cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
New concepts of the neuroendocrine regulation of gonadotropin surges in rats.

In species that ovulate spontaneously, two key events mediate the stimulation of preovulatory gonadotropin surges: 1) neurosecretion of a preovulatory LHRH surge and 2) an acute increase in responsiveness of the pituitary gland to the LHRH neurosecretory trigger. These processes, in turn, depend upon both the positive feedback actions of preovulatory estrogen secretions and specific neural signals for initiation of the surge. In female rats, the neural signals for the surge are principally derived from the 24-h neural clock, thereby limiting the timing of surges to the afternoon of proestrus. It remains unclear, however, how neural signals converge with endocrine signals (estrogen) in specific brain cells and how their cellular integration leads to appropriate secretion of gonadotropin surges. Previous work has suggested that estrogen may exert its facilitatory actions by opening a neural gate, thereby allowing transmission of the daily neural signal to surge-initiating neuronal groups. How may estrogen act to render a neural pathway patent? A conventional view holds that steroid hormones can exert permissive effects on signaling efficacy by modulating neurotransmitter receptor expression, intracellular second messenger production, and protein kinase activity. However, recent evidence has suggested that estrogen may also have the capacity to permit cross-talk between neurotransmitter signaling pathways and parallel transcriptional regulatory pathways. The progesterone receptor is an estrogen-inducible transcription factor that has been shown to be transactivated-even in the absence of its cognate ligand-after stimulation of neurotransmitter receptors coupled to adenylate cyclase stimulation. Thus, the convergence of neural and endocrine signals for the stimulation of gonadotropin surges could occur at the level of the progesterone receptor: estrogen may stimulate expression of progesterone receptors, which in turn may be initially transactivated by synaptic signals. Activated progesterone receptors may thereafter regulate transcription of target genes that control transmitter synthesis and release in neural circuitries governing LHRH gene expression and/or pulsatile LHRH release. An analogous mechanism may operate in pituitary gonadotrophs, in which ligand-independent transactivation of progesterone receptors mediates integration of neurosecretory and estrogen positive feedback signals, leading to increased pituitary responsiveness to LHRH. It is proposed that the seeding of specific neuronal groups and pituitary gonadotrophs with progesterone receptors, and perhaps other inducible transcription factors, comprises an important basis of estrogen's permissive role in the stimulation of gonadotropin surges. The validity of this integrative model remains to be confirmed, as does its possible importance in generating gonadotropin surges in other species.
Dark matter from baryon asymmetry

The measured densities of dark and baryonic matter are surprisingly close to each other, even though the baryon asymmetry and the dark matter are usually explained by unrelated mechanisms. We consider a scenario where the dark matter $S$ is produced nonthermally from the decay of a messenger particle $X$, which carries the baryon number and compensates for the baryon asymmetry in the Universe, thereby establishing a connection between the baryonic and dark matter densities. We propose a simple model to realize this scenario, adding only a light singlet fermion $S$ and a colored particle $X$ which could have a mass in the $\mathcal{O}$(TeV) range and a lifetime to appear long-lived in collider detector. Therefore in hadron colliders the signal is similar to that of a stable or long-lived gluino in supersymmetric models.
Effects of Agricultural, Industrial, and Recreational Expansion on Frequency of Wildlife Law Violations in the Central Rocky Mountains, USA

: As human populations expand into previously unoccupied habitats, conflicts with wild vertebrate species are inevitable. On the basis of literature concerning human attitudes toward nature, we hypothesized that the intensity of conflicts and impacts would vary with the type of land use expansion. We tested our hypothesis by examining data on socioeconomic profiles of discrete expanding human populations in relation to the frequency of wildlife law violations in the central Rocky Mountains of the United States. We estimated possible human-related effects by comparing rates of wildlife law violations among populations varying in growth rates and socioeconomic status over an eleven-year period 1969–1980. We found that agrarian-based population centers had fewer violations per capita than areas with industrial-based (petroleum development) boom towns. Recreation-oriented (ski) boom towns had the lowest number of violations during periods of the most rapid growth. While the relationship between wildlife law violations and actual impact on animal population sizes remains unknown, our findings underscore the necessity of a priori recognition and planning by government and private agencies to combat potential harmful effects when expanding human population centers are likely to be characterized by immigrants with a low regard for wild species. Resumen: A medida que las poblaciones humanus se expanden hacia habits previamente no ocupados, conflictos con la fauna vertebrada son inevitables Basados en la literatura sobre las actitudes humanas con respecto a la naturaleza, se propone la hipotesis de que la intensidad de los conflictos e impactos variarian con el tipo de uso de la tiara usado en la expansion. Esta hipotesis fue probada examinado datos de perfiles socioeconomicos de poblaciones discretas que se estan expandido en las Rocky Mountains de los Estados Unidos, con relacion a la frecuencia con que la ley de vidu silvestre es violada Posibles efectos humanos fueron estimados mediante la comparacion de la proporcion de violaciones en poblaciones que difieren en su tasa de crecimiento y su condicion socioeconomica durante un periodo de 11 anos, 1969–1980. En particular, centros poblados basados en la agricultura tuvieron menos violaciones per capita que areas con ciududes de crecimiento explosivo basado en industrias (desamllo pertrolero). Las ciudades de crecimiento explosivo basado en la recreacion (esquiar) tuvieron el numero mas bajo de violaciones durante el periodo de crecimiento maS rapido, Mientras que la relacion entre las violaciones y el impacto real en el tamno de las pobla-ciones animales es desconocedo, nuestros hallazgos recalcan la necesidad de un reconocimiento y planificacion previa por entitades gubernamentales y priuadas para combater efectos daninos potenciales cuando centros poblarios expan-didos pueden caracterizarsepor immigrantes con niveles bajos de respeto por las especies silvestres.
Spatiotemporal variation of event related N2O and CH4 emissions during fertigation in a California almond orchard

