cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Growing pains in information systems: transforming the IS organization for client/server development

Information systems (IS) groups are under increasing pressure to contribute to organizational performance and to support, or even drive, broad organizational transformation efforts through the successful exploitation of information technology (IT). Using a “sociocentric” model of organizational work, this paper analyzes the experiences of one company's IS group that recently embarked on a long-term, enterprise-wide client/server system development initiative designed to transform organizational decision support processes. Even though the client/server initiative is still in its infancy and has not yet delivered high-impact applications, it has brought about substantial changes in the nature of work in the IS group. These changes range from new philosophies, methodologies, and technologies to shifts in the skills, communication patterns, and control structures required to develop and manage information systems.
Aperture coupled MEMS reconfigurable pixel patch antenna for conformal load bearing antenna structures (CLAS)

The study and design of an aperture coupled MEMS reconfigurable pixel patch antenna is proposed for operation under the CLAS concept. By activating and deactivating certain sections of a pixelated area the antenna is reconfigured in three frequency bands within 1-2 GHz. Simulation results show that the antenna bandwidth ranges from 5% to 25% and the peak realized gain is greater than 9 dBi.
Prince Seti-Merenptah, Chancellor Bay, and the Bark Shrine of Seti II at Karnak

Abstract The Triple Bark Shrine of Seti II at Karnak provides us with the only known reference for his son and heir, Prince Seti-Merenptah. In two of the chapels, those of Mut (eastern wall) and Khonsu (western wall), the prince is depicted directly behind his father, who presents offerings to the Theban triad. In the central chapel dedicated to Amun, the figure occupying the position behind the king on both walls has been thoroughly expunged along with the accompanying texts providing his identity. This article seeks to present the epigraphic data from the Seti II bark shrine and refine Yurco’s interpretation of them through analysis of the alterations and palimpsest inscriptions in the shrine’s relief decoration. We will also reassess the historical implications of these reliefs as related to the life of Prince Seti-Merenptah and the early career of Chancellor Bay under Seti II.
High-Energy Neutron Beam of 45% Polarization

A beam of polarized neutrons has been produced by allowing the 164-Mev internal proton beam of the Harvard synchrocyclotron to strike a beryllium target. The neutrons produced in the forward direction are then polarized by scattering from carbon at 15\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}. When neutrons of energy greater than 110 Mev are selected by the detection process, an average beam energy of 124-Mev results. An intensity of 2.9\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}${10}^{5}$ neutrons/${\mathrm{in}.}^{2}$ min through 2 in. by 6-in. collimator has been obtained, with a polarization 0.447\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.020. The shielding techniques are also discussed.
Block Co-polymer on Graphene: Doping of Graphene and a Robust Chemical Sensor

It is essential to control the electronic properties of a graphene field effect transistor (GFET). And the ability to accurately control the intrinsic electrical transport properties and to locally change the carrier density will be significant for graphene devices. We succeeded in achieving and controlling the Dirac point (neutrality point) simply by doping block co-polymer (BCP) covered GFET with CF4 plasma. By exposing polymer covered GFET to CF4 plasma for a short time the electronic transport was altered significantly. The hexagonal structure of BCP produces patterns with nanoscale spacing for heterogeneous patterns which provides a new approach to tune the electron and the hole conductivity simultaneously. Exploitation of fluorine doping provides a general route to control electronic property of any polymer coated GFET. The BCP protected GFET could detect 1mM NaF solution in “dry” condition in 60s. The sensing property demonstrates that BCP protected GFET could be a good candidate for stable and sensitive chemical or biological sensor. Furthermore, the distinct property of two functional groups within BCP facilitates the selective sensing property. These findings pave the way for developing more stable and sensitive sensors under ambient conditions.
Somatic Cell Genetic Assignment of Peptidase C and the Rh Linkage Group to Chromosome A-1 in Man

The segregation of the human peptidase-C phenotype in five different series of human-mouse hybrid clones was examined. The chromosome constitution of these hybrids was determined by quinacrine mustard fluorescence, Giemsa banding, and constitutive heterochromatin staining. That the clones could be classified without exception either as human peptidase C positive/ A-1 positive (14 clones), or as peptidase C negative/ A-1 negative (12 clones) indicates that peptidase C can be assigned to the human A-i chromosome. Data from an extensive series of human-mouse clones used provide support for the syntenic association between peptidase C and phosphoglucomutase-1 and by inference a linkage of both to Rh factor group.
Detailed heat transfer distributions in two-pass square channels with rib turbulators

Abstract Detailed Nusselt number distributions are presented for a two-pass square channel with one ribbed wall. This wall of the channel is sprayed with thermochromic liquid crystals, and a transient test is run to obtain the local heat transfer coefficients. Results are presented for Reynolds numbers ranging from 6000 to 60 000. The rib height-to-hydraulic diameter ratio is 0.125; the rib pitch-to-height ratio is 10; and the rib configurations are 90° parallel, 60° parallel, 60° V, and 60° broken V. Detailed measurements are presented in the first pass, before the 180° turn, in the turn region, after the turn, and further downstream in the second pass. The detailed distributions provide a clear understanding of the secondary flows induced by the 180° turn and the rib turbulators.
Effects of prostaglandin E3 and eicosapentaenoic acid on rat bone in organ culture.

