cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Jokestega: automatic joke generation-based steganography methodology

This paper presents a novel steganography methodology, namely Automatic Joke Generation Based Steganography Methodology Jokestega, that pursues textual jokes in order to hide messages. Basically, Jokestega methodology takes advantage of recent advances in Automatic Jokes Generation AJG techniques to automate the generation of textual steganographic cover. In a corpus of jokes, one may judge a number of documents to be the same joke although letters, locations, and other details are different. Generally, joke and puns could be retold with totally different vocabulary, while still retaining their identities. Therefore, Jokestega pursues the common variations among jokes to conceal data. Furthermore, when someone is joking, anything may be said which legitimises the use of joke-based steganography. This makes employing textual jokes very attractive as steganographic carrier for camouflaging data. It is worth noting that Jokestega follows Nostega paradigm, which implies that joke-cover is noiseless. The validation results demonstrate the effectiveness of Jokestega.
The sequence and context of the 5′ splice site govern the nuclear stability of polyoma virus late RNAs

We have examined the influence of splicing signals on the stability of polyoma virus late RNAs in the nucleus. Late primary transcripts contain a single 5' splice site and three alternative 3' splice sites. In earlier work we showed that the presence of introns was not required for late RNA accumulation, however, the 5' splice site was essential, as removal of only the 5' splice site was sufficient to destabilize late RNAs up to 100-fold when compared with early RNAs. A complementary clone which retained the 5' splice site but which carried small deletions of all late region 3' splice sites produced wild-type levels of unspliced late RNA. In order to extend this work we have constructed additional types of mutants. Point mutations in the 5' splice site confirmed its importance for RNA stability. Other mutants included constructs in which the spacing between the 5' splice site and the late promoter was altered and 5' splice site insertion mutants where a 58 bp fragment containing the 5' splice site sequence was inserted separately at various restriction sites in the late region. Both types of mutants lacked all of the late 3' splice sites and had only a single 5' splice site. RNase protection analyses of late and early RNAs from these constructs revealed that moving the 5' splice site away from the late promoter (or from its normal context) destabilized late RNAs > 10-fold relative to the wild-type. We conclude that both 5' splice site integrity and its proximity to the late promoter play important roles in the nuclear stability of polyoma virus late RNAs.
Micronuclei and cell proliferation as early biological markers of ortho-phenylphenol-induced changes in the bladder of male F344 rats

ortho-Phenylphenol (OPP) and its sodium salt, sodium ortho-phenylphenate (SOPP), are widely used fungicides and antibacterial agents known to cause tumors in the bladders of male F344 rats. Previous studies in our laboratory have shown that micronuclei and cell proliferation were induced in the bladders of treated rats by a high dose of OPP. In our present studies, we investigated the relationship in dose response between these two biomarkers and previously reported tumor formation in the bladders of male F344 rats. Significant non-linear increases in micronuclei (MN) and BrdU-labeling were seen in the bladder cells of rats treated with the 8000 and 12,500 ppm doses of OPP and at 20,000 ppm SOPP. CREST anti-kinetochore staining showed that the micronuclei originated from both chromosomal loss and breakage. In addition, increases in MN were detected in the bladder but not in the bone marrow, underscoring the value of assessing genotoxicity in the target organ. In summary, these studies clearly show that at high doses, OPP and SOPP are genotoxic to the rat bladder. These results also indicate that micronucleus formation and cell proliferation can detect early OPP-induced changes in the rat bladder and may be useful as biomarkers for bladder carcinogens.
Covariance pooling and stabilization for classification

Abstract It is well known that the quadratic discriminant rule (QD) is optimal for large, normal training sets in the sense of minimizing the overall misclassification rate. However, when the size of the training set is small compared to the number of variables, the performance of QD is degraded because it uses unstable sample mean vectors and covariance matrices. Friedman [8] and Greene and Rayens [9] recently proposed different methods for addressing the problem of unstable covariance matrices. This article details a critical comparison of these two methods, finding important strengths and weaknesses in both. In addition, a third discriminant rule which combines ideas from both of the aforementioned methods is developed and included in the comparisons.
Binding of thyroxine and triiodothyronine by nuclei of isolated tadpole liver cells.

The binding of L-triiodothyronine (T3) and L-thyroxine (T4) to cytoplasm and nuclei) has been studied in isolated Rana catesbeiana tadpole liver cells. Nuclear binding for both thyroid hormones occurred more slowly at 4 C than at 25 C, but reached the same level as at 25 C. Scatchard analyses suggest high affinity, saturable binding sites for both hormones in the nuclear but not in the cytoplasmic fraction. Apparent equilibrium dissociation constants were 6.8 × 10−10M and 4.6 × 10−10M for T3 and T4, respectively. The maximum number of binding sites per nucleus for T3 was about 12,300 and for (T4 about 2,300. Unlabeled T3 competed for the binding of [125I]T3 to nuclei more effectively than unlabeled T4. No difference in the competition of [125I]T4 binding with non-radioactive T3 or T4 was found. Chromatographic analysis of the bound nuclear radioactivity demonstrated no chemical modification for either hormone. (Endocrinology 97: 1036, 1975)
Targeted Genome Modification via Triple Helix Formation

