cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Earthquake location in island arcs

Abstract A comprehensive data set of selected teleseismic P-wave arrivals and local-network P- and S-wave arrivals from large earthquakes occurring at all depths within a small section of the central Aleutians is used to examine the general problem of earthquake location in island arcs. Reference hypocenters for this special data set are determined for shallow earthquakes from local-network data and for deep earthquakes from combined local and teleseismic data by joint inversion for structure and location. The high-velocity lithospheric slab beneath the central Aleutians may displace hypocenters that are located using spherically symmetric Earth models; the amount of displacement depends on the position of the earthquakes with respect to the slab and on whether local or teleseismic data are used to locate the earthquakes. Hypocenters for trench and intermediate-depth events appear to be minimally biased by the effects of slab structure on rays to teleseismic stations. However, locations of intermediate-depth events based on only local data are systematically displaced southwards, the magnitude of the displacement being proportional to depth. Shallow-focus events along the main thrust zone, although well located using only local-network data, are severely shifted northwards and deeper, with displacements as large as 50 km, by slab effects on teleseismic travel times. Hypocenters determined by a method that utilizes seismic ray tracing through a three-dimensional velocity model of the subduction zone, derived by thermal modeling, are compared to results obtained by the method of joint hypocenter determination (JHD) that formally assumes a laterally homogeneous velocity model over the source region and treats all raypath anomalies as constant station corrections to the travel-time curve. The ray-tracing method has the theoretical advantage that it accounts for variations in travel-time anomalies within a group of events distributed over a sizable region of a dipping, high-velocity lithospheric slab. In application, JHD has the practical advantage that it does not require the specification of a theoretical velocity model for the slab. Considering earthquakes within a 260 km long by 60 km wide section of the Aleutian main thrust zone, our results suggest that the theoretical velocity structure of the slab is presently not sufficiently well known that accurate locations can be obtained independently of locally recorded data. Using a locally recorded earthquake as a calibration event, JHD gave excellent results over the entire section of the main thrust zone here studied, without showing a strong effect that might be attributed to spatially varying source-station anomalies. We also calibrated the ray-tracing method using locally recorded data and obtained results generally similar to those obtained by JHD.
Amino acid sequences near the “switch point” of heavy chains of human immunoglobulins: Genetic hypothesis

Abstract We determined amino acid sequences near the juncture between the variable (V-) and the constant (C-) regions of human immunoglobulin (Ig) α, μ, γ1, γ2 and γ3 chains. Our data show that: (a) the γ1, γ2, and γ3 chains are very similar to one another at the beginning of their C-regions with approximately 90% sequence homology and (b) the α chain has more sequence homology with γ chains (57%) than with μ chains (29%) at the beginning of their C-regions, a finding in contrast to the comparison made by others at the C-termini of H-chains where α chain was found to be more homologous to μ than to γ chain. Comparison of our data with amino acid sequences of human γ1 and μ chains published to date shows that: (a) the “switch point” between the V- and C-regions of human Ig H-chains is most likely between positions 117 and 118 (Eu numbering), and (b) several residues at the end of the V-regions are either invariable or nearly invariable. A model is presented as a possible explanation for their significance in the joining of the V-and C-regions.
The basic science of continuous passive motion in promoting knee health: a systematic review of studies in a rabbit model.

Purpose To determine whether the basic science evidence supports the use of continuous passive motion (CPM) after articular cartilage injury in the knee. Methods A systematic review was performed identifying and evaluating studies in animal models that focused on the basic science of CPM of the knee. Databases included in this review were PubMed, Biosis Previews, SPORTDiscus, PEDro, and EMBASE. All functional, gross anatomic, histologic, and histochemical outcomes were extracted and analyzed. Results Primary outcomes of CPM analyzed in rabbit animal models (19 studies) included histologic changes in articular cartilage (13 studies), biomechanical changes and nutrition of intra-articular tissue (3 studies), and anti-inflammatory biochemical changes (3 studies). Nine studies specifically examined osteochondral defects, 6 of which used autogenous periosteal grafts. Other pathologies included were antigen-induced arthritis, septic arthritis, medial collateral ligament reconstruction, hemarthrosis, and chymopapain-induced proteoglycan destruction. In comparison to immobilized knees, CPM therapy led to decreased joint stiffness and complications related to adhesions while promoting improved neochondrogenesis with formation and preservation of normal articular cartilage. CPM was also shown to create a strong anti-inflammatory environment by effectively clearing harmful, inflammatory particles from within the knee. Conclusions Current basic science evidence from rabbit studies has shown that CPM for the knee significantly improves motion and biological properties of articular cartilage. This may be translated to potentially improved outcomes in the management of articular cartilage pathology of the knee. Clinical Relevance If the rabbit model is relevant to humans, CPM may contribute to improved knee health by preventing joint stiffness, preserving normal articular tissue with better histologic and biologic properties, and improving range of motion as compared with joint immobilization and intermittent active motion.
F-rational rings have rational singularities