Abstract To assess the possibility that diets rich in eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) could have adverse effects on the skeleton, we examined the resorptive response to its major project, PGE 3 , and the effects and metabolism of EPA itself in cultured fetal rat lond bones and neonatal rat calvaria. PGE 3 stimulated bone resorptin with a potency similar to that of PGE 2 . However, EPA was a much less effective prercursor for PGE 3 than was arachidonic acid (AA) for PGE 2 . In bones cultured with complement sufficient rabbit serum, which stimulates endogenous PGE release, addition of EPA had little effect on bone resorption while AA produced a substantial increase. Bones labeled with [ 3 H]-AA and incubated with transforming growth factor-alpha (TGF-α), which stimulates endogenous PGE production, produced substantial amounts of PGE 2 , while bones labeled with [ 3 H]-EPA and treated similarly produced less than 1/10th as much labeled PGE 3 . Thus, EPA appears to be a less effective precursor for the production of bone resorbing prostanoids than AA in cultured rat bone. However, since PGE 3 is a potent stimulator of bone resorption, the possibility that dietary EPA can affect the production of bone resorbing prostanoids in man requires further study.
Ab-initio study of interfacial strength and misfit dislocations in eutectic composites: NiAl/Mo

Abstract The electronic structure and fracture energy characteristics of the NiAl/Mo interface have been investigated by the full-potential linear muffin-tin orbital method. We optimized the crystal geometry of the coherent interface and calculated the ideal work of adhesion and interfacial shear energies. For the first time, based on ab-initio calculations, the structure and energy of misfit dislocations were determined within the Peierls–Nabarro model with a generalized restoring force law. The bonding at the coherent interface is found to be close to that of bulk NiAl, but the appearance of the misfit dislocations leads to a drastic weakening of the NiAl/Mo interface.
Mucin gene expression is not regulated by estrogen and/or progesterone in the ocular surface epithelia of mice.

Purpose. Dry eye syndrome is prevalent in post-menopausal women, and post-menopausal women secrete less mucus in their reproductive tracts. Using a mouse model, the purpose of this study was to determine if estrogen and/or progesterone regulates Muc4 and Muc5AC gene expression in the ocular surface epithelia, as the hormones do in reproductive tract epithelia. Methods. Adult C57BL/6 mice were ovariectomized, and 19 days later, pellets containing estrogen, progesterone, or a combination were inserted subcutaneously. Ocular surface and reproductive tract tissues were harvested following seven days of hormone treatment. A control group consisted of ovariectomized mice that received no hormone treatment. Real-time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction was used to determine the tissue expression levels of mucin mRNA of each treatment group relative to the control. Muc4 mRNA expression levels were determined for the reproductive tract, and both Muc4 and Muc5AC expression levels were determined for the ocular surface epithelia. Muc4 and Muc5AC gene expression in ocular surface and Muc4 in reproductive tract epithelia was demonstrated by In Situ hybridization, and Muc4 and Muc5AC protein was demonstrated in the epithelia of animals in the experimental groups. Results. The mRNA expression levels of Muc4 and Muc5AC and the immunofluorescence localization pattern in the ocular surface epithelia were not significantly different in any hormone treatment group when compared to the control ovariectomized group. By comparison, mice that were administered estrogen had a significant increase of Muc4 mRNA in the reproductive tract epithelia, progesterone given in combination with estrogen antagonized the upregulatory effects of estrogen in the reproductive tract, and the amount of Muc4 mRNA in the reproductive tract of progesterone-treated animals was not different from ovariectomized controls. Immunofluorescence localization of Muc4 in the reproductive tract epithelia of the experimental groups correlated to message levels, with lack of Muc4 protein detected in the control and progesterone groups. Conclusion. In comparison to reproductive tract epithelia, Muc4 and Muc5AC are not hormonally regulated by estrogen or progesterone in the ocular surface epithelia of mice. These data demonstrate that regulation of epithelial mucin genes is tissue specific.
Trauma to the elbow and forearm

Elbow and forearm trauma constitute a significant percentage of upper extremity injuries. A thorough understanding of the anatomy and mechanism of injury is necessary for obtaining the most accurate radiographic interpretation in both the pediatric and adult populations. Proper radiographic positioning and choice of the best imaging modality are crucial to ensure the best orthopedic treatment and reduce the incidence of post-treatment complications.
Voices of the Mind: A Sociocultural Approach to Mediated Action

Introduction 1. Prerequisites 2. A Sociocultural Approach to Mind 3. Beyond Vygotsky: Bakhtin's Contribution 4. The Multivoicedness of Meaning 5. The Heterogeneity of Voices 6. Sociocultural Setting, Social Languages, and
Healthcare Disparities for American Indian Veterans in the United States: A Population-Based Study

Objective:To examine healthcare coverage and access disparities for American Indian/Alaska Native (AIAN) veterans compared with non-Hispanic white veterans.Methods:We examined national survey data for honorably discharged veterans in the United States using National Health Interview Survey (NHIS) da
Fish-assemblage dynamics in Malibu Lagoon, a small, hydrologically altered estuary in southern California

