cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Localization of gonadotropin-releasing hormone in the central nervous system and a peripheral chemosensory organ of Aplysia californica

Gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) is a neurohormone crucial for the regulation of reproductive and neural functions in vertebrates. Recent discoveries of GnRH immunoreactivity (IR) in a number of invertebrates raised the possibility that GnRH may be an ancient molecule that had arisen before the emergence of Phylum Chordata. We previously demonstrated the presence of a GnRH IR similar to the mammalian (m) and tunicate I (tI) forms of GnRH in the hemolymph and ovotestis of an opisthobranch mollusk, Aplysia californica; however, the presence of GnRH in the central nervous system (CNS) of A. californica could not be detected with the available antisera against various forms of chordate GnRH. In the present study, we performed immunohistochemistry (IHC) to localize the presence of GnRH in the CNS and a peripheral chemosensory organ, the osphradium, of A. californica. A newly generated antiserum against tI-GnRH revealed the strong expression of GnRH IR in neurons of all CNS ganglia. A notable asymmetry in immunostaining was detected in the left and right abdominal hemiganglia. The CNS is rich in tI-GnRH immunoreactive neurons but lacks mGnRH IR, whereas the osphradium contains abundant mGnRH immunoreactive neurons but lacks tI-GnRH IR. The extract of CNS failed to stimulate the release of LH from mouse pituitary, demonstrating that the A. californica GnRH IR is structurally different from what is required to bind and activate mammalian GnRH receptor. Together, these results indicate the presence of at least two distinct GnRH systems in A. californica. The presence of GnRH in the osphradium is consistent with the long-standing anatomical relationship between GnRH and the chemosensory system observed in vertebrates.
Alcohol Effects on Naltrexone-Induced Stimulation of Pituitary, Adrenal, and Gonadal Hormones During the Early Follicular Phase of the Menstrual Cycle

Chronic alcohol abuse in women is associated with severe derangements of menstrual cycle regularity. However, acute alcohol ingestion has no effect on pituitary-gonadal secretory function. The purpose of this study was to determine whether acute alcohol ingestion altered the effects of naltrexone, a long-acting opioid antagonist, on pituitary, adrenal, and gonadal hormones in normal women. Fourteen women were studied during the early follicular phase (between days 2 and 4) of their menstrual cycle. Plasma LH, PRL, estradiol, progesterone, and cortisol concentrations were measured before and after administration of 50 mg naltrexone, orally, and alcohol or placebo solution given 1 h after naltrexone, under double blind conditions. Naltrexone significantly increased mean plasma LH (P = 0.02), PRL (P = 0.003), E2 (P < 0.03), and cortisol (P < 0.001) levels. Alcohol significantly augmented the naltrexone-stimulated increases in plasma LH (P = 0.006), estradiol (P < 0.004), and cortisol (P < 0.001) levels and s...
Carbapenems in the USA: focus on doripenem

The threat of antibacterial resistance continues to increase globally, and therapeutic options for the treatment of some serious infectious diseases are diminishing. The carbapenems are a potent class of broad-spectrum drugs, and their stability against hydrolysis by many important β-lactamases make them an important weapon in the treatment of β-lactamase-producing bacterial pathogens. This review focuses on four carbapenems of clinical importance in the USA: imipenem, meropenem, ertapenem and doripenem. After a historical review of carbapenem development, these four carbapenems are evaluated based on their mechanism of action, spectrum of activity, potency, pharmacodynamics, clinical pharmacokinetics, clinical profiles and toxicity issues.
Using utility theory to optimize a salary incentive plan for grant-funded faculty.

Purpose Few salary incentive plans for academic health center faculty funded primarily by research grants exist, and hence the optimal structure for such plans is uncertain. The author examined the impact of incentives and the optimal structure for a salary incentive plan for a group of research faculty at the Yale University School of Medicine (Yale). Method A three-part instrument was delivered to a convenience sample of 40 faculty to determine the impact of their risk aversion on two salary plans. Utility theory was used to quantify their preferences for the Expense Model (salary bonuses are paid from direct costs of the research award) and the No Expense Model (salary increases are funded from another source). Outcomes were projected for both models over a range of funding probabilities. Results In all, 27 faculty responded. On average, Yale faculty had risk-averse (and therefore unfavorable) attitudes towards the Expense Model, with substantial variability in response depending on rank. In contrast, Yale faculty had more homogeneous risk seeking (and therefore favorable) responses to the No Expense Model. Cost recoveries were greatest for the No Expense Model. Conclusions Utility modeling demonstrated that the optimal incentive payment for the Expense Model is substantially greater than for the No Expense Model, and increases as the probability of obtaining funding with diligent effort declines. For purposes of both equity and efficacy, the No Expense Model appears preferable to the Expense Model. Modeling can be used to determine optimal incentive-plans and bonus-payment magnitudes for research faculty.
Posttranslational covalent modification of proteins

