cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Neuromuscular organization of avian flight muscle: architecture of single muscle fibres in muscle units of the pectoralis (pars thoracicus) of pigeon (Columba livia)

The M. pectoralis (pars thoracicus) of pigeons (Columba livia) is comprised of short muscle fibres that do not extend from muscle origin to insertion but overlap 'in-series'. Individual pectoralis motor units are limited in territory to a portion of muscle length and are comprised of either fast twitch, oxidative and glycolytic fibres (FOG) or fast twitch and glycolytic fibres (FG). FOG fibres make up 88 to 90% of the total muscle population and have a mean diameter one-half of that of the relatively large FG fibres. Here we report on the organization of individual fibres identified in six muscle units depleted of glycogen, three comprised of FOG fibres and three comprised of FG fibres. For each motor unit, fibre counts revealed unequal numbers of depleted fibres in different unit cross-sections. We traced individual fibres in one unit comprised of FOG fibres and a second comprised of FG fibres. Six fibres from a FOG unit (total length 15.45 mm) ranged from 10.11 to 11.82 mm in length and averaged (± s.d.) 10.74 ± 0.79 mm. All originated bluntly (en mass) from a fascicle near the proximal end of the muscle unit and all terminated intramuscularly. Five of these ended in a taper and one ended bluntly. Fibres coursed on average for 70% of the muscle unit length. Six fibres from a FG unit (total length 34.76 mm) ranged from 8.97 to 18.38 mm in length and averaged 15.32 ± 3.75 mm. All originated bluntly and terminated intramuscularly; one of these ended in a taper and five ended bluntly. Fibres coursed on average for 44% of the muscle unit length. Because fibres of individual muscle units do not extend the whole muscle unit territory, the effective cross-sectional area changes along the motor unit length. These non-uniformities in the distribution of fibres within a muscle unit emphasize that the functional interactions within and between motor units are complex.
Nitric oxide synthase gene knockout mice do not become hypertensive during pregnancy

Abstract Objective: The purpose of this study was to test whether omitting the vasodilator nitric oxide that is derived from any 1 of the 3 isoforms of nitric oxide synthase results in hypertension during pregnancy. Study Design: We measured systolic blood pressure before, during, and after pregnancy using an automated tail cuff method in 3 mutant (gene knockout) mouse strains in which the gene for neuronal nitric oxide, inducible nitric oxide, or endothelial nitric oxide was disrupted by gene targeting. Results: In neuronal nitric oxide gene knockout mice (n = 10), blood pressure was 100 ± 3 mm Hg, not significantly different from 101 ± 3 mm Hg in matched wild-type control mice (n = 10). Pregnancy did not change blood pressure or heart rate in either group. In inducible nitric oxide gene knockout mice (n = 9), blood pressure was 110 ± 3 mm Hg, the same as in the wild-type control mice (110 ± 2 mm Hg; n = 14). Blood pressure was unaffected by pregnancy in either group of mice. However, heart rate was significantly less in knockout mice (647 ± 11 beats/min vs 666 ± 9 beats/min; P
Analysis of truss structures using distributed object-oriented methods

Objected-oriented analysis methods are developed for distributed finite element analysis of truss structures. The method is based on distributed solution of finite element equations using the substructuring method. Objects for static analysis of truss structures are identified and presented in a pseudocode form. The developed techniques are implemented in a network of workstations. A software tool called the IDL-C++ (RPC) compiler has been developed to aid the programmer in constructing distributed object applications. The speedup/performance for moderate size problems is presented to illustrate the present approach for truss analysis using distributed object-oriented methods.
Uncertainty in adolescents and young adults with cancer.

Purpose/objectives To describe uncertainty in three groups of adolescents and young adults with cancer at specific times in their cancer experience: newly diagnosed, diagnosed one to four years, and diagnosed five or more years. Design Descriptive, cross-sectional, comparative. Setting Six pediatric oncology centers in North America. Sample 193 adolescents and young adult cancer survivors aged 11-22 years, able to read English, with no central nervous system disease. Methods A booklet of questionnaires was completed during a clinic visit or hospitalization. Uncertainty was measured using Mishel's Uncertainty in Illness Scale. Main research variables Uncertainty and time since diagnosis. Findings No significant differences were found in the overall level of uncertainty among the three time-since-diagnosis groups; however, analysis of variance on individual items detected significant group differences for 8 of the 33 items. Newly diagnosed survivors had significantly higher uncertainty for future pain, the unpredictable illness course, staff responsibilities, and concerns about when they would be able to care for themselves. Survivors five or more years from diagnosis had significantly higher uncertainty related to knowing what was wrong, and they had more unanswered questions and higher uncertainty compared to the two other groups about the probability of successful treatment. All of the survivors had high uncertainty about the multiple meanings of communication from doctors. Conclusions The overall level of uncertainty remained unchanged across the survivorship continuum, but differences existed in specific concerns. Implications for nursing Uncertainty is important to consider far beyond the treatment period, particularly assessment of information needs and acknowledgment of inherent uncertainty throughout cancer survivorship.
SALT AND WATER HOMEOSTASIS IN THE NEWBORN

