cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
School Quality and Labor Market Outcomes: Japanese American Internment as a Natural Experiment

In 1942, the United States incarcerated all Japanese Americans on the West Coast, including children, in internment camps. Using non-West Coast Japanese Americans and non-Japanese Asians as control groups, I estimate the effect of attending a War Relocation Authority school on labor market outcomes. Non-linear difference-in-differences estimates suggest that attending school within the internment camps decreased the probability of receiving a post-collegiate education by approximately 4 percentage points and decreased the probability of receiving a college degree by between 2 and 5 percentage points. Furthermore, I estimate that attending a WRA school decreased the returns to a year of schooling by between 1.1 and 1.4 percentage points.
CXXC finger protein 1 restricts the Setd1A histone H3K4 methyltransferase complex to euchromatin.

CXXC finger protein 1 (Cfp1), encoded by the CXXC1 gene, is a component of the euchromatic Setd1A histone H3K4 methyltransferase complex, and is a critical regulator of histone methylation, cytosine methylation, cellular differentiation, and vertebrate development. Murine embryonic stem (ES) cells lacking Cfp1 (CXXC1−/−) are viable but show increased levels of global histone H3K4 methylation, suggesting that Cfp1 functions to inhibit or restrict the activity of the Setd1A histone H3K4 methyltransferase complex. The studies reported here reveal that ES cells lacking Cfp1 contain decreased levels of Setd1A and show subnuclear mislocalization of both Setd1A and trimethylation of histone H3K4 with regions of heterochromatin. Remarkably, structure–function studies reveal that expression of either the N-terminal fragment of Cfp1 (amino acids 1–367) or the C-terminal fragment of Cfp1 (amino acids 361–656) is sufficient to restore appropriate levels of Setd1A in CXXC1−/− ES cells. Furthermore, functional analysis of various Cfp1 point mutations reveals that retention of either Cfp1 DNA-binding activity or association with the Setd1 histone H3K4 methyltransferase complex is required to restore normal Setd1A levels. In contrast, expression of full-length Cfp1 in CXXC1−/− ES cells is required to restrict Setd1A and histone H3K4 trimethylation to euchromatin, indicating that both Cfp1 DNA-binding activity and interaction with the Setd1A complex are required for appropriate genomic targeting of the Setd1A complex. These studies illustrate the complexity of Cfp1 function, and identify Cfp1 as a regulator of Setd1A genomic targeting.
Bootstrap Aggregating of Alternating Decision Trees to Detect Sets of SNPs that Associate with Disease

Complex genetic disorders are a result of a combination of genetic and nongenetic factors, all potentially interacting. Machine learning methods hold the potential to identify multilocus and environmental associations thought to drive complex genetic traits. Decision trees, a popular machine learning technique, offer a computationally low complexity algorithm capable of detecting associated sets of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of arbitrary size, including modern genome-wide SNP scans. However, interpretation of the importance of an individual SNP within these trees can present challenges. We present a new decision tree algorithm denoted as Bagged Alternating Decision Trees (BADTrees) that is based on identifying common structural elements in a bootstrapped set of Alternating Decision Trees (ADTrees). The algorithm is order nk(2), where n is the number of SNPs considered and k is the number of SNPs in the tree constructed. Our simulation study suggests that BADTrees have higher power and lower type I error rates than ADTrees alone and comparable power with lower type I error rates compared to logistic regression. We illustrate the application of these data using simulated data as well as from the Lupus Large Association Study 1 (7,822 SNPs in 3,548 individuals). Our results suggest that BADTrees hold promise as a low computational order algorithm for detecting complex combinations of SNP and environmental factors associated with disease.
Sharper bounds on Occam filters and application to digital video

Occam filters are a general technique for filtering random noise via data compression. Previously it was established that these filters converge in a learning theoretic sense, with convergence bounds that depended on the probability distribution of the noise variable. The paper presents a convergence bound for uniformly sampled signals that is independent of the probability distribution of the noise variable, barring some minimal assumptions. It also examines an application of Occam filters to remove random noise from digital video, thereby enabling improved nearly lossless compression. >
An LTV Beurling-Lax theorem and related interpolation

A linear time varying (LTV) system perspective of a Krein space variant of the Beurling-Lax theorem is discussed, illuminating the nature of certain causal subspace families K/sub t//spl sub/L/sub 2/(t,/spl infin/), t/spl isin/R. The theorem helps identify a framework for a natural, system oriented LTV generalization of Sarason's interpolation problem, which is also solved. >
Hydralazine and Breast Cancer

