cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Advances in polymer-based dynamic photonic components, modules, and subsystems

We describe recent advances in optical communication components, modules, and subsystems based on planar polymer technologies. The dynamic organic photonic integrated circuits exhibit ultra low power consumption through thermo-optic actuation for switching, routing, and tuning. The components (switches, optical cross-connects (OXC), variable optical attenuators (VOA), tunable couplers, etc.) have state-of-the-art performance, meet reliability requirements in the telecommunication industry including Telcordia GR-1209 and GR-1221 qualification, and are broadly deployed in the field. The modules and subsystems include variable multiplexers (VMUX) and reconfigurable optical add/drop multiplexers (ROADM), and they meet the requirements of Telcordia GR-1312 and GR-63 protocols.
Associative Political Obligations

This article aims to provide some insight into the nature and content of the theory of associative political obligation. It does this by first locating the view in the wider debate on political obligation, analyzing the view in terms of four central elements that are shared by many of its versions, and then discussing important criticisms that have been made of each of these, as well as some rejoinders by defenders of the theory.
Britain's Experience of Empire in the Twentieth Century by Andrew Thompson (ed).

The so-called ‘imperial turn’ in British History has, since the 1980s, transformed the field. Taking up Sir John Seeley's impassioned plea in the 1880s to understand the ‘expansion of England’ with...
Inhibition of cholera toxin action in the rabbit by cycloheximide.

Pretreatment of rabbits with cycloheximide (20 mg per kg, iv), a potent inhibitor of protein synthesis, prevented cholera exotoxininduced fluid production by in vivo jejunal loops. Glucose absorption was unaffected and the chief histological alteration in the epithelium was decreased mitotic figures in the crypts. At higher doses (40 mg per kg, iv), greater histological damage was seen in the crypts and fluid production was prevented, but glucose absorption was also impaired. One interpretation of these data is that cholera exotoxin induces synthesis of a protein mediator of fluid secretion and that this secretion originates in the crypts of Lieberkuhn.
Role of the PHTH module in protein substrate recognition by Bruton's agammaglobulinemia tyrosine kinase.

Defects in Bruton's tyrosine kinase (Btk) are responsible for X chromosome-linked agammaglobulinemia in patients. Mutations in each of the structural domains of Btk have been detected in patients, yet a mechanistic explanation for most of these mutant phenotypes is lacking. To understand the possible role of the unique pleckstrin homology and Tec homology (PHTH) module of Btk, we have compared the enzymatic properties of full-length Btk and a Btk mutant lacking the PHTH module (BtkΔPHTH). Here we show that Btk and BtkΔPHTH have similar basal catalytic activity but very different abilities to recognize protein substrates. Furthermore, the catalytic domain of Btk is inactive, in contrast to the catalytic domain of the prototypical Src tyrosine kinase that retains full catalytic ability. These data suggest that the PHTH module plays an important role in protein substrate recognition, that Btk and Src likely have different interdomain organizations and regulations, and that alterations in substrate recognition might play a role in X chromosome-linked agammaglobulinemia.
RF Fingerprinting Physical Objects for Anticounterfeiting Applications

Rendering typical RF identification (RFID) tags physically unique and hard to near-exactly replicate by complementing them with unique RF certificates of authenticity (RF-CoAs) can prove a valuable tool against counterfeiting. This paper introduces a new robust RFID system with enhanced hardware-enabled authentication and anticounterfeiting capabilities that relies on the near-field RF effects between a 5 × 5 antenna array and the uniquely modified substrate of the RF-CoAs. A microcontroller-enabled, low-power, and low-cost reader is used to accurately extract the near-field response (“RF fingerprint”) of the certificates meant to complement typical RFID tags in the 5-6-GHz frequency range. The RF characterization of all the reader's components, with an emphasis on the accuracy provided, has been performed. The state diagram of the fast and accurate reader operation is outlined. Rigorous performance and security test results are presented and verify the unique features of this technology.
“Someone naughty for tonight”: sex partner recruitment venues and associated STI risk

Patterns of sex partner recruitment are diverse; have changed over the past few decades; are associated with rates of formation and dissolution of sex partnerships, and may be associated with differential risk for acquiring sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and HIV infection. During earlier times, people met sex partners at work, school and church; in the neighbourhood; through friends and acquaintances; or on the street and/or in the brothel, massage parlour, etc.1 More recently, under the influence of technological developments, formation of new social ties has become faster and more diverse; hundreds of meet-ups are announced in local areas every week. Formation of sexual ties followed a similar pattern. Recruitment of sex partners through personal ads in newspapers,2 which was a relatively new mode of meeting partners in the late 1980s and early 1990s, has mostly been replaced by internet-based searches. In January 2009, a Google search based on the words “find sex partner on web” yielded 1 050 000 results; options included “local moms looking for younger men”, “one night stand” and “find a naughty partner for tonight”. In theory, to the extent that a particular partner recruitment approach results in: (1) faster formation of new ties; (2) greater likelihood that infected individuals hook-up with uninfected individuals; and (3) greater numbers of individuals participating in sex-partner recruitment, holding everything else constant, it would be associated with faster spread of infection in the population. At the individual level, a particular sex-partner recruitment approach would be associated with a higher risk of STI acquisition if it increases the likelihood of “hooking-up” …
Deep Brain Stimulation: Current and Future Clinical Applications

