cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The Insula A “Hub of Activity” in Migraine

The insula, a “cortical hub” buried within the lateral sulcus, is involved in a number of processes including goal-directed cognition, conscious awareness, autonomic regulation, interoception, and somatosensation. While some of these processes are well known in the clinical presentation of migraine (i.e., autonomic and somatosensory alterations), other more complex behaviors in migraine, such as conscious awareness and error detection, are less well described. Since the insula processes and relays afferent inputs from brain areas involved in these functions to areas involved in higher cortical function such as frontal, temporal, and parietal regions, it may be implicated as a brain region that translates the signals of altered internal milieu in migraine, along with other chronic pain conditions, through the insula into complex behaviors. Here we review how the insula function and structure is altered in migraine. As a brain region of a number of brain functions, it may serve as a model to study new poten...
Rapid Development of T Cell Memory

Prime-boost immunization is a promising strategy for inducing and amplifying pathogen- or tumor-specific memory CD8 T cell responses. Although expansion of CD8 T cell populations following the second Ag dose is integral to the prime-boost strategy, it remains unclear when, after priming, memory T cells become competent to proliferate. In this study, we show that Ag-specific CD8 T cells with the capacity to undergo extensive expansion are already present at the peak of the primary immune response in mice. These early memory T cells represent a small fraction of the primary immune response and, at early time points, their potential to proliferate is obscured by large effector T cell populations that rapidly clear Ag upon reimmunization. With sufficient Ag boosting, however, secondary expansion of these memory cells can be induced as early as 5-7 days following primary immunization. Importantly, both early and delayed boosting result in similar levels of protective immunity to subsequent pathogen challenge. Early commitment and differentiation of memory T cells during primary immunization suggest that a short duration between priming and boosting is feasible, providing potential logistic advantages for large-scale prime-boost vaccination of human populations.
Does It Take an Economic Village to Raise an Ethical Company

The article focuses on the findings of a study on the effectiveness of the U.S. Sarbanes-Oxley Act as a regulatory ethics law. Financial officers felt that market stakeholders actually had more influence regarding ethics and their use of the company ethics code than did non-market stakeholders. The study found that the pressure exerted by market stakeholders provided the strongest influence in terms of convincing executives to obey the rules and guidelines found in their company's code of ethics. The also found that pressure to adopt a code of ethics was greatest for executives when they saw that doing so would lead to the creation of an ethical culture in the company and would promote a positive public image.
T-Level Downstaging and Complete Pathologic Response After Preoperative Chemoradiation for Advanced Rectal Cancer Result in Decreased Recurrence and Improved Disease-Free Survival

PURPOSE: Preoperative chemoradiation therapy is used widely in the treatment of rectal cancer. The predictive value of response to neoadjuvant remains uncertain. We retrospectively evaluated the impact of response to preoperative and, specifically, of T-level downstaging, nodal downstaging, and complete pathologic response after chemoradiation therapy on oncologic outcome of patients with locally advanced rectal cancer. METHODS: There were 88 patients with ultrasound Stage T3/T4 midrectal (n = 37) and low rectal (n = 51) cancers (63 males; mean age 62.6 years). All patients were treated by preoperative 5-fluorouracil-based chemotherapy and pelvic radiation followed by surgical resection in six weeks or longer (56 sphincter-preserving resections). RESULTS: T-level downstaging after neoadjuvant treatment was demonstrated in 36 (41 percent) of 88 patients, and complete pathologic response was observed in 16 (18 percent) of the 88. Of the 42 patients with ultrasound-positive nodes, 27 had no evidence of nodal involvement on pathologic evaluation (64 percent). The overall response rate (T-level downstaging or nodal downstaging) was 51 percent. At a median follow-up of 33 months, 86.4 percent of patients were alive. The overall recurrence rate was 10.2 percent (three patients had local and six had metastatic recurrences). Patients with T-level downstaging and complete pathologic response were characterized by significantly better disease-free survival (P = 0.03, P = 0.04) and better overall survival (P = 0.07, P = 0.08), according to Wilcoxon’s test comparing Kaplan-Meier survival curves. None of the patients with complete pathologic response developed recurrence or died during the follow-up period. CONCLUSION: T-level downstaging and complete pathologic response after preoperative chemoradiation therapy followed by definitive surgical resection for advanced rectal cancer resulted in decreased recurrence and improved disease-free survival. Advanced rectal cancers that undergo T-level downstaging and complete pathologic response after chemoradiation therapy may represent subgroups that are characterized by better biologic behavior.
The Effects of Water Flow Manipulation Below a Hydroelectric Power Dam on the Bottom Fauna of the Upper Kennebec River, Maine

