cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Neuroanatomical distribution of androgen and estrogen receptor-immunoreactive cells in the brain of the male roughskin newt

Immunohistochemistry was used to investigate the neuroanatomical distribution of androgen and estrogen receptors in brains of adult male roughskin newts, Taricha granulosa, collected during the breeding season. Immunoreactive cells were found to be widely distributed in specific brain areas of this urodele amphibian. Androgen receptor-immunoreactive (AR-ir) cells were observed in the olfactory bulbs, habenula, pineal body, preoptic area, hypothalamus, interpeduncular nucleus, area acusticolateralis, cerebellum, and motor nuclei of the medulla oblongata. Estrogen receptor-immunoreactive (ER-ir) cells were found in the lateral septum, amygdala pars lateralis, pallium, preoptic area, hypothalamus, and dorsal mesencephalic tegmentum. This immunocytochemical study of the newt brain reveals AR-ir and ER-ir cells in several regions that have not been previously reported to contain androgen and estrogen receptors in non-mammalian vertebrates. Additionally, the distribution of AR-ir and ER-ir cells in the newt brain, in general, is consistent with previous studies, suggesting that the distribution of sex steroid receptor-containing neurons in some brain regions is relatively conserved among vertebrates.
The bilingual effect on Boston Naming Test performance

The present study aimed to determine how older bilingual subjects' naming performance is affected by their knowledge of two languages. Twenty-nine aging (mean age = 74.0; SD = 7.1) Spanish-English bilinguals were asked to name all pictures in the Boston Naming Test (BNT) first in their dominant language and then in their less-dominant language. Bilinguals with similar naming scores in each language, or relatively balanced bilinguals, named more pictures correctly when credited for producing a correct name in either language. Balanced bilinguals also named fewer pictures in their dominant language than unbalanced bilinguals, and named more pictures correctly in both languages if the pictures had cognate names (e.g., dart is dardo in Spanish). Unbalanced bilinguals did not benefit from the alternative (either-language) scoring procedure and showed cognate effects only in their nondominant language. These findings may help to guide the interpretation of neuropsychological data for the purpose of determining cognitive status in older bilinguals and can be used to develop models of bilingual language processing. Bilinguals' ability to name pictures reflects their experience with word forms in both languages.
Religious disagreements and epistemic rationality

Richard Feldman has argued that in cases of religious disagreement between epistemic peers who have shared all relevant evidence, epistemic rationality requires suspense of judgment. I argue that Feldman’s postulation of completely shared evidence is unrealistic for the kinds of disputes he is considering, since different starting points will typically produce different assessments of what the evidence is and how it should be weighed. Feldman argues that there cannot be equally reasonable starting points, but his extension of the postulate of completely shared evidence to evidence for starting points involves an illicit assimilation of ordinary cases of evidence assessment to cases in which substantial agreement about background assumptions is lacking. I also clarify why even if Feldman were correct about what epistemic norms require, his conclusion would not show that we should actually suspend judgment about religious or anti-religious truth claims.
Patient-Reported Outcomes After Total Knee Replacement Vary on the Basis of Preoperative Coexisting Disease in the Lumbar Spine and Other Nonoperatively Treated Joints: The Need for a Musculoskeletal Comorbidity Index

Background: Although the majority of patients report substantial gains in physical function following primary total knee replacement, the degree of improvement varies widely. To understand the potential role of preoperative pain due to other musculoskeletal conditions on postoperative outcomes, we quantified bilateral knee and hip pain and low back pain before primary total knee replacement and evaluated its association with physical function at six months after total knee replacement. Methods: A prospective cohort of 180 patients having primary unilateral total knee replacement reported joint-specific pain in right and left hips and knees (Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index [WOMAC] pain) as well as the low back (Oswestry Disability Index) before surgery. Participants also completed the Short Form-36 (SF-36), including the physical and mental component summary scores, before and at six months after surgery. Results: Of the 180 patients, 110 (61%) were women; the mean age was 65.1 years, the mean body mass index (BMI) was 32.5 kg/m2, and mean SF-36 physical component summary score reported before the total knee replacement was 33.1. Before total knee replacement, 56.1% of the patients reported no or mild pain in the nonoperatively treated knee, hips, and low back. In addition, 22.2% of the patients had moderate to severe pain in one location; 12.8%, in two locations; and 8.9%, in three or four locations. Women reported more moderate to severe pain than men did in the nonoperatively treated knee (30% versus 11%; p < 0.004) and ipsilateral hip (26% versus 11%; p < 0.02). At six months, the mean physical component summary score was lower among patients with a greater number of preoperative locations of moderate to severe pain. After adjusting for age, sex, BMI, and SF-36 mental component summary score, moderate to severe preoperative pain in the contralateral knee (p = 0.013), ipsilateral (p = 0.014) and contralateral hip (p = 0.026), and low back (p < 0.001) was significantly associated with poorer function at six months after total knee replacement. Conclusions: Preoperative musculoskeletal pain in the low back and nonoperatively treated lower extremity joints is associated with poorer physical function at six months after total knee replacement. The degree of functional improvement varies with the burden of musculoskeletal pain in other weight-bearing locations. Level of Evidence: Prognostic Level II. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.
Comparison of electronic structure and optical properties of BaTiO3 in the cubic and tetragonal phases

