cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
N-Myc and L-Myc are essential for hair cell formation but not maintenance

Sensorineural hearing loss results from damage to the hair cells of the organ of Corti and is irreversible in mammals. While hair cell regeneration may prove to be the ideal therapy after hearing loss, prevention of initial hair cell loss could provide even more benefit at a lower cost. Previous studies have shown that the deletion of Atoh1 results in embryonic loss of hair cells while the absence of Barhl1, Gfi1, and Pou4f3 leads to the progressive loss of hair cells in newborn mice. We recently reported that in the early embryonic absence of N-Myc (using Pax2-Cre), hair cells in the organ of Corti develop and remain until at least seven days after birth, with subsequent progressive loss. Thus, N-Myc plays a role in hair cell viability; however, it is unclear if this is due to its early expression in hair cell precursors and throughout the growing otocyst as it functions through proliferation or its late expression exclusively in differentiated hair cells. Furthermore, the related family member L-Myc is mostly co-expressed in the ear, including in differentiated hair cells, but its function has not been studied and could be partially redundant to N-Myc. To test for a long-term function of the Mycs in differentiated hair cells, we generated nine unique genotypes knocking out N-Myc and/or L-Myc after initial formation of hair cells using the well-characterized Atoh1-Cre. We tested functionality of the auditory and vestibular systems at both P21 and four months of age and under the administration of the ototoxic drug cisplatin. We conclude that neither N-Myc nor L-Myc is likely to play important roles in long-term hair cell maintenance. Therefore, it is likely that the late-onset loss of hair cells resulting from early deletion of the Mycs leads to an unsustainable developmental defect.
IMMUNOCYTOCHEMICAL STUDY OF GAMMA GLOBULIN IN LIVER IN HEPATITIS AND POSTNECROTIC CIRRHOSIS

Gamma globulin was demonstrated by immunocytochemical fluorescence technique in many reticuloendothelial cells of the hepatic sinusoids and of the fibrous tracts in various forms of hepatitis and in postnecrotic cirrhosis. In other liver diseases and in normal livers, even in the presence of hypergammaglobulinemia, few if any gamma globulin-containing cells were found. In contrast, spleen and lymph nodes showed no difference between postnecrotic cirrhosis or hepatitis and other types of cirrhosis or non-hepatic hypergammaglobulinemias. The gamma globulin-containing cells in the liver are on cytologic grounds considered reticuloendothelial cells showing transition to plasma cells and exhibiting little or no phagocytosis of tissue breakdown products. These cells are assumed to form rather than engulf gamma globulin. The possibility that the gamma globulin formed represents antibody to liver cell breakdown products is discussed.
Function of Akt/PKB signaling to cell motility, invasion and the tumor stroma in cancer

The serine/threonine protein kinase Akt is a major signal transducer of the phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI 3-K) pathway in all cells and tissues and plays a pivotal role in the maintenance of cellular processes including cell growth, proliferation, survival and metabolism. The frequent aberrant activation of the PI 3-K/Akt pathway in human cancer has made it an attractive therapeutic target. Numerous studies have provided a comprehensive understanding of the specific functions of Akt signaling in cancer cells as well as the surrounding tumor microenvironment and this has informed and enabled the development of therapeutic drugs to target both PI 3-K and Akt. However, recent studies have provided evidence for distinct functions of the three mammalian Akt isoforms, particularly with respect to the regulation of cell motility and metastasis of breast cancer. Here we discuss the mechanisms by which Akt signaling contributes to invasive migration and tumor metastasis, and highlight recent advances in our understanding of the contribution of the Akt pathway in the tumor-associated stroma.
Carrier Generation Processes in Poly( N -Vinylcarbazole) Films

Studies on the conductivity and photoconductivity of amorphous films of poly ($N$-vinylcarbazole) with Sn${\mathrm{O}}_{2}$ and metal electrodes show that the dark conductivity is dominated by the Richardson-Schottky field-assisted hole emission from positively biased metal electrodes, provided the metal work function is greater than 3.8 eV. When the metal electrode is negatively biased or with lower-work-function electrodes, the conductivity appears to be dominated by a bulk-polymer-film effect. The current-voltage characteristics of the latter effect do not support a Poole-Frenkel process. High-work-function metal electrodes in positive bias give rise to hole-photoemission tails in the photocurrent-action spectrum. A photocarrier generation process, which onsets at 1.8-1.9 eV and obscures hole photoemission from low-work-function metal electrodes, produces a linear dependence of photocurrent on light intensity and appears to be associated with electronic transitions in the polymer film.
SOCIOECONOMIC STATUS AND SUICIDE IN THE STATE OF WASHINGTON: 1950-1971

The relationship between occupational status, from 1950–1971, for white males residing in the state of Washington and the probability of suicide is examined. The Edwards scale of socioeconomic grouping is used as an indicator of socioeconomic status; and the Proportionate Mortality Ratio as an indicator of relative suicidal risk by occupation. 183 occupations were ranked into eight socioeconomic levels. We found no relationship between socioeconomic status and the suicide rate.
Advance care planning after lung transplantation: a case of missed opportunities.

