cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
In situ solidification of an industrial sludge lagoon: Laboratory studies and field activities

Abstract An industrial sludge lagoon is being closed through in situ addition and mixing of Portland cement, followed by on‐site vaulting. The sludges must be solidified in order to enhance the physical properties and to facilitate handling and vaulting. The solidified materials must gain enough compressive strength so that heavy tracked equipment can continue operation on it and for successful construction of a vault and cap. Laboratory investigations were carried out in order to determine a process control strategy for the closure of the basin utilizing Portland cement. A patented DuPont mixer‐head (U.S. Patent No. 5,275,513) was developed to thoroughly homogenize the materials in situ. Test excavations so far have proven successful. Field observations and testing indicate that the dewatered sludge is soil‐like in texture and behavior, and exceeds all minimum geotechnical criteria. The information generated from the process control strategy studies has been used to predict the required cement dosage. Th...
Organization of the stomatogastric neuropil of the crab, Cancer borealis, as revealed by modulator immunocytochemistry

We used antibodies to a number of neuromodulatory substances, including serotonin, FLRF amide, red pigment-concentrating hormone, substance P, proctolin and cholecystokinin, to investigate the distribution of molecules similar to these substances in the stomatogastric ganglion of the crab, Cancer borealis. No immunoreactivity was seen in the region of the cell bodies that surrounds the neuropil and little was found in the core of the neuropil (where the primary neurites of the intrinsic neurons occupy most of the space). Instead, modulator immunolabel was densely packed in the more peripheral portion of the neuropil that surrounded the core. Within this peripheral neuropil, profiles appeared quite uniformly distributed. Double-labeling showed that there were limited differences in distribution between the labels examined in our study. The only immunolabeled structures that showed a distinct differential distribution within the stomatogastric neuropil were a population of ≥10 μm varicosities that arose from a pair of input fibers that we termed the large varicosity fibers. These varicosities were immunolabelled by antisera for three different peptides. Taken collectively, these data shows that there is a stereotyped distribution of modulator immunoreactivity within the crab stomatogastric neuropil. However, this segregation is more rudimentary than that reported for the intrinsic stomatogastric neurons.
A New Oxygen Sensitivity and Its Potential Application in Photosynthetic H2 Production

We have discovered a new competitive pathway for O2 sensitivity in algal H2 production that is distinct from the O2 sensitivity of hydrogenase per se. This O2 sensitivity is apparently linked to the photosynthetic H2 production pathway that is coupled to proton translocation across the thylakoid membrane. Addition of the proton uncoupler carbonyl cyanide-p-trifluoro-methoxy-phenylhydrazone eliminates this mode of O2 inhibition on H2 photoevolution. This newly discovered inhibition is most likely owing to background O2 that apparently serves as a terminal electron acceptor in competition with the H2 production pathway for photosynthetically generated electrons from water splitting. This O2-sensitive H2 production electron transport pathway was inhibited by 3[3,4-dichlorophenyl]1,1-dimethylurea. Our experiments demonstrated that this new pathway is more sensitive to O2 than the traditionally known O2 sensitivity of hydrogenase. This discovery provides new insight into the mechanism of O2 inactivation of hydrogenase and may contribute to the development of a more-efficient and robust system for photosynthetic H2 production.
Cationic rhodium hydrogenation catalysts containing chelating diphosphine ligands: effect of chelate ring size

Abstract Earlier studies on the [(1,2-bis(diphenylphosphino)ethane)rhodium] p+ -catalyzed hydrogenation of 1-hexene and methyl-( Z )-α-acetamidocinnamate have been extended to catalysts containing larger chelating diphosphine ligands, i.e., Ph 2 P(CH 2 ) n PPh 2 , where n = 3, 4 and 5. Comparisons include measurements of equilibrium constants for the binding of the olefinic substrates to the catalysts and of the catalytic hydrogenenation rates. Some related measurements also are reported for the corresponding catalyst systems containing the chiral ligand, 4R,5R-bis(diphenylphosphinomethyl)-2,2,-dimethyldioxalane (DIOP) and non-chelating PPh 3 ligands.
Somatic recombination in the common-AB diploid of Schizophyllum commune.

A recessive suppressor, su-1, of arg-2 was used to detect somatic recombination in common-AB diploids of S. commune. Recombinants were recovered from dense, fastgrowing sectors on arginine-deficient medium. The majority of spontaneous recombinants (129/154) recovered in this study were apparently haploid. Strains which scored as aneuploid and diploid were also recovered and analyzed. Genetic analysis of spontaneous recombinants indicated that crossing over is rare and that haploidization very likely proceeds via stages of aneuploidy. No increase in the frequency of crossing over was detected in recombinants derived following treatment with UV light. The preliminary results favor a parasexual mechanism of recombination in common-AB diploids.
Exploring Cryogenic Focused Ion Beam Milling as a Group III-V Device Fabrication Tool

