cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The Molecular Nature of Circulating Growth Hormone in Normal and Acromegalic Man: Evidence for a Principal and Minor Monomeric Forms*

Human GH (hGH) extracted from pituitary glands consists of several molecular forms. Monomeric pituitary forms include the single chain 22,000-dalton polypeptide (22K; hGH-B), a 20,000-dalton variant with a 15-amino acid deletion (20K), 3 proteolytically cleaved 2-chain forms (hGH-C, -D, and -E), 2 deamidated forms, an acetylated form (fast hGH), and other, only partially characterized forms. It is not known which of these forms is secreted, nor what the precise nature of circulating hGH is. To answer these questions, we have extracted hGH from human plasma obtained by plasmapheresis from normal volunteers after L-dopa stimulation of hGH secretion and from acromegalic patients. We extracted and concentrated hGH by immunoadsorbent chromatography and examined its chemical nature by polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis under native and denaturing (sodium dodecyl sulfate and urea), nonreducing and reducing (dithiothreitol) conditions as well as by isoelectric focusing. In all cases, the predominant form of hGH present in plasma was 22K, which accounted for approximately 85% of all immunoreactive hGH. In addition, we found evidence for the presence of 20K as a minor form (approximately 7% of all hGH) and of one or more acidic forms (N-acetylated, deamidated, or cleaved hGH; 5-10% of all hGH). Exact identification of the acidic form(s) was not possible. However, the highly bioactive cleaved forms hGH-D and -E were judged to be undetectable (less than 5% of all hGH). We conclude that 1) several monomeric molecular forms of hGH circulate in normal and acromegalic man; 2) the pattern of circulating hGH forms reflects in part their relative prevalence in the pituitary gland; 3) proteolytically cleaved 2-chain hGH forms with enhanced bioactivity are not detectable in blood; and 4) monomeric hGH circulating in acromegaly is qualitatively indistinguishable from normal hGH.
Modeling the effects of particles, interstitials, vacancies and tip geometry on indentation-induced plasticity

In this work, which is a follow-up of an earlier work by the authors in this journal, we discuss the effects of particles, interstitials, vacancies and indenter-tip geometry on indentation-induced plasticity. A nano-indentation model based on a close-packed array of straws was used. Upon indentation with a cylindrical indenter, the results observed in situ, match qualitatively computer atomistic and finite-element simulation models. This model helps explain the phenomenon and physical reasons for annihilation of vacancies. It also shows the strong effect of interstitials on the inception of plasticity at their sites. It shows that a rigid particle acts as a stress concentrator even away from the indenter. On indentation with a flat indenter, curling of atoms at the indenter edges was observed, along with slip lines reported in the literature.
Competition between Ski and CREB-binding Protein for Binding to Smad Proteins in Transforming Growth Factor-β Signaling

The family of Smad proteins mediates transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) signaling in cell growth and differentiation. Smads repress or activate TGF-β signaling by interacting with corepressors (e.g. Ski) or coactivators (e.g. CREB-binding protein (CBP)), respectively. Specifically, Ski has been shown to interfere with the interaction between Smad3 and CBP. However, it is unclear whether Ski competes with CBP for binding to Smads and whether they can interact with Smad3 at the same binding surface on Smad3. We investigated the interactions among purified constructs of Smad, Ski, and CBP in vitro by size-exclusion chromatography, isothermal titration calorimetry, and mutational studies. Here, we show that Ski-(16-192) interacted directly with a homotrimer of receptor-regulated Smad protein (R-Smad), e.g. Smad2 or Smad3, to form a hexamer; Ski-(16-192) interacted with an R-Smad·Smad4 heterotrimer to form a pentamer. CBP-(1941-1992) was also found to interact directly with an R-Smad homotrimer to form a hexamer and with an R-Smad·Smad4 heterotrimer to form a pentamer. Moreover, these domains of Ski and CBP competed with each other for binding to Smad3. Our mutational studies revealed that domains of Ski and CBP interacted with Smad3 at a portion of the binding surface of the Smad anchor for receptor activation. Our results suggest that Ski negatively regulates TGF-β signaling by replacing CBP in R-Smad complexes. Our working model suggests that Smad protein activity is delicately balanced by Ski and CBP in the TGF-β pathway.
A rapid assessment of herpetofaunal diversity in variously altered habitats on Dominica

In June 2008, we conducted a survey of Dominican herpetofaunal communities in habitats variously disturbed by human activity. Our rapid assessment found the highest abundance and species richness in moderately to substantially modified areas. We found relatively few species and low numbers of individuals in relatively natural high-elevation sites, dramatically altered urban areas, and active agricultural fields. In habitats subjected to intermediate levels of disturbance, such as a residential area and an inactive agricultural site invaded by dense exotic vegetation, complex physical habitat structure appeared to support the greatest herpetofaunal diversity. These results suggest that conservation efforts in the West Indies need not be restricted to pristine habitats, but also might include protection of slightly to moderately disturbed areas that may sustain greater biodiversity.
Quantum electrodynamic and semiclassical interference effects in spontaneous radiation