It is proved that an excellent local ring of prime characteristic in which a single ideal generated by any system of parameters is tightly closed must be pseudorational. A key point in the proof is a characterization of F-rational local rings as those Cohen-Macaulay local rings ( R, m ) in which the local cohomology module H d m ( R ) (where d is the dimension of R ) have no submodules stable under the natural action of the Frobenius map. An analog for finitely generated algebras over a field of characteristic zero is developed, which yields a reasonably checkable tight closure test for rational singularities of an algebraic variety over [inline-graphic xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink" xlink:href="01i" /], without reference to a desingularization.
On the relative roles of unipolar and mixed-polarity fields

Away from plages, solar magnetic fields may be classified as unipolar or as of mixed polarity, though the distinction is strictly arbitrary. The dividing line used here is 0.4 ≤ ¦Bminor/Bmajor¦ ≤ 1, where average fields of major and minor polarities are measured over large areas. Some of their statistical properties and cyclical variations are detailed. In unipolar regions, 3 ≲ Bmajor≲ 50 G, Bminor ≈ 0.1 Bmajor, and ¦B¦ ≈ 1.1 Bmajor. In regions of mixed polarity, 3.5 ≲ ¦B¦≲ 10 G.
Molecular Weight Distribution of (Semi-) Commercial Lignin Derivatives

Abstract Absolute molecular weights of several commercially and semi-commercially available lignins were determined by gel permeation chromatography (GPC with a differential viscosity detector (DV). Solubility in THF was assured by acetylation. Polystyrene molecular weight standards were used for establishing a universal calibration curve. The lignins included those from hardwood, softwood, and sugar cane bagasse; and these were isolated by the kraft or organosolv pulping process, or by steam explosion/autohydrolysis. All lignins exhibited more or less uniform distributions with weight average molecular weights (Mw) between 3, 000 and 20, 000; with polydispersities (Mw/Mn)between 2 and 12; with Mark-Houwink-Sakurada exponential factors (α) between 0.17 and 0.35; and with intrinsic viscosities between 0.037 and 0.08 dLg−1. A significant relationship between Mw/Mn and Mw was discovered that had a correlation factor of 0.92. This relationship has the form of Mw/Mn = 0.45 (Mw 10−3 + 0.85.
A global resource positioning system for ubiquitous clouds

We are witnessing the emergence of the ubiquitous resource-infinite computing paradigm. Significant benefits accrue, ranging from added convenience and services for users, to enhanced efficiency and reduced cost for organizations, to improved on-demand resource availability for under-connected areas, extreme environments and distress situations. To this end, we proposed PlanetCloud, a distributed platform that aims to facilitate ubiquitous cloud computing. Integral to PlanetCloud is a Global Resource Positioning System (GRPS), which is an opt-in dynamic spatiotemporal resource calendaring and scheduling system ubiquitously accessed via a portable application (termed iCloud). In this paper, we motivate and present the GRPS concept and its architecture. GRPS would enable the provisioning of, otherwise idle, fixed and mobile resources to effect ubiquitous computing clouds. It aims to aid the formation of mobile computing clouds by providing a dynamic real-time resource scheduling and tracking system that can be accessed through the iCloud. GPRS is designed to access and maintain dynamic data from spatiotemporal calendars, social networking and other sources to enhance resource discovery, forecasting and status tracking to provide access to the right-sized cloud resources anytime and anywhere. We provide an analytical model to compute the resource request-response time. Our results show that we can adapt the performance of a response according to node density and contention window size.
Language Differences Between Monolingual English and Bilingual English-Spanish Young Children With Autism Spectrum Disorders:

Bilingualism is common worldwide and increasingly prevalent, but there is little information about bilingual children with autism spectrum disorder. The goal of the study was to compare expressive and receptive language skills in monolingual English and bilingual English-Spanish children with autism spectrum disorder. A review of the multidisciplinary evaluations done in toddlers who were diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder at a university-affiliated center between 2003 and 2010 was performed. Data included demographics, developmental testing, autistic characteristics, and expressive and receptive language skills, obtained from formal speech and language evaluation. A total of 80 toddlers were identified, 40 classified as bilingual English-Spanish. Compared with monolinguals, bilingual children were more likely to vocalize and utilize gestures, with no other differences in language skills. There were no differences in cognitive functioning and autistic features between the groups. In this study, bilingualism did not negatively affect language development in young children with autism spectrum disorder.
Early goal-directed therapy: what do we do now?