Abstract We studied the effect of severe fluctuations in flow on the distribution of bottom fauna of the upper Kennebec River. During the years 1964–1970, discharges below Wyman Dam ranged from 8.5 m3/sec to an average daily high of about 170 m3/sec. Slow currents resulting from low flows appeared to limit the diversity and abundance of swift-water aquatic insects on the river-bottom below the dam. Sampling stations above the impoundment averaged 19 aquatic insect genera, while those below the dam averaged 11. About 19 genera were found at stations where the current near bottom fluctuated from 0.5 m/sec to 0.9 m/sec while only 4 genera were found at stations where the fluctuations were from 0.1 to 0.5 m/sec. Aquatic insects adapted for swift water such as Rhyacophila, Chimarra, Iron, Blepharocera, Acroneuria, and Paragnetina were more abundant above the impoundment than below, and were absent from those stations below the impoundment with the lowest current velocities.
SINGLE-PASS CURTAIN COATING

Abstract This paper provides a general explanation of the fundamentals involved in the process of curtain coaling a thin liquid film onto a web or web-transported product. Coatings may consist of a single homogeneous layer or multiple, dissimilar layers applied simultaneously in a single coating pass. Advantages of curtain coating include very high coating speeds, adaptability to a wide range of fluids, high quality product, avoidance of ribbing instability associated with roll-type coaters, and the flexibility of a multi-layer-single-pass process. Unique process problems include minimum web speeds due to coating thickness limitations, significant viscosity changes in the delivery system, drying of multi-layer liquid films, controlling air currents and air boundary layers, and the need for a high precision, non-pulsing, pump system. Despite the special requirements of curtain coating, its flexibility and efficiency make it a very attractive manufacturing process.
Correlation of laboratory testing to three-year clinical behavior of silicate cements

Abstract A study was carried out to evaluate the correlation between the results of laboratory tests and clinical behavior of silicate cement restorations. Three techniques for placing silicate cement restorations were used. These techniques brought different results when tested for strength and solubility. Changes in surface and marginal integrity of restorations were observed at evaluations made after one and three years of service. At both time intervals, clinically observed changes could not be related to the differences demonstrated by laboratory tests. When considering the specific silicate cement and the specific techniques used in this study, it can be concluded that the differences demonstrated in the laboratory tests of transverse strength and solubility did not predict clinical performance.
P-wave image of the Peninsular Ranges Batholith, southern California

We invert earthquake P-wave arrival times to image the 3D distribution of P wave velocities in the Mesozoic Peninsular Ranges batholith and nearby areas in southern California. There is a 3% velocity contrast between the eastern and western Peninsular Ranges at 4 and 20 km depth (west side faster) and a 1 to 1.5% velocity contrast across the San Andreas fault zone (south side faster) in the San Bernardino region at 4 to 14 km depth. The San Andreas velocity contrast is due to the juxtaposition of different rock types by slip along the fault zone. The Peninsular Ranges batholith velocity contrast is due to a difference in rock composition across the batholith. The maximum gradient in the crustal velocities is coincident with a compositional boundary within the batholith that reflects emplacement of the batholith across juxtaposed oceanic and continental crust. Quaternary fault development has been in part concentrated at this boundary.
The development of acamprosate as a treatment against alcohol relapse.

Introduction: Globally, alcohol abuse and dependence are significant contributors to chronic disease and injury and are responsible for nearly 4% of all deaths annually. Acamprosate (Campral), one of only three pharmacological treatments approved for the treatment of alcohol dependence, has shown mixed efficacy in clinical trials in maintaining abstinence of detoxified alcoholics since studies began in the 1980s. Yielding inconsistent results, these studies have prompted skepticism.Areas covered: Herein, the authors review the preclinical studies which have assessed the efficacy of acamprosate in various animal models of alcohol dependence and discuss the disparate findings from the major clinical trials. Moreover, the authors discuss the major limitations of these preclinical and clinical studies and offer explanations for the often-contradictory findings. The article also looks at the importance of the calcium moiety that accompanies the salt form of acamprosate and its relevance to its activity.Expert ...
Unifiable supersymmetric dark left-right gauge model

The recently proposed dark left-right gauge model, with ${Z}^{\ensuremath{'}}$ and ${W}_{R}^{\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}}$ bosons at the TeV scale, is shown to have a simple supersymmetric extension which is unifiable. Its one-loop gauge-coupling renormalization-group equations are shown to have identical solutions to those of the minimal supersymmetric standard model. It also has a rich dark sector, with at least three stable particles.
Biological consequences of segregation and economic deprivation: a post-slavery population from southwest Arkansas.

The author examines the biological consequences of segregation and economic deprivation of blacks through analysis of 80 skeletons interred in Cedar Grove Arkansas between 1890 and 1927. The physical data is compared "with historic accounts and interpretations of textual data. The high frequencies of skeletal lesions indicating dietary deficiencies and infectious disease demonstrates that this was a highly stressed population and that Cedar Grove participated in the historically documented nationwide decline of Afro-American health. The evidence is overwhelming that congenital syphilis was a major contributor to high infant mortality and population decline." (EXCERPT)
Children and nocturnal snoring: Evaluation of the effects of sleep related respiratory resistive load and daytime functioning

