cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Hypothalamic protein synthesis essential for the activation of the lordosis reflex in the female rat.

A discontinuous exposure to estradiol (E2) in two l-h segments is sufficient to activate progesterone-facilitated feminine sexual behavior in the rat at 24 h, provided that the second l-h segment of E2 treatment begins not fewer than 4 or more than 13 h after the end of the first segment of E2 treatment (sufficient treatment). In this study, the protein synthesis inhibitor anisomycin (ANI) was used to elucidate the time course of the changes in protein synthesis after sufficient treatment which are essential for the activation of the lordosis reflex in the female rat. If ANI (100/mg kg) was administered 15 min before the first segment, 15 min before the second segment, or between the two 1-h segments of E2 treatment, little or no sexual receptivity was observed at 24 h. However, if ANI was delayed until 2 or 6 h after the end of the second period of E2 treatment (0–1 h and 8–9 h), no significant decrease in the lordosis quotient or lordosis quality score was observed at 24 h. These data indicate that a la...
Overshadowing in the discrimination of successive compound stimuli

Pigeons were trained on a free-operant, go/no-go discrimination in which S+ (variable-interval reinforcement) was a line-color compound produced by rapidly alternating the separate line and color elements on the response key in a 0.8-sec cycle. For Group 1, S− (extinction) was a steady disk of light the same color as the S+ compound, whereas for Group 2 S− was a different color. Group 3 received nondifferential training with S+ only. Subsequently, line-tilt generalization gradients were significantly steeper in Group 1 than in either Group 2 or Group 3. Also, in the test, relative generalization from the line-color compound to the line element alone was significantly greater in Group 1 than in Group 3.
Pontine-wave generator activation-dependent memory processing of avoidance learning involves the dorsal hippocampus in the rat.

The aim of this study was to test the hypothesis that the dorsal hippocampus plays a critical role in pontine-wave (P-wave) generator activation-dependent memory processing of two-way active avoidance (TWAA) learning. To achieve this objective, rats were given small bilateral lesions in the CA1, dentate gyrus (DG), or CA3 region of the dorsal hippocampus by microinjecting ibotenic acid. After recovery, lesioned and sham-lesioned rats were trained on a TWAA learning paradigm, allowed a 6-hr period of undisturbed sleep, and then were tested on the same TWAA paradigm. It was found that lesions in the CA3 region impaired retention of avoidance learning. Conversely, lesions in the CA1 and DG regions had no effect on TWAA learning retention. None of the groups showed any changes in the baseline sleep–wake cycle or in the acquisition of TWAA learning. All rats showed increased rapid eye movement (REM) sleep and increased REM sleep P-wave density during the subsequent 6-hr recording period. Impaired retention in the CA3 group occurred despite an increase in REM sleep and P-wave density, suggesting that during REM sleep, the P-wave generator interacts with the CA3 region of the dorsal hippocampus to aid in consolidation of TWAA learning. The results of the present study thus demonstrate that P-wave generator activation-dependent consolidation of memory requires an intact CA3 subfield of the dorsal hippocampus. The results also provide evidence that under mnemonic pressure, the dorsal hippocampus may not be involved directly in regulating the sleep–wake cycle. © 2005 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Biomolecular membrane protein crystallization.

Integral membrane proteins comprise approximately 30% of the sequenced genomes, and there is an immediate need for their high-resolution structural information. Currently, the most reliable approach to obtain these structures is X-ray crystallography. However, obtaining crystals of membrane proteins that diffract to high resolution appears to be quite challenging, and remains a major obstacle in structural determination. This brief review summarizes a variety of methodologies for use in crystallizing these membrane proteins. Hopefully, by introducing the available methods, techniques, and providing a general understanding of membrane proteins, a rational decision can be made about now to crystallize these complex materials.
Discussion of “Overinvestment of free cash flow”

Richardson’s paper is a useful addition to the literature on the relationship between cash flow and investment. His approach to estimating this relationship is a new twist on earlier approaches. Like most of this literature, Richardson finds evidence that firms’ investment decisions are excessively sensitive to current cash flow, suggesting that violations of the Modigliani–Miller assumptions are empirically important. My view is that conceptual and implementation problems beset Richardson’s attempt to identify the specific violation of the Modigliani–Miller assumptions, and his evidence on this second point is not convincing.
Preventing hereditary cancers caused by opportunistic carcinogens