Triplex-forming oligonucleotides (TFOs) that can bind to duplex DNA in a sequence-specific manner are potential tools to achieve targeted gene modification. Initial studies demonstrated the ability of TFOs to deliver mutagenic agents in a DNA site-specific manner. It has also been found that TFOs can induce gene modification in chromosomal DNA via the effect of the triple helix itself. Gene modification with TFOs includes induced recombination between a DNA target and a donor DNA molecule, a process that allows a TFO to exert an effect at a distance from the third-strand binding site. Ongoing efforts to develop chemical modifications on the third strand have increased the number of target sites possible for gene correction and new techniques for TFO delivery are beginning to enhance the biologic effectiveness of these reagents.
Mouse Adipose-Derived Stem Cells Undergo Multilineage Differentiation in Vitro but Primarily Osteogenic and Chondrogenic Differentiation in Vivo

Human, rat, and mouse studies have demonstrated the existence of a population of adipose-derived adult stem (ADAS) cells that can undergo multilineage differentiation in vitro. However, it remains unclear whether these cells maintain their multilineage potential in vivo. The aim of this study was to examine the in vitro and in vivo characteristics and behavior of a potential population of murine ADAS (muADAS) cells isolated from the visceral fat of the abdominal cavity of C57BL/10J mice. We used flow cytometry to examine the cells' expression of CD29, CD31, CD45, CD34, CD44, CD144, CD146, Flk1, and Sca-1. The isolated cell population was CD45 negative, which precludes contamination by hematopoietic cells, but was partially positive for Sca-1 and CD34: 2 stem-cell markers. After induction in conditioned medium, the muADAS cells gained the ability to undergo adipogenic, osteogenic, chondrogenic, myogenic, and hematopoietic differentiation in vitro. The muADAS cells readily differentiated to form bone and cartilage in vivo for up to 24 weeks, but their ability to regenerate muscle or reconstitute bone marrow was found to be limited.
The effect of water temperature and velocity on barnacle growth: Quantifying the impact of multiple environmental stressors

Organisms employ a wide array of physiological and behavioral responses in an effort to endure stressful environmental conditions. For many marine invertebrates, physiological and/or behavioral performance is dependent on physical conditions in the fluid environment. Although factors such as water temperature and velocity can elicit changes in respiration and feeding, the manner in which these processes integrate to shape growth remains unclear. In a growth experiment, juvenile barnacles (Balanus glandula) were raised in dockside, once-through flow chambers at water velocities of 2 versus 19 cm s(-1) and temperatures of 11.5 versus 14 °C. Over 37 days, growth rates (i.e., shell basal area) increased with faster water velocities and higher temperatures. Barnacles at high flows had shorter feeding appendages (i.e., cirri), suggesting that growth patterns are unlikely related to plastic responses in cirral length. A separate experiment in the field confirmed patterns of temperature- and flow-dependent growth over 41 days. Outplanted juvenile barnacles exposed to the faster water velocities (32±1 and 34±1 cm s(-1); mean±SE) and warm temperatures (16.81±0.05 °C) experienced higher growth compared to individuals at low velocities (1±1 cm s(-1)) and temperatures (13.67±0.02 °C). Growth data were consistent with estimates from a simple energy budget model based on previously measured feeding and respiration response curves that predicted peak growth at moderate temperatures (15 °C) and velocities (20-30 cm s(-1)). Low growth is expected at both low and high velocities due to lower encounter rates with suspended food particles and lower capture efficiencies respectively. At high temperatures, growth is likely limited by high metabolic costs, whereas slow growth at low temperatures may be a consequence of low oxygen availability and/or slow cirral beating and low feeding rates. Moreover, these results advocate for approaches that consider the combined effects of multiple stressors and suggest that both increases and decreases in temperature or flow impact barnacle growth, but through different physiological and behavioral mechanisms.
Interviewing skills and computer assisted instruction: BSW student perceptions

Summary This paper describes the use of the Interviewing Skills for Human Services (I View Skills) computer program that was incorporated into two undergraduate social work courses. The goals and objectives of the I View Skills program are described as well as how the program was integrated into the course curricula. Findings on the students' perceptions of the I View Skills program based on a
Tau facilitates Aβ-induced loss of mitochondrial membrane potential independent of cytosolic calcium fluxes in mouse cortical neurons

