cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Race, politics, and drug law enforcement: an analysis of civil asset forfeiture patterns across US counties

The research on civil asset forfeiture has been largely anecdotal and has taken a politicised approach. Most accounts use specific cases to support their claims that widespread use of forfeiture is generated by dubious or ‘hidden’ law enforcement motives. Yet there are plausible theoretical reasons to believe that structural contexts condition the choice of mechanisms favoured by the law enforcement agencies. This research emphasises structural explanations for variation in the ratio of asset forfeiture dollars to drug arrests. Regression estimates show that agency complexity, black population size, economic inequality due to the presence of high income earners and local Republican Party political support in past elections are strong predictors of variation in this ratio indicator. This study highlights the selective use of asset forfeiture and arrest. The evidence presented here supports wider claims that the application of alternative mechanisms of local law enforcement do not operate in a social, econo...
Risk for avian influenza virus exposure at human-wildlife interface.

To assess risk for human exposure to avian influenza viruses (AIV), we sampled California wild birds and marine mammals during October 2005–August 2007and estimated human–wildlife contact. Waterfowl hunters were 8 times more likely to have contact with AIV-infected wildlife than were persons with casual or occupational exposures (p<0.0001).
Electrophysiological and immunocytochemical characterization of GABA and dopamine neurons in the substantia nigra of the rat

Abstract Neurons in the substantia nigra pars reticulata and pars compacta of the rat were studied using a combination of intracellular electrophysiological recording in in vitro and subsequent immunocytochemical double and triple labelling techniques. The neurons recorded in the pars reticulata were identified as either GABA or dopamine neurons: neurons were considered to be GABA neurons if they were immunopositive for glutamate decarboxylase, whereas those neurons which were immunopositive for tyrosine hydroxylase were considered to be dopaminergic. The GABA neurons had short duration action potentials (0.45±0.03 ms halfwidth), no apparent rectifying currents, no low threshold calcium spikes, were spontaneously active (7.4±3.7 Hz), and could maintain high firing rates. The dopamine neurons had long duration action potentials (1.49±0.10 ms), displayed both anomalous inward and transient outward rectifying currents, and more than half (12/17 neurons) displayed a low threshold calcium spike. Their spontaneous firing rate was lower than that of the GABA neurons (2.3±1.0 Hz), and they displayed strong frequency adaptation. Morphological reconstruction of neurobiotin-filled neurons revealed that the pars reticulata GABA neurons had more extensive local dendritic arborization than the dopamine neurons from either the pars reticulata or the pars compacta. All of the neurons recorded from the pars compacta were dopamine neurons; they were found not to be different either electrophysiologically or morphologically from pars reticulata dopamine neurons. The electrophysiology of the GABA neurons suggests that input activity is translated linearly to spike frequency. These GABA neurons probably represent the projection neurons of the pars reticulata, and it is thus likely that this basal ganglia output is frequency coded. The close similarity between the dopamine neurons in the pars compacta, which give rise to the nigrostriatal pathway, and those in the pars reticulata supports the notion that the dopamine neurons in these two regions are part of the same neuronal population.
Children, childhood, and development in evolutionary perspective

Abstract We examine children, childhood, and development from an evolutionary perspective. We begin by reviewing major assumptions of evolutionary–developmental psychology, including the integration of “soft” developmental systems theory with ideas from mainstream evolutionary psychology. We then discuss the concept of adaptive developmental plasticity and describe the core evolutionary concept of developmental programming and some of its applications to human development, as instantiated in life history theory and the theory of differential susceptibility to environmental influence. We then discuss the concept of adaptation from an evolutionary–developmental perspective, including ontogenetic and deferred adaptations, and examine the development of some adaptations of infancy and childhood from the domains of folk psychology and folk physics. We conclude that evolutionary theory can serve as a metatheory for developmental science.
Quantum measurement: a bridge to classical physics

In light of the lessons learned in the last 35 years from the quantum statistical mechanics description of phase transitions, I argue that the dichotomy in the evolution of quantum systems proposed by von Neumann, and pursued by Wigner in spite of the Einstein--Bohr criticisms on the attendent lack of resolution in terms of classical reality, fails to take into account the middle term suggested by the existence of superselection rules, Wigner's own discovery (with Wightmann and Wick). I claim that the part of the measurement problem concerned with the stable transfer of microscopic information to macroscopic physics can be treated entirely within the framework of a deterministic, conservative evolution of the joint system, i.e. without requiring the type of evolution von Neumann proposed besides that governed by the Schroedinger equation. I sustain this claim with the use of an exactly solvable model akin to the x-y model of statistical mechanics and involving its thermodynamical limit.
Minimally invasive peripheral nerve surgery: a short scar technique.

