cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
EFFECTS OF BISON AND CATTLE ON GROWTH, REPRODUCTION, AND ABUNDANCES OF FIVE TALLGRASS PRAIRIE FORBS

Forb populations were sampled on Kansas tallgrass prairie to examine the effects of native (bison) and domestic (cattle) ungulates on plant growth, reproduction, and species abundances. Five locally and regionally abundant native tallgrass prairie perennials, Baptisia bracteata, Oenothera speciosa, Vernonia baldwinii, Solidago missouriensis, and Salvia azurea, were selected for study. Replicate watershed-level treatments included three grazing regimes (ungrazed, grazed by cattle, and grazed by bison), and two spring fire frequencies (annually burned and burned at 4-yr intervals). The results show that forb responses to ungulates in tallgrass prairie are complex and vary significantly among plant species, ungulate species, fire regimes, and plant life history stages. Some forbs (e.g., B. bracteata, O. speciosa, and V. baldwinii) increased in growth and reproduction in grazed sites, indicating competitive release in response to selective grazing of the dominant warm-season matrix grasses. Forbs that reduced performance in grazed sites are likely negatively affected by disturbances generated by ungulate nongrazing activities, because none of the forbs studied were directly consumed by bison or cattle. Large grazers had no detectable effect on the frequency of plant damage by other herbivores or pathogens. Significant effects of grazers on patterns of flowering and seed production were not congruent with their effects on population densities, indicating that variation in sexual reproduction plays a minor role in regulating local population abundances. Furthermore, the native and domestic ungulates differ significantly in their effects on forb growth and reproduction.
Diffusion theory of the post-irradiation oxidation of polyethylene

The primary reaction of oxygen with irradiated polyethylene has been followed by observing the rapid disappearance of the ultraviolet absorption bands at 258 and 285 mμ, bands attributed to the allyl and dienyl free radicals. A mathematical theory based on diffusion equations has been developed by means of which a quantitative estimate of the total initial free-radical concentration can be made. From the shape of the free-radical decay curve it can be concluded that the initial oxygen–free-radical reactions occur about three times as frequently in the amorphous regions as in the crystalline.
Weight Training in Youth-Growth, Maturation, and Safety: An Evidence-Based Review

Objective:To review the effects of resistance training programs on pre- and early-pubertal youth in the context of response, potential influence on growth and maturation, and occurrence of injury.Design:Evidence-based review.Methods:Twenty-two reports dealing with experimental resistance training pr
Perfluoropolyethers: Analysis by TOF-SIMS

TOF-SIMS spectra of the following perfluoropolyethers (PFPEs) were analyzed: Demnum-S, Krytox, Fomblin-Z, perfluoropoly(dioxolane), perfluoropoly(tetramethylene oxide), and perfluoropoly(ethylene oxide). In each case, the PFPE produced an intense negative ion spectrum with simple patterns persisting into the high-mass region surpassing the mean MW of the polymer. In contrast, the positive ion spectra are much more complex and compressed toward the low-mass end. Totally unrelated formation mechanisms for the positive and negative ions are thus indicated. It is proposed and substantiated that the negative ion spectra are dominated by anions resulting from one-step dissociative electron capture at ether oxygens, R−O−R‘ + e- → R−O- + •R‘. The Demnum molecule, having locally symmetric ether oxygens, produces two major peaks in each repetitive fragmentation packet, equal in intensity but displaced by the mass difference of the two end groups. PFPEs with asymmetric ether oxygens produce negative ion spectra res...
Maternal-Fetal Interactions Affect Growth of Human Immunodeficiency Virus Type 1 Transgenic Mice

ABSTRACT: Infants vertically infected with human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) often manifest profoundly deficient growth with failure to thrive. The pathologic mechanisms that produce growth failure associated with pediatric HIV infection are not clear. Transgenic mice homozygous for a gag/pol deletion mutant of the infectious pro virus pNL4–3 have been found to manifest a similar growth failure pattern. To explore the influence of HIV-1 on fetal growth and maternal-fetal interactions, we examined intrauterine growth of transgenic and nontransgenic mice and evaluated the consequence of embryo transfer into normal and heterozygous transgenic mothers. Mice homozygous for the HIV transgene had normal intrauterine and birth weights but uniformly displayed severe growth retardation postnatally. Transgene expression was prominent in transgenic fetuses and their placentas and in uteri of transgenic mothers, as determined by Northern analysis. Although embryo transfer did not affect intrauterine growth, the pregnancy rate in transgenic mothers was markedly lower than in nontransgenic controls. In both fetal and neonatal tissues, transgene expression was significantly greater in homozygous animals when compared with heterozygotes, but the difference was magnified postnatally. These results suggest that HIV gene expression affected both mother and neonate. In the mother, expression of the HIV-1 transgene reduced postfertilization pregnancy rate. Once the animal was pregnant, however, the effects of transgene expression on the homozygous fetus were overcome in utero, possibly by the contribution of maternal factors or by inhibition of HIV-1 gene expression by a fetal or maternal factor(s). In the neonate, HIV-1 transgene expression increased dramatically in homozygotes and was associated with profound growth failure. Thus, the expression of HIV-1 and its consequences are complex and dependent on important maternal-fetal interactions.
Laparoscopic Burch colposuspension and the tension-free vaginal tape procedure.

