cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Synaptic transmission from rods to rod-dominated bipolar cells in the tiger salamander retina.

Abstract Synaptic transmission between photoreceptors and bipolar cells was studied in dark-adapted tiger salamander retinas. Based on the relative light sensitivity, bipolar cells, either depolarizing (DBC) or hyperpolarizing (HBC), fell into two groups: one receives inputs primarily from rods (rod-dominated bipolar cells, DBC R and HBC R ) and the other receives inputs primarily from cones (cone-dominated bipolar cells, DBC C and HBC C ). The input-output relations of the rod-DBC R and rod-HBC R synapses were determined by plotting the voltage responses of the rod and DBC R (or HBC R ) to dim 500-nm light steps, which polarizes only the rods but not the cones. The slope gains of both synapses were the highest near the dark rod voltage (−2.5 for the rod-DBC R synapse and 4.0 for the rod-DBC R synapse), and they (the absolute values) became progressively smaller at more hyperpolarized rod voltages.
Association of daytime napping and Parkinsonian signs in Alzheimer's disease

Abstract Background and purpose Excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS) is reported in Alzheimer's disease (AD), with unstable sleep–wake rhythms that worsen with advancing disease stage. EDS is also very common in Parkinson's disease (PD), regardless of disease severity. The purpose of this study was to determine whether more Parkinsonian motor signs exist in AD patients with more reported daytime napping compared to AD patients without daytime napping. Patients and methods AD patients ((National Institute of Neurological and Communicative Diseases and Stroke/Alzheimer's Disease and Related Disorders Association) NINCDS/ADRDA criteria) were prospectively evaluated in a dementia clinic. Parkinsonian motor signs were assessed using a modified motor Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale (mmUPDRS). AD patients were grouped according to daytime napping frequency: (1) minimal napping (AD-Naps), or (2) napping at least once a day (AD + Naps). Wilcoxon rank-sum tests and χ 2 -tests computed differences between groups for mmUPDRS, nighttime sleep disturbances, and the Mini Mental State Examination (MMSE). Statistical significance was set at P Results AD patients were classified as AD-Naps ( n = 155) or AD + Naps ( n = 180). Compared with AD-Naps patients, AD + Naps patients had higher total mmUPDRS scores ( P P P Conclusion AD patients with more reported daytime napping had more Parkinsonian motor signs, suggesting that this subgroup may have an increased propensity for sleepiness resembling PD. Longitudinal studies with objective measures are needed to determine whether causal relationships exist between sleepiness and Parkinsonism in AD.
The Political Implications of a Cultural Practice: A New Perspective on Ossuary Burial in the Potomac Valley

This article examines the political implications of ossuary burial as it was practiced by Native American groups living along the Potomac River during the Late Prehistoric and Early Contact periods. Anthropological and archaeological theories of mortuary practice suggest that the occasion and the form of human burial have a social significance that transcends the individual, emotional, and immediate aspects of death. From this perspective, the Potomac ossuaries are seen as evidence of an actively created cultural practice rather than as a passive cultural trait. When viewed within their particular historical and social contexts, these ossuary burials are interpreted as part of the processes by which these societies defined themselves, laid claim to particular territories, created alliances with other groups, and negotiated differences in status and power between competing sectors of society.
External pathway of NADH oxidation and fluidity of mitochondrial membrane

The structural protein nonerythroid α spectrin (αIISp) plays a role in the repair of DNA interstrand cross-links and is deficient in cells from patients with Fanconi anemia (FA), in which there is a defect in ability to repair such cross-links. We have proposed a model in which αIISp, whose stability is dependent on FA proteins, acts as a scaffold to aid in recruitment of repair proteins to sites of damage. In order to get a clearer understanding of the proposed role of FA proteins in maintaining stability of αIISp, yeast two-hybrid analysis was carried out to determine whether FA proteins directly interact with αIISp and, if so, to map the sites of interaction. Four overlapping regions of αIISp were constructed. FANCG interacted with one of these regions and specifically with the SH3 domain in this region of αIISp. The site of interaction in FANCG was mapped to a motif that binds to SH3 domains and contains a consensus sequence with preference for the SH3 domain of αIISp. This site of interaction was con...
Some Simple Examples and Counterexamples about the Existence of Optimum Tests

Abstract Theory of testing hypotheses (see [1]) derives sufficient conditions for the existence of optimum tests. These conditions often require that the class of distributions in question be ordered in some way, e.g., stochastically ordered, monotone likelihood ratio, Polya of some order, or exponential class. This article gives four simple examples which show that the sufficient ordering restrictions cannot be weakened to less stringent ordering restrictions and which thus give some insight into the structure and use of such orderings. A fifth example shows that ordering properties are not necessary for the existence of optimal tests.
Secondary reinforcement strength with continuous primary reinforcement: Fixed-ratio and continuous secondary reinforcement schedules