Malibu Lagoon, California, USA, is a small estuary that has been substantially altered by habitat loss and increased freshwater input from development in its watershed. The lagoon’s fish assemblage was sampled at nine stations on 32 occasions between July 1993 and August 1994 on at least a monthly basis using beach seines and fish traps. Thirteen fish species represented by 16,444 individuals were collected. California killifish (Fundulus parvipinnis) was by far the most abundant species, comprising 80% of the total catch. Mosquitofish (Gambusia affinis) constituted 9% of the catch, and topsmelt (Atherinops affinis) constituted 7%. As with other temperate estuarine fish assemblages, species richness and abundance varied seasonally, with peaks during summer. The majority of fish collected were juveniles, with topsmelt and California killifish recruitment being extremely high during some periods. Fish use of the portion of the lagoon restored as a salt marsh ten years prior to our study was evaluated. Fish species richness, density, and composition in the restored salt marsh were quite similar to those in the main lagoon as well as other natural salt marshes in southern California. Malibu Lagoon’s species richness is low relative to some other southern California wetland systems, particularly large estuaries with uninterrupted tidal flushing, but is comparable to other southern California estuaries with similar hydrology. Despite extensive anthropogenic modification, Malibu Lagoon provides suitable habitat for a variety of fish species.
Postlabeling analysis of indigenous aromatic DNA adducts in mouse myocardium during aging

The possible presence of aromatic chemicals covalently linked to DNA (aromatic adducts) was investigated in heart cells during aging of the C57BL/6Nia mouse. Heart DNAs were isolated from untreated mice of different ages and analyzed by 32P-postlabeling assays. To determine low levels of adducts, assays were carried out in which aromatic adducts were first isolated by phase transfer to 1-butanol, then labeled with excess, carrier-free [gamma-32P]ATP. This analysis showed that the number and frequency of aromatic adducts varied between DNA samples. Several adducts were present in all mouse DNA preparations and were more abundant in 32P-maps of senescent heart DNA. The results suggest that genomes of myocytes have a higher steady-state level of DNA damage in old animals which could adversely affect cell function.
Categorization of Narcomessages in Mexico: An Appraisal of the Attempts to Influence Public Perception and Policy Actions

The current article brings together the conclusions of an exercise carried out in an attempt to analyze and classify narcopropaganda, or “narcomessages” in Mexico. The analysis and classification of narcomessages is able to provide some insights about the motivations underlying the increase of violent attacks in the country; at the same time, the classification of these messages can help in the identification of those groups that are more likely to influence public perception and support public policy measures against them.
Comparison of CT Findings in Symptomatic and Incidentally Discovered Pheochromocytomas

OBJECTIVE. The objective of our study was to determine the prevalence of incidental pheochromocytomas, whether their imaging characteristics differ from those of pheochromocytomas in symptomatic patients, and whether they differ from adenomas using CT densitometry.MATERIALS AND METHODS. The records from 335 adrenalectomies performed at our institution from 1995 to 2002 were reviewed, and 71 pheochromocytomas were identified. Thirty-three patients had CT examinations performed at our institution that were available for retrospective review. From electronic and hard-copy medical records, patient age and sex, the indications for imaging, and biochemistry activity were recorded. Pheochromocytomas were classified as symptomatic or incidental on the basis of clinical presentation. These groups were compared for differences in patient age, adrenal mass volume and maximal diameter based on CT dimensions, attenuation on unenhanced CT, attenuation on enhanced CT during the portal phase, the presence of calcificatio...
The importance of vinylsilane stereochemistry and σ - π stabilization in iminium ion-vinylsilane cyclizations. A short total synthesis of the alkaloid (−) −epielwesine.

Abstract cis -3a-Aryl-2,3,3a,4,5,7a-hexahydro-1H-indoles 5 and 10 are formed in excellent yield from acid promoted cyclization of (Z)-vinylsilane imines 3 and 9. The failure of the corresponding (E)-vinylsilane isomer 4 to cyclize under similar conditions demonstrates that the β-silylcation intermediates formed in these reactions derive significant stabilization from σ - π delocalization.
Modeling of the biodynamic responses distributed at the fingers and palm of the hand in three orthogonal directions

The objectives of this study were to develop models of the hand-arm system in the three orthogonal directions (xh, yh , and zh ) and to enhance the understanding of the hand vibration dynamics. A four-degrees-of-freedom (DOF) model and 5-DOF model were used in the simulation for each direction. The driving-point mechanical impedances distributed at the fingers and palm of the hand reported in a previous study were used to determine the parameters of the models. The 5-DOF models were generally superior to the 4-DOF models for the simulation. Hence, as examples of applications, the 5-DOF models were used to predict the transmissibility of a vibration-reducing glove and the vibration transmissibility on the major substructures of the hand-arm system. The model-predicted results were also compared with the experimental data reported in two other recent studies. Some reasonable agreements were observed in the comparisons, which provided some validation of the developed models. This study concluded that the 5-DOF models are acceptable for helping to design and analyze vibrating tools and anti-vibration devices. This study also confirmed that the 5-DOF model in the zh direction is acceptable for a coarse estimation of the biodynamic responses distributed throughout the major substructures of the hand-arm system. Some interesting phenomena observed in the experimental study of the biodynamic responses in the three directions were also explained in this study.
CEP162 is an axoneme-recognition protein promoting ciliary transition zone assembly at the cilia base

