cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Sexual Dimorphism in Differentiating Osteoclast Precursors Demonstrates Enhanced Inflammatory Pathway Activation in Female Cells

Sexual dimorphism of the skeleton is well documented. At maturity, the male skeleton is typically larger and has a higher bone density than the female skeleton. However, the underlying mechanisms for these differences are not completely understood. In this study, we examined sexual dimorphism in the formation of osteoclasts between cells from female and male mice. We found that the number of osteoclasts in bones was greater in females. Similarly, in vitro osteoclast differentiation was accelerated in female osteoclast precursor (OCP) cells. To further characterize sex differences between female and male osteoclasts, we performed gene expression profiling of cultured, highly purified, murine bone marrow OCPs that had been treated for 3 days with macrophage colony-stimulating factor (M-CSF) and receptor activator of NF-κB ligand (RANKL). We found that 125 genes were differentially regulated in a sex-dependent manner. In addition to genes that are contained on sex chromosomes, transcriptional sexual dimorphism was found to be mediated by genes involved in innate immune and inflammatory response pathways. Furthermore, the NF-κB-NFATc1 axis was activated earlier in female differentiating OCPs, which partially explains the differences in transcriptomic sexual dimorphism in these cells. Collectively, these findings identify multigenic sex-dependent intrinsic difference in differentiating OCPs, which results from an altered response to osteoclastogenic stimulation. In humans, these differences could contribute to the lower peak bone mass and increased risk of osteoporosis that females demonstrate relative to males. © 2021 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research (ASBMR).
Kratom: An Emerging Issue and Need for Regulations in the United States.

Objective To understand and highlight the current issues, emerging trends, and regulations of kratom in the United States. Data sources PubMed and PubMed Central of the National Library of Medicine, MEDLINE, PsycINFO, and ClinicalTrials.gov databases were utilized. Study selection Studies published between January 1, 2000, and June 30, 2020, were accessed by using the MeSH term mitragyna in the context of toxicity, safety, and legislation and jurisprudence. Data extraction The final qualitative synthesis included 11 studies by following Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses Statement guidelines. Results The US Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) initially proposed to place kratom under Schedule I of the Controlled Substances Act, but the DEA later withdrew the intent, and kratom is still a legal substance in most of the United States. A low to moderate kratom dose produces mild stimulant properties, whereas large doses produce sedative effects that are identical to opiates. Its regular use at a higher dose is associated with dependence. Management of overdose is similar to that of patients presenting with opioid abuse, although kratom may potentially pose a higher risk for drug toxicity and organ injury compared to opioids due to intrinsic properties and adulteration. There is no clinical evidence for its safety and efficacy. The US Food and DEA do not recognize any legitimate medical use of kratom. Conclusions Kratom is an emerging public health concern and is abused as an alternative to opioids. Stringent policies and public awareness campaigns are required to curb the perception of its safe use, which needs to be substantiated with well-designed clinical trials.
Effect of Radiology Report Labeler Quality on Deep Learning Models for Chest X-Ray Interpretation.

Although deep learning models for chest X-ray interpretation are commonly trained on labels generated by automatic radiology report labelers, the impact of improvements in report labeling on the performance of chest X-ray classification models has not been systematically investigated. We first compare the CheXpert, CheXbert, and VisualCheXbert labelers on the task of extracting accurate chest X-ray image labels from radiology reports, reporting that the VisualCheXbert labeler outperforms the CheXpert and CheXbert labelers. Next, after training image classification models using labels generated from the different radiology report labelers on one of the largest datasets of chest X-rays, we show that an image classification model trained on labels from the VisualCheXbert labeler outperforms image classification models trained on labels from the CheXpert and CheXbert labelers. Our work suggests that recent improvements in radiology report labeling can translate to the development of higher performing chest X-ray classification models.
Characteristics of Enrollees in the Supported Employment Demonstration.

Objective: The Supported Employment Demonstration (SED), a multiyear (2016–2022), randomized controlled trial funded by the Social Security Administration, recruited a nontraditional sample of bene...
Excess Deaths During the COVID-19 Pandemic: Implications for US Death Investigation Systems.

During the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, vital statistics have had an important role in shaping the public health response, including recommendations for physical distancing and mask wearing, temporary lockdowns, and mobilization of health care systems.2 Racial and socioeconomic disparities in deaths attributed to COVID-19 have shown how structural racism contributed to vulnerability during the pandemic.3 Although monitoring death certificates for reference to COVID-19 is a useful method for detecting the mortality associated with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 infection, it is likely to result in an undercount if COVID-19 is missing on death certificates in cases in which COVID-19 contributed to death.4-6 In fact, between 15% and 34% of excess deaths that occurred in 2020 duringthe COVID-19 pandemic were not directly assigned to COVID-19 on death certificates.7 These deaths likely include COVID-19 deaths not assigned to COVID-19 and indirect deaths related to social and economic consequences of the pandemic. In rural areas, where coroners are more common, there is often less access to health care, including COVID-19 testing.9 Coroners may also be less likely to perform postmortem COVID-19 testing as a result of budget limitations. [...]prior research has identified partisan differences in attitudes toward COVID-19 and behaviors such as physical distancing and mask wearing.10 Thus, partisan differences could affect the likelihood that an individual or their family members seek COVID-19 testing while alive and whether coroners pursue postmortem testing. Because some states require testing for confirmation of a COVID-19 death, this could affect a state's COVID19 death count.11 Regardless ofthe cause, the possibility that the quality of death investigation systems may affect the reporting of COVID-19 deaths holds implications for the study of geographic variation in COVID-19 mortality, whichisanimportant tool for documenting disparities.
Reversible Topochemical Polymerization and Depolymerization of a Crystalline Three-Dimensional Porous Organic Polymer with C–C Bond Linkages