Abstract The electronic structure and the linear optical properties of BaTiO3 in the cubic perovskite and tetragonal phases are studied by means of first-principles local density calculations. Charge density analysis gives ionic formulas of Ba+1.39Ti+2.79[0−-1.39]3 and Ba+1.78Ti.+2.80[O−1.52]3 for the cubic and the tetragonal phases respectively. Subtle differences in the electronic structure between these two phases are revealed, especially in the splitting of the conduction band minimum due to symmetry lowering in the tetragonal phase. This contributes to anisotropy in the static dielectric constant at low frequency. The calculated optical properties for the cubic phase are in good agreement with the vacuum ultraviolet data on polycrystalline samples for photon energies up to 40 eV.
Acute toxicity of whole-pelvis IMRT in 87 patients with localized prostate cancer.

Purpose. To assess the acute toxicity profile of whole pelvis IMRT (WP-IMRT) for localized prostate cancer. Materials. Eighty seven patients treated with definitive WP-IMRT at UTMB from May 2002 to November 2006 were retrospectively reviewed. Treatment consisted of two sequential phases, WP-IMRT to 54 Gy at 1.8 Gy per fraction to the pelvic nodes and seminal vesicles and 60 Gy at 2 Gy to the prostate, and a separate external beam boost, 3DCRT or IMRT, to bring the dose to the prostate to 76 Gy. Acute toxicity was prospectively scored weekly during treatment and at 3 month follow-up according to CTC v2.0 for 10 genitourinary (GU) and gastrointestinal (GI) domains. The proportion of patients experiencing a given level of peak acute toxicity at a given point is reported. Results. Treatment was feasible with delivered doses to PTVs not significantly lower than planned ones and with only two patients experiencing treatment gaps longer than 5 days. About 2/3 and 1/10 of the patients experienced peak grade 2 and...
Gradients of geometrically necessary dislocations from white beam microdiffraction

Abstract Variations in the local crystallographic orientation due to the presence of geometrically necessary dislocations and dislocation boundaries smear the distribution of intensity near Laue reflections. Here, some simple model distributions of geometrically necessary dislocations, GNDs, are used to estimate the dislocation tensor field from the intensity distribution of Laue peaks. Streaking of the Laue spots is found to be quantitatively and qualitatively distinct depending on the ratio between the absorption coefficient and the GND density gradient. In addition, different slip systems cause distinctly different Laue-pattern streaking. Experimental Laue patterns are therefore sensitive to stored dislocations and GNDs. As an example, white beam microdiffraction was applied to characterize the dislocation arrangement in a deformed polycrystalline Ni grain during in situ uniaxial tension.
Synthesis, characterization and C–H activation reactivity of bis(ethylene) boratabenzene rhodium complexes

Reaction of Li[C5H5B–Ph] with [RhCl(C2H4)2]2 gives [C5H5B–Ph]Rh(C2H4)2 1 in 91% yield; similarly, Li[C5H5B–NMe2] with [RhCl(C2H4)2]2 gives [C5H5B–NMe2]Rh(C2H4 )2 2 in 85% yield; single crystal X-ray analysis studies of 1 and 2 show a molecular geometry analogous to those of the Cp and Cp* complexes; the use of 1 and 2 in promoting alkane boration was evaluated against the activity of Cp*Rh(C2H4)2 3; the boratabenzene complexes 1 and 2 show faster initiation, but yield less thermally stable catalysts than 3.
Urinary Volatile Profiles of the Deermouse (Peromyscus maniculatus) Pertaining to Gender and Age

Biological aspects of chemical communication in the deermouse have been extensively documented in the past. To provide a broad characterization of the urinary volatile compounds (potential chemosignals), the urine samples from adult and young animals of both sexes, as well as from castrated animals, were examined. The volatiles were extracted through a dynamic headspace technique and analyzed by combined capillary gas chromatography–mass spectrometry. The major constituents have been identified as various ketones, aldehydes, pyrazines, pyridines, quinolines, a thiazole, an amide, and a nitrile. While no chromatographic peaks were found to be unique to gender or age, quantitative analyses revealed that numerous compounds exhibited significant variations among the different groups. Their endocrine dependencies suggest a potential chemosignaling function.
For Optimal Outcomes, Children Belong in Homes

In the Clinical Report “Out-of-Home Placement for Children and Adolescents With Disabilities,” Friedman and colleagues1 review options for placing children with disabilities in congregate care settings. However, the report omits discussion of the best interests of the child in selecting out-of-home options and fails to review and prioritize noninstitutional models of care. When families of origin are unable to provide adequate care, children with disabilities retain their right to receive care in … E-mail: kripkec{at}fcm.ucsf.edu
Incentives versus instructions in transmitting grammatical parameters with experimenter as model