Purpose of reviewMinimally invasive procedures for urinary incontinence and pelvic organ prolapse have gained increasing popularity in the past decade. The advantages of minimal access through laparoscopic and vaginal routes include smaller incisions, shortened hospital stay, decreased analgesia, ra
High Resolution Spectroscopy of SN1987A's Rings: He I λ 10830 and Hα from the Hotspots

We present the first high‐dispersion spectroscopy of He I λ 10830 from the hotspots in the ring around SN1987A, obtained at Gemini South, spatially resolving the near and far sides of the ring. We compare these line profiles to similar echelle spectra of Hα and [N II] λ6583 obtained at the Magellan Observatory. We find that the He I profiles are much broader than Hα or [N II], but the He I profiles also have different shapes — they have enhanced emission at high speeds, with extra blueshifted emission on the north side of the ring, and extra redshifted emission on the south side. To explain this, we invoke a simple geometric picture where the extra He I emission traces hotter gas from faster shocks that strike the apex of the hotspots directly, while the Hα preferentially traces cooler lower‐ionization gas from slower transverse shocks that penetrate into the sides of the ring.
Metastatic islet cell carcinoma: a potentially treatable cause of "carcinoma of unknown origin.".

A 55-year-old woman presented with diplopia secondary to an orbital mass. Physical examination showed a large ovarian mass. Further evaluation revealed these lesions to be metastases from a nonfunctioning pancreatic islet cell carcinoma, the first such case reported. Since these tumors can be responsive to chemotherapy, it is important to consider islet cell cancers in patients presenting with “metastatic carcinoma of unknown origin.”
Diastereoselectivity of Chloride Substitution Reactions of Cycloruthenated (R)C-(+)- and (S)C-(−)-Dimethyl(1-phenylethyl)amine

The diastereoselectivity of chloride substitution in the two enantiomeric ruthenacycles (SRu, RC)- and (RRu, SC)-{(η6-C6H6)Ru(C6H4CH(Me)N(Me)2]}} by bromide, iodide, and selected nitrogen and phosphorus donor ligands has been determined by a combination of 1H, 13C{1H}, and 31P{1H} NMR spectroscopy, UV−visible spectroscopy, circular dichroism, and, where possible, single-crystal X-ray crystallography. The diastereoselectivity generally increases with increasing steric bulk of the incoming ligand and proceeds with predominant retention of configuration at ruthenium.
Determinant selection is a macrophage dependent immune response gene function.

IMMUNE response (Ir) genes are linked to the species histocompatibility complex and define as yet uncharacterised phenotypic products which control the immune response to thymus dependent antigens1. Antibody formation2 and antigen induced T lymphocyte proliferation3 are two examples of immune phenomena which, in vivo and in vitro, operate under Ir gene influence. To clarify their mechanism of action and cellular location, we have examined the contribution of antigen structure (amino acid sequence and conformation to Ir gene control of antigen recognition by T lymphocytes) as well as to the critical role played by the antigen presenting macrophage in expression of that control4–7. We report that immune response gene control of antigen recognition operates at least in part at the level of the macrophage.
Hexokinase isozyme variability in Drosophila robusta.

Several isozymes of hexokinase have been found in Drosophila robusta. These have been defined in this paper in several dimensions, including genetic variation, ontogenic variation, tissue-organ variation, and substrate specificity.
Use of sonicated dispersions of mixtures of cholesterol with lecithin as substrates for lecithin:Cholesterol acyltransferase

1. 1. Sonicated dispersions of mixtures of unesteriued cholesterol with lecithin can serve as substrates for radioassay of lecithin:cholesterol acyltransferase activity in the ultracentrifugal d > 1.21 g/ml fraction. 2. 2. Net esterification yields (24-h incubation) and initial reaction rates decrease with increasing molar proportion of unesterified cholesterol in the sonicated substrate. 3. 3. Negligible lecithin:cholesterol acyltransferase activity is observed when lecithin in the sonicated substrates is replaced by phosphatidyl ethanolamine, phosphatidyl serine or sphingomyelin. 4. 4. Ultracentrifugal fractionation of incubated assay mixtures shows product cholesteryl esters distributed primarily between the d < 1.063 and the d = 1.063–1.21 g/ml fractions. 5. 5. The present findings support the hypothesis that the significant differences in reactivity of the different classes of serum lipoproteins with lecithin: cholesterol acyltransferase may result from differences in the relative proportions of unesterified cholesterol and lecithin on the lipoprotein surface accessible to the enzyme.
Molecular Weights of Emulsion Polydienes

Abstract In the polymerization of dienes there is always the possibility of a cross-linking reaction between the polydiene chains because of the residual double bonds in the chains. Such a reaction can eventually lead to the formation of “infinite networks” which are characterized by loss of solubility (gel). The statistics, mechanism, and kinetics of the formation of such networks during polymerization have been treated in recent years. From this treatment it becomes apparent that the onset of gel occurs when there is one cross-linked monomeric unit per weight-average primary chain. The latter term refers to the polymeric chain uncontaminated by any cross-links. Recent data have shown that the rate of the cross-linking reaction is relatively slow compared to the propagation reaction during a polymerization, and that polydiene chains can reach lengths of at least several thousand units without including a cross-linked unit. This permits the attainment of synthetic rubber of reasonably high molecular weigh...
History of modern psychopharmacology: a personal view with an emphasis on antidepressants.

