cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Genome-wide association study, genomic prediction and marker-assisted selection for seed weight in soybean ( Glycine max )

Twenty-two loci for soybean SW and candidate genes conditioning seed development were identified; and prediction accuracies of GS and MAS were estimated through cross-validation and validation with unrelated populations. Soybean (Glycine max) is a major crop for plant protein and oil production, and seed weight (SW) is important for yield and quality in food/vegetable uses of soybean. However, our knowledge of genes controlling SW remains limited. To better understand the molecular mechanism underlying the trait and explore marker-based breeding approaches, we conducted a genome-wide association study in a population of 309 soybean germplasm accessions using 31,045 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), and estimated the prediction accuracy of genomic selection (GS) and marker-assisted selection (MAS) for SW. Twenty-two loci of minor effect associated with SW were identified, including hotspots on Gm04 and Gm19. The mixed model containing these loci explained 83.4 % of phenotypic variation. Candidate genes with Arabidopsis orthologs conditioning SW were also proposed. The prediction accuracies of GS and MAS by cross-validation were 0.75–0.87 and 0.62–0.75, respectively, depending on the number of SNPs used and the size of training population. GS also outperformed MAS when the validation was performed using unrelated panels across a wide range of maturities, with an average prediction accuracy of 0.74 versus 0.53. This study convincingly demonstrated that soybean SW is controlled by numerous minor-effect loci. It greatly enhances our understanding of the genetic basis of SW in soybean and facilitates the identification of genes controlling the trait. It also suggests that GS holds promise for accelerating soybean breeding progress. The results are helpful for genetic improvement and genomic prediction of yield in soybean.
Spinoza on being sui iuris and the republican conception of liberty

Spinoza's use of the phrase “sui iuris” in the Tractatus Politicus gives rise to the following paradox. On the one hand, one is said to be sui iuris to the extent that one is rational; and to the extent that one is rational, one will steadfastly obey the laws of the state. However, Spinoza also states that to the extent that one adheres to the laws of the state, one is not sui iuris, but rather stands under the power [sub potestate] of the state (TP 3/5). It seems, then, that to the extent that one is sui iuris, one will not, in fact, be sui iuris. In this paper, I offer an interpretation of Spinoza's notion of being sui iuris that enables us to overcome this paradox and sheds light on Spinoza's relationship to the republican tradition. I work towards this goal by distinguishing between two ways in which Spinoza uses the locution, which correspond to two different conceptions of power: potentia and potestas. This distinction not only allows us to save Spinoza from internal inconsistency, it also enables u...
Cortical activation to illusory shapes as measured with magnetoencephalography.

Abstract Spatiotemporal patterns of cortical activation during the perceptual grouping of elements to form illusory shapes were estimated using anatomically constrained magnetoencephalography. Subjects were shown an array of Kanizsa-style figures which were either aligned to form illusory squares or misaligned so that no illusory contour or shape was perceived. Differential activity is more pronounced in the right hemisphere. After a weakly significant modulation at ∼110 ms in the occipital pole, a prominent peak appears at ∼155 ms in the lateral occipital cortex. Modulation then appears to spread back from this location toward the occipital pole, as well as ventrally to involve ventral occipital and temporal cortices for the next 180 ms, eventually involving ventral orbitofrontal cortex at 325 ms. The prominent lateral occipital response is consistent with fMRI studies with similar stimuli which found activation in that region as well as in V3A, V4v, V7, and V8. Furthermore, the timing of this activation, after the occipital pole but before ventral temporal, is consistent with a putative role for this region in midlevel vision. The late ventral temporal response (235 ms) is centered in the lingual and fusiform areas implicated in object identification. The V1/V2 modulation at this time may reflect top-down modulation by lateral occipitotemporal and ventral temporal areas.
Extensions of a theorem of Balas

Abstract We extend Balas' theorem on facial constraints in two directions. First, we provide a generalization in the facial case, and characterize the set obtained. Second, we establish a ‘countable convergence’ in certain cases where faciality is dropped as an hypothesis. We relate the latter results to finite convergence of cutting-plane algorithms.
An autoantigen in PSC? Whither or whether? Mandal A, Dasgupta A, Jeffers L, Squillante L, Hyder S, Reddy R, Schiff E, Das KM. Autoantibodies in sclerosing cholangitis against a shared peptide in biliary and colon epithelium. Gastroenterology 1994;106:185–192

Background/Aims: A strong association exists between ulcerative colitis and primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC). Previously, the presence of a unique epitope shared by colon and biliary epithelial cells was shown by using the novel monoclonal antibody (MAb) 7E12H12 developed against a colonic epithelial protein. In the present study, the presence of circulating autoantibody in PSC against this peptide was examined. Methods: Sera from 16 patients with PSC, 13 with primary biliary cirrhosis, 6 with secondary biliary stricture, and 6 with chronic liver diseases and 10 normal subjects were used. An inhibition immunoperoxidase assay using the 7E2H12 MAb was developed against sections of bile duct and gallbladder. Sera were also examined in an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) against the gallbladder extract enriched in 7E12H12-reactive protein. Results: About two thirds of the sera from patients with PSC blocked the binding of 7E12H12 MAb on the bile duct and gallbladder, whereas non-PSC sera did not. In the ELISA, 93% of PSC sera had circulating immunoglobulin G antibodies against the enriched gallbladder extract. The reactivity of sera from the PSC group was significantly (P < 0.01 to P < 0.0001) higher than in each of the non-PSC groups. Conclusions: Sera from patients with PSC contains autoantibodies against a cross-reactive peptide shared by colon and biliary epithelial cells.
Evidence for gas-induced orientation in the cellular slime molds☆

