β signaling switches from enforcing pluripotency to promoting mesendodermal differentiation remains an open question. Recently in Cell Reports , Beyer et al. demonstrated that Hippo signaling components recruit the NuRD complex to repress expression of key genes targeted by TGF-β and thus determine whether TGF-β signaling will favor pluripotency or differentiation.
Development of a digital micromirror spectrometer for analytical atomic spectrometry.

A digital micromirror device (DMD) has been incorporated into a novel spectrometer for use in analytical atomic spectrometry. The device can be taken from a commercial computer projector. A protective glass window covering the DMD chip limits the viewable wavelengths to the visible range. The DMD is used to project an image of the light source onto the exit plane of a flat-field spectrograph. A single photomultiplier tube is used for detection. The high switching rate of the micromirrors (15 μs) enables rapid full-spectrum capture, wavelength-modulation, source-modulation, fast narrow-wavelength window scans, and rapid-wavelength “jumping.” Calcium, sodium, and potassium have been determined in several standard reference materials (tomato leaves, bovine liver, rice flour, total diet) by flame atomic absorption and emission spectrometry. Absorption sensitivities for each element are near the 0.02 μg/mL level, and detection limits for both absorption and emission are near the 0.01 μg/mL level. Elemental rec...
Locomotor response to a novel environment: Identifying a useful measure of individual differences

s / Drug and Alcohol Dependence 140 (2014) e169–e251 e213 drugs were dropped from analyses due to insufficient sample size (n=15). Our outcome variables were husband (H) to wife (W) and W to H IPV. We employed multivariate Poisson multilevel models, simultaneously examining bothH andW IPV.We adjusted drug use estimates for sociodemographic variables, heavy alcohol use, and antisocial behavior. Results: In a main effects-only model, H other drug use significantly predicted W to H IPV [incidence rate ratio (IRR) =2.29; p<0.05]. All other estimates for drug use were non-significant. RegardingH toWIPV, the interactionbetweenHother druguse and Wmarijuana usewas statistically significant (p<0.05). TheWmarijuana use, H other drug use couples reported more frequent IPV than couples in which neither spouse used illicit drugs (IRR=2.53; p<0.05).Hotherdrugusepredictedgreater frequencyofWtoH IPV regardless ofW drug use (IRR=4.61 ifW usedmarijuana, IRR=1.90 if W did not use drugs; p<0.05). Conclusions: These findings suggested that the interaction between spouses’ illicit drug use was important when considering risk for IPV. Couples in which the husband used illicit drugs other than marijuana (with or without co-morbid marijuana use) and the wife used marijuana were at particularly heightened risk. Financial support: NIDA Dissertation Grant (1 R36 DA03199601). http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2014.02.591 Locomotor response to a novel environment: Identifying a useful measure of individual differences Tracy T. Smith, Sarah S. Dermody, J.N. Parrish, Matthew B. Schaff, M.T. Weaver, M.E. Levin, E. Thiels, D.M. Buffalari, A.F. Sved, E.C. Donny University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, United
Accelerated 24-hour luteinizing hormone pulsatile activity in adolescent girls with ovarian hyperandrogenism: relevance to the developmental phase of polycystic ovarian syndrome.

A study was initiated to delineate the neuroendocrine characteristics of hyperandrogenic adolescent girls with the aim of discerning features that may relate to the pubertal onset of the polycystic ovarian syndrome. Thirteen 11- to 18-yr-old girls with mild to moderate signs of hyperandrogenism (HA) and increased ovarian volume and 28 age-matched normal girls were recruited for the study. LH pulsatility and FSH levels were analyzed based on serum concentrations measured with sensitive immunofluorometric assays in samples taken at 10-min intervals for 24 h under basal conditions, GnRH antagonist (Nal-Glu) suppression, and dexamethasone suppression. Adrenal and ovarian contributions to serum cortisol, dehydroepiandrosterone, androstenedione, testosterone (T), estrone (E1), estradiol (hourly), 17-hydroxypregnenolone, and 17-hydroxyprogesterone (17PO) concentrations were compared during basal and suppression conditions and after gonadotropin and adrenal stimulations by bolus GnRH (10 micrograms) and CRF (1 mi...
Sea surface signature of tropical cyclones using microwave remote sensing