In this paper, we compare the features observed on a Group III–V strained layer superlattice (SLS) materials system as a result of room temperature Ga+ focused ion beam (FIB) milling to the features observed as a result of cryogenic FIB (cryo-FIB) milling at –135 °C under the same beam conditions (30 kV:1 nA). The features on the cryo-FIB milled material were observed both when the material was still cold and after it returned to room temperature. Although cryo-FIB milling yielded patterned features that were initially cleaner than comparable features defined by FIB milling at room temperature, we found that both room temperature FIB milling and cryo-FIB milling with subsequent sample warm-up resulted in the formation of Group III enriched features. These findings suggest that the structural and chemical properties of features fabricated by cryo-FIB milling are temperature-dependent, which is an important consideration when it comes to device fabrication. These dependencies will need to be better understood and controlled if cryo-FIB milling is to have future applications in this area.
Anonymous Communication in Organizations Assessing Use and Appropriateness

The two exploratory studies reported here examine use and appropriateness of anonymous communication in the workplace and how they relate to key demographic and organizational variables. In Study 1...
Passive immunoneutralization of endogenous inhibin: sex-related differences in the role of inhibin during development.

Abstract The purpose of these studies was to ascertain the extent to which endogenous inhibin regulates follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) secretion at different intervals during development in the male and female rat. This was determined by examining the changes in plasma FSH that resulted from immunoneutralizing endogenous inhibin in male and female rats at different ages during development and into adulthood. Passive immunoneutralization of endogenous inhibin was achieved using specific, high titer ovine antiserum, generated against the α-subunit of the recently described inhibin molecule. Optimal antiserum volumes and time after injection required to observe maximal changes in FSH secretion were determined in initial experiments. No clear effect of immunoneutralizing endogenous inhibin could be demonstrated on FSH secretion in female rats until 20 days of age, after the completion of the endogenous rise in FSH which occurs between days 5 and 20. Thereafter, injection of the anti-α-inhibin serum (anti-αIN) produced a progressively marked increase in plasma FSH as the age of the females increased. In male rats, injection of the anti-αIN serum caused an increase in FSH secretion as early as 5 days of age, although the response was more delayed at this age than at later times. The ability of the anti-αIN serum to increase plasma FSH was observed through 20 days of age. At 30 days of age, during the peak of the endogenous rise in plasma FSH, injection of the anti-αIN serum failed to further increase the already elevated levels of plasma FSH. As the endogenously high levels of FSH gradually decreased, the ability of anti-aIN serum to increase FSH secretion returned (40 days of age) but was diminished by 50 days of age and was completely lost by 60 days of age. The results of the present study indicate that inhibin plays an increasingly important role as a regulator of FSH secretion in the female from at least 20 days of age into adulthood. In the male, however, the role of inhibin in regulating FSH secretion, which is clearly present during early postnatal development, is apparently lost at the time of puberty.
Modeling 3D magnetic fields for precision magnetic actuators that use non-periodic magnet arrays

In this paper we use the Fourier transform to model and simulate the three-dimensional magnetic field created by finite, planar permanent magnet arrays that are Fourier-transformable and possess vertical magnetization. This approach captures the three-dimensional characteristic of the fields, including the field components near the ends of the array. These end effects are important in small-scale precision actuators where geometric constraints preclude the use of larger finite arrays that emulate the behavior of infinite arrays. We demonstrate how to model and compute the field characteristics along a plane using two-dimensional Fast Fourier transforms. Model predictions are compared with analytical solutions for a simple prototype magnet array, measured values of a magnet array's flux density, and a meso-scale actuator's behavior. The difference between measured and predicted values is less than 5%.
Use of an Oldshue‐Rushton extractor as a gas‐slurry contractor

Etude experimentale de l'absorption d'un gaz dans une solution contenant des solides en suspension. On etudie la retenue de gaz et de solide ainsi que l'energie consommee par l'agitation
The crystal structure of cubic In(OH)3 by X-ray and neutron diffraction methods

Abstract Single crystals of indium trihydroxide were obtained by hydrothermal methods at varied concentrations and temperatures. The cubic form of indium trihydroxide crystallizes in space group Im , 3( T 5 h ), with a lattice constant of 7.9743(6) A. The expermental and calculated densities are 4.38 g cm −3 and 4.344 g cm −3 , respectively. An analysis of indium trihydroxide has been carried out by single crystal X-ray diffraction methods. The final refinement based on 106 independent reflections yields a conventional R value of 1.48%. Six oxygen atoms are octahedrally coordinated about each indium atom, and each oxygen atom is coordinated by two indium atoms. A neutron diffraction investigation verifies the conclusions obtained from the X-ray study and additionally shows the hydrogen atoms to be disordered. The 157 observed independent reflections obtained on a computer-controlled four-circle diffractometer yield a final R value of 3.09%. Indium trideuteroxide has been prepared in order to compare the IR spectra of In(OH) 3 and In(OD) 3 . Two different strengths of hydrogen-bonding are noted for the disordered hydrogens. The study of indium trihydroxide is part of a research program investigation the structure and morphology of M(OH) 3 compounds, which include the lanthanide trihydroxides. Indium trihydroxide is isomorphous with scandium trihydroxide and a newly-found cubic lutetium trihydroxide.
Modulation of polyamine metabolic flux in adipose tissue alters the accumulation of body fat by affecting glucose homeostasis