Deep brain stimulation (DBS) has developed during the past 20 years as a remarkable treatment option for several different disorders. Advances in technology and surgical techniques have essentially replaced ablative procedures for most of these conditions. Stimulation of the ventralis intermedius nucleus of the thalamus has clearly been shown to markedly improve tremor control in patients with essential tremor and tremor related to Parkinson disease. Symptoms of bradykinesia, tremor, gait disturbance, and rigidity can be significantly improved in patients with Parkinson disease. Because of these improvements, a decrease in medication can be instrumental in reducing the disabling features of dyskinesias in such patients. Primary dystonia has been shown to respond well to DBS of the globus pallidus internus. The success of these procedures has led to application of these techniques to multiple other debilitating conditions such as neuropsychiatric disorders, intractable pain, epilepsy, camptocormia, headache, restless legs syndrome, and Alzheimer disease. The literature analysis was performed using a MEDLINE search from 1980 through 2010 with the term deep brain stimulation, and several double-blind and larger case series were chosen for inclusion in this review. The exact mechanism of DBS is not fully understood. This review summarizes many of the current and potential future clinical applications of this technology.
Effect of paraquat on cytochrome P-450-dependent lipid peroxidation in bovine adrenal cortex mitochondria.

Abstract We have investigated the effect of paraquat (methyl viologen) on lipid peroxidation in bovine adrenal cortex mitochondria. Incubation of a buffered aerobic mixture of mitochondria in the presence of Fe2+ or NADPH resulted in the formation of lipid peroxides whose accumulation could be followed at 532 nm as malondialdehyde. Fe2+ stimulates lipid peroxidation in normal mitochondria and those in which enzymes have been inactivated with heat. In contrast, NADPH has a stimulatory effect only in normal mitochondria, but not in heat-treated mitochondria. These results indicate that NADPH-dependent lipid peroxidation is an enzymatic process. Paraquat strongly inhibits this enzymatic lipid peroxidation, but has no effect on the non-enzymatic Fe2+-dependent process. The chemiluminescence that accompanies the NADPH-dependent lipid peroxidation is also markedly decreased in the presence of paraquat. Superoxide dismutase, which removes Superoxide anion efficiently, does not inhibit malondialdehyde production. The mechanism of the inhibition of the lipid peroxidation by paraquat has been examined. Paraquat has no effect on NADPH-2,6-dichlorophenolindophenol reductase and on NADPH-cytochrome c reductase activities in bovine adrenal cortex mitochondria. However, paraquat strongly inhibits the NADPH-dependent reduction of cytochrome P-450. These results suggest that the inhibitory effect of paraquat on NADPH-dependent lipid peroxidation in adrenal cortex mitochondria is due to a decrease in the level of reduced cytochrome P-450 probably by diverting electrons from cytochrome P-450. Cytochrome c, which can compete with P-450 for available electrons from adrenodoxin, like paraquat had an inhibitory effect on NADPH-dependent lipid peroxidation. Lipid peroxidation was also strongly inhibited by steroid hydroxylase inhibitors e.g., amphenone B, aminoglutethimide and metyrapone.
Temporal analysis of transcription and replication during acute infection with lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus

We have analyzed the accumulation of viral genomic and messenger RNAs in tissue culture cells during the first 24 hr of acute infection with lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus (LCMV). This has allowed comparison of the relative amounts of the genomic L and S RNAs (both genomic sense and genomic complementary sense) and of nucleoprotein (NP) and glycoprotein precursor (GP-C) mRNAs. Using these techniques NP mRNA was detected simultaneously with genomic S RNA, but the amount of NP mRNA accumulating during this period of infection was higher than that of GP-C mRNA. This is consistent with a model for ambisense RNA transcription and replication proposed by D.D. Auperin, V. Romanowski, M. Galinski and D. H. L. Bishop (J. Virol. 52: 897-904, 1984). The accumulation of S RNA exceeded that of L RNA and, for both L and S RNAs, the amount of genomic sense RNA was higher than that of genomic complementary RNA.
The contributions of William F. House to the field of implantable auditory devices.

William F. House was a pioneer in the evolving field of cochlear implants and auditory brainstem implants. Because of his vision, innovation and perseverance, the way was paved for future clinicians and researchers to carry on the work and advance a field that has been dedicated to serving adults and children with severe to profound hearing loss. Several of William House's contributions are highlighted in this prestigious volume to honor the recipients of the 2013 Lasker-Debakey Clinical Medical Research Award. Discussed are the early inventive years, clinical trials with the single-channel cochlear implant, the team approach, pediatric cochlear implantation, and the auditory brainstem implant. Readers may be surprised to learn that those early contributions continue to have relevance today. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled .
Three-dimensional finite element analysis of subsurface stress and strain fields due to sliding contact on an elastic-plastic layered medium

