cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Transposition Hypergroups: Noncommutative Join Spaces

The study of various kinds of algebraic hypergroups is unified in the theory of transposition hypergroups. The hyperoperation in any hypergroup has two inverses given bya/b = {x | a ∈ xb} andb/a = {x | a ∈ bx}. A transposition hypergroup is a hypergroup where transposition,b/a ∩ c/d ≠ ∅ impliesad ∩ bc ≠ ∅, holds. The algebra of transposition hypergroups is developed. Closed subhypergroupsNthat are reflexive,a/N = N/a, have distinguished structural significance. The quotient space of a transposition hypergroup modulo a reflexive closed subhypergroup forms a transposition hypergroup that is a polygroup. Then generalizations of the isomorphism theorems and the Jordan–Holder theorem of group theory are obtained.
A preliminary procedure for predicting the positive and negative effects of reinforcement-based procedures.

Abstract In the current investigation, a modification was made to the preference assessment described by Pace, Ivancic, Edwards, Iwata, and Page (1985) to predict the effects of stimuli when used in a differential-reinforcement-of-other-behavior (DRO) schedule for 2 clients with severe self-injurious behavior (SIB) and profound mental retardation. Based on the results of the preference assessment, three types of stimuli were identified: (a) high-preference stimuli associated with high rates of SIB (HP/HS), (b) high-preference stimuli associated with relatively lower rates of SIB (HP/LS), and (c)low-preference stimuli associated with low rates of SIB (LP/LS). Consistent with the results of the preference assessment, the DRO schedule with HP/HS stimuli resulted in increased SIB, and the DRO schedule with LP/LS stimuli resulted in no change in SIB when used in a DRO schedule. Thus, the stimulus preference assessment may be useful clinically in some situations for predicting both the beneficial and the negative side effects of stimuli in DRO procedures.
Microscopic Estimates for Electromigration Velocities of Intragranular Voids in Thin Aluminum Lines

We explore the effect of faceting on possible mechanisms for mass transport around electromigration voids in aluminum interconnects. Motivated by linear response estimates which suggest that particle flux would be much higher along steps than across terraces on a clean aluminum surface, we study step nucleation in the presence of a small driving force along a surface. We find that step nucleation, even on a nearly defect-free void surface, would be slow if the step energy is equal to that calculated for a clean aluminum surface. In the presence of a uniform electromigration force, the creation of new steps between existing ones should not occur unless the free energy cost of a step is much less than thermal energies. We conclude that voids cannot move intragranularly at µm/hr rates without help from other factors such as local heating and impurities.
Stability Analysis and Numerical Simulation of Differential Frost Heave

Differential frost heave is often implicated in the formation of patterned ground in regions subject to recurrent freezing and thawing. A linear stability analysis (LSA) indicates that a continuum model of frost heave is linearly unstable under typical natural freezing conditions of silty-clay soils. A two-dimensional non-linear numerical analysis corroborates the frozen time LSA results, and also indicates the importance of non-linear and time-dependent terms that ultimately lead to a preferred mode, which the LSA fails to predict. Instability of the one-dimensional solution occurs at shallow freezing depths and near-zero surface loads when positive perturbations in the ice content at the freezing front lead to a concomitant increase in thermomolecular pressure and upward ice velocity. Differential frost heave can then occur because of the increased heat flux from the perturbed surfaces. A three-dimensional model using random initial surface perturbations indicates that regular surface patterns will evolve with a length scale in the order of 2–4 meters, which corresponds quite closely with naturally-occurring non-sorted patterned ground.
Epilepsie bei Kindern

I n den letzten 10 Jahren hat sieh in den Vereinigten Staaten von Nordamerika erhShtes Interesse ffir die Epflepsie im Kindesalter gezeigt. Es wurde, geweekt durch die Mitteilung einer neuen B ehandhmgsart; die ketogene oder ~ettreiehe Di~t 1. Meinen Ver6ffentlichungen der Ergebnisse mit dieser Behandlungsart bei Kindern sind versehiedene andere gefolgt 2. Epilepsie und die krampfartigen StSrungen erfahren jetzt besondere Beaehtung nicht nur vom Standpunkt ihrer Behandlung sondern wegen ihrer Jktiologie. Ein Teil der Neurologen bewertet die Epilepsie eher als ein Symptom, denn als eine spezielle Kr~nkheit und reiht sie ein in die grol~e Gruppe der konvulsivisehen Krankheitssymptome. Meiner Meinung nach ist die idiopathische oder eigentliche Epilepsie eine chronische Erkrankung des Nervensystems, charakterisiert dutch periodiseh wiederkehrende Konvulsionen, Fallen und anormale geistige Zust~nde, welehe bei Individuen yon konstitu~ioneller Minderwertigkeit oder persSnliehen Defekten auitreten, die auch wohl mit vererbten Defekten des Nervensystems, welehe wir zur Zeit pathologisch-anatomisch nlcht erkl~ren k5nnen, behaftet sind, die aber das betreffende Individuum fiir die konvulsivischen StSrungen empf~nglich maehen. Bei meinem Studium der Kr~mpfe der Kinder 4 gewann ich die Uberzeugung, da~ die Epilepsie eine besondere bestimmte Krankheitsgruppe bildet. Wenn die Krankheit noch nicht vorgesehritten ist, sind die Kinder geistig ffiihreif, lebhaft, sensitiv und tempera~nentvoll. Es kSnnte seheinen, dal] sie geborene potentielle Epileptiker sind, die nur eine metabolische St6rung brauchen, um in Kr~mpfe zu verfallen. Die Anf~lle beginnen erst zu einer gewissen Zeit, meist vor tier Pubert~t, und werden dann progressiv. Wenn die Epilepsie ein ,,konvulsiviseher Zustand" w~re, miiBte er sich ffiih, bei Kindern unter 5 Jahren, zeigen, die fiir Krhmpfe am st~rksten empf~nglieh sind. In diesem Alter ist der Beginn yon Infektionskrankheiten und Ern~hrungsstSrungen oft mit Kr~mpfen verbunden. Der unmittelbare prhzipitierende Faktor dafiir is~ wahrscheflflich
Isolation and characterization of lysosomerich fractions from cultured cells