Measuring the sea surface during tropical cyclones (TC) is challenging due to severe weather conditions that prevent shipboard measurements and clouds which mask the sea surface for visible satellite sensors. However, sea surface emission in the microwave L-band can penetrate rain and clouds and be measured from space. The European Space Agency (ESA) MIRAS L-band radiometer on the Soil Moisture and Ocean Salinity (SMOS) satellite enables a view of the sea surface from which the effects of tropical cyclones on sea surface emissivity can be measured. The emissivity at these frequencies is a function of sea surface salinity (SSS), sea surface temperature (SST), sea surface roughness, polarization, and angle of emission. If the latter four variables can be estimated, then models of the sea surface emissivity can be used to invert SSS from measured brightness temperature (TB). Actual measured TB from space also has affects due to the ionosphere and troposphere, which have to be compensated for, and components due to the galactic and cosmic background radiation those have to be removed. In this research, we study the relationships between retrieved SSS from MIRAS, and SST and precipitation collected by the NASA TMI sensor from the Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission (TRMM) satellite during Hurricane Isaac, in August 2012. During the slower movement of the storm, just before landfall on the vicinity of the Louisiana Shelf, higher precipitation amounts were associated with lower SSS and slightly increased SST. This increased trend of SST and lower SSS under regions of high precipitation are indicative of inhibited vertical mixing. The SMOS Level 2 SSS were filtered by a stepwise process with removal of high uncertainty in TB under conditions of strong surface roughness which are known to create noise. The signature of increased SST associated with increasing precipitation was associated with decreased SSS during the storm. Although further research is required, this study shows that there is a TB signal from the sea surface beneath a tropical cyclone that provides information on roughness and salinity.
Vitamin B12 Status of Elderly Persons from Urban Low-Income Households

Vitamin B12 status was evaluated in 111 noninstitutional elderly persons (age range, 60-87 years) living in an urban poverty area. The sample was predominantly black (90 subjects); the rest were Spanish Americans. Serum vitamin B12 levels were all normal (greater than 200 pg/ml) and ranged from 226 to 1200 pg/ml (mean +/- SD = 700 +/- 191 pg/ml). The findings indicate that vitamin B12 deficiency was not a problem in this elderly population.
Technology issues associated with using densified hydrogen for space vehicles

Slush hydrogen and triple-point hydrogen offer the potential for reducing the size and weight of future space vehicles because these fluids have greater densities than normal-boiling-point liquid hydrogen. In addition, these fluids have greater heat capacities, which make them attractive fuels for such applications as the National Aerospace Plane and cryogenic depots. Some of the benefits of using slush hydrogen and triple-point hydrogen for space missions are quantified. Some of the major issues associated with using these densified cryogenic fuels for space applications are examined, and the technology efforts that have been made to address many of these issues are summarized.
Fecundity of Hatchery and Wild Lake Trout in Lake Superior

Fecundity (egg number) was determined from 32 hatchery (623–889 mm) and 24 wild (623–892 mm) lake trout (Salvelinus namaycusri) collected in inshore waters of Lake Superior during 1977–1983. The only previous fecundity data were for native stocks sampled in the early 1950s. Fecundity of contemporary hatchery and wild lake trout was not significantly different so data were combined for the following relationships with total length (TL) and body weight (W). Fecundity=−19,019+34.26TL(mm) Fecundity=−3,400+2,450W(kg) Fecundity determined for contemporary lake trout was consistently greater than for former native stocks but a significant difference could not be established. Selection and culture of broodstock and better growth were possible reasons for the apparent greater fecundity of contemporary lake trout in Lake Superior.
Design and Performance Analysis of Hardware Support for Parallel Simulations

It has been established elsewhere (Reynolds, Int. J. Comput. Simulation, to appear) that hardware to support parallel discrete event simulations (PDES) is desirable. We describe the steps leading to the implementation of a hardware-based framework to support PDES. We begin with an exploration of the criteria that must be met to make such a framework both practical and useful, concluding that maintenance of sequential consistency is sufficient, while "observable" sequential consistency is more desirable but difficult to attain. We derive a functional design based on these criteria, and from that derive a prototype design. Also, we establish the utility of our design, showing that computation of critical global values, such as global virtual time, can be done in times at least two orders of magnitude faster than typical event times in discrete event simulations.
Adenosine receptor‐mediated modulation of dopamine release in the nucleus accumbens depends on glutamate neurotransmission and N‐methyl‐d‐aspartate receptor stimulation