After lung transplantation, recipients are regularly evaluated by the transplant team and often require multiple hospitalizations. The primary focus of care during this time is on detecting and treating complications and may not necessarily include advance care planning discussions. This focus may leave clinicians unaware of the recipient's treatment preferences and place a burden on families trying to decide whether to undergo or forgo life-sustaining treatment when the recipient's medical condition deteriorates. We report the case of a woman with bronchiolitis obliterans who was admitted to the transplant center 37 times and died in the intensive care unit. Although progressive deterioration of her medical condition was well documented, her medical records revealed no evidence of advance care planning discussions with the patient and family. Incorporating timely advance care planning and integrating palliative care in the ongoing posttransplant clinical management may benefit patients, families, and cli...
Perceptual processing in dichotic listening.

Subjects heard two lists of 4 items each presented simultaneously to the two ears at a rate of four pairs of items per sec. A recall cue presented immediately after the test list signalled report of 4 of the 8 items. In recall by spatial location, the cue indicated whether the items on the right ear on left ear should be recalled. In recall by category name, the cue indicated the superset category (e.g., letters or words) of the items to be recalled. Recall by spatial location was not significantly different than recall by category name. This results argues against the idea of a preperceptual auditory storage that holds information along spatial channels for 1 or 2 sec. The final experiment showed that recall by spatial location is significantly better than recall by category name when the report cue is given before, not after, the list presentation. These results show that spatial location can be used to enhance semantic processing and/or memory of 1 of 2 simultaneous items, but only if the relevant location is known at the time of the item presentation.
Hardness prediction in multi-pass direct diode laser heat treatment by on-line surface temperature monitoring

Abstract This study was attempted to develop a process model, using the temperature values measured by the coupled infrared temperature measurement system (pyrometer and camera) correlated with the measured values of case depth hardness of the tool steel AISI S7 (hypo-eutectoid steel) for the specified multi-pass laser heat treatment conditions (1000–2500 J). A number of heat treatment experiments by changing the laser power (1400–1800 W), scanning speed (15–25 mm/s), size of overlap (1–6 mm), and the length of scan (10–30 mm) on the tool steel AISI S7 were carried out by using a 2-kW direct diode laser. The results indicated that the loss of case depth hardness uniformity was highly influenced by the tempering temperature and the change of cooling rate. The combination of higher laser power, lower scanning speed, smaller size of overlap, and the longer length of scan were influenced the formation of mixture of phases (martensite, bainite, ferrite, and pearlite) which in turn affected the case depth hardness uniformity. The process model can be used as a handy tool for the process engineers to configure the processing conditions in order to obtain the desired case depth hardness for the hypo-eutectoid steels.
Interactions between imagined movement and the initiation of voluntary movement: A TMS study

Objective The purpose was to examine motor imagery-induced enhancement in corticospinal excitability during a reaction time (RT) task.
Radiosurgery for the treatment of spinal lung metastases

BACKGROUND. Spinal metastases are a common source of pain as well as neurologic deficit in patients with lung cancer. Metastases from lung cancer traditionally have been believed to be relatively responsive to radiation therapy. However, conventional external beam radiotherapy lacks the precision to allow delivery of large single-fraction doses of radiation and simultaneously limit the dose to radiosensitive structures such as the spinal cord. The current study evaluated the efficacy of single-fraction radiosurgery for the treatment of spinal lung cancer metastases. METHODS. In the current prospective cohort evaluation, 87 lung cancer metastases to the spine in 77 patients were treated with a single-fraction radiosurgery technique with a follow-up period of 6 to 40 months (median, 12 months). The indication for radiosurgery treatment was pain in 73 cases, as a primary treatment modality in 7 cases, for radiographic tumor progression in 4 cases, and for progressive neurologic deficit in 3 cases. RESULTS. Tumor volume ranged from 0.2 to 264 cm3 (mean, 25.7 cm3). The maximum tumor dose was maintained at 15 to 25 grays (Gy) (mean, 20 Gy; median, 20 Gy). No radiation-induced toxicity occurred during the follow-up period. Long-term axial and radicular pain improvement occurred in 65 of 73 patients (89%) who were treated primarily for pain. Long-term radiographic tumor control was observed in all patients who underwent radiosurgery as their primary treatment modality or for radiographic tumor progression. CONCLUSIONS. Spinal radiosurgery was found to be feasible, safe, and clinically effective for the treatment of spinal metastases from lung cancer. The results of the current study indicate the potential of radiosurgery in the treatment of patients with spinal lung metastases, especially those with solitary sites of spine involvement, to improve long-term palliation. Cancer 2006. © 2006 American Cancer Society.
Refining forest classifications in the western Amazon using an intra-annual multitemporal approach