Abstract A method has been described for the isolation of lysosome-rich fractions from two tissue culture cell lines using a combination of differential centrifugation and sucrose density gradient techniques. A comparative examination of four lysosomal enzymes in the bands of the discontinuous sucrose gradient, obtained from homogenates of tissue culture cell lines and rat liver cells, strengthens the fact that lysosomes are a heterogeneous group of particles varying in size, density and enzymatic content. Electron microscopy of the lysosome-rich fractions from HEp-2 cells indicates that these particles also possess a wide variety of structural heterogeneity. The specific correlation between these different “types” of particles and their enzymatic content is not possible at the present time.
349 EFFECT OF INTRAVENOUS (IV) INFUSION METHODS ON AVAILA-BILITY OF CHLORAMPHENICOL (C) AND ITS SUCCINATE ESTER (CS)

The rate of IV drug delivery is affected by many factors including characteristics of the drug, IV flow rate, and site of injection into the system. Because of the frequent use of CS in pediatric patients, we examined the rate of CS delivery from a standard pediatric IV infusion set (BuretrolR-Travenol). Using 3 flow rates, and 3 injection sites (buretrol, y site, flashball), timed samples of the IV fluid delivered from the set were collected for 6 hr and analyzed for CS by an HPLC method. We found large differences in the delivery time (min) for 95% of the injected CS: To assess the clinical significance of these differences, CS and C steady state serum concentrations (6 samples over 6 hr; measured by HPLC) were studied in fifteen patients (age 0.2-15 yr) receiving CS, 25 mg/kg, injected into the buretrol and flashball on consecutive days. Flashball injections resulted in higher peak CS cone (p 7 m1/hr, trough cone and area under the curve were similar with the two sites. These data show the importance of defining IV flow rates and drug injection sites when monitoring single serum CS or C cone or when calculating kinetic parameters.
LIMITS ON LOG CROSS‐PRODUCT RATIOS FOR ITEM RESPONSE MODELS

Bounds are established for log cross-product ratios (log odds ratios) involving pairs of items for item response models. First, expressions for bounds on log cross-product ratios are provided for unidimensional item response models in general. Then, explicit bounds are obtained for the Rasch model and the two-parameter logistic (2PL) model. Results are also illustrated through an example from a study of model-checking procedures. The bounds obtained can provide a basis for assessment of goodness of fit of these models.
Extinction of an appetitive operant response after administration of MSH.

Abstract Hungry rats were trained to press a lever in order to obtain food on a fixed ratio (FR) or variable ratio (VR) of reinforcement. Rats trained on the FR schedule and injected with synthetic α-MSH had delayed extinction of the task as compared with control rats injected with diluent. The results show that MSH affects the behavior of rats in another type of behavioral situation involving an appetitive operant response.
Identifying exceptional schools

Regression techniques can be used to study the progress of exceptional schools—those whose children perform much better or worse than could have been predicted from past achievement.
Expression of CA 72-4 (TAG-72) in the fluid contents of pancreatic cysts. A new marker to distinguish malignant pancreatic cystic tumors from benign neoplasms and pseudocysts.