Introduction. As peripheral nerve specialists can have a wide variety of training backgrounds, few standards of care exist with respect to necessary incision length, amount of dissection, and operative technique for common nerve decompressions. Methods. Approaches for the following 12 common peripheral nerve surgeries were minimized using shorter incisions and a simple lighted retractor: zygomatico-temporal and auriculotemporal, greater occipital, brachial plexus, ulnar, radial, median, lateral femoral cutaneous nerve of the thigh, peroneal at the groin, fibular neck and lateral calf, and tibial and inner ankle. The new “minimal” incision length was recorded as was that of the “classical” approach as taught to the senior author and frequently represented in atlases. A Mann-Whiney analysis was independently performed to evaluate for significance between the lengths of incisions for each procedure. Results. The average length of the “minimal” incisions was 3.9 ± 0.6 cm (range, 3.1–6.1 cm), with an average reduction in length of 51% as compared with the “classical” incisions (range, 30–75%; P < 0.001). There were no perioperative morbidities. Conclusions. Minimally invasive peripheral nerve surgery applied to the above procedures yields successful surgical outcomes while shortening incision lengths and maximizing patient satisfaction without sacrificing patient safety. © 2010 Wiley-Liss, Inc. Microsurgery, 2010.
Genetics of nanos localization in Drosophila

The Drosophila gene nanos is required for two processes. During oogenesis, nanos function is required for the continued production of egg chambers, and nanos is expressed in the early germarium. During embryogenesis, nanos is required maternally to specify abdominal segmentation. Nanos shares this latter function with nine other genes, collectively known as the posterior group. Of this group, nanos encodes a determinant, and is localized as an RNA to the posterior pole of early embryos. This RNA is translated to form a gradient of nanos protein with highest concentrations at the posterior. Analysis of the distribution of nanos gene products in embryos mutant for posterior group genes shows that eight of these genes are required for localization, but not stability, of the nanos RNA. Embryos mutant for posterior group alleles which produce weak abdominal phenotypes show reduced amounts of localized nanos RNA. This correlation between nanos RNA localization and abdominal phenotype suggests that nanos acts as a localization-dependent posterior determinant. Localization of nanos is not affected by mutations in bicoid or torso, confirming that the three maternal systems of anterior-posterior determination initially act independently. © 1994 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Modeling IR radiative loss from Eppley PSP pyranometers

A method has been developed to estimate IR radiative losses using solar radiation and meteorological data without the need for pyrgeometer data. The modeled IR radiative losses are not as accurate as that obtained using pyrgeometer information, but 95% of the modeled IR radiative losses are with a few W/m2 of the actual IR radiative losses. Currently this method is limited to having a least some period when pyrgeometers measurements are available. More testing and evaluations are needed at a number of locations to test the general applicability of the model developed.
Effects of Diphenylhydantoin on Atrioventricular Conduction in Man

The effects of intravenous diphenylhydantoin (5 mg/kg) on atrioventricular conduction in man at controlled heart rates in the digitalized and undigitalized state were studied. In undigitalized subjects, diphenylhydantoin administration consistently decreased A-V conduction time in each individual subject when identical heart rates were compared. Ouabain infusion produced an increase in A-V conduction time and this prolongation was always reversed by diphenylhydantoin. In two patients with atrial flutter and in two with atrial fibrillation, diphenylhydantoin caused a decrease in ventricular rate without affecting the atrial arrhythmias. These findings are of clinical importance, especially in the therapy of digitalis toxicity. When digitalis excess is manifested by both ectopic beats and incomplete A-V block, diphenylhydantoin would have special utility since, in contrast with the commonly used antiarrhythmic agents, it decreases A-V conduction time in addition to suppressing ectopic beats. Diphenylhydanto...
Lateral transpeduncular approach to intrinsic lesions of the rostral pons.

OBJECTIVE We describe the lateral transpeduncular approach to access lesions in the rostral pons. The surgical indications and technique are discussed in the context of an illustrative case and pertinent anatomic considerations. METHODS A 38-year-old man with acute right hemiparesis and bulbar symptoms had a left pontine hemorrhage with an associated cavernous malformation and venous anomaly. There was no pial or ependymal representation of the lesion. To avoid disruption of eloquent structures, the pia was entered in the posterolateral aspect of the middle cerebellar peduncle. Subsequent dissection was guided by stereotactic neuronavigation in a ventromedial trajectory along the course of the pontocerebellar fibers. RESULTS The cavernous malformation was resected completely without procedure-related morbidity. The patient's preoperative deficits slowly improved to a functionally independent state. CONCLUSION The lateral transpeduncular approach may be used to access intrinsic lesions of the rostral pons with relatively low morbidity. Stereotactic neuronavigation and intraoperative electrophysiological monitoring are important surgical adjuncts to guide dissection and lesion extirpation. Candidate selection, microsurgical technique, and pragmatic treatment goals remain fundamental to optimal patient outcomes.
Short-term administration of progesterone and estradiol independently alter carotid-vasomotor, but not carotid-cardiac, baroreflex function in young women

The individual effects of estrogen and progesterone on baroreflex function remain poorly understood. We sought to determine how estradiol (E2) and progesterone (P4) independently alter the carotid-...
Motivation of Voluntary Plasmapheresis Donors