Abstract Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is defined by presence of two pathological hallmarks, the intraneuronal neurofibrillary tangle (NFT) formed by abnormally processed tau, and the extracellular amyloid plaques formed primarily by the amyloid beta peptide (Aβ). In AD it is likely that these two proteins act in concert to impair neuronal function, and there is evidence to suggest that one of the key targets on which they converge is the mitochondria. For example, overexpression of a pathologic form of tau in rat primary cortical neurons exacerbates Aβ-induced mitochondrial membrane potential (ΔΨm) loss due to impairment of the calcium (Ca 2+ ) buffering capability of mitochondria. However the role of physiological levels of tau in mediating Aβ-induced mitochondrial dysfunction was not examined. Therefore in this present study we used primary neurons from wild type (WT) and tau knockout (tau −/− ) mice to investigate whether endogenous tau facilitates Aβ-induced ΔΨm loss and alterations in cytosolic calcium (Ca 2+ cyt ). Knocking out tau significantly protected mouse primary cortical neurons from loss of ΔΨm caused by low concentrations of Aβ 42 , which supports our previous findings. However, the absence of tau resulted in significantly greater increases in Ca 2+ cyt in response to Aβ treatment when compared to those observed in WT mouse primary cortical neurons. This unexpected outcome may be explained by findings that suggest tau −/− neurons display certain phenotypic abnormalities associated with alterations in Ca 2+ cyt . Overall, data indicate that tau facilitates Aβ-induced mitochondrial dysfunction and this effect is independent of Aβ-induced alterations in Ca 2+ cyt . 1
TerplexDNA gene carrier system targeting artery wall cells.

The development of non-viral gene carrier systems becomes more urgent and important due to the major biosafety considerations involved with application of viral vector systems for clinical gene therapy. We recently developed a novel non-viral gene carrier system, termed TerplexDNA, which showed high gene transfer efficiency when compared to the lipofectamine gene delivery system both in HepG2 and A7R5 cell lines in vitro. In present studies, we demonstrated that the TerplexDNA gene carrier system specifically delivered the reporter genes (LacZ and Luciferase) and therapeutic gene (hrVEGF 16.5 cDNA) into bovine aortic artery wall cells (endothelial cells and smooth muscle cells) by receptor mediated endocytosis. We found that the transfection efficiency to these primary artery wall cells, when mediated by the TerplexDNA system, was dose-dependent, saturable and was significantly inhibited by excess free LDL. The transfection efficiency of the TerplexDNA gene carrier system was approximately 60-fold higher than that of the lipofectamine gene carrier system. The TerplexDNA gene carrier system is a useful and promising tool for artery wall gene transfer.
Comic creation, comic relief: kids expression of self and others

During a weeklong design thinking camp, youth ages 11-14 created comic books. This activity served as a "take away" product used as a tool for reflection and representation of their experiences. Together, students in design teams documented the week's activities using an iPod touch, generating the media they then included in comic books created using the software, Comic Life. Most studies of comics for learning examine the benefits of comic consumption. By contrast, we aim to understand the possible value of comic production. We found that youth vividly depicted themselves, their teammates, and their group work. Humor and joking dominated comics and our analysis indicated that the comic form was expressive, with depictions of self and others made possible by the ease of the technology and the comic form. The comics also generated excitement and a desire among students to share their experiences with friends and family.
How capitalism and the bourgeois virtues transformed and humanized the family

Abstract McCloskey's two volumes argue that a change in our ideas about the dignity of human beings laid the groundwork for the tectonic changes in economic organization known as the advent of capitalism and the Industrial Revolution. The Industrial Revolution also changed human behavior by cultivating further the virtues that nourished it. This process can be seen in the way in which the capitalism transformed the family from the realm of “Prudence mostly” to “Love mostly.” Rather than undermining some romanticized vision of family life, capitalism is responsible for humanizing it by opening space for Love.
Some aspects of flare properties versus magnetic boundary morphology

Flares often begin near lines of zero-longitudinal magnetic field. These boundary lines between opposite polarities can have the magnetic field either parallel to or transverse to the boundary. A study of 75 flares associated with one or the other type of boundary indicates that the difference in boundary morphology is not reflected in the frequency or properties of the associated flares.
Extraction of data from preprinted forms

The widespread use of printed forms for data acquisition makes the ability to automatically read and analyze their contents desirable. The components of a forms analysis system include conversion from paper to an image through scanning, image enhancement, document identification, data extraction, and data interpretation. This paper describes techniques for manipulating electronic images of forms in preparation for data interpretation. A combination feature extraction/model-based approach is used for forms identification, registration, and field extraction. Forms identification is implemented with a neural network. The system is demonstrated on United States Internal Revenue Service forms.
Late Disruption of Dacron Aortic Grafts

Aneurysmal degeneration, or complete disruption of Dacron grafts (as opposed to anastomotic complications such as pseudoaneurysms), are not expected by vascular surgeons. We have noted two such cases. A 65-year-old male who had an aortobifemoral, double-velour Dacron graft in 1980, presented in 1995 with a large, pulsatile mass in the right lower quadrant, caused by disruption of the mid-portion of the right limb of the Dacron graft. In a second case, a 68-year-old man had a Dacron aortobifemoral graft placed in 1968 which developed diffuse aneurysmal defects, noted clinically in 1987. Both patients had successful graft replacement. A review of the literature indicates that this complication, although unusual, has been noted periodically. Between 1970 and 1996, we identified 11 case reports of aortic Dacron graft rupture, including knitted Dacron (4), double velour (3), woven (1), knitted thin wall (1), and unspecified Dacron grafts (2). An inquiry to the FDA disclosed another 68 cases of Dacron graft failure in addition to those reported in the surgical literature. We present these cases to alert vascular surgeons of the possibility of Dacron graft degeneration, as late as 19 years after implantation. Diagnosis of the complication is readily apparent by clinical examination and imaging studies, which display an aneurysm of the graft remote from the anastomoses.
New and rare species of snailfishes (Scorpaeniformes: Liparidae) collected during the ICEFISH cruise of 2004