Three-dimensionally connected porous organic polymers are of interest because of their potential in adsorption, separation, and sensing, among others. When crystalline, they also afford accurate structure description, which in turn can enable particular functions. However, crystallization of three-dimensional (3D) polymers is challenging. This is especially true when targeting polymerization via stable C–C bonds, whose formation is usually irreversible and does not allow for error correction typically required for crystallization. Here, we report polyMTBA, the first 3D-connected crystalline organic polymer with permanent porosity, here formed via C–C linkages. High crystallinity is achieved by solid-state topochemical reaction within monomer MTBA crystals. polyMTBA is recyclable via thermal depolymerization and is solution-processable via its soluble monomers. These results reveal topochemical polymerization as a compelling methodology for generating stable, crystalline, and porous 3D organic frameworks.
A multidisciplinary approach to estimating red snapper, Lutjanus campechanus, behavioral response to mobile camera and sonar sampling gears

Abstract We examined the potential for Gulf of Mexico red snapper (RS) behavior to bias count estimates collected with a remotely operated vehicle (ROV), towed camera sled (TCS), subsurface towed acoustic sled (TAS), or SCUBA diver at artificial reef sites. Near- (≤ 5 m), mid- (≤ 15 m), and far-field (≤ 100 m) responses were examined using stationary stereo cameras, a horizontal acoustic profiler, and three-dimensional acoustic telemetry, respectively. Survey gears were deployed sequentially for 15 min with each gear immediately preceded by a 15-min control period. Near-field data (mean RS min−1) indicated counts were 7.3 times higher with the diver present and 1.9 times higher with the ROV. The TCS had a significant interaction effect with time on mean RS count in the near- and mid-field, as well as depth and acceleration. The TAS had no effect on RS behavior at any scale. Far-field data showed no significant effect of any gear on mean RS distance to reef. Overall, results indicate RS respond neutrally to survey gears at medium (≤ 15 m) to large (≤ 100 m) spatial scales, but small-scale (≤ 5 m) spatial attraction may bias RS counts with benthic survey gears, primarily by individuals near the periphery of the surveyed area approaching the gear.
Chapter 31 Egg Extracts for Nuclear Import and Nuclear Assembly Reactions

Publisher Summary This chapter describes the extracts that can be used to study the assembly, structure, function, and cell cycle regulation of the nuclear envelope and pore complexes. The nuclear envelope is the dynamic boundary that separates the eukaryotic genome from the cell cytoplasm. In addition to the chromosomes, all the proteins and enzymes needed for replication, transcription, and RNA maturation are confined to the nucleus. Ribosomes and translational factors, on the other hand, are restricted to the cytoplasm. This segregation of nucleoplasmic and cytoplasmic constituents is established early after mitosis, when the nuclear envelope components reassemble directly onto chromosome surfaces. After the chromosomes are enclosed by the envelope, segregation is maintained by nuclear pore complexes in the envelope that regulate the movement of macromolecules into and out of the nucleus. The nuclear envelope and associated skeletal structures bind chromatin and DNA, and helps in organizing chromatin structure.
Legal Enforcement of Morality

In modern Western political and legal thought, the subject of legal enforcement of morality is narrower than the literal coverage of those terms. That is because much legal enforcement of morality is uncontroversial and rarely discussed. Disagreement arises only when the law enforces aspects of morality that do not involve protecting others from fairly direct harms. More precisely, people raise questions about legal requirements (1) to perform acts that benefit others, (2) to refrain from acts that cause indirect harms to others, (3) to refrain from acts that cause harm to themselves, (4) to refrain from acts that offend others, and (5) to refrain from acts that others believe are immoral. Answers to some of these questions may be affected by whether the relevant moral judgments are essentially religious. Subsidiary questions concern the appropriateness of taxes adopted to discourage behavior the government should not forbid outright and the appropriateness of prohibitions on others profiting from such behavior (as when someone lives off the earnings of prostitutes). Since it is rare that one argument for restricting behavior will stand by itself, with no other arguments supporting restriction, a conclusion about a single theoretical issue will not usually yield a decisive answer as to whether any particular behavior should remain free. However, a conclusion that some argument for restraint is unwarranted can significantly affect the overall power of the totality of arguments. For example, if someone concludes that the claimed immorality of homosexual behavior is not a proper basis on which to forbid it, this will substantially affect the overall strength of reasons in favor of prohibition. A final subtlety concerns two perspectives from which to consider the subject of the legal enforcement of morality. One perspective is
Modeling the Spatiotemporal Dynamics of Earthquakes with a Conservative Random Potential and a Viscous Force