Three groups of rats were trained on a leverpressing task in which all groups received continuous food reinforcement. Two of the groups were trained with an equal number of leverpresses, one with continuous secondary reinforcement and the other with secondary reinforcement on a fixed-ratio schedule. A third group was given additional training trials on a fixed ratio of secondary reinforcement. The subjects were tested using a two-lever choice technique without primary reinforcement. Pressing one lever produced a light-sound stimulus that had previously served as the secondary reinforcing stimulus, whereas pressing the other lever did not. The primary finding revealed no significant differences in secondary reinforcement strength between the continuous reinforcement and the fixed-ratio-4 secondary reinforcement groups, supporting previous results.
Asexual reproduction and anterior regeneration under high and low temperatures in the sponge associate Polydora colonia (Polychaeta: Spionidae)

Regeneration in polychaetes is an important process because of its role in recovery after injury and in asexual reproduction via architomy. This study examined architomy and regeneration in the spionid worm, Polydora colonia (Moore 1907) a symbiont of sponges. Based on collections of P. colonia from Long Island, New York, prevalence of architomy was 24% (188 out of 780 worms) with the highest prevalence recorded during the summer and early fall and the lowest prevalence during late fall and winter. Morphogenesis during regeneration of P. colonia was studied with light and scanning electron microscopy at two different temperatures. Worms regenerated faster under high temperatures (24°C), whereas it took more than twice as long to regenerate under low temperatures (14°C). Morphogenesis during anterior regeneration included the formation of a blastema from which a maximum of eight anterior segments regenerated. At high temperatures, palp buds and initial segments were observed to form by day 2 and 1–2 major ...
Memorialization, Graffiti and Artifact Movement: A Case Study of Cultural Impacts on WWII Underwater Cultural Heritage in the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands

Cultural tourism in the Pacific has always offered an underwater option for those who snorkel or are certified to dive. In addition to the coral reefs and marine life, World War II (WWII) shipwrecks, aircraft wrecks and other submerged vehicles draw hundreds of tourists to the Pacific each year. While it is encouraging that so many are interested in the cultural heritage of battlefields, these same visitors can cause considerable amounts of damage. This paper presents a case study of cultural impacts on submerged WWII sites in the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI) where diving heritage tourism is a growing industry. Cultural impacts in the CNMI include a diverse range of direct and indirect impacts including vandalism, the act of memorialization, looting and collecting souvenirs, anchor and mooring damage, and moving artifacts. What is often viewed as detrimental cultural impacts by archaeologists and managers can also be examined as behavior that reflects various stakeholders’ values and attitudes towards heritage sites. As such, these behaviors can and should be examined and considered concurrently during research and management discussions.
Maturation of the head of bacteriophage T4: 9-aminoacridine blocks a late step in DNA packaging

Abstract 9-Aminoacridine (9AA) reversibly inhibits bacteriophage T4 maturation. In the presence of 9AA, cells infected with bacteriophage T4 accumulate an intermediate similar to prohead III on the maturation pathway described by Laenmmli and Favre (J. Mol. Biol., 80, 575–599, 1973). This particle sediments at 550 S if cells are lysed under conditions that help to preserve fragile intermediates. This particle contains about half the normal complement of DBA and is bound to the replicative DNA. The completion of the DNA packaging process occurs following removal of 9AA. This was demonstrated by estimating the amount of newly synthesized DNA packaged into these particles after 9AA removal, using 5-bromo-2′-deoxyuridine as a label. Light inactivation studies showed that 75% of the particles packaged an average of at least 12% of their DNA after 9AA removal. Cleavage of the various head proteins that normally occur during maturation is not affected by 9AA, and the particles which accumulate in cells blocked with 9AA contain the same proteins found in mature heads.
Scalable synthesis of improved nanocrystalline, mesoporous tungsten oxide films with exceptional electrochromic performance

Abstract Templated sol gel chemistry provides a versatile approach to introduce order and porosity into nanostructured materials. However conventional evaporation induced self assembly techniques are not easily scaled to produce films with sufficient thickness over large areas at the throughput required by electrochromic windows. Here we demonstrate that the principles of sol gel chemistry may be deployed using ultrasonic spray deposition (USD) for scalable synthesis of nanocrystalline WO 3 films with unrivaled electrochromic performance. Systematic manipulation of sol chemistry enabled the production of mesoporous films with high specific surface area (>100 m 2 /g), mean pore sizes of ~5 nm, and narrow pore size distributions. Film thickness is found to be proportional to the sol concentration and number of spray passes, and various combinations are shown to produce films capable of modulating >98% of incident solar radiation in the visible spectrum (450–900 nm). Elimination of haze enables full transmission in the bleached state, while the broadband coloration is attributed to the exceptionally high charge density (>120 mC/cm 2 ). The materials have good switching speeds which improve with specific surface area, and the long term durability is promising.
Complications resulting from saphenous vein patch graft after carotid endarterectomy.