A totally voluntary plasmapheresis program recruits 900 individual donors per year at a cancer research institute, where 500 to 900 units of platelets are transfused each month. Staff and donors use a film and brochures to recruit donors from the local community. Television and radio spots, with donor recognition pins, certificates, receptions, and picnics are utilized. Donor motivation was studied by use of: 1) California Psychological Inventory-measures a variety of “normal” personality traits; 2) Study of values—measures theoretical, economic, aesthetic, social, political, religious values; 3) Internal-External Control Scale—measures degree to which a person blames self vs. external events for what happens to him; 4) Faith in People Scale—measures individual's confidence in his fellow man; 5) Anomia Scale—measure of feelings of self-to-others alienation; 6) Mach IV Scale—measure of persons tendency to manipulate others; and 7) Biographical Data Form. Results are presented for 25 male donor subjects studied, as they compare with normative data for the scales used. Donors appeared to have the same traits as do the general population, but appeared lower in Machiavellianism than non-plasmapheresis donors. Prospective study plans include additional subjects to provide appropriate control groups.
Rat Pachytene Spermatocytes Down-Regulate a Polo-Like Kinase and Up-Regulate a Thiol-Specific Antioxidant Protein, Whereas Sertoli Cells Down-Regulate a Phosphodiesterase and Up-Regulate an Oxidative Stress Protein after Exposure to Methoxyethanol and Methoxyacetic Acid1

2-Methoxyethanol (ME) and its metabolite, methoxyacetic acid (MAA), produce testicular lesions characterized by pachytene spermatocyte degeneration. To understand the molecular basis of this action on meiotic prophase cells, mRNA differential display was used to identify gene expression changes in control and treated cells. When pachytene spermatocytes were cultured with 5 mm ME or 5 mm MAA for 24 h, two complementary DNAs (cDNAs), of 557 nucleotides (clone 5) and 388 nucleotides (clone 6), were up-regulated; and a cDNA of 648 nucleotides (clone 1) was down-regulated. The altered expression pattern shown by differential display was confirmed by Northern blotting. Sequence analyses indicate that clones 1 and 6 have 83% and 79% homology at the nucleotide level to a polo-like kinase and a thiol-specific antioxidant, respectively. Clone 5 shows no homology to any known gene in the database. Messenger RNAs (mRNAs) encoding the thiol-specific antioxidant and clone 5 are up-regulated within 30 min of the additio...
Broadly applicable polysiloxane-based chiral stationary phase for high-performance liquid chromatography and supercritical fluid chromatography

A recently reported broad-spectrum chiral selector and two of its homologs were incorporated into polymethyl-hydrosiloxane and each of the polymers was immobilized on silica gel to afford chiral stationary phases (CSPs) useful for the separation of the enantiomers of a wide variety of compounds by HPLC and/or supercritical fluid chromatography (SFC). These CSPs are stable toward normal-phase, reversed-phase, and sub/supercritical fluid conditions and are not adversely affected by addition of carboxylic acids or amines as mobile-phase modifiers. These polymeric CSPs show higher efficiencies and shorter analysis times when used with sub/supercritical carbon dioxide then when used in the HPLC mode. Additionally, some separations are achievable using sub/supercritical carbon dioxide but not when the same column is used in the HPLC mode.
De novo immunotactoid glomerulopathy of the renal allograft : possible association with cytomegalovirus infection

A 59-year-old man with end-stage renal failure from systemic vasculitis developed de novo immunotactoid glomerulopathy of the renal allograft, with clinical evidence of hematuria, proteinuria, and acute renal failure 6 weeks after cadaveric renal transplantation. The morphologic lesion of immunotactoid glomerulopathy and the clinical renal disease resolved during the following 2 weeks. The disease had not recurred in the subsequent 20 months of posttransplant follow-up. During the same period, the patient also developed systemic cytomegalovirus (CIVIV) infection with viremia, acute hepatitis, and bone marrow suppression. The clinical manifestations of CMV illness and the renal disease have subsided following the withdrawal of immunosuppressive agents and simultaneous treatment with ganciclovir. Although there is no direct proof that CMV infection was responsible for the development of immunotactoid glomerulopathy, the circumstantial evidence in this patient strongly suggests that these two disease were temporally linked. To our knowledge, the association between CMV infection and immunotactoid glomerulopathy has not been documented previously.
The Possible Influence of Upstream Upper-Level Baroclinic Processes on the Development of the QE II Storm

An analysis of the QE II storm of September 9-11, 1978 presents evidence for the existence of upper-level baroclinic processes upstream of the rapidly developing cyclone. The analysis shows that a deepening shortwave trough was located 400 to 500 km upstream of the site of the storm 12 h prior to rapid cyclogenesis. The trough was associated with: (1) a polar jet marked by 65 m/s winds in its core and significant vertical and horizontal wind shear, (2) positive vorticity advection and divergence at the 300 mb level, and (3) an intense frontal zone that extended from 300 mb down to the surface. It also appears that a tropopause fold likely extruded stratospheric air down to the 700-800 mb level, 400-500 km upstream of the surface low and 12 h prior to the explosive development phase of the cyclone. These findings raise questions about Gyakum's (1983) assertion that the QE II storm developed in an area in which the baroclinic support was confined to the lower troposphere and the related assertion by Anthes et al. (1983) that upper-level forcing upstream of the area of rapid cyclogenesis was weak and apparently not important in this case.
CXCL10 Can Inhibit Endothelial Cell Proliferation Independently of CXCR3