Hydralazine (CAS: 86-54-4; 1-hydrazinonaphthalazine) is a well-established antihypertensive agent. There are no conclusive data on the drug as a human carcinogen, but one of its metabolites, hydrazine (CAS: 302-01-2), has been shown to be carcinogenic in rats and mice. To assess the relationship of hydralazine to human breast cancer, 3,419 women with breast cancer and 3,219 hospital control subjects were studied. Data were obtained by interview in hospitals in the United States and Canada. A total of 1.4% of the cases and 1.2% of the controls had used hydralazine. Compared with never use, the relative risk (RR) estimate for hydralazine that was first used at least 18 months before admission was 0.9 [95% confidence interval (CI), 0.5-1.7] after risk factors for breast cancer and the use of other antihypertensive drugs and diuretics were taken into account by multivariate analysis. The RR estimate for hydralazine use lasting at least 1 year was 0.9 (95% CI, 0.5-1.7). RR estimates for longer durations of use (up to 5 or more yr), and for use within strata of risk factors for breast cancer, were close to 1.0. The results suggest that hydralazine does not increase the risk of breast cancer in humans in the short term. Whether the risk is increased after latent intervals of many years could not be evaluated.
From pandemic preparedness to biofuel production: tobacco finds its biotechnology niche in North America.

In 2012 scientists funded by the United States Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) produced 10 million doses of influenza vaccine in tobacco in a milestone deadline of one month. Recently the experimental antibody cocktail Zmapp™, also produced in tobacco, has shown promise as an emergency intervention therapeutic against Ebola virus. These two examples showcase how collaborative efforts between government, private industry and academia are applying plant biotechnology to combat pathogenic agents. Opportunities now exist repurposing tobacco expression systems for exciting new applications in synthetic biology, biofuels production and industrial enzyme production. As plant-produced biotherapeutics become more mainstream, government funding agencies need to be cognizant of the idea that many plant-produced biologicals are often safer, cheaper, and just as efficacious as traditionally used expression systems.
Supralinearity of peak 5 and peak 6 in TLD-700

Abstract Track theory has been applied to calculate the response of peak 5 and peak 6 in LiF (TLD-700) for H, He, C, O and Ne bombardment. Calculations reproduce experimental features of the heavy-ion response of TLD-700 and provide means of connecting the gamma and high-LET responses in thermoluminescent dosimeters.
A hierarchical microprocessor laboratory facility

The microprocessor course offered by the Electrical Engineering and Computer Science department at the University of Santa Clara is a hardware/applications oriented course. Hardware interfacing as well as software is emphasized with laboratory equipment designed to facilitate hands-on hardware experience in a real-time environment. The needs of a real-time laboratory render the use of simulators and other non-real-time debugging tools inappropriate. Students should have individual hardware access as provided by single-board computers, and real-time analyzers or in-circuit emulators. Unfortunately, although such facilities are excellent for hardware development, their utility for software development is very restrictive. A hierarchical organization that provides software (top level) and hardware (bottom level) facilities will be described.
The Clinical Profile of Unresolved Pulmonary Embolism

Nearly all patients with pulmonary embolism (PE) have complete clinical and hemodynamic and at least near complete roentgenographic and angiographic resolution within four to six weeks of the acute event. To classify the syndrome of unresolved pulmonary embolism we reviewed our experience and that of the English literature to extract 30 well-described cases. The mean age at presentation was 45 years, and most patients were less than 60 years old. Almost all complained of dyspnea, and the majority had at least one clinical event suggestive of PE. Most had clinical evidence of pulmonary hypertension. Roentgenographic, arterial blood gas and electrocardiographic findings were nonspecific, though the perfusion lung scan was always abnormal. Most patients exhibited mild-to-moderate pulmonary hypertension. The severity of pulmonary artery obstruction was quite variable and did not correlate with the magnitude of arterial hypoxemia or pulmonary hypertension. Most patients did not improve with long-term anticoagulation therapy and underwent pulmonary embolectomy with acceptable mortality. Postoperative improvement correlated with improved arterial blood gas levels, abatement of pulmonary hypertension, and more satisfactory pulmonary perfusion.
An inherently parlle large grained data flow environment

A parallel programming environment based on data flow is described. Programming in the environment involves use with an interactive graphic editor which facilitates the construction of a program graph consisting of modules, ports, paths and triggers. Parallelism is inherent since data presence allows many modules to execute concurrently. The graph is executed directly without transformation to traditional representations. The environment supports programming at a very high level as opposed to parallelism at the individual instruction level.
Neuromuscular changes for hopping on a range of damped surfaces.