OBJECTIVE : Reducing surgical risks to the minimum in carotid endarterectomy has become crucial, especially with the results of recent clinical trials extending indications to asymptomatic patients. The use of the saphenous vein patch graft (SVPG) has been suggested to reduce early postoperative thrombosis and cerebral infarct as well as late recurrent stenosis. However, the exact risks and complications involved in this technique are not known. METHODS : During a 23-year period (1972-1994), 2888 carotid endarterectomies with SVPG for primary carotid stenosis were performed by the Neurosurgical Cerebrovascular Service at the Mayo Clinic. The data from all patients were retrospectively analyzed, emphasizing postoperative complications related to SVPG. RESULTS : There were five postoperative vein ruptures (0.17%), four cases of aneurysm formation, and three cases of deep infection necessitating surgical intervention. The vein patch ruptured in one male patient and four female patients (mean age, 69 yr). All ruptures occurred within 4 days of the primary operation, including two during the first 24 hours. All patients with rupture underwent emergency surgery and were found to have intact suture lines and tears in the middle of the grafts. Two patients recovered without deficits, one suffered major disability, and the other two died. Aneurysm of the patch developed in two male patients and two female patients (mean age, 71 yr). All of the patients developed painless pulsatile neck masses 1 to 9 years after the initial surgery ; two also had recurrent ischemic symptoms. All of the patients with aneurysms underwent surgical correction without consequences. CONCLUSION : Although the benefit of routine use of SVPG in carotid endarterectomy is still the focus of debate, this analysis showed that its use adds a small but definite risk of serious complications related to inherent weakness of the venous tissue. If a surgeon chooses to use a patch graft, our recommendation is for use of a synthetic material rather than vein.
Programmed Ventricular Stimulation Using Tandem Versus Simple Sequential Protocols

UNLABELLED The objective was to determine whether two commonly used ventricular stimulation protocols, one more complex than the other, produced concordant results. If such were the case, the simpler protocol would streamline activities in clinical electrophysiology laboratories. BACKGROUND Two programmed ventricular stimulation protocols were compared. (1) With the tandem method, the first extrastimulus (S2) is moved stepwise to the effective refractory period and then moved out 50 msec; the second extrastimulus (S3) is then decremented until it fails to capture; S2 and S3 are then decremented in a semialternating (tandem) fashion so that both continue to capture. When S2 reaches the refractory period + 10 msec and S3 fails to capture, S3 is then moved out 50 msec, and S4 is decremented as described for S3. (2) With the simple sequential method, the first extrastimulus (S2) is decremented stepwise to the refractory period, and then moved out 10 msec to assure capture; S3 is then similarly decremented to the refractory period and then moved out 10 msec; and S4 is then similarly decremented. METHODS This was a prospective, randomized, crossover, consecutive series study. Both protocols were tested in each patient on the same day in randomized order. RESULTS There were 84 matched studies. Fifty-six patients provided data from baseline electrophysiological studies, and 28 of these provided additional data during drug trials. There was a 93% concordance between the two methods, including the primary outcomes of inducibility of clinical arrhythmias, inducibility of nonclinical arrhythmias, and noninducibility (P < 0.001). Discordances were few and evenly distributed between the two protocols (P = NS). Results were similar for baseline studies and drug trials. The simple sequential method required less time to perform (P < or = 0.01). CONCLUSIONS Tandem and simple sequential protocols provide concordant results. No advantage could be demonstrated for the more complex tandem method.
Molecular neurotransmitter disorders—theoretical and chemicophysical approach to their understanding and treatment

The aberrations in neuronal biochemistry caused by various endogenous mental neurochemical disorders (affective disorders and schizophrenia) and exogenous central nervous system drug modalities, be they therapeutic or abusive, are outlined. This article first describes the neurochemical background of this problem and second, briefly, the instrumental advances for measuring the neurochemical sequences, what neurochemical aberrations have previously been observed or should be possible to observe in neuropsychopharmacology, narcotic addiction, or alcoholism, and their implications for diagnosis and treatment, and lastly the formulation of a pharmacological-physiological systems analysis and control theory based on interactive neuronal feedback loops (the effects of endogenous neurochemical diseases and exogenous psychotropic and other CNS drugs on neurotransmitter synthesis, release, reuptake, and metabolism) for normal, abnormal, and catastrophic situations.
Nuclear forward scattering vs. conventional Mössbauer studies of atomically tailored Eu-based materials

With the decrease in size of devices, rapid characterization of nano-devices is an inevitable necessity. It is shown that Mossbauer spectroscopy using synchrotron radiation from the advanced photon source provides such a tool of investigation. Results are presented and compared for conventional Mossbauer and Nuclear Forward Scattering for 151Eu-doped magnesium sulfide as an example, especially at low concentrations.
CORR Insights ®: Foreign body reaction to acellular dermal matrix allograft in biologic glenoid resurfacing