Adenosine, by acting on adenosine A(1) and A(2A) receptors, exerts opposite modulatory roles on striatal extracellular levels of glutamate and dopamine, with activation of A(1) inhibiting and activation of A(2A) receptors stimulating glutamate and dopamine release. Adenosine-mediated modulation of striatal dopaminergic neurotransmission could be secondary to changes in glutamate neurotransmission, in view of evidence for a preferential colocalization of A(1) and A(2A) receptors in glutamatergic nerve terminals. By using in vivo microdialysis techniques, local perfusion of NMDA (3, 10 microm), the selective A(2A) receptor agonist 2-p-(2-carboxyethyl)phenethylamino-5'-N-ethylcarboxamidoadenosine (CGS 21680; 3, 10 microm), the selective A(1) receptor antagonist 8-cyclopentyl-1,3-dimethylxanthine (CPT; 300, 1000 microm), or the non-selective A(1)-A(2A) receptor antagonist in vitro caffeine (300, 1000 microm) elicited significant increases in extracellular levels of dopamine in the shell of the nucleus accumbens (NAc). Significant glutamate release was also observed with local perfusion of CGS 21680, CPT and caffeine, but not NMDA. Co-perfusion with the competitive NMDA receptor antagonist dl-2-amino-5-phosphonovaleric acid (APV; 100 microm) counteracted dopamine release induced by NMDA, CGS 21680, CPT and caffeine. Co-perfusion with the selective A(2A) receptor antagonist MSX-3 (1 microm) counteracted dopamine and glutamate release induced by CGS 21680, CPT and caffeine and did not modify dopamine release induced by NMDA. These results indicate that modulation of dopamine release in the shell of the NAc by A(1) and A(2A) receptors is mostly secondary to their opposite modulatory role on glutamatergic neurotransmission and depends on stimulation of NMDA receptors. Furthermore, these results underscore the role of A(1) vs. A(2A) receptor antagonism in the central effects of caffeine.
Helminthosporium solani Dur. & Mont. development on potato periderm

Development ofHelminthosporium solani Dur. & Mont. on artificially inoculated, excised potato tuber periderm, incubated in darkness and high humidity at 20 to 24°C, was studied using light and scanning electron microscopy. Spore germination occurred within 16 hours, and appressoria were observed 2 days after inoculation. Penetration of periderm was evident 4 days after inoculation. Conidiophores with young conidia developed on the periderm surface within 7 days of inoculation. Well-developed conidia were visible often by 9 days after inoculation. Rudimentary stromata were observed beneath conidiophore groupings at later stages of development. In histological studies,H. solani hyphae were found in the phellem, phelloderm, and cortex of infected tuber sections. Basal cells of conidiophores or stromata were observed on the surface and in the outer tangential cork cell layers. Several layers of suberized and sometimes collapsed cortical cells were observed beneath disrupted and collapsed, infected periderm. Cavities sometimes formed between periderm and cortex, and callosities were observed on cell walls of some cortical cells beneath infected periderm.
Chemical Analysis of Solids and Pyrolytic Vapors from Wildland Trees

The pyrolysis chemistry of tree samples from plants commonly found in the forests of the western United States is evaluated and compared with wet chemical analysis of the original material. Wood, l...
The reaction of H atoms with Ni(CO)4: EPR spectrum of (OC)2NiCHO in krypton

Abstract The d 9 species (OC) 2 NiCHO is formed by the reaction of hydrogen atoms with Ni(CO) 4 in a krypton matrix at 77 K. It is not thermally interconvertible with its isomer HNi(CO) 3 .
Epicardial potential mapping. Effects of conducting media on isopotential and isochrone distributions.

BACKGROUND Epicardial excitation sequences, recovery sequences, and potential distributions are recorded from patients during surgery and from animals in the research laboratory for a variety of purposes. During such recordings, a portion of the cardiac surface is exposed to air, and the remainder of the epicardial surface variably is in contact with conductive tissue. No systematic studies document the degree to which these different conditions affect measured excitation times, potential distributions, and/or the configuration of epicardial electrograms. METHODS AND RESULTS Epicardial potential distribution was recorded from five isolated, perfused hearts using a 64-unipolar-lead sock. Data were recorded first with the heart suspended in air and then with the heart immersed in a heated tank filled sequentially to full and half-full levels with conductive Tyrode's solution and then NaCl-sucrose solution. These solutions had resistivity less than and more than that of blood, respectively, and air was assumed to have infinite resistivity. Epicardial potentials were recorded from two hearts before removal from the chest, both with and without a latex sheet insulating the heart from the pericardial cradle. Amplitude of recorded potentials from both intact and isolated hearts was markedly higher when the heart was surrounded by an insulating medium, but locations of positive and negative regions were less affected by surrounding medium. Isochrone activation maps calculated using the minimum derivative of the QRS (intrinsic deflection) were not affected by the conductivity of media surrounding the heart. CONCLUSIONS The present study provides evidence that isochrone maps recorded at surgery are not distorted by exposure of the cardiac surface to insulating air. Results suggest that epicardial isochrones recorded during cardiac surgery could be used in patients to assess the accuracy of "inverse" procedures that noninvasively compute epicardial electrograms and isochrones from body surface potentials.
Pathology of hairy-cell leukaemia