OBJECTIVE This article provides the chemical basis for the molecular modification of H1 antihistamines in the rational development of some antidepressant and antipsychotic drugs. METHODS A review of the literature and personal experiences have been compiled. CONCLUSIONS The contributions of many basic scientists, the crucial observations of clinicians, and the desire of the drug industry to make money have resulted in the currently available psychopharmacological treatments. The future development of psychopharmacology depends on better clinical research to generate new hypotheses of the chemical and behavioral pathology of mental disease. Psychosomatic medicine can make a unique contribution in its interdisciplinary role of stressing brain, body, and mind relationships.
The tibial gutter: A protected route for bypass grafts to the distal anterior tibial artery

We have seen three patients whose distal anterior tibial arteries were the only patent outflow vessels of their ischemic legs. Creating a gutter in the anterior ridge of the tibia proved to be a valuable technique for limb salvage in all three patients
Factors affecting site fidelity in a territorial animal,Perithemis tenera

This study investigated the factors aVecting the site fidelity of the eastern amberwing dragonfly, Perithemis tenera (Odonata: Anisoptera), following the framework and testing the predic- tions of a theoretical model (Switzer 1993; Evol. Ecol., 7, 533-555). Male amberwings defended territories around oviposition sites during the day and left the pond vicinity in the evening. Individuals were highly site-faithful between days: 32.5% of the time males returned to the same oviposition site, and 62.3% of the time males returned to within 3 m of their previous site. Mating success on the pond was temporally predictable and spatially variable. As the model predicted from these habitat characteristics, individuals were more likely to be site-faithful if they had obtained a mating at the site the day before, if their territory was of relatively high quality and when they were older. Males that voluntarily changed oviposition sites between days moved to higher-quality territories. In contrast to some other odonate and avian studies, territory evictions caused considerable site infidelity in amberwings both within and between days. Evictions caused most moves within a day, but the majority of moves between days were voluntary. ? 1997 The Association for the Study of Animal Behaviour
A RE-EVALUATION OF ACETYLCHOLINE, ADRENALINE, NOR-ADRENALINE AND HISTAMINE AS POSSIBLE MEDIATORS OF THE PITUITARY ADRENOCORTICOTROPHIC ACTIVATION BY STRESS1

THE use of specific pharmacologic antagonists to study the participation of the various autonomic mediators in the activation of the anterior lobe of the pituitary during stress has been found impractical by many investigators owing to the strong ACTH-releasing effects of these substances when administered alone or concurrently with the mediator investigated. Thus, no conclusive results have been reported on the role of endogenous epinephrine in the ACTH-release mechanism (August and Gubner, 1949; Seifter et al., 1949; Paschkis et al., 1950; Ronzoni and Reichlin, 1950; Tepperman and Tepperman, 1950; Gershberg et al., 1950; Fortier, 1951a; Sawyer, 1952) nor of acetylcholine (Dordoni and Fortier, 1950) or histamine (Fortier and Guillemin, 1950; Tepperman et al., 1951). A new approach to this problem was made possible when it was shown that by “adapting” (Serve, 1946) the animals to a pharmacological agent by repeated injections it became possible to dissociate its specific pharmacodynamic effects from its n...
Daily patterns of activity in the spotted hyena

We used long-term (2- to 15-h) focal-animal sampling (‘‘follows’’) and supplementary behavioral observations of adult spotted hyenas (Crocuta crocuta) from 3 separate social groups within the Masai Mara National Reserve, Kenya, to investigate the degree to which sex, social rank, and human disturbance influenced hyena activity patterns, movement rates, and timing of den use. Hyenas followed for composite 24-h cycles were active during 31.5% 6 2.7% SE of the 24-h period. During hours of darkness (1900‐0600 h) hyenas spent 53.0% 6 4.1% of their time active, and 96.2% 6 0.9% of all activity occurred from 1800 to 0900 h. Mean movement rate during this period was 928 m/h 6 104 SE, and was 584 6 64 m/h throughout the 24-h period. Distance traveled during a 24-h period averaged 12.4 km. Male spotted hyenas tended to be more active than females, particularly during the morning (0700‐1100 h), and also tended to exhibit higher movement rates. Neither rates of activity nor movement varied with social rank, but low-ranking females spent more time feeding than did high-ranking females. Finally, female hyenas in territories with daily livestock grazing and high tourist visitation rates showed lower activity and den use than hyenas in an undisturbed territory during the times of day when human activity coincided with potential hyena activity. Specific times of day when activity was reduced indicated that livestock grazing, not tourist activity, was probably responsible for observed shifts in activity. We discuss possible indirect costs associated with observed alterations in timing of den use and activity.
Pediatric jeopardy may increase residents' medical reading.