Nitrogen fertilizer applied to soil is the primary source of the greenhouse gas (GHG) nitrous oxide (N2O). The assessment of N2O emissions, or net fluxes of the GHG methane (CH4), are lacking for upland, arid agricultural ecosystems worldwide. In California, where rates of application for nitrogen (N) can exceed 300 kg per hectare for N-intensive fruit and nut crops (>2 million acres), liquid N fertilizers applied through microirrigation systems (fertigation) represent the predominant method of N fertilization. Little information is available for how these concentrated and spatially discrete N solution applications influence N2O emissions and net CH4 fluxes (the sum of methanogenic and methanotrophic activity). In this study we examined soil N2O-N emissions and net CH4 fluxes for drip and stationary microsprinklers, two of the most widely used fertigation emitters, in an almond orchard where 235.5 kg N/ha were applied during the season of measurement (2009–2010). We accomplished this by modeling the spatial patterns of N2O and CH4 at the scale of meters and centimeters using simple mathematical approaches. For two applications of 33.6 kg/ha and three applications of 56.1 kg/ha targeted to the phenologic stages with highest tree N demand, the spatial patterns of N2O fluxes were similar to the emitter water distribution pattern and independent of temperature and fertilizer N form applied. Net CH4 fluxes were extremely low and there was no discernible spatial pattern, but areas kept dry (driveways between tree rows) generally consumed CH4 while it was produced in the microirrigation wet-up area. The N2O-N emissions for fertigation events at the scale of days, and over a season, were significantly higher from the drip irrigated orchard (1.6 ± 0.7 kg N2O-N ha−1yr−1) than a microsprinkler irrigated orchard (0.6 ± 0.3 kg N2O-N ha−1 yr−1). N2O emissions and net CH4 fluxes were only significantly correlated with soil water filled pore space and not with mineral-N. The correlation was much better for N2O emissions. Our results greatly improve our ability to scale N2O production to the orchard level, and provide growers with a tool for lowering almond orchard carbon and nitrogen footprints.
DS‐CDMA outage performance over a mobile satellite channel

A DS CDMA satellite uplink with power control error is considered. CDMA system performance is normally interference limited, and, in an additive, white, Gaussian noise channel, with many users, sufficient processing gain, and effective power control, individual users typically experience the average performance over all users. In this case, the other users appear as the equivalent of additional Gaussian noise and each user experiences the same environment. An alternative measure of performance under fading conditions is the probability of outage. For coded signals, the fading must be averaged over all the symbols in the code word. For properly interleaved signals and i.i.d. Rayleigh fade statistics, the average must be performed over a chi-squared variate. The probability of outage, defined as the probability that the decoded bit error rate exceeds a specified threshold, is monotonic with the probability that the chi-squared variate is less than a specified threshold. We derive upper and lower bounds on the outage probability for soft decision decoding.
Single-wall carbon nanotubes as attractive toughening agents in alumina-based nanocomposites

The extraordinary mechanical, thermal and electrical properties of carbon nanotubes have prompted intense research into a wide range of applications in structural materials, electronics, chemical processing and energy management. Attempts have been made to develop advanced engineering materials with improved or novel properties through the incorporation of carbon nanotubes in selected matrices (polymers, metals and ceramics). But the use of carbon nanotubes to reinforce ceramic composites has not been very successful; for example, in alumina-based systems only a 24% increase in toughness has been obtained so far. Here we demonstrate their potential use in reinforcing nanocrystalline ceramics. We have fabricated fully dense nanocomposites of single-wall carbon nanotubes with nanocrystalline alumina (Al2O3) matrix at sintering temperatures as low as 1,150 degrees C by spark-plasma sintering. A fracture toughness of 9.7 MPa m 1/2, nearly three times that of pure nanocrystalline alumina, can be achieved.
A low-stress restraint procedure for EEG acquisition in awake rats

A restraint procedure was developed to reduce movement-related artifacts during the acquisition of EEG data from unanesthetized, unparalyzed rats. It combines the low-stress properties of a cloth restraint bag with the improved immobility of a rigid restraint device. The spontaneous behavior of the rat facilitates both the induction of and the subsequent release from restraint.
Rugged hermaphroditic single-terminus connector