Hairy-cell leukaemia (HCL) is a low grade B-cell lymphoproliferative process that presents either with lymphocytosis or neutropenia/monocytopenia. It is a disease predominantly of bone marrow and spleen, although it can also involve other organs and sites. Recent advances including multi-parameter flow cytometry and the development of antibodies with high specificity for HCL have permitted precise distinction of typical HCL from other lymphoproliferative diseases that can morphologically mimic the appearance of HCL. Although there is a commonly held belief that HCL is associated with a significant increase in second neoplasms, several recent studies have not supported this notion. The development of extremely effective therapy for HCL results in a high incidence of complete remission. However, a significant percentage of patients continue to harbour minimal residual disease that can be revealed with immunohistochemical and flow cytometric studies.
Project Delivery Metrics for Sustainable, High-Performance Buildings

Due to the mounting complexity of sustainable, high-performance building projects, there is a consequent increase in the requirements for optimized solutions and multidisciplinary teams. Research suggests that project delivery attributes have an important influence on project outcomes of such buildings, especially on cost growth and the level of sustainability achieved. However, the extent of the influence of project delivery attributes and critical patterns of project delivery features that affect project outcomes has yet to be determined through rigorous research. Recognizing this need, this study adopts the defined evaluation metrics from recently completed research to descriptively show the extent to which the relationships and influence of project delivery attributes, such as owner commitment, team integration, and contractual relationships, affect project sustainability goals. The study collected data from 12 green office buildings in the United States. To maintain the quality, validity, and reliabi...
Windowless Vacuum-Ultraviolet Matrix Photolysis

Vacuum-ultraviolet (Vuv) photolysis of molecules in low temperature, inert gas matrices has been known for some time and has been employed in the investigation of the spectroscopic properties of such reactive species as radicals and discrete ions. In most cases, the source of Vuv radiation below 200 nm has been microwave-powered gas discharge lamps which utilize the intense uv emission lines of the rare gases, H2, N2, and Br2. All such lamps are suitably equipped with appropriate uv-transmitting crystal windows (LiF, MgF2, CaF2, SrF2, BaF2, sapphire, and Suprasil II). Of these materials, LiF has the shortest wavelength transmission cutoff (10%T at 104.0 nm) although it possesses the very serious drawback of being extremely susceptible to radiation damage which significantly reduces its transmission in the ultraviolet. MgF2 is superior to LiF in this respect, although its transmission cutoff (116.0 nm) is considerably higher in wavelength. It was with the intention of eliminating the necessity for any such window that we proceeded to investigate the possibility of using a
Preparation of isotopic accelerator targets

Abstract A study has been made of the deposition distributions of various evaporation sources and their geometries optimized for the specific purpose of fabricating accelerator targets from small quantities of isotopic materials. These geometries have been utilized in several types of evaporation sources used to cover the broad temperature range necessary. Techniques have been developed for in-source reductions of certain classes of elements. The merits of using thin carbon-backed targets versus self-supported targets is explored, and the equipment necessary to utilize the various techniques is listed.
Forebrain GABAergic Neuron Precursors Integrate into Adult Spinal Cord and Reduce Injury-Induced Neuropathic Pain

Neuropathic pain is a chronic debilitating disease characterized by mechanical allodynia and spontaneous pain. Because symptoms are often unresponsive to conventional methods of pain treatment, new therapeutic approaches are essential. Here, we describe a strategy that not only ameliorates symptoms of neuropathic pain but is also potentially disease modifying. We show that transplantation of immature telencephalic GABAergic interneurons from the mouse medial ganglionic eminence (MGE) into the adult mouse spinal cord completely reverses the mechanical hypersensitivity produced by peripheral nerve injury. Underlying this improvement is a remarkable integration of the MGE transplants into the host spinal cord circuitry, in which the transplanted cells make functional connections with both primary afferent and spinal cord neurons. By contrast, MGE transplants were not effective against inflammatory pain. Our findings suggest that MGE-derived GABAergic interneurons overcome the spinal cord hyperexcitability that is a hallmark of nerve injury-induced neuropathic pain.
MAP0004: dihydroergotamine mesylate inhalation aerosol for acute treatment of migraine

Introduction: Dihydroergotamine mesylate (DHE) has been used as an acute migraine treatment since 1945, although tolerability with intravenous administration has limited its use. MAP0004 is a novel, orally inhaled, aerosol formulation of DHE that provides pulmonary drug delivery using a pressurized, metered dose inhaler for rapid absorption through lung alveoli. MAP0004 was developed to provide the anti-migraine efficacy of DHE, with fewer systemic effects than intravenous dosing. Areas covered: This review discusses available literature describing the pharmacokinetics, tolerability and efficacy of MAP0004, including data from Phase II and Phase III clinical trials. Expert opinion: MAP0004 aerosol DHE provides desirable activation of 5-HT1B/D receptors, resulting in effective anti-migraine effects. Unlike intravenous DHE, MAP0004 is less likely to bind with other serotonergic, adrenergic and dopaminergic receptors, resulting in fewer unwanted side effects. In addition, MAP0004 is less arterioconstrictive ...
Effects of light and nutrient availability on the growth, allocation, carbon/nitrogen balance, phenolic chemistry, and resistance to herbivory of two freshwater macrophytes