OBJECTIVE: The authors evaluated cyst fluid CA 72-4 as a tumor marker in the differential diagnosis of pancreatic cystic lesions. SUMMARY BACKGROUND DATA: Pancreatic cystic lesions include inflammatory pseudocysts, serious cystadenomas, and mucinous tumors. Mucinous tumors can be further subdivided into mucinous cystadenocarcinomas and premalignant mucinous cystic neoplasms. The clinical and radiologic features of these lesions are unreliable to make a preoperative diagnosis of these diagnostically difficult lesions. Analysis of aspirated cyst fluid was proposed as an aid to making the preoperative differential diagnosis. Currently, a number of parameters have been reported as useful markers in cyst fluid aspirates, including the tumor markers carcinoembryonic antigen and CA 15.3, enzymes (amylase, lipase, and amylase isoenzymes), relative viscosity, and cytologic analysis. However, owing to the rarity of pancreatic cystic tumors, experience with cyst fluid analysis is limited. To define additional markers that might be useful in the differential diagnosis of pancreatic cysts, the authors measured the tumor-associated glycoprotein 72 (TAG-72) in aspirates from 19 pancreatic cystic lesions. METHODS: Cyst fluid from 19 pancreatic cysts was obtained by needle aspiration. The tumor marker TAG-72 was measured by a commercial (CA 72-4) immunoassay. RESULTS: Cyst fluid CA 72-4 levels in mucinous cystadenocarcinomas were markedly elevated (mean, 10,027 U/mL; range, 780 to 34,853 U/mL) compared with that in pseudocysts (mean, 3.8 U/mL; range, < 3 to 5.7 U/mL) and serous cystadenomas (mean and range, < 3 U/mL; p < 0.001). The level of CA 72-4 in benign mucinous cystic neoplasms was intermediate (mean, 44.2 U/mL; range, < 3 to 137 U/mL), but it was statistically different from either carcinomas (p = 0.009) or benign cysts (p < 0.001).
Nitric oxide synthase inhibition in thoroughbred horses augments O2 extraction at rest and submaximal exercise, but not during short-term maximal exercise.

Summary Reason for performing study: Work is required to establish the role of endogenous nitric oxide (NO) in metabolism of resting and exercising horses. Objectives: To examine the effects of NO synthase inhibition on O2 extraction and anaerobic metabolism at rest, and during submaximal and maximal exertion. Methods: Placebo and NO synthase inhibition (with Nω-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester [l-NAME] administered at 20 mg/kg bwt i.v.) studies were performed in random order, 7 days apart on 7 healthy, exercise-trained Thoroughbred horses at rest and during incremental exercise leading to 120 sec of maximal exertion at 14 m/sec on a 3.5% uphill grade. Results: At rest, NO synthase inhibition significantly augmented the arterial to mixed-venous blood O2 content gradient and O2 extraction as mixed-venous blood O2 tension and saturation decreased significantly. While NO synthase inhibition did not affect arterial blood-gas tensions in exercising horses, the exercise-induced increment in haemoglobin concentration and arterial O2 content was attenuated. In the l-NAME study, during submaximal exercise, mixed-venous blood O2 tension and haemoglobin-O2 saturation decreased to a greater extent causing O2 extraction to increase significantly. During maximal exertion, arterial hypoxaemia, desaturation of haemoglobin and hypercapnia of a similar magnitude developed in both treatments. Also, the changes in mixed-venous blood O2 tension and haemoglobin-O2 saturation, arterial to mixed-venous blood O2 content gradient, O2 extraction and markers of anaerobic metabolism (lactate and ammonia production, and metabolic acidosis) were not different from those in the placebo study. Conclusion: Endogenous NO production augments O2 extraction at rest and during submaximal exertion, but not the during short-term maximal exercise. Also, NO synthase inhibition does not affect anaerobic metabolism at rest or during exertion. Potential relevance: It is unlikely that endogenous NO release modifies aerobic or anaerobic metabolism in horses performing short-term maximal exertion.
Identification of Human TR2 Orphan Receptor Response Element in the Transcriptional Initiation Site of the Simian Virus 40 Major Late Promoter

A DNA response element (TR2RE-SV40) for the TR2 orphan receptor, a member of the steroid-thyroid hormone receptor superfamily, has been identified in the simian virus 40 (SV40) +55 region (nucleotide numbers 368-389, 5'-GTTAAGGTTCGTAGGTCATGGA-3'). Electrophoretic mobility shift assay, using in vitro translated TR2 orphan receptor with a molecular mass of 67 kilodaltons, showed a specific binding with high affinity (dissociation constant = 9 nM) for this DNA sequence. DNA-swap experiments using chloramphenicol acetyl-transferase assay demonstrated that androgen can suppress the transcriptional activities of SV40 early promoter via the interaction between this TR2RE-SV40 and the chimeric receptor AR/TR2/AR with the DNA-binding domain of the TR2 orphan receptor flanked by the N-terminal and androgen-binding domains of the androgen receptor. In addition, this TR2RE-SV40 can function as a repressor to suppress the transcriptional activities of both SV40 early and late promoters. Together, these data suggest the TR2RE-SV40 may represent the first identified natural DNA response element for the TR2 orphan receptor that may function as a repressor for the SV40 gene expression.
Spatial and Temporal Variation of Soil Nitrogen Parameters Related to Soil Texture and Corn Yield

The spatial variability of soil properties that affect the soil N budget and corn (Zea mays L.) grain yield were studied for 2 yr in south-central Texas to better assess the potential for variable-rate N fertilization. Residual soil NO 3 -N with depth and soil N mineralization (Nmin) potential and their relationships with soil total N, soil organic C, and clay content were characterized. Residual soil NO 3 -N to 60-cm depth was more related to corn yield than NO 3 -N at shallower depths. Residual soil NO 3 -N showed temporal variation with spatial structure existing for NO 3 -N in the first year when NO 3 -N concentrations were high, but this variation was absent in the second year when NO 3 -N concentrations were low. The opposite trend was observed for soil Nmin. Soil total N exhibited temporal persistence. Soil Nmin showed significant correlations with soil day content in both years. Temporal persistence of soil texture and variation in spatial structure for N parameters would likely result in different strategies for soil N management zones in 2002 vs. 2003. This experiment demonstrated the potential importance of soil texture for modifying fertilizer N recommendations. Texture generally is more easily determined than soil N parameters at the scale and intensity necessary for site-specific N management.
Perceptions of Urban Parks as Havens and Contested Terrains by Mexican-Americans in Chicago Neighborhoods