Objective.—To describe the implementation of a monthly pediatric jeopardy educational intervention (pediatric jeopardy) designed to increase resident reading. Methods.—Pediatric jeopardy, based on the game show JEOPARDY!, was implemented in a pediatric residency training program in September 1997. The questions were derived from the current issues of Pediatrics in Review, Pediatrics, and Pediatrics Review and Education Program. Three residents from each training level competed in teams. Residents' reading habits were briefly surveyed in May 1998 using a 23-item questionnaire. Results.—Pediatric jeopardy was implemented and has been continued because both residents and faculty members believed it is a valuable part of the overall residency training program. Some format changes have occurred since the initial implementation of the program. Residents are seen with journals throughout the month, and they speak positively about this conference. The questionnaire response rate was 89.2%. Residents self-reported reading an average of 350 minutes per month (5.8 hours) in May 1998. Residents reported that they felt that this program increased their knowledge, motivated them to read, and should be used in other residency training programs. Conclusion.—Implementation of pediatric jeopardy may increase the amount of overall medical reading reported by the pediatric residents. Pediatric residents reported reading an average of 350 minutes per month. Residents felt this educational intervention was of significant educational value to them personally and should be used in other residency training programs.
Natural Selection and Evolution of Streptococcal Virulence Genes Involved in Tissue-Specific Adaptations

The molecular mechanisms underlying niche adaptation in bacteria are not fully understood. Primary infection by the pathogen group A streptococcus (GAS) takes place at either the throat or the skin of its human host, and GAS strains differ in tissue site preference. Many skin-tropic strains bind host plasminogen via the plasminogen-binding group A streptococcal M protein (PAM) present on the cell surface; inactivation of genes encoding either PAM or streptokinase (a plasminogen activator) leads to loss of virulence at the skin. Unlike PAM, which is present in only a subset of GAS strains, the gene encoding streptokinase (ska) is present in all GAS isolates. In this study, the evolution of the virulence genes known to be involved in skin infection was examined. Most genetic diversity within ska genes was localized to a region encoding the plasminogen-docking domain (β-domain). The gene encoding PAM displayed strong linkage disequilibrium (P ≪ 0.01) with a distinct phylogenetic cluster of the ska β-domain-encoding region. Yet, ska alleles of distant taxa showed a history of intragenic recombination, and high intrinsic levels of recombination were found among GAS strains having different tissue tropisms. The data suggest that tissue-specific adaptations arise from epistatic coselection of bacterial virulence genes. Additional analysis of ska genes showed that ∼4% of the codons underwent strong diversifying selection. Horizontal acquisition of one ska lineage from a commensal Streptococcus donor species was also evident. Together, the data suggest that new phenotypes can be acquired through interspecies recombination between orthologous genes, while constrained functions can be preserved; in this way, orthologous genes may provide a rich and ready source for new phenotypes and thereby play a facilitating role in the emergence of new niche adaptations in bacteria.
Single bunch collective effects in the ALS

We present a summary of measurements of single bunch collective effects in the Advanced Light Source (ALS). These effects include bunch lengthening, energy spread increase, HOM loss measurements, head-tail damping rates, current dependent tune shifts, and transverse mode coupling instability threshold. The longitudinal measurements are consistent with a broadband impedance |Z/sub /spl par///n|/sub eff/=0.22/spl plusmn/0.07 /spl Omega/ and transverse measurements indicate broadband impedances of Z/sub y/,/sub eff/=155 k/spl Omega//m and Z/sub x/,/sub eff/=58 k/spl Omega//m.
A pilot study of longitudinal serum cytokine and angiogenesis factor levels as markers of therapeutic response and survival in patients with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma.

Background. Head and neck squamous cell carcinomas (HNSCCs) were previously shown to express a repertoire of cytokines and angiogenesis factors that contribute to malignant pathogenesis and are detectable in serum. Pretreatment and posttreatment serum levels of cytokines and angiogenesis factors were evaluated as markers for outcome in patients with HNSCC. Methods. Baseline cytokine and factor levels of 29 patients with HNSCC were compared with those of 15 age-matched and sex-matched controls, and pretreatment and posttreatment levels of 22 of the patients eligible for treatment and followed for a median of 37 months were compared. Results. Mean serum concentrations of interleukin (IL)-6, IL- 8, hepatocyte growth factor (HGF), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), and growth regulated oncogene 1 (GRO-1) were increased in patients with HNSCC, but elevation of these factors was not associated with clinical outcome. However, changes in first posttreatment serum cytokine levels were observed for many of the patients consistent with response, progression, and survival. Later increases in IL-6 or HGF were observed in patients who had a relapse and inflammatory or infectious complications. A relationship between the change in the pretreatment and first posttreatment cytokine measurement with survival was detected for HGF, IL-8, IL-6, and VEGF using a
Design and Implementation of Ultra-Compact Grating-Based 2×2 Beam Splitter for Miniature Photonic Integrated Circuits

