cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Pulse-shaper-assisted phase control of a coherent broadband spectrum of Raman sidebands

We report pulse-shaper-assisted phase control of a broad spectrum, aiming to synthesize nonsinusoidal waveforms. We first generate multiple-order coherent Raman sidebands by focusing two laser beams into a piece of diamond. Then we combine five sidebands into a single beam by using a prism. Our setup allows for both coarse, manual phase adjustments and fine tuning of the spectral phases. A flat spectral phase across these five frequency-separated sub-bands is achieved, which implies generation of two to three optical-cycle pulses.
The Effects of Current Egg Production, Time in Production, Age of Pullet, and Inbreeding on Hatchability and Hatching Time

Abstract DATA have previously been presented by Bohren, Crittenden and King (1961), and Crittenden and Bohren (1961), showing the heritabilities and interrelationships between measures of hatch of fertile eggs at specific incubation periods, and hatching time, egg weight and holding time. The present study was undertaken to investigate two genetically influenced variables, egg production during each of three two-week saving periods (P) and weeks in production before the average time when the eggs were set (T), one completely environmental variable, defined as the weekly age group in which the pullet was hatched (A) and the inbreeding coefficient for the pullet (I) and their relationship to the hatchability traits X1, X2, X3 and X4, previously defined as the percent of fertile eggs hatched for each hen, from the first hatching period through the period when approximately 30, 50, 70 and 100 percent of all chicks were hatched, respectively. The purpose was to …
CORRELATED BROWNIAN MOTIONS AS AN APPROXIMATION TO DETERMINISTIC MEAN-FIELD DYNAMICS

We analyze the transition from deterministic mean-field dynamics of several large particles and infinitely many small particles to a stochastic motion of the large particles. In this transition the small particles become the random medium for the large particles, and the motion of the large particles becomes stochastic. Under the assumption that the empirical velocity distribution of the small particles is governed by a probability density ψ, the mean-field force can be represented as the negative gradient of a scaled version of ψ. The stochastic motion is described by a system of stochastic ordinary differential equations driven by Gaussian space-time white noise and the mean-field force as a shift-invariant integral kernel. The scaling preserves a small parameter in the transition, the so-called correlation length. In this set-up, the separate motion of each particle is a classical Brownian motion (Wiener process), but the joint motion is correlated through the mean-field force and the noise. Therefore, it is not Gaussian. The motion of two particles is analyzed in detail and a diffusion equation is deduced for the difference in the positions of the two particles. The diffusion coefficient in the latter equation is spatially dependent, which allows us to determine regions of attraction and repulsion of the two particles by computing the probability fluxes. The result is consistent with observations in the applied sciences, namely that Brownian particles get attracted to one another if the distance between them is smaller than a critical small parameter. In our case, this parameter is shown to be proportional to the aforementioned correlation length.
Subunit structure of the mammalian fatty acid synthetase: further evidence for a homodimer.

Abstract Immunochemical procedures and limited proteolysis have been used to investigate the subunit structure of fatty acid synthetase from rat mammary gland. Specific antibodies were raised against the two thioesterase I domains obtained from the fatty acid synthetase by treatment with trypsin. The antibodies precipitated both subunits of the dissociated fatty acid synthetase, indicating that both subunits contained a single thioesterase I domain. An analysis of the time course of limited trypsinization of the fatty acid synthetase, labeled in its two thioesterase I domains with [1,3-14C] diisopropylphosphofluoridate, indicated that each subunit was susceptible to tryptic attack at identical locations and that the thioesterase I domains occupied a terminal locus at one end of each polyfunctional polypeptide chain. The most plausible explanation for these results is that the mammalian fatty acid synthetase is a homodimer.
Anal Fissure and Stenosis

Anal fissure is a common anorectal disorder resulting in anal pain and bleeding. Fissures can either heal spontaneously and be classified as acute, or persist for 6 or more weeks and be classified as chronic, ultimately necessitating treatment. Anal stenosis is a challenging problem most commonly resulting from trauma, such as excisional hemorrhoidectomy. This frustrating issue for the patient is equally as challenging to the surgeon. This article reviews these 2 anorectal disorders, covering their etiology, mechanism of disease, diagnosis, and algorithm of management.
Comparative corneal topography and refractive variables in monozygotic and dizygotic twins.

Abstract PURPOSE: To investigate the role of heredity in determining corneal shape, axial length, and overall refractive error. METHODS: Twenty monozygotic and 19 dizygotic twin pairs, age 12 to 73 years, were enrolled in the study. Zygosity was determined by physical similarity and by responses to questions adapted from surveys. Two twin pairs were excluded because of undetermined zygosity and one pair because of keratoconus (both siblings). Refractive error was determined by an automated refractor. Manifest refraction was also recorded, as well as cycloplegic refraction in subjects under age 18 years. Corneal topography data and manual keratometer readings were also obtained. Axial lengths were determined by A-scan ultrasound. Data were analyzed by Student t tests only in the right eye. Left-eye data were comparable for all variables. RESULTS: Mean intrapair difference in refractive error (spherical equivalent) was less for monozygotic than for dizygotic twins (RE: 0.41 vs 1.53; P = .001). Mean intrapair difference in axial length was less for monozygotic twins (RE: 0.39 vs 0.76 mm; P = .031). Corneal topography data (power and meridian) in all zones (3, 5, and 7 mm) also showed smaller mean differences among monozygotic pairs than dizygotic, but the difference was statistically significant only for the 5-mm zone. In addition, most Holladay Diagnostic Summary variables that were studied did not show any statistically significant differences. CONCLUSIONS: Axial length and overall refractive error have a significant genetic basis. Corneal topography data appear to have other overriding determining factors for several of the variables studied.
From primary goods to capabilities to well-being