Twenty-five children, age range 2 to 14 years (mean age=7), were referred to the Stanford University Sleep Disorders Clinic for various clinical symptoms, including excessive daytime somnolence, heavy nocturnal snoring, and abnormal daytime behavior. All children (10 girls and 15 boys) were polygraphically monitored during sleep. No sleep apnea syndrome or oxygen desaturation was revealed. However, each child presented significant respiratory resistive load during sleep associated with electrocardiographic R-R interval and endoesophageal pressure swings. The most laborious breathing occurred during REM sleep. Second degree atrioventricular blocks were also noted. Tonsillectomy and/or adenoidectomy was performed in every case and resulted in a complete disappearance or substantial amelioration of the reported symptoms. Objective evaluation by Multiple Sleep Latency Test and Wilkinson Addition Test confirmed the beneficial effect of surgery.
Application of the Popliteal Lymph Node Assay to Evaluate an Immunosuppression Protocol

There exists a variety of experimental techniques which are used to evaluate host immunity. None of these in vitro assay systems are optimal, since they are performed ex vivo. Here is described an in vivo model, using four rat strain combinations and a modification of the popliteal lymph node assay, which quantifies the immune response to blood transfusion, in a sensitive and reproducible fashion. The subcutaneous injection of a 5 x 10(5) or 10 x 10(5) (depending on the rat strain) X-irradiated allogeneic lymph node cells into the hind footpad of a rat results in an increase in the weight of the draining popliteal lymph node harvested 7 days later. Injection of 100 x 10(5) X-irradiated cells results in the maximum nodal enlargement (fourfold). A dose of 50 x 10(5) cells results in lymph node enlargement just shy of maximum and so was selected for use in all experiments. When 50 x 10(5) nonirradiated allogeneic lymph node cells are injected, there is up to an eightfold increase in nodal size. To eliminate the effects of non-specific inflammation, as well as variation in node weights, a stimulation index (SI) was established. Transfusion of a rodent with blood from the same strain as the lymph node donor, 1 week prior to subcutaneous injection, resulted in a significantly lower SI, compared to the SI observed in untreated animals challenged with the same inoculum or third-party controls (P < 0.05). The significance of all comparisons was assessed by the Students' t test. This simple method of in vivo quantification of the immune response has obvious application to the evaluation of any experimental immunosuppression regimen.
Missing information, inferences, and evaluations

Research has shown consumers either form inferences to fill in missing information or adapt processing to accommodate missing values. This article illustrates that processing may influence which attributes are deemed necessary for the choice task and consequently inferred and that attribute-based processing,leads to inference use. The article also tests a framework that incorporates missing information, processing, inference use, and evaluation variables into a single parsimonious model that shows (1) the effects of missing information on processing and inference use and (2) the effects of inference use on evaluations. The model incorporates a link between processing and inference use that may help explain mixed results regarding the degree and direction of impact of missing information on evaluations. Finally, it explores other variables such as missing information overlap, product familiarity and importance, and attribute type that may also influence inference use.
Micro-MRI-based image acquisition and processing system for assessing the response to therapeutic intervention

Osteoporosis is the cause of over 1.5 million bone fractures annually. Most of these fractures occur in sites rich in trabecular bone, a complex network of bony struts and plates found throughout the skeleton. The three-dimensional structure of the trabecular bone network significantly determines mechanical strength and thus fracture resistance. Here we present a data acquisition and processing system that allows efficient noninvasive assessment of trabecular bone structure through a "virtual bone biopsy". High-resolution MR images are acquired from which the trabecular bone network is extracted by estimating the partial bone occupancy of each voxel. A heuristic voxel subdivision increases the effective resolution of the bone volume fraction map and serves a basis for subsequent analysis of topological and orientational parameters. Semi-automated registration and segmentation ensure selection of the same anatomical location in subjects imaged at different time points during treatment. It is shown with excerpts from an ongoing clinical study of early post-menopausal women, that significant reduction in network connectivity occurs in the control group while the structural integrity is maintained in the hormone replacement group. The system described should be suited for large-scale studies designed to evaluate the efficacy of therapeutic intervention in subjects with metabolic bone disease.
Piecewise cubic mapping functions for image registration

In a recent paper,(1) a registration technique was proposed that registered two images by triangulating the images and mapping corresponding triangular regions in the images using a linear function. This paper extends the previous technique to include piecewise nonlinear functions as mapping functions. A nonlinear mapping function in addition to providing continuous mapping, provides smooth transition from one local function to another. The obtained mapping function which is a piecewise combination of local mapping functions is therefore continuous and smooth all over. A technique based on the Clough-Tocher subtriangulation(2) is described which determines piecewise cubic mapping functions for image registration.
Reinforcement of Competing Behavior during Extinction

Conditioned behavior declines in frequency when reinforcement is discontinued. In two experiments this extinction process was facilitated when competing behavior was reinforced as the original response was extinguished. When reinforcement for competing behavior was withdrawn, however, rats resumed their original behavior and there were no overall savings in total responses to extinction.
HandiMate: exploring a modular robotics kit for animating crafted toys