The meta-analysis of early goal-directed therapy (EGDT) by Gu and colleagues in the previous issue of Critical Care adds to the ongoing controversy about the value of EGDT for resuscitating patients with severe sepsis and septic shock. The results of the ProCESS (protocolized care for early septic shock) and ARISE (Australasian resuscitation in sepsis evaluation) trials failed to demonstrate any benefit of EGDT or protocolized resuscitation when compared with ‘usual care’. The questions are the following: What is ‘usual’ care? What is ‘real world’ care? Do the results of a robust and well-conducted randomized controlled trial - in which many patients may be excluded for a variety of reasons - reflect the care given to patients on a daily basis in our emergency departments and intensive care units? Of course, there are no obvious answers to these questions, and many clinicians look forward to managing these patients without protocols. For now, the data do seem to support the management of patients with septic shock without mandated central lines or protocols. Does this mean we should go back to the era of ‘do whatever you want’? No consensus exists among clinicians regarding optimal hemodynamic monitoring, and to date no method has been proven to be superior. Given the amount of fluids given prior to randomization in the ProCESS and ARISE trials, ‘usual care’ appears to now include aggressive, early fluid resuscitation with at least 20 mL/kg of crystalloid and rapid administration of appropriate antibiotics. Certainly, this reflects the impact of the original trial by Rivers and colleagues and the broad-based implementation of the Surviving Sepsis Campaign Guidelines and bundles. If this continues to define ‘usual care’, then perhaps it is no longer necessary to mandate specific protocols for resuscitation, as it appears that standard sepsis management has evolved to be consistent with published protocols.
The Variation of the CO to H2 Conversion Factor in Two Translucent Clouds

The conversion factor, XCO, between the velocity-integrated CO(1-0) antenna temperature, W(CO), and the H2 column density, N(H2), is determined for 32 positions in two translucent high-latitude molecular clouds, MBM 40 and MBM 16. XCO is calculated using CH observations of the 2Π1/2 F = 1-1 hyperfine transition to infer N(H2). The latter quantity, divided by W(CO) yields XCO for various positions across the clouds. We observed 24 positions in MBM 16, and XCO values were derived in the range (1.6-17.3) × 1020 cm-2 (K km s-1)-1, with a mean value of 7.6 × 1020. Eleven lines of sight were sampled in MBM 40 yielding values of XCO in the range (0.7-9.7) × 1020, with a mean value of 2.6 × 1020. An inverse relationship between XCO and W(CO) may exist, suggesting that the variation in XCO for these two translucent clouds arises from varying CO abundances. This paper also reports the existence of a broad component in the CH spectra observed throughout much of MBM 16. This component possibly originates in the disturbed outer regions of the cloud where the gas is not gravitationally bound to the core of the cloud. It is unclear how sensitive the CO rotational transitions are to this component, but it is likely that the CO/H2 ratio in this broad-line gas is less than 10-5. However, if the CH/H2 ratio is the same for the gas in the extended wings as it is for the typical cloud gas, then up to 40% of the cloud mass could be contained in this difficult to trace molecular component.
Aspirin inhibits platelet activity but does not attenuate experimental atherosclerosis

We evaluated the antiatherosclerotic potential of aspirin, a platelet inhibitor, in lipid-fed rabbits (0.3% cholesterol diet). Seventy-five male New Zealand white rabbits were divided into treated or control groups. The treated groups were given aspirin by daily gavage for 12 weeks (1 mg/kg, 10 mg/kg, 30 mg/kg, and 60 mg/kg) and 10 rabbits served as controls. Increased bleeding time was observed in the aspirin-treated groups (average, 58 +/- 10 seconds to 75 +/- 17 seconds; p < 0.001). Only high-dose aspirin (60 mg/kg/day) significantly inhibited platelet aggregation (1.04 +/- 0.15 vs 0.67 +/- 0.14; p < 0.05). Seventeen additional rabbits had aortic endothelial injury produced by a balloon catheter. Eight of them were given aspirin (40 mg/kg/day), and the other nine served as controls. The average percent of surface lesions and lesion thickness of the aorta and pulmonary artery were not significantly reduced by aspirin. These results show that at doses that cause antiplatelet effects, aspirin does not attenuate atherosclerosis.
Selection for Zinc Tolerance in Fish: Results from Laboratory and Wild Populations

Abstract A laboratory population of flagfish (Jordanella floridae), selected for zinc tolerance, showed an increased resistance to toxic zinc concentrations after one generation. However, continued selection for three more generations failed to increase tolerance further, suggesting that acute zinc exposure culled out weak individuals but did not cause genetic changes specifically related to zinc tolerance. Common shiners (Notropis cornutus) inhabiting a zinc-polluted stream were not more zinc tolerant than common shiners from two nearby unpolluted streams, but appeared to be under stress from the chronic exposure to elevated metal levels. These results and a literature review suggest that although fish may have the genetic potential to evolve metal tolerance, they are unable to do so rapidly enough to survive in environments contaminated by human activities.
Sulfur-functionalized carbon aerogels: a new approach for loading high-surface-area electrode nanoarchitectures with precious metal catalysts

Abstract Thiophene-modified resorcinol–formaldehyde (RF) aerogels are prepared using a two-stage reaction sequence. Resorcinol–formaldehyde gels are generated in the first step using conventional sol–gel methods, followed by a second reaction stage in which the partially cured RF gel is reacted with 3-thiophenecarboxaldehyde before aerogel processing. Heterocyclic sulfur is retained in the aerogel following pyrolytic conversion of the insulating polymeric aerogel to its conductive carbon form, as shown by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The ability of this sulfur-functionalized carbon aerogel to mimic the thiophene-mediated precious metal binding that occurs with Vulcan carbon was investigated by adsorbing pre-formed Pt metal colloids from aqueous colloidal suspensions, when unmodified carbon aerogels exhibit minimal uptake of Pt. The Pt-loaded, sulfur-functionalized carbon aerogels are characterized electrochemically by CO-stripping voltammetry and examined for oxygen reduction activity. The results suggest that these functionalized nanoarchitectures may improve the applicability of carbon aerogel electrode structures for fuel cell and other electrocatalytic applications.
PURIFICATION AND STRUCTURAL CHARACTERIZATION OF VASOACTIVE INTESTINAL POLYPEPTIDE FROM THE TROUT AND BOWFIN