Amartya Sen’s The Idea of Justice (2009) mistakenly characterizes transcendental accounts of justice as being unable to compare non-ideal alternatives, and thus misfires as a criticism of Robert Nozick and John Rawls. In fact, Nozick’s disinterest in when rights may be overridden does not bespeak indifference to specific questions of comparative assessment, and Lockean rights do give determinate advice in everyday circumstances. Sen correctly reports that Rawls’s theory is defective at giving practical normative advice, but the basic problem is the over-rigidity of Rawls’s absolute priority relations, not transcendentalism. Sen’s search for a complete moral theory requires that he produce one. Act consequentialism is one promising complete theory of justice, having both transcendental grounding and clear methods for comparative assessment. I also propose moving from Sen’s capabilities standard of social justice to one based on functioning. The latter facilitates distinguishing between trivial and worthles...
Effect of glucosamine treatment on vesicular stomatitis virus macromolecular synthesis: host cell dependence.

Abstract Glucosamine treatment can completely inhibit replication of genome-size vesicular stomatitis virus (VSV) RNA while transcription of viral mRNA is unaffected or stimulated. This inhibition is a function of drug concentration and duration of treatment and is dependent on the type of host cell. It has been shown that UTP pool depletion is not the cause of the inhibition of replication. Furthermore it has been found that glucosamine treatment selectively inhibits viral protein synthesis, whereas host protein synthesis is relatively unaffected. The extent of viral protein synthesis inhibition is dependent on drug concentration, duration of treatment, and type of host cell.
Social Anxiety and Self-Evaluation of Interpersonal Performance

High and low socially anxious men participated in two brief conversations with female confederates. Each subject rated his own and other conversations on social skill, anxiety, and female's respons...
Inhibition of Akt pathways in the treatment of prostate cancer

Akt is a serine/threonine kinase mediating multiple intracellular pathways involved in prostate cancer (CaP) biology. Increased understanding of the molecular mechanisms of Akt activation and signaling have led to the development of an increasing number of Akt inhibitors. These biologic agents demonstrate activity against a wide range of cancers in preclinical studies. Clinical studies of Akt inhibition in CaP are in progress, including agents such as celecoxib, perifosine and genistein. How best to integrate Akt inhibitors with standard CaP therapy or select patients most likely to benefit is the subject of ongoing research.
Adenoid Cystic Carcinoma of the Major Salivary Glands Treated with Surgery and Radiation

Objective: To examine patient characteristics, pathologic features, and treatment outcomes of adenoid cystic carcinoma of the major salivary glands. Study Design: Retrospective review of patients in an academic medical center. Method: Review of medical records regarding demographics, extent of tumor, stage, histologic characteristics, and treatment outcomes of patients treated with surgery and postoperative radiation. Results: Of the 33 patients, 19 (58%) were male, and 14 (42%) were female. The average age of presentation was 49 (range 22–81) years. Of the 29 patients fully staged at the time of diagnosis, 7 (24%) presented at American Joint Committee on Cancer stage I, 9 (31%) at stage II, 4 (14%) at stage III, and 9 (31%) at stage IV. The cribriform histologic subtype was predominant (64%). The majority originated in the parotid gland (21, 64%), with the remaining originating in either the submandibular gland (10, 30%) or the sublingual gland (2, 6%). Local control was 94% at 5 years and 73% at 10 years. Metastatic control was 82% at 5 years and 63% at 10 years. Four patients failed locally and nine failed distally. Overall survival was 85% at 5 years and 69% at 10 years, with a median of 12.9 years. Conclusion: Surgical excision with postoperative radiation provides a long period of disease-free survival. Patients were more likely to fail with metastases than with local recurrence.
Pollinator-Dependent Crops: An Increasingly Risky Business

Three-quarters of leading global food crops rely on animal pollination. With both managed and wild pollinators declining, is there reason for concern? Researchers are beginning to pin down the possible long-term risks.
Mill, Bentham and 'internal culture'

In well-known lines from his Autobiography, Mill identifies two ‘very marked effects’ on his ‘opinions and character’ brought about by the period of his mental crisis. 1 The first involved no longe...
Quantitation and cellular localization of 11β-HSD1 expression in murine thymus