Building from our previous work we explore HandiMate, a robotics kit which enables users to construct and animate their toys using everyday craft materials [32]. The kit contains eight joint modules, a tablet interface and a glove controller. Unlike popular kits, HandiMate does not rely on manufactured parts to construct the toy. Rather this open ended platform engages users to pursue interest driven activities using everyday objects, such as cardboard, construction paper, and spoons. These crafted parts are then fastened together using Velcro to the joint modules and animated using the glove as the controller. In this paper, we discuss the results from two user studies which were designed to understand the affinity of HandiMate among children. The first study reveals that children rated the HandiMate kit as gender-neutral, appealing equally to both female and male students. The second study discusses the benefits of engaging children in engineering design with HandiMate, which has been observed to bring out children's tacit physics-based engineering knowledge and facilitate learning.
Selection of experimental modal data sets for damage detection via model update

When using a finite element model update algorithm for detecting damage in structures, it is important that the experimental modal data sets used in the update be selected in a coherent manner. In the case of a structure with extremely localized modal behavior, it is necessary to use both low and high frequency modes, but many of the modes in between may be excluded. In this paper, we examine two different mode selection strategies based on modal strain energy, and compare their success to the choice of an equal number of modes based merely on lowest frequency. Additionally, some parameters are introduced to enable a quantitative assessment of the success of our damage detection algorithm when using the various set selection criteria.
Magnetic resonance image-guided photodynamic therapy of xenograft pancreas tumors with verteporfin

Pancreatic cancer generally has very poor prognosis, with less than 4% survival at 5 years after diagnosis. This dismal survival rate is in part due to the aggressive nature of the adenocarcinoma, leading to a late-stage at diagnosis and exhibits resistance to most therapies. Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is a model cellular and vascular therapy agent, which uses light activation of the delivered drug to photosensitize the local cellular millieu. We suggest that interstitial verteporfin (benzoporphyrin derivative monoacid ring A) PDT has the potential to be an adjuvant therapy to the commonly used Gemcitabine chemotherapy. In the current study, an orthotopic pancreatic cancer model (Panc-1) has undergone interstitial verteporfin PDT (40 J/cm with verteporfin and 40 J/cm without verteporfin). Prior to PDT, magnetic resonance (MR) imaging was used to determine the location and size of the tumor within the pancreas, allowing accurate placement of the diffusing fiber. The success of therapy was monitored in vivo by assessing the total tumor and vascular perfusion volumes 24 hours pre- and 48 hours post-PDT. Total tumor and vascular perfusion volumes were determined using T2 weighted (T2W) and Gd-DTPA difference T1 weighted (T1W) turbo spin echo (TSE) MR imaging sequences, respectively. The validity of the in vivo imaging for therapeutic response was confirmed by ex vivo fluorescence and histological staining of frozen tissue sections. The ex vivo DiOC7(3) fluorescence analysis correlates well with the information provided from the MR images, indicating that MR imaging will be a successful surrogate marker for interstitial PDT.
Successful Nonfreezing, Subzero Preservation of Rat Liver with 2,3-Butanediol and Type I Antifreeze Protein

Background. Organ cryopreservation is hindered by ice inflicted damage. Nonfreezing preservation of livers at subzero temperatures might offer advantages over current preservation. Methods. Sprague–Dawley rats were divided into three groups. UW livers (n = 6) were stored in University of Wisconsin (UW) solution at +4°C. UWB livers (n = 6) were perfused ex vivo with UW + 10% 2,3-butanediol at ≤7°C and stored at −4°C. AFP livers (n = 4) were preserved identical to UWB livers, except for addition of 1 mg/ml of type I antifreeze protein. After 24 h livers were perfused with Krebs–Henseleit buffer (37°C) for 60 min. Bile production, O2 consumption (O2C), taurocholate extraction, and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) release during perfusion and liver adenine nucleotide content and energy charge at the end of perfusion were measured. Cell membrane integrity was determined by trypan blue infusion. Results. Ice formation was prevented in all livers stored at −4°C. Bile production, O2C, and taurocholate extraction were similar among three groups. Livers stored at −4°C contained significantly more adenine nucleotides than livers stored at +4°C but the energy charge was similar. LDH release was significantly greater (P < 0.05) in the AFP group vs UWB and UW (63 vs 28 and 21 mU/min/g liver, respectively). Hepatocyte and sinusoidal cell trypan blue uptake was similar in all three groups. Conclusions. Butanediol with or without AFP was effective in preventing ice formation up to 24 h in rat livers stored at −4°C. Although as effective as current +4°C protocols, subzero preservation for longer periods needs to be achieved prior to clinical application.
Analysis of Equilibrium Binding Data Obtained by Linear-Response Spectroscopic Techniques