The continued rise in obesity despite public education, awareness and policies indicates the need for mechanism-based therapeutic approaches to help control the disease. Our data, in conjunction with other studies, suggest an unexpected role for the polyamine catabolic enzyme spermidine/spermine-N1-acetyltransferase (SSAT) in fat homeostasis. Our previous studies showed that deletion of SSAT greatly exaggerates weight gain and that the transgenic overexpression suppresses weight gain in mice on a high-fat diet. This discovery is substantial but the underlying molecular linkages are only vaguely understood. Here, we used a comprehensive systems biology approach, on white adipose tissue (WAT), to discover that the partition of acetyl-CoA towards polyamine catabolism alters glucose homeostasis and hence, fat accumulation. Comparative proteomics and antibody-based expression studies of WAT in SSAT knockout, wild type and transgenic mice identified nine proteins with an increasing gradient across the genotypes, all of which correlate with acetyl-CoA consumption in polyamine acetylation. Adipose-specific SSAT knockout mice and global SSAT knockout mice on a high-fat diet exhibited similar growth curves and proteomic patterns in their WAT, confirming that attenuated consumption of acetyl-CoA in acetylation of polyamines in adipose tissue drives the obese phenotype of these mice. Analysis of protein expression indicated that the identified changes in the levels of proteins regulating acetyl-CoA consumption occur via the AMP-activated protein kinase pathway. Together, our data suggest that differential expression of SSAT markedly alters acetyl-CoA levels, which in turn trigger a global shift in glucose metabolism in adipose tissue, thus affecting the accumulation of body fat.
Religious experience and the principle of credulity

In 1939 there appeared a very important essay by C. D. Broad on the argument from religious experience to the existence of God.1 In that essay Broad set forth what he took to be a basic principle which we commonly apply to various experiences in our efforts to make some rational judgments as to whether the experiences are veridical or delusory. Roughly put, Broad suggested that when someone has an experience which he takes to be an experience of x, it is rational to conclude that he really did experience x unless we have some positive reason for thinking otherwise. Broad then argued (1) that it is unreasonable to refuse to apply this principle to religious experience, (2) that there are no reasons of genuine merit for thinking that religious experiences are delusive, and concluded (3) that, therefore, probably religious experiences are veridical, probably they really are experiences of the objects which those who have the experiences take them to be of.2 Recently, Richard Swinburne has set forth a principle similar to Broad's, labeled it "The Principle of Credulity," and argued, like Broad, that the principle is applicable to religious experiences, that the special considerations that limit the principle (Broad's "positive reasons" for thinking some experience/s is/are delusive) are not present in any significant degree in many religious experiences, and concluded that probably religious experiences really are experiences of the objects which they seem to be of.3 In this paper I wish to discuss the Broad-Swinburne defense of the argument from religious experience. Before engaging in this discussion, certain remarks must be made concerning the nature and content of religious experience. These remarks are not altogether uncontroversial and they will have some bearing on the ultimate judgment I make on the Broad -Swinburne defense of the argument from religious experience. My aim in making these remarks, however, is not to weaken the Broad-Swinburne defense, but to set it on as strong a foundation as can reasonably be constructed for it. I shall define a religious experience as an experience which the subject takes to be an experience of God or some supernatural thing. This definition may be too narrow. Perhaps someone has an experience which he takes to be an awareness of some natural thing endowed momentarily with some supernatural quality. Perhaps such an experience should be regarded as religious. If so, then we can expand my
Surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy as a probe of macromolecules

Abstract Surface enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) has been used to characterize the absorption of 4-ethylpyridine, poly(4-vinylpyridine), polystryene, and a random copolymer of 10% polystyrene/90 % poly(4-vinylpyridine) on silver and gold electrodes. The overall spectral intensity provides a measure of the relative surface coverage, which depends on the applied potential and the supporting electrolyte. The frequencies and relative intensities can be used to infer the average distribution of species at the surface. In the case of the copolymer, the apparent composition at the metal surface is dramatically different from that of the bulk polymer. This has implications for the design of macromolecular adsorbates for use as electrode modifiers. This study demonstrates the utility of SERS as a probe of the adsorption of polymers from solution onto metal surfaces, and of the special behaviour of copolymer adsorbates.
Salmon Calcitonin Use and Associated Cancer Risk

Objective: To evaluate the strength of evidence supporting a possible association between salmon calcitonin (SCT) use and cancer incidence. Data Sources: Searches of MEDLINE/PubMed, MEDLINE/OVID, and EMBASE (January 1973 to September 2013) were performed using the key search terms salmon calcitonin, humans, nasal calcitonin, and (for EMBASE only) randomized controlled trial. We also performed a manual review of data reviewed by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) committee in 2013. Study Selection and Data Extraction: All articles identified from the data sources were evaluated and all information deemed relevant was included for this review. Data Synthesis: Intranasal and injectable SCT are FDA-approved for the treatment of postmenopausal osteoporosis. After a safety signal suggested a possible link between SCT use and prostate cancer, the European Medicines Agency and FDA regulatory agencies conducted analyses of SCT randomized controlled trial data to assess cancer-related adverse events and to r...
Introducing an Arabic Commentary on the Apocalypse: Ibn Kātib Qaysar on Revelation*