Phenotypic responses of Potamogeton amplifolius and Nuphar advena to different light (7% and 35% of surface irradiance) and nutrient environments were assessed with field manipulation experiments. Higher light and nutrient availability enhanced the growth of P. amplifolius by 154% and 255%, respectively. Additionally, biomass was allocated differently depending on the resource: high light availability resulted in a higher root/shoot ratio, whereas high nutrient availability resulted in a lower root/shoot ratio. Low light availability and high nutrient availability increased the nitrogen content of leaf tissue by 53% and 40% respectively, resulting in a 37% and 31% decrease in the C/N ratio. Root nitrogen content was also increased by low light and high nutrient availability, by 50% (P=0.0807) and 77% respectively, resulting in a 20% and 40% decrease in root C/N ratio. Leaf phenolics were significantly increased 72% by high light and 31% by high nutrient availability, but root phenolic concentrations were not altered significantly. None of these changes in tissue constituents resulted in altered palatability to crayfish. N. advena was killed by the same high nutrient treatment that stimulated growth in P. amplifolius, preventing assessment of phenotypic responses to nutrient availability. However, high light availability increased overall growth by 24%, but this was mainly due to increased growth of the rhizome (increased 100%), resulting in a higher root/shoot ratio. High light tended to increase the production of floating leaves (P=0.09) and significantly decreased the production of submersed leaves. High light availability decreased the nitrogen content by 15% and 25% and increased the phenolic concentration by 88% and 255% in floating and submersed leaves, respectively. These differences in leaf traits did not result in detectable differences in damage by herbivores.
Helicobacter pylori, duodenal ulcer, gastric cancer : Tunnel vision or blinders?

The focus of this paper is on the relationship between Helicobacter pylori gastritis and gastric cancer, one of the most compelling issues after the recent decision of the IARC (International Agency for Research on Cancer) to categorize H. pylori as a carcinogen. Our aim is to identify areas where additional work is not needed and suggest new directions of inquiry. We review what has been accomplished with the advantage of hindsight. Our review of the data regarding current putative virulence factors found that disease and outcome specificity were lacking. The same can be said of the data regarding low gastric juice ascorbate or increased mucosal cell turnover in H. pylori gastritis. We conclude that, while it is certainly possible that some of the factors discovered to date may initiate or mediate certain pathogenetic aspects of H. pylori-related disease, none of them can be seriously proposed as the factor responsible for either gastric cancer or duodenal ulcer. Finally, we identified research areas that might lead to disease-specific associations as well as areas where helicobacters may be used as models for other diseases. We propose that it is time to pause, reflect on what has been done, and focus more sharply on the questions that remain unanswered.
Fighters who Don’t Fight: The Case of Aikido and Somatic Metaphorism

Practitioners of martial arts and combat sports are motivated to train their bodies to dispense and manage violence, in part, to prepare for competitions or for “on-the-street” altercations. Fighting practices that prohibit competitions and whose practitioners are unlikely to encounter violence in their everyday lives challenge existing research on the motivations for training one’s body to be “fit to fight.” This article investigates one such fighting practice: aikido. Drawing from in-depth participant observation of the practice and interviews with its mostly white, middle-class practitioners, I show that aikido’s unique bodily deployment, while rarely used in “real” situations, is an effective metaphor for practitioners to make sense of and overcome non-martial challenges in their everyday lives. I call this process “somatic metaphorism” and argue that it helps explain the value of a well-trained body beyond the context of the training center.
Nondestructive determination of pile tip elevation using modal analysis

Pile tip elevations are unknown for nearly half of Georgia's 14,500 bridges. Since the length of a pile is directly related to its capacity, and ultimately, to a bridge's load capacity, the need for a straightforward, effective, and inexpensive method to determine pile embedment lengths is apparent. If the top of the pile is exposed and free to be impacted and instrumented, the task is relatively simple. The exposed pile top is impacted axially, and the resulting longitudinal wave motion is monitored and used to calculate the pile lengths. However, such piles rarely exist in bridge structures, and the more common case is that the tops of the piles are cast into the bent cap. This lack of access poses a challenging problem when trying to nondestructively ascertain the length of pile that is embedded in the surrounding soil. Although soil borings and other intrusive tests are capable of determining pile tip elevations, the time and cost of performing these tests on a large number of bridges is prohibitive. The research project described here uses flexural waves, induced by exciting piles laterally, to determine the unknown embedment lengths. Modal analysis techniques are employed to quantify the difference in modal characteristics (natural frequencies, damping, and mode shapes) of piles with differing lengths, to create a modal model of the system, and finally to back-calculate the unknown pile embedment lengths.
The controversy of the treatment of critically ill patients with thyroid hormone.