A search for derivatized amino acids in proteins has shown that the extent of posttranslational modification of proteins is quite substantial. While only 20 primary amino acids are specified in the genetic code and are involved as monomer building blocks in the assembly of the polypeptide chain, about 140 amino acids and amino acid derivatives have been identified as constituents of different proteins in different organisms. A brief consideration of the questions about where and when the derivatization reactions occur, how the specificity of the reactions is established, and how the posttranslational modifications can facilitate biological processes, reveal a need for more information on all these points. Answers to these questions should represent significant contributions to our understanding of biochemistry and cell biology.
Surgical Correction of the “Popeye Biceps” Deformity: Dual-Window Approach for Combined Subpectoral and Deltopectoral Access and Proximal Biceps Tenodesis

"Popeye biceps" deformity represents the appearance of a distally retracted biceps muscle resulting from either a traumatic long biceps tendon (LBT) rupture or an iatrogenic LBT tenotomy. Cosmetic and functional problems associated with the deformity may necessitate surgical correction, and surgical exposure using multiple incisions is recommended. The technique presented here describes a novel mini-open approach using a single 1-in incision that provides access to 3 peripectoral anatomical zones. Preoperative sonographic localization of the ruptured and retracted LBT is used to guide incision placement, and facilitates intraoperative tendon retrieval via a limited incision and minimal dissection. Inferolateral retraction of the mini-incision window permits infrapectoral and subpectoral LBT mobilization and dissection. Deltopectoral access via superomedial retraction of the same skin window is used to expose the suprapectoral zone and is employed for LBT retrieval and proximal tenodesis. Technical tips for safe dissection via a mini-incision, and methods for biological LBT augmentation are discussed.
Endoscopic Treatment of Vesicoureteral Reflux With Dextranomer/Hyaluronic Acid Copolymer is Effective in Either Double Ureters or a Small Kidney

ABSTRACTPurpose: Endoscopic injection of dextranomer/hyaluronic acid (Dx/HA) copolymer is an increasingly established treatment for primary vesicoureteral reflux (VUR) in children. We performed a retrospective analysis to assess this treatment for VUR associated with either double ureters or a small kidney.Materials and Methods: The study included 68 children with duplex ureters and 40 with a small kidney (1 kidney contributing 10% to 35% of total renal function) who underwent endoscopic treatment with Dx/HA copolymer for VUR. Followup consisted of voiding cystourethrography 3 and 12 months after injection. Positive response was defined as reflux grade 0 or I. As many as 2 repeat injections were offered to nonresponders, and those with persistent reflux were referred for open surgery. Long-term clinical followup with renal function testing was continued for 4 to 9 years.Results: A positive response was observed in 63% of children with duplex ureters, with only 17 (25%) patients requiring open surgery. Amo...
Effects of unilateral isometric strength training on joint angle specificity and cross-training

The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of unilateral isometric leg extension strength training on the strength and integrated electromyogram (IEMG) of both the trained and untrained limbs at multiple joint angles. A training (TRN) group [nine women; mean (SD) age, 20(1) years] exercised for 6 weeks with isometric leg extensions at 80% of maximal isometric torque. A control (CTL) group [eight women; 21(1) years] did not exercise. The training was performed three times per week on a Cybex II isokinetic dynamometer at a joint angle where the lever arm was 0.79 rad below the horizontal plane. The subjects were tested pre- and posttraining for maximal unilateral isometric torque in both limbs at joint angles of zero, 0.26, 0.79,1.31, and 1.57 rad below the horizontal plane. Bipolar surface electrodes were used to record the IEMG of the vastus lateralis (VL) and vastus medialis (VM) during the isometric tests. Three univariate (torque, IEMG-VL, and IEMG-VM) four-way (group x time x limb x angle) mixed factorial ANOVAs were used to analyze the data. The results indicated joint angle specificity for isometric torque in the TRN group only, with significant increases in torque at 0.79 (P = 0.0004) and 1.31 (P = 0.0039) rad. No significant increases in torque were found in the untrained limb of the TRN group or in either limb of the CTL group. Similarly, there were no significant changes in IEMG as a result of the training for the VL or VM. The joint-angle-specific strength increases without concomitant increases in IEMG were hypothesized to result from joint-angle-specific decreases in antagonistic co-contraction and/or preferential hypertropy of the quadriceps femoris at specific levels of the muscle group.
Oil- and Gas-Producing Configurations in Trenton Limestone, Northwestern Ohio: ABSTRACT

Five types of petroleum-producing configurations are present in the Middle Ordovician Trenton Limestone around the Lima-Indiana field in northwestern Ohio. The first, an anticlinal trap, is present along the Findlay arch. Closure is provided on top of the Trenton by regional carbonate bank buildup, folded with and capped by the Utica Shale. The second, a faulted anticline, is present along the Bowling Green fault in Wood, Hancock, and Lucas Counties. A high-angle reverse fault along the crest of the Findlay arch juxtaposes dolomitized Trenton rock with the overlying Utica Shale. This configuration has accounted for significant oil and gas production. The third trap type consists of an updip facies change from Trenton Limestone to Utica Shale, with draping of the thickened shale over the Trenton Limestone. The fourth type, in the Michigan basin, is the fracture systems and dolomitization in the Albion-Scipio trend. The fifth, and less well documented, is a porosity trap in dolomitized upper parts of the Trenton. Dolomitization may function in two ways, both as a prerequisite to formation of sufficiently porous reservoir rock with other trapping mechanisms. Other Trenton fields are not accounted for by these five configurations. Stratigraphic and structural cross sections from the top of the Trenton to the Knox unconformity, as well as structural and isopach maps of the area, show a major carbonate buildup of the Trenton in a northeast-southwest trending arc in northwestern Ohio. A broad carbonate platform with wedge-top dolomitization in an island environment is postulated as an alternative to a regional erosional unconformity between the Trenton Limestone and Utica Shale. End_of_Article - Last_Page 1583------------
Adsorption of sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) at ZnSe and α-Fe2O3 surfaces: Combining infrared spectroscopy and batch uptake studies