Ibn Kātib Qayṣar's long-neglected Commentary on the Apocalypse of John is a veritable treasure trove for those interested not only in the early transmission of the biblical text and its history of interpretation, but also in the way ancient definitions of prophecy and vision were reconceived in Arabic Christian theology. Written in Cairo by a thirteenth-century Egyptian author, it is one of only two large-scale medieval commentaries on Revelation produced in the Arabic language. The other such commentary was composed by a fellow Copt, Būlus al-Būshī, who was a near contemporary of Ibn Kātib Qayṣar. Together, these two works provide a compelling witness to the currency of this apocalyptic biblical text among Christians living in Islamic Egypt.
Perinatal Exposure to Δ9-Tetrahydrocannabinol Triggers Profound Defects in T Cell Differentiation and Function in Fetal and Postnatal Stages of Life, Including Decreased Responsiveness to HIV Antigens

Marijuana abuse is very prominent among pregnant women. Although marijuana cannabinoids have been shown to exert immunosuppression in adults, virtually nothing is known about the effects of marijuana use during pregnancy on the developing immune system of the fetus and during postnatal life. We noted that murine fetal thymus expressed high levels of the cannabinoid receptors CB1 and CB2. Moreover, perinatal exposure to Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) had a profound effect on the fetus as evidenced by a decrease in thymic cellularity on gestational days 16, 17, and 18 and postgestational day 1 and marked alterations in T cell subpopulations. These outcomes were reversed by CB1/CB2 antagonists, suggesting that THC-mediated these effects through cannabinoid receptors. Thymic atrophy induced in the fetus correlated with caspase-dependent apoptosis in thymocytes. Thymic atrophy was the result of direct action of THC and not based on maternal factors inasmuch as THC was able to induce T cell apoptosis in vitro in fetal thymic organ cultures. It is noteworthy that perinatal exposure to THC also had a profound effect on the immune response during postnatal life. Peripheral T cells from such mice showed decreased proliferative response to T cell mitogen as well as both T cell and antibody response to HIV-1 p17/p24/gp120 antigens. Together, our data demonstrate for the first time that perinatal exposure to THC triggers profound T cell dysfunction, thereby suggesting that the offspring of marijuana abusers who have been exposed to THC in utero may be at a higher risk of exhibiting immune dysfunction and contracting infectious diseases including HIV.
Rutile solubility in H2O, H2O–SiO2, and H2O–NaAlSi3O8 fluids at 0.7–2.0 GPa and 700–1000 °C: Implications for mobility of nominally insoluble elements

Abstract The solubility of rutile was measured in H 2 O, H 2 O–SiO 2 and H 2 O–NaAlSi 3 O 8 fluids at 700–1000 °C, 0.7–2.0 GPa, in a piston-cylinder apparatus. Solubility was determined by weight loss using a double-capsule method. Rutile solubility in pure H 2 O shows isothermal increase with pressure ( P ), isobaric increase with temperature ( T ), and is low at all conditions investigated (6–118 ppm Ti). Rutile solubility in H 2 O is given by log c Ti ° = 6.173 − 5425/ T + 178.4 P / T , where c Ti ° is Ti concentration in ppm, T is in K, and P in GPa. This leads to thermodynamic properties of the reaction rutile = TiO 2,aq of Δ S r ° = 28.6 J/mol K, Δ H r ° = 104 kJ/mol, and Δ V r ° = − 3.4 cm 3 /mol. At 800 °C and 1 GPa, addition of SiO 2 (up to quartz saturation) did not change rutile solubility relative to that in pure H 2 O. Determination of rutile solubility in H 2 O–NaAlSi 3 O 8 fluids was complicated by incongruent dissolution of albite to paragonite or corundum + fluid; however, fluid compositions could be estimated within narrow limits using a mass-balance scheme. The solubility of rutile increases linearly with dissolved Na–Al silicate at fixed P and T , as described by c Ti = c Ti ° + Bw s where c Ti is ppm Ti, w s is wt.% dissolved silicate and B is given by log B 6.512 − 1.665 P − 6224/ T + 2215 P / T , with T and P again in K and GPa. The results help explain discrepancies among previous studies of rutile solubility in H 2 O at similar P and T . The new data agree within error with those of Tropper and Manning [Tropper, P., Manning, C.E., 2005. Very low solubility of rutile in H 2 O at high pressure and temperature, and its implications for Ti mobility in subduction zones. American Mineralogist 90, 502–505.], but give lower solubility than earlier piston-cylinder-based determinations due to suppression of new crystal growth in the present experiments. However, the new data yield higher solubilities than are predicted from a hydrothermal diamond-anvil study, probably because of our longer run times and more complete equilibration. Combination of predicted Ti concentrations in melt-saturated H 2 O with H 2 O-saturated albite melts suggests that the melt–vapor partition coefficient for Ti is constant at 9.5 ± 1.5 from 700 to 900 °C at 1 GPa and rutile saturation, implying that an H 2 O-rich magmatic vapor phase can transport significant Ti in mid- to deep-crustal settings. Because crustal and mantle fluids will contain alkalis, Al and Si, the results in H 2 O–NaAlSi 3 O 8 fluids provide a better foundation for modeling high- P metasomatic processes than pure H 2 O values. The strong increase in rutile solubility with dissolved Na–Al silicate suggests that complexing with these constituents promotes Ti mobility and transport during fluid–rock interaction in the lower crust and upper mantle.
Selection of genetic markers for association analyses, using linkage disequilibrium and haplotypes.