There is currently a vast literature available on the changes in thyroid function tests that occur during non-thyroidal illness. The aetiology of these changes is, however, controversial, especially with respect to whether they play an adaptive role for the organism in order to cope with stress or whether they represent primary pathology of the pituitary-thyroid axis. This is particularly true for critically ill patients, in whom the most significant changes in thyroid function are observed. The changes include low levels of thyroxine and very low levels of tri-iodothyronine, which would, on the surface, appear to indicate hypothyroidism. Therapy with thyroid hormone, as either L-T4 or L-T3, has therefore been suggested because of these low values for thyroid hormones in the blood. It is, however, unclear whether treating these patients with thyroid hormone is beneficial or harmful. Multiple studies have addressed this issue with patients with cardiac disease, sepsis, pulmonary disease (e.g. acute respiratory distress syndrome) or severe infection, or with burn and trauma patients. In spite of a very large number of published studies, it is very difficult to form clear recommendations for treatment with thyroid hormone in the intensive care unit. Instead, we find the evidence far from compelling, and would advise withholding thyroid hormone therapy in the critical care setting in the absence of clear clinical or laboratory evidence for hypothyroidism.
Preferential utilization of a novel vλ3 gene in monoclonal rheumatoid factors derived from the synovial cells of rheumatoid arthritis patients

OBJECTIVE To further our understanding about the molecular genetics of rheumatoid factor (RF) in rheumatoid arthritis (RA). METHODS The heavy and light chain variable region (V) genes of 5 new human monoclonal IgM RFs were cloned and sequenced using the polymerase chain reaction and the dideoxynucleotide termination method. RESULTS The results reveal the recurrent usage in two RA patients of a novel V lambda 3 germline gene, designated Humlv3c93. Specifically, in 2 of 3 RFs (C93 and D53) from one patient, the light chains in the V lambda gene-encoded region were identical to each other and to the light chain of an RF (H4) from another patient. Serologically, the light chains of these 3 RFs were classified as members of the V lambda 3b sub-subgroup. Each of the RFs was encoded by a different VH gene. Both C93 and D53 bound specifically with human and rabbit IgG, whereas H4 was monospecific for rabbit IgG. CONCLUSION Since the lv3c93 gene is not homologous to any reported V lambda sequence from natural autoantibodies, it is possible that lv3c93 may represent a disease-specific RF-related V lambda gene. Moreover, the amino acid sequence CSGGSCY in the third complementarity-determining regions of 2 of the RF heavy chains is encoded by the DLR2 gene segment and has been found previously in 2 other RA-derived RFs, and thus may play a significant role in antigen binding.
Herding cats: Designing DigitalCommons @ The Texas Medical Center, a multi‐institutional repository

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to examine a pilot program implemented by the Houston Academy of Medicine‐Texas Medical Center Library and The University of Texas School of Nursing at Houston to design the multi‐institutional repository for the Texas Medical Center. Design/methodology/approach – The steps involved in the program are outlined and the lessons learned from the implementation are analyzed. Findings – The success of the institutional repository depends on appropriate communication with faculty, a deep understanding of the publishing process, identifying appropriate partners, designing a flexible technology infrastructure, and engaging in active collaboration with key players. The Library is the logical center for this activity. Practical implications – The paper should assist libraries with the unique activities involved in creating a viable multi‐institutional repository in a research‐intense academic medical environment. Originality/value – This paper analyzes the challenges inherent in introducing institutional digital repositories to the academic medical community. Currently, institutional repositories are being developed in only a small percentage of the academic medical centers in the USA.
Attaining More and Greater Depth of Discussion in the Undergradate Classroom: The Seminar and Seminar Paper

Cet article examine quelques techniques destinees a ameliorer la qualite des discussions dans les cours de sociologie. Apres une revue de question, l'A. expose la methode qu'il applique a ses classes de preparation a la licence
P1-S1.12 Age-specific incidence of chlamydia, gonorrhoea, and trichomoniasis infection in adolescent women