Fluid and electrolyte administration to infants has been empiric and is critical to the survival of low birth weight infants.Inulin clearance/CIN/, sodium reabsorption and clearance/CNA+/ and free water clearance/CH2O/ by constant infusion with free voiding technique were compared at I.V. infusion rates of 3.6/L.R./or 10.3/H.R./ ml/kg/hr in 32 healthy appropriate for gestational age infants 545–3900 gm. Fractional Na+ reabsorption was similar in both groups, 98.8±.79%/L.R./and 98.5±1.5/H.R./.CH2O in 9 infants 2000 grams studied at L.R. and, in 5 infants at H.R. were 2.1±O.98 and 5.O±2.7 ml/min/100 ml GFR respectively /p= .025/. Urine volumes were 5.96 and 9,5ml/min/100 ml GFR respectively. Na+ reabsorption in the distal nephron /CH2O/CH2O+cNa/ was 64.7± 17% in the L.R. group. These data demonstrate that infants can excrete water and readsorb Na+ efficiently at L.R. Our results suggest that H.R. of fluid can be given to low weight infants if the osmotic load is not excessive. They respond to increased I.V. infusion rates by increasing delivery from the proximal nephron /V. x100/GFR/ but can reabaorb the increased sodium load presented to their distal nephrons and increase CH2O.
Infection and activation of bursal macrophages by virulent infectious bursal disease virus.

Abstract In this study the effect of infectious bursal disease virus (IBDV) on bursal macrophages during the acute phase of the infection was examined. Specific-pathogen-free (SPF) chickens were exposed to virulent IBDV and bursal adherent cells were examined by immunohistochemisrty and RT-PCR for virus infection and by real-time quantitative RT-PCR (qRT-PCR) for mRNA transcripts of proinflammatory cytokines and iNOS. Viral genome was detected in bursal macrophages at 3, 5 and 7 days post-infection (dpi). Immuno-histochemical staining revealed double positive cells for KUL01 (macrophage marker) and intracellular viral proteins, showing viral replication in bursal macrophages of infected chickens. We noted a significant decrease in the total number of bursal macrophages in infected chickens, probably due to the lysis of infected cells. However, likely due to extensive necrosis of B cells, the relative proportion of bursal macrophages was significantly higher ( P
On the distribution of federal taxes and expenditures, and the new war between the states

As federal government expenditures have grown, there has been an increasing awareness of the distribution of taxes and expenditures across states. States in the Northeast have claimed that sunbelt states have been getting more than their fair share of federal spending, with the sunbelt states denying the charge. A theory of political coalitions is developed to explain why the sunbelt should be unable to receive differentially high expenditures, although the sunbelt may pay less than a proportional amount in taxes because of its relatively low income. An empirical test shows that the data are in agreement with this theory.
1,3-dipolar cycloadditions induced by cation radicals. Formation of 1,2,4-triazoles from oxidative addition of 1,4-diphenylazomethane and aryl aldehyde phenylhydrazones to nitriles

Abstract Reaction of thianthrene cation radical perchlorate (Th.+ClO4−) with 1,4-diphenylazomethane (DPAM) in MeCN and EtCN led to the formation of 1,2,4-triazoles. Triazoles formation is attributed to oxidative cycloaddition of benzaldehyde benzylhydrazone, the tautomer of DPAM, to the solvent nitriles. In confirmation, analogous cycloadditions were achieved by reaction of Th.+ClO4− with some benzaldehyde phenylhydrazones in the same solvents.
EFFECTS ON SCORE DISTRIBUTIONS OF DELETING AN UNKEYABLE ITEM FROM A TEST

The purpose of this report is to present a formal analysis of the effects of item deletion on equating/scaling functions and reported score distributions. The phrase “item deletion” shall be used to refer to the process of changing the original key of a flawed item to either all options correct, including omits, or to no options correct, i.e., not scoring the flawed item. There are two aspects to the present analysis. The first aspect is analytical, focusing on the development of a formal model for the item deletion effect by decomposing it into its constituent elements. The second component of the analysis is empirical, involving the use of actual data to illustrate and supplement the analytical results. The analytical decomposition demonstrates how the effects of item properties, test properties, individual examinee responses and rounding rules combine to produce the item deletion effect on the equating/scaling function and candidate scores. In addition to demonstrating how the deleted item's psychometric properties can affect the equating function, the analytical component of the report examines the effects of not scoring vs. scoring all options correct and the effects of re-equating vs. not re-equating, as well as the interaction between the decision to re-equate or to not re-equate and the scoring option chosen for the flawed item. The empirical portion of the report uses data from the May 1982 administration of the SAT, which contained the circles item, to illustrate the effects of item deletion on reported score distributions and equating functions. The empirical data verify what the analytical decomposition predicts.
Linkage analysis of genetic loci for kyphoscoliosis on chromosomes 5p13, 13q13.3, and 13q32.