Humans hopping and running on elastic and damped surfaces maintain similar center-of-mass dynamics by adjusting stance leg mechanics. We tested the hypothesis that the leg transitions from acting l...
COMPUTER-ASSISTED TRANSLATION SYSTEMS: The Standard Design and A Multi-level Design

The standard design for a computer-assisted translation system consists of data entry of source text, machine translation, and revision of raw machine translation. This paper discusses this standard design and presents an alternative multi-level design consisting of integrated word processing, terminology aids, preprocessing aids and a link to an off-line machine translation system. Advantages of the new design are discussed.
Modified Aortoseptoplasty for Anular Abscess and Erosion of the Membranous Septum

Surgery for bacterial endocarditis may require extensive debridement and appropriate reconstruction for optimal results. Excision of the aortic valve and eroded membranous septum due to pneumococcal endocarditis with modified aortoseptoplasty was successfully accomplished in a sixyear-old child.
Linking Academics and Social Learning: Perceptions of School Staff to a Violence Prevention Program at an Alternative School

This article examines how school staff conceptualize their work with youths in an alternative school for weapon policy offenders after having undergone at least one year of a whole-school violence prevention program conducted by the Syracuse University Violence Prevention Project. The article examines the intent of school staff, their ideas, perspectives, and language about youths, violence, and schooling, and provides insights into the challenges and benefits of a whole-school approach to violence prevention. Their insights highlight what is needed for a violence prevention program to be successful. A major issue raised in the article is the importance of linking social learning and academics in violence prevention strategies, and of sustaining collaborative efforts that connect conflict resolution to acts of justice and support for youths' intellectual and emotional lives. Language: en
Hyphenation of sorbent extraction and solid-matrix time-resolved luminescence using tetracycline in milk as a model analyte

Hyphenation of sorbent extraction and solid-matrix time-resolved luminescence (TRL) was demonstrated using tetracycline (TC) in milk as a model analyte. The performance of a C18-impregnated silica layer was evaluated as both an extraction sorbent and a TRL substrate. To extract TC, a 10 × 6 mm glass-backed C18 layer was dipped into a 10 mL milk sample for 10 min followed by a 3-min water immersion for cleanup. The sorbent was then spotted with a TRL reagent solution at pH 9 that contained 5 mM europium nitrate and 5 mM EDTA. After a brief desiccation period, TRL was measured directly on the sorbent surface with a commercial fluorescence spectrophotometer. By eliminating the need to elute the analyte from the sorbent, organic solvent was not needed and sample preparation was greatly simplified. The integrated signal showed a linear dependence (R2 = 0.9938) on TC concentration in the 0−3000 μg/L range. The same protocol was applicable to screening TC in fat-free, 2% low-fat, and whole milk at 300 μg/L, the ...
Success of multiple, sequential, free tissue transfers to the head and neck.

Introduction: Free tissue transfer has become the primary reconstructive modality for significant ablative defects in the head and neck. The overall success rate is high, approaching 95% in most centers. The success rate of multiple sequential free flaps has been thought to be lower, based on the absence of optimal vessel availability and the presence of significant scar tissue in the previously operated patient. We evaluated a series of patients who underwent multiple free flaps at different time points to determine the overall success rate and to identify pitfalls encountered in this population. Methods: Retrospective review, tertiary care medical center. Results: From 1995 to 2002, 377 free flaps were performed by our reconstructive service. Of this group, 36 underwent multiple free flaps at different time points. Thirty-two had two flaps, and four had three flaps. Reasons for performing sequential free flap procedures were as follows: recurrent disease/new primary (18), need for further augmentation (10), failed previous flap (6), delayed mandibular reconstruction after plate fracture (2), mandibular osteoradionecrosis (3), and delayed pharyngoesophageal stenosis (1). The overall failure rate on the second and third flap was 2 of 32 and 0 of 4, respectively, with an overall success rate of 94%. Conclusion: Multiple, sequential, free tissue transfer for reconstruction of head and neck defects is a safe and reliable procedure with success rates equal to that in patients undergoing initial free flap reconstruction. Careful preoperative planning can result in optimal outcomes even in this difficult patient population.
Using Visual Supports for Students With Autism in Physical Education

The article focuses on visual supports as a communication technique used for autistic students in physical education class. The physical education environment for autistic students can be chaotic, which causes withdrawal and disruptive or self-stimulatory behaviors. Visual supports give autistic students clear expectations, create predictability, and promote independent transitions. Furthermore, visual information is processed more effectively by autistic students than auditory information. It explores the Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS) as a visual communication tool for educators and their autistic students. The tool is consists of a card with colored or black-and-white drawings that represent an object or skill and descriptions written above it.
Public budgeting and financial management curriculum reform: A conceptual framework

Public budgeting and financial management (PBFM) education has been undergoing intense scrutiny which can be seen through many professional conferences, journal symposia, and recently, the creation in 1984 of a Task Force on Budgeting and Financial Management Curriculum Reform by the Section on Budgeting and Financial Management of the American Society for Public Administration. This study analyzes pedagogic deficits in PBFM, suggests a comprehensive scope of PBFM, points to some dilemmas in PBFM curriculum design or reform, proposes some models for a curriculum reform, and raises some implementation constraints in each model.
Cost-effectiveness of stroke prophylaxis for nonvalvular atrial fibrillation.