Glenohumeral joint arthritis in young patients poses a challenging problem for the orthopaedic surgeon. Ten-year survivorship for total shoulder implants in young patients has been reported as low as 62.5%. Glenoid failure [1] is the most common cause for revision. Revision of a loose glenoid is technically challenging due to glenoid bone loss and polyethylene induced osteolysis. Unfortunately, hemiarthroplasty for patients less than 60 years old has a 4.5-times higher risk of revision surgery in early followup compared with total shoulder arthroplasty [2]. In attempting to bypass the glenoid component failure and improve the results of hemiarthroplasty, surgeons search for biologic options to address an arthritic glenoid. Multiple tissues have been used to resurface the glenoid, including autologous joint capsule and fascia lata, allograft Achilles or meniscus and acellular matrix-based scaffolds. These acellular grafts should provide a substrate allowing for the possibility of repopulation of the tissue with host cells [4]. Results for these techniques, however, have not been promising, demonstrating a 26% reoperation rate at just 2-years followup [3].
Breeding, Housing, and Feeding Management

Abstract The rate of calf mortality increases with increasing herd size unless a specialist is involved in calf raising; then there is a drop in the death rate. Breeds of larger dairy cattle have more difficulty calving, and this appears to result in a high calf mortality rate at or soon after birth. Sires differ in respect to size of calf produced, and it behooves the dairyman to use care in selecting sires to mate with heifers. Calves from the breeds of smaller cattle appear to possess less antibody protection. They typically have a higher incidence of diarrhea. Providing an acceptable relative humidity and adequate air movement is more important than ambient temperature in the colder climates. More research relative to environmental requirements of the calf, independent of human comfort, is needed. The importance of the mother's first colostrum soon after calving and mothering by the dam is emphasized. Liquid diets including the advantages of high fat diets and the feeding of acidified colostrum are discussed. Recent research on liquid concentration, amount, temperature, and frequency of feeding is reviewed. Once daily feeding of 3.18kg of liquid consisting of 12 to 18% solids, fed either cold or warm, is recommended for replacement Holstein calves weaned at 21 to 28 days.
Providing Cancer Care to a Graying and Diverse Cancer Population in the 21st Century: Are We Prepared?

June M. McKoy, Department of Medicine, Division of Geriatric Medicine, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine; and Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL Athena T. Samaras, Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology/Oncology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine; and VA Center for the Management of Complex Chronic Conditions, Jesse Brown VA Medical Center, Chicago, IL Charles L. Bennett, Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology/Oncology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine; VA Center for the Management of Complex Chronic Conditions, Jesse Brown VA Medical Center; and Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL
De Novo Designed Hemeproteins As A Redox Catalyst

Synthetic peptides are an attractive candidate for the assembly of biomimetic redox catalysts. We have synthesized series of hemeprotein models (helichrome) which have structured polypeptides as a building unit. Four amphiphilic ahelices were attached to the porphyrin ring covalently so that they interacted with each other to form an a-helical bundle type conformation. Various mutants were also synthesized. The Zn(I1) Complex of the helichrome binds hydrophobic imidazoles selectively, indicating the existence of hydrophobic binding pocket(s) inside the molecule.
Investing in human and natural capital: An alternative paradigm for sustainable development in Awassa, Ethiopia

article Ethiopia remains underdeveloped due to limitations in natural, human, social and built capital. A 2006 scientific atelier conducted in the city of Awassa, Ethiopia investigated investments in human and natural capital as a sustainable development strategy. Local stakeholders identified firewood shortages, degradation of croplands, rising lake levels encroaching on croplands and poor water quality as major impediments to development. They further identified ecological degradation as a key component of these problems, and they acknowledged multiple vicious cycles compounding the environmental and economic threats to the Awassa community. Proposed solutions included investment in natural capital in the form of reforestation activities, investment in human capital in the form of promoting more efficient wood stoves along with increasing public awareness of environmental threats, and investments in social capital in the form of inter-institutional coordination to address environmental problems. All recommended investments rely primarily on national resources, in distinct contrast to the extensive imports required for most built capital investments. Unfor- tunately, Awassa lacks the surplus necessary for major capital investments of any kind. The atelier therefore helped local participants identify potential funders and write grant proposals for various projects, though none have been funded so far. Reversing the ecological degradation on the scale necessary for sustained economic development in Ethiopia however will require a steady flow of substantial investments, and cannot rely solely on the short term generosity of funders. International payments for carbon sequestration and other ecosystem services could help provide the necessary resources.
A World Wide Web-based survey of nonmedical tattooing in the United States.