Vasoactive intestinal polypeptide (VIP) was purified from extracts of the stomachs of the rainbow trout, Oncorhynchus mykiss, and the bowfin, Amia calva. The primary structure of VIP from both species was the same: His-Ser-Asp-Ala-Ile-Phe-Thr-Asp-Asn-Tyr10- Ser-Arg-Phe-Arg-Lys-Gln-Met-Ala-Val-Lys20-Lys-Tyr-Leu-Asn-Ser-Val- Leu-Thr. This amino acid sequence shows only one amino acid substitution (Val5-->Ile) compared with the common sequence of VIP from the chicken, alligator, and European green frog. The structural identity of VIP from the trout and bowfin is consistent with the close phylogenetic relationship between the Salmoniformes and the Amiiformes and the data indicate that pressure to conserve the complete primary structure of VIP during vertebrate evolution has been very strong.
Trapping yellowjackets with a new standard plastic wet trap.

A new standard plastic wet trap was used to collect and preserve various species of yellowjackets attracted to synthetic chemical lure. The trap was used to monitor seasonal differences in the activity of yellowjackets in 4 southern and central California localities. Responsive sympatric yellowjacket species were readily detected, even when some species represented less than 1% of the yellowjackets present. Although more than 0.5 million Vespula pensylvanica (Saussure) were trapped in 3 localized sites, there was no apparent reduction in the intensity of yellowjacket scavenging activity in the trapped areas during the time when traps were exposed.
Stimulation by phospholipids of a protein-tyrosine-phosphatase containing two src homology 2 domains.

Abstract PTP1C, a protein-tyrosine-phosphatase (protein-tyrosine-phosphate phosphohydrolase, EC 3.1.3.48) containing two src homology 2 domains, is poorly active when assayed with various protein substrates in vitro. Its activity is stimulated > 1000-fold by anionic phospholipids when myelin basic protein or mitogen-activated protein kinase is used as substrate but reduced in the presence of several other substrates. Data are presented to indicate a direct interaction of the enzyme with phospholipids. Enzyme stimulation directed only toward certain specific substrates is interpreted by assuming that these compounds also bind to the phospholipid vesicles where they will be subjected to rapid enzymatic attack. A possible regulation of PTP1C by its translocation to the cell membrane is hypothesized.
The Jumbo Cup: The 95% Solution

Extra large uncemented hemispherical acetabular components, also known as jumbo cups, are commonly used for acetabular revision surgery. This article reviews the advantages and disadvantages, definition, indications, technique, and published results utilizing jumbo cups.
Human Tendon Stem Cells Better Maintain Their Stemness in Hypoxic Culture Conditions

Tissues and organs in vivo are under a hypoxic condition; that is, the oxygen tension is typically much lower than in ambient air. However, the effects of such a hypoxic condition on tendon stem cells, a recently identified tendon cell, remain incompletely defined. In cell culture experiments, we subjected human tendon stem cells (hTSCs) to a hypoxic condition with 5% O2, while subjecting control cells to a normaxic condition with 20% O2. We found that hTSCs at 5% O2 had significantly greater cell proliferation than those at 20% O2. Moreover, the expression of two stem cell marker genes, Nanog and Oct-4, was upregulated in the cells cultured in 5% O2. Finally, in cultures under 5% O2, more hTSCs expressed the stem cell markers nucleostemin, Oct-4, Nanog and SSEA-4. In an in vivo experiment, we found that when both cell groups were implanted with tendon-derived matrix, more tendon-like structures formed in the 5% O2 treated hTSCs than in 20% O2 treated hTSCs. Additionally, when both cell groups were implanted with Matrigel, the 5% O2 treated hTSCs showed more extensive formation of fatty, cartilage-like and bone-like tissues than the 20% O2 treated cells. Together, the findings of this study show that oxygen tension is a niche factor that regulates the stemness of hTSCs, and that less oxygen is better for maintaining hTSCs in culture and expanding them for cell therapy of tendon injuries.
Toxoplasma gondii induces B7-2 expression through activation of JNK signal transduction