During the ICEFISH cruise of 2004 13 specimens of the fish family Liparidae (Scorpaeniformes) were collected from Burdwood Bank and near South Georgia. These specimens, with the addition of three more from the King Edward Point Laboratory of the British Antarctic Survey, represent nine species. Two of these are new and are described herein: Careproctus stigmatogenus new species and C. maculosus new species; the second specimen of C. minimus Andriashev and Stein is reported and described, specimens of C. georgianus Lonnberg, C. falklandicus (Lonnberg), C. ?pallidus (Vaillant), Paraliparis copei gibbericeps Andriashev, P. gracilis Norman, and P. tetrapteryx Andriashev and Neelov are reported, and live color of C. georgianus, C. falklandicus, and P. tetrapteryx is described and shown.
Physician intervention and patient risk perception among smokers with acute respiratory illness in the emergency department.

Abstract Background. Acute Respiratory Illness accounts for over 12 million visits to emergency departments in the United States each year. Between one-fourth and one-half of these patients are smokers. We examined the frequency of physician intervention for smoking cessation among acute respiratory illness patients in the emergency department, and examined the influence of physician intervention on patients' perceived risk from smoking and motivation to quit. Methods. This study was conducted in the emergency department of a large inner-city hospital. Adult smokers (n = 63) presenting with symptoms of acute respiratory illness were surveyed by exit interview while in the emergency department. The frequency and extent of physician interventions for smoking were examined using the Agency for Health Care Policy and Research guidelines as a model. We also assessed patients' perceptions of risk from smoking, the presence of other household smokers, and the patients' motivation to quit. Results. Emergency department physicians provided incomplete and inconsistent intervention for smoking. While most patients reported being asked if they smoked, only half of smokers were advised to quit. Only 9% were offered any assistance with quitting. Risk perception was generally low, however, the majority of smokers were willing to receive on-site smoking cessation counseling while in the emergency department. Conclusions. The small sample size in this study requires that results be interpreted with caution. However, the findings of this study suggest that the emergency department setting may provide a unique “teachable moment” in which to initiate smoking cessation counseling for this high-risk population.
A novel technique for time-resolved detection and tracking of interfacial and matrix fracture in layered materials

A novel experimental technique is developed for time-resolved detection and tracking of damage in the forms of delamination and matrix cracking in layered materials such as composite laminates. The technique is non-contact in nature and uses dual or quadruple laser interferometers for high temporal resolution. Simultaneous measurements of differential displacement and velocity at individual locations are obtained to analyze the initiation and progression of interfacial fracture and/or matrix cracking/delamination in a polymer matrix composite laminate system reinforced by graphite fibers. The measurements at multiple locations allow the speeds at which interfacial crack front (mode-I) or matrix cracking/delamination front (mode-II dominated) propagates to be determined. Experiments carried out use three-point bend configurations. Impact loading is achieved using a modified Kolsky bar apparatus with a complete set of diagnostics for load, deformation, deformation rate, and input energy measurement. This technique is used to characterize the full process of damage initiation and growth. The experiments also focused on the quantification of the speed at which delamination or damage propagates under primarily mode-I and mode-II conditions. The results show that the speed of delamination (mode-I) or the speed of matrix cracking/delamination (primarily mode-II) increases linearly with impact velocity. Furthermore, speeds of matrix failure/delamination under primarily mode-II conditions are much higher than the speeds of mode-I crack induced delamination under mode-I conditions.
Treatment of upper respiratory infections: do patients really want antibiotics?

premalignant condition (5). In the patient described by Bugnoni et al (6), the authors believed that the abnormal lymphocytes were due to the expression of a peripheral T-cell lymphoma with a very indolent clinical course (6). In our patient, the proliferation was monoclonal. We believe that this T-cell proliferation represents a low-grade clonal disorder and perhaps a premalignant nonaggressive disease. Indeed, malignant T-cell lymphoma may appear several years after the recognition of hypereosinophilic syndrome (9,10). In conclusion, there is a group of hypereosinophilic syndromes associated with T-cell proliferative disorders. These syndromes have an uncertain prognosis and can have varied clinical presentations. A lymphocyte immunophenotypic analysis should be included in the diagnostic workup of patients with hypereosinophilic syndrome, including the variant type of episodic angioedema and eosinophilia with benign course. However, documentation of T-cell phenotypes or clonal disorders in these patients does not yet implicate therapy or prognosis.
Evaluation of cardiac masses: the role of cardiovascular magnetic resonance.