To the Editor: In the United States, recent surveys suggest an increasing prevalence of non-medical tattooing in younger age cohorts compared to surveys performed only a few years earlier 1. Given the high use of the internet by young adults, we sought to estimate the current national prevalence of non-medical tattoos using a widely disseminated on-line health assessment system called HowsYourHealth.org2 open to researchers. This system asks individuals to answer questions about their health status, symptoms, concerns, management of chronic diseases, health care experiences, and self-care. During the period from September-November, 2008 we posted two additional questions on the website for respondents aged 14–69 years: (1) Have you ever had a tattoo on any part of your body? and (2) How old were you when you had your tattoo? A total of 452 respondents from 43 states responded. Using the survey data, we examined the prevalence of being tattooed by age and gender. We then compared health, social environment, and behavioral risk factors obtained from the survey between those who reported having had tattoo and those who had not tattooed. We used logistic regression and evaluated the potential confounding effects due to other factors. The prevalence of having a tattoo shows strikingly different age patterns. In contrast to the relative stability of adult male tattooing (i.e., among men between the ages of 18–49 years a prevalence of 18% and 50–69 years a prevalence of 16%), tattoos in women aged 18–49 years (a prevalence of 29%) appeared to be roughly 5 times higher than women aged 50 to 69 years (a prevalence of 7%) (Chi-squared p<0.001). The table lists the relationships between these women’s health and their social environment and behavioral risks. Of the 13 variables related to having had a tattoos among women 18–49 years of age, three were statistically significant after adjustment for level of education -- sick day, poor relationships, and smoking; these variables would remain below a p-value of 0.05 if corrected for the 13 comparisons using the Bonferroni method. Table I Health, social environment, and behavioral risks related totattooing among women 18 to 49 years Our data are exempt from IRB review because no personal identifiable data is stored, and item completion rates are >95%, making this site a unique and inexpensive resource for researchers. With consent, individuals could be enrolled into epidemiologic studies. A recognized limitation of web-based surveys is that they only include those using the internet, and in the present study, the website for our study. The main advantage, however, is the efficiency with which such data can be ascertained in an era of high internet use. Our survey suggests a rise in non-medical tattooing among younger women in the USA.
Data link layer design for wireless sensor networks

This paper presents the architecture of data link layer for wireless sensor networks. Requirements are specified and the functional description is given. The relationship between different subsystems is also discussed. The designed data link layer has ultra-low power consumption. It is distributed, simple and robust. Additionally, it requires no synchronization.
Multiple Lyapunov functions and other analysis tools for switched and hybrid systems

We introduce some analysis tools for switched and hybrid systems. We first present work on stability analysis. We introduce multiple Lyapunov functions as a tool for analyzing Lyapunov stability and use iterated function systems theory as a tool for Lagrange stability. We also discuss the case where the switched systems are indexed by an arbitrary compact set. Finally, we extend Bendixson's theorem to the case of Lipschitz continuous vector fields, allowing limit cycle analysis of a class of "continuous switched" systems.
Changes in the content and forms of vitamin K in processed foods

Abstract High intake of trans fatty acids has been linked to deleterious health effects including increased risk of cardiovascular disease. Since 2006, the Food and Drug Administration requires companies to label the trans fatty acid content of foods. This has resulted in an overall decrease of commercially-hydrogenated oils in the food supply. Hydrogenation of vitamin K (VK)-rich plant oils changes the form and content of VK. It is not known if changes in use of hydrogenated oil in the U.S. food supply resulted in a change in the forms and amount of VK in processed foods. To test this, we compared 253 foods for total and individual forms of VK in foods analyzed pre- and post-2006 as part of the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Nutrient and Food Analysis Program. Overall, foods identified as rich sources of the hydrogenated form of VK pre-2006 (dihydrophylloquinone; dK) had lower amounts of dK post-2006 with a concomitant increase in the parent form of VK, phylloquinone. However, the range of dK was large within foods, suggestive of a wide range of current practices regarding use of hydrogenated oils in the U.S. food supply.
Biodiversity Policy Making in Costa Rica: Pursuing Indigenous and Peasant Rights

Costa Rica's Biodiversity Law of 1998 is perhaps the most comprehensive legislation implementing the Convention on Biological Diversity. It includes provisions to better protect the intellectual property rights of rural communities regarding uses they have developed for natural resources and plants and animals they have bred. This article addresses how groups representing these peoples—the National Indigenous Board and National Peasant Board—obtained these provisions despite opposition from traditionally more powerful scientific and business communities. Data were collected on the formulation of the Biodiversity Law through qualitative techniques, including intensive interviews and archival research. It was found that fortuitous political conditions, or political opportunity structures, were crucial to the success of organizations representing rural communities. These supports included better-resourced allies, favorable international legal obligations and public opinion, and existing law that could be bui...
Cystic Renal Involvement in Tuberous Sclerosis