A new earthquake model of spatiotemporal dynamics is introduced. In contrast to many other earthquake models, this one does not contain a velocity-weakening frictional force, and is thus an alternative to the Burridge-Knopoff earthquake model. Dissipation in our model occurs only through viscous forces acting in the presence of a non-dissipative random potential. Both small localized and large delocalized events are observed. The scaling behavior of the event probability distribution is found to be non-universal and distinct from that found in other earthquake models. The system loses instability as the strength of the pulling spring becomes large enough. It also shows transitions from behavior exhibiting a wide range of magnitudes of slipping events to showing a narrow range scale in which only large events occur for a certain range of parameters. Effects of varying system size, boundary conditions and pulling speed were investigated.
Modeling Fatigue-Induced Collision Relative Risk: Implications of Service Hours and Fatigue Management Policies on Transit Bus Operators in Florida

This research explores the association between fatigue-induced crash risk, transit operator hours of service and fatigue management policies in the state of Florida. Data used in this study include incident data archived by transit agencies and bus driver schedules. The results show a decreasing trend of collision risks when drivers start their schedules late morning or afternoon compared with early morning. The effect of time on task shows increasing collision risk as drivers drive long hours without enough off duty periods.
Work environment and schizophrenia: an extension of the arousal hypothesis to occupational self-selection

The present study investigated a possible mechanism underlying the occupational self-selection of future schizophrenic patients prior to their first admission. More precisely, we explored whether schizophrenic patients are more likely than other psychotic patients to work in environments with a low potential for arousal (low complexity environments) in the last full-time job that preceded their hospitalization. All first admissions with psychotic symptoms to 15 hospitals providing inpatient psychiatric services in the Baltimore-Washington area were surveyed during a 6-year period. Patients diagnosed with schizophrenia were compared to patients diagnosed with bipolar disorder and other psychotic disorders to evaluate the suspected association. Study participants were assessed with a modified version of the Diagnostic Interview Schedule. Standard survey questions were used to assess occupational background. A measure based on the dictionary of occupational titles (DOT) was used to estimate the degree of complexity to which patients had been exposed in their last full-time occupation. Data were analyzed using multinomial logistic regression. After adjustment for age, gender, marital status, unemployment, socioeconomic status, hospital type, and physical demands and hazards on the job, patients with schizophrenia were more likely to have been working in low complexity environments in their last full-time jobs (e.g., janitors, gardeners, guards) than patients with bipolar disorder or with other psychotic disorders. Alternative explanations and potential implications regarding which work environments might be best suited to the social behavior of patients with schizophrenia are examined.
Fate of inoculated Escherichia coli O157:H7, cultured under different conditions, on fresh and decontaminated beef transitioned from vacuum to aerobic packaging

This study evaluated the behavior of Escherichia coli O157:H7 during aerobic storage, after storage in vacuum packages, on beef inoculated with cultures prepared (35 degrees C, 24 h) in tryptic soy broth without dextrose (TSB), nonacid hot water carcass decontamination runoff fluids (washings; pH 6.0; WASH), cells from biofilms formed on stainless steel coupons in WASH (WETB), or WETB dried (25 degrees C, 12 h) before harvesting of cells (DRYB). These inocula were applied to fresh beef pieces (40 cm2), which were then left untreated or treated by immersion in hot water (75 degrees C) followed by 2% lactic acid (55 degrees C; hot water/lactic acid [HW/LA]), for 30 s each. Inoculated samples were vacuum packaged and stored at 0 (30, 60, or 90 days), 4 (7 or 14 days), or 12 degrees C (4 or 8 days) and subsequently transferred to retail packages for aerobic storage at 7 degrees C for 5 days. Populations of E. coli O157:H117, regardless of inoculum type, remained generally unchanged (P > 0.05) after aerobic storage (7 degrees C, 5 days) of untreated or HW/LA-treated beef samples previously stored in vacuum packages at 0 or 4 degrees C. However, reductions in E. coli O157:H7 levels were generally obtained when vacuum packaged, untreated beef samples previously stored at 12 degrees C were transitioned to aerobic conditions. Additionally, despite similar (P > 0.05) levels of E. coli O157:H7 cells of TSB, WASH, WETB, and DRYB origin on vacuum-packaged, untreated samples after 8 days of storage at 12 degrees C, subsequent aerobic storage resulted in larger (P < 0.05) reductions of cells of WETB and DRYB origin than for cells of TSB and WASH origin. For HW/LA-treated beef previously stored at 12 degrees C in vacuum packages, populations of E. coli O157:H7 remained largely unchanged after aerobic storage in retail packages. Results thus indicated that aerobic storage of beef (7 degees C, 5 days) previously stored in vacuum packages at 0 or 4 degrees C did not lead to E. coli O157:H7 population changes, whereas transition from vacuum packages stored under mildly abusive temperature (12 degrees C) to aerobic storage may have caused injury and death to the pathogen.
Coronary Vascular Effects of Leptin and Calpastatin in Lean vs. Obese Hearts

Recent evidence suggests a role for leptin and calpastatin in the pathogenesis of obesity-induced coronary vascular dysfunction. However, how these factors affect coronary smooth muscle reactivity ...
Stable transfection of protein kinase C alpha cDNA in hormone-dependent breast cancer cell lines.