A three-dimensional finite element analysis of a rigid sphere sliding on an elasticplastic layered medium is presented. Results for the subsurface stress and strain fields are given for a perfectly adhering layer with an elastic modulus and yield stress both two and four times that of the substrate, and contact loads 100 and 200 times the initial yield load of the substrate material. Sliding is simulated to distances of approximately two to three times the initial contact radius. The sphere is modeled by contact elements, and the interface friction coefficient is assumed equal to 0.1 and 0.25. The effects of layer material properties, contact friction, and normal load on the sliding and residual stresses in the layer and the substrate are examined. The distributions of tensile stresses in the layered medium and shear stresses at the layer/ substrate interface are presented and their significance for crack initiation and layer decohesion is discussed. Reyielding during unloading is also analyzed for different material properties and contact loads.
Mechanism of Inhibition of Sequestration of Protein Kinase C α/βII by Ceramide ROLES OF CERAMIDE-ACTIVATED PROTEIN PHOSPHATASES AND PHOSPHORYLATION/DEPHOSPHORYLATION OF PROTEIN KINASE C α/βII ON THREONINE 638/641

Sustained activation of protein kinase C (PKC) isoenzymes alpha and betaII leads to their translocation to a perinuclear region and to the formation of the pericentrion, a PKC-dependent subset of recycling endosomes. In MCF-7 human breast cancer cells, the action of the PKC activator 4beta-phorbol-12-myristate-13-acetate (PMA) evokes ceramide formation, which in turn prevents PKCalpha/betaII translocation to the pericentrion. In this study we investigated the mechanisms by which ceramide negatively regulates this translocation of PKCalpha/betaII. Upon PMA treatment, HEK-293 cells displayed dual phosphorylation of PKCalpha/betaII at carboxyl-terminal sites (Thr-638/641 and Ser-657/660), whereas in MCF-7 cells PKCalpha/betaII were phosphorylated at Ser-657/660 but not Thr-638/641. Inhibition of ceramide synthesis by fumonisin B1 overcame the defect in PKC phosphorylation and restored translocation of PKCalpha/betaII to the pericentrion. To determine the involvement of ceramide-activated protein phosphatases in PKC regulation, we employed small interference RNA to silence individual Ser/Thr protein phosphatases. Knockdown of isoforms alpha or beta of the catalytic subunits of protein phosphatase 1 not only increased phosphorylation of PKCalpha/betaII at Thr-638/641 but also restored PKCbetaII translocation to the pericentrion. Mutagenesis approaches in HEK-293 cells revealed that mutation of either Thr-641 or Ser-660 to Ala in PKCbetaII abolished sequestration of PKC, implying the indispensable roles of phosphorylation of PKCalpha/betaII at those sites for their translocation to the pericentrion. Reciprocally, a point mutation of Thr-641 to Glu, which mimics phosphorylation, in PKCbetaII overcame the inhibitory effects of ceramide on PKC translocation in PMA-stimulated MCF-7 cells. Therefore, the results demonstrate a novel role for carboxyl-terminal phosphorylation of PKCalpha/betaII in the translocation of PKC to the pericentrion, and they disclose specific regulation of PKC autophosphorylation by ceramide through the activation of specific isoforms of protein phosphatase 1.
Racial differences in mortality and ESRD.

African Americans in the general population suffer from increased adjusted rates of cardiovascular and noncardiovascular mortality in comparison to whites.1,2 By contrast, a paradox exists for individuals with chronic kidney disease (CKD) undergoing long-term dialysis, with African Americans having better survival rates than whites in most studies.3–5 The existence of racial/ethnic variations in health outcomes provides unique opportunities for understanding biological, environmental, sociocultural, and healthcare system factors that can lead to new strategies to improving not only CKD care, but the health of the nation.6 Several explanations have been posited to contribute to improved outcomes for African Americans on dialysis, such as survival bias,7 a “reverse epidemiology” of cardiovascular risk factors (where modest increases in body mass index, elevated lipids, and blood pressure are protective rather than deleterious),8 and increased access to health care due to Medicare coverage.9,10
Support and particle size effects on direct NO decomposition over platinum

Abstract Supported Pt catalysts were prepared by ion exchange of Pt(II) tetraamine hydroxide [Pt(NH 3 ) 4 (OH) 2 ] onto SiO 2 , Al 2 O 3 , and TiO 2 and by adsorption of Pt bis-acetylacetonate [Pt(acac) 2 ] onto MgO. All the catalysts except Pt/TiO 2 were characterized by in situ X-ray absorption fine structure (XAFS) spectroscopy after reduction at 300 °C in flowing H 2 , and the Pt/SiO 2 and Pt/MgO catalysts were examined after subsequent exposure to 1% NO/He at 25–300 °C. NO decomposition pathways were investigated by temperature-programmed reaction spectroscopy (TPRS) using a 1% NO/He feed, and steady-state conversions for direct NO decomposition were measured at 600 °C. NO decomposition at low temperatures (200–400 °C) produces N 2 O and N 2 , and in situ XAFS spectroscopy indicates that the supported Pt particles are partially oxidized under these conditions. Over each catalyst, O 2 production begins at ∼350 °C; N 2 O production declines above 400 °C; and N 2 and O 2 are the only detectable NO decomposition products at 600 °C. Nanometer-sized Pt clusters on SiO 2 sinter during heating in 1% NO/He at 300 °C, whereas larger Pt particles supported on SiO 2 and MgO are resistant to sintering under these conditions. The turnover frequency for direct NO decomposition over Pt/SiO 2 catalysts is insensitive to Pt particle size. Pt/SiO 2 , Pt/Al 2 O 3 , and Pt/TiO 2 catalysts have equivalent NO decomposition activities suggesting the absence of support effects for these metal oxides. In contrast, the NO decomposition activity of Pt supported on strongly basic MgO is significantly lower.
Cyclophosphamide and lymphocyte subpopulations in Wegener's granulomatosis.