Abstract Adsorption of sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) at the solid/aqueous interface was examined as a function of pH and SDS concentration ([SDS]) using attenuated total reflectance–Fourier transform infrared (ATR–FTIR) spectroscopy and batch uptake experiments. Two types of sorbent surfaces were compared: (i) a hydrophobic zinc selenide (ZnSe) ATR internal reflection element (IRE) and (ii) the same surface coated with hydrophilic nanoparticulate α-Fe 2 O 3 (hematite). The results indicate that adsorption to the ZnSe IRE is affected by both electrostatic attraction and hydrophobic interaction. Batch adsorption and ATR–FTIR spectral results are consistent with SDS forming outer-sphere complexes at the α-Fe 2 O 3 surface. There is also no evidence for ligand (SDS)-promoted dissolution of hematite. Adsorption to hematite is dominated by anion exchange and surfactant self-assembly. ATR–FTIR data indicate that adsorption to both surfaces shows a strong pH dependence at low [SDS] and negligible pH dependence when [SDS] exceeds the critical micelle concentration (cmc). Adsorption to ZnSe IRE shows small variation with [SDS], apparently due to a lack of surfactant self-assembly at the interface. Adsorption to α-Fe 2 O 3 is a rapid process; equilibrium is reached within a few minutes. Conversely, adsorption to the ZnSe IRE shows strong longer time dependence; evidently, hydrophobic interfacial reactions constitute a much slower process.
Retinoic acid binding proteins and steroid receptor levels in human breast cancer

Abstract Samples of 31 human breast cancer tissues were examined for the presence or absence of cytosolic retinoic acid binding proteins (cRABP), estrogen receptors (ER) and progesterone receptors (PR). cRABP were detected as specifically sedimenting 2S components on sucrose density gradients. Specific binding under the 2S region for cRABP and under the 8S region for ER and PR were determined. The levels of cRABP ranged from less than 1 pmol to 14 pmol per mg of cytosol protein. Tumors containing less than 3 pmol cRABP were designated as low cRABP; tissues were considered ER − and PR − when the receptor levels were less than 10 fmol/mg protein. Approximately 60% of primary and metastatic tumors examined contained high cRABP. Tumors with well differentiated histopathology exhibited increased levels of cRABP. There was no significant correlation between the presence or absence of steroid receptors and cRABP in human mammary tumors.
Brain tumors in children under 1 year of age: emphasis on the relationship of prognostic factors.

© Springer-Verlag 2003 We are fortunate to have received two interesting articles from Mexico. The first, “Stereotactically guided biopsies of brainstem tumors”, revisits an important controversy. Today, (in those countries where MRI is readily available), pontine gliomas are rarely biopsied, but at one time this was a highly controversial issue. Those in favor of biopsy raised concerns that without pathology one could misdiagnose inflammatory and vascular lesions, not to mention potentially radiosensitive tumors such as medulloblastomas and ependymomas. Those opposed to biopsy typically raised concerns regarding the morbidity of the procedure and the difficulty in making a pathologic diagnosis based on a tiny sample of tissue. This article demonstrates that in those countries where MRI is not available, experienced neurosurgeons can safely biopsy the brainstem using a stereotactic approach and obtain, in most cases, sufficient tissue for a pathologic diagnosis. This paper also demonstrates that more extensive lesions, i.e., those spreading beyond the pons to the mesencephalon, medulla, and cerebellum, are more likely to be unpredictable in their pathology and would merit biopsy even if MRI had been available. In contrast, those lesions completely confined to the pons were all astrocytomas and, if MRI had been available, would not have required biopsy. The second paper addresses the very important problem of brain tumors in children <12 months of age. This large retrospective study analyzes data from the two largest tertiary care pediatric institutions in Mexico and, as such, makes an important contribution regarding presenting signs and symptoms, pathology, location, and outcome of very young children with brain tumors. The survival curves are of interest, demonstrating the rapid failure rate in the first year following diagnosis and the extreme rarity of late failures. The most important aspect of this study is the significant survival benefit associated with a gross total resection, although the high operative mortality rate (26%) is also noted. This study inferentially emphasizes the need for experienced pediatric neurosurgeons to aggressively address brain tumors in the very young. As the authors point out, radiation is not an option at this time, and the ideal chemotherapeutic regimen has yet to be identified. A gross total resection has been shown in this and other studies to be the best predictor of survival, even among most of the malignant types of brain tumors. In addition to operative mortality, however, is the concern of perioperative morbidity, which has been shown to be a significant cause of long-term cognitive deficits. The treatment of babies and very young children with brain tumors remains a major challenge in pediatric neuro-oncology. Childs Nerv Syst (2003) 19:315 DOI 10.1007/s00381-003-0739-8 C O M M E N TA RY
Stationary Temporary Equilibrium in a General Model of Optimal Accumulation and Trade

