cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Model for the binding of multivalent antigen to cells

IT has been suggested frequently1–4 that antigen must be presented to immunocompetent cells in multivalent or aggregated form in order to stimulate the cells to proliferate and secrete antibodies or otherwise respond. Multivalent antigens, that is antigen molecules with more than one identical epitope per molecule, seem to bind multivalently and irreversibly to the antibody-like receptors on immunocompetent cells5,6, and T cells or their products may serve to aggregate antigen molecules so as to present them to other cells in multivalent forms7. The binding of multivalent ligands to lymphocyte receptors is known to induce receptor-ligand lattice formation and in many cases to induce mitosis and antibody secretion from B cells4,8,9.
Cohort fertility and increasing breast cancer incidence

The question of whether the increase in breast cancer incidence in England and Wales and in Connecticut can be explained by a decrease in the fertility of cohorts of women in whom the breast cancer increase has been recorded is examined. Total reproductive performances were calculated for women born between 1841-1906. Those for whom data are complete up to the age of 45 showed diminished reproductive performance. Hover incomplete data for those born since 1906 indicate that there has been a rise in fertility along with an increase in breast cancer incidence. This implies that the previous decreased fertility changes were not responsible for the earlier breast cancer increase. In Connecticut in all age groups birthrates decreased regularly between 1917-1935. Thereafter birthrates increased except in the 40-44 age group. That frequent or prolonged lactation may reduce breast cancer risk has been considered as an explanation for the low breast cancer rates found in Japan and for the positive association of breast cancer risk with socioeconomic status. In the areas considered the frequency of breast-feeding has decreased in recent years. Therfore despite the recorded increase in fertility the total lactational experience is less than in earlier years. From these observations it is concluded that fertility changes do not explain the observed changes in breast cancer rates.
Trying to be happier really can work: Two experimental studies

Does the explicit attempt to be happier facilitate or obstruct the actual experience of happiness? Two experiments investigated this question using listening to positive music as a happiness-inducing activity. Study 1 showed that participants assigned to try to boost their mood while listening to 12 min of music reported higher positive mood compared to participants who simply listened to music without attempting to alter mood. However, this effect was qualified by the predicted interaction: the music had to be positively valenced (i.e. Copland, not Stravinsky). In Study 2, participants who were instructed to intentionally try to become happier (vs. not trying) reported higher increases in subjective happiness after listening to positively valenced music during five separate lab visits over a two-week period. These studies demonstrate that listening to positive music may be an effective way to improve happiness, particularly when it is combined with an intention to become happier.
STUDY OF THE LOW-LYING T = 3/2 STATES IN $sup 21$Na.

The $\ensuremath{\gamma}$ decays of the two lowest $T=\frac{3}{2}$ states in ${\mathrm{Na}}^{21}$ at 8.97 and 9.22 MeV were studied as resonances in the ${\mathrm{Ne}}^{20}(p, \ensuremath{\gamma})$ reaction by use of a gas cell and a 30-cc Ge(Li) detector. For the lower resonance, we find three branches: to the ${\frac{3}{2}}^{+}$ ground state (11%), to the ${\frac{5}{2}}^{+}$ first excited state (50%), and to the ${\frac{7}{2}}^{+}$ second excited state (39%). These results imply that $J={\frac{5}{2}}^{+}$ for the $T=\frac{3}{2}$ state. On the simple rotational model, transitions from states of the $K=\frac{1}{2}$ (Nilsson orbit #6) band are possible only to the ground-state $K=\frac{3}{2}$ (#7) band. A $J={\frac{5}{2}}^{+}$, $K=\frac{1}{2}$ assignment for the lowest $T=\frac{3}{2}$ state fits the observed branching ratios. The second resonance decays predominantly to the ground state, and there is at most a 9% branch to the ${\mathrm{\textonehalf{}}}^{+}$ state at 2.41 MeV. The second resonance is assigned $J={\frac{1}{2}}^{+}$, $K=\frac{1}{2}$. If the 2.41-MeV state is $K=\frac{1}{2}$ (#9), no transition to it is expected. On both resonances, transitions to higher excited states are obscured by background.
Is She “Man Enough”? Women Candidates, Executive Political Offices, and News Coverage

This study analyzes news coverage of 4 female political candidates—Elizabeth Dole, Claire McCaskill, Hillary Clinton, and Sarah Palin—and their male competitors, as each competed in 2 elections between 1999 and 2008. Analysis focused on novelty labeling, and ‘‘feminine’’ and ‘‘masculine’’ political issues and character traits to determine whether the coverage of women and men differed in general, and across the offices of Senator, Governor, Vice President, or President. Overall, women received more news coverage, and the gendered gap in coverage was especially large for novelty, issue, and trait coverage when women sought the ‘‘executive’’ offices of Governor and in the White House. These findings provide insight into the evolving gender dynamics of women running within the masculinized domain of politics. doi:10.1111/j.1460-2466.2011.01621.x In 1984, Geraldine Ferraro became the first female nominee for the White House on a major political ticket when she was named the Democratic Party’s vice presidential candidate. To some, gender equality in U.S. presidential politics seemed in sight. But it was not until the 2008 campaign that a woman from either of the two major parties was again seriously considered for the presidency or vice presidency. Even then, challenges abounded for these women via stereotypes in some news coverage. In2006, Washington Post columnistJoelAchenbachwrotethisaboutHillaryClinton: ‘‘She’s running. You can tell by the hair, which has finally stopped changing styles, every strand frozen in place, as though she’s ready to be on a coin’’ (Achenbach, 2006). Two years later, New York Times columnist Maureen Dowd said this about Sarah Palin: ‘‘Sarah has single-handedly ushered out the ‘Sex and the City’ era, and made the sexy new model for America a retro one—the glamorous Pioneer Woman, packing a gun, a baby, and a Bible’’ (Dowd, 2008). Scholar Melody Rose (2008) highlighted the difficulties faced by these candidates: ‘‘For all the ways in which Sen.
Serum interleukin‐6 predicts the development of multiple symptoms at nadir of allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation

BACKGROUND. During the time of lowest white blood cell count (nadir) of allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo-HSCT), cancer patients suffer from tremendous symptom burden related to therapy that requires intensive patient care. However, the mechanism underlying the development of multiple symptoms has not been established. METHODS. To explore the role of inflammatory cytokines in the development of treatment-related symptoms, we studied dynamic changes in symptoms and in serum concentrations of inflammatory cytokines (interleukin [IL]-6, IL-8, soluble tumor necrosis factor receptor 1 [sTNF-R1], IL-1 receptor antagonist, and IL-12p40p70) from pretherapy throughout the first 30 days of allo-HSCT in 30 patients with acute myelogenous leukemia or myelodysplastic syndrome. We measured multiple symptoms repeatedly using the M. D. Anderson Symptom Inventory. Mixed-effects modeling was used to analyze longitudinal data. RESULTS. In response to conditioning and stem-cell infusion, serum levels of IL-6 and the severity of multiple symptoms increased rapidly and peaked at nadir. From baseline to nadir (approximately Day 8 post-transplantation), increase in IL-6 was significantly associated with worsening of the most severe symptoms (fatigue, poor appetite, pain, drowsiness, dry mouth, and disturbed sleep; P< .01). During the first 30 days after transplantation, increases in IL-6 (P< .001) and sTNF-R1 (P< .05) significantly predicted the increasing severity of these symptoms. CONCLUSIONS. These results suggest that release of systemic inflammatory cytokines, mainly IL-6, corresponds to an increase in treatment-related multiple-symptom burden during the nadir period of allo-HSCT. Cancer 2008. © American Cancer Society.
Primal scene derivatives in the work of Yukio Mishima: The primal scene fantasy

Abstract This article discusses the preoccupation with fire, revenge, crucifixion, and other fantasies as they relate to the primal scene. The manifestations of these fantasies are demonstrated in a work of fiction by Yukio Mishima, The Temple of the Golden Pavillion. As is the case in other writings of Mishima there is a fusion of aggressive and libidinal drives and a preoccupation with death. The primal scene is directly connected with pyromania and destructive “acting out” of fantasies. This article is timely with regard to understanding contemporary events of cultural and national destruction.
A monoclonal-antibody-based immunohistochemical method for the detection of swine influenza virus in formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded tissues.

Swine influenza virus (SIV) is one of the most common respiratory viruses affecting swine. Swine influenza is present worldwide, and in the USA approximately 25-33% of slaughter pigs (6-7 months old) and 45% of 2-year-old breeding stock have anti-H1N1 SIV antibodies. Nearly all swine influenza in the USA is caused by H1N1 viruses. Only H1N1 viruses have been isolated from swine in the USA, although serologic studies indicate a low prevalence of antibody to H3N2 influenza virus. In 1994, infection with SIV was detected by virus isolation (VI), by fluorescent antibody examination (FA), or by recognition of characteristic lesions in 180 of approximately 1,800 cases of swine respiratory disease submitted to Iowa State University Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory (ISU-VDL). Rapid, reliable methods for the diagnosis of influenza in swine are essential for veterinary diagnostic laboratories serving the swine industry. Currently, diagnosis is based on characteristic clinical signs, gross and microscopic lesions, results of FA examination of frozen tissue sections, and results of VI. Each diagnostic method has certain disadvantages. Clinical signs and gross and microscopic lesions may be atypical. The multifocal distribution of SIV lesions may result in sample-to-sample variation, which can affect the results of histopathologic and FA examinations. Other factors limiting the effectiveness of the FA test in demonstrating SIV antigen include the brief time postinfection that virus is present in the lung and the need to have fresh tissues with minimal autolytic changes available for examinations. In addition, use of a fluorescence microscope is necessary, and the stained slides are not permanent records because fluorescence fades quickly. The immunohistochemical (IHC) test detects virus in formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded tissues and is relatively rapid, inexpensive, and easy to perform. The location of the virus in airway epithelial cells, macrophages, and pneumocytes can be directly visualized and associated with characteristic lesions by light microscopy. The IHC test also may be useful for performing retrospective studies when fresh tissue may no longer be available, because antigens detected by this method have been shown to be stable in paraffin for 10 years. The purpose of this study was to develop an IHC test for detection of SIV in formalin-fixed tissue. A similar
The effect of diet protein on late burn mortality.