A rugged simplex hermaphroditic connector has been developed for use in tactical fiber-optic applications such as radar and radio remoting, and various robotic systems. The single-terminus connector is intended for use wherever bi-directional transmission is required. It was designed to operate while meeting severe environmental and mechanical conditions experienced in the field. Both multimode and single-mode designs of the connector have been developed. Connectors have insertion loss of less than 1 dB when installed on either 50/125 pm multimode fiber or single-mode fiber. In addition to low loss and ruggedness, connector design features include cable retention hardware which requires neither special tools nor adhesives, waterproofing seals, and ease of cleaning without special kits. The connector was designed to accommodate existing tactical cables whose diameters range from 2.5 to 4.0 mm, and is capable of withstanding tensile loads up to 1335 newtons. Operating temperature range is from -46°C to 71°C; storage temperature extremes are -57°C and 85°C. The new connector is small, being only 1.4 cm in diameter and 8.6 cm long, including bend limiter. It weights less than 30 gm. A complementary bulkhead receptacle is equally rugged and may be mounted on panels up to 6.4 mm thick. EMI shielding has been incorporated in the unit.
DIGITAL HEMODYNAMICS IN THE NORMOTENSIVE AND HYPERTENSIVE STATES. I. DIGITAL MEAN ARTERIAL AND VENOUS PRESSURES, BLOOD FLOW, AND VASCULAR RESISTANCE.

Rheoplethysmographic studies were conducted to evaluate the digital hemodynamics of the hypertensive state. It is concluded that digital blood flow is similar in normal and hypertensive subjects; digital mean arterial pressures and calculated vascular resistances were significantly elevated in the hypertensive as compared to the normal subject; there is a small but definite increase in digital venous pressure in the hypertensive state; and the digital vasculature and in particular the arteriovenous shunts are otherwise similar in both the normal and the hypertensive subject.
The Record of Global Economic Development . By Eric Jones. Northampton, MA: Edward Elgar, 2000. Pp. xviii, 226.

For those taken in by the title of this book (as I was, in agreeing to review it) this volume will be a disappointment. It turns out to be a collection of lectures which, as the author tells us, â€œreflects the development of my interests in recent years, involving themes such as the rise of East Asia, Protectionism, and cultural, institutional, and structural changes [mldr ] all informed by my original professional perspective as an economic historianâ€ (p. xvi).
The dependence of FMD% on baseline diameter: a problem solved by allometric scaling - no problem in this case.

We recently published an original research article in Clinical Science reporting that the age-associated impairment in brachial artery FMD (flow-mediated dilation), a non-invasive measure of conduit artery endothelial function, was exacerbated in MA/O (middle-aged and older) adults with IFG (impaired fasting plasma glucose) concentrations, but this was not observed in MA/O adults with IFG who perform regular aerobic exercise [1]. This paper was the latest report in an extensive series of studies performed by our laboratory over the last decade investigating the effects of aging on vascular endothelial function in humans, the modulatory influences involved and the underlying mechanisms [2]. Several of the articles in this series have reported results on brachial artery FMD among different groups of young and MA/O healthy adults, as was the case in the present study [1]. After the publication of our paper [1], Professor Atkinson in his Correspondence to the Journal has suggested that a statistical issue … We recently published an original research article in Clinical Science reporting that the age-associated impairment in brachial artery FMD (flow-mediated dilation), a non-invasive measure of conduit artery endothelial function, was exacerbated in MA/O (middle-aged and older) adults with IFG (impaired fasting plasma glucose) concentrations, but this was not observed in MA/O adults with IFG who perform regular aerobic exercise [1]. This paper was the latest report in an extensive series of studies performed by our laboratory over the last decade investigating the effects of aging on vascular endothelial function in humans, the modulatory influences involved and the underlying mechanisms [2]. Several of the articles in this series have reported results on brachial artery FMD among different groups of young and MA/O healthy adults, as was the case in the present study [1]. After the publication of our paper [1], Professor Atkinson in his Correspondence to the Journal has suggested that a statistical issue …
Cell migration through extracellular matrix: membrane-type metalloproteinases make the way.

Every so often, a paper comes along that brings clarity to an issue. Clarity is not necessarily a final resolution, but rather a conceptual framework for productively addressing that issue. Such a paper could be based on a breakthrough discovery, an intriguing observation, a flash of intuition, or a
Catalysis in Energy Generation and Conversion: How Insight Into Nanostructure, Composition, and Electronic Structure Leads to Better Catalysts (Perspective)