We describe two cases of unusual presentation of tuberous sclerosis with cystic renal involvement. A 19-month-old white male who was initially misdiagnosed as having polycystic kidney disease of "adult-type" developed petit mal seizures and small "ash-leaf" depigmented areas, raising a suspicion of tuberous sclerosis. Computerized tomography (CT) of the brain revealed periventricular calcifications, confirming the diagnosis of tuberous sclerosis. A 15 3/4-year-old black female with tuberous sclerosis showed acceleration of renal failure. Computerized tomography scan of the abdomen showed cystic lesions of the kidneys. In young children with cystic renal involvement but a negative family history of tuberous sclerosis or polycystic kidney disease, a CT scan of the brain should assist in the diagnosis. A CT scan or ultrasound examination of the abdomen will differentiate cystic renal lesions from angiomyolipoma of the kidneys.
Cystatin C and risk of hip fractures in older women

To test the hypothesis that older women with higher cystatin C are at increased risk of hip fracture independent of traditional risk factors including hip bone mineral density (BMD), we performed a case-cohort analysis nested in a cohort of 4709 white women attending a Year 10 (1997–1998) examination of the Study of Osteoporotic Fractures that included a random sample of 1170 women and the first 300 women with incident hip fracture occurring after Year 10 examination. Serum cystatin C and creatinine were measured in Year 10 sera. In a model adjusted for age, clinical site, body mass index, and total hip BMD, higher cystatin C was associated with an increased risk of hip fracture (p for linear trend 0.008) with women in quartile 4 having a 1.9-fold higher risk (hazard ratio [HR] 1.91; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.24–2.95) compared with those in quartile 1 (referent group). Further adjustment for additional risk factors only slightly attenuated the association; the risk for hip fracture was 1.7-fold higher (HR 1.74; 95% CI, 1.11–2.72) in women in quartile 4 compared with those in quartile 1. In contrast, neither serum creatinine nor creatinine-based estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFRCr) were associated with risk of hip fracture. Older women with higher cystatin C, but not higher serum creatinine or lower eGFRCr, have an increased risk of hip fracture independent of traditional risk factors. These findings suggest that cystatin C may be a promising biomarker for identification of older adults at high risk of hip fracture.
Internet information extraction & evaluation of mineral resources based on WebGIS

At present, the application of WebGIS is mostly limited to data sharing and distribution, while the professional mineral resources evaluation WebGIS needs stronger functions of information extraction, data integration and thematic mapping and so on. This paper provided a set of solution to mineral resources evaluation analysis system based on MapGIS-IMS, introducing system build-up, the process of data organizing, and detailed description to realize professional extension module by secondary development. This paper also provides a sample reference for networking of mineral resources evaluation and building up professional WEBGIS website for specialized department.
Low-Latency Multicast Scheduling in All-Optical Interconnects

Optical interconnects are considered as a very appealing solution for future high speed interconnections in core networks and parallel computers. In this paper, we study multicast scheduling in all-optical packet interconnects/switches. We first propose a novel optical buffer called multicast-enabled fiber-delay-lines (M-FDLs), which can provide flexible delay for copies of multicast packets using only a small number of FDL segments. We then present a Low Latency Multicast Scheduling (LLMS) Algorithm that considers the schedule of each arriving packet for multiple time slots. We show that LLMS has several desirable features, such as a guaranteed delay upper bound and adaptivity to transmission requirements. To relax the time constraint of LLMS, we further propose a pipeline and parallel architecture for LLMS that distributes the scheduling task to multiple pipelined processing stages, with N processing modules in each stage, where N is the size of the interconnect. Finally, by implementing it with simple combination circuits, we show that each processing module can complete the packet scheduling for a time slot in O(1) time. The performance of LLMS is evaluated extensively against statistical traffic models and real Internet traffic traces, and the results show that the proposed LLMS algorithm can achieve superior performance in terms of average packet delay and packet drop ratio.
Phage-display antibody detection of Chlamydia trachomatis-associated antigens.

A phage-displayed human single-chain Fv antibody library (6·7×109 members) was used to select probes specific to components associated with the surface of Chlamydia trachomatis elementary bodies (EBs). Each of 15 antibodies was characterized by ELISA, dot-blot, immunoblot and immunocytochemistry, resulting in the identification of several new chlamydial components associated with the surface of EBs. In addition, six antibodies were specific for host-cell components associated with the surface of EBs. While phage display has been used effectively to produce specific antibodies for purified components, these data show that this technology is suitable for selection of specific probes from complex antigens such as the surface of a microbial pathogen.
Solving linear equations over polynomial semirings

We consider the problem of solving linear equations over various semirings. In particular, solving of linear equations over polynomial rings with the additional restriction that the solutions must have only non-negative coefficients is shown to be undecidable. Applications to undecidability proofs of several unification problems are illustrated, one of which, unification modulo one associative-commutative function and one endomorphism, has been a long-standing open problem. The problem of solving multiset constraints is also shown to be undecidable.
High harmonic generation in systems with bounded chaos