The theory of spontaneous decay is studied using both quantum electrodynamics (QED) and semiclassical theories of radiation. There are qualitative differences between the theories in the prediction of interference phenomena. In QED, systems which have been excited with pulsed laser light do not exhibit quantum interference effects associated with lower state splittings. On the other hand, semiclassical treatments of spontaneous decay do indicate the existence of interference effects not present in QED. In addition to this, differences are found between the predictions of fluorescence intensity in the presence of lower-state level crossings under continuous excitation.
Compensation, employment, and the political activity of public employee unions

It has been hypothesized that because public employee unions are politically influential, they have a bargaining advanatage over their private-sector counterparts. Previous studies, however, have not directly measured the political activities of public employee unions and have instead usually used some type of unionization proxy. This paper uses unpublished data from the International City Managers Association to develop a more direct measure of union political activity. Using this measure, it is found that an increase in union political activity leads to higher compensation and employment for public employee union members.
Modification of galactosamine-induced liver injury in rats by reticuloendothelial system stimulation or depression

The reticuloendothelial system has been implicated in galactosamine-induced liver injury because of a correlation between phagocytic alterations induced by colloidal carbon or endotoxin, and development of liver necrosis. To evaluate this concept, the influence of galactosamine on liver function and histology was determined in rats in which the reticuloendothelial system was normal, stimulated, or depressed. Methyl palmitate was used as a reticuloendothelial system suppressant, and glucan was used as a reticuloendothelial system activating agent. Administration of galactosamine to control rats resulted in hypoglycemia and increased serum bilirubin concentration, elevated serum glutamic oxalacetic transaminase, lactic dehydrogenase and glutamic pyruvic transaminase activities, and retention of sodium sulfobromophthalein. Histological studies revealed hepatic necrosis, and a polymorphonuclear and lymphocytic cellular infiltrate in galactosamine-treated rats. Pretreatment of rats with methyl palmitate inhibited galactosamine-induced alterations in serum glucose concentration, glutamic oxalacetic transaminase and lactic dehydrogenase activities, and sodium sulfobromophthalein retention. Liver necrosis and inflammatory reactions were also reduced in methyl palmitate-treated galactosamine-injected animals. In contrast, activation of the reticuloendothelial system by glucan increased galactosamine-induced alterations in serum bilirubin, glucose and cholesterol concentrations, glutamic oxalacetic transaminase, glutamic pyruvic transaminase and lactic dehydrogenase activities, and sodium sulfobromophthalein retention. Liver necrosis and inflammation were also increased. These findings suggest that the degree of galactosamine-induced liver injury is directly correlated with macrophage function when specific macrophage-modifying agents are used.
Structures of SO4 and Na2SO4

Abstract Full structure determinations of SO4 and molecular Na2SO4 have been made using an atom superposition and electron delocalization molecular orbital theory. A C1 structure in the form of a planar bent SO2 + O2 adduct is favored for SO4. In Na2SO4, xxx edges of tetrahedral SO42−.
Perception of time-altered monosyllables in a specific group of phonologically disordered children.

Temporal auditory processing of open (e.g. pie) versus closed (e.g. pipe) syllables in a specific group of phonologically impaired children who deleted word-final consonants and normal phonologically developing children between the ages of 4 and 7 yr was investigated. The disordered group demonstrated significantly poorer discrimination at the faster but not slower rates of speech. Imitation of word-final consonants did not significantly increase in the disordered subjects when presented with time-expanded speech although certain individuals made noticeable improvements. Discussion of temporal auditory processing deficits from a neuropsychological perspective which suggests different etiologies is offered.
Crystallization and X-ray diffraction data for a new form of concanavalin A.

A new crystal form of concanavalin A, a well studied lectin from the jack bean (Canavalia ensiformis) is reported. These crystals, with the symmetry of orthorhombic space group C2221, grow as large roughly equi-dimensional blocks. Unit-cell parameters at 120 K are a = 118.67 (12), b = 101.36 (13), c = 111.94 (9) A. On density considerations for two molecules per asymmetric unit, the water content is ∼60%. Data to a nominal resolution of 1.5 A were collected.
Two Masquerades and their Spec(tac)ular Effects in Mary Robinson’s Walsingham