Abstract Evidence is presented to support the hypothesis that culminating slime molds orient with respect to their environment by producing a gas to which they are sensitive and they orient away from regions of high concentration (negative chemotaxis). A number of observations are described to show the capabilities and the sensitivity of the orienting mechanism, but as preliminary attempts to identify the gas were unsuccessful, its existence remains hypothetical.
Immune response during coccidiosis in SC and FP chickens. I. In vitro assessment of T cell proliferation response to stage-specific parasite antigens.

Development of cell-mediated immunity (CMI) and comparative effectiveness of different stage-specific coccidia antigens in T cell activation during avian coccidiosis were evaluated in two inbred strains of chickens using a specific in vitro T cell proliferation assay. Lymphocytes from chickens infected with different Eimeria spp. showed proliferative response to sporozoites, merozoites or Eimeria soluble antigen (Esa) excreted by cultured parasites. Detectable CMI response was observed at 21 day P.I. in chickens infected with E. tenella and E. maxima. Generally lower T cell response was observed in chickens infected with E. acervulina. Merozoites were highly immunogenic compared to sporozoites. Esa prepared from cultured parasites was as effective as whole parasites in evoking a T cell response. Although strain variation in T cell response to parasites or Esa was observed during a primary infection, substantially enhanced T cell response was observed 3 days after a secondary infection in both strains of chickens. The results of the present investigation suggest that Esa may be a major parasite antigen released to the immune system during early stages of infection and relevant to the development of protective immunity.
Medical futility and appropriate medical care in patients whose death is thought to be imminent

Often it is very difficult to make decisions involving the termination of aggressive cancer care in the case of patients who are no longer benefiting. Among these patients, our ability to "do everything possible" to continue life is in conflict with "doing the right thing"; the greatest benefit to these patients derives from delivering excellent supportive care and assisting them in understanding and accepting end-of-life issues. Furthermore, in a cost-conscious environment with limited resources, all patients and, indeed, all of society, benefit when aggressive and often costly cancer care is limited to those patients who are likely to benefit. However, these issues are complex, blending treatment science and ethics, and thus, the physician frequently has no objective reference point on which to base the decisions. This paper integrates the principles of ethics (respect for autonomy, beneficence, nonmaleficence, and justice) and three difficult issues encountered by physicians in clinical decision-making in terminal cancer patients in the American healthcare system. These issues include: medical futility and appropriate care, applications of outcomes research in clinical decision-making, and impact of cost, particularly in a managed care environment, on treatment choice. These topics are illustrated with reference to patients presenting to our emergency center with stage IV lung cancer and dyspnea, and the application of an outcomes model under development to predict imminent death in these patients is discussed. Outcomes models may provide patients, their families, and their physicians with objective data on which to base end-of-life decision-making. Minimizing aggressive treatment of terminally ill patients may provide better life quality and will reduce costs during the patients' end of life. Ethics plays a crucial role in integrating medical science, patient choice, and cost in making appropriate decisions.
Pneumatic motion control using magnetorheological technology

A new concept for pneumatic motion control is discussed that is enabled by magnetorheological (MR) technology. This concept involves placing MR braking devices functionally in parallel with pneumatic actuators. Through closed-loop feedback of a position sensor, accurate and robust motion control is achieved. Furthermore, these systems address many of the problematic issues associated with other pneumatic motion control systems such as: complexity, compliance and sensitivity to air quality. The basic system structure is presented as well as several concepts for MR-pneumatic actuators. A general control structure is proposed that can implicitly accommodate the inherent tradeoff between speed and accuracy in motion control systems. Some laboratory data is presented that explores the behavior of these systems and the nature of this tradeoff. Ideally, this technology will fill a niche between unsophisticated directional control and complex servo control systems.
The onset and growth of the 1990 equatorial disturbance on Saturn

Observational data are presented which are consistent with the generation of the Saturn equatorial surface brightenings observed in September, 1990, by a single convective disturbance which created constructively and destructively interfering wave patterns. The initial development, size, duration, and appearance of this storm are similar to the equatorial storms of 1876 and 1933. Attention is given to the motions of the initial convective disturbance and its expansion and mature phases.
Behavioral changes in neonatal swine after an 8-hour rest during prolonged transportation