Introduction Evaluation of known or suspected cardiac masses is a frequent and expanding indication for referral to the cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) laboratory. Most patients will have undergone an initial echocardiogram that raised the suspicion of an abnormality. However, echocardiography suffers from several well-described limitations: restricted field of view; incomplete assessment of an invading cardiac mass due to an unfavorable patient body habitus;1 and limited ability to perform tissue characterization.1 The role of CMR in this setting is well established because of its ability to obtain a wide field of view, generate high contrast and spatial resolution, and perform multiplanar imaging, allowing precise demonstration and localization of a mass.2 In clinical practice, CMR serves several useful purposes. First, it is able to help discriminate between a true cardiac mass and a pseudomass. Second, tissue characterization by CMR can assist in generating a differential diagnosis, and can distinguish a cardiac neoplasm (which generally will require excision) from other conditions, such as intracardiac thrombus, lipomatous hypertrophy or benign lipomas (all of which generally do not require excision). Third, even when the etiology of a mass is known, CMR can provide useful information as to the extent of invasion into cardiac, as well as extracardiac structures, and associated findings. This article provides a general overview as to how CMR may be clinically useful to the practicing cardiovascular specialist.
Striatal Denervation Pattern Predicts Levodopa Effects on Sequence Learning in Parkinson's Disease

ABSTRACTMild to moderate Parkinson's disease shows more denervation in the posterodorsal striatum and sparing of the anteroventral striatum. Dopaminergic medications can interfere with anteroventral striatum function by overdosing this relatively intact structure. The authors determined how regional striatal denervation affects medication-associated sequence learning impairment in Parkinson's disease. Eighteen Parkinson's patients performed motor sequence learning on and off levodopa. Patients underwent 11C-dihydrotetrabenazine positron emission tomography scans to measure nigrostriatal denervation. Patients with more preserved putamen were more likely to exhibit levodopa-associated sequence learning impairments. Furthermore, the ratio of denervation in the anterior to posterior dorsal putamen predicted the level of learning differences on and off levodopa. These results demonstrate that the spatial pattern of nigrostriatal dopaminergic denervation predicts medication responsiveness for motor sequence lea...
Immunosuppressive Agents: Recent Developments in Molecular Action and Clinical Application

VER recent years the development of immunosuppressive agents in solid organ transplantation has included drugs that selectively inhibit cytokine gene expression (cyclosporine and tacrolimus), inhibit the action of growth-promoting cytokines (sirolimus), or exert antiproliferative activity (mycophenolate and leflunomide). This review is designed to elaborate on the most recent additions in the pharmaceutical armametarium while giving an overview of the older agents. Therefore we will only briefly discuss the mechanism of action for cyclosporine, but we will closely analyze its role in combination therapy with some of the newer agents (eg, sirolimus). The prototypical immunosuppressive agent that alters gene expression is cyclosporine (CsA). It binds to cyclophilin intracellularly to create the active complex, CsA‐ cyclophilin. This complex subsequently inhibits calcineurin. Calcineurin is a serine threonine phosphatase necessary to activate transcription factors like nuclear factor of activated T cells (NFAT). It plays a critical role in the induction of
Statistical description of the electronic-level structure of small metallic particles.

Analyse de l'effet de geometrie sur la distribution des niveaux d'energie de particules de type cubique a faces centrees. Etude des roles respectifs des irregularites de surface et de la structure cristalline. Les implications des resultats sont etudiees dans le contexte general des systemes desordonnes finis
Behavioral-level synthesis of heterogeneous BISR reconfigurable ASIC's

In this paper, behavioral-level synthesis techniques are presented for the design of reconfigurable hardware. The techniques are applicable for synthesis of several classes of designs, including: (1) design for fault tolerance against permanent faults, (2) design for Improved manufacturability, and (3) design of application specific programmable processors (ASPPs)-processors designed to perform any computation from a specified set on a single implementation platform. This paper focuses on design techniques for efficient built-in self-repair (BISR), and thus directly addresses the former two applications. Previous BISR techniques have been based on replacing a failed module with a backup of the same type. We present new heterogeneous BISR methodologies which remove this constraint and enable replacement of a module with a spare of a different type. The approach is based on the flexibility of behavioral-level synthesis to explore the design space. Two behavioral synthesis techniques are developed; the first method is through assignment and scheduling, and the second utilizes transformations. Experimental results verify the effectiveness of the approaches.
Opening end-of-life discussions: how to introduce Voicing My CHOiCES™, an advance care planning guide for adolescents and young adults.