A new computational approach for the analysis of equilibrium binding data obtained by spectroscopic methods is described. The approach is aimed at systems involving multiple interactions, where the changes in the spectroscopic signal cannot be attributed to a single interaction. A family of absorption or fluorescence spectra or decay curves obtained in a course of multiple titrations can be decomposed into basic components in an infinite variety of different ways. Model equilibrium equations are used as constraints to determine the basic components associated with the actual chemical species and the concentrations of these species. No assumption is made regarding the parametric form of the component spectra or decays. Binding constants are evaluated simultaneously with the resolved spectra and/or decays in a nonlinear least-square procedure. A key benefit of the method presented is the reduction in the number of fitting parameters. The conditions necessary and sufficient for the existence of a unique solution are considered. The application of the method is demonstrated with experimental data involving titrations of horse liver alcohol dehydrogenase with NADH and isobutyramide.
Regional climatic considerations for borderlands sustainability

Regional climate and its variability pose severe challenges to sustainability of ecosystems and human habitability in the U.S./Mexico border region. The region is semiarid, located far from oceanic sources of evaporated water. Its latitudinal position near the descending branch of the global atmospheric Hadley circulation means that cold season precipitation totals are suppressed relative to the average latitude of the winter storm track to the north. Furthermore, tree ring histories of climate variability demonstrate that the region is prone to shifts in the storm track that lead to very pronounced decadal variations in precipitation, which are manifested regionally as swings between severe droughts and pluvial periods. The El Nino-Southern Oscillation in tropical Pacific Ocean temperature forces shorter term (year-to-year) shifts in the storm track. The border region is strongly affected by ongoing and projected century-scale climate change, probably derived in large part from human-caused increases in greenhouse gases. There is a very strong regional warming trend in recent temperature data, continued into the future in greenhouse gas-forced model simulations of climate change. The warming trend modifies natural drought/pluvial precipitation fluctuations by enhancing evaporative losses and decreasing snowpack in mountainous regions to the north. These changes lead to projections of significantly diminished stream flow and drier surface conditions, thereby shifting the regional climate system farther toward aridity.
Serosal cells of biosteres longicaudatus (Hymenoptera: Braconidae): ultrastructure and release of polypeptides

As a prelude to a study in vitro of the function of the embryonic serosa of the parasitic wasp Biosteres longicaudatus (Braconidae), the ultrastructure of serosas of different ages reared in vivo and in vitro were compared. The evidence suggests that the serosal capsule consists of one to three cell layers. The innermost (internal cells) which line the serosal capsule and the outermost (external) cells which are bathed by the host's hemolymph are secretory. Large, coated vesicles in the internal cells increase in number and size with age and, likely, take up and transport molecules into the serosa. Multivesicular bodies, Known for their enzyme-degradative function, occur in external cells and are eventually extruded into the surrounding environment. Distinctive electrondense, rod-shaped particles appear in external cells within 8 h after larvae hatch, increase in number with larval age, and occur at the bases of microvilli. The latter appear electron dense with age and eventually they and the lobulated microvilli in internal cells fragment into the surrounding environment. To determine whether parasites and/or their serosas release substances into the host Anastrepha suspensa (Diptera: Tephritidae), hemolymph from unparasitized and superparasitized (> 1 parasite/host) pharate pupae was analyzed by sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE). Serosas and/or parasite larvae were incubated in artificial media and each of these was subjected to SDS-PAGE. A polypeptide, approximately 24 kilodaltons (Kd) occurred in the hemolymph of 24-h-old superparasitized pharate pupal hosts but not in the control. A similar polypeptide was observed in medium cultured with parasite larva and serosa as well as serosa alone, but was not in their respective control media. This approximately 24-Kd band in SDS-PAGE gels corresponds to a band in the serosa homogenate and may be identical to it. Serosas and parasite larvae in vivo and in vitro have similar protein profiles. Based upon these ultrastructural and electrophoretic studies, it appears that the serosa of B. longicaudatus has a synthetic function, as has been reported for the extra-embryonic membrane of other parasitic Hymenoptera. It may sequester and degrade molecules from the host hemolymph and likely release newly synthesized as well as degraded products into the host.
Vascular changes during calcium loading in experimental hypertension.

Calcium loading (CaL) has been shown to lower blood pressure in the spontaneously hypertensive rat (SHR). To determine whether CaL acts by altering vascular function, diets with 1 or 2% Ca 2+ were fed to SHRs. Aortic responsiveness to KCI and membrane-associated reactivity were attenuated in the animals receiving the diet containing 2% Ca 2+. To assess the effect of CaL on smaller vessels, mesenteric arteries from S~s and normotensive Wistar Kyo~o (WKY) rats fed 0.5, 1 or 2% calclum were studied. Maximal contractile responses to KCI and norepinephrine (NE) as well &s membrane-associated reactivity were a~tenuated in mesenterlc arteries of SHRs on the I% Ca 2+ diets, indicating a nonlinear effect of Ca 2+ in the diet. Similar responses were observed in the WKY. It has been proposed that CaL acts via changes in 1,25 dlhydroxyvitamln D 3 (I,25D) or ionized Ca 2+. No acute affec~ of 1,25D on contractile responses of isolated mesenterlc arteries of the SFd% or WKY were obse~ed. Chronic administration of 1,25D to cultured aortic myocytes had no effect on 45Ca influx whereas altered ionized Ca 2+ in the growth medium did. We conclude ~hat CaL alters arterial muscle function and extracellular Ca 2+ may play a regulatory role in cell Ca 2+ metabolism.
Correlations and spin susceptibility of lowst-energy Cooper pairing in an antiferromagnet

Abstract Lowest-energy Cooper pairing of electron eigenfunctions in an antiferromagnetic metal is transformed to k -wave or nonmagnetic-Bloch-function space, where the pairing is resolved into wave-vector and spin components. The spin susceptibility is calculated using an eight-component field in Bloch function space.
A suspenseful game of 'hide and seek' between virus and host

As part of the most important contributions to the understanding of viral immunity, Michael Oldstone recounts his pioneering work on lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus.
Species differences in egg transport in response to exogenous estrogen.