Catalysts are essential for the generation of energy carriers like hydrocarbon fuels, hydrogen, and electrical current. The performance of catalysts can be related to their nanostructure (i.e., size and shape) and composition. To rationally design catalysts by tuning these properties, they should be measured in a meaningful way using surface-sensitive spectroscopic tools under reaction conditions. In this perspective, we provide case histories of recently published research aimed at understanding these properties using a spectroscopic strategy under reaction conditions. We limit this perspective to studies whose main focus was to understand how the nanostructure and composition impact the active phase and/or efficiency of catalysts for the generation and conversion of energy carriers. We discuss studies of a Pd/Ga2O3 catalyst for the generation of hydrogen fuel from methanol and water, a PtMo catalyst for the generation of hydrogen fuel from biomass and water, Pt/Rh catalysts for the conversion of hydrogen into electrical current, a CeO x catalyst for the conversion of hydrogen into electrical current, and Fe and Co/CoPt catalysts for the generation of hydrocarbon fuel from carbon monoxide and hydrogen. Each study emphasizes how the use of spectroscopic tools under reactive conditions is beneficial for making rational decisions for improving catalysts. The studies demonstrate how different synthesis methods dictate the nanostructure and distribution of alloy components in the catalyst, certain pretreatment conditions create the active surface phase, while reactions and post-treatments can destroy it, and the nanostructure and composition change the electronic structure and alter the selectivity and activity.
A LONGITUDINAL EXAMINATION OF RATER AND RATEE EFFECTS IN PERFORMANCE RATINGS

The consistency and loci of leniency, halo, and range restriction effects in performance ratings were investigated in a longitudinal study. Ratings were provided by approximately 90 supervisors in a metropolitan police department, who rated approximately 350 police-rank subordinates on five occasions over a three and one-half year period. Rating effects were computed separately as rater-and ratee-based statistics, and intercorrelated among the five rating periods. The nature of the data set made it possible to hold either raters or ratees constant for each analysis, thus permitting inferences regarding the sources of reliable variance in effects as due to raters or ratees. It was concluded that reliable variance in mean ratings is partly attributable to ratees, but mainly introduced by raters. Reliable halo variance is attributable to raters, and range restriction is a product of stable group performance variability within intact ratee groups. Implications of these results for future rating process research are discussed.
Bereavement and Anxiety

Bereavement, one of life's most difficult experiences, usually triggers acute grief with yearning and longing for the deceased person that is often intense and preoccupying, along with frequent thoughts and memories of the person who died and relatively little interest in anything unrelated to the deceased loved one. Anxiety is a very common feature of grief that is often neglected. Anxiety is a natural response of the attachment system to separation from a loved one, seen in adults as well as children. Confrontation with one's own death is also a natural trigger of anxiety, though we usually protect ourselves from mortality salience using terror management strategies related to cultural values and self-esteem. In addition, loss of a loved one can trigger the onset of a DSM-IV anxiety disorder that, when present, can derail the mourning process and prolong acute grief. Bereavement-related anxiety disorders need to be recognized and treated.
Water vapor-nitrogen absorption at CO(2) laser frequencies.

In this paper we report the results of a series of pressure-broadened water vapor absorption measurements at 27 CO2 laser frequencies between 935 cm−1 and 1082 cm−1. Both multiple traversal cell and optoacoustic (spectrophone) techniques were utilized together with an electronically stabilized cw CO2 laser. Comparison of the results obtained by these two methods shows remarkable agreement, indicating a precision which has not been previously achieved in pressure-broadened studies of water vapor. The data of 10.59 μm substantiate the existence of the large (>200) self-broadening coefficients determined in an earlier study by McCoy. In this work we have treated the case of water vapor in N2 at a total pressure of 1 atm. We have also studied water vapor in air and will report those results separately.
Surgical injury of the cord and its roots.

Fifty-two patients sustained spinal cord, nerve root or combined injury following treatment conducted primarily by neurological and orthopaedic surgeons. Most patients did not receive the benefit of appropriate conservative treatment. Correct diagnosis was usually not arrived at even though diagnostic studies were performed sufficiently well to permit such diagnosis. Surgical treatment fell below standard in 86 per cent of the cases in which the issue of adequacy was relevant. Post-operative care was also generally inadequate. The surgeons often failed to detect, diagnose, or reoperate promptly and properly for post-operative paralysis. These adverse results were not related to isolated surgical mishaps, to natural course of the disease, or to the inevitable result of treatment. They stem from a general failure of the surgeon to meet his reponsibilities as a practitioner. There are both medical and social implications of this finding.
Ornithine decarboxylase activity and edema formation in cerebral ischemia of conscious gerbils

General anesthetic agents often affect the biochemical and physiologic changes triggered by cerebral ischemia. This study examined the regional activities of ornithine decarboxylase (ODC) in gerbils subjected to 5 min of bilateral carotid occlusion without anesthesia. At 2, 4, and 6 h of reperfusion, significant ODC activity was observed in both the cortex and the hippocampus. Pretreatment with alpha-difluoromethylornithine (DFMO) significantly blocked the ODC activity at 2, 4, and 6 h. Significant edema formation was found at 2, 4, and 6 h. At 2 h, edema formation was unaffected by administration of DFMO. However, DFMO treatment reduced later edema formation at 4 and 6 h. These results demonstrate that ODC activity and edema formation are delayed in gerbils after the induction of transient ischemia even with the removal of anesthetic agents and their potentially protective effects. These findings suggest that ODC activity and its induction of delayed cerebral edema are specific to cerebral ischemia and not to an anesthetic effect. DFMO treatment reduced both the ODC activity and edema formation, indicating a role for polyamines in postischemic edema formation.
Analysis of misperceived observer motion during simulated eye rotations

In experiments testing the accuracy of human heading judgments, subjects often misperceive their motion when viewing a display that simulates motion along a straight line path accompanied by an eye movement. Rather than perceiving motion on a straight line, observers often reported that they seemed to be moving along a curved path. This paper presents a mathematical basis for this curved path perception, and shows how this perception can be related to the responses of subjects in heading experiments.
Optic disc structure and shock-induced anterior ischemic optic neuropathy.