The objectives of this study were to (1) identify the benefits of parks for Mexican-American urban residents and the roles they play in the dynamics of their communities and (2) explore issues related to their existence and utilization in Latino communities. Bedimo-Rung, Mowen, and Cohen's (2005) model of the Role of Parks in Public Health was employed as a conceptual framework in this study. Data were collected in the summer of 2007 with two focus groups with 26 Mexican-American residents from two predominantly minority Chicago communities. Benefits of urban parks for Mexican-American residents were classified into five categories—environmental, social, psychological health, physical health, and cultural. The study also identified many problems related to the existence and utilization of parks in Latino communities that detracted from the benefits Mexican-Americans could obtain from visiting parks. They included insufficient access to parks, poor maintenance of the existing parks, crime and safety issues...
An explicit construction of Kleinian groups with small limit sets

Abstract This paper provides an explicit construction of Kleinian groups that have small Hausdorff dimension of their limit sets. It is known that such groups exist and they can be constructed by results of Patterson. The purpose here is to work out the methods of calculation.
SMOKE Studies of Electrodeposited Mono- and Multilayers

The electrochemical deposition of cobalt and copper was used to generate cobalt thin films and Co/Cu bilayers with varying cobalt coverages on a Au(111) electrode and a Co/Cu multilayer on a polycrystalline gold electrode. The magnetic properties of the samples obtained were characterized by ex situ surface magneto-optic Kerr effect (SMOKE) measurements, and well-developed magnetic hysteresis loops were obtained in all cases. The magnetic hysteresis parameters are presented as a function of the cobalt thickness and compared with existing magneto-optic theory. The samples did not show in-plane magnetic anisotropy; therefore, there is no evidence indicative of monocrystallinity in the Co deposits.
Body fat distribution and hypertension incidence in women and men. The NHANES I Epidemiologic Follow-up Study.

Body fat distribution and hypertension incidence in women and men. The NHANES I Epidemiologic Follow-up Study
Cutaneous T cell lymphoma. Lymphocyte phenotype analysis after anti-thymocyte globulin therapy

In an attempt to explore new or alternative therapy for refractory cutaneous T cell lymphoma, a patient with advanced disease refractory to conventional chemotherapy was treated with anti-thymocyte globulin. The therapy was associated with tolerable and manageable toxicities. Phenotypic analysis of neoplastic cells in blood and tissue was used to follow the disease response during the trial. The therapy resulted in resolution of skin lesions and disappearance of circulating cells with neoplastic phenotype. Marked improvement in skin infiltrate and restoration of normal skin architecture seen in skin biopsy specimens after anti-thymocyte globulin were prominent correlative findings. Lymphocytes with normal T cell phenotype appeared after anti-thymocyte globulin therapy, although their mitogenic response was subnormal. The infused anti-thymocyte globulin was found to localize in the skin and bind the neoplastic cells in circulation. The anti-thymocyte globulin-bound cells, with a half-life of 4.9 days, could still be detected up to 14 days after completion of anti-thymocyte globulin therapy.
Mixtures of compounds as lures for the Japanese beetle.

When 6 compounds in 30 combinations were tested as lures for the Japanese beetle, Popillia japonica Newman, 2 mixtures were as good as or better than the standard, phenethyl butyrate and eugenol (9:1). Geraniol (trans- 3,7-dimethyl-2,6.octadien-l-ol), phenethyl butyrate, phenyl isovalerate, and eugenol (4-allyl-2-methoxyphenol) (9:9:9:3) attracted 1.4 times as many beetles as the standard; geraniol, phenethyl butyrate, and eugenol (9:9:2) attracted 1.9 times as many beetles as the standard. Mixtures containing methyl salicylate did not perform as well as mixtures without it.
CMOS current amplifiers exhibiting independent AC and DC current amplification

A CMOS circuit topology is demonstrated for the amplification of high-frequency AC currents without requiring similar DC current amplification. This technique is useful for current-domain amplification and processing of signals when low DC power consumption is necessary. Large amounts of AC gain can be achieved using this technique without requiring equivalent DC current gain, which would increase power consumption. Two amplifiers designed using this concept are discussed, one based on a standard current mirror architecture and the second using a cascode-type configuration. Measured results and analysis show the efficacy of this technique for the amplification of multi-Gb/s current-domain signals when implemented in a 0.12μm CMOS technology. Single-stage AC current gains of 12dB are achieved with unity DC current gain, while operating from supply voltages less than 1.0V. Temperature stable gain is also achieved.
To be or not to be a galaprock: Preschoolers' intuitions about the importance of knowledge and action for pretending