This paper analyzes the movement of market-clearing prices in an intertemporal general equilibrium framework and, in particular, proves the existence of a stationary temporary equilibrium. A model of a competitive economy is developed which consists of several "small" countries engaged in consumption, production and trade. Following Hicks, one way to look at the evolution of an economic system is to view it as a succession of temporary competitive equilibria. The aspect of stationarity is interesting because if the sequence of temporary equilibria converges to a steady-state, it must converge to a stationary temporary equilibrium. A linear-logarithmic economy exhibits convergence.
E-cadherin expression in primary carcinomas of the breast and its distant metastases.

Introduction Aberrant expression of E-cadherin has been associated with the development of metastases in patients with breast cancer. Even though the expression of E-cadherin has been studied in primary breast tumors, little is known about its expression at the distant metastatic sites. We investigate the relationship between E-cadherin expression in primary breast carcinoma and their distant, non-nodal metastases. Methods Immunohistochemical analysis of E-cadherin was performed in tissues from 30 patients with primary invasive breast carcinoma and their distant metastases. E-cadherin expression was evaluated as normal or aberrant (decreased when compared with normal internal positive controls, or absent). Results Twenty-two (73%) invasive carcinomas were ductal, and eight (27%) were lobular. Of the primary invasive ductal carcinomas, 55% (12/22) had normal E-cadherin expression and 45% (10/22) had aberrant expression. All of the metastases expressed E-cadherin with the same intensity as (12 tumors) or with stronger intensity than (10 tumors) the corresponding primaries. Of the invasive lobular carcinomas, one of eight (12%) primary carcinomas and none of the metastases expressed E-cadherin in the cell membranes, but they accumulated the protein in the cytoplasm. Conclusion Aberrant E-cadherin expression is frequent in invasive ductal carcinomas that progress to develop distant metastases. Distant metastases consistently express E-cadherin, often more strongly than the primary tumor. Invasive lobular carcinomas have a different pattern of E-cadherin expression, suggesting a different role for E-cadherin in this form of breast carcinoma.
A pursuit-evasion BUG algorithm

We consider the problem of searching for an unpredictable moving target, using a robot that lacks a map of the environment, lacks the ability to construct a map, and has imperfect navigation ability. We present a complete algorithm, which yields a motion strategy for the robot that guarantees the elusive target will be detected, if such a strategy exists. It is assumed that the robot has an omnidirectional sensing device that is used to detect moving targets and also discontinuities in depth data in a 2D environment. We also show that the robot has the same problem solving power as a robot that has a complete map and perfect navigation abilities. The algorithm has been implemented in simulation, and some examples are shown.
REVIEW: Feeding Nitrogen and Phosphorus in Beef Cattle Feedlot Production to Mitigate Environmental Impacts

ABSTRACT As a result of favorable climatic conditions, availability of feed grains, and location of beef processing facilities, the feedlot cattle industry has become increasingly concentrated in the southern and central Great Plains of the United States. These operations concentrate nutrients in a relatively small area, resulting in environmental issues associated with feedlot cattle such as nutrient pollution of ground and surface water as well as pollution of air. Excreted N and P can cause significant water pollution if directly discharged into surface water through runoff or deposited in water from aerial emissions. In addition, volatilized N in the form of NH 3 from voided urine and feces returns to the land or water via rainfall, dry precipitation, or direct absorption. The development of feeding strategies to improve the utilization of N by the animal, decreasing N lost to the environment, and improving N-to-P ratio in pen surface manure are likely to mitigate environmental impacts of feedlot cattle. Nutrient requirements of feedlot cattle change during the feeding period. Nonetheless, feedlot cattle are typically fed a constant level of CP and other nutrients from about d 24 of feeding through slaughter. Consequently, CP is often underfed early and overfed late in the feeding period. Feeding nutrients at concentrations that closely match animal requirements can prevent excess excretion of nutrients. The objectives of this review are to discuss the known environmental impacts of beef cattle feedlots and to summarize current feeding strategies to decrease these environmental impacts while maintaining animal performance.
Maintaining client safety and scientific integrity in research with battered women.