In 10 patients with Wegener's granulomatosis, low doses of cyclophosphamide produced: severe lymphocytopenia of long duration even after therapy ceased; a greater percentage decrease in nonrosette forming lymphocytes than in rosette forming T-lymphocytes; normal in vitro lymphocyte responses to mitogens (PHA, ConA, and PWM) with suppressed responses to one of two antigens tested (SK-SD). This regimen did not cause severe granulocytopenia and was successful in inducing and maintaining long-term clinical remissions.
Values in social policy: Nine contradictions

The article reviews the book “Values in Social Policy: Nine Contradictions,” by Jean Hardy.
The Effect of Therapeutic Community on Time to First Re-Arrest: A Survival Analysis

This research examines the effect of therapeutic community (TC) on time to first re-arrest after release from prison. The comparison groups of primary interest in this research are male inmates assessed by corrections personnel as needing TC and who successfully completed the program, and inmates assessed as needing the program but who did not participate in or complete it. With relevant covariates controlled in the analysis, completing TC has a highly significant effect on delaying time to first re-arrest up to approximately two years after release from prison.
Anisotropy in dilute solutions of coal-derived materials☆

Abstract Rayleigh light-scattering measurements of dilute solutions of coal macromolecules were carried out with polarizing analysers. These experiments showed large intensities of depolarized light scattered normal to the initial plane of polarization. The depolarization is caused by the highly anisotropic nature of coal-derived materials. This effect is generally negligible in synthetic polymers. Because of nonidentical polarizabilities on all axes of the coal macromolecules, light is scattered more intensely. Thus, corrections of the Rayleigh scattering are needed to obtain accurate molecular weights from the reciprocal Rayleigh factor plot. The required correction factors (Cabannes factors) can be calculated from the depolarization ratios observed. The depolarization ratios of material from different ranks were found to increase in proportion to the rank of the coal.
Influence of montane isolation and refugia on population structure of Sorex palustris in western North America

The contemporary geographic distribution and interrelation of populations result from landscape structure, habitat specificity, and historical climate fluctuations. We examined the impact of Pleistocene environmental history on mitochondrial genealogies of the water shrew (Sorex palustris) in montane systems of western North America to test hypotheses concerning historical recolonization. Our main focus lies on the regional scale of the Pacific Northwest and the extent to which disjunct populations are associated with discrete, isolated mountains. We analyzed 87 specimens from the entire western portion of the species range to assess broadscale genealogical relationships. We then examined 61 individuals selected from 21 specific high-elevation sites in the Pacific Northwest to test whether these populations are structured in accord with distinct montane regions. Across western North America in general the relationship among S. palustris lineages is unresolved, suggesting a recent and rapid radiation from a common ancestral population. In the Pacific Northwest we found evidence of clades that are uniquely associated with individually isolated montane regions, clades that are distributed across several montane regions, and distinct clades that co-occur within the same montane region. We conclude that populations of S. palustris in western North America are derived from a single, southern, late-Pleistocene refugium. We also suggest that lineages shifted geographically by following the most northerly postglacial expansion of the boreal forest system. DOI: 10.1644/09-MAMM-A-378.1.
Thermal instability of a compound resonator

We investigate the thermal and Kerr nonlinearity in a system of two optically-coupled silica microtoroid resonators experimentally and theoretically. A model for two coupled oscillators describing nonlinear resonance curves is developed. Stability of the static solutions is analyzed. It is shown that thermal nonlinearity is responsible for driving the eigenfrequencies of the two resonators apart, making the normal modes of the system unstable as the pump power grows. The red-detuned normal mode becomes unstable for certain pumping powers.
Laboratory method for high-solids countercurrent fermentations.

Equipment and procedures were developed to study the conversion of lignocellulosic biomass to carboxylic acids using high-solids countercurrent fermentations. Countercurrent fermentations of cattle manure yielded a rapid fermentation (maximum 2.98 g of total acid/[L·d]) with high acid concentrations (maximum of 32.5 g of total acid/L), but the acid yield tended to be low (maximum of 0.24 g of total acid/g of volatile solids). Countercurrent fermentations of a mixture of 80% municipal solid waste/20% sewage sludge fermented more slowly (maximum of 1.98 g of total acid /[L·d]) with a lower acid concentration (maximum of 26.5 g of total acids/L), but higher acid yields were achieved (maximum of 0.34 g of total acid/g of volatile solids).
Perceived peer engagement in HIV-related sexual risk behaviors and self-reported risk-taking among female sex workers in Guangxi, China