Objective: Each year, more than 11,000 adolescents and young adults (AYAs), aged 15–34, die from cancer and other life-threatening conditions. In order to facilitate the transition from curative to end-of-life (EoL) care, it is recommended that EoL discussions be routine, begin close to the time of diagnosis, and continue throughout the illness trajectory. However, due largely to discomfort with the topic of EoL and how to approach the conversation, healthcare providers have largely avoided these discussions. Method: We conducted a two-phase study through the National Cancer Institute with AYAs living with cancer or pediatric HIV to assess AYA interest in EoL planning and to determine in which aspects of EoL planning AYAs wanted to participate. These results provided insight regarding what EoL concepts were important to AYAs, as well as preferences in terms of content, design, format, and style. The findings from this research led to the development of an age-appropriate advance care planning guide, Voicing My CHOiCES™. Results: Voicing My CHOiCES™: An Advanced Care Planning Guide for AYA became available in November 2012. This manuscript provides guidelines on how to introduce and utilize an advance care planning guide for AYAs and discusses potential barriers. Significance of Results: Successful use of Voicing My CHOiCES™ will depend on the comfort and skills of the healthcare provider. The present paper is intended to introduce the guide to providers who may utilize it as a resource in their practice, including physicians, nurses, social workers, chaplains, psychiatrists, and psychologists. We suggest guidelines on how to: incorporate EoL planning into the practice setting, identify timepoints at which a patient's goals of care are discussed, and address how to empower the patient and incorporate the family in EoL planning. Recommendations for introducing Voicing My CHOiCES™ and on how to work through each section alongside the patient are provided.
Brassica cover cropping: I. Effects on weed and crop establishment

Abstract The Brassicaceae contain glucosinolates, which hydrolyze to form compounds toxic to plants, fungi, nematodes, and certain insects. Lower weed density and biomass in crops grown following incorporation of brassica cover crops suggest that they may contribute to weed management in agricultural systems. Field experiments were conducted to determine whether incorporated brassica cover crops, including canola, rapeseed, and yellow mustard, reduce subsequent weed and crop establishment; a companion paper describes separate but related field experiments that examined the influence of brassica cover crops on plant growth. Emergence rate and total emergence of sixteen weed and crop bioassay species were measured following brassica cover crops, fallow, or incorporated residues of other short-season cover crops including oat, crimson clover, and buckwheat. The bioassay species, representing a range of seed sizes, were chosen to determine whether larger seed size confers protection from residue-mediated effe...
Local mechanisms drive genioglossus activation in obstructive sleep apnea.

Individuals with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) require increased pharyngeal muscle dilator activation during wakefulness to maintain upper airway patency. Negative pressure is one potential stimulus for this neuromuscular compensation. Individuals with OSA who have previously undergone tracheostomy provide an opportunity to study upper airway physiology in both the presence and absence of upper airway respiratory stimuli. If negative pressure (or another local airway stimulus) were important in driving pharyngeal dilator muscle activation, one would predict that during nasal breathing, the pharynx of a tracheostomized patient would be exposed to negative pressure, and that high levels of muscle activation would therefore be measured. Conversely, during breathing by the patient through the tracheal stoma, one would expect low levels of muscle activation in the absence of local stimuli. We measured a number of respiratory variables, including genioglossus activation under both nasal and tracheal stomal breathing conditions, in five patients. In all five patients there was a significant and substantial decrease in both peak phasic (100 6 0 to 53.4 6 9.2 arbitrary units [mean 6 SEM], p , 0.01) and tonic genioglossus activation (36.3 6 5.3 to 20.7 6 3.9 arbitrary units, p , 0.05) during stomal breathing as compared with nasal breathing. We conclude that local upper airway respiratory stimuli, possibly negative pressure, are important in mediating the increased pharyngeal dilator muscle activation seen in sleep apnea patients during wakefulness. During wakefulness, individuals with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) have augmented activity of the pharyngeal dilator muscles (including the genioglossus). This is thought to represent a neuromuscular compensatory mechanism for an anatomically compromised pharyngeal airway (1). Augmented upper airway dilator muscle activity is lost at sleep onset in the apnea patient, and its loss is associated with pharyngeal collapse (2, 3).
Remote sensing of the Earth's surface with an airborne polarized laser

A new remote sensing instrument, the Airborne Laser Polarization Sensor (ALPS), is making the first multispectral radiometric and polarization measurements of the Earth's surface using a polarized laser light source. Results from data flights taken over boreal forests in Maine at 1060 and 532 nm, using a Nd:YAG laser source, showing depolarization signatures for three broadleaf and five coniferous tree species, are discussed. Measurements made over nonforest ground cover had a large dynamic range in depolarization values at both wavelengths. The ALPS system use twelve photomultiplier tube detectors configurable to measure desired parameters such as the total backscatter and the polarization state, including the azimuthal angle and ellipticity, at different ultraviolet to near-infrared wavelengths simultaneously. Measurements of the azimuth and ellipticity of the backscatter polarization were variable and no specific conclusions have yet been drawn. >
Successful treatment with tocainide of recessive generalized congenital myotonia

A patient with recessive generalized congenital myotonia and severe, disabling weakness underwent various forms of treatment while being monitored electrophysiologically. Phenytoin, verapamil, and acetazolamide were ineffective, but tocainide yielded good results. Improvement was dose-dependent, and was limited by irritability and action tremor when the patient was taking 1,600 mg per day.
Numerical consequences of changing the units in which chemical analyses of igneous rocks are analyzed