Toxoplasma gondii is a globally distributed parasite pathogen that infects virtually all warm-blooded animals. A hallmark of immunity to acute infection is the production of gamma interferon (IFN-γ) and interleukin-12 (IL-12), followed by a protective T cell response that is critical for parasite control. Naive T cell activation requires both T-cell receptor (TCR) stimulation and the engagement of costimulatory receptors. Because of their important function in activating T cells, the expression of costimulatory ligands is believed to be under tight control. The molecular mechanisms governing their induction during microbial stimulation, however, are not well understood. We found that all three strains of T. gondii (types I, II, and III) upregulated the expression of B7-2, but not B7-1, on the surface of mouse bone marrow-derived macrophages. Additionally, intraperitoneal infection of mice with green fluorescent protein (GFP)-expressing parasites resulted in enhanced B7-2 levels specifically on infected, GFP+ CD11b+ cells. B7-2 induction occurred at the transcript level, required active parasite invasion, and was not dependent on MyD88 or TRIF. Functional assays demonstrated that T. gondii-infected macrophages stimulated naive T cell proliferation in a B7-2-dependent manner. Genome-wide transcriptional analysis comparing infected and uninfected macrophages revealed the activation of mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling in infected cells. Using specific inhibitors against MAPKs, we determined that parasite-induced B7-2 is dependent on Jun N-terminal protein kinase (JNK) but not extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) or p38 signaling. We also observed that T. gondii-induced B7-2 expression on human peripheral blood monocytes is dependent on JNK signaling, indicating that a common mechanism of B7-2 regulation by T. gondii may exist in both humans and mice.
Probabilistic Framework for Reliability Analysis of Information-Theoretic CAD Systems in Mammography

The purpose of this study is to develop and evaluate a probabilistic framework for reliability analysis of information-theoretic computer-assisted detection (IT-CAD) systems in mammography. The study builds upon our previous work on a feature-based reliability analysis technique tailored to traditional CAD systems developed with a supervised learning scheme. The present study proposes a probabilistic framework to facilitate application of the reliability analysis technique for knowledge-based CAD systems that are not feature-based. The study was based on an information-theoretic CAD system developed for detection of masses in screening mammograms from the Digital Database for Screening Mammography (DDSM). The experimental results reveal that the query-specific reliability estimate provided by the proposed probabilistic framework is an accurate predictor of CAD performance for the query case. It can also be successfully applied as a base for stratification of CAD predictions into clinically meaningful reliability groups (i.e., HIGH, MEDIUM, and LOW). Based on a leave-one-out sampling scheme and ROC analysis, the study demonstrated that the diagnostic performance of the IT-CAD is significantly higher for cases with HIGH reliability (A(z) = 0.92 +/- 0.03) than for those stratified as MEDIUM (A(z) = 0.84 +/- 0.02) or LOW reliability predictions (A(z) = 0.78 +/- 0.02).
Surface roughness enhances upward migration of bacteria on polymer fibers above liquid cultures.

Monofilament polypropylene (PP) fibers, very similar to fibers that have been used as monofilament tailstrings of interuterinc contraceptive devices, were suspended vertically in bacterial liquid monocultures so that a portion of a fiber extended above the liquid surface. In some cases these highly oriented, cold drawn fibers were abraded prior to insertion in the cultures in order to produce surface roughness characterized by axial channels and protruding microfibrils that partially peeled from the fiber surface thereby forming the channels. Extent of migration on a fiber was assessed by aseptically cutting it into small segments, followed by culturing each segment on agar containing growth medium. Such assessment of the PP fibers after 48 h of incubation in the cultures revealed upward migration of Eschericia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Staphylococcus aureus over significantly longer distances on the pre-roughened fibers than on those not so pre-treated. Mean measured distances of migration during...
Surface acoustic wave CO 2 sensing with polymer-amino carbon nanotube composites

The synthesis of two new types of nanocomposite matrices, the first based on polyallylamine (PAA) and aminocarbon nanotubes, the second on polyethyleneimine (PEI) and aminocarbon nanotubes, are reported. The surface acoustic wave (SAW) sensors, coated with the two selected nanocomposites, showed good sensitivities when varying the CO2 concentrations in the range (500-5000) ppm. The sensor sensitivity is larger when using polyethyleneimine aminocarbon nanotubes than in the case when only a pure polyethyleneimine layer is considered for coating.
Hybrid electrical drive (HED) vulnerability analysis

Emphasis in hybrid electric technology development has typically been focused on automotive performance and benefits. However, as this technology crosses over into the military arena, vulnerability becomes important. Army combat vehicles must be capable of surviving the full spectrum of threats and environments. The U.S. Army Research Laboratory (ARL) is responsible for assessing this capability when military systems are exposed to ballistic, nuclear, biological, chemical, and directed energy threats; information operations and electronic warfare; flame and incendiary attacks; as well as the influence of the electromagnetic (EM) environment, obscurants, weather, and secondary weapon effects. By performing vulnerability analyses, ARL supports all phases of army acquisition to include design, development, test, and evaluation. A vulnerability analysis performed early in a system design program can result in more survivable systems through the implementation of good design practices. The purpose of this paper is to present the ARL analysis process structure for combat vehicles and to indicate how design practices of a hybrid electric drive (HED) can affect survivability.
ApoE is required for maintenance of the dentate gyrus neural progenitor pool

Many genes regulating adult neurogenesis have been identified and are known to play similar roles during early neuronal development. We recently identified apolipoprotein E (ApoE) as a gene the expression of which is essentially absent in early brain progenitors but becomes markedly upregulated in adult dentate gyrus stem/progenitor cells. Here, we demonstrate that ApoE deficiency impairs adult dentate gyrus development by affecting the neural progenitor pool over time. We utilized ApoE-deficient mice crossed to a nestin-GFP reporter to demonstrate that dentate gyrus progenitor cells proliferate more rapidly at early ages, which is subsequently accompanied by an overall decrease in neural progenitor cell number at later time points. This appears to be secondary to over-proliferation early in life and ultimate depletion of the Type 1 nestin- and GFAP-expressing neural stem cells. We also rescue the proliferation phenotype with an ApoE-expressing retrovirus, demonstrating that ApoE works directly in this regard. These data provide novel insight into late hippocampal development and suggest a possible role for ApoE in neurodegenerative diseases.
Effect of micronized progesterone on bone turnover in postmenopausal women on estrogen replacement therapy.