Background Age-specific incidence rates of sexually transmitted infections (STI) with Chlamydia trachomatis (CT), Neisseria gonorrhoeae (GC), and Trichomonas vaginalis (TV) are not well characterised in adolescents and young adult women. In this research, we described the CT, GC, and TV incidence rates in young women as functions of age. Methods Young women aged 14 and 17 were recruited from three adolescent medicine clinics in Indianapolis, Indiana. Study participants were followed longitudinally for up to 8.2 years. Participants were tested for CT, GC, and TV at the time of enrolment, and at subsequent quarterly visits. Infected individuals were treated at or shortly after each visit. We analysed the longitudinally measured incidence infections with CT, GC, and TV using generalised additive mixed effect models (GAMM) with a logit link for binary outcomes. The age effect on STI incidence was modelled as a smooth non-linear function in the GAMM analysis and a random subject effect was included to accommodate the correlations among repeated STI assessments within each individual. Estimated incidence rates (with 95% CIs, in colour) for each organism were reported as smooth functions of age. Results The cohort included 386 young women. The average age at enrolment of study participants was 15.3 years (SD=1.1 years). A majority (89.1%) of study participants were African-American. The average age at first sexual intercourse was 14.2 years (SD=2, median=14 years). The mean cumulative number of sexual partners measured at the time enrolment was 3 (SD=4, median=2). The average length of follow-up was 3.5 years (SD=2.2 years). Baseline prevalence rates were 10.9%, 4.4% and 6.0% for CT, GC, and TV, respectively. The age-specific incidence rates for the three organisms and any STI are seen in the Abstract P1-S1.12 figure 1. Conclusions The estimated STI incidence rates clearly differ by organisms, not only in magnitude but also in peak age. While the prevalence rates of the respective organisms in the partner population may be a contributor to the differential risk of STI acquisition, the fact that such differences were observed from the same group of individuals with the same sexual partners and sexual behaviours raises questions about age-related differences in susceptibility to infection by the three organisms.
Asian‐Pacific economic control

The Asia‐Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) organization, which began in 1989, constitutes the culmination of efforts for economic cooperation extending from North and South America to Asia and the Pacific. APEC could play three possible roles: First, it could be a forum for discussion. Second, it could, like the European‐based Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD), act as a fact‐gathering body. Third, APEC might set policy that champions free trade to destroy infant industries and maintain low wages in less developed countries. Arguably, in the last five years, APEC has moved from the first to the third role. It has emerged as part of a long line of efforts by developed countries to exploit less developed nations. We can see why by examining the historical precursors and plans that led to APEC, how APEC expanded, and the fate of the East Asian Economic Caucus as an alternative to APEC.
Infra-red spectra and geometry of SO2 and SeO2 in rare gas matrices

Abstract Infra-red spectra have been obtained for SO2 and SeO2, matrix isolated in solid neon and argon, from which the fundamental frequencies ν1, ν2and ν3 were determined. Isotope shift measurements indicated bond angles for SO2 of 117° ± 1° and for SeO2 of 110° ± 2°, which differ very slightly from reported gas phase values. New dimeric species of SO2 and SeO2 were also identified in the i.r. spectra. The (SO2)2 species was formed by controlled diffusion of monomers in the rare gas solid while (SeO2)2 was a component of the equilibrium vapor over molten SeO2. Prior to matrix isolation, the SO2 was heated in a nickel Knudsen cell at temperatures ranging from 25 to 1000°C. No new i.r.-active species were formed, indicating the postulated structural isomer of SO2 to be unstable or of very low concentration under Knudsen cell conditions.
Quadratic-coupling phonon-assisted defect-tunneling theory applied to the RbCl: Ag + off-center system

A model for the $〈110〉$ off-center system RbCl: ${\mathrm{Ag}}^{+}$ including both linear and quadratic defect-lattice interactions is constructed. Model-parameter values are deduced from inelastic neutron scattering, infrared absorption, and electric field and stress-dichroism experimental results. The model is then used to study the temperature dependence of phonon-assisted tunneling rates of 60\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{} and 90\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{} reorientations over a wide temperature range, using a formalism that we have developed for this purpose. Special emphasis is placed on studying the role played by the quadratic defect-lattice coupling. Where possible, theoretical results are compared with experiment.
Avoiding the voter's paradox democratically

This paper is concerned with selecting an appropriate perspective from which to understand and evaluate social-decision procedures. Distinguishing between “agentrationality” and “option-rationality”, the author argues that a rational agent may choose a social-decision procedure that is not itself agent-rational (but merely option-rational). The argument puts the voter's paradox in a context allowing evaluation of (a) its general import and (b) practical proposals for avoiding it in particular cases. Arrow's four conditions for a social-decision procedure are shown to have little relevance to the understanding or evaluation of constitutions. The author concludes that the more fruitful perspective for discussing social-decision procedures is that of option-rationality rather than (as Arrow, Wolff, and others have supposed) that of agent-rationality.
Experimental evidence of stimulated scattering of excitons into microcavity polaritons

We present experimental evidence for the final state stimulation of the exciton-exciton scattering rate into the exciton-polariton state in a semiconductor microcavity. We have studied the exciton density, polariton density, and time delay dependence of the stimulated emission, and have found the behavior to be in agreement with a prediction from a rate equation model of the dynamics.
Thermal property measurements for ecoroof soils common in the western U.S.