To the Editor. —Dr Gage and colleagues 1 presented a thorough and well-done analysis of warfarin vs aspirin for nonvalvular atrial fibrillation. However, we disagree with their conclusions for low-risk patients. The authors conclude, "In 65-year-old patients with NVAF [nonvalvular atrial fibrillation] but no other risk factors for stroke, prescribing warfarin instead of aspirin would affect quality-adjusted survival minimally but increase costs significantly." They argue that, in these patients, "prescribing warfarin... is prohibitively expensive relative to other health interventions." A close examination of their results and data from the randomized NVAF trials suggests that this conclusion is questionable. The marginal effectiveness of warfarin vs aspirin in the group at low risk for stroke was 0.01 quality-adjusted life year (QALY). A marginal effectiveness value in this range is not robust and is generally considered a clinical "toss-up." 2 Because the cost-effectiveness ratio is calculated by placing the effectiveness value in the
Insights in development and deployment of the GLA and NUTBAL decision support systems for grazinglands

Abstract The evolution of two decision support systems are traced from their roots in academia to deployment to technical advisors in USDA Natural Resource Conservation Service. The Grazing Lands Application (GLA) decision support system (DSS) was designed to provide forage inventories for grazing management of ranches. The other tool, NUTBAL, evolved as a stand alone DSS, emerging as a component of GLA when a supporting monitoring technology for nutritional profiling of free-ranging animals provided the user rapid estimates of diet quality from fecal scans with near infrared reflectance spectroscopy (NIRS). The adoption pattern of GLA and NUTBAL were quite different, with GLA experiencing less widespread adoption in USDA NRCS. The primary causes were (1) limited adoption rate of GLA within NRCS associated with changing culture in the information technology development group, (2) time overloading and staff reassignments for new programs, (3) changing software/hardware development environments imposed by the client disrupting development and system design and (4) large up front conversion of a largely paper-based system to a digital form. GLA was transformed to web-based delivery and streamlined to gain greater acceptance by users and ease time constraints on use of spatial tools. The NUTBAL system experienced more of a user driven evolution since it emerged from the GLA suite of tools and was supported by on-ranch monitoring systems capability of directly linking the livestock producer's animals with the software. NUTBAL's linkage to animal monitoring systems seems to have accelerated adoption rates. Ease of access to supporting input data coupled with early involvement of the target user and extensive analysis of the decision environment were critical to future success of these systems. Targeting technical advisors instead of livestock producers appears to be a more viable development track unless new innovations in DSS delivery systems can emerge using the internet.
Synthesis and evaluation of a brain-targeted catechol derivative as a potential NGF-inducer

A novel brain-targeted catechol derivative was designed for the potential in vivo induction of nerve growth factor (NGF) biosynthesis within the central nervous system (CNS) after its peripheral administration. The dihydropyridine-pyridinium salt moiety integrated in the structure of the catechol and conferred the brain-selective delivery property to the molecule. After preliminary in vitro evaluation of this brain-targeted derivative and its pyridinium metabolite, in vivo tissue distribution studies demonstrated the selective and sustained delivery of the compound of interest to the brain of a rat. Furthermore, the significant in vitro biological activity of the novel catechol derivative that was demonstrated in the L-M cell line is encouraging for the expected NGF-inducing activity of this novel catechol derivative in vivo.
Metallic tin is an adjuvant for anaphylaxis in rats

Metallic tin powder is known to have an adjuvant-like property, by which it increases the levels of natural antibodies and induced hemagglutinins, and it enhances the induction of allergic encephalomyelitis in rats. In the present work, metallic tin is shown to be an adjuvant for a different immunologic process, anaphylactic sensitization. The new data support the notion that metallic tin causes polyclonal B-cell activation with proliferation of plasma cells.
Global contributions to Annals of Plastic Surgery: authorship in an English language journal by international colleagues.

Abstract We reviewed the contributor demographics of recent volumes of Annals of Plastic Surgery to quantify the contributions of authors from countries where the primary language is not English. For 2 volumes of Annals (63 and 65), such authors contributed 57% of the total articles published. Within the new section format of volume 66, authors from non-English language countries accounted for 60% of all original articles with substantial and often dominant representation in all sections. This survey shows that Annals publishes articles from an international population of contributors with effective inclusion of authors from countries with primary languages other than English.
The gradient of polarity of z gene nonsense mutations in trp-lac fusion strains of Escherichia coli.

Abstract The polarity gradient of a series of nonsense mutations in the z gene of the lac operon has been determined in trp-lac fusion strains. The results described in this paper suggest that the general nature of the polarity gradient generated by nonsense mutations in a given cistron is a function of their location within this cistron and is not determined by the position of the cistron within the operon.
ANALYSIS OF A BILAYERED POROUS RADIANT BURNER