Can someone pretend to be a galaprock without knowing what a galaprock is? Do children recognize that such knowledge is required for pretending? Three studies focusing on the relations among action, knowledge and pretending suggest that children have this understanding by age 4 years. In Study 1, 4-year-olds and adults willingly pretended to be moving and unmoving objects but had trouble pretending to be objects that were difficult to represent physically. In Study 2, 3- and 4-year-olds claimed they could not pretend to be an unknown thing, justifying their refusals with mentalistic language indicating their ignorance of the object or its typical actions. In Study 3, 3- to 5-year-olds predicted that other children who have knowledge of an object unfamiliar to the subjects themselves can nevertheless pretend to be it, whereas those lacking that knowledge cannot. The results add support to the growing literature showing that preschoolers conceptualize pretense as involving mental activity.
A Comparison of the influence of material on in vitro cartilage tissue engineering with PCL, PGS, and POC 3D scaffold architecture seeded with chondrocytes

The goal of this study was to determine material effects on cartilage regeneration for scaffolds with the same controlled architecture. The 3D polycaprolactone (PCL), poly (glycerol sebacate) (PGS), and poly (1,8 octanediol-co-citrate) (POC) scaffolds of the same design were physically characterized and tissue regeneration in terms of cell phenotype, cellular proliferation and differentiation, and matrix production were compared to find which material would be most optimal for cartilage regeneration in vitro. POC provided the best support for cartilage regeneration in terms of tissue ingrowth, matrix production, and relative mRNA expressions for chondrocyte differentiation (Col2/Col1). PGS was seen as the least favorable material for cartilage based on its relatively high de-differentiation (Col1), hypertrophic mRNA expression (Col10) and high matrix degradation (MMP13, MMP3) results. PCL still provided microenvironments suitable for cells to be active yet it seemed to cause de-differentiation (Col1) of chondrocytes inside the scaffold while many cells migrated out, growing cartilage outside the scaffold.
Nuclear data sheets for A = 125*

Abstract The Nuclear Data Sheets for A = 125, last compiled in 1960, have been updated and adopted decay schemes, level properties, and gamma-ray properties are presented. The present compilation includes all pertinent nuclear structure data available through February 1972. The data from a later reference on125Te have been added in proof but are not used in obtaining the adopted values. The information is presented in the form of level schemes showing essentially all of the adopted level and decay properties, followed by the compiled data (Data Sheets) and adopted values (Summary Sheets) for each nucleus in the A-chain. For those nuclei on which there are very little data (125Cd,125In,125Cs,125Ba,125La) all information is given on the Summary Sheet only.
Racial disparities in colorectal cancer incidence by type 2 diabetes mellitus status

Purpose Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) prevalence has increased dramatically in the United States since the early 1970s. Though T2DM is known to be associated with colorectal cancer (CRC), information on racial differences in the relationship between T2DM and CRC is limited.
Parasites, phylogeny and cospeciation

Host-parasite assemblages offer exciting possibilities for the comparative study of rates of speciation and evolution in different organisms. The basis for such studies must be a phylogenetic analysis of the host-parasite association. Some recent developments in this field are briefly reviewed and illustrated using phylogenies for pocket gophers and their chewing lice.
Wave-CISK in Mass Flux Form

Abstract A reformulation of wave-CISK shows that gravity waves generated by the divergence of cumulus mass fluxes am responsible for the forcing of further convection. When downdrafts are included, a new, non-propagating instability arises. This mode has a growth rate much larger than the usual, propagating wave-CISK mode, but requires the downdraft mass flux to exceed a certain critical value. The nonpropagating mode apparently corresponds to air-mass thunderstorms, whereas the propagating mode suggests long-lived convection. The two modes respond very differently to wind shear.
Silica in the Wall of Pediastrum

IN a study of the differentiation and development of pattern and cell form in the green alga Pediastrum, difficulty in extracting pigments with organic solvents led us to examine the chemical nature of the cell wall as a preliminary to a study of wall development. Structural patterns in the cell wall of Pediastrum have been described by Moner1, and formation of the wall by Moner and Chapman2. These electron microscope studies described a network of interconnected spheres, which imparts a pattern in the continuous wall phase. Although the chemical nature of the wall was not reported, it was noted that neither the wall nor the “globular network” was noticeably affected by treatment with 17.5 per cent sodium hydroxide for 48 h, by similar treatment with ethanol–ether, or by treatment for 5 h with 70 per cent sulphuric acid. Moner1 had previously noted that little is known of the chemical nature of the wall. Early literature describes the wall of Pediastrum as two-layered3. Chodat and Huber4, on the basis of staining with chloriodide of zinc and of ammoniacal congo red, reported that there is cellulose in the inner wall layer but not the outer layer. Our attempts to identify cell wall components by routine histochemical procedures5, however, failed to give characteristic results, which suggested a possible masking of the expected wall components. We present evidence here for the presence of silica in relatively high concentration in the wall of Pediastrum. In the review on silicification by Lewin6, Pediastrum is not included among the algae which deposit silica, and to the best of our knowledge this occurrence has not been previously reported. It should be noted, however, that Pediastrum is recorded in the fossil record7, which indicates a very resistant cell wall.
IL6 mediated proliferative responses in human pulmonary vascular cells (PVCs) are differentially modulated by iron/heme/hemoglobin

Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension (PAH) is characterised by progressive pulmonary vascular remodelling culminating in heart failure. Disrupted iron metabolism and anaemia have been linked to development of PAH suggesting iron supplementation may be beneficial. However iron compounds are known proliferative agents. IL6 which is both proinflammatory and central to iron homeostasis is elevated in PAH. With emerging evidence of minor hemolysis in PAH patients, the availability of heme and/or haemoglobin (Hb) to PVCs may further impact on cellular responses. We aim to address the above issues in this study. Human pulmonary arterial smooth muscle cells (PASMCs) & endothelial cells (PAECs) were exposed to iron (FAC)/Heme/Hb prior to treatment with IL6. Cell proliferation was quantified by Cyquant. RTPCR for expression of Hepcidin (regulatory hormone), Ferroportin (exporter), HO1, CD163(Hb scavenger) was also performed. IL6 alone caused proliferation reversed by iron in PASMCs but not in PAECs. Heme restricted while Hb supported proliferation in both cell types. Basal CD163 mRNA was undetectable in PAECs but induced by IL-6. Hepcidin, Ferroportin and HO1 were also contrastingly regulated by IL6. Thus PVCs respond distinctly to the IL6 stimulus which is further modulated by the availability of Iron/Heme/Hb. Besides IL-6 differentially regulated mRNA expression of genes involved in iron homeostasis. Further investigation of iron handling in PVCs seems warranted.
Neoadjuvant Endocrine Therapy for Breast Cancer: Medical Perspectives

The indolent nature of estrogen-dependent breast cancer is the most important obstacle for development of new adjuvant endocrine treatments. Clinical trials require thousands of study participants and at least a decade of clinical investigation. How can we be sure that a new endocrine agent warrants this extraordinary level of investment? Traditionally, we have relied on advanced breast cancer trials to determine which drugs are suitable for adjuvant studies. However, with endocrine agents the high incidence of resistance in metastatic breast cancer may mask important advances in efficacy. Recent clinical results with the aromatase inhibitor letrozole suggest that neoadjuvant endocrine therapy is a highly informative additional approach to consider when planning adjuvant studies. In this report, new neoadjuvant endocrine therapy study designs are discussed that address the following issues: (a) the scientific opportunities afforded by gene microarray studies and other genetic technologies to investigate the molecular basis of estrogen-dependent breast cancer; (b) studies that address critical drug development questions as a prelude to adjuvant studies; and (c) the conduct of randomized trials that compare neoadjuvant chemotherapy with neoadjuvant aromatase inhibitor therapy to establish a place for neoadjuvant endocrine therapy in routine clinical practice.
AGING AND SAVING IN ASIA

In this paper, I analyse the impact of population aging on saving in Asia (with emphasis on Japan and China) and obtain the following findings: population aging will lead to declines in household, private, government and national saving rates, but to the extent that population aging is accompanied by absolute declines in population, investment rates will also decline. Moreover, countries always have the option of borrowing from abroad because all countries, even within the Asian region, will presumably not show simultaneous declines in saving. Therefore, the decline in saving caused by population aging will not necessarily spell disaster.
Large-amplitude electron plasma oscillations

Large-amplitude electron plasma oscillations in a one-dimensional, cold electron plasma are investigated for a spatially varying, immobile ion density. The Eulerian variables are transformed to Lagrangian variables. The problem is then treated as an effective one-dimensional particle in a potential. Two examples of spatially varying ion densities that lead to analytic functions for the electron position, velocity and electric field are found by Gauss' law to have zero electron density, an unphysical result. A generic solution that includes the two examples is shown to have a spatially homogeneous ion density. A nonlinear ordinary differential equation is the condition for the appropriate form of the electron density and is solved by Lie group symmetries. A more general form of a solution is presented that possesses a spatially varying ion density, but when the necessary conditions are specified it has either zero electron density or secular terms in the electron density.
Developmental changes in the brain levels of neurotransmitters as influenced by maternal ethanol consumption in the rat.

Effects of prolonged maternal ethanol consumption by pregnant and lactating rats were investigated on the cerebral contents of certain neurotransmitters and the activities of their enzymes in fetal and neonatal brains. Ethanol consumption by the pregnant rats resulted in a significant decrease in the fetal brain contents of acetylcholine and an increase in y-aminobutyric acid and glutamate. The cerebral levels of 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HTJ norepinephrine orcholiie in the fetal brains from the ethanol group were not significantly different from ItioTe observed in the control group. With the increase in gestational age, an increase in the levels of 5-HT. norepinephrine, acetylcholine, y-amino- butyric acid (GABA) and glutamate was observed in the fetal brains from both ethanol and control groups. The brains of neonates suckling on ethanol-fed mothers showed a significant decrease in acetyl- choline levels and an increase in GABA and glutamate levels as compared to the corresponding controls. The activities of L-glutamate decarboxylase and GABA-aminotransferase in the fetal as well as neonatal brains were decreased in the ethanol-fed group as compared to the controls. A single injection of acetaldehyde resulted in a decrease in acetylcholine, GABA and glutamate levels in both neonatal and adult brains. -
Low-temperature CV dispersion in MOS devices