Searching for modifiable perceptions that are associated with sexual risk behaviors among female sex workers (FSWs) are considered a priority in HIV/sexually transmitted disease preventions. Perception of peers' involvement in risk behaviors, a key correlate of individual risk behaviors, has barely been studied among FSWs. A self-administered questionnaire was completed by 1022 FSWs in Guangxi, China, a country with rapid growth in both HIV epidemic and commercial sex. Multiple imputation using chained equation (MICE) was applied to handle missing values (1-10%) in the data-set. Regression analysis that focused on relationship between perceived peers' risk involvement and FSWs' risk-taking was performed on full data-sets generated by MICE. FSWs who perceived more peer alcohol use was significantly more likely to have sex under the influence of alcohol. Those who perceived more unprotected sex among peers had a higher likelihood to use condom inconsistently with both stable and casual partners. Perceiving more peers engaging in sex after using alcohol was positively associated with having sex with clients who were intoxicated and/or high on drugs, and with having sex under the influence of alcohol. Perceived peer promiscuity, defined as having sex with any types of clients at any price offered, was positively associated with inconsistent condom use with casual partners, but negatively associated with having sex under the influence of alcohol. These data suggest that the potential for intervention programs to address behavioral change among FSWs through modifying perceptions of peer involvement in sexual risk behaviors. Longitudinal studies are needed to confirm these findings and qualitative researches will be essential for the clarification of mechanisms behind associations found in the current study and for the actual design of effective norm-based interventions among FSWs.
Cannabinoids and neuroinflammation

Growing evidence suggests that a major physiological function of the cannabinoid signaling system is to modulate neuroinflammation. This review discusses the anti-inflammatory properties of cannabinoid compounds at molecular, cellular and whole animal levels, first by examining the evidence for anti-inflammatory effects of cannabinoids obtained using in vivo animal models of clinical neuroinflammatory conditions, specifically rodent models of multiple sclerosis, and second by describing the endogenous cannabinoid (endocannabinoid) system components in immune cells. Our aim is to identify immune functions modulated by cannabinoids that could account for their anti-inflammatory effects in these animal models.
Wind Speed Effects on the Quantity of Xanthomonas citri subsp. citri Dispersed Downwind from Canopies of Grapefruit Trees Infected with Citrus Canker

ABSTRACTThe epidemic of citrus canker (Xanthomonas citri subsp. citri) in Florida continues to expand since termination of the eradication program in 2006. Storms are known to be associated with disease spread, but little information exists on the interaction of fundamental physical and biological processes involved in dispersal of this bacterium. To investigate the role of wind speed in dispersal, wind/rain events were simulated using a fan to generate wind up to 19 m·s-1 and spray nozzles to simulate rain. Funnels at ground level and panels at 1.3 m height and distances up to 5 m downwind collected wind-driven splash. Greater wind speeds consistently dispersed more bacteria, measured by concentration (colony forming units [CFU] ml-1) or number sampled (bacteria flux density [BFD] = bacteria cm-2 min-1), from the canopy in the splash. The CFU ml-1 of X. citri subsp. citri collected by panels 1 m downwind at the highest wind speed was up to 41-fold greater than that collected at the lowest wind speed. BFD...
Assay of erythropoietin in bone marrow suspensions.

RECENTLY the presence of a substance capable of stimulating erythropoiesis (erythropoietin) in the peripheral blood of man1 and anaemic animals2 has been demonstrated repeatedly by a variety of assay methods2–4. Except for the few techniques which utilize the normal animal for assay purposes, all the current methods employ animals altered in such a way as to increase sensitivity to the test substance. Despite theoretical objections raised to the use of non-physiological preparations, such as the hypo-physectomized or starved animal, in an assay, the results have been found reliable when iron-59 incorporation into the erythrocyte or reticulocytosis is chosen as the measure of erythropoietic activity5.
Obtaining provably legitimate internet topologies

What topologies should be used to evaluate protocols for interdomain routing? Using the most current Internet topology is not practical since its size is prohibitive for detailed, packet-level interdomain simulations. Besides being of moderate size, the topology should be policy-aware, that is, it needs to represent business relationships between adjacent nodes (that represent autonomous systems). In this paper, we address this issue by providing a framework to generate small, realistic, and policy-aware topologies. We propose HBR, a novel sampling method, which exploits the inherent hierarchy of the policy-aware Internet topology. We formally prove that our approach generates connected and legitimate topologies, which are compatible with the policy-based routing conventions and rules. Using simulations, we show that HBR generates topologies that: 1) maintain the graph properties of the real topology; 2) provide reasonably realistic interdomain simulation results while reducing the computational complexity by several orders of magnitude as compared to the initial topology. Our approach provides a permanent solution to the problem of interdomain routing evaluations: Given a more accurate and complete topology, HBR can generate better small topologies in the future.
Construct Validity of the Weigl Color-Form Sorting Test.