A theoretical study of the heating effectiveness of a composite porous radiant burner (PRB) is conducted. A one-dimensional laminar premixed flame model incorporating a radiatively participating inert porous medium consisting of two layers of different properties is used to describe the heat release/transfer processes. Combined conductive, convective, and radiative heat transfer is considered. The spherical harmonics method with the P-3 approximation is used to model the radiation part. A multistep reaction mechanism for premixed methane-air combustion is employed. A parametric study is carried out to determine the effect of the radiative properties of the two porous layers on burner performance. Calculations indicate that a significant improvement in the radiative output of a PRB can be attained by optimizing the burner properties upstream and downstream of the flame. Generally, the upstream layer should be of lower porosity, shorter length, and higher optical thickness than the downstream layer. Also, the upstream layer should be highly scattering, while the downstream layer should be nonscattering.
Fundamentalism, liberal education and freedom of speech: An issue for the public speaking instructor

Pedagogical, ethical, and legal questions arise when fundamentalist students use the public speaking classroom as a forum for religious proselytizing. The problem centers on fundamentalists’ inability to distinguish between persuasion and proselytization and on their rejection of the humanistic perspective on education. The solution requires instructors to apply traditional criteria of persuasion in the evaluation of proselytizing speeches.
Development and Validation of the Political Skill Inventory

The present research was developed to examine the conceptualization and measurement of the political skill construct and to provide validation evidence for the Political Skill Inventory (PSI). The results of three investigations, involving seven samples, are reported that demonstrate consistency of the factor structure across studies, construct validity, and criterion-related validity of the PSI. As hypothesized, political skill was positively related to self-monitoring, political savvy, and emotional intelligence; negatively related to trait anxiety; and not correlated with general mental ability. Also, the PSI predicted performance ratings of managers in two samples. Implications of these findings and directions for future research are provided.
Plasmonics – the missing link between nanoelectronics and microphotonics

Plasmonics is an exciting new device technology that has recently emerged. It exploits the unique optical properties of metallic nanostructures to enable routing and manipulation of light at the nanoscale. A tremendous synergy can be attained by integrating plasmonic, electronic, and conventional dielectric photonic devices on the same chip and taking advantage of the strengths of each technology. We will provide a perspective on future directions and possibilities for integrating plasmonic devices on a Si chip.
Training for research in geophysical borderlands of geology

To prepare myself for this discussion, I read through a good many papers on various aspects of the academic training of geologists. The problem of improving this training has been the subject of many symposia and individual papers, and almost every tenable point of view has already been set forth in a more able form than I could hope to match. In brief, everyone agrees that we need students who know a lot more about everything. Especial mention is made of the basic sciences—mathematics, physics, chemistry, and biology—although many writers feel that literature, history, languages, etc. are neglected. My decision was to treat the subject from a personal point of view; to describe how I have tried to meet this problem in the past and how I propose to meet it in the future.
Detection of Type VII Collagen Autoantibodies Before the Onset of Bullous Systemic Lupus Erythematosus.

Importance Anti–type VII collagen autoantibodies are often detectable in patients with bullous systemic lupus erythematosus (BSLE). However, the timing of their appearance preceding the onset of disease is unknown to date. Observations We report the case of a 50-year-old woman with a history of SLE who was seen with vesicles and bullae around her lips, trunk, axillae, arms, and thighs. Histologic analysis and immunofluorescence and immunoblot studies confirmed the diagnosis of BSLE. Immunoblotting and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay studies of the patient’s serum obtained 3 months before the onset of BSLE showed the presence of anti–type VII collagen autoantibodies. Levels of anti–type VII collagen IgG increased after bullous lesions appeared. Within 1 month after initiating dapsone therapy and increasing the dosage of prednisone, skin lesions promptly resolved. One year after the onset of BSLE, the anti–type VII collagen IgG decreased below levels observed before the inception of the bullous lesions. Conclusions and Relevance Anti–type VII collagen autoantibodies can precede the clinical appearance of BSLE. The subsequent increase and decrease in levels of circulating anti–type VII collagen autoantibodies, which mirrored skin disease activity, support a potential role in their initiation of disease.
DRoP: A Water Analysis Program Identifies Ras-GTP-Specific Pathway of Communication between Membrane-Interacting Regions and the Active Site

Ras GTPase mediates several cellular signal transduction pathways and is found mutated in a large number of cancers. It is active in the GTP-bound state, where it interacts with effector proteins, and at rest in the GDP-bound state. The catalytic domain is tethered to the membrane, with which it interacts in a nucleotide-dependent manner. Here we present the program Detection of Related Solvent Positions (DRoP) for crystallographic water analysis on protein surfaces and use it to study Ras. DRoP reads and superimposes multiple Protein Data Bank coordinates, transfers symmetry-related water molecules to the position closest to the protein surface, and ranks the waters according to how well conserved and tightly clustered they are in the set of structures. Coloring according to this rank allows visualization of the results. The effector-binding region of Ras is hydrated with highly conserved water molecules at the interface between the P-loop, switch I, and switch II, as well as at the Raf-RBD binding pocket. Furthermore, we discovered a new conserved water-mediated H-bonding network present in Ras-GTP, but not in Ras-GDP, that links the nucleotide sensor residues R161 and R164 on helix 5 to the active site. The double mutant RasN85A/N86A, where the final link between helix 5 and the nucleotide is not possible, is a severely impaired enzyme, while the single mutant RasN86A, with partial connection to the active site, has a wild-type hydrolysis rate. DRoP was instrumental in determining the water-mediated connectivity networks that link two lobes of the catalytic domain in Ras.
Nonlinear Frequency-Dependent Model for Microinductors With Magnetic Core