Long distance transportation of weaned piglets (Sus scrofa) is increasingly common in the united states and may result in delayed eating, drinking, or normal social behaviors. A potential solution is a mid-journey rest (lairage). The objective of this study was to determine if a lairage altered behavior after a 16-h transport. Pigs that weighed approximately 18 kg each (n = 894) were housed in 16 pens with 8 pens per treatment. Lairaged pigs were transported for 8 h and given an 8-h rest with food and water, whereas control pigs were transported continuously for 16 h. The heaviest, the lightest, and 2 average-BW pigs relative to the average weight of the pen were observed by video recording for 24 h immediately before and after transport, and during d 6 and 13 after transport. Postures (lying, sitting, and standing) were recorded using 10-min-interval scan sampling, and behavioral categories included inactivity, activities (eating, drinking, alert, manipulating pen, rooting, and walking) and social interactions (aggression, belly nosing, playing, tail biting, and positive social behaviors). In both treatments, sitting occurred most before transport (P < 0.01) than at other times, but did not differ between treatments. Standing increased (time effect; P < 0.01) for both treatments immediately after transport through d 6, but returned to pre-transport values by d 13. In contrast, lying decreased (time effect; P < 0.01) after transport, but returned to above pre-transport values by d 13. Time effects were evident for activity (P < 0.01), pen manipulation (P = 0.05), rooting (P < 0.01), initiation of belly-nosing (P = 0.01), and receiving belly-nosing (P = 0.03); however, initiation of aggression did not differ for day (P = 0.19) or treatment (P = 0.56). Lairaged pigs initiated more (P = 0.05) play than continuously transported pigs, but no differences (P = 0.84) were seen in receipt of play behavior. Pigs that were to be transported for 16 h continuously walked less pre-transport, walked more post-transport (treatment × time interaction; P = 0.02), and drank less pre-transport, but drank more on all days post-transport compared with the lairage group (treatment × time interaction; P = 0.001). This study indicated that extended transport without lairage alters some swine behaviors relevant to production (water consumption) and demonstrated that a long-duration transport, regardless of the mid-journey lairage treatment, affects a number of behaviors up to 13 d after transportation.
In situ hybridization analysis of chemokines and chemokine receptors in the central nervous system

The expression of a number of chemokines and chemokine receptors by cells resident in normal and pathological central nervous system (CNS) tissue has been characterized by in situ hybridization techniques. As a result, our understanding of the role of this cytokine family in neurobiology has been enhanced greatly. Specific methods for detecting chemokine and chemokine receptor mRNAs in situ vary with the number of these genes that have been characterized and encompass approaches widely utilized by other investigators characterizing cell-specific gene expression patterns. We describe methods that our laboratory has used successfully in characterizing chemokine and chemokine receptor expression in the CNS, focusing on protocols that utilize radiolabeled in vitro-transcribed riboprobes for detecting these transcripts. Because general dye-based histological staining methods do not readily differentiate astrocytes and microglia, specific immunohistochemical protocols are required for definitive localization of gene expression to these glial cell types. As such, methods that are compatible with the in situ hybridization procedure are included for staining astrocytes and microglia.
Strain-induced crystallization and mechanical properties of functionalized graphene sheet-filled natural rubber

The effects of functionalized graphene sheets (FGSs) on the mechanical properties and strain-induced crystallization of natural rubber (NR) are investigated. FGSs are predominantly single sheets of graphene with a lateral size of several hundreds of nanometers and a thickness of 1.5 nm. The effect of FGS and that of carbon black (CB) on the strain-induced crystallization of NR is compared by coupled tensile tests and X-ray diffraction experiments. Synchrotron X-ray scattering enables simultaneous measurements of stress and crystallization of NR in real time during sample stretching. The onset of crystallization occurs at significantly lower strains for FGS-filled NR samples compared with CB-filled NR, even at low loadings. Neat-NR exhibits strain-induced crystallization around a strain of 2.25, while incorporation of 1 and 4 wt % FGS shifts the crystallization to strains of 1.25 and 0.75, respectively. In contrast, loadings of 16 wt % CB do not significantly shift the critical strain for crystallization. Two-dimensional (2D) wide angle X-ray scattering patterns show minor polymer chain alignment during stretching, in accord with previous results for NR. Small angle X-ray scattering shows that FGS is aligned in the stretching direction, whereas CB does not show alignment or anisotropy. The mechanical properties of filled NRmore » samples are investigated using cyclic tensile and dynamic mechanical measurements above and below the glass transition of NR.« less
Reliable change of the sensory organization test

Objective:To establish the sensitivity and specificity of the NeuroCom Sensory Organization Test (SOT) and provide practitioners with cut-scores for clinical decision making using estimates of reliable change.Design:Retrospective cohort study.Setting:Research laboratory.Patients:Healthy (n = 66) and
Inhibition of the genesis of spontaneous mammary tumors in C3H mice: effects of selenium and of selenium-antagonistic elements and their possible role in human breast cancer.