The transition zone is a specialized compartment found at the base of cilia, adjacent to the centriole distal end, where axonemal microtubules are heavily crosslinked to the surrounding membrane to form a barrier that gates the ciliary compartment. A number of ciliopathy molecules have been found to associate with the transition zone, but factors that directly recognize axonemal microtubules to specify transition zone assembly at the cilia base remain unclear. Here, through quantitative centrosome proteomics, we identify an axoneme-associated protein, CEP162 (KIAA1009), tethered specifically at centriole distal ends to promote transition zone assembly. CEP162 interacts with core transition zone components, and mediates their association with microtubules. Loss of CEP162 arrests ciliogenesis at the stage of transition zone assembly. Abolishing its centriolar tethering, however, allows CEP162 to stay on the growing end of the axoneme and ectopically assemble transition zone components at cilia tips. This generates extra-long cilia with strikingly swollen tips that actively release ciliary contents into the extracellular environment. CEP162 is thus an axoneme-recognition protein pre-tethered at centriole distal ends before ciliogenesis to promote and restrict transition zone formation specifically at the cilia base.
An improved grid-based approximation algorithm for POMDPs

Although a partially observable Markov decision process (POMDP) provides an appealing model for problems of planning under uncertainty, exact algorithms for POMDPs are intractable. This motivates work on approximation algorithms, and grid-based approximation is a widely-used approach. We describe a novel approach to grid-based approximation that uses a variable-resolution regular grid, and show that it outperforms previous grid-based approaches to approximation.
High-frequency characteristics of inverted-mode heterojunction bipolar transistors

It is shown that in emitter-down heterojunction bipolar transistors (HBT's), parasitics can be reduced sufficiently that intrinsic transit-time delays become the dominant limitations to high-frequency performance. In this situation it is found that the dependence of the unilateral gain on frequency can be significantly different from the simple 6-dB/octave decrease usually assumed. It is found that the device exhibits negative output conductance over certain bands of frequencies, and that when this occurs a series of resonances are observed in the gain versus frequency characteristics. Explanations of this behavior are given in terms of the phase delay of the common-base current gain. The generality and relevance of these observations to other types of transistors, and the utilization of the negative output conductance to enhance high-frequency operation are also discussed.
Shape Reconstruction Using the Level Set Method for Microwave Applications

A shape reconstruction algorithm based on contour deformation using the full-band level set method is presented. Transverse magnetic plane waves are used for excitation. The results of full-band level set scheme are compared with those of narrowband scheme. A proposed measurement configuration is shown to produce more accurate results.
Communicative Action's Democratic Deficit: A Critique of Habermas's Contribution to Democratic Theory

In this paper, I develop a critique of Habermas’ concept of communicative action. My critique is based on the concept’s inability to grasp the complexities of democratic politics and democratic political action. I first show that the central seed of this inability is to be found in his early masterpiece, The Structural Transformation of the Public Sphere. This genealogical beginning is followed by a more conceptual critique of communicative action’s dichotomist foundations, its moralization of speech act’s theory, and its incorporation of the dyad’s dialogue as the elementary form of human communication. During this conceptual critique, I present a different notion of how the strategic and communicative dimensions of action intertwine in political action proper.
Necrosis and apoptosis after retinal ischemia: involvement of NMDA-mediated excitotoxicity and p53.

Purpose Accumulated evidence has shown that apoptosis and necrosis contribute to neuronal death after ischemia. The present study was performed to study the temporal and spatial patterns of neuronal necrosis and apoptosis after ischemia in retina and to outline mechanisms underlying necrosis and apoptosis. Methods Retinal ischemia was induced by increasing intraocular pressure to a range of 160 mm Hg to 180 mm Hg for 90 minutes in adult rats. The patterns of neuronal cell death were determined using light and electron microscopy and were visualized by TdT-dUTP nick-end labeling (TUNEL). The mRNA expression profile of p53 was examined using reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and in situ hybridization histochemistry. Immunohistochemistry was performed using anti-p53, anti-microtubule associated protein-2, and anti-glial fibrillary acidic protein antibodies. Results Within 4 hours after ischemia, neurons in the inner nuclear cell layer (INL) and ganglion cell layer (GCL) underwent marked necrosis, made apparent by swelling of the cell body and mitochondria, early fenestration of the plasma membrane, and irregularly scattered condensation of nuclear chromatin. After 3 days, the INL and GCL neurons showed further degeneration through apoptosis marked by cell body shrinkage, aggregation, and condensation of nuclear chromatin. Apoptotic neurons were also observed sparsely in the outer nuclear cell layer. Intravitreal injections of MK-801 prevented early neuronal degeneration after ischemia. Of note, mRNA and protein levels of p53, the tumor suppressor gene known to induce apoptosis, were increased in the retinal areas undergoing apoptosis 1 to 3 days after ischemic injury. Conclusions Ischemia produces the N-methyl-D-aspartate-mediated necrosis and slowly evolving apoptosis of neurons in the retina. The latter may depend on the expression of the p53 proapoptosis gene.
Estimating energy-momentum and angular momentum near null infinity