Previous studies reported inherited BRCA1/2 deficits can cause cancer by impairing normal protective responses. Opportunistic carcinogens can exploit these deficits by causing chronic inflammation, constant cell death and replacement in a mutagenic environment, DNA crosslinking or double strand breaks. Some of the resulting cancers may be prevented if opportunistic carcinogens are identified. The literature was systematically searched for carcinogens capable of exploiting deficits in BRCA1/2 pathways. Search criteria were common exposure, available information, required BRCA1/2 pathway repairs, increased risks for any cancer, and effects on stem cells. Formaldehyde and acetaldehyde are closely related carcinogens and common pollutants that seem everywhere. Alcohol metabolism also produces acetaldehyde. High levels of either carcinogen overwhelm normal detoxification systems, cause inflammation, inhibit DNA repair and produce DNA cross links as critical carcinogenic lesions. Searching model system studies revealed both carcinogens activate stem cells, BRCA1/2 pathways and connected BRCA1/2 pathways to myeloid leukemia. For example, the BRCA1-BARD1 complex is required for proper nucleophosmin functions. Nucleophosmin prevents a major subset of acute myeloid leukemia (AML). Next, these concepts were independently tested against risks for myeloid leukemia. Epidemiologic results showed that BRCA2 gene defects inherited on both chromosomes increased risks so dramatically that AML occurs in most children. Using data from 14 studies, known/potential heterozygous BRCA1/BRCA2 mutations increased risks for myeloid leukemias by at least 3 fold in 7 studies and by at least 50% in 12.Acetaldehyde occurs in breast milk. In model studies, excessive acetaldehyde/alcohol exposure affects estrogen metabolism and stimulates alternate alcohol detoxification pathways. These pathways can also cause DNA cross linking by releasing oxygen species and activating procarcinogens. Acetaldehyde in rats’ drinking water increased incidence of leukemias, lymphomas, pancreatic tumors and fibroadenomas. Six human epidemiologic studies support an association between alcohol related genotype or alcohol consumption and early onset breast cancers, including those in BRCA1/2 mutation carriers. Although it is difficult to prove direct causation, BRCA1/2 mutation carriers may reduce cancer risks by avoiding excessive formaldehyde and acetaldehyde. Broader genetic testing and pharmacologic/nutritional detoxification are possible.
Distribution and Survival of Pseudomonas sp. on Italian Ryegrass and Curly Dock in Georgia.

Abstract Yellow bud, caused by Pseudomonas sp., is an emerging bacterial disease of onion. A polymerase chain reaction assay based on the coronafacate ligase (cfl) and HrpZ genes was used to detect initial suspected bacteria on weeds. Growth on an agar medium, ability to cause a hypersensitive response in tobacco, pathogenicity on onion, and sequence analysis of 16S ribosomal RNA and cfl genes were used to confirm the identity of Pseudomonas sp. recovered from 10 asymptomatic weed species in the Vidalia onion-growing zone (VOZ) of Georgia. Among the weeds identified as epiphytic hosts for Pseudomonas sp., Italian ryegrass (Lolium multiflorum) and curly dock (Rumex crispus) were prominent because ≥73% of the samples from five sample sites were positive for the bacterium. These weeds are commonly found throughout Georgia and, thus, were selected to assess their role in yellow bud epidemiology. Samples of the two weed species were collected from sites along the perimeter of and within the VOZ (n = 5 sites) d...
Discussant Comments on 'Does the Identity of Engagement Partner Matter? An Analysis of Audit Partner Reporting Decisions'

The authors of this provocative study apply commonly used audit quality surrogate measures to a large and unique set of financial and other data on statutory audits of small private companies in Sweden. The paper has received unparalleled attention by the financial press and the PCAOB for its presumed support for regulatory intervention in standards for U.S. public company audits. In this Discussant Comment, I review the paper’s content, analyze its predictive validity, and discuss its multiple implications plus, following Conference instructions, I provide constructive suggestions for improvements. Based on predictive validity analysis, I conclude that engagement partner assignment strategy is an important and acknowledged omitted variable that affects the study’s internal validity via both the independent variable (partner’s prior performance measure) and the dependent variable (borrower’s cost of debt capital). The omission also affects construct validities and, if audit firms are applying a plausible assignment strategy, then interpretation of the study’s main results would be reversed. Finally, the lack of a standards intervention noted by the authors and the extreme size and other differences between audits of Swedish private companies and U.S. public companies impair external validity and generalization to the U.S. intervention. As to improvements, I suggest that the authors (a) ask Swedish lenders to validate their presumed use of partner performance ratings in determining a borrower’s interest rate, and (b) ask Swedish Big four audit firms to provide a few internal partner performance ratings for comparison with the external performance measures used in the study. This two-pronged, multi-method approach might confirm or deny critical assumptions underlying the present study and may substantively inform standards setters, evidence-based standards, and fellow researchers about the validity of commonly applied surrogates for audit quality and the study’s stated conclusion.
Isoform-specific vasoconstriction induced by Apolipoprotein E and modulation of this effect by Alzheimer's β-amyloid peptide

Aβ peptides are thought to be centrally involved in Alzheimer's disease (AD) pathogenesis, although Aβ's pathophysiological mechanisms remain to be elucidated. We previously showed that soluble β-amyloid1–40 (Aβ) and Aβ1–42 exhibit vasoactive properties, and are able to promote vasoconstriction in rat aortae induced by an endogenous vasoconstrictor, endothelin-1. It is well established that the APOE ϵ4 allele confers risk for both familial and sporadic AD, as well as for hypertension. We now report that physiologic amounts (10 nM) of specific human recombinant apoE isoforms are vasoactive (E4>E3, and not E2) in isolated rat aortae. In order to investigate if various apoE isoforms could modulate Aβ vasoactivity, we co-incubated Aβ1–40 with various isoforms of apoE in our tissue bath system. Our results show that, while none of the apoE isoforms are able to affect the maximum constriction induced by Aβ; the APOE E4 isoform synergistically enhances the rate of vasoconstriction induced by Aβ. Our data suggest that apoE may promote hypertension and contribute to AD pathogenesis via enhancement of vasoconstriction, and support a link between hypertension, cerebral amyloid angiopathy and AD.
Correlative coherence analysis: variation from intrinsic and extrinsic sources in competing populations.