Purpose: To increase awareness of considerations of privacy and safety as well as the potential for scientific misconduct in research with battered women and other groups especially vulnerable to these concerns. Research with such vulnerable populations demands consideration of privacy and safety of participants in order to limit any potentially negative consequences while also ensuring scientific integrity. Organizing Framework: Maintaining scientific integrity and protecting vulnerable groups are important but potentially contradictory. Battered women are the examples to illustrate instances of conflict in which protecting participants may undermine scientific integrity. Sources: Literature on scientific integrity and misconduct, battered women, and vulnerable populations, and socially sensitive topics from nursing, other biomedical and social sciences, and the U.S. Public Health Service, 1978–1998. Method: Integrative literature review. Findings: Conducting research with battered women in an ethically responsible manner that maintains scientific integrity without compromising advocacy or safety is possible when scientists are aware of potential conflicts and methods to ensure integrity. Conclusions: Nurses frequently do research with vulnerable groups such as battered women. Being proactive can help promote scientific integrity, avoid scientific misconduct, and decrease negative outcomes.
Tolerance analysis for three-dimensional optoelectronic systems packaging

A series of optoelectronic processing systems is under development at the Optoelectronic Computing System Center (OCSC) at the University of Colorado. The demonstrations consist of two facing optoelectronic modules that communicate with each other using bidirectional free-space optical channels. An analysis of the fabrication tolerances required for correct operation of these systems is presented. An overview of the system and the techniques used for fabrication is given, along with the tolerances achieved in practice. A comparison with theoretical results indicates the critical alignments within the system. Methods to obtain the alignments required for larger systems are discussed.
Supercritical Fluid Extraction of Naled, Methyl Eugenol, and Cuelure in Soil

Supercritical fluid extraction procedures are developed for the analysis of naled, methyl eugenol, and cuelure in soil samples. Recoveries of analytes from soil spiked at 0.25–45 μg/g levels are high using modified or unmodified carbon dioxide (CO 2) at 60°C. For methyl eugenol, recoveries of 91–101% are obtained using CO 2, a pressure of 27.6 MPa, and 5-30% soil moisture. For naled, recoveries of 65–90% are obtained using ethyl acetate modified CO 2, a pressure of 48.3 MPa, and 10–30% soil moisture. For cuelure, total recoveries of 76–95% are obtained with acetonemodified CO 2 using a pressure of 41.4 MPa and 10–30% soil moisture. Recoveries are also high for dichlorvos (85%) and raspberry ketone (81 %), which are degradation products of naled and cuelure, respectively, in soil spiked at 45 μg/g under optimized conditions. Cuelure was derivatized to raspberry ketone and quantitatively recovered by supercritical fluid extraction. Recoveries of naled, methyl eugenol, and cuelure from soil by supercritical fluid extraction were comparable with those of conventional solvent extraction procedures using methylene chloride or ethyl acetate modified acetonitrile. Application of optimized SFE conditions for the soil dissipation study of naled, methyl eugenol, and cuelure under laboratory conditions showed that supercritical fluid extraction is convenient, fast, and uses much less solvent relative to conventional solvent extractions. are required to register these chemicals for fruit fly eradication
Imaging of Gastrointestinal Complications and Toxicity Following Tumor Therapy

With the recent advances in drug therapy, it is more important than ever to understand the possible gastrointestinal complications of the different chemotherapeutic agents and their imaging manifestations. The targeted agent bevacizumab causes delayed wound healing, perforation, and fistulae. Enterocolitis due to immune-modulating agents such as ipilimumab requires rapid diagnosis and treatment in order to prevent bowel damage. Splenic side effects such as splenomegaly and rupture can occur with chemotherapy. Pancreatitis can occur with the targeted agents sunitinib and sorafenib. Changes to the liver due to oxaliplatin may have adverse effects on plans for surgical resection and should be conveyed to the clinician. Complications in the bowel due to radiation include stricture, enteritis, and proctitis. Radiation-induced liver disease can be seen after radiation for tumors of the esophagus, pancreas, and stomach. Radiation-induced malignancies can occur any time from a few years to many years after the initial radiation therapy. Many of these treatment-related complications may be clinically occult until late stages. It is imperative that the radiologist be able to recognize the abdominal toxicities of cancer therapy to make a rapid and correct diagnosis and to convey these findings to the clinician to impact management and prevent misdiagnosis.
Purification and Characterization of Multiplication‐Stimulating Activity

Multiplication-stimulating activity (MSA) refers to a family of insulin-like growth factors that have been purified from serum-free medium conditioned by a Buffalo rat liver cell line (BRL-3A). Using Dowex ion-exchange chromatography, gel chromatography on Sephadex G-75, and preparative disc acrylamide gel electrophoresis, several polypeptides with the full biological multiplication-stimulating activity have been isolated. One of these polypeptides, designated MSA II-1, previously has been used to study the relationship of the activity to the insulin-like growth factors (somato-medins) purified from human plasma. Polypeptide II-1 is a single chain polypeptide of molecular weight 8700. Glycine is the COOH-terminal amino acid. Edman degradation of carboxymethylated MSA II-l did not reveal a free NH2-terminus. A polypeptide of lower molecular weight than MSA II-1 has also been purified. This polypeptide (MSA III-2) has been shown to be more potent than MSA II-1 in the rat-liver-membrane radioreceptor assay and in a competitive binding assay utilizing the rat-serum somatomedin-binding protein(s). The relationship of these various polypeptides has been investigated by gel filtration in guanidine hydrochloride and by acrylamide gel electrophoresis of the reduced and native polypeptides.
Optimum Distribution of Switching Centers in a Communication Network and Some Related Graph Theoretic Problems