The energy-momentum and angular momentum contained in a spacelike two-surface of spherical topology are estimated by joining the two-surface to null infinity via an approximate no-incoming-radiation condition. The result is a set of gauge-invariant formulas for energy-momentum and angular momentum which should be applicable to much numerical work; it also gives estimates of the finite-size effects.
Type I Glanzmann's Thrombasthenia in a Great Pyrenees Dog

An 8-month-old female Great Pyrenees dog with chronic epistaxis and a history of gingival bleeding during shedding of deciduous teeth was evaluated for platelet function. Platelet morphology was normal at both the light and electron microscopic level. Platelet number and mean platelet volume were also normal. Platelet aggregation responses to adenosine diphosphate, collagen, platelet activating factor, and thrombin were markedly reduced, although shape change responses were normal. Clot retraction was markedly impaired. Monoclonal antibody (MoAb) Y2/51, a murine anti-human platelet beta 3 antibody that cross-reacts with canine platelet beta 3, and MoAb 5G11, a murine anti-dog platelet alpha IIb beta 3 antibody, bound minimally to affected dog platelets, as demonstrated by flow cytometry. Binding of MoAb Y2/51 was not detectable by immunoblot. MoAb CAP1, a murine anti-dog fibrinogen receptor-induced binding site antibody, failed to bind to affected dog platelets, as demonstrated by flow cytometry. A reduction in glycoproteins alpha IIb and beta 3 was demonstrated by two-dimensional protein electrophoresis. This is the first reported case of type I Glanzmann's thrombasthenia in the dog that closely resembles the clinical syndrome and the platelet morphology described in type I Glanzmann's thrombasthenia of human beings.
FITTING POPULATION MODELS INCORPORATING PROCESS NOISE AND OBSERVATION ERROR

We evaluate a method for fitting models to time series of population abun- dances that incorporates both process noise and observation error in a likelihood framework. The method follows the probability logic of the Kalman filter, but whereas the Kalman filter applies to linear, Gaussian systems, we implement the full probability calculations numerically so that any nonlinear, non-Gaussian model can be used. We refer to the method as the "numerically integrated state-space (NISS) method" and compare it to two common methods used to analyze nonlinear time series in ecology: least squares with only process noise (LSPN) and least squares with only observation error (LSOE). We compare all three methods by fitting Beverton-Holt and Ricker models to many replicate model-generated time series of length 20 with several parameter choices. For the Ricker model we chose parameters for which the deterministic part of the model produces a stable equilibrium, a two-cycle, or a four-cycle. For each set of parameters we used three process-noise and observation-error scenarios: large standard deviation (0.2) for both, and large for one but small (0.05) for the other. The NISS method had lower estimator bias and variance than the other methods in nearly all cases. The only exceptions were for the Ricker model with stable-equilibrium parameters, in which case the LSPN and LSOE methods has lower bias when noise variances most closely met their assumptions. For the Beverton-Holt model, the NISS method was much less biased and more precise than the other methods. We also evaluated the utility of each method for model selection by fitting simulated data to both models and using information criteria for selection. The NISS and LSOE methods showed a strong bias toward selecting the Ricker over the Beverton-Holt, even when data were generated with the Beverton-Holt. It remains unclear whether the LSPN method is generally superior for model selection or has fortuitously better biases in this particular case. These results suggest that information criteria are best used with caution for nonlinear population models with short time series. Finally we evaluated the convergence of likelihood ratios to theoretical asymptotic distributions. Agreement with asymptotic distributions was very good for stable-point Rick- er parameters, less accurate for two-cycle and four-cycle Ricker parameters, and least accurate for the Beverton-Holt model. The numerically integrated state-space method has a number of advantages over least squares methods and offers a useful tool for connecting models and data and ecology.
Changes in Oxytocin Receptor mRNA in Rat Brain During Pregnancy and the Effects of Estrogen and Interleukin-6

Changes in brain oxytocin receptor (OTR) binding sites during the course of pregnancy may influence the sudden onset of maternal behavior in female rats at parturition. In situ hybridization was used to identify changes in OTR messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA) expression during pregnancy and parturition. Two patterns of mRNA regulation were observed. Relative to diestrus virgin control females, OTR mRNA was elevated in the lateral septum and medial preoptic area at days 13-15 of pregnancy but not on the morning of parturition. In the central nucleus of the amygdala and ventromedial nucleus of the hypothalamus (VMH), OTR mRNA was most abundant on the morning of parturition. Strong signals for OTR mRNA were detected in the bed nucleus of the stria terminalis, hypothalamic paraventricular nucleus, supraoptic nucleus and suprachiasmatic nucleus. However no group differences were detected in these areas. As estrogen and interleukin-6 have been suggested to modulate OTR gene expression and both are elevated at the time of parturition, their effects on OTR mRNA in the brain were examined. Estrogen and interleukin-6, given simultaneously, significantly elevated the concentration of OTR mRNA in the VMH, but not in the amygdala. The increase in the VMH was significantly greater than that produced by estrogen alone, and interleukin-6 alone had no effects. These results demonstrate that transcriptional regulation of OTR gene expression mediates changes in receptor density in the brain in a region specific manner during pregnancy and suggests a potential mechanism for some of these changes.
Hidden conditional random field with distribution constraints for phone classification.