Abstract 11β-Hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type I (11β-HSD1), an NADPH-dependent reductase, functions in intact cells to convert inactive 11-keto metabolites of glucocorticoids into biologically active glucocorticoids. The enzyme is thus capable of amplifying glucocorticoid action in tissues in which it is expressed. In the experiments presented here, we show that 11β-HSD1 is expressed in the murine thymus and that expression increases from late fetal development to maximal levels in the adult thymus. Quantitative real time-PCR, immunoblots, and assays of enzymatic activity reveal adult thymic expression of 11β-HSD1 mRNA and protein at levels approximately 6–7% of those observed in liver. Immunofluorescence experiments show that the enzyme is expressed in the medullary thymocytes and thymocytes present at the corticomedullary junction. These experiments extend our recognition of 11β-HSD1 expression in cells of the immune system and lend support to the notion that glucocorticoid signaling and amplification of those signals by regeneration of active glucocorticoids from inactive 11-keto metabolites might impact intrathymic T cell development and the establishment of the immune repertoire.
Protection Against Cancer by Plant Phenylpropenoids: Induction of Mammalian Anticarcinogenic Enzymes

Chemoprotection has established itself as a "major arm" in the "war against cancer" and induction of phase 2 detoxification enzymes as an effective strategy. Prominent among inducers are Michael reaction acceptors. Such functionalities are intrinsic to many phenylpropanoids present in edible plants, where they play roles in plant defense. This minireview focuses on the ability of such plant metabolites to elevate phase 2 enzymes in various cell culture and animal models and ultimately to protect against carcinogenesis.
Multi-objective trade-offs for fuel cell-based auxiliary power units: case study of South California Air Basin

Auxiliary power units (APUs) are energy devices that complement the main internal combustion engine of a vehicle providing power for the non-propulsion needs. There are several goals or objectives that need to be achieved for designing and operating fuel cell-based APUs. The system should have as high efficiency as possible, but also be economically viable with cost or profits competitive with the existing technology. Not only should the environmental impacts of the chemicals released during the process be as low as possible, but also the human health impact has to be minimum. This becomes an extremely challenging multi-objective problem and its solution leads to the quantification of the trade-offs between the different objectives. The fact that these multiple objectives are often conflicting in nature and can have completely different trends with respect to multiple process variables makes the representation and analysis of the trade-off information an extremely formidable task. The solution of the multi-objective optimization of the system, which comprehends sensitivity analysis, payoff table and optimal trade-off surfaces, is illustrated. The case study that was chosen for the simulations is South California Air Basin and the assumptions that were taken to model this region are briefly discussed.
Finite element analysis of deep indentation by a spherical indenter

Using the finite element analysis, the deep indentation of strain-hardening elastoplastic materials by a rigid, spherical indenter has been studied. The simulation results clearly show that the ratio of the indentation load to the maximum indentation depth increases with the increase of the strain-hardening index and reaches a maximum value at the maximum indentation depth being about 10% of the indenter radius. The power law relation between the indentation load and the indentation depth for shallow indentation becomes invalid for deep indentation. However, the ratio of the plastic energy to the total mechanical work is a linear function of the ratio of the residual indentation depth to the maximum indentation depth, independent of the strain-hardening index and the indentation depth.
Fear imagery and text processing.

This study examined the effect of three variables held to influence heart rate response during imagery-related text processing: mode of processing, content of text, and inclusion of response information in the text. Sixty-four undergraduates imagined and silently repeated fearful and neutral sentences in a paradigm designed to allow for self-initiation of sentence processing. Fear sentences either included or did not include information about bodily responses in the image. Heart rate accelerated more during fear imagery than during neutral imagery or silent repetition of either type of sentence. Inclusion of response information in fear material did not increase heart rate response to imagery, but did affect self-report in the predicted direction. Heart rate waveform prior to the sentence tasks indicated pre-processing of fearful material. The results were discussed in relation to a bio-informational theory of imagery, which asserts that emotional imagery accesses the same centrally-mediated response program as is evoked in the target reality context, and thus occasions measurable activity in the appropriate effectors.
Encoding a Model-Based Display with Dynamic Data

A model-based display of the heat engine cycle for a nuclear power plant is defined and illustrated in terms of the thermodynamic first principles used to design the plant. The model-based display is a modified Rankine Cycle, the basic heat engine cycle for power plants. The display is made from measured process variables and the properties of water and presented on a CRT in iconic form, thereby providing a direct perception of the process. This structure of display design is an example of Rasmussen's means-ends hierarchy; starting with the abstract and ending with the specific display. Encoding the display with dynamic data aids operators in monitoring and interpreting the plant during transients and disturbances. Analytical data on the TMI-2 accident is used to illustrate the dynamic coding of the model-based display. The concepts discussed and illustrated are applicable to fossil and nuclear power plants and to other process industries.
Thermodynamic reactivity of the magnesium vapor with substrate materials during MgB2 deposition

Abstract The MgB2 compound has a superconducting temperature of 39 K and its film has been successfully deposited by means of the hybrid physical chemical vapor deposition (HPCVD). In this paper, the CALPHAD technique was applied to study the reactivity of magnesium with several substrate materials during the HPCVD process. The calculated results showed that MgO, SiC, AlN and TaN are stable in the current HPCVD process. The Si, ZrO2, TiN, SiO2, Al2O3 and GaN substrates were also investigated. It was found that Mg reacts with these substrates under current HPCVD conditions. However, if the Mg vapor is low enough but still in the stability range of the MgB2 compound, the Si, ZrO2 and TiN substrates can be stable in the HPCVD process. The methodology used in the present work can be extended to other systems, and the current findings may be useful to guide other MgB2 thin film deposition processes.
Fundamentally Freaky: Collapsing the Freak/Norm Binary in Geek Love