Abstract Children's imitation of the language paradigms displayed by an adult, who took both the roles of experimenter and model, was studied in 93 third and fourth graders. The grammatical parameters of sentence-pattern, word-content and tense (imperfect) of verb were investigated; these response measures were shown to be relatively independent. Analyses of variance revealed that exposure to modeling produced large and significant imitative changes in content, sentence-structure and tense, thereby confirming the major results of a prior experiment in which the roles of experimenter and model had been separated. Further, the tense and sentence-structure effects were generalized to a new set of pictorial stimuli and were shown to surpass the performance of a no-model control group. Alternative experimental treatments contrasted promise of a money reward without specific instructions to copy the language paradigms modeled, with a procedure that instructed the child to copy the sentences he observed but offered him no reinforcements for performance. In general, the alternative procedures gave closely comparable results; the only significant difference observed favored the instructed (no incentive) group.
Optical pathlength control experiment on a precision truss structure

The experimental research at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) aimed at developing and validating new design methodology arising out of NASA's Control Structure Interaction and Orbital Stellar Interferometer programs is presented. Structural and direct optical pathlength controls are combined to maintain the pathlength variation below 10 nanometer rms. The bandwidth of the controller is 500 Hz with the disturbance rejection of over 70 dB at frequencies below 10 Hz and over 20 dB at frequencies near 100 Hz.
Population pharmacokinetics of therapeutic monoclonal antibodies.

A growing number of population pharmacokinetic analyses of therapeutic monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) have been published in the scientific literature. The aims of this article are to summarize the findings from these studies and to relate the findings to the general pharmacokinetic and structural characteristics of therapeutic mAbs. A two-compartment model was used in the majority of the population analyses to describe the disposition of the mAb. Population estimates of the volumes of distribution in the central (V1) and peripheral (V2) compartments were typically small, with median (range) values of 3.1 (2.4–5.5) L and 2.8 (1.3–6.8) L, respectively. The estimated between-subject variability in the V1 was usually moderate, with a median (range) coefficient of variation (CV) of 26% (12–84%). Between-subject variability in other distribution-related parameters such as the V2 and intercompartmental clearance were often not estimated. Although the pharmacokinetic models used most frequently in the population analyses were models with linear clearance, other models with nonlinear, or parallel linear and nonlinear clearance pathways were also applied, as many therapeutic mAbs are eliminated via saturable target-mediated mechanisms. Population estimates of the maximum elimination rate (Vmax) and the mAb concentration at which elimination was at half maximum for Michaelis-Menten-type elimination pathways varied considerably among the different therapeutic mAbs. However, estimates of the total clearance (CL) of mAbs with linear clearance characteristics and of the clearance of mAbs via the linear clearance pathway (CLL) with parallel linear and nonlinear clearance were quite similar for the different mAbs and typically ranged from 0.2 to 0.5 L/day, which is relatively close to the estimated clearance of endogenous IgG of 0.21 L/day. The between-subject variability in the Vmax, CL and CLL was moderate to high, with estimated CVs ranging from 15% to 65%. Measures of body size were the covariates most commonly identified as influencing the pharmacokinetics of therapeutic mAbs. In summary, many features of the population pharmacokinetics of currently used therapeutic mAbs are similar, despite differences in their pharmacological targets and studied patient populations.
Mannose-sensitive HRP endocytosis by the retinal pigment epithelium.

Abstract Mannose-sensitive endocytosis by rat retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) explants was characterized using the mannose-rich glycoprotein horseradish peroxidase (HRP). The number of HRP-containing endosomes in the RPE was morphologically quantitated by light microscopy while the amount of HRP ingested was biochemically quantitated by enzyme assay. HRP internalized via a mannose-sensitive receptor was differentiated from fluid-phase uptake in competitive inhibition studies using d -mannose. Morphological results showed that most HRP-containing endosomes formed within the first 15 min of incubation and showed little increase in number during 4 hr of continued incubation with HRP. In contrast, the biochemical assay showed a steady increase in the amount of HRP in RPE endosomes measured over time. The addition of 10 m m d -mannose to the incubation medium was associated with a significant decrease in both the number of HRP-containg endosomes and the amount of HRP ingested by RPE explants. Values indicate that half of the total uptake of HRP is mediated by a mannose-sensitive receptor while the balance is ingested via non-specific fluid-phase endocytosis.
On flat portions on the boundary of the numerical range

Abstract The paper is devoted to matrices with flat portions on the boundary of their numerical range. A constructive criterion for such portions to exist is obtained in case of tridiagonal matrices, and a particular case of continuant matrices is considered. As an application, the cases of (arbitrary) 3 × 3 and 4 × 4 matrices are treated. It is shown, in particular, that the sharp bound for the number of flat portions on the boundary of the numerical range for 4 × 4 matrices is four (three, if the matrices are assumed unitarily irreducible).
Correlations between intensity fluctuations within stimulated Brillouin waveforms generated by scattering of Q-switched pulses in optical fiber