Abstract Purpose To describe a patient who developed unilateral shock-induced anterior ischemic optic neuropathy (SIAION) after gastrointestinal hemorrhage followed by presumed idiopathic nonarteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy (NAION) in the fellow eye. Design Retrospective, observational case report and literature review. Methods The case history of an 80-year-old man who developed SIAION, followed by NAION in the fellow eye, was reviewed. All previously reported cases of SIAION were reviewed. Main outcome measures Neuro-ophthalmic examination, including visual acuity, funduscopy, and automated perimetry. Results An 80-year-old man, with a history of gastrointestinal bleeding from a duodenal ulcer, was hospitalized and received four units of packed red blood cells after he was found to be severely anemic (hemoglobin 6.7 g/dl). Three days later he complained of loss of vision of the right eye. Neuro-ophthalmic examination 2 weeks later disclosed a visual acuity of counting fingers at 6 inches in the right eye and 20/40 in the left eye, with a right relative afferent pupillary defect and a superior altitudinal visual field defect. Funduscopy revealed optic disc edema with a temporal parapapillary hemorrhage in the right eye and a small optic disc, with no cup, in the left eye. A diagnosis of SIAION secondary to anemia was made. Six weeks later he developed a new inferior altitudinal visual field defect in the left eye and diffuse optic disc swelling. He had no signs or symptoms of giant cell arteritis or polymyalgia rheumatica, his hemoglobin at this time was 11.9 g/dl, and the Westergren erythrocyte sedimentation rate was 6 mm/hour. Conclusions Our patient developed optic disc swelling of the right eye after an episode of gastrointestinal hemorrhage (SIAION). The disc swelling in the left eye occurred 8 weeks later, when his hemoglobin had increased to 11.9 g/dl. The timing of the ischemic optic neuropathies suggests that the acute anemia led to involvement of the first but not the second eye. The configuration of the optic disc may have predisposed not only to the second event (NAION) but also to the first episode (SIAION).
Consequences of hypogastric artery ligation, embolization, or coverage

Objective Interruption of the hypogastric artery by ligation, embolization, or coverage frequently results in ischemic complications. The aim of this study was to compare the rate and risk factors for the development of ischemic complications after interruption of the hypogastric artery in obstetrics and gynecology (OBG), vascular surgery, oncology, and trauma patients. Methods MEDLINE, Ovid, and Scopus were searched for articles containing data of patients who underwent interruption of the hypogastric artery. Based on the indication, details of the procedure, and complications developed, data were categorized and a systematic review was done to evaluate any significant differences. Results A total of 394 patients (median age, 48.5 years) from 124 papers were included in the study; 31% of the study population was male and 69% was female. Indication for interruption was OBG related in 53.3%, vascular surgery related in 25.1%, oncology related in 17.5%, and trauma related in 4.1% of patients. Overall ischemic complication rate was 22.6%, comprising buttock claudication in 12.2%, buttock necrosis in 4.8%, erectile dysfunction in 2.7%, spinal cord ischemia in 4.0%, colonic ischemia in 2.5%, and bladder necrosis in 0.8%. Complications were fewer in patients younger than the median age of 48.5 years (12.8%) compared with those older than the median age (36.3%; P P P P P P > .05). Similarly, no significant difference in complication rate was seen with the type of embolization material used. Among OBG patients, ligations resulted in fewer complications compared with embolization (4.1% vs 16.7%; P P P = .01). No significant differences in outcome were seen with regard to gender, laterality, and material used for embolization when patients were compared within each specialty. Conclusions Interruption of the hypogastric artery is relatively safe in young and OBG patients compared with vascular surgery and oncology patients. Ligation of the hypogastric arteries is preferred to embolization, and proximal embolization should be preferred to distal embolization to decrease the risk of ischemic complications. Randomized controlled trials with larger sample size are needed to definitively elucidate clear risk factors for development of complications after hypogastric artery interruption.
Transmission line equivalent circuits for 2-D active grid antenna arrays

Two-dimensional active grid arrays are being investigated for the submillimeter frequency range. The quasioptical Josephson oscillator is a large 2-D array of active antennas. Each active antenna consists of an active device integrated with a short antenna. For the active device, the Josephson function is used. Because of the extremely small power output of the single oscillator ( approximately nW), a large array of active antennas needs to be employed. The power radiated from each active antenna is quasioptically combined using the Fabry-Perot type cavity to give useful power levels. The arrays are designed for baseband operation, i.e. for the broad frequency range below the first array resonance. Several grid arrays have been measured and characterized. Of the four arrays considered, the slot array has the smallest input impedance and the dipole array has the highest. The bow-tie array represents the best combination of the wide baseband operating range and moderate driving point impedance. >
Fibrodysplasia ossificans progressiva: mechanisms and models of skeletal metamorphosis.