The inhibitory effect of selenium on the genesis of spontaneous mamary tumors in C3H mice is statistically significant even at toxic levels of selenium (5 and 15 ppm of Se in form of selenite added to the supply water), no evidence for stimulation of tumor growth by selenium has been obtained. Arsenite lowers the tumor incidence at higher dosage (80 ppm of As in supply water) as well, but animals developing tumors under these conditions demonstrate significantly enhanced tumor growth rates. The addition of subtoxic concentrations of zinc (200 ppm in form of ZnCl2) to supply water containing 5 ppm of Se abolishes the cancer-protecting effect of selenium. The latter result is of possible importance with respect to the human breast cancer mortality experience: The calculated dietary zinc intakes of average adults in 28 countries correlate with the female age-corrected mortalities from breast cancer directly, with P < 0.005. The zinc concentrations in whole blood from donors in different parts of the U.S.A. are also directly correlated with the female breast cancer mortalities.
Elsewhere reviews. Interferon signalling through arachidonic acid-dependent pathways: A clue to adjuvant therapy for chronic viral hepatitis?

Molecular mechanisms that mediate signal transduction by growth inhibitory cytokines are poorly understood. Type I (α and β) interferons (IFNs) are potent growth inhibitory cytokines whose biological activities depend on induced changes in gene expression. IFN-α induced transient activation of phospholipase A2 in 3T3 fibroblasts and rapid hydrolysis of [3H]-arachidonic acid (AA) from prelabeled phospholipid pools. The phospholipase inhibitor, bromophenacyl bromide (BPB), specifically blocked IFN-induced binding of nuclear factors to a conserved, IFN-regulated enhancer element, the interferonstimulated response element (ISRE). BPB also caused a dose-dependent inhibition of IFN-α-stimulated ISRE-dependent transcription in transient transfection assays. Specific inhibition of AA oxidation by eicosatetraynoic acid prevented IFN-α induction of factors binding to ISRE. Treatment of intact cells with inhibitors of fatty acid cyclooxygenase or lipoxygenase enzymes resulted in amplification of IFN-α-induced ISRE binding and gene expression. Thus, IFN-α receptor-coupled AA hydrolysis may function in activation of latent factors by IFN-α and provides a system for studying the role of AA metabolism in transduction of growth inhibitory signals.
Shape based MRI prostate image segmentation using local information driven directional distance Bayesian method

In this paper, we present a shape based segmentation methodology for magnetic resonance prostate images. We first propose a new way to represent shapes via the hyperbolic tangent of the signed distance function. This effectively corrects the drawbacks of the signed distance function and yields very reasonable results for the shape registration and learning. Secondly, under a Bayesian statistical framework, instead of computing the posterior using a uniform prior, a directional distance map is introduced in order to incorporate a priori knowledge of image content as well as the estimated center of target object. Essentially, the image is modeled as a Finsler manifold and the metric is computed out of the directional derivative of the image. Then the directional distance map is computed to suppress the posterior remote from the object center. Thirdly, in the posterior image, a localized region based cost functional is designed to drive the shape based segmentation. Such cost functional utilizes the local regional information and is robust to both image noise and remote/irrelevant disturbances. With these three major components, the entire shape based segmentation procedure is provided as a complete open source pipeline and is applied to magnetic resonance image (MRI) prostate data.
Postharvest Fruit Rots in d'Anjou Pears Caused by Botrytis cinerea, Potebniamyces pyri, and Sphaeropsis pyriputrescens

The ‘d'Anjou’ pear is the major winter pear variety in the US Pacific Northwest, and postharvest fruit rot diseases are a limiting factor for their long-term storage. The symptoms of the newly reco...
Genetic variation in cell cycle and apoptosis related genes and multiple myeloma risk.

Abstract Genetic variation may be an important risk factor for multiple myeloma. A hallmark of tumor formation and growth is cell cycle dysregulation and apoptosis avoidance. We previously reported the association of genetic variation in caspase genes, the apoptotic-regulating family, and multiple myeloma risk. To further examine if genetic variation in key cell cycle and apoptosis genes alters multiple myeloma risk, we genotyped 276 tag SNPs in 27 gene regions in a population-based case–control study of non-Hispanic Caucasian women (108 cases; 482 controls) in Connecticut. Logistic regression assessed the effect of each SNP on multiple myeloma risk and the minP test assessed the association at the gene region level. Three gene regions were significantly associated with risk of multiple myeloma ( BAX minP = 0.018, CASP9 minP = 0.025, and RIPK1 minP = 0.037). Further explorations identified the most significant variant of BAX , RIPK1 , and CASP9 to be rs1042265, rs9391981, and rs751643, respectively. The A variant at rs1042265 (OR GA+AA = 0.40, 95% CI = 0.21–0.78) and the C variant at rs9391981 (OR GC+CC = 0.32, 95% CI = 0.12–0.81) were associated with a decreased risk of multiple myeloma. The G variant at rs7516435 was associated with an increased risk of multiple myeloma (OR AG = 1.48, 95% CI = 0.94–2.32; OR GG = 2.59, 95% CI = 1.30–5.15; p trend = 0.005). Haplotype analyses supported the SNP findings. These findings suggest that genetic variation in cell cycle and apoptosis genes may play a key role in multiple myeloma and warrant further investigation through replication studies.
RAS genes in Saccharomyces cerevisiae: signal transduction in search of a pathway