(2004). Fundamentally Freaky: Collapsing the Freak/Norm Binary in Geek Love. Critique: Studies in Contemporary Fiction: Vol. 45, No. 4, pp. 337-346.
Contested Relations and Authoritative Texts Seventh-Grade Students (1987) and Legal Professionals (1954) Argue Brown v. Board of Education

In this article, orientations to text taken by seventh-grade students preparing for a simulation of the 1954 school desegregation case, Brown v. Board of Education, are compared with those taken by legal professionals in the historical event itself. The author uses Halliday's definition of register to show that meanings are made on several dimensions of social life simultaneously, along with Bakhtin's theory of heteroglossia to show that meaning is made from divergent social positions. Textual analysis shows that seventh-grade students rejected what they saw as violations of the conventions of Supreme Court argument, while the winning argument in the actual Supreme Court hearing of Brown plays with conventions by signaling conflicting social positions. The author suggests that teachers might encourage students to reflect on their own positioning within a complex rhetorical context and draw attention to how registers are actually realized in historically significant texts.
Scope and limitations of thermal imaging using multiwavelength infrared detection

In determining temperature of surfaces by their blackbody emission, simultaneous acquisition of infrared emission at different wavelengths can provide a set of parameters needed to compute the absolute temperature of the object. A graybody model can be used to derive a set of equations that correlates the effects of emissivity variation and reflection of ambient radiation on the apparent and true temperatures of the object. Such a model is presented and its sensitivities to noise are evaluated. A four-wavelength digital thermal imager has been constructed to evaluate the practical implementation of the model. Finally, utilizing a phantom that simulates a graybody, and human skin data, the validity of the model has been demonstrated. It is shown that the system noise and the computational errors of series expansion are the factors that limit the precision of the computed temperature.
Listserv Implementation and Sense of Community: The Relationships with Increased Knowledge and Face-to-Face Interaction

This study examines how a listserv affects its membersâ€™ sense of community (SOC) with the sponsoring organization. It was expected that the listserv would increase membersâ€™ knowledge about and participation in the sponsoring organization department, which, in turn, would increase their SOC. The study examined listserv members and non-members before and after implementation of the listserv. As expected, listserv membership increased knowledge and face-to-face activity, and knowledge and face-to-face activity increased a sense of community. However, ironically, there was no effect of listserv membership on sense of community. These findings challenge previous theories about the development of sense of community while nonetheless demonstrating the positive effects of listserv membership.
A Robust Self-Tuning Fuzzy Sliding Mode Observer

A nonlinear robust observer has been developed by combining the advantages of the variable structure systems (VSS) theory with those of the self-tuning fuzzy logic algorithm. The observer does not require an exact knowledge of the system dynamics or the construction of a rule-based expert fuzzy inference system. Instead, it requires the upper bounds on the modeling imprecision to be known. The observer design involves the derivation of inequality conditions that must be satisfied by the tuning parameters in order to ensure the convergence of the estimation process.The observer has been applied to estimate the state variables of an under-actuated marine vessel. The simulation results demonstrated the capabilities of the observer in providing accurate estimates of the state variables in spite of considerable modeling imprecision and significant environmental disturbances.Copyright © 2012 by ASME
THE INFLUENCE OF SHELL-TYPE ON HERMIT CRAB GROWTH RATE AND CLUTCH SIZE (DECAPODA, ANOMURA)

[Les taux de croissance du Paguride Clibanarius albidigitus se sont reveles influences de facon significative par le type de coquille occupe. Le taux est le plus eleve pour les coquilles legeres et a volume interne important, et le plus bas pour les coquilles relativement lourdes, a volume interne faible. De meme, la dimension des pontes de C. albidigitus, Calcinus obscurus et Pagurus sp. (non decrit) est affectee de facon significative par le type de coquille. Chez les trois especes, la ponte est plus importante dans des coquilles legeres, a grand volume interne que dans les coquilles lourdes, a volume interne faible. Les observations sur les avantages resultant du choix de certaines coquilles, en ce qui concerne le taux de croissance et la dimension des pontes, montrent l'importance de ce choix et ses consequences dans le domaine de l'ecologie et de l'evolution de l'utilisation des coquilles par les Pagurides., Les taux de croissance du Paguride Clibanarius albidigitus se sont reveles influences de facon significative par le type de coquille occupe. Le taux est le plus eleve pour les coquilles legeres et a volume interne important, et le plus bas pour les coquilles relativement lourdes, a volume interne faible. De meme, la dimension des pontes de C. albidigitus, Calcinus obscurus et Pagurus sp. (non decrit) est affectee de facon significative par le type de coquille. Chez les trois especes, la ponte est plus importante dans des coquilles legeres, a grand volume interne que dans les coquilles lourdes, a volume interne faible. Les observations sur les avantages resultant du choix de certaines coquilles, en ce qui concerne le taux de croissance et la dimension des pontes, montrent l'importance de ce choix et ses consequences dans le domaine de l'ecologie et de l'evolution de l'utilisation des coquilles par les Pagurides.]
Morphogenesis in fungal pathogenicity: shape, size, and surface.