We present a detailed experimental study of the statistical properties of pulsed stimulated Brillouin scattering in optical fiber using single-mode pump pulses with durations comparable to the phonon lifetime but much shorter than the fiber transit time. Under these conditions the temporal dynamics of the scattered light is stochastic and results in the generation of scattered intensity waveforms with complex structures. We provide experimental evidence and simple theoretical arguments to interpret the energy fluctuations when varying fractions of the scattered waveforms are integrated and statistically analyzed. Two-point intensity correlation functions are used to determine to what extent the complex intensity waveforms represent sequences of statistically independent scattering events.
Distribution of cluster sizes from evaporation to total multifragmentation

A model for studying fragmentation phenomena is proposed and developed. The model leads to a single, simple, and exact expression for the cluster size distribution function. Various limits of this distribution function show: (1) evaporation-like behavior, (2) scale-invariant power law behavior, (3) a broad region with a dependence which is linear growth in small clusters and exponential falloff of large clusters and, finally, (4) total multifragmentation with an exponential-like falloff of all clusters except the monomer or unit element. The cluster size distribution function in any region is given by various limits of one expression: {ital Y}{sub {ital A}}({ital k},{ital x})={l brace}{ital A} /({ital k} ({ital A}{minus}{ital k}) ){r brace}{ital xB}({ital x}+{ital A}{minus}{ital k},{ital k}). Here, the size {ital k} is the number of elements in a cluster taken from a fixed total number of {ital A} elements, {ital x} is an evolutionary tuning parameter which determines the various regions, and {ital B}({ital x}+{ital A}{minus}{ital k},{ital k}) is a beta function. Cellular rules and a particular choice of weight function lead to self-similar behavior on Young's triangular lattice. A scale invariant hyperbolic power law emerges in a row by row evolution of the lattice. A counterclockwise rotation of Ferrer's blockmore » diagram of partitions shows a pictorial resemblance of the present model with recent work on self-organized critical states, and a comparison is made. The cumulative mass distribution at a critical point of the model is a staircase function whose continuous limit is analogous to that of a uniform bar. The uniform bar may then be hammered into various shapes which will be discussed. Some observations on the form of {ital x} are given by comparing the multifragmentation limit of the model with the law of mass action or Saha equation.« less
Character weighting and cladistic analysis

Explicit, ad hoc character weighting, widely dismissed by cladists as too subjective for practical application, can be useful in resolving difficult instances of homoplasy. Such weighting should be avoided to the extent possible, and should only be tried when critical reexamination of the evidence and the parsimony criterion have failed. So long as such uses of weighting are fully explicit and their results are viewed as tentative solutions, they support formulations of hypotheses where none might otherwise be possible. (Character weighting; cladistics; phylogenetics; convergence; homoplasy.)
Modulation of endothelial cell surface glycoconjugate expression by organ-derived biomatrices.

Cell surface molecules play an important role in cellular communication, migration, and adherence. Here, we show the effect of organ-derived biomatrices on endothelial cell surface glycosylation. Five different lectins (with and without neuraminidase treatment) have been used as probes in an enzyme-linked lectin assay to quantitatively detect glycoconjugates on endothelial cells (BAEC) grown on tissue culture plastic or biomatrices isolated from bovine lung, liver, and kidney. BAEC generally exhibit strong binding of concanavalin A (Con A), Ricinus communis agglutinin I (RCA-I), wheat germ agglutinin (WGA), and soybean agglutinin, and peanut agglutinin after neuraminidase pretreatment of cells (Neu-SBA and Neu-PNA), while SBA and PNA consistently bind weakly to BAEC. BAEC grown on organ-derived biomatrices exhibit significantly altered binding intensities of Con A, RCA-I, WGA, and Neu-PNA: BAEC cultured on lung- or kidney-derived biomatrices express significantly stronger binding affinities for Con A and RCA-I than BAEC grown on liver-derived biomatrix or tissue culture plastic. In contrast, BAEC binding of WGA and PNA (after treatment of cells with neuraminidase) is significantly reduced when BAEC are grown on liver- or kidney-derived biomatrix. Quantitative lectin immunogold electron microscopy reveals consistently stronger lectin binding over nuclear regions compared to junctional regions between neighboring cells. These results indicate that extracellular matrix components regulate endothelial cell surface glycoconjugate expression, which determines cellular functions, e.g., preferential adhesion of lymphocytes or metastatic tumor cells.
The paradox of the unethical organizational citizen: the link between organizational citizenship behavior and unethical behavior at work

Organizational citizenship behavior (OCB) is discretionary employee behavior that facilitates the performance of coworkers and the organization, while counterproductive work behavior (CWB) is discretionary employee behavior that harms the performance of coworkers and the organization. CWB includes a number of behaviors that are unethical in nature, and it is often considered antithetical to OCB. However, recent research indicates that OCB could be causally related to unethical behavior in certain circumstances. Specifically, this work suggests that ‘good soldiers’ who engage in OCB may subsequently behave like ‘bad apples’ and engage in unethical behavior. In this paper, we discuss five explanations for a possible causal connection between these behaviors: (1) resource depletion; (2) moral licensing; (3) injustice and anger; (4) citizenship pressure; and (5) impression management. We also suggest some avenues for future research in this area.
Variational multiscale enrichment method with mixed boundary conditions for elasto-viscoplastic problems