Kyphoscoliosis, a three-dimensional deformity of spinal growth, is characterized by a curvature in the coronal plane (scoliosis) in conjunction with thoracic kyphosis in excess of the normal range in the sagittal plane. We identified kyphoscoliosis within members of seven families (53 individuals) originally ascertained as part of a large collaborative study of familial idiopathic scoliosis. Model-independent linkage analysis of a genome-wide microsatellite screen identified areas suggestive of linkage on chromosomes 2q22, 5p13, 13q, and 17q11. Single-point and multipoint analyses of an additional 25 flanking microsatellite markers corroborated linkage to these regions, with areas on chromosomes 5p13, 13q13, and 13q32 being the most significant (P < 0.005). Analyses of single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) markers in the candidate region on chromosome 5 narrowed the region to approximately 3.5 Mb (P < 0.05), with the most significant P values (P < 0.01) occurring in approximately a 1.3-Mb region. Candidate loci in this region include IRX1, IRX2, and IRX4 of the Iroquois Homeobox protein family. On chromosome 13, single-point and multipoint analyses resulted in multiple SNPs having P values < 0.05 within five candidate genes: Osteoblast-specific factor 2 or periostin, forkhead box O1A, A-kinase anchor protein 11, TBC1 domain family member 4, and glypican 5, thus supporting the potential relevance of this region in the pathogenesis of kyphoscoliosis. © 2006 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Sequence-specific binding of normal serum immunoglobulin M to exposed protein C-termini.

SUMMARY Both the timely clearance of degraded endogenous structures and the presence of secreted natural immunoglobulin M (IgM) are needed to avoid autoimmunity. These requirements may be causally related provided that natural IgM preferentially reacts with degraded antigens and, by activating complement, mediates their non-inflammatory clearance through complement receptors. We have previously shown that normal serum IgM reacts in vivo and in vitro with virtually all randomly generated C-terminal peptides displayed on T7 phage. The resultant multivalent IgM–peptide complexes activate complement and are detected by a loss of phage infectivity. A striking feature of these reactions is that different C-terminal peptides (» 3–4 amino acids) specifically react with different ‘C-terminal’ IgM (C-IgM) antibodies. This suggests that degraded supramolecular structures, expressing elevated levels of identical C-termini as a result of proteolysis, denaturation and abnormal exposure of repetitive protein constituents, may be preferential targets of C-IgM-mediated complement activation in the physiological environment. The specificity of C-IgM–peptide reactions is much higher than one would expect, assuming that normal serum IgM mostly comprises polyspecific natural antibodies. However, it is possible that polyspecific IgM is not adequately registered by our ‘functional’ phage-inactivation assays. In this study, we resolve the issue of C-IgM specificity by directly characterizing the binding reactivity of normal serum IgM with phage-displayed C-terminal peptides.
TIRS: a topological information retrieval system satisfying the requirements of the Waller-Kraft wish list

Most document retrieval systems based on probabilistic models of feature distributions assume random selection of documents for retrieval. The assumptions of these models are met when documents are randomly selected from the database or when retrieving all available documents. A more suitable model for retrieval of a single document assumes that the best document available is to be retrieved first. Models of document retrieval systems assuming random selection and best-first selection are developed and compared under binary independence and two Poisson independence feature distribution models. Under the best-first model, feature discrimination varies with the number of documents in each relevance class in the database. A weight similar to the Inverse Document Frequency weight and consistent with the best-first model is suggested which does not depend on knowledge of the characteristics of relevant documents.
Pyriform sinus mucosa stabilization for prevention of postoperative airway obstruction in arytenoid adduction

Objectives:The Isshiki arytenoid adduction procedure directly closes the open posterior glottis. Postoperative airway obstruction that necessitates emergent tracheotomy is an important complication in arytenoid adduction patients when the standard posterior thyroplasty window is used to approach the posterolateral larynx. Immediate postoperative fiberoptic laryngoscopy shows ipsilateral edema and/or hematoma of the arytenoid and supraglottic mucosa, with occasional obstructing inspiratory collapse. In this study, I sought to modify the posterior window approach during arytenoid adduction surgery, and thereby decrease the incidence of immediate postoperative airway obstruction.Methods:I performed a retrospective chart review of 246 arytenoid adduction patients, looking for immediate postoperative airway compromise.Results:There were no episodes of postoperative airway obstruction that necessitated tracheotomy in the first 30 patients in whom I approached the posterolateral larynx using the classic Isshiki ...
Myocardial Cysticercosis Detected by Ultrafast CT

Cysticercosis can affect any organ of the body although central nervous system manifestations are the most common. Cysticercosis involving the myocardium is extremely rare and is usually diagnosed postmortem. We report a case of cysticercosis involving the myocardium diagnosed antemortem using ultrafast CT.
A concurrent object-oriented framework for simulation of network protocols

Abstract The benefits of simulation to the development of complex systems are well known and frequently exploited. This article discusses the advantages of simulating an inherently concurrent system, namely, a collection of computer systems using the carrier sense multiple access protocols to access a bus-based local area network. The rationale for developing an object-oriented simulation is presented and suitably illuminated source code outlines are provided. Implementation of the network based on the simulation is described and additional simulations are discussed. Owing chiefly to the concurrent object-oriented approach taken, the work described here can be used as the foundation of a network simulation toolbox, thus vastly simplifying the study of proposed networks and protocols.
Ectopic LTαβ Directs Lymphoid Organ Neogenesis with Concomitant Expression of Peripheral Node Addressin and a HEV-restricted Sulfotransferase