Seasonal dynamics in the north-eastern Peruvian Amazon were assessed within a multitemporal LULC framework informed by Landsat 7 ETM+ imagery of the study area for 2001 that coincided with seasonal flooding dynamics. Three images (12 March, 31 May, and 20 September 2001) were classified separately using a hybrid classification method that combined unsupervised and supervised techniques, and attributed with a classification scheme consisting of 18 LULC classes. A multitemporal classification that included 25 LULC classes was created from the three single-date classifications using a panel analysis technique. While some of the classes describe LULC 'changes' (land-use and land-cover change (LULCC)) that were stable over time (e.g. low sediment water during March, May, and September 2001), others were complex and included multiple trajectories of change. Panel analysis extracts pixel histories of change over three or more observations as a trend or trajectory, rather than segmenting those changes into piecemeal periods as normally done with from-to change detection. This technique was then assessed by testing hypothesized forest trajectories of LULCC. Traditional quantitative accuracy assessment techniques are less appropriate for panel analysis, and so a qualitative accuracy assessment was performed to evaluate the validity of the multitemporal classification. This study suggests that there may not be one typical year-round behaviour for seasonal environments, and that population-environment interaction studies would benefit from incorporating this knowledge into future research. This analysis further demonstrates the effectiveness of a multitemporal remote-sensing approach for gauging landscape fluctuations in seasonal environments.
Plankton-toxin interaction with a variable input nutrient

A simple model of phytoplankton–zooplankton interaction with a periodic input nutrient is presented. The model is then used to study a nutrient–plankton interaction with a toxic substance that inhibits the growth rate of plankton populations. The effects of the toxin upon the existence, magnitude, and stability of the periodic solutions are discussed. Numerical simulations are also provided to illustrate analytical results and to compare more complicated dynamical behaviour.
Single Event Error Immune CMOS RAM

A technique involving resistive decoupling has been developed and applied to the memory cells of a 1024-bit CMOS static RAM to provide immunity to single event upset by cosmic rays. Doped polysilicon resistors were inserted in the inverter-pair cross-coupling lines of an existing memory-cell design with negligible effect on the device operating characteristics. Computer simulations, as well as laboratory tests with energetic krypton ions, imply the effectiveness of this approach to solving the single event upset problem in satellites. This technique is expected to be applicable to other devices of this type, including those with higher levels of integration.
The effect of oxygen concentration on the sugar content of potato tubers stored at low temperature

Mature potato tubers of the varietyMajestic were stored, at 1°C, in concentrations of oxygen from 0 to 100% for a period of one month. The contents of sucrose and reducing sugar and the CO2 production of the tubers were measured. Concentrations of oxygen of 3% and below delayed the accumulation of sugars in the tubers compared with that in air. In N2 the accumulation was prevented, while the CO2 production continued at a low rate. At oxygen concentrations above 3% the sucrose level rose to a maximum after three weeks and then slowly fell, while the reducing sugar content increased throughout. Under these conditions carbon dioxide production increased rapidly to a peak at about 7 days and then slowly fell to near the initial level.
Thiotepa, busulfan, and cyclophosphamide as a preparative regimen for marrow transplantation: Risk factors for early regimen-related toxicity

One hundred twenty-seven adults with advanced hematologic malignancies received thiotepa 450–750 mg/m2, busulfan 10 or 12 mg/kg, and cyclophosphamide 120 or 150 mg/kg as a preparative regimen for autologous (86 patients) or allogeneic (41 patients) marrow transplantation. Early regimen-related toxicity (RRT) was scored according to the Seattle toxicity grading system. Grade 1–4 RRT occurred in 94% of the patients. Grade 3–4 RRT was noted in 19 patients (9% of the autologous and 27% of the allogeneic marrow recipients) and included 6% hepatic, 5% pulmonary, 3% renal, 2% mucosal, 2% bladder, 2% cardiac, and 1% CNS toxicity at the grade 3 or 4 level. No patient experienced life-threatening or fatal gastrointestinal or cutaneous toxicity. A stepwise logistic regression analysis suggested that the higher busulfan dose, Zubrod performance status of 2 or 3, and ten or more previous cycles of chemotherapy were factors predictive of grade 3–4 RRT. The regimen-related mortality for all patients was 8% (95% Cl 4–14%). The incidence and spectrum of RRT for this novel drug combination are similar to those reported for the standard preparative regimens. Heavily pretreated patients with poor performance status receiving the higher busulfan dose have a higher incidence of severe or fatal RRT.
Effects of delay of prospective memory cues in an ongoing task on prospective memory task performance

To address the mixed results reported in previous studies, the present experiments examined forgetting in prospective memory (PM) by manipulating the delay between the PM instructions and cue presentation in event-based PM tasks. PM performance was measured for delays of 2–20 min in Experiment 1 and for delays of approximately 1–10 min in Experiment 2. Experiment 2 included both focal and nonfocal PM tasks, and speed on the ongoing task was measured to examine evidence for monitoring processes across the delays tested. The results suggest that nonfocal PM performance follows a nonlinear forgetting function (i.e., rapid decline for shorter delays and slower decline for longer delays) when tested over delays from 1 to 20 min. No effect of delay was seen for the focal task tested in Experiment 2 from 1 to 10 min. In Experiment 2, ongoing-task costs were also found for the first delay but not for longer delays, suggesting that monitoring was significantly reduced between 1 and 2.5 min of the ongoing-task trials.
THE MOLECULAR BASIS OF HUMAN HYPOGONADOTROPIC HYPOGONADISM