Abstract The concept of the correlation between two signals is generalized to the correlative coherence of a set of n signals by introducing a Shannon–Weaver-type measure of the entropy of the normalized eigenvalues of the n -dimensional correlation matrix associated with the set of signals. Properties of this measure are stated for canonical cases. The measure is then used to evaluate which subsets of a particular set of n signals are more or less coherent. This set of signals comprises extrinsic, stochastic resource inputs and the population trajectories obtained from simulations of a discrete time model of competing biological populations driven by these resource inputs. The analysis reveals that, at low levels of competition, the correlative coherence of the combined system of intrinsic population and extrinsic resource variables is relatively low, but increases with increasing variation in the resources. Further, at intermediate and high competition levels, the correlative coherence depends more strongly on competition than entrainment of stochasticity in the extrinsic resource variables. Density dependence has the effect of amplifying variation in noise only when this variation is relatively large. Also, chaotic systems appear to be entrained by sufficiently noisy environmental inputs.
Evaluation of quasi-linear diffusion coefficients for EMIC waves in a multispecies plasma

[1] Quasi-linear velocity-space diffusion coefficients due to L-mode electromagnetic ion cyclotron (EMIC) waves are considered in a multispecies plasma. It is shown, with slight approximations to exact cold plasma theory, that within EMIC pass bands the index of refraction is a monotonically increasing function of frequency. Analytical criteria are then derived which identify ranges of latitude, wavenormal angle, and resonance number consistent with resonance in a prescribed wave population. This leads to computational techniques which allow very efficient calculation of the diffusion coefficients, along the lines previously developed for whistler and ion cyclotron waves in an electron-proton plasma. The techniques are applied to radiation belt electrons at L = 4, for EMIC waves in the hydrogen, helium, and oxygen bands representative of different phases of a magnetic storm. Finally, diffusion coefficients for recovery-phase helium-band EMIC waves are combined with those for typical whistler hiss, resulting in electron precipitation lifetimes substantially less than those due to hiss alone.
Mobile robots with articulated tracks and manipulators: intelligent control and graphical interface for teleoperation

Tracked mobile robots are well suited for operation in uneven and obstacle ridden environments. A great majority of the current research in motion planning and obstacle avoidance however involves either wheeled or legged mobile systems. In our research we have been developing tracked mobile-manipulator systems for applications in hazardous environments. A Simulation, Animation, Visualization and Interactive Control environment has been developed for the design and operation of an integrated robotic manipulator systems. It is characterized by three unique and useful features. (1) Simulation and Visualization of Robot Motion, (2) Virtual and Real World Transformations, and (3) Sensor-based Manipulation and Reactive Obstacle Negotiating Strategies. This paper describes a working system and illustrates the concepts by presenting the simulation, animation and control methodologies for a unique mobile robot with articulated tracks, a manipulator, and sensory modules.
Evaluation of Mechanical Stability of a Commercial Sn88 Silicon Nitride at Intermediate Temperatures

Dynamic fatigue and stress rupture tests in four-point bending were conducted on a commercially available SN88 silicon nitride ceramic at temperatures in the range 700°-1000°C in air. The objective of the present study was to elucidate the failure of SN88 silicon nitride ceramic nozzles arising from a critical crack initiated at the intermediate temperature airfoil region during an engine field test. Results of dynamic fatigue tests indicated that SN88 silicon nitride tested at a stressing rate of 30 MPa/s exhibited little change in characteristic strength at the various test temperatures. However, SN88 silicon nitride exhibited a significant degradation in mechanical strength when tested at 0.003 MPa/s at temperatures indicative of a great susceptibility to slow crack growth, especially at 850°C. SEM and XRD analyses indicated that the mechanical instability of SN88 silicon nitride at intermediate temperatures resulted from the transformation of secondary phase(s) from oxidation. These phase transformations were accompanied by a large volume change, which led to the generation of large local residual tensile stresses. As a result, extensive damage zones were formed, which led to a substantial degradation of mechanical strength and reliability. Microstructural examination of failed SN88 airfoils indicated that a similar damage zone was formed in the regions exposed to intermediate temperatures during engine testing. Consequently, the ultimate failure of these vanes was attributed to the loss in mechanical strength from the damage zone formation.
Using magnetic resonance elastography to assess the dynamic mechanical properties of cartilage

This work explored the feasibility of using Magnetic Resonance Elastography (MRE) technology to enable in vitro quantification of dynamic mechanical behavior of cartilage through its thickness. A customized system for MRE of cartilage was designed to include components for adequate generation and detection of high frequency mechanical shear waves within small and stiff materials. The system included components for mechanical excitation, motion encoding, and imaging of small samples. Limitations in sensitivity to motion encoding of high frequency propagating mechanical waves using a whole body coil (i.e. G max = 2.2 G/cm) required the design of a local gradient coil system to achieve a gain in gradient strength of at least 5 times. The performance of the new system was tested using various cartilage-mimicking phantom materials. MRE of a stiff 5% agar gelatin phantom demonstrated gains in sensitivity to motion encoding of high frequency mechanical waves in cartilage like materials. MRE of fetal bovine cartilage samples yielded a distribution of shear stiffness within the thickness of the cartilage similar to values found in the literature, hence, suggesting the feasibility of using MRE to non-invasively and directly assess the dynamic mechanical properties of cartilage.
Studies on semduramicin and nutritional responses: 2. methionine levels