Morphological changes are required for eukaryotic pathogens to cause disease. However, it is only now becoming clear how such transitions are linked to virulence in human pathogenic fungi. Changing cell size and shape are strategies employed by many of these fungi to survive in the environment and serendipitously also within the host. Conserved signaling pathways regulate morphogenic differentiation in response to environmental and host physiological stimuli. The alterations in cell-surface composition during morphogenesis, in addition to cell size and shape, further link virulence with morphogenesis.
AICPA rules of conduct and practitioner knowledge

Accountants practicing in all segments of accounting need to understand both the relevant ethical standards of accounting and the mechanisms for enforcing these ethical standards. Further, accountants need to have an understanding of how to apply these standards in practical situations [Loeb, 1992]. In 1988, the AICPA restructured the profession's Code of Conduct. The changes resulted in a code with a more positive orientation. Since the 1988 Code restructuring, the Federal Trade Commission determined that certain rules embodied in the Code interfered with competition in violation of the FTC Act. Although the AICPA was reluctant to modify the existing Code, AICPA-FTC negotiations resulted in numerous amendments. Because of these recent changes, CPAs may be experiencing difficulty in maintaining an accurate perception of what constitutes acceptable conduct according to the Code. Consequently, this study addresses one important question. Do CPAs exhibit a satisfactory level of code knowledge when presented with a variety of ethical conflict situations? The results of this study are not encouraging for the profession.
Miscibility and phase behavior in atactic polystyrene and poly(o‐chlorostyrene‐co‐p‐chlorostyrene) blends: Effect of polystyrene molecular weight and copolymer composition

Miscibility in blends of random copolymers of o-chlorostyrene and p-chlorostyrene [P(oClSy-co-pClS1-y)] with 8 atactic polystyrene (aPS) fractions has been studied at temperatures ranging from 150°C to 300°C. Miscibility windows whose size depends on the molecular weight of the PS and on the copolymer composition, y, were observed for each blend. From these data, the temperature dependence of the three segmental interaction parameters required to describe this system were obtained.
INDUCTION OF ENDOTOXIN TOLERANCE ENHANCES BACTERIAL CLEARANCE AND SURVIVAL IN MURINE POLYMICROBIAL SEPSIS

The fundamental mechanisms that underlie endotoxin tolerance remain to be elucidated, and the clinical significance of endotoxin tolerance in the context of active systemic infection remains in question. We hypothesized that the endotoxin tolerance phenotype would result in decreased inflammation at the expense of altered bacterial clearance and, thus, higher mortality in a murine model of polymicrobial sepsis induced by cecal ligation and puncture (CLP). Endotoxin tolerance was induced in C57Bl/6 mice with 5 mg/kg LPS or vehicle 18 h before subsequent CLP. Lung tissue, peritoneal fluid, and blood were collected at 1, 3, 6, and 18 h after surgery for subsequent analysis. Peritoneal macrophages were isolated for ex vivo phagocytosis assay. In separate experiments, mice were allowed to recover, and survival was monitored for 7 days. Endotoxin tolerance attenuated plasma TNF-alpha and IL-6 at 6 h after CLP. Peritoneal fluid cytokines were significantly attenuated as well. Endotoxin tolerance significantly improved bacterial clearance in both blood and peritoneal fluid after CLP. Similarly, ex vivo phagocytosis by primary peritoneal macrophages and RAW264.7 murine peritoneal macrophages was significantly improved after induction of the endotoxin tolerance phenotype. Contrary to our original hypothesis, we conclude that endotoxin tolerance significantly attenuates the host inflammatory response, augments bacterial clearance, and improves survival in this murine model of polymicrobial sepsis.
INVESTIGATION OF THE EXPERIMENTAL ACTIVE CONTROL OF A TYPICAL SECTION AIRFOIL USING A TRAILING EDGE FLAP

This paper presents an experimental implementation of an active control system used to suppress flutter in a typical section airfoil. The H? optimal control system design is based upon experimental system identifications of the transfer functions between three measured system variables: pitch, plunge, and flap position and a single control signal which commands the flap of the airfoil. Closed-loop response of the airfoil demonstrated gust-alleviation below the open-loop flutter-boundary. In addition, the flutter boundary was extended by 12.4% through the application of active control. Cursory robustness tests demonstrate stable control for variations in flow-speed of ±10
A preliminary study of olfactory behavior of captiveLemur coronatus during the breeding season