We provide detailed experimental study of reflectivity, insertion loss, and interference extinction ratio for our recently proposed and demonstrated grating-based beam splitter. Both low- loss and high-extinction-ratio devices are demonstrated for reflectivities close to 50%.
Colon Cancer Growth and Dissemination Relies upon Thrombin, Stromal PAR-1, and Fibrinogen

Thrombin-mediated proteolysis is a major determinant of metastasis, but is not universally important for primary tumor growth. Here, we report that colorectal adenocarcinoma represents one important exception whereby thrombin-mediated functions support both primary tumor growth and metastasis. In contrast with studies of multiple nongastrointestinal cancers, we found that the growth of primary tumors formed by murine and human colon cancer cells was reduced in mice by genetic or pharmacologic reduction of circulating prothrombin. Reduced prothrombin expression was associated with lower mitotic indices and invasion of surrounding tissue. Mechanistic investigations revealed that thrombin-driven colonic adenocarcinoma growth relied upon at least two targets of thrombin-mediated proteolysis, protease-activated receptor-1 (PAR-1) expressed by stromal cells and the extracellular matrix protein, fibrinogen. Colonic adenocarcinoma growth was reduced in PAR-1-deficient mice, implicating stromal cell-associated PAR-1 as one thrombin target important for tumor outgrowth. Furthermore, tumor growth was dramatically impeded in fibrinogen-deficient mice, offering the first direct evidence of a critical functional role for fibrinogen in malignant tumor growth. Tumors harvested from fibrinogen-deficient mice displayed a relative reduction in cell proliferative indices, as well as increased tumor necrosis and decreased tumor vascular density. Collectively, our findings established a functional role for thrombin and its targets PAR-1 and fibrinogen in the pathogenesis of colonic adenocarcinoma, supporting tumor growth as well as local invasion and metastasis.
Long-term delivery of protein therapeutics.

Introduction: Proteins are effective biotherapeutics with applications in diverse ailments. Despite being specific and potent, their full clinical potential has not yet been realized. This can be attributed to short half-lives, complex structures, poor in vivo stability, low permeability, frequent parenteral administrations and poor adherence to treatment in chronic diseases. A sustained release system, providing controlled release of proteins, may overcome many of these limitations.Areas covered: This review focuses on recent development in approaches, especially polymer-based formulations, which can provide therapeutic levels of proteins over extended periods. Advances in particulate, gel-based formulations and novel approaches for extended protein delivery are discussed. Emphasis is placed on dosage form, method of preparation, mechanism of release and stability of biotherapeutics.Expert opinion: Substantial advancements have been made in the field of extended protein delivery via various polymer-based...
An Evolved Psychological Structure for Dealing, Food Sharing, and Mathematical Division

Research has shown that very young children have the ability to solve difficult division problems before formal school-based instruction. This is accomplished by solving sharing-based division word problems by an interesting act known as 'dealing'. The theory set forth in this manuscript is that children's ability to solve sharing-based division problems is due to an evolved psychological structure expressed as a dealing action. This structure may have been shaped by an ancient ecology, which pressured human ancestors to cooperatively share food in order to survive, and contributed to the emergence of formal mathematical division. This theory is supported by evidence of a specialized action for dealing to solve sharing-based division problems, a pancultural ability for young children to solve the problems, children's lack of consciousness while solving the problems, development from dealing to a mental model, evidence of evolved quantitative abilities in humans and animals, food sharing behaviors in humans and capuchin monkeys, and egalitarian abilities. The discussion section includes: a possible scenario for the development of the structure; an illustration of how the structure can be used in the elementary classroom; and empirical questions which may lead to a better understanding of food sharing habits, ecology, and sociology of early humans.
Information dependencies

This paper uses the tools of information theory to examine and reason about the information content of the attributes within a relation instance. For two sets of attributes X and Y, an information dependency measure (InD measure) characterizes the uncertainty remaining about the values for the set Y when the values for the set X are known. A variety of arithmetic inequalities (InD inequalities) are shown to hold among InD measures; InD inequalities hold in any relation instance. Numeric constraints (InD constraints) on InD measures, consistent with the InD inequalities, can be applied to relation instances. Remarkably, functional and multivalued dependencies correspond to setting certain constraints to zero, with Armstrong's axioms shown to be consequences of the arithmetic inequalities applied to constraints. As an analog of completeness, for any set of constraints consistent with the inequalities, we may construct a relation instance that approximates these constraints within any positive e. InD measures suggest many valuable applications in areas such as data mining.
Unworn Teeth and Relationships of the African Rodent, Pedetes

Unworn cheek teeth of Pedetes are made up of two high-crowned lobes, apparently composed of two cusps each, except for the anterior lobe of the lower premolar, which is multicusped. After wear the lobes unite lingually in the upper teeth and buccally in the lowers. The tips of the crowns appear to have enamel-free areas. No cement is present on the crowns of teeth that have not quite come into use. The premolars seem as high-crowned as the molars, and it is not clear whether the premolars are permanent or deciduous. The only other rodents with similar tooth patterns are the North American Oligocene to Recent Geomyoidea ( Heteromyidae and Geomyidae), Griphomys from the Eocene of California and the European Miocene eomyid Bitteneria , all of which are sciuromorphous. It is suggested that the hystricomorphous pedetids may represent a highly aberrant offshoot of Asiatic early eomyids or of unknown relatives of Griphomys , paralleling the geomyoids in many respects.
Continuous renal replacement therapy: slow but steady.