Lymph node (LN) function depends on T and B cell compartmentalization, antigen presenting cells, and high endothelial venules (HEVs) expressing mucosal addressin cell adhesion molecule (MAdCAM-1) and peripheral node addressin (PNAd), ligands for naive cell entrance into LNs. Luminal PNAd expression requires a HEV-restricted sulfotransferase (HEC-6ST). To investigate LTαβ's activities in lymphoid organogenesis, mice simultaneously expressing LTα and LTβ under rat insulin promoter II (RIP) control were compared with RIPLTα mice in a model of lymphoid neogenesis and with LTβ−/− mice. RIPLTαβ pancreata exhibited massive intra-islet mononuclear infiltrates that differed from the more sparse peri-islet cell accumulations in RIPLTα pancreata: separation into T and B cell areas was more distinct with prominent FDC networks, expression of lymphoid chemokines (CCL21, CCL19, and CXCL13) was more intense, and L-selectin+ cells were more frequent. In contrast to the predominant abluminal PNAd pattern of HEV in LTβ−/− MLN and RIPLTα pancreatic infiltrates, PNAd was expressed at the luminal and abluminal aspects of HEV in wild-type LN and in RIPLTαβ pancreata, coincident with HEC-6ST. These data highlight distinct roles of LTα and LTαβ in lymphoid organogenesis supporting the notion that HEC-6ST–dependent luminal PNAd is under regulation by LTαβ.
How is a teacher different from a mother? Young children's perceptions of the social roles of significant adults

(1988). How is a teacher different from a mother? Young children's perceptions of the social roles of significant adults. Theory Into Practice: Vol. 27, Becoming a Student, pp. 36-43.
Statistical Analyses of Satellite Cloud Object Data from CERES. Part I: Methodology and Preliminary Results of the 1998 El Niño/2000 La Niña

Abstract This study presents an objective classification methodology that uses Earth Observing System (EOS) satellite data to classify distinct “cloud objects” defined by cloud-system types, sizes, geographic locations, and matched large-scale environments. This analysis method identifies a cloud object as a contiguous region of the earth with a single dominant cloud-system type. It determines the shape and size of the cloud object from the satellite data and the cloud-system selection criteria. The statistical properties of the identified cloud objects are analyzed in terms of probability density functions (PDFs) based upon the Clouds and the Earth’s Radiant Energy System (CERES) Single Satellite Footprint (SSF) data. Four distinct types of oceanic cloud objects—tropical deep convection, boundary layer cumulus, transition stratocumulus, and solid stratus—are initially identified from the CERES data collected from the Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission (TRMM) satellite for this study. Preliminary results...
A Site-Specific Integrated Col2.3GFP Reporter Identifies Osteoblasts Within Mineralized Tissue Formed In Vivo by Human Embryonic Stem Cells

The use of human embryonic stem cells (hESCs) and induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) for study and treatment of bone diseases or traumatic bone injuries requires efficient protocols to differentiate hESCs/iPSCs into cells with osteogenic potential and the ability to isolate differentiated osteoblasts for analysis. We have used zinc finger nuclease technology to deliver a construct containing the Col2.3 promoter driving GFPemerald to the AAVS1 site (referred to as a "safe harbor" site), in human embryonic stem cells (H9Zn2.3GFP), with the goal of marking the cells that have become differentiated osteoblasts. In teratomas formed using these cells, we identified green fluorescent protein (GFP)-positive cells specifically associated with in vivo bone formation. We also differentiated the cells into a mesenchymal stem cell population with osteogenic potential and implanted them into a mouse calvarial defect model. We observed GFP-positive cells associated with alizarin complexone-labeled newly formed bone surfaces. The cells were alkaline phosphatase-positive, and immunohistochemistry with human specific bone sialoprotein (BSP) antibody indicates that the GFP-positive cells are also associated with the human BSP-containing matrix, demonstrating that the Col2.3GFP construct marks cells in the osteoblast lineage. Single-cell cloning generated a 100% Col2.3GFP-positive cell population, as demonstrated by fluorescence in situ hybridization using a GFP probe. The karyotype was normal, and pluripotency was demonstrated by Tra1-60 immunostaining, pluripotent low density reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction array and embryoid body formation. These cells will be useful to develop optimal osteogenic differentiation protocols and to isolate osteoblasts from normal and diseased iPSCs for analysis.
Abortion patients' perceptions of abortion regulation.