SummaryThe effect of protein in the diet on late mortality, food intake, and weight changes of severely burned mice was studied. Mice were fed ad libitum diets containing low (6%), adequate (20%) or high (40%) casein protein diets supplemented with carbohydrate and fat to make caloric contents equivalent. Three diet regimens were used: (a) adult mice fed the diets after thermal injury; (b) weanling mice reared on the diets which were continued after burning; and (c) adult mice fed the diet for 3 weeks prior to thermal trauma and continued on the same diet afterward. The results show that on all diet regimens a low-protein diet produced a significantly higher late mortality in burned mice and an increased weight loss when compared with burned mice fed an adequate protein diet. In contrast, a high-protein diet did not prove more beneficial by the same criteria than an adequate-protein diet. In all groups compared, food intake was not significantly different. When various amounts of methionine (also reported...
Implication of absence of HCG-like gonadotrophin in the blastocyst for control of corpus luteum function in pregnant rabbit.

IN the primate, the corpus luteum formed after ovulation has a relatively short life span. If the ovum becomes fertilised, however, the presence of the embryo in the uterus leads to ‘rescue’ of the corpus luteum and a prolongation of its functional life1. Circumstantial evidence suggests that this is achieved through the elaboration of a luteotrophic substance (chorionic gonadotrophin) by the trophoblastic cells of the implanting embryo1,2. Based on differences in the plasma progesterone levels of pregnant and pseudopregnant animals, a similar situation has been proposed for the rabbit3. In support of this, the blastocyst fluid from 6-d pregnant rabbits has been reported to contain a substance similar to human chorionic gonadotrophin (HCG), by a radioreceptor assay4, and a substance similar to luteinising hormone (LH), by a heterologous radioimmunoassay5. Our study was initiated to identify definitively the source of the HCG-like substance in the rabbit blastocyst. Using a highly sensitive in vitro bioassay method we have examined the concentration of HCG-like material in the serum throughout pregnancy and in the blastocyst from days 4 to 7 of pregnancy. We report here that the rabbit blastocyst does not contain or secrete any gonadotrophin which has significant HCG-like activity.
Experimental Hypertension in Dogs by Constricting the Artery of a Single Transplanted Kidney

ConclusionWe have concluded from these experiments that a transient hypertension can be produced by constriction of the artery to a kidney denervated by transplantation. Whether a sustained level of hypertension can be produced in the absence of the renal nerves when the artery is similarly constricted will be reported later.
A sense of space: Virtual reality, authenticity and the aural

This paper re‐examines the history of the apprehension, consumption and production of reality by means of the aural in light of developments in virtual reality technology. It argues that virtual reality has long been a domain of audio technology and that by acknowledging and examining its roots in aural media its connections to the discourse of authenticity are made clear. It proposes that critical analysis of virtual reality must make explicit its undeclared nature as a mediated and symbolic creation.
Wide-range closed-form eddy-current loss formula for metal fill

This paper proposes a closed-form empirical equation to account for the eddy-current loss due to metal fill. For a given average magnetic field the formula estimates the loss due to in-plane fills. The formula was developed over a wide range of dimensions and frequencies up to 50 GHz, and was found to be accurate to within 8% over this range. We also verify the formula using an example microstrip.
Restrictions on provider access in health plans and socioeconomic status.

Objective To model the socioeconomic determinants of restrictions on provider access and choices in health plans.
Synapsis of Recombination Signal Sequences Located in cis and DNA Underwinding in V(D)J Recombination

V(D)J recombination requires binding and synapsis of a complementary (12/23) pair of recombination signal sequences (RSSs) by the RAG1 and RAG2 proteins, aided by a high-mobility group protein, HMG1 or HMG2. Double-strand DNA cleavage within this synaptic, or paired, complex is thought to involve DNA distortion or melting near the site of cleavage. Although V(D)J recombination normally occurs between RSSs located on the same DNA molecule (in cis), all previous studies that directly assessed RSS synapsis were performed with the two DNA substrates in trans. To overcome this limitation, we have developed a facilitated circularization assay using DNA substrates of reduced length to assess synapsis of RSSs in cis. We show that a 12/23 pair of RSSs is the preferred substrate for synapsis of cis RSSs and that the efficiency of pairing is dependent upon RAG1-RAG2 stoichiometry. Synapsis in cis occurs rapidly and is kinetically favored over synapsis of RSSs located in trans. This experimental system also allowed the generation of underwound DNA substrates containing pairs of RSSs in cis. Importantly, we found that the RAG proteins cleave such substrates substantially more efficiently than relaxed substrates and that underwinding may enhance RSS synapsis as well as RAG1/2-mediated catalysis. The energy stored in such underwound substrates may be used in the generation of DNA distortion and/or protein conformational changes needed for synapsis and cleavage. We propose that this unwinding is uniquely sensed during synapsis of an appropriate 12/23 pair of RSSs.
Long term survival after pancreatic resection for pancreatic adenocarcinoma