We advance the recently proposed hidden conditional random field (HCRF) model by replacing the moment constraints (MCs) with the distribution constraints (DCs). We point out that the distribution constraints are the same as the traditional moment constraints for the binary features but are able to better regularize the probability distribution of the continuousvalued features than the moment constraints. We show that under the distribution constraints the HCRF model is no longer log-linear but embeds the model parameters in non-linear functions. We provide an effective solution to the resulting more difficult optimization problem by converting it to the traditional log-linear form at a higher-dimensional space of features exploiting cubic spline. We demonstrate that a 20.8% classification error rate (CER) can be achieved on the TIMIT phone classification task using the HCRF-DC model. This result is superior to any published single-system result on this heavily evaluated task including the HCRF-MC model, the discriminatively trained HMMs, and the large-margin HMMs using the same features. Index Terms: hidden conditional random field, maximum entropy, moment constraint, distribution constraint, phone classification, TIMIT, cubic spline
The Look AHEAD Trial: Implications for Lifestyle Intervention in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus

Given the array of adverse health consequences of obesity, including increased risk for type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and cardiovascular disease (CVD), the Look AHEAD trial (N=5145) was conducted to test the hypothesis that an intensive lifestyle intervention (ILI) for weight loss would achieve significantly greater reductions in CVD morbidity and mortality than a control condition of diabetes support and education (DSE) among participants with T2DM. A number of significant and long-term improvements were observed for ILI, including body weight, physical fitness and physical function, glucose control, quality-of-life (QoL), and healthcare costs. However, ILI did not significantly reduce CVD-related morbidity/mortality (i.e., CVD death, non-fatal MI, non-fatal stroke, hospitalized angina) after nearly 10 years of follow-up. There was a suggestion of heterogeneity of response based on the history of prior CVD at baseline (p=0.06). Despite the overall lack of CVD risk reduction, ILI remains important for care of patients with T2DM, particularly when accompanied by medication management. In particular, ILI may be an appealing option for patients wanting to minimize medication intensification. Also, ILI carries with it other potential benefits important to patients (e.g., improvements in physical functioning and QoL). Based on data from other trials, intensive medication management, such as tight glycemic control, is not without potential risks, which should be weighed in making treatment decisions. Future research is needed to determine if results observed in this trial would be replicated among younger patients, those without established T2DM, and/or those with no pre-existing CVD.
A Mutation in the Start Codon of γ-Crystallin D Leads to Nuclear Cataracts in the Dahl SS/Jr-Ctr Strain

Cataracts are a major cause of blindness. The most common forms of cataracts are age- and UV-related and develop mostly in the elderly, while congenital cataracts appear at birth or in early childhood. The Dahl salt-sensitive (SS/Jr) rat is an extensively used model of salt-sensitive hypertension that exhibits concomitant renal disease. In the mid-1980s, cataracts appeared in a few animals in the Dahl S colony, presumably the result of a spontaneous mutation. The mutation was fixed and bred to establish the SS/Jr-Ctr substrain. The SS/Jr-Ctr substrain has been used exclusively by a single investigator to study the role of steroids and hypertension. Using a classical positional cloning approach, we localized the cataract gene with high resolution to a less than 1-Mbp region on chromosome 9 using an F1(SS/Jr-Ctr × SHR) × SHR backcross population. The 1-Mbp region contained only 13 genes, including 4 genes from the γ-crystallins (Cryg) gene family, which are known to play a role in cataract formation. All of the γ-crystallins were sequenced and a novel point mutation in the start codon (ATG → GTG) of the Crygd gene was identified. This led to the complete absence of the CRYGD protein in the eyes of the SS/Jr-Ctr strain. In summary, the identification of the genetic cause in this novel cataract model may provide an opportunity to better understand the development of cataracts, particularly in the context of hypertension.
Predictors of caregiver burden in caregivers of individuals with dementia