Ras proteins in budding yeasts initially appeared to regulate initiation of the cell cycle in response to nutrient availability. More recent work, while clarifying the mechanism of Ras-mediated signal transduction, has undermined our notion of the signal Ras transmits. We now suspect that Ras helps to coordinate cellular metabolism and mass accumulation, but what Ras responds to is not clear.
Phosphorylation of Neurotropic Alphaherpesvirus Envelope Glycoproteins: Herpes Simplex Virus Type 2 gE2 and Pseudorabies Virus gl

Abstract I have examined the state of phosphorylation of the envelope glycoproteins of two neurotropic herpesviruses, HSV-2 and PRV. HSV-2 gE 2 and PRV gl, which are the homologues to HSV-1 gE, were found to be phosphorylated and phosphoaminoacid analysis revealed that both contained phosphoserine. These findings are consistent with a conserved phosphorylation of the glycoprotein homologues to HSV gE among the neurotropic alphaherpesviruses.
Visualization for shipboard power systems

Shipboard power systems (SPS) are geographically spread all along the ship. It consists of various components such as generators, cables, switchboards, circuit-breakers, bus transfer switches and loads all interconnected with each other and located at various places (decks) on the ship. Geographical information on these components is required to assess the impact of faults caused due to battle damage or material casualties. Information regarding faulted components is required for the automation methods such as failure assessment, restoration and reconfiguration. Good visualization and information retrieval tools are required to assess the effect of battle damage on the shipboard power systems so that failure assessment and restoration can be quickly done to as many loads as possible. This paper presents the details of visualization for SPS.
Activation of pigeon erythrocyte adenylate cyclase by cholera toxin partial purification of an essential macromolecular factor from horse erythrocyte cytosol

A cytosolic, macromolecular factor required for the cholera toxin-dependent activation of pigeon erythrocyte adenylate cyclase and cholera toxin-dependent ADP-ribosylation of a membrane-bound 43,000 dalton polypeptide has been purified 1100-fold from horse erythrocyte cytosol using organic solvent precipitation and heat treatment. This factor, 13,000 daltons, does not absorb to anionic or cationic exchange resins, is sensitive to trypsin or 10% trichloroacetic acid and is not extractable by diethyl ether. Activation of adenylate cyclase by cholera toxin requires the simultaneous presence of ATP (including possible trace GTP), NAD+, dithiothreitol, cholera toxin, membranes and the cytosolic macromolecular factor. Reversal of cholera toxin activation of adenylate cyclase, and of the toxin-dependent ADP-ribosylation, requires the presence of the cytosolic factor. The ability of the purified cytosolic factor to influence the hormonal sensitivity of liver membrane adenylate cyclase may provide clues to its physiological functions.
Time-space integrable decompositions of nonlinear evolution equations

Separation of the time and space variables of evolution equations is analyzed, without using any structure associated with evolution equations. The resulting theory provides techniques for constructing time–space integrable decompositions of evolution equations, which transform an evolution equation into two compatible Liouville integrable ordinary differential equations in the time and space variables. The techniques are applied to the KdV, MKdV and diffusion equations, thereby yielding several new time–space integrable decompositions of these equations.
Two Additional Attempts to Condition the Pupillary Reflex

Resume Notre essai anterieur (ce Journal, 1934, 11, 3–23) de repeter les experiences de Hudgins (ce Journal, 1933, 8, 3–51) a fait venir des critiques assez severes de lui (ce Journal, 1935, 12, 208–214). Pour repondre a ses objections, on a fait deux autres experiences. En employant notre premier appareil, on a entraǐne quatre sujets avec des stimulations en paires de commandes verbales et de lumiere. On a donne jusqu'a 1100 epreuves avec des tests intermediaires. On n'a obtenu aucuns resultats signifiants. On a construit ensuite une duplication precise de l'appareil de Hudgins. On a entraǐne six sujets avec la sonnette bourdonnante et la lumiere combinees. On a fait subir 600 epreuves. On a obtenu des reponses conditionnelles positives dans environ 20 pour cent de tous les tests. On considere que de tels temoignages ne sont pas satisfaisants pour une description de la genese du comportement volontaire.
Presidential Voting Across the American States

In this article, we examine the variation in the importance of partisanship and ideology in structuring citizens' presidential vote choice across the United States. We use CBS/New York Times Exit Polls from 18 states in 1984 and 24 states in 1988, along with the national polls from each year. Underlying national survey-based examinations of presidential voting (e.g., those based on the American National Election Studies) is the assumption that presidential voting “looks and works the same” across the United States. However, our results indicate marked variation in the influence of both partisanship and ideology on presidential vote choice across state electorates. Political characteristics of state electorates (e.g., mass polarization and mass liberalism) provide some insight into these differences. Furthermore, we discover some continuity from 1984 to 1988 within states in the nature of influences on their electorates' presidential voting.
Monkey auditory list memory: tests with mixed and blocked retention delays.