Three experiments were conducted to determine whether feeding semduramicin at recommended levels would affect the broiler chicken's response to dietary methionine. In Experiment 1, three levels of methionine (0, 0.15, 0.30%) were fed to chicks in battery brooders. In Experiment 2, two levels of protein (18 and 22%) and three levels of methionine (0, 0.15, 0.30%) were fed to chicks in floor pens from 18 to 44 d. In Experiment 3, two methionine supplements were fed during each of the starter (0 and 0.21%, 0 to 18 d) and grower (0 and 0.10%, 18 to 35 d) periods to chicks in floor pens. In all experiments, male commercial broiler chicks were used, and all diets were fed with and without 25 mg/kg diet of semduramicin. The basal diets were based on corn, soybean meal, and poultry oil. In Experiment 1, there was a growth and feed conversion ratio response to methionine supplements, but there was no effect of semduramicin on growth nor any semduramicin by methionine supplement interaction. In Experiment 2, at 44 d, protein and methionine levels both influenced feed conversion ratios, but semduramicin did not. Feeding 22 vs 18% protein increased carcass and breast muscle yields and decreased abdominal fat pad weights. The results of Experiments 2 and 3 were very similar. Overall, the effects of semduramicin on growth and processing parameters were small and not significant, but considerable benefits in performance and carcass parameters could be realized by feeding the higher levels of protein or methionine.
Detecting multifragment disintegration of toroidal and disk-shaped nuclear configurations

Abstract Non-spherical breakup geometries have been predicted for intermediate-energy heavy-ion collisions. Through studying Coulomb trajectories of the outgoing particles, we show that two-body observables of intermediate mass fragments may contain an experimental signature of a non-spherical breakup configuration.
Confucian Ideology and Creativity.

The study examines an important philosophical root for the Chinese notion of creativity, that is, the Confucianism, and concludes that the Confucian ideology has shaped how Chinese have viewed creativity in the past, and may still have a great impact on how contemporary Chinese perceive creativity.
Ca2+ clearance at growth cones produced by crayfish motor axons in an explant culture.

Intracellular free Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]i) plays an important role in the regulation of growth cone (GC) motility; however, the mechanisms responsible for clearing Ca2+ from GCs have not been examined. We studied the Ca2+-clearance mechanisms in GCs produced by crayfish tonic and phasic motor axons by measuring the decay of [Ca2+]i after a high [K+] depolarizing pulse using fura-2AM. Tonic motor axons regenerating in explant cultures develop GCs with more rapid Ca2+ clearance than GCs from phasic axons. When Na/Ca exchange was blocked by replacing external Na+ with N-methyl-d-glucamine (NMG), [Ca2+]i decay was delayed in both tonic and phasic GCs. Tonic GCs appear to have higher Na/Ca exchange activity than phasic ones since reversal of Na/Ca exchange by lowering external Na+ caused a greater increase in [Ca2+]i for tonic than phasic GCs. Application of the mitochondrial inhibitors, Antimycin A1 (1 μM) and CCCP (10 μM), demonstrated that mitochondrial Ca2+ uptake/release was more prominent in phasic ...
Accuracy and precision of dual energy CT imaging for the quantification of tissue fat content

We present the analysis of the accuracy and precision of dual energy material basis decomposition for the quantification of tissue fat content in computed tomography. We compare the benefits of a pre-reconstruction (sinogram-based) dual energy imaging technique versus a post-reconstruction (image) based dual energy decomposition technique using a numerical simulation. A phantom containing plastics of known composition is measured to validate the technique. The accuracy of the image based dual energy decomposition technique is contingent on the amount of beam hardening encountered in the phantom. The accuracy of the pre-reconstruction dual energy technique depends on how accurately the system spectral response can be modeled. In both cases the precision of the dual energy imaging is determined by the photon flux.
Sample-based estimators for the instrinsically multivariate prediction score

Canalizing genes possess broad regulatory power over gene regulatory networks. In a previous publication, the concept of intrinsically multivariate predictive (IMP) genes was introduced and analyzed in the context of stochastic logic models. Furthermore, based on an empirical study of the DUSP gene, a canalizing gene in melanoma, it was hypothesized that canalizing genes possess IMP properties. In this paper, we study the problem of sample-based estimation of a gene IMP score. We study nonparametric IMP score estimators based on resubstitution, leave-one-out, cross-validation, and bootstrap, and introduce a maximum-likelihood IMP score estimator for a many-input stochastic logic model. Assuming a two-input, three-input and four-input stochastic AND model, performance metrics of these estimators are calculated by Monte Carlo sampling. Our results show that the ML IMP score estimator outperforms the other estimators in RMS, under the assumed stochastic logic model. It is followed by the resubstitution IMP score estimator. This indicates that, provided one has information about regulatory relationships in the network, the ML IMP score estimator is the estimator of choice, whereas resubstitution is to be preferred in the absence of prior knowledge.
A Study of the Materials of Pontormo's “Portrait of Alessandro de' Medici”