The genotyping of closely spaced single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) markers frequently yields highly correlated data, owing to extensive linkage disequilibrium (LD) between markers. The extent of LD varies widely across the genome and drives the number of frequent haplotypes observed in small regions. Several studies have illustrated the possibility that LD or haplotype data could be used to select a subset of SNPs that optimize the information retained in a genomic region while reducing the genotyping effort and simplifying the analysis. We propose a method based on the spectral decomposition of the matrices of pairwise LD between markers, and we select markers on the basis of their contributions to the total genetic variation. We also modify Clayton’s “haplotype tagging SNP” selection method, which utilizes haplotype information. For both methods, we propose sliding window–based algorithms that allow the methods to be applied to large chromosomal regions. Our procedures require genotype information about a small number of individuals for an initial set of SNPs and selection of an optimum subset of SNPs that could be efficiently genotyped on larger numbers of samples while retaining most of the genetic variation in samples. We identify suitable parameter combinations for the procedures, and we show that a sample size of 50–100 individuals achieves consistent results in studies of simulated data sets in linkage equilibrium and LD. When applied to experimental data sets, both procedures were similarly effective at reducing the genotyping requirement while maintaining the genetic information content throughout the regions. We also show that haplotype-association results that Hosking et al. obtained near CYP2D6 were almost identical before and after marker selection.
Heat treatment of wet wood fiber: A study of the effect of reaction conditions on the formation of furfurals

Abstract Furan monomers are produced when wood is heated at high temperatures. To understand the process conditions for production of furfural (FF) and hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF) from wood, samples of milled aspen wood were subjected to autohydrolyzis by microwave heating in a sealed Teflon reactor. The experiments were designed to simulate temperature and pressure variables of a fiberboard press and their effect on production of furans from the hemicelluloses that have the potential for promoting self-bonding of the wood fibers. The effect of a Lewis acid catalyst, AlCl3·6H2O on the formation of FF and HMF was also studied. The hydrolysates were analyzed for the liberated wood sugars and dehydration products, FF and HMF. The FF and HMF yields under autohydrolyzis conditions increased with increase in severity factor, CS. Under catalyzed hydrolyzis conditions, the FF yield decreased, while the HMF yield increased with increase in severity factor. Under catalyzed hydrolyzis conditions the FF yield decreas...
Antidepressant-coincident mania in children and adolescents treated with selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors

Several factors have amplified concern about the possibility that antidepressant medication may contribute to induction of pediatric mania. These include the high rate of antidepressant medication prescription, the recent surge in the rate of diagnosis of pediatric bipolar disorder in the USA, and a growing number of case reports and clinical studies showing coincidence of manic symptoms with antidepressant pharmacotherapy in both youths and adults. However, the question of how medications and manic symptoms might be related is complicated, and decisive research studies with rigorous designs for evaluating the issues have not been published. The situation makes it difficult for practitioners to make good, evidence-based decisions. The scientific literature is ambiguous, and the stakes are high. We review the extant literature, offer seven different conceptual models of how medication and mania might be related, and comment on the evidence and clinical implications of each.
Acute rejection following lung transplantation : Limitations in accuracy of thin-section CT for diagnosis

PURPOSE: To evaluate the sensitivity, specificity, predictive values, and accuracy of thin-section computed tomography (CT) for the diagnosis of acute rejection following lung transplantation and to determine whether any individual CT abnormalities are associated with histopathologically proved acute rejection. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thin-section CT studies from 64 lung transplant recipients were retrospectively reviewed. CT studies were temporally correlated with various grades of biopsy-proved acute rejection (n = 34); 30 other CT studies were from a control group with no histopathologic evidence of acute rejection. Acute rejection was diagnosed as present or absent, and the diagnostic was calculated. RESULTS: The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value, and accuracy of CT for the diagnosis of acute rejection were as follows: 35%, 73%, 60%, 50%, 53%, respectively. No individual CT finding was significantly associated with acute rejection. The sensitivity of CT for ...
Seasonal weather influences on yearling beef steer production in C3-dominated Northern Great Plains rangeland.