This manuscript presents the formulation and implementation of the variational multiscale enrichment (VME) method for the analysis of elasto-viscoplastic problems. VME is a global---local approach that allows accurate fine scale representation at small subdomains, where important physical phenomena are likely to occur. The response within far-fields is idealized using a coarse scale representation. The fine scale representation not only approximates the coarse grid residual, but also accounts for the material heterogeneity. A one-parameter family of mixed boundary conditions that range from Dirichlet to Neumann is employed to study the effect of the choice of the boundary conditions at the fine scale on accuracy. The inelastic material behavior is modeled using Perzyna type viscoplasticity coupled with flow stress evolution idealized by the Johnson---Cook model. Numerical verifications are performed to assess the performance of the proposed approach against the direct finite element simulations. The results of verification studies demonstrate that VME with proper boundary conditions accurately model the inelastic response accounting for material heterogeneity.
A Linearized Theory on Ground-Based Vibration Response of Rotating Asymmetric Flexible Structures

This paper is to develop a unified algorithm to predict vibration of spinning asymmetric rotors with arbitrary geometry and complexity. Specifically, the algorithm is to predict vibration response of spinning rotors from a ground-based observer. As a first approximation, the effects of housings and bearings are not included in this analysis. The unified algorithm consists of three steps. The first step is to conduct a finite element analysis on the corresponding stationary rotor to extract natural frequencies and mode shapes. The second step is to represent the vibration of the spinning rotor in terms of the mode shapes and their modal response in a coordinate system that is rotating with the spinning rotor. The equation of motion governing the modal response is derived through use of the Lagrange equation. To construct the equation of motion, explicitly, the results from the finite element analysis will be used to calculate the gyroscopic matrix, centrifugal stiffening (or softening) matrix, and generalized modal excitation vector. The third step is to solve the equation of motion to obtain the modal response, which, in turn, will lead to physical response of the rotor for a rotor-based observer or for a ground-based observer through a coordinate transformation. Results of the algorithm indicate that Campbell diagrams of spinning asymmetric rotors will not only have traditional forward and backward primary resonances as in axisymmetric rotors, but also have secondary resonances caused by higher harmonics resulting from the mode shapes. Finally, the algorithm is validated through a calibrated experiment using rotating disks with evenly spaced radial slots. Qualitatively, all measured vibration spectra show significant forward and backward primary resonances as well as secondary resonances as predicted in the theoretical analysis. Quantitatively, measured primary and secondary resonance frequencies agree extremely well with those predicted from the algorithm with mostly <3.5% difference.
Oral delivery of bioencapsulated proteins across blood-brain and blood-retinal barriers.

Delivering neurotherapeutics to target brain-associated diseases is a major challenge. Therefore, we investigated oral delivery of green fluorescence protein (GFP) or myelin basic protein (MBP) fused with the transmucosal carrier cholera toxin B subunit (CTB), expressed in chloroplasts (bioencapsulated within plant cells) to the brain and retinae of triple transgenic Alzheimer's disease (3×TgAD) mice, across the blood–brain barriers (BBB) and blood–retinal barriers (BRB). Human neuroblastoma cells internalized GFP when incubated with CTB-GFP but not with GFP alone. Oral delivery of CTB-MBP in healthy and 3×TgAD mice shows increased MBP levels in different regions of the brain, crossing intact BBB. Thioflavin S–stained amyloid plaque intensity was reduced up to 60% by CTB-MBP incubation with human AD and 3×TgAD mice brain sections ex vivo. Amyloid loads were reduced in vivo by 70% in hippocampus and cortex brain regions of 3×TgAD mice fed with bioencapsulated CTB-MBP, along with reduction in the ratio of insoluble amyloid β 42 (Aβ42) to soluble fractions. CTB-MBP oral delivery reduced Aβ42 accumulation in retinae and prevented loss of retinal ganglion cells in 3×TgAD mice. Lyophilization of leaves increased CTB-MBP concentration by 17-fold and stabilized it during long-term storage in capsules, facilitating low-cost oral delivery of therapeutic proteins across the BBB and BRB.
Method for Decellularizing Skeletal Muscle Without Detergents or Proteolytic Enzymes

Decellularized skeletal muscle is a promising model that can be used to study cell–matrix interactions and changes that occur in muscle extracellular matrix (ECM) in myopathies and muscle wasting diseases. The goal of this study is to develop a novel method to decellularize skeletal muscle that maintains the native biochemical composition and structure of the ECM. This method consists of sequential incubation of mouse tibialis anterior muscles in latrunculin B, high ionic strength salt solution, and DNase I and avoids use of proteases or detergents that degrade the ECM. Characterization of the decellularized muscles using hematoxylin and eosin staining along with DNA quantification suggested complete removal of DNA, whereas biochemical analyses indicated no loss of collagens and only a slight reduction in glycosaminoglycans. Western blot analysis of decellularized tissues showed removal of the vast majority of the contractile proteins actin and myosin, and morphological analysis using scanning electron mi...
Who Are the Winners and the Losers? Transitions in the U.S. Household Income Distribution