In studies of the materials of old master paintings, the characterization of thin and degraded layers often presents unusual challenges for routinely used methods of analysis. This paper discusses analyses performed as part of a study of the materials and techniques of Pontormo’s “Portrait of Alessandro de’ Medici” (1534–5) carried out during a recent cleaning and restoration of the painting. Pontormo built up the portrait using a complex sequence of preparation, drawing and paint layers, the analysis of which was complicated further in some areas by the presence of degraded materials on the paint surface. The materials used for the various stages of preparation and painting were characterized by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GCMS), Fourier transform infrared microspectroscopy (FTIR) and scanning electron microscopy with energy dispersive spectroscopy (SEM-EDS). The focus of this paper will be the particular approaches taken to the characterization of the preparation layers and degraded surface materials.
Male Jeffrey pine beetle, Dendroctonus jeffreyi, synthesizes the pheromone component frontalin in anterior midgut tissue

The male Jeffrey pine beetle, Dendroctonus jeffreyi Hopkins (Coleoptera: Scolytidae), produces the bicyclic ketal frontalin as part of a complex semiochemical blend. A key regulated enzyme in the mevalonate pathway, 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-CoA reductase (HMG-R), showed high transcript levels in the anterior midgut of male Jeffrey pine beetles by in situ hybridization. HMG-R expression in this area of the alimentary canal was related to male emergence, where emerged males demonstrated significant up-regulation of HMG-R transcript and pre-emerged males showed only basal levels. Pre-emerged males were induced to express high levels of HMG-R transcript by treatment with juvenile hormone (JH) III. Additionally, isolated anterior midgut tissue from JH III-treated males converted radiolabeled acetate to frontalin, as assayed by radio-HPLC, providing strong evidence that this is the site of frontalin production in male beetles.
Measurement of phase-shift masks

We discuss in this paper the use of the confocal microscope and an interferometric microscope for measurement of phase-shift masks. It is shown that phase measurements are more accurate than intensity measurements for determining the depth and slope of the sides of a notch. Results obtained on an isotropically etched mask, with curved bottom corners, are predicted well by our imaging theory. Solid immersion lens techniques for observing a mask from the flat side are demonstrated.
Development and validation of harmonic wave group single-run procedure for RAO with comparison to regular wave and transient wave group procedures using URANS

Abstract A harmonic wave group single run seakeeping procedure is developed, validated and compared with regular wave and transient wave group procedures, using an unsteady Reynolds averaged Navier–Stokes solver, although all procedures can be also implemented using experiments or potential flow. Incoming waves are generated by linear superposition of potential solution for a number of component waves. The regular wave procedure requires multiple runs, whereas single run procedures obtain the response amplitude operators (RAO) for a range of frequencies at a fixed speed, assuming linear ship response. The transient wave group procedure provides continuous RAO curves, while the harmonic wave group procedure obtains discrete transfer functions without focusing. Results are presented for heave and pitch response amplitudes and phases for the DTMB model 5512 in head waves. Verification and validation studies are performed for the transient wave group procedure. Validation is achieved at the average interval of 9.54 (%D). Comparisons of the procedures show that the harmonic wave group procedure is the most efficient, saving 75.8% on the computational cost compared with the regular wave procedure. Error values from all procedures are similar at 4 (%D). Harmonic wave group results are validated for a wide range of the Froude numbers, with satisfactory results.
Singularity structure of the two-point function in quantum field theory in curved spacetime

In the point-splitting prescription for renormalizing the stress-energy tensor of a scalar field in curved spacetime, it is assumed that the anticommutator expectation valueG(x, x′)=〈o(x)o(x′)+o(x′)o(x)〉 has a singularity of the Hadamard form asx→x′. We prove here that ifG(x,x′) has the Hadamard singularity structure in an open neighborhood of a Cauchy surface, then it does so everywhere, i.e., Cauchy evolution preserves the Hadamard singularity structure. In particular, in a spacetime which is flat below a Cauchy surface, for the “in” vacuum stateG(x,x′) is of the Hadamard form everywhere, and thus the point-splitting prescription in this case has been rigorously shown to give meaningful, finite answers.
Skeletal contribution of cyclic adenosine monophosphate in response to parathyroid hormone and calcitonin in vivo in the rat

Cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) is thought to be a second messenger for the actions of both parathyroid hormone (PTH) and calcitonin (CT). We examined the release of cAMP from rat bone in vivo after administration of synthetic rat PTH-(1-34) (rPTH), synthetic human PTH-(1-34) (hPTH), or synthetic human CT (hCT). Blood from the venous effluent of the femoral bone of rats (bone blood) was drawn at 5 and 10 minutes after the administration of hormones. The cAMP content of the bone blood was then compared to the cAMP content of arterial blood. In both kidney-clamped and non-kidney-clamped rats, hCT led to a significantly greater concentration of cAMP in the bone blood than in the arterial blood. We interpret this to be due to bone production and release of cAMP. Neither hPTH nor rPTH produced a significantly greater amount of cAMP in the bone blood than in arterial blood. These data do not preclude the possibility that there was a production of cAMP within the bone tissue itself after PTH but suggest that there was no release of cAMP from the bone into the bone blood.
Redundant Reactivity Control System