kim h., chang m., rose k. & kim s. (2011) Predictors of caregiver burden in caregivers of individuals with dementia. Journal of Advanced Nursing 68(4), 846–855. Abstract Aims. This article is a report on a study of the multidimensional predictors of caregiver burden in caregivers of individuals with dementia using nationally representative data. Background. Caregiver burden affects the health of both caregivers and their care-recipients. Although previous studies identified various predictors of caregiver burden, these predictors have not been confirmed in nationally representative population. Methods. Data for this secondary analysis was provided by the National Alliance for Caregiving, American Association of Retired Persons. The data were collected through a telephone survey of randomly selected adults in seven states in 2003 (weight adjusted n = 302). Descriptive statistics, inter-correlation analysis and a hierarchical multiple regression analysis were performed. Results/findings. Disease-related factors were the most significant predictors, explaining 16% of caregiver burden; these were followed by caregiver socio-demographical factors and caregiving-related factors (F = 21·28, P < 0·01). Significant individual predictors were impairment of activities of daily living or instrumental activities of daily living, the number of hours of caregiving, use of coping strategies, co-residence, spousal status and caregiver gender (P < 0·05). Conclusion. Impaired function in care-recipients predicts caregiver burden, and also interacts with demographical- and caregiving-related factors. Thus, it will be beneficial to both care-recipients and caregivers to target nursing interventions and community services to improve the functional abilities of individuals with dementia.
Superiority of Ratio Based Lymph Node Staging for Bladder Cancer

ABSTRACTPurpose: The current study evaluated lymph node staging and the outcome in patients with lymph node positive bladder cancer after radical cystectomy.Materials and Methods: A total of 162 patients with lymph node positive bladder cancer were followed a median of 7.5 years after radical cystectomy and pelvic lymph node dissection for survival and local recurrence. Lymph node disease was stratified by pN stage, the number of positive lymph nodes and the number of positive lymph nodes in relation to the number removed (ratio based pN stage).Results: A median of 13 lymph nodes (range 2 to 32) was examined, showing an average of 3.3 positive lymph nodes per specimen. An increased number of lymph nodes correlated with the identification of lymph node positive cases. The ratio of the number of positive-to-total number of lymph nodes removed better defined surgical outcome than conventional lymph node staging.Conclusions: Ratio based lymph node staging, which reflects the number of lymph nodes examined and...
Flow velocity and the hydrologic behavior of streams during baseflow

[1] Diel variations in stream discharge have long been recognized, but are relatively little studied. Here we demonstrate that these diel fluctuations can be used to investigate both streamflow generation and network routing. We treat evapo-transpiration (ET) as a distributed impulse function in an advection model and analyze the effect of ET on diel fluctuations in discharge. We show that when flow velocity is high during high baseflow, discharge fluctuations tend to be in phase and constructive interference reinforces ET-generated signals resulting in strong diel fluctuations measured at a gauging station at the mouth of the watershed. As flow velocity slows with baseflow recession, ET-generated signals are increasingly out of phase so that fluctuations in discharge are masked by destructive interference. These results demonstrate that naturally produced fluctuations in discharge constitute discrete impulse functions that can be used to analyze eco-hydrologic behavior of whole-watersheds during baseflow periods. Citation: Wondzell, S. M., M. N. Gooseff, and B. L. McGlynn (2007), Flow velocity and the hydrologic behavior of streams during baseflow, Geophys. Res. Lett., 34, L24404, doi:10.1029/2007GL031256.
Intrarenal vascular effects of [des-Asp1] angiotensin I and angiotensin III in the dog.

SUMMARY We determined the effects of direct renal intra-arterial injections of [des-Asp^angiotensin I (0.2-3.2 pg) and angiotensin HI (0.00625-0.1 fig) on renal blood flow in 10 dogs anesthetized with pentobarbitaL Both [des-Asp*]angiotensin I and angiotensin HI caused dose-dependent decreases in renal blood flow. The decreases in ipsilateral renal blood flow occurred in the absence of alterations in systemic arterial pressure and flow to the contralateral kidney, suggesting that the response was a local event. The renovascular responses to [des-Asp'jangiotensin I were greatly attenuated during the intravenous administration of SQ 20881, a synthetic peptide that competitively inhibits angiotensin converting enzyme., SQ 20881 did not alter the vasoconstrictor responses to angiotensin EH, angiotensin n, or norepinephrine. [Ue'jAngiotenain HI (an angiotensin HI antagonist) abolished decreases in renal blood flow produced by [des-Asp'langiotenflin L, angiotensin H angiotensin HL and angiotensin I, whereas the response to norepinephrine was unchanged. These results suggest that the decrease in renal blood flow produced by [des-Asp'Jangiotensin I is due to its local enzymatic conversion to angiotensin HI. About 7% of [des-Asp'Jangiotensin I is converted to angiotensin HI during one transit through the kidney. Circ Res 44:666-671, 1979 IT HAS BEEN demonstrated recently that [desAsp'jangiotensin LI (angiotensin III) is as potent as angiotensin II in decreasing renal blood flow, and it was hypothesized that the local production of angiotensin HI occurs at the level of the renal arteriolar receptor (Freeman et aL, 1975). Data are available to support the existence of two pathways for the generation of angiotensin HI: the first from angiotensin II by the cleavage of the N-terminal aspartic acid through the action of aminopeptidases (Glenner et al., 1962; Regoli et al., 1963), and the
Can We Really Recover Data if Storage Subsystem Fails

This paper presents a theoretical and experimental study on the limitations of copy-on-write snapshots and incremental backups in terms of data recoverability. We provide mathematical proofs of our new findings as well as implementation experiments to show how data recovery is done in case of various failures. Based on our study, we propose a new system architecture that will overcome the problems of existing technologies. The new architecture can provide two-way data recovery capability with the same storage overheads and can be implemented fairly easily on existing systems. We show that the new architecture has maximum data recoverability and is practically feasible.
DAnTE: a statistical tool for quantitative analysis of -omics data