This research, conducted on 38 male psychiatric inpatients, replicated previous findings that inability to "shift" conceptual attitude on the Weigl Color-Form Sorting Test is consistent with indices often associated with cortical dysfunction, such as Bender-Gestalt recall, WAIS Similarities subtest scores, and age. Regression analysis yielded a multiple R of .52, with ability to shift predictable from the difference between WAIS Verbal IQ and subjects' age. The relationship between the Weigl and the Hooper approached significance, but that between the Weigl and Trail Making did not. The Weigl might serve as a non-verbal instrument to assess cortical dysfunction where inability to "shift" appears to tap a dysfunction in symbolic reasoning rather than spatial reasoning.
“Leaky” Epidermal Cells Contain a Complete Receptor-Mediated Adenylate Cyclase System with an Accessible GTP Regulatory Protein

Hormone sensitivity to epinephrine or histamine of the adenylate cyclase system in pig skin is very labile to homogenization. We have developed a new adenylate cyclase receptor-mediated assay system with trypsinized epidermal cells which are treated with hypotonic shock. This new assay system maintained the hormonal sensitivity, as both epinephrine and histamine clearly stimulated cyclic AMP production. Moreover, the Ka for each hormone on this system was similar to that obtained from the floating pig skin slice system. Receptor-adenylate cyclase unit (coupling) in this assay system is therefore preserved as it occurs in intact tissue or cells. Because of the "leaky" nature of our preparation, phosphorylated compounds such as GTP and its analogue and NaF can penetrate the cell membrane and stimulate cyclic AMP production. In this system refractoriness is still maintained to subsequent stimulation by a receptor activator, and cholera toxin can be shown to dramatically increase the activity of GTP on the GYP binding protein, presumably by preventing GTP hydrolysis.
Transcriptional Regulation of the Heterocyst Patterning Gene patA from Anabaena sp. Strain PCC 7120

The filamentous cyanobacterium Anabaena sp. strain PCC 7120 forms a periodic pattern of nitrogen-fixing heterocysts when grown in the absence of combined nitrogen. PatA is necessary for proper patterning of heterocysts along filaments. In this study, apparent transcriptional start points (tsps) were identified at nucleotides −305, −614, and −645 relative to the translational start site (−305, −614, and −645 tsps). Transcriptional reporter fusions were used to show that transcription from the −305 tsp was induced in all cells of filaments in response to nitrogen deprivation, required hetR for induction, and increased in a patA mutant. Transcription from −614/−645 tsp reporter fusions was spatially regulated and occurred primarily in cells that would become heterocysts. Complementation of a patA mutant strain by alleles encoding substitutions in, or deletion of, the putative phosphoacceptor C-terminal domain indicates that the PATAN domain can function independently of the C-terminal domain of PatA. Localization of a ring of PatA-GFP at sites of cell division, as well as the formation of enlarged cells with altered cell morphology when patA was overexpressed, suggests that PatA may participate in cell division.
On the r -domination number of a graph

Abstract For r > 0, let the r -domination number of a graph, d r , be the size of a smallest set of vertices such that every vertex of the graph is within distance r of a vertex in that set. This paper contains proofs that every graph with a spanning tree with at least n /2 leaves has d r ⩽ n /(2 r ); this compares with the easy upper bound of ⌈ n /(2 r + 1)⌉ for graphs with Hamiltonian paths.
Strong localization of photons in certain disordered dielectric superlattices

A new mechanism for strong Anderson localization of photons in carefully prepared disordered dielectric superlattices with an everywhere real positive dielectric constant is described. In three dimensions, two photon mobility edges separate high- and low-frequency extended states from an intermediate-frequency pseudogap of localized states arising from remnant geometric Bragg resonances. Experimentally observable consequences are discussed.
The Timing of Justice in Felony Trial Courts

Criminal court delay raises serious political and policy concerns. Analysis of the problem, however, is hobbled by the absence of theory and a lack of comparative, multivariate research that includes both micro-level and contextual factors. This article draws on data from nine circuit-level courts to develop an empirical model combining these factors. The results raise new questions about future research designs in this area and about the need to recognize policy trade-offs in the formulation of reforms.
The origins of innervation of the esophagus of the dog.

This study defined the origins of extrinsic efferent and afferent innervation of the normal canine esophagus. When all the layers of the wall of the 3 esophageal regions (cervical, thoracic and abdominal) were injected with horseradish peroxidase (HRP), labeled nerve cells were found in the nucleus ambiguus (NA) and parasympathetic nucleus of X (PX) of the brainstem. Most labeled cells in the NA were located in the compact column (retrofacial nucleus) while labeled cells in the PX were located in separate rostral and caudal areas. There was no somatotopic organization in either the NA or PX. Labeled sympathetic postganglionic neurons were found in the cranial cervical, middle cervical, cervicothoracic, thoracic sympathetic trunk and celiacomesenteric ganglia. The HRP injection of the esophageal wall labeled sensory cell bodies in the glossopharyngeal, proximal and distal vagal, and C2-T6 spinal ganglia. There was no discernible pattern of distribution of labeled cells in the autonomic or sensory ganglia. When the HRP injections were confined to the mucosa-submucosa layers of the thoracic esophagus, a small number of labeled cells were identified in the NA; however, no labeled cells were found in the NA when injections were confined to the mucosa-submucosa of either the cervical or abdominal esophageal regions. With these confined injections, the labeled nerve cells appeared in the rostral part of the PX. Thus, it appeared that the internal tunics of the esophagus (i.e., the mucosa and submucosa) were innervated by neurons in the rostral PX while the muscular tunic was innervated by neurons in the caudal PX and the rostral NA. After mucosa-submucosa injections, labeled sympathetic neurons appeared in the same ganglia that were identified after whole wall injections and these had a similar random distribution. These injections also labeled neurons in the glossopharyngeal, proximal vagal, and distal vagal ganglia, but unlike the whole wall injections there was no labeling in the spinal ganglia. This suggested that the labeled cells of the spinal ganglia seen after whole wall injections conveyed impulses from the tunica muscularis and serosa.
Mild Calorie Restriction Induces Fat Accumulation in Female C57BL/6J Mice