a b s t r a c t In the face of an increasingly variable climate, long-term cattle weight gain datasets are rare, yet invalu- able, for determining site-specific influences of seasonal weather patterns on cattle production. Here, we present a long-term (1936-2005) yearling Hereford steer dataset collected at the Northern Great Plains Research Laboratory (NPGRL) near Mandan, ND, USA. Data were analyzed using weighted AICc model averaging to examine the effects of spring (April-June) and summer (July-September) temper- ature and precipitation, as well as prior growing season (prior April-September) and prior fall/winter (prior October-March) precipitation on cattle production (kg/ha) under light (37.4 ± 5.3 SD Animal Unit Days (AUD)/ha across all study years) and heavy (91.6 ± 22.2 SD AUD/ha) stocking rates. Because Ken- tucky bluegrass (Poa pratensis L.) invaded the grassland at NPGRL in the early 1980s, we modeled cattle production separately for pre- (1936-1983) and post-invasion (1986-2005) years to determine if the plant community shift influenced sensitivity to seasonal weather patterns. Cattle production under heavy stocking was more sensitive to seasonal weather variability than under light stocking during both pre- and post-invasion years. Interestingly, the magnitude and robustness of coefficients changed between the pre- and post-invasion years, with seasonal weather patterns explaining more cattle production variation during the post-invasion years. Though cattle sensitivity to seasonal weather patterns differed between light and heavy stocking for both pre- and post-invasion years, invasion status did change cattle response to weather. For example, cattle production in P. pratensis invaded pastures was more heavily influenced by cool, wet springs and wet prior grazing seasons than was production in un-invaded pastures. For cattle stocked heavily in native pastures, wet winters more strongly increased cattle production than in invaded pastures. Published by Elsevier B.V.
cPGES/p23 Is Required for Glucocorticoid Receptor Function and Embryonic Growth but Not Prostaglandin E2 Synthesis

A number of studies have identified cytosolic prostaglandin E2 synthase (cPGES)/p23 as a cytoplasmic protein capable of metabolism of prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) from the cyclooxygenase metabolite prostaglandin endoperoxide (PGH2). However, this protein has also been implicated in a number of other pathways, including stabilization of the glucocorticoid receptor (GR) complex. To define the importance of the functions assigned to this protein, mice lacking detectible cPGES/p23 expression were generated. cPGES/p23−/− pups die during the perinatal period and display retarded lung development reminiscent of the phenotype of GR-deficient neonates. Furthermore, GR-sensitive gluconeogenic enzymes are not induced in the prenatal period. However, unlike GR-deficient embryos, cPGES/p23−/− embryos are small and a proliferation defect is observed in cPGES/p23−/− fibroblasts. Analysis of arachidonic acid metabolites in embryonic tissues and primary fibroblasts failed to support a function for this protein in PGE2 biosynthesis. Thus, while the growth retardation of the cPGES/p23−/− pups and decreased proliferation of primary fibroblasts identify functions for this protein in addition to GR stabilization, it is unlikely that these functions include metabolism of PGH2 to PGE2.
Oestrogen regulates sympathetic neurite outgrowth by modulating brain derived neurotrophic factor synthesis and release by the rodent uterus

Sympathetic innervation of the adult rodent uterus undergoes cyclic remodelling. Terminal sympathetic axons degenerate when oestrogen levels rise and regenerate when oestrogen levels decline. This study examined the role of neurotrophins in oestrogen-mediated uterine sympathetic nerve remodelling. Oestrogen injection of ovariectomized female rats did not affect uterine NT-3 levels 24 h postinjection, and increased endometrial NGF protein, indicating that reduced NGF or NT-3 is not responsible for the oestrogen-induced denervation. Oestrogen also raised BDNF protein and mRNA in myometrium and endometrium. To assess whether increased BDNF affects uterine receptivity to sympathetic outgrowth, sympathetic ganglion explants were co-cultured with myometrium. Myometrium from ovariectomized rats induced neuritogenesis in oestrogen-free conditions, and this was abolished when BDNF was added to the medium. Neuritogenesis induced by ovariectomized myometrium was suppressed by oestrogen, and restored by a BDNF function-blocking antibody. To determine if target BDNF synthesis is required for oestrogen to suppress sympathetic neurite outgrowth, uteri from wild-type mice and mice homozygous or heterozygous for recombinant mutations of the BDNF gene were cultured with rat sympathetic ganglia. Neuritogenesis induced by wild-type uteri was diminished by oestrogen. Neurite formation in the presence of homozygous BDNF mutant uteri was not affected by oestrogen, but was lower than that of wild-type mice. Uteri from mice heterozygous for the BDNF mutation, who have reduced BDNF synthesis, showed normal neuritogenic properties, but were not affected by oestrogen. These findings suggest that oestrogen alters neuritogenic properties of the rodent uterus by regulating BDNF synthesis, which inhibits sympathetic neurite outgrowth.
Gonadotrope responsiveness in orchidectomized sheep: I. Effect of continuous infusion of estradiol.

Gonadotrope function during continuous infusion of estradiol (E2) was evaluated in orchidectomized sheep (wethers). Serum concentrations of LH were reduced (p less than 0.05) within 3 h of introduction of E2 and remained depressed for the period of E2 delivery (48 h). Gonadotrope responsiveness (change in LH secretion induced by a 500-ng GnRH challenge, i.v.) was assessed 0, 3, 6, 12, 24, or 48 h after initiation of E2 infusion. Gonadotrope responsiveness was augmented (p less than 0.05) 12, 24, and 48 h after first introduction of E2. In a companion study, anterior pituitary tissue was collected 0, 3, 6, 12, 24, or 48 h after the beginning of E2 infusion. Tissue concentration of GnRH receptor was increased 3-fold within 12 h of first introduction of E2. Tissue stores of LH were also increased (p less than 0.05) during E2 infusion. Passive immunization against GnRH increased (p less than 0.05) tissue stores of LH, but had no effect on GnRH receptor concentration. Passive immunization against GnRH and concurrent infusion of E2 increased (p less than 0.05) both tissue stores of LH and tissue concentrations of GnRH receptor. The acute suppression of LH secretion induced by infusion of E2 was not affected by concurrent episodic administration of GnRH (200 ng/hourly pulse). However, serum concentrations of LH were restored to pretreatment levels within 12 h of initiation of E2 infusion and episodic delivery of GnRH. These data indicate that E2 acts in wethers to suppress gonadotropin secretion while simultaneously increasing GnRH receptor concentration, tissue stores of LH, and gonadotrope responsiveness.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Reelin induces a radial glial phenotype in human neural progenitor cells by activation of Notch-1.