Purpose. To determine whether daily oral micronized progesterone affects bone turnover, as estimated by serum and urine biochemical markers, in postmenopausal women on long‐term estrogen replacement therapy (ERT). Methods. We recruited 14 women aged 65 or older to participate in a 9‐week trial with micronized progesterone. Each woman had undergone a hysterectomy and was on unopposed ERT at time of study entry. Women received micronized progesterone 100 mg twice daily in the first week and then received 200 mg twice daily in weeks 2–9. We measured markers of bone turnover in serum and urine collected at baseline and at 3 weeks, 6 weeks, and 9 weeks on treatment. Markers of bone formation were serum bone alkaline phosphatase (BAP), N‐terminal procollagen peptides (PINP), and osteocalcin (OC). Markers of bone resorption were urinary cross‐linked N‐terminal and C‐terminal telopeptides of type I collagen. In addition, we measured serum progesterone, estradiol and sex hormone binding globulin, triglycerides, to...
Discrete Targeting Signals Direct Pmp47 to Oleate-induced Peroxisomes in Saccharomyces cerevisiae

Pmp47 is a peroxisomal membrane protein consisting of six transmembrane domains (TMDs). We previously showed that the second matrix loop containing a basic cluster of amino acids is important for peroxisomal targeting, and similar basic targeting motifs have been found in other peroxisomal membrane proteins. However, this basic cluster by itself targets to peroxisomes very poorly. We have developed a sensitive quantitative localization assay based on the targeting of Pmp47-GFP fusion proteins to identify the important elements of the basic cluster and to search for other targeting information on Pmp47. Our data suggest that side-chain structure and position as well as charge are important for targeting by the basic cluster. Analysis of other regions of Pmp47 indicates that all TMDs except TMD2 can be eliminated or substituted without significant loss of targeting. TMD2 plus an adjacent cytoplasmic-oriented sequence is crucial for targeting. Cytoplasmic-oriented sequences from two other peroxisomal membrane proteins, ScPex15p and ScPmp22, could partially substitute for the analogous sequence in Pmp47. Targeting with high fidelity to oleate-induced peroxisomes required the following elements: the cytoplasmic-oriented sequence and TMD2, a short matrix loop containing a basic cluster, and a membrane-anchoring TMD.
Business Ethics as Practice: Leadership and accountability

“Tone at the top!” “Clean the staircase from the top!” “The fish rots at the head.” Popular maxims such as these reflect the widely held belief that it is the leaders of an organization who are responsible for instigating and sustaining a corporate culture which encourages employees to behave ethically. Corporate ethics management initiatives therefore invariably start with an effort to secure the board and executive leadership's commitment to the proposed program. What is implicitly assumed in all of this is that it is primarily those in the top echelons of the corporate hierarchy who have to be convinced of the need for an ethics program. An assessment of the ethical risks that the organization faces is often deemed a sufficient rationale. It is believed that once its captains are aware of the dangerous state of affairs, the corporate ship will retrieve its moral compass. The overhaul of an organizational culture is therefore largely seen as a top-down affair, with leadership setting the tone, implementing ethics management initiatives and leading by example. That high-level individuals can and do play an important role in articulating priorities and shaping the sensibilities of employees within organizations is not to be disputed. However, if the role of such individuals is not to be denied, it is also not to be overestimated.
A Superlogarithmic Lower Bound for Shuffle-Unshuffle Sorting Networks

Shuffle-unshuffle sorting networks are a class of comparator networks whose structure maps efficiently to the hypercube and any of its bounded degree variants. Recently, n -input shuffle-unshuffle sorting networks with depth \(2^{O(\sqrt{ lg lg n})} lg n\) have been discovered. These networks are the only known sorting networks of depth o( lg2 n) that are not based on expanders, and their existence raises the question of whether a depth of O( lg n) can be achieved by any shuffle-unshuffle sorting network. In this paper we resolve this question by establishing an Ω( lg n lg lg n/lg lg lg n) lower bound on the depth of any n -input shuffle-unshuffle sorting network. Our lower bound can be extended to certain restricted classes of nonoblivious sorting algorithms on hypercubic machines.
Molecular Aspects of B-Lymphocyte Activation