The concept of a median in a weighted graph is generalized to a multimedian. Then, it is shown that the optimum distribution of p switching centers in a communication network is at a p-median of the corresponding weighted graph. The following related problem in highway networks is also considered: What is a minimum number of policemen that can be distributed in a highway network so that no one is farther away from a policeman than a given distance d? This problem is attacked by generating all vertex-coverings externally stable sets of a graph by means of a Boolean function defined over the vertices of a graph. Then this idea is extended to Boolean functions that generate all matchings, all factors, and all possible subgraphs of G with given degrees.
Adaptation of core mechanisms to generate cell polarity

Cell polarity is defined as asymmetry in cell shape, protein distributions and cell functions. It is characteristic of single-cell organisms, including yeast and bacteria, and cells in tissues of multi-cell organisms such as epithelia in worms, flies and mammals. This diversity raises several questions: do different cell types use different mechanisms to generate polarity, how is polarity signalled, how do cells react to that signal, and how is structural polarity translated into specialized functions? Analysis of evolutionarily diverse cell types reveals that cell-surface landmarks adapt core pathways for cytoskeleton assembly and protein transport to generate cell polarity.
Pyridine alkaloid distribution in the hoplonemertines

Hoplonemertines possess a family of pyridine compounds affecting the nervous system (Kem, 1985). Anabaseine, the first pyridine to be isolated, stimulates nicotinic receptors. Two other substances, 2,3′-bipyridyl and nemertelline (a tetrapyridyl) were isolated from Amphiporus angulatus. In this study samples of 19 species of hoplonemertines were surveyed for the presence of stable pyridines using thin layer chromatography. Pyridines were selectively detected with the Konig reagent.
Subpicosecond compression by velocity bunching in a photoinjector

We present an experimental evidence of a bunch compression scheme that uses a traveling wave accelerating structure as a compressor. The bunch length issued from a laser-driven radio-frequency electron source was compressed by a factor $g3$ using an $S$-band traveling wave structure located immediately downstream from the electron source. Experimental data are found to be in good agreement with particle tracking simulations.
The role of Facebook in romantic relationship development An exploration of Knapp’s relational stage model

This study examines the implications of social networking web sites (SNSs) within romantic relationships. Specifically, Knapp’s (1978) stage model of relationships is examined through a new lens wherein the role of SNSs, specifically Facebook, is explored in the escalation stages of romantic relationships (i.e., initiating, experimenting, intensifying, integrating, and bonding). Furthermore, this study sought to discern the interpersonal and social implications of publicly declaring oneself as “In a Relationship” with another person on Facebook (i.e., going “Facebook official” or “FBO”). Ten mixed-sex focus groups were conducted. Analysis revealed that Facebook is one of the primary means of uncertainty reduction in the initial stages of relationship formation. College students consider FBO to be indicative of an increased level of commitment in relationships. Typically, relationship exclusivity precedes a discussion on becoming FBO, which occurs when the relationship is considered stable. Going FBO has i...
The Big Optical Array

The Naval Research Laboratory and the US Naval Observatory are building a phase tracking optical interferometer for high resolution imaging and astrometry. This instrument will be a six element interferometer capable of true imaging using interferometric amplitudes and closure phases. This talk will describe the instrument, with an emphasis on those aspects of the array related to high resolution imaging. The status of the project will be presented. First light is planned for October 1993, with 6 element imaging beginning in 1994.
Measurements of Unsteady Wake Interference Between Tandem Cylinders

A multi-phase, experimental study in the Basic Aerodynamics Research Tunnel at the NASA Langley Research Center has provided new insight into the unsteady flow interaction around cylinders in tandem arrangement. Phase 1 of the study characterized the mean and unsteady near-field flow around two cylinders of equal diameter using 2-D Particle Image Velocimetry (PIV) and hot-wire anemometry. These measurements were performed at a Reynolds number of 1.66 x 10(exp 5), based on cylinder diameter, and spacing-to-diameter ratios, L/D, of 1.435 and 3.7. The current phase, Phase 2, augments this dataset by characterizing the surface flow on the same configurations using steady and unsteady pressure measurements and surface flow visualization. Transition strips were applied to the front cylinder during both phases to produce a turbulent boundary layer upstream of the flow separation. For these flow conditions and L/D ratios, surface pressures on both the front and rear cylinders show the effects of L/D on flow symmetry, pressure recovery, and the location of flow separation and attachment. Mean streamlines and instantaneous vorticity obtained from the PIV data are used to explain the flow structure in the gap and near-wake regions and its relationship to the unsteady surface pressures. The combination of off-body and surface measurements provides a comprehensive dataset to develop and validate computational techniques for predicting the unsteady flow field at higher Reynolds numbers.
1-norm support vector machine for college drinking risk factor identification