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to determine the long term survival of patients with pancreatic adenocarcinoma who underwent surgical resection and to assess the association of clinical, pathological, and treatment features with survival. METHODS: Between January, 1990, and December, 1998, 125 patients underwent a pancreaticoduodenal or partial pancreatic resection for pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma at our institution. The records of these patients were reviewed for demographics, tumor characteristics including size, histological grade, margin status, lymph node status, surgical TNM staging, and postoperative adjuvant therapy. The primary outcome variable analyzed was survival. RESULTS: A total of 116 patients had complete follow-up and were included in the final analysis. The median survival after surgery was 16 months. The 1-, 3-, 5-, and 7-yr survival rates for all 116 patients were 60%, 23%, 19%, and 11%, respectively. The 1-, 3-, 5-, and 7-yr survival rates for patients who received adjuvant therapy were 69%, 28%, 23%, and 18% compared with 20% and 0% in patients who did not receive adjuvant therapy (p < 0.0001). The 1-, 3-, 5-, and 7-yr survival rates for patients with negative lymph nodes were 73%, 38%, 26%, and 22% compared with survival rates of 52%, 14%, 14%, and 9% in patients with positive lymph nodes (p = 0.01). In multivariate analyses, adjuvant therapy was the only feature found to be strongly associated with survival (hazards ratio = 0.26, 95% CI = 0.15–0.44). CONCLUSIONS: The overall 5- and 7-yr survival rates of 19% and 11% in our study further validate that surgical resection in patients with pancreatic adenocarcinoma can result in long term survival, particularly when performed in association with adjuvant chemoradiation.
Methods for finding and validating neural spike patterns

Recent experimental and theoretical results have suggested the possibility that cortical neurons may produce only a small number of distinct spiking patterns when stimulated repeatedly by the same signal. Such firing patterns invalidate the assumption that cortical responses are Poisson and suggest the possibility of novel cortical information processing strategies. Unfortunately, methods for extracting and quantifying spike patterns from experimental data are still immature. We present a quantitative definition of spike patterns, a principled procedure for their extraction, and methods for validating and quantifying the presence of spike patterns in neuronal data.
Dye studies on flow through branching tubes

This study was aimed at identifying the shape of the separating surface at the junction of two vessels and determining the shift in concentration profiles due to streamline bending at the junction. These data are useful in modeling phase separation during plasma skimming in serial microvascular bifurcations. It was hypothesized that the separating surface shape should be a function of the ratio of the branch diameters and the fractional flow split at the junction. Streamlines bend as blood flows through a junction thereby disturbing the concentration profile of several blood components downstream from the branch point. Model experiments have been conducted to test these ideas. Scaled-up dye studies have shown that the separating surface is indeed a function of the branch diameter ratio. When all branches have the same diameter the separating surface is virtually flat. When the side branch diameter is half that of the parent branch, the surface is curved, bulging away from the opening of the side branch. At Reynold's numbers greater than 20, when vortices form in the daughter branches, the shape of the separating surface is complicated and may even be discontinuous. Other dye experiments have been used to illustrate the magnitude of streamline bending. The data are then used to estimate the shift in concentration profiles due to flow through junctions. A technique for mapping upstream profiles to their corresponding downstream location has been developed. This mapping technique provides the necessary initial condition for the equation which describes the dispersion of red blood cells as they flow between the junctions.
A Comparison of Internalizers, Externalizers, and Normals Using the WISC-R and Wisconsin Card Sorting Test

This study examined the possible differences among Internalizing, Externalizing, and normal children on WISC-R factors and measures from the Wisconsin Card Sorting Test. The groups were selected using the Teacher Report Form of the Child Behavior Checklist. The three groups were matched on age, SES, and FSIQ. The matching yielded 36 subjects (12 per group). Significant between-group differences were found on the WCST Perseverative Errors (p < .01) and the Freedom From Distractibility factor of the WISC-R (p < .01). Significant within-groups differences also were found. A discriminant function analysis was conducted, which correctly classified 80.6% of the 36 children based on CBCL groupings. It is concluded that neuropsychological and WISC-R factor comparisons add discriminative power to and should be included in the assessment of emotional disability.
MULTIFOCAL GLIOBLASTOMA MULTIFORME: PROGNOSTIC FACTORS AND PATTERNS OF PROGRESSION

Purpose To assess the progression patterns in patients with multifocal glioblastoma multiforme who had undergone whole brain radiotherapy (WBRT), the historical standard, versus three-dimensional conformal radiotherapy, and to identify predictive treatment and pretreatment factors. Methods and Materials The records of 50 patients with multifocal glioblastoma multiforme treated with RT were reviewed. Univariate analyses were performed using survival methods and the Cox proportional hazards regression method. Multivariate analyses were performed using the Cox proportional hazards regression method. Results The mean age was 61 years, and 71% had a Karnofsky performance status (KPS) score of ≥70. Of the 50 patients, 32% underwent WBRT and 68%, three-dimensional conformal RT. Progression was local in all evaluable patients, as determined by imaging in 38 patients and early neurologic progression in 12. The median time to progression (TTP) was 3.1 months, and the median survival time (MST) was 8.1 months. The significant independent predictors of TTP on multivariate analysis were a KPS score p = 0.001), the extent of surgery ( p = 0.040), a radiation dose p = 0.027), and the lack of chemotherapy ( p = 0.001). The significant independent predictors of a reduced MST were a KPS score p = 0.022) and the absence of salvage surgery ( p = 0.011) and salvage chemotherapy ( p = 0.003). Conclusion Local progression was observed in all patients. On multivariate analysis, no significant difference was found in the TTP or MST between three-dimensional conformal radiotherapy and WBRT. The KPS was a consistent independent predictor of both TTP and MST. On the basis of the progression pattern, we do not recommend WBRT as a mandatory component of the treatment of multifocal glioblastoma multiforme.
Multiple renin-angiotensin-aldosterone-blocking agents in heart failure: how much is too much?

Angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACE-Is) and β-adrenergic receptor blockers (BBs) have been effective in reducing cardiovascular morbidity and mortality in patients with heart failure (HF) and left ventricular systolic dysfunction (LVSD). Angiotensin receptor blockers and aldosterone blockers have also been shown to be effective. Although ACE-Is and BBs remain the therapies of choice for patients with HF-LVSD, many clinicians have attempted to further reduce patient morbidity and mortality by adding another inhibitor or blocker of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system to an ACE-I or BB. This article reviews the efficacy and safety of adding another renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system inhibitor or blocker to an ACE-I or an angiotensin receptor blocker plus a BB in patients with HF-LVSD.
Four dimensional helicity scheme beyond one loop

I describe a procedure by which one can transform scattering amplitudes computed in the four-dimensional helicity scheme into properly renormalized amplitudes in the 't Hooft-Veltman scheme. I describe a new renormalization program, based upon that of the dimensional reduction scheme and explain how to remove both finite and infrared-singular contributions of the evanescent degrees of freedom to the scattering amplitude.
Transport-based image reconstruction in turbid media with small source-detector separations.

We demonstrate a new method for imaging through several millimeters of a turbid sample with a resolution of approximately 100 µm by combining aspects of confocal reflectance microscopy and diffuse optical tomography. By laterally displacing the pinhole aperture of a confocal microscope we can achieve small source–detector separations and detect minimally scattered light. A reconstruction algorithm based on the first Born approximation to the radiative transport equation is then used to reconstruct an image of a 100‐µm absorbing object located 2 mm beneath the surface.
THE MAZE PROCEDURE FOR CURE OF ATRIAL FIBRILLATION

Atrial fibrillation is the most common dysrhythmia encountered in clinical practice. A significant number of patients fail medical therapy because of inability to convert or control the rhythm pharmacologically, intolerance of the requisite medication, or persistent symptoms despite apparently satisfactory rate control. Based on experimental studies establishing the electrophysiologic basis of atrial fibrillation, a surgical procedure has been developed that is highly effective in restoring sinus rhythm without further requirement for medications. The evolution of this procedure, its current indications, and results are outlined.
Simulations of Polymer Cyclization by Brownian Dynamics

The dynamic characteristics of polymers in dilute solution, such as the end-to-end distance relaxation time, τm, and the time of diffusion-controlled cyclization, τa, were studied using Brownian dy...
The Influence of Soil Inoculum and Nitrogen Availability on Restoration of High‐Elevation Steppe Communities Invaded by Bromus tectorum

Cheatgrass (Bromus tectorum L.) is an exotic annual grass that has invaded approximately 40,000,000 ha of rangelands in the United States, including montane ecosystems that are important habitats for wildlife and livestock. In addition to well-understood mechanisms by which Cheatgrass gains competitive advantage, recent studies have shown that Cheatgrass may also change the associated soil microbial community to impact native perennial plants and promote the persistence of Cheatgrass. Furthermore, reducing plant-available N represents a tool for initiating conditions that accelerate successional change from annual- to perennial-dominated communities. At a montane, mixed shrub–grassland Cheatgrass-dominated site in Colorado, we applied sucrose to reduce available N, and we added soil from a native plant community in order to reestablish the microbial community. This approach tested the idea that intact native soil microbial communities may enhance the beneficial effect of reducing soil N availability in a restoration setting. By the end of the experiment, reduced N availability decreased Cheatgrass by 9.8%, non-native annual/biennial plant cover by 15.0%, and increased relative perennial plant cover by 13.4%; soil inoculation reduced Cheatgrass by 7.6% and increased perennial abundance by 11.3%. Soil inoculum additions and reduced N availability both contributed toward restoring a perennial-dominated community and demonstrates that addition of native soil inoculum may be a useful tool for restoration efforts.
ARE WOMEN MORE RISK AVERSE

We find that single women exhibit relatively more risk aversion in financial decision making than single men. Using U.S. sample data, we examine household holdings of risky assets to determine whether there are gender differences in financial risk taking. As wealth increases, the proportion of wealth held as risky assets is estimated to increase by a smaller amount for single women than for single men. Gender differences in financial risk taking are also influenced by age, race, and number of children. Greater financial risk aversion may provide an explanation for women's lower levels of wealth compared with men's. (JEL J16, D81, G11)
Modification of SiO 2 Nanowires with Metallic Nanocrystals from Supercritical CO 2