The effect of a single injection of estradiol cyclopentylpropionate (ECP) in various doses on ovum transport was studied in the guinea pig hamster mouse rabbit and rat. The interruption of pregnancy in 80% or more of the animals was achieved with the following doese of ECP: 10 mcg (guinea pig); 25 mcg (hamster); 1 mcg (mouse); 50 mcg (rabbit); 10 mcg (rat). The following doses of ECP accelerated ovum transport through the oviduct: 50-100 mcg (guinea pig); 100 mct (hamster); a minimum of 1 mct (mouse); 25 mcg (rabbit); a minimum of 10 mct (rat). The following doses of ECP caused retention of ova for longer than the normal period of tubal passage (tubal-locking): 250 mcg (guinea pig and hamster); 1 mcg (mouse); 100 mct (rabbit). Tube-locking was never observed in the rat after injection of ECP as evidenced by premature entry of ova into the uterine horns. The majority of ova in tube-locked animals were found in the ampullar-isthmic junction rather than the utero-tubal region. The results suggest that tubal transport of ovum is a process that readily lends itself to study in the development of fertility control methods.
Influence of genotype and diet on steer performance, manure odor, and carriage of pathogenic and other fecal bacteria. I. Animal performance

Although Brahman crosses constitute a large portion of US beef cattle, little information is available on their response to diverse feed resources compared with Bos taurus steers. Thus, the objectives were to evaluate genotype and diet effects on steer performance during the growing period and subsequent response to a high grain diet during the finishing period. Fifty-one steers [0 (15), 1/4 (20), 1/2 (7), and 3/4 Brahman (9), with the remaining proportion being MARC III] were allotted to 8 pens. Beginning on December 2, steers were individually fed chopped bromegrass hay (n = 26; DM = 85%, CP = 9.5%, ME = 2.19 Mcal/kg) or a corn silage-based diet (n = 25; DM = 51%, CP = 11.9%, ME = 2.75 Mcal/kg) for 119 d. All steers were then fed a high corn diet (DM = 79%, CP = 11.7%, ME = 3.08 Mcal/kg) to a target BW of 560 kg (176 d). Data were analyzed by ANOVA, with genotype, growing diet, and the 2-way interaction included. The interaction was not significant (P > 0.25). The MARC III and 1/2 Brahman steers weighed more (P 0.10). Carcass weight, marbling score, quality grade (P < 0.05), and kidney fat (P = 0.06) differed among genotypes. Daily DMI (6.91 vs. 7.06 kg) was similar, but CP (0.66 vs. 0.84 kg) and ME (15.2 vs. 19.4 Mcal) intake of bromegrass fed was less (P = 0.001) than those of corn silage-fed steers. Values for DMI/gain (22.3 vs. 7.43 kg/kg), CP intake/gain (2.13 vs. 0.88 kg/kg), and ME intake/gain (48.8 vs. 20.4 Mcal/kg) were greater (P < 0.001) in bromegrass-fed than corn silage-fed steers. Over the total study, ADG was lower (0.96 vs. 1.01 kg), and DMI (7.82 vs. 7.19 kg), DMI/gain (8.21 vs. 7.10 kg/kg), and ME intake/gain (22.6 vs. 20.9 Mcal/kg) were greater (P < 0.05) in bromegrass-fed than in corn silage-fed steers. Carcass weight, dressing percent, adjusted backfat, and yield grade (P < 0.05) were greater for corn silage-fed than for bromegrass-fed steers. Feed intake and performance, but not efficiency, differed among these genotypes. Compensatory performance during finishing was insufficient to overcome reduced performance during the growing period.
Thermodynamic extent of counterion release upon binding oligolysines to single-stranded nucleic acids.