A rhesus monkey was tested in an auditory list memory task with blocked and mixed retention delays. Each list of four natural or environmental sounds (from a center speaker) was followed by a retention delay (0, 1, 2, 10, 20, or 30 sec) and then by a recognition test (from two side speakers). The monkey had been tested for 12 years in tasks with blocked delays. An earlier (4 years prior) blocked-delay test was repeated, with virtually identical results. The results from the mixed-delay test were likewise similar. Thus, the peculiarities of blocked-delay testing, such as delay predictability or differences in list spacing, apparently do not alter this monkey’s memory for auditory lists. It is concluded from this and other evidence that the monkey’s serial position functions reflect mnemonic processes that change with changes in retention delay and are not artifacts of the blocked-delay procedure. The nature of the monkey’s auditory memory is discussed.
MISSE-X: An ISS external platform for space environmental studies in the Post-Shuttle era

Materials International Space Station Experiment-X (MISSE-X) is a proposed International Space Station (ISS) external platform for space environmental studies designed to advance the technology readiness of materials and devices critical for future space exploration. The MISSE-X platform will expand ISS utilization by providing experimenters with unprecedented low-cost space access and return on investment (ROI). As a follow-on to the highly successful MISSE series of ISS experiments, MISSE-X will provide advances over the original MISSE configurations including incorporation of plug-and-play experiments that will minimize return mass requirements in the post-Shuttle era, improved active sensing and monitoring of the ISS external environment for better characterization of environmental effects, and expansion of the MISSE-X user community through incorporation of new, customer-desired capabilities. MISSE-X will also foster interest in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) in primary and secondary schools through student collaboration and participation.1,2
Where we used to live: validating retrospective measures of childhood neighborhood context for life course epidemiologic studies.

Early life exposures influence numerous social determinants of health, as distal causes or confounders of later health outcomes. Although a growing literature is documenting how early life socioeconomic position affects later life health, few epidemiologic studies have tested measures for operationalizing early life neighborhood context, or examined their effects on later life health. In the Life-course Influences on Fetal Environments (LIFE) Study, a retrospective cohort study among Black women in Southfield, Michigan (71% response rate), we tested the validity and reliability of retrospectively-reported survey-based subjective measures of early life neighborhood context(N=693). We compared 3 subjective childhood neighborhood measures (disorder, informal social control, victimization), with 3 objective childhood neighborhood measures derived from 4 decades of historical census tract data 1970-2000, linked through geocoded residential histories (tract % poverty, tract % black, tract deprivation score derived from principal components analysis), as well as with 2 subjective neighborhood measures in adulthood. Our results documented that internal consistency reliability was high for the subjective childhood neighborhood scales (Cronbach’s α =0.89, 0.93). Comparison of subjective with objective childhood neighborhood measures found moderate associations in hypothesized directions. Associations with objective variables were strongest for neighborhood disorder (rhos=.40), as opposed to with social control or victimization. Associations between subjective neighborhood context in childhood versus adulthood were moderate and stronger for residentially-stable populations. We lastly formally tested for, but found little evidence of, recall bias of the retrospective subjective reports of childhood context. These results provide evidence that retrospective reports of subjective neighborhood context may be a cost-effective, valid, and reliable method to operationalize early life context for health studies.
Clinical evaluation of calcium sulfate in combination with demineralized freeze-dried bone allograft for the treatment of human intraosseous defects.

Background: Medical-grade calcium sulfate (CS) is a biocompatible, bioabsorbable, and clinically versatile ceramic for use in bone repair. This study compared the clinical efficacy of a combination of calcium sulfate dihydrate, as a binder and barrier, and demineralized freezedried bone allograft (DFDBA) to polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE) and DFDBA for the treatment of human periodontal defects. Methods: Two intrabony defects were compared in each of 19 patients with chronic periodontitis. After initial preparation, full-thickness mucoperiosteal flaps were elevated, osseous defects debrided, and the roots prepared (ultrasonic, hand curets, and tetracycline conditioning). Defects were randomly treated with either a combination graft of DFDBA with CS (4:1) covered by a CS barrier or with DFDBA and fitted with an ePTFE barrier. Flaps were coronally positioned to obtain primary closure. Clinical soft tissue measurements were recorded at 6 months, and all study sites were surgically reentered for evaluation. R...
Clinical and Echocardiographic Characteristics of Papillary Fibroelastomas A Retrospective and Prospective Study in 162 Patients