Purpose Most states regulate abortion differently than other health care services. Examples of these regulations include mandating waiting periods and the provision of state-authored information, and prohibiting private and public insurance coverage for abortion. The primary purpose of this paper is to explore abortion patients' perspectives on these regulations. Methods We recruited 20 participants from three abortion providing facilities located in two states in the U.S. South and Midwest. Using a survey and semistructured interview, we collected information about women's knowledge of abortion regulation and policy preferences. During the interviews, women weighed the pros and cons of abortion regulations. We used grounded theory analytical techniques and matrix analysis to organize and interpret the data. Results We discovered five themes in these women's considerations of regulation: responsibility, empathy, safe and accessible health care, privacy, and equity. Women in the study generally supported policies that they felt protected women or informed decisions. However, most women also opposed laws mandating two-day abortion appointments for women who were traveling long distances. Women tended to favor financial coverage of abortion, arguing that it could help poor women afford abortion or reduce state expenditures. Conclusions Overall the study participants' opinions on abortion policy reflect key values for advocates and policy makers to consider: responsibility, empathy, safe and accessible health care, privacy, and equity. Future work should examine abortion regulations in light of these shared values. Laws that promote misinformation or prohibit accommodations of unique circumstances are not consistent the positions articulated by the subjects in our study.
Association Between Insomnia Symptoms and Mortality: A Prospective Study of US Men

Background—Insomnia complaints are common in older adults and may be associated with mortality risk. However, evidence regarding this association is mixed. Thus, we prospectively examined whether men with insomnia symptoms had an increased risk of mortality during 6 years of follow-up. Methods and Results—A prospective cohort study of 23 447 US men participating in the Health Professionals Follow-Up Study and free of cancer, reported on insomnia symptoms in 2004, were followed through 2010. Deaths were identified from state vital statistic records, the National Death Index, family reports, and the postal system. We documented 2025 deaths during 6 years of follow-up (2004–2010). The multivariable-adjusted hazard ratios of total mortality were 1.25 (95% confidence interval [CI], 1.04–1.50) for difficulty initiating sleep, 1.09 (95% CI, 0.97–1.24) for difficulty maintaining sleep, 1.04 (95% CI, 0.88–1.22) for early-morning awakenings, and 1.24 (95% CI, 1.05–1.46) for nonrestorative sleep, comparing men with ...
Site-selective EXAFS in mixed-valence compounds using high-resolution fluorescence detection: a study of iron in Prussian Blue.

A quantitative analysis is presented for the site-selective Fe K-edge absorption spectra of Prussian Blue: Fe4[Fe(CN)6]3‚xH2 O( x ) 14-16). The site-selective spectra were recorded using high-resolution fluorescence detection of the K‚ emission from a polycrystalline sample. The K‚ fluorescence lines arising from the high-spin and lowspin sites are shifted in energy. Since the emission features partially overlap, fluorescence-detected absorption spectra using different emission energies represent different linear combinations of the pure high-spin and low-spin EXAFS. A numerical method was used to extract the individual site EXAFS spectra from the experimental data. The analysis yields a range of solutions. A unique solution can be obtained if homovalent model compounds are used to simulate the K‚ fluorescence emission from the two Fe sites in Prussian Blue. EXAFS analysis of the range of spectra obtained in the numerical method yields almost identical interatomic distances for the different spectra while the Debye-Waller factors vary considerably. The distances obtained in the EXAFS fit correspond to the crystallographic distances.
Changes in platelet activation associated with left ventricular assist system placement.

Abstract Background Thromboembolic and hemorrhagic complications are common in patients after left ventricular assist system (LVAS) placement. Platelet physiology may be involved in these complications. Methods Using flow cytometry, expression of CD62P and CD63 were analyzed as markers of platelet activation. Binding of annexin V was analyzed to determine platelet membrane asymmetry. Results from two patients who received a Novacor LVAS as a bridge to transplantation are reported. Results Patients’ platelets showed increased CD62P and CD63 expression, yet annexin V binding was not increased. They also revealed suppression of thrombin activation following LVAS placement, which approached normal after transplantation. Heparin suppressed thrombin activation, whereas aspirin or dipyridamole did not. Suppression was attenuated by protamine sulfate and heparinase. Conclusions Following LVAS placement, resting platelets demonstrate increased expression of activation markers.
Physician-assisted suicide: a mental health perspective

Despite their wealth of relevant clinical and research experience, mental health professionals have contributed relatively little to the active and ongoing debate about physicians assisting in the suicide of their patients. Methodologies developed for the study of completed suicide, the knowledge they have revealed, and the complex questions that remain unanswered, all must be considered. Similarly, psychiatry's extensive contributions to our understanding of the doctor-patient relationship, fundamental to the practice of psychodynamically informed treatments, have been almost completely ignored. Mental health care providers have much to contribute to, and should become actively involved in, this important public health and policy debate.
Passage of low-density lipoproteins through Bruch's membrane and choroid.