This letter presents a compact nonlinear and frequency-dependent equivalent circuit model for microinductors with thin-film magnetic cores. The model is suitable for many existing microinductor geometries. It captures magnetic saturation and eddy currents and electric field coupling in a physically meaningful manner and can be directly implemented in commonly used circuit simulators. The new model lends itself for simple extraction from standard biased small-signal impedance analyzer measurements. We demonstrate the performance of the proposed model for a representative measured NiFe inductor. The results of the extracted model are in good agreement with the measurements.
Activin-A inhibits proopiomelanocortin messenger RNA accumulation and adrenocorticotropin secretion of AtT20 cells.

The complexity of corticotropic cell regulation by multiple central and peripheral factors is well recognized. The present study provides evidence for the participation of an additional factor in the regulation of this cell type of the anterior pituitary. Using the clonal AtT20 cell line as a model for corticotropes, homodimeric activin-A was observed to suppress basal ACTH secretion and POMC mRNA accumulation by approximately 50%. These effects required prolonged treatment with activin-A and were concentration dependent; the half-maximum concentration was in the range of 30–50 pm. Consistently, AtT20 cells were found to express specific high affinity binding sites for [125I]activin-A. The simultaneous addition of inhibin-A along with increasing concentrations of activin-A did not alter the characteristics of the inhibition of ACTH secretion by activin-A alone. This is in contrast to observations with gonadotropes of the anterior pituitary as well as a number of other cell types in which inhibin-A can par...
Duration of Fertility and Hatchability Following Natural Matings in Turkeys

Abstract A POSSIBLE relationship between mating behavior and hatchability of fertile eggs was indicated by Nalbandov and Card (1943) in chickens. On the basis of these observations, Parker and Barton (1945) suggested that more frequent matings might result in higher hatchability in turkeys. Duration of fertility in turkeys has received attention previously. Scott (1937) and Marsden and Martin (1949) reported fertility following natural matings and more recently Lorenz (1950) and McCartney (1951) observed the duration of fertility following artificial insemination. The data for fertility following natural matings are somewhat limited in that duration was measured from the time of removal of males. Information on the relative fertilizing capacity of semen from successive ejaculates in a series is not available. Of the above investigators, McCartney (1951) was the only one to include data for the duration of hatchability. Therefore, more critical information on the patterns of fertility and hatchability was desired preliminary …
Epidemiologic characteristics of children hospitalized for Kawasaki disease in California.

Objective.To evaluate the epidemiologic pattern of Kawasaki disease (KD) in California.Methods.Statewide hospital discharge data from California from 1995 through 1999 were used. Children 0 through 17 years old who had a discharge diagnosis of KD (by ICD9-CM code 446.1) were identified. Precipitatio
Wronskian representation for confluent supersymmetric transformation chains of arbitrary order

We prove that iterations of confluent supersymmetric transformations (confluent SUSY chains) in quantum mechanics can be represented through Wronskian determinants. It is further shown that the latter Wronskian representation remains valid, if the SUSY chain is built from arbitrary combinations of confluent and non-confluent subchains. In addition, we obtain an integral representation of generalized eigenfunctions for quantum-mechanical Hamiltonians that proves useful for the application of confluent SUSY chains. Our results generalize former findings for second- and third-order chains.
Global Molecular Identification from Graphs. Neutral and Ionized Main-Group Diatomic Molecules

Diophantine equations and inequalities are presented for main-group closed-shell diatomic molecules. Specifying various bond types (covalent, dative, ionic, van der Waals) and multiplicities, it be...
Myopic biases in competitions

Abstract In three studies using both laboratory and field data, we show that the focal competitor’s strengths and weaknesses feature more prominently in predictions of the outcomes of future competitions than do the strengths and weaknesses of the opponents. People are more confident when their own side is strong, regardless of how strong the competition is. We show that this effect is driven by the fact that people have better information about their own side than the other side, in part because they preferentially seek out information about their own side. Implications for theories of decision making in competitive settings are discussed.
Selective alterations of regional β-adrenergic receptor binding in the kindling model of epilepsy

Kindling is an animal model of epilepsy induced by periodic electrical stimulation of the brain. Pharmacologic studies implicating catecholaminergic synapses in kindling provided the rationale for these studies. Radioligand binding assays were used to measure directly muscarinic cholinergic and β-adrenergic receptors in membranes prepared from multiple brain regions of rats 3 days after completion of kindling. The results demonstrate selective reductions in β-adrenergic receptor binding in both the stimulated and contralateral amygdaloid regions. These reductions in binding appear to be due to decreased numbers of binding sites. Administration of electrical current without kindling did not cause reductions in β-adrenergic receptors. These data directly implicate alteration of β-adrenergic receptors in kindling although their precise role remains to be defined.
Gene regulatory changes in yeast during life extension by nutrient limitation.