CXCL10 (or Interferon-inducible protein of 10 kDa, IP-10) is an interferon-inducible chemokine with potent chemotactic activity on activated effector T cells and other leukocytes expressing its high affinity G protein-coupled receptor CXCR3. CXCL10 is also active on other cell types, including endothelial cells and fibroblasts. The mechanisms through which CXCL10 mediates its effects on non-leukocytes is not fully understood. In this study, we focus on the anti-proliferative effect of CXCL10 on endothelial cells, and demonstrate that CXCL10 can inhibit endothelial cell proliferation in vitro independently of CXCR3. Four main findings support this conclusion. First, primary mouse endothelial cells isolated from CXCR3-deficient mice were inhibited by CXCL10 as efficiently as wildtype endothelial cells. We also note that the proposed alternative splice form CXCR3-B, which is thought to mediate CXCL10's angiostatic activity, does not exist in mice based on published mouse CXCR3 genomic sequences as an in-frame stop codon would terminate the proposed CXCR3-B splice variant in mice. Second, we demonstrate that human umbilical vein endothelial cells and human lung microvascular endothelial cells that were inhibited by CXL10 did not express CXCR3 by FACS analysis. Third, two different neutralizing CXCR3 antibodies did not inhibit the anti-proliferative effect of CXCL10. Finally, fourth, utilizing a panel of CXCL10 mutants, we show that the ability to inhibit endothelial cell proliferation correlates with CXCL10's glycosaminoglycan binding affinity and not with its CXCR3 binding and signaling. Thus, using a very defined system, we show that CXCL10 can inhibit endothelial cell proliferation through a CXCR3-independent mechanism.
Induction in vitro of Antibodies to Phage T2: Antigens in the RNA Extract Employed

Cells from rat peritoneal exudate incubated in vitro with phage T2 yield RNA which induces cultures of rat lymph nodes to form antibodies. Complement fixation reveals T2 head, tail, and internal protein antigens in the RNA. Inoculating the RNA into mice that had previously been stimulated primarily with whole phage T2 results in a secondary response of neutralizing antibody.
Diagnostic evaluation of myocardial abscesses. A new look at an old problem

A myocardial abscess is a life threatening complication of infective endocarditis that necessitates early diagnosis in order to identify the need for emergent surgical intervention and improved prognosis. This review discusses the relevant historical aspects, clinical features suggestive of the diagnosis, associated conditions and various appropriate imaging modalities--in particular, trans-thoracic and trans-esophageal echocardiography, Indium-111 radionucleide scintigraphy, and computerized tomographic scanning. Specific clinical and echocardiographic criteria for identifying a myocardial abscess are discussed and comparative data presented from published studies in the literature.
Shoes as a source of first impressions

Abstract Surprisingly minimal appearance cues lead perceivers to accurately judge others’ personality, status, or politics. We investigated people’s precision in judging characteristics of an unknown person, based solely on the shoes he or she wears most often. Participants provided photographs of their shoes, and during a separate session completed self-report measures. Coders rated the shoes on various dimensions, and these ratings were found to correlate with the owners’ personal characteristics. A new group of participants accurately judged the age, gender, income, and attachment anxiety of shoe owners based solely on the pictures. Shoes can indeed be used to evaluate others, at least in some domains.
N-carbamylglutamate augments ureagenesis and reduces ammonia and glutamine in propionic acidemia.

The objective of this study was to determine whether N-carbamylglutamate (NCG) reduces plasma levels of ammonia and glutamine and increases the rate of ureagenesis in patients with pro- pionic acidemia (PA). METHODS: Identical 4-hour studies were performed before and imme- diately after a 3-day trial of oral NCG in 7 patients with PA. An oral bolus of ( 13 C)sodium acetate was administered at the start of each study, and sequential blood samples were obtained to measure ( 13 C)urea, ammo- nia, urea, and amino acids. RESULTS: With longitudinal mixed-effects linear regression, peak ( 13 C)urea increased after treatment with NCG (from 2.2 to 3.8M; P .0005). There were concomitant decreases in mean plasma ammonia (59 -4 3M; P.018) and glutamine (552-331 M; P.0005). CONCLUSIONS: NCG augments ureagenesis and decreases plasma ammonia and glutamine in patients with PA. The drug may serve as an important therapeutic adjunct in the treatment of acute hyperam- monemia in this disorder. Pediatrics 2010;126:e208-e214
The Length of the Growing Season of Largemouth and Smallmouth Black Bass in Norris Reservoir, Tennessee