This study investigated the effects of mild calorie restriction (CR) (5%) on body weight, body composition, energy expenditure, feeding behavior, and locomotor activity in female C57BL/6J mice. Mice were subjected to a 5% reduction of food intake relative to baseline intake of ad libitum (AL) mice for 3 or 4 weeks. In experiment 1, body weight was monitored weekly and body composition (fat and lean mass) was determined at weeks 0, 2, and 4 by dual energy X-ray absorptiometry. In experiment 2, body weight was measured every 3 days and body composition was determined by quantitative magnetic resonance weekly, and energy expenditure, feeding behavior, and locomotor activity were determined over 3 weeks in a metabolic chamber. At the end of both experiments, CR mice had greater fat mass (P < 0.01) and less lean mass (P < 0.01) compared with AL mice. Total energy expenditure (P < 0.05) and resting energy expenditure (P < 0.05) were significantly decreased in CR mice compared with AL mice over 3 weeks. CR mice ate significantly more food than AL mice immediately following daily food provisioning at 1600 hours (P < 0.01). These findings showed that mild CR caused increased fat mass, decreased lean mass and energy expenditure, and altered feeding behavior in female C57BL/6J mice. Locomotor activity or brown adipose tissue (BAT) thermogenic capacity did not appear to contribute to the decrease in energy expenditure. The increase in fat mass and decrease in lean mass may be a stress response to the uncertainty of food availability.
Camelina Yield Response to Different Plant Populations under Dryland Conditions

Poor stands of camelina [Camelina sativa (L.) Crantz., Brassicaceae] usually result from poor seedbed conditions or unfavorable environmental conditions. A 2-yr field study was conducted under dryland conditions near Huntley, MT to evaluate the effects of stand reduction at rosette and bolting growth stages on camelina grain yield and quality and to determine if camelina has compensatory ability for grain yield after a stand loss. Camelina exhibited tremendous compensatory ability to maintain grain yield across a wide range of plant populations. Stand reduction up to 50% either at rosette or at bolting stage had no effect on grain yield over 2 yr. A 90% stand reduction reduced grain yield by 50% when it occurred at bolting, but only 19% when stand was reduced at rosette stage. In general, stand reduction treatments increased seed protein content while reducing seed oil content. This change in protein and oil content was consistent and greater for bolting stage stand reduction treatments. Stand reduction resulted in reduced plant height and delayed plant maturity, however the response was not consistent over years and stand reduction treatments. Stand reduction at rosette stage had little effect on camelina maturity (1–2 d), while stand reduction at bolting stage delayed maturity up to 6 d. This implies that stand loss due to hail damage or other environmental conditions at bolting or later growth stages may cause delayed and uneven maturity which may result in harvesting problems and/or increased shattering losses.
Effects of Nei-Guan (P6) Acupressure Wristband: On Nausea, Vomiting, and Retching in Women After Thyroidectomy.

Background Postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) after thyroidectomy is a common health problem in the recovery room. Objective The aim of this study is to examine the effect of the Nei-Guan (P6) acupressure wristband for PONV among patients undergoing thyroidectomy. Methods Sixty Korean female participants were assigned to 1 of 3 groups (n = 20 each). The control group received usual care without the wristband. The placebo group received usual nursing care plus a wristband at the non-P6 site. The treatment group received usual care plus a wristband at the P6 acupoint 30 minutes before anesthesia; the wristband was removed before leaving the recovery room. Data were collected at 3 periods: in the recovery room and at 6 and 24 hours after surgery. Results The nausea scores of the treatment group were significantly lower than the scores of the placebo or control groups in the recovery room (F = 6.229, P = .044). There were no significant differences in vomiting or retching among the groups. Conclusions The P6 stimulation with wristband suppressed nausea right after thyroidectomy in the recovery room but did not suppress subsequent vomiting or retching. Implication for practice The findings indicate that P6 acupressure has the short-term effect of relieving nausea but not vomiting and retching. Use of P6 wristband holds promise and suggests the need for further testing in a larger randomized clinical trial. Identifying other acupoints is recommended to achieve successful management of PONV.
Interfacial Structures and Properties of Organic Materials for Biosensors: An Overview

The capabilities of biosensors for bio-environmental monitoring have profound influences on medical, pharmaceutical, and environmental applications. This paper provides an overview on the background and applications of the state-of-the-art biosensors. Different types of biosensors are summarized and sensing mechanisms are discussed. A review of organic materials used in biosensors is given. Specifically, this review focuses on self-assembled monolayers (SAM) due to their high sensitivity and high versatility. The kinetics, chemistry, and the immobilization strategies of biomolecules are discussed. Other representative organic materials, such as graphene, carbon nanotubes (CNTs), and conductive polymers are also introduced in this review.
Phosphate uptake and control of fibroblasts growth.