BACKGROUND: Cardiac papillary fibroelastoma (CPF) is a primary cardiac neoplasm that is increasingly detected by echocardiography. The clinical manifestations of this entity are not well described. METHODS AND RESULTS: In a 16-year period, we identified patients with CPF from our pathology and echocardiography databases. A total of 162 patients had pathologically confirmed CPF. Echocardiography was performed in 141 patients with 158 CPFs, and 48 patients had CPFs that were not visible by echocardiography (<0.2 cm), leaving an echocardiographic subgroup of 93 patients with 110 CPFs. An additional 45 patients with a presumed diagnosis of CPF were identified. The mean age of the patients was 60+/-16 years of age, and 46.1% were male. Echocardiographically, the mean size of the CPFs was 9+/-4.6 mm; 82.7% occurred on valves (aortic more than mitral), 43.6% were mobile, and 91.4% were single. During a follow-up period of 11+/-22 months, 23 of 26 patients with a prospective diagnosis of CPF that was confirmed by pathological examination had symptoms that could be attributable to embolization. In the group of 45 patients with a presumed diagnosis of CPF, 3 patients had symptoms that were likely due to embolization (incidence, 6.6%) during a follow-up period of 552+/-706 days. CONCLUSIONS: CPFs are generally small and single, occur most often on valvular surfaces, and may be mobile, resulting in embolization. Because of the potential for embolic events, symptomatic patients, patients undergoing cardiac surgery for other lesions, and those with highly mobile and large CPFs should be considered for surgical excision.
Many are better than one: improving multi-document summarization via weighted consensus

Given a collection of documents, various multi-document summarization methods have been proposed to generate a short summary. However, few studies have been reported on aggregating different summarization methods to possibly generate better summarization results. We propose a weighted consensus summarization method to combine the results from single summarization systems. Experimental results on DUC2004 data sets demonstrate the performance improvement by aggregating multiple summarization systems, and our proposed weighted consensus summarization method outperforms other combination methods.
Reduction of oxidative stress, amyloid deposition, and memory deficit by manganese superoxide dismutase overexpression in a transgenic mouse model of Alzheimer’s disease

In Alzheimer's disease (AD), oxidative stress is present early and contributes to disease pathogenesis. We previously reported that in Tg19959 transgenic AD mice, partial deficiency of the mitochondrial antioxidant enzyme manganese superoxide dismutase (MnSOD) exacerbated amyloid pathology. We therefore asked whether MnSOD overexpression would prove beneficial against AD pathogenesis, by studying the offspring of Tg19959 mice crossed with MnSOD-overexpressing mice. At 4 mo of age, there was a 2- to 3-fold increase in MnSOD protein levels in Tg19959-MnSOD mice compared to Tg19959 littermates. Tg19959-MnSOD mice also had a 50% increase in catalase protein levels, a 50% decrease in levels of oxidized protein, and a 33% reduction in cortical plaque burden compared to Tg19959 littermates. Spatial memory was impaired and synaptophysin levels were decreased in Tg19959 mice compared to wild-type littermates, but memory and synaptophysin levels were restored to wild-type levels in Tg19959-MnSOD littermates. These benefits occurred without changes in sodium dodecyl sulfate-soluble or formic acid-soluble Abeta pools or Abeta oligomers in Tg19959-MnSOD mice compared to Tg19959 littermates. These data demonstrate that facilitation of the mitochondrial antioxidant response improves resistance to Abeta, slows plaque formation or increases plaque degradation, and markedly attenuates the phenotype in a transgenic AD mouse model.
Maternal Adaptation to a Child's Epilepsy

Mothers of children with epilepsy are at risk for problems in adapting to their child's condition; however, factors associated with maternal adaptation to a child's epilepsy have not been well articulated. The purpose of this study was to investigate the associations among maternal and child characteristics, maternal beliefs, and maternal adaptation outcomes. A conceptual model was formulated based on the literature. Maternal beliefs were proposed to mediate the relationships between maternal and child characteristics and maternal adaptation outcomes. A sample of 156 maternal-child dyads provided data via structured telephone interviews. Multiple regression analysis was used to test for additive and mediated relationships. Mediation was not supported statistically. Child behavior problems, maternal satisfaction with family, and maternal learned helplessness had the strongest associations with maternal outcomes, suggesting that maternal adaptation to a child's epilepsy is complex and includes multiple factors in addition to the child's seizure condition.
An Exploratory Investigation of Coffee and Lemon Scents and Odor Identification

Fragrance sellers often provide coffee beans to their customers as a "nasal palate cleanser," to reduce the effects of olfactory adaptation and habituation. To test this idea, college students smelled three fragrances multiple times, rating odors each time. After completing nine trials, participants sniffed coffee beans, lemon slices, or plain air. Participants then indicated which of four presented fragrances had not been previously smelled; Coffee beans did not yield better performance than lemon slices or air.
Assessing Capacity to Promote Science-Based Programs: A Key Informant Study of State Teen Pregnancy Prevention Organizations.

The purpose of this qualitative study was to identify significant external and internal challenges that state organization leaders face in promoting science-based teen pregnancy prevention programs within their states. The state organization administrators were chosen because their organizations were funded by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to promote science-based prevention programs between 2005 and 2010. Given a recent federal infusion of $155 million to replicate science-based programs nationwide, this study is timely. Data reported in this article were collected annually over three years (2006–2009) using semi-structured interviews. External factors influencing success include the states’ socio-political climate, including the impact of abstinence-only programs; internal factors include infrastructure, recruitment, and retention of key partners, organization, board, and staff management and financial sustainability.
Influenza virus induces expression of antioxidant genes in human epithelial cells

