cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The role of genetics in estrogen responses: a critical piece of an intricate puzzle

The estrogens are female sex hormones that are involved in a variety of physiological processes, including reproductive development and function, wound healing, and bone growth. They are mainly known for their roles in reproductive tissues—specifically, 17β-estradiol (E2), the primary estrogen, which is secreted by the ovaries and induces cellular proliferation and growth of the uterus and mammary glands. In addition to the role of estrogens in promoting tissue growth and development during normal physiological states, they have a well-established role in determining susceptibility to disease, particularly cancer, in reproductive tissues. The responsiveness of various tissues to estrogen is genetically controlled, with marked quantitative variation observed across multiple species, including humans. This variation presents both researchers and clinicians with a veritable physiological puzzle, the pieces of which—many of them unknown—are complex and difficult to fit together. Although genetics is known to play a major role in determining sensitivity to estrogens, there are other factors, including parent of origin and the maternal environment, that are intimately linked to heritable phenotypes but do not represent genotype, per se. The objectives of this review article were to summarize the current knowledge of the role of genotype, and uterine and neonatal environments, in phenotypic variation in the response to estrogens; to discuss recent findings and the potential mechanisms involved; and to highlight exciting research opportunities for the future.—Wall, E. H., Hewitt, S. C., Case, L. K, Lin, C.-Y., Korach, K. S., Teuscher, C. The role of genetics in estrogen responses: a critical piece of an intricate puzzle.
Side-Chain Ferrocene-Containing (Meth)acrylate Polymers: Synthesis and Properties

A comprehensive investigation on the synthesis and properties of a series of ferrocene-containing (meth)acry- late monomers and their polymers that differ in the linkers between the ferrocene unit and the backbone was carried out. The side-chain ferrocene-containing polymers were prepared via atom transfer radical polymerization. The kinetic studies indicated that polymerization of most monomers followed a ''controlled''/living manner. The polymerization rates were affected by the vinyl monomer structures and decreased with an increase of the linker length. Methacrylate polymerization was much faster than acrylate polymerization. The optical absorption of monomers and polymers was affected by the linkers. Thermal properties of these polymers can be tuned by controlling the length of the linker between the ferrocene unit and the backbone. By increasing the length of the linker, the glass transition temperature ranged from over 100 to � 20 � C. Electrochemical properties of both monomers and polymers were characterized. V C 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 49: 1409-1420, 2011
Growth of ZnSe Epitaxial Layers and ZnSe/ZnS Superlattices By Pulsed Laser Deposition

We report the successful growth of ZnSe and ZnSe/ZnS superlattices on GaAs by pulsed laser deposition. An XeCl excimer laser operated at 308 nm was used to ablate/evaporate II–VI bulk targets in an ultra high vacuum enclosure. For typical growth temperatures in the range 350°–450°C we obtained epitaxial layers with excellent optical properties. The laser power and fluence were varied to produce growth rates in the range 0.1–1 A/pulse. The photoluminescence of the pulsed laser deposited ZnSe layers showed dominant bound and free exciton features. The superlattice samples showed large blue shifts (~400 meV) in the photoluminescence as the layer thicknesses were varied. These results are consistent with strong quantum confinement of the heavy holes in the ZnSe layers (valence band offset for ZnSe/ZnS ~ −850±100 meV), while the electrons are not confined to either layer because of very small conduction band offsets Strong exciton photoluminescence exhibited by our samples indicates that pulsed laser deposition is a promising growth technique for the fabrication of II–VI epitaxial layers and strained layer superlattices for visible light emitter applications.
Face-to-face interaction behavior across early infancy

Abstract Stability and change in mother-infant interaction behavior were assessed across early infancy. At 8 versus 4 months, the infants showed more smiling, vocalizing and motor-activity, and their mothers touched and moved their infants' limbs less often. Stability was noted only for infant distress-brow and mother's touching the infant. Although very few relationships were apparent between mother and infant behavior at 4 months, several maternal behaviors at 4 months were related to infant behaviors at 8 months, and several relationships were noted between maternal and infant behavior at 8 months.
Composite membranes for fuel‐cell applications

One of the major obstacle to overcome for the realization of economical hydrogen-oxygen, polymer-electrolyte fuel cells is the high capital cost of the inert perfluorosulfonic acid (PSA) membranes, which provide a pathway for ionic transport between the cell electrodes. It has recently been shown that composite polymer membrane can be synthesized by depositing PSA polymers onto porous poly (tetrafluorethyene) (PTFE) substrates. The resulting membrane are mechanically durable and quite thin relative to traditional PSA membranes; the authors expect the composite membranes to be of low resistance and cost. In this paper, the authors examine the composite membrane properties as a function of the membrane composition. Our results allow us to form a conceptual model to explain both the equilibrium and transport characteristics of these materials. For high PSA contents, the membrane behavior is similar to that of the PSA polymer; the water permeability, however, is reduced significantly. For intermediate PSA contents, the membranes have a high porosity and match the thickness of the PTFE substrate ([approx]50 [mu]m); membrane of this composition range are potentially useful candidates for fuel cells because of their high resistance to water transport and reduced ionic resistance. Composite membrane of very low PSA content demonstrate characteristicsmore » similar to the hydrophobic PTFE substrate and are not of interest for fuel cells.« less
Exploring progression along the recreation specialization continuum using a latent growth approach.