In the five decades since Kuznets (1955) published his hypothesis on income inequality, a large and significant portion of the work on income distribution and inequality has involved using cross-sectional data for developmental comparisons at the intra- and international levels. Using cross-sectional data, these studies have tracked inequality trends that were deemed the consequence of growth and technical progress due to fiscal manipulations, such as levying taxes and granting subsidies to satisfy some welfare target. While this prior work provided valuable insight at the macroeconomic level on the interrelationship of development, economic growth, and income inequality, only over the last few decades has the research emphasis shifted from an understanding of the implications of income inequality at the aggregate level to that at the individual level. Using cross-sectional data it is possible to track income groups over time, but not the composition nor the characteristics of these groups, which are like...
Histology of white pine blister rust in needles of resistant and susceptible eastern white pine

Jurgens, J. A., Blanchette, R. A., Zambino, P. J., and David, A. 2003. Histology of white pine blister rust in needles of resistant and susceptible eastern white pine. Plant Dis. 87:1026-1030. White pine blister rust, Cronartium ribicola, has plagued the forests of North America for almost a century. Over past decades, eastern white pine (Pinus strobus) that appear to tolerate the disease have been selected and incorporated into breeding programs. Seeds from P. strobus with putative resistance were collected from Oconto River Seed Orchard, Nicolet National Forest, WI. Seedlings were grown for 5 months and artificially inoculated with basidiospores of C. ribicola in two replicated greenhouse experiments. Needles from infected seedlings were fixed, sectioned, and stained with a variety of histological reagents, and rate of mortality for the remaining seedlings was monitored. The most susceptible families suffered 50% mortality in approximately half the time of the more resistant families. Extensive inter- and intracellular hyphae were observed in needles from seedlings of susceptible families, whereas hyphal proliferation was restricted in needles of resistant seedlings. Needles from resistant families had pronounced responses to infection. Phenolics, observed with phloroglucinol-HCl staining, were deposited around infection sites where dense mycelial masses were present. Abnormal host cell growth and rapid cell death in the immediate area of infection were also observed in some eastern white pine families.
Midterm Planning to Minimize Deviations From Daily Target Outputs in Semiconductor Manufacturing

This paper presents a new model for production planning in a high volume fab that uses quarterly commitments to define daily target outputs. Rather than relying on due dates and priority rules to schedule lot starts and move work-in-process through the facility, processing at each step in a route is determined with the objective of minimizing the sum of the deviations between the target outputs and finished goods inventory. The model takes the form of a large-scale linear program that is intractable for planning horizons beyond a few days. To find solutions, we first tried several standard iterative techniques, including Lagrangian relaxation and Benders' decomposition, but each proved ineffective. As a consequence, it was necessary to design a solution methodology that was more tailored to the problem's structure. This involved creating weekly subproblems that were myopic but could be solved to optimality within a few minutes, and then post-processing the results with a decomposition algorithm to fully utilize excess machine time. The heart of the post-processor consists of a rescheduling algorithm and a dispatching heuristic. Extensive testing using data provided by Texas Instruments showed that realistic size instances spanning 4-13 weeks could be solved within a fraction of a day.
CYTOLOGY OF CANDIDA ALBICANS AS INFLUENCED BY DRUGS ACTING ON THE CYTOPLASMIC MEMBRANE

Abstract Gale, Glen R. (Veterans Administration Hospital, Durham, N.C.) Cytology of Candida albicans as influenced by drugs acting on the cytoplasmic membrane. J. Bacteriol. 86:151–157. 1963.—An electron microscopic comparison was made of the cytological responses of Candida albicans to benzalkonium chloride, amphotericin B, and filipin, all of which are thought to exert their primary pharmacological actions on the cytoplasmic membrane of susceptible microorganisms. After 5 to 15 min of exposure to benzalkonium chloride, most of the cytoplasm became less dense, and intact nuclei, mitochondria, or intracytoplasmic membranes were not observed. The remaining dense cytoplasm contained numerous small holes. The polyene antifungal agents, amphotericin B and filipin, caused a reduction in cytoplasmic density, but had no observable effect on nuclei or mitochondria. The intervals before onset of changes induced by the polyene agents correlated with the known time-dependent binding of these drugs by cells, and the decreased electron scattering induced by all three agents was compatible with their known abilities to cause a loss of integrity of the cytoplasmic membrane with resultant leakage of cytoplasmic components. No consistent morphological effect of any of these drugs on the cytoplasmic membrane could be shown.
Micropatterned comet assay enables high throughput and sensitive DNA damage quantification