An inverse relationship between protein kinase C (PKC) activity and oestrogen receptor (ER) expression in human breast cell lines and tumours has been firmly established over the past 10 years. To determine whether specific alterations in PKC expression accompany hormone-independence, we examined the expression of PKC isozymes in the hormone-independent human breast cancer cell clones MCF-7 5C and T47D:C42 compared with their hormone-dependent counterparts, MCF-7 A4, MCF-7 WS8 and T47D:A18 respectively. Both hormone-independent cell clones exhibit elevated PKCα expression and increased basal AP-1 activity compared with the hormone-dependent cell clones. To determine whether PKCα overexpression is sufficient to mediate the hormone-independent phenotype, we stably transfected an expression plasmid containing PKCα cDNA to the T47D:A18 and MCF-7 A4 cell lines. This is the first report of PKCα transfection in T47D cells. In contrast to MCF-7 cells, T47D has the propensity to lose the ER and more readily forms tamoxifen-stimulated tumours in athymic mice. We find that in T47D:A18/PKCα clones, there is concomitant up-regulation of PKC βI and δ, whereas in the MCF-7 A4/PKCα transfectants PKC ɛ is up-regulated. In T47D:A18, but not in MCF-7 A4, PKCα stable transfection is accompanied by down-regulation of ER function whilst basal AP-1 activity is elevated. Our results suggest PKCα overexpression may play a role in growth signalling during the shift from hormone dependent to hormone-independent breast cancers. © 2000 Cancer Research Campaign
REAL-TIME SEISMIC MONITORING OF THENEWCAPE GIRARDEAU (MO) BRIDGE AND RECORDED EARTHQUAKE RESPONSE

This paper introduces the state of the art, real-time and broad-band seismic monitoring network implemented for the 1206 m (3956 ft) long, cable-stayed Bill Emerson Memorial Bridge in Cape Girardeau (MO), a new Mississippi River crossing, approximately 80 km from the epicentral region of the 1811-1812 New Madrid earthquakes. Design of the bridge accounted for the possi- bility of a strong earthquake (magnitude 7.5 or greater) during the design life of the bridge. The monitoring network consists of a superstructure and two free-field arrays and comprises a total of 84 channels of accelerometers deployed on the superstructure, pier foundations and free-field in the vicinity of the bridge. The paper also introduces the high quality response data obtained from the network. Such data is aimed to be used by the owner, researchers and engineers to (1) assess the performance of the bridge, (2) check design parameters, including the comparison of dynamic char- acteristics with actual response, and (3) better design future similar bridges. Preliminary analyses of low-amplitude ambient vibration data and that from a small earthquake reveal specific response characteristics of this new bridge and the free-field in its proximity. There is coherent tower-cable- deck interaction that sometimes results in amplified ambient motions. Also, while the motions at the lowest (tri-axial) downhole accelerometers on both MO and IL sides are practically free-from any feedback from the bridge, the motions at the middle downhole and surface accelerometers are significantly influenced by amplified ambient motions of the bridge.
Silencing of Escherichia coli bgl promoter by flanking sequence elements.

Abstract Silencing of a transcriptional unit by flanking sequence elements has so far only been described for eukaryotic systems. Here, a similar system is described in bacteria. The Escherichia coli bgl operon (beta-glucoside utilization) is normally cryptic due to very low promoter activity. However, low activity is not attributable to the quality of the promoter itself but is caused by its chromosomal context. The bgl promoter is perfectly active when tested outside of its normal context of a stretch of a few hundred base pairs. In addition, other promoters become inactivated when placed into the bgl region. Both the deletion of an upstream sequence element and the replacement of sequences located downstream result in promoter de-repression, demonstrating that silencing of promoters within this stretch of DNA in vivo is an active process brought about by the combined action of upstream and downstream chromosomal elements.
Pairing state in multicomponent superconductors

We use the microscopic weak-coupling theory to predict the pairing state in superconductors of cubic, hexagonal, or tetragonal symmetry, where the order parameter is multicomponent, i.e., transforms according to either a 2-dimensional or a 3-dimensional representation of the crystal point group. We show that the superconducting phase usually breaks the time-reversal symmetry for singlet multicomponent superconductors. The superconducting order parameter for triplet superconductors in most cases turns out to be non-magnetic.
Covariance identity for multinomial trials