In recreation specialization the idea of progression largely has been relegated to an assumption. Fundamental questions about how leisure participants enter and progress through social subworlds remain. We examined panel data over a six-year period to look for evidence of progression among Texas anglers. Similar to previous studies, we were unable to detect forward movement along the specialization continuum. Results revealed strong individual differences in each subdimension of the developmental process. Our study adds to this literature by treating specialization in terms of its underlying subdimensions and by demonstrating latent growth modeling as a viable alternative to repeated measure analyses.
Resolving shadows in high resolution satellite images for estimating carbon uptake in urban-suburban areas

Vegetation is a basic component of urban-suburban landscapes, and turfgrass is a major vegetation type in U.S. cities. QuickBird images were acquired to map the spatial distribution of turfgrass, monitor vegetative conditions, and estimate carbon uptake. Shadows in the images were detected and removed by taking advantage of the high radiometric resolution of the QuickBird data. The results indicated that turfgrass accounted for significant proportions of land cover in the study area. Lawn grass generally has lower productivity and greater spatial variability than those of golf grass, but contributes more to carbon uptake because of the larger area coverage.
Further evidence for a racial difference in frequency of ABO hemolytic disease

The results of a Coombs test on each infant, age of onset of jaundice, and value of maximum recorded serum indirect bilirubin concentration were statistically analyzed on 2,428 consecutive newborn infants who were Rh compatible with their mothers and who weighed 2.5 kg or more. The incidence of ABO isoimmune hemolytic disease was estimated by subtracting the frequency of each of these observations in ABO compatible infants from the corresponding frequency in ABO incompatible infants. This subtraction decreased the contribution of extraneous causes for jaundice and a positive Coombs reaction. As expected, these signs of hemolytic disease were found more often in ABO incompatible infants than in compatible infants. Whether detected by a positive Coombs reaction, jaundice in the first 24 hours, serum bilirubin concentrations over 10 mg/dl, or any combination thereof, the incidence of ABO disease was much higher in black neonates than in white ones. These findings indicate that early discharge of newborn infants from the hospital should not be authorized without specific assessments, especially when the infant is ABO incompatible and black.
The Phenomenology and Clinical Correlates of Suicidal Thoughts and Behaviors in Youth with Autism Spectrum Disorders

This study investigated the phenomenology and clinical correlates of suicidal thoughts and behaviors in youth with ASD (N = 102; range 7–16 years). The presence of suicidal thoughts and behavior was assessed through the Anxiety Disorders Interview Schedule-Child and Parent Versions. Children and parents completed measures of anxiety severity, functional impairment, and behavioral and emotional problems. Approximately 11 % of youth displayed suicidal thoughts and behaviors. Children with autism were more likely to have suicidal thoughts and behaviors whereas children with Asperger’s disorder were less likely. Suicidal thoughts and behaviors were associated with the presence of depression and post-traumatic stress disorder. Overall, results suggest that suicidal thoughts and behaviors are common in youth with ASD, and may be related to depression and trauma.
There’s More Than Meets the Eye: Facial Appearance and Evaluations of Transsexual People

Recent events have drawn attention to the prejudice and discrimination faced by transpeople; however, there is limited research on attitudes toward transpeople. We studied the effects of facial appearance on the evaluations of transsexuals in 239 heterosexual undergraduate students from the midwestern United States. Men had significantly more negative evaluations than women. The gender of the transsexual (male-to-female or female-to-male) had limited effects on evaluations; however, the transsexual whose facial appearance was congruent with their desired gender was perceived as more attractive than the transsexual whose facial appearance was incongruent. Negative evaluations were correlated with higher levels of transphobia and sexual prejudice. Further investigation is needed on the factors that influence prejudicial attitudes toward transpeople, including physical appearance.
Tissue elasticity using acoustic radiation force

We are developing a method that uses acoustic radiation force to image the stiffness of the vitreous body and other soft materials. This approach applies acoustic radiation force through a series of ultrasonic pulses to generate small displacements in tissue. Motion tracking techniques are used to measure the resultant displacement. This process can be repeated at a number of locations to acquire data for image formation. A series of acrylamide phantoms were constructed to test the proposed method. Phantom speed of sound and attenuation have been characterized and found to be close to that of the human vitreous. In this paper, we present acoustic radiation force images, which clearly distinguish phantoms of differing gel concentration. We also show time-displacement curves, which indicate a viscoelastic response for this material. The images presented show that acoustic radiation force can be used to image tissue mechanical properties including displacement, relative elasticity and relative viscosity. We present data that indicates maximum displacement is linearly proportional to the power transmitted by the system. Optical data was also collected to enable visualization of the displacement field.
Application of High-Resolution Semiconductor Detectors in X-ray Emission Spectrography.

Solid-state devices developed primarily for nuclear gamma spectroscopy have many potential uses in x-ray analysis.
Further evaluation of an immunoprecipitation assay for TSH-receptor autoantibodies in Graves' disease.