Previous studies have shown that growth to quiescence of fibroblast-like cells is accompanied by a large decrease in the rate of phosphate uptake. Since 3T3 cells can be arrested in the G1 (or G0) phase of the cell cycle by lowering the concentration of phosphate in the medium, we examined the possibility that the decline in phosphate uptake observed during growth to quiescence might be a key event in the inhibition of DNA synthesis and cell division. The experimental approach consisted of controlling the rate of phosphate uptake by varying the phosphate concentration in the medium. Kinetic experiments showed that phosphate uptake in both growing and quiescent cells was partly accounted for by simple diffusion as well as carrier-mediated uptake. In fact, diffusion of phosphate into the growing cells was 2.5-fold greater than in the quiescent cells. When phosphate uptake was measured in 3T3 cells plated at different initial densities, we found an inverse relationship between phosphate uptake and cell density, showing that phosphate uptake was correlated with growth rate and did not decline simply as a consequence of time in culture. Measurements of phosphate demonstrated that the lowered rate of phosphate uptake by quiescent cells was not due merely to a reduction of phosphate in the medium. To check the possibility that release of a previously described transport inhibitor might account for the decline in phosphate uptake observed as cells grow to quiescence, we removed media from growing and non-growing cultures and tested its ability to support phosphate uptake. We found that the medium from growing cultures supported a higher rate of phosphate uptake than the medium from the quiescent cultures did, indicating that a transport inhibitor was being released. In addition, we found that the amount of inhibitor released was proportional to the concentration of phosphate in the medium. To directly determine if the decline in phosphate uptake was a key event in the decline in DNA synthesis as cells grew to quiescence, we switched growing cultures to a medium with low phosphate immediately after cell attachment. This lowered the rate of phosphate uptake to a level below that of quiescent cells grown in the usual concentration of phosphate. This was done for 3T3, Polyoma virus-transformed 3T3, human diploid foreskin, and secondary chick embryo cells. Measurements of DNA synthesis and cell number showed that this lowered rate of phosphate uptake had virtually no effect on cell growth, directly demonstrating that the decline in phosphate uptake observed during growth to confluency was not causing the decline in DNA synthesis. In addition, measurements of intracellular phosphate pool size showed that changes in phosphate uptake were not directly paralleled by changes in intracellular phosphate pool size, and that intracellular phosphate pool size was not regulating DNA synthesis or cell division during growth to quiescence.
Colon carcinogenesis and the role of dehydrogenase enzyme activity: Inhibition of tumorigenesis by pyrazole

Abstract Dimethylhydrazine and the products of its metabolism, azoxymethane and methylazoxymethanol, are potent inducers of colon tumors in experimental animals. The marked sensitivity of the colon to these substances, as compared with the other segments of intestine, appears to be related to the presence of dehydrogenase enzymes in colonic epithelium able to activate methylazoxymethanol. Results of several studies indicate that the organotropic effects of this carcinogen are related to NAD+/NADP+-dependent dehydrogenase enzyme activity and that the product of this reaction, the aldehydic form of methylazoxymethanol, is the agent responsible for the observed biologic effects. Rats treated with pyrazole, an inhibitor of NAD+-dependent alcohol dehydrogenase, prior to their receiving methylazoxymethanol, are protected against the acute toxicity induced by this agent and do not develop any intestinal tumors. In related studies aimed at determining the mechanism of resistance to colon tumor induction in Lobund Wistar rats, it was found that this phenomenon is not due to differences in metabolic activation of carcinogen.
Validation of a current definition of early allograft dysfunction in liver transplant recipients and analysis of risk factors

Translational studies in liver transplantation often require an endpoint of graft function or dysfunction beyond graft loss. Prior definitions of early allograft dysfunction (EAD) vary, and none have been validated in a large multicenter population in the Model for End-Stage Liver Disease (MELD) era. We examined an updated definition of EAD to validate previously used criteria, and correlated this definition with graft and patient outcome. We performed a cohort study of 300 deceased donor liver transplants at 3 U.S. programs. EAD was defined as the presence of one or more of the following previously defined postoperative laboratory analyses reflective of liver injury and function: bilirubin >or=10mg/dL on day 7, international normalized ratio >or=1.6 on day 7, and alanine or aspartate aminotransferases >2000 IU/L within the first 7 days. To assess predictive validity, the EAD definition was tested for association with graft and patient survival. Risk factors for EAD were assessed using multivariable logistic regression. Overall incidence of EAD was 23.2%. Most grafts met the definition with increased bilirubin at day 7 or high levels of aminotransferases. Of recipients meeting the EAD definition, 18.8% died, as opposed to 1.8% of recipients without EAD (relative risk = 10.7 [95% confidence interval: 3.6, 31.9] P < 0.0001). More recipients with EAD lost their grafts (26.1%) than recipients with no EAD (3.5%) (relative risk = 7.4 [95% confidence interval: 3.4, 16.3] P < 0.0001). Donor age and MELD score were significant EAD risk factors in a multivariate model. In summary a simple definition of EAD using objective posttransplant criteria identified a 23% incidence, and was highly associated with graft loss and patient mortality, validating previously published criteria. This definition can be used as an endpoint in translational studies aiming to identify mechanistic pathways leading to a subgroup of liver grafts with clinical expression of suboptimal function.