A formula for the covariance of duration times between successive occurrences of two different outcomes in multinomial trials is derived. Its relationship to the Banach match-box problem and restricted randomization designs is mentioned.
Relationships Between Corn-canopy Microenvironments and Banks Grass Mite (Acari: Tetranychidae) Abundance

Banks grass mite (BGM), Oligonychus pratensis (Banks), density was monitored on corn plants of various growth stages that were differentially irrigated. Treatments were designed to create different levels of plant stress by combining factors associated with leaf senescence with stress due to moisture deficits. Plants that showed severe stress symptoms and those without stress symptoms became infested with low BGM numbers. Plants with intermediate stress levels became infested with the most BGM. Plant-canopy temperature measurements indicated that higher temperatures were associated with more mature, water-stressed plants, and canopy temperatures were significantly correlated with BGM numbers. The combined effect of adequate host quality and high microenvironmental temperatures may account for rapid BGM density increases during plant stress episodes.
A Suggestion for Using Powerful and Informative Tests of Normality

Abstract For testing that an underlying population is normally distributed the skewness and kurtosis statistics, √b 1 and b 2, and the D'Agostino–Pearson K 2 statistic that combines these two statistics have been shown to be powerful and informative tests. Their use, however, has not been as prevalent as their usefulness. We review these tests and show how readily available and popular statistical software can be used to implement them. Their relationship to deviations from linearity in normal probability plotting is also presented.
Long-term outcomes of proximal row carpectomy: a minimum of 15-year follow-up

Introduction Proximal row carpectomy (PRC) is a popular procedure for the treatment of wrist arthritis; however, the long-term clinical outcomes of this procedure are not well-characterized. The purpose of this study was to evaluate long-term results with PRC and to identify factors that may improve clinical outcomes.
Wind-aided flame spread over thick solids

Abstract This study theoretically analyzes flame spread over thick solid fuels (noncharring) in concurrent oxidizer flows. Emphasis is placed on making rationally justifiable physical approximations that produce useful results. It is discovered that by making only one additional assumption (steady pyrolysis zone) over that of the previous analysis of Carrier et al. ( Combust. Sci. Technol. 23:41–78, 1980), exact solutions for the pyrolysis and flame front speeds can be obtained. These quantities are both linearly dependent on the free stream velocity; the self-similar formulation used herein also makes them constant. The applicability and limitations of the formulas of deRis ( Twelfth Symposium on Combustion , 1969, pp. 241–252) and Quintiere Fire Mater . 5(2):52–60 (1981) for the pyrolysis front speed are discussed. Suggestions for future work are made.
Physiological, morphological, and growth responses ofPlatanus occidentalis seedlings to flooding

Flooding ofPlatanus occidentalis L. seedlings for up to 40 days induced several changes including early stomatal closure, greatly accelerated ethylene production by stems, formation of hypertrophied lenticels and adventitious roots on submerged portions of stems, and marked growth inhibition. Poor adaptation ofPlatanus occidentalis seedlings to soil inundation was shown in stomatal closure during the entire flooding period, inhibition of root elongation and branching, and death of roots. Some adaptation to flooding was indicated by (1) production of hypertrophied lenticels which may assist in exchange of dissolved gases in flood water and in release of toxic compounds, and (2) production of adventitious roots on stems which may increase absorption of water. These adaptations appeared to be associated with greatly stimulated ethylene production in stems of flooded plants. The greater reduction of root growth over shoot growth in flooded seedlings will result in decreased drought tolerance after the flood waters recede. The generally low tolerance to flooding of seedlings of species that are widely rated as highly flood tolerant is emphasized.
Pockets of peasants in Indonesian cities: The case of scavengers

Abstract This paper examines one aspect of noncapitalist production in a Third World city: the production of raw materials from wastes in Bandung, Indonesia. Scavenging as an occupational group is defined, and distinguished from other occupations involved with waste. The social and productive relations into which Indonesian scavengers enter are found to be structurally similar to peasant production. The specification of Bandung scavengers as peasants has apparent implications for their development.
A synteny map and disease resistance gene comparison between barley and the model monocot Brachypodium distachyon.

Grass species have coevolved with current economically important crop pathogens over millions of years. During this time, speciation of current domestic crops has occurred, resulting in related yet divergent genomes. Here, we present a synteny map between the crop species Hordeum vulgare and the recently sequenced Brachypodium distachyon genome, focusing on regions known to harbor important barley disease resistance genes. The resistance genes have orthologous genes in Brachypodium that show conservation of the form and likely the function of the genes. The level of colinearity between the genomes is highly dependent on the region of interest and, at the DNA level or protein level, the gene of interest. The stem rust resistance gene Rpg1 has an ortholog with a high level of identity at the amino acid level, while the stem rust resistance gene Rpg5 has two orthologs with a high level of identity, one corresponding to the NBS-LRR domain and the other to the serine/threonine protein kinase domain, on differe...
Evolutionary diversification of the gall midge genus Asteromyia (Cecidomyiidae) in a multitrophic ecological context