Through hydrogen reduction of metal precursors in supercritical CO2, Cu, and Pd, nanocrystals were deposited onto SiO2 nanowires to form different types of nanostructured materials, including nanocrystal-nanowire, spherical aggregation-nanowire, shell-nanowire composites, and "mesoporous" metals supported by the framework of nanowires. This supercritical fluid deposition technique is an attractive approach for modifying nanowires because of its generality and simplicity; the modified nanowires could be useful as catalysts and for further fabrication of multifunctional composites.
The role of trap cameras in catch per unit effort calculations for species of the South Atlantic Bight snapper-grouper complex

Abstract Since 1990, 35 mm cameras have been mounted on Caribbean chevron traps used to sample reef fish in the South Atlantic Bight. These cameras were developed to photograph the habitat type associated with the trap. In instances where traps were recovered with no catch, the photograph was checked to determine if the trap had landed on sponge coral habitats, ledges, and rocky outcrops, commonly referred to as live bottom. If it had, the trap was considered a valid sample and incorporated into catch per unit effort (CPUE) calculations. This method of calculating CPUE was compared with that previously used in which all traps with zero catches were excluded from analyses, and a new method where all traps set were considered valid samples. Using a single factor ANOVA, no significant differences were found between CPUEs calculated using the three methods for the five most abundant species sampled. While trap cameras were useful in identifying live bottom habitat for sample sites where no historic bottom type data were available, they did not significantly impact the results of CPUE analyses when traps were set in the vicinity of previously identified sponge coral habitats.
MEMS-based force-clamp analysis of the role of body stiffness in C. elegans touch sensation

Touch is enabled by mechanoreceptor neurons in the skin and plays an essential role in our everyday lives, but is among the least understood of our five basic senses. Force applied to the skin deforms these neurons and activates ion channels within them. Despite the importance of the mechanics of the skin in determining mechanoreceptor neuron deformation and ultimately touch sensation, the role of mechanics in touch sensitivity is poorly understood. Here, we use the model organism Caenorhabditis elegans to directly test the hypothesis that body mechanics modulate touch sensitivity. We demonstrate a microelectromechanical system (MEMS)-based force clamp that can apply calibrated forces to freely crawling C. elegans worms and measure touch-evoked avoidance responses. This approach reveals that wild-type animals sense forces <1 μN and indentation depths <1 μm. We use both genetic manipulation of the skin and optogenetic modulation of body wall muscles to alter body mechanics. We find that small changes in body stiffness dramatically affect force sensitivity, while having only modest effects on indentation sensitivity. We investigate the theoretical body deformation predicted under applied force and conclude that local mechanical loads induce inward bending deformation of the skin to drive touch sensation in C. elegans.
Benefits of newborn circumcision: is Europe ignoring medical evidence?

A major difference between the paediatric care provided in Europe and that provided in the US stems from the attitudes of care providers toward newborn circumcision as a preventive health measure. In the US, the great majority of newborn boys (about 1.4 million annually) are circumcised, whereas in Europe, neonatal circumcision is rarely done. European countries consider newborn circumcision an unnecessary surgical procedure which increases the costs of operating nationalised health systems, whereas in the US, circumcision is generally considered a simple, rapid operation with medical benefits which accrue throughout life. Phimosis, balanoposthitis, and difficulty of ensuring adequate genital hygiene in uncircumcised boys have been best described in the European literature.1-4 US anticircumcision groups claim that genital hygiene can easily be maintained as the foreskin naturally separates, but, in reality, genital hygiene in uncircumcised boys has been shown to be poor, even in British and Scandinavian middle class schoolboys.1 2 The prevalence of true phimosis (anatomic constriction of the preputial opening, which must be distinguished from adherent foreskin) in published studies varies from 0.3% to 0.9%,5 but true phimosis requires circumcision later in life, when the procedure is more difficult, risky, and expensive.6 7 Balanoposthitis has been estimated to occur in 4% of uncircumcised boys, and incidence peaks at age 2 to 5 years.3 Although treatment can be conservative, late circumcision is often necessary for recurrent cases, and medical management requires additional physician visits and treatment. The evidence that circumcision protects against penile cancer is overwhelming. In the US, incidence of penile cancer in circumcised men is essentially zero (about one reported case every five years), but it is 2.2 per 100 000 in uncircumcised men (about 1000 cases are reported annually). On the basis of life table analysis, Kochen and McCurdy estimated that an uncircumcised …
ER membrane protein complex required for nuclear fusion.