The single cell gel electrophoresis assay, also known as the comet assay, is a versatile method for measuring many classes of DNA damage, including base damage, abasic sites, single strand breaks and double strand breaks. However, limited throughput and difficulties with reproducibility have limited its utility, particularly for clinical and epidemiological studies. To address these limitations, we created a microarray comet assay. The use of a micrometer scale array of cells increases the number of analysable comets per square centimetre and enables automated imaging and analysis. In addition, the platform is compatible with standard 24- and 96-well plate formats. Here, we have assessed the consistency and sensitivity of the microarray comet assay. We showed that the linear detection range for H2O2-induced DNA damage in human lymphoblastoid cells is between 30 and 100 μM, and that within this range, inter-sample coefficient of variance was between 5 and 10%. Importantly, only 20 comets were required to detect a statistically significant induction of DNA damage for doses within the linear range. We also evaluated sample-to-sample and experiment-to-experiment variation and found that for both conditions, the coefficient of variation was lower than what has been reported for the traditional comet assay. Finally, we also show that the assay can be performed using a 4× objective (rather than the standard 10× objective for the traditional assay). This adjustment combined with the microarray format makes it possible to capture more than 50 analysable comets in a single image, which can then be automatically analysed using in-house software. Overall, throughput is increased more than 100-fold compared to the traditional assay. Together, the results presented here demonstrate key advances in comet assay technology that improve the throughput, sensitivity, and robustness, thus enabling larger scale clinical and epidemiological studies.
Regression to the Mean, Murder Rates, and Shall-Issue Laws

The relationship between state murder rates and the liberalization of conditions under which a citizen can obtain a permit to carry a concealed weapon (shall-issue laws) is controversial and important for policy. Many analyses have been done during the last decade, but regression to the mean has been ignored with the exception of two papers which concluded that it did not matter. We consider state murder rates for 1976–2001 and compare relative murder rate slopes (relative to the U.S. murder rate) for the five years following state adoption of shall-issue laws to the five years preceding for the 25 states becoming shall-issue in 1981–1996. We find strong evidence for regression to the mean. Using both a random and a fixed effects model, we compare analyses ignoring the regression effect via a paired t-test to those controlling for it by conditioning on the pre shall-issue slopes. We find that controlling for regression to the mean changes the sign of the estimated intervention effect on murder rate slopes...
Buffalograss germplasm resistance to Blissus occiduus (Hemiptera: Lygaeidae)

Plant germplasm collections may offer genetic variability useful in identifying insect resistance. The goal of this project was to evaluate buffalograss genotypes [Buchloe dactyloides (Nutt.) Engelm.] for resistance to the chinch bug, Blissus occiduus Barber (Hemiptera: Lygaeidae), and to relate resistance to ploidy level, chinch bug number, and pubescence. Forty-eight buffalograss genotypes from diverse geographic locations were evaluated in replicated studies under greenhouse conditions. Of the genotypes studied, four were highly resistant, 22 were moderately resistant, 19 were moderately susceptible, and three were highly susceptible to chinch bug damage. The mean number of chinch bugs was significantly different among the 48 genotypes. There was no significant correlation between chinch bug resistance and ploidy level or chinch bug resistance and pubescence. These results indicate the genetic source of resistance to chinch bugs exists in buffalograss germplasm. Highly resistant genotypes can be used in breeding programs to further improve buffalograss cultivars.
Spirituality, Culture and the Politics of Environmentalism in India:

Three main themes run through this article. The first theme points out the distinct character of environmental activist movements India. Unlike environmental movements in the West, they are firmly tied to issues of social justice and equity, human rights and women's rights, and are for the survival of the large number of very poor who depend on the resources of their immediate environment. Religious symbolism is embedded in these activist movements. The second theme indicates the practice of utilitarian conservationism as opposed to protectionist conservationism by Hindus in their daily life. The role played by Hindu tradition in such cognitions and behaviours is explored. The third and final theme is the investigation of the causes of large–scale environmental degradation in India. It is argued that environmental pollution is largely a consequence of political, economic and administrative set–ups, population pressures, over–stretched infrastructure, corruption, individual and societal norms, and indiffer...
Axisymmetric finite element analysis for pure moment loading of curved beams and pipe bends

Abstract A curved body is considered, such as a portion of a toroid between two radial planes. The body may be massive or thin-walled, and is loaded on end faces by moments whose vectors are parallel to the axis of revolution. A simple analysis method is described, in which standard finite element interpolations are augmented by a global degree of freedom that is shared by all elements. Thus the problem is mathematically two-dimensional. Numerical results appear to be reasonably accurate.
Management of Restless Legs Syndrome/Willis-Ekbom Disease in Hospitalized and Perioperative Patients

Restless legs syndrome (RLS) is a sensorimotor disorder that can cause significant discomfort, impaired quality of life, poor mood, and disturbed sleep. Because the disorder is chronic and associated with multiple comorbidities, RLS can be seen in an inpatient or perioperative setting. Certain characteristics of the hospitalized or surgical context can exacerbate or unmask RLS. Importantly, RLS and the associated discomfort and insomnia can prolong hospital stay and negatively impact outcomes. RLS medications should be continued during the hospital admission when possible. Avoidance of excessive phlebotomy and medications known to trigger RLS is helpful. Patients should increase activity when acceptable.
Timing of Incarceration During Pregnancy and Birth Outcomes: Exploring Racial Differences