Gall-forming insects provide ideal systems to analyze the evolution of host–parasite interactions and understand the ecological interactions that contribute to evolutionary diversification. Flies in the family Cecidomyiidae represent the largest radiation of gall-forming insects and are characterized by complex trophic interactions with plants, fungal symbionts, and predators. We analyzed the phylogenetic history and evolutionary associations of the North American cecidomyiid genus Asteromyia, which is engaged in a complex and perhaps co-evolving community of interactions with host-plants, fungi, and parasitoids. Mitochondrial gene trees generally support current classifications, but reveal extensive cryptic diversity within the eight named species. Asteromyia likely radiated after their associated host-plants in the Astereae, but species groups exhibit strong associations with specific lineages of Astereae. Evolutionary associations with fungal mutualists are dynamic, however, and suggest rapid and perhaps coordinated changes across trophic levels.
Public journalism as a journalism of publics: Implications of the Habermas–Fraser debate for public journalism

This article addresses the alleged gap between academic scholarship on the public sphere and journalistic work in the public sphere by demonstrating how Fraser's (1990) four-part critique of Haberm...
On the crystallization of proteins.

Abstract We report on theoretical and experimental work aimed at a systematic approach to the crystallization of proteins. Successful crystallization depends on the competition between the growth rates for compact three-dimensional structures and long-chain structures leading to an amorphous precipitate. Quasi-elastic light scattering was used to monitor the size and shape distribution of small aggregates in a model system (lysozyme) during the pre-nucleation stage. With the aid of a simple model, the line-width of the scattered light was used to predict whether crystals or an amorphous precipitate would result. Once visible crystals appeared, the lysozyme concentration near the crystal surface was monitored and the kinetic parameters for growth obtained. A peculiar self-limiting phenomenon causes crystals to stop growing after a certain size has been reached. When these terminal size crystals were cleaved, growth occurred at the surface until the original size was approximately restored.
Comparing challenging behavior in children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorders according to the DSM-IV-TR and the proposed DSM-5

Objective: The aim of the current study is to investigate challenging behavior in children who may no longer meet criteria for an autism spectrum disorder (ASD) diagnosis according to the proposed fifth edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual (DSM-5).Method: Children and adolescents (n = 459) were separated into three groups including those who met criteria for ASD according to the DSM-5 criteria (n = 219); those who will no longer qualify for an ASD diagnosis according to the DSM-5 but met criteria according to the DSM-IV-TR (n = 109); and a control group (n = 131). Scores on the Autism Spectrum Disorders – Problem Behaviors for Children (ASD-PB-C) were compared among groups.Results: The DSM-5 captured a slightly more impaired population in terms of problem behavior.Conclusion: Implications regarding access to treatment for those no longer meeting criteria need to be taken into consideration in the coming months.
Latin America in a time of global financial turmoil

Following the financial turmoil in Asia and Russia, Latin America has suffered dramatic setbacks, including major economic slowdown, threats to democratization, and worsening social conditions. For the medium term, neither prosperity nor political stability are assured, says Abraham F. Lowenthal, founding president of the Pacific Council on International Policy at the University of Southern California, Los Angeles. Lowenthal identifies three positive shifts that have occurred in the region over the past few years: a convergence among economic policymakers on the main tenets of sound policy; an even more widespread embrace of constitutional democracy as an ideal; and a growing disposition on the part of Latin American nations toward pragmatic cooperation with each other and with the industrialized countries, including the United States.
Multi-scale high-speed network traffic prediction using k-factor Gegenbauer ARMA model

Gegenbauer autoregressive moving average (GARMA) model has the ability to capture both the short- and long-range dependent characteristics of the underlying data. GARMA has been used for modeling and forecasting of the financial time series that exhibits a long-range dependency (LRD). Since the high-speed network traffic exhibits a high degree of LRD characteristic, GARMA could be used for its modeling and prediction. In this paper, we present a simplified parameter estimation procedure and an adaptive prediction scheme for the k-factor GARMA model. The adaptation gives the model the ability to capture, the non-stationary characteristic of the data. The k-factor GARMA is applied to model four different types of real traffic data: MPEG and JPEG video, Ethernet and Internet. These models are then used to predict one-step-ahead traffic value at different timescales. The results show that the estimated parameters of the k-factor GARMA model provide a detailed and accurate presentation for the traffic characteristics in both time and frequency domain. We also demonstrate that the prediction performance of the k-factor GARMA model outperforms that of the traditional autoregressive (AR) model.
Does rFVIIa work solo in hemophilia

In this issue of Blood , Feng et al shed incisive light on how recombinant activated factor VII (rFVIIa) corrects the bleeding defect in hemophilia.[1][1] ![Figure][2] The different proposed models to explain rFVIIa dosing in hemophilia. (A) In the TF-dependent model, high doses of rFVIIa (
The Rubisco complex protein : a protein induced by fruit removal that forms a complex with ribulose-1,5-bisphosphate carboxylase/oxygenase