Abstract The length of the growing season of largemouth black bass and small-mouth black bass in Norris Reservoir for 1939 has been calculated to be not more than 4 months. The season's growth in both species of bass began after late May. The largemouth black bass had completed their growth by the early part of October, and the smallmouth black bass by the latter part of September. This 4-month growing period corresponded to that during which the water in the lake was 75° F. or above, and was much shorter than the agricultural growing season of 7 months.
Intraoperative Frozen Section Monitoring of Nerve Sparing Radical Retropubic Prostatectomy

AbstractPurpose: We describe the clinical and pathological outcomes of intraoperative frozen sections performed on the posterolateral prostate margins during nerve sparing radical prostatectomy.Materials and Methods: We developed a technique of bilateral nerve sparing, inking the posterolateral prostate margins and obtaining frozen sections. When tumor was seen on frozen section, the fascia and neurovascular bundle were widely excised before completing the vesicourethral anastomosis. We reviewed 142 radical retropubic prostatectomies performed by a single surgeon between 1992 and 1997. Patients were divided into group 1-nerve sparing procedure using our technique (48 patients), 2-planned unilateral nerve sparing without frozen sections (46) and 3-planned bilateral nerve sparing without frozen sections (48). Potency was measured implicitly by physician assessment and explicitly with the UCLA Prostate Cancer Index. Group comparisons were made for positive margins, biochemical recurrence and potency. Mean fo...
The Effects of Cocaine and Heroin Use on Intubation Rates and Hospital Utilization in Patients With Acute Asthma Exacerbations

Background The use of both heroin and cocaine has been associated with asthma exacerbations. However, the magnitude of this effect has not been adequately described. The purpose of this study was to examine the association between cocaine or heroin use and asthma severity. Methods We conducted a retrospective chart review of adult patients who had been admitted to an inner-city hospital and who subsequently had received a hospital discharge diagnosis of acute asthma exacerbation. Patients were classified as cocaine users if they had admitted to using cocaine within 24 h of symptom onset, or if a positive drug screen result was obtained. A similar classification was employed for heroin. The severity of asthma exacerbations among cocaine and heroin users was compared to severity among nonusers (ie, individuals without evidence of having used either drug within the 24 h preceding symptom onset). Results One hundred sixty-six unique patient encounters were identified, and 152 patient records were analyzed. Of these, 27.6% (42 of 152 patients) used cocaine with or without heroin and were classified as cocaine users, while 30.9% (47 of 152 patients) used heroin with or without cocaine and were classified as heroin users. Cocaine users had longer mean lengths of hospital stay than nonusers (3.4 days vs 2.5 days; p Conclusion Heroin and cocaine use are common among adult asthmatic patients admitted to an inner-city hospital. Both cocaine and heroin are significantly associated with the need for intubation. Based on these findings, it may be prudent to screen adults with asthma presenting to an urban emergency department for cocaine and heroin use.
Enabling user prioritization of multimedia applications

Most desktop applications execute on commodity operating systems and networks that support end-user requirements on a best-effort basis. As a result, the end-user cannot indicate to the underlying system the priority of networked applications when they are executed concurrently. Consequently, the performance of these applications is degraded non-deterministically based on the availability of resources and furthermore the degradation is not in the order and to the extent the end-user would want. This unpredictable degradation frequently affects the usefulness of a user session when multiple networked multimedia applications are executed simultaneously. We designed and implemented a prioritization service that allows an end-user to prioritize applications according to the requirements of an individual session. The service has been implemented in user-space and incorporates several scheduling disciplines. We present the design and implementation of the service as well as its performance impact on the overall system.
The Tipping Point: Mentoring the General Music Student Teacher through the Job-Seeking Process with a Technology Edge.

As a cooperating teacher and university supervisor (respectively), the authors have mentored many general music student teachers and helped them prepare for the job application and interview process. Today, merely having an updated resume, good recommendations, portfolio, and notes from mock interviews is average and minimum. One way to take a proactive approach is to get noticed in an impressive and professional manner while using technology as your closest ally. Creating a “video resume” of teaching excerpts that can be sent electronically along with an application puts a prospective general music teacher at an advantage and can be the “tipping point” to get one the job.
Comparison of Probabilistic Statistical Forecast and Trend Adjustment Methods for North American Seasonal Temperatures

AbstractThe three multivariate statistical methods of canonical correlation analysis, maximum covariance analysis, and redundancy analysis are compared with respect to their probabilistic accuracy for seasonal forecasts of gridded North American temperatures. Derivation of forecast error covariance matrices for the methods allows a probabilistic formulation for the forecasts, assuming Gaussian predictive distributions. The three methods perform similarly with respect to probabilistic forecast accuracy as reflected by the ranked probability score, although maximum covariance analysis may be preferred because of its slightly better forecast skill and calibration. In each case the forecast accuracy for North American seasonal temperatures compares favorably to results from previously published studies. In addition, two alternative approaches are compared for alleviating the cold biases in the forecasts that derive from ongoing climate warming. Adding lagging 15-yr means to forecast temperature anomalies impr...
Real-time adaptive resource management for multi-model control