Abstract Patients with hypogonadotropic hypogonadism (HH) present with delayed puberty, infertility, and low serum gonadotropins. The molecular basis for most cases of HH is unknown, but single gene mutations have been described for some hypothalamic and pituitary genes. Kallmann syndrome due to KAL gene mutations and adrenal hypoplasia congenita/HH caused by AHC gene mutations are both X-linked recessive disorders. Mutations in the gonadotropin releasing hormone receptor, leptin, and the leptin receptor cause autosomal recessive HH. In addition, isolated deficiencies of follicle stimulating hormone and luteinizing hormone in the corresponding specific β-subunit genes and PROP1 gene mutations represent pituitary deficiency states, resulting in a phenotype of HH. Despite these remarkable advances in our understanding of human HH, the cause of approximately 90% remains unknown.
Peak Runoff Model Comparison on Central Illinois Watersheds

: Four peak runoff rate models were tested with 183 gage years of record to determine the model most applicable to small watersheds of mild topography in east-central Illinois. The Cypress Creek, Rational, Chow, and SCS peak runoff models were evaluated for their performance. Statistical analyses indicated the Soil Conservation Service model was most appropriate for the watersheds tested.
Effect of annealing on the electrical properties and morphology of a conducting polymer used as an anode in organic light-emitting devices

The surface sheet resistance of conducting films of glycerol-doped poly(3,4- ethylenedioxy-thiophene)-poly(styrene sulfonate) is largely dependent on the anneal- ing temperature. The presence of free glycerol in insufficiently baked films, as indicated by infrared spectra and thermogravimetric analysis, results in conducting polymer films with poor morphology and low electrical conductivity. The device performance of organic light-emitting diodes using this modified poly(3,4-ethylenedioxy-thiophene)- poly(styrene sulfonate) as an anode is also greatly affected by the baking conditions of the conducting films. The maximum light output, current density, and luminous power efficiency are observed from devices using anodes baked at a high temperature close to the boiling point of glycerol. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part B: Polym Phys 41: 2522-2528, 2003
Death In The Cellblocks: A Study Of Inmate Mortality In Jail And Lockup Custody:

This descriptive study analyzes 20 years of inmate mortality in municipal and county detention and corrections facilities. It is based primarily on documental research which examines 1) the content of official death records, 2) historical or comparative data on local jails and lockups, and 3) extant government statistics on inmate mortality and morbidity. Additional data were obtained from criminal justice agency files and from records of a community-based agency responsible for providing substance abuse and mental health treatment services for inmates. Although no single variable emerges a reliable predictor of in-custody deaths, certain sociolegal and demographic characteristics appear closely associated with such fatal occurrences. Findings suggest that the high mortality rate which occurs in local facilities could be reduced by improved inmate health care, proper training of custodial staff, and development of sensible operating policies.
Differential effects of study and test trials on long-term recognition and recall

Forty words were given to Ss in Experiment I either for three study trials followed by a recall or recognition test, or for one study trial followed by three recall or recognition tests. Forty-eight hours later a free-recall test and a recognition test were administered to all Ss. Training conditions with greater item exposure (study and recognition trials) resulted in more effective recognition, while the conditions which encouraged retrieval (recall and recognition test trials) facilitated recall. In Experiment II first-day training consisted either of four study trials, or of one study trial followed by three recall tests. Long-term retention was significantly better in the former condition when measured by recognition, but better in the latter when measured by free recall. The data were discussed with reference to the two-stage theory of recall.
Association of episiotomy and delivery position with deepperineal laceration during spontaneous delivery in nulliparous women

Spontaneous deliveries of 241 nulliparous women were analyzed to test the hypothesis that both episiotomy and use of stirrups for delivery of infants were related to the occurrence of third- and fourth-degree perineal lacerations. These deep perineal tears occurred in 0.9% of the women delivered of infants without the use of either episiotomy or stirrups and in 27.9% of the women delivered of infants with both episiotomy and stirrups. Women exposed to episiotomy alone or to stirrups alone had intermediate rates of laceration. There was no independent correlation of laceration with maternal age, 1- and 5-minute Apgar scores, or midwife or physician as delivery attendant. The results suggest that selective use of episiotomy and stirrups can minimize perineal trauma during spontaneous delivery in nulliparous women.
Role of Lymphocytes in the Pyrogenic Response: Comparison of Endotoxin with Specific Antigen and the Nonspecific Mitogen, Concanavalin A

Our studies indicate that lymphocytes can activate blood leukocytes to release endogenous pyrogen after incubation in vitro with concanavalin A, a nonspecific activator of thymus-derived lymphocytes, or with sufficient doses of filtered typhoid vaccine, one of the well-known endotoxins derived from gram-negative bacteria. If, as has been postulated, endotoxins produce some of their toxic reactions by acting as antigens in hosts with a naturally acquired, preexisting delayed hypersensitivity, the ability of endotoxin to induce fever, like that of certain antigens or mitogens described here, may also involve the intermediary activation of lymphocytes.
An open-label trial of olanzapine for corticosteroid-induced mood symptoms.