Fibrodysplasia ossificans progressiva (FOP; MIM #135100) is a debilitating genetic disorder of connective tissue metamorphosis. It is characterized by malformation of the great (big) toes during embryonic skeletal development and by progressive heterotopic endochondral ossification (HEO) postnatally, which leads to the formation of a second skeleton of heterotopic bone. Individuals with these classic clinical features of FOP have the identical heterozygous activating mutation (c.617G>A; R206H) in the gene encoding ACVR1 (also known as ALK2), a bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) type I receptor. Disease activity caused by this ACVR1 mutation also depends on altered cell and tissue physiology that can be best understood in the context of a high-fidelity animal model. Recently, we developed such a knock-in mouse model for FOP (Acvr1R206H/+) that recapitulates the human disease, and provides a valuable new tool for testing and developing effective therapies. The FOP knock-in mouse and other models in Drosophila, zebrafish, chickens and mice provide an arsenal of tools for understanding BMP signaling and addressing outstanding questions of disease mechanisms that are relevant not only to FOP but also to a wide variety of disorders associated with regenerative medicine and tissue metamorphosis.
Quantification and analysis of ecdysis in the hornworm, Manduca sexta , using machine vision–based tracking

We have developed a machine vision–based method for automatically tracking deformations in the body wall to monitor ecdysis behaviors in the hornworm, Manduca sexta. The method utilizes naturally occurring features on the animal’s body (spiracles) and is highly accurate (>95 % success in tracking). Moreover, it is robust to unanticipated changes in the animal’s position and in lighting, and in the event tracking of specific features is lost, tracking can be reestablished within a few cycles without input from the user. We have paired our tracking technique with electromyography and have also compared our in vivo results to fictive motor patterns recorded from isolated nerve cords. We found no major difference in the cycle periods of contractions during naturally occurring ecdysis compared to ecdysis initiated prematurely through injection of the peptide ecdysis-triggering hormone, and we confirmed that the ecdysis period in vivo is statistically similar to that of the fictive motor pattern.
A Review of “Parking Reform Made Easy”

Richard Willson has spent decades fighting Southern California's parking wars. Simultaneously wearing the hats of professor, planner, and consultant, Willson has helped—or at least tried to help—ci...
Computerized procedures for nuclear power plants: evaluation of the computerized procedures manual (COPMA-II)

Computerized procedures have been suggested as a mechanism for aiding the performance of reactor operators. The Computerized Procedure Manual (COPMA-II) is a computerized procedure system that provides advanced features so as to allow reactor operators to track their progress through several parallel sets of procedures, and provides automatic monitoring and feedback. The effectiveness of COPMA-II will be evaluated at the Scaled Pressurized Water Reactor Facility (SPWRF) at North Carolina State University. Licensed reactor operators will operate the scaled facility using either COPMA-II or traditional hard-copy procedures. The environment provided by the SPWRF for evaluation of advanced operator aids in a realistic but safe environment is described. >
Effect of Small Molecule Modification on Single Cell Pharmacokinetics of PARP Inhibitors

The heterogeneous delivery of drugs in tumors is an established process contributing to variability in treatment outcome. Despite the general acceptance of variable delivery, the study of the underlying causes is challenging given the complex tumor microenvironment including intra- and inter-tumor heterogeneity. The difficulty in studying this distribution is even more significant for small molecule drugs where radiolabeled compounds or mass spectrometry detection lack the spatial and temporal resolution required to quantify the kinetics of drug distribution in vivo. In this work, we take advantage of the synthesis of fluorescent drug conjugates that retain their target binding but are designed with different physiochemical and thus pharmacokinetic properties. Using these probes, we followed the drug distribution in cell culture and tumor xenografts with temporal resolution of seconds and subcellular spatial resolution. These measurements, including in vivo permeability of small molecule drugs, can be used directly in predictive pharmacokinetic models for the design of therapeutics and companion imaging agents as demonstrated by a finite element model.
Measuring phenol oxidase and peroxidase activities with pyrogallol, l-DOPA, and ABTS: Effect of assay conditions and soil type