This article examines Mary Robinson’s novel Walsingham (1797) from a Lacanian perspective. By offering readings of the novel’s two masquerade scenes from its narrator’s perspective within the imaginary order, and then tracing his confusion into the symbolic, this essay will seek to explain how (and why) Walsingham makes a spectacle of himself as he enters the very scene of social spectacle. We will find that Walsingham’s lingering in the imaginary—a product of his having made a series of specular identifications—establishes the conditions of his further humiliation even as it establishes the conditions for his eventual entry into the symbolic order. In attempting to forestall sexuation and even derive a certain enjoyment from its forestallment, Walsingham in effect reinforces the phallus and eventually bows to its demands. I argue that Walsingham dramatizes a transition between incommensurate modes of experience, that much of the novel’s plot stems from Walsingham’s entrapment in the imaginary, and that the novel is more invested in establishing characters within normative sexuated positions than enacting any sort of destabilizing gender trouble. Robinson’s novel reveals the force of the patriarchy (despite its unnaturalness) and suggests that sexual, gendered, and economic experience are interlaced through desire. The novel especially suggests that the subject is formed through the experience of the spectacle, and it deploys the entanglements of spectacle so that subjective experience can be seen to reorganize itself in the face of pressures political and social.
Unresolved Problems in the Condor Recovery Program: Response to Risebrough

Risebrough raises four main issues about the condor recovery program in response to my book review (Beissinger 2001) of Snyder and Snyder (2000). He argues that (1) vested interests do not exist in the condor recovery effort, (2) the lead threat to condors has been misrepresented and overstated, (3) starting releases over with better birds is unnecessary because bad behavior will disappear from birds now in the wild, and (4) the Condor Recovery Team has already planned releases of parentreared birds raised in naturalistic field enclosures, implying that my remarks on this subject were unnecessary. As for the issue of vested interests, participants in the condor program receive numerous benefits from their participation. Most current members of the recovery team, including Risebrough, receive either continuous or intermittent financial support for their roles in the program and thus have "vested interests" in every sense of the term, regardless of whether the funds are from public or private sources. Members with jobs and welfare dependent on policy decisions in the program often face conflicts of interest when offering recommendations to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS), and there has been little effort to obtain recommendations
Leaf wetness in dry beans under semi-arid conditions

Abstract Leaf wetness measurements were made in and at the top of canopies of dry edible bean ( Phaseolus vulgaris L., cvs. A55 and Midnight) for two growing seasons. Two similar approaches were used for this measurement; a cotton cloth (acting as an artificial leaf) and a real leaf were placed on a grid network of independent, adjacent fine wires. This configuration acted as a variable resistor, infinite resistance when dry and decreasing resistance as the leaf became wet, as part of an electronic circuit with an output signal proportional to the degree of wetting. Atmospheric humidity was measured in and above the canopies using fine wire psychrometers. Difficulties encountered in making representative measurements of leaf wetness duration inside dry edible bean canopies were due to problems of representative location and the heliotropic nature of bean leaves. After sunrise, this latter phenomenon could randomly distribute water from the uppermost leaves to locations inside the canopy. Measurements made with the cotton cloth at the top of the canopy had the greatest duration of leaf wetness. This sensor and measurement location are ideally suited for making disease predictions where duration of leaf wetness is an important climatological input. In addition, predictions of leaf wetness duration from the comprehensive, mechanistic plant environment model, Cupid, are included.
Isolation of enteric ganglia from the myenteric plexus of adult rats.

Enteric neurons and glia cells were isolated from adult Sprague Dawley rats. A procedure is described using a combination of microdissection and mechanical dissociation after enzyme treatment which yields large numbers of cell clusters suitable for tissue culture and grafting into the injured spinal cord. Differentiated enteric ganglia remained viable for at least 5 days in vitro Cultured neurons expressed histochemical reactivity for acetylcholinesterase and nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate diaphorase. Nestin positive glia, which represented a population of non-myelinating enteric Schwann cells, could also be identified in cultures maintained 5 days or longer in vitro. The myenteric plexus of adult rats can provide a readily available source of neurons and Schwann cells for grafting to the central nervous system.
Theoretical study of the seasonal behavior of the global ionosphere at solar maximum

The seasonal behavior of the global ionosphere was studied using a time-dependent three-dimensional physical model (developed by Shunk and his coworkers) of the ionosphere at altitudes between 120 and 800 km. This model accounts for field-aligned diffusion, cross-field electrodynamic drifts both the equatorial region and at high latitudes, interhemispheric flow, thermospheric winds, polar wind escape, energy-dependent chemical reactions, neutral composition changes, ion production due to solar EUV radiation and auroral precipitation, thermal conduction, diffusion-thermal heat flow, and local heating and cooling processes. The model studies were carried out for both June and December solstice conditions at solar maximum and for low geomagnetic activity. The ionospheric features predicted by the model agreed qualitatively with the available measurements.
Transient analysis on hygroscopic swelling characterization using sequentially coupled moisture diffusion and hygroscopic stress modeling method.