In ten patients with untreated Graves' disease, quantitative titers of TSH receptor antibodies, as measured by a recently developed immunoprecipitation assay (IPA), were correlated with results obtained in three other methods and with the severity of the hyperthyroidism, as assessed by thyroid function tests. Nine patients were positive in the IPA, six in the TBII (TSH-binding inhibitor immunoglobulins), six in the TSI (thyroid-stimulating immunoglobulins), and seven in the TGI (thyroid-growth stimulating immunoglobulins) assay. Three patients were positive in all four assays. No correlation was found between the IPA values and the results obtained in the TBII, TSI, or TGI assays. There was a modest correlation between the TBII and TSI assays (r = .74, p < 0.02). There was a modest but significant correlation between the IPA titers of TSP receptor antibodies and serum T3 concentration, both before treatment (r = .63, P < 0.05) and during treatment (n = 5; r = .84, P < 0.05). No correlation between the severity of the hyperthyroidism and TBII, TSI, or TGI assays was observed. Finally, TGI did not correlate with goiter size as estimated by palpation. These results suggest that the IPA may be useful in monitoring the immunologic activity of TSH receptor antibodies in patients with Graves' disease. They suggest further that the IPA detects a number of different subpopulations of TSH receptor antibodies, including TSI, TBII, and perhaps TGI. This property may be particularly useful in screening for monoclonal TSH receptor antibodies.
One-to-One Bedside Nurse Education as a Means to Improve Positioning Consistency

Abstract Developmentally appropriate positioning is a core component of the Universe of Developmental Care Model, which was created to optimize neurodevelopmental outcomes of preterm infants (Adv Neonatal Care 2008;8(3):141-147). Neurodevelopmental positioning has been shown to have a direct effect on bone and joint development (Eur J Paediatr Neurol 2004;8:321-343; Phys Ther 2009;89(12):1354-1362; Phys Ther 1984;64:1874-1882) promote self-regulation/sleep (Early Hum Dev 2007;83:433-442; J Adv Nurs 2009;65(10):2239-2248) and to reduce pain responses (J Adv Nurs 2009;65(10):2239-2248; J Perinatol 2007;27(suppl):S48-S74) in preterm infants. The Infant Positioning Assessment Tool (Koninklijke, Philips Electronics, NV) was developed to standardize best positioning practice in neonatal intensive care unit (Newborn and Infant Nursing Reviews 2010;10(2):104-106). Failure to properly support the premature musculoskeletal system has been shown to have long-term deleterious effects on sensory and motor development.(J Perinatol 2007;27:S20-S28). Nurses at a level IIIB midwest neonatal intensive care unit had experienced various training opportunities aimed at improved positioning consistency; however, foot/leg deformity, torticollis, and plagiocephaly persisted. The purpose of this article is to describe how using the Infant Positioning Assessment Tool paired with one-to-one bedside education can improve positioning consistency across shifts and experience.
Analysis of TACI mutations in CVID & RESPI patients who have inherited HLA B*44 or HLA*B8

Recent reports have suggested that Common Variable Immunodeficieny (CVID) can present as an autosomal dominant trait dependent on the inheritance of a set of uncommon mutations/alleles of TACI (transmembrane activator and calcium-modulator and cyclophilin ligand interactor) involving exons 3 or 4. Penetrance, however, appears to be incomplete. Among our clinic population, the greatest genetic linkage for CVID is to the major histocompatibility complex (MHC) on chromosome 6. The majority of our patients have inherited HLA *DQ2, *DR7, *DR3(17), *B8, and/or *B44. Of these, HLA*B44 was present in almost half of the patients and was thus the most common susceptibility allele. HLA *B44 was also found to be over-represented among patients who presented to our clinic with adult-onset recurrent sinopulmonary infections (RESPI) and normal serum immunoglobulin levels, a cohort that included first and second degree relatives of patients with CVID. One of the two original reports of the association between TACI and CVID also reported Human Leukocyte Antigen (HLA) haplotypes. Of 13 affected subjects, nine had inherited HLA *B8 and six had inherited HLA B44. This raised the possibility that TACI mutations might synergize with MHC class I alleles to enhance susceptibility to humoral immune deficiency. We identified 63 CVID patients irrespective of HLA status and 13 RESPI patients who had inherited HLA*B44. To evaluate for mutations in the gene for TACI, we PCR amplified and sequenced TACI exons 3 and 4 from these patients. Of the 76 patients, eleven proved heterozygous for a previously reported, silent T->G polymorphism [rs35062843] at proline 97 in exon 3. However, none of the 13 RESPI patients and only one of the 63 CVID patients inherited a TACI allele previously associated with CVID. This patient was heterozygous for the TACI A181E allele (exon 4). She did not carry *DQ2, *DR7, *DR3(17), *B8, or *B44. These findings suggest that TACI mutations are unlikely to play a critical role in creating susceptibility to CVID among patients with previously recognized MHC class I and class II susceptibility alleles. Supported by NIH/USIDNET N01-AI30070, NIH R21 AI079741 and NIH M01-RR00032
Biring Theory and Its Galois Theory of Rings