Abstract Chemical analyses of igneous rocks have been expressed in a variety of units and many previous workers have expressed a preference for one transformation form or another (oxide weight percentages, molecular amounts, grams per 100 cc, etc.). Transformations which operate on the columns of a data matrix (containing the measured chemical constituents) can be described as simple linear transformations which change the means and variances of the columns but not the coefficients of variation of the columns or the correlation coefficients between columns. Such transformations include changing from oxide weight percentage to molecular amounts or normalizing to some constant value. If the investigator applies a numerical or graphical method of analysis to the original and column transformed forms of the same data set any differences must be attributed to the transformation itself. If the column transformed data are converted to percentage form (such as forming molecular percentages from molecular amounts) all of the summary statistics are likely to change. Transformations which operate on a row of the data matrix (such as multiplication by sample density to convert oxide weight percentages to grams/100 cc) result in changes in the summary statistics of each column and the correlations between all pairs of columns. Equations can be written which express the properties of the columns of the row transformed data matrix in terms of the properties of the non-transformed (parent) data matrix. An investigator may have a preference as to the units in which to express chemical variations(s) of igneous rocks but such preference must be based on petrogenetic criteria and not on a comparison of the statistics of the transformed and non-transformed forms of the same data set.
Plasmon enhanced direct and inverse Faraday effects in non-magnetic nanocomposites

While applications of plasmonics are rapidly growing, magneto-optical effects in nanocomposites are poorly understood. We therefore devote this paper to the theoretical analysis of magneto-optical effects in nanocomposites. Based on the Drude model, we derived the constitutive equation where the dielectric and coupling functions describe the interactions of metal nanoparticles with magnetic field. In the limitation of low volume fraction of metal nanoparticles (i.e., when the material is still transparent), these functions were calculated within the Maxwell–Rayleigh theory of dilute suspensions. We showed that in the absence of external magnetic fields, a non-magnetic nanoparticle can be magnetized in the circularly polarized light beam, and the magnetization depends on the direction of rotation of the light wave. The external magnetic field alters the particle magnetization, and when the fields are weak, this change in magnetization linearly depends on the particular field. The proposed theory was applied to an analysis of the Faraday effect in nanocomposites. We predicted a resonance behavior of the Verdet function in nanocomposites and its dependence on concentration, sample thickness, and external magnetic field.
Growth contributions to Class II corrections based on models of mandibular morphology

Various morphologies of human models are modeled with various growth patterns to demonstrate the role of mandibular morphology on growth contributions to Class II corrections. Growth patterns are described by centers of mandibular rotation relative to the cranial base. Centers of rotation are used to determine several parameters of growth generated by a computer programmed to show growth effects. The direction and amount of condylar growth are held constant. With condylar growth constant, various centers of rotation of the mandible reveal that maximum Class II molar correction is present when the condyle is vertically located farthest from the molar. Of lesser importance, Class II corrections are greater when the condyle is anteroposteriorly closest to the molar.
Marginal biotin deficiency during normal pregnancy.

Background: Biotin deficiency is teratogenic in several mammalian species. Approximately 50% of pregnant women have an abnormally increased urinary excretion of 3-hydroxyisovaleric acid (3-HIA), which probably reflects decreased activity of the biotindependent enzyme methylcrotonyl-CoA carboxylase. However, increased 3-HIA excretion could result from pregnancy per se (eg, from an effect of pregnancy on renal handling of organic acids). Objective: We tested the hypothesis that biotin supplementation significantly decreases 3-HIA excretion in pregnant women with abnormally increased 3-HIA excretion. Design: Twenty-six pregnant women with increased 3-HIA excretion were studied in a randomized, placebo-controlled trial; 10 women were studied during early pregnancy (6‐17 wk gestation) and 16 women during late pregnancy (21‐37 wk gestation). Urine samples were collected before and after 14 d of supplementation with 300 � g (1.2 � mol) biotin/d or placebo. Results: In the early-pregnancy group, 3-HIA excretion decreased (P < 0.006) by 11.7 ± 3.6 mmol/mol creatinine (mean ± SEM) in the 5 women who received biotin supplements, whereas 3-HIA excretion increased by 1.6 ± 0.6 mmol/mol creatinine in the 5 women who received placebo. In the late-pregnancy group, 3-HIA excretion decreased (P < 0.002) by 7.1 ± 1.2 mmol/mol creatinine in the 8 women who received biotin supplements, whereas 3-HIA excretion increased by 0.9 ± 1.8 mmol/mol creatinine in the 8 women who received placebo. Conclusions: This study provides evidence that the increased excretion of 3-HIA seen frequently in normal pregnancy reflects reduced biotin status. The conclusion that marginal biotin deficiency occurs frequently in the first trimester further raises concern about potential human teratogenicity. Am J Clin Nutr 2002;75:295‐9.
“Said and Done” Versus “Saying and Doing” Gendering Practices, Practicing Gender at Work

Recently, the study of gender has focused on processes by which gender is brought into social relations through interaction. This article explores implications of a two-sided dynamic—gendering practices and practicing of gender—for understanding gendering processes in formal organizations. Using stories from interviews and participant observation in multinational corporations, the author explores the practicing of gender at work. She defines practicing gender as a moving phenomenon that is done quickly, directionally (in time), and (often) nonreflexively; is informed (often) by liminal awareness; and is in concert with others. She notes how other conceptions of gender dynamics and practice inform the analysis and argues that adequate conceptualization (and potential elimination) of harmful aspects of gendering practices/practicing will require attention to (1) agency, intentionality, awareness, and reflexivity; (2) positions, power, and experience; and (3) choice, accountability, and audience. She calls f...
Effect of exercise on repolarisation abnormalities in patients with asymptomatic QT prolongation.