Uninhabited air vehicles (UAVs) currently under development for the military present unique challenges that push the limits of current control and software technologies. The objective of our work is to develop advanced control and computational models along with the necessary software infrastructure to fully exploit available onboard computing resources for optimizing the performance of UAV missions.
Estrogen Receptor-α Hinge-Region Lysines 302 and 303 Regulate Receptor Degradation by the Proteasome

Cellular levels of estrogen receptor-alpha (ERalpha) protein are regulated primarily by the ubiquitin-proteasome pathway. Dynamic interactions between ERalpha and the protein degradation machinery facilitate the down-regulation process by targeting receptor lysine residues for polyubiquitination. To date, the lysines that control receptor degradation have not been identified. Two receptor lysines, K302 and K303, located in the hinge-region of ERalpha, serve multiple regulatory functions, and we examined whether these might also regulate receptor polyubiquitination, turnover, and receptor-protein interactions. We used ERalpha-negative breast cancer C4-12 cells to generate cells stably expressing wild-type (wt)ERalpha or ERalpha with lysine-to-alanine substitutions at K302 and K303 (ERalpha-AA). In the unliganded state, ERalpha-AA displayed rapid polyubiquitination and enhanced basal turnover, as compared with wtERalpha, due to its elevated association with the ubiquitin ligase carboxy terminus of Hsc70-interacting protein (CHIP) and the proteasome-associated cochaperone Bag1. Treatment of C4-12 cells with either 17beta-estradiol (E2) or the pure antiestrogen ICI 182,780 (ICI) induced rapid degradation of wtERalpha via the ubiquitin-proteasome pathway; however, in the presence of these ligands, ERalpha-AA was less efficiently degraded. Furthermore, ERalpha-AA was resistant to ICI-induced polyubiquitination, suggesting that these lysines are polyubiquitinated in response to the antiestrogen and demonstrate a novel role for these two lysines in the mechanism of action of ICI-induced receptor down-regulation. The reduced stability of ERalpha-AA in the unliganded state and the increased stability of ERalpha-AA in the liganded state were concordant with reporter gene assays demonstrating that ERalpha-AA has lower basal activity but higher E2 inducibility than wtERalpha. These data provide the first evidence that K302/303 protect ERalpha from basal degradation and are necessary for efficient E2- and ICI-induced turnover in breast cancer cells.
The role of viruses in congenital defects.

The rubella-induced congenital defects have, hopefully, been curtailed through the years of study that culminated in the rubella vaccination program. For other teratogenic viruses, such control is not yet in sight. Moreover, continued study of virus infections indicates an expanding role for cytomegalovirus and possibly other viruses in causing enormous damage to the health of unborn children. The social and economic drain on society of these damaged children cannot be accurately assessed. The cost of institutional care and special education facilities for children born with congenital rubella during 1964 and 1965 has been estimated to be approximately $920 million. In addition, the emotional burden to the family and to the affected individual, as well as problems of society in assisting with the social adjustment of the individuals, cannot be evaluated.
The structure of scientific and engineering papers: a historical perspective

Many technical style guides and handbooks recommend the use of a 'topical structure' for reporting original results from experimental research. This structure typically follows the sequence: heading, abstract, introduction, experimental details, results, discussion of results, conclusions, acknowledgements, and references. Slight variations in this basic structure are also employed in reporting the development of a novel device, material, method, or theory. An overview on how each element of the topical structure evolved to its present state is presented. >
High gradient superconducting RF systems

Superconducting RF (SRF) cavities are a promising technology for the next generation of electron positron colliders. In order to apply SRF technology in such machines, accelerating gradients must be improved, from the 5 to 10 MV/m level achieved in accelerators today, to the range of 20 to 30 MV/m. The state of the art in high gradient SRF technology will be discussed. Topics include achieved cavity performance, fabrication, preparation, handling, and processing techniques. Significant progress, e.g. multi-cell cavities with gradients >25 MV/m and single-cell cavities with gradients >40 MV/m, has been achieved over the past several years towards the goal of increased gradients. The major improvements have been in the areas of understanding and reducing cavity loading due to field emission and thermal quenches.
A Simple Method for Combining Genetic Mapping Data from Multiple Crosses and Experimental Designs

Background Over the past decade many linkage studies have defined chromosomal intervals containing polymorphisms that modulate a variety of traits. Many phenotypes are now associated with enough mapping data that meta-analysis could help refine locations of known QTLs and detect many novel QTLs. Methodology/Principal Findings We describe a simple approach to combining QTL mapping results for multiple studies and demonstrate its utility using two hippocampus weight loci. Using data taken from two populations, a recombinant inbred strain set and an advanced intercross population we demonstrate considerable improvements in significance and resolution for both loci. 1-LOD support intervals were improved 51% for Hipp1a and 37% for Hipp9a. We first generate locus-wise permuted P-values for association with the phenotype from multiple maps, which can be done using a permutation method appropriate to each population. These results are then assigned to defined physical positions by interpolation between markers with known physical and genetic positions. We then use Fisher's combination test to combine position-by-position probabilities among experiments. Finally, we calculate genome-wide combined P-values by generating locus-specific P-values for each permuted map for each experiment. These permuted maps are then sampled with replacement and combined. The distribution of best locus-specific P-values for each combined map is the null distribution of genome-wide adjusted P-values. Conclusions/Significance Our approach is applicable to a wide variety of segregating and non-segregating mapping populations, facilitates rapid refinement of physical QTL position, is complementary to other QTL fine mapping methods, and provides an appropriate genome-wide criterion of significance for combined mapping results.
Molecular Basis of Bone Morphogenetic Protein-15 Signaling in Granulosa Cells *