Abstract Plasma lipoproteins are thought to transport cholesterol, vitamins and carotenoids to the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) for ultimate use by the photoreceptors. However, to reach the RPE, these lipoprotein particles must cross Bruch’s membrane. We examined the reflection coefficient of Bruch’s membrane (BrM) to low-density lipoprotein (LDL). Bruch’s membrane and choroid were removed from 47 bovine eyes. Specimens were placed in a Ussing chamber and perfused with phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) with (31 specimens) or without (16 specimens) fluorescent low-density lipoproteins (DiI-LDL). The hydraulic conductivity of the tissue was determined for both calf and cow eyes. In the perfusions with DiI-LDL, the fluorescence intensity emitted by DiI-LDL in the efflux was measured and the reflection coefficient of BrM/choroid preparations to DiI-LDL determined. Leakage tests were done to confirm tissue integrity. Several specimens were examined using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) to examine tissue integrity before and after perfusion. Leak testing confirmed that BrM was intact both before and after perfusion. The average hydraulic conductivity of BrM/choroid perfusion of calf eyes with PBS alone was 1.42 ± 0.55 × 10−9 m/s/Pa (mean ± SD, n = 11). The average hydraulic conductivity of the cow eyes was 4.94 ± 1.48 × 10−10 m/s/Pa (n = 5), nearly a 3-fold decrease with age. While the flow rate remained constant during the PBS perfusions, it decreased as a function of time during perfusion with DiI-LDLs. Our major finding was of fluorescence in the effluent collected in all perfusions with DiI-LDLs, demonstrating passage of LDL through the tissue. The average reflection coefficient of calf BrM/choroid preparations to DiI-LDL was 0.58 ± 0.25 (n = 23); a similar distribution of reflection coefficients was seen in tissue from cow eyes (0.51 ± 0.33, n = 8). Our data suggested that the DiI-LDL was modestly hindered and/or captured by the tissue. This might explain the progressive decrease of hydraulic conductivity with continued perfusion of DiI-LDL.
The Brazilian -Portuguese MCMI -III: Diagnostic validity of the alcohol dependence and drug dependence scales

Abstract A Brazilian-Portuguese translation of the MCMI-III (BP-MCMI-III) was developed to be used in Brazil and with the increasing population of Brazilian immigrants in the United States. This paper reports the results of a study that examined the diagnostic validity of the BP-MCMI-III Alcohol Dependence and Drug Dependence scales for identifying substance-related problems among Brazilians. Findings support the scales’ validity.
Detailed balance in Hořava-Lifshitz gravity

We study Ho\ifmmode \check{r}\else \v{r}\fi{}ava-Lifshitz gravity in the presence of a scalar field. When the detailed balance condition is implemented, a new term in the gravitational sector is added in order to maintain ultraviolet stability. The four-dimensional theory is of a scalar-tensor type with a positive cosmological constant and gravity is nonminimally coupled with the scalar and its gradient terms. The scalar field has a double-well potential and, if required to play the role of the inflation, can produce a scale-invariant spectrum. The total action is rather complicated, and there is no analog of the Einstein frame where Lorentz invariance is recovered in the infrared. For these reasons it may be necessary to abandon detailed balance. We comment on open problems and future directions in anisotropic critical models of gravity.
The impact of transmission on imperfect electricity competition

This paper investigates the impact of transmission networks on imperfect competition in deregulated electricity markets. Electricity producers are assumed to engage on a noncooperative gaming with complete but imperfect information. The problem is formulated as a vector profit optimization model. It shows that increasing wheeling charges can both increase market prices and reduce producers' profits, a phenomenon that cannot be explained by a nonspatial framework. Transmission limits have a significant impact on outcomes of market gaming, indicating that reducing transmission congestion would mitigate market power.
Statistics of Continuous Particulate Measurement in Process Gas Streams

This paper describes a methodology which estimates the average particulate concentration in a process gas of continuous rather than batch collected data. The method combines the statistical approach described by Van Slooten1 and the use of a sliding average to the analysis of incoming continuous particle count data.
Local Morse Theory for Gaussian Blurred Functions

When Gaussian blurring is applied to an intensity function f 0 (x), it yields a family f(x,t) of intensity functions parametrised by t, which is a solution to the heat equation $$ \frac{{\partial f}}{{\partial t}} = \Delta \left( f \right) = \sum\limits_{i = 1}^n {\frac{{{\partial ^2}f}}{{\partial x_i^2}}} \quad on\quad {R^n} \times {R_ + }$$ (11.1) and satisfying initial conditions f(x,0) = f 0(x) for f 0 : R n → R.
COMPETITIVE STRATEGIES OF DAIRY PROCESSING FIRMS IN IRELAND

This Discussion Paper summarizes (a) key elements of the competitive environment facing Ireland's dairy processors, (b) the overall dairy industry structure that has emerged in Ireland, and (c) the strategies of Ireland's dairy processing and exporting firms. The strategies employed by Ireland's dairy processors represent reasonable, orthodox adjustments to changes in the economic environment.
Plasmodesmata: Dynamics, Domains and Patterning

Abstract Although it has long been known that plasmodesmata establish cytoplasmic continuity between most cells within the body of the plant, it is only recently that these special structures have been viewed as dynamic intercellular organelles (Lucas and Wolf, Trends in Cell Biology 3 : 308–315, 1993) involved in the transport of macromolecules. Ultrastructural studies have provided important information on the formation of plasmodesmata during cytokinesis (primary plasmodesmata) and as post-cytokinetic events, where the new cytoplasmic bridges are inserted within the existing wall (secondary plasmodesmata). Modifications to plasmodesmal frequency, and presumably composition probably reflect developmental and physiological requirements for symplasmic continuity/communication. Pioneering studies on viral movement proteins provided the first direct experimental evidence that proteins and protein-nucleic acid complexes could traffic cell to cell, via plasmodesmata. This knowledge paved the way for the identification and characterization of endogenous proteins that also possess a similar capacity for cell-to-cell transport. Such proteins range from plant transcription factors, involved in orchestration of plant development, to proteins present in the phloem sap of angiosperms which are probably involved in maintenance of the enucleate sieve tube system. Information from viral infection studies and plant development support the concept that plasmodesmata play an essential role in the formation of developmental and physiological domains in which regulated trafficking of macromolecules establishes a non-cell-autonomous control network. Finally, the role of plasmodesmal trafficking of informational molecules is discussed in terms of providing a novel means for controlling cell differentiation. This concept is illustrated using current knowledge on root hair and trichome pattern formation.
Desulfuration of Dialkyl Thiophosphoric Acids by a Pseudomonad