The characterization of hygroscopic swelling properties for polymeric materials in electronic packaging presents unique challenges that have not been adequately addressed in existing literature. One of those challenges is the accurate determination of the coefficient of hygroscopic swelling. Due to the fact that the moisture diffusion is a slow process, specimens used in hygroscopic swelling measurements are often subjected to a non-uniform moisture distribution condition during measurement period. This introduces potential sources of hidden errors in obtaining the coefficient of hygroscopic swelling. Previously analytical solutions have been devised to predict the errors caused by the non-uniform moisture distribution and the use of averaged approach. The elastic deformation by non-uniform hygroscopic swelling was not considered. However, when the non-uniform moisture distribution is present, it is inevitable that the measured deformation includes both hygroscopic and elastic deformation. It is vital to separate the elastic deformation from the total deformation so that only hygroscopic swelling strain is documented. The transient analysis using sequentially coupled moisture diffusion and hygroscopic stress finite element modelling has been applied in this paper to simulate the TMA hygroscopic swelling characterization process. Results showed that the elastic strain caused by the hygroscopic stress accounts for about one-third of the total strain during the measurement period. It is also found that the elastic strain along the thickness direction changes from tensile state to compressive state, thus the overall contribution of elastic deformation to the total deformation along the thickness direction is negligible. The simulation results confirmed the excellent agreement with the previous analytical study without considering elastic deformation. This implies that the previously developed analytical solutions are still valid and accurate in analyzing the characterization of swelling property.
Trends and variations in intravenous vitamin D use among hemodialysis patients in the United States.

Injectable vitamin D agents are commonly used to manage secondary hyperparathyroidism in dialysis patients. Yet, there are few data documenting the trends and geographic variations in the use of these agents in large, representative samples. We sought to describe patterns and variations in the use of vitamin D formulations (calcitriol, paricalcitol, and doxercalciferol) in hemodialysis patients. We studied patients in the United States Renal Data System between January1999 and December 2008 with Medicare as a primary payer. Annual percentages of patients treated with each type of formulation were tabulated by race, sex, and age at dialysis initiation. The geographical distribution of vitamin D dose per patient was mapped at the state level. Intravenous vitamin D use has increased sharply from 1999 to 2008 with 83.9% of patients treated with any vitamin D formulation in 2008. The use of calcitriol has declined since 1999, going from being administered in 58.6% of patients in 1999 to 1.8% in 2008. Paricalci...
An oral contraceptive perception scale for female adolescents.

This study sought to develop the initial psychometric properties of a female adolescent oral contraceptive perception scale. Based on qualitative data a 39-item scale of perceived benefits and barriers was developed reviewed by adolescence experts and adolescents and voluntarily completed by 407 female adolescents enrolled in family planning clinics. After item analysis 15 items were deleted. Maximum likelihood factor analysis with varimax rotation yielded two barrier (relationship-oriented and oral contraceptive regimen) and four benefit (relationship-oriented pregnancy prevention related to self pregnancy prevention related to others personal responsibility) factors that accounted for 53% of the variance. The scale had acceptable reliability (alpha coefficients ranged from 0.71 to 0.87). The scale should be beneficial to further research in this area. (authors)
Patterns and controls of anaerobic soil respiration and methanogenesis following extreme restoration of calcareous subtropical wetlands

Abstract Wetland restoration is globally important to reestablish functions such as carbon (C) sequestration; however, restoration activities (e.g., land clearing) can affect anaerobic C cycling and greenhouse gas production. In this study, we compared enzyme activity (s-glucosidase) and anaerobic production of carbon dioxide (CO 2 ) and methane (CH 4 ) in soils of reference wetlands and those restored (in 2000 and 2003) by complete soil removal (CSR) after farming in an area of Everglades National Park. We found elevated gaseous production and enzyme activity in restored relative to reference wetlands. Correlations with measured activities suggest soil phosphorus (P) and C content explain site differences in C processing. We tested the potential for P and labile C limitation through direct additions of P and glucose. Production of CO 2 and CH 4 in both systems was stimulated by glucose; however, P only stimulated CH 4 production in reference wetlands. This suggests that decomposition is limited by labile C regardless of restoration, and that soil P concentrations potentially regulate CH 4 production. Additional studies are necessary to establish CH 4 production pathways and investigate the interaction between P and C availability. Following CSR, wetlands are hypothesized to shift from nitrogen (N) to P limitation; therefore, CH 4 production may decrease with restoration age while approaching P limitation.
Non-steady-state equilibrium solution of a class of dynamic models

Abstract We study a class of monetary and growth models by using both analytic and numerical tools. In particular, we consider a model that was studied by Rotemberg, (Journal of Political Economy, 92 (1984) 40–58) and provide a solution to the open problem concerning the existence of the non-steady-state equilibrium of the model. We investigate the stable manifold solution to the underlying dynamical system and then use it to generate the equilibrium path. We use a fixed point iteration to numerically evaluate the stable manifold solution and eventually discover the exact solution. This investigation gives another illustration of the potential power of the general approach developed by the author that combines mathematical analysis and numerical simulations.
An alternative method of estimating the worker's reservation wage