Biring theory is about birings (A, P), that is, algops (A, P) of an associative algebra A and (A, A)-biring P acting on A via a morphism γ: P → Pres F A from P to the terminal (A, A)-biring Pres F A of preservations of A. (The word biring is used in a theory for a structure with unit, product, counit, coproduct subject to conditions of the theory.) Biring theory has its central simple theory and its Galois theory of rings. Its Galois birings are the reduced simple birings.
Reliability-based design of MEMS mechanisms by topology optimization

This paper presents a methodology for the design of micro-electro-mechanical systems (MEMS) by topology optimization accounting for stochastic loading and boundary conditions as well as material properties. This methodology combines recent advances in material-based topology optimization for compliant mechanisms undergoing large displacements and design optimization under uncertainties using first order reliability analysis methods. The performance measure approach is applied to the formulation of the optimization problem. The structural response is predicted by a co-rotational finite element formulation and the design and imperfection sensitivities are evaluated by an adjoint method. The methodology is illustrated by the topology optimization of a compliant mechanism. The results show the importance of accounting for the stochastic nature of the micro-system in the topology optimization process.
Aspects of the invariability of a bacterial ribonucleic acid

This paper discusses the invariability of the total ribonucleic acid of E. coli (Strain B and a lysine auxotroph), both with respect to the proportions of constituent nucleotides and to the anabolic history of the polymer, synthesized in the presence or absence of a single nucleoside acting as precursor and with or without simultaneous protein synthesis. Experiments on the identification of the sugar component are included.
A novel polymorphism of the human CD40 receptor with enhanced function.

CD40 signaling is critical for innate and adaptive immunity against pathogens, and the cytoplasmic domain of CD40 is highly conserved both within and between species. A novel missense single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) in the cytoplasmic domain of CD40 at position 227 (P227A) was identified, which resides on a conserved ancestral haplotype highly enriched in persons of Mexican and South American descent. Functional studies indicated that signaling via human (h) CD40-P227A stably expressed in several B-cell lines led to increased phosphorylation of c-Jun, increased secretion of the pro-inflammatory cytokines interleukin (IL)–6 and TNF-α, and increased Ig production, compared with wild-type hCD40. Cooperation between hCD40-P227A signaling and B-cell receptor (BCR)– or Toll-like receptor 9 (TLR9)–mediated signaling was also enhanced, resulting in elevated and synergistic production of IL-6 and Ig. We have thus identified a novel genetic variant of hCD40 with a gain-of-function immune phenotype.
Chronic intrauterine and fetal infection with Gardnerella vaginalis

Abstract Objective: We sought to develop a model of chronic intrauterine and fetal infection with Gardnerella vaginalis. Study Design: The uterine horns of pregnant New Zealand White rabbits were inoculated on day 21 of gestation with either 10 7 colony-forming units (cfu) of G vaginalis or saline solution. At necropsy, cultures were taken from blood, uterus, amniotic fluid, and fetal tissues. Amniotic fluid was assayed for tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α by bioassay. Maternal and fetal tissue samples were evaluated using the histologic index score. A P value Results: Compared with saline solution–inoculated animals, the G vaginalis group had significantly more positive cultures from uterus, amniotic fluid, and fetal brain and lung ( P =.02 to G vaginalis group, mean TNF-α levels and fetal brain scores increased significantly over time ( P Conclusion: Chronic intrauterine and fetal infection with G vaginalis is accompanied by progressive increases in amniotic fluid TNF-α concentrations and fetal brain histologic index scores. (Am J Obstet Gynecol 2002;187:1263-6.)
Determination of photon self-absorption corrections for soil samples

A method is described for the determination of photon self-absorption in soil samples. Only the density needs to be determined to apply the method, which often produces agreement with measured correction factors for the density range 0.7–1.8 g/cm3 and energy range 46–1764 keV. A comparison of known activities with those obtained from direct-transmission measurements found severe discrepancies at energies <100 keV, while the described procedure produced good agreement. Density-corrected count rates for a sample can be determined from a single spectral measurement using formulas easily incorporated into existing computer programs.
Immunodominant peptide epitopes of allergen, Asp f 1 from the fungus Aspergillus fumigatus.

Abstract Aspergillus fumigatus ribotoxin Asp f 1 is a major allergen with IgE binding activity to serum of a majority of patients with allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis (ABPA). The IgE binding epitopes or the T-cell stimulatory peptides of this molecule have not been studied. In the present investigation, we have synthesized linear decapeptides spanning the whole molecule of Asp f 1 and analyzed their IgE binding properties. We have also synthesized peptides based on their possible T-cell stimulatory properties and studied the stimulation of peripheral blood mononuclear cells from ABPA patients and normal controls. Several peptides demonstrated distinct IgE antibody binding response against sera from ABPA patients and proliferative response against peripheral blood mononuclear cells from the patients. From the results, it can be concluded that the carboxy-terminal region of Asp f 1 representing amino acid residues 115–149 involved in both humoral and cell mediated immunoresponses in ABPA.
Aging effects of epoxy shape memory polymers