The activation of B lymphocytes from the resting stage to the proliferating stage and then to the fully differentiated antibody-secreting stage is a highly regulated and complicated process. B-cell activation can clearly proceed by a number of different routes, each promoted by different regulatory cells (macrophages, two types of helper T cells) and each dependent upon the properties of the relevant antigen molecules. In most cases the nature of the antigen may simply control the magnitude and/or duration of antigen receptor signaling. An antigen that by itself generates inefficient signaling may require additional signals from helper T cells to induce B-cell activation. In contrast, antigens derived from bacterial cell surface components, such as LPS, can directly activate B cells and macrophages. This vigorous, polyclonal responsiveness to certain bacterial components probably represents a specialized system to enhance antibody responses to bacteria, whereas helper T cell-dependent responses may be primarily useful in making antibodies against soluble proteins and viruses. Thus multiple pathways of B-cell activation probably are needed to generate adequate antibody responses against the variety of pathogenic micro-organisms encountered by vertebrates.
Exports' Contribution to Economic Growth: Empirical Evidence for California, Massachusetts, and Texas, Using Employment Data

The paper shows an interregional trade model from which testable parameter restrictions for economic base theory, shown to be equivalent to the hypotheses of the Granger causality test, are derived. The results of the tests for three states, based on various bifurcation methods, suggest that economic base theory holds strongly for the crudest definition of the base, but not for others. The frequency analysis indicates a likely association between inherent cyclicalities in employment growth data and economic base theory. The regional multipliers and the timing of economic adjustments to exogenous shocks are also discussed.
Charles Darwin's Botanical Investigations.

Charles Darwin's botanical studies provide a way to expose students to his work that followed the publication of On the Origin of Species. We can use stories from his plant investigations to illustrate key concepts in the life sciences and model how questions are asked and answered in science.
Information slicing: anonymity using unreliable overlays

This paper proposes a new approach to anonymous communication called information slicing. Typically, anonymizers use onion routing, where a message is encrypted in layers with the public keys of the nodes along the path. Instead, our approach scrambles the message, divides it into pieces, and sends the pieces along disjoint paths. We show that information slicing addresses message confidentiality as well as source and destination anonymity. Surprisingly, it does not need any public key cryptography. Further, our approach naturally addresses the problem of node failures. These characteristics make it a good fit for use over dynamic peer-to-peer overlays. We evaluate the anonymity of information slicing via analysis and simulations. Our prototype implementation on PlanetLab shows that it achieves higher throughput than onion routing and effectively copes with node churn.
MIS Faculty Perceptions Regarding The Reengineered Organizational & End-User Information Systems Curriculum In Information Technology Education

The Office Systems Research Association’s recent revision of the Organizational End-User Information Systems (OEIS) curriculum model provides an opportune setting for determining the value of the model regarding undergraduate education in end-user information systems. This study follows an established method for examining IS curriculum perceptions by MIS faculty in hopes of providing a realistic snapshot of the model’s strengths and weaknesses to aid the actual decision and implementation process of end-user information systems undergraduate curricula. Key findings regarding the perceived importance of the curriculum objectives are reported as well as conclusions, implications and suggestions for future research in end-user information systems. Feedback from MIS faculty regarding possible methods for integrating enterprise systems concepts (ERP) are also reported. MIS academicians have shown that the model curriculum and the associated content objectives do indeed have value and is of considerable importance. In addition to its importance, the faculty validated and solidified that the curriculum does have merit in preparing OEIS undergraduate students for participation, as end user support personnel, in a digital, knowledge-based economy of unbridled change.
Anti-sense RNA injections in fertilized eggs as a test for the function of localized mRNAs.

In general, it is difficult to identify genes that play critical roles in developmental decisions in vertebrates because it is not possible to perform exhaustive screens for mutations that affect developmental processes. While some genes have been identified and analysed by conventional genetic methods, for example the mouse T locus (Bennett, 1975) or the axolotl o mutation (Brothers, 1976), it is likely that many genes that control vertebrate development will have to be identified by other means. In recent years, two methods for identifying such genes have been utilized. First, genes have been selected for study because they are expressed at a particular time or place during embryogenesis. For example, genes that are expressed only during gastrulation (Sargent & Dawid, 1983; Krieg & Melton, 1985) or at the cellular blastoderm stage (Roark, Mahoney, Graham & Lengyel, 1985) have been cloned and there are numerous examples of genes being studied because they are expressed in some, but not all tissues (e.g. Lynn et al . 1983) or are spatially localized within single cells (Jeffery, Tomlinson & Brodeurer, 1983; King & Barklis, 1985; Rebagliati, Weeks, Harvey & Melton, 1985).
Elastic fibers and their role in bladder extracellular matrix.