Abstract This study follows the standard bivariate decision theory of employment and proposes an alternative technique to estimate reservation wages of employed, unemployed and out-of-labor-force (OLF) workers. The validity of this approach is demonstrated by testing several reservation wage hypotheses recommended in earlier studies. Using reservation wages estimated under this new approach, the study further examines the determinants of this important variable.
The effects of a new drug (Hexobendine) on cerebral hemodynamics and oxygen consumption

Abstract A new drug, hexobendine, when injected intravenously, produced an increase in cerebral blood flow (CBF) of approximately 15% accompanied by a decrease in cerebral vascular resistance (CVR) which persisted for 35 min. The effective intravenous dosage was 1.5 mg/kg, and following intraduodenal injection, 4 mg/kg were comparatively effective. The mean arterial blood pressure (MABP) was decreased. There was a small but significant increase in the cerebral metabolic rate for oxygen (CMRO2) for the first 5 min following injection of the drug. It is believed that the drug may have a direct effect on cerebral metabolism just as reports from other laboratories suggest that the drug increases myocardial metabolism. The CBF was also increased following the intraduodenal administration of hexobendine; this began 20 min after the drug was given and persisted for 70 min in some animals. Hexobendine appears to be a potent and long-lasting cerebral vasodilator drug when administered either intravenously or orally.
Effects of the embryo on uterine morphology and function in mares

Surgical ligations of the uterine horns on Day 11 (ovulation designated Day 0) were used to restrict the embryonic vesicle to the uterine body and caudal uterine horns; uterine characteristics were assessed in the isolated cornual segments. Transrectal palpation was used to assess uterine tone and ultrasonic scanning was used to assess uterine edema (scores 1–4, minimal to maximal for both end points). Tone was greater (P<0.05) or tended to be greater (P<0.07) for uterine-intact mares (n=5) than for uterine-ligated mares (n=5) on each of Days 13–19. A significant interaction indicated higher endometrial echotexture scores over Days 17–24 in the uterine-intact mares than in the uterine-ligated mares. In another experiment, cornual ligations were done before Day 11 to restrict the embryo to the side of ovulation (n=10). Significant horn by day interactions indicated that the uterine horn containing the embryo (ipsilateral horn) had greater tone and smaller horn diameter than the contralateral horn over Days 13–23; tone and diameter of the ipsilateral horn were similar to those of pregnant uterine-intact mares (n=6). A significant horn by day interaction indicated higher endometrial echotexture scores for the ipsilateral horns in mares with ligations and for both horns in mares without ligations than for the contralateral horn over Days 17–25. Uterine contractility, assessed ultrasonically at the uterine body, was decreased (P<0.05) in uterine-ligated mares (no conceptus exposure in the uterine body) on each of Days 11–14, relative to uterine-intact mares. Results indicated that the early conceptus promotes an increase in uterine tone with a corresponding decrease in diameter, enhanced endometrial folding, and increased uterine contractility through a local mechanism. That is, a greater effect was detected in the uterine segments exposed to the conceptus or its secretory products than in the segments without conceptus exposure.
What type of relationship do we have with loved brands

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to provide a discussion, testing and comparing two different relationship theories and their underlying scales as applied to brand love. Current brand love studies neglect a detailed discussion and analysis of the appropriate relationship theory and underlying measurement scale to be used. Design/methodology/approach – We use a 2 × 2 experimental design where we compare two relationship theories (interpersonal versus parasocial) across two samples (USA and Japan). Model testing were conducted using exploratory factor analysis, confirmatory factor analysis and multi-group structural equation modeling techniques assessing the type of relationship consumers have with loved brands. Findings – Our results show conceptualizing and measuring “brand love” as a parasocial relationship, as compared to interpersonal relationship, leads overall to equal and, in some instances, better results. For both samples, we get stronger relationships between brand love and purchase intenti...
The effect of experience and hormones on the initial receptivity in female and male rats

Abstract Factors investigated were those influencing the increase in receptivity recorded in spayed females and neonatally androgenized males following successive injections of estradiol benzoate and progesterone. After being first submitted to the standard testing regimen, consisting of both hormone injections and mating with vigorous males in a testing arena, females exposed to hormones alone or to the testing situation alone or to the standard regimen manifest the same increase in receptivity as measured in later tests. Equivalence between hormones and experience with vigorous males in elevating receptivity tendency is absent in females not having the standard mating tests first and in neonatally castrated males. In both instances, experience with vigorous males in the testing arena does not markedly raise receptivity propensity. Hormone injections alone increase receptivity tendency in females, but to a lesser extent than when interaction with males is permitted.
BONDING AND CHEMISTRY OF HYDROCARBON MONOLAYERS ON METAL SURFACES