Abstract Background Prescription corticosteroids are given for a variety of common medical conditions. Psychiatric symptoms including depression, psychosis, and especially mania are common side effects of corticosteroid therapy. However, minimal data are available on the treatment of corticosteroid-induced psychiatric symptoms. Method In this study, 12 outpatients with manic or mixed symptoms secondary to corticosteroids were enrolled in a 5-week prospective, open-label trial of olanzapine. Psychiatric symptom measures included the Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression (HRSD), Young Mania Rating Scale (YMRS), and Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale (BPRS). Side effects were monitored with the Simpson Angus Scale (SAS), Abnormal Involuntary Movement Scale (AIMS), and Barnes Akathisia Scale (BAS). Weight and blood glucose were obtained at baseline and exit. Olanzapine dosing was flexible beginning at 2.5 mg/day and titrated upward as necessary to a maximum dose of 20 mg/day. Data were analyzed with Wilcoxon signed rank tests using baseline and exit data on all 12 participants. Results Participants showed significant reductions in YMRS (primary outcome measure), HRSD, and BPRS scores with no significant change in the SAS, AIMS, BAS, weight, or blood glucose levels. One participant discontinued early due to lack of efficacy. Conclusion These data suggest that olanzapine is well tolerated and appears to be useful for mood disturbances associated with corticosteroid therapy. Controlled trials seem warranted to confirm these observations.
New observations on atrial fibrillation before and after surgical treatment in patients with the Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome.

Abstract The records of 342 patients who received surgical treatment for the Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome between 1968 and 1986 were reviewed to evaluate the characteristics of atrial fibrillation. The patients were classified into two groups according to the presence (n = 166) or absence (n = 176) of documented episodes of atrial fibrillation preoperatively. The mean follow-up duration was 6 years (range 2 to 20). As compared with reports based on smaller patient groups and shorter follow-up, the study revealed several new findings. 1) During follow-up, nine patients in the atrial fibrillation group developed recurrent atrial fibrillation after a successful operation; five of these nine patients did not have associated heart disease. 2) All three patients with a history of atrial fibrillation and an accessory pathway conducting in the anterograde direction only had a successful surgical procedure and no postoperative atrial fibrillation. 3) The cycle length of atrioventricular (AV) reciprocating tachycardia was significantly shorter in the atrial fibrillation group (304 ± 42 ms, mean ± SD) than in the no-atrial fibrillation group (321 ± 54 ms, p 4) Sustained atrial fibrillation was induced in 30% of patients without a history of atrial fibrillation. 5) Atrial fibrillation occurred in four patients with an accessory pathway that conducted only in the retrograde direction. 6) The prevalence of multiple accessory pathways was equal in the group with (20 of 166) and without (29 of 176) atrial fibrillation. It is concluded that in most patients, conversion of rapid reciprocating tachycardia is a likely mechanism of spontaneous atrial fibrillation. However, the probability that other mechanisms may contribute to the occurrence of atrial fibrillation in patients with the Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome is suggested by data from three patients with an accessory pathway that conducted only in the anterograde direction and from five patients who had recurrent atrial fibrillation despite a successful surgical outcome. The data suggest that the surgical procedure does not result in late occurrence of atrial fibrillation.
A decomposition of productivity change in the semiconductor manufacturing industry

This study divides a production system into three components: production design, demand support, and operations. Efficiency is then decomposed via network data envelopment analysis and integrated into the Malmquist Productivity Index framework to develop a more detailed decomposition of productivity change. The proposed model can identify the demand effect and the identity of the root cause of technical regress. Specifically, the demand effect allows the source of technical regress to be attributed to both demand deterioration and technical regress in the production technology. An empirical study using data from 1995 to 2000 for the semiconductor manufacturing industry is presented to demonstrate and validate the proposed method. The result shows that the regress of productivity in 1997–1998 and 1999–2000 is mainly caused by demand fluctuations rather than by technical regression in production capabilities.
Neuropathologic Observations in Congenital Phrenic Nerve Palsy

A right phrenic nerve palsy with severe respiratory and feeding difficulties throughout the patient's 2 1/2 years of survival was found at autopsy to relate to grossly complete atrophy of the muscle of the right diaphragm. An oblique fibrotic scar transected the right phrenic nerve at the level of the brachial plexus. There was marked reduction of the number of anterior motor neurons in the right central portion of cervical segments 2, 3, and 4. The lesion in the phrenic nerve is what would be expected following stretching during delivery.
Neonatal MeCP2 is important for the organization of sex differences in vasopressin expression.