The olfactory behavior of a captive population of crowned lemurs (Lemur coronatus)was studied during their annual breeding season in order to investigate its possible role in the fine-tuning of mating synchrony after photoperiodic initiation of reproductive activity. The frequencies of five stereotyped olfactory behavior patterns were recorded in four male-female groups during 315 1-hr observation sessions between October and March. The mean total scent-marking frequency of all males was positively correlated with their mean testicular size. Male anogenital-, head-, and allomarking frequencies decreased during the breeding season, whereas hand-marking frequencies remained constant. Male head-marking increased significantly in the 5 days preceding female vaginal estrus. Furthermore, males responded to many female scents by olfactory investigation and/or overmarking, whereas females never showed an observable behavioral response to male scent marks. The marking frequencies of two females did not change significantly during the breeding season, while those of two others decreased significantly. These results suggest qualitative changes of female scents during estrus and a less important role of male scents in intersexual communication in the context of reproduction than previously thought.
Biosynthesis of the salinosporamide A polyketide synthase substrate chloroethylmalonyl-coenzyme A from S-adenosyl-l-methionine

Polyketides are among the major classes of bioactive natural products used to treat microbial infections, cancer, and other diseases. Here we describe a pathway to chloroethylmalonyl-CoA as a polyketide synthase building block in the biosynthesis of salinosporamide A, a marine microbial metabolite whose chlorine atom is crucial for potent proteasome inhibition and anticancer activity. S-adenosyl-l-methionine (SAM) is converted to 5′-chloro-5′-deoxyadenosine (5′-ClDA) in a reaction catalyzed by a SAM-dependent chlorinase as previously reported. By using a combination of gene deletions, biochemical analyses, and chemical complementation experiments with putative intermediates, we now provide evidence that 5′-ClDA is converted to chloroethylmalonyl-CoA in a 7-step route via the penultimate intermediate 4-chlorocrotonyl-CoA. Because halogenation often increases the bioactivity of drugs, the availability of a halogenated polyketide building block may be useful in molecular engineering approaches toward polyketide scaffolds.
Good Vibrations: Successful Endoscopic Electrohydraulic Lithotripsy for Bouveret’s Syndrome

A 51-year-old woman was initially evaluated in the Emergency Department with a 6-week history of upper abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting. There was no significant past medical history. Vital signswere stable; the examinationwas significant only for right upper quadrant tenderness. Abdominal CT scan revealed the presence of a large fistula between gallbladder and the duodenum. A large, partially calcified gall stone was located in the proximal duodenum. At endoscopy, a gallstone was visualized in the duodenal bulb (Fig. 1), which upon probing was deeply impacted between the duodenum and the fistula, thwarting attempts at dislodgement with a balloon catheter. Using a doublechannel gastroscope, an electrohydraulic lithotripsy (EHL) probe was advanced through a biliary cannula with a cut distal end through one channel while continuous water irrigation was applied through the second channel to achieve adequate water immersion of the stone for lithotripsy. EHL was repeatedly applied to crack the stone with subsequent applications to break the stone into multiple fragments (Fig. 2). Loose stone fragments were dragged into the stomach with a snare, in order to prevent escape into the small bowel with consequent obstruction of the terminal ileum due to gallstone ileus. The fistula was then examined with the endoscope advanced into the gallbladder under fluoroscopic guidance. A cholangiogram revealed no other stones in the gallbladder or in the bile duct (Fig. 3). The post-bulbar duodenum was also normal. Larger stone fragments were not retrieved to avoid esophageal mucosal laceration upon withdrawal and were instead crushed with a mechanical lithotriptor (Fig. 4). Small stone fragments in the fundus were then removed using a Roth net. The patient was subsequently discharged home with no further complaints or issues noted.
The prevention of postoperative stridor and laryngospasm with topical lidocaine

• Tonsillectomy and adenoidectomy can predispose to stridor and laryngospasm in the immediate postextubation period. A prospectively randomized study of 133 patients undergoing tonsillectomy and adenoidectomy was undertaken to determine if the topical application of 4 mg/kg of 4% lidocaine at the time of intubation would decrease the incidence of postoperative stridor and laryngospasm. Taken together, eight (12%) of 67 control patients suffered stridor or laryngospasm vs two (3%) of 66 patients receiving lidocaine. It is concluded that lidocaine administered topically at the time of intubation for adenotonsillectomy helps prevent postoperative stridor and laryngospasm. Surgery of the upper aerodigestive tract often involves not only the technical aspects of the surgical procedure but also concomitant management of the airway. This can present a challenge to even the most adept otolaryngologist and anesthesiologist. Accidental extubation is always possible, and reintubation can be difficult in the presence of blood and saliva. The difficulty is often compounded with a patient who is not completely paralyzed. ( Arch Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg . 1991;117:1123-1128)
Response of Alveolar Macrophages from Inducible Nitric Oxide Synthase Knockout or Wild-Type Mice to an in Vitro Lipopolysaccharide or Silica Exposure