Continuous removal of fruits from soybean plants (Glycine max [L.] Merr.) causes a redistribution of ribulose-1,5-bisphosphate carboxylase/oxygenase (Rubisco, EC 4.1.1.39) from the soluble to the insoluble phase of leaf extracts. The extent of this redistribution is genotype-dependent. We previously reported that insoluble Rubisco occurs in a high-molecular-mass complex together with a protein composed of 30-kDa subunits (S.J. Crafts-Brander et al., Planta, 183, 300–306). In the present study, the Rubisco Complex Protein (RCP), was isolated from the Rubisco-RCP complex by gel-filtration chromatography in 4 M urea. Under these conditions, RCP migrated with an apparent molecular mass of 120 kDa, indicating that the protein maintains a tetrameric structure even in 4 M urea. Once freed of urea, purified RCP was soluble, but formed insoluble complexes with Rubisco from soybean, tobacco and spinach when RCP and Rubisco were incubated in a ratio of 1∶1 by weight. Purified Rubisco and RCP also associated into a high-molecular-mass complex when either component was in several-fold excess, but in this case the complex was soluble. Similarly, the amount of Rubisco sequestered as an insoluble Rubisco:RCP complex in leaf extracts of different soybean genotypes was related to the relative amounts of Rubisco and RCP present in the extracts. Thus, with both purified components and in leaf extracts, formation of an insoluble complex between Rubisco and RCP required a precise stoichiometry. Antibodies directed against purified RCP detected an accumulation of RCP in soybean leaves around the time of flowering. The RCP was also detected in petioles, stems, and pod walls of soybean, but not seeds. Fruit removal caused a marked increase in the amount of RCP in the leaves to levels as high as 15% of the total soluble protein. The accumulation of RCP in response to source:sink manipulations was similar to soybean vegetative storage proteins (VSPs). However, immunogold-localization showed that RCP was located in the cytosol of leaves, compartmentalized separate from both Rubisco and the VSPs. Thus, the physiological relevance of the specific association between RCP and Rubisco is obscure.
Reduction of random noise from multiband image data using phase relationships among their Fourier coefficients

The problem of reducing the random noise from multiband image data is examined, taking a nine-band image data set of a terrestrial scene and adding a significant amount of noise to the original pixel value of each band. For each of these data sets, data of three nearby bands generally exhibit a high correlation among them. Selected data for several sets of three nearby bands are transformed from the spatial domain to the frequency domain to study phase relationships (i.e., coherency) among their Fourier coefficients of various frequencies. It is shown that, in general, the addition of random noise results in the rapid change, with frequency, of a quantity called the coherency measure. (This is a quantitative measure of the phase agreement among the phases of various Fourier coefficients at a given frequency.) The coherency measure vs. frequency curve for a given data line is then used to attenuate various Fourier coefficients of the corresponding nearby bands of that line. It is then shown that the inverse transformation of such modified Fourier coefficients results in a statistically significant reduction of noise from the data of single lines, or from those data of some finite areas of the image. Results of a supervised boxcar multispectral classification with the original as well as various modified data sets of the selected image are also presented to provide additional guidance in the use of such a sophisticated analytic procedure in image processing.
Radiotherapy Alone for Moderately Advanced Laryngeal Cancer (T2-T3).

At the University of Florida, patients with T2 or favorable T3 squamous cell carcinoma of the supraglottic larynx are treated by either external-beam irradiation or supraglottic laryngectomy. A favorable T3 cancer is relatively exophytic and is staged T3 on the basis of preepiglottic space invasion or limited extension to the medial wall of the pyriform sinus; the patient should have mobile vocal cords and an adequate airway. Major medical problems, inadequate pulmonary reserve, poor motivation, advanced age, anatomic constraints (eg, tumor that involves the vocal cords, anterior commissure, both lingual arteries, both arytenoids, or with vocal cord fixation), and the ease with which one can electively irradiate both sides of the neck are some of the considerations that argue in favor of irradiation and against supraglottic laryngectomy for many patients. Unfavorable T3 cancers are bulky, endophytic tumors, often producing vocal cord fixation and/or airway compromise; in most such patients, total laryngectomy is required, although an occasional patient may be treated by supraglottic laryngectomy and postoperative irradiation. Radiotherapy alone is usually not recommended, but is given to patients who refuse or cannot undergo total laryngectomy. The dose of irradiation administered to the primary site varies according to volume of cancer, rather than stage per se. For example, the dosages prescribed for once-a-day fractionation using 200 cGy per fraction are, for T2,6,400 cGy to 6,800 cGy and, for T3, 6,400 cGy to 7,000 cGy. Most patients cur-
In situ and in vitro photoaffinity labeling of the nuclear aryl hydrocarbon receptor from transformed rodent and human cell lines