Bone morphogenetic protein-15 (BMP-15), an oocyte growth factor belonging to the transforming growth factor-beta superfamily, has recently been shown to be necessary for normal female fertility in mammals. We have previously demonstrated that BMP-15 regulates granulosa cell (GC) proliferation and differentiation; namely, BMP-15 promotes GC mitosis, suppresses follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) receptor expression, and stimulates kit ligand expression. Although the role of BMP-15 in female reproduction has progressively deserved much attention, there is nothing known to date about the signaling pathway and receptors for BMP-15. Using rat primary GCs and a human GC cell line, COV434, we have now found that administration of BMP-15 causes a rapid and transient phosphorylation, thus activation, of the Smad1/5/8 pathway. BMP-15 also stimulated promoter activity of a selective BMP-responsive reporter construct, further demonstrating the stimulation of Smad1/5/8 signaling by BMP-15. In contrast, BMP-15 stimulation of Smad2 phosphorylation was very weak. To identify the receptors for BMP-15, we utilized recombinant extracellular domains of individual transforming growth factor-beta superfamily receptors and found that activin receptor-like kinase-6 extracellular domain most effectively co-immunoprecipitates with BMP-15, whereas BMP receptor type II extracellular domain was most effective in inhibiting BMP-15 bioactivity on FSH-induced progesterone production and GC thymidine incorporation. We also investigated whether activation of the MAPK pathway is necessary for BMP-15 biological activity and found that the addition of U0126, an inhibitor of ERK1/2 phosphorylation, suppresses BMP-15 activity on GC mitotsis but not on FSH-induced progesterone production, suggesting a selective signaling cascade in GC proliferation and differentiation.
The psychosocial consequences of mammography.

Increasing numbers of mammograms being performed in the United States will be accompanied inevitably by an increasing number of false positives. According to reliable estimates from a survey of radiology facilities, U.S. women in their forties experience close to one million false positive mammograms every year. To determine the impact of false positive mammograms and the broader psychological impact of mammography, we conducted literature searches of Medline, CancerLit, and PsycInfo. We identified nine studies examining the impact of false positive mammograms. Most found short-term increases in such psychological measures as anxiety, distress, and intrusive thoughts. One study found substantial effects on these measures three months after an abnormal mammogram. Another study found an 18-month impact on anxiety. Few studies have used behavioral outcomes, but one reported overpractice of breast self-exam among women who had received false positive results. Another found no reduction in adherence to mammography among women who have had an abnormal test. The more general mammography literature suggests that many women are anxious about mammography before the exam; women with lower levels of education, African Americans, and women with a family history of breast cancer may be more vulnerable to distress. Unfortunately, this literature suffers major limitations, such as small sample sizes, inconsistent and sometimes inappropriate measures, variations in the time frames for measurement, few studies with women aged 40-49, and a paucity of U.S. research. More research is needed to characterize at-risk women and to test interventions designed to reduce the negative impact of abnormal mammograms. Improved communication is also needed throughout the entire mammography process.
Gist and verbatim communication concerning medication risks/benefits.

Abstract Objectives To describe the information about medication risks/benefits that rheumatologists provide during patient office visits, the gist that patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) extract from the information provided, and the relationship between communication and medication satisfaction. Methods Data from 169 RA patients were analyzed. Each participant had up to three visits audiotaped. Four RA patients coded the audiotapes using a Gist Coding Scheme and research assistants coded the audiotapes using a Verbatim Coding Scheme. Results When extracting gist from the information discussed during visits, patient coders distinguished between discussion concerning the possibility of medication side effects versus expression of significant safety concerns. Among patients in the best health, nearly 80% reported being totally satisfied with their medications when the physician communicated the gist that the medication was effective, compared to approximately 50% when this gist was not communicated. Conclusion Study findings underscore the multidimensional nature of medication risk communication and the importance of communication concerning medication effectiveness/need. Practice implications Health care providers should ensure that patients understand that medication self-management practices can minimize potential risks. Communicating simple gist messages may increase patient satisfaction, especially messages about benefits for well-managed patients. Optimal communication also requires shared understanding of desired therapeutic outcomes.
Foxl1-Expressing Mesenchymal Cells Constitute the Intestinal Stem Cell Niche