In this paper, experimental results are reported to study the influence of high-temperature aging on the thermo-mechanical behavior of a commercially-available, thermo-responsive shape memory polymer (SMP), Veri ex-E ™ (glass transition temperature, T g = 90−105 °C). To achieve a shape memory effect in high T g SMPs such as this, high temperature cycles are required that can result in macromolecular scission and/or crosslinking, which we term thermo-mechanical aging (or chemo-rheological degradation ). This process results in mechanical property changes and possible permanent set of the material that can limit the useful life of SMPs in practice. We compare experimental results of shape memory recovery with and without aging. Similar to the approach originated by Tobolsky in the 1950's, a combination of uniaxial constant stress and intermittent stretch experiments are also used in high temperature creep-recovery experiments to deduce the kinetics of scission of the original macromolecular network and the generation of newly formed networks having different reference configurations. The macroscopic effects of thermo-mechanical aging, in terms of the evolution of residual strains and change in elastic response, are quantified.
Host recognition of fungal pathogens

Fungal infection presents a serious risk to individuals with compromised immune systems. The development of novel therapeutic strategies to combat fungal infection requires a thorough appreciation of interactions between fungi and the host immune system. Our understanding of microbial recognition by the innate immune system has advanced considerably over the past decade with the discovery that pattern recognition receptors on the surface of myeloid cells detect microbial components. TLR2 and Dectin-1 are of particular importance for the recognition of pathogenic fungi. In this review, we discuss fungal detection by these receptors and their roles in the initiation of antifungal defense.
Normal and quasinormal weighted composition operators

In their paper [1], Campbell and Jamison attempted to give necessary and sufficient conditions for a weighted composition operator on an L 2 space to be normal, and to be quasinormal. Those conditions, specifically Theorems I and II of that paper, are not valid (see [2] for precise comments on the other results in that paper). In this paper we present a counterexample to those theorems and state and prove characterizations of quasinormality (Theorem 1 below) and normality (Theorem 2 and Corollary 3 below). We also discuss additional examples and information concerning normal weighted composition operators which contribute to the further understanding of this class.
GOD's PRISONERS: PENAL CONFINEMENT AND THE CREATION OF PURGATORY

This essay explores two events that occurred in the thirteenth century: the decree normalizing the prison as the fundamental disciplinary apparatus in the first universal system of law (canon law) and the formal recognition by the Catholic Church of the existence of Purgatory. It will be suggested that this simultaneity was far from coincidental. The penal colony known as Purgatory reflected in nearly exact detail the contours of the earthly prison. Implications for modern theology will then be discussed.
CORRECTIONAL OFFICER BURNOUT Further Analyses

The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship of several variables that have led to inconsistent results in previous studies on correctional officer stress, as well as expand previous r...
Trends in German Political Science: A Review Essay

German political science has come a long way, both in numbers and in sophistication, from those days in the mid-'fifties when a Berkeley political scientist returning from a trip to the Federal Republic could say: "There are fewer people teaching political science in all of Western Germany than in this [Berkeley] department alone." Those were the days when German universities had to be dragooned by their Rektorenkonferenz into establishing at least one chair of political science each and frequently left the discipline precariously dangling between the well-entrenched Faculties of
Testis-specific lactate dehydrogenase (LDH-C4; Ldh3) in murine oocytes and preimplantation embryos.

LDH-C4 (Ldh3) is a member of the lactate dehydrogenase family of isozymes that catalyze the terminal reaction in the glycolytic pathway. In mammals, 3 genes, ldha, ldhb, and Ldhc, encode the subunits that assemble into catalytically active homo- and heterotetramers. Differential expression of these genes determines the lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) isozyme composition of tissues, and, as is well known, A subunits predominate in skeletal muscle and B subunits are abundantly produced in brain and heart, with the Ldh2 isozyme the most abundant form in oocytes. The C peptide can be detected first in pachytene spermatocytes and constitutes the primary LDH of spermatozoa. Originally the Ldhc gene (Ldh3 in terminology applied to murine cells) was considered to be testis specific on the basis of immunochemical, enzymatic, and molecular analyses. Here we report the detection of this isozyme in the murine oocyte and early embryo. Our results indicate that Ldh3 mRNA is transcribed in oocytes and cannot be detected in fertilized eggs. Ldh3 protein, however, persists to the blastocyst stage of embryonic development localizing mainly to the cortex region of oocytes, eggs, zygotes, and embryonic blastomeres.
A Simple E-Mail Mechanism To Enhance Reflection, Independence, and Communication in Young Researchers

Providing undergraduates with mentored research experiences is a critical component of contemporary undergraduate science education. Although the benefits of undergraduate research experiences are apparent, the methods for mentoring young scientists as they first begin navigating the research lab environment are reinvented in labs all over the world. Students come to research labs with varied skills, motivations, needs, and dispositions, placing each student and mentor in a unique relationship. How can we help students become aware of their own intellectual progress? How can we encourage our students to take initial steps toward independent investigation? When do we need to let setbacks happen? We have developed a simple mechanism to address these common problems. Each week, students in our labs answer a series of five questions by e-mail that improve lab communication and help students develop into mature scientists without taxing an instructor's already busy schedule. Our observations, experiences, and student feedback indicate that this approach is a useful mechanism to help faculty who mentor young scientists in the research lab.
Wine versus ethanol in human nutrition. II. Fluid, sodium, and potassium balance