Genetic analyses aimed at identification of the pathways and downstream effectors of calorie restriction (CR) in the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae suggest the importance of central metabolism for the extension of replicative life span by CR. However, the limited gene expression studies to date are not informative, because they have been conducted using cells grown in batch culture which markedly departs from the conditions under which yeasts are grown during life span determinations. In this study, we have examined the gene expression changes that occur during either glucose limitation or elimination of nonessential-amino acids, both of which enhance yeast longevity, culturing cells in a chemostat at equilibrium, which closely mimicks conditions they encounter during life span determinations. Expression of 59 genes was examined quantitatively by real-time, reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR), and the physiological state of the cultures was monitored. Extensive gene expression changes were detected, some of which were common to both CR regimes. The most striking of these was the induction of tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle and retrograde response target genes, which appears to be at least partially due to the up-regulation of the HAP4 gene. These gene regulatory events portend an increase in the generation of biosynthetic intermediates necessary for the production of daughter cells, which is the measure of yeast replicative life span.
Comparative Analysis of Cleavable Azobenzene-Based Affinity Tags for Bioorthogonal Chemical Proteomics

The advances in bioorthogonal ligation methods have provided new opportunities for proteomic analysis of newly synthesized proteins, posttranslational modifications, and specific enzyme families using azide/alkyne-functionalized chemical reporters and activity-based probes. Efficient enrichment and elution of azide/alkyne-labeled proteins with selectively cleavable affinity tags are essential for protein identification and quantification applications. Here, we report the synthesis and comparative analysis of Na₂S₂O₄-cleavable azobenzene-based affinity tags for bioorthogonal chemical proteomics. We demonstrated that ortho-hydroxyl substituent is required for efficient azobenzene-bond cleavage and show that these cleavable affinity tags can be used to identify newly synthesized proteins in bacteria targeted by amino acid chemical reporters as well as their sites of modification on endogenously expressed proteins. The azobenzene-based affinity tags are compatible with in-gel, in-solution, and on-bead enrichment strategies and should afford useful tools for diverse bioorthogonal proteomic applications.
The Effect of Alkalosis on Hypoxia-Induced Pulmonary Vasoconstriction in Lungs of Newborn Rabbits

The purpose of this study was to determine whether metabolic and respiratory alkalosis reduce hypoxia-induced pulmonary vasoconstriction in lungs of newborn rabbits. To accomplish this, we isolated and perfused with blood the lungs from 33 newborn rabbits, 3-14 d old. In all pairs of lungs, we first measured the magnitude of hypoxia-induced pulmonary vasoconstriction at a pH of 7.30-7.42. We then measured the effect of alkalosis on the magnitude of hypoxic pulmonary vasoconstruction by following one of two different sequences of exposure to hypoxia and alkalosis. For the first sequence, we exposed 13 lungs to hypoxia, and during the hypoxic exposure we either decreased the inspired PCO2 (respiratory alkalosis, n = 8) or infused NaHCO3 (metabolic alkalosis, n = 5) to achieve a pH of 7.50-7.65. For the second sequence, we first decreased the inspired PCO2 (n = 9) or infused NaHCO3 (n = 11) to achieve a pH of 7.50-7.65 and then exposed the lungs to hypoxia. We found that hypoxic pulmonary vasoconstriction was reduced by either respiratory or metabolic alkalosis, when alkalosis was induced during hypoxia. When respiratory or metabolic alkalosis was induced before hypoxia, the magnitude of hypoxia-induced pulmonary vasoconstriction was the same as at the normal pH. We conclude that both metabolic and respiratory alkalosis reduce ongoing hypoxic pulmonary vasoconstriction in lungs of newborn rabbits. However, neither mode of alkalosis blunts pulmonary vasoconstriction in response to subsequent exposures to hypoxia.
On the mixing time of Markov Chain Monte Carlo for integer least-square problems

In this paper, we study the mixing time of Markov Chain Monte Carlo (MCMC) for integer least-square (LS) optimization problems. It is found that the mixing time of MCMC for integer LS problems depends on the structure of the underlying lattice. More specifically, the mixing time of MCMC is closely related to whether there is a local minimum in the lattice structure. For some lattices, the mixing time of the Markov chain is independent of the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) and grows polynomially in the problem dimension; while for some lattices, the mixing time grows unboundedly as SNR grows. Both theoretical and empirical results suggest that to ensure fast mixing, the temperature for MCMC should often grow positively as the SNR increases. We also derive the probability that there exist local minima in an integer least-square problem, which can be as high as equation.
A haptic-inspired audio approach for structural health monitoring decision-making