A study is reported of the dispersion seen in the accumulation and depletion regions, of the C-V curve in n-channel MOS devices in the temperature range 30-45 K. It is concluded that the dispersion observed in these experiments is caused by time-constant effects, due to the substrate resistance and not caused by dopant atom emission time constant effects. From the measured admittance as a function of temperature and frequency, the acceptor energy level is determined to within +or-0.4 meV. >
Grid Drawings of Binary Trees: An Experimental Study

In this paper we consider the class of binary trees and present the results of a comprehensive experimental study on the four most representative algorithms for drawing trees, one for each of the following treedrawing approaches: Separation-Based, Path-based, Level-based, and Ringed Circular Layout. We establish a simpler, more intuitive format for storing binary trees in files and create a large suite of randomlygenerated, unbalanced, complete, AVL, Fibonacci, and molecular combinatory binary trees of various sizes. Our study is therefore conducted on randomly-generated, unbalanced, and AVL binary trees with between 100 and 50, 000 nodes, on Fibonacci trees Tn for n = 1, 2, ..., 45, 46 (143 to 46, 367 nodes), on complete binary trees of size 2−1 for n = 7, 8, ..., 15, 16 (127 to 65, 535 nodes), and on molecular combinatory binary trees with between 133 and 50, 005 nodes. Our study yields 70 charts comparing the performance of the drawing algorithms with respect to ten quality measures, namely Area, Aspect Ratio, Size, Total Edge Length, Average Edge Length, Maximum Edge Length, Uniform Edge Length, Angular Resolution, Closest Leaf, and Farthest Leaf. None of the algorithms has been found to be the best in all categories. This observation leads us to create an adaptive system that determines the type of a binary tree and then selects an algorithm to draw the tree depending upon the specified quality measures. Currently, our adaptive tree drawing system recognizes all six types of binary trees and all ten measures included in our experimental study. Under our settings, our adaptive tree drawing system outperforms any system using a single binary tree drawing algorithm. Submitted: April 2007 Reviewed: June 2007 Revised: August 2007 Accepted: October 2007 Final: November 2007 Published: June 2008 Article type: Regular Paper Communicated by: S. Kobourov E-mail addresses: rusu@rowan.edu (Adrian Rusu) santia09@students.rowan.edu (Confesor Santiago) 132 Rusu & Santiago Grid Drawings of Binary Trees
Physics, chemistry, and biology of organics in groundwater

The Groundwater Committee of AGU's Hydrology Section sponsored this special session at the 1986 Fall Meeting in San Francisco, Calif. The session was chaired by John L. Wilson of the New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology (New Mexico Tech, Socorro). At earlier meetings a number of sessions had focused on the mathematical modeling of dissolved organic transport. More recently, AGU sponsored a Chapman Conference on “Microbial Processes in the Transport, Fate, and In Situ Treatment of Subsurface Contaminants.” The fall special session was the first to examine a much wider view of the scientific issues and brought together modelers and experimentalists; chemists, biologists, physicists, and engineers.
Gender Development in 46,XY DSD: Influences of Chromosomes, Hormones, and Interactions with Parents and Healthcare Professionals.

Variables that impact gender development in humans are difficult to evaluate. This difficulty exists because it is not usually possible to tease apart biological influences on gender from social variables. People with disorders of sex development, or DSD, provide important opportunities to study gender within individuals for whom biologic components of sex can be discordant with social components of gender. While most studies of gender development in people with 46,XY DSD have historically emphasized the importance of genes and hormones on gender identity and gender role, more recent evidence for a significant role for socialization exists and is considered here. For example, the influence of parents’ perceptions of, and reactions to, DSD are considered. Additionally, the impact of treatments for DSD such as receiving gonadal surgeries or genitoplasty to reduce genital ambiguity on the psychological development of people with 46,XY DSD is presented. Finally, the role of multi-disciplinary care including access to peer support for advancing medical, surgical and psychosexual outcomes of children and adults with 46,XY DSD, regardless of sex of rearing, is discussed.
Evidence for Two Retinoid Cycles in the Cone-Dominated Chicken Eye