Background & Aims Intestinal epithelial stem cells that express leucine-rich repeat-containing G-protein coupled receptor 5 (Lgr5) and/or B cell specific Moloney murine leukemia virus integration site 1 (Bmi1) continuously replicate and generate differentiated cells throughout life. Previously, Paneth cells were suggested to constitute an epithelium-intrinsic niche that regulates the behavior of these stem cells. However, ablating Paneth cells has no effect on the maintenance of functional stem cells. Here, we show definitively that a small subset of mesenchymal subepithelial cells expressing the winged-helix transcription factor forkhead box l1 (Foxl1) are a critical component of the intestinal stem cell niche. Methods We genetically ablated Foxl1+ mesenchymal cells in adult mice using 2 separate models by expressing either the human or simian diphtheria toxin receptor under Foxl1 promoter control. Conclusions Killing Foxl1+ cells by diphtheria toxin administration led to an abrupt cessation of proliferation of both epithelial stem- and transit-amplifying progenitor cell populations that was associated with a loss of active Wnt signaling to the intestinal epithelium. Therefore, Foxl1-expressing mesenchymal cells constitute the fundamental niche for intestinal stem cells.
Entrenched Management and the Adaptation Option

This paper examines whether firms with market values less than book values continue to exist because management does not want to utilize the adaptation option. If managers have the option to adapt assets (either internally or externally via selling the firm) to other uses when the expected net present value from current earnings is less than liquidation values, then a book-to market (BTM) ratio greater than one should not be observed. However, a sample from 1992 to 2009 indicates 35,575 continuous firm-month observations where the BTM ratio is above one. I specifically investigate whether the relation between entrenchment techniques, market discipline, changes in management, and undervaluation signaling is correlated with firms continuing with an BTM greater than one. Results are consistent with the entrenchment techniques, market discipline, and changing management hyp theses, but not with signaling. This paper extends the research on the adaptation option and provides an explicit link between firm value and corporate governance.
Greater Employment Equalities in the New South Through New Constitutional Guarantees

Most American state constitutions contain equal protection clauses. The words in these clauses often follow the words in the equal protection clause of the federal constitution. Not surprisingly perhaps, many state courts read their own clauses as providing no greater equalities than are afforded federally, following "in lockstep". But some American state constitutions have special equality provisions having no federal counterparts. Such clauses not only facilitate, but seemingly require, greater independent state constitutionalism. For example, in Illinois there are three special equality provisions beyond the general equal protection clause. They deal with employment, housing, local government and school districts. Of course, special provisions can extend, but never diminish, federal constitutional, statutory and regulatory equalities.In Illinois and elsewhere in the United States, constitutional equalities are promoted by provisions guaranteeing the equal protection of the laws and insuring freedom from discrimination. These two types of provisions typically are read as seeking comparable forms of equality and anticipating similar types of remedies. State Human Rights Commissions and their equivalents have been broadly delegated powers in many states regarding both equal protection and nondiscrimination. Nevertheless, there are sometimes reasons to treat differently equality and nondiscrimination provisions. Equality duties are often limited to governmental acts, as in the federal constitution, while nondiscrimination responsibilities are extended at times to private acts. As well, even where laws treat people and entities equally, discrimination may continue or arise. Antidiscrimination provisions can be read to impose upon government some affirmative duties to end discrimination not caused by government.This paper was first presented on January 16, 2009 at a symposium sponsored by the Charleston Law School and the Riley Institute at Furman that was entitled, "State Constitutional Reform in the New South." The paper explores the extent to which American states in the New South should promote greater constitutional equalities and nondiscrimination than are afforded federally. It begins by examining the benefits of special equality and nondiscrimination guarantees. It then examines American state experiences inside and outside the New South. Finally, it explores arenas where new explicit guarantees seem warranted, finding one special Illinois equality provision particularly inviting.
Using a Barrier Layer to Inhibit Ti/Oxide Reaction to Reduce RC Delay and Improve Electromigration in Al-Cu/Ti/W Interconnect for High Power Analog and Mixed Signal Applications

In this paper, we report a novel method to improve aluminum interconnect electromigration performance, reduce metal line sheet resistance (Rs) and reduce via contact resistance (Rc) in a minimum pitch design. We report the effects of bottom redundancy layers on electrical line and via resistance and upstream electromigration performance. We studied 4 metallization stacks: (I) Ti/TiN/AlCu/Ti/TiN, (II) Ti/TiN/Ti/AlCu/Ti/TiN (annealed at 400°C for 20 minutes), (III) a flash process/stack I, (IV) stack III with aluminum deposition temperature of 250°C. Aluminum deposition temperature in stacks I, II, and III are 200°C. Bottom Ti/TiN, AlCu, and Top Ti/TiN layers have the same thickness for all these stacks. Metal line Rs and via contact resistances (Rc) of stack IV are 5% and 10% lower, respectively, than stack I. Stack II metal line sheet resistance is 15% higher than stack I, which is attributed to Al consumption in the TiAl3 formation during 400°C/20minutes annealing. Electromigration performance is best with stack IV followed by III, II, then I.
Elastic behavior of postmortem human lungs: effects of aging and mild emphysema

The elastic behavior of postmortem human lungs has been studied in an effort to differentiate the effects of normal aging from those of mild emphysema. Static pressure-volume (P-V) curves were meas...