Find out about this method to dialyze severely ill patients-gently-during acute renal failure.
Towards building an automated system for describing indoor floor maps for individuals with visual impairment

The ability to navigate is an integral part of everyday life, which is one of the major challenges faced by individuals with visual impairment. While navigating indoors is relatively safer, it is a stressful exercise if the building is unfamiliar, especially since typical means like canes, seeing-dogs and GPS devices do not really help. This article presents an automated approach that aids a visually impaired individual in obtaining information from a floor map, prior to visiting large buildings like a library. The key is to automatically produce verbal descriptions from a floor map and use that to help the person to form a cognitive map of the building to be visited. The proposed method is fully automated, which only requires the user to input the name of the building/establishment. The system then searches the Web for a floor map. If a map is found, the map is downloaded and used by the system to generate a verbal description giving an overview of the layout of the building, including entrances/exits an...
Association of Perfluoroalkyl Substances, Bone Mineral Density, and Osteoporosis in the U.S. Population in NHANES 2009-2010.

Background Perfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs), including perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), perfluorooctane sulfonic acid (PFOS), perfluorohexane sulfonic acid (PFHxS), and perfluorononanoic acid (PFNA), are detectable in the serum of 95% of the U.S. population. Objective Considering the role of PFASs as endocrine disruptors, we examined their relationships with bone health. Methods The association between serum PFAS concentration and bone mineral density at total femur (TFBMD), femoral neck (FNBMD), lumbar spine (LSBMD), and physician-diagnosed osteoporosis was assessed in 1,914 participants using data from the National Health and Nutritional Examination Survey 2009–2010. Results The mean age of the participants was 43 years. Men had higher serum PFAS concentrations than women (p < 0.001) except for PFNA. In both sexes, serum PFOS concentrations were inversely associated with FNBMD (p < 0.05). In women, significant negative associations were observed for natural log (ln)–transformed PFOS exposure with TFBMD and FNBMD, and for ln-transformed PFOA exposure with TFBMD (p < 0.05). In postmenopausal women, serum PFOS was negatively associated with TFBMD and FNBMD, and PFNA was negatively associated with TFBMD, FNBMD, and LSBMD (all p < 0.05). With one log unit increase in serum PFOA, PFHxS, and PFNA, osteoporosis prevalence in women increased as follows: [adjusted odds ratios (aORs)] 1.84 (95% CI: 1.17, 2.905), 1.64 (95% CI: 1.14, 2.38), and 1.45 (95% CI: 1.02, 2.05), respectively. In women, the prevalence of osteoporosis was significantly higher in the highest versus the lowest quartiles of PFOA, PFHxS, and PFNA, with aORs of 2.59 (95% CI: 1.01, 6.67), 13.20 (95% CI: 2.72, 64.15), and 3.23 (95% CI: 1.44, 7.21), respectively, based on 77 cases in the study sample. Conclusion In a representative sample of the U.S. adult population, serum PFAS concentrations were associated with lower bone mineral density, which varied according to the specific PFAS and bone site assessed. Most associations were limited to women. Osteoporosis in women was also associated with PFAS exposure, based on a small number of cases.
Reading pedagogy-as-text: Exploring gendered discourses as canonical in an English classroom

Abstract One goal of critical educators is to challenge and destabilize textual narratives of the traditional literary canon because they can affirm cultural narratives of heterosexuality and masculinity. A concern arises, however, when critical efforts are only applied during moments of textual analysis and not considered across the broader classroom context. Using different methods of discourse analysis, this paper explores the ways in which a teacher’s pedagogy constructs and performs a type of gender reification, in this case, of heterosexual masculinity. The paper argues that the canon constitutes more than just a list of books—that discourses and pedagogy may reinforce canonical ideologies or narratives similar to the way in which a novel can or does.
Lymphomatoid Tumor Infiltration of Renal Veins

Abstract A case of bilateral renal vein infiltration and thrombosis secondary to malignant lymphoma is presented. Although the kidney frequently is known to be involved by metastatic lymphoma, uremia is a rare terminal complication. The etiology and diagnosis of this disorder are discussed. We believe that it is important to recognize renal vein thrombosis in such patients so that treatment with radiation and/or chemotherapy may restore renal function.
Short Historic Overview

Immunohistochemistry, or IHC, is a technique that utilizes antibodies—products of the immune system—to analyze histological tissues under the microscope. IHC evolved from histochemistry, a technique that utilizes chemical and biochemical techniques for probe histological tissues.
Electronic structure and magnetism of Nd 2 Fe 14 B and related compounds