In the classic retinoid cycle, 11-cis retinol is synthesized in the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) by two enzymes: Isomerase I (RPE65) and lecithin:retinol acyltransferase (LRAT). The purpose of this study is to provide experimental evidence for two active isomerases in the cone-dominated chicken eye: an LRAT-dependent Isomerase I in the RPE and an ARAT (acyl CoA:retinol acyltransferase)-dependent isomerase (Isomerase II) in the retina. First, we show that whole chicken retina in vitro, removed from the RPE/choroid and sclera, produces 11-cis retinoids upon light exposure, indicating the existence of RPE-independent isomerase (Isomerase II) activity in the retina. Reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction studies show high levels of RPE65 expression in the RPE, low levels in the retina, and none in primary Muller cell cultures, indicating the presence of Isomerase I in the RPE and a minimal amount in the retina. Activities of the RPE and retina isomerases were then measured by enzyme assays with specific enzyme inhibitors. 2,2'-Bipyridine, a known Isomerase I inhibitor, and N-ethylmaleimide (NEM), a known LRAT inhibitor, significantly reduced Isomerase I activity but not Isomerase II activity. Progesterone, a known ARAT inhibitor, completely blocked Isomerase II activity but not Isomerase I activity. Thus, this study reports novel results for distinguishing the biochemical properties of Isomerase I from those of Isomerase II, as well a difference in their locations in the chicken eye. On the basis of these differences, the cone-dominated chicken eye must contain two retinoid cycles: a classic visual cycle for retinoid exchange between the RPE and the retina supported by Isomerase I in the RPE and an additional visual cycle for retinoid processing in the retina supported by Isomerase II.
Manifold analysis of facial gestures for face recognition

The particulars of facial gestures are frequently used to qualitatively define and characterize faces. It is not merely the skin motion induced by such gestures, but the appearance of the skin changes that provides this information. For gestures and their appearance to be utilized as a biometric, it is critical that a robust model be established. For this purpose we are exploring gesture manifolds.This paper describes work underway toward evaluation of the manifold representation of facial gestures both as a biometric, and as a means to extract biometric information. Details of the current acquisition system are discussed with the motivating principles behind the device. Preliminary observations are presented to motivate manifold analysis followed by an exposition of the experiments underway that will be used to validate the model.
Institutions and the Free Rider: The Assurance Problem in Collective Action

Political and economic theory make extensive use of the one-period Prisoners' Dilemma (PD) to model public goods problems and collective action generally. While the PD provides important insights into the breakdown of social institutions, it gives no explanation of how or why institutions are developed in the first place. Recent work on repeated PDs has emphasized the role of expectations in this process. This paper presents a related approach: the Assurance Problem (AP). The AP suggests that interdependent choice creates incentives to establish and maintain institutions that coordinate expectations based on rules of fair-mindedness. With such coordinated expectations, voluntary contributions to public goods may be utility-maximizing strategies.
Failure models for mechanical wear modes and mechanisms

Design situations in which mechanical wear can compromise system performance and a time-dependent wearout failure mechanism are discussed. Mechanical wear arises from the repeated contact of surfaces. The focus is on various physical phenomena responsible for removal of material. Experimental investigative methods, measurement techniques, and mathematical descriptions that make diagnostic and predictive engineering procedures feasible are presented. These facilitate the selection and optimization of contacting surfaces. >
MoRFpred, a computational tool for sequence-based prediction and characterization of short disorder-to-order transitioning binding regions in proteins

Motivation: Molecular recognition features (MoRFs) are short binding regions located within longer intrinsically disordered regions that bind to protein partners via disorder-to-order transitions. MoRFs are implicated in important processes including signaling and regulation. However, only a limited number of experimentally validated MoRFs is known, which motivates development of computational methods that predict MoRFs from protein chains. Results: We introduce a new MoRF predictor, MoRFpred, which identifies all MoRF types (α, β, coil and complex). We develop a comprehensive dataset of annotated MoRFs to build and empirically compare our method. MoRFpred utilizes a novel design in which annotations generated by sequence alignment are fused with predictions generated by a Support Vector Machine (SVM), which uses a custom designed set of sequence-derived features. The features provide information about evolutionary profiles, selected physiochemical properties of amino acids, and predicted disorder, solvent accessibility and B-factors. Empirical evaluation on several datasets shows that MoRFpred outperforms related methods: α-MoRF-Pred that predicts α-MoRFs and ANCHOR which finds disordered regions that become ordered when bound to a globular partner. We show that our predicted (new) MoRF regions have non-random sequence similarity with native MoRFs. We use this observation along with the fact that predictions with higher probability are more accurate to identify putative MoRF regions. We also identify a few sequence-derived hallmarks of MoRFs. They are characterized by dips in the disorder predictions and higher hydrophobicity and stability when compared to adjacent (in the chain) residues. Availability: http://biomine.ece.ualberta.ca/MoRFpred/; http://biomine.ece.ualberta.ca/MoRFpred/Supplement.pdf Contact: lkurgan@ece.ualberta.ca Supplementary information:Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
Evolutionary modifications of ontogeny: heterochrony and beyond

Abstract Consideration of the ways in which ontogenetic development may be modified to give morphological novelty provides a conceptual framework that can greatly assist in formulating and testing hypotheses of patterns and constraints in evolution. Previous attempts to identify distinct modes of ontogenetic modification have been inconsistent or ambiguous in definition, and incomprehensive in description of interspecific morphological differences. This has resulted in a situation whereby almost all morphological evolution is attributed to heterochrony, and the remainder is commonly either assigned to vague or potentially overly inclusive alternative classes, or overlooked altogether. The present paper recognizes six distinct modes of ontogenetic change, each a unique modification to morphological development: (1) rate modification, (2) timing modification, (3) heterotopy, (4) heterotypy, (5) heterometry, and (6) allometric repatterning. Heterochrony, modeled in terms of shape/time/size ontogenetic parame...