The role of nitric oxide (NO) in pulmonary disease has been controversial with both antiinflammatory (scavenging radicals and inhibiting NF-eB activation) and proinflammatory (forming highly reactive peroxynitrite and augmenting NF-eB activation by inflammatory agents) actions reported. Therefore, a study has been initiated to determine whether deletion of the inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) gene in the C57BL/6J mouse alters the pulmonary macrophage response to lipopolysaccharide (LPS) or silica. The objective of the initial phase of this study was to determine the difference in responsiveness of alveolar macrophages (AMs), harvested from naive wild-type (WT) or iNOS knockout (iNOS KO) mice, to an in vitro LPS or silica exposure. Primary AMs were obtained by bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) from age- and weight-matched iNOS KO and WT mice. The cells were treated with interferon-gamma (IFN-a) (50 U/ml), IFN-a (50 U/ml) + LPS (1 microg/ml), LPS (0.01-100 microg/ml), or silica (25-250 microg/ml). The following parameters were measured: nitrate and nitrite (NOx), tumor necrosis factor-a (TNF-a), macrophage inflammatory protein-2 (MIP-2), intracellular generation of the reactive oxygen species (ROS) hydrogen peroxide (H(2)O(2) and superoxide (O(*-2)), and basal (unstimulated) total antioxidant capacity. Data show a significant increase in NOx production upon exposure to IFN-a +/- LPS in the WT but not iNOS KO AMs. NOx production by iNOS KO or WT AMs was not altered by in vitro exposure to LPS or silica alone. LPS, but not silica, induced TNF-a and MIP-2 production in both iNOS KO and WT AMs. Statistical analysis of concentration response curves found a significant tendency for greater mediator production in the iNOS KO versus WT AMs. Basal intracellular production of H(2)O(2) and O(*- 2) was significantly greater in the iNOS KO compared to WT AMs. In contrast, LPS- (10 microg/ml) or silica- (100 microg/ml) stimulated intracellular oxidant production was lower in iNOS KO AMs, but overall (basal + stimulated) inflammatory capacity was similar between the cell types. The basal total antioxidant production of the iNOS KO AMs was approximately twofold higher than the WT AMs. In conclusion, certain compensatory changes appear to occur in AMs from iNOS KO mice. In response to the inability to induce NO production, iNOS KO AMs exhibit significantly higher basal generation of H(2)O(2) and (O(*- 2)) as well as higher total antioxidant levels. In addition, LPS induced TNF-a and MIP-2 production tend to be higher in AMs from iNOS KO mice. Such compensatory changes in the AM response may affect the response of iNOS KO mice to inflammatory exposures.
Self-Reported Sleep Characteristics and Mortality in Older Adults of Mexican Origin: Results from the Hispanic Established Population for the Epidemiologic Study of the Elderly

Objectives: To determine how poor sleep affects the health of older ethnic minorities. Design: Cross-sectional study involving a population-based survey. Setting: Hispanic Established Population for the Epidemiologic Study of the Elderly (H-EPESE) survey conducted in the southwestern United States. Participants: Two thousand two hundred fifty-six Mexican-American men and women aged 65 and older. Measurements: The association between self-reported sleep problems and mortality over a 15-year period in a population based sample of older Mexican Americans was examined. Using five waves of data (1993�2008) from the H-EPESE, Cox proportional hazard models stratified according to sex were used to model the risk of death as a function of chronic sleep problems. Results: Having any sleeping problems during the last month was associated with greater risk of mortality (hazard ratio = 1.14, 95% confidence interval = 1.00�1.29) in unadjusted models, although the association was attenuated after accounting for covariates. Conclusions: Similar factors explained the association between sleep and mortality in men and women: health behaviors, depressive symptoms, and health conditions. These factors are related to stress, and both may lead to poor sleep quality. Research is needed to better understand the factors moderating the relationship between sleep, mortality, and sex.
Genius: A Genetic Algorithm for Automated Structure Elucidation from 13C NMR Spectra

The automated structure elucidation of organic molecules from experimentally obtained properties is extended by an entirely new approach. A genetic algorithm is implemented that uses molecular constitution structures as individuals. With this approach, the structure of organic molecules can be optimized to meet experimental criteria, if in addition a fast and accurate method for the prediction of the used physical or chemical features is available. This is demonstrated using 13C NMR spectrum as readily obtainable information. By means of artificial neural networks a fast and accurate method for calculating the 13C NMR spectrum of the generated structures exists. The method is implemented and tested successfully for organic molecules with up to 18 non-hydrogen atoms.
Evolutionary assembly of the milkweed fauna: cytochrome oxidase I and the age of Tetraopes beetles.

Abstract The insects that feed on the related plant families Apocynaceae and Asclepiadaceae (here collectively termed “milkweeds”) comprise a “component community” of highly specialized, distinctive lineages of species that frequently sequester toxic cardiac glycosides from their host plants for defense against predators and are thus often aposematic, advertising their consequent unpalatability. Such sets of specialized lineages provide opportunities for comparative studies of the rate of adaptation, diversification, and habitat-related effects on molecular evolution. The cerambycid genus Tetraopes is the most diverse of the new world milkweed herbivores and the species are generally host specific, being restricted to single, different species of Asclepias, more often so than most other milkweed insects. Previous work revealed correspondence between the phylogeny of these beetles and that of their hosts. The present study provides analyses of near-complete DNA sequences for Tetraopes and relatives that are used to establish a molecular clock and temporal framework for Tetraopes evolution with their milkweed hosts.
Determination of Laser Welding Process Parameters Through a Combined Neural Networks and Computational Fluid Dynamics Approach