A strain of Pseudomonas acidovorans used the organophosphorus pesticide breakdown products, ionic O,O-diethyl phosphorothioate and ionic O,O-diethyl phosphorodithioate, as sulfur sources. The growth yields from the thiophosphates and sulfate were 3.6 to 4.1 kg of protein per mol of sulfur. Elemental sulfur and sulfide also served as sulfur sources but gave lower growth yields.
Identification and Characterization of Cystatin-Related Epididymal Spermatogenic Protein in Human Spermatozoa: Localization in the Equatorial Segment

Our earlier studies in mouse have shown that the cystatin-related epididymal spermatogenic (CRES) protein is highly expressed in elongating spermatids in the testis and is present in mouse sperm acrosomes, suggesting specific roles in sperm function, fertilization, or both. However, whether the human CRES gene is similar to that of the mouse and is expressed in germ cells has not yet been determined. Therefore, the present study was undertaken to characterize the human ortholog of mouse CRES: Northern blot and in situ hybridization experiments showed that CRES is highly expressed in the human testis, specifically within clusters of round spermatids. Furthermore, reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction detected CRES mRNA in the epididymis. Western blot analysis of protein lysates prepared from human testis and ejaculated spermatozoa showed a predominant 19-kDa protein and a minor 14-kDa protein. However, in contrast to the acrosomal localization of CRES protein in mouse spermatozoa, indirect immunofluorescence of human spermatozoa treated with methanol/acetic acid using anti-human CRES antibodies revealed that CRES was strictly localized to the equatorial segment. Furthermore, the same staining was observed in both capacitated and acrosome-reacted spermatozoa. To determine whether CRES was associated with the plasma membrane, live spermatozoa were incubated with CRES antibody after capacitation and acrosome reaction. Only acrosome-reacted spermatozoa showed a weak but specific equatorial staining. Taken together, these studies show that CRES protein is present in the sperm equatorial segment and becomes accessible to the extracellular environment during fertilization.
Modeling diameter distributions of poly(N-isopropylacrylamide-co-methacrylic acid) nanoparticles

The Weibull distribution was successfully used to describe the diameter distribution of poly(N-isopropylacrylamide-co-methacrylic Acid (PNIPAAm-MAA) nanoparticles, whereas the lognormal was deemed not adequate for that purpose. The method of moments was used to predict parameters of the Weibull distribution. In this approach, the Weibull parameters were recovered from the diameter mean and variance, both of which were predicted from temperature. The distributions predicted from various temperatures for both MAA/NIPAAm ratios of 0.05 and 0.10 showed trends similar to those displayed in the observed data. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2009
The American Federation of Musicians and the Recording Ban

IN addition to constituting a chapter in the history of industrial relations, the recording ban recently imposed by the American Federation of Musicians has several aspects of interest to students of public opinion. Although the union is struggling with a genuine problem of maintaining employment possibilities, it has been deficient both in undertaking the research which would be necessary to attack the question intelligently, and in informing the public of the reasons for its policies. For the most part, industry and government have also failed to appraise the situation realistically. Since the dispute involves the future of important media of communications as well as a large segment of our cultural life, an agreement in the public interest among labor, industry, and government is essential. The author is associated with the Bureau of Applied Social Research, Columbia University.
The use of eutectic mixture of lidocaine and prilocaine in mice (Mus musculus) for tail vein injections.

Abstract Objective To investigate a topical local anesthesia technique as a means to prevent and/or diminish pain in mice in a laboratory setting associated with tail vein injections performed by personnel in training. Study design Prospective, randomized experimental trial. Animals Thirty six adult female, 23–28 g CD-1 mice from an in-house training colony. They were acclimated to routine training and handling classes. Methods Eutectic mixture of local anesthetics (EMLA) cream (2.5% lidocaine/2.5% prilocaine) or a bland ointment control (n = 18) was applied on the tail prior to intravenous injection. The injections were performed by novices, who had never attempted the procedure, and experienced personnel. All participants were blinded to treatment groups. Three injection attempts were allowed per animal. The mice were observed and scored by blinded evaluators for behavioral and physiological changes, including respiratory rate, vocalization, tail flick, and escape behaviors, during and after the injection. Results This study demonstrates that aversive behaviors induced by lateral tail vein injection were not changed by the preemptive application of EMLA cream. The aversive behaviors associated with lateral tail vein injection were significantly affected by the number of injection attempts and the individual's experience level. Conclusions and clinical relevance Topical EMLA cream did not reduce signs of aversive reaction to tail vein injection and thus we did not find support for its use in mouse training programs for tail vein injections.
Improving detection of copy-number variation by simultaneous bias correction and read-depth segmentation