Six healthy males were studied under metabolic unit conditions to determine the effects of wine vs ethanol on the absorption of various elements. Fluid, sodium, and potassium data are reported here. The following test beverages in the amount of 1 liter/day were administered in random order to each of the subjects during four 18-day experimental periods: Zinfandel wine (9.3% w/v alcohol); dealcoholized Zinfandel wine; pure ethanol (9.3% w/v aqueous alcohol solution); and deionized water. A strictly controlled isocaloric formula diet was given with the test beverage in four equal feedings over a 12-hr period. No diuretic effect of alcohol was detected in any of the subjects. Urinary sodium was significantly less during the dealcoholized wine period than during the ethanol and water periods. Urinary potassium was significantly greater during ethanol administration as compared with the other test beverages. Fecal and serum sodium and potassium were essentially unchanged throughout the study.
The Murdoch Media Empire and the Spectacle of Scandal

In July 2011, dramatic revelations concerning misdeeds by Rupert Murdoch’s News of the World (NOTW), one of the most successful tabloid newspapers in history, erupted, creating a vast media spectacle that was compared to Watergate and that threatened the existence of Murdoch’s global media empire (Bernstein, 2011). Richard Nixon’s Watergate crisis implicated the president in a series of scandals that led to the famous Senate Watergate Hearings, a major media spectacle of 1973, followed by his resignation from office, a first for a U.S. president. The cascading scandals in Rupert Murdoch’s media empire were thus referred to in some circles as “Murdochgate” (see Bernstein, 2011), a series of outrages and crimes that are continuing to undermine his media power and empire in 2012 and the foreseeable future.
Review of Anatheta Casey (Staphylinidae: Aleocharinae: Athetini), with Notes on Synonymy of Canastota Casey and Silusida Casey

Abstract Anatheta Casey 1910 (type species Sableta (Anatheta) planulicollis Casey 1910) is confirmed to be a valid genus separate from Sableta Casey 1910 (type species Sableta (s. str.) infulata Casey 1910). Two valid species are recognized in Anatheta: A. planulicollis (Casey 1910) (transferred from Sableta), and A. surrufa (Casey 1911) (transferred from Metaxya Mulsant et Rey 1873). Metaxya erudita Casey 1911 is recognized as a junior synonym of Anatheta planulicollis (Casey 1910). Sableta (Anatheta) curata Casey 1910 is not a member of Anatheta and is close to Acrotona Thomson 1859. Canastota Casey 1910 (type species Sableta (Canastota) canadensis Casey 1910), believed by Seevers (1978) to be very similar to Anatheta, is placed in synonymy with Silusida Casey 1906; Sableta (Canastota) canadensis Casey 1910 is placed in synonymy with Silusida marginella (Casey 1906). Lectotypes are designated for Metaxya erudita Casey 1911, Metaxya surrufa Casey 1911, Bolitochara marginella Casey 1893 and Sableta canade...
Obstructive sleep apnea and prolonged mechanical ventilation.

Patients with prolonged mechanical ventilation have a high one year mortality, with recognized contributing factors including COPD, cardiac failure, renal failure, and respiratory muscle weakness.[1][1] The study by Diaz-Abad et al[2][2] shows that obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is very common among
Defect tolerance at the end of the roadmap

As feature sizes shrink closer to single digit nanometer dimensions, defect tolerance will become increasingly important. This is true whether the chips are manufactured using top-down methods, such as photolithography, or bottom-up assembly processes such as Chemically Assembled Electronic Nanotechnology (CAEN). In this chapter, we examine the consequences of this increased rate of defects, and describe a defect tolerance methodology centered around reconfigurable devices, a scalable testing method, and dynamic place-and-route. We summarize some of our own results in this area as well as those of others, and enumerate some future research directions required to make nanometer-scale computing a reality.
A Rapid Method to Determine Starch Damage in Sorghum

As a major component of cereal grains, including sorghum, starch plays an important role not only in grain development but also in post-harvest processing and end-product quality. Since milling can lead to the inadvertent disruption of starch granules, negatively affecting dough rheology, monitoring of starch damage is an important part of flour formulation. As the existing methods for quantifying starch damage are time-consuming, an alternative non-enzymatic methodology was sought. This study described the use of SDmatic—an instrument developed for determining starch damage in wheat flour—for assessment of sorghum flour via generation of a standard calibration. The known starch damage values were integrated to the SDmatic Ai%, and the starch damage was calculated using the following equation: Starch Damage = aAi%2 + bAi% + c. The following variables were developed for calibrating sorghum starch damage: a = 0.168, b = −30.123, and c = 1349.648. Using this calibration developed specifically for sorghum flo...
Memorization by a jazz musician: a case study:

To investigate the memory strategies of jazz musicians, we videotaped an experienced jazz pianist as he learned a new bebop piece. He had not previously heard a recording of the selection, nor had he seen the written music. The pianist provided detailed reports of the musical structure and the types of cues he used as landmarks to guide his memorization. Analysis of the videotapes, verbal reports, and multiple annotated copies of the music revealed that this jazz pianist's learning process was similar to that reported for classical musicians. That is, he used the musical structure as a retrieval scheme and practiced using performance cues to elicit knowledge of upcoming passages from long-term memory. However, this study looked only at the learning strategy for the note-by-note renditions that typically comprise the first choruses of jazz performances. The relationship between this original memorization process and the ability to improvise subsequent choruses will have to be addressed in future investigat...
Global food prices, regime type, and urban unrest in the developing world:

The 2014 IPCC report concludes that changes in precipitation and temperature could cause global food prices to nearly double by 2050. Anecdotal evidence of riots during the global food price spikes of 2007–08 and 2010–11 raises the more general question of whether global food prices affect patterns of contentious politics in developing countries. Drawing on a dataset of urban unrest in 55 major cities in 49 Asian and African countries for the period 1961–2010, we find the effect of global food prices on protests and rioting is contingent on regime type: democracies are more prone to urban unrest during periods of high food prices than autocracies. We show that this is due both to the more permissive political opportunity structure in democratic systems and to systematic differences in food policy across regimes of different types. Relative to autocracies, democracies pursue policies that are more favorable to the rural sector and less favorable to the cities. The findings have longer-run implications. To ...
Spline-based surface fitting on range images for CAD applications

The authors present an approach for integration of manually designed parts in CAD databases. They propose a system to derive spline-based descriptions of various component surfaces of objects given only the range image of the object under consideration. The system consists of two modules. The first module, which is centred on a robust segmentation algorithm, generates a segmentation plot of the given range image. The second module then derives spline-based descriptions for each of the different segmented surfaces. >
Standards-Standard Music Description Language complies with hypermedia standard

The Standard Music Description Language (SMDL), an application of the HyTime Hypermedia/Time-based document structuring facilities, is described. The discussion covers the domains of information that SMDL associates with any piece of music, the timing of cantus events, pitch in cantus events, gamut-based pitches, just-intoned pitches, user-defined functions for pitches, chords and chord symbols, instrumental and vocal sounds, and nonwestern music. >
The search for the CD8+ cell anti-HIV factor (CAF)

Abstract Efforts to control HIV infection have led to the development of several antiretroviral drugs that can limit virus replication, however, these therapies do not offer a long-term solution to the infection. We can learn a great deal from HIV-infected individuals who have lived for more than ten years and remain healthy without receiving antiviral drugs. These long-term survivors or long-term non-progressors have an immune system that can control HIV infection. A major component of this immune response is innate immunity, particularly the CD8 + cell antiviral non-cytotoxic response (CNAR), mediated by a novel CD8 + cell antiviral factor (CAF). The characteristics of CNAR and CAF will be described and progress made toward identifying CAF will be reviewed. These studies have uncovered several potentially important natural anti-HIV factors and their relationship to the originally described CAF is considered.
Effect of Anticoagulant and Storage Conditions on Bovine Nonesterified Fatty Acid and β-Hydroxybutyrate Concentrations in Blood

The objective of this study was to determine if nonesterified fatty acid (NEFA) and beta-hydroxybutyrate (BHBA) concentrations were affected by anticoagulants or gel and clot activator tubes (serum separator tubes, SST), storage of samples as whole blood, separated plasma or serum at 24 degrees C or 4 degrees C for 24 to 72 h, or storage as serum at -40 degrees C for 1 mo. Blood was collected from dairy cows into EDTA, heparin, nonanticoagulant tubes, and SST, and analyzed immediately to obtain baseline NEFA and BHBA concentrations. Portions were stored as whole blood or separated plasma or serum at 4 or 24 degrees C and assayed daily for 24 (whole blood) and 72 (separated samples) h. Serum samples were frozen at -40 degrees C and assayed at 24 h or weekly for 1 mo. Baseline NEFA concentrations were unaffected by anticoagulants; however, they were significantly higher in SST compared with nonanticoagulant tubes. Concentrations of NEFA were stable in all samples at 4 degrees C, whereas they sequentially increased from 24 to 48 h at 24 degrees C. Changes were more dramatic in heparinized samples. Serum could be stored frozen for up to 1 mo with minimal changes in NEFA concentrations. Concentrations of BHBA were stable under all conditions evaluated. Our results indicated that blood for NEFA testing should be collected into EDTA or nonanticoagulant tubes (but not SST), separated promptly from cells, and maintained at 4 degrees C until analysis.
Path computation algorithms for advanced traveller information system (ATIS)