Microbial phenol oxidases and peroxidases mediate biogeochemical processes in soils, including microbial acquisition of carbon and nitrogen, lignin degradation, carbon mineralization and sequestration, and dissolved organic carbon export. Measuring oxidative enzyme activities in soils is more problematic than assaying hydrolytic enzyme activities because of the non-specific, free radical nature of the reactions and complex interactions between enzymes, assay substrates, and the soil matrix. We compared three substrates commonly used to assay phenol oxidase and peroxidase in soil: pyrogallol (PYGL, 1,2,3-trihydroxybenzene), L-DOPA (L-3,4-dihydroxyphenylalanine), and ABTS (2,2 0 -azino-bis(3ethylbenzthiazoline-6-sulfonic acid). We measured substrate oxidation in three soils across a pH gradient from 3.0 to 10.0 to determine the pH optimum for each substrate. In addition, we compared activities across 17 soils using the three substrates. In general, activities on the substrates followed the trend PYGL > L-DOPA > ABTS and were inversely related to substrate redox potential. PYGL and ABTS were not suitable substrates at pH > 5, and ABTS oxidation often declined with addition of peroxide to the assay. Absolute and relative oxidation rates varied widely among substrates in relation to soil type and assay pH. We also tested whether autoclaved or combusted soils could be used as negative controls for the influence of abiotic factors (e.g., soil mineralogy) on oxidative activity. However, neither autoclaving nor combustion produced reliable negative controls because substrate oxidation still occurred; in some cases, these treatments enhanced substrate oxidation rates. For broad scale studies, we recommend that investigators use all three substrates to assess soil oxidation potentials. For focused studies, we recommend evaluating substrates before choosing a single option, and we recommend assays at both the soil pH and a reference pH (e.g., pH 5.0) to determine the effect of assay pH on oxidase activity. These recommendations should contribute to greater comparability of oxidase potential activities across studies.
A cyclin‐dependent kinase family member (PHOA) is required to link developmental fate to environmental conditions in Aspergillus nidulans

We addressed the question of whether Aspergillus nidulans has more than one cyclin-dependent kinase gene and identified such a gene, phoA, encoding two PSTAIRE-containing kinases (PHOAM1 and PHOAM47) that probably result from alternative pre-mRNA splicing. PHOAM47 is 66% identical to Saccharomyces cerevisiae Pho85. The function of this gene was studied using phoA null mutants. It functions in a developmental response to phosphorus-limited growth but has no effect on the regulation of enzymes involved in phosphorus acquisition. Aspergillus nidulans shows both asexual and sexual reproduction involving temporal elaboration of different specific cell types. We demonstrate that developmental decisions in confluent cultures depend upon both the initial phosphorus concentration and the inoculation density and that these factors influence development through phoA. In the most impressive cases, absence of phoA resulted in a switch from asexual to sexual development (at pH 8), or the absence of development altogether (at pH 6). The phenotype of phoA deletion strains appears to be specific for phosphorus limitation. We propose that PHOA functions to help integrate environmental signals with developmental decisions to allow ordered differentiation of specific cell types in A.nidulans under varying growth conditions. The results implicate a putative cyclin-dependent kinase in the control of development.
The impersistence of false memory persistence

When subjects study lists of thematically related words they sometimes falsely recognise non-presented words related to the theme. The gist extraction account of these findings provided by fuzzy trace theory suggests that false recognition should decline substantially more slowly than true recognition across a delay. In two experiments we demonstrated that corrected recognition of targets and critical lures can decrease by equivalent amounts across a 48-hour delay. However the results for uncorrected recognition were mixed. In Experiment 1 we found evidence that uncorrected recognition of targets declined more rapidly than uncorrected recognition of critical lures. In Experiment 2, we found evidence that uncorrected recognition of targets and critical lures declined at equivalent rates. Results are discussed in terms of their implications for fuzzy trace and source monitoring accounts of false memories.
Astroglial heterogeneity closely reflects the neuronal-defined anatomy of the adult murine CNS

Astroglia comprise an extremely morphologically diverse cell type that have crucial roles in neural development and function. Nonetheless, distinct regions of the CNS have traditionally been defined by the phenotypic characteristics and connectivity of neuros. In a complementary fashion, we present evidence that discrete regions of the adult CNS can be delineated based solely on the morphology, density and proliferation rates of astroglia. We used transgenic hGFAP-GFP mice in which robust expression of GFP in adult astroglia enables detailed morphological characterization of this diversely heterogeneous cell population with 3D confocal microscopy. By using three complementary methods for labeling adult astroglia (hGFAP-GFP expression, and GFAP and S100β immunostaining), we find that there is a remarkably diverse, regionally stereotypical array of astroglial morphology throughout the CNS, and that discrete anatomical regions can be defined solely on the morphology of astroglia within that region. Second, we find that the density of astroglia varies dramatically across the CNS, and that astroglial density effectively delineates even the sub-regions of complex structures, such as the thalamus. We also find that regional astroglial density varies depending on how astroglia are labeled. To quantify and illustrate these broad differences in astroglial density, we generated an anatomical density atlas of the CNS. Third, the proliferation rate, or mitotic index, of astroglia in the adult CNS also effectively defines anatomical regions. These differences are present regardless of the astroglial-labeling method used. To supplement our atlas of astroglial density we generated an atlas of proliferation density for the adult CNS. Together, these studies demonstrate that the morphology, density and proliferation rate of astroglia can independently define the discrete cytoarchitecture of the adult mammalian CNS, and support the concept that regional astroglial heterogeneity reflects important molecular and functional differences between distinct classes of astroglia, much like the long-accepted heterogeneity of neuronal populations.
FDA Review of a Panitumumab (Vectibix™) Clinical Trial for First-Line Treatment of Metastatic Colorectal Cancer