Several neurodevelopmental disorders are marked by atypical Methyl-CpG-binding protein 2 (MeCP2) expression or function; however, the role of MeCP2 is complex and not entirely clear. Interestingly, there are sex differences in some of these disorders, and it appears that MeCP2 has sex-specific roles during development. Specifically, recent data indicate that a transient reduction in MeCP2 within developing amygdala reduces juvenile social play behavior in males to female-typical levels. These data suggest that MeCP2 within the amygdala is involved in programming lasting sex differences in social behavior. In the present study, we infused MeCP2 or control siRNA into the amygdala of male and female rats during the first three days of postnatal life in order to assess the impact of a transient reduction in MeCP2 on arginine vasopressin (AVP), a neural marker that is expressed differentially between males and females and is linked to a number of social behaviors. The expression of AVP, as well as several other genes, was measured in two-week old and adult animals. Two-week old males expressed more AVP and galanin mRNA in the amygdala than females, and a transient reduction in MeCP2 eliminated this sex difference by reducing the expression of both gene products in males. A transient reduction in MeCP2 also decreased androgen receptor (AR) mRNA in two-week old males. In adulthood, control males had more AVP-immunoreactive (AVP-ir) cells than females in the centromedial amygdala (CMA), bed nucleus of the striaterminalis (BST) and in the fibers that project from these cells to the lateral septum (LS). A transient reduction in MeCP2 eliminated this sex difference. Interestingly, there were no lasting differences in galanin or AR levels in adulthood. Reducing MeCP2 levels during development did not alter estrogen receptorα, neurofilament or Foxg1. We conclude that a transient reduction in MeCP2 expression in the developing male amygdala has a transient impact on galanin and AR expression but a lasting impact on AVP expression, highlighting the importance of MeCP2 in organizing sex differences in the amygdala.
The discourses of food in the world system: Toward a nexus analysis of a world problem

This paper examines the role of discourse analysis in addressing the devastating consequences of the rapid restructuring of food production in the world system. I argue that although this is an issue far too large to encompass within discourse analysis, discourse analysis has much to contribute as part of an interdisciplinary and comprehensive analytical approach. Such an approach, a ‘nexus analysis’, consists of analyzing focal points or nexus which are mediated actions through which circulate cycles of discourse. The paper begins with an analysis of product labels and concludes by sketching the outlines of a constellation of three linked research projects: Prandial practices which examines practices of daily food consumption, Corn, tea, and intellectual property, which examines the world-wide industrialization of food production and consumption, and Mad cows, scallions, and global climate change which examines the consequences of this world food system for public and personal health.
Mode multiplexing in optical frequency mixers

Asymmetric Y junctions allow the development of a new class of optical frequency mixers that utilize higher-order waveguide modes for signal processing. We measure high-contrast (>30 dB) mode sorting in asymmetric Y junctions by use of a novel technique: efficient TM00, TM10, and TM20 mode mixing in a periodically poled lithium niobate waveguide. We also demonstrate an odd-to-even mode wavelength converter capable of spectral inversion without offset or bidirectional wavelength conversion.
Quantification of Formaldehyde-Mediated Covalent Adducts of Adriamycin with DNA†

Duplex DNA incubated with adriamycin, dithiothreitol (DTT), and Fe3+ under aerobic, aqueous conditions yields double-stranded (DS) DNA bands by denaturing polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (DPAGE) analysis, characteristic of DNAs which are interstrand cross-linked. Another laboratory has provided evidence that formaldehyde produced under these conditions promotes the covalent linkage of adriamycin to one strand of DNA and suggested that this complex results in the anomalous DPAGE behavior. We provide herein strong support for this interpretation. We show: (a) that mixtures of DNA and adriamycin incubated with DTT/Fe3+, H2O2, or formaldehyde all show DS DNA bands on DPAGE, (b) that the DS DNA bands and the formaldehyde-mediated lesion (detected by an indirect, GC-MS analysis) form with similar time courses, and in similar amounts, and (c) that the DNA in the DS DNA bands contains approximately one such lesion per DNA, whereas the single-stranded DNA is devoid of it. These results further support the inte...
Differentiation of severe coronary artery calcification in the Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis

Abstract Background Coronary artery calcium (CAC) scores predict coronary heart disease (CHD) risk. Little is known, however, about the distinctive risk among asymptomatic individuals with very high CAC (≥1000) compared to high CAC (400–999). Methods and results We compared CHD risk factors and event rates between participants with very high CAC ( n =257) and high CAC ( n =420) among adults free of clinical CHD in the Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis (MESA). CAC was measured at baseline, and participants were followed for a median of 68 months. Very high CAC (≥1000), compared to high CAC (400–999), was associated with male gender (OR 3.10, p p p =0.009) with a greater prevalence of moderate CKD (GFR 30–59) in the ≥1000 group (25% vs. 18%). Those with very high CAC were more likely to develop angina (adjusted HR 1.72 [95% CI 1.03–2.90], p =0.04), but not more likely to experience myocardial infarction, resuscitated cardiac arrest, or CHD death (adjusted HR 1.17, [95% CI 0.64–2.12] p =0.61) compared to high CAC. Total CHD event rates were greater for very high CAC (3.7 per 100 person-years) compared to high CAC (2.6 per 100 person-years). Conclusions Both high and very high CAC are associated with an elevated risk of CHD events in those without symptomatic CHD at baseline; however, very high CAC is associated with an increased risk of angina, but not CHD death or MI, compared to high CAC.
PHYSICAL MAPPING AND STRUCTURAL ANALYSIS OF NEW GENE FAMILIES RT1.S AND RPS2R IN THE GRC REGION OF THE RAT MAJOR HISTOCOMPATIBILITY COMPLEX