College student alcohol misuse is a major public health concern. According to a national survey, about 44% of students engage in high-risk drinking activities. This paper presents a machine learning approach to a secondary analysis of data collected in a college drinking study at the University of Connecticut Alcohol Research Center sponsored by the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism. Existing alcohol studies are deductive where data are collected to investigate a psychological/behavioral hypothesis and statistical analysis is applied to the data to confirm the hypothesis. However, the collected data often carries information beyond the original hypothesis. Our approach aims to discover knowledge from multivariate data collected at a major university campus, which may or may not confirm the original hypothesis and lead to potentially new insights. The proposed machine learning approach can effectively identify risk and/or protective factors for high-risk drinking that can be used to help detect and address the early developmental signs of alcohol abuse and dependence within college-aged students. We demonstrate the use of a statistical feature selection method, 1-norm support vector machine (SVM), to help classify college students as either heavy or low-risk drinkers and simultaneously select the risk factors for heavy drinkers. Results of our experiments are evaluated by several psychologists to delineate risk or protective factors and the interaction among these factors for college drinking behaviors.
Block-form observers for linear time-varying discrete-time systems

A state observer for linear time-varying discrete-time systems is constructed in terms of a block-input/block-output state model of the given system. Results are presented on the existence and construction of observer gain matrices that result in assignability or exponential stability of the observer error dynamics. >
Cardiac Regeneration and Stem Cells

After decades of believing the heart loses the ability to regenerate soon after birth, numerous studies are now reporting that the adult heart may indeed be capable of regeneration, although the magnitude of new cardiac myocyte formation varies greatly. While this debate has energized the field of cardiac regeneration and led to a dramatic increase in our understanding of cardiac growth and repair, it has left much confusion in the field as to the prospects of regenerating the heart. Studies applying modern techniques of genetic lineage tracing and carbon-14 dating have begun to establish limits on the amount of endogenous regeneration after cardiac injury, but the underlying cellular mechanisms of this regeneration remained unclear. These same studies have also revealed an astonishing capacity for cardiac repair early in life that is largely lost with adult differentiation and maturation. Regardless, this renewed focus on cardiac regeneration as a therapeutic goal holds great promise as a novel strategy to address the leading cause of death in the developed world.
Impact of Work and Technology on Health Status of the Older Worker

Work itself, when appropriately tuned to human capacities and limitations, can be as potent a factor for health promotion as for health abuse. Occupational therapy and vocational rehabilitation attest to the value of work in overcoming physical and emotional disabilities. One study of people who had lost or were about to lose their jobs in the New York garment industry concluded that “for many workers… we saw their participation in the world of work as oxygen—sustaining them in the face of emotional disorder” (Weiner, Akabas and Sommer, 1973). On the other hand, work characterized by a poor person-job fit, fear of failure, lack of control, or fear of economic or status loss creates stressful situations not easily resolved unilaterally by the worker, resulting in feelings of impotence and hopelessness.
Social Media and U.S. Intelligence Agencies: Just Trending or a Real Tool to Engage and Educate?

Social media use has become ubiquitous not just among individuals, groups, and businesses, but also government institutions. In turn, the adoption of services like Facebook and Twitter in the public sector has increasingly become the focus of academic study. U.S. intelligence agencies, however, have been excluded from examination. The potential benefits—engagement, education, and transparency, among others—are significant, and studying how U.S. intelligence uses social media will help us realize those benefits. In the arcane, complex and potentially intrusive world of intelligence, new opportunities to bolster public knowledge and accountability must be utilized. Today, understanding government requires studying egovernment, and in intelligence, social media likely represents the most direction connection between citizens and the public agencies that serve them. To take a first step, this study maps how U.S. intelligence agencies are using Facebook and Twitter, examines other social media practices, and presents findings from correspondence with four intelligence and security journalists. This article is available in Journal of Strategic Security: http://scholarcommons.usf.edu/jss/vol8/iss5/7
Fast variable window for stereo correspondence using integral images

We develop a fast and accurate variable window approach. The two main ideas for achieving accuracy are choosing a useful range of window sizes/shapes for evaluation and developing a new window cost which is particularly suitable for comparing windows of different sizes. The speed of our approach is due to the integral image technique, which allows computation of our window cost over any rectangular window in constant time, regardless of window size. Our method ranks in the top four on the Middlebury stereo database with ground truth, and performs best out of methods which have comparable efficiency.
Insights into the Metabolism of Elemental Sulfur by the Hyperthermophilic Archaeon Pyrococcus furiosus: Characterization of a Coenzyme A- Dependent NAD(P)H Sulfur Oxidoreductase