A major contribution to the binding free energy associated with most protein-nucleic acid complexes is the increase in entropy due to counterion release from the nucleic acid that results from electrostatic interactions. To examine this quantitatively, we have measured the thermodynamic extent of counterion release that results from the interaction between single-stranded homopolynucleotides and a series of oligolysines, possessing net charges z = 2-6, 8, and 10. This was accomplished by measuring the salt dependence of the intrinsic equilibrium binding constants--i.e., (delta log Kobs/delta log[K+])--over the range from 6 mM to 0.5 M potassium acetate. These data provide a rigorous test of linear polyelectrolyte theories that have been used to interpret the effects of changes in bulk salt concentration on protein-DNA binding equilibria, since single-stranded nucleic acids have a lower axial charge density than duplex DNA. Upon binding to poly(U), the thermodynamic extent of counterion release per oligolysine charge, z, is 0.71 +/- 0.03, which is significantly less than unity and less than that measured upon binding duplex DNA. These results are most simply interpreted using the limiting law predictions of counterion condensation and cylindrical Poisson-Boltzmann theories, even at the high salt concentrations used in our experiments. Accurate estimates of the thermodynamic extent of counterion binding and release for model systems such as these facilitate our understanding of the energetics of protein-nucleic acid interactions. These data indicate that for simple oligovalent cations, the number of ionic interactions formed in a complex with a linear nucleic acid can be accurately estimated from a measure of the salt dependence of the equilibrium binding constant, if the thermodynamic extent of ion release is known.
Smile when you call me that!: The problems with punishing hate motivated behavior

During the last several years, many jurisdictions have enacted laws meant to punish behavior motivated by racial hatred or other forms of bigotry. The actual impact of these laws is probably largely symbolic. These laws, which are often called “hate crime” laws, have a number of problems. Hate crime laws may violate the constitution, but this problem can usually be avoided through careful drafting. More importantly, there are a number of practical and policy problems with hate crime laws; not only are these crimes difficult to identify, but they involve the problematical consideration of the offender's motive. In addition, social scientific theories suggest that the laws may actually increase bigotry and disempower minorities. For these reasons, it is recommended that policy-makers explore other means of reducing bigotry.
High resolution interferometry of the sun at 3.7 cm wavelength

The results of interferometric solar observations at a wavelength of 3.7 cm with effective resolutions of 7 and 15 sec are discussed. Observations have shown that a small-scale quasi-periodic component was present in solar radio emission from the entire solar disk and that this component contained a circularly polarized fraction of less than 10%. The theory of gyroradiation and gyro-resonant absorption is applied in the interpretation of the S-component of solar radio emission.
Initiating research with doubly vulnerable populations.

Initiating research with doubly vulnerable populations Some research questions can only be answered by members of a vulnerable group. Frequently members of these groups are doubly vulnerable as they experience more than one factor that diminishes their autonomy. Initiating research with doubly vulnerable persons presents unique and often difficult challenges. Because of these challenges, many researchers purposefully exclude doubly vulnerable groups from research endeavours. Thus, the health care needs and concerns of individuals considered doubly vulnerable are often not addressed in the scientific literature. This article presents two challenges frequently encountered when initiating research with doubly vulnerable populations: resolving pre-investigation issues and gaining access to vulnerable populations. Ethically sound strategies for confronting these challenges are discussed. Researchers’ experiences with doubly vulnerable populations are also incorporated. Only when doubly vulnerable groups receive the appropriate research attention are the standards of their care and their quality of life enhanced.
A miniature laser-Doppler velocimeter for simultaneous three-velocity-component measurements

A miniature laser-Doppler velocimeter (LDV) system was developed to make simultaneous three-velocity-component measurements. The probe has been tested in a zero-pressure gradient two-dimensional turbulent boundary layer and the results agree well with earlier data and several DNS data sets. The overall size of the probe is 23.3 mm × 8.7 mm × 90.6 mm and measurement spatial resolution is 50 µm. The probe volume can be traversed 32 mm vertically. The lightweight and compact design of the LDV probe head allows the probe head to be embedded inside models and machinery for three-dimensional turbulent flow measurements where larger probes are unusable.
The Hartogs extension phenomenon redux

We examine the classical Hartogs extension phenomenon from a number of different points of view. Several different proofs are offered, some of them are new. Connections with other parts of the subject are developed.
Active control of composite box beams using in-plane piezoelectric actuation and structural coupling with optimization

An integrated structures/controls optimization is developed for vibration suppression of a composite box beam with surface bonded piezoelectric actuators. The penalty approach is used to perform the multi-objective hybrid optimization to enhance damping of the first lag, flap, and torsion modes while minimizing control input. The objective functions and constraints include damping ratios, and natural frequencies. The design variables include ply orientations of the box beam walls, and the location and size of the actuators. Two box beam configurations are investigated and the results are compared. In the first, piezoelectric actuators are bonded to the top and bottom surfaces and in the second, actuators are bonded to all four walls for additional in-plane actuation. Optimization results show that significant reductions in control input and tip displacement can be achieved in both cases, however, improved response trends are obtained with in- plane actuation.
An Orphan Nuclear Receptor Finds a Home

In this issue of Molecular Cell, Lee et al. (2010) show that the retinoic acid receptor-related orphan receptor alpha (RORα) can suppress the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway in a Wnt5a- and PKC-dependent manner that does not alter β-catenin stabilization or the recruitment of β-catenin to Wnt target promoters.
Critical endpoint for deconfinement in matrix and other effective models