The electronic and magnetic structures of ${\mathrm{Nd}}_{2}$${\mathrm{Fe}}_{14}$B and related compounds have been studied with photoemission spectroscopy and self-consistent spin-polarized electronic structure calculations. The positions of the exchange-split $\mathrm{Fe}3d$ bands and the localized $4f$ levels were determined. The densities of states in the ferromagnetic and paramagnetic states are essentially identical which provides strong evidence for considerable magnetic short-range order above ${T}_{c}$, as in the fluctuating-band model of itinerant-electron magnetism.
An Application of Geometric Probability to the Existence of Faults in Anisotropic Media

When considering the possibility of release of radioactive waste from the confines of a repository in layered geologic media, it is generally accepted that faulting presents a potential threat to the long term isolation of this waste from circulating groundwater. A fault can penetrate either the isolating barrier media or the waste repository itself to form a potential conduit for groundwater to make contact with the radioactive waste.
Implanted biomaterials: Dissecting fibrosis

Intravital microscopy reveals how giant cells and neovascularization drive the fibrotic encapsulation of biomaterials implanted in live animals.
Temporal changes in native-exotic richness correlations during early post-fire succession

Abstract The relationship between native and exotic richness has mostly been studied with respect to space (i.e., positive at larger scales, but negative or more variable at smaller scales) and its temporal patterns have rarely been investigated. Although some studies have monitored the temporal trends of both native and exotic richness, how these two groups of species might be related to each other and how their relative proportions vary through time in a local community remains unclear. Re-analysis of early post-fire successional data for a California chaparral community shows that, in the same communities and at small spatial scales, the native-exotic correlations varied through time. Both exotic richness and exotic fraction (i.e., the proportion of exotic species in the flora) quickly increased and then gradually declined, during the initial stages of succession following fire disturbance. This result sheds new light on habitat invasibility and has implications for timing the implementation of effective management actions to prevent and/or mitigate species invasions.
The klotho-related protein KLPH (lctl) has preferred expression in lens and is essential for expression of clic5 and normal lens suture formation.

Abstract KLPH/lctl belongs to the Klotho family of proteins. Expressed sequence tag analyses unexpectedly revealed that KLPH is highly expressed in the eye lens while northern blots showed that expression is much higher in the eye than in other tissues. In situ hybridization in mouse localized mRNA to the lens, particularly in the equatorial epithelium. Immunofluorescence detected KLPH in lens epithelial cells with highest levels in the germinative/differentiation zone. The gene for KLPH in mouse was deleted by homologous recombination. Littermate knockout (KO) and wild type (WT) mice were compared in a wide panel of pathology examinations and were all grossly normal, showing no systemic effects of the deletion. However, the lens, while superficially normal at young ages, had focusing defects and exhibited age-related cortical cataract by slit lamp examination. Whole-lens imaging showed that KO mice had disorganized lens sutures, forming a loose double-y or x instead of the tight y formation of WT. RNA-seq profiles for KO and WT littermates confirmed the absence of KLPH mRNA in KO lens and also showed complete absence of transcripts for Clic5, a protein associated with cilium/basal body related auditory defects in a mouse model. Immunofluorescence of lens epithelial flat mounts showed that Clic5 localized to cilia/centrosomes. Mice mutant for Clic5 (jitterbug) also had defective sutures. These results suggest that KLPH is required for lens-specific expression of Clic5 and that Clic5 has an important role in the machinery that controls lens fiber cell extension and organization.
Environmentally Hardening IC Die Previously Assembled in Plastic Packages through Die Removal, Bond Pad Replating and Reassembly into Hermetic Packages

ABSTRACT Many integrated circuits (ICs) will operate well above their maximum rated temperature of +70°C or +125°C, but are often not packaged appropriately to reliably endure temperatures above +150C. Specifically, the original gold or copper bonds on the aluminum die bond pads are prone to Kirkendall or Horsting voiding, particularly at temperatures greater than +150°C. Also the mold compounds used in plastic packaging for IC assembly can degrade at these elevated temperatures. In some cases, commercial demand for higher temperature reliability can justify a separate offering of ICs assembled in hermetic, ceramic packages from the original component manufacturer (OCM). However, in most cases, the market demand is deemed insufficient. Global Circuit Innovations (GCI) has developed a high-yielding process, which can remove a semiconductor die (i.e., computer chip) from a plastic package, remove the original bond wires and/or ball bonds, plate the aluminum die bond pads with Electroless Nickel, Electroless...
Selenium catalysis of swelling of rat liver mitochondria and reduction of cytochrome c by sulfur compounds.