Reelin and Notch-1 signaling pathways have been recently found to be necessary to induce the expression of brain lipid binding protein (BLBP) and to promote the process extension and the maturation of the neuronal progenitors, the radial glial cells. In this study, we report the cross talk between these two pathways. Both in vitro Reelin treatment and overexpression of Notch-1 intracellular domain (NICD) induced BLBP expression and a radial glial phenotype in an immortalized human neural progenitor (HNP) cell line, isolated from the cortex of 14 weeks old fetus. Reelin treatment increased the level of NICD, indicating that Reelin signaling directly activates Notch-1. In addition, reducing NICD release, by inhibiting γ-secretase activity, inhibited the Reelin-induced radial glial phenotype in human neural progenitor cells. Furthermore, we found that Dab-1, an adaptor protein downstream of Reelin, was co-immunoprecipitated with Notch-1 and NICD. These data indicate that Reelin signaling induces BLBP expression and a radial glial phenotype in human neural progenitor cells via the activation of Notch-1. This study suggest that Reelin signaling may act to fine tune Notch-1 activation to favor the induction of a radial glial phenotype prenataly and would thus offer an insight into how Notch-1 signaling leads to different cellular fates at different developmental stages.
Pituitary gonadotropic extracts for treatment of amenorrhea menorrhagia, and sterility

Abstract From an experience with use of genuine pituitary gonadotropic extracts for seven years, we are reporting examples of the results which may be expected in treating women for primary or secondary amenorrhea, for menorrhagia and irregularity of menstrual cycles, and for relief of sterility. All the syndromes presented here are considered to be the result of underactivity of ovarian hormones, dependent presumably upon underactivity of the anterior pituitary in supplying gonadotropic hormones. For accurate diagnoses and conduct of treatment the use of endometrial biopsy and vaginal epithelial samples secured by pipette, as well as of pregnandiol determinations in urine, are shown to be important aids. If these aids fail to show definite response to treatment, even though menstrual flows are occurring at fairly regular intervals, the treatment may well be increased or abandoned. The use of long series of repeated daily doses, extending for five to 15 days at the beginning of each menstrual cycle, seems necessary and is demonstrated to be safe. Results are not achieved in a single month. This study indicates the need for individualization of dose, and for the preparation of more concentrated pituitary extracts.
Current Management of Sickle Cell Anemia

Proper management of sickle cell anemia (SCA) begins with establishing the correct diagnosis early in life, ideally during the newborn period. The identification of affected infants by neonatal screening programs allows early initiation of prophylactic penicillin and pneumococcal immunizations, which help prevent overwhelming sepsis. Ongoing education of families promotes the early recognition of disease-released complications, which allows prompt and appropriate medical evaluation and therapeutic intervention. Periodic evaluation by trained specialists helps provide comprehensive care, including transcranial Doppler examinations to identify children at risk for primary stroke, plus assessments for other parenchymal organ damage as patients become teens and adults. Treatment approaches that previously highlighted acute vaso-occlusive events are now evolving to the concept of preventive therapy. Liberalized use of blood transfusions and early consideration of hydroxyurea treatment represent a new treatment paradigm for SCA management.
Analysis of transient scattering from PEC objects using the Generalized Method of Moments

Surface integral formulations for the anlysis of transient scattering have become very prevalent over the recent years. These formulations are typically discretized by employing basis functions that are products of spatial and temporal functions. While the design and construction of optimal, stable and accurate temporal basis functions have been the object of considerable study, the de-facto standard for spatial discretization is the traditional set of Rao-Wilton-Glission (RWG) functions. These functions have been carried over to time domain integral equations (TDIE) from their frequency domain counterparts and have been shown to be highly effective in a variety of problems. These functions are defined on a tessellation of the geometry and have spawned a set of higher order and singular variants, though these variations have seen limited use in time domain. The close marriage between the basis function construction and the tessellation stems from the need to satisfy continuity constraints across the interior edges of the tessellation. While this has several advantages, this nature of construction is inherently restrictive. Indeed, even the use of mixed orders of polynomial basis functions is significantly involved and usually requires the careful design of patches and “transition” areas. In the frequency domain, a technique called the Generalized Method of Moments (GMM) was recently introduced to resolve some of these problems [1]. The GMM was designed as an umbrella framework to include arbitrary functions in the basis space. In addition, [1] demonstrates that the basis functions proposed result in a matrix system with stable condition numbers to very low frequencies. In this work, we develop the GMM scheme for the discretization of the TDIE. We will describe a scheme for the extension of the GMM to time domain using products of GMM functions (for spatial basis functions) and interpolatory polynomials (for temporal basis functions). First, we will show that these basis functions provide accurate scattering results over a wide variety of geometries. Further, we will demonstrate the ability of the GMM scheme to arbitrarily mix basis functions across the geometry. We will show that using different basis functions in different areas of the tessellation can be trivially achieved by simply changing an input flag. While the results obtained in this paper are using the magnetic field equation, it will also be shown at the conference that this scheme leads to a stable discretization scheme for the electric field integral equation (EFIE) as well.
The Use of Clonazepam for Alprazolam Withdrawal: Clinical Observations of Six Methadone-Maintained Patients