Abstract Results from ultra-high vacuum surface analysis techniques over the last ten years have dramatically increased our understanding of how unsaturated hydrocarbons react with metal surfaces. We review here what has been learned, utilizing results from our laboratory on the bonding and chemistry of ethylene and benzene to illustrate general principles. Several points deserve emphasis. First, clean surfaces of most transition metals (as might be expected from their coordinative unsaturation) are highly reactive towards unsaturated hydrocarbons, sequentially dehydrogenating these adsorbates over the temperature range of ∼200–800K to evolve hydrogen and deposit carbon. Throughout this temperature range, partially dehydrogenated decomposition intermediates can be isolated and identified. The bonding (and also possibly the chemistry) of these surface fragments is strikingly similar to that of hydrocarbon ligands in multinuclear organometallic clusters. Studies which combine reactions at atmospheric pressure with surface analysis in UHV show that these stable surface fragments are present on active hydrocarbon catalysts but are not reaction intermediates. It appears, however, that these surface organometallic compounds are important for promoting catalytic turnover of reactive species by tempering the surface reactivity through adsorbate-adsorbate interactions. Studies (under ultra-high vacuum conditions) of adsorbates at high surface coverages and in the presence of coadsorbates show dramatic effects of attractive and repulsive adsorbate-adsorbate interactions on the surface bonding and chemistry.
An outlier filtering approach for machine sourced weak segmentations

Analysis of medical images by radiologists is often a time consuming and costly process. Computer Aided diagnosis (CAD) systems can be used to provide second opinion and assist radiologists in diagnosis. Crowdsourcing has been a tool used by many domains in order to generate fast and cheap labels. However, exposing medical images to a large crowd is problematic. Our system takes a machine sourcing approach to CADs – that is, the idea that multiple weak segmentations can be used to create predictions with the same quality as an expert. We propose that the use of a large amount of weak segmentations can simulate crowdsourcing to create accurate predictions of semantic characteristics. In addition, we investigated the idea that outliers filtering will better performance of this CAD. Three segmentation algorithms were employed to create 20 weak segmentations. Low quality segmentations were then removed using outlier filtering method. Segmentations were then classified using an ensemble classifier to create final predictions. It was found that this CAD preformed just as well or better than a radiologist. In contrast, the removal of outliers from the set of segmentations does not improve the result further.
Tinea capitis caused by Microsporum praecox in a patient with sickle cell anaemia

Microsporum praecox Rivalier ex Padhye, Ajello et McGinnis is the validated name for the taxon originally published as Sabouraudites praecox Rivalier. We describe here the first case of small-conidial, ectothrix type hair invasion caused by M. praecox in an adult woman from Oklahoma, U.S.A., suffering from sickle cell anaemia. This fungus is now being encountered with greater frequency as an etiologic agent of ringworm infection.
Parental investment and age at weaning in a Caribbean village

Abstract Predicting the timing of weaning in diverse environments is important because breast-feeding significantly contributes to child survival and overall health, especially in developing countries. This study examines associations between weaning and household demographic variables that test predictions derived from parental investment (PI) theory. Data were collected for 101 children (49 males and 52 females) in a rural community in Dominica. Analyses indicate that father absence is associated with early weaning. This was the only prediction from PI theory that was supported. The following results were contrary to expectations: (1) Availability of female alloparents and household wealth were negatively associated with age at weaning. (2) Number of dependent children in the household was positively associated with age at weaning. (3) Mother's age at birth was not correlated with the timing of weaning. Lastly, (4) interaction terms for child's sex by wealth and sex by maternal social support were not associated with age at weaning, indicating the lack of a Trivers–Willard effect on weaning in this population. We suggest that explanations of weaning from PI theory will benefit from including high opportunity costs of prolonged nursing, demands for reciprocal female labor, and the importance of investment in “embodied capital.”
Two Genes Encoding GF14 (14-3-3) Proteins in Zea mays (Structure, Expression, and Potential Regulation by the G-Box-Binding Complex)

Two maize (Zea mays) genes, designated GRF1 and GRF2, have been isolated and characterized. The proteins encoded by these genes, called GF14 proteins, participate in protein/DNA complexes and show more than 60% identity with a highly conserved, widely distributed protein family, collectively referred to as 14–3–3 proteins. Members of the 14–3–3 protein family have been reported to activate Tyr and Trp hydroxylases, modulate protein kinase C activity, and activate ADP-ribosyltransferase. The mRNAs of the GRF genes are encoded by six exons interrupted by five introns. The transcriptional units of the GRF genes were found to be very similar, with complete conservation of the intron positions. In addition, the length and nucleotide sequences of the two genes9 introns were highly conserved. The 5[prime] flanking sequences of the two GRF genes were compared and regions of homology and divergence identified. This comparison revealed the presence of a conserved G-box element in the 5[prime] flanking region of both genes. Electrophoretic mobility shift assays of maize protein extract with the GRF G-box indicates that GBF binds to this G-box site in the 5[prime] upstream region of GRF. Antibody supershifts indicate that GF14 protein is associated with the G-box-binding complex that interacts with the GRF upstream region.
Genetic and non-genetic operators in alecsys