On September 27, 2006, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration granted accelerated approval to panitumumab (Vectibix; Amgen, Inc., Thousand Oaks, CA) for the treatment of patients with epidermal growth factor receptor-expressing, metastatic colorectal carcinoma with disease progression on or following fluoropyrimidine-, oxaliplatin-, and irinotecan-containing chemotherapy regimens. Accelerated approval was based on demonstration of a beneficial effect on progression-free survival (PFS). The present submission summarizes a second clinical trial, to be included in the panitumumab package insert in June 2008, of chemotherapy and bevacizumab with and without panitumumab in the first-line treatment of patients with metastatic colorectal cancer. The study was closed when inferior PFS and greater toxicity were demonstrated at the time of the planned interim efficacy analysis. Patients receiving panitumumab in combination with bevacizumab and chemotherapy experienced a higher incidence of death (9% versus 4%) and a higher risk for grade 3 and 4 toxicities than patients receiving bevacizumab and chemotherapy alone. The incidences of any Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events grade 3 and 4 adverse events (AEs) were 87% and 72% in the panitumumab and control groups, respectively. Grade 3 and 4 AEs occurring more commonly in panitumumab-treated patients included rash/acneiform dermatitis, diarrhea, dehydration, primarily resulting from diarrhea, hypokalemia, stomatitis/mucositis, and pulmonary embolism. The addition of panitumumab to bevacizumab and chemotherapy for the first-line treatment of metastatic colorectal cancer was harmful when compared with bevacizumab and chemotherapy alone. The use of panitumumab in this setting cannot be recommended.
Explicit integral operator feedback for local stabilization of nonlinear thermal convection loop PDEs

A state feedback boundary control law that stabilizes fluid flow in a 2D thermal convection loop is presented. The fluid is enclosed between two cylinders, heated from above and cooled from below, which makes its motion unstable for a large enough Rayleigh number. The actuation is at the boundary through rotation (direct velocity actuation) and heat flux (heating or cooling) of the outer boundary. The design is a new approach for this kind of a coupled PDE problem, based on a combination of singular perturbation theory and the backstepping method for infinite dimensional linear systems. Stability is proved by Lyapunov method. Though only a linearized version of the plant is considered in the design, an extensive closed loop simulation study of the nonlinear PDE model shows that the result holds for reasonably large initial conditions. A highly accurate approximation to the control law is found in closed form.
11. Event-Level Attributes of Young Women's First and Subsequent Non-coital Sexual Behaviors

Purpose: First vaginal sex is constructed as a significant event imbued with cultural relevance. Voluminous literature documents cultural, social, religious, and psychological influences on first coitus. Comparably little is known about first non-coital behaviors or how healthcare providers can use these behavioral patterns to support adolescents' healthy sexual development. Accordingly, this study prospectively explored changes in young women's emotions at first and subsequent non-coital events.
Electronic states and magnetic structure at the Co 3 O 4 (110) surface: A first-principles study

Tricobalt tetraoxide (Co${}_{3}$O${}_{4}$) is an important catalyst and Co${}_{3}$O${}_{4}$(110) is a frequently exposed surface in Co${}_{3}$O${}_{4}$ nanomaterials. We employed density-functional theory with the on-site Coulomb repulsion U term to study the atomic structures, energetics, and magnetic and electronic properties of the two possible terminations, $A$ and $B$, of this surface. These calculations predict $A$ as the stable termination in a wide range of oxygen chemical potentials, consistent with recent experimental observations. The Co${}^{3+}$ ions do not have a magnetic moment in the bulk, but become magnetic at the surface, which leads to surface magnetic orderings different from that in the bulk. Surface electronic states are present in the lower half of the bulk band gap and cause partial metallization of both surface terminations. These states are responsible for the charge compensation mechanism stabilizing both polar terminations. The computed critical thickness for polarity compensation is four layers.
Analysis of Pulse Signaling for Low-Power On-Chip Global Bus Design

Pulse signaling is proposed for on-chip global bus design to reduce dynamic power consumption. To maximize power saving, shorter pulse width and longer propagation length are preferred. In this work, a complete set of analytical models are developed for pulse propagation along RLC lines. These models connect line geometries and electrical properties of an input pulse with several important design metrics, such as delay, pulse width, maximum propagation length, and power saving. Excellent model accuracy is achieved as compared to SPICE simulations. These models can be easily implemented into design tools to facilitate the optimization of pulse signaling on lossy on-chip global buses. Furthermore, pulse signaling can be integrated with a time-division scheme to further reduce power consumption. Using the newly developed models, it is demonstrated that more than 70% dynamic power can be saved in this scheme in on-chip bus design.