Alprazolam (Xanax) is commonly abused by patients in methadone maintenance treatment. The authors describe six al-prazolam-dependent patients receiving methadone (mean ± SD, dose = 8.2 ±3-7 mg/day) who were safely detoxified as inpatients using a clonazepam (Klonopin) substitution and taper. After a 3-day stabilization period, patients were tapered at a rate of 1.0 mg/day of clonazepam for an average duration of 8.3 ±1.5 days. There were no subjective or objective withdrawal symptoms throughout this period. This preliminary report indicates that the use of clonazepam for alprazolam detoxification may be a safe and effective method for patients receiving methadone and therefore warrants further investigation.
Commentary: Necessary and potentially evil.

Commentary on Parker SL, Fulchiero EC, Davis BJ, et al. Cost-effectiveness of multilevel hemilaminectomy for lumbar stenosis–associated radiculopathy. Spine J 2011;11:705–11 (in this issue) . Epstein NE. Commentary: Cost-effectiveness of multilevel hemilaminectomy for lumbar stenosis–associated radiculopathy. Spine J 2011;11:712–4 (in this issue) .
Invited Commentary: Advancing Theory and Methods for Multilevel Models of Residential Neighborhoods and Health

In less than 10 years, the field of epidemiology has been transformed. During this time, multilevel modeling has gone from a little-known and perhaps even unwelcome method of analysis to a household name. Multilevel models appeared much earlier in the fields of demography, sociology of education, and criminology (refer, for example, to Raudenbush et al. (1), Mason et al. (2), and Nuttal et al. (3)), but public health and epidemiology have lagged behind in conceptualizing and measuring how contexts affect individual-level health risks and outcomes. The growth in the publication of multilevel studies has paralleled and contributed greatly to the reemergence of social epidemiologic research (4–11). Multilevel models assessing the effects of neighborhood residential environments on health outcomes have been the most common type of contextual study to date. Research has examined associations between neighborhood characteristics, frequently socioeconomic position, and a variety of health outcomes, including perinatal health (12– 15), mortality (16, 17), health behaviors (18, 19), women’s health (20, 21), heart disease (22–24), disability (25), and child health (26) among others. Furthermore, many reviews have been published concerning the statistical methods and rationale for, as well as the quality of, the existing multilevel studies on health (27–34). Yet, it is perhaps still premature to celebrate the exponential growth of multilevel epidemiologic studies on neighborhood residential effects on health. On the one hand, the growth in publication of these studies reflects increased interest in and support for social epidemiologic approaches. This increased support is encouraging in light of recent controversies about the legitimacy of social epidemiology as a subfield of epidemiology (35–40). On the other hand, these studies have emerged in public health and epidemiology without the appropriate theoretical and methodological foundations to guide their implementation. Hence, despite dozens of multilevel studies of neighborhoods and health, we still lack a clear picture of the intervention and policy implications of this body of work. In this issue of the Journal, Buka et al. (41) examine whether levels of neighborhood social support affect the birth weights of African-American and White mothers residing in Chicago, Illinois. Their paper contributes to the small, but growing literature on multilevel analyses of neighborhood residential effects on perinatal outcomes (12–15, 42). It offers several methodological advancements over previous multilevel studies on neighborhood residence and health. Moreover, it highlights additional theoretical and methodological challenges that multilevel analysis, given its recent appearance in public health, must overcome if significant gains are to be made in understanding disease etiology and designing appropriate interventions and policies to prevent adverse health. These theoretical and methodological issues are the topic of this commentary.
Mirroring, Symbolism and Need: A Two-Timing Nature or a Whole Concept

Methodology and theory in science are related to a philosophy in which the centric position of the first person, perception and cognition are made the exclusive focus for interpretation involving mirroring, symbolism, and need, criteria from which major first scientific works in Anthropology originated. A new orientation is found for some notions in physics and cosmology, especially those revolved around an ether as a substrate for the transmission of light that are used in explanation in Theory of Relativity, interpretation of experiment. The interferometer and red shift, theory and experiment in biology, as well as aspects of Ancient Philosophies, and a modern age of extended means of communication are discussed and compared in critique with respect to a visual model, created mathematically, of an egg, that is used to demonstrate proposed physical and conceptual form. The Earth, civilization is argued to have a unaware two-timing complex in thinking social and behavioral aspects caused by the external invasion of spaces by unknown phenomenon dating back to the time of Eve and reflected from a philosophical incompleteness to a space structured with a like two-timed weave of conceptual and material form..