In the event a nuclear power reactor fails to scram when a transient occurs (an Anticipated Transient Without Scram or ATWS event), alternate means of reducing reactivity may prove desirable. Therefore, a Redundant Reactivity Control System (RRCS) was designed to prevent and, if necessary, mitigate the consequences of such an event. This system provides both an alternate method for the insertion of control rods and the means to flood the reactor core with a sodium pentaborate solution. The design includes a redundant pair of electronics cabinets which determine the presence of an ATWS event and, following pre-programmed logic, issue the necessary control initiation signals. In these cabinets, all essential logic and timing functions are implemented through the use of microprocessor based Universal Logic Cards. Other design features include highly modularized construction, microprocessor limit checking of internal power supply and bus voltages, and the switching of ten ampere loads across safety divisional boundaries. In order to provide a high assurance of operability, a microprocessor controlled self-test system is incorporated to continuously check operability of the safety related hardware in each cabinet. This paper describes the requirements for and the design of the Redundant Reactivity Control System (RRCS) cabinets and the cabinet environmental qualification testing performed.
Gene expression profiling provides insights into the pathways involved in inflammatory arthritis development: murine model of Lyme disease.

The spirochete Borrelia burgdorferi, the etiologic agent of Lyme disease, causes severe subacute arthritis in susceptible inbred mouse strains, such as C3H/HeN, but only mild arthritis in resistant strains such as C57BL/6. The degree of Lyme arthritis severity is controlled in part by host genetics and several quantitative trait loci have been identified which contribute to this regulation. In addition, the anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10 assumes an important role in the control of arthritis in C57BL/6 mice. However, the identification of genes and signaling pathways that dictate arthritis severity has remained elusive. In an attempt to elucidate such genes and pathways, the power of microarray analysis was combined with information gleaned from gene manipulation models. As a result of this approach, two novel gene profiles were identified: an IFN-inducible profile in arthritis-susceptible C3H and IL-10−/− mice, and an epidermal/differentiation profile in C57BL/6 mice. Application of this information to TLR2−/− mice, which also develop severe arthritis, indicated that they also upregulated IFN-responsive genes. These results provided new insight into the regulation of Lyme arthritis development and illustrated the utility of combining gene expression analyses with genetically manipulated mouse models in unraveling mechanisms underlying specific disease processes.
The cardiotoxic effects of pressurized aerosol isoproterenol in the dog.

Abstract A pressurized aerosol isoproterenol sulfate was administered through a face mask or through an endotracheal tube to conscious beagle dogs. Tachycardia was elicited by both methods of dosing; however, depression of the ST segment of the EKG and arrhythmia was elicited only by the latter technique. Twenty to 80 sprays given endotracheally at the rate of 5 sprays per minute during inhalation on 2 consecutive days caused EKG changes and focal myocardial necrosis of dose-related severity. The left and right ventricular papillary muscles were the primary sites of the lesion. The presence of induced myocardial necrosis or ACTH pretreatment did not sensitize the heart to isoproterenol. Endotracheal dosing with such a product appears to be a suitable route for the detection of adverse cardiac effects in the dog.
Just How Low are China's Labour Costs?

This paper provides a new perspective on Chinese international competitiveness in manufacturing using relative unit labour costadvantage than that implied by a comparison of wages alone. China’s cost advantage derives from large currency devaluations thas.t preceded the establishment of a de facto peg around 1995, and rapid productivity growth in the period since 1995.We ﬁnd that Chinese unit labour costs are about 25–40 per cent of US labour costs. They are also low relative to costs in the EU, Japan, Mexico, Korea and most other newly industrialising countries. However, China’s relative unit labour costs indicatea substantially smaller cost
Studies of living nerves. III. Phenomena of nerve irritation and recovery, degeneration and repair

The reaction of single internodal segments of myelinated nerve fibers of living frog tadoples have been observed in minute detail, following many varieties of experimental irritation of both acute and chronic types. The changes that characterize nerve irritation bear a marked resemblance to the early changes that characterize tgrophic (wallerian) de generation after nerve section.
Relationship of epithelial membrane potentials to corneal potential.

Abstract The rabbit corneal potential arises as the sum of three steps across the epithelium. These occur across the squamous cell outer membrane, at the transition region between wing and basal cells, and across the basal cell inner membrane. Variations in corneal potential are inversely proportional to outer membrane potential. The latter can be described as the sum of a Goldman-Hodgkin-Katz diffusion potential and a shunt potential. Apparently the central potential step is generated by shunt currents. The potential of the inner membrane can be explained on the basis of potassium permeability and distribution. The proposed origin of the outer membrane potential offers an explanation of responses of corneal potential to silver ions and agents which elevate tissue levels of cyclic AMP.
LE QUATTRO VOLTE, ALL AT ONCE

Michelangelo Frammartino’s Le quattro volte (2010) finds inspiration in the theory, attributed to Greek philosopher Pythagoras, that all beings contain four lives within them: the animal, the human...
Implication of spot position error on plan quality and patient safety in pencil-beam-scanning proton therapy.