Haptics is the field at the interface of human touch (tactile sensation) and classification, whereby tactile feedback is used to train and inform a decision-making process. In structural health monitoring (SHM) applications, haptic devices have been introduced and applied in a simplified laboratory scale scenario, in which nonlinearity, representing the presence of damage, was encoded into a vibratory manual interface. In this paper, the “spirit” of haptics is adopted, but here ultrasonic guided wave scattering information is transformed into audio (rather than tactile) range signals. After sufficient training, the structural damage condition, including occurrence and location, can be identified through the encoded audio waveforms. Different algorithms are employed in this paper to generate the transformed audio signals and the performance of each encoding algorithms is compared, and also compared with standard machine learning classifiers. In the long run, the haptic decision-making is aiming to detect and classify structural damages in a more rigorous environment, and approaching a baseline-free fashion with embedded temperature compensation.
Thermionic energy conversion technology - Present and future

Aerospace and terrestrial applications of thermionic direct energy conversion and advances in direct energy conversion (DEC) technology are surveyed. Electrode materials, the cesium plasma drop (the difference between the barrier index and the collector work function), DEC voltage/current characteristics, conversion efficiency, and operating temperatures are discussed. Attention is centered on nuclear reactor system thermionic DEC devices, for in-core or out-of-core operation. Thermionic fuel elements, the radiation shield, power conditions, and a waste heat rejection system are considered among the thermionic DEC system components. Terrestrial applications include topping power systems in fossil fuel and solar power generation.
Vitamin E differentially affects short term exercise induced changes in oxidative stress, lipids, and inflammatory markers.

Abstract Background and Aim Physical activity or exercise is a proven deterrent of cardiovascular diseases. The purpose of this study was to examine whether vitamin E supplementation interfere with the potential benefits of exercise. Methods and results A total of 455 apparently healthy men and women were recruited, for a 2-month aerobic/cardiovascular exercise program. Subjects were randomly assigned for soft gel vitamin E or placebo (800 IU), and required to give blood at 0, 2, 4 and 8 weeks of exercise. Levels of lipid and markers of oxidative stress and inflammation were measured along with the VO2 and duration time spent on treadmill. Statistical analysis did not show significant changes in the levels of lipids and markers of oxidative stress and inflammation. Favorable trends among both of the randomization groups were observed in lipids, and some of the oxidative stress and inflammatory markers. This study also established several interesting correlations between VO2, and lipids on one hand and markers of oxidation and inflammation on the other hand. Reduction in LDL levels positively associated with increased levels of MCP-1 ( P P P Conclusions Exercise training induces oxidative stress might be instrumental in favorable lipid reduction and markers of oxidative stress and inflammation. However interestingly, vitamin E didn't demonstrate favorable effects on the level of oxidative stress and inflammation associated with exercise.
Financial incentives and pesticide use

This paper argues that the current pesticide regulatory system is inefficient. An elaborate set of registration requirements has led to high costs of new pesticides. The current system does not provide any incentives for decreasing its pesticide use. The implementation of financial incentives to control pesticide use is difficult since damage from pesticide use depends on locational factors, timing, and manner of application. An efficient pesticide tax scheme requires detailed monitoring and reporting of pesticide use by farmers. Improved monitoring systems will enable differentiated pesticide taxes according to application technology, and such differentiated taxation will encourage the adoption of precision technologies that reduce pesticide use. Proceeds from pesticide taxes may have a role in financing research and education in Integrated Pest Management methods, given the high development costs and advanced management skills demanded by many non-chemical control methods. The transition to efficient financial incentives will be gradual in the near future, and it may be useful to use financial incentives to induce improvement in pesticide use efficiency and reduce pesticides use levels.
Examination of Illicit Drug Use Frequency Using Multiple Drug Assessment Methods in Mothers Referred to Treatment by Child Protective Services

It has long been established that illicit drug use contributes to child maltreatment. However, investigators have yet to comprehensively examine illicit drug use in mothers referred to treatment by Child Protective Services (CPS). In this study, 77 mothers who were referred to treatment by CPS for co-existing drug abuse and child neglect were administered the Timeline Follow-Back measure to assess their substance use frequency during the four months preceding treatment. Reports of the mothers’ substance use were obtained for the same time period from the mothers’ significant others and CPS caseworkers, and mothers were administered urinalysis testing. The purpose of this study was to examine the concordance of these multiple reports, and identify unique predictors of different drug use reporting patterns. The practice of using urinalysis results as a prompt during the mothers’ Timeline Follow-Back administration may have contributed to greater frequency of drug use reporting in mothers. Mothers reported progressively more drug use for more distant time periods, as compared with caseworkers. Findings also suggested mothers’ reports of drug use were influenced by CPS investigatory case status (i.e., open or closed), ethnicity, and defensive responding. Implications of these findings for clinical practice and future research are discussed.