Summary: Data Analysis Tool Extension (DAnTE ) is a statistical tool designed to address challenges associated with quantitative bottomup, shotgun proteomics data. This tool has also been demonstrated for microarray data and can easily be extended to other highthroughput data types. DAnTE features selected normalization methods, missing value imputation algorithms, peptide-to-protein rollup methods, an extensive array of plotting functions and a comprehensive hypothesis-testing scheme that can handle unbalanced data and random effects. The graphical user interface (GUI) is designed to be very intuitive and user friendly. Availability: DAnTE may be downloaded free of charge at http://omics.pnl.gov/software/
Mission not accomplished: What went wrong with Iraqi reconstruction

Abstract This article argues that the prewar planning process for postwar Iraq was plagued by myriad problems, including a dysfunctional interagency process, overly optimistic assumptions, and a lack of contingency planning for alternative outcomes. These problems were compounded by a lack of civilian capacity during the occupation period, which led to a complicated and often uncoordinated relationship with the military authorities who found themselves taking the lead in many reconstruction activities. Taken together, these mistakes meant that US success on the battlefield was merely a prelude to a postwar insurgency whose outcome remains very much in doubt more than three years later.
Evaluating the Utility and Communicative Effectiveness of an Interactive Sea-Level Rise Viewer Through Stakeholder Engagement:

The design of interactive applications for online communication is an ongoing area of research within technical communication. This study reports on the development of an interactive sea-level rise...
Oxygen Sag Models for Multiorder Biochemical Oxygen Demand Reactions

The empirical biochemical oxygen demand (BOD) equation is expressed as a multiorder reaction equation of order n, then is combined with the dissolved oxygen mass balance equation to give the differential form of an oxygen sag equation for small rivers and streams for which dispersion can be neglected. The value of n in the BOD reaction is restricted to values that are larger than one (first order). The dissolved oxygen sag equation is verified with two published dissolved oxygen sag models by setting n equal to 3/2 (three-halves order BOD reaction), and n equal to 2 (second order BOD reaction). The proposed dissolved oxygen sag equation may be applied to test the BOD and dissolved oxygen models in large, complex numerical models, such as models used in developing total maximum daily load recommendations. Examples show how the BOD reaction order affects the dissolved oxygen sag characteristics of a river.
Curbing violence in emerging market communities in Delta state Nigeria

Background Emerging market communities in Nigeria bring with it influx of people and increased commercial activities to the existing community. Studies conducted on such communities have always indicated that such increase in population also come with some criminal activities like stealing, drug peddling, prostitution and other unlawful activities. Aims/Objectives/Purpose To curb violence and criminal in emerging market communities. Methods A 3 months study was conducted in three emerging markets in Asaba (Afia –Hausa market), Okwe (Iyanga market) and Oko (Cattle market) all in Delta State, Nigeria. Direct interviews and observations were carried out. Results/Outcomes Results showed existence of commercial sex centres and drug peddling activities, all the 60 officials of the market union interviewed agreed that criminal activities existed. 93% of the 100 Members of the communities interviewed agreed that activities had increased by about 200–300% in the communities. No police presence or drug enforcement agency presence was recorded. Significance/Contribution to the Field An effective community vigilante service is necessary to be established in these new emerging market communities comprising of members from the old and new inhabitants. Narcotic control and police authorities should conduct regular visits and surveillance in these new communities. Crime report centres should be established. These recommended steps when implemented would assist in curbing violence and crime in these communities.
Polarization insensitive demultiplexing of 100-Gb/s words using a twisted fiber nonlinear optical loop mirror

We demultiplex 100-Gb/s words using a two-wavelength nonlinear optical loop mirror (NOLM) with polarization sensitivity 15 dB. To understand the improvement in performance of the system due to the polarization insensitivity, we apply a statistical method of measuring the Q for the twisted and nontwisted fiber demultiplexers. The Q of /spl sim/15 for the twisted fiber NOLM is improved over that of the NOLM with nontwisted fiber (Q/spl sim/10), and is consistent with an increased minimum nonlinear transmission.
Multi-tree multicast with a backpressure algorithm

This paper addresses the problem of utility maximization of multicast sessions with multiple trees over static infrastructure networks. The utility functions are general concave functions. Inspired by the derivation of the unicast backpressure algorithms, we introduce a problem formulation with tree-flow conservation constraints and derive a multicast backpressure algorithm. The algorithm is much more distributed and local than previous algorithms. We provide a rigorous analysis of the performance including the primal optimality and the bound on real queue sizes using the Lyapunov optimization technique and the convex optimization techniques together.
Avionics testing on the CASS

In 1992 Naval Surface Warfare Center Crane was tasked to develop a test program for the band 10 sector front end for the Consolidated Automated Support System (CASS) test bench. This paper provides a description of our experience at avionics test development on the CASS. A brief history and description of the CASS is given as background. >