Diploid cells of the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae form after the mating of two haploid cells of the opposite mating type. After fusion of the two plasma membranes of the mating cells, a dinucleated cell forms initially in which the two haploid nuclei then rapidly fuse to form a single diploid nucleus. This latter event, called karyogamy, can be divided into two distinct steps: the microtubule-based movement that causes the two nuclei to become closely juxtaposed and the fusion of the nuclear membranes. For the membrane fusion step, one required component, the ER luminal protein Kar2p (BiP), has been identified. For topological reasons, however, it has been unclear how Kar2p could function in this role. Kar2p is localized to the luminal (i.e., noncytoplasmic) face of the ER membrane, yet nuclear fusion must initiate from the cytosolic side of the outer nuclear membrane or the ER membrane with which it is contiguous. There is both genetic and biochemical evidence that Kar2p interacts with Sec63p, an ER membrane protein containing both luminal and cytosolic domains that is involved in protein translocation across the membrane. We have isolated novel sec63 mutant alleles that display severe karyogamy defects. Disruption of the genes encoding other Sec63p-associated proteins (Sec71p and Sec72p) also results in karyogamy defects. A suppressor mutant (sos1-1) partially corrects the translocation defect but does not alleviate the karyogamy defect. sec61 and sec62 mutant alleles that cause similar or more severe protein translocation defects show no karyogamy defects. Taken together, these results suggest a direct role for Sec63p, Sec71p, and Sec72p in nuclear membrane fusion and argue against the alternative interpretation that the karyogamy defects result as an indirect consequence of the impaired membrane translocation of another component(s) required for the process. We propose that an ER/nuclear membrane protein complex composed of Sec63p, Sec71p, and Sec72p plays a central role in mediating nuclear membrane fusion and requires ER luminally associated Kar2p for its function.
Enzymes of energy metabolism in the mudpuppy retina

The distributions of glycogen phosphorylase, hexokinase, phosphofructokinase, lactate dehydrogenase, glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase, citrate synthase, malate dehydrogenase, beta-hydroxyacyl CoA dehydrogenase, and adenylokinase were determined in the mudpuppy retina. Distinct differences were found in regard to the glycolytic and oxidative capacities of the various layers. In the outer retina, citric acid cycle enzymes were high while glycolytic enzymes were low. Synaptic zones were distinctly enriched in all energy-producing enzymes. Mudpuppy photoreceptors were found to be rich in phosphorylase but poor in glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase, suggestive of some evolutionary divergence from mammals in the metabolic machinery which is used to support the visual process.
Socioeconomic Position and Graft Failure in Pediatric Heart Transplant Recipients

Background— Socioeconomic (SE) position may affect availability of resources, health-related behavior, and outcomes. We assessed whether patient SE position, determined for the block group of patient residence (average population 1000, smallest census unit with SE data), is associated with graft failure in pediatric heart transplant recipients. Methods and Results— We used the US Census 2000 database to derive a composite SE score for the block group of residence for all patients who underwent their first heart transplant at Children’s Hospital Boston between 1991 and 2005 (n=135). Cox proportional hazards models were used to determine the risk of graft failure (death or retransplant) in the lowest tertile SE group (low SE group) compared with the remaining 2 of 3 patients (controls). The 2 groups were similar with respect to age, gender, diagnosis, and year of transplant. White race was less frequent in low SE group (64% versus 90%, P =0.001). Graft failure occurred in 46 transplant recipients (40 deaths, 6 retransplant). Low SE group (hazard ratio 2.4, 95% CI 1.3 to 4.3) and nonwhite race (hazard ratio 2.7, 95% CI 1.4 to 5.2) were both associated with higher risk of graft failure. In a multivariable model controlling for diagnosis and pretransplant support, race, and low SE position (hazard ratio 2.0, 95% CI 1.0 to 3.7, P =0.04) remained associated with graft failure. Low SE position group had a higher incidence rate of graft rejection and was at a higher risk of late rejection. Conclusion— Low SE position may be an independent risk factor for graft failure in pediatric heart transplant recipients. Received June 20, 2008; accepted January 30, 2009.
Cisplatin Inhibition of Anthrax Lethal Toxin

Bacillus anthracis lethal toxin (LT) produces symptoms of anthrax in mice and induces rapid lysis of macrophages derived from certain inbred strains. LT is comprised of a receptor binding component, protective antigen (PA), which delivers the enzymatic component, lethal factor (LF), into cells. We found that mouse macrophages were protected from toxin by the antitumor drug cis-diammineplatinum (II) dichloride (cisplatin). Cisplatin was shown to inhibit LT-mediated cleavage of cellular mitogen-activated protein kinases (MEKs) without inhibiting LF's in vitro proteolytic activity. Cisplatin-treated PA lost 100% of its ability to function in toxicity assays when paired with untreated LF, despite maintaining the ability to bind to cells. Cisplatin-treated PA was unable to form heptameric oligomers required for LF binding and translocation. The drug was shown to modify PA in a reversible noncovalent manner. Not surprisingly, cisplatin also blocked the actions of anthrax edema toxin and of LF-Pseudomonas aeruginosa exotoxin A fusion peptide (FP59), both of which require PA for translocation. Treatment of BALB/cJ mice or Fischer F344 rats with cisplatin at biologically relevant concentrations completely protected the animals from a coadministered lethal dose of LT. However, treatment with cisplatin 2 hours before or after animals received a lethal bolus of toxin did not protect them.
Writing efficient C++ programs (abstract)

This tutorial teaches the competing meanings of high performance; the characteristics of object-oriented systems that can decrease performance; how to locate and eliminate computational bottlenecks in C++ programs; and the trade-offs between high performance and system reusability, maintainability, and portability. It describes in detail the factors that affect the performance of C++ software. Whether your primary concern is high system speed, small system size, fast recompilation, or a combination of these, this tutorial provides you with the tools necessary to come up with an appropriate object- oriented design, to implement it efficiently in C++, and to fine-tune it for maximum performance.The reasons for bottlenecks in C++ programs are often surprising. Contrary to popular belief, virtual functions usually exact a negligible performance cost, while unexpected calls to constructors and destructors frequently hamstring applications. This tutorial teaches you what is really important if you want to deliver high performance, and the techniques you need to achieve it.
A Review of: What is an Apparatus? and Other Essays, by Giorgio Agamben