Purpose: To quantitatively and systematically assess dosimetric effects induced by spot positioning error as a function of spot spacing (SS) on intensity-modulated proton therapy (IMPT) plan quality and to facilitate evaluation of safety tolerance limits on spot position. Methods: Spot position errors (PE) ranging from 1 to 2 mm were simulated. Simple plans were created on a water phantom, and IMPT plans were calculated on two pediatric patients with a brain tumor of 28 and 3 cc, respectively, using a commercial planning system. For the phantom, a uniform dose was delivered to targets located at different depths from 10 to 20 cm with various field sizes from 22 to 152 cm2. Two nominal spot sizes, 4.0 and 6.6 mm of 1 σ in water at isocenter, were used for treatment planning. The SS ranged from 0.5 σ to 1.5 σ, which is 2–6 mm for the small spot size and 3.3–9.9 mm for the large spot size. Various perturbation scenarios of a single spot error and systematic and random multiple spot errors were studied. To quantify the dosimetric effects, percent dose error (PDE) depth profiles and the value of percent dose error at the maximum dose difference (PDE [ΔDmax]) were used for evaluation. Results: A pair of hot and cold spots was created per spot shift. PDE[ΔDmax] is found to be a complex function of PE, SS, spot size, depth, and global spot distribution that can be well defined in simple models. For volumetric targets, the PDE [ΔDmax] is not noticeably affected by the change of field size or target volume within the studied ranges. In general, reducing SS decreased the dose error. For the facility studied, given a single spot error with a PE of 1.2 mm and for both spot sizes, a SS of 1σ resulted in a 2% maximum dose error; a SS larger than 1.25 σ substantially increased the dose error and its sensitivity to PE. A similar trend was observed in multiple spot errors (both systematic and random errors). Systematic PE can lead to noticeable hot spots along the field edges, which may be near critical structures. However, random PE showed minimal dose error. Conclusions: Dose error dependence for PE was quantitatively and systematically characterized and an analytic tool was built to simulate systematic and random errors for patient-specific IMPT. This information facilitates the determination of facility specific spot position error thresholds.
Fate and kinetics of carfentrazone-ethyl herbicide in California, USA, flooded rice fields

Little is known of the environmental fate of the aryltriazolinone herbicide carfentrazone-ethyl (compound I). Rice field applications of Shark® 40D commercial formulation to duplicate 5.7 m 2 rings (119 g a.i./ha) and 464 m 2 commercial basins (224 g a.i./ha) produced pseudo-first-order half-lives (t 1/2 ) of 6,5 to 11.1 h in water and 37.9 to 174 h in sediment. The rapid dissipation from water was due to its hydrolysis to the chloropropionic acid (compound II), which further degraded to its propionic, cinnamic, and benzoic acids. Compound I degraded similarly in soil, but propionic and cinnamic acid levels were higher. Compound I was only weakly adsorbed, but lateral movement of compound II through soil occurred. Laboratory hydrolysis produced quantitative yields of compound II, t 1/2 values of 131 h at pH 7 and 3.36 h at pH 9, and slow dissipation at pH 5 (43% at 830 h). Ultraviolet (UV) irradiation of compound I in pH 7 buffer gave dissipation rates similar to those in dark controls (t 1/2 113 h vs 128 h), while compound II was comparatively stable to photolysis (t 1/2 765 h) and also did not volatilize from water. Ester hydrolysis followed by off-site movement of the acid (compound II) account for the dissipation of compound 1.
Socio-demographics, activity participation and travel behavior

Abstract This paper describes the development, estimation and interpretation of a model relating socio-demographics, activity participation (time use) and travel behavior. A complex set of interrelationships among the variables of interest is estimated simultaneously using the structural equation modeling methodology, with activity participation (time allocated to a number of activity types) and travel behavior endogenous to the model. The research reported here shows that complex relationships among socio-demographics, activity participation and travel behavior exist and can be captured by the structural equation model structure. Specifically, the results show that we can explain travel behavior better by including activity participation endogenously in the model, than through socio-demographics alone. Furthermore, the results reported here reveal the relationships between in-home and out-of-home activity participation and travel behavior. Lastly, the research shows that by examining the direct, indirect and total effects in the model system, we are able to better capture and understand the relationships among socio-demographics, activity participation and travel behavior. ©
Use of an improvised pneumatic anti-shock garment and a non-pneumatic anti-shock garment to control pelvic blood flow