Schwarz and Foltz (1957) discovered that trace amounts of selenium in the diet could protect vitamin E-deficient rats against liver necrosis. This fundamental discovery led to the recognition of “selenium-responsive” deficiency diseases in several different animal species (Nesheim and Scott, 1961; Schubert et al., 1961). The status of selenium as an essential nutrient in its own right was assured when beneficial effects due to the element were observed even in animals fed sufficient vitamin E (McCoy and Weswig, 1969; Thompson and Scott, 1969).
Attitudes Toward Homosexuality and Perceptions of the United States Abroad

Objective This article examines the determinants of perceptions of the United States and of President Obama among global citizens. Methods The 2013 Pew Research Center's Global Attitudes surveys covering countries from Asia, Europe, the Middle East, the Americas, and Africa with diverse socioeconomic and religious backgrounds are analyzed by using multilevel estimates. Results Findings reveal that attitudes toward homosexuality systematically shape opinions toward the United States and toward Obama's handling of foreign affairs. We also find the significant impact of religious and economic variables on perceptions of the United States and of Obama above and beyond other explanatory variables. Conclusion This research demonstrates the relevance of cleavages regarding social values. It also contributes to larger debates about sources of anti‐Americanism, and, more generally, about the role of ideology and social values in international relations.
Differential distribution of the epigenetic marker 5-hydroxymethylcytosine occurs in hair follicle stem cells during bulge activation.

Background Hair follicle (HF) cycling is dependent upon activation and differentiation of an epithelial subpopulation of cells with stem-like characteristics. These cells express cytokeratin 15 (CK15) and are sequestered within a specialized niche termed the follicular bulge. The pathways that mediate bulge activation are poorly understood, although growing evidence suggests a role for epigenetic events. Methods Here we investigated murine and human HFs to determine whether a recently described epigenetic hydroxymethylation marker, 5-hmC, known to mediate cell growth and differentiation, may play a role in bulge activation. Results We found the bulge region of murine HFs to show variable 5-hmC distribution within the nuclei of CK15-positive stem cells during early anagen, a pattern that was not associated with resting stem cells of telogen follicles, which did not express 5-hmC. Moreover, during phases of early anagen that were induced in an organ culture model, spatial alterations in bulge stem cell 5-hmC reactivity, as assessed by dual labeling, were noted. Conclusions These preliminary findings suggest that 5-hmC may play a dynamic role in bulge activation during anagen growth, and provide a foundation for further experimental inquiry into epigenomic regulation of HF stem cells.
A case study of atypical Larsen syndrome with absent hallmark joint dislocations

Background A family with skeletal and craniofacial anomalies is presented. Whole-exome sequencing (WES) analysis indicated a diagnosis of Larsen syndrome, although their clinical presentation does not include the hallmark joint dislocations typically observed in Larsen syndrome. Methods Patient consent for the sharing of de-identified clinical and genetic information, along with use of photographs for publication, was obtained. WES and variant segregation analysis by WES were performed by commercial laboratory, GeneDx (Gaithersburg, MD), on peripheral blood samples from the proband, her brother, and her parents using methods detailed on their website for test XomeDx Whole Exome Sequencing Trio (https://www.genedx.com/test-catalog/available-tests/xomedx-whole-exome-sequencing-trio/). WES uses next-generation sequencing (NGS) technology to assess for variants within the coding regions, or exons, of approximately 23,000 genes. For the FLNB gene (NM_001457.3), 100% of the coding region was covered at a minimum of 10x. GeneDx uses Sanger sequencing to confirm NGS variants. Results WES revealed a heterozygous pathogenic variant, p.Glu227Lys (c.679G>A), in the FLNB gene in three out of the four family members tested. This variant is associated with Larsen syndrome, a skeletal dysplasia condition with a wide range of phenotypic variability that usually includes congenital joint dislocations. Conclusion This is a highly unusual presentation of Larsen syndrome in which the identifying hallmark trait is absent in the patients' phenotypes.
Organic rural development: Barriers to value in the quest for qualities in Jordanian olive oil

Abstract Globally, governments have encouraged organic farming with smallholder farmers as a rural development strategy. However, certified organic agriculture has proven to be a paradox: certification requirements designed to promote environmentally sustainable farming often lead to agricultural intensification contrary to organic agriculture's stated goals. Meanwhile, certification itself is not the sole cause of this paradox. This article, based on 15 months of qualitative fieldwork in Jordan, argues that the paradox of organic agriculture in Jordan centers on the ways in which the ‘alternative’ organic olive oil production functionally requires producers to abandon local markets and engage in long-distance commodity chains. This shift alters how value is added to olive oil and changes technological requirements for processing, storing, packaging, and transporting the oil to international gourmet markets. By calling attention to the social relations in differing commodity networks and chains, my analysis focuses on, first, how quality and value is constructed within material and cultural systems, then how farmers become dependent on access to distant consumers, and, third, how production for these consumers alters the structure of relational and technological rents. As a result, I find that the promotion of certified organic, gourmet olive oil for sale in global markets privileges specific regions within Jordan. In short, the structure of relational and technological rents favors resource-intensive production in a Jordanian desert region over ‘traditional’ low-input production in Jordan's mountainous hinterland. In theoretical terms, this study highlights teleologies of success and modernization in agricultural development and offers an examination of those environmental, socio-economic, and political factors that prevent small-farmers from realizing rents in certified agriculture.
Editorial: Another Successful Year and Looking Forward to 2020

“Happy New Year!” As you open this January issue of the IEEE Transactions on Neural Networks and Learning Systems (TNNLS), I hope everyone enjoyed a great holiday season and is excited for the new year of 2020.