Abstract To model the impacts of ecoroofs on building envelope heat transfer accurately, thermal property data for ecoroof soils are needed. To address this need we have measured thermal conductivity, specific heat capacity, thermal emissivity, short wave reflectivity (albedo) and density for ecoroof soil samples over a range of moisture states. To represent a wide range of commonly used ecoroof soils we created eight test samples using an aggregate (expanded shale or pumice), sand, and organic matter in varying volumetric composition ratios. The results indicate significant variability in properties as a function both of soil composition and soil wetness. Thermal conductivity ranged from 0.25 to 0.34 W/(m K) for dry samples and 0.31–0.62 W/(m K) for wet samples. Specific heat capacity ranged from 830 to 1123 J/(kg K) for dry samples and 1085–1602 J/(kg K) for wet samples. Albedo was consistently higher for dry samples (0.17–0.40) decreasing substantially (0.04–0.20) as moisture was added. Thermal emissivities were relatively constant at 0.96 ± 0.02 regardless of soil type or moisture status. These results are discussed in the context of their impacts on building energy consumption and the importance of including daily and seasonal property variation within models of the ecoroof energy balance.
Opacification, vascularization, and chronic inflammation produced by hydrogel corneal lamellar implants

Fourteen hydrogel lamellar implants were placed in rabbit corneal stroma. Within six months of implantation, all the rabbit eyes showed some opacification of the cornea, and several of the rabbits had vascularization along the lamellar interface with signs of chronic inflammation. Opacification and vascularization eventually appeared in all 14 eyes, regardless of the water content or oxygen permeability of the lens material. One rabbit was killed, and a histopathologic examination showed evidence of chronic inflammation and scarring. Because the rabbit's sensitivity to an inflammatory nidus makes it a good laboratory test animal, these rabbits' inability to tolerate some of the currently available hydrogel corneal lamellar implants may indicate that such material is unsuitable as a permanent implant for cosmetic refractive surgery in humans.
Surface state transitions on the reconstructed diamond C(100) surface

Abstract The diamond C(100) surface was investigated with a high-resolution electron energy loss spectrometer (HREELS) in both the electronic excitation and surface vibrational excitation regimes. The 0–15 eV electronic excitation spectra on the bare C(100) surface revealed three dominant loss features at 3.5, 4.7 and 5.9 eV. These peaks have been attributed to two mid-gap surface states. These states were absent on the H-terminated surface, indicating that they were localized at the surface and were due either to π-bonded dimers or dangling bonds on the surface. The separation between the states, and their possible positions relative to the valence band maximum, were compared to recent surface band structure calculations, and provide evidence for symmetric dimers on the C(100) surface.
Wisdom through immunogenetics.

Genes of the Major Histocompatibility Complex (MHC) are extraordinarily diverse. MHC variants influence many important biological traits, including immune recognition, susceptibility to infectious and autoimmune diseases, individual odors, mating preferences, kin recognition, cooperation and pregnancy outcome. The MHC story now becomes even more complex with the demonstration that human females prefer odors from males carrying allelic matches to their own paternally inherited MHC genes.
Reliability Analysis of Space Exploration Truss Support Structures

Anadaptivereliability estimationtechniqueforthree-dimensional trussesused inspaceexploration applications is proposed. Both component-level and system-level reliability issues are addressed. For individual member-level performance criteria, efe cient analytical methods are implemented for reliability estimation. Multiple potential failure paths are considered for system-level performance, and a hybrid adaptive sampling technique is proposed by combining the best features of analytical and sampling methods. A signie cant failure path is enumerated using analytical reliability estimation and branch and bound search. An adaptive importance sampling method is used to identify other signie cant failure paths. The proposed methodology is illustrated for application to a simplie ed solar array support truss, using a commercial e nite element code.
Send for Reinforcements! Conserved Binding of Capsid Decoration Proteins

In this issue of Structure, Lander et al. (2008) highlight the confluence of three exciting developments in structural virology: an appreciation of the evolutionary relatedness of viruses, the advances in cryo-EM technology, and the renewed interest of biophysicists in understanding the forces involved in DNA packaging and capsid stability.
IPv6 Application Performance Characterization Using a Virtual/Live Testbed

This paper describes development of a testbed that allows for characterization of IPv6 networks and applications. Testing applications across large, next-generation communication networks is a high cost effort, which may be prohibitive to organizations or programs on limited budgets. In such cases, it would be desirable to study the effects of communications channels using a simulated network to provide transport for application packets (in this case, using OPNET). This testbed incorporates TCP and UDP server applications and live IT equipment (routers, switches, servers, etc.) at the edges of a virtual network simulation in the center in order to study and optimize performance and responsiveness to the applications under test.