The hyperthermophilic archaeon Pyrococcus furiosus uses carbohydrates as a carbon source and produces acetate, CO2, and H2 as end products. When S0 is added to a growing culture, within 10 min the rate of H2 production rapidly decreases and H2S is detected. After 1 hour cells contain high NADPH- and coenzyme A-dependent S0 reduction activity (0.7 units/mg, 85°C) located in the cytoplasm. The enzyme responsible for this activity was purified to electrophoretic homogeneity (specific activity, 100 units/mg) and is termed NAD(P)H elemental sulfur oxidoreductase (NSR). NSR is a homodimeric flavoprotein (Mr, 100,000) and is encoded by PF1186. This designation was previously assigned to the gene encoding an enzyme that reduces coenzyme A disulfide, which is a side reaction of NSR. Whole-genome DNA microarray and quantitative PCR analyses showed that the expression of NSR is up-regulated up to sevenfold within 10 min of S0 addition. This primary response to S0 also involves the up-regulation (>16-fold) of a 13-gene cluster encoding a membrane-bound oxidoreductase (MBX). The cluster encoding MBX is proposed to replace the homologous 14-gene cluster that encodes the ferredoxin-oxidizing, H2-evolving membrane-bound hydrogenase (MBH), which is down-regulated >12-fold within 10 min of S0 addition. Although an activity for MBX could not be demonstrated, it is proposed to conserve energy by oxidizing ferredoxin and reducing NADP, which is used by NSR to reduce S0. A secondary response to S0 is observed 30 min after S0 addition and includes the up-regulation of genes encoding proteins involved in amino acid biosynthesis and iron metabolism, as well as two so-called sulfur-induced proteins termed SipA and SipB. This novel S0-reducing system involving NSR and MBX has been found so far only in the heterotrophic Thermococcales and is in contrast to the cytochrome- and quinone-based S0-reducing system in autotrophic archaea and bacteria.
RNase L activity does not contribute to host RNA degradation induced by herpes simplex virus infection.

In early herpes simplex virus (HSV) infection, the virion host shutoff (vhs) protein mediates the degradation of mRNA and subsequent shutoff of host protein synthesis. It is unclear whether vhs acts alone or in concert with virus-induced cellular factors for this activity. This paper examines whether RNase L, a virally induced endoribonuclease, contributes to HSV-induced mRNA decay. Results showed that RNA degradation was comparable in wild-type and RNase L−/− cells, demonstrating that HSV-mediated RNA degradation is independent of RNase L activity. Furthermore, the data show that HSV-1 does not significantly induce RNase L activity in murine embryo fibroblasts.
PHOTOGRAPHIC AMBIVALENCE AND HISTORICAL CONSCIOUSNESS

This essay focuses on three topics that arose at the Photography and Historical Interpretation conference: photography's incapacity to conceive duration; photography and the "rim of ontological uncertainty;" photography's "anthropological revolution." In the late nineteenth century, blindness to duration was conceptualized as the cost of photographic precision. Since the late twentieth century, blindness to our own desires, or inauthenticity, has been underlined as the price of photographic ubiquity. These forms of blindness, however, are not so much disabilities to be overcome as they are aspects of modern consciousness to be acknowledged. The engagement with photography's impact on historical consciousness gives rise to reconsiderations of temporal extension and to the difficulties of acknowledging one's desires in an increasingly open and fractured social field. Photography's indexicality combined with its reproducibility gives rise to photographic ambivalence. As with other forms of ambivalence, we should be less concerned with diluting its constitutive tensions than with learning to live with its conflicted possibilities.
Neoadjuvant and adjuvant therapy of non-small cell lung cancer

Though surgery offers the best chance of cure for patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), many patients who undergo complete tumor resection will die of recurrent disease. Chemotherapy and radiotherapy have been employed both individually and in combination in an effort to prevent local recurrence and extrathoracic metastatic disease. However, the administration of neoadjuvant or adjuvant therapy remains controversial. Phase II and III trials with traditional radiotherapy schedules and cytotoxic drugs have produced conflicting results. Novel approaches utilizing long-term administration of less toxic drugs and targeted biologic therapies are promising.
Cluster analysis identifies subpopulations for health promotion campaign design.

ABSTRACT While health communication campaigns have been effective in addressing a variety of health concerns, even broadly successful campaigns can miss particular subpopulations. The statistical technique of cluster analysis, which makes it possible to group individuals based on sets of identifying variables, is a statistical method that could prove useful in the design of more effective communication campaigns. This paper illustrates the use of cluster analysis to group women based on their (1) prepregnancy weight, (2) weight gain during pregnancy, and (3) weight retention after giving birth as it relates to the process of targeting subpopulations and developing more effective health communication campaigns and interventions. The implications of cluster analysis, from guiding additional formative research to development of health communication strategies, are discussed.
Acoustic Attenuation in Fans and Ducts by Vaporization of Liquid Droplets

A cloud of small water droplets in saturated air attenuates acoustic disturbances by viscous drag, heat transfer, and vapor exchange with the ambient gas. The viscous and heat transfer phenomena attenuate at frequencies above 104 Hz for I-J.l droplets. The processes associated with phase exchange attenuate at a much lower frequency that may he controlled by choice of the liquid mass fraction. The strength of this attenuation is proportional to the mass of water vapor in the air, a factor controlled by air temperature. For plane waves, the attenuation magnitude e~ceeds 5 db!m ~t a temperature of 25°C with a cloud of 0.7 J.l radius droplets constituting 1 % of the gas mass. ThiS attenuation mcreases to more than 7 dbjm at frequencies above 1000 Hz where viscous and heat transfer mechanisms contribute significantly. The attenuation of higher order duct modes is strongly increased over the above values, similarly to the attenuation by duct lining. When the droplet cloud occupies only a fraction of the duct height close to the walls, the droplet clond may be up to twice as elfective as the uniform cloud, and a significant saving is possible in the water required to saturate the air and furnish the water droplets.