We consider the position of the deconfining critical endpoint, where the first order transition for deconfinement is washed out by the presence of massive, dynamical quarks. We use an effective matrix model, employed previously to analyze the transition in the pure glue theory. If the parameters of the pure glue theory are unaffected by the presence of dynamical quarks, and if the quarks only contribute perturbatively, then for three colors and three degenerate quark flavors this quark mass is very heavy, ${m}^{\mathrm{de}}\ensuremath{\sim}2.5\text{ }\text{ }\mathrm{GeV}$, while the critical temperature ${T}_{\mathrm{de}}$ barely changes, $\ensuremath{\sim}1%$ below that in the pure glue theory. The location of the deconfining critical endpoint is a sensitive test to differentiate between effective models. For example, models with a logarithmic potential for the Polyakov loop give much smaller values of the quark mass, ${m}^{\mathrm{de}}\ensuremath{\sim}1\text{ }\text{ }\mathrm{GeV}$, and a large shift in ${T}_{\mathrm{de}}\ensuremath{\sim}10%$ lower than that in the pure glue theory.
Thermal Conductivity of Cadmium and Cadmium-Alloy Crystals

The intrinsic thermal resistivities ${W}_{i}$ of pure Cd and of Cd-Zn single crystals with residual-resistance ratios in the range 5 \ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{} ${10}^{4}$ - 570 (Zn content up to 0.56 at.%) were determined for both hexagonal and basal orientations in the temperature range $3lTl100$ K. One Cd-Sn crystal (0.14 at.% Sn) was measured in the basal orientation. The data are represented by ${W}_{i}\ensuremath{\propto}{T}^{n}$. In the case of pure Cd, $n=2$ for $Tl3.5$ K, whereas for the most impure alloy, $n=2$ for $Tl13$ K. For temperatures above the $n=2$ region, $n$ was found to be as large as 4.5 in the interval $4lTl7$ K in the case of the purest crystal. The known rapid change of the specific-heat Debye $\ensuremath{\Theta}$ does not explain the large $n$. This indicates a small to negligible interaction between the electrons and transverse phonons. The region where $ng2$ is, in general, in the temperature range where phonon scattering outweighs impurity scattering. It is suggested that because of the particular shape of the Fermi surface, umklapp processes may be important in and above the temperature range where $n$ is large.
The influence of tranverse fibre properties on the in-plane elastic behaviour of paper

Abstract The present work considers the importance of the transverse or non-axial fibre properties in determining the in-plane elastic behaviour of a paper sheet. Network models have long been used in considering the relationship between the mechanical behaviour od paper on the one hand,a nd the properties of the fibres which constitute the sheet and sheet structure on the other hand. It is shown that discrepancies between experimental results and the predictions of netweork models may be explanined by incorporation of tranverse fibre properties while maintaining the basic assumption of uniform strain throughout the sheet.
Myrmecophagous microwear: implications for diet in the hominin fossil record.

Abstract An increasing body of data supports the concept that early humans ate invertebrate prey items, especially insects, and that insects may have been a substantial protein source. Insects are ubiquitous throughout the landscape and of high nutritional value. Given that all modern apes and many human groups eat insects, it is likely that early hominins did as well. However, it is unknown how much, which type(s), and what foraging strategy was utilized to obtain invertebrate prey. Given that gross masticatory anatomy of early hominins, like modern apes, fails to reflect their insectivorous proclivities, dental microwear analysis might be a useful tool for identifying this behavior in our fossil ancestors. Dental microwear data was collected on three primarily myrmecophagous mammals and compared to the literature on other faunivorous, frugivorous, and folivorous species. Results indicate that myrmecophagous species have comparable pit frequencies with other faunivores and pit frequency generally distinguishes them from folivores but not all frugivores. Additionally, myrmecophagous mammals have unusually high feature densities, like other faunivores, and density is the microwear signal most suggestive of some sort of faunivory.
Sex Education as Moral Education: teaching for pleasure, about fantasy, and against abuse

Abstract This paper argues for an integration of moral education and sex education curricula. In such an integration, the primary values that would be taught would not be those relating to specific sexual behaviour but those relating to the general treatment of human beings, suggesting that sex that involves coercion or exploitation as well as sex that causes harm is wrong. Sex educators must take as their goal the prevention of abuse, not by placing responsibility on girls to avoid victimisation but by teaching boys how to express themselves sexually in moral‐‐that is, considerate and respectful‐‐ways. The paper discusses differential gender role socialisation and why integration of such material must be a part of every sex education curriculum. The paper also discusses how physical pleasure is not only a biological phenomenon but one that is culturally constructed, the discussion of which would be important to sex education. Finally, teaching about fantasy as well as sexual “deviance” (in terms of the m...
Live Cell MicroRNA Imaging Using Cascade Hybridization Reaction

Recent advances in RNA research have posed new directives in biology and chemistry to uncover the complex roles of ribonucleic acids in cellular processes. Innovative techniques to visualize native RNAs, particularly, short, low-abundance RNAs in live cells, can dramatically impact current research on the roles of RNAs in biology. Herein, we report a novel method for real-time, microRNA imaging inside live cells based on programmable oligonucleotide probes, which self-assemble through the Cascade Hybridization Reaction (CHR).