Patients with congenital QT prolongation have an increased incidence of ventricular arrhythmias and sudden death. Altered sympathetic tone has been suggested as an important contributing factor in this syndrome. Although some patients with an increased QT interval and arrhythmias have an abnormal QT response during exercise, the effect of exercise has not been reported in patients with acquired QT prolongation without clinical manifestations. The purpose of this study was to determine the pattern of QT change with exercise in patients with QT prolongation without exercise-induced arrhythmias in order to: 1) determine the most frequent response in this group; 2) observe the effect of posture on QT changes; and 3) compare the rate of QT change with a control group. Treadmill exercise testing was performed in 10 patients (mean age 52.1 ±8.0 years) with a QTc greater than 0.44 s; the results were compared with 14 patients with a normal QTc (mean age 45.8±12.1 years). Patients with an increased QT interval at rest experienced a significant reduction in QT interval during exercise (0.315±0.030 s vs 0.394±0.046 s standing at rest; P<0.01), as cycle length was decreased from 0.732±0.175 s to 0.489±0.062 s. Patients in the control group had a similar change in QT interval (0.297±0.015 s vs 0.359±0.029 s standing at rest (P<0.01), with a comparable change in cycle length 0.733±0.097 s vs 0.511 ±0.059 s. The slope of QT interval versus R-R interval was not significantly different (0.295±0.109 vs 0.259±0.100 s). Changes in QT and R-R intervals between supine and standing positions were similar in both groups. The results demonstrate that patients with QT prolongation without exercise-induced arrhythmias have a significant decrease in QT interval during upright exercise. The change in QT interval is not significantly different from that observed in a control group with normal QT measurements when similar changes in heart rate are produced by treadmill exercise. The results suggest that repolarisation abnormalities in this group respond in a normal manner to changes in autonomic tone produced by upright posture and treadmill exercise.
Juvenile hormone paces behavioral development in the adult worker honey bee

Behavioral development in the adult worker honey bee (Apis mellifera), from performing tasks inside the hive to foraging, is associated with an increase in the blood titer of juvenile hormone III (JH), and hormone treatment results in precocious foraging. To study behavioral development in the absence of JH we removed its glandular source, the corpora allata, in 1-day-old adult bees. The age at onset of foraging for allatectomized bees in typical colonies was significantly older compared with that of sham-operated bees in 3 out of 4 colonies; this delay was eliminated by hormone replacement in 3 out of 3 colonies. To determine the effects of corpora allata removal on sensitivity to changes in conditions that influence the rate of behavioral development, we used “single-cohort” colonies (composed of only young bees) in which some colony members initiate foraging precociously. The age at onset of foraging for allatectomized bees was significantly older compared with that of sham-operated bees in 2 out of 3 colonies, and this delay was eliminated by hormone replacement. Allatectomized bees initiated foraging at significantly younger ages in single-cohort colonies than in typical colonies. These results demonstrate that JH influences the pace of behavioral development in honey bees, but is not essential for either foraging or altering behavioral development in response to changes in conditions.
Hiv Tat protein causes endothelial dysfunction in porcine coronary arteries.

Abstract Purpose Human immune deficiency virus (HIV) infection is often associated with chronic diseases, including atherosclerosis. However, the molecular mechanisms are largely unknown. We examined the effect of Tat protein, an HIV regulatory protein, on endothelial function in porcine coronary arteries. Methods Porcine coronary arteries were dissected from nine pig hearts and cut into 5-mm ring segments, which were incubated as controls or with Tat protein (10 −7 , 10 −9 , 10 −11 mol/L) or Tat protein plus anti-Tat antibody, for 24 hours. Myography was performed with thromboxane A 2 analog U46619 (10 −7 mol/L) for contraction and with graded doses of bradykinin (10 −8 , 10 −7 , and 10 −6 mol/L) or sodium nitroprusside (10 −5 mol/L) for relaxation. Endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) messenger RNA was determined with reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), and protein levels were determined with Western blot analysis. Immunoreactivity of eNOS of treated rings was also detected. Results Endothelium-dependent vasorelaxation (10−7 mol/L of bradykinin) was significantly reduced (46.41%) in pig coronary artery rings treated with 10 −7 mol/L of Tat protein, as compared with control arteries ( P P Conclusions Tat protein significantly decreased endothelium-dependent vasorelaxation and eNOS mRNA and protein expression in endothelial cells of porcine coronary arteries. This study suggests that Tat protein–mediated endothelial dysfunction may be important in coronary heart disease in HIV-infected patients.