Perhaps we should note at the outset the number of pages that comprise the most recently available text in English by Italian philosopher Giorgio Agamben. Yet it would be hasty to assume that such ...
Mixed-Ionic-Electronic-Conduction (MIEC)-Based Access Devices for 3D Multilayer Crosspoint Memory

A number of applications call for the organization of resistive non-volatile memory (NVM) into large, densely-packed crossbar arrays. While resistive-NVM devices often possess some degree of inherent nonlinearity (typically 3-30× contrast), the operation of large (>1000×1000 device) arrays at low power tends to require large (> 1e7) ON-to-OFF ratios between the currents passed at high and at low voltages. Such large nonlinearities can be implemented by including a distinct access device together with each of the state-bearing resistive-NVM elements. While such an access device need not store data, its list of requirements is almost as challenging as the specifications demanded of the memory device. We review our work on high-performance access devices based on Cu-containing Mixed-Ionic-Electronic Conduction (MIEC) materials [1–7]. (This version focuses only on the MIEC-based access device itself; previously-published longer versions of this work [8–10] also include more extensive surveys of competing devices as well.) These devices require only the low processing temperatures of the Back-End-Of-the-Line (BEOL), making them highly suitable for implementing multi-layer crossbar arrays. MIEC-based access devices offer large ON/OFF ratios (>1e7), a significant voltage margin Vm (over which current < 10nA), and ultra-low leakage (<10pA), while also offering the high current densities needed for PCM and the fully bipolar operation needed for high-performance RRAM. Scalability to critical dimensions (CD) <30nm and thicknesses <15nm, tight distributions and 100% yield in large (512kBit) arrays, long-term stability of the ultra-low leakage states, and sub-50ns turn-ON times have all been demonstrated. Numerical modeling of these MIEC-based access devices shows that their operation depends on Cu+ mediated hole conduction. Circuit simulations reveal that while scaled MIEC devices are suitable for large crossbar arrays of resistive-NVM devices with low (<1.2V) switching voltages, a compact vertical stack of two MIEC devices in series could support large crossbar arrays for switching voltages up to 2.5V.
SIBLING INTERACTION AND SELFREPORTED DELINQUENT BEHAVIOR: A STUDY OF 265 TWIN PAIRS

The relationship between the quality of twins’mutual attachment and delinquency is examined in a study of 265 twin pairs. It is predicted that twins with stronger mutual attachments will have lower rates of delinquent behavior. Contrary to this prediction, twins’mutual attachment (that is, the frequency with which the twins saw each other in teenage activities) is found to be unrelated to delinquent behavior. The twins often cooperated, however, in their delinquent acts: 61 % of the girls and 79% of the boys reported committing one or more delinquent acts with their twins. In accord with social control theory, social bonds (normlessness, perceived parental acceptance-rejection, and value placed on academic achievement) are strongly associated with delinquent behavior. Except for male DZ twins, however, these same variables are only weakly associated with twins’mutual attachments. A behavioral genetic analysis of the social bonds indicate both genetic and specific environmental components to their variation but fail to show evidence of a shared environmental component. Implications of these findings are discussed.
Abnormalities in spontaneous abortions detected by G-banding and chromosomal microarray analysis (CMA) at a national reference laboratory

Cytogenetic evaluation of products of conception (POC) for chromosomal abnormalities is central to determining the cause of pregnancy loss. We compared the test success rates in various specimen types and the frequencies of chromosomal abnormalities detected by G-banding analysis with those found by Oligo-SNP chromosomal microarray analysis (CMA). We evaluated the benefit of CMA testing in cases of failed culture growth. Conventional cytogenetic results of 5457 consecutive POC specimens were reviewed and categorized as placental villi, fetal parts, and unspecified POC tissue. The CMA was performed on 268 cases. Of those, 32 cases had concurrent G-banding results. The remaining 236 cases included 107 cases with culture failure and 129 cases evaluated by CMA alone. The overall POC culture success rate was 75%, with the lowest for fetal parts (37.4%) and the highest for placental villi (81%). The abnormality rate was 58% for placental villi, but only 25% for fetal parts. Of the abnormalities detected, the most common were aneuploidies, including trisomy 16, triploidy, monosomy X, trisomy 22, trisomy 21 and trisomy 15, while the least encountered aneuploidies were trisomy 1, trisomy 19 and monosomies (except monosomy 21). Overall, POC specimens studied by CMA were successful in 89.6% of cases and yielded a 44.6% abnormality rate. Placental villi yielded higher rates of culture success and a higher percentage of abnormal karyotypes than did other specimen types. The Oligo-SNP CMA method has demonstrated a viable alternative to the G-banding method in view of its advantages in detection of submicroscopic genomic aberrations, shorter turnaround time due to elimination of time required for culture and a higher test success rate.