It is well known that standard learning classifier systems, when applied to many different domains, exhibit a number of problems: payoff oscillation, difficulty in regulating interplay between the reward system and the background genetic algorithm (GA), rule chains' instability, default hierarchies' instability, among others. ALECSYS is a parallel version of a standard learning classifier system (CS) and, as such, suffers from these same problems. In this paper we propose some innovative solutions to some of these problems. We introduce the following original features. Mutespec is a new genetic operator used to specialize potentially useful classifiers. Energy is a quantity introduced to measure global convergence to apply the genetic algorithm only when the system is close to a steady state. Dynamic adjustment of the classifiers set cardinality speeds up the performance phase of the algorithm. We present simulation results of experiments run in a simulated two-dimensional world in which a simple agent learns to follow a light source.
Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in lake sediments record historic fire events: Validation using HPLC-fluorescence detection

Understanding the natural mechanisms that control fire occurrence in terrigenous ecosystems requires long and continuous records of past fires. Proxies, such as sedimentary charcoal and tree-ring fire scars, have temporal or spatial limitations and do not directly detect fire intensity. We show in this study that polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) produced during wildfires record local fire events and fire intensity. We demonstrate that high performance liquid chromatography with fluorescence detector (HPLC-FLD) is superior to gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS) for detecting the low concentrations of sedimentary PAHs derived from natural fires. The HPLC-FLD is at least twice as sensitive as the GC–MS in selective ion monitoring (SIM) mode for parent PAHs and five times as sensitive for retene. The annual samples extracted from varved sediments from Swamp Lake in Yosemite National Park, California are compared with the observational fire history record and show that PAH fluxes record fires within 0.5 km of the lake. The low molecular weight (LMW) PAHs (e.g., fluoranthene, pyrene and benz[a]anthracene) are the best recorders of fire, whereas the high molecular weight (HMW) PAHs likely record fire intensity. PAHs appear to resolve some of the issues inherent to other fire proxies, such as secondary deposition of charcoal. This study advances our understanding of how PAHs can be used as markers for fire events and poses new questions regarding the distribution of these compounds in the environment.
General Self-Reported Health as it Relates to Self-Esteem, Situational Self-Efficacy and Coping among Soldiers

As an indicator of broad-spectrum health, Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance scales frequently use a single question on general self-reported health (GSRH). However, little information exists on whether a single question of GSRH is related to indices of a person’s mental health. The purpose of this paper is to examine the relationship between GSRH and indices of self-esteem, self-efficacy and coping. During their first two weeks of Advanced Individual Training (AIT), 579 US Army Health Care Specialist Trainees completed demographic and self-report data, including GSRH, the Revised Ways of Coping Checklist (RWCCL), the Situational Self-Efficacy Scale (SSE), and the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale (SES). Spearman Rho correlation coefficients were used to analyze the data with Stata statistical software (StataCorp, 2005). GSRH was positively correlated with SSE, the SES, and problem focused and social support seeking methods of coping, (p < .05). GSRH was negatively correlated with blaming self, wishful thinkin...
Biliary lipids and cholesterol gallstone disease.

Biliary lipids are a family of four dissimilar molecular species consisting of a mixture of bile salts (substituted cholanoic acids), phospholipids, mostly (>96%) diacylphosphatidylcholines, unesterified cholesterol, and bilirubin conjugates known trivially as lipopigments. The primary pathophysiological defect in cholesterol gallstone disease is hypersecretion of hepatic cholesterol into bile with less frequent hyposecretion of bile salts and/or phospholipids. Several other gallbladder abnormalities contribute and include hypomotility, immune-mediated inflammation, hypersecretion of gelling mucins, and accelerated phase transitions; there is also reduced intestinal motility that augments “secondary” bile salt synthesis by the anaerobic microflora. Cholesterol nucleation is initiated when unilamellar vesicles of cholesterol plus biliary phospholipids fuse to form multilamellar vesicles. From these “plate-like” cholesterol monohydrate crystals, the building blocks of macroscopic stones are nucleated heterogeneously by mucin gel. Multiple Lith gene loci have been identified in inbred mice, paving the way for discovery of an ever-increasing number of LITH genes in humans. Because of the frequency of the metabolic syndrome today, insulin resistance and LITH genes all interact with a number of environmental cholelithogenic factors to cause the gallstone phenotype. This review summarizes current concepts of the physical-chemical state of biliary lipids in health and in lithogenic bile and outlines the molecular, genetic, hepatic, and cholecystic factors that underlie the pathogenesis of cholesterol gallstones.
Towards software-friendly networks