In this paper weld pool shapes of type 304 stainless steel obtained through computational fluid dynamics simulations (CFD) will be used to train artificial neural networks. The neural network is then used to determine the experimental parameters of the ND:YAG laser system on 304 steel by feeding it with the parametrized, experimentally obtained weld pool parameters. The output of the neural network are the process parameters like laser spot diameter and laser power on the surface of the weld pool. These parameters are very difficult to determine accurately through experiments but are necessary inputs for CFD simulations of the weld pool. Accurate CFD simulation is required for simulation and modeling of the solidified micro structure of the material.Copyright © 2005 by ASME
Immunohistochemical analysis of salivary gland canalicular adenoma

Abstract Canalicular adenoma is a newly recognized salivary gland adenoma that may be confused with malignant salivary gland tumors. To better characterize this neoplasm, six examples were investigated with a panel of immunohistochemistry antibodies including anti-keratin ( AE1 AE3 ), anti-epithelial membrane antigen, anti-carcinoembryonic antigen, anti-vimentin, anti-S-100, anti-muscle specific actin, and anti-glial fibrillary acid protein. All canalicular adenomas stained in a similar fashion showing positive staining with anti-keratin, anti-vimentin, and anti-S-100 (6 of 6 cases each). Rare focal staining with anti-epithelial membrane antigen and anti-glial fibrillary acid protein was noted (1 of 6 cases each). This immunohistochemistry staining pattern was compared with those of ameloblastoma, polymorphous low-grade adenocarcinoma, and adenoid cystic carcinoma. Immunohistochemistry may be useful in the distinction of canalicular adenoma from other salivary gland tumors.
Stressor controllability, social interaction, and benzodiazepine systems

Effects of benzodiazepine receptor-active compounds on inescapable shock-produced changes in social interaction were studied in the rat. Inescapably shocked animals exhibited less social interaction in a novel situation than did escapably shocked or unshocked rats 24 h after shock. Administration of the selective benzodiazepine receptor antagonist flumazenil at the time of shock prevented the decrease in social interaction. Social interaction was unaffected by the same treatment at the time of measurement. Reduction in social interaction induced by inescapable stress endured for 48-72 h following stressor exposure but was absent 168 h after stress. It was subject to antagonist blockade at all measured time points. Stress-induced decreases in social interaction were also blocked by the benzodiazepine chlordiazepoxide given at the time of shock treatment. The receptor antagonist did not reverse this blockade. An inverse agonist, the beta-carboline FG 7142, administered in place of inescapable shock, produced an identical pattern of social interaction in a dose-dependent manner. The inverse agonist effect was also reversed by the antagonist. The results from antagonist, agonist, and inverse agonist treatments all suggest that an endogenous benzodiazepine receptor inverse agonist is released at the time of inescapable shock and is involved in producing the changes in social interaction subsequently measured.
A clinical approach to the development of communication in young schizophrenic children

Abstract A series of symptoms have been recognized and defined as the behavorial syndrome peculiar to children who are suffering from childhood schizophrenia. A language evaluation was administered as part of the routine diagnostic procedure. The results of this evaluation revealed that in addition to those identifiable behaviors relating to the primary disease, these children had specific disabilities, which could be attributed to malfunction of the perceptual and motor development. This paper presents a clinical approach based on a test-treat-test paradigm, which allows the clinician insight into those specific functional defects which are critical to growth and development in young children. The inferences of the behavorial change in the children would suggest that direct intervention on the perceptual, perceptual-motor, motor, language and social skills of schizophrenic children results in more frequent, higher level performances. All the children showed some residuals of the perceptual dysfunction. The most dramatic change was in their social development. At the end of the training session two performed within “normal” range as indicated by the Vineland Social Maturity Scale. However, their social behavior (including the newly acquired proficiency in listening, speaking, reading, and printing) remained qualitatively different. All four children were referred to and have been maintained in some educational program for the 18 month period since the end of the training program.
Vagus nerve stimulation reduces infarct size in rat focal cerebral ischemia: An unlikely role for cerebral blood flow

We sought to investigate the effect of cervical vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) on cerebral blood flow (CBF), infarct volume, and clinical outcome in a model of middle cerebral artery occlusion in rats. Electrical stimulation of the right and left vagus nerves was initiated 30min after the induction of the right-sided ischemia and lasted for 1h. Infarct size measurement revealed that the volume of ischemic damage was 41-45% smaller in animals receiving stimulation as compared with control animals. Both the right and left VNS caused subtle reduction in CBF during each 30-s stimulation period that quickly returned back to the baseline level at the end of each stimulation cycle. There was no significant effect of VNS on CBF during the entire 1-h stimulation period. The effect of VNS on tissue outcome was associated with better neurological outcome at both 1- and 3-day time points after the induction of ischemia. These findings suggest that VNS-induced protection against acute ischemic brain injury is not primarily mediated by changes in CBF, stimulation of both the right and left nerve have comparable effects, and VNS is effective after ipsilateral and contralateral focal ischemia.