Abstract Influenza infections cause airway epithelial inflammation and oxidant-mediated damage. In this setting, cellular antioxidant enzymes may protect airway epithelial cells against damage resulting from toxic oxygen radicals produced by activated leukocytes. Therefore, we tested the effect of influenza virus infection, as well as exposure to human recombinant interferon-γ (IFN-γ), on gene expression for the antioxidant enzymes manganese supeoxide dismutase (MnSOD), copper/zinc superoxide dismutase (Cu/ZnSOD), indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase (IDO), and catalase in primary cultures of human airway epithelial cells. In these cells, both viral infection and IFN-γ increased MnSOD and IDO mRNAs. In contrast, neither viral infection nor IFN-γ affected Cu/ZnSOD gene expression, and both viral infection and IFN-γ decreased catalase gene expression. The differential effects of viral infection on antioxidant gene expression and their further amplification by IFN-γ are likely to be important protective mechanisms in viral airway infections.
Empirical low-order ENSO dynamics

Time series of sea surface temperature (SST) in the eastern equatorial Pacific Ocean are analyzed using singular spectrum analysis as a means of testing the hypothesis that the El Nino/Southern Oscillation (ENSO) system can be modelled as a deterministic low-order nonlinear dynamical system. The results suggest, with some ambiguity owing to the relatively short and noisy SST record, that the main features of the ENSO system can be captured in a model of this type.
Making the third man look pale: American‐soviet conflict in Vienna during the early cold war in Austria, 1945–1950

Following World War II, American‐Soviet military relations in Vienna were never more than tolerable and, over time, rapidly declined. Beginning in 1945, US Army efforts to improve the situation in Vienna evoked deep suspicion and resistance on the part of the Soviets. In addition, Soviet black market activity proved endemic, producing a barrier to sound American‐Soviet relations. Most troubling, Soviet state security organs sought out and abducted a variety of individuals. By 1949, after the probable Soviet murder of an American government official and Soviet harassment of American operatives in the city, the US Army's Counter‐intelligence Corps began to conduct operations aimed at the Soviets. The above difficulties occurred at a location that was of secondary importance to the Superpowers. Significance: this essay suggests that in a location where American and Soviet personnel came into direct sustained contact, tensions could only have been avoided with constant pressure from above, and most likely not...
Discrete-time models:Bilinear transform and ramp approximation equivalence

The problem of developing discrete-time models for continuous systems from integral approximations is considered. In particular, the model obtained by approximating the input by a piecewise linear function is developed. By an appropriate approximation of this model, an equivalence between it and the bilinear transform model is established.
The reversal by oximes and their de oximinomethyl analogues of neuromuscular block produced by soman.

Abstract A series of oximes and related compounds were assessed for their ability to restore soman-induced neuromuscular block in the isolated diaphragm preparation of the rat, guinea-pig and marmoset. In the rat the bispyridinium oximes HS6, H16 and HS14 were superior to P2S and all other compounds tested. Conversely, in the guinea-pig, most of the compounds tested produced a good reversal of neuromuscular block. In a limited number of experiments in the marmoset, only a partial reversal of neuromuscular block was obtained with the oximes H16 and HS6. The restoration of neuromuscular block was due to one or more of the following factors: (i) enzyme reactivation (ii) direct action (iii) adaptation. The results of this study suggest that both the acetylcholine receptor and the rate of ‘ageing’ of soman inhibited AChE are different in these three species.
Landau-Lifshitz theory of the longitudinal spin Seebeck effect

Thermal-bias-induced spin angular momentum transfer between a paramagnetic metal and ferromagnetic insulator is studied theoretically based on the stochastic Landau-Lifshitz-Gilbert (LLG) phenomenology. Magnons in the ferromagnet establish a nonequilibrium steady state by equilibrating with phonons via bulk Gilbert damping and electrons in the paramagnet via spin pumping, according to the fluctuation-dissipation theorem. Subthermal magnons and the associated spin currents are treated classically, while the appropriate quantum crossover is imposed on high-frequency magnetic fluctuations. We identify several length scales in the ferromagnet, which govern qualitative changes in the dependence of the thermally induced spin current on the magnetic film thickness.
A Method for Calculating the Dynamics of Rotating Flexible Structures, Part 2: Example Calculations

The problem of calculating the vibrations of rotating structures has challenged analysts since the observation that use of traditional modal coordinates in such problems leads to the prediction of instability involving infinite deformation when rotation rates exceed the first natural frequency. A method using a system of nonlinearly coupled deformation modes to analyze rotating general, linear (unjointed) structures that addresses the problem of erroneously predicting infinite deformations has been presented in a preceding paper (Segalman and Dohrmann, 1995). This technique is employed to address several types of problems ranging from simple beams to an inflated membrane structure. Some of the details of exploiting existing finite element codes to evaluate the relevant matrices are also developed.
Formula for the fundamental solution of the heat equation on the sphere

This paper is devoted to the derivation of a simple asymptotic formula for the fundamental solution of the heat equation on the sphere. This formula is efficient for small values of the evolution parameter, and thus, complements the well-known formula for the fundamental solution in terms of Legendre polynomials that is efficient for relatively large values of the evolution parameter. The method relies on constructing a self-similar solution.