Objectives To examine whether there are racial differences in the relation between the timing of incarceration during pregnancy and birth outcomes among incarcerated pregnant women. Methods We examined the medical records associated with 360 infants born to pregnant inmates in Texas state prisons between January 1, 2002 and December 31, 2004. Weighted linear regression was used, within racial strata, to model gestational age at delivery, and infant birth weight, respectively, as functions of gestational age at maternal admission to prison. Models were adjusted for maternal age; gravidity; educational attainment; history of tobacco, substance, and alcohol use and the presence of any maternal chronic disease. Results Among Whites there was a 360.8 g lower mean birth weight for infants born to women incarcerated during weeks 14–20 relative to infants born to women incarcerated during weeks 1–13 (p < 0.10). Among Blacks and Hispanics, incarceration after the first trimester was not associated with a significant decrease in infant birth weight relative to incarceration during the first trimester. White women entering prison during the first trimester delivered infants at higher gestational ages than White women entering in the second trimester but the opposite was the case for Hispanics. Conclusions The association between the quantity of exposure to prison during pregnancy and birth outcomes appears to be different for Blacks, Whites, and Hispanic women. Future studies of the effect of incarceration on pregnancy outcomes should attempt to uncover potential racial differences in trends by obtaining racially stratified results or by assessing interaction with race.
Mycobacterial genes essential for the pathogen's survival in the host.

Summary Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) has evolved within the human immune system as both host and reservoir. The study of genes required for its growth and persistence in vivo thus offers linked insights into its pathogenicity and host immunity. Studies of Mtb mutants have implicated metabolic adaptation (consisting of carbon, nitrogen, vitamin, and cofactor metabolism), intrabacterial pH homeostasis, and defense against reactive oxygen and reactive nitrogen species, as key determinants of its pathogenicity. However, the mechanisms of host immunity are complex and often combinatorial. Growing evidence has thus begun to reveal that the determinants of Mtb's pathogenicity may serve a broader and more complex array of functions than the isolated experimental settings in which they were initially found. Here, we review select examples, which exemplify this complexity, highlighting the distinct phases of Mtb's life cycle and the diverse microenvironments encountered therein.
A multi-layer plastic packaging technology for miniaturized bio analysis systems containing integrated electrical and mechanical functionality

A multi-layer plastic packaging technology has been developed for microfluidic systems containing electrical and mechanical functionality. Hot embossing and heat staking of plastics, micro stenciling of electrodes, and stereolithography was combined with conventional MEMS fabrication techniques to realize the system. The approach allows for multiple materials of fabrication, provides a solution to integration of electrical functionality throughout the system, and provides an interconnect technology for interfacing fluids and electrical components between the macro and the micro worlds.
Degradation of Carbon Fiber-Reinforced Epoxy Composites by Ultraviolet Radiation and Condensation

The degradation of an IM7/997 carbon fiber-reinforced epoxy exposed to ultraviolet radiation and/or condensation has been characterized. Based on observations of physical and chemical degradation it has been established that these environments operate in a synergistic manner that causes extensive erosion of the epoxy matrix, resulting in a reduction in mechanical properties. Matrix dominated properties are affected the most, with the transverse tensile strength decreasing by 29% after only 1000 h of cyclic exposure to UV radiation and condensation. While, the longitudinal fiber-dominated properties are not affected for the exposure durations investigated, it has been noted that extensive matrix erosion would ultimately limit effective load transfer to the reinforcing fibers and lead to the deterioration of mechanical properties even along the fiber dominated material direction.
Relaxin regulates vascular wall remodeling and passive mechanical properties in mice

Administration of recombinant human relaxin (rhRLX) to conscious rats increases global arterial compliance, and small renal arteries (SRA) isolated from these rats demonstrate increased passive compliance. Here we characterize relaxin-induced vascular remodeling and examine its functional relevance. SRA and external iliac arteries (EIA) were examined in rhRLX-treated (1.0 μg/h for 5 days) and relaxin knockout mice. Arterial geometric remodeling and compositional remodeling were quantified using immunohistochemical and biochemical techniques. Vascular mechanical properties were quantified using an ex vivo preparation wherein pressure-diameter data were obtained at various axial lengths. Compared with vehicle-treated mice, SRA from rhRLX-treated mice showed outward geometric remodeling (increased unstressed wall area and wall-to-lumen area ratio), increased smooth muscle cell (SMC) density, reduction in collagen-to-total protein ratio, and unchanged elastin-to-tissue dry weight ratio. Compared with wild-type mice, relaxin knockout mice exhibited the opposite pattern: decreased unstressed wall area and wall-to-lumen area ratio, decreased SMC density, and increased collagen-to-total protein ratio. Although tissue biaxial strain energy of SRA was not different between rhRLX- and vehicle-treated groups at low-to-physiological circumferential and axial strains, it was lower for the rhRLX-treated group at the highest circumferential strain. In contrast to SRA, relaxin administration was not associated with any vascular remodeling or changes in passive mechanics of EIA. Thus relaxin induces both geometric and compositional remodeling in vessel-specific manner. Relaxin-induced geometric remodeling of SRA is responsible for the increase in passive compliance under low-to-physiological levels of circumferential and axial strains, and compositional remodeling becomes functionally relevant only under high circumferential strain.