In this paper we study the radiation spectrum generated by the quantum dynamics of a double resonance model and a driven square well system. We use Floquet theory to analyze the radiation generated by these systems. We present the results of numerical simulations that indicate a connection between high harmonic generation and underlying classical chaos in these models. Our results provide a means of predicting the radiative characteristics of multilevel quantum systems subject to a strong periodic driving force.
Revisiting broadband performance

Understanding the empirical characteristics of broadband performance is of intrinsic importance to users and providers, and has been a significant focus of recent efforts by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC)[9]. A series of recent studies have reported results of empirical studies of broadband performance (e.g.,[11,15,22]). In this paper, we reappraise previous empirical findings on broadband performance. Our study is based on a unique corpus of crowd-sourced data consisting of over 54 million individual tests collected from 59 metropolitan markets over a 6 month period by Speedtest.net. Following analytic approaches from prior studies, our results confirm many of the raw performance results (upload/download/latency) for ISPs in specific US markets. However, the size and scope of our data enable us to examine the details of characteristics that were not identified in prior studies, thereby providing a more comprehensive view of broadband performance. Furthermore, we also report results of broadband performance characteristics in 35 metropolitan markets outside of the US. This not only provides an important baseline for future study in those markets, but also enables relative comparison of broadband performance between markets world wide.
Characterization of Solution‐Processed Double‐Walled Carbon Nanotube/Poly(vinylidene fluoride) Nanocomposites

Dispersion of CNTs in polymers can yield impressive property enhancements at low volume fractions, thus maintaining the inherent processability of the polymer. In particular, they can improve the electromechanical response of piezoelectric polymers by lowering the actuation voltage and increasing strain and stress response. In this work, piezoelectric PVDF and DWNTs are solution-cast into films. SEM of fracture surfaces confirms good dispersion, and electrical conductivity measurements reveal a low percolation threshold (0.23 vol.-%). The effect of CNTs on storage modulus, T c , T m and Tg of PVDF is studied. Electromechanical strain is observed at low actuation voltages, possibly due to enhanced local electric field in the presence of DWNTs.
The Neuroendocrine System and Its Tumors An Overview

Neuroendocrine tumors comprise a family of neoplasms with a wide range of morphologic, functional, and behavioral characteristics. Their diagnosis depends on the recognition of characteristic morphologic features and on the presence of markers indicative of neuroendocrine differentiation. Neuroendocrine tumors can be grouped into epithelial and neural subtypes on the basis of the presence of cytokeratins or neurofilaments, respectively. The nomenclature of these tumors, particularly those of the epithelial type, remains controversial. For some tumor types, such as those of the anterior pituitary, thyroid, and parathyroid glands, the standard terminology is preferable to the terms neuroendocrine tumor or neuroendocrine carcinoma. The use of the term carcinoid, however, has become increasingly more inappropriate to describe the full range of neuroendocrine neoplasms of low to intermediate malignant potential. It is critical to convey in diagnostic terminology both the tumor type and its malignant potential. Diagnostic terms using neuroendocrine or endocrine together with information on grading and hormonal activity provide an optimal approach for the classification of these tumors. Additional studies, including gene expression profiling, will be critical for further advancing our understanding of the pathobiology and interrelationships of these neoplasms. Neuroendocrine tumors constitute an enigmatic family of neoplasms with a remarkably wide range of morphologic features, biologic behaviors, and functional capabilities. Currently, their diagnosis depends on the recognition of certain histologic and cytologic features together with the presence of markers indicative of neuroendocrine differentiation. During the past 3 decades, the use of increasingly more sophisticated immunohistochemical and molecular technologies has continued to broaden the scope of this family of tumors while also providing a source of continued controversy for cell biologists, pathologists, and oncologists interested in their pathobiology. The purpose of this article is to provide an overview of current concepts of neuroendocrine tumors with an emphasis on immunohistochemical approaches to their diagnosis and controversies in their nomenclature and classification.
A Novel Graph Model for Dynamic Multicast Flow Aggregation in Optical Networks

In this paper, we address the dynamic multicast flow aggregation problem and propose a novel graph model with different aggregation policies. We first give the network model with an auxiliary graph for the aggregation. We then discuss an aggregation algorithm using the auxiliary graph and propose three policies for aggregating multicast flows. Numerical results show that aggregation can tremendously reduce the total trees in the network while the three policies can achieve good performance for various scenarios.
Genetic analysis workshop III: Two-point analysis of multipoint data

A three-step procedure was employed to analyze the workshop data. Pairwise lod scores were computed using LIPED and were utilized for estimating the recombination frequencies and thereby order among loci, This approach proved sufficient to identify accurately and to order the two linkage groups. Coincidence and interference were estimated. Associations between the alleles were tested. The following is a brief summary of this study. Detailed results or program listings are available upon request.
ALTERED ZYGOSPORE WALL ULTRASTRUCTURE CORRELATES WITH REDUCED ABIOTIC STRESS RESISTANCE IN A MUTANT STRAIN OF CHLAMYDOMONAS MONOICA (CHLOROPHYTA)1