The elastic properties of many tissues of the vertebrate body are due in large part to elastic fibers in the extracellular matrix. In some tissues, such as the skin, they form a relatively small but important fraction of the dry weight (2–4%), while in other tissues, such as large arteries and certain specialized ligaments, they may comprise greater than 50%. In the electron microscope, elastic fibers are seen to be composed of two components.1–3 An amorphous fraction lacking any apparent regular or repeating structure composes upwards of 90% of the mature fiber. The microfibrillar component consists of 10–12 nm fibrils located primarily around the periphery of the amorphous component, but also to some extent interspersed within it (Fig. 1). In addition to being distinguishable morphologically, the two components are chemically distinct. The amorphous portion of the elastic fiber is composed of a single protein, elastin, which is primarily responsible for the elastic properties. Although the exact composition of the microfibrils remains to be defined, it is likely that they are composed of several glycoproteins.4
Production and Nutrient Content of Two Shrub Species Related to Fire in Central Idaho

Abstract. Nutrient content and weight of current year's growth of Cercocarpus ledifolius Nuttall and Physocarpus malvaceus (Greene) Kuntze in central Idaho were obtained during early July in the years 1987–2007. The purpose of this work was to determine whether there was significant variation between years and whether mean monthly temperatures and total monthly precipitation could predict the variation. A wildfire in August 2000 caused P. malvaceus to vigorously resprout. Significant differences between years occurred for all nutrients for both species. October temperatures best predicted weight of current year's growth in C. ledifolius, whereas prediction equations for nutrients involved spring temperatures and precipitation, primarily for June. January mean temperature and December precipitation best predicted weight of current year's growth, and spring mean monthly temperatures best predicted nutrient levels in P. malvaceus. Future changes in production and nutrient content of these species that are no...
The importance of systematic approaches in the study of emesis

Nausea and vomiting are among the most basic of human experiences and unfortunately accompany a wide variety of clinical treatments as side effects. Despite decades of research, the neural mechanisms of nausea and vomiting (emesis) remain elusive. TRPV1 represents a possibly overlooked and understudied pharmacological target with anti-emetic potential.
Further evidence of the MMPI-2-RF's ability to discriminate psychometrically identified schizotypic college students from a matched comparison sample

Abstract The current study sought to replicate a study by Hunter et al. (2014) in which psychometrically identified schizotypes (SZTs) were distinguished from a matched comparison (COM) sample using the MMPI-2-RF. Participants were 126 pairs of SZT and COM individuals. Results showed significant mean T-score differences between these two groups across a variety of MMPI-2-RF scales, with several showing large effects. Discriminant analyses were performed using both the scales suggested by Hunter et al. as well as by replicating their method of scale selection. Results using the suggested scales revealed satisfactory predictive power, thus providing replication of Hunter et al.'s results. Findings using the optimal scales for the present sample were nominally improved over those derived from the suggested scales. Results suggest that scales RC8 and DSF in particular may show potential for the identification of schizotypal traits. Implications regarding schizotypy theory are addressed and directions for future research with the MMPI-2-RF are suggested.
Wideband linear distributed GaN HEMT MMIC power amplifier with a record OIP3/Pdc

We report on multi-octave (100 MHz – 8 GHz) GaN HEMT nonuniform distributed amplifier (NDPA) with and without linearization in a MMIC architecture for the first time. The NDPAs were fabricated with 0.14-μm field-plate AlGaN/GaN HEMT technology with fT of 58 GHz and breakdown voltage of 90 – 100 V. The NDPAs were built with six sections in a nonuniform distributed amplifier approach. The small signal gain was ∼10 dB over the band with saturated CW output power of 33 – 37 dBm at Vdd = 20 V. The PAE was >35% – 30% up to 6 GHz. The linear NDPAs consist of main and gm3 cells, and show a small signal gain of 6 – 9 dB due to input RF signal routing. The Psat was ∼35 dBm at Vdd = 20 V. Based on two-tone testing, the linear NDPA shows improved OIP3 of >50 dBm, compared to OIP3 of 42 dBm of the NDPA without linearization. The resulting OIP3/Pdc is 16:1, which is the highest reported amongst GaN-based distributed amplifiers.
Distribution of Carbon Dioxide Released in a Field Crop

A model to deal with the two-dimensional diffusion of carbon dioxide, released at ground level, within and above a crop canopy was developed and tested experimentally. The CO2 was released from a uniform area source at ground level and at a constant rate. The crop canopy was assumed to be horizontally uniform and infinite. The steady-state CO2 distribution was obtained as a solution of the two-dimensional diffusion equation by the forward finite-difference approximation, using a digital computer. Theoretical wind and eddy diffusivity profiles for above and within the canopy were incorporated. Crop assimilation was neglected.The crop canopy was characterized by its aerodynamic parameters: crop height, zero-plane displacement, roughness length and exponential coefficient of the within-canopy wind profile. The model calculated the CO2 profile as a function of down-wind distance, wind speed in the crop surface boundary layer, CO2 release rate, and CO2 concentration at the upwind edge of the source. The influence of crop canopy structure on the CO2 profile was found by changing the aerodynamic canopy parameters.A series of CO2 diffusion field experiments was conducted in a cotton canopy. All input parameters in the model, except the exponential coefficient of the within-canopy wind profile, were measured. The CO2 profiles at a fixed down-wind distance were determined and compared with those predicted by the model.The model overestimated the CO2 concentration in the lower layer of the canopy by about 50% when the leaf area index was 2.33 and the canopy was open. The difference between predicted and measured values was 20 to 30% when the leaf area index was 2.74 and the canopy was denser due to branching in the upper layers. It was concluded that the model can give a useful approximation of the distribution of CO2 in a dense and uniform canopy, when wind fluctuations are small, and under thermally neutral conditions.