There has usually been a clean separation between networks and the applications that use them. Applications send packets over a simple socket API; the network delivers them. However, there are many occasions when applications can benefit from more direct interaction with the network: to observe more of the current network state and to obtain more control over the network behavior. This paper explores some of the potential benefits of closer interaction between applications and the network. Exploiting the emergence of so-called "software-defined networks" (SDN) built above network-wide control planes, we explore how to build a more "software-friendly network". We present results from a preliminary exploration that aims to provide network services to applications via an explicit communication channel.
Adjustable gastric banding as revisional bariatric procedure after failed gastric bypass—intermediate results

Abstract Background Although gastric bypass is the most common bariatric procedure in the United States, it is has been associated with a failure rate of 15% (range 5–40%). The addition of an adjustable gastric band to Roux-en-Y gastric bypass has been reported to be a useful revision strategy in a small series of patients with inadequate weight loss after proximal gastric bypass. Methods We report on 22 patients who presented with inadequate weight loss or significant weight regain after proximal gastric bypass. All patients underwent revision with the placement of an adjustable silicone gastric band around the proximal gastric pouch. The bands were adjusted at 6 weeks postoperatively and beyond, as needed. Complications and weight loss at the most recent follow-up visit were evaluated. Results The mean age and body mass index at revision was 41.27 years (range 25–58) and 44.8 ± 6.34 kg/m 2 , respectively. Patients had experienced a loss of 19%, 27%, 47.3%, 42.3%, 43%, and 47% of their excess weight at 6, 12, 24, 36, 48, and 60 months after the revisional procedure, respectively. Three major complications occurred requiring reoperation. No band erosions have been documented. Conclusion The results from this larger series of patients have also indicated that the addition of the adjustable silicone gastric band causes significant weight loss in patients with poor weight loss outcomes after gastric bypass. That no anastomosis or change in absorption is required makes this an attractive revisional strategy. As with all revisional procedures, the complication rates appear to be increased compared with a similar primary operation.
Power Grid Analysis of Dynamic Power Cutoff Technology

Dynamic power cutoff technique (DPCT) (Baozhen Yu and Bushnell, 2006) is a novel active leakage power reduction technique. It works by partitioning the circuit into different groups based on the minimal switching window of each gate and turning on the power of each group only during a small timing window within each clock cycle, which results in significant active leakage power savings. But this high frequency on-off operation on the power connections may cause power grid integrity issues. In this paper, the authors analyze DPCT's effect on the power grid. Experimental results on ISCAS '85 circuits using 70 nm Berkeley predictive models (Cao et al., 2000) show that DPCT reduces the maximal voltage drop on the power grid by up to 49%. However, it also introduces some high frequency harmonic noise. Extra decoupling capacitors can be added to reduce this high frequency noise to the required level.
“They’re Too Smart for That”: Predicting What Children Would Do in the Presence of Guns

Objectives. We examined parents’ beliefs about how children would react to finding guns, with particular emphasis on how parents reasoned about children’s actions. Methods. Based on a randomized telephone survey of Northeast Ohio residents, we focused on the 317 urban and 311 rural respondents who had children 5 to 15 years old in their homes. Respondents were asked about gun ownership and their expectations of how children would react to finding guns. Analysis examined responses in relation to various demographic and socioeconomic variables. Results. All respondents—regardless of gun ownership, geography, race, gender, education level, income, or child age—were equally likely (∼87%) to believe that their children would not touch guns they found. Fifty-two percent of those reasoned that children were “too smart” or “knew better.” Only 40% based their predictions on specific instructions they had given their children. Only 12% (15/122) of owners stored guns locked and unloaded. Only 3 of 13 variables tested were positively associated with safe storage: having a child 5 to 9 years old, having at least a 4-year college education, and having an income ≥$65 000 per year. Conclusion. Results indicate that parental beliefs may effectively relieve adults of responsibility and place the burden on children to protect themselves. The implication for injury prevention is that caregivers’ unrealistic expectations of children’s developmental levels and impulse control may influence storage decisions or the inclination to address gun safety issues with children or other adults with whom children spend time (relatives, playmates’ parents).
Electrodeless Measurement of Semiconductor Resistivity at Microwave Frequencies

A new microwave technique for the measurement of conductivity of semiconductors has been explored and provides agreement with more conventional methods. The proposed technique depends upon the absorption of the microwave power being propagated through a semiconductor medium. This eliminates the need for electrode attachment, making the experimental aspects of the measurement more simple. In addition, since the microwave method depends more on bulk properties, it may be less subject to error due to surface leakage or crystal imperfections in the semiconductor.