Structural variation is an important class of genetic variation in mammals. High-throughput sequencing (HTS) technologies promise to revolutionize copy-number variation (CNV) detection but present substantial analytic challenges. Converging evidence suggests that multiple types of CNV-informative data (e.g. read-depth, read-pair, split-read) need be considered, and that sophisticated methods are needed for more accurate CNV detection. We observed that various sources of experimental biases in HTS confound read-depth estimation, and note that bias correction has not been adequately addressed by existing methods. We present a novel read-depth-based method, GENSENG, which uses a hidden Markov model and negative binomial regression framework to identify regions of discrete copy-number changes while simultaneously accounting for the effects of multiple confounders. Based on extensive calibration using multiple HTS data sets, we conclude that our method outperforms existing read-depth-based CNV detection algorithms. The concept of simultaneous bias correction and CNV detection can serve as a basis for combining read-depth with other types of information such as read-pair or split-read in a single analysis. A user-friendly and computationally efficient implementation of our method is freely available.
An analysis of spoonerisms as psycholinguistic phenomena

Spoonerisms, the type of verbal slip in which speech sounds are transposed, were subjected in this study to descriptive linguistic analysis. The immediate purpose was to specify the optimal conditions for spoonerism slips in order to facilitate an eventual understanding of the encoding process responsible for this psycholinguistic phenomenon. A total of 201 spoonerism slips was analyzed in terms of eight linguistic variables. The results demonstrated significant tendencies for spoonerisms to conform to several linguistic conditions, thus permitting inferences as to the optimal conditions for these slips, and providing potential hypotheses for determining the cognitive processes responsible for these psycholinguistic accidents.
Attentional bias in adults with cannabis use disorders.

ABSTRACTThere has been modest examination of attentional bias in individuals with cannabis use disorders. Clinical implications of this work are directly relevant to better informing extant evidence-based treatment for substance use disorders (e.g., relapse prevention) and/or developing novel interventions. The overarching aim of this investigation was to examine a novel attentional bias task in adults with cannabis use disorders. Participants were comprised of 25 adults (8 women: M age = 31, SD = 6.8; range = 22–45) with cannabis use disorders (n = 12) and controls (n = 13) without any current (past month) psychopathology. Relative to controls, adults with cannabis use disorders had greater attentional bias scores. These differences were present only at the 125-ms probe time, where the cannabis use disorders group showed greater attentional bias to cannabis cues than the control group (adjusted p = .001, cannabis use disorders mean = 59.9, control mean = −24.8, Cohen's d-effect size for 125 ms = 1.03). T...
An SDN-supported collaborative approach for DDoS flooding detection and containment

Software Defined Networking (SDN) has the potential to enable novel security applications that support flexible, on-demand deployment of system elements. It can offer targeted forensic evidence collection and investigation of computer network attacks. Such unique capabilities are instrumental to network intrusion detection that is challenged by large volumes of data and complex network topologies. This paper presents an innovative approach that coordinates distributed network traffic Monitors and attack Correlators supported by Open Virtual Switches (OVS). The Monitors conduct anomaly detection and the Correlators perform deep packet inspection for attack signature recognition. These elements take advantage of complementary views and information availability on both the data and control planes. Moreover, they collaboratively look for network flooding attack signature constituents that possess different characteristics in the level of information abstraction. Therefore, this approach is able to not only quickly raise an alert against potential threats, but also follow it up with careful verification to reduce false alarms. We experiment with this SDN-supported collaborative approach to detect TCP SYN flood attacks on the Global Environment for Network Innovations (GENI), a realistic virtual testbed. The response times and detection accuracy, in the context of a small to medium corporate network, have demonstrated its effectiveness and scalability.
The Emergence of Specialty Pharmacy.

Twenty years ago, the Journal of Managed Care & Specialty Pharmacy published an article titled "The Emergence of Specialty Pharmacy." While the industry was in its relative infancy at the time, the specialty pharmacy model has since grown, expanded, and matured, largely following some of the trends outlined at the time. Now, with changes in legislation, a progressive approach within the FDA, a second coming of novel therapies and supplemental indications, along with an involvement in cell and gene therapy, a reemergence of the specialty model is taking place, and the market must adapt to the new challenges associated with this era of modern medicine. DISCLOSURES: No funding contributed to the writing of this article. Ogurchak reports speaker fees from MJH Live Events and WellSky, unrelated to this work. The other authors have nothing to disclose with respect to research, authorship, and/or publication of this article.
Deciding to Agree: Explaining Consensual Behavior on the United States Supreme Court

How, in a time of increasing divisiveness and party polarization - a divisiveness that is evident in the public, in Congress, and within the Supreme Court itself - does the Court ever achieve consensus? In this paper we examine how the Supreme Court achieves consensus in its decision-making, and what factors affect the level of consensus that is achieved by the Court. We examine all cases decided between 1953 and 2006 to determine what factors influence the Court's ability to achieve consensus in these cases. We find that consensus is more likely when the justices are ideologically compatible and when the case is easy.