Five new genes were identified in the growth and reproduction complex (grc) region: RT1.S1, RT1.S2, Rps2r1, Rps2r2, and Rps2r3. The class Ib RT1.S1 and RT1.S2 genes have five distinct exons (1, 4, 5, 6, 7) similar to other class I major histocompatibility complex genes but the conventional exons 2 and 3 are absent. The genes are 97% similar, have CAAT and TATA boxes much upstream of the conventional position, obey the GT/AG rule in their exon-intron boundaries, and are transcribed at a low level in thymus and testis but not in the liver and spleen. The region between exon 1 and exon 4 was analyzed by obtaining transcripts by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) amplification which revealed the presence of four alternatively spliced mRNA transcripts of RT1.S1: 1) S1-1 (clones 14 and 16) has no exon between exons 1 and 4; 2) S1-2 (clones 7 and 8) has an exon of 45 nucleotides that can translate into 15 amino acids; 3) S1-3 (clone 5) has an exon of 42 nucleotides with a stop codon; and 4) S1-4 (clone 10) has two exons of 42 and 38 nucleotides, respectively, with stop codons. Only one RT1.S2 mRNA transcript was obtained, and it has an exon of 45 nucleotides between exon 1 and exon 4 which can form a peptide identical to the S1-2 isoform for that region. The 45 nucleotide exon between exon 1 and exon 4 was unique for RT1.S1 and RT1.S2 and only matched a sequence in the RT1.O intron region (nucleotides 2905 - 2949). The three ribosomal-protein-S2-related (Rps2r) genes are 94% - 98% similar; they are related to the genes encoding ribosomal protein S2 of the black rat and the LLRep3 genes of the mouse and the human and to the genes encoding Saccharomyces cerevisiae S4, Escherichia coli S5, and other members of prokaryote S5 family. The Rps2r1 gene is located just outside of the grc region. The Rps2r2 and Rps2r3 genes are in the grc and have multiple stop codons in their genomic sequences. The Rps2r1 mRNA transcript was identified by RT-PCR in the thymus and testis but not in the liver and spleen.
An expressive three-mode principal components model for gender recognition

We present a three-mode expressive-feature model for recognizing gender (female, male) from point-light displays of walking people. Prototype female and male walkers are initially decomposed into a subspace of their three-mode components (posture, time, and gender). We then apply a weight factor to each point-light trajectory in the basis representation to enable adaptive, context-based gender estimations. The weight values are automatically learned from labeled training data. We present experiments using physical (actual) and perceived (from perceptual experiments) gender labels to train and test the system. Results with 40 walkers demonstrate greater than 90% recognition for both physically and perceptually labeled training examples. The approach has a greater flexibility over standard squared-error gender estimation to successfully adapt to different matching contexts.
A CMOS 10-gb/s SONET transceiver

This paper presents a single-chip SONET OC-192 transceiver (transmitter and receiver) fabricated in a 90-nm mixed-signal CMOS process. The transmitter consists of a 10-GHz clock multiplier unit (CMU), 16:1 multiplexer, and 10-Gb/s output buffer. The receiver consists of a 10-Gb/s limiting input amplifier, clock and data recovery circuit (CDR), 1:16 demultiplexer, and drivers for low-voltage differential signal (LVDS) outputs. Both transmit and receive phase-locked loops employ a 10-GHz on-chip LC voltage-controlled oscillator (VCO). This transceiver exceeds all SONET OC-192 specifications with ample margin. Jitter generation at 10.66-Gb/s data rate is 18 mUI/sub pp/ (unit interval, peak-to-peak) and jitter tolerance is 0.6 UI/sub pp/ at 4-MHz jitter frequency. This transceiver requires 1.2V for the core logic and 1.8 V for input/output LVDS buffers. Multiple power supply domains are implemented here to mitigate crosstalk between receiver and transmitter. The overall power dissipation of this chip is 1.65 W.
Dopamine inhibition of evoked IPSCs in rat prefrontal cortex.

Rat prefrontal cortex (PFC) receives substantial dopamine (DA) input. This DA innervation appears critical for modulation of PFC cognitive functions. Clinical and experimental studies have also imp...
Decision problems in membrane systems with peripheral proteins, transport and evolution

Transport of substances and communication between compartments are fundamental biological processes, often mediated by the presence of complementary proteins attached to the surfaces of membranes. Within compartments, substances are acted upon by local biochemical rules. Inspired by this behaviour we present a model based on Membrane Systems, with objects attached to the sides of the membranes and floating objects that can be moved between the regions of the system. Moreover, in each region there are evolution rules that rewrite the transported objects, mimicking chemical reactions. We investigate qualitative properties, like configuration reachability, in relation to the use of cooperative or non-cooperative evolution and transport rules and in the contexts of free- and maximal-parallel evolution.
IEEE 802.11 saturation throughput analysis in the presence of hidden terminals