Pelvic bleeding from trauma and postpartum hemorrhage is often difficult to treat successfully by emergency providers particularly in low resource environments, when hospital presentation is delayed or there is a lack of immediate surgical, anesthesia, and transfusion capabilities. Pneumatic anti-shock garments (PASG) decrease pelvic blood flow and hemorrhage. A tightly fitted neoprene non-pneumatic anti-shock garment (NASG) has been shown to decrease blood loss and improve survival rates from postpartum hemorrhage. The objective of this study was to determine whether blood flow to the pelvis is decreased by use of the NASG or by an improvised PASG. A PASG was made using three bicycle tubes, placing one tube on each leg and one on the lower abdomen/pelvis, wrapping firmly with sheets and inflating the tubes to approximately 3.5 bar (45 psi). A Doppler ultrasound was used to measure distal aortic blood flow in 12 healthy adults at baseline and in both devices. Data were analyzed with one sample and paired t tests. Mean flow was 1.99 l/min at baseline. Mean flow decrease was 1.11 [95% confidence interval (CI): 0.64–1.57, p = 0.0003 for the difference] for the PASG and 0.65 (95% CI: 0.03–1.26, p = 0.04) for the NASG. The PASG decreased blood flow more than the NASG (mean difference: 0.46, 95% CI: 0.02–0.90, p = 0.04). Both devices decreased distal aortic blood flow, but the improvised PASG device decreased it by a larger margin.
Diffusion of innovation in modeling anti-sex trafficking policy adoption

Because sex trafficking is a global phenomenon, the United Nations placed a call to action to its member nations to develop a comprehensive sex trafficking policy. As might be anticipated, variation occurred among nations in developing policy initiatives. The literature points to this variation but little has been published on understanding the underlying components of the variation. In this article, the characteristics of innovators, the environmental context, and the innovation of comprehensive sex trafficking policy, categorized into nodality, authority, organization, and treasure, are conceptualized, using a diffusion of innovations theoretical framework. Additionally, international indices of the Human Development Index, the Gender Disparity Index, and the Gender Empowerment Measurement are operationalized within the proposed diffusion of innovations model for anti-sex trafficking policy adoption.
Maximize user rewards in distributed generation environments using reinforcement learning

In Smart Grid environments, with distributed generation, homes are encouraged to generate power and sell it back to utilities. Time of Use pricing techniques and the introduction of storage devices would greatly influence a user in deciding when to sell back power and how much to sell. Therefore, a study of sequential decision making algorithms that can optimize the total pay off for the user is necessary. In this paper, Reinforcement Learning is used to solve this optimization problem. The problem of determining when to sell back power is formulated as a Markov decision process and a near optimal strategy is chosen using policy iteration. The results show a significant increase of total rewards from selling back power with the proposed approach.
Detection of bladder cancer using novel DNA methylation biomarkers in urine sediments.

Background: Bladder cancer (BCa) remains a lethal malignancy that can be cured if detected early. DNA hypermethylation is a common epigenetic abnormality in cancer that may serve as a marker of disease activity. Methods: We selected 10 novel candidate genes from the most frequently hypermethylated genes detected by DNA microarray and bisulfite pyrosequencing of bladder cancers and applied them to detect bladder cancer in urine sediments. We analyzed DNA methylation in the candidate genes by quantitative methylation-specific real-time PCR (qMSP) to detect bladder cancer in urine sediments from 128 bladder cancer patients and 110 age-matched control subjects. Results: Based on a multigene predictive model, we discovered 6 methylation markers ( MYO3A, CA10, SOX11, NKX6-2, PENK , and DBC1 ) as most promising for detecting bladder cancer. A panel of 4 genes ( MYO3A, CA10, NKX6-2 , and DBC1 or SOX11 ) had 81% sensitivity and 97% specificity, whereas a panel of 5 genes ( MYO3A, CA10, NKX6-2, DBC1 , and SOX11 or PENK ) had 85% sensitivity and 95% specificity for detection of bladder cancer (area under curve = 0.939). By analyzing the data by cancer invasiveness, detection rate was 47 of 58 (81%) in non-muscle invasive tumors (pTa, Tis, and pT1) and 62 of 70 (90%) in muscle invasive tumors (T2, T3, and T4). Conclusions: This biomarker panel analyzed by qMSP may help the early detection of bladder tumors in urine sediments with high accuracy. Impact: The panel of biomarker deserves validation in a large well-controlled prospectively collected sample set. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev; 20(7); 1483–91. ©2011 AACR .
Troubleshooting Molecular Phylogenetic Analyses

▪ Abstract The number, size, and scope of phylogenetic analyses using molecular data has increased steadily in recent years. This has simultaneously led to a dramatic improvement in our understanding of phylogenetic relationships and a better appreciation for an array of methodological problems that continue to hinder progress in phylogenetic studies of certain data sets and/or particular parts of the tree of life. This review focuses on several persistent problems, including rooting, conflict among data sets, weak support in trees, strong but evidently incorrect support, and the computational issues arising when methods are applied to the large data sets that are becoming increasingly commonplace. We frame each of these issues as a specific problem to be overcome, review the relevant theoretical and empirical literature, and suggest solutions, or at least strategies, for further investigation of the issues involved.
Graph Bisection Algorithins With Good Average Case Behavior

We describe a polynomial time algorithm that, for every input graph, either outputs the minimum bisection of the graph or halts without output. More importantly, we show that the algorithm chooses the former course with high probability for many natural classes of graphs. In particular, for every fixed d⩾3, all suffciently large n and all b = o(n1-(1/[(d+1)/2]), the algorithm finds the minimum bisection for almost all d-regular labelled simple graphs with 2n nodes and bisection width b.