The zygospore of Chlamydomonas is a diploid resting stage that provides protection from environmental extremes. The remarkable abiotic stress resistance of the zygospore can be explained, in part, by the presence of a massive wall that includes a sporopollenin-containing surface layer (Van Winkle-Swift and Rickoll 1997). A Chlamydomonas monoica Strehlow zygospore-specific mutant strain (D19) was obtained previously by screening for loss of chloroform resistance in zygospore populations derived from self-mating of post-mutagenesis clones. Exposure of D19 zygospores to solar UV radiation or germicidal radiation also resulted in a pronounced decrease in survival of D19 zygospores relative to wildtype zygospore survival. Similarly, resistance to NaCl-induced osmotic shock was reduced in D19 zygospores, especially when exposed to very high (e.g., 20% w/v) salt concentrations. Mature zygospores of C. monoica exhibit a UV-induced blue surface autofluorescence that may indicate the presence of phenolic wall components. The intensity of zygospore autofluorescence was significantly reduced in D19 zygospores. As revealed by TEM, the surface layer of mature homozygous D19 zygospores was disrupted, suggesting a defect in wall assembly. Zygospore-specific chloroform sensitivity, UV sensitivity, and reduced autofluorescence cosegregated in tetrads derived from D19 heterozygotes (i.e., if a progeny clone from a cross involving D19 and a normal strain was found to be chloroform sensitive, it was always also UV sensitive and showed reduced autofluorescence), indicating that all three characteristics were the consequence of the same Mendelian mutation.
General Ecology of a Rural Population of Norway Rats (Rattus norvegicus) Based on Intensive Live Trapping

We used intensive live trapping over a 1-y period to investigate the general ecology of a population of Norway rats (Rattus norvegicus) inhabiting a barn in east-central Illinois. At the start of our study in April 1986, the population contained 10 adult females and three adult males. The population increased and exhibited two peaks of about 100 individuals, one peak in late June and the other in late October 1986. Reproduction ceased during the late autumn and winter, and the population declined to only one adult male and one adult female by spring 1987. Increases in the number of rats represented young born at the barn, not adult rats moving into the population; decreases in population size likely resulted from predation rather than dispersal. Females first captured as adults persisted longer at the barn than did males and females first captured as juveniles or subadults; the few males first captured as adults persisted the shortest time of all age and sex classes. Young males gained body mass more rapidly than did young females. Wounding and parasitism by botflies occurred at relatively low levels. Our data indicate that a rat population with negligible immigration and seasonal breeding can exhibit dramatic changes in numbers, and that live-trapping at weekly intervals can yield high recapture rates useful for examining growth rates, survival and other basic life history characteristics.
Ethical Challenges in Comparative Politics Experiments in China

Scholars often face ethical dilemmas when studying politics in non-democratic regimes, and conducting experimental studies is not an exception. While scholars strive to follow the scientific standards in their studies, they also need to ensure the safety of local collaborators, respondents, and themselves. By providing in-depth discussions of these issues in the context of China, I highlight the complexity of ethical challenges that many scholars face in similar settings. Specifically, I detail the motives behind the Chinese government’s restrictions on data collection involving either foreign researchers or funding, and the corresponding regulatory regime. I show that understanding the government’s motives and regulations allows researchers to better manage the potential risks to respondents and local Chinese collaborators, and help them consider the potential ethical issues. Finally, I highlight several common practices that scholars have adopted when conducting experimental or public opinion research in China, and discuss their pros and cons.
Successful staged Fontan completion for a tricuspid atresia patient with left ventricular non-compaction

We report a case of Fontan completion for a tricuspid atresia (TA) patient with left ventricular non-compaction (LVNC). The patient was diagnosed with TA (Ia) with LVNC by fetal echocardiography. Because the unfavourable prognosis of LVNC was anticipated, Imidapril as well as Carvedilol were administered to improve cardiac function, from the early stages of infancy. Staged Fontan completion with fenestration was successfully achieved with improvement of LV function.
Numerical Simulation Of Flow And Transport At The Pore Scale

The study of flow and transport mechanisms at the pore level is fundamental in order to obtain a better understanding of flow and transport processes in porous media. The Navier-Stokes equations are considered as a very good model in simulating the Newtonian flow at the microscale. Due to its nonlinear nature, usually the Navier-Stokes equations are approximated by the Stokes equations for very small Reynolds numbers or solved by complex nonlinear approaches for large Reynolds numbers. An additional difficulty is the irregular geometry of the pores. In this paper, we present a linear direct scheme for the non-stationary Navier-Stokes problems. By applying this scheme, we are able to solve a linear system of equations at each time step, while keeping the nonlinearity in the whole. An almost optimal error estimate is obtained. Transport is dealt in a similar way. Numerical test cases are then applied to typical porous computational domains at pore level.