Due to its usefulness and wide deployment, IEEE 802.11 has been the subject of numerous studies, but still lacks a complete analytical model. Hidden terminals are common in IEEE 802.11 and cause the degradation of throughput. Despite the importance of the hidden terminal problem, there have been a relatively small number of studies that consider the effect of hidden terminals on IEEE 802.11 throughput, and many are not accurate for a wide range of conditions. In this paper, we present an accurate new analytical saturation throughput model for the infrastructure case of IEEE 802.11 in the presence of hidden terminals. Simulation results show that our model is accurate in a wide variety of cases.
Exercise Effects on Two Men With Fibromyalgia Syndrome

The primary purpose of this study was to examine the effects of an exercise program on physical fitness, psychosocial factors, and symptoms in two men with fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS). An interventional case study research design was used to collect data on physical fitness, psychosocial factors, and symptoms at intervals throughout a 14-month period. Raw scores and raw score averages, devoid of statistical manipulation, are presented to display real individual results. The secondary purpose of the study was to discuss how these two men tolerated the program in comparison to women in a similar program. This is important because data on men with FMS appear to be unavailable, because the greater majority of participants in FMS programs are women. Results support that these two men benefited from the program and that differences between men and women with FMS should be considered relative to the conduct of exercise programs for these groups.
Assessing wildfire potential within the wildland-urban interface: A southeastern Ohio example

Spreading cities and suburbs remain a common phenomenon throughout the United States. Urban spread, and the desire to move beyond the subdivision for a more natural setting in the country creates both opportunities and challenges for natural resource managers in the path of urban expansion. Perhaps no challenge is as great as those related to wildfire risk within the lands describing the urban–wildland interface. The need to gain a better understanding of the wildland–urban interface is critical to policy makers charged with risk reduction responsibilities. The purpose of this paper is to develop a methodology that aptly characterizes the spatial distribution of wildfire risk potential in southeastern Ohio. The project goals are achieved using a geospatial technology solution to model critical hazard and risk variables associated with wildfire. The results of this study demonstrate that the association of wildfire with hazard and risk variables can be exploited to improve wildfire potential mapping and a validation assessment of the geographic information systems (GIS)-based prescriptive model displayed a strong agreement with the pattern of historic wildfire for the region.
LINKING DISPERSAL TO LOCAL POPULATION DYNAMICS: A CASE STUDY USING A HEADWATER SALAMANDER SYSTEM

Dispersal can strongly influence local population dynamics and may be critical to species persistence in fragmented landscapes. Theory predicts that dispersal by resident stream organisms is necessary to offset the loss of individuals to downstream drift. However, there is a lack of empirical data linking dispersal and drift to local population dynamics in streams, leading to uncertainty regarding the general demographic significance of these processes and the power of drift to explain observed dispersal patterns. I assessed the contribution of dispersal along a first-order stream to population dynamics of the headwater salamander Gyrinophilus porphyriticus (Plethodontidae). I conducted mark–recapture surveys of two contiguous 500 m long sections of a study stream in June, July, and August of 1999, 2000, and 2001. Movement by G. porphyriticus larvae and adults showed a strong upstream bias in the study stream, as well as in 11 other streams that I surveyed. Using mark–recapture models and Akaike's informa...
Priority Research and Management Issues for the Imperiled Great Basin of the Western United States

Like many arid and semiarid regions, the Great Basin of the western United States is undergoing major ecological, social, and economic changes that are having widespread detrimental effects on the structure, composition, and function of native ecosystems. The causes of change are highly interactive and include urban, suburban, and exurban growth, past and present land uses, climate change, altered fire regimes, and rapid expansion of invasive species. Cumulative effects include vegetation type conversions, loss of watershed functioning, loss of native species, and diminished economic potential. The diversity and magnitude of issues require consensus on priority issues, and new and innovative research and management approaches that address larger spatial scales and longer time scales than in the past. Primary research coupled with large-scale assessments and effective monitoring strategies is needed to understand and track the ongoing changes. Prediction and modeling of alternative futures are needed for incorporation into the planning process and use as a basis for adaptive management, and management tools are needed to aid decision-making and implementation. Historically, research and management in arid and semiarid regions such as the Great Basin have been severely under-funded and altering current trajectories will require financial resources, political support, and effective policies and institutional mechanisms. Sustaining the ecosystems, resources, and human populations of these regions will require strong collaborative partnerships among research and management organizations to reduce overlap, leverage funds, and increase efficiency. Close involvement of all stakeholders is needed to obtain the needed support for making necessary changes in policies and management activities.
A fluid dynamical approach to the control, synchronization and parameter identification of chaotic systems

A generalized method for the control, synchronization and parameter identification of chaos in systems governed by ordinary differential equations is developed. The method is based on the Lagrangian approach to the dynamics of a fluid particle in a flow field with an adaptive parameter identification algorithm. In order to validate the method, the synchronization algorithm is first applied to two chaotic systems with variable parameters. It is then applied to the suppression of chaos in a dynamical system with one positive Lyapunov exponent by controlling an accessible parameter of the chaotic system.