The photoaffinity labeling of the nuclear aryl hydrocarbon (Ah) receptor from mouse Hepa 1c1c7, rat hepatoma H-4-II E, and human liver Hep G2 cells was investigated using two high affinity ligands, namely 2,3,7,8-[3H]tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD) and 7-[125I]iodo-2,3,-dibenzo-p-dioxin ([125I]DBDD). Irradiation of nuclear [3H]TCDD-Ah receptor complexes from the three cell lines for 5 min gave 47, 38, and 62% yields of trichloroacetic acid-precipitable photoadducts from the Hepa 1c1c7, H-4-II E, and Hep G2 cell lines, respectively; denaturing sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis separation followed by autoradiography gave one major Ah receptor photoadduct for each cell line with apparent molecular masses at 97, 100, and 110 kDa, respectively. [125I]DBDD could also be used as a photoaffinity label for the nuclear Ah receptor from the three cell lines; although the maximum net yield of photoaffinity labeled nuclear Ah receptor from the rodent nuclear Ah receptor preparations was relatively low (0.5-2.5%), a greater than 15% yield of photoadduct was obtained from the human Hep G2 cells. Both [3H]TCDD and [125I]DBDD were utilized to photoaffinity label the nuclear Ah receptor in Hepa 1c1c7 cells in suspension and the net yield of photoadducts with these ligands was 94.6 and 3.0%, respectively. The cytosolic Ah receptor from the three cell lines was photolabeled with [125I]DBDD and the net yield of photoadducts varied from 3.3 to 14.7%. The functional activity of the photoaffinity-labeled nuclear TCDD-Ah receptor complexes from the cell lines was also determined by comparing relative binding affinities of the photolyzed and unphotolyzed complexes with a synthetic dioxin-responsive element (DRE) using a gel retardation assay. The photolyzed and unphotolyzed complexes from the three cell lines all bound with the DRE in the gel shift assay; however, the gel mobilities of the rodent and human nuclear receptor-DRE complexes were different. Quantitative analysis of the DRE binding showed that there were no significant differences between the photolyzed and unphotolyzed nuclear receptor complexes from the rodent cells, whereas there was a significant 27% decrease in the DRE binding of the photolyzed versus the unphotolyzed nuclear receptor complex from the human Hep G2 cells. These studies demonstrate the utility of [3H]TCDD and [125I]DBDD as photoaffinity labels for the Ah receptor and illustrate the structural and photochemical differences between the rodent and the human nuclear Ah receptor complexes.
A question about the CPT theorem

Abstract A question has been raised concerning the proof of the CPT theorem in theories for which the fundamental vacuum state is degenerate. The question is elaborated further here and the issue is rephrased in terms of initial and boundary conditions on the “original” theory (e.g., in the early universe). In this connection, it is suggested that the “strong CP violation” of QCD is due to T violation of the boundary conditions and that these conditions do not violate CP. It is suggested that the answer to the question lies in the choice of “standing wave” rather than “running wave” linear combinations of the vacuum states as the basis for the physical vacuum. Such a choice not only resolves the degeneracy question relating to the CPT theorem but also would appear to eliminate strong CP violation as an issue.
Self-similar crack expansion method for two-dimensional cracks under mixed mode loading conditions

Abstract The self-similar crack expansion (SSCE) method is proposed to evaluate stress intensity factors of two-dimensional cracks under mixed-mode loading conditions. With this method, stress intensity factors for the crack in an infinite medium or semi-infinite medium can be determined by calculating the crack-opening displacements over the crack surface. The energy release rate of an extending crack is precisely estimated by taking advantage of the crack self-similarity. In the boundary integral equation technique, the singular integrals near crack tips are evaluated based on closed form expressions. Combination of these two techniques significantly increases the accuracy in the stress intensity factor (SIF) calculations. A variety of SIFs for cracks, such as subsurface cracks, edge cracks and the interactions among them are calculated using various types of crack expansions in the SSCE method. Results show good accuracy for crack analysis, with errors in SIFs of two-dimensional cracks less than 0.5%. This provides an analytical tool for predicting fatigue life of materials. An interesting finding in the relationship between SIFs is presented for a group of aligned cracks under tensile loading.
The definition of molecular resonance curves by the method of exterior complex scaling

Abstract We introduce an extension of complex scaling which is applicable to molecules in the Born-Oppenheimer approximation and which reduces to the usual complex scaling when that theory is applicable.
Collection of inertialess particles on circular cylinders with electrical forces and gravitation

Abstract Particle trajectories and collection efficiencies are predicted for the collection of fine, inertialess, charged particles on a single circular cylinder collector in a gaseous flow field under the influence of electrical forces and gravitation. The two electrical forces considered are the coulombic-type force with a charged collector combined with the force due to a uniform external electric field directed at an arbitrary angle to the flow. Analytical solutions reveal that the collection efficiency and deposition density of inertialess, charged, point particles under the influence of the forces are the same under many conditions and independent of the Reynolds number for a wide variety of flow velocity profiles, which includes potential, Oseen, and stationary-vortex flows. For cellular flow fields, fiber packing density is shown to have little effect on collection.