Three path-planning algorithms for single-pair path computation are evaluated. These algorithms are the iterative breath-first search, Dijkstra's single-source path-planning algorithm, and the A* single-path planning algorithm. The performance of the algorithms is evaluated on graphs representing the roadmap of Minneapolis. In order to get an insight into their relative performance, synthetic grid maps are used as a benchmark computation. The effects of two parameters, namely path length and edge-cost-distribution, on the performance of the algorithms are examined. The effects of implementation decisions on the performance of the A* algorithm are discussed. The main hypothesis is that estimator functions can improve the average-case performance of single-pair path computation when the length of the path is small compared to the diameter of the graph. This hypothesis is examined using experimental studies and analytical cost modeling. >
Lipid metabolism during endurance exercise

Endogenous triacylglycerols represent an important source of fuel for endurance exercise. Triacylglycerol oxidation increases progressively during exercise; the specific rate is determined by energy requirements of working muscles, fatty acid delivery to muscle mitochondria, and the oxidation of other substrates. The catecholamine response to exercise increases lipolysis of adipose tissue triacylglycerols and, presumably, intramuscular triacylglycerols. In addition, increases in adipose tissue and muscle blood flow decrease fatty acid reesterification and facilitate the delivery of released fatty acids to skeletal muscle. Alterations in fatty acid mobilization and the relative use of adipose and intramuscular triacylglycerols during exercise depend, in large part, on degree of fitness and exercise intensity. Compared with untrained persons exercising at the same absolute intensity, persons who have undergone endurance training have greater fat oxidation during exercise without increased lipolysis. Available evidence suggests that the training-induced increase in fat oxidation is due primarily to increased oxidation of non-plasma-derived fatty acids, perhaps from intramuscular triacylglycerol stores. Fat oxidation is lower in high-intensity exercise than in moderate-intensity exercise, in part because of decreased fatty acid delivery to exercising muscles. Parenteral lipid supplementation during high-intensity exercise increases fat oxidation, but the effect of ingesting long-chain or medium-chain triacylglycerols on substrate metabolism during exercise is less clear. This review discusses the relation between fatty acid mobilization and oxidation during exercise and the effect of endurance training, exercise intensity, and lipid supplementation on these responses.
Lysophosphatidic acid and atotaxin in patients with cholestasis and pruritus: Fine biology, anticipated discernment

Article commented Kremer AE, Martens JJ, Kulik W, Rueff F, Kui-per EM, van Buuren HR, van Erpecum KJ, Kon-drackiene J, Prieto J, Rust C, Geenes VL, Williamson C, Moolenaar WH, Beuers U, Oude El-ferink RP. Lysophosphatidic acid is a potential mediator of cholestatic pruritus. Gastroenterology 2010; 139:1008-18. Original Abstract Background & aims. Pruritus is a common and disabling symptom in cholestatic disorders. However, its causes remain unknown. We hypothesized that potential pruritogens accumulate in the circulation of cholestatic patients and activate sensory neurons. Methods. Cytosolic free calcium ([Ca(2+)] (i)) was measured in neuronal cell lines by ratiometric fluorometry upon exposure to serum samples from pruritic patients with intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy (ICP), primary biliary cirrhosis (PBC), other cholestatic disorders, and pregnant, healthy, and nonpruritic disease controls. Putative [Ca(2+)] (i)-inducing factors in pruritic serum were explored by analytical techniques, including quantification by high-performance liquid chromatography/mass spectroscopy. In mice, scratch activity after intradermal pruritogen injection was quantified using a magnetic device. Results. Transient increases in neuronal [Ca(2+)] (i) induced by pruritic PBC and ICP sera were higher than corresponding controls. Lysophosphatidic acid (LPA) could be identified as a major [Ca(2+)] (i) agonist in pruritic sera, and LPA concentrations were increased in cholestatic patients with pruritus. LPA injected intradermally into mice induced scratch responses. Autotaxin, the serum enzyme converting lysophosphatidylcholine into LPA, was markedly increased in patients with ICP vs. pregnant controls (P vs. without pruritus (P Conclusions. We suggest that LPA and autotaxin play a critical role in cholesta-tic pruritus and may serve as potential targets for future therapeutic interventions.
The legacy of deer overabundance: long-term delays in herbaceous understory recovery

Decades of white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus (Zimmermann, 1780)) overpopulation have dramatically homogenized forests across much of the eastern United States, creating depauperate forest u...
Measuring Female Politician Stereotypes

The goal of this paper is to assess current measures of female politician stereotypes related to traits. We assess the theory of stereotypes that female politician stereotypes overlap with woman stereotypes (e.g., warm, nice, empathetic as in Deaux & Lewis, 1984) and whether other traits, such as negative traits found to describe women leaders, such as quarrelsome, bitter, and cold (e.g., Eagly & Karau, 2002), should be part of our measures. We hypothesize that the stereotypes of female politicians will be more similar to stereotypes of women professionals than to those of women and, further, will include negative stereotypic traits associated with women leaders. Using a ground-up methodology to determine stereotype content first used by Katz and Braly (1933), we find that, indeed, trait stereotypes of female politicians are distinct from those of women. Yet, we find that female politicians seem to be defined more by the feminine and masculine traits that they lack than the traits that truly characterize them. We discuss implications for the future of research on politician gender.
Genomics: DNA and diasporas

Fatimah L. C. Jackson weighs up a study on the cultural politics of genetic testing among African Americans.